bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aspirin for treatment of lithium‐associated sexual dysfunction in men: randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Saroukhani Sepideh , Emami‐Parsa Morteza , Modabbernia Amirhossein , Ashrafi Mandana , Farokhnia Mehdi , Hajiaghaee Reza , Akhondzadeh Shahin 
Published: August 2013

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to assess the effect of aspirin on lithium‐related sexual dysfunction in men with stable bipolar affective disorder (BAD).MethodsIn a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, 32 men with stable BAD who had been on lithium maintenance therapy randomly received aspirin (240 mg/day) or placebo for six weeks. The International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF) was used to assess sexual symptoms at baseline, Week 3, and Week 6. Depressive and mania symptoms and plasma lithium concentrations were assessed at baseline and Week 6. Side effects were assessed using a checklist.ResultsThirty patients (15/group) completed the study. Baseline and endpoint lithium concentrations and mania and depressive symptoms did not differ significantly between the two groups. Significant effects of time × treatment interaction were observed for total score [Greenhouse–Geisser: F(1.410,39.466) = 6.084, p = 0.010] and erectile function [Greenhouse–Geisser: F(1.629,45.602) = 7.250, p = 0.003]. By Week 6, patients in the aspirin group showed significantly greater improvement in the total (63.9% improvement from the baseline) and erectile function domain (85.4% improvement from the baseline) scores than the placebo group (14.4% and 19.7% improvement from the baseline, p‐values = 0.002 and 0.001, respectively). By Week 6, 12 (80%) patients in the aspirin group and three (20%) patients in the placebo group met the criteria of minimal clinically important change [χ2(1) = 10.800, p = 0.001]. Other IIEF domains also showed significant improvement at the end of the trial. The frequency of side effects was similar between the two groups.ConclusionAspirin effectively improves lithium‐related sexual dysfunction in men with stable BAD.
Genetic susceptibility to anthracycline‐related congestive heart failure in survivors of haematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Armenian Saro H. , Ding Yan , Mills George , Sun Canlan , Venkataraman Kalyanasundaram , Wong Florence Lennie , Neuhausen Susan L. , Senitzer David , Wang Shirong , Forman Stephen J. , Bhatia Smita 
Published: August 2013

SummaryHaematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) survivors are at increased risk for developing congestive heart failure (CHF), primarily due to pre‐HCT exposure to anthracyclines. We examined the association between the development of CHF after HCT and polymorphisms in 16 candidate genes involved in anthracycline metabolism, iron homeostasis, anti‐oxidant defence, and myocardial remodelling. A nested case‐control study design was used. Cases (post‐HCT CHF) were identified from 2950 patients who underwent HCT between 1988 and 2007 at City of Hope and had survived ≥1 year. This cohort formed the sampling frame for selecting controls (without CHF) matched on: age, race/ethnicity, cumulative anthracycline exposure, stem cell source (allogeneic, autologous), and length of follow‐up. Seventy‐seven cases with pre‐HCT germline DNA and 178 controls were genotyped. Multivariate analysis revealed that the odds of CHF was higher in females [Odds Ratio (OR) = 2·9, P < 0·01], individuals with pre‐HCT chest radiation (OR = 4·7, P = 0·05), hypertension (OR = 2·9, P = 0·01), and with variants of genes coding for the NAD(P)H‐oxidase subunit RAC2 (rs13058338, 7508T→A; OR = 2·8, P < 0·01), HFE (rs1799945, 63C→G; OR = 2·5, P = 0·05) or the doxorubicin efflux transporter ABCC2 (rs8187710, 1515G→A; OR = 4·3, P < 0·01). A combined (clinical and genetic) CHF predictive model performed better [area under the curve (AUC), 0·79] than the genetic (AUC = 0·67) or the clinical (AUC = 0·69) models alone.
Union Campaigns as Countermovements: Mobilizing Immigrant Workers in France and the United Kingdom
Authors: Tapia Maite , Turner Lowell 
Published: August 2013

AbstractIn this article, we compare recent innovative union campaigns: the ‘sans papiers’ campaign in France and the ‘Justice for Cleaners’ campaign in the United Kingdom, both based on a sustained grass‐roots mobilization of immigrant workers. Rather than focusing on the ‘usual suspect’ explanatory factors, such as contrasting national settings, union power structures or traditions, our cross‐national comparison highlights important underlying similarities in unions' strategic responses to a growing precarious immigrant workforce. In the absence of established channels of representation, both unions decided to act like social movements fighting for social protection. Using Polanyi's framework, we view both case studies as examples of countermovements against heightened levels of global liberalization and precarious employment.
