bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing in improving lipid level in patients with dyslipidemia assisted by general practitioners: Dislip-EM study protocol
Authors: Pérula Luis A , Bosch Josep M , Bóveda Julia , Campiñez Manuel , Barragán Nieves , Arboniés Juan C , Prados Jose A , Martín Enrique , Martín Remedios , Massons Josep , Criado Margarita , Ruiz Roger , Fernández José A , Buitrago Francisco , Olaya Inmaculada , Pérez Modesto , Ruiz Joaquin 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
The non-pharmacological approach to cholesterol control in patients with hyperlipidemia is based on the promotion of a healthy diet and physical activity. Thus, to help patients change their habits, it is essential to identify the most effective approach. Many efforts have been devoted to explain changes in or adherence to specific health behaviors. Such efforts have resulted in the development of theories that have been applied in prevention campaigns, and that include brief advice and counseling services. Within this context, Motivational Interviewing has proven to be effective in changing health behaviors in specific cases. However, more robust evidence is needed on the effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing in treating chronic pathologies -such as dyslipidemia- in patients assisted by general practitioners. This article describes a protocol to assess the effectiveness of MI as compared with general practice (brief advice), with the aim of improving lipid level control in patients with dyslipidemia assisted by a general practitioner.

Methods/Design
An open, two-arm parallel, multicentre, cluster, controlled, randomized, clinical trial will be performed. A total of 48-50 general practitioners from 35 public primary care centers in Spain will be randomized and will recruit 436 patients with dyslipidemia. They will perform an intervention based either on Motivational Interviewing or on the usual brief advice. After an initial assessment, follow-ups will be performed at 2, 4, 8 and 12 months. Primary outcomes are lipid levels (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides) and cardiovascular risk. The study will assess the degree of dietary and physical activity improvement, weight loss in overweight patients, and adherence to treatment guidelines.

Discussion
Motivational interview skills constitute the primary strategies GPs use to treat their patients. Having economical, simple, effective and applicable techniques is essential for primary care professionals to help their patients change their lifestyle and improve their health. This study will provide scientific evidence on the effectiveness of Motivational interviewing, and will be performed under strict control over the data collected, ensuring the maintenance of therapeutic integrity.

Trials Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01282190).
Pleural fluid soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 as a marker of bacterial infection: a meta-analysis
Authors: Summah Hanssa , Tao Li-Li , Zhu Ying-Gang , Jiang Hong-Ni , Qu Jie-Ming 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Pleural infection is a common clinical problem. Its successful treatment depends on rapid diagnosis and early initiation of antibiotics. The measurement of soluble triggering receptor expressed in myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) level in pleural effusions has proven to be a valuable diagnostic tool for differentiating bacterial effusions from effusions of other etiologies. Herein, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the accuracy of pleural fluid sTREM-1 in the diagnosis of bacterial infection.

Methods
We searched Web of Knowledge and Medline from 1990 through March 2011 for studies reporting diagnostic accuracy data regarding the use of sTREM-1 in the diagnosis of bacterial pleural effusions. Pooled sensitivity and specificity and summary measures of accuracy and Q* were calculated.

Results
Overall, the sensitivity of sTREM-1was 78% (95% CI: 72%-83%); the specificity was 84% (95% CI: 80%-87%); the positive likelihood ratio was 6.0 (95% CI: 3.3-10.7); and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.22 (95% CI: 0.12-0.40). The area under the SROC curve for sTREM-1 was 0.92. Statistical heterogeneity and inconsistency were found for sensitivity (p = 0.015, χ2 = 15.73, I2 = 61.9%), specificity (p = 0.000, χ2 = 29.90, I2 = 79.9%), positive likelihood ratio (p = 0.000, χ2 = 33.09, I2 = 81.9%), negative likelihood ratio (p = 0.008, χ2 = 17.25, I2 = 65.2%), and diagnostic odds ratio (p = 0.000, χ2 = 28.49, I2 = 78.9%). A meta-regression analysis performed showed that the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies score (p = 0.3245; RDOR, 4.34; 95% CI, 0.11 to 164.01), the Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy score (p = 0.3331; RDOR, 1.70; 95% CI, 0.44 to 6.52), lack of blinding (p = 0.7439; RDOR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.01 to 33.80), and whether the studies were prospective or retrospective studies (p = 0.2068; RDOR, 7.44; 95% CI, 0.18 to 301.17) did not affect the test accuracy. A funnel plot for publication bias suggested a remarkable trend of publication bias.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that sTREM-1 has a good diagnostic accuracy and may provide a useful adjunctive tool for the diagnosis of bacterial pleural effusions. However, further studies are needed in order to identify any differences in the diagnostic performance of sTREM-1 of parapneumonic effusions and empyemas.
Specific Involvement of Atypical PKCξ/PKMξ in Spinal Persistent Nociceptive Processing following Peripheral Inflammation in Rat
Authors: Marchand Fabien , D'Mello Richard , Yip Ping K , Calvo Margarita , Muller Emilie , Pezet Sophie , Dickenson Anthony H , McMahon Stephen B 
Published: November 2011

