bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reducing the burden of morbidity and medical utilization of older patients by outpatient geriatric services: Implications to primary health‐care settings
Authors: Tao Ping , Lin Ming‐Hsien , Peng Li‐Ning , Lee Wui‐Chiang , Lin Fang‐Yue , Lee Chen‐Hsen , Chien Ching‐Wen , Shen Vivien , Chen Liang‐Kung 
Published: February 2012

Aim:  That geriatric evaluation and management (GEM) is associated with better quality of care for elderly patients has been reported by previous studies, but evidence supporting that GEM can reduce the burden of morbidity (BOM) was lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits of outpatient GEM on reducing BOM and medical utilization in Taiwan.Methods:  Data of this retrospective case–control study were obtained from the 2004–2006 Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Patients who attended the outpatient GEM program for over 6 months in a tertiary medical center in 2005 were enrolled as the case group, and a 1:5 age and gender‐matched control group was formed by randomly‐selected patients from the same medical center for comparisons. BOM was obtained by applying the Adjusted Clinical Group (ACG) program, and medical utilization variables were totalled for each patient from the NHIRD. Patients were further reassigned to two morbidity categories, the low (resource utilization bands ≤ 3) and high (resource utilization bands > 3) morbidity category, according to their degree of morbidity before statistical analyses.Results:  Data of 4254 elderly patients (709 cases, 3545 controls) were included in the study. BOM and medical utilization were increased in both groups in both morbidity categories during the study period. However, the growth of BOM, total medical expenditure, number of emergency department visit, and days and expenditure of hospitalization were significantly reduced in the case than the control group in the low morbidity category, not the high morbidity category.Conclusion:  Outpatient GEM could effectively reduce growth of BOM and medical utilization for relatively healthy elderly patients in Taiwan where elderly patients haverelatively free access to general and specialty care. The results of this study implied the potential benefits of systematically implementing GEM in primary health‐care settings to improve the quality of care and slow down the growth of BOM for elderly patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; ••: ••–••.
Depressive symptoms and level of physical activity in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Vital Thays Martins , Hernandez Salma S. Soleman , Stein Angelica Miki , Garuffi Marcelo , Corazza Danilla Icassatti , Andrade Larissa Pires de , Costa José Luiz Riani , Stella Florindo 
Published: February 2012

Aim:  The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of depressive symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease, to assess whether there was an association between physical activity level and depressive symptoms in this population, and to assess whether more active patients had lower rates of depressive symptoms when compared with less active patients.Methods:  The study included 37 patients with Alzheimer's disease and used the following instruments: the Geriatric Depression Scale, the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia and the Baecke Questionnaire Modified for the Elderly. The Shapiro–Wilk test was used to determine whether the data were normally distributed. The Spearman correlation test and the Mann–Whitney U‐test was used. P‐values less than 5% were considered statistically significant.Results and discussion:  The prevalence of depressive symptoms in the sample was 35.13%. The Spearman correlation test verified the relationship between level of physical activity and depressive symptoms (rho = −0,4), and between the sports activities domain and depressive symptoms (rho = −0,4). Patients who were more active had lower depressive symptoms.Conclusions:  The prevalence of depressive symptoms in the sample was 35.13%. Patients who were more active had lower rates of depressive symptoms. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; ••: ••–••.
Morphological convergence and molecular divergence: the taxonomic status of Sceloporus serrifer (squamata, phrynosomatidae) subspecies
Authors: Martínez‐Méndez Norberto , Mejía Omar , Rocha‐Gómez Alejandra , Méndez‐De La Cruz Fausto R. 
Published: February 2012

Martínez‐Méndez, N., Mejía, O., Rocha‐Gómez, A. & Méndez‐De La Cruz, F. R. (2012) Morphological convergence and molecular divergence: the taxonomic status of Sceloporus serrifer (squamata, phrynosomatidae) subspecies. —Zoologica Scripta, 41, 97–108.The systematics of the subspecies included in Sceloporus serrifer has undergone several taxonomic and nomenclatural rearrangements. This species previously comprised two recognized subspecies, Sceloporus serrifer serrifer and Sceloporus serrifer prezygus, which inhabit contrasting habitats. In this study, we re‐evaluate the taxonomic status of both subspecies using molecular and morphological evidence. Sceloporus serrifer serrifer was recovered as a paraphyletic group, whereas S. s. prezygus was recovered as a polyphyletic group. The molecular results indicate the existence of two independent lineages that diverged at least 1.29 Myr, with the populations currently recognized as S. s. prezygus from the Cuchumatanes Mountains representing a secondary invasion of S. s. serrifer from the lowlands. The lack of meristic differences among the highland populations of different species suggests convergence in similar environments achieved by two different lineages.
Association between obesity and alteration of sperm DNA integrity and mitochondrial activity
Authors: Fariello Roberta M. , Pariz Juliana R. , Spaine Deborah M. , Cedenho Agnaldo P. , Bertolla Ricardo P. , Fraietta Renato 
Published: February 2012

