bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of patients with non‐variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding taking antithrombotic agents
Authors: Yamaguchi Daisuke , Sakata Yasuhisa , Tsuruoka Nanae , Shimoda Ryo , Higuchi Toru , Sakata Hiroyuki , Fujimoto Kazuma , Iwakiri Ryuichi 
Published: May 2014

Background and AimThe present study aimed to clarify the features and management of non‐variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in Japanese patients taking antithrombotic agents.MethodsWe retrospectively investigated the medical records of 560 patients who underwent emergency endoscopy for UGIB from 2002 to 2013. The patients were divided into two groups: group A, antithrombotic agent use; and group NA, no antithrombotic agent use. We compared clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and causes of UGIB between the groups. We also investigated management with antithrombotics.ResultsOf 560 patients with UGIB, 27.5% were taking antithrombotics, and this proportion gradually increased during the study period. Mean hemoglobin levels on admission were significantly lower in group A (8.0 ± 1.7 g/dL) than in group NA (8.9 ± 2.9 g/dL) (P < 0.001). Patients in group A developed more gastric ulcers and multiple ulcers than did patients in group NA. Incidence of Forrest Ia‐type bleeding was lower in group A than in group NA (P < 0.001), and the rate of endoscopic hemostasis was significantly higher in group A (98.7%) than in group NA (94.3%) (P = 0.022). After the release of the 2012 Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society guidelines, the antithrombotic agent cessation periods were significantly shortened (P < 0.001).ConclusionsAmong patients with UGIB, those taking antithrombotics exhibited more severe clinical signs. However spurting hemorrhage was rare. Antithrombotics may be resumed early after endoscopic hemostasis.
High diabetes risk among asylum seekers in the Netherlands
Authors: Goosen S. , Middelkoop B. , Stronks K. , Agyemang C. , Kunst A. E. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimsTo map the prevalence and incidence of recorded diabetes among asylum seekers according to demographic factors and length of stay in the host country.MethodsWe used a nationwide database from the Community Health Services for Asylum Seekers. The study population included all asylum seekers aged 20–79 years who arrived in the Netherlands between 2000 and 2008. Case allocation was based on International Classification of Primary Care codes. A general practice registry was used to obtain reference data. Standardized prevalence and incidence ratios were calculated and their association with length of stay was explored with Cox regression.ResultsThe study included 59 380 asylum seekers among whom there were 1227 recorded cases of diabetes. The prevalence of recorded diabetes was higher among asylum seekers compared with the reference population for both men (standardized prevalence ratio=1.85, 95% CI 1.71–1.91) and women (standardized prevalence ratio=2.26, 95% CI 2.08–2.45). The highest standardized prevalence ratios were found for asylum seekers from Somalia, Sudan and Sri Lanka. The standardized prevalence ratio was higher in asylum seekers aged ≥ 30 years. Incidence rates were higher compared with the reference population for all length‐of‐stay intervals.ConclusionsAsylum seekers from the majority of countries of origin were at higher risk of diabetes compared with the general population in the Netherlands. Asylum seekers from Somalia were particularly at risk. This emerging public health issue requires attention from policy‐makers and care providers.
