bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential outcome subgroups in children with autism spectrum disorder attending early intervention
Authors: Paynter J. , Trembath D. , Lane A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe finding of positive outcomes at the group level for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who complete comprehensive early intervention programmes often masks considerable individual variability. We therefore aimed to identify subgroups of children based on their response to intervention and to compare outcome variables between groups at two points in time.MethodWe used model‐based cluster analysis to explore response to intervention using a longitudinal design for 210 children with ASD who had completed an early intervention programme. Children were assessed on entry at time 1 and again at time 2, which was after 12 months or when they exited the programme (whichever came first) using measures of ASD symptoms (Social Communication Questionnaire), cognition (Mullen Scales of Early Learning) and adaptive behaviour (Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales‐II).ResultsA two‐cluster solution was identified, including a high change group who improved consistently more than the low change group across measures, and showed significantly fewer autism symptoms, higher non‐verbal and verbal cognition and adaptive behaviour composite scores at time 1.ConclusionsThe findings indicated that children's response to early intervention is not uniform but instead included subgroups characterised by patterns of high and low change. Further research is needed to identify clinically relevant mediators of differential response group membership.
Money Creation: Tax or Public Liquidity?
Authors: REICHLIN PIETRO 
Published: May 2018

AbstractI revisit the example of non‐neutral anticipated monetary expansions used in Lucas (1995) Nobel Prize Lecture, within a broader definition of monetary policy tools, such as paying a nominal return on money or using open market operations, to show that money expansions increase output by reallocating consumption across heterogenous individuals and time periods. This result survives with noninterest‐bearing cash when the latter does not generate relevant distortions.
Frailty risk in hospitalised older adults with and without diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lekan Deborah A. , McCoy Thomas P. 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundResearch indicates that diabetes mellitus (DM) may be a risk factor for frailty and individuals with DM are more likely to be frail than individuals without DM; however, there is limited research in hospitalised older adults.ObjectivesTo determine the extent of frailty in hospitalised older adults with and without DM using a 16‐item Frailty Risk Score (FRS) and assess the role of frailty in predicting 30‐day rehospitalisation, discharge to an institution and in‐hospital mortality.MethodsThe study was a retrospective, cohort, correlational design and secondary analysis of a data set consisting of electronic health record data. The sample was older adults hospitalised on medicine units. Logistic regression was performed for 30‐day rehospitalisation and discharge location. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyse time to in‐hospital death and weighted using propensity scores.ResultsOf 278 hospitalised older adults, 49% had DM, and the mean FRS was not significantly different by DM status (9.6 vs. 9.1, p = 0.07). For 30‐day rehospitalisation, increased FRS was associated with significantly increased odds of rehospitalisation (AOR = 1.24, 95% CI [1.01, 1.51], p = 0.04). Although 81% were admitted from home, 57% were discharged home and 43% to an institution. An increased FRS was associated with increased odds of discharge to an institution (AOR = 1.48, 95% CI [1.26, 1.74], p < 0.001). The FRS was not significantly associated with increased risk of in‐hospital death (p = 0.17), but DM was associated with a 484% increase in the instantaneous risk of death (AHR = 5.84, 95% CI [1.71, 19.9], p = 0.005).ConclusionDiabetes mellitus and frailty were highly prevalent; the mean FRS was not significantly different by DM status. Although increased frailty was significantly associated with rehospitalisation and discharge to an institution, only DM was significantly associated with in‐hospital mortality.Relevance to clinical practiceFrailty assessment may augment clinical assessment and facilitate tailoring care and determining optimal outcomes in patients with and without DM.
