bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
When mixed methods produce mixed results: Integrating disparate findings about miscarriage and women's wellbeing
Authors: Lee Christina , Rowlands Ingrid J. 
Published: November 2014

PurposeTo discuss an example of mixed methods in health psychology, involving separate quantitative and qualitative studies of women's mental health in relation to miscarriage, in which the two methods produced different but complementary results, and to consider ways in which the findings can be integrated.MethodsWe describe two quantitative projects involving statistical analysis of data from 998 young women who had had miscarriages, and 8,083 who had not, across three waves of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. We also describe a qualitative project involving thematic analysis of interviews with nine Australian women who had had miscarriages.ResultsThe quantitative analyses indicate that the main differences between young women who do and do not experience miscarriage relate to social disadvantage (and thus likelihood of relatively early pregnancy) and to a lifestyle that makes pregnancy likely: Once these factors are accounted for, there are no differences in mental health. Further, longitudinal modelling demonstrates that women who have had miscarriages show a gradual increase in mental health over time, with the exception of women with prior diagnoses of anxiety, depression, or both. By contrast, qualitative analysis of the interviews indicates that women who have had miscarriages experience deep emotional responses and a long and difficult process of coming to terms with their loss.ConclusionsA contextual model of resilience provides a possible framework for understanding these apparently disparate results. Considering positive mental health as including the ability to deal constructively with negative life events, and consequent emotional distress, offers a model that distinguishes between poor mental health and the processes of coping with major life events. In the context of miscarriage, women's efforts to struggle with difficult emotions, and search for meaning, can be viewed as pathways to resilience rather than to psychological distress.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Quantitative research shows that women who miscarry usually experience moderate depression and anxiety, which persists for around 6 months.

Qualitative research shows that women who miscarry frequently experience deep grief, which can last for years.

What does this study add?

We consider ways in which these disparate findings might triangulate.

The results suggest a need to distinguish between poor mental health and the experience of loss and grief.

Adjusting to miscarriage is often emotionally challenging but not always associated with poor mental health.
Recombinant human thyrotropin before 131I therapy in patients with nodular goitre: a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lee Yen‐Ying , Tam Ka‐Wai , Lin You‐Meei , Leu Wuan‐Jin , Chang Jui‐Chia , Hsiao Chi‐Lien , Hsu Meng‐Ting , Hsieh An‐Tsz 
Published: November 2014

SummaryBackgroundRecombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) can be used to enhance radioiodine therapy for shrinking multinodular goitre. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to compare the effectiveness of rhTSH pretreatment and radioiodine therapy with that of radioiodine alone for treating benign nodular goitre.MethodsThe PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched to identify studies published before September 2014. A meta‐analysis was performed to calculate the pooled effect size using random‐effects models. The primary outcome was the reduction in thyroid volume. Secondary outcomes included thyroid function, extent of tracheal compression, radioactive iodine uptake, incidence of hypothyroidism and other complications.ResultsNine RCTs including 416 patients were selected. The reductions in thyroid volume were significantly greater in the rhTSH pretreatment groups than those in the radioiodine alone groups at 12 months (weighted mean difference: 14·42%; 95% CI: 4·51–24·34% in high‐dose rhTSH vs radioiodine alone; weighted mean difference: 19·66%; 95% CI: 3·67–35·65% in low‐dose rhTSH vs radioiodine alone). The incidence of hypothyroidism in the high‐dose rhTSH groups was significantly higher than that in the radioiodine alone groups. No significant difference in the incidence of hypothyroidism occurred between the low‐dose rhTSH groups and the radioiodine alone groups.ConclusionsThe overall results indicated that using rhTSH before radioiodine therapy resulted in a greater thyroid volume reduction than radioiodine therapy alone. An increased incidence of hypothyroidism was observed in patients receiving high‐dose rhTSH. Low‐dose rhTSH before radioiodine therapy is more efficacious than radioiodine therapy alone for treating nontoxic benign thyroid nodules.
