bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Des‐gamma‐carboxy prothrombin identified by P‐11 and P‐16 antibodies reflects prognosis for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Takeji Satoru , Hirooka Masashi , Koizumi Yohei , Tokumoto Yoshio , Abe Masanori , Ikeda Yoshio , Nadano Seijin , Hiasa Yoichi , Onji Morikazu 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackground and AimsSerum des‐γ‐carboxy prothrombin (DCP) is an established tumor marker in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which can be identified by using MU‐3 antibody. The MU‐3 antibody mainly reacts with the 9–10 glutamic acid residues of DCP (conventional DCP). Since other variants of DCP with fewer glutamic acid residues can be detected using P‐11 and P‐16 antibodies (code name: NX‐PVKA), we examined the clinical characteristics associated with NX‐PVKA, and whether NX‐PVKA is a useful measure in HCC patients.MethodsParticipants comprised 197 HCC patients admitted to our hospital between 2001 and 2010. NX‐PVKA, conventional DCP, alpha‐fetoprotein, and L3 fraction of alpha‐fetoprotein were measured prior to initiation of HCC treatment.ResultsOf the tumor markers assessed, NX‐PVKA was the only significant predictor of prognosis (hazard ratio, 81.32; P < 0.0001). Patients with NX‐PVKA level ≥ 100 mAU/mL showed significantly lower survival rates (P < 0.0001). NX‐PVKA level was also significantly associated with platelet count, prothrombin time, C‐reactive protein, sex, maximum tumor size, number of nodules, and portal venous invasion by HCC. Finally, using NX‐PVKA level and other clinical parameters, we established a prognostic model to estimate patient survival time.ConclusionsNX‐PVKA offers the best marker of tumor prognosis among HCC patients, and is strongly associated with tumor factors and hepatic functional reserve. NX‐PVKA could be useful for clinical evaluation of tumor severity, as well as the estimated duration of survival among patients with HCC.
Nutritional composition of commonly consumed composite dishes from rural villages in Empangeni, KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa
Authors: Spearing K. , Kolahdooz F. , Lukasewich M. , Mathe N. , Khamis T. , Sharma S. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundAccurate nutrient composition data for composite dishes unique to a population is essential for the development of a nutrient database and the calculation of dietary intake. The present study aimed to provide the nutritional composition of composite dishes frequently consumed in rural KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa.MethodsCommonly consumed composite dishes were identified using 24‐h recalls collected from 79 randomly selected community members. Multiple recipes were collected for each reported dish. The mean nutritional composition of each dish was calculated per 100 g using the nutribase clinical nutrition manager (Cybersoft Inc., Phoenix, AZ, USA).ResultsA total of 79 recipes were collected for 16 commonly consumed dishes (seven meat‐based, five starch‐based and four legume/vegetable‐based). ‘Fried chicken’ contained the most energy [1469 kJ (351 kcal)], protein (29.7 g), fat (23.7 g), cholesterol (123 mg) and niacin (8.4 mg). ‘Fried beef’ contained the most potassium (495 mg) and zinc (6.4 mg), whereas ‘fish stew’ had the most vitamin D (4.2 μg) and calcium (215 mg). ‘Fried cabbage’ and ‘fried spinach’ contained the largest percent energies from fat, at 79% and 76%, respectively. A traditional sweet bread, ‘jeqe’, made with fortified flour contributed significantly to iron (4.6 mg), niacin (4.5 μg) and folate (129 μg). The sodium content of dishes ranged from 88 to 679 mg per 100 g.ConclusionsThe nutritional composition data for commonly consumed dishes in rural KwaZulu‐Natal is presented. Although the dishes are good sources of protein, vitamins and minerals, they also contain substantial amounts of fat. This culturally appropriate information will enable the calculation of dietary intake and can be used to encourage the consumption of recipes rich in key nutrients.
