bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Case report of polymorphous low‐grade adenocarcinoma in the trachea with metastasis to the right middle lobe bronchus
Authors: Zhang Yong , Wang Chunbao , Zhang Guangjian , Wang Zhe , Wen Xiaopeng , Yang Xiaomei , You Jiangtao , Fu Junke 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPolymorphous low‐grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA) is a low‐grade malignant infiltrative tumor of the minor salivary glands. According to data from PubMed (National Center for Biotechnology), one case of PLGA involving the left main bronchus and one case involving the right main and upper lobar bronchi have previously been reported. Here, we describe the first case of PLGA originating in the trachea with metastasis to the right middle lobe bronchus, all initially misdiagnosed as adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). It is particularly important to distinguish this tumor from other types of salivary gland tumors, especially ACC. Complete surgical excision is the curative treatment of choice for PLGA.
Target‐specific acoustic predator deterrence in the marine environment
Authors: Götz T. , Janik V. M. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAcoustic deterrent devices (ADDs) have often been considered a benign solution to managing pinniped predation. However, ADDs have also been highlighted as a conservation concern since they can inflict large‐scale habitat exclusion in toothed whales (odontocetes). We tested a new method that selectively inflicted startle responses in harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) at close ranges to the loudspeaker but not in a non‐target species, the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), by using a frequency range where porpoise hearing was less sensitive than that of phocid seals. The sound exposure consisted of isolated 200 ms long, 2–3 octave‐band noise pulses with a peak frequency of 1 kHz, which were presented at a source level of ∼180 dB re 1 μPa. Field tests were carried out within a 2‐month period on a fish farm on the west coast of Scotland where marine mammal behaviour was observed within three distance categories. Seal numbers dropped sharply during sound exposure compared with control observation periods within 250 m of the sound source but were unaffected at distances further away from the farm. A Poisson regression model revealed that the number of seal tracks within 250 m of the device decreased by ∼91% during sound exposure and was primarily influenced by sound exposure with no evidence for a change in the effect of treatment such as habituation, throughout the experiment. In contrast to seals, there was no shift in the number of porpoise groups in each distance category as a result of sound exposure and porpoises were regularly seen close to the device. We also sighted six common minke whales during sound exposure while only one was seen during control periods. Our data demonstrate that the startle method can be used to selectively deter seals without affecting porpoises.
Laparoscopic resection of hepatoblastoma: Report of a case
Authors: Yada Keigo , Ishibashi Hiroki , Mori Hiroki , Shimada Mitsuo 
Published: July 2014

AbstractDespite the increasing number of recent reports on laparoscopic resection of malignant liver tumors in adults, there have been few reports involving children. In this paper we discuss the laparoscopic resection of a hepatoblastoma in a 1‐year‐old boy. The CT scan revealed an exophytic hepatic tumor on S5 measuring 6 × 5 × 4 cm after preoperative chemotherapy. The operation time was 225 min with an estimated blood loss of about 38 mL; intraoperative transfusion was not required. Radiofrequency‐assisted precoagulation was performed. The patient had an uncomplicated recovery and started postoperative chemotherapy on postoperative day 12. Our literature search revealed only five reported cases of laparoscopic resection of hepatoblastoma in which there was no postoperative complication or recurrence. Laparoscopic resection of a hepatoblastoma in a selected subgroup of patients can be safe and feasible.
Shocks, financial dependence and efficiency: Evidence from U.S. and Canadian industries
Authors: Estevão Marcello , Severo Tiago 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis paper investigates how changes in industries’ funding costs affect total factor productivity (TFP) growth. Based on panel regressions using data for U.S. and Canadian industries and industries’ dependence on external funding as an identification mechanism, we show that increases in the cost of funds affect TFP growth negatively. The effect is non‐monotonic depending on a sector's external finance need. This paper presents a theoretical model that produces the observed non‐monotonic effect of financial shocks on TFP growth and suggests that financial shocks distort the allocation of factors across firms even within an industry, thus reducing TFP growth.
