bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CTLA‐4 polymorphism rs231775: Influence on relapse and survival after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in childhood
Authors: Hammrich Judith , Wittig Susan , Ernst Thomas , Gruhn Bernd 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveRelapse following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is still linked to a poor prognosis. Mainly, donor`s T‐cells mediate the graft‐versus‐leukemia effect. Cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) is an inhibitory molecule which down‐regulates T‐cell activation. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in CTLA‐4 may have an effect on immune response.MethodsEighty‐eight children with acute leukemia and their donors were genotyped of CTLA‐4 gene for rs231775. We searched for an association of CTLA‐4 SNP with relapse and survival after allogeneic HSCT.ResultsWe identified a significantly reduced relapse rate in children who received a transplant from a donor with the CTLA‐4 genotypes AG or GG in comparison with genotype AA of rs231775 (19% vs 40%, P = 0.026). In addition, we observed a significant difference in event‐free survival (EFS) depending on the donor´s genotype. The EFS was 70% or 46% if the patient was transplanted from a donor with CTLA‐4 genotype AG/GG or AA, respectively (P = 0.025). In multivariate analysis, CTLA‐4 genotype was an independent risk factor for relapse rate (P = 0.028).ConclusionThis study suggests that CTLA‐4 polymorphism rs231775 is relevant for relapse and survival after allogeneic HSCT in childhood and should be further investigated in clinical trials.
Replication fork collapse at a protein‐DNA roadblock leads to fork reversal, promoted by the RecQ helicase
Authors: Weaver Georgia M. , Mettrick Karla A. , Corocher Tayla‐Ann , Graham Adam , Grainge Ian 
Published: November 2018

SummaryProteins that bind DNA are the cause of the majority of impediments to replication fork progression and can lead to subsequent collapse of the replication fork. Failure to deal with fork collapse efficiently leads to mutation or cell death. Several models have been proposed for how a cell processes a stalled or collapsed replication fork; eukaryotes and bacteria are not dissimilar in terms of the general pathways undertaken to deal with these events. This study shows that replication fork regression, the combination of replication fork reversal leading to formation of a Holliday Junction along with exonuclease digestion, is the preferred pathway for dealing with a collapsed fork in Escherichia coli. Direct endo‐nuclease activity at the replication fork was not observed. The protein that had the greatest effect on these fork processing events was the RecQ helicase, while RecG and RuvABC, which have previously been implicated in this process, were found to play a lesser role. Eukaryotic RecQ homologues, BLM and WRN, have also been implicated in processing events following replication fork collapse and may reflect a conserved mechanism. Finally, the SOS response was not induced by the protein‐DNA roadblock under these conditions, so did not affect fork processing.
Fisheries Policy for Sustainable Development: Coastal Models and Limitations Derived from Participation and Power Organisation in Atlantic FLAGs in Spain and Portugal
Authors: Piñeiro‐Antelo María de los Ángeles , Felicidades‐García Jesús , Lois‐González Rubén C. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe incorporation of territorial development into the Common Fisheries Policy has allowed for the decentralised and participatory management of part of its funds. In fact, the criteria for sustainable development in fishing zones follow the guidelines of Community‐Led Local Development. This work critically examines the implementation process of Axis 4 of the European Fisheries Fund in two areas of the Iberian Peninsula’s Atlantic coast as case studies, looking into the creation of Fishery Local Action Groups and the analysis of the planning and execution phases of the funds. The results show, on the one hand, the limited development of this approach and the doubts about the effectiveness of area‐based partnerships as tools for local development, and on the other, the benefits for the revitalisation of the fishing sector, especially in the long term.
