bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacteriological profile of community‐acquired musculoskeletal infections: a study from Queensland
Authors: Matthews Justin , Bamal Rahul , McLean Andrew , Bindra Randy 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to determine bacteriology of community‐acquired musculoskeletal infections requiring hospitalization and to compare this with published national and international data. This will help treating physicians select the appropriate antibiotic.MethodsAll patients who underwent surgical procedures for community‐acquired musculoskeletal infections over a period of 22 months were included in the study. Hospital acquired infections, post‐operative infections and infections involving prosthetic joints were excluded. Patient characteristics, treatment details, cultured organisms and their antibiotic sensitivity were recorded.ResultsForty‐five patients with 46 cases met the inclusion criteria. Ten patients were from paediatric age group. Soft tissue infections were the most common diagnosis and accounted for 20 cases. The remainder were septic arthritis (n = 17) and osteomyelitis (n = 9). Thirteen patients (28.3%) had negative cultures from the operative samples. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common isolated organism overall accounting for 23 cases (69.7%). Methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA) sensitive to vancomycin was cultured in four adult cases (12.1%), of which three were hand infections (50%). For the entire cohort, 67.7% and 61.3% isolates that were tested were sensitive to cefazolin and flucloxacillin, respectively.ConclusionThe bacteriological profile in this study is consistent with European and Australian data. While the overall MRSA infection rate was low, it was much higher among hand infections and is comparable to reports from the USA. Flucloxacillin and cefazolin should be considered as the first line of antibiotic therapy for all cases. Vancomycin should be considered when MRSA is suspected.
Associations of maternal oestradiol, cortisol, and TGF‐β1 plasma concentrations with thyroid autoantibodies during pregnancy and postpartum
Authors: Sakkas Evangelos G. , Paltoglou George , Linardi Anastasia , Gryparis Alexandros , Nteka Eleni , Chalarakis Nikos , Mantzou Aimilia , Vrachnis Nikolaos , Iliodromiti Zoe , Koukkou Eftychia , Deligeoroglou Efthymios , Sakkas Grigorios E. , Mastorakos George 
Published: August 2018

SummaryBackgroundThyroid physiology and autoimmunity are altered in pregnancy. While oestradiol, cortisol, and TGF‐β1 are implicated in these phenomena outside pregnancy, their associations with thyroid autoantibodies during pregnancy and postpartum are not thoroughly examined. This study aimed to unravel their eventual associations during pregnancy and postpartum in the same cohort of 93 pregnant women studied prospectively from 2015 to 2017.MethodsBlood samples were drawn at the 24th and the 36th gestational week and at the 1st postpartum week for measurements of thyroid hormones, TSH, anti‐TPO, anti‐Tg, oestradiol, cortisol, and TGF‐β1.ResultsSerum anti‐TPO was greater (P < 0.05) at the 1st postpartum than at the 24th and 36th gestational weeks. At the 36th gestational week, cortisol was greater (P < 0.05) and TGF‐β1 lower (P < 0.05) than at the 24th gestational and the 1st postpartum weeks. At the 1st postpartum week, cortisol correlated negatively with anti‐Tg (r = −0.419) (P < 0.05). ΔTGF‐β1 was the best negative and Δoestradiol the best positive predictor of the 1st postpartum week anti‐TPO (P < 0.05, b = −0.509; P < 0.05, b = 0.459 respectively).ConclusionsAt postpartum, increased TGF‐β1 is related to a less pronounced anti‐TPO increase as compared to the 3rd trimester, suggesting an immunosuppressive role for TGF‐β1. During pregnancy and postpartum, oestradiol, cortisol, and TGF‐β1 are associated with suppression of thyroid autoantibodies.
Sonic hedgehog signalling regulates the self‐renewal and proliferation of skin‐derived precursor cells in mice
Authors: Park Sangkyu , Kim Hyewon , Kim Kichul , Roh Sangho 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectivesThe sonic hedgehog (Shh) signalling pathway has an important role in the maintenance of various stem cells and organogenesis during development. However, the effect of Shh in skin‐derived precursors (SKPs), which have the capacity for multipotency and self‐renewal, is not yet clear. The present study investigated the effects of the Shh signalling pathway on the proliferation and self‐renewal of murine SKPs (mSKPs).MethodsThe Shh signalling pathway was activated by treatment with purmorphamine (Shh agonist) or recombinant Shh in mSKPs. Cyclopamine (Shh antagonist) or GANT‐61 (Gli inhibitor) was used to inhibit the pathway. Western blot, qPCR, and immunofluorescence were used to analyse the expression of genes related to self‐renewal, stemness, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the Shh signalling pathway. In addition, cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined.ResultsInhibiting the Shh signalling pathway reduced mSKP proliferation and sphere formation, but increased apoptosis. Activating this signalling pathway produced opposite results. The Shh signalling pathway also controlled the EMT phenotype in mSKPs. Moreover, purmorphamine recovered the self‐renewal and proliferation of aged mSKPs.ConclusionOur results suggest that the Shh signalling pathway has an important role in the proliferation, self‐renewal and apoptosis of mSKPs. These findings also provide a better understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying SKP self‐renewal and apoptosis that allow more efficient expansion of SKPs.
Muscle volume alterations after first botulinum neurotoxin A treatment in children with cerebral palsy: a 6‐month prospective cohort study
Authors: Alexander Caroline , Elliott Catherine , Valentine Jane , Stannage Katherine , Bear Natasha , Donnelly Cyril J , Shipman Peter , Reid Siobhan 
Published: August 2018

