bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
International standardisation of the test of masticating and swallowing solids in children
Authors: Frank Ulrike , van den Engel‐Hoek Lenie , Nogueira Dália , Schindler Antonio , Adams Sasha , Curry Morgan , Huckabee Maggie‐Lee 
Published: October 2018

SummaryThe Test of Masticating and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS) is a validated assessment tool measuring the efficiency of solid bolus intake by four quantitative parameters: discrete bites, masticatory cycles, swallows and time to ingest a single cracker. A normative database for adults (20‐80+ years) has previously been established. The objective of this study was to investigate the applicability and reliability of the TOMASS in children and adolescents (TOMASS‐C) and to establish the normative database for this younger population. We collected data from 638 participants (male: 311, female: 327) in five age groups (4‐18 years) with five different but very similar test crackers in four countries. Significant effects of bolus type (cracker), age group and gender on the TOMASS parameters were identified, requiring stratification of the TOMASS‐C database by these variables. Intra‐rater reliability was excellent (ICC > 0.94) for all parameters; inter‐rater reliability was moderate for “number of swallows” (ICC = 0.54), good for “bites” (ICC = 0.78) and “time” (ICC = 0.82), and excellent for “masticatory cycles” (ICC = 0.96). The “Test of Masticating and Swallowing Solids in Children (TOMASS‐C)” was identified to be a reliable diagnostic tool for the comprehensive measurement of discrete oral stage components of solid bolus ingestion, standardised by a large normative database that covers age groups from preschoolers to young adults. While differences between gender groups were less pronounced than in the adult population, previous results relating to changes in masticatory and swallowing as a function of age are confirmed by our data.
Retrospective evaluation of toceranib phosphate (Palladia®) use in the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors of dogs
Authors: Berger Erika P. , Johannes Chad M. , Jergens Albert E. , Allenspach Karin , Powers Barbara E. , Du Yingzhou , Mochel Jonathan P. , Fox Leslie E. , Musser Margaret L. 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundGastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are uncommon intestinal neoplasms in the dog. Literature regarding adjunctive therapy for GISTs in dogs is sparse. High‐risk GISTs in humans respond to tyrosine kinase inhibition in the adjuvant setting.ObjectivesTo review cases of toceranib phosphate use in dogs with GISTs and provide initial assessment of possible biological activity. A secondary aim was to evaluate patient and tumor characteristics for possible prognostic value.AnimalsTwenty‐seven dogs with confirmed GISTs based on histopathology and immunohistochemistry treated with toceranib.MethodsRetrospective study in which cases of toceranib use in dogs with GIST were solicited using the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Oncology and Small Animal Internal Medicine listservs.ResultsFive of 7 dogs with gross disease experienced clinical benefit (71%; 3 complete responses, 1 partial response, 1 stable disease). These included 2 dogs with durable responses after toceranib discontinuation. Median progression‐free interval (PFI) in dogs with gross disease was 110 weeks (range, 36‐155 weeks). Median PFI in dogs with microscopic disease was 67 weeks (range, 9‐257 weeks). Metastasis at diagnosis (P = 0.04) and high mitotic index (P < 0.001) were associated with shorter PFI in toceranib‐treated dogs.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceBiological activity of toceranib is evident in dogs with gross disease. Metastasis of GIST at diagnosis, as well as high tumor mitotic index, was associated with shorter PFI in toceranib‐treated dogs. Larger studies are needed to define postsurgical risk and refine the use of toceranib in dogs with gross and microscopic GIST.
What in the Word! The Scope for the Effect of Word Choice on Economic Behavior
Authors: Farrow Katherine , Grolleau Gilles , Mzoughi Naoufel 
Published: October 2018

SummaryWe propose that words can be an object of systematic study in the field of economics and outline an approach to the study of word choice in behavioral economics. We consider words as strategic instruments of influence and review how they can impact behaviors in several subtle and distinctive ways, namely through their capacity to elicit affect, support identity and social belonging, evoke linguistic associations, and generate bias arising from variations in fluency. We provide a variety of examples to illustrate the behavioral impacts of words through these mechanisms and provide practical recommendations regarding how words can be harnessed by policymakers to reach socially desirable goals through a consideration of how word‐related behavioral anomalies shape incentives.