The propagation of U.S. shocks to Canada: Understanding the role of real financial linkages
Authors: Beaton Kimberly , Lalonde René , Snudden Stephen 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis paper examines the role of financial frictions in affecting the transmission of U.S. real and financial shocks to Canada using a dynamic stochastic general‐equilibrium model with an active banking sector and financial frictions. We find that the U.S. banking and interbank markets can be a potentially important source of variability of Canadian output and inflation—consistent with the financial crisis. The presence of both the demand and the real supply sides of credit in the model help to capture the stylized facts of both the domestic and the international business cycles.
A longitudinal study of thyroid autoantibodies in pregnancy: the importance of test timing
Authors: Ekinci E.I. , Chiu W.‐L. , Lu Z.X. , Sikaris K. , Churilov L. , Bittar I. , Lam Q. , Crinis N. , Houlihan C.A. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryObjectiveThyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibodies (TGAb) are frequently measured to investigate thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy. Despite the recognized fall of these autoantibodies in pregnancy, there is limited guidance on the timing of such testing. We assessed optimal test timing of TPOAb/TGAb for the detection of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and post‐partum thyroid dysfunction (PPTD).DesignProspective longitudinal study with recruitment in Trimester 1.PatientsHealthy women ≤13 weeks' gestation from Mercy Hospital for Women, a tertiary obstetric hospital in Melbourne.MeasurementsSerum TPOAb, TGAb, TSH and fT4 were measured at Trimester 1 (T1), Trimester 2(T2), Trimester 3(T3) and postpartum (PP) in each participant. Post‐partum thyroid dysfunction (PPTD) was defined if TSH deviated from the assay's nonpregnant reference interval. Longitudinal random‐effect logistic regression was used to investigate the association between time and positive/negative thyroid autoantibody status.ResultsSamples from 140 women at T1 (12·0: 10·3–13·0) (median: IQR weeks' gestation); 95 at T2 (24·3: 23·0–25·9), 79 at T3 (35·9: 34·8–36·7) and 83 at PP (12·4: 10·8–14·6 weeks post‐partum) were attained. At T1, 13 (9%) and 15 (11%) women had positive TPOAb and TGAb, respectively. The odds of having a positive TPOAb were 96% lower at T2 [OR = 0·04 (95% CI: 0·02–0·8; P = 0·03)] and 97% lower at T3 [OR = 0·03 (95% CI: 0·001–0·6; P = 0·02)] than at T1. Similarly, the odds of having a positive TGAb were 99·4% lower [OR = 0·006 (95% CI: 0–0·3; P = 0·01)] at T2, and 99·5% lower [OR = 0·005 (95% CI: 0–0·4; P = 0·02)] at T3 than at T1. The ROC analysis diagnostic ORs for a positive TPOAb and/or TGAb to predict PPTD were 7·8 (95% CI: 2·2–27·6), 1·2 (95% CI: 0–8·9), 2·0 (95% CI: 0–16·8), and 12·2 (95% CI: 3·3–44·9) at T1, T2, T3 and post‐partum, respectively.ConclusionsA significant proportion of pregnant women lose their thyroid autoantibody positivity after T1. The gestation‐dependent loss of TPOAb/TGAb positivity and reduction in diagnostic accuracy for predicting PPTD limits the value of testing at T2 and T3.
What factors influence concordance with medications? Findings from the UK Asian Diabetes study
Authors: Lloyd C. E. , Mughal S. , Roy T. , Raymond N. T. , O'Hare J. P. , Barnett A. H. , Bellary S. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimsTo investigate concordance with medication, as assessed at baseline and at 1‐ and 2‐year follow‐up, and to examine factors associated with non‐concordance in a UK‐resident South‐Asian population.MethodsData from the UK Asian Diabetes Study were analysed. Concordance with medications was assessed and recorded at three time points during the study. Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate the factors associated with non‐concordance; the associations of baseline factors with year 1 concordance and baseline plus year 1 factors with year 2 concordance.ResultsData for 403 patients from seven practices participating in the UK Asian Diabetes Study were analysed. The numbers of patients who were non‐concordant were: 63 (16%) at baseline; 101 (25%) at year 1; and 122 (30%) at year 2. The baseline‐measured variables that were significantly associated with year 1 non‐concordance included diabetes duration, history of cardiovascular disease, components of the EuroQol quality of life questionnaire, the EQ‐5D score, and number of medications prescribed. In multivariable analyses, the most important determinant of year 1 non‐concordance was baseline non‐concordance: odds ratio 13.6 (95% confidence limits 4.7, 39.9). Number of medications prescribed for blood pressure control was also significant: odds ratio 1.8 (95% confidence limits 1.4, 2.4). Similar results were observed for year 2 non‐concordance.ConclusionsNon‐concordance with medications was common and more likely in people prescribed more medications. The current target‐driven management of risk factor levels may lead to increasing numbers and doses of medications. Considering the high cost of medications and the implications of poor health behaviours on morbidity and mortality, further investigation of prescribing behaviours and the factors affecting patient concordance are required.
