bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Digital 12‐Lead ECG and Digital 12‐Lead Holter ECG Recordings in Healthy Male Subjects: Results from a Randomized, Double‐Blinded, Placebo‐Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Wang Duolao , Bakhai Ameet , Arezina Radivoj , Täubel Jörg 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundElectrocardiogram (ECG) variability is greatly affected by the ECG recording method. This study aims to compare Holter and standard ECG recording methods in terms of central locations and variations of ECG data.MethodsWe used the ECG data from a double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, randomized clinical trial and used a mixed model approach to assess the agreement between two methods in central locations and variations of eight ECG parameters (Heart Rate, PR, QRS, QT, RR, QTcB, QTcF, and QTcI intervals).ResultsA total of 34 heathy male subjects with mean age of 25.7 ± 4.78 years were randomized to receive either active drug or placebo. Digital 12‐lead ECG and digital 12‐lead Holter ECG recordings were performed to assess ECG variability. There are no significant differences in least square mean between the Holter and the standard method for all ECG parameters. The total variance is consistently higher for the Holter method than the standard method for all ECG parameters except for QRS. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values for the Holter method are consistently lower than those for the standard method for all ECG parameters except for QRS, in particular, the ICC for QTcF is reduced from 0.86 for the standard method to 0.67 for the Holter method.ConclusionsThis study suggests that Holter ECGs recorded in a controlled environment are not significantly different but more variable than those from the standard method.
Expression of estrogen receptor 1 and progesterone receptor in primary goat mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Ogorevc Jernej , Dovč Peter 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe exact role and sensitivity of cells to estrogen and progesterone mediated through the steroid receptors during lactation is not known. Expression of estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) and progesterone receptor (PGR) was quantified in mammary tissue‐derived primary goat mammary epithelial cells (pgMECs) to determine the influence of donor tissue physiology (lactating and juvenile) and cell culture growth conditions (basal and lactogenic) on ESR1 and PGR expression in the derived cells. Relative messenger RNA (mRNA) levels for both receptors were the highest in cell lines derived from mammary tissue of juvenile goats. Maintaining pgMECs in lactogenic conditions resulted in up‐regulation of ESR1 (1.36‐ to 12.35‐fold) and in down‐regulation of PGR (‐2.53‐ to ‐3.62‐fold), compared to basal conditions. Based on Western blotting analysis we suggest that the differences in mRNA expression are translated to the protein level. We suggest that differential expression in lactating conditions is correlated with terminal differentiation of the pgMECs. Double immunostainings showed that estrogen receptor alpha (ER‐α) positive cells do not exclusively belong to the luminal lineage and that ER‐α and PGR can be expressed individually or co‐expressed in the pgMECs. The derived primary cultures/lines in early passages are hormone‐responsive and represent a useful surrogate for mammary tissue in research experiments.
Adverse drug event reporting systems: a systematic review
Authors: Bailey Chantelle , Peddie David , Wickham Maeve E. , Badke Katherin , Small Serena S. , Doyle‐Waters Mary M. , Balka Ellen , Hohl Corinne M. 
Published: March 2016

AimAdverse drug events (ADEs) are harmful and unintended consequences of medications. Their reporting is essential for drug safety monitoring and research, but it has not been standardized internationally. Our aim was to synthesize information about the type and variety of data collected within ADE reporting systems.MethodsWe developed a systematic search strategy, applied it to four electronic databases, and completed an electronic grey literature search. Two authors reviewed titles and abstracts, and all eligible full‐texts. We extracted data using a standardized form, and discussed disagreements until reaching consensus. We synthesized data by collapsing data elements, eliminating duplicate fields and identifying relationships between reporting concepts and data fields using visual analysis software.ResultsWe identified 108 ADE reporting systems containing 1782 unique data fields. We mapped them to 33 reporting concepts describing patient information, the ADE, concomitant and suspect drugs, and the reporter. While reporting concepts were fairly consistent, we found variability in data fields and corresponding response options. Few systems clarified the terminology used, and many used multiple drug and disease dictionaries such as the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA).ConclusionWe found substantial variability in the data fields used to report ADEs, limiting the comparability of ADE data collected using different reporting systems, and undermining efforts to aggregate data across cohorts. The development of a common standardized data set that can be evaluated with regard to data quality, comparability and reporting rates is likely to optimize ADE data and drug safety surveillance.
