bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between frontostriatal morphology and executive function deficits in bipolar I disorder following a first manic episode: data from the Systematic Treatment Optimization Program for Early Mania (STOP‐EM)
Authors: Kozicky Jan‐Marie , Ha Tae Hyon , Torres Ivan J , Bond David J , Honer William G , Lam Raymond W , Yatham Lakshmi N 
Published: August 2013

ObjectivesExecutive function impairments are a core feature of bipolar I disorder (BD‐I), not only present during acute episodes but also persisting following remission of mood symptoms. Despite advances in knowledge regarding the neural basis of executive functions in healthy subjects, research into morphological abnormalities underlying the deficits in BD‐I is lacking.MethodsPatients with BD‐I within three months of sustained remission from their first manic episode (n = 41) underwent neuropsychological testing and a 3T magnetic resonance imaging scan and were compared to healthy subjects matched for age, sex, and premorbid IQ (n = 30). Group dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC; Brodmann areas 9 and 46) and caudate volumes were examined and analyzed for relationships with the average score from three computerized tests of executive function: Spatial Working Memory, Stockings of Cambridge, and Intradimensional/Extradimensional Shift.ResultsRight caudate volumes were enlarged in patients (z = 3.57, p < 0.05 corrected). No differences in DLPFC volumes were found. Patients showed large deficits in executive function relative to healthy subjects (d = −0.92, p < 0.001). While in healthy subjects, a larger right (r = +0.39, p < 0.05) and left (r = +0.44, p < 0.05) caudate was associated with better executive function score, in patients, larger right (r = −0.36, p < 0.05) and left (r = −0.34, p < 0.05) volumes correlated with poorer performance.ConclusionsAlthough the etiology of gray matter changes is unknown, volume increases in the right caudate may be an important factor underlying executive function impairments during remission in patients with BD‐I.
How effective do families of non–English‐speaking background (NESB) and child protection caseworkers in Australia see the use of interpreters? A qualitative study to help inform good practice principles
Authors: Sawrikar Pooja 
Published: August 2013

AbstractLittle empirical research has been conducted in Australia on what constitutes as effective practice with interpreters in child protection matters. This study aimed to address this gap. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 29 non–English‐speaking background (NESB) client families and 17 child protection caseworkers (as part of a larger study). Four examples of good practice (e.g. accurate translation) and 14 examples of ineffective practice emerged. The examples of poor practice were consequently grouped as issues with: (i) interpreters (e.g. inaccurate translation); (ii) caseworkers (e.g. insufficient time); (iii) NESB families (e.g. refusing to use an interpreter); and (iv) resources (e.g. insufficient face‐to‐face interpreters). As expected, the results largely replicate the (scant) national and international literature, indicating that features of good practice, and barriers to them, are similar across multicultural countries. This paper does however argue that training for interpreters dealing in such sensitive matters and training for caseworkers on working effectively with interpreters seem to be at the heart of good practice. This study is significant because it draws on the richness of data that qualitative methods offer to identify the full range of relevant variables and provide empirical support for principles of good practice.
A quantitative assessment model of T‐cell immune function for predicting risks of infection and rejection during the early stage after liver transplantation
Authors: Li Rui‐dong , Sun Zhen , Dong Jia‐yong , Yin Hao , Guo Wen‐yuan , Fu Zhi‐ren , Wang Zheng‐xin 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAlthough more and more clinical studies indicated that ImmuKnow assay could efficiently assess the immune status of recipients, it still has the challenge to predict the occurrence of clinical adverse events. This study aimed to establish a quantitative assessment model, which could more efficiently predict immune function of T lymphocytes after liver transplantation based on three indexes: CD4+ T lymphocyte count (C), CD4+/CD8+ ratio (R), and ImmuKnow adenosine triphosphate (ATP) value (A). We selected 194 recipients and measured the A, C, and R index every week, then obtained the Fisher linear discriminant functions by SPSS 16.0. Next, we divided the recipients into three groups: infection, stable, and rejection groups according to clinical status. After calculating, the discriminant function, 0.012A + 0.019C + 1.322R (simplified into T = 2A + 3C + 200R), was selected to represent the T‐cell‐mediated immune function. Based on the model, the optimal cutoff T values for infection and rejection were 1415 (sensitivity = 80%, specificity = 79.9%,AUC = 92.3%) and 1939.5 (sensitivity = 93.9%, specificity = 77.6%, AUC = 88.6%), relatively (p < 0.001). In conclusion, this model may be a more feasible way to evaluate the cellular immune function status in liver transplantation recipients.
