bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring the quality of Patients’ goals and action plans: development and validation of a novel tool
Authors: Teal Cayla R , Haidet Paul , Balasubramanyam Ajay S , Rodriguez Elisa , Naik Aanand D 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
The purpose of this study is to develop and test reliability, validity, and utility of the Goal-Setting Evaluation Tool for Diabetes (GET-D). The effectiveness of diabetes self-management is predicated on goal-setting and action planning strategies. Evaluation of self-management interventions is hampered by the absence of tools to assess quality of goals and action plans. To address this gap, we developed the GET-D, a criteria-based, observer rating scale that measures the quality of patients’ diabetes goals and action plans.

Methods
We conducted 3-stage development of GET-D, including identification of criteria for observer ratings of goals and action plans, rater training and pilot testing; and then performed psychometric testing of the GET-D.

Results
Trained raters could effectively rate the quality of patient-generated goals and action plans using the GET-D. Ratings performed by trained evaluators demonstrated good raw agreement (94.4%) and inter-rater reliability (Kappa = 0.66). Scores on the GET-D correlated well with measures theoretically associated with goal-setting, including patient activation (r=.252, P<.05), diabetes specific self-efficacy (r=.376, P<.001) and inverse relationship with depression (r= −.376, P<.01). Significant between group differences (P<.01) in GET-D scores between goal-setting intervention (mean = 7.33, standard deviation = 4.4) and education groups (mean = 4.93, standard deviation = 3.9) confirmed construct validity of the GET-D.

Conclusions
The GET-D can reliably and validly rate the quality of goals and action plans. It holds promise as a measure of intervention fidelity for clinical interventions that promote diabetes self-management behaviors to improve clinical outcomes.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00481286
Assessing research impact in academic clinical medicine: a study using Research Excellence Framework pilot impact indicators
Authors: Ovseiko Pavel V , Oancea Alis , Buchan Alastair M 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Funders of medical research the world over are increasingly seeking, in research assessment, to complement traditional output measures of scientific publications with more outcome-based indicators of societal and economic impact. In the United Kingdom, the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) developed proposals for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) to allocate public research funding to higher education institutions, inter alia, on the basis of the social and economic impact of their research. In 2010, it conducted a pilot exercise to test these proposals and refine impact indicators and criteria.

Methods
The impact indicators proposed in the 2010 REF impact pilot exercise are critically reviewed and appraised using insights from the relevant literature and empirical data collected for the University of Oxford’s REF pilot submission in clinical medicine. The empirical data were gathered from existing administrative sources and an online administrative survey carried out by the university’s Medical Sciences Division among 289 clinical medicine faculty members (48.1% response rate).

Results
The feasibility and scope of measuring research impact in clinical medicine in a given university are assessed. Twenty impact indicators from seven categories proposed by HEFCE are presented; their strengths and limitations are discussed using insights from the relevant biomedical and research policy literature.

Conclusions
While the 2010 pilot exercise has confirmed that the majority of the proposed indicators have some validity, there are significant challenges in operationalising and measuring these indicators reliably, as well as in comparing evidence of research impact across different cases in a standardised manner. It is suggested that the public funding agencies, medical research charities, universities, and the wider medical research community work together to develop more robust methodologies for capturing and describing impact, including more valid and reliable impact indicators.
Blockade of phospholipid scramblase 1 with its N-terminal domain antibody reduces tumorigenesis of colorectal carcinomas in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Fan Chung-Wei , Chen Chun-Yu , Chen Kuei-Tien , Shen Chia-Rui , Kuo Yung-Bin , Chen Ya-Shan , Chou Yeh-Pin , Wei Wei-Shan , Chan Err-Cheng 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Membrane-bound phospholipid scramblase 1 (PLSCR1) is involved in both lipid trafficking and cell signaling. Previously, we showed that PLSCR1 is overexpressed in many colorectal carcinomas (CRCs). In the present study, we investigated the tumorigenic role of PLSCR1 in CRC and suggest that it is a potential therapeutic target.

