bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low-dose corticosteroid use and mortality in severe community-acquired pneumonia patients
Authors: Tagami Takashi , Matsui Hiroki , Horiguchi Hiromasa , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasunaga Hideo 
Published: October 2014

The relationship between low-dose corticosteroid use and mortality in patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains unclear.6925 patients with severe CAP who received mechanical ventilation with or without shock (defined as use of catecholamines) at 983 hospitals were identified using a Japanese nationwide administrative database. The main outcome measure was 28-day mortality.2524 patients with severe CAP who received catecholamines were divided into corticosteroid (n=631) and control (n=1893) groups. The 28-day mortality was significantly different between corticosteroid and control groups (unmatched: 24.6%versus36.3%, p<0.001; propensity score-matched: 25.3%versus32.6%, p=0.01; inverse probability-weighted: 27.5%versus34.2%, p<0.001). 4401 patients with severe CAP who did not receive catecholamines were also divided into corticosteroid (n=1112) and control (n=3289) groups. The 28-day mortality was not significantly different between corticosteroid and control groups in propensity score-matched analyses (unmatched: 16.0%versus19.4%, p=0.01; propensity score-matched: 17.7%versus15.6%, p=0.22; inverse probability-weighted: 18.8%versus18.2%, p=0.44).Low-dose corticosteroid use may be associated with reduced 28-day mortality in patients with septic shock complicating CAP.
Nasal nitric oxide screening for primary ciliary dyskinesia: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Collins Samuel A. , Gove Kerry , Walker Woolf , Lucas Jane S.A. 
Published: October 2014

Nasal nitric oxide (nNO) concentrations are low in patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) providing a noninvasive screening test.We conducted a systematic review of the literature to examine the utility of nNO in screening for PCD, in particular 1) different respiratory manoeuvres during sampling (velum closure, tidal breathing,etc.), 2) accuracy in screening young/uncooperative children, 3) stationaryversusportable analysers, and 4) nNO in “atypical” PCD.96 papers were assessed according to modified PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) criteria and 22 were included in this review.Meta-analysis of 11 studies comparing nNO during a velum closure breath hold gave a mean±sdnNO of 19.4±18.6 nL·min-1in PCD (n = 478) and 265.0±118.9 nL·min-1in healthy controls (n = 338). Weighted mean difference for PCDversushealthy controls was 231.1 nL·min-1(95% CI 193.3–268.9; n = 338) and 114.1 nL·min-1(95% CI 101.5–126.8; n = 415) for PCDversuscystic fibrosis. Five studies of nNO measurement during tidal breathing demonstrated that this is an acceptable manoeuvre in young children where velum closure is not possible, but the discriminatory value was reduced. Four small studies of portable NO analysers suggest these are reliable tools for screening for PCD. However, nNO must be interpreted alongside clinical suspicion. Future studies should focus on standardising sampling techniques and reporting.
Physiological alterations after a marathon in the first 90-year-old male finisher: case study
Authors: Mueller Sandro Manuel , Knechtle Beat , Knechtle Patrizia , Toigo Marco 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Endurance performance decreases during ageing due to alterations in physiological characteristics, energy stores, and psychological factors. To investigate alterations in physiological characteristics and body composition of elderly master athletes in response to an extreme endurance event, we present the case of the first ninety-year-old official male marathon finisher.

Case description
Before and directly after the marathon, a treadmill incremental test, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, peripheral quantitative computed tomography, mechanography, and dynamometry measurements were conducted. The athlete finished the marathon in 6 h 48 min 55 s, which corresponds to an average competition speed of 6.19 km h-1.

Discussion and Evaluation
Before the marathon,

V
˙

O

2
peak

was 31.5 ml min-1 kg-1 body mass and peak heart rate was 140 beats min-1. Total fat mass increased in the final preparation phase (+3.4%), while leg fat mass and leg lean mass were slightly reduced after the marathon (-3.7 and -1.6%, respectively). Countermovement jump (CMJ) peak power and peak velocity decreased after the marathon (-16.5 and -14.7%, respectively). Total impulse during CMJ and energy cost of running were not altered by the marathon. In the left leg, maximal voluntary ground reaction force (F
m1LH) and maximal isometric voluntary torque (MIVT) were impaired after the marathon (-12.2 and -14.5%, respectively).

