bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of dorsal root ganglion stimulation and dorsal column spinal cord stimulation in a model of experimental painful diabetic polyneuropathy
Authors: Koetsier Eva , Franken Glenn , Debets Jacques , van Kuijk Sander M. J. , Perez Roberto S. G. M. , Linderoth Bengt , Joosten Elbert A. J. , Maino Paolo 
Published: September 2018

SummaryAimsConventional dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRGS) is known to achieve better pain‐paresthesia overlap of difficult‐to‐reach areas like the feet compared to dorsal column spinal cord stimulation (SCS). As in painful diabetic polyneuropathy (PDPN) pain is mostly present in the feet, we hypothesized that DRGS is more effective in relieving pain in PDPN when compared to SCS.MethodsDiabetes was induced in female Sprague‐Dawley rats with an intraperitoneal injection of 65 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ; n = 48). Rats with a significant decrease in mechanical paw withdrawal response to von Frey filaments 4 weeks after injection were implanted with DRGS electrodes (n = 18). Rats were assigned to DRGS (n = 11) or sham‐DRGS (n = 7). Mechanical paw withdrawal thresholds (WT, measured in grams) in response to DRGS (50 Hz, 0.18 ± 0.05 mA) were assessed with von Frey testing. The results of the experiments on these animals were compared to the results of a previous study using exactly the same model on PDPN animals selected for SCS (n = 8) (40‐50 Hz, 0.19 ± 0.01 mA) and sham‐SCS (n = 3).ResultsIn the SCS group, the log10 (10 000 × 50% WT) increased from 4910 to 5211 at t = 15 minutes (P < 0.05) and 5264 at t = 30 minutes (P = 0.11). In the DRGS group, the log10 (10,000 × 50% WT) increased from 4376 to 4809 at t = 15 minutes (P < 0.01) and 5042 at t = 30 minutes (P < 0.01). Both DRGS and SCS induced a similar and complete reversal of mechanical hypersensitivity. After cessation of stimulation (t = 60), the return of the log10 (10 000 × 50% WT) response was significantly faster with DRGS than that of SCS (P < 0.05).ConclusionsWe conclude that conventional DRGS is as effective as SCS in reduction of PDPN‐associated mechanical hypersensitivity in STZ‐induced diabetic rats. The wash‐in effect of DRGS and SCS was similar, but DRGS showed a faster washout course. Long‐term efficacy should be studied in future animal research.
Chronic hand eczema in Germany: 5‐year follow‐up data from the CARPE registry
Authors: Apfelbacher Christian J. , Ofenloch Robert F. , Weisshaar Elke , Molin Sonja , Bauer Andrea , Mahler Vera , Heinrich Andreas , von Kiedrowski Ralph , Schmitt Jochen , Elsner Peter , Diepgen Thomas L. 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundThe CARPE registry was set up in 2009 to prospectively investigate the management of patients with chronic hand eczema (CHE).ObjectivesTo report comprehensive follow‐up data from the CARPE registry.Patients and methodsWe investigated sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, provision of medical care, physician‐assessed outcomes, and patient‐reported outcomes (PROs). Data were collected between 2009 and 2016, with up to 5 years of follow‐up, and are reported descriptively.ResultsOverall, 1281 patients were included in the registry (53.7% female). Mean age was 47.0 years. Of the patients, 793 and 231 completed the 2‐year follow‐up and 5‐year follow‐up, respectively. At baseline, 5.4% had changed or given up their job because of CHE, the average duration of CHE was 6.1 years, and, in 22.4%, the CHE was severe according to physician global assessment. Systemic treatment (alitretinoin, acitretin, and methotrexate) was prescribed at least once to 39.0% of the patients during the course of the follow‐up. Disease severity, quality of life and treatment satisfaction improved over time, and the proportion of patients receiving systemic treatments decreased.ConclusionsUnder continued dermatological care, substantial improvements in disease severity and PROs over time was achieved during the course of the CARPE registry, even in patients with long‐standing and severe hand eczema.
Risk stratification of symptomatic patients suspected of colorectal cancer using faecal and urinary markers
Authors: Widlak M. M. , Neal M. , Daulton E. , Thomas C. L. , Tomkins C. , Singh B. , Harmston C. , Wicaksono A. , Evans C. , Smith S. , Savage R. S. , Covington J. A. , Arasaradnam R. P. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAimFaecal markers, such as the faecal immunochemical test for haemoglobin (FIT) and faecal calprotectin (FCP), have been increasingly used to exclude colorectal cancer (CRC) and colonic inflammation. However, in those with lower gastrointestinal symptoms there are considerable numbers who have cancer but have a negative FIT test (i.e. false negative), which has impeded its use in clinical practice. We undertook a study of diagnostic accuracy CRC using FIT, FCP and urinary volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in patients with lower gastrointestinal symptoms.MethodOne thousand and sixteen symptomatic patients with suspected CRC referred by family physicians were recruited prospectively in accordance with national referring protocol. A total of 562 patients who completed colonic investigations, in addition to providing stool for FIT and FCP as well as urine samples for urinary VOC measurements, were included in the final outcome measures.ResultsThe sensitivity and specificity for CRC using FIT was 0.80 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.66–0.93] and 0.93 (CI 0.91–0.95), respectively. For urinary VOCs, the sensitivity and specificity for CRC was 0.63 (CI 0.46–0.79) and 0.63 (CI 0.59–0.67), respectively. However, for those who were FIT‐negative CRC (i.e. false negatives), the addition of urinary VOCs resulted in a sensitivity of 0.97 (CI 0.90–1.0) and specificity of 0.72 (CI 0.68–0.76).ConclusionsWhen applied to the FIT‐negative group, urinary VOCs improve CRC detection (sensitivity rises from 0.80 to 0.97), thus showing promise as a second‐stage test to complement FIT in the detection of CRC.
The extirpation of species outside protected areas
Authors: Boakes Elizabeth H. , Fuller Richard A. , McGowan Philip J.K. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractProtected areas (PAs) are fundamental to conservation efforts but they are only part of a successful conservation strategy. We examine biodiversity outside PAs in Sundaland, one of the world's most biologically degraded regions. Using the avian order Galliformes as a case study, we identify species that have not been sighted outside PAs within the last 20 years on each individual landmass (i.e., Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra, Java, and Bali). We estimate these species’ extirpation dates outside PAs using optimal linear estimation and species’ sighting records.We conclude there have been up to 13 extirpations of Galliformes from outside PAs in Sundaland. Three Sundaic endemics now occur only inside PAs. Sumatra has suffered the highest proportion of extirpations (50% of its galliform species). Effective management of Sundaland's PAs is thus critical to species’ persistence and the conservation strategy for species outside PAs must be improved.
When Ethnicity Beats Gender: Quotas and Political Representation in Rwanda and Burundi
Authors: Guariso Andrea , Ingelaere Bert , Verpoorten Marijke 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTThis article examines the impact of electoral gender quotas in post‐war Burundi and Rwanda on women's political representation. First, it looks at the evolution in descriptive representation by studying the number of female representatives and the prestige of their positions in the legislative and executive branches of government. The results show that, in both Rwanda and Burundi, the number of female political representatives significantly increased with the introduction of gender quotas, with their presence in parliament and ministries consistently exceeding 30 per cent. While women disproportionally end up in ministries of relatively lower prestige, the gap with men has been closing over time, as more women have joined the executive branches of power. The study considers whether such an increase has been accompanied by a positive evolution in the way ordinary women perceive their political representation. Despite a general improvement in perceived political representation across the population, the article finds there is not a significant difference between women and men and the study explains this finding by analysing the intersectionality of ethnicity and gender.
Selective attention, filtering, and the development of working memory
Authors: Plebanek Daniel J , Sloutsky Vladimir M 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSelective attention is fundamental for learning across many situations, yet it exhibits protracted development, with young children often failing to filter out distractors. In this research, we examine links between selective attention and working memory (WM) capacity across development. One possibility is that WM is resource‐limited, with development resulting in an increase in the amount of resources available for processing information. However, it is also possible that development results in greater efficiency of using available resources. In the current research, we explore the latter possibility by examining the developmental trajectory of selectivity and filtering in relation to WM capacity. We report that filtering efficiency of adults (N = 30), 7‐year‐olds (N = 29), and 4‐year‐olds (N = 28) was uniquely predictive of WM capacity. We also report that filtering efficiency continues to develop after 7 years of age, whereas WM capacity may reach an asymptote around 7 years of age. The latter finding suggests that selective attention plays a critical role in developmental and individual differences in visual working memory capacity.
The effect of hypoglycaemia on neurocognitive outcome in children and adolescents with transient or persistent congenital hyperinsulinism
Authors: Muukkonen Liisa , Männistö Jonna , Jääskeläinen Jarmo , Hannonen Riitta , Huopio Hanna 
Published: September 2018

