bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stratification of Risk of Death in Severe Acute Alcoholic Hepatitis Using a Panel of Adipokines and Cytokines
Authors: Rachakonda Vikrant , Gabbert Charles , Raina Amit , Li Huanan , Malik Shahid , DeLany James P. , Behari Jaideep 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundDysregulated adipose tissue metabolism has been implicated in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease in murine models. We aimed to characterize serum markers of adipose tissue metabolism and inflammation in patients with severe acute alcoholic hepatitis (AAH) and determine their utility to predict survival in severe AAH.MethodsA prospective, case–control study design was used. Seventy‐six patients hospitalized with severe AAH and 25 ambulatory patients with alcoholic cirrhosis as controls were included. Serum samples were collected for biochemical analyses. Patients were followed for 180 days after enrollment to determine the survival.ResultsAAH patients exhibited higher serum glycerol and free fatty acid levels, suggesting enhanced adipose tissue triglyceride hydrolysis. Patients with AAH demonstrated a distinct serum lipidomic profile compared with alcoholic cirrhosis but not in systemic and adipose‐specific insulin resistance. AAH patients had higher serum resistin and plasmin activation inhibitor‐1 levels, while serum leptin was decreased. Serum levels of the prolipolytic cytokines tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, and IL‐15 were significantly higher in AAH patients. Only 53% of AAH patients survived 180 days after admission, while all cirrhotic patients were alive at the end of the study period. Among patients with severe AAH, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, resistin, IL‐6 and TNF‐α were associated with 180‐day survival, and all 5 markers demonstrated accuracy by area under receiver–operator curve analysis. Serum IL‐6 levels ≥38.66 pg/ml most precisely identified deaths in severe AAH. Patients with IL‐6 ≥ 38.66 pg/ml had significantly decreased mean survival compared to those with lower levels.ConclusionsAAH patients demonstrate evidence of increased adipose tissue lipolysis and altered serum lipidomic profile compared with alcoholic cirrhosis patients. IL‐6 may be a useful biomarker to risk stratify severe AAH patients at the highest risk of mortality.
Markers of Apoptosis Induction and Proliferation in the Orbitofrontal Cortex in Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Whittom Angela , Villarreal Ashley , Soni Madhav , Owusu‐Duku Beverly , Meshram Ashish , Rajkowska Grazyna , Stockmeier Craig A. , Miguel‐Hidalgo Jose J. 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundAlcohol‐dependent (ALC) subjects exhibit glial and neuronal pathology in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). However, in many patients, neurophysiological disturbances are not associated with catastrophic cell depletion despite prolonged alcohol abuse. It is still unclear how some relevant markers of a cell's propensity to degenerate or proliferate are changed in the PFC of ALC subjects without major neurological disorders.MethodsLevels of pro‐apoptotic caspase 8 (C8), X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), direct IAP binding protein with low pI (DIABLO), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and density of cells immunoreactive for proliferation marker Ki‐67 (Ki‐67‐IR) were measured postmortem in the left orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) of 29 subjects with alcohol dependence and 23 nonpsychiatric comparison subjects.ResultsAlcohol subjects had significantly higher levels of the 14 kDa C8 fragment (C8‐14), an indicator of C8 activation. However, there was no change in the levels of DIABLO, XIAP, or in the DIABLO/XIAP ratio. PCNA protein level and density of Ki‐67‐IR cells were not significantly changed in alcoholics, although PCNA levels were increased in older ALC subjects as compared to controls.ConclusionsSignificant increase of a C8 activation indicator was found in alcoholism, but without significant changes in XIAP level, DIABLO/XIAP ratio, or Ki‐67 labeling. These results would help to explain the absence of catastrophic cell loss in the PFC of many ALC subjects, while still being consistent with an alcoholism‐related vulnerability to slow decline in glial cells and neurons in the OFC of alcoholics.
