bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gender Identification in Great Sturgeon (Huso huso) Using Morphology, Sex Steroids, Histology and Endoscopy
Authors: Falahatkar B. , Poursaeid S. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryGender identification of great sturgeon during different life stages was conducted using morphology, sex steroid concentrations, histological and endoscopic techniques. One hundred and forty great sturgeons from two sturgeon farms at ages between 3‐16 years were selected for examination. Most of the morphological indices showed no significant sex‐related differences except for the ratio of fork length to distance of snout to anterior of dorsal fin (PD). The urogenital opening had no difference in shapes for both sexes. Mean sex steroid concentrations showed no significant difference in levels of testosterone, estradiol and progesterone between males and females in the stage II of maturity. 95.8% of fish were correctly sexed using endoscopy at this stage. Histological investigation indicated the ovaries of 3‐ to 9‐year‐old females were at the different stages of pre‐vitellogenic, and most males were at the early spermatogenesis for age 3. The result of this study suggests that endoscopy is a reliable tool for sex and stage determination after the age of 3 years. This method is useful in providing a quick discernment of sexes and stages compared with utilizing morphometric and blood indices. Direct observation of gonads can give us important information about the gonadal and maturity stages in sturgeon aquaculture and wild population management, with minimal damage or stress to this endangered species.
Stability of DNA, RNA, cytomorphology, and immunoantigenicity in Residual ThinPrep® Specimens
Authors: Kim Younghye , Choi Kap Ro , Chae Moon Jung , Shin Bong Kyung , Kim Han Kyeom , Kim Aeree , Kim Baek‐hui 
Published: April 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of residual liquid‐based preparation (LBP) sample after cytopathologic diagnosis. Cervical swab, body fluid, and thyroid fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) samples preserved in ThinPrep PreservCyt® solution were tested. Samples kept frozen at −80 °C and stored at room temperature were tested 12 months after the initial sample collection. Gel electrophotography of GAPDH multiplex PCR, RNA integrity number (RIN) values obtained from Agilent bioanalyzer, cytomorphologic changes, and immunohistochemical staining (cytokeratin, thyroid transcription factor‐1 (TTF‐1), and D2‐40) were used for the evaluation of sample quality. All available samples showed successful amplification products in multiplex PCR. However, RNAs in all residual samples were degraded with low RIN values (RIN < 4). RIN values decreased rapidly when samples were stored at room temperature in LBP medium. Cytomorpholoic evaluation and immunohistochemical staining results revealed no change regardless of storage time or storage temperature. In conclusion, RNAs stored in LBP medium degraded quickly at room temperature. Residual alcohol‐based LBP cytologic specimens stored at −80 °C and room temperature showed no change in DNA quality, cytomorphology, and immunoreactivity during at least one year of storage.
Curcumin Attenuates Diet‐Induced Hepatic Steatosis by Activating AMP‐Activated Protein Kinase
Authors: Um Min Young , Hwang Kwang Hyun , Ahn Jiyun , Ha Tae Youl 
Published: April 2013

AbstractCurcumin is a well‐known component of traditional turmeric (Curcuma longa), which has been reported to prevent obesity and diabetes. However, the effect of curcumin on hepatic lipid metabolism remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of curcumin on hepatic steatosis in high‐fat/cholesterol diet (HFD)‐induced obese mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet (ND), HFD or HFD with 0.15% curcumin (HFD+C) for 11 weeks. We found that curcumin significantly lowered the body‐weight and adipose tissue weight of mice in the HFD+C group compared with the findings for the HFD group (p < 0.05). The levels of total cholesterol, fasting glucose and insulin in serum were decreased, and HFD‐induced impairment of insulin sensitivity was improved by curcumin supplementation (p < 0.05). Curcumin protected against the development of hepatic steatosis by reducing hepatic fat accumulation. Moreover, curcumin activated AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and elevated the gene expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha. By contrast, curcumin suppressed the HFD‐mediated increases in sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1, acetyl‐CoA carboxylase 1, fatty acid synthase and cluster of differentiation 36 expression. Taken together, these findings indicate that curcumin attenuates HFD‐induced hepatic steatosis by regulating hepatic lipid metabolism via AMPK activation, suggesting its use as a therapeutic for hepatic steatosis.
