bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neonatal TSH levels in Northern Ireland from 2003 to 2014 as a measure of population iodine status
Authors: Mullan Karen , Patterson Chris , Doolan Katy , Cundick Jennifer , Hamill Lesley , McKeeman Gareth , McMullan Paul , Smyth Peter , Young Ian , Woodside Jayne V. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe re‐emergence of iodine deficiency in the UK has recently been reported in a large cohort of teenage girls including from Northern Ireland (NI) using the gold standard spot urinary iodine concentration. We wished to explore and confirm this by analysing neonatal thyroid‐stimulating hormone (nTSH) levels in the NI population.DesignWe analysed the nTSH heel prick tests results from the NI national screening database between 2003 and 2014. The WHO proposes a definition for population iodine sufficiency at <3% of the population with nTSH results >5 mIU/L.MethodsAnonymized results from 288 491 nTSH tests were retrieved, and prevalence rates of results at increasing cut‐offs including >2 mIU/L and >5 mIU/L calculated. We also assessed for possible seasonal variation in nTSH results.ResultsAn overall population prevalence of 0.49% with TSH >5 mIU/L was found, indicating population iodine sufficiency with no year attaining a prevalence >3%. The prevalence of nTSH >2 mIU/L decreased to 4.1% in 2007 and subsequently increased to 9.8% in 2014. Modest seasonal variation was also detected, with higher levels among April/May births.ConclusionsThe neonatal TSH database suggests iodine sufficiency in the NI population. However, the rising frequency of results >2 mIU/L may indicate an emerging mild iodine deficiency. This is one of the largest and longest studies of its kind in the UK and the first carried out in NI. The summer months may be a time of increased risk of iodine deficiency in our pregnant women whose requirements are increased and who are not currently targeted by any iodine fortification programme in the UK.
Sensitization to, and allergic contact dermatitis caused by, colophonium in north‐eastern Italy in 1996 to 2016 with a focus on occupational exposures
Authors: Mauro Marcella , Fortina Anna Belloni , Corradin Teresa , Marino Alessandro , Bovenzi Massimo , Filon Francesca Larese 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundColophonium is a natural substance derived from Pineaceae trees. It is used in a wide range of consumer and occupational products because of its tackiness, and is a known sensitizer.ObjectivesTo analyse the temporal trend of contact allergy to colophonium in north‐eastern Italy, and to evaluate the associations with occupations in our geographical area.MethodologyFrom 1996 to 2016, 27 381 patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis were patch tested in north‐eastern Italy. Individual characteristics were documented by use of a standardized questionnaire in 6 departments of dermatology or occupational medicine.ResultsThe overall prevalence of colophonium sensitization was 1.67%; the prevalence was significantly higher in women (1.75%) than in men (1.49%). No significant differences among departments were observed. We found significant associations between colophonium sensitization and being a student (odds ratio [OR] 4.64; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04‐20.6), being a farmer or fishermen (OR 3.63; 95%CI: 1.21‐10.84), being a housekeeper (OR 2.02; 95%CI: 1.08‐3.77), and being retired (OR 2.06; 95%CI: 1.08‐3.92).ConclusionOur study showed that contact allergy to colophonium is still relevant in north‐eastern Italy. The frequency of sensitization has dropped significantly over a period of 10 years, but students and farmers/fishermen still have sensitization prevalences above 3.5%. Our results are in line with European data.
Connectivity increases trophic subsidies in fragmented landscapes
Authors: Hawn Christine L. , Herrmann John D. , Griffin Sean R. , Haddad Nick M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractLandscape corridors mitigate the negative effects of habitat fragmentation by increasing dispersal. Corridors also increase biodiversity in connected habitat fragments, suggestive of metacommunity dynamics. What is unknown in this case is the mechanisms through which metacommunity dynamics act. Working in a large‐scale fragmentation experiment, we tested the effect of corridors on the movement of prey species and subsequent effects on predator nutrition (which we call trophic subsidies). We enriched plants of central patches with 15N, then measured δ15N in green lynx spiders, the most abundant insect predator, in patches that were either connected to or isolated from the enriched patch. We found that corridors increased prey movement, as they increased spider δ15N by 40% in connected patches. Corridors also improved spider body condition, increasing nitrogen relative to carbon. We suggest a novel mechanism, trophic subsidies, through which corridors may increase the stability or size of populations in connected landscapes.