AimTo examine the hypoglycaemic effect on neurodevelopmental outcome in patients with transient and persistent congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) born in the 21st century.MethodA cohort of 117 patients (66 males, 51 females) with CHI aged 5 to 16 years (mean age 8y 11mo, SD 2y 7mo) were selected from a Finnish nationwide registry to examine all the patients with similar methods. Neurodevelopment was first evaluated retrospectively. The 83 patients with no risk factors for neurological impairment other than hypoglycaemia were recruited and 44 participated (24 males, 20 females; mean age 9y 7mo, SD 3y 1mo) in neuropsychological assessment with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition and the Finnish version of the Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment, Second Edition domains of attention, language, memory, sensorimotor, and visual functioning.ResultsIn retrospective analysis, transient and persistent CHI groups had similar prevalences of mild (22% and 18% respectively) or severe (5% and 7% respectively) neurodevelopmental difficulties. In clinical assessment, the neurocognitive profile was within the average range in both groups, but children with persistent CHI showed significant but restricted deficits in attention, memory, visual, and sensorimotor functions compared with the general population. The transient CHI group did not differ from the standardization samples.InterpretationBesides the more apparent broader neurological deficits, children with persistent CHI have an increased risk for milder specific neurocognitive problems, which should be considered in the follow‐up.What this paper adds

Children with persistent congenital hyperinsulinism showed deficits in attention, memory, visual, and sensorimotor functions.

The deficits were potentially of hypoglycaemic origin.

Children with transient hyperinsulinism did not differ from the general population.
Optical coherence tomography and magnetic resonance imaging visual pathway evaluation in Wolfram syndrome
Authors: Zmyslowska Agnieszka , Waszczykowska Arleta , Baranska Dobromila , Stawiski Konrad , Borowiec Maciej , Jurowski Piotr , Fendler Wojciech , Mlynarski Wojciech 
Published: September 2018

AimThe aim of this study was to assess parameters of retinal morphology by using high‐definition optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with Wolfram syndrome (WFS) and their relation to optic tract atrophy in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodHigh‐definition OCT and MRI parameters were evaluated in 12 patients with WFS (three males, nine females; median age at examination 12y 8mo, range 10y 2mo–15y 11mo) and referred to 30 individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) (12 males, 18 females; median age at examination 20y 5mo, range 16y 8mo–21y 4mo) and 33 typically developing comparison participants (10 males, 23 females; median age at examination 20y 7mo, range 13y–22y 4mo).ResultsTotal thickness and quadrant thickness of the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL), macular full‐thickness parameters and macular ganglion cell layer/inner plexiform layer, intraorbital and intracranial thickness of the optical nerve, as well as the optic chiasm and visual tracts were significantly reduced in patients with WFS compared with those having T1D and the typically developing comparison participants. Optic chiasm thickness correlated negatively in patients with WFS with both age (r=−0.79; p=0.002) and duration of diabetes (r=−0.62; p=0.032). Thickness of the intraorbital parts of the optic nerves in patients with WFS correlated positively with thickness of the superior RNFL (r=0.73; p=0.006).InterpretationHigh‐definition OCT in combination with MRI could become an important tool for evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic trials in patients with WFS.What this paper adds

Provides evidence of significant reduction of retinal parameters and optic nerves in patients with Wolfram syndrome (WFS).

