bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations between cardiovascular risk, insulin resistance, β-cell function and thyroid dysfunction: a cross-sectional study in She ethnic minority group of Fujian Province in China
Authors: Chen Gang , Wu Juan , Lin Yinghua , Huang Baoying , Yao Jin , Jiang Qiqin , Wen Junping , Lin Lixiang 
Published: August 2010

ObjectiveTo investigate the associations between cardiovascular risk, insulin resistance (IR), β-cell function and thyroid dysfunction in She ethnic minority group in China.MethodsWe enrolled 5080 participants of She ethnicity in this analysis eventually. We measured serum TSH and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) concentrations, blood glucose and insulin levels in both fasting and 2-h postprandial states, serum lipid levels, blood pressure (BP), brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), electrophysiological parameters, includingTpeak–Tendinterval (Tp–e), QT interval and height of the R wave in lead aVL (RaVL), and anthropometric parameters.ResultsThe total prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in this population is 12.1%. Hyperthyroid subjects had shorterTp–einterval and QT interval in electrocardiogram (ECG), while hypothyroid subjects had shorterTp–einterval and longer QT interval in ECG than euthyroid subjects. Neither hyperthyroid nor hypothyroid subjects showed significant difference in BP, pulse pressure, and baPWV compared with euthyroid subjects. RaVL was slightly higher in hyperthyroid subjects, though the difference did not reach statistical significance (P=0.08). Subjects with TSH<0.3 mIU/l had higher blood glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and β-cell function (HOMA-β), whereas subjects with TSH>10 mIU/l had lower insulin, HOMA-IR, and HOMA-β than the reference group. There was a significant negative correlation, albeit weak, between TSH and HOMA-IR, HOMA-β after adjustment for confounding factors.ConclusionsHypothyroid subjects may carry higher cardiovascular risk than euthyroid subjects. Moreover, IR and β-cell function are inversely correlated with TSH, which may be explained by the decreasing insulin-antagonistic effects of thyroid hormones along with increasing TSH.
The Confounding Effects of Population Structure, Genetic Diversity and the Sampling Scheme on the Detection and Quantification of Population Size Changes
Authors: Chikhi Lounès , Sousa Vitor C , Luisi Pierre , Goossens Benoit , Beaumont Mark A 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe idea that molecular data should contain information on the recent evolutionary history of populations is rather old. However, much of the work carried out today owes to the work of the statisticians and theoreticians who demonstrated that it was possible to detect departures from equilibrium conditions (e.g., panmictic population/mutation–drift equilibrium) and interpret them in terms of deviations from neutrality or stationarity. During the last 20 years the detection of population size changes has usually been carried out under the assumption that samples were obtained from populations that can be approximated by a Wright–Fisher model (i.e., assuming panmixia, demographic stationarity, etc.). However, natural populations are usually part of spatial networks and are interconnected through gene flow. Here we simulated genetic data at mutation and migration–drift equilibrium under an n-island and a stepping-stone model. The simulated populations were thus stationary and not subject to any population size change. We varied the level of gene flow between populations and the scaled mutation rate. We also used several sampling schemes. We then analyzed the simulated samples using the Bayesian method implemented in MSVAR, the Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation program, to detect and quantify putative population size changes using microsatellite data. Our results show that all three factors (genetic differentiation/gene flow, genetic diversity, and the sampling scheme) play a role in generating false bottleneck signals. We also suggest an ad hoc method to counter this effect. The confounding effect of population structure and of the sampling scheme has practical implications for many conservation studies. Indeed, if population structure is creating “spurious” bottleneck signals, the interpretation of bottleneck signals from genetic data might be less straightforward than it would seem, and several studies may have overestimated or incorrectly detected bottlenecks in endangered species.
Epoetin Alfa Improves Anemia and Anemia-Related, Patient-Reported Outcomes in Patients with Breast Cancer Receiving Myelotoxic Chemotherapy: Results of a European, Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Pronzato Paolo , Cortesi Enrico , Rijt Carin C. , Bols Alain , Moreno-Nogueira José A. , Oliveira Carlos Freire , Barrett-Lee Peter , Ostler Peter J. , Rosso Ricardo ,   EPO-INT-47 Study Group
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Purpose.
To evaluate the effects of epoetin alfa on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with breast cancer receiving myelotoxic chemotherapy.

