bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating alexithymia in autism: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kinnaird Emma , Stewart Catherine , Tchanturia Kate 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackground:New research suggests that, rather than representing a core feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), emotional processing difficulties reflect co-occurring alexithymia. Autistic individuals with alexithymia could therefore represent a specific subgroup of autism who may benefit from tailored interventions. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to explore the nature and prevalence of alexithymia in autism using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS).Methods:Online scientific databases were searched systematically for studies on ASD popu lations using the TAS. Meta-analyses were performed to evaluate differences in scores between the ASD and neurotypical groups, and to determine the prevalence of alexithymia in these populations.Results:15 articles comparing autistic and neurotypical (NT) groups were identified. Autistic people scored significantly higher on all scores compared to the NT group. There was also a higher prevalence of alexithymia in the ASD group (49.93% compared to 4.89%), with a significantly increased risk of alexithymia in autistic participants.Conclusions:This review highlights that alexithymia is common, rather than universal, in ASD, supporting a growing body of evidence that co-occurring autism and alexithymia represents a specific subgroup in the ASD population that may have specific clinical needs. More research is needed to understand the nature and implications of co-occurring ASD and alexithymia.
Experiences of patients with haemorrhoidal disease – a qualitative study
Authors: Tol Robin R. Van , Kimman Merel L. , Breukink Stephanie O. , Kuiper Sara Z. , Melenhorst Jarno , Stassen Laurents P.S. , Dirksen Carmen D. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Purpose To obtain a better understanding of the patients’ experiences with haemorrhoidal disease’ impact on their daily life and results of treatment by performing a qualitative study.
Method Individually interviews were conducted among patients with haemorrhoidal disease between 2016 and 2017. Each interview was recorded using an audio recorder and transcribed verbatim. A semi-structured interview guide was used with pre-specified topics, based on a previous conducted literature review. Transcripts were coded and the analysis consisted highlighting passages in the text and assigning each passage a code representing the predefined themes from the interview guide. This resulted in a three-level theme hierarchy: overarching theme, mid-level sub-theme and issues.
Results Fifteen participants underwent individual interviews of whom thirteen were conducted by telephone. The mean age was 60.7 years (35–78); five of them were female (33.3%). Pain and blood loss were the most frequently reported symptoms. Participants indicated that these symptoms were directly associated with emotional burden, daily adjustments and social impact. Before diagnosis with haemorrhoidal disease blood loss resulted in feelings of fear and next in embarrassment during social activities. In daily life participants needed to get up early, used sanitary pads for blood loss and anal ice sticks to reduce pain. Participants were often not completely satisfied with the process and outcome of treatment.
Conclusion This first qualitative study provides detailed insight into the patients’ experiences with haemorrhoidal disease, impact on daily life and results of treatment. This information may be used in daily practice to create awareness among clinicians.
A new defecographic parameter for assessing rectal emptying
Authors: Soares Fábio Alves , Fontana Juliana Portella , Lira Erivaldo Fernandes de , Silva Silvana Marques e , Gheller Alexandre , Nascimento Maurício Cotrim do 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Purpose To validate a new defecographic parameter to assess rectal empyting correlating the percentage of weight reduction of barium paste and the variation in the percentage of area reduction of rectum compared before and after defecation during cinedefecography.
Method Thirty-two consecutive female patients with dyschezia who had clinical indication for cinedefecography were selected. Their median age was 58 years old (18–78 years, mean = 55 years). During cinedefecography, we calculated the cross-sectional sagittal area of the rectum before and after defecation and, thus, the percentage of area reduction of the rectum. The percentage of weight reduction of barium paste was calculated after weighing the contrast injected into the rectum and the amount of contrast evacuated, in grams, using a scale. Finally, both percentages were compared and checked for a correlation between them. Pearson's correlation (r) and Student's t test were used for statistical analysis.
Results A correlation between evacuated barium paste and cross-sectional sagittal area of the rectum at the end of defecation was demonstrated (r = 0.668 and p < 0.0001).
Conclusion It is possible to estimate how much barium paste is evacuated based on the variations in cross-sectional sagittal area of the rectum before and after defecation, in cinedefecography.
Tri‐level transmission expansion planning under intentional attacks: virtual attacker approach – part I: formulation
Authors: Nemati Hadi , Latify Mohammad Amin , Yousefi Gholam Reza 
Published: November 2018

