bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Gut Hormone Ghrelin Partially Reverses Energy Substrate Metabolic Alterations in the Failing Heart
Authors: Mitacchione Gianfranco , Powers Jeffrey C. , Grifoni Gino , Woitek Felix , Lam Amy , Ly Lien , Settanni Fabio , Makarewich Catherine A. , McCormick Ryan , Trovato Letizia , Houser Steven R. , Granata Riccarda , Recchia Fabio A. 
Published: May 2014

Background—
The gut-derived hormone ghrelin, especially its acylated form, plays a major role in the regulation of systemic metabolism and exerts also relevant cardioprotective effects; hence, it has been proposed for the treatment of heart failure (HF). We tested the hypothesis that ghrelin can directly modulate cardiac energy substrate metabolism.

Methods and Results—

We used chronically instrumented dogs, 8 with pacing-induced HF and 6 normal controls. Human des-acyl ghrelin [1.2 nmol/kg per hour] was infused intravenously for 15 minutes, followed by washout (rebaseline) and infusion of acyl ghrelin at the same dose.
3
H-oleate and
14
C-glucose were coinfused and arterial and coronary sinus blood sampled to measure cardiac free fatty acid and glucose oxidation and lactate uptake. As expected, cardiac substrate metabolism was profoundly altered in HF because baseline oxidation levels of free fatty acids and glucose were, respectively, >70% lower and >160% higher compared with control. Neither des-acyl ghrelin nor acyl ghrelin significantly affected function and metabolism in normal hearts. However, in HF, des-acyl and acyl ghrelin enhanced myocardial oxygen consumption by 10.2±3.5% and 9.9±3.7%, respectively (
P
<0.05), and cardiac mechanical efficiency was not significantly altered. This was associated, respectively, with a 41.3±6.7% and 32.5±10.9% increase in free fatty acid oxidation and a 31.3±9.2% and 41.4±8.9% decrease in glucose oxidation (all
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—
Acute increases in des-acyl or acyl ghrelin do not interfere with cardiac metabolism in normal dogs, whereas they enhance free fatty acid oxidation and reduce glucose oxidation in HF dogs, thus partially correcting metabolic alterations in HF. This novel mechanism might contribute to the cardioprotective effects of ghrelin in HF.
Submilisievert ultralow-dose CT colonography using iterative reconstruction technique: a feasibility study
Authors: Lambert Lukas , Danes Jan , Jahoda Jiri , Masek Martin , Lisy Jiri , Ourednicek Petr 
Published: May 2014

Background Computed tomography (CT) colonography is a well established modality for the examination of symptomatic patients as well as in screening. Recent technical advances in improving image quality by iterative reconstruction contribute to the reduction of the radiation dose which is a major concern in CT imaging. Purpose To evaluate image quality of ultralow-dose submilisievert CT colonography using hybrid iterative reconstruction technique. Material and Methods Sixteen patients underwent contrast-enhanced CT colonography with standard protocol in supine position and ultralow-dose protocol in prone position. Ultralow-dose datasets were reconstructed with filtered back projection and an advanced hybrid iterative reconstruction technique. Two radiologists independently evaluated 96 colonic segments for image quality in the endoluminal view and axial thin sections. Colonic distension, smoothness of colonic wall and distortion of folds in the endoluminal view, sharpness of colonic wall delineation, perceived image noise, and presence of photon starvation artifact were rated on a five-point scale. Intraluminal noise expressed as standard deviation of Hounsfield density was measured in all segments. Results The mean radiation dose was 0.42 mSv and 5.48 mSv in prone and supine scans, respectively. All distended segments were rated evaluable in standard dose and ultralow-dose series reconstructed with the iterative reconstruction technique, whereas in 61% segments image quality was rated poor or unacceptable in ultralow-dose series where filtered back projection was used with worst ratings in the rectum and the sigmoid colon. Conclusion This pilot study shows that iterative reconstruction technique is a feasible method to decrease the radiation dose from CT colonography for both positions below 1mSv. Further investigations of larger scale need to be done to clarify, whether such a low radiation dose would influence the detection of polyps.
Diffusion weighted imaging of nasopharyngeal adenoid hypertrophy
Authors: Surov Alexey , Ryl Ina , Bartel-Friedrich Sylvia , Wienke Andreas , Kösling Sabrina 
Published: May 2014

