bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self‐reported quality of sleep is associated with bodily pain, vitality and cognitive impairment in Japanese older adults
Authors: Sampaio Ricardo Aurélio Carvalho , Sewo Sampaio Priscila Yukari , Yamada Minoru , Tsuboyama Tadao , Arai Hidenori 
Published: October 2013

AimPoor sleep can affect physical and mental health, and consequently people's quality of life (QOL); however, only a few studies have addressed the potential associations of physical and mental health with quality of sleep (QOS) in Japan. The present study aimed to investigate the association of QOS with sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, cognitive status, nutrition, depression, seclusion, and QOL in Japanese community‐dwelling older adults.MethodsData were collected through self‐administered questionnaires and other specific tests in 145 (age 73 years [range 70–77 years]) participants. The χ2‐test or Fisher's exact test were used to compare categorical variables stratified by QOS, and the Mann–Whitney U‐test was used for continuous variables. Furthermore, logistic regression analyses were carried out to verify the associations with QOS.ResultsThe poor QOS group had more males (P < 0.05), a shorter self‐reported sleep duration (P < 0.001), higher body mass index (P < 0.05) and higher risk of depression (P < 0.05), whereas the good QOS group showed higher scores in the QOL summary and domains of physical component (P < 0.01), general health (P < 0.001), bodily pain (P < 0.001) and vitality (P < 0.001). In the logistic regression model, cognitive status (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.03–0.55), bodily pain (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84–1.00) and vitality (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.73–0.92) were associated with QOS.ConclusionThe present study provides evidence that QOS is linked to cognitive status, bodily pain and vitality in Japanese older adults. We maintain that screening a person's sleep characteristics in a community setting might be relevant to identify those older adults at risk of a poor QOL and frailty in the early phase, triggering further health analyses. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 628–635.
Contributing Factors to Disease Outbreaks Associated with Untreated Groundwater
Authors: Wallender Erika K. , Ailes Elizabeth C. , Yoder Jonathan S. , Roberts Virginia A. , Brunkard Joan M. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractDisease outbreaks associated with drinking water drawn from untreated groundwater sources represent a substantial proportion (30.3%) of the 818 drinking water outbreaks reported to CDC's Waterborne Disease and Outbreak Surveillance System (WBDOSS) during 1971 to 2008. The objectives of this study were to identify underlying contributing factors, suggest improvements for data collection during outbreaks, and inform outbreak prevention efforts. Two researchers independently reviewed all qualifying outbreak reports (1971 to 2008), assigned contributing factors and abstracted additional information (e.g., cases, etiology, and water system attributes). The 248 outbreaks resulted in at least 23,478 cases of illness, 390 hospitalizations, and 13 deaths. The majority of outbreaks had an unidentified etiology (n = 135, 54.4%). When identified, the primary etiologies were hepatitis A virus (n = 21, 8.5%), Shigella spp. (n = 20, 8.1%), and Giardia intestinalis (n = 14, 5.7%). Among the 172 (69.4%) outbreaks with contributing factor data available, the leading contamination sources included human sewage (n = 57, 33.1%), animal contamination (n = 16, 9.3%), and contamination entering via the distribution system (n = 12, 7.0%). Groundwater contamination was most often facilitated by improper design, maintenance or location of the water source or nearby waste water disposal system (i.e., septic tank; n = 116, 67.4%). Other contributing factors included rapid pathogen transport through hydrogeologic formations (e.g., karst limestone; n = 45, 26.2%) and preceding heavy rainfall or flooding (n = 36, 20.9%). This analysis underscores the importance of identifying untreated groundwater system vulnerabilities through frequent inspection and routine maintenance, as recommended by protective regulations such as Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Groundwater Rule, and the need for special consideration of the local hydrogeology.
Factor XIII deficiency: complete phenotypic characterization of two cases with novel causative mutations
Authors: Katona É. , Muszbek L. , Devreese K. , Kovács K. B. , Bereczky Z. , Jonkers M. , Shemirani A. H. , Mondelaers V. , Ermens A. A. M. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryCoagulation factor XIII (FXIII) exists as heterotetramer (FXIII‐A2B2) in the plasma and as dimer (FXIII‐A2) in cells. Activated FXIII mechanically stabilizes fibrin and protects it from fibrinolysis by cross‐linking fibrin chains and α2‐plasmin inhibitor to fibrin. FXIII is essential to maintaining haemostasis, and its deficiency causes severe bleeding diathesis. Due to improper laboratory practices, FXIII deficiency is considered the most under‐diagnosed bleeding disorder. The aim of this study was to demonstrate in two cases how FXIII deficiency is properly diagnosed and classified, and to compare results of laboratory analysis and clinical symptoms. FXIII activity from plasma and platelets was measured by a modified ammonia release assay, while FXIII‐A2B2, FXIII‐A and FXIII‐B antigens were determined by ELISA. The exon–intron boundaries and the promoter region of F13A1 gene were amplified by PCR and the amplified products were analysed by direct fluorescent sequencing. FXIII‐A mRNA in platelets was determined by RT‐qPCR. Two children with severe bleeding symptoms were investigated. In both cases FXIII activity and FXIII‐A antigen were undetectable in the plasma and platelet lysate. In the plasma no FXIII‐A2B2 antigen was found, while FXIII‐B antigen was >30% in both cases. Proband1 was a compound heterozygote possessing a known missense mutation (c.980G>A, p.Arg326Gln) and a novel splice–site mutation (c.1112+2T>C). Proband2 was homozygote for a novel single nucleotide deletion (c.212delA) leading to early stop codon. The discovered mutations explain the severity of clinical symptoms and the laboratory data. Methods precise in the low activity/antigen range are required to draw valid conclusion on phenotype–genotype relationship.
Correlates of ADL difficulty in a large hemodialysis cohort
Authors: Kutner Nancy G. , Zhang Rebecca , Allman Richard M. , Bowling C. Barrett 
Published: October 2013

