bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axis in eugonadal men with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Costanzo P. R. , Suárez S. M. , Scaglia H. E. , Zylbersztein C. , Litwak L. E. , Knoblovits P. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryMen with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) have lower testosterone levels and a higher prevalence of hypogonadism. It still remains unclear the mechanism by which there is a relationship between hypogonadism and DM2. The objective was to evaluate the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axis at different levels in eugonadal patients with DM2. Fourteen patients with DM2 (DM2 group) and 15 subjects without DM2 (normal glucose tolerance test) as control group (CG) were included. We assessed: (i) fasting glucose, insulin, Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA); (ii) luteinizing hormone (LH) pulsatility through blood collections every 10 min for 4 h; (iii) gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) test: basal LH and 30, 60 and 90 min after 100 μg of i.v. GnRH; (iv) human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test: basal total testosterone (TT), bioavailable testosterone (BT), free testosterone (FT), estradiol (E2), bioavailable E2 (BE2) and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) and 72 h post 5000 IU of i.m. hCG. There were no differences in age, body mass index and waist circumference between groups. Glucose was higher in the DM2 group vs. CG: 131.1 ± 25.5 vs. 99.1 ± 13.6 mg/dL, p = 0.0005. There were no difference in basal insulin, HOMA, TT, BT, FT, E2, BE2, SHBG and LH levels between groups. The DM2 group had lower LH pulse frequency vs. CG: 0.8 ± 0.8 vs. 1.5 ± 0.5 pulses, p = 0.009. Differences in LH pulse amplitude were not found. A negative correlation was found between the number of LH pulses and glucose, r: −0.39, p = 0.03. There were no differences in the response of LH to GnRH between groups nor in the response of sexual steroids and SHBG to hCG. Patients with DM2 showed lower hypothalamic pulse frequency without changes in the pituitary response to GnRH nor testicular response to hCG. Glucose levels negatively correlated with the number of LH pulses which suggests a negative effect of hyperglycaemia in the hypothalamic secretion of GnRH.
Autonomy‐supportive intervention: an evolutionary concept analysis
Authors: Kayser John W. , Cossette Sylvie , Alderson Marie 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimThis paper is a report of an analysis of the concept of an autonomy‐supportive intervention.BackgroundA large proportion of chronic illnesses can be prevented by positive health behaviour changes. The aim of an autonomy‐supportive intervention is to increase perceived autonomy support, which, in turn, increases positive health behaviour changes. Its known core components are choice, rationale and empathy. Identifying and analysing the antecedents, attributes and consequences of an autonomy‐supportive intervention will increase the clarity of this concept.DesignConcept analysis.Data SourcesSources were 63 papers describing an autonomy‐supportive intervention in health behaviour changes indexed in CINAHL, PsycINFO and MEDLINE (all dates until July 2012).MethodsRodgers' evolutionary method of concept analysis was used to help identify and analyse the antecedents, attributes and consequences of the concept.ResultsMore evolution was found in the disciplines of nursing and psychology compared with medicine in relation to the use of an autonomy‐supportive intervention in theoretical frameworks. The antecedents included assessment prior to intervention delivery, intervention providers' beliefs, and skills training. A lack of homogeneity in the manner in which the attributes were described was found in the literature across disciplines and the attributes were classified under five components instead of three: choice, rationale, empathy, collaboration and strengths.ConclusionAn autonomy‐supportive intervention is a useful concept across healthcare disciplines and future research should aim at identifying which attributes and components of an autonomy‐supportive intervention may be more effective in increasing perceived autonomy support.
