bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of drug‐resistant epilepsy: a meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Wu Kaymin , Wang Zipu , Zhang Yunxiao , Yao Jiahui , Zhang Zuyong 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is a newly developed non‐invasive technique in the treatment of drug‐resistant epilepsy and results in positive effects for patients who cannot tolerate invasive vagus nerve stimulation. In this study, we aim to define the relationship between tVNS and seizure control, quality of life (QOL) and some other factors.MethodsWe found articles by searching through PubMed and Web of Science, and a total of three articles with 280 patients overall were included. These eligible studies include two randomized double‐blinded trials and one randomized single‐blinded trial. Meta‐analysis and systematic review were performed, analysing the association between tVNS and seizure frequency using the available data. The responder rate, QOL and adverse effects were also analysed.ResultsThe results showed a significant difference in seizure frequency between treatment group and control group (Z = 2.14, P = 0.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) −6.31 to −0.27; I2 = 10%). However, only two studies provided the data of responders, and the result failed to figure out a significant difference (Z = 0.75, P = 0.45, 95% CI (odds ratio) 1.47 (0.54–4.02); I2 = 61%). It is difficult to define whether tVNS improved QOL between treatment and control groups using the available data. The adverse effects seem to be very few, with the most common being headache.ConclusiontVNS is an effective procedure to control the frequency of seizures according to the available data, especially for those patients who do not want to tolerate a surgical procedure.
A Critique of Repealing the Affordable Care Act: Implications for Queer People of Color
Authors: Williams Natasha D. , Anderson Elaine A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPublic health has expanded health disparities research to include the importance of mental health. Minority stress theory provides a framework for contextualizing these disparities. Queer people of color (QPOC), who are studied far less often than other marginalized groups, face unique distal and proximal stressors as a consequence of their social location. Historically, the healthcare system has served as a conduit for these stressors, with bias and discrimination occurring at interpersonal and structural levels. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) served to lessen the stressful impact of the healthcare system, specifically by improving access to mental health services for people of color and queer people. The authors utilize a minority stress framework to present information about the separate mental health access gains for people of color and LGBT people and hypothesize about how these gains affect QPOC. This study then uses these gains to frame a discussion about the positive impact of the ACA and discusses the disproportionate impact that repeal of such policy gains could have on the well‐being of QPOC.
Competencies for respectful maternity care: Identifying those most important to midwives worldwide
Authors: Butler Michelle M. , Fullerton Judith , Aman Cheryl 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundA respectful, person‐centered philosophy of maternity care has been emerging over several decades. Research conducted on behalf of the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) to identify essential competencies for midwifery practice also identified the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors that should be hallmarks of respectful maternity care practices among the global community of midwives.MethodsA three‐round, online, modified Delphi survey was conducted between April 2016 and October 2016. A total of 895 individuals from 90 of the then‐current 105 ICM member countries participated, with good representation across English, French, and Spanish speakers, high‐income, medium‐income, and low‐income countries, and educators and clinicians.ResultsA total of 115 respectful maternity care (RMC)‐related items were endorsed by participants in Round 1 or 2. These items received average scores of between 90.24% and 99.10%, well above the 85% threshold required to be identified as within the scope of global midwifery practice. These items were compared with the 12 domains of RMC identified by Shakibazadeh and colleagues that defined respectful care during childbirth in health facilities globally, and with similar RMC frameworks, and were found to be highly congruent, thus demonstrating the high value of RMC within the core of midwifery practice.DiscussionICM survey items were endorsed across all 12 RMC domains proposed by Shakibazadeh et al, and the findings affirmed that across ICM countries and regions, the philosophy of RMC was integrally related to the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors that emerged as essential for basic midwifery practice.