Subsequent leukaemia in autoimmune disease patients
Authors: Hemminki Kari , Liu Xiangdong , Försti Asta , Ji Jianguang , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina 
Published: April 2013

SummaryPrevious studies have shown that patients diagnosed with some autoimmune (AI) diseases are at an increased risk of leukaemia but limited data are available on survival. We systematically analysed the risks (standardized incidence ratio, SIR) and survival (hazard ratio, HR) in nine types of leukaemia among 402 462 patients hospitalized for any of 33 AI diseases and compared to persons not hospitalized for AI diseases. Risk for all leukaemia was increased after 13 AI diseases and survival was decreased after six AI diseases. SIRs were increased after all AI diseases for seven types of leukaemia, including SIR 1·69 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1·29–2·19) for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), 1·85 (95% CI: 1·65–2·07) for acute myeloid leukaemia, 1·68 (95% CI: 1·37–2·04) for chronic myeloid leukaemia, 2·20 (95% CI: 1·69–2·81) for ‘other myeloid leukaemia’, 2·45 (95% 1·99–2·98) for ‘other and unspecified leukaemia’, 1·81 (95% CI: 1·11–2·81) for monocytic leukaemia, and 1·36 (95% CI: 1·08–1·69) for myelofibrosis. The HRs were increased for four types of leukaemia, most for myelofibrosis (1·74, 95% CI: 1·33–2·29) and ALL (1·42, 95% CI: 1·03–1·95). Some AI diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, were associated with increased SIRs and HRs in many types of leukaemia. The present data showed increases in risk and decreases in survival for many types of leukaemia after various AI diseases. Leukaemia is a rare complication in AI disease but findings about this comorbidity at the time of leukaemia diagnosis may help to optimize the treatment and improve survival.
High expression of cereblon (CRBN) is associated with improved clinical response in patients with multiple myeloma treated with lenalidomide and dexamethasone
Authors: Heintel Daniel , Rocci Alberto , Ludwig Heinz , Bolomsky Arnold , Caltagirone Simona , Schreder Martin , Pfeifer Sabine , Gisslinger Heinz , Zojer Niklas , Jäger Ulrich , Palumbo Antonio 
Published: April 2013

SummaryCereblon (CRBN) has recently been identified as a target for immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) and its downregulation has been linked to resistance to lenalidomide. Here, we studied CRBN expression by real time polymerase chain reaction in 49 bone marrow samples of newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma treated with lenalidomide and dexamethasone. Median CRBN expression was 3·45 in patients who achieved complete response, and 3·75, 2·01, 0·78, and 0·70 in those with very good partial response, partial response, stable disease and progressive disease respectively. CRBN expression levels correlated significantly with response to lenalidomide treatment (r = 0·48; P < 0·001). Among established prognostic parameters, only beta‐2‐microglobulin correlated with cereblon (r = 0·66; P < 0·001). A close association of CRBN with interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) (P < 0·001) and with CTNNB1 (P < 0·001) was found. Overall, a statistically significant association between baseline CRBN expression and response in MM patients treated with lenalidomide is shown. CRBN expression is closely associated with IRF4, which is an important target of IMiD therapy.