Stomach herniation prior to nonreassuring fetal status in a case of fetal gastroschisis
Authors: Kojima Yuki , Ozawa Katsusuke , Sugibayashi Rika , Wada Seiji , Sago Haruhiko 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe neonatal prognosis in gastroschisis is generally good; however, intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) and nonreassuring fetal status (NRFS) sometimes occur in fetal cases of gastroschisis. Previously, we reported stomach herniation as a possible risk factor for IUFD or NRFS in fetuses with gastroschisis. We report a case of fetal gastroschisis showing stomach herniation and increased velocity of the umbilical venous (UV) flow the day before NRFS by electronic fetal monitoring (EFM). A 27‐year‐old pregnant woman was followed up from 16 weeks’ gestation due to fetal gastroschisis. At 33 + 1 weeks’ gestation, EFM displayed a reassuring fetal state, while the ultrasound examination revealed fetal stomach herniation and an increased flow velocity of the UV in the abdomen. One day later, EFM displayed NRFS, and the patient underwent emergency caesarean section. This case showed stomach herniation preceding the occurrence of NRFS. Stomach herniation may be a predictor of NRFS in fetuses with gastroschisis.
Reserve Management and Audit Committee Characteristics: Evidence from U.S. Property–Liability Insurance Companies
Authors: Hsu Wen‐Yen , Huang Yenyu (Rebecca) , Lai Gene 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTWe examine the relation between reserve management and a set of audit committee characteristics of property–liability insurers, using reserve errors as a proxy for reserve management. We find that insurers with three audit committee characteristics have more conservative loss reserve estimations: larger audit committee size and more members with accounting expertise, and more audit committee meetings. Our results also find that three recommendations of the 1999 Blue Ribbon Committee can make corporate audit committees more effective: a minimum audit committee size, a minimum level of accounting expertise, and a minimum number of audit committee meetings. These results were obtained when we controlled for board of director characteristics, firm‐specific characteristics, and Sarbanes–Oxley. Some board composition variables (e.g., director ownership) also have an impact on reserve management during our study period. The evidence overall suggests that the audit committee and some board characteristics have an impact on reserve management (earnings management) even in a regulated environment such as the insurance industry.
Physiological changes in the adenosine deaminase activity, antioxidant and inflammatory parameters in pregnant cows and at post‐partum
Authors: Fávero Juscivete Fátima , Da Silva Aleksandro S. , Bottari Nathieli B. , Schetinger Maria Rosa C. , Morsch Vera Maria M. , Baldissera Matheus D. , Stefani Lenita M. , Machado Gustavo 
Published: May 2018

SummaryThe aim of this study was to evaluate the behaviour of adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity, as well as its participation in the immunomodulation of pregnant cows. Thus, sixteen cows were divided into two groups (A and B): the group A was composed by cows not pregnant (n = 8), while the group B was composed by pregnant cows (n = 8). Serum levels of interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), IL‐6, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and C‐reactive protein (CRP), as well as ADA and glutathione S‐transferase (GST) activities, were measured on five sampling times (3, 5, 7 and 8 months of gestation, and soon after calving). Serum ADA activity was similar throughout the experiment in the cows belonging to the group A, but its activity increased during the experiment in cows from the group B, that is it was lower in the third and fifth months of pregnancy, and higher on months 7, 8 and after calving when compared to the group A. TNF‐α and IL‐6 serum levels were lower in pregnant cows compared to non‐pregnant animals; however, they significantly increased after calving. Serum levels of IL‐10 increased after 8 months of gestation, but it reduced after calving when compared to the group A, while CRP increased on month 8 of gestation and after calving compared to the group A. Pregnant cows showed lower serum ROS levels on months 3, 5 and 7 of gestation, and higher levels at the post‐partum. Serum GST activity was higher on month 5 of gestation in pregnant cows, but it was lower on months 7, 8 and in the post‐partum compared to the group A. Based on these evidence, we concluded that ADA activity and the others mediators or inflammatory modulators have important role in the maintenance of cow′s gestation due to their immunomodulatory effects.