Shows correlations between magnetic resonance imaging parameters and retinal morphology parameters in patients with WFS.
Comparative use of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires in the USA and Scandinavia: a systematic review
Authors: Marks Kevin P , Madsen Sjö Nina , Wilson Philip 
Published: September 2018

AimThe aim of this systematic review was to investigate screening practices with the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) and the Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social‐Emotional (ASQ:SE) in the USA and Scandinavia and to identify practical lessons and research opportunities.MethodThe review was performed for ASQ‐ and ASQ:SE‐related studies in children from birth to 5 years. From nine databases and 1689 references (published from 1988–2018), 127 articles were included and categorized using Covidence online software. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Checklists were used before data synthesis.ResultsUS studies primarily use the ASQ/ASQ:SE to detect delays in general and at‐risk populations in medical settings, which increases early detection, clinician‐referral, and intervention rates. Scandinavian studies commonly use the ASQ/ASQ:SE to monitor developmental–behavioural differences in intervention/exposure‐based cohorts. Pre‐visit screening yields completion/return rates of 83% to more than 90% and fosters same‐day interpretation. When referrals are indicated, systemwide care coordination or colocation with a developmental–behavioural specialist is beneficial.InterpretationPractical implementation lessons are reviewed. Research opportunities include investigating and measuring the ASQ/ASQ:SE's ‘overall’ sections. Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish translations are available but up‐to‐date norming and validation studies are needed throughout Scandinavia. Randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate outcomes in screened versus unscreened cohorts.What this paper adds

General and at‐risk populations broadly benefited from periodic Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) and/or Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social‐Emotional (ASQ:SE) screening.

Pre‐visit ASQ and/or ASQ:SE screenining implementation systems work best.