Functional analyses of an E3 ligase gene AIP2 from wheat in Arabidopsis revealed its roles in seed germination and pre‐harvest sprouting
Authors: Gao Dong‐Yao , Xu Zhao‐Shi , He Yi , Sun Yong‐Wei , Ma You‐Zhi , Xia Lan‐Qin 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPre‐harvest sprouting (PHS) seriously affects wheat yield and quality of the grain. ABI3 is a key factor in the activation of seed development and repression of germination in Arabidopsis. An ABI3‐interacting protein (AIP2) could polyubiquitinate ABI3, impair seed dormancy and promote seed germination in Arabidopsis. In this study, two wheat AIP2 genes, TaAIP2A and TaAIP2B, were isolated. Subcellular localization assay and yeast two‐hybrid analysis revealed that TaAIP2A and TaAIP2B may function through interaction with wheat Viviporous‐1 (TaVp1). The transcripts TaAIP2A and TaAIP2B were more abundant in wheat PHS susceptible cultivars than that of resistant ones, and decreased gradually following seed development. Expression of TaAIP2A and TaAIP2B in Arabidopsis aip2‐1 mutant lines resulted in earlier flowering, promotion of seed germination, and reduced ABA sensitivity, respectively, somehow mimicking the phenotype of the wild type, with TaAIP2B having a stronger role in these aspects. Furthermore, the expression of upstream genes ABI1 and ABI2 were upregulated, whereas that of downstream genes ABI3 and ABI5 were downregulated in both TaAIP2A and TaAIP2B complemented lines upon ABA treatment. These results suggested that wheat AIP2s could negatively regulate the ABA signaling pathway and play important roles in seed germination, and thus wheat PHS resistance finally.
Application of the “Hybrid Approach” to Chronic Total Occlusion Interventions: A Detailed Procedural Analysis
Authors: MICHAEL TESFALDET T. , MOGABGAB OWEN , FUH ERIC , PATEL VISHAL G. , EL SABBAGH ABDALLAH , ALOMAR MOHAMMED E. , RANGAN BAVANA V. , ABDULLAH SHUAIB M. , BANERJEE SUBHASH , BRILAKIS EMMANOUIL S. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the outcomes of the “hybrid” approach to chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs).BackgroundThe “hybrid approach” to CTO PCI advocates appropriate and early change of crossing strategy to maximize success, safety, and efficiency.MethodsWe prospectively recorded and analyzed detailed step‐by‐step procedural data in 73 consecutive CTO PCI cases performed by a single operator between July 2011 and August 2012.ResultsTechnical success was achieved in 66 of 73 cases (90.4%). Mean patient age was 65 ± 7 years, and 30% had prior coronary artery bypass surgery. Dual injection was used in 78%. The primary approach was retrograde in 9 cases (12.5%) and antegrade in 64 cases (87.5%), of whom 25 cases (39.1%) underwent retrograde attempt after failed antegrade approach. The initial crossing approach was successful in 40 cases (54.8%), but 32 cases (44%) required 3.6 ± 1.4 approach changes (range 2–7). Antegrade wire escalation, antegrade dissection/reentry, and retrograde crossing were utilized in 97.2%, 46.6%, and 46.6% of cases, respectively. Among successful cases, the final CTO crossing technique was antegrade wire escalation in 50.0%, antegrade dissection/reentry in 24.2%, and retrograde in 25.8%. The mean procedure time, fluoroscopy time, and air kerma radiation exposure until CTO crossing or stopping the procedure were 66 ± 55 minutes, 25 ± 23 minutes, and 2.3 ± 1.9 Gray, respectively. Three patients (4.1%) had a major complication.ConclusionIn the “hybrid approach” to CTO PCI, changes in crossing strategy were needed in approximately half the cases, resulting in high success and low complication rates. (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:36–43)
Differences in the Clinical and Angiographic Characteristics of Chronic Total Occlusion Lesions in the Three Major Coronary Arteries
Authors: HASEGAWA TASUKU , GODINO COSMO , BASAVARAJAIAH SANDEEP , TAKAGI KENSUKE , REZQ AHMED , LATIB AZEEM , ALAIDE CHIEFFO , MONTORFANO MATTEO , CARLINO MAURO , COLOMBO ANTONIO 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences in the clinical and angiographic characteristics of chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesions among the 3 major coronary arteries (LAD, LCx, and RCA).BackgroundThe success rate of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of CTO lesions is not uniform among the 3 major coronary arteries and this may be influenced by the differences in angiographic and clinical characteristics that may exists between them.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated clinical and angiographic characteristics of patients who underwent PCI of CTO lesions at our 2 centers between 2003 and 2010.ResultsWe analyzed 708 CTO‐PCI procedures between 2003 and 2010. The CTO lesions were located in LAD: 222 (31.4%), LCx: 167 (23.6%), and RCA: 319 (45.0%). Patients with CTO in LAD had lower incidence of previous history of PCI and CABG compared to those with CTO lesions in LCx or RCA. In regard to angiographic findings, LAD lesions tended to have more side branches and blunt occlusion stump. The LCx lesions presented more frequently as a part of multivessel disease. RCA lesions were significantly longer, more severely angulated, and calcified. Good collateral circulations were more often encountered in the RCA. In regard to success rates, RCA showed lower procedural success rates (71.8%) followed by LAD (74.8%) and LCx (79.0%).ConclusionsThere were several differences in the clinical and angiographic characteristics of CTO lesions among the 3 major coronary arteries. These differences can explain the discrepancy in procedure success rates. (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:44–49)
Cultural consultation as a model for training multidisciplinary mental healthcare professionals in cultural competence skills: preliminary results
Authors: Owiti J. A. , Ajaz A. , Ascoli M. , de Jongh B. , Palinski A. , Bhui K. S. 
