bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Capitalist Expansion and the Decline of Common Property Ecosystems in China, Vietnam and India
Authors: Sugden Fraser , Punch Samantha 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTThis article identifies some of the multiple processes of capitalist development through which access to common property resources and their utility for communities are undermined. Three sites in upland Asia demonstrate how patterns of exclusion are mediated by the unique and selective trajectories through which capital expands, resulting in a decline of common property ecosystems. The process is mediated by economic stress, ecological degradation and political processes such as state‐sanctioned enclosure. The first case study from Shaoguan, South China, indicates how rapid capitalist industrialization has depleted the aquatic resource base, undermining the livelihoods of fishing households yet to be absorbed into the urban working class. At the second site, in Phu Yen, Vietnam, capitalist development is limited. However, indirect articulations between capitalism on the lowlands and the peasant economy of the uplands is driving the commercialization of agriculture and fishing and undermining the utility of communal river and lake ecosystems. In the third site, Buxa in West Bengal, India, there is only selective capitalist development, but patterns of resource extraction established during the colonial period and contemporary neoliberal ‘conservation’ agendas have directly excluded communities from forest resources. Restrictions on access oblige them to contribute subsidized labour to local enterprises. The article thus shows how communities which are differentially integrated into the global economy are excluded from natural resources through complex means.
A genetic variant in SLC6A20 is associated with Type 2 diabetes in white‐European and Chinese populations
Authors: Ling Y. , van Herpt T. T. W. , van Hoek M. , Dehghan A. , Hofman A. , Uitterlinden A. G. , Jiang S. , Lieverse A. G. , Bravenboer B. , Lu D. , van Duijn C. M. , Gao X. , Sijbrands E. J. G. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimsTo investigate whether polymorphisms in SLC6A20 are associated with susceptibility to Type 2 diabetes.MethodsIn the Rotterdam Study, a prospective, population‐based cohort (n = 5974), 22 tagging polymorphisms with minor allele frequencies>0.05 across SLC6A20 were studied. Replication studies were performed in an independent Dutch case–control study (DiaGene‐Rotterdam Study 2 n = 3133), and in a Chinese Han case–control population (n = 2279). A meta‐analysis of the results was performed.ResultsIn the Rotterdam study, the minor alleles of rs13062383, rs10461016 and rs2286489 increased the risk of Type 2 diabetes (hazard ratio 1.37, 95% CI 1.15–1.63, hazard ratio 1.30 95% CI 1.09–1.54 and hazard ratio 1.20, 95% CI 1.07–1.35, respectively). In the DiaGene/Rotterdam Study 2, the A allele of rs13062383 increased the risk of Type 2 diabetes (odds ratio 1.45, 95% CI 1.19–1.76). In the Chinese Han study, the rs13062383 A allele also increased the risk of Type 2 diabetes (odds ratio 1.21, 95% CI 1.03–1.42). Meta‐analysis showed a highly significant association of rs13062383 with Type 2 diabetes (odds ratio 1.35, 95% CI 1.21–1.47; P = 3.3 × 10‐8).ConclusionsIn conclusion, rs13062383 in SLC6A20 increased the susceptibility to Type 2 diabetes in populations with different genetic backgrounds.