Conclusions
Side differences in F
m1LH and MIVT could be attributed to the distinct non-symmetrical running pattern of the athlete. Similarities in alterations in leg composition and CMJ performance existed between the nonagenarian athlete and young marathon runners. In contrast, alterations in total body composition and m1LH performance were markedly different in the nonagenarian athlete when compared to his younger counterparts.
HCC surveillance results in earlier HCC detection: results from an Indian cohort
Authors: Kohli Anita , Murphy Allison A , Agarwal Chirdeep , Shivakumar Bhavana , Kottilil Shyam , Polis Michael A , Subramanian G Mani , Midha Vandana , Goyal Omesh , Desai Srinivas , Sood Ajit , Shah Samir 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with an increased incidence in South Asia. In order to describe the effect of surveillance for HCC with biannual ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) on diagnosis and survival in an Indian population a retrospective cohort-control study was performed at two liver clinics in India. The medical records of 3,258 patients with cirrhosis who received surveillance for HCC were reviewed, and 100 patients who developed HCC identified. Sixty-four cirrhotic patients diagnosed with HCC during the same time period without a history of surveillance were included and survival, BCLC stage at diagnosis, and treatment were compared.
Patients who underwent surveillance were more likely to be diagnosed with potentially curable or treatable BCLC Stage 0/A disease and Stage B/C disease respectively, than late Stage D disease (χ2 = 0.0007). Patients diagnosed at an earlier stage of HCC lived significantly longer after diagnosis than patients diagnosed at a later stage (Stage 0/A: 15.6 ± 14.2 months vs. Stage B/C: 9.43 ± 19.7 months vs. Stage D: 5.59 ± 11.9 months; p = 0.0006). While treatment for HCC improved overall survival, only 28% of eligible patients received treatment, explaining the lack of survival benefit noted in the surveillance group. Surveillance for HCC led to detection of HCC at earlier stages. The impact of surveillance on improved mortality could not be evaluated given the limited number of patients who received treatment. HCC surveillance has the potential to improve survival in South Asian patients with cirrhosis only if improvements in access to appropriate treatment are made.
Evaluation of evidence that the organophosphorus insecticide chlorpyrifos is a potential persistent organic pollutant (POP) or persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT)
Authors: Giesy John P , Solomon Keith R , Mackay Don , Anderson Julie 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
A number of chemicals, including several organochlorine pesticides, have been identified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Here, the properties of chlorpyrifos (CPY; CAS No. 2921-88-2) and its active metabolite, chlorpyrifos oxon (CPYO; CAS No. 5598-15-2), are assessed relative to criteria for classification of compounds as persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic substances (PBTs). The manufacture and use of POPs are regulated at the global level by the Stockholm Convention (SC) and the UN-ECE POP Protocol. Properties that result in a chemical being classified as a POP, along with long-range transport (LRT), while understood in a generic way, often vary among jurisdictions. Under the SC, POPs are identified by a combination of bulk (intensive) properties, including persistence and biomagnification, and an extensive property, hazard. While it is known that CPY is inherently hazardous, what is important is the aggregate potential for exposure in various environmental matrices. Instead of classifying chemicals as PBT based solely on a few simple, numeric criteria, it is suggested that an overall weight of evidence (WoE) approach, which can also consider the unique properties of the substance, be applied. While CPY and its transformation products are not currently being evaluated as POPs under the SC, CPY is widely used globally and some have suggested that its properties should be evaluated in the context of the SC, especially in locations remote from application. In Europe, all pesticides are being evaluated for properties that contribute to persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity under the aegis of EC Regulation No. 1107/2009: 'Concerning the Placing of Plant Protection Products on the Market.' The properties that contribute to the P, LRT, B, and T of CPY were reviewed, and a WoE approach that included an evaluation of the strength of the evidence and the relevance of the data to the classification of CPY and CPYO as POPs or PBTs was applied. While toxic under the simple classification system used in EC Regulation No. 1107/2009, based on its intensive properties and results of monitoring and simulation modeling, it was concluded that there is no justification for classifying CPY or its metabolite, CPYO, as a POP or PBT.
Crucial timing in schizophrenia: role of DNA methylation in early neurodevelopment
Authors: Ryan Joanne , Saffery Richard 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAn exciting recent study examining the methylation profile of human brain tissue implicates early-life epigenetic disruption in the neurodevelopmental origin of schizophrenia.See related research, http://genomebiology.com/2014/15/10/483
Identification and Characterization of Membrane Androgen Receptors in the ZIP9 Zinc Transporter Subfamily: I. Discovery in Female Atlantic Croaker and Evidence ZIP9 Mediates Testosterone-Induced Apoptosis of Ovarian Follicle Cells
Authors: Berg A. Håkan , Rice Charles D. , Rahman Md. Saydur , Dong Jing , Thomas Peter 
Published: October 2014

