bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Important impacts of tissue selection and lipid extraction on ecological parameters derived from stable isotope ratios
Authors: Perkins Matthew J. , McDonald Robbie A. , van Veen F. J. Frank , Kelly Simon D. , Rees Gareth , Bearhop Stuart 
Published: July 2013

Summary

The nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) isotope ratios of animal tissues can help identify the composition of diets and open up a myriad of ecological applications. However, consumers do not ingest or assimilate all components of food items, and it is not well understood how sampling different tissues of sources and consumers may affect isotopic values ascribed, and thereby how such variation affects derived ecological measures.

Utilizing a simple prey–predator feeding relationship in insects, we examined isotopic differences in soft, exoskeleton and whole tissues using samples with and without lipid extraction. As a derived ecological measure, we calculated trophic discrimination factors, changes in δ15N or δ13C between source and consumer, for the different prey–predator tissue combinations.

Lipid extraction did not affect δ15N values, and we found significant tissue differences in δ15N that varied between prey and predator. Lipid extraction enriched δ13C values in most instances, and it was only after extraction of lipids that we observed consistent depletion of δ13C in exoskeleton relative to soft tissues in prey and predator.

Isotopic differences between tissue types propagated marked variation in derived ecological parameters. Common sampling practice using whole tissue for prey and predator (whole/whole) resulted in a trophic discrimination factor of 0·48‰ for δ15N, compared with correct factors of 0·97‰ (soft/whole) and 2·18‰ (soft/soft) using prey soft tissue actually ingested by the predator. For δ13C, variation across discrimination factors was less, with whole/whole tissue of −0·14‰, whilst correct factors were −0·55‰ (soft/whole) and −0·04‰ (soft/soft).

Our results indicate that tissue selection and preparation are important considerations for isotopic studies using arthropods. Lipid extraction is necessary to derive accurate δ13C values based on proteins, whilst consequences of tissue selection are likely context‐dependent: In poorly defined systems where sources are isotopically similar or have larger variance, our results indicate that tissue selection within sources is important to avoid significant error, whether estimating trophic positions or dietary proportions using mixing models. In such cases, we strongly recommend exclusion of source materials not assimilated in consumers.
BMI But Not Stage or Etiology of Nonalcoholic Liver Disease Affects the Diagnostic Utility of Carbohydrate‐Deficient Transferrin
Authors: Fagan Kevin J. , Irvine Katharine M. , McWhinney Brett C. , Fletcher Linda M. , Horsfall Leigh U. , Johnson Lambro A. , Clouston Andrew D. , Jonsson Julie R. , O'Rourke Peter , Martin Jennifer , Pretorius Carel J. , Ungerer Jacobus P. J. , Powell Elizabeth E. 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundA reliable biomarker is required in hepatology clinics for detection and follow‐up of heavy alcohol consumption. Carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin (CDT) increases with sustained heavy alcohol consumption and is the most specific biomarker of ethanol (EtOH) consumption. Recent introduction of a standardized method for measuring CDT has improved its clinical application. This study was designed to determine whether alcohol‐independent factors influence CDT levels in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD).MethodsThe relationship between serum %CDT and self‐reported history of alcohol consumption was examined in 254 patients referred for evaluation of liver disease. CDT analysis was performed on serum collected at time of liver biopsy.ResultsCDT levels were not affected by severity or etiology of nonalcoholic liver disease. Thirteen of 254 subjects had a %CDT >1.7, predictive of heavy alcohol intake, 6 of whom did not acknowledge heavy drinking. Twelve of these 13 subjects were suspected heavy drinkers on review of their medical records and clinical results. Conversely, not all acknowledged heavy drinkers had %CDT >1.7. Heavy drinkers with a body mass index (BMI) in the overweight or obese range had significantly lower %CDT than lean heavy drinkers. This persisted even when lean body weight was used as an approximation of the EtOH volume of distribution.ConclusionsAn elevated BMI reduces the diagnostic utility of CDT at higher alcohol intake in subjects with CLD using the standardized method. In a hepatology outpatient setting, this assay is likely to be useful to confirm suspicion of heavy drinking in subjects who are not overweight, but cannot reliably identify moderate drinkers or heavy drinkers who are overweight.
Methylation differences of the neuronatin gene promoter region in liver between normal and cloned pigs
Authors: Gu Ting , Su Xi , Zhao Shuhong , Li Changchun 
Published: July 2013

