bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Renal genetics in Australia: Kidney medicine in the genomic age
Authors: Jayasinghe Kushani , Quinlan Catherine , Stark Zornitza , Patel Chirag , Mallawaarachchi Amali , Wardrop Louise , Kerr Peter G , Trnka Peter , Mallett Andrew J ,   on behalf of the KidGen Collaborative
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTThere have been few new therapies for patients with chronic kidney disease in the last decade. However, the management of patients affected by genetic kidney disease is rapidly evolving. Inherited or genetic kidney disease affects around 10% of adults with end‐stage kidney disease and up to 70% of children with early onset kidney disease. Advances in next‐generation sequencing have enabled rapid and cost‐effective sequencing of large amounts of DNA. Next‐generation sequencing‐based diagnostic tests now enable identification of a monogenic cause in around 20% of patients with early‐onset chronic kidney disease. A definitive diagnosis through genomic testing may negate the need for prolonged diagnostic investigations and surveillance, facilitate reproductive planning and provide accurate counselling for at‐risk relatives. Genomics has allowed the better understanding of disease pathogenesis, providing prognostic information and facilitating development of targeted treatments for patients with inherited or genetic kidney disease. Although genomic testing is becoming more readily available, there are many challenges to implementation in clinical practice. Multidisciplinary renal genetics clinics serve as a model of how some of these challenges may be overcome. Such clinics are already well established in most parts of Australia, with more to follow in future. With the rapid pace of new technology and gene discovery, collaboration between expert clinicians, laboratory and research scientists is of increasing importance to maximize benefits to patients and health‐care systems.
Swedish men and smoking: Views on screening‐detected abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Holmström Inger K. , Bohlin Sofia , Wanhainen Anders , Björck Martin , Fröjd Camilla 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAbdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), most common among elderly male smokers, often show no symptoms before rupture. To facilitate better care and counselling targeted to smoking cessation for these patients, more knowledge is required about their views. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to describe the views on AAA and smoking among male smokers with screening‐detected AAA. A qualitative approach with individual interviews with 16 men with screening‐detected AAA was applied. Three had quit smoking by the time of the interviews. Thematic analysis was performed, and four themes emerged: (i) accepting the course of life; (ii) the elusive AAA: a disturbing experiencing or merely a minor inconvenience?; (iii) being in safe hands; and (iv) smoking as an unexpected topic of discussion. Most of the participants felt they were in “safe hands”, although thoughts about death were also evoked. However, the information about smoking cessation was unexpected, and the relationship between AAA and smoking unclear. Presenting the connection between AAA and smoking in a clear manner and motivating smoking cessation in an individually‐targeted way are important.
Antibody responses to Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula antigens
Authors: Egesa Moses , Lubyayi Lawrence , Jones Frances M. , van Diepen Angela , Chalmers Iain W. , Tukahebwa Edridah M. , Bagaya Bernard S. , Hokke Cornelis H. , Hoffmann Karl F. , Dunne David W. , Elliott Alison M. , Yazdanbakhsh Maria , Wilson Shona , Cose Stephen 
Published: September 2018

SummaryWhile antigens from Schistosoma schistosomula have been suggested as potential vaccine candidates, the association between antibody responses with schistosomula antigens and infection intensity at reinfection is not well known. Schistosoma mansoni‐infected individuals were recruited from a schistosomiasis endemic area in Uganda (n = 372), treated with 40 mg/kg praziquantel (PZQ) and followed up at five weeks and at one year post‐treatment. Pre‐treatment and five weeks post‐treatment immunoglobulin (Ig) E, IgG1 and IgG4 levels against recombinant schistosomula antigens rSmKK7, rSmLy6A, rSmLy6B and rSmTSP7 were measured using ELISA. Factors associated with detectable pre‐treatment or post‐treatment antibody response against the schistosomula antigens and the association between five‐week antibody responses and one year post‐treatment reinfection intensity among antibody responders were examined. Being male was associated with higher pre‐treatment IgG1 to rSmKK7, rSmLy6a and AWA. Five weeks post‐treatment antibody responses against schistosomula antigens were not associated with one year post‐treatment reinfection intensity among antibody responders’ antibody levels against rSmKK7, rSmLy6B and rSmTSP7 dropped, but increased against rSmLy6A, AWA and SEA at five weeks post‐treatment among antibody responders. S. mansoni‐infected individuals exhibit detectable antibody responses to schistosomula antigens that are affected by treatment. These findings indicate that schistosomula antigens induce highly varied antibody responses and could have implications for vaccine development.
