bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rhinosinusitis symptoms, smoking and COPD: Prevalence and associations
Authors: Caminha Guilherme Pilla , Pizzichini Emilio , Lubianca Neto José Faibes , Hopkins Claire , Moreira José da Silva , Pizzichini Marcia Margaret Menezes 
Published: August 2018

Objective (s)To estimate the prevalence and associations among rhinosinusitis symptoms, smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingPopulation‐based.ParticipantsAll adults aged 40 years or more living in the selected households in the city of Florianópolis (Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil).Main outcome measuresAssessment instruments comprised household interviews, anthropometric measurements and spirometry. Rhinosinusitis symptoms were based on the responses to the 22‐item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) questionnaire; smoking status was defined by the criteria of the CDC, and the functional diagnosis of COPD was done by spirometry.ResultsThe prevalence (n = 1056) of rhinosinusitis symptoms, smoking and COPD was 14.7%, 17.9% and 8.7%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that, with the exception of COPD, all other clinical variables (smoking, previous diagnosis of rhinitis, previous diagnosis of gastritis/ulcer/gastroesophageal reflux, and symptoms of depression) remained associated with higher prevalence of rhinosinusitis symptoms.ConclusionsRhinosinusitis symptoms were common both in smokers and in patients with COPD. However, only tobacco was significantly associated with rhinosinusitis symptoms and can act as a cofounder in the association between COPD and rhinosinusitis symptoms.
Frog occupancy of polluted wetlands in urban landscapes
Authors: Sievers Michael , Hale Robin , Swearer Stephen E. , Parris Kirsten M. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractUrban sprawl and the rising popularity of water‐sensitive urban design of urban landscapes has led to a global surge in the number of wetlands constructed to collect and treat stormwater runoff in cities. However, contaminants, such as heavy metals and pesticides, in stormwater adversely affect the survival, growth, and reproduction of animals inhabiting these wetlands. A key question is whether wildlife can identify and avoid highly polluted wetlands. We investigated whether pond‐breeding frogs are attempting to breed in wetlands that affect the fitness of their offspring across 67 urban wetlands in Melbourne, Australia. Frog species richness and the concentration of contaminants (heavy metals and pesticides) were not significantly related, even in the most polluted wetlands. The proportion of fringing vegetation at a wetland had the greatest positive influence on the number of frog species present and the probability of occurrence of individual species, indicating that frogs inhabited wetlands with abundant vegetation, regardless of their pollution status. These wetlands contained contaminant levels similar to urban wetlands around the world at levels that reduce larval amphibian survival. These results are, thus, likely generalizable to other areas, suggesting that urban managers could inadvertently be creating ecological traps in countless cities. Wetlands are important tools for the management of urban stormwater runoff, but their construction should not facilitate declines in wetland‐dependent urban wildlife.
Health‐related quality of life and long‐term outcomes after endoscopic therapy for walled‐off pancreatic necrosis
Authors: Smith Zachary L. , Gregory Martin H. , Elsner Jeffrey , Alajlan Bader A. , Kodali Divya , Hollander Thomas , Sayuk Gregory S. , Lang Gabriel D. , Das Koushik K. , Mullady Daniel K. , Early Dayna S. , Kushnir Vladimir M. 
Published: August 2018