Shall We Riot Too? The Geographical Neighbor Impact on Political Instability
Authors: Grechyna Daryna 
Published: October 2018

SummaryThis paper investigates the impact of regional political instability on the political instability of a country. Our identification strategy relies on the spatial nature of international relations. We use the characteristics of the neighbors’ neighbors as the instruments for the neighbors’ political instability and regional dummies to control for common regional shocks. We show that political instability in neighboring countries has a strong positive impact on a given country's political instability. The average of neighbors’ population size appears to be a significant mediating factor behind this relationship.
Genomic data recover previously undetectable fragmentation effects in an endangered amphibian
Authors: McCartney‐Melstad Evan , Vu Jannet K. , Shaffer H. Bradley 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA critical consideration when using molecular ecological methods to detect trends and parameterize models at very fine spatial and temporal scales has always been the technical limits of resolution. Key landscape features, including most anthropogenic modifications, can cause biologically important, but very recent changes in gene flow that require substantial statistical power to detect. The problem is one of temporal scale: Human change is rapid and recent, while genetic changes accumulate slowly. We generated SNPs from thousands of nuclear loci to characterize the population structure of New York‐endangered eastern tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) on Long Island and quantify the impacts of roads on population fragmentation. In stark contrast to a recent microsatellite study, we uncovered highly structured populations over an extremely small spatial scale (approximately 40 km2) in an increasingly human‐modified landscape. Geographic distance and the presence of roads between ponds were both strong predictors of genetic divergence, suggesting that both natural and anthropogenic factors contribute to the observed patterns of genetic variation. All ponds supported small to modest effective breeding populations, and pond surface area showed a strong positive correlation with population size. None of these patterns emerged in an earlier study of the same system using microsatellite loci, and we determined that at least 300–400 SNPs were needed to recover the fine‐scale population structure present in this system. Conservation assessments using earlier genetic techniques in other species may similarly lack the statistical power for small‐scale inferences and benefit from reassessments using genomic tools.
Prevalence of low inflammatory tinea genitalis in southern China
Authors: Yin Songchao , Xie Xiaoyuan , Li Meirong , Zhou Xin , Wei Ling , Chen Zhirui , Chen Jian , Lu Chun , de Hoog Sybren , Lai Wei , Feng Peiying 
Published: October 2018

SummaryBackgroundEmergence of highly inflammatory genital dermatophyte infections has been reported from Southeast Asia. In view of this, knowledge of the non‐outbreak fungal flora of the genitals is required as a baseline study.ObjectivesWe present our 12‐year experience in a tertiary clinic with the diagnosis of scrotal fungal infections.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of patients with a diagnosis of scrotal fungal infections proven by direct microscopy and culture. Clinical, mycological and treatment data were collected.ResultsIn total, 35 male patients were identified, of which 27 concerned dermatophyte infections and eight were yeasts. Nannizzia gypsea was the most common agent (48.6%), presenting as thick pseudomembraneous lesions limited to the scrotum. Trichophyton rubrum (22.9%) and Epidermophyton floccosum (5.7%) mainly presented erythematous, dry and scaly lesions and involving more sites besides the scrotum. Candida albicans (n = 3), C. glabrata (n = 2), C. guilliermondii (n = 1) and Trichosporon asteroides (n = 1), presented various lesions. Sports, sweating and concurrent tineas are hypothesised as predisposing factors.ConclusionsThe prevalent causative agent of scrotum infections is N. gypsea, but wide species diversity is observed. All infections show mild skin inflammation. It is suggested that this genital fungal flora represents the current situation prior to clonal dermatophyte outbreaks.