Study Type – Prognosis (cohort)Level of Evidence 3aWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?The relationship between high levels of BMI and changes in altered standard semen analysis parameters are described in the literature. However, the functional characteristics of the sperm are essential to complete the evaluation of male infertility. Thus, this study provides important information about the functionality of the sperm of men with different levels of BMI.OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of obesity on semen analysis, sperm mitochondrial activity and DNA fragmentation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A transversal study of 305 male patients, presenting for clinical evaluation, was carried out. The patients were divided into three groups according to body mass index (BMI) as follows: eutrophic (BMI < 25 kg/m2, n= 82), overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and <30, n= 187) and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, n= 36).
The variables analysed were semen analysis, rate of sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm mitochondrial activity.
Groups were compared using one‐way analysis of variance followed by a least significant difference post‐hoc test. A P‐value of <0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.
RESULTS
No differences were observed in age, ejaculatory abstinence, ejaculate volume, sperm vitality, morphology or round cell and neutrophil count among the groups.
The eutrophic group had a higher percentage of sperm with progressive motility (P= 0.001). Mitochondrial activity was lower in the obese group (P= 0.037) when compared to the eutrophic, and the percentage of sperm with DNA damage was higher in the obese group (P= 0.004) than the other two groups.
CONCLUSION
Increased BMI values are associated with decreased mitochondrial activity and progressive motility and increased DNA fragmentation.
Cryoablation vs radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma: a meta‐analysis of case series studies
Authors: El Dib Regina , Touma Naji J. , Kapoor Anil 
Published: February 2012

Study Type – Therapy (systematic review)Level of Evidence 2bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?The oncological success of partial nephrectomy in the treatment of small renal masses is well established. However, partial nephrectomy has largely supplanted the radical approach. In the last decade, laparoscopy has been adopted as the new surgical approach for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. Laparoscopy offers the advantage of lower analgesic use, shorter hospital stay, and quicker recovery time. More recently, ablative technologies have been investigated as an alternative to laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. These techniques can often be performed percutaneously in the radiology suite, or laparoscopically without the need for hilar clamping. However, only the cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation modalities have had widespread use with several series reporting short to intermediate results.This review shows that both cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation are promising therapies in patients with small renal tumours (<4 cm), who are considered poor candidates for more involved surgery.OBJECTIVE
To determine the current status of the literature regarding the clinical efficacy and complication rates of cryoablation vs radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of small renal tumours.
METHODS
A review of the literature was conducted. There was no language restriction. Studies were obtained from the following sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE and LILACS.
Inclusion criteria were (i) case series design with more than one case reported, (ii) use of cryoablation or radiofrequency ablation, (iii) patients with renal cell carcinoma and, (iv) outcome reported as clinical efficacy.
When available, we also quantified the complication rates from each included study.
Proportional meta‐analysis was performed on both outcomes with a random‐effects model. The 95% confidential intervals were also calculated.
RESULTS
Thirty‐one case series (20 cryoablation, 11 radiofrequency ablation) met all inclusion criteria.
The pooled proportion of clinical efficacy was 89% in cryoablation therapy from a total of 457 cases. There was a statistically significant heterogeneity between these studies showing the inconsistency of clinical and methodological aspects.
The pooled proportion of clinical efficacy was 90% in radiofrequency ablation therapy from a total of 426 cases. There was no statistically significant heterogeneity between these studies.
There was no statistically significant difference regarding complications rate between cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation.
CONCLUSIONS
This review shows that both ablation therapies have similar efficacy and complication rates.
There is urgency for performing clinical trials with long‐term data to establish which intervention is most suitable for the treatment of small renal masses.
THE SUBSTANCE VIEW: A CRITIQUE
Authors: LOVERING ROB 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTAccording to the theory of intrinsic value and moral standing called the ‘substance view,’ what makes it prima facie seriously wrong to kill adult human beings, human infants, and even human fetuses is the possession of the essential property of the basic capacity for rational moral agency – a capacity for rational moral agency in root form and thereby not remotely exercisable. In this critique, I cover three distinct reductio charges directed at the substance view's conclusion that human fetuses have the same intrinsic value and moral standing as adult human beings. After giving consideration to defenders of the substance view's replies to these charges, I then critique each of them, ultimately concluding that none is successful. Of course, in order to understand all of these things – the reductio charges, defenders of the substance view's replies to them, and my criticisms of their replies – one must have a better understanding of the substance view (in particular, its understanding of rational moral agency) as well as its defense. Accordingly, I address the substance view's understanding of rational moral agency as well as present its defense.
Hilda Mary Woods MBE, DSc, LRAM, FSS (1892–1971): Reflections on a Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society
Authors: Farewell Vern , Johnson Tony , Gear Rosemary 
Published: February 2012