Predictors of renal function progression in adults with homozygous sickle cell disease
Authors: Asnani Monika , Serjeant Graham , Royal‐Thomas Tamika , Reid Marvin 
Published: March 2016

SummaryLongitudinal studies of renal function may improve understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying sickle cell disease (SCD) nephropathy and may identify possible biological and clinical markers of renal function determined over time. Data from the Jamaica Sickle Cell Cohort Study (JSCCS) were extracted and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiological and the SCD specific JSCCS‐GFR equations from all adulthood serum creatinine measurements in homozygous SS patients. The other dataset consisted of measured GFR at two times about 13 years apart. Linear mixed model (LMM) regression analyses were conducted to determine predictors of GFR and serum creatinine over time. 191 individuals with SS disease had 867 GFR estimates available. Serum creatinine significantly increased from baseline whereas estimated GFR showed a significant decline. Serum creatinine showed positive association with increasing age, male gender, body mass index and sodium levels. Haemoglobin was a significant negative predictor of estimated GFR in age‐ and gender‐adjusted models. A total of 24 females and 17 males had repeat measurements of their GFR. The mean annual decline in GFR was −3·2 ± 2·83 ml/min/1·73 m2. Haemoglobin was a significant positive predictor whereas serum creatinine, systolic blood pressure and urinary albumin: creatinine ratio were negative predictors of GFR.
The role of upfront autologous stem cell transplantation in high‐risk younger patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma
Authors: Cho Hyunsoo , Chang Jong Hee , Kim Yu Ri , Kim Soo‐Jeong , Chung Haerim , Park Hyunsung , Lee Jung Yeon , Jang Ji Eun , Kim Yundeok , Kim Se Hoon , Yang Woo Ick , Suh Chang‐Ok , Cheong June‐Won , Min Yoo Hong , Kim Jin Seok 
Published: March 2016

Upfront autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has shown favourable outcome in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), but the role of risk‐adapted upfront ASCT consolidation has not been evaluated in PCNSL. As PCNSL patients with the International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group (IELSG) prognostic score ≥2 or those who did not achieve complete response after two courses of induction chemotherapy (non‐CR1) have shown inferior outcomes, we retrospectively analysed the role of upfront ASCT in 66 high‐risk (IELSG ≥2 and/or non‐CR1) younger (age <65 years) immunocompetent PCNSL patients who achieved at least partial response after initial high‐dose methotrexate‐based chemotherapy. Nineteen patients who received upfront ASCT exhibited significantly better overall survival (OS, P = 0·021) and progression‐free survival (PFS, P = 0·005) compared to 47 patients who did not. In univariate and multivariate analyses, upfront ASCT was associated with better OS (P = 0·037 and P = 0·025, respectively) and PFS (P = 0·009 and P = 0·007, respectively). In a propensity score‐matched cohort (n = 36), patients who received upfront ASCT also showed better outcome (P = 0·037 for OS, P = 0·001 for PFS). Our results suggest that upfront ASCT consolidation might be especially beneficial for high‐risk PCNSL patients.
Efficacy of modified rapid economic acetic acid‐based Papanicolaou stain
Authors: Bhagat P. , Susheilia S. , Singh K. , Sadhukhan S. , Rajwanshi A. , Dey P. 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundPapanicolaou (Pap) staining is used with various modifications for the staining of cervical smears. It gives a good contrast with sharp nuclear features which aid in accurate interpretation. However, it utilises ethyl alcohol, which is expensive and difficult to purchase. We have attempted to devise a rapid Pap technique which uses acetic acid instead of ethyl alcohol, and yet provides good staining for correct diagnosis.MethodsLiquid‐based cytology samples were collected from 102 patients as a part of routine screening. Two smears were prepared from each sample, which were stained with conventional as well as rapid Pap. In the rapid Pap method, the smears were fixed in methanol and dehydration was performed before and after OG6 with 0.5% acetic acid. The final dehydration was performed with methanol. Smears from both techniques were compared by two independent observers for staining quality.ResultsWith the rapid Pap stain, nuclear staining was comparable with that of conventional Pap (P < 0.05). Cytoplasmic staining was optimal in 69.6% of cases; however, the suboptimal staining in the rest of the smears did not pose any diagnostic problem.ConclusionThe rapid Pap technique is a cost‐effective alternative to conventional Pap which also saves time and provides good staining quality without compromising the diagnostic interpretation.
Longitudinal development of hand function in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy aged 18 months to 12 years
Authors: Nordstrand Linda , Eliasson Ann‐Christin , Holmefur Marie 
Published: March 2016

AimThe aim of the study was to describe the development of hand function, particularly the use of the affected hand in bimanual tasks, among children with unilateral cerebral palsy aged 18 months to 12 years.MethodA convenience sample of 96 children (53 males, 43 females) was assessed with the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) at regular intervals from the ages of 18 months to 12 years. The children ranged from 17 to 127 months (median age 24mo) at recruitment. Subgroups were created to identify differences in development using the child's AHA at 18 months and the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS). A nonlinear mixed effects model was used to analyze data according to a ‘stable limit’ development model.ResultsThe results were based on 702 AHA sessions. The children showed a rapid development at a young age and reached 90% of their stable limit between 30 months and 8 years. The subgroups, based on the 18‐month AHA and the MACS levels respectively, had distinctly different patterns of development.InterpretationThe AHA at 18 months may be used to make a crude prediction of future development.