Dietary intake in population‐based adolescents: support for a relationship between eating disorder symptoms, low fatty acid intake and depressive symptoms
Authors: Allen K. L. , Mori T. A. , Beilin L. , Byrne S. M. , Hickling S. , Oddy W. H. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundRelatively little is known about the dietary intake and nutritional status of community‐based individuals with eating disorders. This research aimed to: (i) describe the dietary intake of population‐based adolescents with an eating disorder and (ii) examine associations between eating disorder symptoms, fatty acid intake and depressive symptoms in adolescents with and without an eating disorder.MethodsData were drawn from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study, a population‐based cohort study that has followed participants from birth to young adulthood. This research utilised self‐report data from the 17‐year Raine Study assessment. Participants comprised 429 female adolescents who completed comprehensive questionnaire measures on dietary intake, eating disorder symptoms and depressive symptoms.ResultsAdolescents with an eating disorder (n = 66) reported a significantly lower intake of total fat, saturated fat, omega‐6 fatty acid, starch, vitamin A and vitamin E compared to adolescents without an eating disorder (n = 363). Adolescents with an eating disorder and pronounced depressive symptoms (n = 23) also reported a significantly lower intake of polyunsaturated fat and omega‐3 and omega‐6 fatty acid than adolescents with an eating disorder but no marked depression (n = 43). In the eating disorder sample but not the control sample, omega‐3 and omega‐6 fatty acid correlated significantly and negatively with eating disorder symptoms and with depressive symptoms.ConclusionsSupport is provided for a relationship between low omega‐3 and omega‐6 fatty acid intake and depressive symptoms in adolescents with eating disorders. Research is needed to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of fatty acid supplementation in this high‐risk group.
Long‐term impact of surgical repair for stress urinary incontinence on female sexual functions, distress and behaviours
Authors: Witek Andrzej , Drosdzol‐Cop Agnieszka , Nowosielski Krzysztof , Solecka Agnieszka , Mikus Karolina 
Published: December 2012

Aims and objectivesTo evaluate sexual functions, distress and behaviours in women who underwent surgical repair of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in long‐term follow‐up.BackgroundContemporary management of SUI includes conservative therapy and surgical repair – the choice of treatment modality depends on the severity of symptoms. If conservative treatment fails, surgical correction is necessary. The outcomes of the surgery for SUI and their influence on sexual functions are satisfactory in short‐term follow‐up.DesignA total of 50 women diagnosed with SUI according to International Continence Society standards were included in the study. The patients were qualified for surgical procedures such as: transobturator suburethral tape (TOT) (n = 35), Perigee (n = 6) or MiniArc (n = 9).MethodsSexual functions and behaviours were evaluated prior to the operation and 1–3 years postoperatively in all patient using Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and non‐validated questions.ResultsThe mean time after the operation was 1·96 ± 0·83 years. Postoperatively, all women reported significant reduction of urinary incontinence symptoms. According to DSM‐IV criteria, female sexual dysfunctions were diagnosed in 12% of females after the urogenital operation. However, sexual complaints (FSFI scores equal or <26·55 points) without distress were reported by 62% of the patients. The comparison of sexual complaints declared prior to and after the operation showed significant differences in the prevalence of decreased desire, decreased arousal and decreased orgasm frequency. In addition, we documented significant improvement of sexual attractiveness and sexual life evaluation after the SUI operation.ConclusionsSurgical repair for SUI improves female sexual functions and reduces sexual distress, as observed in a long‐term follow‐up.Relevance to clinical practiceSexual functions, distress and behaviours in women who underwent surgical repair of SUI; the impact of SUI female quality of life as well as on sexual functions.
HETEROGENEITY IN ORDERED CHOICE MODELS: A REVIEW WITH APPLICATIONS TO SELF‐ASSESSED HEALTH
Authors: Greene William , Harris Mark N. , Hollingsworth Bruce , Weterings Timothy A. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractDiscrete variables that have an inherent sense of ordering across outcomes are commonly found in large data sets available to many economists, and are often the focus of research. However, assumptions underlying the standard ordered probit (which is usually used to analyse such variables) are not always justified by the data. This study provides a review of the ways in which the ordered probit might be extended to account for additional heterogeneity. Differing from other reviews in scope, application and relevance in economic settings, a series of issues pertaining to choices of variables, and the economic assumptions underlying each model are discussed in the context of measuring the underlying health of respondents. The models are applied to a wave of the household, income and labour dynamics in Australia survey, in order to check the appropriateness of such assumptions in an applied context.