SummaryAbnormal phenotypes in cloned pigs can be partly due to changes in epigenetic modifications such as methylation levels of promoter CpG islands. Neuronatin is an imprinted gene, conserved in human, pig, cattle and mouse, which is expressed exclusively from the paternal allele. Three CpG islands located in the promoter region of the porcine neuronatin gene have the potential to regulate the gene expression by cytosine methylation. To illustrate whether neuronatin was differentially expressed among nuclear transfer macroglossia–positive and nuclear transfer macroglossia–negative pigs and in vitro‐fertilized pigs, we detected its expression level by qRT‐PCR and further quantified methylation levels by pyrosequencing DNA from the liver. The results showed that neuronatin was expressed at a significantly higher level in livers of nuclear transfer macroglossia‐positive pigs compared with normal cloned and in vitro‐fertilized pigs. Livers of nuclear transfer macroglossia‐positive pigs also had a significantly lower methylation level at CpG island 2 and CpG island 3 in the promoter region.
Has fertility declined from mid‐1990s to mid‐2000s?
Authors: Rostad Berit , Schmidt Lone , Sundby Johanne , Schei Berit 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo assess changes in self‐reported fertility from the mid‐1990s to the mid‐2000s.DesignThe study is a retrospective population‐based study.SettingThe study applied a dataset from two cross‐sectional surveys conducted in the mid‐1990s and some 10 years later, inviting all women in a county in Norway.PopulationWomen aged 50–59 years enrolled in either survey constituted two cohorts. Data on 4468 women in the first survey (Cohort 1940) and 4951 women in the latter survey (Cohort 1950) were collected by structured questionnaires.Main outcome measuresPrevalence of fertility, infertility with subcategories subfertility and involuntary childlessness, as well as childlessness was estimated and compared between the surveys. Possible sociodemographic and lifestyle predictors of fertility were assessed at different points in time.ResultsFertility declined over the two successive surveys; 87.8% of the women in Cohort 1940 were fertile compared with 84.2% of the women in Cohort 1950 (p = 0.000). The prevalence of infertility increased over time due to an increase in subfertility from 7.8 to 10.6% (p = 0.000). The level of education increased with time, as did at‐risk alcohol consumption and smoking, and these factors were adversely associated with fertility. The proportion of childless women increased across surveys (p = 0.004) but relatively fewer women were involuntarily childless in Cohort 1950 than in Cohort 1940 (p = 0.543).ConclusionFertility, measured at 10‐year intervals, declined significantly. The decline in fertility was related to changes in subfertility. Adjustments for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors did not fully explain the decline in fertility.
Trends and inequalities in the surgical management of ureteric calculi in the USA
Authors: Seklehner Stephan , Laudano Melissa A. , Jamzadeh Asha , Del Pizzo Joseph J. , Chughtai Bilal , Lee Richard K. 
Published: July 2013

Objective
To assess trends in the surgical management of ureteric calculi over a 10‐year period.
Materials and Methods
An analysis of the 5% Medicare Public Use Files, from 2001, 2004, 2007 and 2010, was performed to assess the use of ureteroscopy (URS), extracorporal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) and ureterolithotomy (UL) in treating ureteric calculi.
Patients were identified using International Classification of Diseases 9th edition (Clinical Modification) and Current Procedure Terminology codes.
Statistical analyses using the Fisher and chi‐squared tests, and multivariate logistic regression analysis (dependent variables: URS, ESWL, UL, treatment, no treatment; independent variables: age, gender, ethnicity, geography and year of treatment) were performed.
Results
A total of 299 920 patients with ureteric calculi were identified. Of these, 115 200 underwent surgery.
Men (odds ratio [OR] = 1.15, P < 0.001) were more likely, while patients from ethnic minorities (OR = 0.84, P = 0.004) were less likely to be treated. Patients in the West of the USA were also less likely to be treated (OR = 0.76, P < 0.001) as were patients aged <65 or >84 years old (P = 0.29).
The predominant surgical approach was URS (65.2%), followed by ESWL (33.6%) and UL (1.2%).
The use of URS increased over time, while the use of ESWL and UL declined.
Women (OR = 1.25, P < 0.001) were more likely to undergo URS. Patients in the South of the USA (OR = 1.51, P < 0.001) and patients from ethnic minorities were more likely to undergo ESWL (OR = 1.23, P = 0.03).
Conclusions
The surgical treatment of ureteric calculi changed significantly between 2001 and 2010.
The use of URS expanded at the expense of ESWL and UL.
Multiple inequalities existed in overall surgical treatment rates and in the choice of treatment; age, gender, ethnicity and geography influenced both whether patients underwent surgical intervention and the type of surgical approach used.
Comparison of early postoperative morbidity after robot‐assisted and open radical cystectomy: results of a prospective observational study
Authors: Musch Michael , Janowski Maxim , Steves Antonia , Roggenbuck Ulla , Boergers Andre , Davoudi Yadollah , Loewen Heinrich , Groeben Harold , Kroepfl Darko 
Published: July 2013