Postmenopausal hot flushes and bone mineral density: a longitudinal study
Authors: Tuomikoski Pauliina , Ylikorkala Olavi , Mikkola Tomi S. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo study the possible association between menopausal hot flushes and bone mineral density.DesignObservational study.SettingUniversity clinic.PopulationHealthy women (n = 143) with or without hot flushes, 6–36 months postmenopausal after participating in a 6‐month hormone therapy trial.MethodsThe women prospectively recorded the number and severity of hot flushes for 2 weeks. Bone mineral density in lumbar and hip bones was measured with dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry at recruitment and reassessed in 114 women approximately 6.2 years later.Main outcome measuresHot flushes and bone mineral density.ResultsAt recruitment, hot flushes were absent in 22 women, mild in 32, moderate in 28, and severe in 61. Lumbar bone mineral densities in non‐flushing women (1.130 ± 0.022 g/cm2; mean ± SEM), and in those with mild (1.088 ± 0.024 g/cm2), moderate (1.082 ± 0.030 g/cm2) or severe (1.102 ± 0.019 g/cm2) hot flushes did not differ, nor were there differences in hip bone mineral densities between the four study groups. During the follow‐up, lumbar bone mineral density decreased by a mean of 0.4 ± 0.1% a year in women not using hormone therapy, and increased by 0.1 ± 0.2% a year in hormone therapy users (p = 0.019). The respective non‐significant changes in left and right total hip bone mineral densities were – −0.6 ± 0.01 and −1.0 ± 0.1 for the non‐users, and −0.4 ± 0.1 and −0.6 ± 0.2 for hormone therapy users. These changes in bone mineral density bore no relation to the hot flush status at baseline.ConclusionIn recently menopausal women, hot flushes do not appear to determine bone mass density.
Foetus or child? Abortion discourse and attributions of humanness
Authors: Mikołajczak Małgorzata , Bilewicz Michał 
Published: November 2014

Due to moral, religious, and cultural sensibilities, the topic of abortion still gives rise to controversy. The ongoing public debate has become visibly polarized with the usage of the pro‐life versus pro‐choice rhetoric. The aim of the current research was to investigate whether the language used in abortion discourse can affect people's attitudes by changing their attributions of humanity to unborn. Across three experimental studies we showed that participants who read about a ‘foetus’, compared to a ‘child’ declared higher support for elective abortion (Study 1; N = 108), this effect can be explained by greater humanness, as reflected in human nature traits, attributed to the child (vs. the foetus; Study 2; N = 121). The effect is mediated uniquely by attribution of human nature, but not by human uniqueness traits (Study 3; N = 120). These findings serve as a starting point for discussion of the role of language in shaping attitudes on abortion and other morally ambiguous issues.
The relationship between Insulin‐like Growth Factor 1, sex steroids and timing of the pubertal growth spurt
Authors: Cole T.J. , Ahmed M.L. , Preece M.A. , Hindmarsh P. , Dunger D.B. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryObjectiveProgress through puberty involves a complex hormonal cascade, but the individual contributions of hormones, particularly IGF‐1, are unknown. We reanalysed Chard growth study data to explore the tempo of puberty based on changes in both height and hormone levels, using a novel method of growth curve analysis.Design and SubjectsSchoolboys (n = 54) and girls (n = 70) from Chard, Somerset, England, recruited in 1981 at age 8/9 and followed to age 16.MeasurementsEvery 6 months, height and Tanner stages (genitalia, breast, pubic hair) were recorded, and in a subsample (24 boys, 27 girls), blood samples were taken. Serum IGF‐1, testosterone (boys) and oestradiol (girls) were measured by radioimmunoassay. Individual growth curves for each outcome were analysed using variants of the super‐imposition by translation and rotation (SITAR) method, which estimates a mean curve and subject‐specific random effects corresponding to size, and age and magnitude of peak velocity.ResultsThe SITAR models fitted the data well, explaining 99%, 65%, 86% and 47% of variance for height, IGF‐1, testosterone and oestradiol, respectively, and 69–88% for the Tanner stages. During puberty, the variables all increased steeply in value in individuals, the ages at peak velocity for the different variables being highly correlated, particularly for IGF‐1 vs height (r = 0·74 for girls, 0·92 for boys).ConclusionsIGF‐1, like height, the sex steroids and Tanner stages, rises steeply in individuals during puberty, with the timings of the rises tightly synchronized within individuals. This suggests that IGF‐1 may play an important role in determining the timing of puberty.