Adrenal responses to a low‐dose short synacthen test in children with asthma
Authors: Hawcutt Daniel B. , Jorgensen Andrea L. , Wallin Naomi , Thompson Ben , Peak Matthew , Lacy David , Newland Paul , Didi Mo , Couriel Jon , Blair Jo , Pirmohamed Munir , Smyth Rosalind L. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryObjectivesCorticosteroids are known to cause adrenal suppression. The aim of this study was to assess clinical factors affecting responses to a low dose short synacthen test (LDSST) in asthmatic children using corticosteroids.DesignPatients were recruited from secondary care paediatric asthma populations within the UK.PatientsAsthmatic children (5–18 years), receiving corticosteroids, underwent a LDSST (n = 525).MeasurementsDemographics and corticosteroid doses were tested for association with baseline and peak (stimulated) cortisol concentrations.ResultsBaseline cortisol was significantly associated with age (log baseline increased 0·04 nm per year of age, P < 0·0001), but not with gender or corticosteroid dose. Peak cortisol was significantly associated with total corticosteroid cumulative dose (decreased 0·73 nm per 200 mcg/day, P < 0·001) but not with age, gender inhaled/intranasal corticosteroid cumulative dose or number of courses of rescue corticosteroids. Biochemically impaired response (peak cortisol ≤500 nm) occurred in 37·0% (161/435) overall, including children using GINA low (200–500 mcg/day beclomethasone‐CFC equivalent 32%, n = 60), medium (501–1000 mcg/day (33%, n = 57) and high (>1000 mcg/day 40%, n = 13) doses of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) similarly, and 36·6% of those using fluticasone ICS ≥500 mcg/day (71/194). Impaired response was more frequent in patients on regular oral corticosteroids (66%, n = 27, P < 0·001).ConclusionChildren with asthma can develop biochemical adrenal suppression at similar frequencies for all ICS preparations and doses. The clinical consequence of biochemical suppression needs further study.
Partial Shape Matching Using Transformation Parameter Similarity
Authors: Guerrero Paul , Auzinger Thomas , Wimmer Michael , Jeschke Stefan 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn this paper, we present a method for non‐rigid, partial shape matching in vector graphics. Given a user‐specified query region in a 2D shape, similar regions are found, even if they are non‐linearly distorted. Furthermore, a non‐linear mapping is established between the query regions and these matches, which allows the automatic transfer of editing operations such as texturing. This is achieved by a two‐step approach. First, pointwise correspondences between the query region and the whole shape are established. The transformation parameters of these correspondences are registered in an appropriate transformation space. For transformations between similar regions, these parameters form surfaces in transformation space, which are extracted in the second step of our method. The extracted regions may be related to the query region by a non‐rigid transform, enabling non‐rigid shape matching.
Tracing the geographic origin of traded leopard body parts in the indian subcontinent with DNA‐based assignment tests
Authors: Mondol Samrat , Sridhar Vanjulavalli , Yadav Prasanjeet , Gubbi Sanjay , Ramakrishnan Uma 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIllicit trade in wildlife products is rapidly decimating many species across the globe. Such trade is often underestimated for wide‐ranging species until it is too late for the survival of their remaining populations. Policing this trade could be vastly improved if one could reliably determine geographic origins of illegal wildlife products and identify areas where greater enforcement is needed. Using DNA‐based assignment tests (i.e., samples are assigned to geographic locations), we addressed these factors for leopards (Panthera pardus) on the Indian subcontinent. We created geography‐specific allele frequencies from a genetic reference database of 173 leopards across India to infer geographic origins of DNA samples from 40 seized leopard skins. Sensitivity analyses of samples of known geographic origins and assignments of seized skins demonstrated robust assignments for Indian leopards. We found that confiscated pelts seized in small numbers were not necessarily from local leopards. The geographic footprint of large seizures appeared to be bigger than the cumulative footprint of several smaller seizures, indicating widespread leopard poaching across the subcontinent. Our seized samples had male‐biased sex ratios, especially the large seizures. From multiple seized sample assignments, we identified central India as a poaching hotspot for leopards. The techniques we applied can be used to identify origins of seized illegal wildlife products and trade routes at the subcontinent scale and beyond.
