bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between serum osteocalcin and glycaemic variability in Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Bao Yu‐Qian , Zhou Mi , Zhou Jian , Lu Wei , Gao Yun‐Chao , Pan Xiao‐Ping , Tang Jun‐Ling , Lu Hui‐Juan , Jia Wei‐Ping 
Published: November 2010

Summary1. Recent reports have described the role of osteocalcin in glucose metabolism and glycaemic variability has been proven to be associated with an increased risk of diabetes complications. However, the relationship between osteocalcin and glycaemic variability remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between serum osteocalcin and glycaemic variability, as determined by a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).2. Fifty‐nine T2DM patients with glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels between 7.0% and 10.9% were recruited to the present study. Biochemical information and CGM parameters were collected at baseline and after 8 weeks of antihyperglycaemic therapy (either sulphonylurea, sulphonylurea + an α‐glucosidase inhibitor or insulin + metformin combination therapy).3. Compared with baseline, serum osteocalcin increased significantly (P = 0.014), whereas parameters related to glucose variability, including the mean amplitude of glycaemic excursions (MAGE) and the standard deviation of blood glucose values, decreased significantly (P < 0.001) after the 8 week treatment period. At baseline, there was a positive correlation between serum osteocalcin levels and fasting C‐peptide levels (P = 0.004) and homeostatic model assessment of β‐cell function (P = 0.048), but a negative correlation between serum osteocalcin levels and fasting plasma glucose (P = 0.023), HbA1c (P = 0.020), glycated albumin (P = 0.019) and 24 h mean blood glucose (P < 0.001). Multiple stepwise regression analysis indicated that baseline osteocalcin was the single parameter that best predicted the change in MAGE (β = −0.122; P = 0.039).4. In conclusion, serum osteocalcin concentrations increased with improved glucose control. High initial osteocalcin levels were associated with subsequent improvements in glucose variability during glucose‐lowering treatment.
Prediction of outcomes after radical prostatectomy in patients diagnosed with prostate cancer of biopsy gleason score ≥ 8 via contemporary multi (≥12)‐core prostate biopsy
Authors: Hong Sung Kyu , Oh Jong Jin , Jeong Sung Jin , Jeong Chang Wook , Kim In Sung , Park Jung Min , Byun Seok‐Soo , Choe Gheeyoung , Lee Hak Jong , Lee Sang Eun 
Published: November 2010

Study Type – Prognostic (case series)Level of Evidence 4 What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Currently, controversy continues with regards to the efficacy of performing radical prostatectomy (RP) and the potential predictor of outcome after surgery in patients with prostate cancers of higher biopsy Gleason score.Among contemporary patients with biopsy Gleason score ≥8 who underwent RP alone, patients with pathologically organ‐confined disease demonstrated significantly better biochemical outcome than others. Serum PSA level and maximum tumour length in a biopsy core, independent predictors of organ‐confined disease, would be useful in the selection of candidates for RP among patients presenting with biopsy Gleason score ≥8.OBJECTIVE

To investigate the outcome of patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer of biopsy Gleason score ≥ 8 diagnosed via contemporary prostate biopsy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed records of 151 patients who underwent RP for prostate cancer of biopsy Gleason score ≥ 8 detected via multi (≥12)‐core prostate biopsy without any neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment.
Preoperative predictors of pathologically organ‐confined disease along with biochemical recurrence‐free survival were analyzed via multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

For 151 total subjects, 5‐year estimated biochemical recurrence‐free survival rate was 41.0%. Patients with pathologically organ‐confined disease were observed to have much higher 5‐year biochemical recurrence‐free survival rate than those otherwise (72.1 vs 31.5%, P < 0.001).
Serum PSA level (P= 0.031) and maximum tumour length in a biopsy core (P= 0.005) were observed to be significant preoperative predictors of having pathologically organ‐confined disease.
As for biochemical recurrence‐free survival following RP, serum PSA (P= 0.023), biopsy Gleason score (P= 0.032), and percent of total tumour length in biopsy cores (P < 0.001) were observed be significant preoperative predictors on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Among contemporary patients with biopsy Gleason score ≥ 8 who underwent RP alone, patients with pathologically organ‐confined disease demonstrated significantly better biochemical outcome than others. Serum PSA level and maximum tumour length in a biopsy core, independent predictors of organ‐confined disease, would be useful in the selection of candidates for RP among patients presenting with biopsy Gleason score ≥ 8.
COGNITIVE AND EVOLUTIONARY FACTORS IN THE EMERGENCE OF HUMAN ALTRUISM
Authors: Van Slyke James A. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractOne of the central tenets of Christian theology is the denial of self for the benefit of another. However, many views on the evolution of altruism presume that natural selection inevitably leads to a self‐seeking human nature and that altruism is merely a façade to cover underlying selfish motives. I argue that human altruism is an emergent characteristic that cannot be reduced to any one particular evolutionary explanation. The evolutionary processes at work in the formation of human nature are not necessarily in conflict with the possibility of altruism; rather, aspects of human nature are uniquely directed toward the care and concern of others. The relationship between altruism, human nature, and evolution can be reimagined by adopting an emergent view of the hierarchy of science and a theological worldview that emphasizes self‐renunciation. The investigation of altruism necessitates an approach that analyzes several aspects of altruistic behavior at different levels in the hierarchy of sciences. This research includes the study of evolutionary adaptations, neurological systems, cognitive functions, behavioral traits, and cultural influences. No one level is able to offer a full explanation, but each piece adds a unique dimension to a much larger puzzle.
THE SPIRIT IN THE NETWORK: MODELS FOR SPIRITUALITY IN A TECHNOLOGICAL CULTURE
Authors: Coeckelbergh Mark 
Published: November 2010