Testing the sympathetic nervous system of the foot has a high predictive value for early amputation in patients with diabetes with a neuroischemic ulcer
Authors: Schreuder Sanne M , Nieuwdorp M , Koelemay Marc J W , Bipat Shandra , Reekers Jim A 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveThere is evidence from the literature that dysfunctionality of the sympathetic nervous system of the foot with subsequent loss of local autoregulation could be a predictor of early amputation in patients with diabetes with a neuroischemic ulcer. To confirm this we tested the functionality of the sympathetic nervous system in the foot in a consecutive group of 31 patients with diabetes with critical limb ischemia and non-healing neuroischemic ulcer.Research design and methodsProspective cohort with retrospective analysis after 12 months of routinely acquired clinical data. All patients in the study group underwent angiography of the foot as part of a routine angioplasty procedure. Primary study endpoint was lower extremity amputation-free survival at 12 months. Because of the study design no other endpoints could be analyzed. The functionality of the sympathetic nervous system was tested with perfusion angiography.ResultsThirty-one patients were followed for 12 months. The Capillary Resistance Index (CRI) was used to measure the response of the sympathetic nervous system. CRI≥0.9 is the cut-off point for a non-responsive sympathetic nervous system. All patients (n=11) with a CRI≥0.9 underwent a major amputation before 12 months. Of all patients with a CRI only 15% underwent major amputation. The positive predictive value for major amputation before 12 months for patients with a CRI ≥ 0.9 was 100%.ConclusionsA non-responsive sympathetic nervous system of the foot is a strong predictor of early major amputation (log rank p<0.001; HR 14.22; 95% CI 3.64 to 55.51).
Exploring the intergenerational effects of undernutrition: association of maternal height with neonatal, infant and under-five mortality in Bangladesh
Authors: Khatun Wajiha , Alam Ashraful , Rasheed Sabrina , Huda Tanvir M , Dibley Michael J 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundGlobal or regional evidence showed maternal height as a strong predictor of child survival. However, there is limited information that confirms the intergenerational effect of short maternal height on the risk of offspring mortality in Bangladesh. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the association of maternal height with neonatal, infant and under-five mortality in Bangladesh.MethodsIt was a pooled analysis of data from four rounds of Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys 2004, 2007, 2011 and 2014. We included singleton children aged 0–59 months born to mothers aged 15–49 years (n = 29 698). Mothers were interviewed to collect data on maternal and child characteristics, and socio-demographic information. Maternal height was measured using an adjustable measuring board calibrated in millimetres. We used STATA V.14.2 and adjusted for the cluster sampling design. Multivariate ‘Modified Poisson Regression’ was performed using stepwise backward elimination procedures to examine the association between maternal height and child death.ResultsIn the adjusted model, every 1 cm increase maternal height was associated with a reduced risk of neonatal mortality (relative risk (RR) = 0.973, 95% CI 0.960 to 0.986), infant mortality (RR = 0.980, 95% CI 0.969 to 0.991) and under-five mortality (RR = 0.982, 95% CI 0.972 to 0.992). Children of the shortest mothers (height<145 cm) had 1.73 times greater risk of neonatal mortality, about 1.60 times greater risk of infant mortality and 1.48 times greater risk of under-five mortality compared with those of tall mothers (height≥155 cm). Among the children of the shortest mothers (height<145 cm), the absolute probabilities for neonatal, infant and under-five mortality were 4.4%, 6.0% and 6.5%, respectively, while for the children of the tall mothers (height≥ 155 cm), the absolute probabilities for neonatal, infant and under-five mortality were 2.6%, 3.7 %, and 4.4%, respectively.ConclusionThese findings suggest a robust intergenerational linkage between short maternal height and the risk of neonatal, infant and under-five mortally in Bangladesh.