Exposed evaporite diapirs and minibasins above a canopy in central Sverdrup Basin, Axel Heiberg Island, Arctic Canada
Authors: Harrison J. C. , Jackson M. P. A. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAxel Heiberg Island (Arctic Archipelago, northern Nunavut, Canada) contains the thickest Mesozoic section in Sverdrup Basin (11 km). The ca. 370‐km‐long island is second only to Iran in its concentration of exposed evaporite diapirs. Forty‐six diapirs of Carboniferous evaporites and associated minibasins are excellently exposed on the island. Regional anticlines, which formed during Paleogene Eurekan orogeny, trend roughly north on a regular ca. 20‐km wavelength and probably detach on autochthonous Carboniferous Otto Fiord Formation evaporites comprising halite overlain by thick anhydrite. In contrast, a 60‐km‐wide area, known as the wall‐and‐basin structure (WABS) province, has bimodal fold trends and irregular (<10 km) wavelengths. Here, crooked, narrow diapirs of superficially gypsified anhydrite crop out in tight anticline cores, which are separated by wider synclinal minibasins. We interpret the WABS province to detach on a shallow, partly exposed canopy of coalesced allochthonous evaporite sheets. Surrounding strata record a salt‐tectonic history spanning the Late Triassic (Norian) to the Paleogene. Stratigraphic thinning against diapirs and spectacular angular unconformities indicate mild regional shortening in which diapiric roof strata were bulged up and flanking strata steepened. This bulging culminated in the Hauterivian, when diapiric evaporites broke out and coalesced to form a canopy. As the inferred canopy was buried, it yielded second‐generation diapirs, which rose between minibasins subsiding into the canopy. Consistent high level emplacement suggests that all exposed diapirs inside the WABS area rose from the canopy. In contrast, diapirs along the WABS margins were sourced in autochthonous salt as first‐generation diapirs. Apart from the large diapir‐flanking unconformities, Jurassic‐Cretaceous depositional evidence of salt tectonics also includes submarine debris flows and boulder conglomerates shed from at least three emergent diapirs. Extreme local relief, tectonic slide blocks, steep talus fans and subaerial debris flows suggest that many WABS diapirs continue to rise today. The Axel Heiberg canopy is one of only three known exposed evaporite canopies, each inferred or known at a different structural level: above the canopy (Axel Heiberg), through the canopy (Great Kavir) and beneath a possible canopy (Sivas).
Glutathione S‐transferase omega‐2 polymorphism Asn142Asp modifies the risk of age‐related cataract in smokers and subjects exposed to ultraviolet irradiation
Authors: Stamenkovic Miroslav , Radic Tanja , Stefanovic Ivan , Coric Vesna , Sencanic Ivan , Pljesa‐Ercegovac Marija , Matic Marija , Jaksic Vesna , Simic Tatjana , Savic‐Radojevic Ana 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundGlutathione S‐transferase omega‐1 and 2 have a unique range of enzymatic activities, including the regeneration of ascorbate by their dehydroascorbate reductase activities. Because these enzymes could have a protective role from oxidative damage in the lens, the question of whether the two coding glutathione S‐transferase omega polymorphisms confer the risk of age‐related cataract was addressed.Methodsrs4925 (Ala140Asp) of glutathione S‐transferase omega‐1 and rs156697 (Asn142Asp) of glutathione S‐transferase omega‐2 polymorphisms in 100 patients with age‐related cataract and 130 controls were assessed.ResultsPresence of one mutant GSTO1*Asp or GSTO2*Asp allele did not contribute independently towards the risk of cataract; however, homozygous carriers of GSTO1*Asp/GSTO2*Asp haplotype demonstrated 3.42‐fold enhanced risk of cataract development (95% confidence interval = 0.84–13.93; P = 0.086). When GSTO genotype was analysed in association with smoking or professional exposure to ultraviolet irradiation, carriers of at least one mutant GSTO2*Asp allele had increased risk of cataract development in comparison with individuals with wild‐type GSTO2*Asn/Asn with no history of smoking or ultraviolet exposure (odds ratio = 6.89, 95% confidence interval = 1.81–16.21, P = 0.005; odds ratio = 4.10, 95% confidence interval = 1.23–13.74, P = 0.022, respectively). Regarding the distribution of particular glutathione S‐transferase omega genotype and cataract type, the highest frequency of mutant GSTO2*Asp allele was found in patients with nuclear cataract.ConclusionThe results indicate that mutant GSTO2*Asp genotype is associated with increased risk of age‐related cataract in smokers and ultraviolet‐exposed subjects, suggesting a role of inefficient ascorbate regeneration in cataract development.