Expression of core clock genes in colorectal tumour cells compared with normal mucosa: a systematic review of clinical trials
Authors: Fonnes S. , Donatsky A. M. , Gögenur I. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimExperimental studies have shown that some circadian core clock genes may act as tumour suppressors and have an important role in the response to oncological treatment. This study investigated the evidence regarding modified expression of core clock genes in colorectal cancer and its correlation to clinicopathological features and survival.MethodA systematic review was conducted without meta‐analysis according to the PRISMA guidelines on 24 March 2014 using PubMed and EMBASE. Eligibility criteria were: study design, original research article, English language, human subjects and gene expression of colorectal cancer cells compared with healthy mucosa cells from specimens analysed by real‐time or quantitative real‐time polymer chain reaction. The expression of the core clock genes Period, Cryptochrome, Bmal1 and Clock in colorectal tumours were compared with healthy mucosa and correlated with clinicopathological features and survival.ResultsSeventy‐four articles were identified and 11 studies were included. Overall, gene expression of Period was significantly decreased in colorectal cancer cells compared with healthy mucosa cells. This tendency was also seen in the gene expression of Clock. Other core clock genes did not appear to be differentially expressed. Decreased Period gene expression was correlated to some clinicopathological features.ConclusionThe Period genes seemed to be modified in colorectal tumour cells compared with normal mucosa. Core clock genes might be possible future biomarkers in colorectal cancer.
Constructing a layered electrical conductivity model using k nearest‐neighbour predictions and a combination of two proximal sensors
Authors: Piikki K. , Wetterlind J. , Söderström M. , Stenberg B. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryA strategy to produce layered high‐resolution apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) models of agricultural fields by distance‐weighted k nearest‐neighbour prediction (kNN) was tested at three farms. Electromagnetic induction (EMI) measurements were combined with measurements made with a dipole probe. Depth‐layer‐specific ECa values from the probe measurements were interpolated in the attribute space of the EMI measurements with the distance‐weighted kNN method. This analysis resulted in high‐resolution ECa maps for depth intervals of 0–0.2 and 0.4–0.6 or 0.4–0.8 m. The ECa values measured with the dipole probe ranged between 6.1 and 40.2 mS m−1, and at two of the three farms investigated it was possible to create ECa maps at two depths with mean absolute errors of 1.1–3.8 mS m−1. At the third farm the predictions were less accurate. Combining data from two fundamentally different sensors of ECa for kNN predictions was deemed to be an efficient way to produce 3‐D information on arable soil. However, it seems to be essential that the dipole probe and the EMI measurements are made under similar conditions.
Basking Activity is Modulated by Health State but is Constrained by Conspicuousness to Predators in Male Spanish Terrapins
Authors: Ibáñez Alejandro , Marzal Alfonso , González‐Blázquez Manuel , López Pilar , Martín José 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAerial basking may have several benefits for freshwater turtles in addition to thermoregulation such as removing parasites from the skin, which would improve health state. However, basking outside of water may be risky because it may expose freshwater turtles to terrestrial predators. Here, we monitored the basking activity of male Spanish terrapins (Mauremys leprosa) in a wild population of the south‐western of the Iberian Peninsula. We also measured body size, health state parameters, parasite prevalence, and limb coloration of these individuals. We aimed to examine whether basking may improve health state of turtles. The results showed that male turtles with higher basking activity were those parasitized byHepatozoonand that had lower total white blood cell (WBC). This might indicate that turtles in worse health condition increase their time spent basking to improve their immune system. In addition, because basking might be risky, we also expected that turtles with more conspicuous coloration should reduce their basking activity to avoid being detected by potential predators. We found that infected turtles, but not uninfected ones, that spent more time basking also had less bright coloration in limb stripes. Our study provides evidence that basking activity may improve health state of terrapins, but that color conspicuity may increase costs of basking, especially for parasitized individuals. Understanding the balance between the benefits and the costs of basking might be essential for the conservation of freshwater turtle populations.