QUALITATIVE AND MIXED‐METHODS RESEARCH IN ECONOMICS: SURPRISING GROWTH, PROMISING FUTURE
Authors: Starr Martha A. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractQualitative research in economics has traditionally been unimportant compared to quantitative work. Yet there has been a small explosion in use of quantitative approaches in the past 10–15 years, including ‘mixed‐methods’ projects which use qualitative and quantitative methods in combination. This paper surveys the growing use of qualitative methods in economics and closely related fields, aiming to provide economists with a useful roadmap through major sets of qualitative methods and how and why they are used. We review the growing body of economic research using qualitative approaches, emphasizing the gains from using qualitative‐ or mixed‐methods over traditional ‘closed‐ended’ approaches. It is argued that, although qualitative methods are often portrayed as less reliable, less accurate, less powerful and/or less credible than quantitative methods, in fact, the two sets of methods have their own strengths, and how much can be learned from one type of method or the other depends on specific issues that arise in studying the topic of interest. The central message of the paper is that well‐done qualitative work can provide scientifically valuable and intellectually helpful ways of adding to the stock of economic knowledge, especially when applied to research questions for which they are well suited.
LABOR MARKET EFFECTS OF UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE DESIGN
Authors: Tatsiramos Konstantinos , van Ours Jan C. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractWith the emergence of the Great Recession unemployment insurance (UI) is once again at the heart of the policy debate. In this paper, we review the recent theoretical and empirical evidence on the labor market effects of UI design. We also discuss policy issues related to UI design, including the structure of benefits, the role of liquidity constraints and the pros and cons of a UI system in which the generosity of UI benefits is varying over the business cycle. Finally, we identify potential areas of future research.
SURVEY OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN SE EUROPE – A NEW CONCEPTUAL FRAME FOR SUSTAINABILITY METRICS
Authors: Golušin Mirjana , Ivanović Olja Munitlak , Andrejević Andrea , Vučenov Simonida 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe practice so far has indicated that there is a sensitive relationship that exists between social and economic subsystem of sustainable development, therefore this research suggests comparison of the states of these two subsystems as a new conceptual frame which is essential for strategic conceptualization of development. The research pointed out a rather visible collision between the achieved degree of economic and social development in the countries of South Eastern Europe in respect to Germany and France, which were taken into consideration as two of the most developed countries in the European Union and in the entire world. The indicators which are given in this research point to the necessity of further scientific and practical consideration of strategic conceptualization of relationship between economics and society.
Exposing Humanism: Prudence, Ingenium, and the Politics of the Posthuman
Authors: Harfield Timothy D. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis article examines posthumanism and its relationship to humanism. First, it is argued that the term “posthumanism” relies upon an incomplete conception of humanism, and in a way that forecloses the possibility of looking to the humanist tradition for support. Addressing Foucault's often quoted comments about the recent invention and imminent demise of man, it is argued that Foucault is not anti‐humanist, but is rather critical of the use of humanism as an axis of reflection. Second, the posthumanist perspective is summarized as attending to a set of interrelated ethical and epistemological concerns. Calling into question the boundary between human and nonhuman animals, posthumanism also challenges the primacy of empirico‐deductive reasoning and advocates a re‐legitimization of rhetoric as a mode of thought. Lastly, using Ernesto Grassi's interpretation of the early Italian humanists, this article demonstrates not only the compatibility of Renaissance humanism with posthumanist concerns, but also the fruitfulness of this tradition as a conceptual resource. Although the Renaissance notion of ingenium, the ability to adapt and make concrete situations meaningful without also affirming strong ontological commitments, is absent from posthumanist discourse, it is a concept that has the power to enrich the posthumanist project. Consequently, posthumanism is not actually at odds with the humanist tradition in general, but rather only with a very limited and relatively recent conception.