SummaryWe have previously described the content of a text by Woods and Russell, An Introduction to Medical Statistics, compared it with Principles of Medical Statistics by Hill and set both volumes against the background of vital statistics up until 1937. The two books mark a watershed in the history of medical statistics. Very little has been recorded about the life and career of the first author of the earlier textbook, who was a Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society for at least 25 years, an omission which we can now rectify with this paper. We describe her education, entry into medical statistics, relationship with Major Greenwood and her subsequent career and life in Ceylon, Kenya, Australia, England and South Africa.
The Liquidity Dynamics of Bank Defaults
Authors: Morkoetter Stefan , Schaller Matthias , Westerfeld Simone 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWe compare liquidity patterns of 10,979 failed and non‐failed US banks from 2001 to mid‐2010 and detect diverging capital structures: failing banks distinctively change their liquidity position about three to five years prior to default by increasing liquid assets and decreasing liquid liabilities. The build‐up of liquid assets is primarily driven by short term loans, whereas long term loan positions are significantly reduced. By abandoning (positive) term transformation throughout the intermediate period prior to a default, failing banks drift away from the traditional banking business model. We show that this liquidity shift is induced by window dressing activities towards bondholders and money market investors as well as a bad client base.
Low free testosterone in HIV‐infected men is not associated with subclinical cardiovascular disease
Authors: Monroe AK , Dobs AS , Xu X , Palella FJ , Kingsley LA , Post WS , Witt MD , Brown TT 
Published: February 2012