Risk of cancer among cardiologists who frequently perform percutaneous coronary interventions: a population‐based study
Authors: Ho Tzu‐Lung , Shieh Shwn‐Huey , Lin Cheng‐Li , Shen Wu‐Chung , Kao Chia‐Hung 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundCardiologists who frequently perform percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) are exposed to high levels of radiation; therefore, their risk of cancer may be higher compared with other internists or cardiologists who perform fewer PCIs.MethodsData were obtained from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database for the 2000–2011 period. A cohort of 542 cardiologists was randomly frequency‐matched according to age and sex with four other internists to form a cohort of noncardiologist controls. The incidence of cancer was measured for both cohorts, who were followed up until the end of 2011. Cox proportional hazards models were employed to analyse the risk of cancer between cardiologist and control cohorts.ResultsIn general, the cardiologists did not have a higher risk of cancer compared with the other internists. However, the cardiologists who worked in medical centres or regional hospitals had a higher risk of cancer than did the other internists in the same work settings. Furthermore, the cardiologists working in medical centres or regional hospitals (large hospitals) who performed >15 PCIs per year had a higher risk of cancer than did those working in district hospitals (small hospitals) or clinics who performed ≤15 PCIs per year.ConclusionCardiologists who frequently perform PCIs have a higher risk of cancer compared with other internists or cardiologists who perform relatively fewer PCIs. Protection from radiation exposure should therefore be emphasized in coronary catheterization laboratories.
Land‐use change outweighs projected effects of changing rainfall on tree cover in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Aleman Julie C. , Blarquez Olivier , Staver Carla A. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractGlobal change will likely affect savanna and forest structure and distributions, with implications for diversity within both biomes. Few studies have examined the impacts of both expected precipitation and land use changes on vegetation structure in the future, despite their likely severity. Here, we modeled tree cover in sub‐Saharan Africa, as a proxy for vegetation structure and land cover change, using climatic, edaphic, and anthropic data (R2 = 0.97). Projected tree cover for the year 2070, simulated using scenarios that include climate and land use projections, generally decreased, both in forest and savanna, although the directionality of changes varied locally. The main driver of tree cover changes was land use change; the effects of precipitation change were minor by comparison. Interestingly, carbon emissions mitigation via increasing biofuels production resulted in decreases in tree cover, more severe than scenarios with more intense precipitation change, especially within savannas. Evaluation of tree cover change against protected area extent at the WWF Ecoregion scale suggested areas of high biodiversity and ecosystem services concern. Those forests most vulnerable to large decreases in tree cover were also highly protected, potentially buffering the effects of global change. Meanwhile, savannas, especially where they immediately bordered forests (e.g. West and Central Africa), were characterized by a dearth of protected areas, making them highly vulnerable. Savanna must become an explicit policy priority in the face of climate and land use change if conservation and livelihoods are to remain viable into the next century.
Modeling irrigation and fertilizer use for chlorophyll production
Authors: Pérez Ortolá Marta , Daccache Andre , Knox Jerry W. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractChlorophyll is a natural coloring extract used extensively in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In Europe, most chlorophyll is produced commercially from rainfed grassland production in eastern England. This paper describes a biogeochemical modeling study to assess the potential yield benefits associated with switching from rainfed to irrigated production. The research is in response the impacts of recent summer droughts on yield coupled with risks regarding climate change, rainfall reliability and long‐term viability of rainfed production. The Denitrification‐Decomposition model was calibrated and validated using multiple field data (n = 47) from 2000 to 2009 for a tall fescue grass (Festuca arundinacea) to simulate a range of irrigation and fertilizer management regimes on yield (annual and individual yield per cut). For chlorophyll production, a schedule combining 300 mm year−1 irrigation with 300 kg N ha−1 was shown to provide the highest average yield (an uplift of +62% above current levels). Switching from rainfed to irrigated production could also potentially halve (54%) current levels of fertilizer application. The implications for reducing environmental impacts from nitrate leaching are discussed.
