bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Indications and outcomes of keratoplasties in children during a 40‐year period
Authors: Majander Anna , Kivelä Tero T. , Krootila Kari 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPurposeTo report the indications and the outcomes of keratoplasties in children over four decades.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of patients aged 16 years or younger who underwent keratoplasty in the Helsinki University Eye Hospital during 1968–2011. Diagnosis, preoperative status, age at the time of surgery, surgical technique, complications and follow‐up time were registered. Main outcome measures were visual acuity and graft survival as assessed by Kaplan–Meier analysis. The independent role of risk factors on outcomes was evaluated by Cox multivariate regression analysis.ResultsForty‐eight keratoplasties, 42 penetrating and six lamellar, were performed in 44 eyes of 39 children at the age of 4.5 months to 16 years (median, 12 years). Five patients had bilateral grafts, and five grafts were regrafts. The indication for keratoplasty was injury for 13 grafts, non‐traumatic acquired corneal opacities for 11, keratoconus for eight, corneal dystrophy for seven, congenital corneal opacities for six and aniridia for three grafts. The cumulative proportion of clear grafts was 46% at 5 years postoperatively, and the median follow‐up time of clear grafts was 5.1 years (range, 0.4–29 years) for 41 penetrating allografts (PKP). Simultaneous intraocular surgery at the time of grafting [hazard ratio (HR) 9.7], corneal vascularization (HR 8.1) and regrafting (HR 5.4) were the main independent risk factors for graft failure in this PKP cohort. The cumulative proportion of clear grafts was 84% at 5 years in the absence of any of these risk factors. PKP for keratoconus and corneal dystrophy yielded clear grafts in 83% of the eyes, and a visual acuity ≥0.3 (Snellen) in 75% of the eyes. Seventeen of the 20 graft failures were due to rejection.ConclusionsFavourable graft survival was obtained in primary keratoplasties for non‐vascularized corneal opacities performed without any other simultaneous intraocular surgery. Visual outcome was favourable in keratoconus and corneal dystrophies and poor in most eyes with injury.
Perceptions of European medical staff on the facilitators and barriers to physical closeness between parents and infants in neonatal units
Authors: Dykes F , Thomson G , Gardner C , Hall Moran V , Flacking R 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimStudies have provided insights into factors that may facilitate or inhibit parent–infant closeness in neonatal units, but none have specifically focused on the perspectives of senior neonatal staff. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions and experiences of consultant neonatologists and senior nurses in five European countries with regard to these issues.MethodsSix small group discussions and three‐one‐to‐one interviews were conducted with 16 consultant neonatologists and senior nurses representing nine neonatal units from Estonia, Finland, Norway, Spain and Sweden. The interviews explored facilitators and barriers to parent–infant closeness and implications for policy and practice, and thematic analysis was undertaken.ResultsParticipants highlighted how a humanising care agenda that enabled parent–infant closeness was an aspiration, but pointed out that neonatal units were at different stages in achieving this. The facilitators and barriers to physical closeness included socio‐economic factors, cultural norms, the designs of neonatal units, resource issues, leadership, staff attitudes and practices and relationships between staff and parents.ConclusionVarious factors affected parent–infant closeness in neonatal units in European countries. There needs to be the political motivation, appropriate policy planning, legislation and resource allocation to increase measures that support closeness agendas in neonatal units.
The ABCB1, rs9282564, AG and TT Genotypes and the COMT, rs4680, AA Genotype are Less Frequent in Deceased Patients with Opioid Addiction than in Living Patients with Opioid Addiction
Authors: Christoffersen Dorte J. , Damkier Per , Feddersen Søren , Möller Sören , Thomsen Jørgen L. , Brasch‐Andersen Charlotte , Brøsen Kim 
Published: April 2016

AbstractSudden death due to acute intoxication occurs frequently in patients with opioid addiction (OA). To examine whether certain genotypes were associated with this, we examined the frequencies of 29 SNPs located in candidate genes related to opioid pharmacology: ABCB1, OPRM1, UGT2B7, CYP3A5, CYP2B6, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, COMT, KCNJ6 and SCN9A in 274 deceased patients with OA (DOA), 309 living patients with OA (LOA) and in 394 healthy volunteers (HV). The main hypothesis of the study was that subjects homozygous for the variant 3435T in ABCB1 (rs1045642) occur more frequently in DOA than in LOA and HV because morphine and methadone more readily cross the blood barrier in these subjects due to a lower efflux transporter activity of the ABCB1 (p‐glycoprotein) transporter. Our results did not support this hypothesis, because no statistically significant difference (p = 0.506) in the frequency of the TT genotype of rs1045642 was observed between the DOA, LOA and HV cohorts. However, for another ABCB1 variant, rs9282564, we found that the frequencies of the AG and TT genotypes were 13, 21 and 25% in DOA, LOA and HV, respectively, and after correcting for age, sex and multiple testing, the differences between DOA and LOA were statistically significantly different (p = 0.027). The COMT rs4680 AA genotype frequencies were 25%, 35% and 31% in DOA, LOA and HV, respectively, and the difference between DOA and LOA was also statistically significant (p = 0.0028). In conclusion, this study generated two hypotheses suggesting possible associations of a reduced risk of death and carrying, respectively, the ABCB1 rs9282564 AG and TT genotypes and the COMT rs4680 AA genotype among patients with OA. These findings should be confirmed in independent cohorts, and if a causal relationship between these variants and fatal poisoning in OA is confirmed, then it may be possible at least in theory to personalize prevention of sudden death in this patient group.
BCSH/BSBMT/UK clinical virology network guideline: diagnosis and management of common respiratory viral infections in patients undergoing treatment for haematological malignancies or stem cell transplantation
Authors: Dignan Fiona L. , Clark Andrew , Aitken Celia , Gilleece Maria , Jayakar Vishal , Krishnamurthy Pramila , Pagliuca Antonio , Potter Michael N. , Shaw Bronwen , Skinner Roderick , Turner Andrew , Wynn Robert F. , Coyle Peter ,   on behalf of the Haemato‐oncology Task Force of the British Committee for Standards in Haematology,   the British Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation and the UK Clinical Virology Network
Published: April 2016