Background and AimWalled‐off pancreatic necrosis (WON) frequently develops after necrotizing pancreatitis. Endoscopic drainage has become the preferred modality for symptomatic or infected WON. The aim of the present study was to assess health‐related quality of life (HR‐QOL) and long‐term outcomes in patients undergoing endoscopic drainage for WON.MethodsPatients undergoing endoscopic drainage of WON from January 2006 to May 2016 were identified. Data recorded included demographic information, and the incidence of long‐term sequelae including pancreatic endocrine and exocrine insufficiency. Attempts were made to contact all patients. HR‐QOL was assessed using the SF‐36 questionnaire.ResultsEighty patients were analyzed, 41 (51.3%) of whom completed the SF‐36. One‐year all‐cause mortality was 6.2%, and disease‐related mortality was 3.7%. A notable proportion of patients developed exocrine insufficiency (32.5%), endocrine insufficiency (27.7%), and long‐term opiate use (42.5%). Development of exocrine insufficiency was predictive of lower total SF‐36 scores (P = 0.016). Patients with WON had better HR‐QOL compared with cohorts of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In patients developing exocrine insufficiency versus healthy controls, poorer scores in the physical role (P < 0.001), general health (P < 0.001), vitality (P = 0.001), and emotional role (P = 0.029) domains were observed. Exocrine insufficiency patients had better HR‐QOL than the IBS and IBD cohorts, although these differences were less pronounced.ConclusionAfter undergoing endoscopic drainage for WON, patients have relatively preserved HR‐QOL. The subset of patients that develop exocrine insufficiency have significantly poorer HR‐QOL compared to healthy controls, although not to the degree of chronic gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS and IBD.
Child and Adolescent Intellectual Disability Screening Questionnaire to identify children with intellectual disability
Authors: McKenzie Karen , Murray George , Murray Aja , Delahunty Lauren , Hutton Linda , Murray Kara , O'Hare Anne 
Published: August 2018

AimTo evaluate the psychometric properties of the Child and Adolescent Intellectual Disability Screening Questionnaire (CAIDS‐Q) in paediatric neurodevelopment clinics.MethodParticipants were 181 children (aged 6–18y) attending paediatric services in Scotland, divided into three age groups according to previous CAIDS‐Q standardization cut‐off scores. Fifty‐four children (37 males, 17 females; mean age 117mo [SD 29.9mo]) met the criteria for intellectual disability and 127 did not (88 males, 39 females; mean age 120.1mo [SD 32.7mo]). A number of psychometric properties of the CAIDS‐Q were evaluated, including test–retest and interrater reliability, convergent validity, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values based on existing cut‐off scores.ResultsSignificant positive relationships were found for all three age groups between CAIDS‐Q scores and measures of intellectual and adaptive functioning. Test–retest reliability ranged from ‘moderate’ to ‘almost perfect’, whereas interrater reliability ranged from ‘fair’ to ‘almost perfect’. Sensitivity and positive predictive value were 100% for all groups and specificity was between 83% and 94%, depending on age. Negative predictive values ranged from 75% to 91%.InterpretationThe CAIDS‐Q appears to show psychometric properties that support its use as a screen for intellectual disability in paediatric neurodevelopmental settings.What this paper adds

The Child and Adolescent Intellectual Disability Screening Questionnaire showed good psychometric properties.

It identified all participating children who met the criteria for intellectual disability.

Between 83% and 94% of children without intellectual disability were also correctly identified.
Left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction quantification using an automated three‐dimensional adaptive analytic echocardiographic algorithm in pediatric population
Authors: Carvajal‐Rivera José J. , López‐Quintero Johanna C. , González‐Menchén Cristina , de Agustín José Alberto , Macaya Carlos , Pérez de Isla Leopoldo 
Published: August 2018

IntroductionThe quantitative measurement of the left ventricle by echocardiography is a fundamental tool in the diagnosis and prognosis of acquired and congenital diseases in the pediatric population. The objective of this study was to validate an automated three‐dimensional adaptive analytic echocardiographic algorithm, the so‐called Heart Model® (HM) in the pediatric population, using as comparators the left atrial and left ventricular volumes and left ventricular ejection fraction obtained by means of conventional 2D and 3D echocardiography.MethodsPilot study, where a population comprised of 75 consecutive patients aged 6–17 years who attended a pediatric cardiology clinic, was evaluated. Every patient underwent a conventional 2D and 3D echocardiography and an analysis using HM. Conventional 3D echo was used as the reference method.ResultsSeventy‐five patients were analyzed. Mean age was 11.2 (4.0) years (52.2% women). The intraclass correlation coefficient of HM vs 2D echo was poor, but it was good for the agreement between HM and 3D echo for left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (ICC: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.97–0.99; P < 0.001), left ventricular end‐systolic volume ICC: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.96–0.99; P = 0.001), and left ventricular ejection fraction (ICC: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.78–0.92; P < 0.001). The agreement was also good for the three parameters when the analysis was performed according to body weight.ConclusionsHeart Model® is a feasible and accurate tool for the evaluation of left atrial and left ventricular volumes and left ventricular ejection fraction in pediatric population aged above 6 years.
Implementation of the modified four‐step approach method for teaching echocardiography using the FATE protocol—A pilot study
Authors: Skrzypek Agnieszka , Górecki Tomasz , Krawczyk Paweł , Podolec Mateusz , Cebula Grzegorz , Jabłoński Konrad , Szeliga Marta , Nowakowski Michał 
Published: August 2018