Fusion of Golgi‐derived vesicles mediated bySNAP‐25 is essential for sympathetic neuron outgrowth but relatively insensitive to botulinum neurotoxinsin vitro
Authors: Lawrence Gary W. , Wang Jiafu , Brin Mitchell F. , Aoki K. Roger , Wheeler Larry , Dolly J. Oliver 
Published: May 2014

Sympathetic neurons ramify to innervate multiple cells in target tissues. In compartmentalized cultures of rat superior cervical ganglion neurons, cleavage of synaptosomal‐associated protein ofMr = 25 000 (SNAP‐25) in neurites exposed to botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) arrested their growth and collapsed interstitial branches, but this required large, nonclinical doses. A protease‐inactive mutant proved ineffective, confirming involvement ofSNAP‐25 in neurite extension and arborization. BoNT/C1 acted like BoNT/A, but BoNT/E caused only mild inhibition, likely due to transientSNAP‐25 proteolysis. Near‐total lack of susceptibility to BoNT/B or BoNT/D revealed that vesicle‐associated membrane protein (VAMPs) isoforms 1–3 are not essential. Neurite length was not reduced when either BoNT/A or BoNT/C1 was applied to the somata, with no detrimental effect on neuron viability being observed. Treatments that protect cells from deprivation of nerve growth factor failed to prevent the toxin‐induced loss of neurites. Inactivation ofSNAP‐25 caused the accumulation at neurite branch sites of Golgi‐derived organelles labelled withN‐(4,4‐difluoro‐5,7‐dimethyl‐4‐bora‐3a,4a‐diaza‐s‐indacene‐3‐pentanoyl)‐sphingosine conjugated to bovine serum albumin, prior to the collapse of arbors. Notably, neurite growth was ~ 1000‐fold less susceptible to BoNT/A than cholinergic transmission in these neurons. Accordingly, a BoNT/A acceptor synaptic vesicle protein 2 (SV2) was found to be colocalized withVAMP 1–3, but not withVAMP 7, which is implicated in the growth of neurites. In conclusion, neurites depend onSNAP‐25 for extension but this is quite resistant to BoNT/A, possibly, because of a low density ofSV2 at growth sites that are distant from the highly susceptible regions of neurotransmitter release.
Assessing the Validity of Can‐Do Statements in Retrospective (Then‐Now) Self‐Assessment
Authors: Brown N. Anthony , Dewey Dan P. , Cox Troy L. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn this study, the authors evaluated the strengths and limitations of a self‐assessment based on ACTFL Can‐Do statements (ACTFL, ) as a tool for measuring linguistic gains over an internship abroad in Russia. They assessed its reliability, determined how its items mapped with the ACTFL scale, and measured the degree to which students' self‐evaluations matched oral proficiency interview (OPI) test results (i.e., predictive validity). Data revealed a high level of reliability. Furthermore, self‐assessment items ascended in the order of difficulty expected (i.e., Superior items were the most difficult, followed by Advanced), but differences between the means for items representing the ACTFL levels were not statistically significant. Finally, while students demonstrated significant gains from pre‐ to posttests on both the OPI and the self‐assessment, correlations between these measures were only moderate.
Water temperature and fish growth: otoliths predict growth patterns of a marine fish in a changing climate
Authors: Rountrey Adam N. , Coulson Peter G. , Meeuwig Jessica J. , Meekan Mark 
Published: May 2014

AbstractEcological modeling shows that even small, gradual changes in body size in a fish population can have large effects on natural mortality, biomass, and catch. However, efforts to model the impact of climate change on fish growth have been hampered by a lack of long‐term (multidecadal) data needed to understand the effects of temperature on growth rates in natural environments. We used a combination of dendrochronology techniques and additive mixed‐effects modeling to examine the sensitivity of growth in a long‐lived (up to 70 years), endemic marine fish, the western blue groper (Achoerodus gouldii), to changes in water temperature. A multi‐decadal biochronology (1952–2003) of growth was constructed from the otoliths of 56 fish collected off the southwestern coast of Western Australia, and we tested for correlations between the mean index chronology and a range of potential environmental drivers. The chronology was significantly correlated with sea surface temperature in the region, but common variance among individuals was low. This suggests that this species has been relatively insensitive to past variations in climate. Growth increment and age data were also used in an additive mixed model to predict otolith growth and body size later this century. Although growth was relatively insensitive to changes in temperature, the model results suggested that a fish aged 20 in 2099 would have an otolith about 10% larger and a body size about 5% larger than a fish aged 20 in 1977. Our study shows that species or populations regarded as relatively insensitive to climate change could still undergo significant changes in growth rate and body size that are likely to have important effects on the productivity and yield of fisheries.