AbstractRapid, cell surface-initiated, pregenomic androgen actions have been described in various vertebrate cells, but the receptors mediating these actions remain unidentified. We report here the cloning and expression of a cDNA from Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) ovaries encoding a 33-kDa, seven-transmembrane protein with binding and signaling characteristics of a membrane androgen receptor that is unrelated to any previously described steroid receptor. Instead, croaker membrane androgen receptor has 81–93% amino acid sequence identity with zinc transporter ZIP9 (SLC39A9) subfamily members, indicating it is a ZIP9 protein. Croaker ZIP9 is expressed in gonadal tissues and in brain and is up-regulated in the ovary by reproductive hormones. Croaker ZIP9 protein is localized to plasma membranes of croaker granulosa cells and human breast cancer (SKBR-3) cells stably transfected with ZIP9. Recombinant croaker ZIP9 has a high affinity (dissociation constant, Kd, 12.7 nM), limited capacity (maximal binding capacity 2.8 nM/mg protein), displaceable, single binding site-specific for androgens, characteristic of steroid receptors. Testosterone activates a stimulatory G protein coupled to ZIP9, resulting in increased cAMP production. Testosterone promotes serum starvation-induced cell death and apoptosis in transfected cells and in croaker ovarian follicle cells that is associated with rapid increases in intracellular free zinc concentrations, suggesting an involvement of zinc in this nonclassical androgen action to promote apoptosis. These responses to testosterone are abrogated by treatment with ZIP9 small interfering RNA. The results provide the first evidence that zinc transporter proteins can function as specific steroid membrane receptors and indicate a previously unrecognized signaling pathway mediated by steroid receptors involving alterations in intracellular zinc.
Excess of Nerve Growth Factor in the Ovary Causes a Polycystic Ovary-Like Syndrome in Mice, which Closely Resembles Both Reproductive and Metabolic Aspects of the Human Syndrome
Authors: Wilson Jenny L. , Chen Weiyi , Dissen Gregory A. , Ojeda Sergio R. , Cowley Michael A. , Garcia-Rudaz Cecilia , Enriori Pablo J. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), the most common female endocrine disorder of unknown etiology, is characterized by reproductive abnormalities and associated metabolic conditions comprising insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. We previously reported that transgenic overexpression of nerve growth factor (NGF), a marker of sympathetic hyperactivity, directed to the ovary by the mouse 17α-hydroxylase/C17–20 lyase promoter (17NF mice), results in ovarian abnormalities similar to those seen in PCOS women. To investigate whether ovarian overproduction of NGF also induces common metabolic alterations of PCOS, we assessed glucose homeostasis by glucose tolerance test, plasma insulin levels, and body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan in young female 17NF mice and wild-type mice. 17NF mice exhibited increased body weight and alterations in body fat distribution with a greater accumulation of visceral fat compared with sc fat (P &lt; .01). 17NF mice also displayed glucose intolerance (P &lt; .01), decreased insulin-mediated glucose disposal (P &lt; .01), and hyperinsulinemia (P &lt; .05), which, similar to PCOS patients, occurred independently of body weight. Additionally, 17NF mice exhibited increased sympathetic outflow observed as increased interscapular brown adipose tissue temperature. This change was evident during the dark period (7 pm to 7 am) and occurred concomitant with increased interscapular brown adipose tissue uncoupling protein 1 expression. These findings suggest that overexpression of NGF in the ovary may suffice to cause both reproductive and metabolic alterations characteristic of PCOS and support the hypothesis that sympathetic hyperactivity may contribute to the development and/or progression of PCOS.
One rhinophore likely provides sufficient sensory input for odour-based navigation by the nudibranch mollusc,Tritonia diomedea
Authors: McCullagh Gregory B. , Bishop Cory D. , Wyeth Russell C. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractTritonia diomedea (synonymous with T. tetraquetra) navigates in turbulent odour plumes, crawling upstream towards prey and downstream to avoid predators. This is likely accomplished by odour-gated rheotaxis, but other possibilities have not been excluded. Our goal was to test whether T. diomedea uses odour-gated rheotaxis and simultaneously determine which of the cephalic sensory organs (rhinophores and oral veil) are required for navigation. In a first experiment, slugs showed no coherent responses to streams of odour directed at single rhinophores. In a second experiment, navigation in prey and predator odour plumes was compared between animals with unilateral rhinophore lesions, denervated oral veils, or combined unilateral rhinophore lesions plus denervated oral veils. In all treatments, animals navigated similarly to control and sham operated animals, indicating a single rhinophore is sufficient sensory input for navigation (assuming a distributed flow measurement system would also be affected by the denervations). Amongst various potential navigational strategies, only odour-gated positive rheotaxis can produce the navigation tracks we observed in prey plumes while receiving input from a single sensor. Thus, we provide strong evidence that T. diomedea uses odour-gated rheotaxis in attractive odour plumes, with odours and flow detected by the rhinophores. In predator plumes, slugs turned downstream to varying degrees rather than orienting directly downstream for crawling, resulting in greater dispersion for negative rheotaxis in aversive plumes. These conclusions are the first explicit confirmation of odour-gated rheotaxis as a navigational strategy in gastropods, and are also a foundation for exploring the neural circuits that implement odour-gated rheotaxis.
Fabrication of Magnetite Nanorods via Polymer-mediated Self-assembly of Magnetite Nanoparticles
Authors: Xiong Jiaqing , Tao Jin , Guo Kun , Jiao Chenlu , Zhang Desuo , Lin Hong , Chen Yuyue 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Hyperbranched polyglycerols (HPGs) was firstly employed for mediating self-assembly of Fe3O4 nanoparticles to form Fe3O4 nanorods based on an oleic acid (OA)–alcohol–water system. Since the aggregation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles achieved one-by-one assembly induced by HPGs, the resulting Fe3O4 nanorods show a complete structure and high crystallinity, especially when the solvo-hydrothermal process was performed at 180 °C for 16 h.
Construction of Sensor Protein That Responses to Amyloid β-Peptide Oligomers and Demonstration of Screening Capabilities for Oligomer Inhibitors
Authors: Takahashi Tsuyoshi 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
An improved Förster resonance energy-transfer (FRET) sensor that responses to amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) oligomers was constructed based on the surface-engineered blue and circular permutated yellow fluorescent proteins (BFP and cpYFP), in which Aβ-like β-sheets were embedded. FRET from BFP to cpYFP of the sensor increased by binding to Aβ oligomers. Three compounds that affect the Aβ aggregation were used as a model for elucidating the screening capabilities of the sensor protein.
When to Sell Your Idea: Theory and Evidence from the Movie Industry
Authors: Luo Hong 
Published: October 2014