Role of sleep duration as a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes among adults of different ages in Japan: the Niigata Wellness Study
Authors: Heianza Y. , Kato K. , Fujihara K. , Tanaka S. , Kodama S. , Hanyu O. , Sato K. , Sone H. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimTo compare the role of short sleep duration as a risk factor for diabetes among adults of different ages.MethodsThe study enrolled 38987 Japanese individuals without diabetes, and the 8‐year risk of developing diabetes attributable to different sleep durations (< 5.5 h, 5.5 to < 6.5 h, 6.5 to < 7.0 h, 7.0–7.5 h, > 7.5–8.0 h, or > 8.0 h) was assessed among individuals aged ≤ 45, 46–59 or ≥ 60 years.ResultsDuring the 8‐year follow‐up period, 2085 individuals developed diabetes. Overall, individuals with a short sleep duration of < 5.5 h or 5.5 to < 6.5 h had, respectively, a 1.53‐fold (95% CI 1.19, 1.97) or 1.25‐fold (95% CI 1.10, 1.42) increased risk of diabetes as compared with those who had 7.0–7.5 h of sleep. A sleep duration of < 5.5 h or 5.5 to < 6.5 h was predictive of the development of diabetes among individuals aged ≤ 45 years, but not among those aged ≥ 60 years. With increasing age, the effect of short sleep duration on the risk of diabetes was attenuated.ConclusionsShort sleep duration was predictive of diabetes among young or middle‐aged Japanese adults but not among elderly individuals after age was considered. Managing habitual short sleep and the possible reasons for having such short sleep duration could be particularly important for young or middle‐aged adults in the development of future diabetes.
Neurokinin‐1 receptor antagonist orvepitant is an effective inhibitor of itch‐associated response in a Mongolian gerbil model of scratching behaviour
Authors: Trower Michael K. , Fisher Amy , Upton Neil , Ratti Emiliangelo 
Published: July 2014

AbstractData suggest that substance P could play an important role in pruritus, and therefore, blockade of the neurokinin (NK)‐1 receptor might be antipruritic. Thus, we explored in the Mongolian gerbil the effect on scratching behaviour, induced by intra‐dermal injection of the NK‐1 receptor‐specific agonist GR73632, of oral administration of the NK‐1 receptor antagonist orvepitant. Orvepitant at all doses tested (0.1–10 mg/kg p.o.) produced a profound inhibition of GR73632 (30 nmol i.d.) induced hindlimb scratching; the minimum effective dose of orvepitant in this model was identified as ≤0.1 mg/kg. The data generated supported the proposition that the antipruritic potential of orvepitant should be evaluated in clinical trials.
