bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thrombotic Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome: the profile of antibody positivity in patients from North India
Authors: Ahluwalia Jasmina , Sreedharanunni Sreejesh , Kumar Narender , Masih Joseph , Bose Sunil Kumar , Varma Neelam , Varma Subhash , Singh Surjit 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimWe evaluated the frequency of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) in patients presenting with thrombosis of various vascular beds from North India and report the antibody profiles encountered.Patients and methodsA retrospective analysis was performed on the laboratory results of aCL (anticardiolipin), aβ2Gp1 (anti‐βeta‐2 glycoprotein 1) antibody and LAC (lupus anticoagulant) of 1222 consecutive patients referred to the coagulation laboratory work‐up for a hypercoagulable/thrombophilic state over a period of 4 years between 2009 and 2013. LAC was screened with dRVVT (diluted Russel Viper Venom Test) and KCT (Kaolin clotting time), and aCL and aβ2Gp1 antibodies with commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assy kits.ResultsThe current APS criteria was satisfied in 3.85% of all patients and 4.2% of pediatric patients with thrombosis. The venous circulation was more frequently affected (59.6%). Cerebral arterial and intra‐abdominal vein involvement was common. Transient antibody positivity was seen in 44 (3.6%) cases. aβ2Gp1, aCL and LAC were positive in 95%, 54.5% and 23% of patients with APS, respectively, during the initial visit and 93.6%, 23% and 17%, respectively, during the follow‐up visit. Persistent triple positivity was seen in only three cases. At initial testing, positivity for both aCL and aβ2Gp1 was the most frequent pattern (38% of cases).Conclusionsaβ2Gp1 antibody was the commonest antibody that was persistently positive in patients with thrombosis. Triple positivity for all antibodies had the highest specificity and positive predictive value to diagnose APS in the first visit, whereas aβ2Gp1 antibody had the highest sensitivity and negative predictive value.
Clinical differences between Thai systemic sclerosis patients with positive versus negative anti‐topoisomerase I
Authors: Foocharoen Chingching , Suwannachat Prangsuporn , Netwijitpan Sittichai , Mahakkanukrauh Ajanee , Suwannaroj Siraphop , Nanagara Ratanavadee ,   the Scleroderma Research Group
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundAnti‐topoisomerase I antibody (ATA) carries an increased risk of systemic sclerosis (SSc) internal organ involvement. There have been no published comparisons of the clinical characteristics of patients positive and negative for ATA in Thailand, where the positive rate for ATA is higher than among Caucasians.ObjectiveTo define the clinical differences between SSc, positive versus negative, for ATA.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed among SSc patients over 18 at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Thailand, during January 2006–December 2013. SSc‐overlap syndrome was excluded.ResultsTwo hundred and ninety‐four SSc patients were included (female : male 2.5 : 1). The majority (68.6%) were the diffuse cutaneous SSc subset (dcSSc). ATA was positive in 252 patients (85.7%), among whom 71.7% had dcSSc and 28.2% limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc). Using a multivariate analysis, hand deformity had a significantly positive association with ATA (odds ratio [OR] 7.01; 95% CI 1.02–48.69), whereas being anti‐centromere (ACA) positive had a negative association (OR 0.17; 95% CI 0.03–0.92). After doing a subgroup analysis of the SSc subset, the median duration of disease at time of pulmonary fibrosis detection among ATA positive dcSSc was significantly shorter than the ATA negative group (1.05 vs. 6.77 years, P = 0.01). Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) at onset was significantly more frequent in lcSSc sufferers who were ATA negative than those who were ATA positive (90.5% vs. 56.9%, P = 0.005).ConclusionsA high prevalence of ATA positivity was found among Thai SSc patients and this was associated with a high frequency of hand deformity, ACA negativity, a short duration of pulmonary fibrosis in dcSSc and a lower frequency of RP in lcSSc.