Lack of response to quinidine in KCNT1‐related neonatal epilepsy
Authors: Numis Adam L. , Nair Umesh , Datta Anita N. , Sands Tristan T. , Oldham Michael S. , Patel Akash , Li Melody , Gazina Elena , Petrou Steven , Cilio Maria Roberta 
Published: September 2018

SummaryObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of quinidine in patients with KCNT1‐related epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS) in the infantile period and to compare with the effect of quinidine on mutant channels in vitro.MethodsWe identified 4 patients with EIMFS with onset in the neonatal period, pathogenic variants in the KCNT1 gene, and lack of response to AEDs. Patients were prospectively enrolled, treated with quinidine, and monitored according to a predefined protocol. Electroclinical, neuroimaging, and genetic data were reviewed. Two patients had novel variants in the KCNT1 gene that were modeled in Xenopus oocytes with channel properties characterized using electrophysiology recordings.ResultsThree of four patients were treated with quinidine early in their disease course, prior to 6 months of age. No significant side effects were noted with quinidine therapy. In addition, there were no significant changes in electroencephalography (EEG)–confirmed seizure burden during therapy, and patients had near hourly seizures before, during, and after treatment. Two patients had previously reported gain‐of‐function mutations, which demonstrated sensitivity to high levels of quinidine in the oocyte assay. Two patients with novel variants, showed characteristic gain‐of‐function and were thus predicted to be pathogenic. Of interest, these variants were essentially insensitive to high levels of quinidine.SignificancePatients had no reported benefit to quinidine therapy despite age at treatment initiation. Pharmacogenetic results in oocytes were consistent with clinical treatment failure in 2 patients, suggesting that single‐dose pharmacologic assessment may be helpful in predicting which patients are exceedingly unlikely to achieve benefit with quinidine. In the 2 patients who had a lack of therapeutic benefit despite sensitivity to high concentrations of quinidine with in vitro oocyte assay, it is likely that the achievable exposure levels in the brain were too low to cause significant in vivo channel blockade.
Mind, Body, Brain, and the Conditions of Meaning
Authors: Seligman Rebecca 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis article explores the relationship between meaning and the body, and the role of mind and brain in mediating this relationship. Drawing on research on “grounded cognition” in cognitive neuropsychology, I consider the mechanisms through which meanings become embodied. I illustrate my argument using examples of the ways in which meaning conditions experiences of illness and health. Focusing especially on the example of religious healing through spirit possession, I explore how the state of one's body can be “conditioned” by meaning, and in turn, how the condition of one's body may affect cognitive processes of meaning making. In doing so, this article aims not only to inform anthropological understandings of embodiment, but also the way we think about cognition, knowledge, and meaning. [Embodiment, brain, grounded cognition, spirit possession, religious healing]
Anticipation and reaction to going‐concern modified audit opinions by sophisticated investors
Authors: Geiger Marshall A. , Kumas Abdullah 
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether institutional investors (i) anticipate a distressed firm's receipt of a first‐time going‐concern modified audit opinion, and (ii) react to a first‐time going‐concern modified opinion by engaging in abnormal net selling of firm shares. Using a proprietary database of US institutional investor trades, we find that institutional investors are net sellers of first‐time going‐concern opinion firms beginning 6 months before the release of the report and remain net sellers through the subsequent 3 months. We also find that the severity of the reasons auditors modify their opinions is associated with increased trading activity, but only after the opinion is publicly available. Our results support the position that an auditor's going‐concern modified opinion is influential in the marketplace by documenting that institutional investors anticipate this price‐relevant information and react through increased selling. The finding of increased net selling of firms with more severe reasons for report modifications provides evidence of the incremental informational value of the wording in the modified opinion.