Changes in chemical composition caused by water–rock interactions across a strike‐slip fault zone: case study of the Atera Fault, Central Japan
Authors: Niwa M. , Mizuochi Y. , Tanase A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIn some cases, water–rock interactions in fault zones can affect radionuclide migration. Here, we analyzed the chemical compositions of well‐exposed fault rocks from the strike‐slip Atera Fault, Central Japan, in order to understand the variability and behavior of major and selected trace elements. The fault zone has a 1.2‐m‐wide, smectite‐rich fault core and paired damage zones that developed within welded tuff on one side of the core and within granite on the other side. The 30‐cm‐wide, kaolinite‐rich fault gouge is developed in granite cataclasite, and it shows indications of the latest fault activity, while the 1.2‐m‐wide fault core appears to be older. Hydrogen and oxygen isotope ratios in the clay‐rich fault gouges, and carbon and oxygen isotope ratios in carbonates indicate that the two major clay‐rich zones formed in bedrock near the surface, consistent with observed deformation structures. Based on chemical analyses, we identified (1) a slight depletion in SiO2, Na2O, K2O, and light rare earth elements at the edges of the 1.2‐m‐wide fault core, (2) a clear depletion in SiO2, Na2O, K2O, and all rare earth elements except Eu in the 30‐cm‐wide fault gouge, and (3) an increase in CaO, MnO, and heavy rare earth elements across the entire 1.2‐m‐wide fault core. Findings (1) and (2) reflect water–rock interactions in the 1.2‐m‐wide fault core and in the 30‐cm‐wide fault gouge that resulted in the formation of smectite and kaolinite. Finding (3) reflects carbonate precipitation caused by the addition of basalt fragments from a nearby site to the 1.2‐m‐wide fault core during faulting, and subsequent sorption reactions of heavy rare earth elements via processes such as complexation with the carbonates.
Antibiofilm activity of three irrigation protocols activated by ultrasonic, diode laser or Er:YAG laser in vitro
Authors: Neelakantan P. , Cheng C. Q. , Mohanraj R. , Sriraman P. , Subbarao C. , Sharma S. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimTo investigate the impact of three irrigation protocols, activated by three different methods, on mature biofilms of Enterococcus faecalis in vitro.MethodologyRoot canals in 280 single‐rooted teeth were instrumented using a rotary Ni‐Ti system. Biofilms of E. faecalis were generated based on a previously established protocol. Samples were randomly divided into three experimental (n = 80) and one control (n = 40) group based on the irrigation protocol employed: group 1 (NaOCl + Etidronic acid), 1 : 1 mixture of 6% NaOCl and 18% etidronic acid; group 2 (NaOCl‐EDTA), 3% NaOCl followed by 17% EDTA; group 3 (NaOCl‐EDTA‐NaOCl), 3% NaOCl followed by 17% EDTA and a final flush of 3% NaOCl. Saline served as the control. Samples were further divided into four subgroups (n = 20) based on the activation method: subgroup A, no activation; subgroup B, ultrasonic activation; group C, diode laser; group D, Er:YAG laser. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to assess bacterial viability in situ. Root dentine powder was obtained for determining the colony‐forming units (CFU mL−1). Data were analysed by appropriate statistical analyses with P = 0.05.ResultsAll experimental irrigation protocols caused complete destruction of the biofilm in the root canal lumen. Within the dentinal tubules, all groups had a significantly higher percentage of dead bacteria than the saline control (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between NaOCl + etidronic acid and NaOCl‐EDTA‐NaOCl (P > 0.05), whereas both groups brought about more bacterial reduction than NaOCl‐EDTA (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between diode laser and Er:YAG laser in any of the groups (P > 0.05). Both diode and Er:YAG laser were more effective than ultrasonic activation and conventional syringe irrigation in reducing E. fecalis biofilms (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe use of NaOCl after or in combination with a chelator caused the greatest reduction of E. faecalis. Diode laser and Er:YAG laser activation were superior to ultrasonics in dentinal tubule disinfection.