Tumour characteristics, treatment patterns and survival of patients aged 80 years or older with colorectal cancer
Authors: Kotake K. , Asano M. , Ozawa H. , Kobayashi H. , Sugihara K. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimThis study aimed to clarify tumour characteristics and treatment patterns for patients with colorectal cancer aged 80 years or older and the impact of age on survival using a large‐scale cancer registry database.MethodThe database was used to identify 40 851 colorectal cancer patients who underwent surgery between 1995 and 2004. Patients were stratified into four age groups (< 50, 50–64, 65–79, ≥ 80 years). Demographics, tumour characteristics, treatment pattern and survival were compared between age groups. Additionally, the impact of lymph node dissection and adjuvant chemotherapy on survival was studied using the propensity score‐matching method.ResultsIn the over 80 age group, patients were more commonly female, with right colon cancer, multiple primary cancers, history of colorectal cancer, high serum carcinoembryonic antigen values, large tumour, undifferentiated histology, and more frequent pT3/pT4 tumours. In contrast, metastatic disease, central lymph node dissection and adjuvant chemotherapy were less frequent. Overall survival and cancer‐specific survival decreased with increasing age for any stage. Multivariate analysis showed age to be an independent predictor of overall survival (hazard ratio 1.45, 95% CI 1.34–1.58, P < 0.001). In the propensity score‐matched cohort, overall survival of the patients with central node dissection and having adjuvant chemotherapy was significantly better than for those without. This difference was not statistically significant in patients aged 80 and above.ConclusionThis study showed a significant difference in tumour characteristics and treatment patterns in patients aged 80 and above. Even after adjustment for clinicopathological factors, the difference in survival persisted and age was considered a robust prognostic factor.
HOUSEHOLD ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO EXPENDITURES IN TURKEY: A SAMPLE‐SELECTION SYSTEM APPROACH
Authors: Bilgic Abdulbaki , Yen Steven T. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractHousehold characteristics variables are used to quantify alcohol and tobacco participation and spending level decisions for households in Turkey using a sample‐selection system. Statistical tests support separate analyses for urban and rural households and joint estimation of the equation system to ameliorate biases and improve statistical efficiency of estimates. Household characteristics play important roles in determining binary consumption decisions and levels of spending on tobacco but play less definitive roles in alcohol spending, for both urban and rural households. Differences are found in consumption behaviors between the two types of households. (JEL C24, D12, I18)
Plant natural products: from traditional compounds to new emerging drugs in cancer therapy
Authors: Ouyang L. , Luo Y. , Tian M. , Zhang S.‐Y. , Lu R. , Wang J.‐H. , Kasimu R. , Li X. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractNatural products are chemical compounds or substances produced naturally by living organisms. With the development of modern technology, more and more plant extracts have been found to be useful to medical practice. Both micromolecules and macromolecules have been reported to have the ability to inhibit tumour progression, a novel weapon to fight cancer by targeting its 10 characteristic hallmarks. In this review, we focus on summarizing plant natural compounds and their derivatives with anti‐tumour properties, into categories, according to their potential therapeutic strategies against different types of human cancer. Taken together, we present a well‐grounded review of these properties, hoping to shed new light on discovery of novel anti‐tumour therapeutic drugs from known plant natural sources.
