bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Power and Recognition: How (Super)Powers Decide the International Recognition Process
Authors: RIEGL MARTIN , DOBOŠ BOHUMIL 
Published: July 2018

The article offers a modified theoretical approach toward the issue of secession and international recognition. Based on the novel political theory of secession as presented by Milena Sterio and the measurement of external involvement in secessionist attempts as researched by Alexis Heraclides, the article provides a theoretical model of modified (super)power rule. The article, based on preliminary conclusions from an internal dataset of secessionist attempts between 1946 and 2016 containing 63 items, argues that effective (super)power support is a sufficient condition for thede factoindependence of any secessionist entity. The model is tested on cases of Somaliland, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Kosovo, and Transnistria.Related ArticlesAntwi‐Boateng,Osman, andGeraldine MariaO'Mahony.2008. “.”Politics & Policy36():132‐178.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2007.00097.xHaar,Roberta.2015. “”Politics & Policy43():287‐314.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/polp.12111Peralta,Salvador J.2013. “.”Politics & Policy41():479‐508.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/polp.12024Related MediaMesser,Mackie.2015. “The Coconut Revolution.”http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2x5eulRickerd,Kurt.2014. “Katanga, the Untold Story (of UN Betrayal).”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvgBvwfW5Dw.2015. “Transnistria: Places that Don't Exist.”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiioOj85X9E.2014. “The Sahara's Forgotten War.”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju4WrjiJbGc
Current dorsal myelographic column and dural diameter reduction rules do not apply at the cervicothoracic junction in horses
Authors: Estell Krista , Spriet Mathieu , Phillips Kathryn L. , Aleman Monica , Finno Carrie J. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPreviously published myelographic studies do not report findings at the junction between the seventh cervical (C7) and first thoracic vertebrae (T1). Modern digital radiographic equipment allows improved visualization of C7‐T1. Based on clinical experience, we hypothesized that 50% reduction of the dorsal myelographic column or 20% reduction of the dural diameter, criteria commonly used as a supportive finding for spinal cord compression in the cervical vertebral column, do not apply at C7‐T1. A myelographic study was performed on 12 healthy, neurologically normal horses. Our hypothesis was confirmed; using established criteria eight of 12 horses would have been classified as having evidence of spinal cord compression at C7‐T1. The dorsal myelographic column reduction at C7‐T1 was 48 ± 12%, while the C6‐C7 dorsal myelographic column reduction was 33 ± 17% (mean ± standard deviation) (P = 0.010). The dural diameter reduction at C7‐T1 (22.0 ± 6.7%) was significantly greater than the dural diameter reduction at C6‐C7 (13.2 ± 9.5%) (P = 0.0007). Further measurements and comparisons suggested that the apparent greater reduction of dorsal myelographic column and dural diameter at C7‐T1 was due to larger intravertebral measurements at C7 rather than smaller intervertebral values at C7‐T1. Based on these findings, alternative criteria should be used at C7‐T1 when assessing clinical cases for cervical stenotic myelopathy. Reduction of the dorsal myelographic column by 60% or of the dural diameter by 30% would avoid high numbers of false positive myelographic cases at C7‐T1.
Computed tomographic features of destructive granulomatous rhinitis with intracranial extension secondary to leishmaniasis in a cat
Authors: Altuzarra Raul , Movilla Rebeca , Roura Xavier , Espada Yvonne , Majo Natalia , Novellas Rosa 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA 5‐year‐old castrated male Domestic Shorthair cat presented for evaluation of chronic history of nasal discharge and nasal stridor. On computed tomography (CT), a destructive ill‐defined mass of soft tissue attenuation was occupying the right nasal cavity and extending into the left nasal cavity, nasopharynx, and rostral cranial cavity. Histopathology of the rhinoscopically excised samples consisted with destructive granulomatous rhinitis secondary to Leishmania spp. Chronic granulomatous rhinitis with intracranial and nasopharyneal extension secondary to Leishmania spp. infection should be included as a differential diagnosis for a destructive nasal mass of soft tissue attenuation, especially in endemic regions for leishmaniasis.
Exposure to whole chicken carcasses may present a greater risk of campylobacteriosis compared to exposure to chicken drumsticks