Starting small: long‐term consequences in a managed large‐mammal population
Authors: le Roex N. , Paxton M. , Adendorff J. , Ferreira S. , O'Riain M. J. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSmall populations are vulnerable to founder effects, stochastic demographic events and inbreeding depression. These factors raise the extinction probability of small populations, and thus effective management plans for endangered species have become essential. The black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) survived a historic global population crash and is currently facing renewed threat through poaching, population fragmentation and isolation. South Africa is home to approximately 36% of the world's remaining black rhinos; however, this population is fragmented across parks and reserves, and many of these small populations remain geographically and genetically isolated. The historic population crash, subsequent fragmentation and relentless poaching pressure together threaten the viability of the black rhino population within South Africa. This study employed a practical, non‐invasive sampling protocol and genetic analyses to assess the growth and performance of a small founder population in a fenced reserve. We used these data and recorded life‐history data to compare the population growth and vital rates between the first and second 10‐year periods since founding. We report a decrease in population growth rate and male survival in the second 10‐year period (0.06; 0.89) compared to the first (0.09; 0.97). Genetic diversity (HEXP = 0.405) was low when compared to larger black rhino populations, and average pairwise relatedness was high (0.193). These results suggest that negative genetic consequences and the beginning of density‐dependant growth regulation may be present in this population. This highlights the importance of establishing an evaluation framework for the assessment of small populations of long‐lived mammals in order to inform metapopulation management.
Quantiferon‐Cytomegalovirus assay: A potentially useful tool in the evaluation of CMV‐specific CD8+ T‐cell reconstitution in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients
Authors: Paouri Bilio , Soldatou Alexandra , Petrakou Eftihia , Theodosaki Maria , Tsentidis Charalampos , Kaisari Katerina , Oikonomopoulou Christina , Matsas Minos , Goussetis Eugenios 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPediatric HSCT recipients are at high risk for CMV reactivation due to their immature immune system and therapy following transplantation. Reconstitution of CMV‐specific T‐cell immunity is associated with control and protection against CMV. The clinical utility of monitoring CMV‐specific CMI to predict CMV viremia in pediatric HSCT patients using the Quantiferon‐CMV (QIAGEN®) test was investigated prospectively. Thirty‐seven pediatric allogeneic HSCT recipients were enrolled from 3/2010‐6/2012. CMV viremia was detected via weekly real‐time PCR. The Quantiferon‐CMV test was conducted pretransplant, early after transplantation, 30, 90, 180, 270, and 360 days post‐transplantation. The incidence of CMV viremia was 51% (19/37) with half of the episodes within ≤30 days post‐transplant. Fifteen patients showed CMV‐specific immunity (average of 82 days). The cumulative incidence of CMV reactivation in patients who developed CMV‐specific immunity was lower than those who did not (15% vs 53%; P = .023). The ROC statistical analysis showed that the AUC was 0.725 in predicting viremia, for Quantiferon‐CMV test. In this cohort, the Quantiferon‐CMV assay was a valuable method for identifying pediatric HSCT patients at high risk for CMV viremia, suggesting potential clinical utility to individualize patient's management post‐transplant.
Complement Factor H as a potential atherogenic marker in chronic Chagas’ disease
Authors: Lidani K. C. F. , Sandri T. L. , Andrade F. A. , Bavia L. , Nisihara R. , Messias‐Reason I. J. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryWe aimed to investigate the association between plasma levels of complement Factor H (FH) with cardiac involvement, inflammatory and cardiometabolic parameters in patients with chronic Chagas’ disease (CD). FH plasmatic levels were determined in 80 chronic CD patients. Glycaemic index, lipidogram (high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol HDL‐C, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol LDL‐C, triglycerides and total cholesterol) and Ultrasensitive C‐Reactive Protein (uCRP) values were obtained from medical records. Height, weight, body mass index (BMI) blood pressure and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were obtained from echocardiography examinations. Comparisons between chronic CD clinical forms were performed using Mann‐Whitney test and correlation Spearman’s test. FH levels were correlated positively with triglycerides (P = .001, r = .39), LDL‐C (P = .009, r = .3), cholesterol (P = .02, r = .28), uCRP (P = .029, r = .31) and BMI (P = .008, r = .34); and negatively with HDL‐C (P = .03, r = −.25) levels. Dyslipidemic patients showed higher FH levels compared to normolipidemic, although no difference for FH levels was observed between chronic CD clinical forms. Alternative pathway of complement may be a link between immune response and metabolic disorders, with important immunoregulatory role in chronic CD.