The first part of this two‐part paper proposes tri‐level transmission expansion planning (TTEP) under physical intentional attacks. In the first level, the network planner looks for an optimal transmission expansion plan to fortify the power network. In the second level, the attacker tries to maximise damages to the network. In the third level, the adverse effects of the attacks on the network operation are minimised by the network operator. Since the third level problem is a linear programming (LP) problem, the second and third levels are converted into a single‐level model by using primal‐dual transformation, and consequently, TTEP is converted into a bi‐level programming problem. To achieve a single‐level model, instead of assuming a unique attacker, a cooperative game of multiple virtual attackers (VAs) of which every VA is to maximise the damage by attacking one transmission line is introduced and modelled. The conditions that enforce Nash and Pareto equilibria of this game are derived as linear constraints which are lower level equivalent. By using this equivalence, the aforementioned bi‐level TTEP model is converted into a single‐level model that can be recast as a mixed integer LP problem.The numerical results are provided in the second part.
Domestic Homicide of Older People (2010–15): A Comparative Analysis of Intimate-Partner Homicide and Parricide Cases in the UK
Authors: Bows Hannah 
Published: November 2018

AbstractDespite half a century of research on both domestic violence and elder abuse, homicide of older people by a partner or family member (domestic homicide (DH)) remains largely unexplored. This article presents data drawn from a larger parent study examining homicide of older people (aged sixty and over) in the UK. This analysis is based on a subset of cases that would fall within current definitions of DH (n = 221). Analysis reveals differences in DH of older men and women in relation to the perpetrator gender and relationship and differences between intimate-partner homicides and those perpetrated by other family members. Implications for research, theory and practice are discussed.
Is statistician involvement as co-author associated with reduced time to publication of quantitative research in general medical journals? A bibliometric study
Authors: Sebo Paul , Fournier Jean Pascal , Maisonneuve Hubert 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Objective
We aimed to compare the number of submissions until acceptance and the time to publication between articles co-authored and articles not co-authored by statisticians.

Methods
We randomly selected 781 articles published in 2016 in 18 high impact factor journals of general internal medicine and primary care. For each article, we retrieved its date of submission to the journal and its first publication; we also contacted its corresponding author and asked about the number of submissions necessary from the first submission to a journal until acceptance and whether the article was co-authored by a statistician. After having excluded qualitative studies, we compared the articles co-authored with those not co-authored by statisticians in terms of number of submissions and submission-to-publication time, using negative binomial and Cox regressions, adjusted for intracluster correlations.

Results
One hundred fifty-eight authors completed the questionnaire (20%); 136 articles with quantitative design were included in the study. Overall, 63 articles (46%) were co-authored by statisticians. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of submissions (statistician group: mean 2.1 (SD 1.1) versus 2.2 (SD 1.2), P value 0.87). By contrast, we found a statistically significant difference in the submission-to-publication time (statistician group: median 211 days [interquartile range (IQR) 171] versus 260 (IQR 144); hazard ratio 1.44 (95% CI 1.01–2.03), adjusted P value 0.04).

Conclusions
Papers co-authored by statisticians have a shorter time to publication. We encourage researchers to closely involve statisticians in the design, conduct and statistical analysis of research, not only to ensure high standards of quality but also to speed up its publication.
The course of neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with dementia in primary care
Authors: Borsje Petra , Lucassen Peter L B J , Bor Hans , Wetzels Roland B , Pot Anne Margriet , Koopmans Raymond T C M 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Background
During the course of dementia, most people develop some type of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), which result in lower quality of life, high caregiver burden, psychotropic drug use and a major risk of institutionalization. Studies on NPS in people with dementia have been mainly conducted in clinical centres or psychiatric services.