Father’s roles and perspectives on healthcare seeking for children with pneumonia: findings of a qualitative study in a rural community of the Philippines
Authors: Sato Mari , Oshitani Hitoshi , Tamaki Raita , Oyamada Nobuko , Sato Kineko , Nadra Alkaff Raihana , Landicho Jhoys , Alday Portia P , Lupisan Socorro , Tallo Veronica L 
Published: November 2018

ObjectivesPneumonia remains a primary cause of death for under-five children. It is possible to reduce the mortality impact from childhood pneumonia if caregivers recognise the danger signs of pneumonia and obtain appropriate healthcare. Among caregivers, research on fathers’ healthcare-seeking behaviours and perceptions are limited, whereas research on mothers is available. This study aims to reveal fathers’ roles and perspectives with respect to the selection of care and treatment for children with pneumonia in a remote island of the Philippines.DesignA qualitative research was carried out using semistructured interviews.Setting and participantsThe interviews were conducted with 12 fathers whose children had pneumonia-like episodes in the 6 months prior to the interview. Data analysis was performed using the concept analysis method to identify codes which were merged into subcategories and categories. Finally, the themes were identified.ResultsThree themes were identified as part of fathers’ roles, and two were identified as fathers’ perspectives on various treatment options. Fathers took care of their sick children by not entrusting care only to mothers because they considered this as part of their role. Notably, fathers considered that arranging money for the child’s treatment was a matter of prime importance. They selected a particular treatment based on their experiences and beliefs, including herbal medicine, home treatment, and visiting traditional healers and health facilities. Their decision was influenced by not only their perception of the severity of illness but also cultural beliefs on the cause of illness. Visiting health facilities, particularly during hospital admissions, causes significant financial burden for the family which was the main concern of fathers.ConclusionIt is crucial to consider the cultural background and also imperative to address issues related to medical cost and the credibility of health facilities to improve fathers’ healthcare-seeking behaviour.
Dynamic prediction of childhood high blood pressure in a population-based birth cohort: a model development study
Authors: Hamoen Marleen , Vergouwe Yvonne , Wijga Alet H , Heymans Martijn W , Jaddoe Vincent W V , Twisk Jos W R , Raat Hein , de Kroon Marlou L A 
Published: November 2018

ObjectivesTo develop a dynamic prediction model for high blood pressure at the age of 9–10 years that could be applied at any age between birth and the age of 6 years in community-based child healthcare.Design, setting and participantsData were used from 5359 children in a population-based prospective cohort study in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.Outcome measureHigh blood pressure was defined as systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥95th percentile for gender, age and height. Using multivariable pooled logistic regression, the predictive value of characteristics at birth, and of longitudinal information on the body mass index (BMI) of the child until the age of 6 years, was assessed. Internal validation was performed using bootstrapping.Results227 children (4.2%) had high blood pressure at the age of 9–10 years. Final predictors were maternal hypertensive disease during pregnancy, maternal educational level, maternal prepregnancy BMI, child ethnicity, birth weight SD score (SDS) and the most recent BMI SDS. After internal validation, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve ranged from 0.65 (prediction at age 3 years) to 0.73 (prediction at age 5–6 years).ConclusionsThis prediction model may help to monitor the risk of developing high blood pressure in childhood which may allow for early targeted primordial prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Use of multiple antidiabetic medications in patients with diabetes and its association with hypoglycaemic events: a case-crossover study in Jordan
Authors: Naser Abdallah Y , Wong Ian Chi Kei , Whittlesea Cate , Beykloo Maedeh Y , Man Kenneth K C , Lau Wallis C Y , Hyassat Dana Abdel-Halim , Wei Li 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveTo assess whether the use of multiple antidiabetic medications is associated with an increased risk of hypoglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.DesignA case-crossover study.SettingCases were enrolled from the National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Genetics in Amman, Jordan.ParticipantsPatients were those with diabetes mellitus and reported incident of a hypoglycaemic event in their medical records during the period January 2007 to July 2017. Patients with multiple antidiabetic medications were those with at least two antidiabetic medications.Primary outcomeHistory of antidiabetic medication use was extracted from the pharmacy records. The use of multiple antidiabetic medications during the risk window (before hypoglycaemia) was compared with a control window(s) (earlier time) of the same length after a washout period. Conditional logistic regression was applied to evaluate the OR of hypoglycaemia between the treatment groups. A secondary analysis was performed in patients with a blood glucose measurement of ≤70 mg/dL.Results182 patients (106 females, 58.2%) were included in the study with an average age of 59.9 years (SD=9.9). The patients’ average body mass index was 31.7 kg/m2(SD=6.2). Compared with monotherapy, the OR of hypoglycaemic events for patients with multiple antidiabetic medications was 5.00 (95% CI 1.10 to 22.82). The OR was 6.00 (95% CI 0.72 to 49.84) for the secondary analysis patient group (n=94). Ten-fold increased risk was found in patients (n=155) with insulin and sulfonylurea-based combination therapy (OR 10.00;95% CI 1.28 to 78.12).ConclusionThis study shows that the use of multiple antidiabetic medications appears to increase the risk of hypoglycaemic events. Patients and healthcare professionals should be extra vigilant when patients are on multiple antidiabetic medications therapy, especially the combination of sulfonylurea and insulin.