Europe's Role in Global Governance: Changing the European Debate
Authors: Wallace of Saltaire Lord William 
Published: October 2014

AbstractLord William Wallace considers Europe's role in a changing sphere of global governance. Reflecting upon Britain's 19th century role as the benevolent hegemon, and the influence of the US following the Second World War, Lord Wallace questions what Europe's role should be in the 21st century, hegemon‐free world. Considering the crisis in Eastern and Southern Europe and across the Middle East, Lord Wallace identifies a pragmatic middle ground. Both academics and politicians are tasked to convince their respective domestic publics of the importance of making way for the future of European society, while also stabilizing the crises on Europe's borders.
The EU's Engagement with Asia
Authors: Chenard Marie Julie , Arne Westad O. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractSince the end of the Cold War the EU's relationship with Asia has evolved almost beyond recognition: from relatively low‐ranking, undeveloped and scattered, to highly salient, increasingly refined, comprehensive, systematic and coherent. Asia is now firmly positioned on the EU's global agenda. The aim of the paper is twofold: to examine the development of the EU's relationship with Asia since the end of the Cold War; and to explore ways in which the EU could play a more relevant role in Asia. Acknowledging the vast diversity in cultures, histories, languages, socioeconomic and political systems, foremost in Asia but also within the EU, this analysis focuses on three key issue areas: trade, security and the climate. The central argument put forward is that trade is not only essential to economic recovery and sustainable economic growth, but also a vehicle to reach progress on solving security issues, whether traditional or nontraditional. This study also offers evidence of the core ideas that underpin the way the EU engages with the world at large.
Eastern Partnership vs Eurasian Union? The EU–Russia Competition in the Shared Neighbourhood and the Ukraine Crisis
Authors: Cadier David 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis article examines the nature and implications of the emerging EU–Russia competition in their common neighbourhood. After analysing the two economic integration platforms that the EU and Russia are respectively promoting in the postsoviet space, the Eastern Partnership (EaP) and the Eurasian Economic Union, the discussion focuses on the case study of Ukraine. It is argued that depicting this emerging regional configuration as a geopolitical contest between two cohesive blocs was not fully corresponding to the reality on the ground but that it largely turned into a self‐fulfilling prophecy in the case of Ukraine.
The activity of satellite cells and myonuclei following 8 weeks of strength training in young men with suppressed testosterone levels
Authors: Kvorning T. , Kadi F. , Schjerling P. , Andersen M. , Brixen K. , Suetta C. , Madsen K. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimTo investigate how suppression of endogenous testosterone during an 8‐week strength training period influences the activity of satellite cells and myonuclei.MethodsTwenty‐two moderately trained young men participated in this randomized, placebo‐controlled, and double‐blinded intervention study. The participants were randomized to treatment with a GnRH analogue, goserelin (n = 12), which suppresses testosterone or placebo (n = 10) for 12 weeks. The strength training period of 8 weeks started after 4 weeks of treatment and included exercises for all major muscles. Biopsies were obtained from the mid‐portion of the vastus lateralis muscle.ResultsTestosterone resting level in goserelin was 10–20 times lower compared with placebo, and the training‐induced increase in the level of testosterone was abolished in goserelin. Training increased satellite cells number in type II fibres by 20% in placebo and by 52% in goserelin (P < 0.01), whereas the myonuclear number significantly increased by 12% in type II fibres in placebo and remained unchanged in goserelin (P < 0.05). No changes in satellite cells and myonuclei were seen in type I fibres in either group. Data from the microarray analysis indicated that low testosterone affects the bone morphogenetic proteins signalling, which might regulate proliferation vs. differentiation of satellite cells.ConclusionEight weeks of strength training enhances the myonuclear number in type II fibres, and this is largely blocked by the suppression of testosterone. The data indicate that low testosterone levels could reduce the differentiation of satellite cells to myonuclei via the bone morphogenetic proteins signalling pathway, resulting in reduced increases in lean leg mass.