Roepke Lecture in Economic Geography—The Lives of Others: Body Work, the Production of Difference, and Labor Geographies
Authors: McDowell Linda 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn this article I address one of the key aspects of feminist arguments about the economy—that is claims about domestic and caring labor and its necessity for capitalism. I address who undertakes caring labor, in what social relations, and in which spaces in Western economies, where deindustrialization and the rise of service‐dominated employment have been associated with a transformation in the nature of work and the composition of the workforce. I review the ways in which this contemporary economic and employment change has been theorized by economic sociologists and economic geographers, in particular by labor geographers—that part of the discipline to which I feel the greatest connection—suggesting that changes in what is often termed reproductive labor have been relatively neglected at the expense of a focus on immaterial, high‐status employment in knowledge‐based economies. Through a historical example, I then illustrate the production of difference between women workers in caring jobs in the United Kingdom, arguing that closer attention to the intersection of embodied social attributes adds to explanations of continuity and change in the labor market as well as revealing a legacy of discrimination.
Role of IGF1‐(CA)19 promoter microsatellite in the clinical presentation of acromegaly
Authors: Sala Elisa , Filopanti Marcello , Ferrante Emanuele , Barbieri Anna Maria , Malchiodi Elena , Verrua Elisa , Giavoli Claudia , Lania Andrea G. , Arosio Maura , Beck‐Peccoz Paolo , Spada Anna , Mantovani Giovanna 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundA highly polymorphic Cytosine–Adenosine (CA) repeat sequence microsatellite has been identified in the promoter region of IGF1 gene. Several studies investigated the relationship between IGF1‐(CA)n polymorphism and IGF1 levels, with conflicting results. Aim of this study was to investigate the influence of this polymorphism on clinical and biochemical characteristics of acromegalic patients.MethodsEighty‐eight acromegalic patients and 104 normal subjects were included in the study. Blood DNA was extracted and analysed by microsatellite technique using capillary electrophoresis. Patients and controls were subdivided in 19/19 [homozygous for the (CA)19 allele], 19/X [heterozygous for the (CA)19 allele] and X/X (any other genotype).ResultsThe genotype frequency was significantly different between patients and controls, the proportion of 19/19 being lower (28·4% vs. 50·0%) and 19/X and X/X higher in acromegalic patients than in controls (P = 0·004). There were no significant differences in age, gender, basal and nadir GH, IGF1‐SDS, tumour size, metabolic parameters, outcome and treatment among the three groups. The different frequency of genotypes in acromegalic patients vs. controls, as well as the lack of relationship between IGF1‐(CA)n polymorphism and clinical and biochemical data in acromegalic patients, was confirmed using an additional alternative genotyping considering (CA)19 and (CA)20 homozygotes and heterozygotes vs. alleles with more than 19 of 20 repeats or less.ConclusionsOur results do not support the hypothesis that IGF‐(CA)n alleles may have a significant role in determining clinical, biochemical and outcome of patients with acromegaly. The possible role of IGF1 polymorphism on susceptibility to acromegaly remains to be investigated.
Cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain mediate biochemical and electrophysiological mechanisms underlying sleep homeostasis
Authors: Kalinchuk Anna V. , Porkka‐Heiskanen Tarja , McCarley Robert W. , Basheer Radhika 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe tight coordination of biochemical and electrophysiological mechanisms underlies the homeostatic sleep pressure (HSP) produced by sleep deprivation (SD). We have reported that during SD the levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), extracellular nitric oxide (NO), adenosine [AD]ex, lactate [Lac]ex and pyruvate [Pyr]ex increase in the basal forebrain (BF). However, it is not clear whether all of them contribute to HSP leading to increased electroencephalogram (EEG) delta activity during non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) recovery sleep (RS) following SD. Previously, we showed that NREM delta increase evident during RS depends on the presence of BF cholinergic (ChBF) neurons. Here, we investigated the role of ChBF cells in coordination of biochemical and EEG changes seen during SD and RS in the rat. Increases in low‐theta power (5–7 Hz), but not high‐theta (7–9 Hz), during SD correlated with the increase in NREM delta power during RS, and with the changes in nitrate/nitrite [NOx]ex and [AD]ex. Lesions of ChBF cells using IgG 192‐saporin prevented increases in [NOx]ex, [AD]ex and low‐theta activity, during SD, but did not prevent increases in [Lac]ex and [Pyr]ex. Infusion of NO donor DETA NONOate into the saporin‐treated BF failed to increase NREM RS and delta power, suggesting ChBF cells are important for mediating NO homeostatic effects. Finally, SD‐induced iNOS was mostly expressed in ChBF cells, and the intensity of iNOS induction correlated with the increase in low‐theta activity. Together, our data indicate ChBF cells are important in regulating the biochemical and EEG mechanisms that contribute to HSP.