Understanding social protection systems in Latin America and the Caribbean: Typologies and efforts of classification
Authors: Steffen Mariana Willmersdorf , Côrtes Soraya Vargas 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe aim of this article is to present the current debate on Latin American social protection systems. Several studies have addressed this issue from different perspectives, discussing the existence or not of a welfare state in Latin America. In this paper, we focus on authors that have proposed a comparative approach to the analysis of these systems, building either typologies or indexes used to classify the existing social protection systems into groups, according to different criteria. By analyzing these criteria, we seek to understand the main trends and specificities of social protection systems in the region, suggesting which typologies would be the best to fit the subject of future researches. We argue that the studies better prepared to this proposal are those considering the peculiarities of the region, specifically the weight of informal welfare providers and its institutional weaknesses.
Obtaining social justice for victims of domestic minor sex trafficking
Authors: Micetic Sue Frantz 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn 2000, the U.S. Congress passed the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (TVPA) which focused on social justice for victims of human trafficking in foreign countries. The TVPA was soon revised to include domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) victims. Two major problems continue to complicate the lives of DMST victims: (1) the transitioning social construction of this population and (2) conflicting federal, state, and local laws that yield inconsistent policies for these youth. The numerous institutions involved with these minors which hold different values and perspectives further complicate the issue. This article examines the effect of transitioning social constructions on this population and the problems, policies, and politics that result in social injustice toward the youth who fall victim to this crime.
The contribution of the individual blood elements to the variability of thromboelastographic measures
Authors: Noorman Femke , Hess John R. 
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUNDThromboelastography (TEG) is widely advocated as a rapid method for obtaining critical blood coagulation data to guide resuscitation, but the method suffers well‐known limits in sensitivity, repeatability, and interpretability.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSMixtures of fresh human blood components were prepared that represent the range of blood element concentrations seen in health and disease and after injury. These mixtures were tested in a TEG device after kaolin, tissue factor and phospholipid, or tissue factor and phospholipid with abciximab activation. The results were measured as reproducibility and nonlinear effects in regression analysis and evaluated for interpretability.RESULTSClot strength was associated with increased platelet (PLT) content and plasma fibrinogen concentration and content. Increasing hematocrit (Hct) reduced while increasing PLT or plasma concentration increased TEG clot strength. The abciximab dose used to block PLT activity did not fully inhibit the PLT contribution to clot strength. Clot strength is logarithmically correlated in the absence and linearly correlated to PLT concentration in the presence of abciximab. TEG clot strength with or without abciximab is dependent on Hct, PLT, and plasma (fibrinogen) concentrations in complex patterns.CONCLUSIONInterpretation of TEG variables is limited without knowledge of the concentration of the blood components present. When “normal” TEG values are known for a certain PLT‐plasma‐red blood cell concentration, the assay can be used to assess PLT and plasma function in coagulation. The TEG “functional fibrinogen” assay should be used only as a gross estimate of the fibrinogen concentration in whole blood.
Knowledge and practices regarding Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus among camel handlers in a Slaughterhouse, Kenya, 2015
Authors: Kamau Esther , Ongus Juliette , Gitau George , Galgalo Tura , Lowther Sara A. , Bitek Austine , Munyua Peninah 
Published: September 2018

AbstractDromedary camels are implicated as reservoirs for the zoonotic transmission of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) with the respiratory route thought to be the main mode of transmission. Knowledge and practices regarding MERS among herders, traders and slaughterhouse workers were assessed at Athi‐River slaughterhouse, Kenya. Questionnaires were administered, and a check list was used to collect information on hygiene practices among slaughterhouse workers. Of 22 persons, all washed hands after handling camels, 82% wore gumboots, and 65% wore overalls/dustcoats. None of the workers wore gloves or facemasks during slaughter processes. Fourteen percent reported drinking raw camel milk; 90% were aware of zoonotic diseases with most reporting common ways of transmission as: eating improperly cooked meat (90%), drinking raw milk (68%) and slaughter processes (50%). Sixteen (73%) were unaware of MERS‐CoV. Use of personal protective clothing to prevent direct contact with discharges and aerosols was lacking. Although few people working with camels were interviewed, those met at this centralized slaughterhouse lacked knowledge about MERS‐CoV but were aware of zoonotic diseases and their transmission. These findings highlight need to disseminate information about MERS‐CoV and enhance hygiene and biosafety practices among camel slaughterhouse workers to reduce opportunities for potential virus transmission.
