bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of snacks in insulin‐treated people with diabetes mellitus and association with HbA1c, weight and quality of life: a cross sectional study
Authors: Heller T. , Kloos C. , Keßler D. , Müller N. , Thierbach R. , Wolf G. , Müller U. A. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimInsulin therapies with prandial injections offer the possibility to skip snacks or omit meals. It is unclear how many people with insulin‐treated diabetes mellitus eat snacks and whether they snack for their own comfort or only on the recommendation of healthcare professionals.MethodsIn 2004, 163 consecutive people with insulin‐treated diabetes seen in a university outpatient department were interviewed regarding their diet and degree of satisfaction with their meals. Fifty‐five had Type 1 diabetes [age 47 years; diabetes duration 18 years; BMI 27 kg/m2; HbA1c 62 mmol/mol (7.8%)], 53 had Type 2 diabetes with biphasic insulin therapy [age 68 years; diabetes duration 17 years; BMI 31 kg/m2; HbA1c 60 mmol/mol (7.6%)] and 55 had Type 2 diabetes with prandial insulin therapy [age 60 years; diabetes duration 16 years; BMI 33 kg/m2; HbA1c 59 mmol/mol (7.6%)].ResultsEighty per cent of those with Type 1 diabetes ate snacks, together with 77% of the Type 2 diabetes/biphasic group and 62% of the Type 2 diabetes/prandial group. Most participants (91% Type 1 diabetes, 88% Type 2 diabetes/biphasic group, 82% Type 2 diabetes/prandial group) liked to have snacks. The time at which they ate snacks was the same for both diabetes types. There were no differences between participants with Type 1 diabetes who snacked and those who did not in terms of age (P = 0.350), BMI (P = 0.368), HbA1c (P = 0.257) and time since diagnosis (P = 0.846). Participants with Type 2 diabetes who ate snacks were older than those who did not (biphasic: P = 0.006; prandial: P = 0.008). There were no differences in terms of BMI (biphasic: P = 0.731; prandial: P = 0.393), HbA1c (biphasic: P = 0.747; prandial: P = 0.616) and time since diagnosis (biphasic: P = 0.06; prandial: P = 0.620).ConclusionsMost people with insulin‐treated diabetes eat snacks voluntarily and not because of physicians' instructions. There were no correlations between the use of snacks and HbA1c, BMI and time since diagnosis, except that the participants with Type 2 diabetes who ate snacks were older.
Association of pre‐pregnancy BMI and postpartum weight retention with postpartum HbA1c among women with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Huang T. , Brown F. M. , Curran A. , James‐Todd T. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimTo examine the association of pre‐pregnancy BMI and postpartum weight retention with postpartum HbA1c levels in women with Type 1 diabetes.MethodsWe longitudinally evaluated 136 women with Type 1 diabetes who received prenatal, pregnancy, and postpartum care through Joslin Diabetes Center's Diabetes and Pregnancy Program between 2004 and 2009. Weight, BMI and HbA1c concentrations were assessed before the index pregnancy and repeatedly monitored after delivery until 12 months postpartum. We used linear mixed models to assess the association of postpartum HbA1c with pre‐pregnancy BMI and postpartum weight retention.ResultsThe mean HbA1c concentration increased from 49 mmol/mol (6.6%) at 6 weeks postpartum to 58 mmol/mol (7.5%) by 10 months postpartum, a level similar to the mean pre‐pregnancy HbA1c concentration. Postpartum weight retention showed a linearly decreasing trend of 0.06 kg/week (P < 0.0001), with −0.1 kg average postpartum weight retention by 1 year postpartum. Compared with women with a pre‐pregnancy BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, women with a lower pre‐pregnancy BMI maintained a 3.4 mmol/mol (0.31%) lower HbA1c concentration, after adjusting for several sociodemographic, reproductive and diabetes‐related factors (P = 0.03). There was a suggestion of a time‐varying positive association between HbA1c and postpartum weight retention, with the most significant difference of 3.7 mmol/mol (0.34%; P = 0.05) at 30 weeks postpartum among women with postpartum weight retention ≥ 5 kg vs those with postpartum weight retention < 5 kg.ConclusionsPre‐pregnancy BMI and postpartum weight retention were positively associated with HbA1c during the first postpartum year in women with Type 1 diabetes. Interventions to modify the behaviours associated with these body weight factors before pregnancy and after delivery may help women with Type 1 diabetes maintain good glycaemic control after pregnancy.