Methods
To identify PLSCR1 as a therapeutic target, we studied the tumorigenic properties of CRC cell lines treated with a monoclonal antibody (NP1) against the N-terminus of PLSCR1 in vitro and in vivo. We also investigated cell cycle status and epidermal growth factor receptor–related pathways and downstream effectors of PLSCR1 after blocking its function with NP1.

Results
Treating CRC cells with NP1 in vitro and in vivo decreased cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, migration, and invasion. Adding NP1 to the CRC cell line HT29 caused arrest at G1/S. Treating HT29 cells with NP1 significantly decreased the expression of cyclin D1 and phosphorylation levels of Src, the adaptor protein Shc, and Erks. The reduced level of cyclin D1 led to an increase in the activated form of the tumor suppressor retinoblastoma protein via dephosphorylation. These actions led to attenuation of tumorigenesis.

Conclusions
Therefore, PLSCR1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for CRC.
Modeling perchloroethylene degradation under ultrasonic irradiation and photochemical oxidation in aqueous solution
Authors: Kargar Mahdi , Nabizadeh Ramin , Naddafi Kazem , Nasseri Simin , Mesdaghinia Alireza , Mahvi Amir Hossein , Alimohammadi Mahmood , Nazmara Shahrokh , Pahlevanzadeh Bagher 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Sonolysis and photochemical degradation of different compounds such as chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons are among the recent advanced oxidation processes. Perchloroethylene is one of these compounds that has been mainly used as a solvent and degreaser. In this work, elimination of perchloroethylene in aqueous solution by ultrasonic irradiation, andphotochemical oxidation by ultra violet ray and hydrogen peroxide were investigated. Three different initial concentrations of perchloroethylene at different pH values, detention periods, and concentrations of hydrogen peroxide were investigated. Head space gas chromatography with FID detector was used for analyses of perchloroethylene. This research was performed in 9 months from April through December 2011.
Results showed that perchloroethylene could be effectively and rapidly degraded by ultrasonic irradiation, photochemical oxidation by ultra violet ray, hydrogen peroxide and a combination of these methods. Kinetics of perchloroethylene was strongly influenced by time, initial concentration and pH value. Degradation of Perchloroethylene increased with decrease in the initial concentration of perchloroethylene from 0.3 to 10 mg/L at all initial pH. The results showed an optimum degradation condition achieved at pH = 5 but did not affect significantly the perchloroethylene destruction in the various pH values. Kinetic modeling applied for the obtained results showed that the degradation of perchloroethylene by ultrasound and photo-oxidation followed first order and second order model. The percentage of removal in the hybrids reactor was higher than each of the reactors alone, the reason being the role of hydroxyl radical induced by ultrasound and photochemical reaction.
HIV serostatus disclosure is not associated with safer sexual behavior among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) and their partners at risk for infection in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Edwards-Jackson Nneka , Phanuphak Nittaya , Van Tieu Hong , Chomchey Nitiya , Teeratakulpisarn Nipat , Sathienthammawit Wassana , Pakam Charnwit , Pharachetsakul Nutthasun , Sobieszczyk Magdalena E , Phanuphak Praphan , Ananworanich Jintanat 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
The relationship between HIV serostatus disclosure and sexual risk behavior is inconsistent across studies. As men who have sex with men (MSM) are emerging as the key affected population in Bangkok, Thailand with reported HIV prevalence of 30%, we assessed whether HIV disclosure is associated with protected sex in this population.

Methods
A risk behavior questionnaire was administered using Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interviewing (ACASI) to determine whether HIV serostatus disclosure was associated with protected sex in 200 HIV-positive MSM in Bangkok. HIV serostatus disclosure to the most recent sexual partner prior to or at the time of the sexual encounter was assessed. Protected sex was defined as insertive or receptive anal intercourse with a condom at the most recent sexual encounter.