AbstractCan a technological culture accommodate spiritual experience and spiritual thinking? If so, what kind of spirituality? I explore the relation between technology and spirituality by constructing and discussing several models for spirituality in a technological culture. I show that although gnostic and animistic interpretations and responses to technology are popular challenges to secularization and disenchantment claims, both the Christian tradition and contemporary posthumanist theory provide interesting alternatives to guide our spiritual experiences and thinking in a technological culture. I analyze how creational, network, and cyborg metaphors defy suggestions of (individual) animation or alienation and instead offer different ways of conceptualizing and experiencing communion between the material and the spiritual.
The Relative Importance of Symmetric and Asymmetric Shocks: The Case of United Kingdom and Euro Area*
Authors: Peersman Gert 
Published: November 2010

AbstractWe show how a simple model with sign restrictions can be used to identify symmetric and asymmetric supply, demand and monetary policy shocks in an estimated two‐country structural VAR for the UK and Euro area. The results can be used to deal with several issues that are relevant in the optimal currency area literature. We find an important role for symmetric shocks in explaining the variability of the business cycle in both economies. However, the relative importance of asymmetric shocks, being around 20% in the long run, cannot be ignored. Moreover, when we estimate the model for the UK and US, the degree of business cycle synchronization seems to be higher. Finally, we confirm existing evidence of the exchange rate being an independent source of shocks in the economy.
Childhood Abuse and Fear of Childbirth—A Population‐based Study
Authors: Lukasse Mirjam , Vangen Siri , Øian Pål , Kumle Merethe , Ryding Elsa Lena , Schei Berit ,   on behalf of the Bidens Study Group
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Background:  Childhood abuse affects adult health. The objective of this study was to examine the association between a self‐reported history of childhood abuse and fear of childbirth.Methods:  A population‐based, cross‐sectional study was conducted of 2,365 pregnant women at five obstetrical departments in Norway. We measured childhood abuse using the Norvold Abuse Questionnaire and fear of childbirth using the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire. Severe fear of childbirth was defined as a Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire score of ≥85.Results:  Of all women, 566 (23.9%) had experienced any childhood abuse, 257 (10.9%) had experienced emotional abuse, 260 (11%) physical abuse, and 290 (12.3%) sexual abuse. Women with a history of childhood abuse reported severe fear of childbirth significantly more often than those without a history of childhood abuse, 18 percent versus 10 percent (p = 0.001). The association between a history of childhood abuse and severe fear of childbirth remained significant after adjustment for confounding factors for primiparas (adjusted OR: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.30–3.08) but lost its significance for multiparas (adjusted OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.76–1.80). The factor with the strongest association with severe fear of childbirth among multiparas was a negative birth experience (adjusted OR: 5.50; 95% CI: 3.77–8.01).Conclusions:  A history of childhood abuse significantly increased the risk of experiencing severe fear of childbirth among primiparas. Fear of childbirth among multiparas was most strongly associated with a negative birth experience. (BIRTH 37:4 December 2010)
Bridging the Gap Between Textbook and Maternity Patient: A Nurse‐Developed Teaching Model for First‐Year Medical Students
Authors: Cooksey Nancy Rumsey 
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Background:  Providing more opportunities for first‐year medical students to interact with patients in clinical settings is a current discussion topic in medical student education reform. Early clinical experience helps students bridge the gap between textbook and patient while observing patient‐centered care, and serves as a first step for students to develop the skills needed to work cooperatively as members of a multidisciplinary health care team. The author developed a model to provide perinatal education to first‐year medical students, consistent with the concept of interprofessional education.Methods:  Primarily first‐year medical students participated in the nurse‐developed education model, a component of a noncredit extracurricular, student‐run perinatal program at a Midwestern university medical center. Students were placed at the bedsides of hospitalized women to provide support and education to them during perinatal procedures, labor, childbirth, and cesarean delivery.Results:  A total of 350 students participated over a period of 13 school calendar years. Students remarked that participation in the program reinforced the importance of their concurrent anatomy and physiology classes. They observed interdependence and cooperation among the members of the health care team caring for women, and their evaluations of their experiences at the bedside were highly positive. Women consistently expressed appreciation for the additional individualized attention and education received from our student and nurse team.Conclusions:  Nurses can enhance the learning of first‐year medical students in the maternity care clinical setting. This nurse‐developed education program provided students with a variety of vivid clinical experiences with maternity patients. (BIRTH 37:4 December 2010)
Getting Feedback on Defined Contribution Pension Plans
Authors: MacDonald Bonnie‐Jeanne , Cairns Andrew J. G. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractWith the growth of private and public defined contribution (DC) pension plans around the world, market rates of return should increasingly play a large role in the retirement patterns of individuals. The reverse could, however, also be true—i.e., a country's population demographics could influence the financial markets. In this article, we model the potential impact of aggregate retirement patterns on macroeconomic variables with the goal of further understanding the implications of a traditional DC pension becoming the predominant source of retirement income for an entire society. We find that the economic‐system feedback dampens fluctuations in the size of the working population.
Brain Imaging in Cerebellar Ataxia Associated with Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type 2
Authors: Manto Mario , Jissendi P 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTAutoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS) type 2 (Schmidt syndrome) is a disorder characterized by a combination of autoimmune adrenal insufficiency, autoimmune thyroid disease, and type 1 autoimmune diabetes mellitus. We describe the first case of subacute cerebellar syndrome associated with APS type 2. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed atrophy of the cerebellum and the vermis, as well as of the anterior pituitary gland. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed decreased N‐acetylaspartate/creatine ratio in the cerebellum and in the pons. Our findings expand the spectrum of neurological deficits in APS type 2 and underlines that cerebellar pathways may be a main target of the disorder.
Experimental orthodontic tooth movement and extensive root resorption: periodontal and pulpal changes
Authors: Tripuwabhrut Polbhat , Brudvik Pongsri , Fristad Inge , Rethnam Sivakami 
Published: November 2010