Authors: Nohra Antoine , Grinberg Alex , Midwinter Anne C. , Marshall Jonathan C. , Collins‐Emerson Julie M. , French Nigel P. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn New Zealand, the major risk factor for campylobacteriosis has been identified as poultry consumption. New Zealanders consume different types of chicken meat which undergo different processing before entering the retail chain. The manipulations and jointing of chicken carcasses into pieces and the subsequent processing and packaging have the potential to cross‐contaminate and reshuffle bacterial pathogens among the different products sold. The aim of this study was to analyse: (a) the differences in the viable count and population genetic structure between Campylobacter isolated from chicken drumsticks and whole carcass meat for retail sale over a 1‐year period; and (b) the genetic relatedness of human and chicken isolates collected concurrently. Enumeration of Campylobacter was performed using a spiral plater combined with manual spread plating. Campylobacter isolates were identified by polymerase chain reaction and typed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). C. jejuni was the dominant species among both whole carcasses (63.5%) and drumsticks samples (73.8%), followed by C. coli (27% and 23.1%, respectively). After sample weight adjustment, whole carcasses showed significantly higher Campylobacter counts than drumsticks, with a significant difference in the counts between the commercial suppliers in both types of retail meat. MLST revealed 28 different sequence types among the two types of meat. Using permutational multivariate analysis of variance, statistically significant differences in the population genetic structures were observed between different suppliers but were not observed between the two types of chicken retail meat. In conclusion, we found differences in Campylobacter viable counts, suggesting consumption of whole carcasses may determine an exposure to a higher number of Campylobacter bacteria than consumption of chicken drumsticks. The Campylobacter population genetic structure did not differ between the two types of chicken retail meat. Therefore, source attribution studies based on MLST are unlikely to be biased by the selection of these types of retail meat during sampling.
Analysis of multiple genetic loci reveals MPDZ-NF1B rs1324183 as a putative genetic marker for keratoconus
Authors: Wang Yu Meng , Ma Li , Lu Shi Yao , Chan Tommy Chung Yan , Yam Jason C S , Tang Shu Min , Kam Ka Wai , Tam Pancy O S , Tham Clement C , Young Alvin L , Jhanji Vishal , Pang Chi Pui , Chen Li Jia 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveTo investigate the associations between 16 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 14 genetic loci and keratoconus in an independent Chinese cohort.MethodsThis cross-sectional, case-control association study included a Chinese cohort of 133 patients with keratoconus and 371 control subjects. In a recent meta-analysis study, we identified association of 16 SNPs in 14 gene loci with keratoconus. In this study, we genotyped these 16 SNPs in all the patients and controls and analysed their association with keratoconus, its clinical severities and progression profiles. We also analysed the genotype-phenotype correlation between individual SNPs and steep keratometry, flat keratometry (Kf), average keratometry (Avg K) and best-fit sphere diameter (BFS) of the anterior and posterior corneal surface.ResultsAmong the 16 selected SNPs, rs1324183 in the MPDZ-NF1B locus showed a significant association with keratoconus (OR=2.22; 95% CI 1.42 to 3.45, p=4.30×10–4), especially severe keratoconus (OR=5.10, 95% CI 1.63 to 15.93, p=0.005). The rs1324183 A allele was positively associated with anterior Kf (p=0.008), anterior Avg K (p=0.017), posterior Kf (p=0.01) and negatively associated with apex pachymetry (p=0.007) and anterior BFS (p=0.023) in keratoconus. The other 15 SNPs had no significant association with keratoconus or genotype-phenotype correlations.ConclusionsThis study confirmed the association of SNP rs1324183 in MPDZ-NF1B with keratoconus and revealed the association of this SNP with keratoconus severity and corneal parameters. It is thus a putative genetic marker for monitoring the progression of keratoconus to a severe form and facilitating early intervention.
Antivirals for influenza-Like Illness? A randomised Controlled trial of Clinical and Cost effectiveness in primary CarE (ALIC4E): the ALIC4E protocol
Authors: Bongard Emily , van der Velden Alike W , Cook Johanna , Saville Ben , Beutels Philippe , Munck Aabenhus Rune , Brugman Curt , Chlabicz Slawomir , Coenen Samuel , Colliers Annelies , Davies Melanie , De Paor Muireann , De Sutter An , Francis Nick A , Glinz Dominik , Godycki-ćwirko Maciek , Goossens Herman , Holmes Jane , Ieven Margareta , de Jong Menno , Lindbaek Morten , Little Paul , Martinón-Torres Frederico , Moragas Ana , Pauer József , Pfeiferová Markéta , Radzeviciene-Jurgute Ruta , Sundvall Pär-Daniel , Torres Antoni , Touboul Pia , Varthalis Dionyssios , Verheij Theo , Butler Christopher C 
Published: July 2018