Results
The mean age was 30.2 years, CD4 was 353 cells/mm3, and one-third was on antiretroviral therapy. At the most recent sexual encounter, HIV serostatus disclosure rate was low (26%); 60.5% of subjects had not discussed their serostatus at all, while 5.5% had not revealed their true serostatus. Seventeen percent reported unprotected anal intercourse and about half had sex with their primary partners. The serostatus of the most recent sexual partner was HIV-positive in 19.2%, HIV-negative in 26.4%, and unknown in 54.4% of subjects. There was no association between disclosure and protected sex, with 41 of 48 (85.4%) disclosers and 104 of 126 (82.5%) of non-disclosers reported protected sex (p = .65). Subjects with HIV-positive partners were less likely to report protected sex overall (20 of 33, 60.6%) compared to those with HIV negative (82 of 96, 85.4%) or unknown (41 of 45, 91.1%) partners (p = .001). Age (27-32 years vs. ≤26 years, p = .008), primary partner status (p < .001), and HIV-positive serostatus of sexual partner (p < .001) were significantly associated with disclosure in the multivariate analyses.

Conclusion
Rates of HIV disclosure to sexual partners by HIV-positive MSM in Bangkok are low. Despite low rates of HIV serostatus disclosure, most HIV-positive MSM reported protected sex with their partners at risk for infection. Future studies should focus on understanding barriers to disclosure and factors driving risk behavior amongst MSM in Thailand.
Expression of antigen tf and galectin-3 in fibroadenoma
Authors: Gallegos Itandehui Belem , Pérez-Campos Eduardo , Martinez Margarito , Mayoral Miguel Ángel , Pérez Laura , Aguilar Sergio , Zenteno Edgar , Pina Maria del Socorro , Hernández Pedro 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Fibroadenomas are benign human breast tumors, characterized by proliferation of epithelial and stromal components of the terminal ductal unit. They may grow, regress or remain unchanged, as the hormonal environment of the patient changes. Expression of antigen TF in mucin or mucin-type glycoproteins and of galectin-3 seems to contribute to proliferation and transformations events; their expression has been reported in ductal breast cancer and in aggressive tumors.

Findings
Lectin histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were used to examine the expression and distribution of antigen TF and galectin-3. We used lectins from Arachis hypogaea, Artocarpus integrifolia, and Amaranthus lecuocarpus to evaluate TF expression and a monoclonal antibody to evaluate galectin-3 expression. We used paraffin-embedded blocks from 10 breast tissues diagnosed with fibroadenoma and as control 10 healthy tissue samples. Histochemical and immunofluorescence analysis showed positive expression of galectin-3 in fibroadenoma tissue, mainly in stroma, weak interaction in ducts was observed; whereas, in healthy tissue samples the staining was also weak in ducts. Lectins from A. leucocarpus and A. integrifolia specificaly recognized ducts in healthy breast samples, whereas the lectin from A. hypogaea recognized ducts and stroma. In fibroadenoma tissue, the lectins from A. integrifolia, A. Hypogaea, and A. leucocarpus recognized mainly ducts.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that expression of antigen TF and galectin-3 seems to participate in fibroadenoma development.
Knee hemarthrosis after arthroscopic surgery in an athlete with low factor XIII activity
Authors: Tsujii Akira , Tanaka Yoshinari , Yonetani Yasukazu , Shiozaki Yoshiki , Tomiyama Yoshiaki , Horibe Shuji 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
We report a thirteen-year-old tennis player with knee hemarthrosis caused by low factor XIII activity. She visited our hospital because of medial peripatellar pain for two years. Although there was no abnormal sign in X-ray or MRI, diagnostic arthroscopy was performed. It revealed some cartilage debris, medial plica and complete septum of suprapatellar plica. Removing the debris by washing out and resecting the medial plica, she could return to play tennis without perioperative symptom. Two months after the first operation, her knee got swelling without any apparent cause. Since 20 ml blood was aspirated twice and MRI revealed suprapatellar mass, we performed arthroscopy again. Suprapatellar mass was old blood clot covered with complete suprapatellar plica. Resection of suprapatellar plica and washing out blood clot were performed, and severe postoperative hemarthrosis was progressively occurred. As factor XIII level was 54% preoperatively, we diagnosed that this condition was caused by low activity level of the factor and administered factor XIII concentrates. The level got improved to 129% and then hemarthrosis gradually relieved. She had no signs of recurrence. We should keep in mind of low factor XIII activity case in case of unexplained postoperative hemarthrosis after arthroscopy because consumption of the factor might promote this condition.
Role of testosterone in memory impairment of Alzheimer disease induced by Streptozotocin in male rats
Authors: Seyedreza Pourrabi , Alireza Mohajjel Nayebi , Seyedebrahim Hossini 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background and purpose of the study
Recent studies demonstrate that androgens, beyond regulating sexual behavior, exert several neuroprotective functions in the brain. The present study was designed to explore effect of testosterone in memory impairment induced by intra- cerebroventricular (icv) injection of streptozotocin (STZ) as a model of sporadic AD.