Objectives
To investigate the course of NPS in people with dementia in primary care.

Methods
Analysis of (cumulative) prevalence and incidence, persistence and resolution based on data collected during an assessment at home of a prospective naturalistic cohort study in primary care in a sample of 117 people with dementia and their informal caregivers. Subsyndromes of NPS were assessed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory. Multivariate analyses were used to detect determinants for the course of NPS.

Results
The mean age of the people with dementia was 78.6 years, and 52% were female. Mean Mini-Mental State Examination total score was 19.5, mean NPI total score 15.7. The most prevalent clinically relevant subsyndromes of the NPI were hyperactivity and mood/apathy, and the most prevalent individual NPS were aberrant motor behaviour (28%), agitation/aggression (24%) and apathy/indifference (22%). Of the people with dementia, 72.3% had one or more symptoms of the mood/apathy and 75.3% of the hyperactivity subsyndrome.

Conclusions
GPs should be aware of NPS in people with dementia and should actively identify them when they visit these patients or when informal caregivers consult them. Timely diagnosing facilitates adequate professional care.
Risk factors for noncatheter-related Candida bloodstream infections in intensive care units: A multicenter case-control study
Authors: Arslan Ferhat , Caskurlu Hulya , Sarı Sema , Dal Hayriye Cankar , Turan Sema , Sengel Buket Erturk , Gul Fethi , Yesilbag Zuhal , Eren Gulay , Temel Sahin , Alp Emine , Gol Serin Basak , Kose Sukran , Calık Sebnem , Tuncel Zeki Tekgul , Senbayrak Seniha , Sarı Ahmet , Karagoz Gul , Tomruk Senay Goksu , Sen Betul , Hizarci Burcu , Vahaboglu Haluk 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Candida bloodstream infections are associated with high mortality among critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Studies that explore the risk factors for candidemia may support better patient care in intensive care units. We conducted a retrospective, multicenter case-control study to investigate the risk factors for noncatheter-related Candida bloodstream infections (CBSI) in adult ICUs. Participants selected controls randomly on a 1:1 basis among all noncase patients stayed during the same period in ICUs. Data on 139 cases and 140 controls were deemed eligible. Among the controls, 69 patients died. The stratified Fine-Gray model was used to estimate the subdistribution Hazard ratios. The subdistribution hazards and 95% confidence intervals for final covariates were as follows: prior exposure to antimycotic agents, 2.21 (1.56–3.14); prior exposure to N-acetylcysteine, 0.11 (0.03–0.34) and prior surgical intervention, 1.26 (0.76–2.11). Of the patients, those exposed to antimycotic drugs, 87.1% (54/62) had breakthrough candidemia. Serious renal, hepatic, or hematologic side effects were comparable between patients those exposed and not-exposed to systemic antimycotic drugs. Untargeted administration of antimycotic drugs did not improve survival among candidemic patients (not-exposed, 63.6% [49/77]; exposed % 66.1 [41/62]; P = .899). This study documented that exposure to an antifungal agent is associated with increased the risk of subsequent development of CBSIs among nonneutropenic adult patients admitted to the ICU. Only two centers regularly prescribed N-acetylcysteine. Due to the limited number of subjects, we interpreted the positive effect of N-acetylcysteine on the absolute risk of CBSIs with caution.
Complement C7is a novel risk gene for Alzheimer's disease in Han Chinese
Authors: Zhang Deng-Feng , Fan Yu , Xu Min , Wang Guihong , Wang Dong , Li Jin , Kong Li-Li , Zhou Hejiang , Luo Rongcan , Bi Rui , Wu Yong , Li Guo-Dong ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), Li Ming , Luo Xiong-Jian , Jiang Hong-Yan , Tan Liwen , Zhong Chunjiu , Fang Yiru , Zhang Chen , Sheng Nengyin , Jiang Tianzi , Yao Yong-Gang 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAlzheimer's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease, and has a high level of genetic heritability and population heterogeneity. In this study, we performed the whole-exome sequencing of Han Chinese patients with familial and/or early-onset Alzheimer's disease, followed by independent validation, imaging analysis and function characterization. We identified an exome-wide significant rare missense variant rs3792646 (p.K420Q) in the C7 gene in