The ageing males' symptoms scale for Chinese men: reliability,validation and applicability of the Chinese version
Authors: Kong X‐b. , Guan H‐t. , Li H‐g. , Zhou Y. , Xiong C‐l. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryIn this study, the ageing males' symptoms (AMS) scale was translated into Chinese following methodological recommendations for linguistic and cultural adaptation. This study aimed to confirm the reliability, validation and applicability of the simplified Chinese version of the scale (CN‐AMS) in older Chinese men, a free health screening for men older than 40 years was conducted. All participants completed a health questionnaire, which consisted of personal health information, AMS scale, the generic quality of life (QoL) instrument SF36 and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The fasting blood samples of participants were collected on the day of completing the health questionnaire. Serum total testosterone (TT), albumin and sex hormone‐binding globulin levels were measured and the level of free testosterone was calculated (calculated free testosterone, CFT). A total of 244 men (mean age: 52 ± 7.3 years, range: 40–79 years) were involved in the investigation and provided informed consent before their participation. The reliability of CN‐AMS was analysed as internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha was 0.91) as well as a 4‐week‐interval test–retest stability (Pearson's correlation was 0.83) and found to be good. The validation of CN‐AMS was analysed as the internal structure analysis (Pearson's correlation between total score and each item score r = 0.48–0.75), total‐domain‐correlation (among the three domains r = 0.47–0.68, p < 0.01; domains with the total score r = 0.81–0.88, p < 0.01), and cross‐validation with other scales (with SF36 r = −0.59, p < 0.01; with BDI r = 0.50, p < 0.01). Androgen deficiency (AD) was defined as the presence of three sexual symptoms (decreased frequency of morning erections, sexual thoughts and erectile dysfunction) in combination with TT < 11 nmol/L and CFT < 220 pmol/L, and the sensitivity and specificity for CN‐AMS was 68.8 and 6.8% respectively. The CN‐AMS had sufficient sensitivity in screening AD of older men, but the low specificity made it unsuitable to be adopted as the diagnostic criteria. The scanning capability of AMS scale for AD has the downward trend with ageing and a hypothesis is proposed to give a possible reason for the new finding.
Primary treatment of painful varicocoele through percutaneous retrograde embolization with fibred coils
Authors: Puche‐Sanz I. , Flores‐Martín J. F. , Vázquez‐Alonso F. , Pardo‐Moreno P. L. , Cózar‐Olmo J. M. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThe literature on the treatment of painful varicocoele is limited, likely because of the short period since it was recognized as a clinical entity and the limitations posed by the subjectivity of pain. Our aim was to systematically analyse the results of percutaneous embolization as the chosen treatment for this condition. We conducted a retrospective study of patients undergoing percutaneous embolization as primary treatment for painful varicocoele from January 2007 to November 2013. Radiologic and ultrasonographic successes were evaluated according to the existence or absence of venous reflux on venography after embolization and on Echo Doppler control at 3–6 months. Clinical success was assessed by Visual Analog Scale pain questionnaires before surgery and at 3–6 months; in addition, at the time of the study, telephone interviews were conducted to update the clinical situation and development. A total of 154 patients received operations. The median pain before surgery, at 3–6 months and at the time of interview was 7, 1 and 0 points respectively (p < 0.001). The ultrasonographic success rate at 3–6 months was 68.6%. With a median follow‐up of 39 months, the success and relapse/clinical persistence rates were 86.9 and 13.1% respectively. By studying the degree of agreement between clinical success and ultrasonographic success, a kappa index = 0.443 was obtained. Patients with success recounted greater pre‐operative pain scores than those who relapsed or persisted (7.5 vs. 5.0; p = 0.004). In patients with painful varicocoele, the ultrasonographic recurrence of venous reflux does not imply the recurrence of pain; hence, the proper assessment of success in these patients should include a systematic assessment of their pain and grade of reflux. Percutaneous retrograde embolization as a primary treatment for painful varicocoele is a clinically effective option with a high success rate that can be maintained in the long term, especially in patients with high pre‐operative pain.
Informal Social Networks of People with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities: Relationship with Age, Communicative Abilities and Current Living Arrangements
Authors: Kamstra A. , van der Putten A. A. J. , Post W. J. , Vlaskamp C. 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundPeople with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) have limited informal social contacts. Research to determine the factors which can positively influence establishing sound informal social contacts is required.Materials and MethodsRegression analysis for 200 people with PIMD was used to analyse how age, communicative abilities and current living arrangements were related to the number and frequency of their contacts.ResultsOnly age was negatively related to both the number and frequency of social contacts. Current living arrangements related only to the frequency of contacts. Communicative abilities related to neither.ConclusionsLike people with intellectual disabilities, age and living arrangements are related to the informal social networks of people with PIMD. However, for people with PIMD, these networks are already more limited. Therefore, professionals need to be attentive to the maintenance and/or expansion of the social networks of people with PIMD at an early stage.