IntroductionPeyton's four‐step approach is well‐known and commonly used in medical education. It is a practical and useful method which is simple to apply. The study presents the implementation of the modified four‐step approach method to teach how to perform the emergency echocardiographic assessment according to FATE (Focus‐Assessed Transthoracic Echo) protocol. The aim of the study was to determine the feasibility and utility of this method FATE protocol teaching.DesignWe collected students' feedback relating to perception of this way of teaching. Based on a semistructured interview conducted with the students, as well as an evaluation of the electronic survey, it has been demonstrated that the four‐step method is useful for teaching emergency echocardiographic assessment.SettingOne Polish medical school.ParticipantsThe classes were run in small groups as part of an elective ultrasound course for the fourth‐ and fifth‐year students of the Faculty of Medicine of the Medical College. Twenty‐two students were trained.ResultsBased on the opinions of the participants of the elective course and the teacher conducting the classes, which involved the use of the modified Peyton's four‐step method in teaching echocardiography in emergency cases according to the FATE protocol, it has been determined that the four‐step method is effective in imaging training. All participants claim that this method is clear and understandable. Advantages of the methodological approach: a slow‐motion demonstration by the instructor, accompanied by the commentary on the activities undertaken and practical exercises performed by the participants, learning through repetition, requirement of constant concentration.ConclusionsPeyton's approach allows to use of the class time in maximal extend by consolidating new information and facilitating memorization through adequate instructor guidance and observation of the training of the peer students and repetition of the skills acquired.
Trade liberalization and the wage–skill premium: Evidence from Vietnamese manufacturing
Authors: Bhattacharya Mita , Nguyen Kien Trung 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis paper examines the wage–skill premium in Vietnamese manufacturing since the reform programme. The effects of tariff reductions on the wage–skill premium are analyzed in the presence of exporting opportunities, foreign investment, and research and development. The findings with firm‐level data reveal that a 10‐ percentage point fall in output tariffs is associated with a 4 percent increase in the wage–skill premium. The wage–skill premium in foreign‐invested enterprises is 40 percent higher than that of domestic enterprises. Trade liberalization influences the wage–skill premium in the presence of foreign ownership and R&D, while its impact on the skill premium only works through exporting.
Long‐term outcomes of status epilepticus: A critical assessment
Authors: Sculier Claudine , Gaínza‐Lein Marina , Sánchez Fernández Iván , Loddenkemper Tobias 
Published: August 2018

SummaryWe reviewed 37 studies reporting long‐term outcomes after a status epilepticus (SE) episode in pediatric and adult populations. Study design, length of follow‐up, outcome measures, domains investigated (mortality, SE recurrence, subsequent epilepsy, cognitive outcome, functional outcome, or quality of life), and predictors of long‐term outcomes are summarized. Despite heterogeneity in the design of prior studies, overall risk of poor long‐term outcome after SE is high in both children and adults. Etiology is the main determinant of outcome, and the effect of age or SE duration is often difficult to distinguish from the underlying cause. The effect of the treatment on long‐term outcome after SE is still unknown.
Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis is infrequently associated with neuronal autoantibodies
Authors: Nóbrega‐Jr Adaucto W. , Gregory Christian P. , Schlindwein‐Zanini Rachel , Neves Fabricio de Souza , Wolf Peter , Walz Roger , Steindel Mario , Lin Katia 
Published: August 2018

SummaryMesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE‐HS) is characterized by its well‐defined clinical profile. Limbic encephalitis is increasingly recognized as a possible etiology of adult‐onset MTLE‐HS, and neuronal autoantibodies have been detected in patients even without previous signs of encephalitis. The aim of this study is to analyze the frequency of specific autoantibodies in patients with MTLE‐HS. A case‐control study was carried out with 100 patients with MTLE‐HS and 50 healthy controls. Sera samples from subjects were tested by indirect immunofluorescence assay for detection of anti‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDA‐R), anti‐contactin‐associated protein‐like 2 (CASPR2), anti‐leucine‐rich glioma inactivated 1 (LGI1), anti‐gamma aminobutyric acid B receptor (GABA‐B‐R), anti‐alpha‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid 1 and 2 receptors (AMPA‐1‐R and AMPA‐2‐R), and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for detection of anti‐glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65). Mean age of patients and controls was 41.2 vs 42 years, and 55% vs 56% were female. Mean duration of epilepsy was 27.2 years. No neuronal autoantibodies were found in either group, except for anti‐GAD65 in 3 patients and 2 controls. This study adds to the mounting evidence that, in Brazilian patients, MTLE‐HS without signs and symptoms of autoimmune encephalitis may be infrequently associated with these autoantibodies. Differences regarding accuracy of used methodologies for autoantibody detection and genetic and environmental characteristics are discussed. Further works with different methodologies tested simultaneously in different populations may help clarify the incongruent study results about autoantibodies in MTLE‐HS.
Behavioural thermoregulation and climatic range restriction in the globally threatened Ethiopian Bush‐crow Zavattariornis stresemanni
Authors: Bladon Andrew J. , Donald Paul F. , Jones Samuel E.I. , Collar Nigel J. , Deng Jarso , Dadacha Galgalo , Abebe Yilma D. , Green Rhys E. 
Published: August 2018

Climate may influence the distribution and abundance of a species through a number of demographic and ecological processes, but the proximate drivers of such responses are only recently being identified. The Ethiopian Bush‐crow Zavattariornis stresemanni is a starling‐like corvid that is restricted to a small region of southern Ethiopia. It is classified as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of globally threatened species. Previous work suggested that this range restriction is almost perfectly defined by a climate envelope that is cooler than surrounding areas, but the proximate mechanism remains unexplained. The heavily altered habitats which the species inhabits are widespread across Africa, and recent work has shown that the Bush‐crow is behaviourally adaptable and has a catholic diet. We assess whether its enigmatic distribution can be explained by behavioural responses to the higher temperatures that surround its current range. Using environmental niche models and field observations of thermally mediated behaviour, we compare the range restriction and behavioural thermoregulation of the Ethiopian Bush‐crow with those of two sympatric control species that are similar in size and ecology, but have much larger ranges that include hotter environments. White‐crowned Starling Lamprotornis albicapillus and Superb Starling L. superbus occupy similar habitats to the Ethiopian Bush‐crow and all three frequently forage together. We found that the Bush‐crow's range is limited primarily by temperature, with a secondary effect of dry season rainfall, whereas the ranges of the two starling species are better predicted by wet season rainfall alone. Bush‐crows exhibited panting behaviour and moved into the shade of trees at significantly lower ambient temperatures than did the starlings, and their food intake declined more steeply with increasing temperature. These results indicate that the limited geographical range of the Bush‐crow reflects an inability to cope with higher temperatures. This suggests that a species' response to climate change might not be easily predicted by its ecological generalism, and may represent an inherited debt from its evolutionary history.
Weak breeding seasonality of a songbird in a seasonally arid tropical environment arises from individual flexibility and strongly seasonal moult
Authors: Nwaogu Chima J. , Tieleman B. Irene , Cresswell Will 
Published: August 2018