IntroductionEffective management of seasonal and pandemic influenza is a high priority internationally. Guidelines in many countries recommend antiviral treatment for older people and individuals with comorbidity at increased risk of complications. However, antivirals are not often prescribed in primary care in Europe, partly because its clinical and cost effectiveness has been insufficiently demonstrated by non-industry funded and pragmatic studies.Methods and analysisAntivirals for influenza-Like Illness? An rCt of Clinical and Cost effectiveness in primary CarE is a European multinational, multicentre, open-labelled, non-industry funded, pragmatic, adaptive-platform, randomised controlled trial. Initial trial arms will be best usual primary care and best usual primary care plus treatment with oseltamivir for 5 days. We aim to recruit at least 2500 participants ≥1 year presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI), with symptom duration ≤72 hours in primary care over three consecutive periods of confirmed high influenza incidence. Participant outcomes will be followed up to 28 days by diary and telephone. The primary objective is to determine whether adding antiviral treatment to best usual primary care is effective in reducing time to return to usual daily activity with fever, headache and muscle ache reduced to minor severity or less. Secondary objectives include estimating cost-effectiveness, benefits in subgroups according to age (<12, 12–64 and >64 years), severity of symptoms at presentation (low, medium and high), comorbidity (yes/no), duration of symptoms (≤48 hours/>48–72 hours), complications (hospital admission and pneumonia), use of additional prescribed medication including antibiotics, use of over-the-counter medicines and self-management of ILI symptoms.Ethics and disseminationResearch ethics committee (REC) approval was granted by the NRES Committee South Central (Oxford B) and Clinical Trial Authority (CTA) approval by The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. All participating countries gained national REC and CTA approval as required. Dissemination of results will be through peer-reviewed scientific journals and conference presentations.Trial registration numberISRCTN27908921; Pre-results.
An adapted instrument to assess informed consent comprehension among youth and parents in rural western Kenya: a validation study
Authors: Afolabi Muhammed Olanrewaju , Rennie Stuart , Hallfors Denise Dion , Kline Tracy , Zeitz Susannah , Odongo Frederick S , Amek Nyaguara O , Luseno Winnie K 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveTo adapt and validate a questionnaire originally developed in a research setting for assessment of comprehension of consent information in a different cultural and linguistic research setting.DesignThe adaptation process involved development and customisation of a questionnaire for each of the three study groups, modelled closely on the previously validated questionnaire. The three adapted draft questionnaires were further reviewed by two bioethicists and the developer of the original questionnaire for face and content validity. The revised questionnaire was subsequently programmed into an audio computerised format, with translations and back translations in three widely spoken languages by the study participants: Luo, Swahili and English.SettingThe questionnaire was validated among adolescents, their parents and young adults living in Siaya County, a rural region of western Kenya.ParticipantsTwenty-five-item adapted questionnaires consisting of close-ended, multiple-choice and open-ended questions were administered to 235 participants consisting of 107 adolescents, 92 parents and 36 young adults. Test-retest was conducted 2–4 weeks after first questionnaire administration among 74 adolescents, young adults and parents.Outcome measurePrimary outcome measures included ceiling/floor analysis to identify questions with extremes in responses and item-level correlation to determine the test-retest relationships. Given the data format, tetrachoric correlations were conducted for dichotomous items and polychoric correlations for ordinal items. The qualitative validation assessment included face and content validity evaluation of the adapted instrument by technical experts.ResultsCeiling/floor analysis showed eight question items for which >80% of one or more groups responded correctly, while for nine questions, including all seven open-ended questions,<20% responded correctly. Majority of the question items had moderate to strong test-retest correlation estimates indicating temporal stability.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that cross-cultural adaptation and validation of an informed consent comprehension questionnaire is feasible. However, further research is needed to develop a tool which can estimate a quantifiable threshold of comprehension thereby serving as an objective indicator of the need for interventions to improve comprehension.