GSTO1‐1 is an upstream suppressor of M2 macrophage skewing and HIF‐1α‐induced eosinophilic airway inflammation
Authors: Sokulsky Leon A. , Goggins Bridie , Sherwin Simonne , Eyers Fiona , Kaiko Gerard E. , Board Philip G. , Keely Simon , Yang Ming , Foster Paul S. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundGlutathione S‐transferases omega class 1 (GSTO1‐1) is a unique member of the GST family regulating cellular redox metabolism and innate immunity through the promotion of LPS/TLR4/NLRP3 signalling in macrophages. House dust mite (HDM) triggers asthma by promoting type 2 responses and allergic inflammation via the TLR4 pathway. Although linked to asthma, the role of GSTO1‐1 in facilitating type 2 responses and/or HDM‐driven allergic inflammation is unknown.ObjectiveTo determine the role of GSTO1‐1 in regulating HDM‐induced allergic inflammation in a preclinical model of asthma.MethodsWild‐type and GSTO1‐1‐deficient mice were sensitized and aeroallergen challenged with HDM to induce allergic inflammation and subsequently hallmark pathophysiological features characterized.ResultsBy contrast to HDM‐challenged WT mice, exposed GSTO1‐1‐deficient mice had increased numbers of eosinophils and macrophages and elevated levels of eotaxin‐1 and ‐2 in their lungs. M1 macrophage‐associated factors, such as IL‐1β and IL‐6, were decreased in GSTO1‐1‐deficient mice. Conversely, M2 macrophage factors such as Arg‐1 and Ym1 were up‐regulated. HIF‐1α expression was found to be higher in the absence of GSTO1‐1 and correlated with the up‐regulation of M2 macrophage markers. Furthermore, HIF‐1α was shown to bind and activate the eotaxin‐2 promotor. Hypoxic conditions induced significant increases in the levels of eotaxin‐1 and ‐2 in GSTO1‐deficient BMDMs, providing a potential link between inflammation‐induced hypoxia and the regulation of M2 responses in the lung. Collectively, our results suggest that GSTO1‐1 deficiency promotes M2‐type responses and increased levels of nuclear HIF‐1α, which regulates eotaxin (s)‐induced eosinophilia and increased disease severity.Conclusion & Clinical ImplicationWe propose that GSTO1‐1 is a novel negative regulator of TLR4‐regulated M2 responses acting as an anti‐inflammatory pathway. The discovery of a novel HIF‐1α‐induced eotaxin pathway identifies an unknown connection between hypoxia and the regulation of the severity of allergic inflammation in asthma.
When standardization becomes the lens of professional practice in child welfare services
Authors: Sletten Marina S. , Ellingsen Ingunn T. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis paper examines the relationship between professional work and standardization. There has been an increase in the use of standardized programmes in child welfare services (CWS) in Western society. Some researchers have criticized standardized programmes suggesting that they undermine professionals expertise and threaten their position, whereas others argue that such programmes strengthen professional practice. In this paper, we examine how standardized tools, in this case, a standardized parenting programme and a standardized Norwegian assessment tool, influence professional roles as experienced by child welfare workers (CWS professionals) in Norway. Semistructured individual and group interviews were conducted with 31 frontline workers in two CWS agencies. Our findings suggest that standardized tools increase the social workers experienced professional competence but challenge their professional knowledge base, reflective practice, and professional accountability. Professional and practical implications for CWS work are discussed in the light of these findings.