The association between socio‐demographic marginalization and plasma glucose levels at diagnosis of gestational diabetes
Authors: Sampson L. , Dasgupta K. , Ross N. A. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimsWe examined the association between socio‐demographic marginalization and plasma glucose levels at diagnosis of gestational diabetes in a multi‐ethnic and socio‐economically diverse patient group.MethodsMedical charts at a Toronto gestational diabetes clinic were reviewed for women with a recorded pregnancy between 1 March 2006 and 26 April 2011. One‐hour 50‐g glucose challenge test values and postal code data were abstracted. Postal codes were merged with 2006 Canadian census data to compute neighbourhood‐level ethnic concentration (% recent immigrants, % visible minorities) and material deprivation (% low education, % low income, single‐parent households). We compared women in the highest neighbourhood quintiles for both ethnic concentration and material deprivation with all other women to explore an association between marginalization and diagnostic glucose levels. Multivariate regression models of glucose challenge test values and insulin prescription were adjusted for age, prior gestational diabetes, parity and diabetes family history.ResultsAmong 531 patients with complete glucose challenge test data (mean 11.94 mmol/l, sd 1.83), those in the most marginalized neighbourhoods had 0.43 mmol/l higher glucose challenge test values (95% CI 0.08–0.78) compared with the rest of the study population. Other factors associated with higher glucose challenge test values were prior gestational diabetes (0.59 mmol/l increment, 95% CI 0.19–0.99) and diabetes family history (0.32 mmol/l increment, 95% CI –0.01 to 0.66). Each additional 1 mmol/l glucose challenge test result was associated with an increased likelihood of being prescribed insulin (odds ratio 1.33, 95% CI 1.17–1.51).ConclusionsWomen living in the most materially deprived and ethnically concentrated neighbourhoods have higher glucose levels at diagnosis of gestational diabetes. They may need close monitoring for timely initiation of insulin.
Family members' experience of seeking help for first‐episode psychosis on behalf of a loved one: a meta‐synthesis of qualitative research
Authors: Cairns Victoria A. , Reid Graeme S. , Murray Craig 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimFamily members often play a vital role in seeking help for loved ones experiencing first‐episode psychosis. Understanding this experience is crucial in facilitating the help‐seeking process. Qualitative research offers valuable insight into the lived experience of family members who seek help on behalf of a loved one experiencing first‐episode psychosis.MethodThe current research presents a systematic review of qualitative studies exploring the family member experience of seeking help for first‐episode psychosis.ResultsA meta‐synthesis of 13 qualitative studies has revealed four themes relating to family members' experience of seeking help for first‐episode psychosis. These include a sense of not knowing, the reaching of crisis point, the impact upon the family member and the mediating role of interactions with others. A further synthesis of translation captures the interaction of these themes within this experience.ConclusionsThe findings provide a novel insight into this experience, suggesting implications for clinical practice. These include a focus upon the facilitation of early positive interactions with family members and for first‐episode psychosis to be presented to families in a normalizing manner. The need for future research that examines the experience of those who do not seek help from health services is discussed.
Immunosuppressive agents in the treatment of inhibitors in congenital haemophilia A and B – a systematic literature review
Authors: Laros‐van Gorkom Britta Antonia Petra , Falaise Céline , Astermark Jan 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe development of inhibitory antibodies to factor VIII (FVIII) or factor IX (FIX) in patients with haemophilia is a serious complication of treatment with coagulation factor concentrates. Antibodies develop in 10–15% of haemophilia A and in up to 5% of haemophilia B patients. Several strategies have been developed over the years to facilitate the eradication of inhibitors and reduce the cost. These include plasmapheresis and/or extracorporeal protein A absorption to remove the inhibitor from the plasma, and immunosuppression and/or immune modulation to suppress the production of inhibitory antibodies. Different immunosuppressive (IS) agents have been described with varying success. To evaluate the outcome of these agents, we performed a systematic literature review using the PubMed database. The total number of articles identified was 345; 299 papers were excluded leaving 46 papers to be included in the study. No randomised studies were identified, only case reports and case series. The most frequently used agents in the 46 case reports and cohort studies identified were cyclophosphamide and rituximab. All cases exposed to cyclophosphamide, rituximab and other IS agents had a complete success rate of 40–44%, 40–63% and 33–56%, respectively. However, the definition of success was not consistent among the studies. In conclusion, our review of the literature indicates that IS agents in combination with FVIII or FIX could be an option and may be cost‐effective in many patients. The risk of adverse events seems to be relatively low. To fully explore the effect of IS agents, randomised studies are warranted.