Egypt,Islamists, and the Internet: The Case of theMuslim Brotherhood and Its Rhetoric of Dialectics inIkhwanweb
Authors: Bardhan Soumia 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis essay offers an ideological analysis of the rhetoric of theIslamistEgyptian MuslimBrotherhood (MB) in its officialEnglish‐language Web site,Ikhwanweb, between 2005 and 2010 — years preceding theEgyptian uprising ofJanuary 2011. The purpose was to examine the ideology manifest in the rhetoric and uncover the instrumental function the rhetoric served. Analysis brought forth a post‐Islamist ideology manifest through a rhetoric of dialectics. The instrumental function of theEgyptianMB's rhetoric in Ikhwanweb was to alterWestern societies' monolithic understanding ofIslamism — radical, undemocratic, inflexible. The cyber‐rhetoric was also used as a means to disapprove certainWestern agents' support for authoritarian regimes. DuringMubarak's rule,Ikhwanweb was used as a communicative medium to demonstrate to theWest theEgyptianMB's need to be valued — respected regardless of ideological differences, understood rather than essentialized, stereotyped, and prejudged, and supported as a pragmatic, political entity withinEgypt.
The United States and Bahrain: Interpreting the Differentiated U.S. Responses to the Arab Spring
Authors: Cooper Andrew F. , Momani Bessma , Farooq Asif B. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractWe examine how the United States' response to the situation in Bahrain can be differentiated from that in Libya and Egypt based on a comparative content analysis of the U.S. administration's press releases, remarks, and interviews during the first three months of the Arab Spring movement. Our findings indicate that although the level and duration of violence were comparable, the U.S. government response was strikingly different with the support given to the Bahraini government, in contrast to the critical stances adopted towards Libya and Egypt. We explain how the United States' lack of political incentive to act and concerted support by its allies were influential factors for the United States' differentiated policy during the Arab Spring.
Equity Issues and Stock Repurchases of Initial Public Offerings
Authors: Bessler Wolfgang , Drobetz Wolfgang , Seim Martin , Zimmermann Jan 
Published: October 2014

AbstractWe investigate the financing strategies and valuation effects of 247 IPO firms at the ‘Neuer Markt’ in Germany that either issued additional equity (SEO) or repurchased shares (SRP) within five years after going public. IPOs issuing additional equity exhibit a temporary outperformance before the event, but negative announcement returns and a long‐run underperformance. In contrast, repurchasing IPOs experience positive announcement returns and no long‐run underperformance. Free cash flow problem resulting from mandatory equity issuance at the IPO explain the SRP decision. Our findings for SEOs are consistent with a staged financing strategy, while we find no evidence for market timing.
Accommodating Intersexuality in European Union Anti‐Discrimination Law
Authors: Travis Mitchell 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis article considers the relationship between EU anti‐discrimination law and intersexuality. Recent changes in German legislation that recognise intersexuality have prompted consideration of sex and gender throughout Europe. This article considers some of the disadvantages in the way the German legislation has been adopted and attempts to remedy them through the existent Recast Directive. The article rejects the current binary approach to sex and gender and recommends a broader interpretation that understands sex as a spectrum or continuum. It concludes that anti‐discrimination law may be a more suitable realm for questions of intersex to be raised than mandatory state documentation. Anti‐discrimination law is preferable, it is submitted, because it offers individuals an opt‐in model, which does not require any medical ‘proof’. Similarly, anti‐discrimination law offers activists a fluid site of resistance that is not based on medicine or the potential fixity of the birth certificate.