New missense variants in RELT causing hypomineralised amelogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Nikolopoulos Georgios , Smith Claire E.L. , Brookes Steven J. , El‐Asrag Mohammed E. , Brown Catriona J. , Patel Anesha , Murillo Gina , O'Connell Mary J. , Inglehearn Chris F. , Mighell Alan J. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAmelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a heterogeneous group of genetic diseases characterised by dental enamel malformation. Pathogenic variants in at least 33 genes cause syndromic or non‐syndromic AI. Recently variants in RELT, encoding an orphan receptor in the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily, were found to cause recessive AI, as part of a syndrome encompassing small stature and severe childhood infections. Here we describe four additional families with autosomal recessive hypomineralised AI due to previously unreported homozygous mutations in RELT. Three families carried a homozygous missense variant in the fourth exon (c.164C>T, p.(T55I)) and a fourth family carried a homozygous missense variant in the 11th exon (c.1264C>T, p.(R422W)). We found no evidence of additional syndromic symptoms in affected individuals. Analyses of tooth microstructure with computerised tomography and scanning electron microscopy suggest a role for RELT in ameloblasts' coordination and interaction with the enamel matrix. Microsatellite genotyping in families segregating the T55I variant reveals a shared founder haplotype. These findings extend the RELT pathogenic variant spectrum, reveal a founder mutation in the UK Pakistani population and provide detailed analysis of human teeth affected by this hypomineralised phenotype, but do not support a possible syndromic presentation in all those with RELT‐variant associated AI.
The genetic and clinical landscape of nanophthalmos and posterior microphthalmos in an Australian cohort
Authors: Siggs Owen M. , Awadalla Mona S. , Souzeau Emmanuelle , Staffieri Sandra E. , Kearns Lisa S. , Laurie Kate , Kuot Abraham , Qassim Ayub , Edwards Thomas L. , Coote Michael A. , Mancel Erica , Walland Mark J. , Dondey Joanne , Galanopoulous Anna , Casson Robert J. , Mills Richard A. , MacArthur Daniel G. , Ruddle Jonathan B. , Burdon Kathryn P. , Craig Jamie E. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractNanophthalmos and posterior microphthalmos are ocular abnormalities in which both eyes are abnormally small, and typically associated with extreme hyperopia. We recruited 40 individuals from 13 kindreds with nanophthalmos or posterior microphthalmos, with 12 probands subjected to exome sequencing. Nine probands (69.2%) were assigned a genetic diagnosis, with variants in MYRF, TMEM98, MFRP, and PRSS56. Two of four PRSS56 families harbored the previously described c.1066dupC variant implicated in over half of all reported PRSS56 kindreds, with different surrounding haplotypes in each family suggesting a mutational hotspot. Individuals with a genetic diagnosis had shorter mean axial lengths and higher hyperopia than those without, with recessive forms associated with the most extreme phenotypes. These findings detail the genetic architecture of nanophthalmos and posterior microphthalmos in a cohort of predominantly European ancestry, their relative clinical phenotypes, and highlight the shared genetic architecture of rare and common disorders of refractive error.
Short‐ and long‐term outcomes of strictureplasty for obstructive Crohn’s disease
Authors: Landerholm K. , Reali C. , Mortensen N. J. , Travis S. P. L. , Guy R. J. , George B. D. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAimTo evaluate the frequency and outcome of strictureplasty in the era of biologicals and to compare patients operated on by strictureplasty alone, resection alone or a combination of both.MethodA retrospective review of all patients undergoing strictureplasty for obstructing jejunoileal Crohn’s disease (CD) in Oxford between 2004 and 2016 was conducted. For comparison, a cohort of CD patients with resection only during 2009 and 2010 was included.ResultsIn all, 225 strictureplasties were performed during 85 operations, 37 of them in isolation and 48 with simultaneous resection. Another 82 procedures involved resection only; these patients had shorter disease duration, fewer previous operations and longer bowel preoperatively. The frequency of strictureplasty procedures did not alter during the study period and was similar to that in the preceding 25 years. There was no postoperative mortality. One patient required re‐laparotomy for a leak after strictureplasty. None developed cancer. The 5‐year reoperation rate for recurrent obstruction was 22% (95% CI 12–39) for resection alone, 30% (17–52) for strictureplasty alone and 42% (27–61) for strictureplasty and resection (log rank P = 0.038). Young age was a risk factor for surgical recurrence (log rank P = 0.006).ConclusionThe use of strictureplasty in CD has not changed significantly since the widespread introduction of biologicals. Surgical morbidity remains low. The risk of recurrent strictures is high and young age is a risk factor. In this study, strictureplasty alone was associated with a lower rate of reoperation compared with strictureplasty with resection.