Suckling induces a daily rhythm in the preoptic area and lateral septum but not in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in lactating rabbit does
Authors: Meza Enrique , Aguirre Juan , Waliszewski Stefan , Caba Mario 
Published: November 2014

AbstractMaternal behavior in the rabbit is restricted to a brief nursing period every day. Previously, we demonstrated that this event induces daily rhythms of Period1 (PER1) protein, the product of the clock gene Per1, in oxytocinergic and dopaminergic populations in the hypothalamus of lactating rabbit does. This is significant for the periodic production and ejection of milk, but the activation of other areas of the brain has not been explored. Here, we hypothesised that daily suckling would induce a rhythm in the preoptic area, lateral septum, and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, which are important areas for the expression of maternal behavior in mammals, including the rabbit. To this end, we analysed PER1 expression in those areas through a complete 24‐h cycle at lactation day 7. Does were scheduled to nurse during either the day at 10:00 h [zeitgeber time (ZT)03] or the night at 02:00 h (ZT19). Non‐pregnant, non‐lactating females were used as controls. In contrast to control females, lactating does showed a clear, significant rhythm of PER1 that shifted in parallel with the timing of nursing in the preoptic area and lateral septum. We determined that the maximal expression of PER1 at 8 h after scheduled nursing decreased significantly at 24 and 48 h after the absence of suckling. This effect was more pronounced in the lateral septum than in the preoptic area. We conclude that daily suckling is a powerful stimulus inducing rhythmic activity in brain structures in the rabbit that appear to form part of a maternal entrainable circuit.
Computed tomographic myelography of a foal with discospondylitis and extradural spinal cord compression due to a vertebral abscess
Authors: Garcia E. B. , Biller D. S. , Beard L. , Bawa B. , Nuth E. , Goravanahally M. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryA one‐month‐old Quarter Horse colt presented with progressive gait abnormalities and weakness. The foal was ataxic at presentation. Radiography identified focal endplate irregularities and lysis atC6–7. Radiographic diagnosis was discospondylitis. Computed tomographic myelography was performed immediately following euthanasia and identified an extradural compressive spinal cord lesion corresponding to the site of discospondylitis.Post mortemexamination findings included abscess formation at theC6–7 intervertebral space with osteomyelitis extending into the adjacent physes and subchondral bone of caudalC6and cranialC7. The vertebral abscess extended into the ventral spinal canal atC6–7 and was identified as the cause of extradural spinal cord compression.Salmonellasp. was cultured and isolated from purulent exudate at the intervertebral space. Computed tomographic myelography has not been previously reported for assessment of discospondylitis in horses and was successful at accurately characterising spinal cord compression in addition to osteolytic changes associated with discospondylitis.
It Takes a Department! A Study of the Culture of Proficiency in Three Successful Foreign Language Teacher Education Programs
Authors: Brooks Frank B. , Darhower Mark Anthony 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the contexts and practices of three undergraduate foreign language teacher education programs identified by ACTFL/Language Testing International and reported by Glisan, Swender, and Surface (2013) as having a high success rate in propelling their graduates into the Advanced proficiency level on the ACTFL scale. Data were collected during interviews with faculty and students at each of the three campuses. The results revealed a number of common practices among the programs, which undoubtedly contribute to their success.