the discovery stage (P = 1.09 × 10−6, odds ratio = 7.853) and confirmed the association in different cohorts and a combined sample (1615 cases and 2832 controls, Pcombined = 2.99 × 10−7, odds ratio = 1.930). The risk allele was associated with decreased hippocampal volume and poorer working memory performance in early adulthood, thus resulting in an earlier age of disease onset. Overexpression of the mutant p.K420Q disturbed cell viability, immune activation and β-amyloid processing. Electrophysiological analyses showed that the mutant p.K420Q impairs the inhibitory effect of wild type C7 on the excitatory synaptic transmission in pyramidal neurons. These findings suggested that C7 is a novel risk gene for Alzheimer's disease in Han Chinese.
HMGB1 gene polymorphism is associated with coronary artery lesions and intravenous immunoglobulin resistance in Kawasaki disease
Authors: Ahn Jong Gyun , Bae Yoonsun , Shin Dongjik , Nam Jiho , Kim Kyu Yeun , Kim Dong Soo 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectivesKawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vasculitis of unknown aetiology that affects infants and young children. Recent reports of elevated serum high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) level during the acute phase of KD and its relationship to poor response to IVIG treatment suggest a possible association of HMGB1 polymorphisms with KD. We investigated the association between the polymorphisms of the HMGB1 gene, KD susceptibility, coronary artery lesions, and KD response to IVIG treatment.MethodsWhole genome sequencing of the HMGB1 gene was performed to identify causative variants. Two tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms of the HMGB1 gene were selected using linkage disequilibrium analysis. The tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped using the TaqMan Allelic Discrimination assay in a total of 468 subjects (265 KD patients and 203 controls).ResultsThe HMGB1 single nucleotide polymorphisms were not associated with KD susceptibility. However, in KD patients, there was a significant association of rs1412125 with coronary artery lesions formation in the recessive model (GG vs AA + GA: odds ratio = 4.98, 95% CI = 1.69–14.66, P = 0.005). In addition, rs1412125 was associated with IVIG resistance in the recessive (GG vs AA + GA: odds ratio = 4.11, 95% CI = 1.38–12.23, P = 0.017) and allelic models (G vs A: odds ratio = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.06–3.06, P = 0.027).ConclusionThe rs1412125 in HMGB1 might be a risk factor for the development of coronary artery lesions and IVIG resistance in KD patients.
THE STRUCTURE OF Hp(0.07) VALUES OBTAINED BY THE NUCLEAR MEDICINE PERSONNEL DURING 18F-FDG PRODUCTION AND INJECTION
Authors: Wrzesień Małgorzata , Albiniak Łukasz , Biegała Michał 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
The production of 18F-FDG is a multi-stage process, which includes not only obtaining the marker and labelling the radiopharmaceutical but also carrying out the quality control of the obtained compound. The staff can be exposed to ionizing radiation at any stage of production. This article presents the results of hands exposure of staff members employed in a facility, where 18F-FDG is produced and injected into patients. High-sensitivity thermoluminescent detectors (MCP-N) were used for measurements. The measurements were conducted with regard to the occupational structure the employees and the performed procedures. The obtained results showed that the highest risk of radiation exposure for personnel was associated with the quality control of the radiopharmaceutical. The daily doses registered by MCP-N detectors on fingertips reached 4.5 mSv, which may result in exceeding the annual radiation limit of 500 mSv.
Reassessing “Praecox Feeling” in Diagnostic Decision Making in Schizophrenia: A Critical Review