Training in transplant infectious diseases: A survey of infectious diseases and transplant infectious diseases fellows in the United States and Canada
Authors: Tan Susanna K. , Theodoropoulos Nicole , La Hoz Ricardo M. , Mossad Sherif B. , Kotton Camille N. , Danziger‐Isakov Lara A. , Kumar Deepali , Huprikar Shirish ,   On behalf of the American Society of Transplantation, Infectious Diseases Community of Practice
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundInfectious diseases (ID) specialists with experience in managing infections in transplant recipients and other immunocompromised hosts are increasingly needed as these fields expand.MethodsTo evaluate experiences and identify trainee‐described needs in transplant infectious diseases (TID) training, the American Society of Transplantation, Infectious Diseases Community of Practice (AST IDCOP) surveyed ID fellows across the United States and TID fellows in the United States and Canada and received responses from 203 ID fellows and 13 TID fellows.ResultsAmong ID fellows, the amount of TID training during ID fellowship was rated between less than ideal and adequate. Reasons cited included limited frequency of didactic activities and limited exposure to transplant patients during training. In particular, ID fellows at low‐volume transplantation centers expressed interest in more TID training time, away training opportunities, and specific TID didactics. Educational resources of high interest among trainees were case‐based interactive websites, mobile phone applications with TID guidelines, and a centralized collection of relevant articles. Pediatric ID fellows reported lower satisfaction scores with TID training, while TID fellows were overall satisfied or more than satisfied with their training experience.ConclusionFindings from this survey will inform local and national TID educational initiatives.
Risk factors associated with Clostridium difficile infection in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Spinner M.L. , Stephany B.R. , Cerrato P.M. , Lam S.W. , Neuner E.A. , Patel K.S. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundSolid organ transplant recipients are especially vulnerable to Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) due to cumulative risk factors including increased exposure to healthcare settings, persistent immunosuppression, and higher rates of antimicrobial exposure. We aimed to identify risk factors associated with CDI development in kidney transplant recipients including implications of immunosuppressive therapies and acid‐suppressing agents.MethodsThis was a single‐center, non‐interventional, retrospective case‐control study of adult subjects between June 1, 2009 and June 30, 2013. During this time, 728 patients underwent kidney transplantation. Overall, 22 developed CDI (cases) and were matched 1:3 with 66 controls. Cases and controls were also matched for induction agent, kidney allograft type (living or deceased), and time from transplant to CDI result (±60 days).ResultsThe majority of subjects received a deceased donor kidney (77.3%) and basiliximab induction therapy (86.4%). The overall CDI incidence was 3%. Factors independently associated with CDI were average tacrolimus trough (AOR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.00‐1.56, P = .048) and antibiotic exposure for urinary tract infections (UTI) (AOR = 4.17, 95% CI = 1.12‐15.54, P = .034). Proton pump inhibitor use was not associated with CDI (OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.29‐2.29, P = .691).ConclusionMaintaining a clinically appropriate tacrolimus trough and judicious antibiotic use and selection for UTI treatment could potentially reduce CDI in the kidney transplant population.
Breakthrough Candida guilliermondii (Meyerozyma guilliermondii) fungemia after cord blood transplantation for extranodal NK‐cell lymphoma with azole prophylaxis
Authors: Nakazawa Hideyuki , Nishina Sayaka , Senoo Yasushi , Sakai Hitoshi , Ito Toshiro , Kikuchi Ken , Ishida Fumihiro 
Published: May 2018

AbstractFluconazole (FLCZ) is an azole antifungal agent and it has shown excellent clinical activities in suppressing fungemia with Candida albicans after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Increased administration of prophylactic FLCZ seems to have given rise to the relatively higher incidence of more resistant Candida non‐albicans infection. We present a case with a rare breakthrough fungemia with C. guilliermondii after cord blood transplantation for Extranodal NK cell Lymphoma, nasal type (ENKL), during antifungal prophylaxis with FLCZ. High level of caution is needed for the breakthrough, especially after long‐term azole administration.