Tuberculin skin test and predictive host factors for false‐negative results in patients with pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Almeida Santos João , Duarte Raquel , Nunes Carla 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIntroductionTuberculin skin test (TST) has been the standard test for screening for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection for decades. Identifying persons with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is crucial, as they constitute a reservoir that sustains the global tuberculosis (TB) epidemic. However, different factors, such as HIV infection, can lower the sensitivity of the test.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the TST sensitivity in active TB patients and to ascertain risk factors that could be associated with false‐negative results.MethodsRetrospective cohort study of all active TB notifications with a TST result (n = 8833), from 2008 to 2015. TST results were interpreted using a 5 mm and 10 mm cutoff. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the association of sociodemographic and clinical factors with false‐negative TST results and to develop predictive risk models.ResultsTST presented an overall sensitivity of 63.8% (5 mm) and 56.1% (10 mm). HIV infection was the risk factor with the strongest association with false‐negative results (aOR 4.65‐5 mm; aOR 5.05‐10 mm). Other factors such as chronic renal failure (CRF) (aOR 1.55‐5 mm; aOR 1.73‐10 mm), alcohol abuse (aOR 1.52‐5 mm; aOR 1.31‐10 mm), drug abuse (aOR 1.90‐5 mm; aOR 1.76‐10 mm) or age ≥65 years (OR 1.69‐5 mm and 10 mm) were also associated with a probability of false‐negative results.ConclusionThese results highlight the importance of knowing which factors influence TST results, such as HIV status, substance abuse or age, thus improving its usefulness as a screening method for LTBI.
Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy for lung nodule evaluation. Patient selection, diagnostic variables and safety
Authors: Andersen Frank D. , Degn Kristine B. , Riis Rasmussen Torben 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundElectromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) is a relatively new technique to diagnose pulmonary lesions in patients with reduced lung function. Several parameters have been shown to affect diagnostic yield including patient selection. We performed a prospective registration of data on one hundred patients who consecutively underwent electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy. Selection criteria, patient characteristics, lesion size, distance to pleura, location of the lesion and presence of bronchus sign on computed tomography were registered.MethodsNavigation was performed using the superDimension hardware and software system. Patients were referred to ENB from a multidisciplinary team conference. We did not use fluoroscopy, endobronchial ultrasound equipment, rapid onsite evaluation or general anesthesia during the procedure. All patients in whom no malignant diagnose was found were subsequently followed for two years in order to verify a benign nature of the pulmonary lesion.ResultsOne hundred and nine ENB procedures were performed between September 2009 and November 2014. Overall diagnostic yield was 68%. Twenty seven of 49 malignant tumors were found by ENB leading to a sensitivity for malignancy of 55%. The sensitivity for malignancy was significantly higher for lesions in the upper and middle lobes compared to the lower lobes (P = 0.01). Lesions size, distance to pleura and presence of bronchus sign did not affect sensitivity.ConclusionENB is a safe diagnostic procedure in an everyday setting with an acceptable diagnostic yield even without addition of supportive diagnostic methods and offers a possibility to diagnose pulmonary nodules in patients for whom other diagnostic procedures are too hazardous or have proven unsuccessful.