Tripuwabhrut P, Brudvik P, Fristad I, Rethnam S. Experimental orthodontic tooth movement and extensive root resorption: periodontal and pulpal changes.

Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 596–603. © 2010 Eur J Oral Sci Previous studies have reported changes both in dental pulp and in periodontal ligament (PDL) following orthodontic tooth movement. However, pulpal changes following extensive root resorption after orthodontic tooth movement have not been studied in detail. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate inflammatory changes, both in the dental pulp and in the compressed PDL, after experimentally induced extensive root resorption. Extensive root resorption was induced in rats by the activation and re‐activation of orthodontic force, with a short intervening period of no force application. The distribution of immune cells, nerve fibres and blood vessels was studied immunohistochemically using antibodies against CD68‐immunoreactive (IR) cells, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II Ia‐expressing cells, CD43‐IR cells, protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), and laminin. In the compressed PDL of experimental first molars, significantly increased density of CD68‐IR cells and MHC class II Ia‐expressing cells were found, whereas the density of CD43‐IR cells were unchanged when compared with control second molars. In the compressed PDL, there was an increased density of blood vessels, but no sprouting of nerve fibres. In the dental pulp, however, no increased density of immune cells or sprouting of nerve fibres was recorded. In conclusion, inflammation after extensive root resorption was confined to the compressed PDL, whereas the dental pulp was unaffected.
Involvement of IbeA in Meningitic Escherichia coli K1‐Induced Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Transmigration Across Brain Endothelial Cells
Authors: Che Xiaojuan , Chi Feng , Wang Lin , Jong Timothy D. , Wu Chun‐Hua , Wang Xiaoning , Huang Sheng‐He 
Published: November 2010