Evaluation of a patient safety programme on Surgical Safety Checklist Compliance: a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Gillespie Brigid M , Harbeck Emma L , Lavin Joanne , Hamilton Kyra , Gardiner Therese , Withers Teresa K , Marshall Andrea P 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundSurgical Safety Checklists (SSC) have been implemented widely across 132 countries since 2008. Yet, despite associated reductions in postoperative complications and death rates, implementation of checklists in surgery remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a patient safety programme over time on SSC use and incidence of clinical errors.DesignA prospective longitudinal design over three time points and a retrospective secondary analysis of clinical incident data was undertaken.MethodsWe implemented a patient safety programme over 4 weeks to improve surgical teams’ use of the SSC. We undertook structured observations to assess surgical teams’ checklist use before and after programme implementation and conducted a retrospective audit of clinical incident data 12 months before and 12 months following implementation of the programme.ResultsThere were significant improvements in the observed use of the SSC across all phases, particularly in sign-out where completion rates ranged from 79.3% to 94.5% (p<0.0001) following programme implementation. Across clinical incident audit periods, 33 019 surgical procedures were performed. Based on a subsample of 64 cases, clinical incidents occurred in 22/16 264 (0.13%) before implementation and 42/16 755 (0.25%) cases after implementation. The most predominant incident after programme implementation was inadequate tissue specimen labelling (23/42, 54.8%). Clinical incidents resulted in minimal or no harm to the patient.ConclusionsThe benefit in using a surgical checklist lies in the potential to enhance team communications and the promotion of a team culture in which safety is the priority.
Gout and the risk of incident atrial fibrillation in older adults: a study of US Medicare data
Authors: Singh Jasvinder A , Cleveland John D 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveTo assess the association of gout with new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in the elderly.MethodsWe used the 5% Medicare data from 2005 to 2012 to assess whether a diagnosis of gout was associated with incident AF. We used multivariable Cox regression adjusted for demographics, Charlson-Romano comorbidity index, common cardiovascular medications, allopurinol and febuxostat use, to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsAmong 1 647 812 eligible people, 9.8% had incident AF. The mean age was 75 years, 42% were male, 86% were white and the mean Charlson-Romano index score was 1.52. We noted 10 604 incident AF cases in people with gout and 150 486 incident AF cases in people without gout. The crude incidence rates of AF in people with and without gout were 43.4 vs 16.3 per 1000 patient-years, respectively. After multivariable-adjustment, gout was associated with a higher HR of incident AF, 1.92 (95% CI 1.88 to 1.96), with minimal attenuation of HR in sensitivity models that replaced the Charlson-Romano index score with a categorical variable, HR was 1.91 (95% CI 1.87 to 1.95). In another model that adjusted for AF-specific risk factors including hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and coronary artery disease and individual Charlson-Romano index comorbidities, the HR was slightly attenuated at 1.71 (95% CI 1.67 to 1.75). Older age, male sex, white race and higher Charlson-Romano index score were each associated with higher hazard of incident AF.ConclusionA diagnosis of gout almost doubled the risk of incident AF in the elderly. Future studies should explore the pathogenesis of this association.
Synthesis of Extracellular Pyrophosphate Increases in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells During Phosphate-Induced Calcification
Authors: Villa-Bellosta Ricardo 
Published: July 2018