Differential Organ Distribution, Pathogenicity and Benomyl Sensitivity of Colletotrichum spp. from Blackberry Plants in Northern Colombia
Authors: Rueda‐Hernández Kelly Rosana , Cardona Alegría Saldarriaga , Cadavid‐Restrepo Gloria Ester , Benjumea Clara Ines Saldamando , Gutierrez Gloria Patricia Cañas , Isaza Rafael Eduardo Arango 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBlackberry anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum spp., is an important disease of cultivated blackberry in the world. In Colombia, it is the number one limiting factor for commercial production. This study was conducted to determine the species of Colletotrichum infecting blackberry plants as well as the organ distribution, pathogenicity and response to benomyl of the isolated strains. Sixty isolates from stems (n = 20), thorns (n = 20) and inflorescences (n = 20) were identified as Colletotrichum acutatum and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides by a species‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Both Colletotrichum species were found in the same plant but on different organs. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides species predominated in thorn lesions (n = 16) and C. acutatum in stems (n = 15) and inflorescence (n = 15). Pathogenicity assays on detached blackberry organs demonstrated differences between the two species with an average period of lesion development of 8.7 days for C. gloeosporioides and 10.3 days for C. acutatum. Wound inoculated organs had 90% disease development compared to 17.5% in non‐wounded. All C. acutatum isolates (n = 34) were benomyl tolerant, whereas C. gloeosporioides isolates (n = 26) were 30.7% sensitive and 69.2% moderately tolerant. Phylogenetic analysis with ITS sequences of a subset of 18 strains showed that strains classified as C. gloeosporioides had 100% identity to Colletotrichum kahawae, which belongs to the C. gloeosporioides species complex, whereas C. acutatum strains clustered into two different groups, with high similarity to the A2 and the A4 molecular groups. These data demonstrate for the first time the differential distribution of both species complexes in blackberry plant organs and further clarifies the taxonomy of the strains.
Oral Health Literacy Assessment: development of an oral health literacy instrument for Spanish speakers
Authors: Lee Jessica , Stucky Brian , Rozier Gary , Lee Shoou‐Yih , Zeldin Leslie P. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo develop an oral health literacy instrument for Spanish‐speaking adults, evaluate its psychometric properties, and determine its comparability to an English version.MethodsThe Oral Health Literacy Assessment in Spanish (OHLA‐S) and English (OHLA‐E) are designed with a word recognition section and a comprehension section using the multiple‐choice format developed by an expert panel. Validation of OHLA‐S and OHLA‐E involved comparing the instrument with other health literacy instruments in a sample of 201 Spanish‐speaking and 204 English‐speaking subjects. Comparability between Spanish and English versions was assessed by testing for differential item functioning (DIF) using item response theory.ResultsWe considered three OHLA‐S scoring systems. Based on validity and reliability comparisons, 24 items were retained in the OHLA‐S instrument. OHLA‐S was correlated with another health literacy instrument, Spanish Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (P < 0.05). Significant correlations were also found between OHLA‐S and years of schooling, oral health knowledge, overall health, and an understanding of written health‐care materials (P < 0.05). OHLA‐S displayed satisfactory reliability with a Cronbach Alpha of 0.70‐0.80. DIF results suggested that OHLA‐S and OHLA‐E scores were not comparable at a given level of oral health literacy.ConclusionsOHLA‐S has acceptable reliability and validity. OHLA‐S and OHLA‐E are two different measurement tools and should not be used to compare oral health literacy between English‐ and Spanish‐speaking populations.
Nitrogen Utilization and Toxin Production by Two Diatoms of the Pseudo‐nitzschia pseudodelicatissima Complex: P. cuspidata and P. fryxelliana
Authors: Auro Maureen E. , Cochlan William P. 
Published: December 2012

The toxigenic diatom Pseudo‐nitzschia cuspidata, isolated from the U.S. Pacific Northwest, was examined in unialgal batch cultures to evaluate domoic acid (DA) toxicity and growth as a function of light, N substrate, and growth phase. Experiments conducted at saturating (120 μmol photons · m−2 · s−1) and subsaturating (40 μmol photons · m−2 · s−1) photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), demonstrate that P. cuspidata grows significantly faster at the higher PPFD on all three N substrates tested [nitrate (NO3−), ammonium (NH4+), and urea], but neither cellular toxicity nor exponential growth rates were strongly associated with one N source over the other at high PPFD. However, at the lower PPFD, the exponential growth rates were approximately halved, and the cells were significantly more toxic regardless of N substrate. Urea supported significantly faster growth rates, and cellular toxicity varied as a function of N substrate with NO3−‐supported cells being significantly more toxic than both NH4+‐ and urea‐supported cells at the low PPFD. Kinetic uptake parameters were determined for another member of the P. pseudodelicatissima complex, P. fryxelliana. After growth of these cells on NO3− they exhibited maximum specific uptake rates (Vmax) of 22.7, 29.9, 8.98 × 10−3 · h−1, half‐saturation constants (Ks) of 1.34, 2.14, 0.28 μg‐at N · L−1, and affinity values (α) of 17.0, 14.7, 32.5 × 10−3 · h−1/(μg‐at N · L−1) for NO3−, NH4+ and urea, respectively. These labo‐ratory results demonstrate the capability of P. cuspidata to grow and produce DA on both oxidized and reduced N substrates during both exponential and stationary growth phases, and the uptake kinetic results for the pseudo‐cryptic species, P. fryxelliana suggest that reduced N sources from coastal runoff could be important for maintenance of these small pennate diatoms in U.S. west coast blooms, especially during times of low ambient N concentrations.