Materials and Methods.
Women with hemoglobin concentrations ≤12.0 g/dl and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) score of 0–3 were randomized 1:1 to receive epoetin alfa (10,000 IU 3 times weekly) or best standard care (BSC) during chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in the total anemia subscale assessed by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Anemia (FACT-An) questionnaire after 12 weeks of treatment. The fatigue and nonfatigue subscales from the FACT-An, the Cancer Linear Analog Scale (CLAS), hemoglobin changes, ECOG PS score, tumor response, overall survival, and safety also were evaluated.

Results.
Of 223 patients randomized, 216 constituted the modified intent-to-treat population. Percentage changes in the total anemia subscale of the FACT-An were significantly different between epoetin alfa treatment (14.2%) and BSC (−0.5%; p = .002), favoring epoetin alfa; so were changes in the FACT-An fatigue subscale (epoetin alfa, 17.5%; BSC, −0.9%; p = .003) and nonfatigue subscale (epoetin alfa, 8.8%; BSC, 0.2%; p = .008). Similar results were observed with the CLAS. Hemoglobin concentrations &gt;12 g/dl were more common with epoetin alfa (62.0%) than with BSC (27.6%). Tumor response, ECOG PS score, 12-month survival rate, and the incidence of serious treatment-emergent adverse events were similar between groups.

Conclusion.
Early intervention with epoetin alfa was well tolerated and improved anemia-related PROs in patients with breast cancer receiving myelotoxic chemotherapy.
A naked-eye, selective and sensitive chemosensor for fluoride ion
Authors: Xie Puhui , Guo Fengqi , Wang Weifeng , Liu Xiyang 
Published: August 2010

AbstractEffect of the addition of six different anions on the absorption and fluorescence spectra of acridine yellow G (AYG) was examined. Only the F− anion could induce a visible color change observable with naked eye and a strong fluorescence quenching with K SV of 8.3 × 104 mol−1 L in CH3CN solutions. Calculated results of the interaction between the F− anion and acridine yellow G using the B3LYP/6-31G(d) program showed that the intermolecular charge transfer through the formation of an H-bond between AYG and F− is an essential sensor mechanism.
Initial Neoplastic Proliferations and Background Pathologies of Kidneys with Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma
Authors: Sperga Maris , Lietuvietis Vilnis , Kleina Regina 
Published: August 2010