Prevalence of dry eye syndrome in an adult population
Authors: Hashemi Hassan , Khabazkhoob Mehdi , Kheirkhah Ahmad , Emamian Mohammad Hassan , Mehravaran Shiva , Shariati Mohammad , Fotouhi Akbar 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo determine the prevalence of dry eye syndrome in the general 40‐ to 64‐year‐old population of Shahroud, Iran.DesignPopulation‐based cross‐sectional study.ParticipantsThrough cluster sampling, 6311 people were selected and 5190 participated. Assessment of dry eye was done in a random subsample of 1008 people.MethodsSubjective assessment for dry eye syndrome was performed using Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire. In addition, the following objective tests of dry eye syndrome were employed: Schirmer test, tear break‐up time, and fluorescein and Rose Bengal staining using the Oxford grading scheme.Main Outcome MeasuresThose with an Ocular Surface Disease Index score ≥23 were considered symptomatic, and dry eye syndrome was defined as having symptoms and at least one positive objective sign.ResultsThe prevalence of dry eye syndrome was 8.7% (95% confidence interval 6.9–10.6). Assessment of signs showed an abnormal Schirmer score in 17.8% (95% confidence interval 15.5–20.0), tear break‐up time in 34.2% (95% confidence interval 29.5–38.8), corneal fluorescein staining (≥1) in 11.3% (95% confidence interval 8.5–14.1) and Rose Bengal staining (≥3 for cornea and/or conjunctiva) in 4.9% (95% confidence interval 3.4–6.5). According to the Ocular Surface Disease Index scores, 18.3% (95% confidence interval 15.9–20.6) had dry eye syndrome symptoms. The prevalence of dry eye syndrome was significantly higher in women (P = 0.010) and not significantly associated with age (P = 0.291). The objective dry eye syndrome signs significantly increased with age.ConclusionsBased on the findings, the prevalence of dry eye syndrome in the studied population is in the mid‐range. The prevalence is higher in women. Also, objective tests tend to turn abnormal at higher age. Pterygium is associated with dry eye syndrome and increased its symptoms.
Counterfactuals and Causal Models: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Sloman Steven A. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractJudea Pearl won the 2010 Rumelhart Prize in computational cognitive science due to his seminal contributions to the development of Bayes nets and causal Bayes nets, frameworks that are central to multiple domains of the computational study of mind. At the heart of the causal Bayes nets formalism is the notion of a counterfactual, a representation of something false or nonexistent. Pearl refers to Bayes nets as oracles for intervention, and interventions can tell us what the effect of action will be or what the effect of counterfactual possibilities would be. Counterfactuals turn out to be necessary to understand thought, perception, and language. This selection of papers tells us why, sometimes in ways that support the Bayes net framework and sometimes in ways that challenge it.
Structural Counterfactuals: A Brief Introduction
Authors: Pearl Judea 
Published: August 2013

AbstractRecent advances in causal reasoning have given rise to a computational model that emulates the process by which humans generate, evaluate, and distinguish counterfactual sentences. Contrasted with the “possible worlds” account of counterfactuals, this “structural” model enjoys the advantages of representational economy, algorithmic simplicity, and conceptual clarity. This introduction traces the emergence of the structural model and gives a panoramic view of several applications where counterfactual reasoning has benefited problem areas in the empirical sciences.