Objective
To evaluate early postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing either robot‐assisted (RARC) or open radical cystectomy (ORC) for bladder cancer.
Patients and Methods
A total of 100 patients underwent RARC (between August 2009 and August 2012) and 42 underwent ORC (between October 2007 and July 2009) as treatment for bladder cancer.
Data on the patients' peri‐operative course were collected prospectively up to the 90th postoperative day for the RARC group and up to the 60th postoperative day for the ORC group.
Postoperative complications were recorded based on the Clavien–Dindo classification system.
Both groups were compared with regard to patient and tumour characteristics, surgical and peri‐operative outcomes.
Results
The RARC and ORC groups were well matched with regard to age, body mass index, gender distribution, type of urinary diversion and pathological tumour characteristics (all P > 0.1), but patients in the RARC group had more serious comorbidities according to the Charlson comorbidity index (P = 0.034).
Although surgical duration was longer in the RARC group (P < 0.001) the estimated blood loss was lower (P < 0.001) and transfusion requirement was less (P < 0.001).
Overall 59 patients (59%) in the RARC group and 39 patients (93%) in the ORC group experienced postoperative complications of any Clavien–Dindo grade <90 days and <60 days after surgery, respectively (P < 0.001; relative risk reduction 0.36).
Major complications (grades 3a–5) were also less frequent after RARC (24 [24%] vs 18 patients [43%]; P = 0.029) with a relative risk reduction of 0.44.
In the subgroup of patients with an ileum conduit as a urinary diversion (RARC, n = 76 vs ORC, n = 31) the overall rate of complications (43 [57%] vs 28 [90%] patients; P < 0.001) and the rate of major complications (17 [22%] vs 15 [48%] patients; P = 0.011) were lower in the RARC group with relative risk reductions of 0.37 and 0.54, respectively.
Conclusions
A significant reduction in early postoperative morbidity was associated with the robotic approach.
Despite more serious comorbidities and a 30‐day longer follow‐up in the RARC group, patients in the RARC group experienced fewer postoperative complications than those in the ORC group. Major complications, in particular, were less frequent after RARC.
Assessing the cultural competence of oral health research conducted with migrant children
Authors: Riggs Elisha , Gussy Mark , Gibbs Lisa , van Gemert Caroline , Waters Elizabeth , Priest Naomi , Watt Richard , Renzaho Andre M. N. , Kilpatrick Nicky 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectivesTraditional assessment of research quality addresses aspects of scientific rigor, however, ensuring barriers to participation by people of different cultural backgrounds are addressed requires cultural competence. The aim of this research was to assess the cultural competence of oral health research conducted with migrant children.MethodsA protocol was developed with explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria. Electronic databases were searched from 1995 to 2009. Each study was assessed for cultural competence using the assessment criteria and a template developed as a proof‐of‐concept approach.ResultsOf the 2059 articles identified, 58 met inclusion criteria (n = 48 studies). There were four (8.3%) cohort studies, five (10.4%) intervention studies, 37 (77.1%) quantitative cross‐sectional studies, and two (4.2%) were qualitative studies. Overall, migrant children had worse oral health outcomes in all studies compared with their host‐country counterparts. All studies rated poorly in the cultural competence assessment.ConclusionsAppropriate inclusion of all potentially vulnerable groups in research will result in better estimates and understandings of oral health, and more reliable recommendations for prevention and management.
The different roles of neighbourhood and individual social capital on oral health–related quality of life during pregnancy and postpartum: a multilevel analysis
Authors: Lamarca Gabriela A. , Leal Maria do C. , Leao Anna T. T. , Sheiham Aubrey , Vettore Mario V. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectiveSocial capital incorporates neighbourhood and individual levels of interactions and influences health. The objective of this was to assess the association of neighbourhood and individual social capital with oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) in pregnant and postpartum women.MethodsThis was a follow‐up prevalence multilevel study on a representative sample of 1248 women grouped into 55 neighbourhoods.OHRQoLwas assessed in the postpartum period using the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP‐14). Exploratory variables were gathered during the first trimester of pregnancy and included neighbourhood social capital (neighbourhood‐level measure), individual social capital (social support and social networks), demographic and socio‐economic variables, oral health measures, and health‐related behaviours.ResultsThe multilevel ordered multinomial logistic regression showed that neighbourhood social capital did not significantly affect women'sOHRQoLduring pregnancy and postpartum period. Individual social capital measures were independently associated with highOHRQoL. Lack of family social network increased the odds for highOHRQoL (OR = 1.44, 95%CI: 1.08–1.92). Individuals with high levels of positive social interaction were less likely to report high scores ofOHRQoL (OR = 0.90, 95%CI: 0.82–0.98).ConclusionIndividual social capital was of greater relevance to women'sOHRQoLin and after pregnancy than neighbourhood social capital. These findings suggest that quality of personal and social resources of pregnant women are more important forOHRQoLthan the neighbourhoods where the women live.
Upregulation of Glutamate–Aspartate Transporter by Glial Cell Line–Derived Neurotrophic Factor Ameliorates Cell Apoptosis in Neural Retina in Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Wang Lu , Deng Qin‐Qin , Wu Xiao‐Hua , Yu Jun , Yang Xiong‐Li , Zhong Yong‐Mei 
Published: July 2013