A global synthesis of below‐ground carbon responses to biotic disturbance: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Baocheng , Zhou Xuhui , Zhou Lingyan , Ju Ruiting 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimClimate change, especially the wider occurrence of extreme events, is likely to increase the intensity and frequency of insect/pathogen outbreaks (referred to as biotic disturbance), which may considerably affect plant ecophysiological traits and thus the ecosystem carbon (C) cycle. Little is known, however, about the ways in which biotic disturbance quantitatively affects ecosystemCprocesses, especially those that occur below ground. We reveal the general patterns of below‐groundCresponses to biotic disturbance from field manipulative experiments and opportunistic events.LocationGlobal.MethodWe carried out a meta‐analysis examining the effects of biotic disturbance on 16 variables associated with below‐groundCprocesses, based on 64 experimental studies.ResultsBiotic disturbance significantly decreased below‐groundCpools with relatively long residence times (e.g. root biomass and soil organic carbon,SOC), but increased labileCpools (e.g. microbial biomass carbon,MBC; dissolved organic carbon,DOC), soil respiration (Rs) and its components, and microbial population sizes. Compared with the neutral or positive effects of other environmental changes on below‐groundCpools and fluxes, biotic disturbance had a negative effect on plant biomass andSOCbut a larger positive effect onMBC,DOCandRs.Main conclusionsBiotic disturbance can have stronger impacts on below‐groundCprocesses than other environmental changes, and the sensitive responses of soil labileCpools andCfluxes to biotic disturbance decrease long‐term below‐groundCsequestration. More research efforts are, however, needed to reduce the uncertainties in quantifying the effects of biotic disturbance and to improve forecasting of the feedback between the carbon cycle and climate.
Inappropriately elevated endothelin‐1 plays a role in the pathogenesis of intradialytic hypertension
Authors: Teng Jie , Tian Jie , Lv Wen‐Lv , Zhang Xiao‐Yan , Zou Jian‐Zhou , Fang Yi , Yu Jinbo , Shen Bo , Liu Zhong‐Hua , Ding Xiao‐Qiang 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe aim of this study is to investigate the effects of endogenous vasoactive substances on the occurrence of intradialytic hypertension (IDH) in patients during maintenance hemodialysis. Thirty‐four maintenance hemodialysis patients were enrolled in this trial, and 17 of them were diagnosed with IDH (defined as an increase in blood pressure of at least 10 mmHg during or immediately after a hemodialysis session), while 17 age‐matched and sex‐matched controls without IDH were selected for a retrospective comparison. We collected patients' blood samples before and after a dialysis session and measured the plasma levels of N‐terminal fragment brain natriuretic peptide, renin, angiotensin‐II, aldosterone (ALD), angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE), endothelin‐1 (ET‐1), nitric oxide (NO), norepinephrine (NOR), and adrenomedullin. The post‐dialysis serum ET‐1 concentrations were significantly higher (4.09 ± 2.06 vs. 2.75 ± 1.34 pg/mL, P < 0.05), while the post‐dialysis ratio of NO to ET‐1 was lower (17.79 ± 5.65 vs. 24.78 ± 12.04, P < 0.05) in IDH patients compared with the control group. Post‐dialysis ALD and NOR values were significantly lower (P < 0.01) and ACE levels were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than the pre‐dialysis concentrations only in the control and not in the IDH group. All other measured factors did not differ significantly between the groups and between pre‐dialysis and post‐dialysis determinations. Compared with blood angiotensin‐II, ALD, ACE, NOR, adrenomedullin, N‐terminal fragment brain natriuretic peptide, and NO status, inappropriately elevated ET‐1 plasma concentrations may play a predominant role in the pathogenesis of IDH.
Estimating influenza‐associated mortality in New Zealand from 1990 to 2008
Authors: Kessaram Tara , Stanley James , Baker Michael G. 
Published: October 2014

This study used Poisson regression modelling to estimate influenza‐associated mortality in New Zealand for 1990–2008. Inputs were weekly numbers of deaths and influenza and RSV isolates. Seasonal influenza was associated with an average of 401 medical deaths annually from 1990 to 2008, a rate of 10·6 (95% CI: 7·9, 13·3) per 100 000 persons per year, which is 17 times higher than recorded influenza deaths. The majority (86%) of deaths occurred in those 65 years and over. There was no clear decline in influenza‐associated mortality in this age group over the course of the study period.
Causal explanatory pluralism and medically unexplained physical symptoms
Authors: Cournoyea Michael , Kennedy Ashley Graham 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a methodology for investigating medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPSs). These symptoms are common in both primary and specialist medical practices, but are poorly understood. Currently, MUPSs are diagnosed via non‐explanatory labels. However, we show that explanatory diagnoses are preferable to non‐explanatory syndromic diagnoses because they bring both epistemic and therapeutic benefits to patients and their providers. Thus, we advocate a methodology of causal explanatory pluralism in the diagnostic workup and clinical management of MUPSs.