Diet and body temperature in mammals and birds
Authors: Clarke Andrew , O'Connor Mary I. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimWe test the hypothesis that endotherm body temperature varies with diet.LocationGlobal terrestrial ecosystems.MethodsWe compile data from the literature on diet and body temperature in mammals and birds. We analyse these and demonstrate global macrophysiological patterns.ResultsIn mammals, carnivores overall have a lower mean body temperature (Tb) than either herbivores or omnivores. However, within carnivores, those taking vertebrate prey have a higher meanTbthan predators of invertebrates. Among herbivores, species eating grass, leaves or seeds have the highest meanTb, those taking fruit an intermediate meanTband those taking flowers or nectar the lowest meanTb. These patterns are robust to the influence of body mass and phylogenetic non‐independence. In birds the relationship betweenTband diet is complicated by a significant inverse relationship between body mass andTband strong dietary niche conservation within lineages. After allowing for body mass, herbivores show an identical qualitative pattern to mammals, whereas carnivores show the opposite trend to mammals: those taking invertebrate prey have a higher meanTbthan those taking vertebrates.Main conclusionsThere is a significant relationship between diet andTbin mammals. Birds show a qualitatively similar but non‐significant pattern. Published studies show that in reptiles and fish herbivory is largely confined to species that can maintain a relatively highTbeither by living in warm environments or through behavioural thermoregulation. We therefore propose a general relationship for all vertebrates: herbivory requires a warmer body than carnivory. The basal metabolic rate (BMR) will then be higher in herbivores because of the universal relationship betweenBMRandTb, together with the higher maintenance costs of their longer guts. We suggest that the evolution of endothermy was a key factor in the widespread incidence of herbivory in mammals.
Tumor markers are more useful in patients undergoing surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma with unreliable results by ultrasonography
Authors: Mikami Shintaro , Tateishi Ryosuke , Hagiwara Shu , Sato Masaya , Minami Tatsuya , Uchino Koji , Enooku Kenichiro , Sato Takahisa , Nakagawa Hayato , Masuzaki Ryota , Asaoka Yoshinari , Kondo Yuji , Shiina Shuichiro , Ikeda Hitoshi , Omata Masao , Yoshida Haruhiko , Koike Kazuhiko 
Published: May 2014

AimThe objectives of this study was to evaluate the utility of tumor markers in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance based on the reliability of ultrasonography.MethodsWe analyzed 313 patients with HCC detected through a surveillance program using ultrasonography combined with three tumor markers from February 2000 to December 2010. The patients were categorized into two groups based on the triggering event: the US group (n = 281) in which a tumor was first detected using ultrasonography and the TM group (n = 32) in which elevated tumor markers led to the diagnosis of a tumor that was undetected using ultrasonography. The reliability of ultrasonography was scored on a 4‐point scale based on three items (coarseness of liver parenchyma, patient obesity and liver atrophy). Additionally, patient survival was assessed using the Kaplan–Meier method and log–rank test.ResultsThe median tumor size was 20 mm (interquartile range, 15–24). The reliability of ultrasonography was evaluated as good in 208 (66.5%), satisfactory in 80 (8.0%), poor in 21 (6.7%) and unsatisfactory in four (1.2%) patients. The proportion of patients in the TM group increased significantly according to the score, from 7.2% to 25.0% (P = 0.01). The survival rates of patients at 3 and 5 years were 83.7% and 57.2% in the US group, and 79.3% and 59.4% in the TM group, respectively (P = 0.98).ConclusionTumor markers may play a diagnostic role in patients with unreliable ultrasonography results. The survival of patients diagnosed by elevated tumor markers was not significantly different from those diagnosed by ultrasonography.