AbstractNeeding assistance with activities of daily living (ADL) is an early indicator of functional decline and has important implications for individuals' quality of life. However, correlates of need for ADL assistance have received limited attention among patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD). A multicenter cohort of 742 prevalent HD patients was assessed in 2009–2011 and classified as frail, prefrail and nonfrail by the Fried frailty index (recent unintentional weight loss, reported exhaustion, low grip strength, slow walk speed, low physical activity). Patients reported need for assistance with 4 ADL tasks and identified contributing symptoms/conditions (pain, balance, endurance, weakness, others). Nearly 1 in 5 patients needed assistance with 1 or more ADL. Multivariable analysis showed increased odds for needing ADL assistance among frail (odds ratio [OR] 11.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.50–23.41; P < 0.001) and prefrail (OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.01–3.68; P = 0.046) compared with non‐frail patients. In addition, the odds for needing ADL assistance were lower among blacks compared with whites and were higher among patients with diabetes, lung disease, and stroke. Balance, weakness, and “other” (frequently dialysis‐related) symptoms/conditions were the most frequently named reasons for ADL difficulty. In addition to interventions such as increasing physical activity that might delay or reverse the process of frailty, the immediate symptoms/conditions to which individuals attribute their ADL difficulty may have clinical relevance for developing targeted management and/or treatment approaches.
Hepatic molecular effects of rosiglitazone in human non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis suggest long‐term pro‐inflammatory damage
Authors: Lemoine Maud , Serfaty Lawrence , Cervera Pascale , Capeau Jacqueline , Ratziu Vlad 
Published: October 2013