Rehabilitation via HOMe Based gaming exercise for the Upper-limb post Stroke (RHOMBUS): protocol of an intervention feasibility trial
Authors: Kilbride Cherry , Scott Daniel J M , Butcher Tom , Norris Meriel , Ryan Jennifer M , Anokye Nana , Warland Alyson , Baker Karen , Athanasiou Dimitrios A , Singla-Buxarrais Guillem , Nowicky Alexander 
Published: November 2018

IntroductionEffective interventions to promote upper-limb recovery poststroke are characterised by intensive and repetitive movements. However, the repetitive nature of practice may adversely impact on adherence. Therefore, the development of rehabilitation devices that can be used safely and easily at home, and are motivating, enjoyable and affordable is essential to the health and well-being of stroke survivors.The Neurofenix platform is a non-immersive virtual reality device for poststroke upper-limb rehabilitation. The platform uses a hand controller (a NeuroBall) or arm bands (NeuroBands) that facilitate upper-limb exercise via games displayed on a tablet. The Rehabilitation via HOMe Based gaming exercise for the Upper-limb post Stroke trial aims to determine the safety, feasibility and acceptability of the Neurofenix platform for home-based rehabilitation of the upper-limb poststroke.Methods and analysisThirty people poststroke will be provided with a Neurofenix platform, consisting of a NeuroBall or NeuroBands (dependent on impairment level), seven specially designed games, a tablet and handbook to independently exercise their upper limb for 7 weeks. Training commences with a home visit from a research therapist to teach the participant how to safely use the device. Outcomes assessed at baseline and 8 weeks and 12 weeks are gross level of disability, pain, objectively measured arm function and impairment, self-reported arm function, passive range of movement, spasticity, fatigue, participation, quality of life (QOL) and health service use. A parallel process evaluation will assess feasibility, acceptability and safety of the intervention through assessment of fidelity to the intervention measured objectively through the Neurofenix platform, a postintervention questionnaire and semistructured interviews exploring participants’ experiences of the intervention. The feasibility of conducting an economic evaluation will be determined by collecting data on QOL and resource use.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval granted from Brunel University London (10249-MHR-Mar/2018-12322-2). Trial results will be submitted for publication in journals, presented at national and international conferences and distributed to people with stroke.Trial registration numberISRCTN60291412; Pre-results.
Delineating soil management zones using a proximal soil sensing system in two commercial potato fields in New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: Perron I. , Cambouris A.N. , Chokmani K. , Vargas Gutierrez M.F. , Zebarth B.J. , Moreau G. , Biswas A. , Adamchuk V. 