AimThis study aimed to track alterations in muscle volume for 6 months in children with cerebral palsy (CP) after the first exposure to botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT‐A), a commonly used focal spasticity treatment.MethodEleven ambulant children (eight males, three females) with spastic CP, mean age 8 years 10 months (SD 3y 1mo) participated. Participants received injections to the affected gastrocnemius. The muscle volume of the gastrocnemius, soleus, tibialis anterior, and hamstrings was measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Muscle volume was normalized to bone length, and changes analysed relative to baseline. Assessments were conducted 1 week before, and 4 weeks, 13 weeks, and 25 weeks after BoNT‐A treatment.ResultsAll children demonstrated positive clinical and functional gains. Muscle volume of the injected gastrocnemius was found to be significantly reduced at 4 weeks (−5.9%), 13 weeks (−9.4%), and 25 weeks (−6.8%). Significant increases in normalized soleus muscle volume were identified at each follow‐up, while hamstrings showed significant increase at 4 weeks only.InterpretationAbsolute and normalized muscle volume of the injected muscle reduces after first BoNT‐A exposure, and does not return to baseline volume by 25 weeks. Hypertrophy is seen in the soleus up to 25 weeks; the volume of the plantar flexor compartment is stable.What this paper adds

Muscle atrophy after first botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT‐A) exposure in children with cerebral palsy is noted.

Mild BoNT‐A‐induced muscle atrophy is still apparent 6 months after BoNT‐A exposure.

Hypertrophy is evident in soleus after gastrocnemius BoNT‐A exposure.

Total plantarflexor volume is unchanged.
Validation of Dodd's Model for Differential Diagnosis of childhood speech sound disorders: a longitudinal community cohort study
Authors: Ttofari Eecen Kyriaki , Eadie Patricia , Morgan Angela T , Reilly Sheena 
Published: August 2018

AimDodd's Model for Differential Diagnosis is one of the available clinical diagnostic classification systems of childhood speech sound disorders. Yet we do not understand the validity of this system beyond clinical samples, precluding its application in epidemiological or population‐based research. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of subgroups of speech sound disorders in a community sample, relative to past clinical samples, in children speaking standard Australian English.MethodWe examined speech development in a community‐ascertained sample of children at 4 years (n=1607). Inclusion for speech sound disorder was a score of less than or equal to 1 standard deviation on a standardized speech test, and/or research assistant concern, and/or three or more speech errors on sounds typically acquired by 4 years. Dodd's model was then applied to 126 children.ResultsData revealed proportions of children across Dodd's diagnostic subgroups as follows: suspected atypical speech motor control (10%); inconsistent phonological disorder (15%); consistent atypical phonological disorder (20%); phonological delay (55%); and articulation disorder alone (0%). The findings are in line with known prevalence of these subgroups in clinical populations.InterpretationOur findings provide additional support for speech‐language pathologists to use this system in clinical practice for differential diagnosis and targeted intervention of speech sound disorders in children.What this paper adds