UBC‐Nepal expedition: peripheral fatigue recovers faster in Sherpa than lowlanders at high altitude
Authors: Ruggiero Luca , Hoiland Ryan L. , Hansen Alexander B. , Ainslie Philip N. , McNeil Chris J. 
Published: September 2018

Key points
The reduced oxygen tension of high altitude compromises performance in lowlanders. In this environment, Sherpa display superior performance, but little is known on this issue.
Sherpa present unique genotypic and phenotypic characteristics at the muscular level, which may enhance resistance to peripheral fatigue at high altitude compared to lowlanders.
We studied the impact of gradual ascent and exposure to high altitude (5050 m) on peripheral fatigue in age‐matched lowlanders and Sherpa, using intermittent electrically‐evoked contractions of the knee extensors.
Peripheral fatigue (force loss) was lower in Sherpa during the first part of the protocol. Post‐protocol, the rate of force development and contractile impulse recovered faster in Sherpa than in lowlanders. At any time, indices of muscle oxygenation were not different between groups.
Muscle contractile properties in Sherpa, independent of muscle oxygenation, were less perturbed by non‐volitional fatigue. Hence, elements within the contractile machinery contribute to the superior physical performance of Sherpa at high altitude.
AbstractAltitude‐related acclimatisation is characterised by marked muscular adaptations. Lowlanders and Sherpa differ in their muscular genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, which may influence peripheral fatigability at altitude. After gradual ascent to 5050 m, 12 lowlanders and 10 age‐matched Sherpa (32 ± 10 vs. 31 ± 11 years, respectively) underwent three bouts (separated by 15 s rest) of 75 intermittent electrically‐evoked contractions (12 pulses at 15 Hz, 1.6 s between train onsets) of the dominant leg quadriceps, at the intensity which initially evoked 30% of maximal voluntary force. Trains were also delivered at minutes 1, 2 and 3 after the protocol to measure recovery. Tissue oxygenation index (TOI) and total haemoglobin (tHb) were quantified by a near‐infrared spectroscopy probe secured over rectus femoris. Superficial femoral artery blood flow was recorded using ultrasonography, and delivery of oxygen was estimated (eDO2). At the end of bout 1, peak force was greater in Sherpa than in lowlanders (91.5% vs. 84.5% baseline, respectively; P < 0.05). Peak rate of force development (pRFD), the first 200 ms of the contractile impulse (CI200), and half‐relaxation time (HRT) recovered faster in Sherpa than in lowlanders (percentage of baseline at 1 min: pRFD: 89% vs. 74%; CI200: 91% vs. 80%; HRT: 113% vs. 123%, respectively; P < 0.05). Vascular measures were pooled for lowlanders and Sherpa as they did not differ during fatigue or recovery (P < 0.05). Mid bout 3, TOI was decreased (90% baseline) whereas tHb was increased (109% baseline). After bout 3, eDO2 was markedly increased (1266% baseline). The skeletal muscle of Sherpa seemingly favours repeated force production at altitude for similar oxygen delivery compared to lowlanders.