Student attitudes towards clinical teaching resources in complementary medicine: a focus group examination of Australian naturopathic medicine students
Authors: Wardle Jonathan Lee , Sarris Jerome 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundComplementary medicine is forming an increasingly large part of health care in developed countries and is increasingly being formally taught in tertiary academic settings.ObjectivesAn exploratory study of naturopathic student perceptions of, use of and attitudes towards teaching resources in naturopathic clinical training and education.MethodsFocus groups were conducted with current and recent students of 4‐year naturopathic degree programmes in Brisbane and Sydney to ascertain how they interact with clinical teaching materials, and their perceptions and attitudes towards teaching materials in naturopathic education.ResultsNaturopathic students have a complex and critical relationship with their learning materials. Although naturopathic practice is often defined by traditional evidence, students want information that both supports and is critical of traditional naturopathic practices, and focuses heavily on evidence‐based medicine. Students remain largely ambivalent about new teaching technologies and would prefer that these develop organically as an evolution from printed materials, rather than depart from dramatically and radically from these previously established materials.ConclusionsFindings from this study will assist publishers, librarians and academics develop clinical information sources that appropriately meet student expectations and support their learning requirements.
Efficacy of different irrigation techniques in the removal of calcium hydroxide from a simulated internal root resorption cavity
Authors: Topçuoğlu H. S. , Düzgün S. , Ceyhanlı K. T. , Aktı A. , Pala K. , Kesim B. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimTo evaluate the efficacy of six irrigation techniques to remove calcium hydroxide (CH) from a simulated internal root resorption cavity.MethodologyThe root canals of 100 single‐rooted teeth were prepared using the ProTaper system to size F5. The roots were split longitudinally, and standardized simulated internal root resorption cavities were prepared in the two root halves. The root halves were reassembled, and CH was placed into the root canals, with the exception of five teeth that served as the negative control group. Another five teeth (the positive control group) were not subjected to the CH removal procedure. Ninety teeth were randomly divided into six experimental groups (n = 15), according to the final irrigation techniques used: conventional syringe irrigation (CSI), CanalBrush (CB), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), self‐adjusting file (SAF) system, EndoActivator (EA), and apical negative pressure irrigation (EndoVac system). Five millilitres of 3% NaOCl and 17% EDTA were used in all experimental groups during the CH removal procedure. The amount of remaining CH was evaluated under a stereomicroscope at 20 ×magnification, using a 4‐grade scoring system. The data were statistically compared using the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U‐tests (P < 0.05).ResultsRemnants of CH in simulated internal root resorption cavities were found in all experimental groups. SAF and PUI were superior to the other groups (P < 0.05); however, there was no significant difference between the SAF and PUI (P > 0.05). There were also no significant differences between the CSI, CB, EA and EndoVac groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionsNone of the irrigation techniques was able to completely remove CH from a simulated internal root resorption cavity.
Comparison of the effect of nonactivated self‐adjusting file system, Vibringe, EndoVac, ultrasonic and needle irrigation on apical extrusion of debris
Authors: Karatas E. , Ozsu D. , Arslan H. , Erdogan A. S. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimTo compare the effects of Vibringe, EndoVac, nonactivated SAF and passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) with a conventional syringe on the amount of apically extruded debris.MethodologySeventy‐five extracted human maxillary incisors were selected and randomly assigned to 5 groups (n = 15). The root canals were irrigated with Vibringe (Vibringe B. V. Corp, Amsterdam, Netherlands), EndoVac (Discus Dental, Smart Endodontics, Culver City, CA, USA), nonactivated SAF (ReDent‐Nova, Ra'anana, Israel), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and conventional syringe. Distilled water was used as an irrigant, and debris was collected in pre‐weighed glass vials. The tubes were then stored in an incubator at 37 °C for 10 days to evaporate the irrigant before weighing the dry debris. The mean weight of debris was assessed, and one‐way analysis of variance was used for comparison of values and post hoc Tukey's test was used between groups (P = 0.05).ResultsThe SAF group extruded significantly less debris than PUI and Vibringe groups (P < 0.05). There were no significant difference between needle, Vibringe and EndoVac groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionsAll irrigation systems were associated with apical extrusion of debris. Nonactivated SAF extruded significantly less than Vibringe, EndoVac, passive ultrasonic and syringe irrigation.