Initial Neoplastic Proliferations and Background Pathologies of Kidneys with Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma
Introduction. Nephrosclerosis and development of renal tumours is desribed in literature. But there is a few dates about correlation between grades of nephrosclerosis and renal tumours. Aim of the study. Aim of our study is to find out and to analyze initial neoplastic proliferation around renal cell carcinoma in case of nephrosclerosis of different degrees. The hypothesis: the initial neoplastic proliferation in renal cell carcinoma is related to the degree of nephrosclerosis. Materials and methods. We investigated 206 surgical removed kidneys with clear cell renal carcinoma (RCCC) cases. To evaluate the correlation between grading of RCCC and its stages with nephrosclerosis we framed 5 macroscopic degrees of its severity. According the expression of nephrosclerosis we analyzed microscopically renal tissue to diagnose initial neoplastic proliferations. Results. In our research we have got weak positive correlation of R = 0.2 (p = 0.01) between nephrosclerosis and grading of renal clear cell carcinoma. Practically the same correlation exists between renal tumor TNM stage and nephrosclerosis degrees. In 62 cases from all 206 examined surgically removed kidneys microscopically and grossly we have diagnosed initial neoplastic proliferations. Histological variations of them were: papillary adenoma, oncocytoma, nephrogenic adenoma and clear cell proliferations. Accordingly the localization of these neoplastic proliferations we can divide them into subcapsular, cortical and medullar both in the tumour capsule and outside it. Around the neoplastic proliferations we have evaluated the intensity of inflammation, arteriosclerosis, glomerulosclerosis, cystic transformations of renal tubules and stromal fibrosis. Conclusions. We have proved that the most marked correlation was between the background pathologies and papillary adenoma (n = 29). More common the diameter of fibrosis was several times larger than the size of adenoma. There was also strong correlation with cystic changes of renal tubules. There is a correlation R = 0.305 (p = 0.01) between the frequency of papillary adenoma findings and of nephrosclerosis stages. The second most common initial neoplastic proliferation was clear cell proliferations (n = 26). But it has less pronounced association with the background changes. We have not proved the correlation between the frequency of renal clear cell carcinoma and severity of nephrosclerosis.
Clostridium difficile Associated Disease Clinical and Molecular Data
Authors: Aksenoka Karina , Balode Arta , Grope Ilze , Obidenova Tatjana , Gardovska Dace , Miklasevics Edvins 
Published: August 2010

Clostridium difficile Associated Disease Clinical and Molecular Data
Introduction. A balanced microflora of the gastrointestinal tract plays a significant role in the protection of an organism. Dramatic changes may take place in the composition of normal microflora during antibacterial therapy, because part of sensitive microorganisms die and microflora detrimental to an organism proliferates there causing gastrointestinal tract disorders (7). C. difficile is an important agent causing gastrointestinal tract disorders. It may induce manifestations ranging from asymptomatic colonization of the gastrointestinal tract to severe diarrhea, pseudomembranous colitis, toxic megacolon, intestinal perforation, and death. All these severity levels are included in the term Clostridium difficile associated disease (CDAD). A patient at risk for C. difficile is an elderly person with a severe principal disease, who receives long-term inpatient treatment, has been receiving antibiotics, antacid and antiulcer agents for a long time, has had a gastrointestinal surgical intervention or any organ transplantation, which is always related to immune suppression (11). Aim of the study. Molecular typing of Latvian strains of C. difficile and clinical data analysis. Materials and methods. The research includes data collected during the time period from August 2006 to the end of 2008 from three Latvian hospitals. A pure culture of C. difficile bacteria was isolated and cultured from fecal material. Ribotyping was done by amplification of specific regions of the 16S and 23S RNA genes and amplification products were separated in 1.5% agarose gel. Results. Fecal samples of 500 patients having manifestations of clinical symptoms of CDAD were microbiologically and molecularly studied from August 2006 to the end of 2008. 130 samples were tcdA + tcdB + toxin-positive. Conclusions. All samples were cultured on agar in anaerobic conditions. As a result, 55 pure cultures were obtained. The average age of patients is 65 years. Women get infected more frequently than men. In 95% patients CDAD was induced by antibacterial therapy. In 86% cases, having received a positive response for C.difficile antibacterial therapy is changed. Disease development risk factors are previous antibacterial therapy, previous hospitalization, GIT manipulations and C.difficile infection in anamnesis. The biggest number of CDAD patients was found in Nephrology Department of P. Stradins Clinical University Hospital. A hypervirulent Cl.difficile ribotype 027 was not found in Latvia yet, bat 16 different ribotypes were determined using Bionumerics software. 4 of them are domineering ribotypes with 17, 14, 5 and 4 isolates in every group.
Assessment of Postoperative Pain in Nursing
Authors: Strode Iveta , Logina Inara 
Published: August 2010