Quantification of Adverse Drug Reactions Related to Drug Switches in The Netherlands
Authors: Glerum Pieter J. , Maliepaard Marc , de Valk Vincent , Scholl Joep H.G. , van Hunsel Florence P.A.M. , van Puijenbroek Eugène P. , Burger David M. , Neef Kees 
Published: February 2020

We performed a retrospective cohort study in the Dutch patient population to identify active substances with a relatively high number of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) potentially related to drug switching. For this, we analyzed drug switches and reported ADRs related to switching between June 1, 2009, and December 31, 2016, for a selection of 20 active substances. We also compared pharmacovigilance analyses based on the absolute, switch‐corrected, and user‐corrected numbers of ADRs. In total, 1,348 reported ADRs and over 23.8 million drug switches were obtained from the National Health Care Institute in The Netherlands and from Lareb, which is The Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre. There was no correlation between the number of ADRs and the number of switches, but, on average, we found 5.7 reported ADRs per 100,000 switches. The number was relatively high for rivastigmine, levothyroxine, methylphenidate, and salbutamol, with 74.9, 50.9, 47.6, and 26.1 ADRs per 100,000 switches, respectively. When comparing analyses using the absolute number and the switch‐corrected number of ADRs, we demonstrate that different active substances would be identified as having a relatively high number of ADRs, and different time periods of increased numbers of ADRs would be observed. We also demonstrate similar results when using the user‐corrected number of ADRs instead of the switch‐corrected number of ADRs, allowing for a more feasible approach in pharmacovigilance practice. This study demonstrates that pharmacovigilance analyses of switch‐related ADRs leads to different results when the number of reported ADRs is corrected for the actual number of drug switches.
Flipping Online Analytics Classes: Achieving Parity with Their Face‐To‐Face Counterparts
Authors: Swart William W. , MacLeod Kenneth R. 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACTWe show how the principles of flipped learning that have been successfully applied to analytics classes taught face‐to‐face (F2F) at the undergraduate and graduate levels were emulated in corresponding online classes. Student satisfaction in the online flipped analytics classes was compared to student satisfaction in the F2F flipped analytics classes. Data were collected between the Spring 2016 and Fall 2018 semesters and involved two instructors with a sample of 726 students. The results of an independent samples t‐test showed that there was no significant difference in satisfaction between the online and F2F offerings. A binary logistics regression analysis on the data revealed that whether the flipped course was taught F2F or online had no significant effect on students recommending the course to their peers. The results suggest that flipped learning is transferrable to online analytics courses and yields student satisfaction at par with equivalent F2F flipped courses.
Potential for residual contamination by Streptococcus equi subspp equi of endoscopes and twitches used in diagnosis of carriers of strangles
Authors: Svonni Elin , Andreasson Mikaela , Fernström Lise‐Lotte , Rydén Anneli , Pringle John , Riihimäki Miia 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundEndoscopic examinations are essential for diagnosis and treatment of strangles (S equi infection) in horses. However, even after disinfection, endoscopes may retain viable bacteria or bacterial DNA. Twitches are commonly used during endoscopic examinations and can thus also potentially transmit the organism to other horses.ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of different disinfectant methods to eliminate S equi from experimentally contaminated endoscopes and twitches and the effectiveness of field disinfection of endoscopes used in sampling carriers of S equi.Study designExperimental contamination and observational field study.MethodsOne endoscope and 30 twitches were contaminated with standardised S equi broth solutions. The endoscope was disinfected following three protocols using various disinfectants for manual disinfection. A fourth protocol used an automated endoscope reprocessor (AER). The twitches (n = 30) were disinfected following eight different disinfecting protocols. Three endoscopes used in sampling for silent carriers were disinfected following a field‐based protocol. After each protocol the endoscopes and twitches were sampled for S equi by culture and qPCR.ResultsFollowing experimental contamination all endoscope disinfection protocols, apart from 1/6 of the ethanol protocol were S equi culture negative. However, no endoscope disinfection protocol completely eliminated retention of S equi DNA. Field disinfection of endoscopes after sampling carriers yielded no culture positives and all but one (13/14) were qPCR negative. All twitches disinfected following experimental contamination were culture negative but sodium hypochlorite was the only disinfectant that completely eliminated detection of S equi DNA.Main limitationsExperimental contamination may not reflect the numbers of S equi transferred to endoscopes or twitches during use on silent carriers and purulent secretions from infected horses may influence survival of S equi.ConclusionsWhile most disinfection methods appear to ensure removal of cultivable S equi, residual DNA can remain on both endoscopes and twitches.