Effect of Thermal Treatment on Chemical Interaction Between Yttrium Borosilicate Glass Sealants and YSZ for Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Kumar Vishal , Kaur Gurbinder , Pandey Om P. , Singh Kulvir , Lu Kathy 
Published: May 2014

This article is to address the bonding and sealing capability of two yttrium borosilicate glasses. These glass seals have been tested with AISI 441 steel and high‐temperature solid electrolyte that is yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ), as a function of different heating durations for planar solid oxide fuel cell applications in air atmosphere. The diffusion couples were prepared by slurry coating and then subjected to heat‐treatment for different time durations of 1, 100, and 500 h at 850°C. In addition to this, the diffusion couples with YSZ were also thermally cycled between room temperature and 850°C. These prepared diffusion couples have been characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). XRD indicated surface crystallization of the coating glass/YSZ diffusion couple. MgY glass sample shows less devitrification than the CaY glass. The overall analysis of the resulting microstructure by SEM/EDS revealed improvement in adhesion with increase in time duration of heat treatment as well as thermally cycled sample without any detrimental phase formation. The diffusion couples with AISI 441 steel have shown good adhesion with crack‐free interface.
Depressive symptoms are associated with fasting insulin resistance in obese youth
Authors: Hannon T. S. , Li Z. , Tu W. , Huber J. N. , Carroll A. E. , Lagges A. M. , Gupta S. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryBackgroundIn adults, depressive symptoms are positively associated with insulin resistance.ObjectiveTo determine whether an association exists between depressive symptoms and markers of insulin resistance in youth.MethodsThis study used a retrospective review of data from an obesity clinic. We evaluated the association between depressive symptoms (Children's Depression Inventory, CDI) and fasting insulin and homeostatic model assessment‐insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) in obese youth (n = 207, age 10–18 years). Individuals with lower vs. higher CDI T‐scores (<65 vs. ≥65) were compared; this cut‐point is accepted as indicating the possibility of clinical depression. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate relationships between CDI T‐scores and insulin resistance.ResultsFasting insulin and HOMA‐IR values were 40% higher in patients with higher CDI T‐scores (P = 0.04). After accounting for gender, race, age and body mass index, CDI T‐score remained associated with HOMA‐IR, although the strength of the association was small (b = 0.007, P = 0.049).ConclusionsRelationships between depressive symptoms and insulin resistance should be considered when evaluating obese youth.
Good News and Bad News about Firm‐Level Stock Returns of Internationally Exposed Firms
Authors: Giaccotto Carmelo , Krapl Alain 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe examine stock returns of firms with international exposure. Our empirical work relies on Campbell's variance decomposition framework. Not surprisingly, we find that the volatility of discount rate and cash flow news increase with the degree of international exposure. As firms globalize, the cash flow effect is good news, while the discount rate effect amounts to bad news. The surprising result is that the covariance between the news terms increases with international exposure. This finding provides indirect evidence for the proposition that foreign exchange (FX) risk is a priced factor in the cross‐section of risk‐adjusted expected returns.JEL Classifications: G12, G15; EFM Classification Code: 330
The Causes and Consequences of Accelerated Stock Repurchases
Authors: Akyol Ali , Kim Jin S. , Shekhar Chander 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe examine the choice between accelerated share repurchase (ASR) and open market repurchase (OMR) as repurchase mechanisms between 2004 and 2007. For a sample of ASRs and OMRs that actually buy shares in the announcement quarter, we find that ASR firms have lower market‐to‐book ratios, less cash, but greater managerial entrenchment. Prior to repurchase, ASR firms are subject to significantly more takeover rumors than OMR firms are, and this, along with entrenchment and undervaluation, affects the choice to use ASRs. ASR firms experience positive average abnormal returns both before and after the announcement. Moreover, the latent takeover probability is significantly lower for both ASR and OMR firms (when compared with pre‐announcement levels), but the reduction for ASR firms is more pronounced. Our results suggest that repurchases, and especially ASRs, indeed make a firm a less attractive prospect for takeover.