Predicting Global Patterns in Mangrove Forest Biomass
Authors: Hutchison James , Manica Andrea , Swetnam Ruth , Balmford Andrew , Spalding Mark 
Published: August 2013

AbstractUnderstanding spatial variation in carbon storage in natural habitats is critical for climate change mitigation efforts such as REDD. Terrestrial forests are being mapped with increasing accuracy, but the distribution of ``blue carbon'' in marine ecosystems remains poorly understood. We reviewed the literature to obtain field data on carbon storage and fluxes in mangroves world‐wide. Using this material we developed a climate‐based model for potential mangrove above‐ground biomass (AGB) with almost four times the explanatory power of the only previous published model. From this model, we present the first ever global map of potential mangrove AGB and estimate a total global mangrove AGB of 2.83 Pg, with an average of 184.8 t ha−1. Data on other carbon stocks and fluxes confirm the importance of mangroves in carbon accounting. The map highlights the high variability in mangrove AGB and indicates areas that should be prioritised for mangrove conservation and restoration.
Alemtuzumab induction in simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation
Authors: Zachariah Mareena , Gregg Austin , Schold Jesse , Magliocca Joseph , Kayler Liise K. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundAlemtuzumab (AZ) is a monoclonal anti‐CD52 antibody used as an induction agent in organ transplantation. Few studies have analyzed this agent in the context of simultaneous kidney–pancreas transplantation (SPKT).MethodsWe examined US registry data of SPKT recipient outcomes from January 2002 to October 2009 stratified by induction agent including AZ, other T‐cell–depleting agents combined (T cell), IL2 receptor blockade (IL‐2RAb), and no induction (none).ResultsOf 6860 SPKT recipients, induction therapy was AZ in 10%, T cell in 49%, IL‐2RAb in 18%, and none in 22%. On multivariate analysis, there were no significant differences in overall patient survival, pancreas or renal allograft survival, or delayed renal graft function for the three induction groups compared with no induction. Rehospitalization within six months of transplantation occurred more often with AZ (51%) T cell (52%), and IL‐2RAB (45%) compared with none (41%; p < 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, there was a significant higher odds of six‐month rehospitalization with AZ (aOR 1.40, 95%CI 1.14–1.71), IL‐2RAb (aOR 1.20, 95%CI 1.01–1.42–1.20), and other T‐cell–depleting agents (aOR 1.50, 95%CI 1.31–1.73) compared with none. Median length of stay was significantly shorter in the AZ (8 d) compared with the IL‐2RAb (9 d), T cell (10 d), and none (10 d) groups (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsThere are no differences in patient, pancreas or renal allograft survival using AZ induction. AZ may confer an advantage in the perioperative period as evidenced by a decreased hospital length of stay. However, this benefit may be lost due to more frequent rehospitalizations.
Vocational rehabilitation services and employment outcomes for adults with cerebral palsy in the United States
Authors: Huang I‐Chun , Holzbauer Jerome J , Lee Eun‐Jeong , Chronister Julie , Chan Fong , O'neil John 
Published: August 2013

AimThe aim of this study was to examine the relationship between vocational rehabilitation services provided and work outcomes among people with cerebral palsy (CP), taking in to account demographic characteristics.MethodFrom the US Department of Education Rehabilitation Service Administration Case Service Report (RSA‐911) database, data from 3162 individuals with CP (1820 males [57.6%] and 1342 females [42.4% age range 16–54y) whose cases were closed in 2009, were used in this study. A total of 1567 cases (49.6%) were closed with clients being categorized as ‘successful employment’ and 1595 cases (50.4%) were closed with clients being classified as unemployed.ResultsMultivariate logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between services provided and work outcomes with regard to demographic characteristics. Males aged between 26 and 54 years old with higher education attainment were more likely to be employed. Individuals receiving disability benefits were less likely to be employed. After controlling for the effect of demographic and work disincentive variables, five vocational rehabilitation services significantly predicted employment outcomes (p<0.05), including (1) on‐the‐job training; (2) job placement assistance; (3) on‐the‐job support; (4) maintenance services; and (5) rehabilitation technology.InterpretationMedical and health professionals need to be aware of vocational rehabilitation agencies as a resource for providing medical, psychological, educational, and vocational interventions for adults with CP to help them maximize their employability, to address their much needed work adjustment skills, to establish independent living, and to eventually reach their full potential in participation in society.