Published: November 2013

Accessible summary
Lack of cultural competence in care contributes to poor experiences and outcomes from care for migrants and racial and ethnic minorities. As a result, health and social care organizations currently promote cultural competence of their workforce as a means of addressing persistent poor experiences and outcomes.
At present, there are unsystematic and diverse ways of promoting cultural competence, and their impact on clinician skills and patient outcomes is unknown.
We developed and implemented an innovative model, cultural consultation service (CCS), to promote cultural competence of clinicians and directly improve on patient experiences and outcomes from care. CCS model is an adaptation of the McGill model, which uses ethnographic methodology and medical anthropological knowledge. The method and approach not only contributes both to a broader conceptual and dynamic understanding of culture, but also to learning of cultural competence skills by healthcare professionals.
The CCS model demonstrates that multidisciplinary workforce can acquire cultural competence skills better through the clinical encounter, as this promotes integration of learning into day‐to‐day practice. Results indicate that clinicians developed a broader and patient‐centred understanding of culture, and gained skills in narrative‐based assessment method, management of complexity of care, competing assumptions and expectations, and clinical cultural formulation.
AbstractCultural competence is defined as a set of skills, attitudes and practices that enable the healthcare professionals to deliver high‐quality interventions to patients from diverse cultural backgrounds. Improving on the cultural competence skills of the workforce has been promoted as a way of reducing ethnic and racial inequalities in service outcomes. Currently, diverse models for training in cultural competence exist, mostly with no evidence of effect. We established an innovative narrative‐based cultural consultation service in an inner‐city area to work with community mental health services to improve on patients' outcomes and clinicians' cultural competence skills. We targeted 94 clinicians in four mental health service teams in the community. After initial training sessions, we used a cultural consultation model to facilitate ‘in vivo’ learning. During cultural consultation, we used an ethnographic interview method to assess patients in the presence of referring clinicians. Clinicians' self‐reported measure of cultural competence using the Tool for Assessing Cultural Competence Training (n = 28, at follow‐up) and evaluation forms (n = 16) filled at the end of each cultural consultation showed improvement in cultural competence skills. We conclude that cultural consultation model is an innovative way of training clinicians in cultural competence skills through a dynamic interactive process of learning within real clinical encounters.
Outcome following liver lobectomy using thoracoabdominal staplers in cats
Authors: Pavia P. R. , Kovak‐McClaran J. , Lamb K. 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesTo present outcomes and complications following liver lobectomy using thoracoabdominal staplers in cats, to identify factors associated with survival time and to confirm safety and feasibility.MethodsRetrospective analysis of case records (n=18) of cats that underwent liver lobectomy with a thoracoabdominal stapler.ResultsFourteen of the 18 cats (78%) survived to discharge. Median survival time was 136·5 days. On log‐rank univariate analysis, preoperative abdominal fluid (P=0·002), preoperative anaemia (P=0·03) and perioperative transfusion (P=0·01) were associated with decreased survival time. Perioperative anaemia was common (89%), and rate of transfusion during hospitalisation was 61%. Clinical signs of illness, azotaemia, elevated liver enzyme activities and malignant neoplasia did not appear to impact survival; however, anaemia, abdominal fluid and transfusion may be associated with decreased survival time.Clinical SignificanceLiver lobectomy using thoracoabdominal staplers was effective in removal of hepatic lesions and all cats survived surgery. Outcome was negatively associated with preoperative abdominal fluid (haemorrhagic and non‐haemorrhagic), preoperative anaemia or perioperative transfusion. Surgeons should be prepared to employ ancillary methods of haemostasis to augment the staple line, and need for blood transfusion should be anticipated.