Analysis of the factors creating consumer attributes of roasted beef steaks
Authors: Guzek Dominika , Głąbska Dominika , Gutkowska Krystyna , Wierzbicki Jerzy , Woźniak Alicja , Wierzbicka Agnieszka 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe aim of the study was to analyze the factors creating consumer attributes of roasted beef steaks of various animals. Eight cuts from 30 carcasses (characterized by various types of animal, conformation and fat class, rib fat thickness, ossification score) were selected. Samples were prepared using the roasting method and consumers rated the tenderness, juiciness, flavor, overall acceptability (rated in a 100‐point scale), and satisfaction (rated from 2 to 5) for analyzed samples. No influence of type of animal, fat class, conformation class or ossification score on the results of consumer analysis was observed. For all analyzed factors, the influence of cut on consumer analysis was observed (the highest values of all consumer attributes were observed for tenderloin ‐ for juiciness significantly higher than for other cuts, for tenderness, flavor and MQ4 comparable only with rump (RMP231), while for overall acceptability and satisfaction – with both rump cuts). For rib fat thickness consumer attributes of roasted beef meat were not linear, but the influence was observed – the highest values of consumer attributes were observed for 13 mm rib fat thickness.
Comparison of the measurement of heart rate in adult free‐range chickens (Gallus domesticus) by auscultation and electrocardiography
Authors: Smith CF , Gavaghan BJ , McSweeney D , Powell V , Lisle A 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveTo compare the heart rates of adult free‐range chickens (Gallus domesticus) measured by auscultation with a stethoscope with those measured simultaneously using electrocardiography (ECG).MethodsWith each bird in a standing position, estimation of the heart rate was performed by placing a mark on paper for every 4 beats for roosters and 8 beats for hens as detected by auscultation over 30 s, while simultaneous ECG was performed.ResultsHeart rates measured by auscultation showed a high correlation (r = 0.97) with those measured by ECG.ConclusionThere was a high correlation between the heart rates of adult free‐range chickens measured by auscultation with a stethoscope and those measured simultaneously using ECG.
Changing trends in the causes and management of male urethral stricture disease in China: an observational descriptive study from 13 centres
Authors: Xu Yue‐Min , Song Lu‐Jie , Wang Kun‐Jie , Lin Jian , Sun Guang , Yue Zhong‐Jin , Jiang Hai , Shan Yu‐Xi , Zhu Shao‐Xing , Wang Yu‐Jie , Liu Zhi‐Ming , Li Zhen‐Hua , Liu Zhong‐Hua , Chen Qing‐Ke , Xie Min‐Kai 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveTo determine whether there have been any changes in the causes and management of urethral strictures in China.Patients and MethodsThe data from 4 764 men with urethral stricture disease who underwent treatment at 13 medical centres in China between 2005 and 2010 were retrospectively collected. The databases were analysed for the possible causes, site and treatment techniques for the urethral stricture, as well as for changes in the causes and management of urethral strictures.ResultsThe most common cause of urethral strictures was trauma, which occurred in 2 466 patients (51.76%). The second most common cause was iatrogenic injures, which occurred in 1 643 patients (34.49%). The most common techniques to treat urethral strictures were endourological surgery (1 740, 36.52%), anastomotic urethroplasty (1 498, 31.44%) and substitution urethroplasty (1 039, 21.81%). A comparison between the first 3 years and the last 3 years showed that the constituent ratio of endourological surgery decreased from 54% to 32.75%, whereas the constituent ratios of anastomotic urethroplasty and substitution urethroplasty increased from 26.73% and 19.18% to 39.93% and 27.32%, respectively (P < 0.05).ConclusionsDuring recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of urethral strictures caused by trauma and iatrogenic injury. Endourological urethral surgery rates decreased significantly, and open urethroplasty rates increased significantly during the last 3 years.
Prognostic factors influencing survival from regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the penis after preoperative chemotherapy
Authors: Dickstein Rian J. , Munsell Mark F. , Pagliaro Lance C. , Pettaway Curtis A. 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveTo describe both clinical and pathological response rates, survival, and predictors of survival when using contemporary perioperative chemotherapy and surgical resection for patients with regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the penis.Patients and MethodsRetrospective review of all patients diagnosed withSCCof the penis and regional lymph node metastases that were treated with chemotherapy with the intent to undergo lymphadenectomy. Clinical and pathological responses were reported. Recurrence‐free and overall survival was estimated usingKaplan–Meier analysis. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess factors for survival.ResultsIn all, 61 patients were identified, of which 54 (90%) received chemotherapy with paclitaxel/ifosfamide/cisplatin. In all, 39 patients (65%) had either a partial (PR) or complete response (CR) to chemotherapy. The 5‐year survival varied significantly (P= 0.045–0.001) among patients achieving aCR/PR(50%), stable disease (25%), and progression (7.7%). In all, 10 patients (16.4%) were renderedpN0with combined therapy and 20 patients (33%) were alive and disease free at a median follow‐up of 67 months, while 32 (52%) died from disease. Long‐term survival was associated with response to chemotherapy and favourable pathological findings after resection.ConclusionContemporary chemotherapy resulted in clinically significant responses among patients with regionally advanced penile cancer. About 50% of such patients with an objective response to chemotherapy who undergo consolidative lymphadenectomy will remain alive at 5 years.