Background Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) could be helpful for the differentiation of malignant and benign entities. Nasopharyngeal adenoid hypertrophy (NAH) is a typical benign lesion. DWI appearances of this lesion have not been reported previously. Purpose To identify and to analyse DWI findings of NAH. Material and Methods We analyzed 688 MR investigations of the head performed at our institution. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained at a 1.5 T MRI device. Beside normal standard sequences DWI was obtained using a multislice single-shot echo-planar sequence. DWI was performed with b values of 0, 500, and 1000  s/mm2. Results The mean whole lesion ADC value was 0.83 ± 0.12 × 10–3 mm2s–1 (median, 0.82 × 10–3 mm2 s–1; range, 0.58–1.45 × 10–3 mm2 s–1). The mean ADC value of solid areas of NAH was 0.59 ± 0.11 × 10–3 mm2 s–1 (range, 0.36–0.84 × 10–3 mm2 s–1). Conclusion Although NAH is a benign lesion, it shows low ADC values both in childhood and in adults. This finding should be kept in mind to avoid possible misinterpretations as a malignant lesion.
Development and Validation of a Positive Youth Development Measure
Authors: Lopez Amy , Yoder Jamie R. , Brisson Daniel , Lechuga-Pena Stephanie , Jenson Jeffrey M. 
Published: May 2014

Objective: Positive Youth Development (PYD) is a resilience-based framework that accentuates positive traits in youth. PYD constructs are characteristics that are hypothesized to promote healthy development. However, measures to assess PYD constructs are lacking. Methods: An instrument was created to assess PYD. One hundred and forty youth between the age of 7 and 18 ( M = 11.6) completed the measure over five time points. Data were then analyzed using psychometric analysis techniques. Results: Findings suggest that the instrument is a reliable measure of PYD. The scale shows good reliability, with an overall Cronbach’s α of 92. Conclusions: The Bridge-PYD may be a useful tool for program evaluation and the assessment of theoretical constructs in the PYD models.
Smac mimetic and glucocorticoids synergize to induce apoptosis in childhood ALL by promoting ripoptosome assembly
Authors: Belz Katharina , Schoeneberger Hannah , Wehner Sibylle , Weigert Andreas , Bönig Halvard , Klingebiel Thomas , Fichtner Iduna , Fulda Simone 
Published: May 2014