Dodd's Model for Differential Diagnosis is the first classification system of speech sound disorders to be applicable to both clinical and community cohorts.
Integrin β1 activity is required for cardiovascular formation in zebrafish
Authors: Iida Atsuo , Wang Zi , Hirata Hiromi , Sehara‐Fujisawa Atsuko 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIntegrins are transmembrane molecules that facilitate cell‐to‐cell and cell‐to‐extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. Integrin molecules are heterodimers that consist of α‐ and β‐subunits. The integrin β1 gene is widely expressed in vivo and is the major β molecule in many tissues; however, tissue‐specific roles of integrin β1 are still elusive. In this study, we investigated integrin β1 function in endothelial cells of zebrafish. An integrin β1b mutant zebrafish exhibited morphological abnormalities in blood vessel formation, cephalic hemorrhage and a decreased responsiveness to tactile stimulation during development. To determine the role of integrin β1b in vascular formation, we developed a Gal4/UAS‐mediated conditional inactivation of integrin β1 by expressing the cytoplasmic region of integrin β1 that acts as a dominant‐negative (DN) isoform. Expression of integrin β1 DN in endothelial cells induced blood vessel abnormalities as in integrin β1b mutants. These results show that endothelial cells require integrin activity for the formation and/or maintenance of blood vessels in zebrafish. Furthermore, our time‐lapse recording visualized the breakpoint of cephalic vessels and the hemorrhage onset. Taken together, our tissue‐specific inactivation of integrin β1 in zebrafish is powerful tools for functional analysis of integrin β1 in developing tissues.
The physical and mental health of acute psychiatric ward staff, and its relationship to experience of physical violence
Authors: Renwick Laoise , Lavelle Mary , James Karen , Stewart Duncan , Richardson Michelle , Bowers Len 
Published: August 2018

AbstractTo evaluate and describe the physical and mental health of staff on acute psychiatric wards and examine whether violence exposure is linked with health status. We undertook a cross‐sectional survey with 564 nursing staff and healthcare assistants from 31 psychiatric wards in nine NHS Trusts using the SF‐36, a reliable and valid measure of health status and compared summary scores with national normative data. Additional violence exposure data were collated simultaneously and also compared with health status. The physical health of staff was worse, and their mental health was better than the general population. Physical health data were skewed and showed a small number of staff in relatively poor health while the majority were above average. Better physical health was associated with less time in the current post, a higher pay grade, and less exposure to mild physical violence in the past year. Better mental health was associated with being older and from an ethnic minority background. Violence exposure influenced physical health but not mental health when possible confounders were considered. Mental health was strongly influenced by ethnicity, and further research might highlight the impact on own‐group ethnic density on the quality of care. The impact of staff whom are physically unwell or impaired in the workplace needs to be considered as the quality of care may be compromised despite this being an example of inclusiveness, equal opportunities employment, and positive staff motivation.
Reproductive biology and recruitment in an amphidromous prawn Macrobrachium australe in Reunion Island
Authors: Hoarau Pierre E. , Treilhes Camille R.M. , Valade Pierre B. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMacrobrachium australe is a widespread, medium‐sized amphidromous prawn which like many other species within this genus is exploited by fisheries. As such, they are vulnerable to overexploitation as well as to environmental modifications that impact connectivity between spawning and rearing habitats. An informed understanding of reproductive biology is essential for a responsible management of stocks in species with such a complex life circle. This study reports the results of a 1‐year investigation of the reproductive biology of M. australe in the Langevin River, Reunion Island, southwest Indian Ocean. Males attained a larger size than females. The smallest ovigerous female recorded during the study was 36 mm, and females >42 mm in length were ≥50% more likely to be ovigerous. Although reproduction occurred throughout the year, there was an increase in the reproductive activity from November to May. The highest rates of ovigerous females were observed from December to March, corresponding to elevated water temperatures and, to a lesser extent, elevated river flow. Recruitment mainly occurred in the months after high female reproductive activity (January to April).
Family perceptions of the impacts of a home and community based services autism waiver: Making family life possible
Authors: Eskow Karen Goldrich , Summers Jean Ann 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundAn important mechanism that provides support and services for families with a child/youth with autism spectrum disorder is the home‐ and community‐based services (HCBS) Waiver authorized by Section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act or Medicaid.MethodsThis study used qualitative research methods to explore parent perspectives about the impact of HCBS Waiver services on the child/youth with autism and their family. In‐depth interviews focused on aspects of the programme they valued, identification of barriers and general issues they experienced.ResultsResults of the qualitative study indicated that improved outcomes could be explained by providers of services who were well‐trained, flexible and allowed parents’ opportunities for choice regarding provision of services to meet child/youth and family needs.ConclusionThe findings of this study provide guideposts for further research about factors that contribute to satisfaction of families receiving waiver services for quality of life and child progress.
Long‐Term Weight Trajectory and Risk of Hip Fracture, Falls, Impaired Physical Function, and Death
Authors: LeBlanc Erin S. , Rizzo Joanne H. , Pedula Kathryn L. , Yaffe Kristine , Ensrud Kristine E. , Cauley Jane A. , Cawthon Peggy M. , Cummings Steven R. , Hillier Teresa A. ,   for the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures Research Group
Published: August 2018