SummaryAimsDysfunction of glutamate uptake, largely mediated by the glutamate–aspartate transporter (GLAST), may lead to retinal cell apoptosis in diabetic retinopathy. The aim of this study is to examine how cell apoptosis and the expression level of GLAST in neural retina of a diabetic rat model are changed and whether the neuroretinal apoptosis could be ameliorated by the administration of glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF).MethodsDiabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in Sprague–Dawley rats. GLAST protein expression levels were determined by Western blotting, whereas apoptosis of retinal neurons was evaluated by TUNEL staining. To assess the role of GDNF in ameliorating the STZ‐induced retinal changes, GDNF/GDNF with siRNA directed against GLAST was injected into the vitreous after STZ injection.ResultsIn rat retinas 4 weeks after the onset of STZ‐induced diabetes, TUNEL‐positive cells were significantly increased, whereas GLAST levels were significantly reduced. Intraocular administration of GDNF at the early stage of diabetes remarkably increased the GLAST levels and decreased TUNEL‐positive signals in the retinas. These effects of GDNF were largely abolished by coadministration of GLAST siRNA.ConclusionsGDNF, administrated at the early stage of diabetes, could rescue retinal cells from neurodegeneration by upregulating the expression of GLAST.
Cost of illness from occupational hand eczema in Germany
Authors: Diepgen Thomas L. , Scheidt Reginald , Weisshaar Elke , John Swen M. , Hieke Klaus 
Published: July 2013

SummaryBackgroundThere is little knowledge about the costs of occupational hand eczema.ObjectivesTo estimate the societal costs of patients with occupational hand eczema in Germany.MethodsResource use during the past year, disease severity and quality of life [Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI)] were gathered for patients with occupational hand eczema before they entered a special rehabilitation programme. Costs were calculated from the societal perspective. The analysis focused on all patients and the severity groups no signs/mild (group A) and moderate to severe (group B).ResultsOne hundred and fifty‐one patients were analysed, with a mean age of 44.9~years and a mean DLQI score of 10.9; 64.9% were male. Sickness absence was recorded for 62.9% of all patients (76.4~days on average in the last 12~months). Annual societal costs were €8799 per patient. Indirect costs represented 70% of total costs. Quality of life (DLQI) was statistically different across both severity groups (group A, 7.9; group B, 12.9), but direct treatment costs were not (€2705 versus €2610, respectively). There was a trend towards higher indirect costs in patients in severity group B (group A, €5120; group B, €6796).ConclusionThe annual societal costs of patients with occupational hand eczema in this study are high, and similar to those for severe psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
Comparison of four methods for assessment of severity of hand eczema
Authors: Agner Tove , Jungersted Jacob Mutanu , Coenraads Pieter‐Jan , Diepgen Thomas 
Published: July 2013