The impact of mean first‐year heart rate on outcomes after heart transplantation: does it make a difference?
Authors: Shah Ankit B. , Patel Jignesh K. , Rafiei Matthew , Morrissey Ryan P. , Kittleson Michelle M. , Kobashigawa Jon A. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundCardiac denervation following transplantation has a variable effect on heart rate (HR), and the consequence of this is not known. We examined the impact of first‐year HR on five‐yr outcomes after heart transplant.MethodsWe evaluated 544 heart transplant recipients from 1994 to 2008. Patients were divided into groups by mean first‐year HR: group 1, HR < 90 (mean 85.0 ± 4.3); group 2, 90 ≤ HR < 110 (mean 97.8 ± 4.9); group 3, HR ≥ 110 (mean 111.5 ± 1.8). Endpoints included one‐yr freedom from treated rejection, five‐yr survival, five‐yr freedom from cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), and five‐yr freedom from non‐fatal major adverse cardiac events (NF‐MACE).ResultsOne‐yr freedom from treated rejection, five‐yr survival and freedom from CAV were not significantly different between groups. Five‐yr freedom from NF‐MACE was significantly lower in group 3 compared with group 2, 69% vs. 91%, p < 0.01, mainly due to higher prevalence of congestive heart failure (CHF) in group 3 over five yr.ConclusionsMean first‐year HR does not provide prognostic significance for one‐yr freedom from treated rejection, five‐yr survival or development of CAV five yr after heart transplant. These results suggest that HR post‐heart transplantation does not affect long‐term outcomes, but high first‐year HRs may be associated with new‐onset CHF.
Abdominal tuberculosis following kidney transplantation: clinicopathologic features and follow‐up in a unique case series
Authors: Rocha Ana , Lourenço Laercio , Viana Laila , Taver Marcus , Gaspar Melissa , Medina‐Pestana Jose Osmar 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundKidney transplant recipients are at a high risk of opportunistic infection. The aims of this study were to describe the epidemiology, clinical features, and prognosis of abdominal tuberculosis (TB) in kidney transplant recipients.MethodsAll cases of abdominal TB that occurred in kidney transplant recipients at our center between 1998 and 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Detailed demographic data, clinical profile information, and the treatment response were recorded.ResultsAmong the 7833 kidney transplantations performed during the study period, eight patients (0.1%) developed abdominal TB. There were four men and four women in this group. The mean age of the patients was 44 ± 12 yr. The time from kidney transplantation to TB was 6.7 ± 3.4 yr. The symptoms were weight loss (87.5%), diarrhea (87.5%), fever (75%), abdominal pain (62.5%), and lower gastrointestinal bleeding (37.5%). The delay between the identification of the clinical symptoms and the diagnosis was an average of six months. The diagnosis was confirmed histopathologically for most patients. The cecum and ascending colon were the most common sites involved. Two patients required surgical intervention. Five patients received a 4‐drug regimen, and three had hepatotoxicity. The median length of antituberculous therapy was nine (6–12) months. Five patients lost their graft. Overall, the hospital mortality was 12.5%.ConclusionsKidney transplantation increases the risk of TB, particularly as an extrapulmonary disease. The symptoms of infection are often attenuated, leading to delayed diagnosis. Therefore, a careful approach to the patient and supportive data are necessary to make the final and timely diagnosis.