Gain‐of‐function variants in the melanocortin 4 receptor gene confer susceptibility to binge eating disorder in subjects with obesity: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Qasim A. , Mayhew A. J. , Ehtesham S. , Alyass A. , Volckmar A.‐L. , Herpertz S. , Hinney A. , Hebebrand J. , Meyre D. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryThe association between coding variants in the melanocortin 4 receptor gene (MC4R) and binge eating disorder (BED) in patients with obesity is controversial. Two independent reviewers systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, BIOSIS Previews, Web of Science Core Collection and Google Scholar up to February 2018, using terms describing the MC4R gene and BED. Six of 103 identified references were included. Studies examined associations between at least one coding variant/mutation in MC4R and BED and screened for BED as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified version of the Q‐Genie tool, and overall quality of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidance. Meta‐analysis was conducted via logistic regression models. A positive association between gain‐of‐function (GOF) variants in the MC4R and BED was observed (odds ratio [OR] = 3.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.82, 5.04; p = 1.7 × 10−5), while no association was detected between loss‐of‐function (LOF) mutations and BED (OR = 1.50; 95% CI: 0.73, 2.96; p = 0.25). Similar results were found after accounting for study quality (GOF variants: OR = 3.15; 95% CI: 1.76, 5.66; p = 1.1 × 10−4; LOF mutations: OR = 1.50; 95% CI: 0.73, 2.97; p = 0.25). Our systematic review and meta‐analysis provides evidence that GOF variants as opposed to LOF mutations in MC4R are associated with BED in subjects with obesity.
Bariatric surgery and birth defects: A systematic literature review
Authors: Benjamin Renata H. , Littlejohn Sarah , Mitchell Laura E. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundBariatric procedures are on the rise. The risk of birth defects in pregnancies following such procedures may be increased (eg, due to nutrient deficiencies) or decreased (eg, due to decreased maternal body mass index, BMI).MethodsWe conducted a systematic literature review of the association between bariatric surgery and birth defects using Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed (1946‐2017). Information was abstracted on study design, exposures, outcomes, covariates and estimates of association.ResultsFifteen studies met our inclusion criteria: 14 evaluated the outcome of any birth defect, and one evaluated neural tube defects. Estimates of association between bariatric surgery and birth defects were available for nine studies and ranged from 0.6 to 1.9 (all 95% confidence intervals included 1.0). When studies were stratified by surgery type, there was no obvious pattern of association. When stratified by the approach used to account for BMI, positive associations were observed in studies that did not account for maternal prepregnancy BMI or used women with normal BMI as the reference group (range: 1.3‐1.9). Estimates from studies that either matched or adjusted for prepregnancy BMI were closer to the null (range: 1.1‐1.2) and studies that compared to morbidly obese women reported protective associations (range: 0.6‐0.7).ConclusionsStudies of the association between bariatric surgery and birth defects vary with respect to the surgical procedures included, birth defects ascertainment methods and approaches used to account for maternal BMI. Consequently, it is not possible to draw a conclusion regarding the association between bariatric surgery and birth defects. Additional studies are warranted.
Toward a sociology of autism and neurodiversity
Authors: Leveto Jessica A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDiscourse related to autism studies are multidisciplinary, applied, and extensive. Pulling from multiple disciplines and calling for interdisciplinary collaborations, I begin to construct a review of research relevant to move toward a sociology of autism and neurodiversity. I argue that sociology is positioned to utilize its epistemological and phenological strengths to provide insight as well as fill in gaps in the literature related to autism studies. I address controversies and provide structural context to the sociocultural history of the autism and neurodiversity. From Kanner and Asperger through to the DSM‐5, I outline the evolution and social construction of autism and identify sociological programs of scholarship that continue to shape (and be shaped) by understanding autism and neurodiversity. Using theoretical contributions rooted in social psychological principles of symbolic interaction, such as mind, self, solidarity, and stigma—I address how sociology is shaping scholarship related to autism and address interdisciplinary critiques of these programs. I highlight how the next generation of scholars are formulating the cutting‐edge issues for the future of research within these areas and emphasize that research programs should center work on improving the lived experiences of those on the spectrum.