ObjectivesLow testosterone (T) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and increased mortality in the general population; however, the impact of T on subclinical CVD in HIV disease is unknown. This study examined the relationships among free testosterone (FT), subclinical CVD, and HIV disease.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional analysis in 322 HIV‐uninfected and 534 HIV‐infected men in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study. Main outcomes were coronary artery calcification presence, defined as a coronary artery calcium (CAC) score > 10 (CAC score was the geometric mean of the Agatston scores of two computed tomography replicates), and far wall common carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT)/carotid lesion presence by B‐mode ultrasound.ResultsCompared with the HIV‐uninfected men in our sample, HIV‐infected men were younger, with lower body mass index (BMI) and more often Black. HIV‐infected men had lower FT (age‐adjusted FT 88.7 ng/dL vs. 101.7 ng/dL in HIV‐uninfected men; P = 0.0004); however, FT was not associated with CAC, log carotid IMT, or the presence of carotid lesions. HIV status was not associated with CAC presence or log carotid IMT, but was associated with carotid lesion presence (adjusted odds ratio 1.69; 95% confidence interval 1.06, 2.71) in HIV‐infected men compared with HIV‐uninfected men.ConclusionsCompared with HIV‐uninfected men, HIV‐infected men had lower FT, as well as more prevalent carotid lesions. In both groups, FT was not associated with CAC presence, log carotid IMT, or carotid lesion presence, suggesting that FT does not influence subclinical CVD in this population of men with and at risk for HIV infection.
Still Punching below Its Weight? Coherence and Effectiveness in European Union Foreign Policy*
Authors: THOMAS DANIEL C. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAlthough scholars and practitioners have long argued that greater political coherence will make the European Union a more effective international actor, the relationship between coherence and effectiveness has not been well defined or tested. This article defines the two concepts, proposes three hypotheses regarding the relationship between them, and examines the extent and consequences of EU coherence on an issue that the EU has highlighted as essential to its foreign policy mission: the good functioning of the International Criminal Court (ICC). It finds that the EU exhibited considerable coherence in its response to the United States' campaign for ICC ‘non‐surrender agreements’, yet failed in its effort to shape the behaviour of other states. Coherence may be necessary for the EU to exert its influence abroad, but it is not sufficient in a multi‐centric world order where many others do not share the EU's collective policy preferences and are ready to deploy vast resources in pursuit of their goals. The article also considers the implications of this study for future research on EU foreign policy actorness, coherence and effectiveness.
Three‐dimensional and molecular analysis of the arterial pole of the developing human heart
Authors: Sizarov Aleksander , Lamers Wouter H. , Mohun Timothy J. , Brown Nigel A. , Anderson Robert H. , Moorman Antoon F. M. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractLabeling experiments in chicken and mouse embryos have revealed important roles for different cell lineages in the development of the cardiac arterial pole. These data can only fully be exploited when integrated into the continuously changing morphological context and compared with the patterns of gene expression. As yet, studies on the formation of separate ventricular outlets and arterial trunks in the human heart are exclusively based on histologically stained sections. So as to expand these studies, we performed immunohistochemical analyses of serially sectioned human embryos, along with three‐dimensional reconstructions. The development of the cardiac arterial pole involves several parallel and independent processes of formation and fusion of outflow tract cushions, remodeling of the aortic sac and closure of an initial aortopulmonary foramen through formation of a transient aortopulmonary septum. Expression patterns of the transcription factors ISL1, SOX9 and AP2α show that, in addition to fusion of the SOX9‐positive endocardial cushions, intrapericardial protrusion of pharyngeal mesenchyme derived from the neural crest contributes to the separation of the developing ascending aorta from the pulmonary trunk. The non‐adjacent walls of the intrapericardial arterial trunks are formed through addition of ISL1‐positive cells to the distal outflow tract, while the facing parts of the walls form from the protruding mesenchyme. The morphogenetic steps, along with the gene expression patterns reported in this study, are comparable to those observed in the mouse. They confirm the involvement of mesenchymal tissues derived from endocardium, mesoderm and migrating neural crest cells in the process of initial septation of the distal part of the outflow tract, and its subsequent separation into discrete intrapericardial arterial trunks.
Morphological preservation of carbonaceous plant fossils in blueschist metamorphic rocks from New Zealand
Authors: GALVEZ M. E. , BEYSSAC O. , BENZERARA K. , BERNARD S. , MENGUY N. , COX S. C. , MARTINEZ I. , JOHNSTON M. R. , BROWN G. E. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractMorphological and chemical evidence of ancient life is widespread in sedimentary rocks retrieved from shallow depths in the Earth’s crust. Metamorphism is highly detrimental to the preservation of biological information in rocks, thus limiting the geological record in which traces of life might be found. Deformation and increasing pressure/temperature during deep burial may alter the morphology as well as the composition and structure of both the organic and mineral constituents of fossils. However, microspore fossils have been previously observed in intensely metamorphosed rocks. It has been suggested that their small size, and/or the nature of the polymer composing their wall, and/or the mineralogy of their surrounding matrix were key parameters explaining their exceptional preservation. Here, we describe the remarkable morphological preservation of plant macrofossils in blueschist metamorphic rocks from New Zealand containing lawsonite. Leaves and stems can be easily identified at the macroscale. At the microscale, polygonal structures with walls mineralized by micas within the leaf midribs and blades may derive from the original cellular ultrastructure or, alternatively, from the shrinkage during burial of the gelified remnants of the leaves in an abiotic process. Processes and important parameters involved in the remarkable preservation of these fossils during metamorphism are discussed. Despite the excellent morphological preservation, the initial biological polymers have been completely transformed to graphitic carbonaceous matter down to the nanometer scale. This occurrence demonstrates that plant macrofossils may experience major geodynamic processes such as metamorphism and exhumation involving deep changes and homogenization of their carbon chemistry and structure but still retain their morphology with remarkable integrity even if they are not shielded by any hard‐mineralized concretion.
RECQL4 localizes to mitochondria and preserves mitochondrial DNA integrity
Authors: Croteau Deborah L. , Rossi Marie L. , Canugovi Chandrika , Tian Jane , Sykora Peter , Ramamoorthy Mahesh , Wang ZhengMing , Singh Dharmendra Kumar , Akbari Mansour , Kasiviswanathan Rajesh , Copeland William C. , Bohr Vilhelm A. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryRECQL4 is associated with Rothmund–Thomson Syndrome (RTS), a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by premature aging, genomic instability, and cancer predisposition. RECQL4 is a member of the RecQ helicase family, and has many similarities to WRN protein, which is also implicated in premature aging. There is no information about whether any of the RecQ helicases play roles in mitochondrial biogenesis, which is strongly implicated in the aging process. Here, we used microscopy to visualize RECQL4 in mitochondria. Fractionation of human and mouse cells also showed that RECQL4 was present in mitochondria. Q‐PCR amplification of mitochondrial DNA demonstrated that mtDNA damage accumulated in RECQL4‐deficient cells. Microarray analysis suggested that mitochondrial bioenergetic pathways might be affected in RTS. Measurements of mitochondrial bioenergetics showed a reduction in the mitochondrial reserve capacity after lentiviral knockdown of RECQL4 in two different primary cell lines. Additionally, biochemical assays with RECQL4, mitochondrial transcription factor A, and mitochondrial DNA polymerase γ showed that the polymerase inhibited RECQL4’s helicase activity. RECQL4 is the first 3′–5′ RecQ helicase to be found in both human and mouse mitochondria, and the loss of RECQL4 alters mitochondrial integrity.