Stress hyperglycaemia in hospitalized patients with coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes risk
Authors: Colomo Natalia , Linares Francisca , Rubio‐Martín Elehazara , Moreno María J. , de Mora Manuel , García Ana M. , González Ana M. , Rojo‐Martínez Gemma , Valdés Sergio , Ruiz de Adana María S. , Olveira Gabriel , Soriguer Federico 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundAims: (i) To evaluate glucometabolic status of patients without known diabetes hospitalized due to coronary artery disease (CAD), (ii) to assess markers of systemic inflammation determined during admission and to evaluate their relationship with glucometabolic status and (iii) to analyse usefulness of HbA1c determined during admission in patients with CAD to detect abnormal glucose regulation (AGR).Materials & methodsWe studied 440 patients with CAD admitted to the cardiology ward. Patients were grouped in four groups during admission according to clinical data, fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c: diabetes, HbA1c > 5·9%, stress hyperglycaemia (SH) and normal. In 199 subjects without known diabetes, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed 3 months after discharge, and they were reclassified according to WHO 1998 criteria. Biochemical and inflammatory markers were measured.ResultsThe OGTT showed that 27·4% of subjects without known diabetes at admission had diabetes, 11·2% had impaired fasting glucose + impaired glucose tolerance, 33·5% impaired glucose tolerance, 3·6% impaired fasting glucose, and 24·4% normal glucose metabolism. Odds ratio for having diabetes 3 months after discharge in HbA1c > 5·9% group was 5·91 (P < 0·0001) and in SH group was 1·82 (P = 0·38). The best HbA1c cut‐off point to predict AGR was 5·85%. HbA1c levels during admission were highly predictive of having AGR (AUC ROC 0·76 [95% CI 0·67–0·84]).ConclusionWe reported a high prevalence of AGR in subjects with CAD. Stress hyperglycaemia in patients with CAD was not associated with an increased risk of diabetes 3 months later. HbA1c in patients hospitalized with CAD was a useful tool to detect AGR.
Should I Stay or Should I go? The Influence of Handling by Researchers on Den use in an Arboreal Nocturnal Rodent
Authors: Kukalová Monika , Gazárková Anežka , Adamík Peter 
Published: August 2013

AbstractUnderstanding how animals respond to disturbance by investigators is essential for a fair assessment of the presence of bias in routinely used research protocols. It is also an essential prerequisite for anyone interested in animal welfare and ethically sound research. Here, we utilize an automatic logging system to monitor nest box use by PIT‐tagged edible dormice, Glis glis, after standard handling procedures applied during a regular nest‐box monitoring programme. The edible dormouse is an arboreal nocturnal rodent that relies on tree hollows as daytime den sites. We assessed the effect of disturbance on dormice in two ways: whether it affected the decision of an individual to stay in the same den site for a subsequent day and whether it affected the timing of the individual's nocturnal emergence from the den site. We found handling had a strong negative effect on short‐term den use. In addition, females and sexually active individuals were more likely to spend the following day in the nest box. Individuals that had left the den site after our handling returned to them after an average of 4 d. Handling did not have a significant effect on the period of absence, but reproductively active animals returned on average after 3 d, while reproductively quiescent animals returned after more than 5 d. Manipulation did not have a significant effect on the initiation of nocturnal activity. Our study suggests that disturbance by investigators may modify certain aspects of animal behaviour, but this effect is likely to be short term and does not appear to impair the efficacy of routinely practiced capture‐mark‐recapture field protocols.