The ecological impacts of nighttime light pollution: a mechanistic appraisal
Authors: Gaston Kevin J. , Bennie Jonathan , Davies Thomas W. , Hopkins John 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTThe ecological impacts of nighttime light pollution have been a longstanding source of concern, accentuated by realized and projected growth in electrical lighting. As human communities and lighting technologies develop, artificial light increasingly modifies natural light regimes by encroaching on dark refuges in space, in time, and across wavelengths. A wide variety of ecological implications of artificial light have been identified. However, the primary research to date is largely focused on the disruptive influence of nighttime light on higher vertebrates, and while comprehensive reviews have been compiled along taxonomic lines and within specific research domains, the subject is in need of synthesis within a common mechanistic framework. Here we propose such a framework that focuses on the cross‐factoring of the ways in which artificial lighting alters natural light regimes (spatially, temporally, and spectrally), and the ways in which light influences biological systems, particularly the distinction between light as a resource and light as an information source. We review the evidence for each of the combinations of this cross‐factoring. As artificial lighting alters natural patterns of light in space, time and across wavelengths, natural patterns of resource use and information flows may be disrupted, with downstream effects to the structure and function of ecosystems. This review highlights: (i) the potential influence of nighttime lighting at all levels of biological organisation (from cell to ecosystem); (ii) the significant impact that even low levels of nighttime light pollution can have; and (iii) the existence of major research gaps, particularly in terms of the impacts of light at population and ecosystem levels, identification of intensity thresholds, and the spatial extent of impacts in the vicinity of artificial lights.
Elective subtotal colectomy with ileosigmoid anastomosis for colon cancer preserves bowel function and quality of life
Authors: Manceau G. , d'Annunzio E. , Karoui M. , Breton S. , Rousseau G. , Blanchet A. S. , Vaillant J. C. , Hannoun L. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimWe report on our experience of elective subtotal colectomy and ileosigmoid anastomosis for colon cancer with focus on postoperative results, function and quality of life.MethodBetween 1998 and 2011, 106 consecutive patients with colonic malignancy underwent this procedure electively. Function and quality of life (EORTC QLQ‐C30) were evaluated retrospectively with questionnaires sent to all patients free of recurrence.ResultsThere were 62 men and 44 women (mean age 63 years). Postoperative mortality and morbidity rates were 1.9 and 26.4%, respectively. Persistent ileus was the main early complication (16%). After a mean follow‐up of 67 ± 36 months, 50 (78.1) out of 64 patients have been evaluated for function and quality of life. The mean number of bowel movements per 24 h was 3 ± 2 and significantly lower when the length of the remaining sigmoid colon was more than 15 cm (P = 0.049). Compared with a European reference population for EORTC QLQ‐C30 results, our patients had significantly more diarrhoea (26 vs 3, P = 0.0002) but less pain (10 vs 25, P < 0.0001) and better global quality of life (77 vs 62, P < 0.0001).ConclusionElective subtotal colectomy for colon cancer is safe and associated with good function and quality of life. Ileosigmoid anastomosis should be discussed when extended colectomy is required, providing the rectosigmoid junction and its vascular supply can be oncologically preserved. For tumours located in the transverse colon or at the splenic flexure, this procedure may be the best surgical option.
Effect of wearing mouthguards on the physical performance of soccer and futsal players: a randomized cross‐over study
Authors: Collares Kauê , Correa Marcos Britto , Silva Inácio Crochemore Mohnsam da , Hallal Pedro Curi , Demarco Flávio Fernando 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to assess the influence of custom‐fit mouthguards on the aerobic performance of soccer and futsal players under 17 (U‐17).Material and methodsForty players from 3 Brazilian clubs participated in the study. The athletes' aerobic performance was assessed through the 20‐meter shuttle‐run test. All athletes performed two tests with and without mouthguard. Two outcome variables were analyzed: (i) the total distance covered in the test (meters) and (ii) the maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max). A questionnaire assessing the level of acceptance of mouthguards considering different parameters was administered to the athletes before the delivery of the mouthguards and after 2 weeks of use. The questionnaire used a visual analogue scale (VAS). Paired t‐test was used to compare the results obtained from the shuttle‐run tests and the questionnaires.ResultsMouthguards did not influence the aerobic performance of the players, considering both the total distance covered in the tests and the VO2 max. Stability was the parameter with the highest acceptance. Levels of acceptance regarding breathing (P = 0.022) and communication (P = 0.002) increased after mouthguards usage. Communication had the lowest level of acceptance considering all parameters assessed. Only 10% of the players reported receiving recommendations to use mouthguards while playing football or futsal. None of the participants reported having used mouthguards before.ConclusionsThe use of custom‐fit mouthguards does not affect the aerobic performance of soccer and futsal U‐17 players. Future studies should focus on the development of appliances with maximum protection and minimum influence on communication.