The fate of phosphorus in decomposing fish carcasses: a mesocosm experiment
Authors: Boros Gergely , Takács Péter , Vanni Michael J. 
Published: November 2014

Summary

An outdoor mesocosm experiment was conducted to study the process of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) release during fish carcass decomposition and its implications for the functioning of warm, shallow temperate lakes after massive fish kills. Specifically, we compared differences in the fate of P released from carcasses of two fish species that differ in body P concentrations and the ecosystem responses to these fish‐derived nutrient inputs.

Nutrients liberated from bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) carcasses induced phytoplankton blooms and high total P and N concentrations in the water column within a week after carcass addition; these effects persisted for ˜2–3 weeks. Subsequently, water column P was transferred to other ecosystem compartments, primarily sediments and benthic algae.

Fish species identity influenced the effects only slightly; decomposition of gizzard shad triggered the highest maximal chlorophyll‐a concentrations in the water column, while the highest coverage of benthic algae and lowest biomass of periphytic biofilm were found in mesocosms containing bluegill carcasses. Both bluegill and gizzard shad carcasses decomposed completely during the experimental period (˜3 months). Thus, apparently all carcass nutrients were mineralised into bioavailable forms and taken up by other ecosystem compartments.

Fallen fish carcasses are not probably to represent long‐term P sinks in warm‐temperate shallow lakes. Decomposition following large mortality events can induce fleeting algal blooms in these ecosystems.
‘Because you can't live on love’: living kidney donors’ perspectives on compensation and payment for organ donation
Authors: Shaw Rhonda M. , Bell Lara J.M. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractContext and objectiveLiving kidney donation accounts for approximately half of all kidney transplantation in many countries and is central to health policy focused on increasing organ supply. However, little examination of the economic consequences of living kidney donation has been undertaken from the perspective of donors themselves. This article documents living kidney donors’ views regarding recompense and payment for organ donation, based on their experience.ParticipantsTwenty‐five living kidney donors from New Zealand participated in this study.MethodsThis qualitative study, based on thematic analysis, uses semi‐structured in‐depth interviews to examine the experiences of living kidney donors. Themes were organized around altruism and the ‘gift’, perceptions of shared corporeality and identity, and donor support.ResultsMost participants agreed the donation process was costly in terms of time and money. Many incurred personal costs, and some experienced financial hardship. All the participants viewed financial hardship as a barrier to organ donation and favoured recompense for direct and indirect costs. Most did not support payment for organs, and none supported commercialization.Discussion and conclusionsThe findings show that framing organ donation as a ‘gift’ can stymie discussion about reciprocity, remuneration and exchange, making talk about financial recompense difficult. Financial well‐being, nonetheless, has implications for the ability to care for self and others post‐operatively. We conclude that the economic consequences for living kidney donors in jurisdictions where recompense for direct and indirect costs is insufficient are unfair. Review of financial assistance for live organ donors is therefore recommended.
The role performance of public health nurses as clinical instructors in Japan
Authors: Kotera S. , Matsuda N. 
Published: November 2014

AimTo investigate the factors associated with the role performance of public health nurses as clinical instructors in Japan.BackgroundNewly graduated public health nurses in Japan have competencies that are below the minimum requirements of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare because of their limited clinical experience in undergraduate clinical education. Public health nurses play crucial roles in the clinical practicum and their role performance as clinical instructors is a key to successful learning outcomes.MethodsThis study targeted public health nurses in governmental public health centres and those who had gained experience as an undergraduate clinical instructor for nursing students. A self‐administered questionnaire was distributed to a national sample of 1467 public health nurses. Data were collected from July 2011 to September 2011.ResultsIn total, 722 of 1467 questionnaires were completed (nurse age 22–64 years). Of the participants, almost half (49%) strongly disagreed (3%) or disagreed (46%) that they had confidence in their role as a clinical instructor, and preparation programmes for clinical instructors had been attended by just 262 (36.3%). Years of experience as public health nurses, previous attendance of preparation programmes, viewing their role positively, professional identity and professional competency were significantly associated with performance. Logistic regression analysis revealed that nurses with higher role performance scores had higher self‐confidence, greater interests in their role and higher professional identity.ConclusionsThe self‐confidence and interests of public health nurses in their role as clinical instructors as well as their professional identity were found to be significant predictors of their role performance as clinical instructors.Implications for Nursing Practice and EducationThe factors identified in our investigation can be used to predict effective clinical instructors and to develop preparation programmes to enhance their confidence and interests and potentially increase their role satisfaction.