ObjectivesTo determine the association between weight trajectory, health status, and mortality in older women.DesignCohort study.SettingStudy of Osteoporotic Fractures.ParticipantsOlder community‐dwelling women (age: baseline (1986–88), mean 68, range 65–81; Year 20 (2006–08), mean 88, range 83–102 (N = 1,323)).MeasurementsBody weight measured repeatedly over 20 years (mean 8 times). Logistic and Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate whether 20‐year weight trajectory measures were associated with hip fracture, falls, physical performance, and mortality.ResultsIn models adjusted for age, clinic, calcium use, Year 20 weight, walking speed, comorbidity score, smoking, self‐reported health, and walking for exercise, women with moderate weight loss (>9.0 kg) over 20 years had a 74% greater risk of death (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.37–2.20) in the 5 years after the Year 20 visit than those with no weight loss and more than twice the risk of hip fracture (HR = 2.56, 95% CI = 1.39–4.70). They were 3.6 times (odds ratio (OR) = 3.60, 95% CI = 1.86–6.95) as likely to have poor physical function at the Year 20 visit as women with no weight loss but no greater risk of 2 or more falls in the 1.5 years after the Year 20 visit. Weight variability and abrupt weight decline were not associated with adverse health oucomes (falls, fractures, mortality), but those in the highest quartile of variability were 2.3 times (OR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.34–3.80) as likely to have poor physical function scores.ConclusionIn women surviving past 80 years of age, moderate weight loss over 20 years was associated with greater risk of hip fracture, poor physical function, and mortality but not of falls. Future work should separate voluntary from involuntary weight loss.
Manganese causes neurotoxic iron accumulation via translational repression of amyloid precursor protein and H‐Ferritin
Authors: Venkataramani Vivek , Doeppner Thorsten R. , Willkommen Desiree , Cahill Catherine M. , Xin Yongjuan , Ye Guilin , Liu Yanyan , Southon Adam , Aron Allegra , Au‐Yeung Ho Yu , Huang Xudong , Lahiri Debomoy K. , Wang Fudi , Bush Ashley I. , Wulf Gerald G. , Ströbel Philipp , Michalke Bernhard , Rogers Jack T. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractFor more than 150 years, it is known that occupational overexposure of manganese (Mn) causes movement disorders resembling Parkinson's disease (PD) and PD‐like syndromes. However, the mechanisms of Mn toxicity are still poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that Mn dose‐ and time‐dependently blocks the protein translation of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and heavy‐chain Ferritin (H‐Ferritin), both iron homeostatic proteins with neuroprotective features. APP and H‐Ferritin are post‐transcriptionally regulated by iron responsive proteins, which bind to homologous iron responsive elements (IREs) located in the 5′‐untranslated regions (5′‐UTRs) within their mRNA transcripts. Using reporter assays, we demonstrate that Mn exposure repressed the 5′‐UTR‐activity of APP and H‐Ferritin, presumably via increased iron responsive proteins‐iron responsive elements binding, ultimately blocking their protein translation. Using two specific Fe2+‐specific probes (RhoNox‐1 and IP‐1) and ion chromatography inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (IC‐ICP‐MS), we show that loss of the protective axis of APP and H‐Ferritin resulted in unchecked accumulation of redox‐active ferrous iron (Fe2+) fueling neurotoxic oxidative