Background: Central sensitization requires the activation of various intracellular signalling pathways within spinal dorsal horn neurons, leading to a lowering of activation threshold and enhanced responsiveness of these cells. Such plasticity contributes to the manifestation of chronic pain states and displays a number of features of longterm potentiation (LTP), a ubiquitous neuronal mechanism of increased synaptic strength. Here we describe the role of a novel pathway involving atypical PKCξ/PKMξ in persistent spinal nociceptive processing, previously implicated in the maintenance of late-phase LTP. Results: Using both behavioral tests and in vivo electrophysiology in rats, we show that inhibition of this pathway, via spinal delivery of a myristoylated protein kinase C-ξ pseudo-substrate inhibitor, reduces both pain-related behaviors and the activity of deep dorsal horn wide dynamic range neurons (WDRs) following formalin administration. In addition, Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)-induced mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity was also reduced by inhibition of PKCξ/PKMξ activity. Importantly, this inhibition did not affect acute pain or locomotor behavior in normal rats and interestingly, did not inhibited mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia in neuropathic rats. Pain-related behaviors in both inflammatory models coincided with increased phosphorylation of PKCξ/PKMξ in dorsal horn neurons, specifically PKMξ phosphorylation in formalin rats. Finally, inhibition of PKCξ/PKMξ activity decreased the expression of Fos in response to formalin and CFA in both superficial and deep laminae of the dorsal horn. Conclusions: These results suggest that PKCξ, especially PKMξ isoform, is a significant factor involved in spinal persistent nociceptive processing, specifically, the manifestation of chronic pain states following peripheral inflammation.
Laparoscopic myomectomy of a subserous pedunculated fibroid at 14 weeks of pregnancy: a case report
Authors: Ardovino Mario , Ardovino Italo , Castaldi Maria Antonietta , Monteverde Antonietta , Colacurci Nicola , Cobellis Luigi 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Introduction
Uterine leiomyomas are seen in 1.6% to 4% of pregnancies. With the increasing age of obstetric patients, more cases are being encountered during pregnancy.

Case presentation
We report the case of a 31-year-old Caucasian woman with acute recurrent abdominal pain due to a subserous fundic myoma, measuring 48 × 52 × 63 mm, with an implantation base of 22 × 18 mm, which was successfully treated by laparoscopy at 14 weeks of pregnancy. At a gestational age of week 40, the patient spontaneously delivered a healthy 3216 g girl baby.

Conclusion
As far as we know, this is the first reported case of laparoscopic myomectomy this early during a pregnancy. Our experience together with an analysis of cases reported in the literature suggests that myomectomy during pregnancy may be considered safe, but only in the hands of experienced laparoscopic surgeons. There are a few reports in the literature about laparoscopic myomectomy during the first half of pregnancy that demonstrate its feasibility in selected cases. Some technical tools could improve the procedure with a minimum of risk for the ongoing pregnancy.
TLR9 and TLR7 agonists mediate distinct type I IFN responses in humans and nonhuman primates in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Puig Montserrat , Tosh Kevin W , Schramm Lynnsie M , Grajkowska Lucja T , Kirschman Kevin D , Tami Cecilia , Beren Joel , Rabin Ronald L , Verthelyi Daniela 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT
Human I-IFNs include IFN-β and 13 independently regulated subtypes of IFN-α (I-IFNs). TLR7 and -9 induce I-IFNs, but it is unknown whether their subtype repertoire is similar. This study used new PCR arrays that selectively amplify individual I-IFN subtype genes of human and nonhuman primates to characterize the TLR7- and -9-mediated IFN response in vitro and in vivo. We show that in human PBMCs, TLR7 agonists induce a rapid burst of I-IFN transcripts, consisting primarily of IFN-α1/13, -α2, and -α14. In contrast, TLR9 agonists, regardless of the type used (CpG C-, B-, or D-ODN), prompted slower but sustained expression of IFN-α1/13, -α2, -α7, -α8, -α10, -α14, -α16, and -α21. These qualitative differences were translated downstream as differences in the pattern of IFN-inducible genes. In macaque PBMCs, imiquimod produced a short burst of IFN mRNA, dominated by IFN-α8, whereas C- or D-ODN induced a greater than tenfold increase in transcripts for all I-IFN subtypes by 12 h of culture. Differences were more evident in vivo, where TLR7 and -9 agonists induced significantly different levels of I-IFN transcripts in skin. Although the rates of gene transcription differed significantly for individual TLR9 agonists, their IFN-α subtype signature was almost identical, indicating that the type of receptor dictates the quality of the I-IFN response in vitro and in vivo. These results may underlie the differential therapeutic effects of TLR7 and -9 agonists and should inform future clinical studies.
Pivotal Advance: Peritoneal cavity B-1 B cells have phagocytic and microbicidal capacities and present phagocytosed antigen to CD4+ T cells
Authors: Parra David , Rieger Aja M , Li Jun , Zhang Yong-An , Randall Louise M , Hunter Christopher A , Barreda Daniel R , Sunyer J Oriol 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTBreaking the long-held paradigm that primary B cells are not phagocytic, several studies have demonstrated recently that B cells from fish, amphibians, and reptilians have a significant phagocytic capacity. Whether such capacity has remained conserved in certain mammalian B cell subsets is presently an enigma. Here, we report a previously unrecognized ability of PerC B-1a and B-1b lymphocytes to phagocytose latex beads and bacteria. In contrast, B-2 lymphocytes had an almost negligible ability to internalize these particles. Upon phagocytosis, B-1a and B-1b cells were able to mature their phagosomes into phagolysosomes and displayed the ability to kill internalized bacteria. Importantly, B-1a and B-1b cells effectively present antigen recovered from phagocytosed particles to CD4+ T cells. However, these cells showed a much lower competence to present soluble antigen or antigen from large, noninternalized particles. B-1 B cells presented particulate and soluble antigen to CD4+ T cells more efficiently than macrophages, whereas DCs were the most potent APCs. The novel phagocytic and microbicidal abilities identified in B-1 B lymphocytes strengthen the innate nature that has long been attributed to these cells. In the context of adaptive immunity, we show that these innate immune processes are relevant, as they enable B-1 B cells to present phagocytosable particulate antigen. These capacities position these cells at the crossroads that link innate with adaptive immune processes. In a broader context, these newly identified capacities of B-1 B cells further support the previously recognized functional, developmental, and evolutionary relationships between these cells and macrophages.
Paying to Be Nice: Consistency and Costly Prosocial Behavior
Authors: Gneezy Ayelet , Imas Alex , Brown Amber , Nelson Leif D. , Norton Michael I. 
Published: November 2011

Building on previous research in economics and psychology, we propose that the costliness of initial prosocial behavior positively influences whether that behavior leads to consistent future behaviors. We suggest that costly prosocial behaviors serve as a signal of prosocial identity and that people subsequently behave in line with that self-perception. In contrast, costless prosocial acts do not signal much about one's prosocial identity, so subsequent behavior is less likely to be consistent and may even show the reductions in prosocial behavior associated with licensing. The results of a laboratory experiment and a large field experiment converge to support our account.This paper was accepted by Brad Barber, Teck Ho, and Terrance Odean, special issue editors.
Bias in White: A Longitudinal Natural Experiment Measuring Changes in Discrimination
Authors: Rubineau Brian , Kang Yoon 
Published: November 2011

Many professions are plagued by disparities in service delivery. Racial disparities in policing, mortgage lending, and healthcare are some notable examples. Because disparities can result from a myriad of mechanisms, crafting effective disparity mitigation policies requires knowing which mechanisms are active and which are not. In this study we can distinguish whether one mechanism—statistical discrimination—is a primary explanation for racial disparities in physicians' treatment of patients. In a longitudinal natural experiment using repeated quasi-audit studies of medical students, we test for within-cohort changes in disparities from medical student behaviors as they interact with white and black patient actors. We find significant increases in medical students' disparate behaviors by patient race between their first and second years of medical school. This finding is inconsistent with statistical discrimination predictions and challenges the idea that statistical discrimination is primarily responsible for racial disparities in patient care. This paper was accepted by Jesper Sørensen, organizations.
White Lies
Authors: Erat Sanjiv , Gneezy Uri 
Published: November 2011

In this paper we distinguish between two types of white lies: those that help others at the expense of the person telling the lie, which we term altruistic white lies, and those that help both others and the liar, which we term Pareto white lies. We find that a large fraction of participants are reluctant to tell even a Pareto white lie, demonstrating a pure lie aversion independent of any social preferences for outcomes. In contrast, a nonnegligible fraction of participants are willing to tell an altruistic white lie that hurts them a bit but significantly helps others. Comparing white lies to those where lying increases the liar's payoff at the expense of another reveals important insights into the interaction of incentives, lying aversion, and preferences for payoff distributions. Finally, in line with previous findings, women are less likely to lie when it is costly to the other side. Interestingly though, we find that women are more likely to tell an altruistic lie. This paper was accepted by Teck Ho, decision analysis.
Analysis of the molecular interactions and complexation of chloroquine with bovine serum albumin
Authors: Kandeel Mahmoud , Kitade Yukio 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background: Pharmacokinetic parameters, drug bioavailability, and biological activities depend on the mechanisms of interaction with serum albumin. In this study, the binding properties as well as mechanisms of interaction of chloroquine with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were investigated.

Methods: The binding of chloroquine with BSA was carried out using a microcalorimetric approach. The mechanism of binding, the number of binding molecules as well as changes of BSA upon complexation with chloroquine were investigated.

Results: The binding isotherms indicated a variable number of binding sites of chloroquine on one molecule of BSA. At lower temperatures, larger numbers of binding sites were available for chloroquine, these decrease by increasing the temperature. The binding constant of chloroquine with BSA varied from 9.4×103 M–1 at 25°C to 5.7×103 M–1 at 40°C. Chloroquine showed temperature-dependent binding affinity, with stronger affinity at lower temperature. By increasing the temperature, from 25°C to 40°C, the binding affinity was decreased by approximately 60% of its value.

Conclusions: Chloroquine showed weak binding affinity with BSA. The weak binding affinity of chloroquine with BSA is important in determining the drug-drug interactions at the binding sites of BSA. The presence of stronger binding ligands, e.g., chloramphenicol, tetracyclines or diclofenac, can compete with chloroquine for its binding sites, and therefore lowers its serum albumin binding. This study will be helpful in understanding the binding properties of mechanisms of interaction of chloroquine with BSA.
A Novel Approach to the Discovery of Binary BBP-Type Formulas for Polylogarithm Constants
Authors: Adegoke Kunle 
Published: November 2011

Abstract.Using a clear and straightforward approach, we discover and prove new binary digit extraction BBP-type formulas for polylogarithm constants. Some known results are also rediscovered in a more direct and elegant manner. Numerous experimentally discovered and hitherto unproved binary BBP-type formulas are also proved.
Fatal and non-fatal adverse events of glucocorticoid therapy for Graves' orbitopathy: a questionnaire survey among members of the European Thyroid Association
Authors: Marcocci Claudio , Watt Torquil , Altea Maria Antonietta , Rasmussen Ase Krogh , Feldt-Rasmussen Ulla , Orgiazzi Jacques , Bartalena Luigi , _ _ 
Published: November 2011