Does the urinary tract infection caused by carbapenem‐resistant Gram‐negative bacilli impact the outcome of kidney transplant recipients?
Authors: Freire Maristela Pinheiro , Mendes Clara V. , Piovesan Affonso C. , de Paula Flavio Jota , Spadão Fernanda , Nahas Willian C. , David‐Neto Elias , Pierrotti Ligia Camera 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) after kidney transplantation (KT) caused by multidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacteria is growing. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of UTI caused by carbapenem‐resistant Gram‐negative bacteria (CR‐GNB) in the survival of graft and recipients following KT. This was a retrospective cohort study involving patients who underwent KT between 2013 and 2016. Patients were followed since the day of the KT until loss of graft, death or end of the follow‐up period (31th December 2016). The outcomes measured were UTI by MDR following KT and graft and patient survival. Analyses were performed using Cox regression; for the graft and patient survival analysis, we used a propensity score for UTI by CR‐GNB to matching a control group. UTI was diagnosed in 178 (23.9%) of 781 patients, who developed 352 UTI episodes. 44.6% of the UTI cases were caused by MDR bacteria. Identified risk factors for UTI by MDR bacteria were DM, urologic disease as the cause of end‐stage renal failure, insertion of ureteral stent, carbapenem use, and delayed graft function (DGF). Risk factors for death during the follow‐up period were female gender, patients over 60 years old at the time of KT, DM, body mass index over 31.8, UTI caused by CR‐GNB. In conclusion, UTIs caused by CR‐GNB have great impact on patients’ survival after KT.
Hepatitis C genotype change after transplantation utilizing hepatitis C positive donor organs
Authors: Adekunle R. , Jonchhe S. , Ravichandran B. , Wilson E. , Husson J. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA shortage in organs for transplantation has led to the increased use of hepatitis C (HCV) infected donor organs for solid organ transplant recipients infected with HCV. However, the donor HCV genotype is not routinely checked or known prior to transplant. Here, we report 4 cases of genotype conversion after transplantation in patients receiving HCV infected donor organs. This change in genotype may potentially impact HCV progression as well as treatment choice for these patients.
Intervention planning for the REDUCE maintenance intervention: a digital intervention to reduce reulceration risk among patients with a history of diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Greenwell Kate , Sivyer Katy , Vedhara Kavita , Yardley Lucy , Game Frances , Chalder Trudie , Richards Gayle , Drake Nikki , Gray Katie , Weinman John , Bradbury Katherine 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesTo develop a comprehensive intervention plan for the REDUCE maintenance intervention to support people who have had diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) to sustain behaviours that reduce reulceration risk.MethodsTheory-based, evidence-based and person-based approaches to intervention development were used. In phase I of intervention planning, evidence was collated from a scoping review of the literature and qualitative interviews with patients who have had DFUs (n=20). This was used to identify the psychosocial needs and challenges of this population and barriers and facilitators to the intervention’s target behaviours: regular foot checking, rapid self-referral in the event of changes in foot health, graded and regular physical activity and emotional management. In phase II, this evidence was combined with expert consultation to develop the intervention plan. Brief ‘guiding principles’ for shaping intervention development were created. ‘Behavioural analysis’ and ‘logic modelling’ were used to map intervention content onto behaviour change theory to comprehensively describe the intervention and its hypothesised mechanisms.ResultsKey challenges to the intervention’s target behaviours included patients’ uncertainty regarding when to self-refer, physical limitations affecting foot checking and physical activity and, for some, difficulties managing negative emotions. Important considerations for the intervention design included a need to increase patients’ confidence in making a self-referral and in using the maintenance intervention and a need to acknowledge that some intervention content might be relevant to only some patients (emotional management, physical activity). The behavioural analysis identified the following processes hypothesised to facilitate long-term behaviour maintenance including increasing patients’ skills, self-efficacy, knowledge, positive outcome expectancies, sense of personal control, social support and physical opportunity.ConclusionsThis research provides a transparent description of the intervention planning for the REDUCE maintenance intervention. It provides insights into potential barriers and facilitators to the target behaviours and potentially useful behaviour change techniques to use in clinical practice.