On‐demand treatment in persons with severe haemophilia
Authors: Saulyte Trakymiene Sonata , Steen Carlsson Katarina 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThere are two main modes of replacement therapy for haemophilia patients: either to stop bleeding (on‐demand) or regular infusions of clotting factor to prevent bleeds (prophylaxis). Fifty yr of clinical experience have provided evidence of the superiority of prophylaxis by showing a reduction in bleeds and development of arthropathy. Prophylaxis has been described extensively in terms of efficacy and health‐economic aspects; however, on‐demand treatment has received less attention. The aim of this study was to critically review the published literature on PubMed and discuss potential gaps of knowledge in on‐demand treatment in persons with severe haemophilia without inhibitors by focusing on two key aspects: how on‐demand treatment is provided and what outcome measures have been reported. We identified 134 papers of which 112 were excluded. Of the remaining 22 papers, 16 were comparative studies between prophylaxis and on‐demand treatment and six were descriptions of on‐demand treatment. The results showed limited reporting on data related to the key aspects of treatment on‐demand. Early studies looked at degrees of joint bleeds and different treatment regimens in finding the optimal dose. However, from the late 1980s, there was almost no research into on‐demand therapy except efficacy and safety studies of new rFVIII products and studies to prove superiority of prophylaxis over treatment on‐demand. The success of on‐demand therapy may depend on several factors, for example time to initial dose after a bleed and duration of treatment. Data on these key factors are limited and highlight the necessity of research to optimise replacement therapy.
The ethical dimensions of wildlife disease management in an evolutionary context
Authors: Crozier G.K.D. , Schulte‐Hostedde Albrecht I. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBest practices in wildlife disease management require robust evolutionary ecological research (EER). This means not only basing management decisions on evolutionarily sound reasoning, but also conducting management in a way that actively contributes to the on‐going development of that research. Because good management requires good science, and good science is ‘good’ science (i.e., effective science is often science conducted ethically), good management therefore also requires practices that accord with sound ethical reasoning. To that end, we propose a two‐part framework to assist decision makers to identify ethical pitfalls of wildlife disease management. The first part consists of six values – freedom, fairness, well‐being, replacement, reduction, and refinement; these values, developed for the ethical evaluation of EER practices, are also well suited for evaluating the ethics of wildlife disease management. The second part consists of a decision tree to help identify the ethically salient dimensions of wildlife disease management and to guide managers toward ethically responsible practices in complex situations. While ethical reasoning cannot be used to deduce from first principles what practices should be undertaken in every given set of circumstances, it can establish parameters that bound what sorts of practices will be acceptable or unacceptable in certain types of scenarios.
Perceptions of prototypical users of complementary and alternative medicine: a possible barrier to participation
Authors: Salamon Katherine S , Davies W Hobart 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundInterest and participation in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has steadily increased over the last decade. Research is needed to empirically explore beliefs about the characteristics of individuals who participate in CAM to determine the pervasiveness and generalisability of these opinions.ObjectiveTo explore the stereotype of the typical CAM user and how this construct may impact recruitment and retention in paediatric CAM research.MethodsParents and emerging adults were recruited using community sampling. Subjects responded to an electronic survey by judging likeliness to participate based on a series of demographic factors. From a total of 570 individuals who completed the survey, 209 responded to a vignette on acupuncture and 361 to a vignette on yoga.ResultsTaking the results together, it appears that the individual characteristics associated with a higher likelihood of engaging in CAM, or being stereotypical of a CAM user, were being white or Asian, female or homosexual male, highly educated, identifying as socially liberal and having a religious affiliation of Buddhist or Hindu.ConclusionsIt is important to understand how these factors may affect people's decisions to participate in CAM interventions and the potential implication for future research on the effectiveness of CAM therapies.