Authors: Gozé Tudi , Moskalewicz Marcin , Schwartz Michael A , Naudin Jean , Micoulaud-Franchi Jean-Arthur , Cermolacce Michel 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe “Praecox Feeling” (PF) is a classical concept referring to a characteristic feeling of bizarreness experienced by a psychiatrist while encountering a person with schizophrenia. Although the PF used to be considered a core symptom of the schizophrenia spectrum, it fell into disuse since the spread of operationalized diagnostic methods (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders/International Classification of Diseases systems). In contemporary research on schizophrenia, it remains largely unaddressed. This critical review investigates the evolution of the PF in historical and contemporary literature and presents an exhaustive overview of empirical evidence on its prevalence in clinical decision making, its reliability and validity. The review demonstrates that the PF is a real determinant of medical decision making in schizophrenia, although, without further research, there is not enough evidence to sustain its rehabilitation as a reliable and valid clinical criterion. PF-like experiences should not be opposed to any criteriological attitude in diagnosis and would be clinically useful if the conditions of descriptive precaution and rigorous epistemology are maintained. The aim of teaching clinical expertise is to transform this basic experience into a well-founded clinical judgment. Finally, the article discusses the possible relevance of the PF for basic science and clinical research according to a translational approach inspired by phenomenology.
Religious Conservatives and TV News: Are They More Likely to be Religiously Offended?
Authors: Thomson Robert A , Park Jerry Z , Kendall Diana 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPartisan selectivity of news media and attitudinal polarization are linked, yet the bulk of research focuses on the role of political attitudes while neglecting religious dispositions. We consider the degree to which both network and cable news media offend viewers in terms of both politics and religion. Using data from the 2010 Baylor Religion Survey, we find that white evangelicals have higher odds than mainline Protestants of reporting taking offense from the evening news, as well as higher odds than religious non-affiliates of being offended by both types of news. The primary divide, however, was between affiliates and non-affiliates, as biblical literalism and religious exclusivism at least partially mediated differences between white evangelicals and mainliners in taking offense from the evening news. Religious service attendance at least partially mediated differences between affiliates and non-affiliates in taking offense from both types of news, but while political conservatism explained differences in being offended by the evening news, it was not a significant predictor of taking offense from cable news. We suggest that this is due to processes of media differentiation that make cable news an equal-opportunity offender.
Will precision medicine be available for all patients in the near future?
Authors: Gómez René Maximiliano , Ansotegui Ignacio , Canonica Giorgio W. 
Published: November 2018

Purpose of review
Evidence-based medicine and guidelines directing the diagnosis and treatment of patients are changing. General recommendations are moving towards an individual focus, where technology evolution allows identification of specific patterns and where ‘one size fits all’ no longer has a place.

Recent findings
Emerging innovations on health technology include useful tools for individualizing patients’ specific conditions and follow-up. There are several preventive initiatives that aim to reduce allergic disease development, but they have no generalizable and definitive results as yet. Both omics and molecular diagnosis have provided the basis for differentiating clusters of patients, both allowing prediction of severity and also indicating appropriate management. Here we discuss examples contributing to some specific conditions we are now facing.

Summary
Precision medicine encompasses a personalized care of the patient, the prediction of a successful treatment, the potential prevention of a disease and its progression when present and the important active participation of the patient in the planning and guidance of the approach and management. Technology and medical innovations like omics and molecular diagnosis help for discriminating specific phenotypes/endotypes and the correct individualized interventions. The great challenge for implementing precision medicine will be the possibility of providing those advances to everyone at affordable costs.

Conclusion
Technology and innovations in medicine are aimed to help all patients globally, providing evidence for particular conditions that need to be personally considered, involving the patient's decision while treating, predicting and preventing disease. Our aim should be to have precision medicine available everywhere at any time.