Involving self‐help groups in health‐care institutions: the patients’ contribution to and their view of ‘self‐help friendliness’ as an approach to implement quality criteria of sustainable co‐operation
Authors: Nickel Stefan , Trojan Alf , Kofahl Christopher 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe importance of patient participation and involvement is now widely acknowledged; in the past, few systematic health‐care institution policies existed to establish sustainable co‐operation. In 2004, in Germany, the initiative ‘Self‐Help Friendliness (SHF) and Patient‐Centeredness in Health Care’ was launched to establish and implement quality criteria related to collaboration with patient groups.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to describe (i) how patients were involved in the development of SHF by summarizing a number of studies and (ii) a new survey on the importance and feasibility of SHF.Setting and participantsIn a series of participative studies, SHF was shaped, tested and implemented in 40 health‐care institutions in Germany. Representatives from 157 self‐help groups (SHGs), 50 self‐help organizations and 17 self‐help clearing houses were actively involved. The second objective was reached through a survey of 74 of the 115 member associations of the biggest self‐help umbrella organization at federal level (response rate: 64 %).ResultsPatient involvement included the following: identification of the needs and wishes of SHGs regarding co‐operation, their involvement in the definition of quality criteria of co‐operation, having a crucial role during the implementation of SHF and accrediting health‐care institutions as self‐help friendly. The ten criteria in total were positively valued and perceived as moderately practicable.ConclusionsThrough the intensive involvement of self‐help representatives, it was feasible to develop SHF as a systematic approach to closer collaboration of professionals and SHGs. Some challenges have to be taken into account involving patients and the limitations of our empirical study.
Neutropenia and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio in a healthy Korean population: race and sex should be considered
Authors: Kweon O. J. , Lee M.‐K. , Kim H.‐J. , Chung J.‐W. , Choi S.‐H. , Kim H. R. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryIntroductionWe evaluated the prevalence and severity of asymptomatic neutropenia in a healthy Korean population according to sex and age. We explored normal neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in an asymptomatic Korean population and the association of these ratios with biomarkers related to inflammation, rheumatoid disease, and glucose metabolism.MethodsWe analyzed complete blood cell counts in 83 740 subjects who participated in a routine health check‐up program. NLR and PLR were compared to age, rheumatoid factor, C‐reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, hemoglobin A1c, and fasting glucose levels.ResultsOf the entire study population, 7.48% exhibited neutropenia; 8.61% of females and 6.69% of males. The neutropenia was more severe in females compared to males (P < 0.01). Median NLR and PLR values were 1.53 and 121.07, respectively. An inverse relationship was observed between NLR and age, but no differences were seen between sexes. CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and fasting glucose level were significantly correlated with NLR.ConclusionOur data indicate that the normal range of absolute neutrophil counts should be adjusted and cutoff values for neutropenia should be re‐established according to sex and race. NLR and PLR cutoff values for disease evaluation should be established separately according to race and age.
What Is It Like to Be an Alien?
Authors: Matravers Matt 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis brief article is concerned with an aspect of Jonathan Glover's book, Alien Landscapes?. After reflecting a little on the book as a whole, the question that is taken up is, ‘Why might a book that seeks to help those without mental disorders understand what they are like “from the inside” be of interest to laymen and practitioners in the criminal law?’. One answer lies in part in the way that ‘what it is like from the inside’ might interact with judgements of criminal responsibility. Taking its cue from examples used by Glover the article considers, and puts pressure on, the ‘dual view’ he proposes: that when dealing with those with mental disorders we should treat them as responsible agents in the sense of not withholding from them Strawson's ‘reactive attitudes’, while nevertheless accepting that their personalities and behaviours are the results of large doses of ‘bad luck’.
Sex ratio and gamete size across eastern North America in Dictyostelium discoideum, a social amoeba with three sexes
Authors: Douglas T. E. , Strassmann J. E. , Queller D. C. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractTheory indicates that numbers of mating types should tend towards infinity or remain at two. The social amoeba, Dictyostelium discoideum, however, has three mating types. It is therefore a mystery how this species has broken the threshold of two mating types, but has not increased towards a much higher number. Frequency‐dependent selection on rare types in combination with isogamy, a form of reproduction involving gametes similar in size, could explain the evolution of multiple mating types in this system. Other factors, such as drift, may be preventing the evolution of more than three. We first looked for evidence of isogamy by measuring gamete size associated with each type. We found no evidence of size dissimilarities between gametes. We then looked for evidence of balancing selection, by examining mating type distributions in natural populations and comparing genetic differentiation at the mating type locus to that at more neutral loci. We found that mating type frequency varied among the three populations we examined, with only one of the three showing an even sex ratio, which does not support balancing selection. However, we found more population structure at neutral loci than the mating type locus, suggesting that the three mating types are indeed maintained at intermediate frequencies by balancing selection. Overall, the data are consistent with balancing selection acting on D. discoideum mating types, but with a sufficiently weak rare sex advantage to allow for drift, a potential explanation for why these amoebae have only three mating types.