Methods
Study was carried out on male Wistar rats. Animals were randomly divided into 11 equal groups. Experimental model of AD was induced by bilateral icv injection of STZ at the dose of 750 μg/Rat/10 μl ACSF at days 1 and 3. STZ-induced memory impairment was assessed two weeks after the last dose of STZ by using a passive avoidance task (1 mA). The interval between the placement of animals in the illuminated chamber and the entry into the dark chamber was measured as a step-through latency (STL). Castration was performed by surgical removing of testis and behavioral study of memory impairment was done after 4 weeks.

Results
Results of this study showed that icv injection of STZ could induce marked (p < 0.05) memory impairment at the dose of 750 μg/Rat/dissolve10 μl CSF/bilateral/days 1 and 3. Therefore, we used this dose of STZ for induction of experimental model of AD. Memory was worsened in castrated rats (P < 0.05) when compared with normal and sham-operated animals. Testosterone replacement therapy (1 mg/kg, sc, for 6 days) in 4 week castrated rats restored memory up to the level of control groups. Testosterone had not any significant effect on memory impairments of non-castrated rats.

Major conclusion
According to the obtained results it can be concluded that testosterone improves cognitive and memory impairment of AD. We suggest that testosterone replacement therapy may have beneficial effect in ameliorating memory impairments of senile patients suffering from AD. Further clinical studies should be carried out to prove possible useful effect of testosterone as an adjuvant therapy in AD.
Effects of dietary ratio of n-6 to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on immunoglobulins, cytokines, fatty acid composition, and performance of lactating sows and suckling piglets
Authors: Yao Wei , Li Jie , Wang Jun jun , Zhou Weiliang , Wang Qingbo , Zhu Rongchang , Wang Fenglai , Thacker Phil 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary ratios of n-6:n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on the performance of lactating sows and their piglets. Thirty pregnant Landrace sows were assigned to one of three treatments from d 108 of gestation until weaning (26–29 d) and were fed diets containing different ratios of n-6:n-3 PUFA including 3:1, 9:1 and 13:1. The effects on sow and litter production traits were examined together with an assessment of sow body condition. No differences were detected among the treatments for the daily feed intake of sows or changes in sow weight and back-fat levels during lactation (P > 0.05). Litter size at d 14 and d 21 were tended to increase in 3:1 treatment compared with 9:1 and 13:1 treatments (P < 0.10). Litter weight gain (1.77 kg/d) from d 0 to d 14 was tended to increase in 9:1 groups compared with the other two treatments (P < 0.10). A significant difference was observed for the content of α -linolenic acid, total n-3 PUFA, and the ratio of n-6:n-3 PUFA in the colostrum, milk, and piglets plasma (P < 0.01). The effects of different ratios of n-6:n-3 PUFA in sow diets on colostrum, milk, and piglet plasma immunoglobulin concentrations are studied. No difference was observed among treatments in the concentrations of IgM, and IgA in colostrum (P > 0.05). A great significant difference for IgG concentration was observed among 3 group in colostrum. A great significant difference for IgA, and IgM (P < 0.01) concentrations in piglet plasma at d14 and a significant difference for IgG(P < 0.05) was observed at d14. Furthermore, at d 21 of lactation, piglet plasma IgG and IgA concentration were greater in 3:1 compared with 13:1 group (P < 0.01).In summary, the current study demonstrated that altering the ratio of n-6:n-3 PUFA in lactating sow diet had an effect on the immune component including immunoglobulin and cytokines, and it tended to increase the litter average daily gain and improve the immune status of piglets when dietary ratio of n-6:n-3 PUFA was 9:1.
Who bears the cost of the business cycle? Labor-market institutions and volatility of the youth unemployment rate
Authors: Kawaguchi Daiji , Murao Tetsushi 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
The way age-specific unemployment rates fluctuate over the business cycle differs significantly across countries. This paper examines the effect of labor-market institutions on the fluctuations of age-specific unemployment rates based on panel data of 18 OECD countries between 1971 and 2008. Empirical results suggest that the cost of the business cycle disproportionately falls on youths in countries with stricter employment protection. This implies that a higher adjustment cost of an existing workforce induces the employment adjustment of new entrants into the labor market.