Eco‐evolutionary dynamics in response to selection on life‐history
Authors: Cameron Tom C. , O'Sullivan Daniel , Reynolds Alan , Piertney Stuart B. , Benton Tim G. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractUnderstanding the consequences of environmental change on ecological and evolutionary dynamics is inherently problematic because of the complex interplay between them. Using invertebrates in microcosms, we characterise phenotypic, population and evolutionary dynamics before, during and after exposure to a novel environment and harvesting over 20 generations. We demonstrate an evolved change in life‐history traits (the age‐ and size‐at‐maturity, and survival to maturity) in response to selection caused by environmental change (wild to laboratory) and to harvesting (juvenile or adult). Life‐history evolution, which drives changes in population growth rate and thus population dynamics, includes an increase in age‐to‐maturity of 76% (from 12.5 to 22 days) in the unharvested populations as they adapt to the new environment. Evolutionary responses to harvesting are outweighed by the response to environmental change (~ 1.4 vs. 4% change in age‐at‐maturity per generation). The adaptive response to environmental change converts a negative population growth trajectory into a positive one: an example of evolutionary rescue.
Disparity in elevational shifts of European trees in response to recent climate warming
Authors: Rabasa Sonia G. , Granda Elena , Benavides Raquel , Kunstler Georges , Espelta Josep M. , Ogaya Romá , Peñuelas Josep , Scherer‐Lorenzen Michael , Gil Wojciech , Grodzki Wojciech , Ambrozy Slawomir , Bergh Johan , Hódar José A. , Zamora Regino , Valladares Fernando 
Published: April 2013

AbstractPredicting climate‐driven changes in plant distribution is crucial for biodiversity conservation and management under recent climate change. Climate warming is expected to induce movement of species upslope and towards higher latitudes. However, the mechanisms and physiological processes behind the altitudinal and latitudinal distribution range of a tree species are complex and depend on each tree species features and vary over ontogenetic stages. We investigated the altitudinal distribution differences between juvenile and adult individuals of seven major European tree species along elevational transects covering a wide latitudinal range from southern Spain (37°N) to northern Sweden (67°N). By comparing juvenile and adult distributions (shifts on the optimum position and the range limits) we assessed the response of species to present climate conditions in relation to previous conditions that prevailed when adults were established. Mean temperature increased by 0.86 °C on average at our sites during the last decade compared with previous 30‐year period. Only one of the species studied, Abies alba, matched the expected predictions under the observed warming, with a maximum abundance of juveniles at higher altitudes than adults. Three species, Fagus sylvatica, Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris, showed an opposite pattern while for other three species, such as Quercus ilex, Acer pseudoplatanus and Q. petraea, we were no able to detect changes in distribution. These findings are in contrast with theoretical predictions and show that tree responses to climate change are complex and are obscured not only by other environmental factors but also by internal processes related to ontogeny and demography.
Influence of powder‐to‐water ratio on radiopacity, setting time, pH, calcium ion release and a micro‐CT volumetric solubility of white mineral trioxide aggregate
Authors: Cavenago B. C. , Pereira T. C. , Duarte M. A. H. , Ordinola‐Zapata R. , Marciano M. A. , Bramante C. M. , Bernardineli N. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimTo evaluate the radiopacity, setting time, pH level, calcium ion release and solubility of white mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA; Angelus, Londrina, Pr, Brazil) with different powder‐to‐water ratios.MethodologyThree MTA groups were prepared using 4 : 1, 3 : 1 and 2 : 1 powder‐to‐water ratios. For the radiopacity analysis, the 10 × 1 mm specimens were arranged on occlusal films with a cylinder of dentine and an aluminium stepwedge. The digitized radiographs were evaluated with Digora 1.51 software to determine the radiographic density. The setting time test was performed according to the American Society for Testing and Materials 266/08 standard specifications, but the specimens were made according to International Organization for Standardization 6876:2001. Thirty acrylic teeth with root‐end filling material were immersed in ultrapure water for measurement of pH level and calcium ion release (atomic absorption spectrophotometer) at 3, 24, 72 and 168 h. In the solubility test, the root‐end fillings of 30 acrylic teeth were scanned twice by a Micro‐CT, before and after immersion in ultrapure water for 168 h. Digital data were reconstructed, and the volume (mm3) of the samples was obtained using CTan software (CTan v1.11.10.0, SkyScan). The data were statistically analysed by the anova, Tukey, Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn's tests.ResultsThe radiopacity was higher (P < 0.05) when the 4 : 1 proportion was utilized. The setting time was longer, and the pH level and calcium ion release were higher (P < 0.05) with a greater volume of water. The group with more water (2 : 1) had significantly (P < 0.05) more material volume loss (6.46%) compared with the other groups.ConclusionsThe ratio of powder/water significantly interfered with the physical and chemical properties of white MTA Angelus.