I study a model of investment and sale of ideas and test its empirical implications using a novel data set from the market for original movie ideas. Consistent with the theoretical results, I find that buyers are reluctant to meet unproven sellers for early-stage ideas, which restricts sellers to either developing the ideas fully (to sell them later) or abandoning them. In contrast, experienced sellers can attract buyers at any stage, and they sell worse ideas sooner and better ideas later. These results have important managerial implications for buyers and sellers and show that, in such contexts, policy interventions that discourage buyer participation—such as stronger intellectual property protection—may diminish the market for ideas and hurt inexperienced sellers. This paper was accepted by Bruno Cassiman, business strategy.
An Investigation on the Microstructure and Wear Properties of TiB2 Reinforced AA2014 Aluminium Alloy Produced by Vacuum Infiltration
Authors: Araz Şule Ocak , Çalın Recep , Pul Muharrem , Bican Osman , Okur Onur 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIn this study, microstructural, mechanical and wear properties of TiB
Evidence of attenuation of intestinal ischemia–reperfusion injury following pre-treatment with methanolic extracts from Chromolena odorata in rats
Authors: Akinrinmade Joseph Fadeyemi , Akinrinde Stephen Akinleye , Odejobi Atinuke , Oyagbemi Adetokunbo Ademola 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

Background: Chromolena odorata is a tropical species of flowering shrub in the family Asteraceae, leaves of it have been reported to be widely used as herbal remedy for the treatment of various ailments. It is particularly reported to be useful in the healing of wounds.