The team that plays together stays together: the effect of departmental Christmas party attendance on team cohesion within a healthcare setting
Authors: Cromb Daniel , Thomas Helen , Garcia-Nicoletti Martin , Cheung Ronny 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesTo understand the effect of attendance at departmental Christmas parties on cohesion and teamwork within the healthcare setting.Method (design/setting/participants/interventions/outcome measures)We used the ‘Team Development Measure’ questionnaire to assess team cohesiveness among healthcare professionals before and after departmental Christmas parties took place. A pooled mean score (PMS) of responses was used to compare between groups.ResultsThere were no significant differences in perceived measures of team cohesion when comparing responses before (PMSbefore=1.86±0.20) and after (PMSafter=1.91±0.22) the departmental Christmas party (p=0.37), nor was there a significant difference when comparing responses from attendees (PMSbefore=1.83±0.23, PMSafter=1.89±0.24, p=0.52) or non-attendees (PMSbefore=1.84±1.47, PMSafter=1.83±0.15, p=0.91). No difference was observed between professional groups (PMSdoctors=1.85±0.23, PMSnurses=1.95±0.18, p=0.064).ConclusionAttendance at departmental Christmas parties does not seem to result in improved team cohesion.
Risk factors for patellofemoral pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Neal Bradley S , Lack Simon D , Lankhorst Nienke E , Raye Andrew , Morrissey Dylan , van Middelkoop Marienke 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundPatellofemoral pain (PFP) is a prevalent condition commencing at various points throughout life. We aimed to provide an evidence synthesis concerning predictive variables for PFP, to aid development of preventative interventions.MethodsWe searched Medline, Web of Science and SCOPUS until February 2017 for prospective studies investigating at least one potential risk factor for future PFP. Two independent reviewers appraised methodological quality using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. We conducted meta-analysis where appropriate, with standardised mean differences (SMD) and risk ratios calculated for continuous and nominal scaled data.ResultsThis review included 18 studies involving 4818 participants, of whom 483 developed PFP (heterogeneous incidence 10%). Three distinct subgroups (military recruits, adolescents and recreational runners) were identified. Strong to moderate evidence indicated that age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat and Q angle were not risk factors for future PFP. Moderate evidence indicated that quadriceps weakness was a risk factor for future PFP in the military, especially when normalised by BMI (SMD −0.69, CI −1.02, –0.35). Moderate evidence indicated that hip weakness was not a risk factor for future PFP (multiple pooled SMDs, range −0.09 to −0.20), but in adolescents, moderate evidence indicated that increased hip abduction strength was a risk factor for future PFP (SMD 0.71, CI 0.39, 1.04).ConclusionsThis review identified multiple variables that did not predict future PFP, but quadriceps weakness in military recruits and higher hip strength in adolescents were risk factors for PFP. Identifying modifiable risk factors is an urgent priority to improve prevention and treatment outcomes.
How well can poor child health and development be predicted by data collected in early childhood?
Authors: Straatmann Viviane S , Pearce Anna , Hope Steven , Barr Benjamin , Whitehead Margaret , Law Catherine , Taylor-Robinson David 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundIdentifying children at risk of poor developmental outcomes remains a challenge, but is important for better targeting children who may benefit from additional support. We explored whether data routinely collected in early life predict which children will have language disability, overweight/obesity or behavioural problems in later childhood.MethodsWe used data on 10 262 children from the UK Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) collected at 9 months, 3, and 11 years old. Outcomes assessed at age 11 years were language disability, overweight/obesity and socioemotional behavioural problems. We compared the discriminatory capacity of three models: (1) using data currently routinely collected around the time of birth; (2) Model 1 with additional data routinely collected at 3 years; (3) a statistically selected model developed using a larger set of early year’s risk factors for later child health outcomes, available in the MCS—but not all routinely collected.ResultsAt age 11, 6.7% of children had language disability, 26.9% overweight/obesity and 8.2% socioemotional behavioural problems. Model discrimination for language disability was moderate in all three models (area under the curve receiver-operator characteristic 0.71, 0.74 and 0.76, respectively). For overweight/obesity, it was poor in model 1 (0.66) and moderate for model 2 (0.73) and model 3 (0.73). Socioemotional behavioural problems were also identified with moderate discrimination in all models (0.71; 0.77; 0.79, respectively).ConclusionLanguage disability, socioemotional behavioural problems and overweight/obesity in UK children aged 11 years are common and can be predicted with moderate discrimination using data routinely collected in the first 3 years of life.