Climate change drives a shift in peatland ecosystem plant community: Implications for ecosystem function and stability
Authors: Dieleman Catherine M. , Branfireun Brian A. , McLaughlin James W. , Lindo Zoë 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe composition of a peatland plant community has considerable effect on a range of ecosystem functions. Peatland plant community structure is predicted to change under future climate change, making the quantification of the direction and magnitude of this change a research priority. We subjected intact, replicated vegetated poor fen peat monoliths to elevated temperatures, increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), and two water table levels in a factorial design to determine the individual and synergistic effects of climate change factors on the poor fen plant community composition. We identify three indicators of a regime shift occurring in our experimental poor fen system under climate change: nonlinear decline of Sphagnum at temperatures 8 °C above ambient conditions, concomitant increases in Carex spp. at temperatures 4 °C above ambient conditions suggesting a weakening of Sphagnum feedbacks on peat accumulation, and increased variance of the plant community composition and pore water pH through time. A temperature increase of +4 °C appeared to be a threshold for increased vascular plant abundance; however the magnitude of change was species dependent. Elevated temperature combined with elevated CO2 had a synergistic effect on large graminoid species abundance, with a 15 times increase as compared to control conditions. Community analyses suggested that the balance between dominant plant species was tipped from Sphagnum to a graminoid‐dominated system by the combination of climate change factors. Our findings indicate that changes in peatland plant community composition are likely under future climate change conditions, with a demonstrated shift toward a dominance of graminoid species in poor fens.
Liver stiffness measurement for risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tatsumi Akihisa , Maekawa Shinya , Sato Mitsuaki , Komatsu Nobutoshi , Miura Mika , Amemiya Fumitake , Nakayama Yasuhiro , Inoue Taisuke , Sakamoto Minoru , Enomoto Nobuyuki 
Published: June 2014

AimLiver fibrosis is a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but at what fibrotic stage the risk for HCC is increased has been poorly investigated quantitatively. This study aimed to determine the appropriate cut‐off value of liver stiffness for HCC concurrence by FibroScan, and its clinical significance in hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and non‐B, non‐C (NBNC) liver disease.MethodsSubjects comprised 1002 cases (246 with HCC and 756 without HCC) with chronic liver disease (HBV, 104; HCV, 722; and NBNC, 176).ResultsLiver stiffness was significantly greater in all groups with HCC, and the determined cut‐off value for HCC concurrence was more than 12.0 kPa in those with HCV, more than 8.5 kPa in those with HBV and more than 12.0 kPa in those with NBNC. Liver stiffness of more than 12.0 kPa was an independent risk factor for new HCC development in HCV. For HCV, risk factors for HCC concurrence were old age, male sex, low albumin, low platelets and liver stiffness, while for HBV they were old age, low platelets and liver stiffness, and for NBNC they were old age, elevated α‐fetoprotein and liver stiffness.ConclusionLiver stiffness cut‐off values and their association with HCC concurrence were different depending on the etiology. In HCV, liver stiffness of more than 12.0 kPa was an independent risk factor for new HCC development. Collectively, determining the fibrotic cut‐off values for HCC concurrence would be important in evaluating HCC risks.
Concomitant inhibition of oxidative stress and angiogenesis by chronic hydrogen‐rich saline and N‐acetylcysteine treatments improves systemic, splanchnic and hepatic hemodynamics of cirrhotic rats
Authors: Lee Pei‐Chang , Yang Ying‐Ying , Huang Chien‐Sheng , Hsieh Shie‐Liang , Lee Kuei‐Chuan , Hsieh Yun‐Cheng , Lee Tzung‐Yan , Lin Han‐Chieh 
Published: June 2014

AimIn cirrhosis, increased oxidative stress leads to systemic and splanchnic hyperdynamic circulation, splanchnic angiogenesis, portosystemic collateral formation, hepatic endothelial dysfunction, increased intrahepatic resistance and the subsequent portal hypertension. Like N‐acetylcysteine, hydrogen‐rich saline is a new documented antioxidant with the potential to treat the complications of liver diseases.MethodsIn this study, hemodynamics, splanchnic angiogenesis and hepatic endothelial dysfunction were measured in common bile duct ligation (BDL)‐cirrhotic rats receiving 1‐month treatment of vehicle, N‐acetylcysteine and hydrogen‐rich saline immediately after BDL. Additionally, acute effects of N‐acetylcysteine and hydrogen‐rich saline on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐induced tubule formation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were also evaluated.ResultsThe data indicate that 1‐month treatment of N‐acetylcysteine or hydrogen‐rich saline significantly ameliorated systemic and splanchnic hyperdynamic circulation, corrected hepatic endothelial dysfunction, and decreased intrahepatic resistance and mesenteric angiogenesis by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide, VEGF and reducing mesenteric oxidative stress in cirrhotic rats. In vivo studies revealed that acute co‐incubation of N‐acetylcysteine or hydrogen‐rich saline with VEGF effectively suppressed VEGF‐induced angiogenesis and migration of HUVEC accompanied by decreasing of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines.ConclusionBoth hydrogen‐rich saline and N‐acetylcysteine alleviate portal hypertension, the severity of portosystemic collaterals, mesenteric angiogenesis, hepatic endothelial dysfunction and intrahepatic resistance in cirrhotic rats. N‐Acetylcysteine and the new antioxidant, hydrogen‐rich saline are potential treatments for the complications of cirrhosis.