JEL codes

E24, J80
Self-selection patterns among return migrants: Mexico 1990-2010
Authors: Campos-Vazquez Raymundo M , Lara Jaime 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Abstract
This paper analyzes the self-selection patterns among Mexican return migrants during the period 1990–2010. To calculate the selection patterns, we nonparametrically estimate the counterfactual wages that the return migrants would have experienced had they never migrated by using the wage structure of stayers. We find evidence that the selection patterns in observable skills change over time from positive selection in 1990 toward negative selection in 2010. Additionally, we observe that the wages of return migrants are larger than those that the migrants would have obtained had they not migrated.

JEL Codes
F22, J01, J61, O54
From the bottom to the top: a more complete picture of the immigrant-native wage gap in Britain
Authors: Hunt Priscillia 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
This paper investigates wage assimilation of foreign-born male workers in Britain over the period 1993 to 2009. Using Labour Force Survey data, the paper employs a methodology (Blinder-Oaxaca quantile regressions) to decompose the immigrant-native wage differential at the mean and across the conditional wage distribution. Although immigrants earn more on average than natives, mean results mask that immigrants at the bottom (top) of the distribution earn less (more) than natives. Over the period investigated, the pro-UK-born unexplained component of the wage gap was greater at the bottom of the distribution and has shifted towards the centre of the distribution.

Jel codes

J15, J16, J31, J71
3D geologic model of Shizishan ore field constrained by gravity and magnetic interactive modeling: A case history
Authors: Lü Qingtian , Qi Guang , Yan Jiayong 
Published: December 2012

We performed a study on using an integrated geologic model in mineral exploration at depth. Shizishan ore field, in the western part of the Tongling ore district, Anhui Province in China, is well known for its polymetallic deposits and recent deep discovery of Dongguashan deposit at around 1000-m depth. Understanding the 3D structure and delineating the locations and variations of the intrusions and ore-controlling strata in the study area are essential for selecting deep mineral targets. A pilot 3D geologic model, covering an area of 11 × 16 km and extends to a depth of 3 km, has been constructed by interactive gravity and magnetic inversions to define the geometry, depth, and physical properties of geologic bodies at depths. The 3D visualization of the results assists in understanding the spatial relations between various intrusive units and the ore-bearing strata. The model has confirmed most previous knowledge, but also revealed new features of different folds and intrusions that are important for planning future exploration at large depths. Several deep targets have also been predicted by combining the conceptual mineralization model in the district with the 3D geologic model. Our study demonstrates the potential of using gravity and magnetic data with geologic constraints to build 3D models in structurally complex areas for the purpose of mineral exploration at depth and under cover.