AimGlitazones are agonists of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ) and have been proposed for the treatment of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, efficacy results are conflicting and hepatic molecular changes induced by glitazones are mostly unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the hepatic inflammatory and fibrogenic molecular effects of rosiglitazone in NASH patients.MethodsHepatic expression of PPAR‐γ and several inflammatory/immune and fibrogenic genes were studied before and after a 12‐month treatment with rosiglitazone or placebo in 25 patients with NASH from the Fatty Liver Improvement with Rosiglitazone Therapy (FLIRT) trial.ResultsTreatment with rosiglitazone induced hepatic PPAR‐γ expression but increased the expression of several pro‐inflammatory genes such as SOCS3 and TLR4. There was a significant reduction in mRNA and protein levels of α‐smooth muscle actin, compatible with previously documented antifibrotic actions of rosiglitazone on stellate cells. However, there was no change in type 1 collagen and transforming growth factor‐β expression thus suggesting an offset of the antifibrogenic actions by long‐term pro‐inflammatory changes.ConclusionIn NASH patients, hepatic PPAR‐γ induction by rosiglitazone was associated with increased hepatic expression of pro‐inflammatory genes which may explain the lack of long‐term histological benefit shown in human studies with this drug. It is unclear whether these results are a class effect of PPAR‐γ agonists or a specific effect of rosiglitazone.
Diameters of left gastric vein and its originating vein on magnetic resonance imaging in liver cirrhosis patients with hepatitis B: Association with endoscopic grades of esophageal varices
Authors: Zhou Hai‐ying , Chen Tian‐wu , Zhang Xiao‐ming , Zeng Nan‐lin , Zhou Li , Tang Hong‐jie , Wang Dan , Jian Su , Liao Juan , Xiang Jun‐ying , Hu Jiani , Zhang Zishu 
Published: October 2013

AimTo determine whether diameters of the left gastric vein (LGV) and its originating vein are associated with endoscopic grades of esophageal varices.MethodsNinety‐eight liver cirrhotic patients with hepatitis B undergoing magnetic resonance (MR) portography, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for grading esophageal varices were enrolled. Diameters of the LGV and its originating vein – the splenic vein (SV) or portal vein (PV) – were measured on MR imaging. Statistical analyses were performed to identify the association of the diameters with the endoscopic grades.ResultsUnivariate analysis showed that the SV was predominantly the originating vein of the LGV, and diameters of the LGV and SV were associated with grades of esophageal varices. Diameters of the LGV (P = 0.023, odds ratio [OR] = 1.583) and SV (P = 0.012, OR = 2.126) were independent risk factors of presence of the varices. Cut‐off LGV diameters of 5.1 mm, 5.9 mm, 6.6 mm, 7.1 mm, 7.8 mm and 5.8 mm; or cut‐off SV diameters of 7.3 mm, 7.9 mm, 8.4 mm, 9.5 mm, 10.7 mm and 8.3 mm, could discriminate grades 0 from 1, 0 from 2, 0 from 3, 1 from 3, 2 from 3, and 0–1 from 2–3, respectively.ConclusionDiameters of the LGV and SV are associated with endoscopic grades of esophageal varices.
Hepatic oxidative stress in ovariectomized transgenic mice expressing the hepatitis C virus polyprotein is augmented through suppression of adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase/proliferator‐activated receptor gamma co‐activator 1 alpha signaling
Authors: Tomiyama Yasuyuki , Nishina Sohji , Hara Yuichi , Kawase Tomoya , Hino Keisuke 
Published: October 2013

AimOxidative stress plays an important role in hepatocarcinogenesis of hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related chronic liver diseases. Despite the evidence of an increased proportion of females among elderly patients with HCV‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), it remains unknown whether HCV augments hepatic oxidative stress in postmenopausal women. The aim of this study was to determine whether oxidative stress was augmented in ovariectomized (OVX) transgenic mice expressing the HCV polyprotein and to investigate its underlying mechanisms.MethodsOVX and sham‐operated female transgenic mice expressing the HCV polyprotein and non‐transgenic littermates were assessed for the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), expression of inflammatory cytokines and antioxidant potential in the liver.ResultsCompared with OVX non‐transgenic mice, OVX transgenic mice showed marked hepatic steatosis and ROS production without increased induction of inflammatory cytokines, but there was no increase in ROS‐detoxifying enzymes such as superoxide dismutase 2 and glutathione peroxidase 1. In accordance with these results, OVX transgenic mice showed less activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ co‐activator‐1α (PGC‐1α), which is required for the induction of ROS‐detoxifying enzymes, and no activation of adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase‐α (AMPKα), which regulates the activity of PGC‐1α.ConclusionOur study demonstrated that hepatic oxidative stress was augmented in OVX transgenic mice expressing the HCV polyprotein by attenuation of antioxidant potential through inhibition of AMPK/PGC‐1α signaling. These results may account in part for the mechanisms by which HCV‐infected women are at high risk for HCC development when some period has passed after menopause.
Correlation between tuberous sclerosis complex 2 and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta levels, and outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated by hepatectomy
Authors: Huang Ka‐Te , Huang Yue‐Han , Li Peng , He Bin , Chen Zhen‐Kun , Yu Xia , Chen Jian‐Ou , Zhang Qi‐Yu , Shi Hong‐Qi , Shan Yun‐Feng 
Published: October 2013

AimTuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2), a tumor suppressor, may play an essential role in the regulation of cell growth and cell survival under energy stress conditions. In addition, TSC2 may act in concert with Wnt and energy signals by additional phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) to regulate cell growth. The expression levels and function of TSC2 and GSK3β in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear.MethodsThe protein levels of TSC2 and GSK3β were measured by immunohistochemistry in normal liver (n = 20), HCC (n = 80) and pericancerous tissues (n = 80). The correlations between TSC2, and GSK3β levels, clinicopathological features and patient survival were also analyzed.ResultsThe protein levels of TSC2 and GSK3β in HCC tissues were significantly lower than that in normal liver tissues and pericancerous tissues (P < 0.05). Decreased TSC2 and GSK3β expression was found to be significantly correlated with advanced clinicopathological characteristics and poor prognosis. The results also showed that TSC2 protein levels were associated with GSK3β expression in HCC specimens.ConclusionThis is the first demonstration that the decreases in TSC2 and GSK3β levels may be associated with vascular invasion, histological grade and tumor–node–metastasis classification.
Joint replacement recipients' views about health information privacy
Authors: Terry Amanda L. , Chesworth Bert M. , Bourne Robert B. , Stolee Paul , Speechley Mark 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundResearchers are concerned about the possibility of restricted access to data as a result of specific consent requirements in privacy legislation, potentially resulting in smaller samples and a lack of representativeness which could bias results. In addition, there is uncertainty about what influences individuals to give consent for the use of their personal health information.ObjectiveTo measure joint replacement recipients' health information privacy views and to assess potential predictors of these views.DesignCross‐sectional survey.Setting and participantsPotential joint replacement recipients from two teaching hospitals in London, Ontario, Canada.Main variablesAge, gender, education, employment status, anticipated joint replacement, and expectations for surgery.Main outcome measuresPrivacy concerns as measured by the Concern Scale.ResultsThe response rate was 182/253 or 72%. The mean Concern score was 143.9/235.0 for the total sample (range = 82–216). Women had higher levels of privacy concerns than men on slightly over half of the individual questionnaire items. In women, surgical joint, age and employment explained 15% of the variance in concerns about personal health information privacy (P = 0.001). The model explained 6% of the variance in concerns in men (P = 0.138) and was not statistically significant.Discussion and conclusionThis study indicates that demographic characteristics and health‐care experiences play a role in the variability of health information privacy concerns. A greater understanding of patients' privacy views about health information could lead to a greater harmonization among privacy rules, research and data access, and the preferences of health‐care consumers.
Molecular pathological analysis of sarcomas using paraffin‐embedded tissue: current limitations and future possibilities
Authors: van de Rijn Matt , Guo Xiangqian , Sweeney Robert T , Beck Andrew H , West Robert B 
Published: October 2013