Screening of hereditary spherocytosis and pyruvate kinase deficiency by automated blood count using erythrocytic and reticulocytic parameters
Authors: Bobée Victor , Daliphard Sylvie , Schrapp Aurélien , Lahary Agnès 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIntroductionDevelopment of additional parameters for complete blood count has emerged in recent hematology analyzers, leading to many publications. However, few studies have been conducted on advanced RBC parameters and hemolytic anemias. We investigated the interest of Sysmex unique parameters, MicroR and HypoHe, as well as the immature fraction of reticulocytes (IRF) in combination with complete blood and reticulocyte count, for screening hereditary spherocytosis (HS) and pyruvate kinase deficiency.MethodsWe analyzed 182 samples using Sysmex XE‐5000 analyzers from a cohort of red cell disorder patients from the Rouen University Hospital. These included 47 HS, 17 pyruvate kinase deficiencies, sickle cell diseases and trait, β‐thalassemia minor, iron deficiencies, and 489 samples from a routine group.ResultsCombining five parameters (hemoglobin level, reticulocyte count, IRF, MicroR, and %HypoHe), we developed a specific screening tool for HS allowing a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 92.1% and a specific screening tool for pyruvate kinase deficiencies allowing a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 96.5%. These parameters were also found accurate in infants and in HS without anemia.ConclusionWe propose a costless, easy‐to‐use, and efficient approach to detect HS and pyruvate kinase deficiencies using Sysmex analyzers. These screening tools may help diagnosis of these disorders, help prevent complications, and result in a better management of these patients.
The importance of commutability in material used for quality control purposes
Authors: Jennings Ian , Kitchen Dianne , Kitchen Steve , Woods Timothy , Walker Isobel 
Published: September 2018

AbstractExternal Quality Assessment (EQA) is an important part of laboratory quality assurance. Spiking of normal plasma is sometimes employed to mimic clinical samples. It is important that spiked material gives similar results to clinical samples (ie, is commutable) to ensure appropriate conclusions can be drawn from EQA exercises. We describe here data from UK National External Quality Assessment Scheme for Blood Coagulation (NEQAS BC) exercises where spiked samples were tested alongside samples from patients to explore commutability of artificial material. Normal plasma was spiked with unfractionated heparin (UFH), low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), Dabigatran or Rivaroxaban. Factor VIII (FVIII) deficient plasma was spiked with FVIII concentrate. Spiked samples and ex vivo patient material were sent to laboratories for testing. For LMWH, good agreement was seen between results for samples from patient plasma and plasma spiked with heparin. For UFH, APTT ratios differed between spiked and patient samples for the same drug concentration, with no correlation in ranking of reagents. Precision for patient and spiked material for Rivaroxaban and Dabigatran assays was comparable. However, the pattern of results for some Dabigatran assay kits differed between spiked and patient samples. For FVIII assays, results obtained with spiked and postinfusion samples gave comparable results. Spiked material is suitable for EQA if commutability is demonstrated. Our data show commutability for plasma spiked with Rivaroxaban, LWMH and some FVIII concentrates. For some tests, notably APTT for UFH, marked differences between patient and spiked samples indicate not all tests can be evaluated using artificial samples.
Fournier gangrene: an historical reappraisal
Authors: Short Bruce 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPerineal gangrene (synergistic gangrene), an age‐old severe infectious disorder, was more completely described by Dr Robert Robertson (1742–1829) in 1777, providing much needed data on the clinical features well before Dr Jean Alfred Fournier's (1832–1914) account in 1883. Robertson’s historically overlooked and detailed narrative is presented with implications, in part, refuting some conclusions made by Fournier 100 years later.
Genome‐wide identification of loci affecting seed glucosinolate contents in Brassica napus L.