The Russian elite's imperial nationalism and the Russian society: The emergence of a grand consensus
Authors: Ponarin Eduard , Komin Michael 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis article uses various Russian elite and mass survey data to explain, from a post‐structuralist perspective, the ongoing confrontation between Russia and the West. It argues that the Russian elite, in the wake of the 2013–2014 Ukrainian crisis, opted for imperial nationalism, different from either ethnic or civic varieties of nationalism, because it best suited its goals. Imperial identification eases ethnic tension within Russia and rallies the nation around its government in the face of perceived external threats. This choice finds an enthusiastic support at the mass level, contributing to rising happiness in spite of economic hardship due to rising national pride. The article also briefly discusses some implications of this momentous shift in identity politics.
Quantifying user preferences for sanitation construction and use: Application of discrete choice experiments in Amhara, Ethiopia
Authors: Goddard Frederick G. B. , Delea Maryann G. , Sclar Gloria D. , Woreta Mulat , Zewudie Kassahun , Freeman Matthew C. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo quantify stated preferences for latrine use and construction in Amhara, Ethiopia, using Discrete Choice Experiments (DCEs).MethodsWe conducted image‐based DCEs to assess preferences for latrine use (stratified by gender) and construction (among men only) in Amhara, Ethiopia. Preference was quantified using a conditional logistic model to estimate utilities and corresponding odds ratios associated with a set of latrine attributes.ResultsFor latrine use, tin roof, handwashing stations and clean latrines had the highest relative utility coefficients. Tin roof was preferred to no roof for use (Women: OR: 3.68, 95% CI: 3.18–4.25; Men: OR: 3.75, 95% CI: 3.21–4.39) and new latrine construction (5.92, 5.04–6.95). Concrete slabs, a critical aspect of improved sanitation, was not preferred to dirt floors for use (Women: 0.87, 0.75–1.00; Men: 1.03, 0.88–1.20), but was preferred for new construction (1.52, 1.30–1.78). We did not observe any trends in preference for direct (monetary) or indirect cost (labour days), so we were not able to elicit trade‐offs between latrine attributes and these costs for the construction of new latrines.ConclusionOur findings suggest similar latrine use preferences between men and women. We found that tin roofs are the most strongly preferred latrine characteristic, but concrete slabs, commonly promoted in sanitation programmes, were not preferred for use. We demonstrate the utility of DCEs to elicit stated preferences for latrine use and construction among community members who have myriad motivations for using and making improvements to their sanitation facilities, including the ease of cleaning and hygiene, durability, or privacy and comfort.
Writing, Graphic Codes, and Asynchronous Communication
Authors: Morin Olivier , Kelly Piers , Winters James 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe present a theoretical framework bearing on the evolution of written communication. We analyze writing as a special kind of graphic code. Like languages, graphic codes consist of stable, conventional mappings between symbols and meanings, but (unlike spoken or signed languages) their symbols consist of enduring images. This gives them the unique capacity to transmit information in one go across time and space. Yet this capacity usually remains quite unexploited, because most graphic codes are insufficiently informative. They may only be used for mnemonic purposes or as props for oral communication in real‐time encounters. Writing systems, unlike other graphic codes, work by encoding a natural language. This allows them to support asynchronous communication in a more powerful and versatile way than any other graphic code. Yet, writing systems will not automatically unlock the capacity to communicate asynchronously. We argue that this capacity is a rarity in non‐literate societies, and not so frequent even in literate ones. Asynchronous communication is intrinsically inefficient because asynchrony constrains the amount of information that the interlocutors share and limits possibilities for repair. This would explain why synchronous, face‐to‐face communication always fosters the development of sophisticated codes (natural languages), but similar codes for asynchronous communication evolve with more difficulties. It also implies that writing cannot have evolved, at first, for supporting asynchronous communication.