Lack of clinical and histological progression of chronic hepatitis C in individuals with true persistently normal ALT: the result of a 17‐year follow‐up
Authors: Nunnari G. , Pinzone M. R. , Cacopardo B. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryThirty to 40% of patients with chronic hepatitis C have persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (PNALT). Even though traditionally considered as healthy people, most PNALT carriers actually have some degree of clinical progression and histological liver damage. We evaluated the clinical and histological outcome of a 17‐year follow‐up on a cohort of patients with chronic HCV infection and PNALT. Between 1994 and 2011, 70 PNALTs and 55 Hyper‐alanine aminotransferase (ALT) subjects underwent a clinical, biochemical, virological and histological follow‐up. At the end of the follow‐up, all patients were alive. In the PNALT group, none of the patients developed hepatic decompensation, while 14.5% of Hyper‐ALTs were diagnosed as affected by decompensated cirrhosis. No significant variation of the Metavir grading and staging scores was observed among PNALTs by comparing pre‐ and post‐follow‐up liver specimens. On the contrary, a significant increase in both Metavir grading and staging scores was noticed within the Hyper‐ALT group. Finally, the analysis of IL28B single‐nucleotide polymorphism rs12979860 revealed no difference between Hyper‐ALTs and PNALTs in terms of frequency of C/C genotype. In conclusion, progression of chronic hepatitis C among PNALTs is slow or even absent, because at the end of the 17‐year follow‐up histological and clinical parameters had not worsened significantly.
Comprehensive assessment of gastric emptying with a stable isotope breath test
Authors: Bharucha A. E. , Camilleri M. , Veil E. , Burton D. , Zinsmeister A. R. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackground  The [13C]‐Spirulina platensis gastric emptying breath test (GEBT) with five samples is accurate relative to scintigraphy. This study was primarily designed to further validate this GEBT using a slightly different process for incorporating [13C] in Spirulina and to evaluate the utility of additional samples for assessing early gastric emptying.Methods  After a 223 kcal, test meal labeled with 99mTc and [13C]‐S. platensis, scintigraphic images, and five breath samples (45, 90, 120, 180, and 240 min, GEBT5) were collected in 14 controls (Part A). In Part B, nine breath samples were collected at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, and 240 min (GEBT9) in 30 subjects (15 controls, 15 dyspepsia). Using correlation between [13C] breath excretion and scintigraphic emptying, lag time (t10, time for 10% emptying), emptying at 30 min (GE30), and half time (t50) were estimated for GEBT5 (Parts A and B) and GEBT9 (Part B).Key Results  Half time values for scintigraphy, GEBT5, and GEBT9 were highly concordant. t10 by GEBT9 (90%CI, 6–15 min) was more strongly correlated [CCC 0.80 (95% CI, 0.63–0.90)] with scintigraphy (90% CI, 5–12 min), than GEBT5 [10–19 min, CCC 0.73 (95% CI, 0.54–0.85)]. The correlation between estimated values (GEBT9) and linearly interpolated values (GEBT5) was closer at 60 [CCC 0.95 (95% CI, 0.91–0.97)] than 30 min [CCC 0.81 (95% CI, 0.71–0.89)].Conclusions & Inferences  The [13C]‐S. platensis GEBT can accurately measure GE. While 5‐ and 9‐samples are equally accurate for measuring t50, GEBT9 provides a more comprehensive assessment of early GE (t10 and GE30).