The potential for motivational interviewing to improve outcomes in the management of diabetes and obesity in paediatric and adult populations: a clinical review
Authors: Christie D. , Channon S. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractHaving good intentions to engage in healthy behaviours, to change our lives in a positive direction and make substantial, lasting changes may not always translate into actions or behaviour that is maintained. Motivational Interviewing is a directive person‐centred approach designed to explore ambivalence and activate motivation for change [Miller WR, Rollnick S. Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People to Change Addictive Behaviour. London: Guilford Press, 1991]. A key component of a motivational interviewing conversation is to acknowledge that clients have every right to make no change. It uses a guiding communication style which invites people to consider their own situation and find their own solutions to situations that they identify as problematic that are preventing change. Motivational Interviewing was first introduced in adult health addiction services in the early 1980s. It has developed in the physical health specialties, and in the last 20 years or so attention has turned to the potential of Motivational Interviewing in the paediatric setting and the challenges of using it in families with children at differing ages and developmental stages. This article summarizes studies published from 2006 to 2011 of Motivational Interviewing in individuals across the lifespan with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Lipoproteins and Hedgehog signalling – possible implications for the adrenal gland function
Authors: Swierczynska Marta M. , Lamounier‐Zepter Valéria , Bornstein Stefan R. , Eaton Suzanne 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundMetabolic syndrome is a common metabolic disorder that is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Disturbances in adrenal steroid hormone production significantly contribute to the development of this disorder. Therefore, it is extremely important to fully understand the mechanisms governing adrenal gland function, both in physiological and pathological conditions.ResultsRecently, Sonic hedgehog has emerged as an important regulator of adrenal development, with a possible role in adult gland homeostasis. Recent work of our group shows that lipoproteins are important regulators of Hedgehog signaling; they act as carriers for the spread of Hedgehog proteins, but also contain lipid(s) that inhibit the pathway.ConclusionsWe propose that lipoproteins may affect Sonic hedgehog signaling in the adult adrenal gland at multiple levels. Understanding the interplay between lipoprotein metabolism and adrenal Hedgehog signaling may improve our understanding of how adrenal gland disorders contribute to the metabolic syndrome.
Exercise as a therapeutic tool to prevent mitochondrial degeneration in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Gonçalves Inês O. , Oliveira Paulo J. , Ascensão António , Magalhães José 
Published: August 2013

AbstractNonalcoholic fatty liver disease, encompassing hepatic steatosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis and cirrhosis, is a significant health problem associated with modern lifestyle, based on caloric overconsumption and physical inactivity. Although the mechanisms associated with progression from the ‘benign’ steatosis toNASHare still elusive, mitochondrial dysfunction seems to play an important role in this degenerative process. Degeneration of mitochondrial function duringNASHhas been associated with impaired β‐oxidation, oxidative phosphorylation and increased reactive oxygen species production, contributing to hepatocyte death and inflammatory response. Despite the fact that several therapeutic approaches can be used in the context ofNASH, including insulin‐sensitizing agents, anti‐obesity drugs, lipid‐lowering drugs or mitochondrial‐targeted drugs, dietary and physical activity are still the most effective strategies. In fact, active lifestyles decrease insulin resistance and body weight and result in decreased histological signs of liver injury. In fatty liver, physical activity prevents the disease progression through mitochondrial adaptations, namely by increasing cytochrome c content, enzyme activities and fatty acid oxidation, which are lost after some days of physical inactivity. However, less is known about the effect of physical activity onNASH‐associated mitochondrial dysfunction. After a brief characterization ofNASHand its association with liver mitochondrial (dys)function, the present review addresses the impact of physical (in)activity onNASHand, particularly, the possible contribution of active lifestyles to the modulation of liver mitochondrial dysfunction.
Acoustic recording as a non‐invasive method to detect larval infestation of Cosmopolites sordidus
Authors: Vinatier Fabrice , Vinatier Claude 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe banana weevil, Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a major pest of banana cropping systems, as larvae bore into the corm of banana plants and damage the insertion points of primary roots, leading to plant snapping and toppling. Plant infestation by the banana weevil is assessed only via invasive techniques, such as plant cutting that highlights larval tunnels. We present here a non‐invasive technique based on a bioacoustic sensor with a band‐pass filter to detect larval activity inside banana corm. On the basis of a test under controlled conditions, we observed that the range of larval activity was between 1.4 and 2.6 kHz. Pulses lasted ca. 168 ms and were separated by intervals of 300 ms. The technique enables detection of more than 90% of infested suckers. The use of this technique to understand larval development of banana weevil is discussed.