Assessment of Postoperative Pain in Nursing
Introduction. Postoperative pain is a typical form of acute pain and is connected with extensive traumatization of tissue and operation wound traumatic edema, which in its turn, becomes a source of permanent nociceptive impulses. Insufficiently controlled postoperative pain is a factor of risk for the development of various pathologies, postoperative complications, as well as chronic pain. Aim of the study. To study the usage of postoperative period pain intensity and quality assessment scales in the clinical practice of nursing, as well as availability of methods. Materials and methods. Inquiry utilized quantitative research method - questionnaire. The questionnaire embraced 263 patients and 309 nurses, working in surgical profile. Survey was carried out in surgical profile wards in Riga and regional clinics of Latvia. Results. Prevalent method, in our investigation of pain intensity evaluation, is patient's oral subjective and objective assessment of condition. Such method is mentioned by 87% (269/309) of respondents. A conventional and acknowledged method of pain objectivization - verbal descriptor pain intensity scale is applied by 22% (69/309) respondents, but visual analogue scale is utilized only by 5% (15/309) respondents. Assessment of postoperative pains as systematic and planed operation was marked by 41% (126/309) of surgical nurses. Conclusions. Prevailing method in the clinical practice of pain assessment is patient's subjective and objective evaluation of condition. However, this method is insufficiently recorded and objectivizated. Therefore, it is an actual problem in surgical patient care and shows necessity for standards and improvement of postoperative pain management.
Intragastric Migration of Swedish Adjustible Gastric Band
Authors: Vanags Andrejs , Strumfa Ilze , Pavars Maris , Gardovskis Janis 
Published: August 2010

Intragastric Migration of Swedish Adjustible Gastric Band
Swedish adjustable gastric banding (SAGB) is an operative procedure meant for the treatment of morbid obesity. It is characterised by application of low-pressure, high-volume device upon the stomach. One of the major complications, currently described in 6% of patients, is the intragastric migration of the adjustable gastric band. The removal of the band is the gold standard in these cases and must be performed either urgently or as a scheduled manipulation according to the symptoms. We present a thoroughly documented case of surgical obesity treatment by SAGB complicated by intragastric band migration as well as our experience in settling the complication.
Fall and Balance Outcomes After an Intervention to Promote Leg Strength, Balance, and Walking in People With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: “Feet First” Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kruse Robin L. , LeMaster Joseph W. , Madsen Richard W. 
Published: August 2010

Background
Weight-bearing exercise has been discouraged for people with diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy (DM+PN). However, people with diabetes mellitus and insensate feet have an increased risk of falling. Lower-extremity exercise and balance training reduce fall risk in some older adults. It is unknown whether those with neuropathy experience similar benefits.

Objective
As part of a study of the effects of weight-bearing exercise on foot ulceration in people with DM+PN, the effects of a lower-extremity exercise and walking intervention on balance, lower-extremity strength (force-generating capacity), and fall incidence were determined.

Design
The study was an observer-masked, 12-month randomized controlled trial.

Setting
Part 1 of the intervention took place in physical therapy offices, and part 2 took place in the community.

Patients
The participants were 79 people who were mostly sedentary, who had DM+PN, and who were randomly assigned to either a control group (n=38) or an intervention group (n=41).

Intervention
Part 1 included leg strengthening and balance exercises and a graduated, self-monitored walking program; part 2 included motivational telephone calls. Both groups received regular foot care, foot care education, and 8 sessions with a physical therapist.

Measurements
The measurements collected were strength, balance, and participant-reported falls for the year after enrollment.

Results
There were no statistically significant differences between the groups for falls during follow-up. At 12 months, there was a small increase in the amount of time that participants in the intervention group could stand on 1 leg with their eyes closed. No other strength or balance measurements differed between the groups.

Limitations
The study was designed to detect differences in physical activity, not falls. The intensity of the intervention was insufficient to improve strength and balance in this population.