Oral fructose absorption in obese children with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Sullivan J. S. , Le M. T. , Pan Z. , Rivard C. , Love‐Osborne K. , Robbins K. , Johnson R. J. , Sokol R. J. , Sundaram S. S. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundFructose intake is associated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to measure fructose absorption/metabolism in paediatric NAFLD compared with obese and lean controls.MethodsChildren with histologically proven NAFLD, and obese and lean controls received oral fructose (1 g kg−1 ideal body weight). Serum glucose, insulin, uric acid, and fructose, urine uric acid, urine fructose, and breath hydrogen levels were measured at baseline and multiple points until 360 min after fructose ingestion.ResultsNine NAFLD (89% Hispanic, mean age 14.3 years, mean body mass index [BMI] 35.3 kg m−2), six obese controls (67% Hispanic, mean age 12.7 years, mean BMI 31.0 kg m−2) and nine lean controls (44% Hispanic, mean age 14.3 years, mean BMI 19.4 kg m−2) were enrolled. Following fructose ingestion, NAFLD vs. lean controls had elevated serum glucose, insulin and uric acid (P < 0.05), higher urine uric acid (P = 0.001), but lower fructose excretion (P = 0.002) and lower breath hydrogen 180‐min AUC (P = 0.04). NAFLD vs. obese controls had similar post‐fructose serum glucose, insulin, urine uric acid and breath hydrogen, but elevated serum uric acid (P < 0.05) and lower urine fructose excretion (P = 0.02).ConclusionsChildren with NAFLD absorb and metabolize fructose more effectively than lean subjects, associated with an exacerbated metabolic profile following fructose ingestion.
Silencing miR‐146a influences B cells and ameliorates experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis
Authors: Zhang JunMei , Jia Ge , Liu Qun , Hu Jue , Yan Mei , Yang BaiFeng , Yang Huan , Zhou WenBin , Li Jing 
Published: June 2014

SummaryMicroRNAs have been shown to be important regulators of immune homeostasis as patients with aberrant microRNA expression appeared to be more susceptible to autoimmune diseases. We recently found that miR‐146a was up‐regulated in activated B cells in response to rat acetylcholine receptor (AChR) α‐subunit 97‐116 peptide, and this up‐regulation was significantly attenuated by AntagomiR‐146a. Our data also demonstrated that silencing miR‐146a with its inhibitor AntagomiR‐146a effectively ameliorated clinical myasthenic symptoms in mice with ongoing experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis. Furthermore, multiple defects were observed after miR‐146a was knocked down in B cells, including decreased anti‐R97‐116 antibody production and class switching, reduced numbers of plasma cells, memory B cells and B‐1 cells, and weakened activation of B cells. Previously, miR‐146a has been identified as a nuclear factor‐κB‐dependent gene and predicted to base pair with the tumour necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and interleukin‐1 receptor‐associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) genes to regulate the immune response. However, our study proved that miR‐146a inhibition had no effect on the expression of TRAF6 and IRAK1 in B cells. This result suggests that the function of miR‐146a in B cells does not involve these two target molecules. We conclude that silencing miR‐146a exerts its therapeutic effects by influencing the B‐cell functions that contribute to the autoimmune pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis.