bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A mediation analysis of achievement motives, goals, learning strategies, and academic achievement
Authors: Diseth Åge , Kobbeltvedt Therese 
Published: October 2010

Background. Previous research is inconclusive regarding antecedents and consequences of achievement goals, and there is a need for more research in order to examine the joint effects of different types of motives and learning strategies as predictors of academic achievement.Aims. To investigate the relationship between achievement motives, achievement goals, learning strategies (deep, surface, and strategic), and academic achievement in a hierarchical model.Sample. Participants were 229 undergraduate students (mean age: 21.2 years) of psychology and economics at the University of Bergen, Norway.Methods. Variables were measured by means of items from the Achievement Motives Scale (AMS), the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students, and an achievement goal scale.Results. Correlation analysis showed that academic achievement (examination grade) was positively correlated with performance‐approach goal, mastery goal, and strategic learning strategies, and negatively correlated with performance‐avoidance goal and surface learning strategy. A path analysis (structural equation model) showed that achievement goals were mediators between achievement motives and learning strategies, and that strategic learning strategies mediated the relationship between achievement goals and academic achievement.Conclusions. This study integrated previous findings from several studies and provided new evidence on the direct and indirect effects of different types of motives and learning strategies as predictors of academic achievement.
Intrinsic, identified, and controlled types of motivation for school subjects in young elementary school children
Authors: Guay Frédéric , Chanal Julien , Ratelle Catherine F. , Marsh Herbert W. , Larose Simon , Boivin Michel 
Published: October 2010

Background. There are two approaches to the differential examination of school motivation. The first is to examine motivation towards specific school subjects (between school subject differentiation). The second is to examine school motivation as a multidimensional concept that varies in terms of not only intensity but also quality (within school subject differentiation). These two differential approaches have led to important discoveries and provided a better understanding of student motivational dynamics. However, little research has combined these two approaches.Aims. This study examines young elementary students' motivations across school subjects (writing, reading, and maths) from the stance of self‐determination theory. First, we tested whether children self‐report different levels of intrinsic, identified, and controlled motivation towards specific school subjects. Second, we verified whether children self‐report differentiated types of motivation across school subjects.Sample. Participants were 425 French‐Canadian children (225 girls, 200 boys) from three elementary schools. Children were in Grades 1 (N=121), 2 (N=126), and 3 (N=178).Results. Results show that, for a given school subject, young elementary students self‐report different levels of intrinsic, identified, and controlled motivation. Results also indicate that children self‐report different levels of motivation types across school subjects. Our findings also show that most differentiation effects increase across grades. Some gender effects were also observed.Conclusion. These results highlight the importance of distinguishing among types of school motivation towards specific school subjects in the early elementary years.
Racial Differences Among Children With Primary Hypertension
Authors: Brady Tammy M. , Fivush Barbara , Parekh Rulan S. , Flynn Joseph T. 
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVE:
Race is a known risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease in adults and influences blood pressure (BP) in children. We sought to determine if there are differences in clinical, laboratory, or echocardiographic characteristics among children with primary hypertension from different racial groups.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Study participants were 184 children aged 3 to 20 years with a diagnosis of primary hypertension who were examined at 1 of 3 participating centers at the time of initial evaluation of elevated BP. Black children were categorized as African American (AA) and nonblack children as non-AA. Comparisons were made for the entire group and after stratification according to age (&lt;13 or ≥13 years).

RESULTS:
Overall, children categorized as AA had a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity and left ventricular hypertrophy and had higher plasma renin activity than children who were categorized as non-AA. After age stratification, these differences remained only in the children younger than 13 years old; there were no differences in these findings among children aged 13 years or older. AA children who were aged 13 years or older, however, had higher BPs for both casual and ambulatory measurements. Specifically, they had higher casual diastolic BP, higher 24-hour diastolic BP, higher daytime systolic and diastolic BP, and higher BP loads at night and over a 24-hour period compared with non-AA children who were aged 13 years or older.

CONCLUSIONS:
These data indicate that black children with primary hypertension may be at increased cardiovascular risk compared with nonblack children with primary hypertension. However, the high prevalence of overweight/obesity and left ventricular hypertrophy in all youth with primary hypertension demonstrates the need for greater preventive and therapeutic efforts aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk in this vulnerable population.
Lipid-Induced Insulin Resistance Affects Women Less Than Men and Is Not Accompanied by Inflammation or Impaired Proximal Insulin Signaling
Authors: Høeg Louise D. , Sjøberg Kim A. , Jeppesen Jacob , Jensen Thomas E. , Frøsig Christian , Birk Jesper B. , Bisiani Bruno , Hiscock Natalie , Pilegaard Henriette , Wojtaszewski Jørgen F.P. , Richter Erik A. , Kiens Bente 
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVE
We have previously shown that overnight fasted women have higher insulin-stimulated whole body and leg glucose uptake despite a higher intramyocellular triacylglycerol concentration than men. Women also express higher muscle mRNA levels of proteins related to lipid metabolism than men. We therefore hypothesized that women would be less prone to lipid-induced insulin resistance.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Insulin sensitivity of whole-body and leg glucose disposal was studied in 16 young well-matched healthy men and women infused with intralipid or saline for 7 h. Muscle biopsies were obtained before and during a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp (1.42 mU · kg−1 · min−1).

RESULTS
Intralipid infusion reduced whole-body glucose infusion rate by 26% in women and 38% in men (P &lt; 0.05), and insulin-stimulated leg glucose uptake was reduced significantly less in women (45%) than men (60%) after intralipid infusion. Hepatic glucose production was decreased during the clamp similarly in women and men irrespective of intralipid infusion. Intralipid did not impair insulin or AMPK signaling in muscle and subcutaneous fat, did not cause accumulation of muscle lipid intermediates, and did not impair insulin-stimulated glycogen synthase activity in muscle or increase plasma concentrations of inflammatory cytokines. In vitro glucose transport in giant sarcolemmal vesicles was not decreased by acute exposure to fatty acids. Leg lactate release was increased and respiratory exchange ratio was decreased by intralipid.

CONCLUSIONS
Intralipid infusion causes less insulin resistance of muscle glucose uptake in women than in men. This insulin resistance is not due to decreased canonical insulin signaling, accumulation of lipid intermediates, inflammation, or direct inhibition of GLUT activity. Rather, a higher leg lactate release and lower glucose oxidation with intralipid infusion may suggest a metabolic feedback regulation of glucose metabolism.
miR-200a Prevents Renal Fibrogenesis Through Repression of TGF-β2 Expression
Authors: Wang Bo , Koh Philip , Winbanks Catherine , Coughlan Melinda T. , McClelland Aaron , Watson Anna , Jandeleit-Dahm Karin , Burns Wendy C. , Thomas Merlin C. , Cooper Mark E. , Kantharidis Phillip 
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVE
Progressive fibrosis in the diabetic kidney is driven and sustained by a diverse range of profibrotic factors. This study examines the critical role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the regulation of the key fibrotic mediators, TGF-β1 and TGF-β2.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Rat proximal-tubular epithelial cells (NRK52E) were treated with TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 for 3 days, and expression of markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibrogenesis were assessed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. The expression of miR-141 and miR-200a was also assessed, as was their role as translational repressors of TGF-β signaling. Finally, these pathways were explored in two different mouse models, representing early and advanced diabetic nephropathy.

RESULTS
Both TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 induced EMT and fibrogenesis in NRK52E cells. TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 also downregulated expression of miR-200a. The importance of these changes was demonstrated by the finding that ectopic expression miR-200a downregulated smad-3 activity and the expression of matrix proteins and prevented TGF-β–dependent EMT. miR-200a also downregulated the expression of TGF-β2, via direct interaction with the 3′ untranslated region of TGF-β2. The renal expression of miR-141 and miR-200a was also reduced in mouse models representing early and advanced kidney disease.

CONCLUSIONS
miR-200a and miR-141 significantly impact on the development and progression of TGF-β–dependent EMT and fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. These miRNAs appear to be intricately involved in fibrogenesis, both as downstream mediators of TGF-β signaling and as components of feedback regulation, and as such represent important new targets for the prevention of progressive kidney disease in the context of diabetes.
Neuroendocrine Tumors — Laboratory Diagnosis
Authors: Tzontcheva Anna 
Published: October 2010

Neuroendocrine Tumors — Laboratory DiagnosisNeuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms originating from endocrine cells, which are characterized by the presence of secretory granules as well as the ability to produce biogenic amines and polypeptide hormones. These tumors originate from endocrine glands such as the adrenal medulla, the pituitary, and the parathyroids, as well as endocrine islets within the thyroid or the pancreas, and dispersed endocrine cells in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. The clinical behavior of NETs is extremely variable; they may be functioning or not functioning, ranging from very slow-growing tumors (well-differentiated NETs), which are the majority, to highly aggressive and very malignant tumors (poorly differentiated NETs). Classically, NETs of the gastrointestinal tract are classified into 2 main groups: (1) carcinoids and (2) endocrine pancreatic tumors (EPTs). Most neuroendocrine tumors produce and secrete a multitude of peptide hormones and amines. Some of these substances cause a specific clinical syndrome: carcinoid, Zollinger-Ellison, hyperglycemic, glucagonoma and WDHA syndrome. Specific markers for these syndromes are basal and/or stimulated levels of urinary 5-HIAA, serum or plasma gastrin, insulin, glucagon and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, respectively. Some carcinoid tumors and about one third of endocrine pancreatic tumors do not present any clinical symptoms and are called ‘nonfunctioning’ tumors. Therefore, general tumor markers such as chromogranin A, pancreatic polypeptide, serum neuron-specific enolase and subunits of glycoprotein hormones have been used for screening purposes in patients without distinct clinical hormone-related symptoms. Among these general tumor markers chromogranin A, although its precise function is not yet established, has been shown to be a very sensitive and specific serum marker for various types of neuroendocrine tumors. This is because it may also be elevated in many cases of less well-differentiated tumors of neuroendocrine origin that do not secrete known hormones. At the moment, chromogranin A is considered the best general neuroendocrine serum or plasma marker available both for diagnosis and therapeutic evaluation, and is increased in 50-100% of patients with various neuroendocrine tumors. Chromogranin A serum or plasma levels reflect tumor load, and it may be an independent marker of prognosis in patients with midgut carcinoids.
Measuring Thyroglobulin Concentrations in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Savin Svetlana , Cvejić Dubravka , Mijatović Ljiljana , Simonović Snežana 
Published: October 2010

Measuring Thyroglobulin Concentrations in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid CarcinomaThyroid carcinomas are the most common malignant endocrine tumors. Thyroglobulin (Tg), a specific thyroid protein, is the most important tumor marker in thyroid oncology. After total thyroidectomy or radioiodine therapy, detectable or increasing serum Tg levels in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma indicate persistence of active thyroid tissue or cancer recurrence. Serum Tg concentration primarily reflects three variables: the mass of differentiated thyroid tissue present; the degree of thyrotropin receptor stimulation and the intrinsic ability of the tumor to synthesize and secrete Tg. Measurement of serum Tg by current immunometric (IMA) and radioimmunological (RIA) assays encounters some methodological problems which can diminish its clinical importance. Discrepancy between the results for Tg using different methods may be caused by: different reference materials, specific properties of the primary and secondary antibodies for antigenic determinants on Tg and diverse binding affinities of these epitopes, together with interference by serum factors (usually antibodies to Tg (TgAb)) with the primary and secondary Tg antibodies from the diagnostic set. In the presence of endogenous TgAb, Tg values measured by immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) and similar assays are usually lower than the real concentrations, while in RIA apparently lower or higher results can be obtained. Falsely low values may lead to delay in necessary treatment, while an inappropriately high Tg value can cause patient anxiety and unnecessary scans. Despite current methodological limitations, serum Tg measurement is a useful test for determining worsening disease and monitoring the effects of therapy in patients who have undergone surgery for differentiated thyroid carcinoma.
Pre-Analytical Workstations as a Tool for Reducing Laboratory Errors
Authors: Rin Giorgio 
Published: October 2010

Pre-Analytical Workstations as a Tool for Reducing Laboratory ErrorsReducing errors and improving quality are an integral part of Laboratory Medicine. Laboratory testing, a highly complex process commonly called the total testing process (TTP), is usually subdivided into three traditional (pre-, intra-, and post-) analytical phases. A series of papers published from 1989 drew the attention of laboratory professionals to the pre-analytical phase, which currently appears to be more vulnerable to errors than the other phases. Consequently, the preanalytical phase should be the main target for further quality improvement. Therefore, identifying the critical steps in the pre-analytical phase is a prerequisite for continuous quality improvement, further error reduction and thus for improving patient safety. Use of automated systems where feasible, and use of error reduction/improved quality as a factor when selecting instrumentation are the main tools we have to insure high quality and minimize errors in the pre-analytical phase. The reasons for automation of the pre-analytical phase have become so compelling that it is no longer simply a competitive advantage for laboratories, but rather a competitive necessity. These systems can impact on the clinical/laboratory interface and affect the efficiency, effectiveness and quality of care.
»Point-of-Care« D-Dimer Testing
Authors: Antović Jovan 
Published: October 2010

»Point-of-Care« D-Dimer TestingD-dimer testing is efficient in the exclusion of venous thromboembolism (VTE). D-dimer laboratory assays are predominantly performed in centralised laboratories in intra-hospital settings although most patients with suspected VTE are presented in primary care. On the other hand decreasing turnaround time for laboratory testing may significantly improve efficacy in emergency departments. Therefore an introduction of a rapid, easy to perform point of care (POC) assay for the identification of D-dimer may offer improvement in diagnostics flow of VTE both in primary care and emergency departments while it could also improve our diagnostic possibilities in some other severe clinical conditions (e.g. disseminated intra-vascular coagulation (DIC) and aortic aneurism (AA)) associated with increased D-dimer. Several POC D-dimer assays have been evaluated and majority of them have met the criteria for rapid and safe exclusion of VTE. In our hands three assays (Stratus, Pathfast and Cardiac) have the laboratory performance profile comparable with our routine D-dimer laboratory assay (Tinaqaunt).
Cardiovascular Biomarkers in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Đerić Mirjana , Čabarkapa Velibor 
Published: October 2010