Fitting and Forecasting Sovereign Defaults using Multiple Risk Signals
Authors: Savona Roberto , Vezzoli Marika 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn this article, we try to realize the best compromise between in‐sample goodness of fit and out‐of‐sample predictability of sovereign defaults. To do this, we use a new regression‐tree based approach that signals impending sovereign debt crises whenever pre‐selected indicators exceed specific thresholds. Using data from emerging markets and Greece, Ireland, Portugal and Spain (GIPS) over the period 1975–2010, we show that our model significantly outperforms existing competing approaches (logit, stepwise logit, noise‐to‐signal ratio and regression trees), while balancing in‐ and out‐of‐sample performance. Our results indicate that illiquidity (high short‐term debt to reserves) and default history, together with real GDP growth and US interest rates, are the main determinants of both emerging market country defaults and the recent European sovereign debt crisis.
Morphological and anatomical determinants of mesophyll conductance in wild relatives of tomato (Solanum sect. Lycopersicon, sect. Lycopersicoides; Solanaceae)
Authors: MUIR CHRISTOPHER D. , HANGARTER ROGER P. , MOYLE LEONIE C. , DAVIS PHILLIP A. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractNatural selection on photosynthetic performance is a primary factor determining leaf phenotypes. The complex CO2 diffusion path from substomatal cavities to the chloroplasts – the mesophyll conductance (gm) – limits photosynthetic rate in many species and hence shapes variation in leaf morphology and anatomy. Among sclerophyllous and succulent taxa, structural investment in leaves, measured as the leaf dry mass per area (LMA), has been implicated in decreased gm. However, in herbaceous taxa with high gm, it is less certain how LMA impacts CO2 diffusion and whether it significantly affects photosynthetic performance. We addressed these questions in the context of understanding the ecophysiological significance of leaf trait variation in wild tomatoes, a closely related group of herbaceous perennials. Although gm was high in wild tomatoes, variation in gm significantly affected photosynthesis. Even in these tender‐leaved herbaceous species, greater LMA led to reduced gm. This relationship between gm and LMA is partially mediated by cell packing and leaf thickness, although amphistomy (equal distribution of stomata on both sides of the leaf) mitigates the effect of leaf thickness. Understanding the costs of increased LMA will inform future work on the adaptive significance of leaf trait variation across ecological gradients in wild tomatoes and other systems.
Identification of PLX4032‐resistance mechanisms and implications for novel RAF inhibitors
Authors: Choi Jaehyuk , Landrette Sean F. , Wang Tiffany , Evans Perry , Bacchiocchi Antonella , Bjornson Robert , Cheng Elaine , Stiegler Amy L. , Gathiaka Symon , Acevedo Orlando , Boggon Titus J. , Krauthammer Michael , Halaban Ruth , Xu Tian 
Published: November 2013

SummaryBRAF inhibitors improve melanoma patient survival, but resistance invariably develops. Here we report the discovery of a novel BRAF mutation that confers resistance to PLX4032 employing whole‐exome sequencing of drug‐resistant BRAFV600K melanoma cells. We further describe a new screening approach, a genome‐wide piggyBac mutagenesis screen that revealed clinically relevant aberrations (N‐terminal BRAF truncations and CRAF overexpression). The novel BRAF mutation, a Leu505 to His substitution (BRAFL505H), is the first resistance‐conferring second‐site mutation identified in BRAF mutant cells. The mutation replaces a small nonpolar amino acid at the BRAF‐PLX4032 interface with a larger polar residue. Moreover, we show that BRAFL505H, found in human prostate cancer, is itself a MAPK‐activating, PLX4032‐resistant oncogenic mutation. Lastly, we demonstrate that the PLX4032‐resistant melanoma cells are sensitive to novel, next‐generation BRAF inhibitors, especially the ‘paradox‐blocker’ PLX8394, supporting its use in clinical trials for treatment of melanoma patients with BRAF‐mutations.