Assessment of a novel nanoparticle hyperthermia therapy in a murine model of osteosarcoma
Authors: Tuohy Joanne L. , Fogle Jonathan E. , Meichner Kristina , Borst Luke B. , Petty Christopher S. , Griffith Emily H. , Osborne Jason A. , Lascelles B. Duncan X. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of nanoparticle hyperthermia therapy on monocyte function and tumor‐derived factors associated with macrophage polarization in a murine osteosarcoma model.Study designExperimental study.AnimalsFemale C3H mice.MethodsPeripheral blood monocyte cell surface phenotype, monocyte chemotaxis, tumor messenger RNA expression, and survival were compared among osteosarcoma (OS)‐bearing mice treated with nanoparticle hyperthermia therapy, OS‐bearing mice with osteomyelitis, OS‐bearing mice, vehicle control mice, and normal control mice.ResultsOS‐bearing mice with osteomyelitis had a higher proportion of “nonclassical” monocytes (Ly6Clo) compared with all other experimental groups. There were alterations in monocyte expression of multiple chemokine receptors among experimental groups including CXCR2, CCR2, and CXCR4. Monocytes from OS‐bearing mice treated with hyperthermia therapy exhibited greater chemotaxis compared with monocytes from OS‐bearing mice with osteomyelitis.ConclusionOS likely induced alterations in monocyte phenotype and function. Nanoparticle hyperthermia therapy increased in vitro monocyte chemotaxis.Clinical impactEnhancing monocyte/macrophage function in dogs with OS may enhance antitumor immunity.
Reinfection with Streptococcus suis analysed by whole genome sequencing
Authors: Willemse Niels , van der Ende Arie , Schultsz Constance 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA butcher with chronic dermatitis presented with a second episode of Streptococcus suis meningitis, 8 years after the first episode. To distinguish between reinfection and persistent carriage, we compared the two S. suis isolates using whole genome sequencing. We investigated whole genome sequences of the S. suis isolates by means of substitution rates and population structure of closely related strains in addition to available clinical information. Genome‐wide analyses revealed an inserted region consisting of 12 genes in the first isolate and the calculated substitution rate between the isolates suggested infections were caused by highly similar, but unrelated strains. Continuous occupational exposure likely resulted in reinfection with S. suis in a butcher.
Elevation of serum anti–glucose-regulated protein 78 antibodies in neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Matsueda Yu , Arinuma Yoshiyuki , Nagai Tatsuo , Hirohata Shunsei 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveRecent studies have demonstrated that autoantibodies directed against glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) on endothelial cells promote blood–brain barrier (BBB) damages. The present study examined whether serum anti-GRP78 antibodies might be involved in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE).MethodsSerum samples were obtained from 129 patients with SLE (58 patients with diffuse psychiatric/neuropsychological syndromes of NPSLE (diffuse NPSLE), 30 with neurological syndromes (focal NPSLE), 21 with lupus nephritis (LN), 20 without NPSLE or LN (SLE alone)), from 35 patients with non-SLE rheumatic diseases (non-SLE RD) and from 24 healthy controls (HC). Anti-GRP78 levels were measured with an ELISA, using recombinant GRP78 as antigens. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were also obtained from 88 patients with NPSLE. The BBB function was evaluated by Q albumin ((CSF albumin/serum albumin)×103).ResultsSerum anti-GRP78 levels were significantly elevated in SLE compared with non-SLE RD or HC. There were no significant differences in serum anti-GRP78 levels among NPSLE, LN and SLE alone. Of note, serum anti-GRP78 levels were significantly higher in acute confusional state (ACS) than in non-ACS diffuse NPSLE (p=0.0001) or in focal NPSLE (p=0.0002). Finally, serum anti-GRP78 levels were significantly correlated with Q albumin (r=0.294, p=0.0054) in NPSLE.ConclusionThese results indicate that anti-GRP78 antibodies are associated with the development of diffuse NPSLE, especially ACS. Thus, the data suggest that anti-GRP78 antibodies might contribute to the development of ACS through the damages of BBB.