Authors: Wei Dayong , Cui Yixin , Mei Jiaqin , Qian Lunwen , Lu Kun , Wang Zhi‐Min , Li Jiana , Tang Qinglin , Qian Wei 
Published: September 2018

AbstractGlucosinolates are amino acid‐derived secondary metabolites that act as chemical defense agents against pests. However, the presence of high levels of glucosinolates severely diminishes the nutritional value of seed meals made from rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). To identify the loci affecting seed glucosinolate content (SGC), we conducted genome‐wide resequencing in a population of 307 diverse B. napus accessions from the three B. napus ecotype groups, namely, spring, winter, and semi‐winter. These resequencing data were used for a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) to identify the loci affecting SGC. In the three ecotype groups, four common and four ecotype‐specific haplotype blocks (HBs) were significantly associated with SGC. To identify candidate genes controlling SGC, transcriptome analysis was carried out in 36 accessions showing extreme SGC values. Analyses of haplotypes, genomic variation, and candidate gene expression pointed to five and three candidate genes in the common and spring group‐specific HBs, respectively. Our expression analyses demonstrated that additive effects of the three candidate genes in the spring group‐specific HB play important roles in the SGC of B. napus.
The effectiveness of a structured nursing intervention program on maternal stress and ability among mothers of premature infants in a neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Ong Swee Leong , Abdullah Khatijah Lim , Danaee Mahmoud , Soh Kim Lam , Soh Kim Geok , Lee Daphne Siew Kee , Hussin Emni Omar Daw 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAims and objectivesTo investigate the effectiveness of a structured nursing intervention program on maternal stress and NICU‐related maternal ability after the admission of premature infants to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).BackgroundMothers of premature infants may face stress having premature infants, and their infants may be admitted to the NICU for a few weeks or months. The mothers’ experience of stress would be worse if they have low knowledge and poor NICU‐related maternal ability. Mothers of infants admitted to the NICU require well‐planned interventions to cope with psychological matters arising after an infant hospitalisation.DesignQuasi‐experimental design.MethodsA total of 216 mothers were consecutively assigned to control and intervention groups. Each group consisted of 108 mothers. The mothers in both groups received questionnaire concerning maternal stress and NICU‐related ability during their first visit to NICU (within 48 hr of admission). A structured nursing intervention was implemented for 10 days on mothers in the intervention group. The control group continued to receive existing practice nursing care. Mothers of both groups were again given the questionnaire on maternal stress and NICU‐related ability after 14 days of admission.ResultsIn the intervention group, the difference between the mean total score of maternal stress and parental role and relationship subscale decreased significantly, compared to the control group (p = 0.04; p = 0.01) respectively. Maternal ability improved significantly in mothers in the intervention group 2 weeks postintervention, p < 0.001.ConclusionA structured nursing intervention for mothers could significantly reduce maternal stress and promote maternal NICU‐related abilities.Relevance to clinical practiceThe results of the study could help neonatal nurses to develop an appropriate nursing intervention for parents with premature infants in the NICU.
Ethical issues in the care of patients with stroke: A scoping review
Authors: Rannikko Sunna , Stolt Minna , Suhonen Riitta , Leino‐Kilpi Helena 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAims and objectivesThe aim was to identify and analyse the ethical issues in the care of patients with stroke (PwS). The goal was to understand the nature of the existing knowledge on the topic and to identify whether there are ethical issues specific to the care of PwS.BackgroundStroke is a disease with possible multiple effects on the patient's overall condition and experienced ethical issues in the care. Additionally, stroke impacts the life of the significant other. For health professionals, the care of PwS is challenging at different stages of the care process. The care of stroke includes several ethically sensitive situations from the perspectives of all participants.DesignScoping review.MethodsThe review was conducted following the five‐stage methodological framework of Arksey and O'Malley (2005). The literature search was conducted in several electronic databases and complemented with a manual search, resulting in 15 reviewed articles. The analysis was conducted by charting descriptive numerical data and by content analysis of the narrative representations.ResultsThe studies focused on hospital or rehabilitation contexts and a high number of studies had a qualitative approach. Three main themes were identifiable: “decision‐making as an ethically challenging act,” “care process‐specific ethical issues” and “environmental ethical issues.”ConclusionsEthical issues occur at different stages of the care process of PwS and from the viewpoints of all those involved. However, not all the recognised ethical issues were stroke specific. As the number of the reviewed articles was limited, more research is needed for a comprehensive understanding of the topic.Relevance to clinical practiceIndividual health professionals may use the results in observing their own action from an ethical perspective and to deepen the ethical understanding of the care of PwS. In health care organisations, the results may be used in developing the ethical quality of care.