Impact of arterial microcalcification of the vascular access on cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Yun Yu Seon , Choi Su Jin , Lee Ja Young , Kim Young Soo , Yoon Sun Ae , Park Sun Chul , Shin Ok Ran , Jang Eun Joung , Kim Young Ok 
Published: August 2013

AbstractGross vascular calcification seen on imaging studies is common in hemodialysis (HD) patients, and is a significant predictor for cardiovascular mortality in HD patients. We have reported that arterial microcalcification (AMiC) of the vascular access is associated with increased aortic stiffness. This study investigated the impact of vascular access AMiC on cardiovascular mortality in HD patients. The study included 149 HD patients (mean age: 59.1 ± 13.9 years, 86 men and 63 women, 65.8% diabetic) who underwent vascular access surgery. Radial or brachial artery specimens were obtained intraoperatively, and pathologic examination was performed using von Kossa stain to identify AMiC. We compared all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality between patients with and without AMiC. The mean follow‐up was 37.8 ± 34.5 months, and AMiC was present in 38.8% (n = 57) of patients. The presence of diabetes (odds ratio: 16.49, 95% confidence interval: 1.81–150.36, P = 0.013) was the only independent risk factor for vascular access AMiC. During the observational period, there were 27 cardiovascular deaths. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed an increased cardiovascular mortality risk (log rank = 4.83, P = 0.028) in AMiC patients, and Cox regression analysis confirmed that AMiC was an independent predictor for cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio: 2.35, 95% confidence interval: 1.09–5.09, P = 0.030). In conclusion, vascular access AMiC is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular mortality in HD patients.
Effect of hyperbaric pressure and temperature on respiration rates and quality attributes of Boston lettuce
Authors: Liplap Pansa , Boutin Jérôme , LeBlanc Denyse I. , Vigneault Clément , Vijaya Raghavan G. S. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryA study was conducted to determine whether hyperbaric treatment has an effect on the shelf life of lettuce during short‐term storage. Lettuce was treated with different pressure and temperature conditions (100–850 kPa at 20 °C and 100 kPa at 4 °C). A preliminary experiment was performed with different treatment periods, that is, 3, 5 and 7 days. Hyperbaric treatment of lettuces at 20 °C caused noticeable changes in sensory quality, but the product was still marketable after 3 days. On the other hand, the cold‐stored lettuce showed little degradation even after 7 days of treatment, at which time all the lettuce treated at 20 °C was unmarketable. At 5 days of treatment, the respiration rate of hyperbaric‐treated lettuces at 625 and 850 kPa remained fairly stable, while that of the lower‐pressure‐treated lettuce began to increase, indicating the initiation of decay. The 850‐kPa hyperbaric treatment showed better quality results than the 100 kPa, 20 °C treatment. Overall, hyperbaric treatment has the potential of being used as an alternative technique for short‐term storage of lettuce without refrigeration.
Alignment: a conceptual shift from adherence
Authors: Selzer R. M. , Ellen S. , McGartland M. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractDeveloping a treatment plan with a patient is one of the cornerstones of clinical medicine. The current concept of adherence, a conceptual shift away from the notion of compliance, connotes an agreement to and implementation of a plan. There are, however, myriad causes that can impinge on whether or not a treatment plan is followed through. The current clinical usage of the word ‘adherence’ tends to focus on the ultimate behaviour of the patient, and as such the factors acting on the behaviour may escape attention. We propose the concept of treatment ‘alignment’. The term ‘alignment’ conveys an image of the patient and clinician in the context of a range of factors that must ‘line up’ to maximise the chances of a treatment plan being successfully implemented.
Advances in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: McDonald C. F. , Khor Y. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by progressive airflow limitation in the presence of identifiable risk factors. Inflammation is the central pathological feature in the pathogenesis of COPD. In addition to its pulmonary effects, COPD is associated with significant extrapulmonary manifestations, including ischaemic heart disease, osteoporosis, stroke and diabetes. Anxiety and depression are also common. Spirometry remains the gold standard diagnostic tool. Pharmacologic and non‐pharmacologic therapy can improve symptoms, quality of life and exercise capacity and, through their effects on reducing exacerbations, have the potential to modify disease progression. Bronchodilators are the mainstay of pharmacotherapy, with guidelines recommending a stepwise escalating approach. Smoking cessation is paramount in managing COPD, with promotion of physical activity and pulmonary rehabilitation being other key factors in management. Comorbidities should be actively sought and managed in their own right. Given the chronicity and progressive nature of COPD, ongoing monitoring and support with timely discussion of advanced‐care planning and end‐of‐life issues are recommended.