Published: November 2018

Stagnating potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) yields in eastern Canada have resulted in loss of competitive advantage in global potato markets. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the potential to increase yield by adopting precision agriculture technology. This study evaluated the efficiency of an apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa) sensor to delineate management zones (MZs) in two commercial potato fields in New Brunswick, Canada, using an unsupervised fuzzy k-means clustering algorithm. Georeferenced soil samples from 0 to 15 cm depth were analyzed for physicochemical properties. Tuber yields were recorded using a yield monitor. The two MZs delineated using soil ECa differed significantly in soil physicochemical properties for both fields; however, tuber yield differed significantly between MZs only in Field 1. The yield difference (7.1 Mg ha−1) in Field 1 was attributed to a difference in soil moisture (23.5% vs 28.5%) resulting from a difference in clay content (141 vs 189 g kg−1). The lack of a yield difference between MZs in Field 2 may reflect relatively low within-field spatial variability. The soil ECa sensor showed promise for use in commercial potato production in New Brunswick, especially in fields with high spatial variability.
A benchmark and real-time estimator for the passenger arrival rate to elevator system
Authors: Hammoudeh Ahmad , Al-Sharif Lutfi , Al-Shabi Mohammad 
Published: November 2018

Arrival rate is the number of passengers arriving for elevator service in a certain period of time. Arrival rate is fundamental in expressing the heaviness of the traffic. Hence, it is vital for determining the required number of elevators and the specifications of each elevator such as the speed, capacity, and sector sizes. The passenger arrival process is a random process that is full of noise, and a processing step is required to extract the arrival rate from recorded arrival times of passengers. This work develops a real-time estimator and a benchmark for estimating the arrival rate. There are three contributions in this work; the first is suggesting a benchmark for estimating arrival rate; singular spectrum analysis extracts the arrival rate from noisy data. Hence, singular spectrum analysis is suggested as a benchmark for evaluating the performance of other algorithms. Even though singular spectrum analysis is powerful in extracting the arrival rate, it is not convenient for updating the arrival rate in real time. The second contribution is developing a real-time estimator for the passenger arrival rate that updates its parameters dynamically; dynamic exponentially weighted moving average was developed to provide instantaneous arrival rate updates. The third contribution is introducing exponentially weighted moving average as a linear model for passenger arrival, which opens the door to a large number of model-based algorithms in control theory; Kalman filtering was developed in this work on the top of the EWMA linear model. The results of applying Kalman filtering and DEWMA to real-life data show them as efficient methods for estimating passenger arrival rate to the elevators in real time. Practical application: The methods presented in this paper would allow an elevator controller designer to detect the intensity of the passenger arrival rate. By doing this, it is possible for the elevator controller to switch between different group control algorithms. For example, it could decide to switch from conventional group control to sectoring control and vice versa.
Value of rapid on-site evaluation for ultrasound-guided thyroid fine needle aspiration
Authors: Jiang Danni , Zang Yichen , Jiang Dandan , Zhang Xiaojuan , Zhao Cheng 
Published: November 2018

Objective Application of rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) for thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA) is controversial. Therefore, ROSE has not been universally applied. This study aimed to evaluate the value of ROSE for ultrasound-guided thyroid FNA. Methods A total of 997 patients with 1103 suspicious thyroid nodules had ultrasound-guided FNA performed from January 2016 to February 2018. There were 513 nodules with ROSE and 590 nodules without ROSE. The cytological nondiagnostic rate, needle passes, and procedural times of thyroid FNA with or without ROSE were compared. The nondiagnostic rates of subsets of suspicious thyroid nodules were further compared. Results There was no significant effect of ROSE on the nondiagnostic rate of FNA. However, FNA with ROSE significantly reduced the numbers of sub-centimeter, mixed solid-cystic, macrocalcified, and hypervascular nodules. There was a significantly smaller number of needle passes and less procedural times with ROSE than without ROSE. There was no significant difference in the complication rate of FNA with and without ROSE. Conclusion ROSE for thyroid FNA reduces the number of needle passes and procedural times. ROSE has a higher clinical application value in subsets of thyroid nodules, which tend to be difficult to diagnose with FNA.