Functional Evaluation of a CAD/CAM Prosthesis for Immediate Defect Repair after Total Maxillectomy: A Case Series of 18 Patients with Maxillary Sinus Cancer
Authors: Jiang Fei‐Fei , Hou Yan , Lu Li , Ding Xiao‐Xu , Li Wei , Yan Ai‐Hui 
Published: October 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the facial profiles and functional recovery of 18 patients treated by a computer‐aided designed/manufactured hollow obturator prosthesis (CAD/CAM prosthesis) after total maxillectomy for malignant maxillary sinus tumor.Materials and MethodsA retrospective observational study was performed to evaluate the facial profiles and functional recovery of 18 patients with T3‐4aN0M0 maxillary sinus cancer, who were treated by total maxillectomy and simultaneous implantation of a computer‐aided designed/manufactured hollow obturator prosthesis (CAD/CAM prosthesis). Follow‐ups were performed 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Facial measurements, speech intelligibility, and chewing and swallowing functions were examined. Thirteen patients converted to a permanent prosthesis 6 months after surgery. Comparisons were made between patients with and without the CAD/CAM or permanent prosthesis at various times using SPSS13.0 statistical software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).ResultsSpeech intelligibility, facial depression, and eyeball prolapse results showed improvements with prosthesis use at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery (p < 0.05). Swallowing function improved from level V to level II–IV with prosthesis use at 1, 3, and 6 months, and reached level I or II with permanent prosthesis use at 12 months after surgery.ConclusionsSimultaneous CAD/CAM prosthesis implantation recovered the facial profile, enhanced the speaking, swallowing, and chewing functions, and improved the quality of life of patients. Tumor recurrence can be detected by direct observation of the postoperative maxillary cavity. Therefore, this operation is recommended for simultaneous excision repair and functional reconstruction after total maxillectomy.Clinical SignificanceThis surgical treatment of maxillary sinus cancer is applied rarely in China, but it has a good effect based on our observation. Simultaneous CAD/CAM prosthesis implantation after total maxillectomy can recover the facial profile, enhance the speaking, swallowing, and chewing functions, and improve the quality of life of patients. Tumor recurrence can be detected by direct observation of the postoperative maxillary cavity. This technique avoids the need for dental implants because the bottom part of the prosthesis contains a palatal plate with dentures.
The support needs of new graduate nurses making the transition to rural nursing practice in Australia
Authors: Lea Jackie , Cruickshank Mary 
Published: October 2014

Aims and objectivesThe aim of this paper is to present the findings from the new graduate nurse participants of a larger study that explored the transitional experiences of newly graduated nurses making the role transition in rural health care facilities in Australia.BackgroundEvidence indicates that workload, skill mix and organizational pressures are still of concern for new nursing graduates within the Australian context and internationally. Many graduates are expected by employers to have high levels of independence, well developed problem solving abilities and be able to assume management and leadership responsibilities early in their graduate year.DesignAn exploratory, descriptive, qualitative case study design was utilised to determine the particular support needs over time that would assist with a safe transition to the rural nursing workforce. The aims of the study were to: (1) Explore the new graduate nurses' perceptions and experience of the nature and timing of support throughout their Transition to Practice Program in a rural setting; (2) Identify the functional elements of rural graduate nurse transition programs and develop guidelines that will assist in the design of Transition to Practice Programs that match the rural context and capacity.MethodsA purposive sample of 15 new graduate nurses who had commenced a 12 month Transition to Practice Program within a rural health facility from northern New South Wales, Australia, participated in this study. In‐depth individual interviews with the new graduate nurses were conducted at time intervals of three to four months, six to seven months and 10 to 11 months.ResultsOne of the key findings of this study is that as the new graduate nurse making the transition to professional rural nursing practice moves along the transition continuum, there are particular and unique aspects of the rural nurse's role and responsibilities for which the new graduate nurse will require specific learning support during their transition.ConclusionsWhen the new graduate moves from the role of the student to the less familiar role of professional practitioner, it is important that a rural Transition to Practice Program offers an incrementally staged workload and responsibilities that recognises the graduate's beginning nurse status.Relevance to clinical practiceThe study contributes new knowledge to the discussion of issues concerning support mechanisms for new graduate nurses as they make the transition to rural nursing practice.