Three‐dimensional navigation system integrating position‐tracking technology with a movable tablet display for percutaneous targeting
Authors: Marien Arnaud , de Luis Abreu Andre Castro , Desai Mihir , Azhar Raed A. , Chopra Sameer , Shoji Sunao , Matsugasumi Toru , Nakamoto Masahiko , Gill Inderbir S. , Ukimura Osamu 
Published: October 2014

ObjectivesTo assess the feasibility of a novel percutaneous navigation system (Translucent Medical, Inc., Santa Cruz, CA, USA) that integrates position‐tracking technology with a movable tablet display.Materials and MethodsA total of 18 fiducial markers, which served as the target centres for the virtual tumours (target fiducials), were implanted in the prostate and kidney of a fresh cadaver, and preoperative computed tomography (CT) was performed to allow three‐dimensional model reconstruction of the surgical regions, which were registered on the body intra‐operatively. The position of the movable tablet's display could be selected to obtain the best recognition of the interior anatomy. The system was used to navigate the puncture needle (with position‐tracking sensor attached) using a colour‐coded, predictive puncture‐line. When the operator punctured the target fiducial, another fiducial, serving as the centre of the ablative treatment (treatment fiducial), was placed. Postoperative CT was performed to assess the digitized distance (representing the real distance) between the target and treatment fiducials to evaluate the accuracy of the procedure.ResultsThe movable tablet display, with position‐tracking sensor attached, enabled the surgeon to visualize the three‐dimensional anatomy of the internal organs with the help of an overlaid puncture line for the puncture needle, which also had a position‐tracking sensor attached. The mean (virtual) distance from the needle tip to the target (calculated using the computer workstation), was 2.5 mm. In an analysis of each digitalized axial component, the errors were significantly greater along the z‐axis (P < 0.01), suggesting that the errors were caused by organ shift or deformation.ConclusionThis virtual navigation system, integrating a position‐tracking sensor with a movable tablet display, is a promising advancement for facilitating percutaneous interventions. The movable display over the patient shows a preoperative three‐dimensional image that is aligned to the patient. Moving the display moves the image, creating the feeling of looking through a window into the patient, resulting in instant perception and a direct, intuitive connection between the physician and the anatomy.
Regulation of the alternative pathway of complement modulates injury and immunity in a chronic model of dextran sulphate sodium-induced colitis
Authors: Elvington M , Schepp-Berglind J , Tomlinson S 
Published: October 2014

Summary
The role of complement in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been studied primarily using acute models, and it is unclear how complement affects processes in more relevant chronic models of IBD in which modulation of adaptive immunity and development of fibrosis have pathogenic roles. Using mice deficient in C1q/mannose-binding lectin (MBL) or C3, we demonstrated an important role for these opsonins and/or the classical pathway C3 convertase in providing protection against mucosal injury and infection in a model of chronic dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. In contrast, deficiency of the alternative pathway (fB–/– mice) had significantly less impact on injury profiles. Consequently, the effect of a targeted inhibitor of the alternative pathway was investigated in a therapeutic protocol. Following the establishment of colitis, mice were treated with CR2-fH during subsequent periods of DSS treatment and acute injury (modelling relapse). CR2-fH significantly reduced complement activation, inflammation and injury in the colon, and additionally reduced fibrosis. Alternative pathway inhibition also altered the immune response in the chronic state in terms of reducing numbers of B cells, macrophages and mature dendritic cells in the lamina propria. This study indicates an important role for the alternative pathway of complement in the pathogenesis and the shaping of an immune response in chronic DSS-induced colitis, and supports further investigation into the use of targeted alternative pathway inhibition for the treatment of IBD.