Role for immune monitoring to tailor induction prophylaxis in pediatric heart recipients
Authors: Thrush Philip T. , Gossett Jeffrey G. , Costello John M. , Matthews Kathleen L. , Nubani Reem , Bhagat Hardik , Backer Carl L. , Pahl Elfriede 
Published: November 2013

AbstractrATG is used for HTx induction but is costly and associated with infection and PTLD. Hypothesis: Tailoring rATG induction with CD3 monitoring results in less infection, reduced costs, and similar rejection. Retrospective review of HTx recipients receiving rATG induction. Control cases received “usual” rATG dosing (1.5 mg/kg/day typically × 5 days). Starting in October 2009, absolute CD3 monitoring (target <25 cells/mm3) guided rATG dosing (study cases). Outcomes included first‐year incidence of infection/rejection, direct costs of therapy, and incidence of PTLD/death. Study cases (n = 32) received fewer doses of rATG (median 4 vs. 5, p < 0.001) and less total rATG (median 3.2 vs. 7.4 mg/kg, p < 0.001) compared with controls (n = 17). There was no difference in incidence of infection, rejection, or patient survival during the first year post‐HTx. There was one early death in both groups and one late case of PTLD in the control group. Drug savings were significant (median drug cost per patient $2718 vs. $4756, p < 0.001). CD3‐tailored rATG induction in HTx recipients is associated with reduced drug costs and similar rates of rejection/infection. Longer follow‐up will determine whether extended benefits are associated with this induction monitoring strategy.
Tacrolimus‐related seizure after pediatric liver transplantation – A single‐center experience
Authors: Xie Man , Rao Wei , Sun Li‐Ying , Zhu Zhi‐Jun , Deng Yong‐Lin , Shen Zhong‐Yang , Jia Ji‐Dong 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTo identify the risk factors for new‐onset seizures after pediatric LT and to assess their clinical implications and long‐term prognosis. The clinical and laboratory data of 27 consecutive children who underwent LT from January 2007 to December 2010 in our center were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into seizures group and a non‐seizures group. Pre‐operative, intra‐operative, and post‐operative data were collected. Seizures occurred in four children, an incidence of 14.8%. All exhibited generalized tonic–clonic seizures within the first two wk after LT. Univariate analysis showed that the risk factors associated with seizures after pediatric LT included gender, pediatric end‐stage liver disease score before surgery, Child–Pugh score before surgery, serum total bilirubin after surgery, and trough TAC level. Multivariate analysis showed that trough TAC level was the only independent risk factor associated with the seizures. All children who experienced seizures survived with good graft function and remained seizure‐free without anti‐epileptic drugs over a mean follow‐up period of 33.7 ± 14.6 months. High trough TAC level was the predominant factor that contributed to seizures in the early post‐operative period after pediatric LT. High PELD and Child‐Pugh scores before LT and high post‐operative serum Tbil may be contributory risk factors for TAC‐related seizures.
Socially Anxious Children at Risk for Victimization: The Role of Personality
Authors: Mulder Saskia F. , van Aken Marcel A. G. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis study examines whether Big Five personality traits affect the extent to which a socially anxious child will be victimized. A total of 1814 children participated in the study (mean age = 11.99 years). Children completed self‐reports and peer reports of victimization, which were aggregated, and self‐reports of social anxiety and Big Five personality traits. A regression analysis was performed to study the moderating effect of personality traits on the relation between social anxiety and victimization. Socially anxious children scoring high on extraversion are less at risk for victimization than socially anxious children scoring low on extraversion. In addition, socially anxious boys scoring high on agreeableness were less at risk for victimization than socially anxious boys scoring low on agreeableness. Conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness to experience did not moderate the relation between social anxiety and victimization.