Cardiovascular Biomarkers in Chronic Kidney DiseaseCardiovascular morbidity and mortality are markedly increased in chronic renal failure patients. Although it cannot be regarded as a cardiovascular disease risk equivalent, kidney dysfunction is considered an independent predictor of increased cardiovascular risk that increases with deteriorating kidney function. The association is a very complex one, and the term cardiorenal syndrome is now widely used. Cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease patients usually manifests as ischemic heart disease (in the form of angina, acute coronary syndrome or sudden cardiac death), cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, and congestive heart failure. Vascular disease includes atherosclerosis and vascular calcifications, and cardiomyopathy comprises left ventricular hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis and left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction. In addition to the well-established traditional risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus, the association is supported by synergistic action of non-traditional risk factors such as excessive calcium-phosphorus load, hyperparathyroidism, anemia, hemodynamic overload, malnutrition, inflammation, hyperhomocysteinemia, altered nitric oxide synthase and increased oxidative stress. This paper summarizes the current understanding of the significance of specific uremic retention solutes, natriuretic peptides, biochemical markers of disorders in calcium-phosphorus homeostasis, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and dyslipidemia.
Sensitive Cardiac Troponin Assays: Myth and Magic or a Practical Way Forward?
Authors: Gaze David 
Published: October 2010

Sensitive Cardiac Troponin Assays: Myth and Magic or a Practical Way Forward?Cardiac troponins (cTn) are considered to be the ‘gold standard’ biomarkers for the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) a pathological spectrum which includes cardiac ischemia, angina, myocardial infarction and ultimately cardiac failure. The growing evidence base for the diagnostic and prognostic use of cTn in ACS has resulted in a universal redefinition of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). A diagnosis of AMI includes the detection of an elevated cTn (or CK-MB) with at least one measurement within 24 hours of the cardiac episode being >upper 99th percentile of a reference population, in conjunction with evidence of myocardial ischemia. A number of high sensitivity immunoassays with claims of superior imprecision and a definable 99th percentile have been produced. Clinically, these have two important impacts. First, there is a drive to change the values into whole numbers by the application of a unit change which carries the scope for confusion. Secondly, the near-normal Gaussian distribution of sensitive cTn in healthy subjects will increase the frequency of cTn positivity in the non-ACS population. The problem is to decipher if such minor elevations in cTn are of clinical concern. What is certain is that AMI remains a clinical not a biochemical diagnosis and the interpretation of cTn concentrations should be made according to the clinical context.
The Esr Test: An Old Test With New Contents
Authors: Piva Elisa , Plebani Mario 
Published: October 2010

The Esr Test: An Old Test With New ContentsThe erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) remains one of the most widely used laboratory tests. Its clinical usefulness and interpretation are in the monitoring of inflammatory diseases, in particular rheumatoid arthritis, temporal arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica. At present, the reference method for measuring the ESR proposed by the International Committee for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH) utilizes EDTA-anticoagulated-undiluted blood to perform the test using the method described by Westergren in 1921. Current interest in the methodology focuses on the development of an automated closed system that allows the determination of the sedimentation rate with selected working methods, using a single sample for more than one haematological test, improving the bio-hazardous aspects of the testing procedures. As a consequence, standardization becomes necessary. ESR results should be reliable, despite the increased number of different methods and testing variables. Control materials and External Quality Assurance Schemes are now available, and should be used. In conclusion, innovative techniques may improve the appropriateness and usefulness of ESR in clinical practice, but in addition, they need to guarantee the traceability of results in comparison to the reference method in order to ensure comparability of results among different clinical laboratories.
Concepts for Lean Laboratory Organization
Authors: Halwachs-Baumann Gabriele 
Published: October 2010

Concepts for Lean Laboratory OrganizationIn the last decades, hospital laboratories are beset on all sides by demands to lower the costs of laboratory procedures and at the same time to provide (i) more rapid and usable services, (ii) a broader spectrum of parameters, and (iii) process a higher frequency of specimens. These demands are voiced by patients, physicians, hospital administrators, and governmental agencies. Thus, laboratory management is required to decrease costs, increase efficiency, and promote customer satisfaction under the consideration of quality to be of primary importance. Beside the main task of a laboratory (i.e. the analysing of patient specimens, interpretation of results, expert advice for clinicians), quality management, education of technicians and medical staff, research and development, and development of economic strategies are important duties and responsibilities. A lean laboratory organisation is an important condition to cope these duties. Lean laboratory concepts have to include the preanalytical, analytical and postanalytical period. Strategic planning decisions have to be based primarily on information derived from the external environment and have to be long-term. Lean laboratory concepts always have a holistic view, including medical demands and economic aspects. An example will be shown of how lean laboratory concepts influence the organisation, efficacy and performance of a hospital laboratory.