Measurement of myocardial amyloid deposition in systemic amyloidosis: insights from cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Barison A. , Aquaro G. D. , Pugliese N. R. , Cappelli F. , Chiappino S. , Vergaro G. , Mirizzi G. , Todiere G. , Passino C. , Masci P. G. , Perfetto F. , Emdin M. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundCardiac involvement in systemic amyloidosis is caused by the extracellular deposition of misfolded proteins, mainly immunoglobulin light chains (AL) or transthyretin (ATTR), and may be detected by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). The aim of this study was to measure myocardial extracellular volume (ECV) in amyloid patients with a novel T1 mapping CMR technique and to determine the correlation between ECV and disease severity.MethodsThirty‐six patients with biopsy‐proven systemic amyloidosis (mean age 70 ± 9 years, 31 men, 30 with AL and six with ATTR amyloidosis) and seven patients with possible amyloidosis (mean age 64 ± 10 years, six men) underwent comprehensive clinical and CMR assessment, with ECV estimation from pre‐ and postcontrast T1 mapping. Thirty healthy subjects (mean age 39 ± 17 years, 21 men) served as the control group.ResultsAmyloid patients presented with left ventricular (LV) concentric hypertrophy with impaired biventricular systolic function. Cardiac ECV was higher in amyloid patients (definite amyloidosis, 0.43 ± 0.12; possible amyloidosis, 0.34 ± 0.11) than in control subjects (0.26 ± 0.04, P < 0.05); even in amyloid patients without late gadolinium enhancement (0.35 ± 0.10), ECV was significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.01). A cut‐off value of myocardial ECV >0.316, corresponding to the 95th percentile in normal subjects, showed a sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 97% for discriminating amyloid patients from control subjects (area under the curve of 0.884). Myocardial ECV was significantly correlated with LV ejection fraction (R2 = 0.16), LV mean wall thickness (R2 = 0.41), LV diastolic function (R2 = 0.21), right ventricular ejection fraction (R2 = 0.13), N‐terminal fragment of the pro‐brain natriuretic peptides (R2 = 0.23) and cardiac troponin (R2 = 0.33).ConclusionMyocardial ECV was increased in amyloid patients and correlated with disease severity. Thus, measurement of myocardial ECV represents a potential noninvasive index of amyloid burden for use in early diagnosis and disease monitoring.
Genetic depletion at adaptive but not neutral loci in an endangered bird species
Authors: Hartmann Stefanie A. , Schaefer H. Martin , Segelbacher Gernot 
Published: October 2014

AbstractMany endangered species suffer from the loss of genetic diversity, but some populations may be able to thrive even if genetically depleted. To investigate the underlying genetic processes of population bottlenecks, we apply an innovative approach for assessing genetic diversity in the last known population of the endangered Pale‐headed Brushfinch (Atlapetes pallidiceps) in Ecuador. First, we measure genetic diversity at eleven neutral microsatellite loci and adaptive SNP variation in five Toll‐like receptor (TLR) immune system genes. Bottleneck tests confirm genetic drift as the main force shaping genetic diversity in this species and indicate a 99 % reduction in population size dating back several hundred years. Second, we compare contemporary microsatellite diversity with historic museum samples of A. pallidiceps, finding no change in genetic diversity. Third, we compare genetic diversity in the Pale‐headed Brushfinch with two co‐occurring‐related brushfinch species (Atlapetes latinuchus, Buarremon torquatus), finding a reduction of up to 91% diversity in the immune system genes but not in microsatellites. High TLR diversity is linked to decreased survival probabilities in A. pallidiceps. Low TLR diversity is thus probably an adaptation to the specific selection regime within its currently very restricted distribution (approximately 200 ha), but could severely restrict the adaptive potential of the species in the long run. Our study illustrates the importance of investigating both neutral and adaptive markers to assess the effect of population bottlenecks and for recommending specific management plans in endangered species.