Objective—
Hydroxyapatite deposition on the medial layer of the aortic walls is the hallmark of vascular calcification and the most common complication in aging individuals and in patients with diabetes mellitus and those undergoing hemodialysis. Extracellular pyrophosphate is a potent physicochemical inhibitor of hydroxyapatite crystal formation. This study analyzed changes in extracellular pyrophosphate metabolism during the phosphate-induced calcification process.

Approach and Results—
Phosphate-induced calcification of ex vivo-cultured aortic rings resulted in calcium accumulation after 7 days. This accumulation was enhanced when aortic walls were devitalized. BMP2 (bone morphogenic protein 2) expression was associated with calcium accumulation in cultured aortic rings, as well as in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and in calcitriol-induced calcification in rats. Hydroxyapatite dose dependently induced BMP2 overexpression in VSMCs. Moreover, TNAP (tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase) mRNA levels and activity were found to be downregulated in early phases and upregulated in later phases of calcification in all 3 models studied. eNPP1 (ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1) increased from early to later phases of calcification, whereas eNTPD1 (ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1) was downregulated during later phases. Synthesis of pyrophosphate in VSMCs increased significantly over time, in all 3 models studied. Because the rate of pyrophosphate hydrolysis was 10× slower than the rate of pyrophosphate synthesis, pyrophosphate synthesis is determined mainly by the ratio of eNPP1 to eNTPD1 activity. Hydroxyapatite also induces increments both in TNAP and eNPP1/eNTPD1 ratio in VSMCs.

Conclusions—
Pyrophosphate synthesis increases in VSMCs during phosphate-induced calcification because of compensatory regulation of extracellular pyrophosphate metabolism.
Adapting and Evaluating a Health System Intervention From Kaiser Permanente to Improve Hypertension Management and Control in a Large Network of Safety-Net Clinics
Authors: Fontil Valy , Gupta Reena , Moise Nathalie , Chen Ellen , Guzman David , McCulloch Charles E. , Bibbins-Domingo Kirsten 
Published: July 2018

Background:
Nearly half of Americans with diagnosed hypertension have uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) while some integrated healthcare systems, such as Kaiser Permanente Northern California, have achieved control rates upwards 90%.

Methods and Results:

We adapted Kaiser Permanente’s evidence-based treatment protocols in a racially and ethnically diverse population at 12 safety-net clinics in the San Francisco Health Network. The intervention consisted of 4 elements: a hypertension registry, a simplified treatment intensification protocol that included fixed-dose combination medications containing diuretics, standardized BP measurement protocol, and BP check visits led by registered nurse and pharmacist staff. The study population comprised patients with hypertension who made ≥1 primary care visits within the past 24 months (n=15 917) and had a recorded BP measurement within the past 12 months. We conducted a postintervention time series analysis from August 2014 to August 2016 to assess the effect of the intervention on BP control for 24 months for the pilot site and for 15 months for 11 other San Francisco Health Network clinics combined. Secondary outcomes were changes in use of guideline-recommended medication prescribing. Rates of BP control increased at the pilot site (68%–74%;
P
<0.01) and the 11 other San Francisco Health Network clinic sites (69%–74%;
P
<0.01). Statistically significant improvements in BP control rates (
P
<0.01) at the 11 San Francisco Health Network clinic sites occurred in all racial and ethnic groups (blacks, 60%–66%; whites, 69%–75%; Latinos, 67%–72%; Asians, 78%–82%). Use of fixed-dose combination medications increased from 10% to 13% (
P
<0.01), and the percentage of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor prescriptions dispensed in combination with a thiazide diuretic increased from 36% to 40% (
P
<0.01).

Conclusions:
Evidence-based system approaches to improving BP control can be implemented in safety-net settings and could play a pivotal role in achieving improved population BP control and reducing hypertension disparities.