Key PointsSmac mimetic and GCs synergize to induce apoptosis in ALL cells in vitro and in vivo. Smac mimetic and GCs cooperate to deplete IAP proteins and to trigger formation of a RIP1/FADD/caspase-8 complex (ripoptosome).
Association between adherence to an antimicrobial stewardship program and mortality among hospitalised cancer patients with febrile neutropaenia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Rosa Regis G , Goldani Luciano Z , dos Santos Rodrigo P 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundInitial management of chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropaenia (FN) comprises empirical therapy with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial. Currently, there is sufficient evidence to indicate which antibiotic regimen should be administered initially. However, no randomized trial has evaluated whether adherence to an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) results in lower rates of mortality in this setting. The present study sought to assess the association between adherence to an ASP and mortality among hospitalised cancer patients with FN.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study in a single tertiary hospital from October 2009 to August 2011. All adult patients who were admitted to the haematology ward with cancer and FN were followed up for 28 days. ASP adherence to the initial antimicrobial prescription was determined. The mortality rates of patients who were treated with antibiotics according to the ASP protocol were compared with those of patients treated with other antibiotic regimens. The multivariate Cox proportional hazards model and propensity score were used to estimate 28-day mortality risk.ResultsA total of 307 FN episodes in 169 subjects were evaluated. The rate of adherence to the ASP was 53%. In a Cox regression analysis, adjusted for propensity scores and other potential confounding factors, ASP adherence was independently associated with lower mortality (hazard ratio, 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.14–0.92).ConclusionsAntimicrobial selection is important for the initial management of patients with FN, and adherence to the ASP, which calls for the rational use of antibiotics, was associated with lower mortality rates in this setting.
Tunable biphasic drug release from ethyl cellulose nanofibers fabricated using a modified coaxial electrospinning process
Authors: Li Chen , Wang Zhuan-Hua , Yu Deng-Guang , Williams Gareth R 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
This manuscript reports a new type of drug-loaded core-shell nanofibers that provide tunable biphasic release of quercetin. The nanofibers were fabricated using a modified coaxial electrospinning process, in which a polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-coated concentric spinneret was employed. Poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) and ethyl cellulose (EC) were used as the polymer matrices to form the shell and core parts of the nanofibers, respectively. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that the nanofibers had linear morphologies and core-shell structures. The quercetin was found to be present in the nanofibers in the amorphous physical status, on the basis of X-ray diffraction results. In vitro release profiles showed that the PVP shell very rapidly freed its drug cargo into the solution, while the EC core provided the succedent sustained release. Variation of the drug loading permitted the release profiles to be tuned.
Paraneoplastic granulocyte colony-stimulating factor secretion in soft tissue sarcoma mimicking myeloproliferative neoplasia: a case report
Authors: Dorn Christiane , Bugl Stefanie , Malenke Elke , Müller Martin R , Weisel Katja C , Vogel Ulrich , Horger Marius , Kanz Lothar , Kopp Hans-Georg 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background
While paraneoplastic leukocytosis is a common phenomenon in solid tumors, extreme elevations of white blood counts (WBC) in the range of more than 100,000/μl are uncommon in patients with non-hematologic malignancies. Leukocytosis with mature neutrophils due to a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) producing tumor is only seen on rare occasions.

Case presentation
Massive neutrophil leukocytosis of approximately 100,000/μl was diagnosed in a 57-year-old Caucasian woman with metastatic undifferentiated endometrial sarcoma. A bone marrow trephine biopsy revealed massively increased granulopoiesis, but no evidence of monoclonal myeloproliferative disease. After the primary tumor had been resected, white blood count (WBC) plummeted and went back to nearly normal levels within one week. With progressive metastatic disease, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) plasma levels were found to be increased by 10-fold. White blood count (WBC) strictly correlated with tumor burden and response to chemotherapy. In the final stage of treatment resistent disease, white blood count (WBC) approximated 300,000/μl.

Conclusion
We report on a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) secreting undifferentiated endometrial sarcoma, which was associated with extreme neutrophil counts. White blood count (WBC) were closely correlated with tumor burden and associated with an aggressive clinical course. We suggest that paraneoplastic neutrophilia represents a poor prognostic sign in soft tissue sarcoma. In patients with similar constellations, antitumor therapy must not be delayed.
Vocational rehabilitation in early psychosis: cluster randomised trial
Authors: Craig Tom , Shepherd Geoff , Rinaldi Miles , Smith Jo , Carr Sarah , Preston Fay , Singh Swaran 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundIndividual placement and support (IPS) is effective in helping patients return to work but is poorly implemented because of clinical ambivalence and fears of relapse.AimsTo assess whether a motivational intervention (motivational interviewing) directed at clinical staff to address ambivalence about employment improved patients' occupational outcomes.MethodTwo of four early intervention teams that already provided IPS were randomised to receive motivational interviewing training for clinicians, focused on attitudinal barriers to employment. The trial was registered with the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Register (ISRCTN71943786).ResultsOf 300 eligible participants, 159 consented to the research. Occupational outcomes were obtained for 134 patients (85%) at 12-month follow-up. More patients in the intervention teams than in the IPS-only teams achieved employment by 12 months (29/68 v. 12/66). A random effects logistic regression accounting for clustering by care coordinator, and adjusted for participants' gender, ethnicity, educational and employment history and clinical status scores, confirmed superiority of the intervention (odds ratio = 4.3, 95% CI 1.5–16.6).ConclusionsEmployment outcomes were enhanced by addressing clinicians' ambivalence about their patients returning to work.
Avian-style respiration allowed gigantism in pterosaurs
Authors: Ruxton Graeme 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Powered flight has evolved three times in the vertebrates: in the birds, the bats and the extinct pterosaurs. The largest bats ever known are at least an order of magnitude smaller than the largest members of the other two groups. Recently it was argued that different scaling of wingbeat frequencies to body mass in birds and bats can help explain why the largest birds are larger than the largest bats. Here I extend this argument in two ways. Firstly, I suggest that different respiratory physiologies are key to understanding the restriction on bat maximum size compared to birds. Secondly, I argue that a respiratory physiology similar to birds would have been a prerequisite for the gigantism seen in pterosaurs.
How To Monitor Maturity of Learners� Scientific World Outlook Components in the Sphere of Natural Sciences
Authors: ��������  , Gilyazova I. , ����������  , Melnikova O. 
Published: May 2014