Disrupted spiculogenesis in deep‐water Geodiidae (Porifera, Demospongiae) growing in shallow waters
Authors: Cárdenas Paco , Rapp Hans Tore 
Published: August 2013

AbstractEnvironmental conditions can affect the morphology and distribution of sponges. In particular, depth is known to influence the morphology of shallow‐water sponges; however, the influence of depth on deep‐water sponges has never been investigated. Although boreal Geodiidae (Demospongiae, Astrophorida) are deep‐water species, in fjords and along the Norwegian coast Geodia barretti, G. simplicissima, and Pachymatisma normani can occasionally be found at shallow depths (20–40 m). In this study, we examine new shallow specimens from the Norwegian coast to compare their morphological and molecular characteristics with those of their deep‐water counterparts. Morphology was studied at the level of the organism, skeletal organization, and the spicules, and a fragment of the cytochrome oxidase 1 gene was sequenced for shallow and deep specimens. Twelve specimens of Geodia spp. and five specimens of P. normani were collected in shallow waters. The majority of the Geodia spp. were identified as G. simplicissima, a species that has not been reported since its original description in 1931. However, we propose that G. simplicissima, only found in shallow waters, is a junior synonym of G. barretti. When comparing shallow and deep‐water specimens of G. barretti and P. normani, we found phenotypic differences with respect to color, external morphology, cortex organization, and, above all, spicule morphology. In shallow specimens, microrhabds, sterrasters, and triaenes were smaller and irregular or underdeveloped. Oxyasters and strongylasters were normal in form, but smaller. We hypothesize that the lower silica concentration in shallow waters is primarily responsible for the disruption of spiculogenesis in shallow‐water specimens of G. barretti and P. normani. The underdeveloped sterrasters observed in shallow‐water specimens provide new insights into the formation of these particular microscleres. Finally, we discuss how the colonization of shallow waters by deep‐water sponges may have strongly influenced spicule evolution and speciation.
Quantitative measures of gastrovascular flow in octocorals and hydroids: toward a comparative biology of transport systems in cnidarians
Authors: Harmata Katherine L. , Parrin Austin P. , Morrison Patrick R. , McConnell Kristin K. , Bross Lori S. , Blackstone Neil W. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractUsing microscopy, the gastrovascular systems of four hydroids (Eirene viridula, Cordylophora lacustris, Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus, and Podocoryna carnea) and two distantly related alcyonacean octocorals (Acrossota amboinensis and Sarcothelia sp.) were examined and compared within a phylogenetic framework. Despite a range of stolon widths (means 53–160 μm), the hydroid species exhibited similar patterns of gastrovascular flow: sequentially bidirectional flow in the stolons, driven by myoepithelial contractions emanating from the center of the colony. Unlike the hydroids, the gastrovascular system of A. amboinensis (mean stolon widths for 5 colonies, 0.57–1.21 mm) exhibited simultaneously bidirectional flow with incomplete, medial baffles (width 4–20 μm) separating the flow. Baffles visualized with transmission electron microscopy consisted of endoderm, mesoglea, and occasionally another layer of tissue. Mean flow rates of the gastrovascular fluid for seven stolons ranged from 125 to 275 μm s−1, with maximum rates of 225–700 μm s−1. In Sarcothelia sp., stolons were of comparable width (means for 13 colonies 0.55–1.4 mm) to those of A. amboinensis. These stolons, however, were divided by several partitions (width 8–25 μm), both complete and incomplete, which were spaced every 100.5±5.1 μm (mean±SE; range 27.1–283.7 μm) and appeared structurally similar to baffles. In lanes defined by these partitions, ciliary motion was visible in image sequences, and flow was unidirectional. Within a single stolon, flow moved in different directions in different lanes and changed direction by moving from lane to lane via occasional spaces between the partitions. Mean flow rates for 30 stolons ranged from 75 to 475 μm s−1, with maximum rates of 85–775 μm s−1. For both octocorals, flow rates of the gastrovascular fluid were not correlated with the width of the stolon lumen. While octocoral gastrovascular systems probably exhibit differences based on phylogenetic affinities, in all species studied thus far, gastrovascular flow is entirely driven by cilia, in contrast to the hydroid taxa.