Postoperative patient handovers—Variability in perceptions of quality: A qualitative focus group study
Authors: Reine Elizabeth , Rustøen Tone , Ræder Johan , Aase Karina 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAims and objectives(a) To explore the factors affecting quality in postoperative handovers as perceived by the different professional groups of clinicians involved. (b) To explore possible differences in perceptions of postoperative handover quality across professional groups and level of experience.BackgroundHigh quality patient handovers after surgery and anaesthesia are important to ensure patient safety. There is a paucity of research describing contextual factors related to handover quality and the perspectives of different professional groups involved.DesignA qualitative exploratory design was applied.MethodA total of eight focus group interviews with 37 participants (29 nurses, eight doctors) were conducted. Anaesthesiologists, resident anaesthesiologists, nurse anaesthetists, postoperative care nurses and operating room nurses participated in the study. The interviews were conducted according to profession with two groups per profession: one with experienced clinicians and one with less experienced clinicians. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study adheres to the COREQ guidelines.ResultsThe data analysis identified the following factors affecting postoperative handover quality: “timing and concurrency conflicts,” “handover structure,” “patient conditions,” “individual characteristics of clinicians involved” and “team composition.” Differences across professional groups and level of experience were related to responsibility, structure and adaptation.ConclusionThe professional groups involved describe the postoperative patient handover as a complex and variable process that needs to be carefully planned and executed according to the influencing factors. Variability exists across professional groups and level of experience.Relevance to clinical practiceHealth care providers need to be aware that postoperative handovers are affected by a set of factors related to internal (patient conditions, individual characteristics of clinicians involved and team composition) and external (timing and concurrency conflicts, handover structure) characteristics. These issues need to be acknowledged when procedures and routines for handover quality are designed, implemented and used.
Endovascular therapy after acute ischaemic stroke—Experiences and needs of relatives
Authors: Sørensen Kristina Eiskjær , Dreyer Pia , Rasmussen Mads , Simonsen Claus Z. , Andersen Grethe 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAims and objectivesTo explore the experiences and needs of relatives being part of the endovascular therapy (EVT) pathway.BackgroundIschaemic stroke is the third leading cause of death and the most common cause of acquired disability among adults in the Western world. The most recently approved treatment for major stroke is EVT. Removing the arterial occlusion has proven to be the best predictor of outcome. While patients are treated, relatives are left waiting. Facing the massive shock of their loved ones having a stroke may cause emotional turmoil and leave relatives with various needs. No previous studies have explored experiences and needs of relatives who are part of an EVT pathway.DesignA qualitative design using a phenomenological–hermeneutic approach.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews and participant observations were carried out. Data were collected from April 2016–January 2017. Data were analysed using Ricoeur's theory of interpretation, capturing meaning and ensuring comprehensive understanding.ResultsFour themes emerged are as follows: (a) The first phase—shock, chaos and feeling paralysed; (b) the all‐important information—sharing is pivotal; (c) professional loving care—being seen and heard by caring health professionals; and (d) adjusting to new roles. One essential finding that emerged across all themes was relatives’ constant need for care, for support and for health professionals to “be there.”ConclusionRelatives need support and care during the entire EVT pathway. They tend to be modest and ignore their own needs. Relatives who experience chaos, fear and worry need to be met by professionals with real presence.Relevance to clinical practiceThese findings will be used as a foundation for development of local structures and policies that should provide knowledge and ensure a consistent and proactive approach to meet the needs of the relatives in a timely and efficient manner.