The ASQ and ASQ:SE ‘overall’ sections are not quantifiable and under‐researched.
International tax planning within the structure of corporate entities owned by the shareholder‐individuals through Panama Papers destinations
Authors: Nerudova Danuse , Solilova Veronika , Litzman Marek , Janský Petr 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMotivationThe Panama Papers scandal highlighted the scale of financial secrecy, anonymous ownership and shell companies and their role in profit shifting and tax avoidance. We show the importance of international tax planning within the structure of corporate entities owned by shareholder‐individuals through Panama Papers destinations.PurposeTo identify profit‐shifting channels and to estimate related government revenue losses to European Union Member States.MethodsUsing company data from the Amadeus/Orbis database (Bureau Van Dijk, n.d.a, n.d.b), we applied micro‐data analysis to the financial statements of multinational companies (MNEs) owned by shareholder‐individuals. Two groups—one with and the other without links to Panama Papers tax havens—alongside an analysis of profit‐shifting indicators.FindingsProfit is generally shifted by moving operating revenues or costs, though the use of debt channels is also important. Also, groups linked to tax havens pay significantly less tax per unit of profit before tax, and require less operating revenue to achieve higher profits. Finally, related government revenue losses were assessed at EUR 8.67 billion.Policy implicationOur results are relevant to the European Commission’s Comprehensive Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCCTB) as it aims to counter profit shifting out of the European Union (EU) into tax havens. Further, our research highlights the importance of setting up registries of ultimate beneficiary owners in EU Member States.
Aβ and the dementia syndrome: Simple versus complex perspectives
Authors: Hunter Sally , Smailagic Nadja , Brayne Carol 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe amyloid cascade hypothesis (ACH) has dominated strategy in dementia research for decades despite evidence of its limitations including known heterogeneity of the dementia syndrome in the population and the narrow focus on a single molecule – the amyloid beta protein (Aβ) as causal for all Alzheimer‐type dementia. Other hypotheses relevant to Aβ are the presenilin (PS) hypothesis (PSH) relating to the involvement of PS in the generation of Aβ, and the amyloid precursor protein (APP) matrix approach (AMA), relating to the complex and dynamic breakdown of APP, from which Aβ derives.Materials and methodsIn this article we explore perspectives relating to complex disorders occurring mainly in older populations through a detailed case study of the role of Aβ in AD.ResultsScrutiny of the evidence generated so far reveals and a lack of understanding of the wider APP proteolytic system and how narrow research into the dementia syndrome has been to date. Confounding factors add significant limitations to the understanding of the current evidence base.ConclusionsA better characterisation of the entire APP proteolytic system in the human brain is urgently required to place Aβ in its complex physiological context. From a molecular perspective, a combination of the alternative hypotheses, the PSH and the AMA may better describe the complexity of the APP proteolytic system leading to new therapeutic approaches. The reductionist approach is widespread throughout biomedical research and this example highlights how neglect of complexity can undermine investigations of complex disorders, particularly those arising in the oldest in our populations.
Coronary stent implantation and adverse cardiac events after surgery
Authors: Thim Troels , Egholm Gro , Olesen Kevin Kris Warnakula , Madsen Morten , Jensen Svend Eggert , Jensen Lisette Okkels , Bøtker Hans Erik , Kristensen Steen Dalby , Maeng Michael 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundIn the risk assessment of patients considered for non‐cardiac surgery and with recent coronary stent implantation, coronary drug‐eluting stent implantation procedure characteristics may be taken into account. We aimed to evaluate associations between coronary drug‐eluting stent implantation procedure characteristics and the risk of myocardial infarction and all‐cause death within 30 days after non‐cardiac surgery.DesignPatients with coronary drug‐eluting stents were identified using the Western Denmark Heart Registry. Surgical procedures performed after stent implantation were detected using the Danish National Patient Registry. We used registry‐based detection of myocardial infarction and all‐cause death.ResultsOf 22 590 patients treated with drug‐eluting stents between 2005 and 2012, 4046 underwent non‐cardiac surgery within 1 and 12 months after stent implantation. We found no significant association between the risk of myocardial infarction or all‐cause death within 30 days after surgery and number of arteries treated (1 [reference] vs more), number of lesions treated (1 [reference] vs more), segments treated (left main and proximal left anterior descending artery vs other [reference]), total stent length (<20 mm [reference] vs ≥20 mm), number of stents (1 [reference] vs >1) and largest balloon diameter (≥3 mm [reference] vs <3 mm). All‐cause death, but not myocardial infarction, risk was lower among patients treated with first‐generation vs second‐generation stents (odds ratio 0.58).ConclusionsWe identified no significant associations between stent implantation procedure characteristics and risk of myocardial infarction or all‐cause death among patients undergoing non‐cardiac surgery. All‐cause death was lower with first‐ vs second‐generation drug‐eluting stents.
Obstructive sleep apnea in refractory epilepsy: A pilot study investigating frequency, clinical features, and association with risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy
Authors: McCarter Allison R. , Timm Paul C. , Shepard Paul W. , Sandness David J. , Luu Thao , McCarter Stuart J. , Dueffert Lucas , Dresow Max , Feemster John C. , Cascino Gregory D. , So Elson L. , Worrell Gregory A. , Britton Jeffrey W. , Sherif Akil , Jaliparthy Keerthi , Chahal Anwar A. , Somers Virend K. , St. Louis Erik K. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryObjectiveWe aimed to determine the frequency of probable obstructive sleep apnea (pOSA) in refractory epilepsy monitoring unit inpatients and clinical features associated with pOSA, including risk for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).MethodsWe prospectively recruited 49 consecutive adult patients admitted to the Mayo Clinic Epilepsy Monitoring Unit with focal, generalized, or unclassified epilepsy syndromes. pOSA was identified using oximetric oxyhemoglobin desaturation index (ODI) and the Sleep Apnea–Sleep Disorders Questionnaire (SA‐SDQ) and STOP‐BAG screening tools. Revised SUDEP Risk Inventory (rSUDEP‐7) scores were calculated, and epilepsy patients with and without pOSA were compared with Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests. Correlation and regression analyses were utilized to determine relationships between pOSA and rSUDEP‐7 scores.ResultsThirty‐five percent of patients had pOSA, with a mean ODI of 11.3 ± 5.1/h (range = 5.1‐22.8). Patients with pOSA were older and heavier, and more frequently had a focal epilepsy syndrome and longer epilepsy duration, with higher SA‐SDQ and STOP‐BAG scores (all P < 0.05). Median rSUDEP‐7 score was 3 ± 1.4 (range = 0‐6). Higher rSUDEP‐7 scores were positively correlated with higher ODI (P = 0.036). rSUDEP‐7 score ≥ 5 was associated with pOSA by ODI, SA‐SDQ, and STOP‐BAG questionnaire criteria (P < 0.05).SignificanceOur pilot study identified a high frequency of pOSA in refractory epilepsy monitoring patients, finding that pOSA patients were older and heavier, with higher screening symptoms for sleep apnea and more frequent focal seizures with a longer epilepsy duration. We also found a possible association between OSA and SUDEP risk. Identification and treatment of OSA in patients with epilepsy could conceivably provide a novel approach toward preventing the risk of SUDEP. Future studies with polysomnography are needed to confirm predictive features for OSA in epilepsy populations, and to determine whether OSA is associated with SUDEP risk.