Methods: We investigated the possibility of amelioration of intestinal ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury in rats treated with methanolic extract of C. odorata (MECO). Wistar albino rats were divided randomly into five groups of six animals each as control, IR-treated, IR+200 mg/kg MECO, IR+400 mg/kg MECO, and IR+200 mg/kg vitamin C. Pre-treatment with MECO or vitamin C was for 7 days.

Results: The contents of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly reduced by MECO and vitamin C, while there were significant enhancements of the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), as well as the content of reduced glutathione (GSH) in pre-treated rats compared to IR-treated rats. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was not significantly affected in all the groups. Histopathological examination of small intestinal mucosa revealed significant attenuation of intestinal pathology in animals pre-treated with MECO, while IR injury produced severe villi erosion, necrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltrations.

Conclusions: The present study highlights the antioxidant activities of MECO and its ability to inhibit inflammatory cell infiltration as mechanisms involved in its protection against IR injury in the intestine of rats, an effect that was largely comparable to that of vitamin C.
MR imaging of the fetal brain at 1.5T and 3.0T field strengths: comparing specific absorption rate (SAR) and image quality
Authors: Krishnamurthy Uday , Neelavalli Jaladhar , Mody Swati , Yeo Lami , Jella Pavan K. , Saleem Sheena , Korzeniewski Steven J. , Cabrera Maria D. , Ehterami Shadi , Bahado-Singh Ray O. , Katkuri Yashwanth , Haacke Ewart M. , Hernandez-Andrade Edgar , Hassan Sonia S. , Romero Roberto 
Published: October 2014

Abstract: Our two objectives were to evaluate the feasibility of fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a fast spin echo sequence at 3.0T field strength with low radio frequency (: T2 weighted images of the fetal brain at 1.5T were compared to similar data obtained in the same fetus using a modified sequence at 3.0T. Quantitative whole-body SAR and normalized image signal to noise ratio (SNR), a nominal scoring scheme based evaluation of diagnostic image quality, and tissue contrast and conspicuity for specific anatomical structures in the brain were compared between 1.5T and 3.0T.: Twelve pregnant women underwent both 1.5T and 3.0T MRI examinations. The image SNR was significantly higher (P=0.03) and whole-body SAR was significantly lower (P<0.0001) for images obtained at 3.0T compared to 1.5T. All cases at both field strengths were scored as having diagnostic image quality. Images from 3.0T MRI (compared to 1.5T) were equal (57%; 21/37) or superior (35%; 13/37) for tissue contrast and equal (61%; 20/33) or superior (33%, 11/33) for conspicuity.It is possible to obtain fetal brain images with higher resolution and better SNR at 3.0T with simultaneous reduction in SAR compared to 1.5T. Images of the fetal brain obtained at 3.0T demonstrated superior tissue contrast and conspicuity compared to 1.5T.
Bridging language barriers in multilingual care encounters
Authors: Jansson Gunilla 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe present case study demonstrates how the multilingual practices of a linguistically diverse workforce contribute to the functioning of a modern workplace. Based on ethnographic fieldwork and recordings in a residential home for elderly people with dementia in Sweden, the article explores how multilingual immigrant care workers creatively use their language skills to overcome linguistic boundaries and communicate with an elderly Kurdish resident. It is shown that despite the fact that the participants do not, or only to a limited extent, share a common language, the care workers manage to create multilingual encounters that allow them to perform care tasks in an activity context where empathy and efficiency are of great importance. Although the data in this study manifest the struggle of multilingual care workers to bridge language barriers, the study also highlights the complexity of providing adequate and well-functioning care in today’s diverse society, where linguistic and cultural matching of clients and caregivers cannot always be obtained. These results are discussed in the light of new demands on Swedish (and more broadly Western) care systems to adapt to the increasing number of multilingual older people, who will become residents in care facilities.