The authors share their experience on how to put in place monitoring procedure to find out whether components of the university students� scientific
world outlook are mature enough. It is described, how to structure questionnaire, also presented are examples of tasks as well as diagnostics results and
results, obtained by statistical processing of invariable section of the questionnaire, filled in by students of higher institutions, specializing in Economics
and Pedagogy. Components of educational process, conducive to sustainable development, are discussed. It is emphasized, that issues concerning environment
protection, care of living and eating healthy should be integral parts of modern world outlook and be properly attended by higher institutions
in organizing educational process. Examples of tasks on chemistry of nutrition, chemistry of environment and chemistry of health are presented, and
the authors recommend to use these tasks in the educational process. The set of diagnostic tools, designed to evaluate components of scientific world
outlook, is provided. The authors have also developed a comprehensive questionnaire, with both invariable (generalized) and variable-based sections
(aimed at developing professional competencies in significant (relevant spheres of natural science). The suggested methodology of monitoring is applicable
in both core and non-core higher educational institutions.
Identifying Expertise to Extract the Wisdom of Crowds
Authors: Budescu David V. , Chen Eva 
Published: May 2014

Statistical aggregation is often used to combine multiple opinions within a group. Such aggregates outperform individuals, including experts, in various prediction and estimation tasks. This result is attributed to the “wisdom of crowds.” We seek to improve the quality of such aggregates by eliminating poorly performing individuals from the crowd. We propose a new measure of contribution to assess the judges' performance relative to the group and use positive contributors to build a weighting model for aggregating forecasts. In Study 1, we analyze 1,233 judges forecasting almost 200 current events to illustrate the superiority of our model over unweighted models and models weighted by measures of absolute performance. In Study 2, we replicate our findings by using economic forecasts from the European Central Bank and show how the method can be used to identify smaller crowds of the top positive contributors. We show that the model derives its power from identifying experts who consistently outperform the crowd.Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2014.1909 .This paper was accepted by James Smith, decision analysis.
Micronized progesterone as a neuroprotector in pregnant women with post-trauma brain syndrome
Authors: Tsyganenko Irina Vasilivna , Simrok Vasil Vasilyovich , Ruban Katerina Sergiivna 
Published: May 2014

The present article is concerned with the study of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) level in the blood serum of pregnant women with post–trauma brain injury syndrome (post-TBI syndrome) as the marker of hematoencephalic barrier status and predictor of obstetric and perinatal complications development.
Smoking cessation intervention among pregnant women in South Africa
Authors: Petersen Zaino , Steyn Krisela , Lombard Carl , Everett Katherine , Emmelin Maria 
Published: May 2014