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the side effects of glucocorticoid (GC) therapy observed by European thyroidologists during the treatment of Graves' orbitopathy (GO).DesignA questionnaire-based survey among members of the European Thyroid Association (ETA) who treat GO.ResultsA response was obtained from 128 ETA members of which 115 used GC therapy for GO. The majority of respondents (83/115, 72%) used intravenous (i.v.) GC, with a relatively wide variety of therapeutic regimens. The cumulative dose of methylprednisolone ranged between 0.5 and 12 g (median 4.5 g) for i.v.GC and between 1.0 and 4.9 g (median 2.4 g) for oral GC. Adverse events were often reported during oral GCs (26/32, 81%); most side effects were non-severe, but ten respondents reported severe adverse events (hepatic, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular complications), including two fatal cases, both receiving a total of 2.3 g prednisone. Adverse events were less common in i.v.GC (32/83 respondents, 39%), but mostly consisted of severe events, including seven fatal cases. All but one fatal event occurred in cumulative i.v.GC doses (>8 g) higher than those currently recommended.ConclusionsGCs are preferentially administered i.v. for the treatment of GO in Europe. Both oral and i.v.GC may be associated with severe adverse effects, including fatal cases, which are more frequently reported in daily or alternate day i.v.GC. IvGC therapy should be undertaken in centers with appropriate expertise. Patients should be carefully examined for risk factors before treatment and monitored for side effects, which may be asymptomatic, both during and after treatment.
Oral Pressure and Nasal Flow on /m/ and /p/ in 3- to 5-Year-Old Children without Cleft Palate
Authors: Searl Jeff , Knollhoff Stephanie 
Published: November 2011

Objectives (1) To compare oral pressure and nasal airflow in 3- to 5-year-olds versus older children and adults; (2) to describe stability of these measures in 3- to 5-year-olds at two recording times; and (3) to report participation rates of 3- to 5-year-olds for the aerodynamic protocol. Design Prospective, nonrandomized, convenience samples in four age groups. Setting University clinic. Participants A total of 105 individuals without cleft palate and with normal speech for their age who were 3 to 5 (n = 45), 7 to 9 (n = 20), 11 to 13 (n = 20), or 20 to 30 years old (n = 20). All had normal nasal resonance and absence of nasally obstructive conditions on the testing day. Main Outcome Measures Oral pressure and nasal airflow on /p/ and /m/ in syllable series and the word “hamper.” Results Oral pressure was significantly higher on /p/ for 3- to 5-year-olds versus the two oldest groups. Nasal airflow on /p/ occurred infrequently across groups. Oral pressure on /m/ was significantly higher for 3- to 5-year-olds versus adults. Nasal airflow on /m/ increased significantly with age. Oral pressure and nasal flow did not differ at two measurement times for the 3- to 5-year-olds. Of the 3- to 5-year-olds, 88% completed the protocol. Conclusions Oral pressure decreased on /p/ and nasal airflow increased on /m/ from early childhood into adulthood. Nasal air escape on /p/ occurred rarely for speakers of any age; when it did occur, the magnitude was limited. Most preschool-aged children should be able to complete a velopharyngeal aerodynamic protocol, and measures are stable even for these young speakers.
A Brauer’s theorem and related results
Authors: Bru Rafael , Cantó Rafael , Soto Ricardo , Urbano Ana 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Given a square matrix A, a Brauer’s theorem [Brauer A., Limits for the characteristic roots of a matrix. IV. Applications to stochastic matrices, Duke Math. J., 1952, 19(1), 75–91] shows how to modify one single eigenvalue of A via a rank-one perturbation without changing any of the remaining eigenvalues. Older and newer results can be considered in the framework of the above theorem. In this paper, we present its application to stabilization of control systems, including the case when the system is noncontrollable. Other applications presented are related to the Jordan form of A and Wielandt’s and Hotelling’s deflations. An extension of the aforementioned Brauer’s result, Rado’s theorem, shows how to modify r eigenvalues of A at the same time via a rank-r perturbation without changing any of the remaining eigenvalues. The same results considered by blocks can be put into the block version framework of the above theorem.
On the diffeomorphic type of the complement to a line arrangement in a projective plane
Authors: Bogomolov Fedor , Kulikov Viktor 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
We show that the diffeomorphic type of the complement to a line arrangement in a complex projective plane P
2 depends only on the graph of line intersections if no line in the arrangement contains more than two points in which at least two lines intersect. This result also holds for some special arrangements which do not satisfy this property. However it is not true in general, see [Rybnikov G., On the fundamental group of the complement of a complex hyperplane arrangement, Funct. Anal. Appl., 2011, 45(2), 137–148].