SummaryBackgroundSeveral instruments for the assessment of the severity of hand eczema and health‐related quality of life (HR‐QoL) related to hand eczema have been developed.ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the correlation between frequently used methods.MethodsConsecutive patients with current hand eczema from three different centres participated in the study. Severity of hand eczema was assessed with the Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI), the Physician Global Assessment (PGA), the Clinical Photo Guide, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).ResultsOne hundred and nineteen patients with hand eczema were included in the study. All six pairwise correlation coefficients between the tested methods were highly statistically significant. Correlation was highest between the HECSI and the PGA (r = 0.82), and weakest, although still statistically significant, between the DLQI and the other three severity scores (r between 0.30 and 0.45). Age and frequency of eruptions did not influence the correlations. With respect to sex, there was a tendency for correlation between methods to be higher for men than for women.ConclusionWe found an overall positive correlation between the four severity assessments applied. As the weakest correlation was found between the DLQI and the other methods, it is suggested that measurement of HR‐QoL should be included for assessment of the severity and consequences of hand eczema, but the finding also indicates that a disease‐specific tool for evaluation of HR‐QoL in hand eczema patients is needed.
A simple tool with which to study the course of chronic hand eczema in clinical practice: a reduced‐item score
Authors: van der Valk Pieter G. M. , van Gils Robin F. , Boot Cécile R. L. , Evers Andrea W. M. , Donders Rogier , Alkemade Hans A. C. , Coenraads Pieter Jan , Rustemeyer Thomas , van Mechelen Willem , Anema Johannes R. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryBackgroundPhysicians need a simple, disease‐specific tool with which to assess disease severity and the effect of therapeutic intervention in patients with chronic hand eczema. The currently available clinical scoring systems include numerous items, which makes them laborious to complete and limit their use in daily practice.ObjectiveTo develop a simple tool with which to assess disease severity of patients with chronic hand eczema.MethodsWe evaluated two tools, the Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI) and the Hand Eczema Area and Severity score, to determine their ability to predict the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) of disease severity in patients with moderate to severe hand eczema. We used a stepwise reduction analysis to determine a minimal set of significantly contributing items for predicting IGA.ResultsA three‐item score, based on the highest observed value of induration, fissuring, and scaling, predicted IGA with a correlation of 0.667. The HECSI predicted the IGA with a correlation of 0.675.ConclusionOn the basis of this analysis, we propose a simple tool for clinical decision‐making and evaluation of therapeutic intervention in daily practice.
What do patients with occupational hand eczema know about skin care?
Authors: Fisker Maja H. , Ebbehøj Niels E. , Jungersted Jakob M. , Agner Tove 
Published: July 2013

SummaryBackgroundThe aim of the present study was to examine the knowledge of skin care and treatment of hand eczema (HE) in a sample of patients with newly reported occupational HE.Materials and methodsA questionnaire consisting of 13 questions about knowledge of skin care and treatment of HE was sent to all patients with occupational HE reported to the National Board of Industrial Injuries in the period 1 January 2010 to 31 March 2010.ResultsThree hundred and seventy individuals, 269 females and 101 males, with a mean age of 39.9 years, responded to the questionnaire (response rate of 73%). The overall percentage of correct answers was 73%. Variables significantly influencing the level of knowledge were sex and age, with a need for more information in males and in patients above the age of 50 years. No significant influence of level of education, eczema activity, previous information about HE, previous or current atopic eczema or dermatology life quality index (DLQI) was found.ConclusionThere is still potential for improvement of the level of knowledge among patients with occupational HE. Special attention should be paid to males and patients above the age of 50 years.