stress. Enforced APP expression partially attenuated Mn‐induced generation of cellular and lipid reactive oxygen species and neurotoxicity. Lastly, we could validate the Mn‐mediated suppression of APP and H‐Ferritin in two rodent in vivo models (C57BL6/N mice and RjHan:SD rats) mimicking acute and chronic Mn exposure. Together, these results suggest that Mn‐induced neurotoxicity is partly attributable to the translational inhibition of APP and H‐Ferritin resulting in impaired iron metabolism and exacerbated neurotoxic oxidative stress.Open Science BadgesThis article has received a badge for *Open Materials* because it provided all relevant information to reproduce the study in the manuscript. The complete Open Science Disclosure form for this article can be found at the end of the article. More information about the Open Practices badges can be found at https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/.
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Presidential Address: Pension Policy and the Financial System
Authors: SCHARFSTEIN DAVID S. 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTIn this paper, I examine the effect of pension policy on the structure of financial systems around the world. In particular, I explore the hypothesis that policies that promote pension savings also promote the development of capital markets. I present a model that endogenizes the extent to which savings are intermediated through banks or capital markets, and derive implications for corporate finance, household finance, banking, and the size of the financial sector. I then present a number of facts that are broadly consistent with the theory and examine a variety of alternative explanations of my findings.
Association of glutathione S‐transferase theta 1 and glutathione S‐transferase mu 1 gene polymorphism with the risk of pre‐eclampsia during pregnancy in Bangladesh
Authors: Akther Lutfa , Rahman Md Mostafijur , Bhuiyan Md Elias S. , Hosen Md Bayejid , Nesa Ayatun , Kabir Yearul 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAimIn this study, we analyzed the risk of developing pre‐eclampsia with respect to glutathione S‐transferase theta 1 (GSTT1) and glutathione S‐transferase mu 1 (GSTM1) genotypes. We also tried to find relationship between genotypes and biochemical parameter change in pre‐eclampsia patients.MethodsIn total, 104 pre‐eclampsia patients and 200 healthy controls were recruited for the study. Peripheral venous blood was drawn from study subjects and DNA was extracted from whole blood and multiplex polymerase chain reaction method was used to identify genotypes of GSTT1 and GSTM1 gene. All biochemical parameters were measured using colorimetric method.ResultsSerum glutamic pyruvic transaminase level was significantly higher (P < 0.01) and hemoglobin level was significantly lower (P < 0.001) in pre‐eclampsia patients compared to control subjects. Significant association was found in GSTM1 null genotype with pre‐eclampsia (P < 0.001) with an odds ratio (OR) analysis showing more than four‐fold increased risk (OR = 4.75; 95% CI = 2.17–10.39; P <0.001). But for GSTT1 gene, null genotype was not associated with increased risk of developing pre‐eclampsia (P > 0.05). In case of GSTT1 and GSTM1, the patients having both null genotypes for GSTT1 and GSTM1 showed significant (P < 0.001) higher risk of developing pre‐eclampsia (OR = 7.64; 95% CI = 2.38–24.60; P < 0.001).ConclusionGSTM1 null genotype increases the risk of pre‐eclampsia. Combined GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotype, the risk was even higher.