Nurses' preferred end‐of‐life treatment choices in five countries
Authors: Coffey A. , McCarthy G. , Weathers E. , Friedman M.I. , Gallo K. , Ehrenfeld M. , Itzhaki M. , Chan S. , Li W.H.C. , Poletti P. , Zanotti R. , Molloy D.W. , McGlade C. , Fitzpatrick J.J. 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundPrevious research has focused on physician's perspectives of end‐of‐life (EOL) decision making as well as patient and family EOL decision making. There is a lack of research pertaining to the EOL treatment preferences of nurses and especially nurses working in a variety of care settings.AimThe aim of this study was to compare nurses' EOL treatment preferences in Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy and the USA.MethodsA comparative descriptive design was used with a convenience sample of nurses (n = 1089). A survey questionnaire using EOL hypothetical clinical case scenarios was used to collect data between June 2011 and July 2012.ResultsNurses in every country consistently chose a more aggressive option for patients than for themselves or for a parent. The treatment preferences of nurses varied from country to country. Lack of knowledge of patients' wishes and duty of care were the main influencing factors on treatment preferences.Study LimitationsThe study was limited to the hypothetical nature of the scenarios; however, the study highlights numerous future research questions.ConclusionsThis study is the first to examine and compare nurses' preferred EOL treatment choices in five countries from three different continents. The findings of this study raise several important questions for healthcare researchers, for policy development, and highlight the need for further international collaboration.
Actuarial balance sheets as a tool to assess the sustainability of social security pension systems
Authors: Billig Assia , Ménard Jean‐Claude 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe choice of the methodology used to produce a social security pension system's balance sheet is mainly determined by the system's financing approach. In this article, it is shown using the example of the Canada Pension Plan that if the assessment of the financial sustainability of a pay‐as‐you‐go or partially funded system is done through the means of an actuarial balance sheet, then the methodology used should take into account future contributions of current and future participants. The balance sheets produced using the open group approach, as well as methodologies used in United States and Sweden, are discussed.
Couple communication among problem drinking males and their spouses: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Walitzer Kimberly , Dermen Kurt , Shyhalla Kathleen , Kubiak Audrey 
Published: April 2013

This study evaluated the effects of alcohol‐focused spouse involvement and behavioural couple therapy (BCT) on couple communication in the context of group drinking reduction treatment for male problem drinkers. Sixty‐four male clients and their female partners were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (i) treatment for problem drinkers only (PDO), (ii) couple alcohol‐focused treatment or (iii) couple alcohol‐focused treatment combined with BCT. Couples whose partners participated in the treatment made fewer negative statements during a couple conflict communication task following treatment than PDO couples. The beneficial effect of spouse involvement on negative couple communication was partially mediated by a reduction in the frequency of clients’ heavy drinking during treatment. There was also evidence that BCT reduced couples’ negative communication and increased problem‐solving communication.Practitioner points
Involving the spouse in group drinking reduction treatment for male problem drinkers can improve drinking outcome.
Therapists can encourage spouses to decrease counterproductive behaviour and engage in behaviour supportive of drinking reduction.
Actively involving the spouse can decrease negative statements during problem‐solving communications.
Reduction in negative communication may be a result of, rather than a cause of, the male partner's drinking reduction.