The objective was to determine the practices and beliefs of disadvantaged women with high smoking rates, their perceptions of antenatal services and their preference for smoking cessation intervention materials. The readiness of smokers to quit, in terms of stages of change, was also determined. The study took place in public sector antenatal clinics situated in Cape Town, Kimberley, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and Pretoria that provide care to predominantly women of mixed ancestral descent. A cross-sectional survey was used. Data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire from pregnant women who were currently smoking, had quit smoking before or during pregnancy and who had never smoked. A total of 796 women were interviewed of which 365 (45.9%) were smokers, 117 (14.7%) were quitters and 314 (39.4%) were non-smokers. Being in the pre-contemplation stage was reported by 28%, 36% indicated that they thought about quitting, while 36% said that they were in the preparation stage. Of the smokers and quitters 9.3% had stopped in the last 6 months (action stage), and 15% had stopped for longer (maintenance phase). 86% of women reported satisfaction with midwives and more than 60% rated interactive intervention methods such as support groups and talks by women who had stopped smoking most favourably. Most women who smoked were contemplating or preparing to stop smoking. Intervention programmes should target these groups of women and midwives could be used to implement the interventions by facilitating support from women who had successfully quit.
Evaluation of evidence-based episiotomy practice by midwives
Authors: Teckla N , Omoni G , Mwaura J , Omuga B 
Published: May 2014

Research-based practice in nursing and midwifery is regarded as a means of ensuring that quality care is provided by integrating individual clinical expertise with the best available clinical evidence from systematic research. Previous studies indicate that few midwives strive to achieve their role of safe motherhood by helping women and their families through the pregnancy and childbirth process using research-based practice. The study documents the practice of episiotomy by midwives in an urban setting. This is a cross-sectional qualitative and quantitative descriptive study. All midwives working in the labour ward at Pumwani Maternity Hospital in June–July 2009 were eligible for the study. A standard questionnaire was used to collect data regarding socio-demographic characteristics, professional training and evidence-based knowledge. Consenting and qualifying midwives were eligible for study. In-depth interviews were conducted among key informants over the same period. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The most common types of episiotomy preferred by the midwives was medio-lateral and midline. Various factors were reported to have influenced the midwives practices: very tight perineum, breech presentation, premature labour, female genital mutilation, instrumental delivery and status of the fetus. In-depth interviews demonstrated lack of specific guidelines on specific procedures, personal attitudes and inadequate administration support. The study recommends an urgent need to put in place modalities to ensure that guidelines are developed and used appropriately in order to standardize provision of services.
Primiparous women's experiences of labour in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Murira Nester , Ashford Robert , Sparrow John 
Published: May 2014

A study of primiparous women in Harare, Zimbabwe was undertaken to assess women's knowledge about the process of labour and to ascertain whether communication with health professionals increased women's knowledge and whether they understood thr risks of certain bahaviours in labour. A retrospective qualitative study was undertaken among primiparous women in Harare, Zimbabwe from which a purposive sample was selected. Qualitative interviews were used to collect data from a purposive sample of primiparous women in their homes, one week after delivery of their first babies. Data saturation was achieved after interviewing and collecting data from ten women. Modified grounded analysis was used in the analysis of the qualitative data. The results revealed that primiparous women who delivered in maternity units in Harare did not receive information about labour from health professionals before labour. There were areas of conflict during the labour process between the women's cultural teaching and health professionals' knowledge of labour. The women were most distressed by the pain of labour and the process of acquiring pain relief, as well as poor communication with health professionals in general. The results suggest a need for continuing education for midwives in management of labour and improved communication between health professionals and women before and during labour.
Communicating health information in teaching hospitals in Zimbabwe
Authors: Murira Nester , Ashford Robert , Sparrow John 
Published: May 2014

An investigation into transferring health information between health professionals in regular contact with women as they seek health services, and women seeking health services, was held with health professionals from three teaching hospitals in Harare, Zimbabwe. The study aim was to investigate health professionals' perspectives about communication with women to identify their models of communication and effectiveness of the models in transferring health information to women. Participants were health professionals in regular contact with women. Focus group discussions of two multi-professional groups responding to three lead discussion questions were conducted. Data were recorded using pen and paper and transcribed into Microsoft Word. Data analysis was conducted through qualitative content analysis. The results revealed that health professionals experienced various difficulties in communicating health messages to women. Communication styles were attributed to health training curriculum, organizational environment and personal factors. An effective communication model and a review of health professional curricula are needed to develop health professionals' communication skills to enable them to respond to women's information needs.