Impact of a financial incentive policy on Korean nurse staffing
Authors: Kim Y. , Kim J. 
Published: November 2014

AimThis study was designed to determine (1) the impact of policy on longitudinal changes in nurse staffing levels and (2) the characteristics of policy‐responsive Korean hospitals.BackgroundA policy of varying nursing fees according to staffing grade by measuring the nurse‐to‐bed ratio has been implemented in Korean hospitals since 1999 with the aim of satisfying patient care needs and providing safe and high‐quality nursing care.MethodsNurse staffing hospital characteristics data were collected from Korean Hospital Nurses Association yearbooks for the period 1996–2011. The obtained time series nurse staffing data were analysed by assessing the nurse‐to‐bed ratio. Graphs were used to view nurse staffing trends in various nursing units by hospital type during the study period. Mixed repeated‐measures modelling was used to analyse nurse staffing and hospital characteristics, with year categorized as a dummy variable. There were 585 and 1239 observations related to measurements of nurse staffing grade in 44 tertiary and 193 general hospitals, respectively. For measuring the nurse staffing grade in intensive care units, the number of observations for general hospitals was decreased to 1170.ResultsLong‐term nurse staffing in general and intensive care units was improved post‐policy compared with pre‐policy in both tertiary and general hospitals. Nurse staffing was improved more in Seoul than in other areas and was significantly better for hospitals with more beds for both hospital types.Conclusion and implications for nursing and health policyAlthough the financial incentive policy implemented in Korea has had an overall positive result on nurse staffing, the effect was not assure in small‐sized hospitals in rural area. A more refined method for calculating nurse staffing and increasing financial incentives relative to staffing grade is needed to improve hospital nurse staffing.
Exploring the cognitive features in children with autism spectrum disorder, their co‐twins, and typically developing children within a population‐based sample
Authors: Brunsdon Victoria E. A. , Colvert Emma , Ames Catherine , Garnett Tracy , Gillan Nicola , Hallett Victoria , Lietz Stephanie , Woodhouse Emma , Bolton Patrick , Happé Francesca 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundThe behavioural symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are thought to reflect underlying cognitive deficits/differences. The findings in the literature are somewhat mixed regarding the cognitive features of ASD. This study attempted to address this issue by investigating a range of cognitive deficits and the prevalence of multiple cognitive atypicalities in a large population‐based sample comprising children with ASD, their unaffected co‐twins, and typically developing comparison children.MethodsParticipants included families from the Twins Early Development Study (TEDS) where one or both children met diagnostic criteria for ASD. Overall, 181 adolescents with a diagnosis of ASD and 73 unaffected co‐twins were included, plus an additional 160 comparison control participants. An extensive cognitive battery was administered to measure IQ, central coherence, executive function, and theory of mind ability.ResultsDifferences between groups (ASD, co‐twin, control) are reported on tasks assessing theory of mind, executive function, and central coherence. The ASD group performed atypically in significantly more cognitive tasks than the unaffected co‐twin and control groups. Nearly a third of the ASD group presented with multiple cognitive atypicalities.ConclusionsMultiple cognitive atypicalities appear to be a characteristic, but not universal feature, of ASD. Further work is needed to investigate whether specific cognitive atypicalities, either alone or together, are related to specific behaviours characteristic of ASD.