In some tropical birds, breeding seasonality is weak at the population level, even where there are predictable seasonal peaks in environmental conditions. It therefore remains unclear whether individuals are adapted to breeding at specific times of the year or flexible to variable environmental conditions. We tested whether the relative year‐round breeding activity of the Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus arises due to within‐individual variability in breeding dates. We collected data from 827 birds via mist‐netting over 2 years with corresponding local weather data. We used a combination of climate envelope and generalized linear mixed models to explore how the timing of breeding is influenced by time of year, individual variation, rainfall and temperature in a West African savannah where seasonal precipitation determines annual variation in environmental conditions. We also pooled 65 breeding records from 19 individuals recorded between 2006 and 2017 based on brood patch occurrence and behavioural observation to compare within‐individual and population variability in breeding dates. We show that the breeding dates of individuals may be as variable as for the population as a whole. However, we observed a seasonal peak in juvenile occurrence that varies significantly between years. Models suggest no relationship between nesting and moult, and within‐year variation in rainfall and temperature, and birds were unlikely to breed during moult but may do so afterwards. Moult was very seasonal, correlating strongly with day length. We suggest that because environmental conditions permit year‐round breeding, and because reproductive output is subject to high predation risk, there is probably a weak selection for individuals to match breeding with variable peak conditions in the environment. Instead, moult, which always occurs annually and successfully, is probably under strong selection to match variable peak conditions in the environment so that long‐term survival ensures future reproduction.
GlycA is not a useful biomarker of inflammation in sickle cell disease
Authors: Weisman Julie K. , Meeks Daveena , Mendelsohn Laurel , Remaley Alan T. , Sampson Maureen , Allen Darlene T. , Nichols Jim , Shet Arun S. , Thein Swee Lay 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIntroductionSickle cell disease (SCD) is a multisystemic disorder, the pathology being driven by recurrent inflammation particularly during a vaso‐occlusive crisis. GlycA, a composite measure of protein glycation, is a sensitive biomarker for disorders associated with vascular inflammation. We determined the utility of GlycA as a biomarker of inflammation in SCD.MethodsStored plasma samples from patients with SCD recruited to two clinical studies were analyzed. One study encompasses 488 patient samples with SCD (HbSS, HbSβ0 and HbSC) at steady state and 52 race‐matched, healthy controls. The other study included paired plasma samples during steady state and acute pain crisis from (HbSS) patients with SCD. Plasma GlycA was measured using a proton NMR on the Vantera® Clinical Analyzer. We performed analysis comparing patients with SCD, healthy controls, and paired samples analysis.ResultsThe mean plasma GlycA level was lower in SCD compared with healthy controls (324.6 ± 70.4 μmol/L vs. 386.3 ± 74.6 μmol/L, P < 0.0001). Within the same patient, mean plasma GlycA during acute pain crisis was lower than steady state, although the difference was not significant (300.5 ± 36.3 μmol/L vs 314.2 ± 34.8 μmol/L, P = 0.020). Plasma GlycA correlated inversely with serum LDH (P = 0.009).ConclusionGlycA is not a suitable biomarker of inflammation in SCD. We surmise that its signal is confounded by hemolysis leading to a depletion of haptoglobin, one of the major plasma proteins included in the composite NMR signal. Hemolysis is further exacerbated during an acute pain crisis, hence the lower GlycA levels in crisis compared to steady state.
Diabetes of the exocrine pancreas
Authors: Wynne Katie , Devereaux Benedict , Dornhorst Anne 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDiabetes of the exocrine pancreas (DEP) is a form of diabetes that occurs due to pancreatic disease. It is far more common than has been previously considered, with a recent study showing 1.8% of adults with new‐onset diabetes should have been classified as DEP. The majority is misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Patients with DEP exhibit varying degrees of exocrine and endocrine dysfunction. Damage to the islet of Langerhans effects the secretion of hormones from the β, α, and pancreatic polypeptide cells; the combination of low insulin, glucagon, and pancreatic polypeptide contributes to rapid fluctuations in glucose levels. This form of “brittle diabetes” may result in the poorer glycemic control observed in patients with DEP, when compared with those with T2DM.Diabetes of the exocrine pancreas has a different natural history to other forms of diabetes; patients are more likely to require early insulin initiation compared with those with T2DM. Therefore, individuals with DEP should be advised about the symptoms of decompensated hyperglycemia, although they are less likely to develop ketoacidosis.Clinicians should screen for DEP in patients with acute or chronic pancreatitis, following pancreatic resection, or with co‐existing cystic fibrosis or hemochromatosis. Incident diabetes may herald the onset of pancreatic ductal carcinoma in a small subset of patients.Once identified, patients with DEP can benefit from specific lifestyle advice, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, metformin treatment, appropriate insulin dosing, and monitoring. Further research is needed to establish the ideal treatment regimens to provide optimal clinical outcomes for this unique form of diabetes.