SummarySarcomas of soft tissue and bone are rare neoplasms that can be separated into a large number of different diagnostic entities. Over the years, a number of diagnostic markers have been developed that aid pathologists in reaching the appropriate diagnoses. Many of these markers are sarcoma‐specific proteins that can be detected by immunohistochemistry in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) sections. In addition, a wide range of molecular studies have been developed that can detect gene mutations, gene amplifications or chromosomal translocations in FFPE material. Until recently, most sequencing‐based approaches relied on the availability of fresh frozen tissue. However, with the advent of next‐generation sequencing technologies, FFPE material is increasingly being used as a tool to identify novel immunohistochemistry markers, gene mutations, and chromosomal translocations, and to develop diagnostic tests.
MILKING OTHER MEN'S BEASTS
Authors: FUDGE ERICA 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTThis article takes as its point of departure a small piece of evidence: a single‐line entry in a seventeenth‐century Essex Sessions Roll about the theft of milk. This fragment of the legal archive and the world it offers us a glimpse of are used to explore what it might mean to take seriously the presence of animals as historical actors. The article also—and inseparably—asks us to think about the nature of that being called the human that so frequently goes without comment in historical (as in other humanities) scholarship. Using work from historiography, sensory history, social history, anthropology, and contemporary animal science, the article proposes that introducing animals as actors and not just as objects into historical work will not only broaden and deepen what we might know about the past, it will also challenge some assumptions as to what the focus of our discipline might be.
Satellite‐derived vegetation indices as surrogate of species richness and abundance of ground beetles in temperate floodplains
Authors: Lafage Denis , Secondi Jean , Georges Anita , Bouzillé Jan‐Bernard , Pétillon Julien 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Remotely sensed data are frequently employed for monitoring vegetation and for estimating herbivore diversity. Their use for predicting predator arthropod species abundance and richness has also been investigated with success for ants and beetles in forests using normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) and for beetles in mountain forests using light detection and ranging data.

We investigated whether vegetation indices, derived from multispectral SPOT imagery could predict abundance and species richness of ground active spiders and ground beetles in a new ecological context, the floodplain meadows of the Loire River in Western Europe. Using pitfall traps, we collected carabids and spiders in the field.

Maximum vegetation height, litter‐depth and plant species richness best explained species assemblages of both groups (multivariate analyses). NDVI and enhanced vegetation index (EVI 2) were strongly related to activity‐density and species richness for ground beetles only, EVI 2 being the best surrogate. Relationships between vegetation indices and spider assemblage patterns were either non‐significant or weak.

We demonstrated that EVI 2 is a good surrogate of the abundance and richness of carabid species in a temperate floodplain, and has potential as a low cost method for mapping arthropod assemblages at large spatial scales.

Our approach provides a tool which contributes to biodiversity assessment at large spatial scales. It can also contribute to the prioritisation of conservation areas and early change detection, as carabids are keystone indicators.
Primary irritation index and safety zone of cosmetics: retrospective analysis of skin patch tests in 7440Korean women during 12 years
Authors: An S. M. , Ham H. , Choi E. J. , Shin M. K. , An S. S. , Kim H. O. , Koh J. S. 
Published: October 2013

SynopsisBackgroundCosmetics are products used over long periods by the public, and their safety is very important. Several types of human tests are used widely for the evaluation of cosmetics including single patch tests, in‐use tests, human repeated insult patch test (HRIPT). However, there is no clear and well‐defined published objective and standardized criteria for primary skin irritation in regard to the large variety of cosmetic products.MethodsThis study analysed human patch tests conducted from May 2001 to December 2012 with 4606 materials of prototype or finished cosmetic products on 7440 normal Korean women aged 18−60 years. The tested products were patched under occlusion for 24 or 48 h, and skin tolerance was assessed twice at 30 min and 24 h after patch removal using a 5‐step scale according to the CTFA guidelines.ResultsHuman patch tests for cosmetics were performed of 4606 cases, and 30−33 subjects participated in each case. The response in each case was calculated based on total subject number, skin reaction intensity and the number of respondents. The calculated response was standardized using thez‐score, and a safety zone was provided in terms of human primary irritation in accordance with the human skin reaction evaluation criteria and usage or formula of cosmetics.ConclusionsThis study established the safety criteria for irritation in the cosmetics field.