Conclusions
The training program had a minimal effect on participants' balance and lower-extremity strength. Increasing weight-bearing activity did not alter the rate of falling for participants in the intervention group relative to that for participants in the control group. People who are sedentary and who have DM+PN appear to be able to increase activity without increasing their rate of falling.
Use of Physical Therapy Services Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Finlayson Marcia , Plow Matthew , Cho Chi 
Published: August 2010

Background
There is limited understanding of the utilization of and perceived need for physical therapy services among middle-aged and older adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). The resulting knowledge gap compromises efforts for physical therapy service planning for this population.

Objective
The purpose of this study was to examine the use of and need for physical therapy services in a sample of adults with MS living in the Midwestern United States.

Design
This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study.

Methods
Data from telephone interviews with 1,065 people with MS, aged 45 to 90 years, were used for the study. A multinomial regression model was used to determine factors associated with use of physical therapy services (never, within the past year, more than a year ago). Logistic regression analysis examined factors associated with unmet needs for these services.

Results
Thirty-six percent of the sample reported never using physical therapy services, 33% reported using physical therapy services within the past year, and 31% reported using physical therapy services more than a year prior to the interview. Factors associated with recent use of physical therapy services included living in an urban or suburban community, deteriorating MS status, experiencing problems with spasticity (ie, hypertonicity), having difficulty moving inside the house, being hospitalized in the past 6 months, and seeing a family physician. These same factors were associated with unmet needs.

Limitations
Physical therapy service use was self-reported. Data were collected in 5 Midwestern states from people 45 years of age or older, which may limit generalizability.

Conclusions
Factors associated with use of and need for physical therapy services reflect issues of access (geographical, referrals), MS status, and mobility difficulties.
Confronting the Cold War: The 1950 Vancouver Convention of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation
Authors: Isitt Benjamin 
Published: August 2010

Abstract: The 1950 Vancouver convention of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (ccf) opened against the backdrop of the Korean War and tense Cold War debates within Canada's social democratic party. Providing a window into this moment of ideological tension, the gathering demonstrates how leftists sought to forge domestic and foreign policies amenable to the narrow public opinion of the McCarthy era. The convention also illuminates the complex character of British Columbia's postwar left and the broader intellectual and political milieu of the early Cold War years in Canada – debates over the prohibition of atomic weapons and the relationship between markets and the state that would culminate in the ccf's Winnipeg Declaration of Principles later in the 1950s. Finally, the Vancouver convention highlights the role of Trotskyists within the ccf, a strategy of ‘entryism’ that has been explored only peripherally in the historiography of social democracy in Canada. The ideological confrontation at Vancouver left the ccf squarely in the hands of ‘moderates,’ shaping ccf strategy and policy for its final decade of political activity, while muting the Canadian left's independent voice in domestic and international affairs.
Weight Status and Determinants of Health: In Manitoba Children and Youth
Authors: Yu Bo Nancy , Protudjer Jennifer Lisa Penner , Anderson Kristin , Fieldhouse Paul 
Published: August 2010

Purpose: Because of the tremendous increase in overweight and obesity in Canadian children and youth in recent decades, we examined associations among health determinants, healthy living characteristics, and overweight and obesity in Manitoba children and youth. Methods: Using descriptive statistics and logistic regression, we identified factors associated with measured overweight and obesity in a sample of 1651 Manitoba children and youth aged two to 17 years from the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey 2.2—Nutrition. Results: Thirty-one percent of the children and youth were overweight or obese. Males aged 12 to 17 or from foodinsecure homes were more likely to be overweight or obese than were younger males or males from food-secure households. Females from households with higher parental education were less likely to be overweight or obese than were those from households with lower parental education. Female youth who were sedentary for at least three hours daily were more likely to be overweight or obese than were less sedentary female youth. A trend toward significance with overweight or obesity in youth was noted with levels of daily fruit and vegetable consumption and regular physical activity. Conclusions: Overweight and obesity in Manitoba children and youth are associated with socio-economic and demographic characteristics, and with food and activity behaviours. These findings can inform health and nutrition policy and practice by indicating health inequities that require particular attention.