Clinical features and prognosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Africa: the TROPALS study
Authors: Luna Jaime , Diagana Mouhamadou , Ait Aissa Leila , Tazir Meriem , Ali Pacha Lamia , Kacem Imen , Gouider Riadh , Henning Franclo , Basse Anna , Cisse Ousmane , Balogou Agnon Ayélola Koffi , Kombate Damelan , Agbetou Mendinatou , Houinato Dismand , Millogo Athanase , Agba Thierry , Belo Mouftao , Penoty Marie , Raymondeau-Moustafa Marie , Hamidou Bello , Couratier Philippe , Preux Pierre Marie , Marin Benoit 
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveWe describe and compare the sociodemographic and clinical features, treatments, and prognoses and survival times of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in Africa.MethodologyWe conducted a multicentre, hospital-based cohort study in Africa. Patients with ALS diagnosed in the neurology departments of participating hospitals from 2005 to 2017 were included. Subgroup analysis was performed by subcontinent. Survival analyses were conducted using the Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsNine centres from eight African countries participated. A total of 185 patients with ALS were included: 114 from Northern Africa, 41 from Western Africa and 30 from Southern Africa. A male predominance (male to female ratio 2.9) was evident. The median age at onset was 53.0 years (IQR 44.5–64.0 years). The onset was bulbar in 22.7%. Only 47 patients (26.3%) received riluzole, mainly in Northern and Western Africa. The median survival from the time of diagnosis was 14.0 months (95% CI 10.7 to 17.2 months). The median survival was longer in Northern Africa (19.0 months, 95% CI 10.8 to 27.2 months) than in Western (4.0 months, 95% CI 0.8 to 7.1 months) and Southern (11.0 months, 95% CI 5.6 to 16.4 months) Africa (Breslow test, p<0.0001). Both subcontinental location and riluzole treatment independently affected survival.ConclusionMore African patients with ALS were male and younger and exhibited a lower proportion of bulbar onset compared with patients with ALS from Western nations. Survival was consistent with that in Western registers but far shorter than what would be expected for young patients with ALS. The research improves our understanding of the disease in Africa.
Prevalence and correlates of and a risk score to identify asymptomatic anorectal gonorrhoea and chlamydia infection among men who have sex with men in Kisumu, Kenya
Authors: Quilter Laura A S , Obondi Eve , Kunzweiler Colin , Okall Duncan , Bailey Robert C , Djomand Gaston , Otieno-Nyunya Boaz , Otieno Fredrick , Graham Susan M 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesIn settings where laboratory capacity is limited, the WHO recommends presumptive treatment forNeisseria gonorrhoeae(NG) andChlamydia trachomatis(CT) in asymptomatic men who have sex with men (MSM) at high risk for these infections. However, little is known about how best to target this intervention. We aimed to identify correlates of anorectal NG/CT infection in Kenyan MSM with and without anorectal symptoms and evaluate the performance of an empirical, model-based risk score to identify cases in asymptomatic men.MethodsAnorectal NG/CT infections were diagnosed by the Abbott RealTime NG/CT nucleic acid amplification testamong 698 MSM at enrolment into the Anza Mapema study. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify correlates of anorectal NG/CT infection in men with and without anorectal symptoms. Using coefficients from the final multivariable model for asymptomatic men, we calculated a risk score for each participant. Risk score performance was determined by calculating the sensitivity, specificity and number needed to treat (NNT) to identify one NG/CT infection.ResultsOverall anorectal NG/CT infection prevalence was 5.2% (n=36), of which 58.3% (n=21) were asymptomatic. Factors associated with anorectal NG/CT infection in asymptomatic men were aged 18–24 years (aOR=7.6; 95% CI: 1.7 to 33.2), HIV positive serostatus (aOR=6.9; 95% CI: 2.2 to 21.6) and unprotected anal sex in the past 3 months (aOR=3.8; 95% CI: 1.2 to 11.9). Sensitivity and specificity were optimal (81.0% and 66.1%, respectively) at a model-derived risk score cut-point ≥3, and the NNT was 12.ConclusionsA model-derived risk score based on correlates of anorectal NG/CT infection in asymptomatic participants would be sensitive and efficient (i.e, low NNT) for targeting presumptive treatment. If validated in other settings, this risk score could improve on the WHO algorithm and help reduce the burden of asymptomatic anorectal NG/CT infections among MSM in settings where diagnostic testing is not available.