AbstractTransmigration of neutrophil [polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN)] across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a critical event in the pathogenesis of bacterial meningitis. We have shown that IbeA is able to induce meningitic Escherichia coli invasion of brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), which constitutes the BBB. In this report, we provide evidence that IbeA and its receptor, vimentin, play a key role in E. coli‐induced PMN transmigration across BMEC. In vitro and in vivo studies indicated that the ibeA‐deletion mutant ZD1 was significantly less active in stimulating PMN transmigration than the parent strain E44. ZD1 was fully complemented by the ibeA gene and its product. E. coli‐induced PMN transmigration was markedly inhibited by withaferin A, a dual inhibitor of vimentin and proteasome. These cellular effects were significantly stimulated and blocked by overexpression of vimentin and its head domain deletion mutant in human BMEC, respectively. Our studies further demonstrated that IbeA‐induced PMN migration was blocked by bortezomib, a proteasomal inhibitor and correlated with upregulation of endothelial ICAM‐1 and CD44 expression through proteasomal regulation of NFκB activity. Taken together, our data suggested that IbeA and vimentin contribute to E. coli K1‐stimulated PMN transendothelial migration that is correlated with upregulation of adhesion molecule expression at the BBB.
Determinants of the dynamics of demand for highway transportation fuel in Nigeria
Authors: Nwachukwu Maxwell Umunna , Mba Harold Chike 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe major problem with the existing forecasts of demand for highway transportation fuel in Nigeria is often assumed to be associated with poor identification of the factors of mobility upon which they are based. This may have been one of the factors responsible for continued shortfall in supply for highway transportation fuel in the country. The goal of this study was to determine the mobility factors and their effects on the dynamics of demand for highway transportation fuel in Nigeria. Four cities in Nigeria were chosen for this study on a representative basis of size, function and location. The cities are Lagos, Kano, Abuja and Enugu. A total sample size of 3800 questionnaires, representing 1 per cent of the sample frame of 3,800,000 vehicles, drawn using stratified random sampling technique from the four selected cities, were distributed among vehicle operators. A total of 2713 questionnaires representing 71.3 per cent were returned. Multiple linear regression was used to test the research hypothesis. The result suggests that the demand for highway transportation fuel was significantly related to the four of the eight mobility factors studied at 0.01 level (R2 = 0.975). These are real price of fuel, stock of vehicles, time spent in purchasing fuel and fuel subsidy. The data analysed readily fitted into a multiple linear regression model. The study showed that these four variables are significant in determining the demand for highway transportation fuel in Nigeria. The outcome of this study was useful in enhancing future public policy on fuel demand in Nigeria.
Application of hRad9 in lung cancer treatment as a molecular marker and a molecular target
Authors: Maniwa Yoshimasa , Nishio Wataru , Yoshimura Masahiro 
Published: November 2010

AbstractDNA damage sensor proteins work as upstream components of the DNA damage checkpoint signaling pathways that are essential for cell cycle control and the induction of apoptosis. hRad9 is a member of a family of proteins that act as DNA damage sensors and plays an important role as an upstream regulator of checkpoint signaling. We clarified the significant accumulation of hRad9 in the nuclei of tumor cells in surgically‐resected non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) specimens and found the capacity to produce a functional hRad9 protein was intact in lung cancer cells. This finding suggested that hRad9 was a vital component in the pathways that lead to the survival and progression of NSCLC and suggested that hRad9 was a good candidate for a molecular target to control lung cancer cell growth. RNA interference targeting hRad9 was performed to examine this hypothesis. The impairment of the DNA damage checkpoint signaling pathway induced cancer cell death. hRad9 might be a novel molecular target for lung cancer treatment.
Endocrine problems in pregnancy
Authors: Amin Anjali , Robinson Stephen , Teoh Tiong Ghee 
Published: November 2010

abstract
This paper aims to describe the pathophysiology and management of the main endocrine complications of pregnancy. For each endocrine dysfunction, the issues with the fetus, the mother, obstetric complications, and the long term prognosis for the disease itself need to be considered. Key management issues are highlighted with each condition. Thyroid dysfunction and goitre are common while management is relatively straightforward. Adrenal, pituitary, and parathyroid diseases present less commonly in pregnancy. Early recognition of endocrine disease in pregnancy and appropriate management has the potential to improve outcome for the mother and fetus in the short and long term.
Actual causes of death in Chaoyang District of Beijing, China, 2007
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhang Lan , Huang Jianshi , Fu Wenjiang J , Li Xingming , Meng Haiying 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT

Objectives
To identify and quantify major external (non-genetic) factors that contribute to death in Chaoyang District of Beijing, China in 2007.

Methods
The death registration data reported to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention of Chaoyang District of Beijing, China, during the year 2007, were obtained. The analysis was conducted in 2009 using the health risk factors identified by the World Health Report 2002 and the population attributable fractions of mortality from Global burden of disease and risk factors. The estimates of actual causes of death attributable to each risk factor were calculated by multiplying the population attributable fractions of mortality by the corresponding number of deaths of the subgroup or total population.

Results
The five leading actual causes of death in Chaoyang District of Beijing, China in 2007 were high blood pressure (2159 deaths, 18%), smoking (990, 8%), low fruit and vegetable consumption (968, 8%), high cholesterol (891, 7%), and physical inactivity (629, 5%). The pattern and ordering of these leading causes vary with sex and age specific subgroups.

Conclusions
More than half of the total number of deaths in Chaoyang District in 2007 could be attributed to a few major preventable risk factors. Although the study focused on only one district of Beijing in one single year, and is by no means comprehensive, its findings suggest that public health policies and programmes in China should address these public health concerns by focusing on these largely preventable risk factors for primary prevention.