Impact of dental treatment under general anesthesia on the oral health‐related quality of life of adolescents and adults with special needs
Authors: Chang Juhea , Patton Lauren L. , Kim Hae‐Young 
Published: October 2014

This study aimed to assess the perception of the family's primary caregiver on the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL), and the impact on family dynamics, of dental treatment under general anesthesia (GA) in adolescent and adult patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and neurocognitive disorders. Self‐administered questionnaires were completed, before dental treatment, by 116 primary family caregivers of patients who received dental treatment under GA, and 102 (88%) of these caregivers completed the same questionnaires within 4 wk after treatment. The Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP) and the Family Impact Scale (FIS) were shortened to a 14‐item COHIP (COHIP‐14) and a 12‐item FIS (FIS‐12) based on the limitations of patients’ communication. The COHIP‐14 and FIS‐12 scores and each subscale improved after treatment. The baseline scores varied based on certain characteristics of the patients, such as age, disabilities, medications, caregivers, meal types, cooperation levels, and treatment needs. The postoperative improvement in OHRQoL was significant in the patients who were older than 30 yr of age, originally eating soft meals, displaying no or very low levels of cooperation, or receiving endodontic treatment. Based on the primary caregiver perceptions, the OHRQoL of adolescents and adults with IDD and neurocognitive disorders was improved by dental treatment under GA.
Cues of Predation Risk Induce Instar‐ and Genotype‐Specific Changes in Pea Aphid Colony Spatial Structure
Authors: Keiser Carl N. , Mondor Edward B. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractDeploying collective antipredator behaviors during periods of increased predation risk is a major determinant of individual fitness for most animal groups. Pea aphids, Acyrthosiphon pisum, which live in aggregations of genetically identical individuals produced via asexual reproduction warn nearby conspecifics of pending attack by secreting a volatile alarm pheromone. This alarm pheromone allows clone‐mates to evade predation by walking away or dropping off the host plant. Here, we test how a single alarm pheromone emission influences colony structure and defensive behavior in this species. Relative to control colonies, groups exposed to alarm pheromone exhibited pronounced escape behavior where many individuals relocated to adjacent leaves on the host plant. Alarm pheromone reception, however, also had subtle instar‐specific effects: The proportion of 1st instars feeding nearest the leaf petiole decreased as these individuals moved to adjacent leaves, while the proportion of 2nd–3rd instars feeding nearest the leaf petiole remained constant. Fourth instars also dispersed to neighboring leaves after pheromone exposure. Lastly, alarm pheromone reception caused maternal aphids to alter their preferred feeding sites in a genotype‐specific manner: Maternal aphids of the green genotype fed further from the petiole, while maternal aphids of the pink genotype fed closer to the petiole. Together, our results suggest that aphid colony responses to alarm pheromone constitute a diversity of nuanced instar‐ and genotype‐specific effects. These behavioral responses can dramatically change the spatial organization of colonies and their collective defensive behavior.
Modelling the Performance of Irish Credit Unions, 2002 to 2010
Authors: Glass J. Colin , McKillop Donal G. , Quinn Barry 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis study undertakes a modeling based performance assessment of all Irish credit unions between 2002 and 2010, a particularly turbulent period in their history. The analysis explicitly addresses the current challenges faced by credit unions in that the modeling approach used rewards credit unions for reducing undesirable outputs (impaired loans and investments) as well as for increasing desirable outputs (loans, earning assets and members’ funds) and decreasing inputs (labour expenditure, capital expenditure and fund expenses). The main findings are: credit unions are subject to increasing returns to scale; technical regression occurred in the years after 2007; there is significant scope for an improvement in efficiency through expansion of desirable outputs and contraction of undesirable outputs and inputs; and that larger credit unions, that are better capitalised and pay a higher dividend to members are more efficient than their smaller, less capitalised, and lower dividend paying counterparts.