SummaryA joint working group established by the Haemato‐oncology subgroup of the British Committee for Standards in Haematology, the British Society for Bone Marrow Transplantation and the UK Clinical Virology Network has reviewed the available literature and made recommendations for the diagnosis and management of respiratory viral infections in patients with haematological malignancies or those undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This guideline includes recommendations for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of respiratory viral infections in adults and children. The suggestions and recommendations are primarily intended for physicians practising in the United Kingdom.
Inhibition of fatty acid synthase is protective in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Singh Neetu , Manhas Amit , Kaur Gurpreet , Jagavelu Kumaravelu , Hanif Kashif 
Published: April 2016

Background and PurposeIn pulmonary hypertension (PH), similar to cancer, there is altered energy metabolism, apoptosis resistance and cellular proliferation leading to pulmonary vascular remodelling. Proliferating cells exhibit higher rate of de novo fatty acid synthesis to provide lipids for membrane formation and energy production. As inhibition of de novo fatty acid synthesis proved protective in cancer experimentally, therefore, it was hypothesized that modulation of de novo fatty acid synthesis by inhibition of fatty acid synthase (FAS) may prove beneficial for PH.Experimental ApproachFor in vitro studies, human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (HPASMCs) were exposed to hypoxia and to induce PH in vivo, rats were treated with monocrotaline (MCT). FAS was inhibited by siRNA (60 nM) and C75 (2 mg·kg−1, i.p. once a week for 5 weeks) in in vitro and in vivo studies respectively.ResultsIncreased expression and activity of FAS were observed in hypoxic HPASMCs and lungs of MCT‐treated rats. Inhibition of FAS increased apoptosis and glucose oxidation, but decreased proliferation and markers of autophagy, glycolysis and insulin resistance in hypoxic HPASMCs. It also improved the mitochondrial functions as evident by increased level of ATP and restoration of normal level of ROS and membrane potential of mitochondria. In MCT‐treated rats, FAS inhibition decreased right ventricular pressure, hypertrophy, pulmonary vascular remodelling (increased apoptosis and decreased proliferation of cells) and endothelial dysfunction in lungs.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that FAS activity is modulated in PH, and its inhibition may provide a new therapeutic approach to treat PH.
Reduced corticosteroid‐binding globulin cleavage in active rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Nenke Marni A. , Lewis John G. , Rankin Wayne , McWilliams Leah , Metcalf Robert G. , Proudman Susanna M. , Torpy David J. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryObjectiveCorticosteroid‐binding globulin (CBG), the cortisol transport protein, is cleaved from high‐affinity (haCBG) to low‐affinity (laCBG) CBG at sites of inflammation releasing bioavailable, anti‐inflammatory cortisol. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a glucocorticoid‐responsive disorder, with paradoxically normal cortisol levels despite elevated inflammatory mediators. Our objective was to determine whether CBG cleavage relates to RA disease activity. We hypothesized that impaired CBG cleavage may limit delivery of free cortisol to inflamed joints in RA.DesignProspective, cross‐sectional observational study.Setting and ParticipantsFifty‐three patients with RA recruited from a Rheumatology outpatient clinic at a tertiary referral centre in Adelaide, Australia, and 73 healthy controls.MeasurementsTotal CBG, haCBG and laCBG, total, free and salivary cortisol, inflammatory markers including interleukin‐6 soluble receptor (IL‐6sR) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor and clinical measures of disease activity.ResultsAmong patients with RA, a wide range of disease activity scores was observed (DAS28: range 1·2–6·4). laCBG was lower in patients with RA (mean ± SEM); 153 ± 9, compared with healthy controls; 191 ± 8 nmol/l, P = 0·003. Levels of total and haCBG were higher in patients with more severe RA disease activity. Free and total cortisol, free cortisol:IL‐6sR ratio and total cortisol:IL‐6sR ratio correlated negatively with disease activity.ConclusionsThese results suggest that patients with RA have reduced CBG cleavage compared to healthy controls and that cleavage is reduced further with higher RA disease activity. Hence, impaired CBG‐mediated delivery of endogenous cortisol may perpetuate chronic inflammation in RA.
Moral dimensions of human–wildlife conflict
Authors: Lute Michelle L. , Navarrete Carlos David , Nelson Michael Paul , Gore Meredith L. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractDespite increasing support for conservation globally, controversy over specific conservation policies persists among diverse stakeholders. Investigating the links between morals in relation to conservation can help increase understanding about why humans support or oppose policy, especially related to human–wildlife conflict or human conflict over wildlife. Yet the moral dimension of human–wildlife conflict has mostly gone unconsidered and unmeasured; thus, policy and programmatic efforts to reduce controversy may be missing a key part of the equation. We conducted a web‐based survey (n = 1239 respondents) in Michigan (U.S.A.) to investigate cognitive and emotional influences on the value–behavior relationship. Respondents were identified by their interest and involvement in Michigan wolf management. The survey consisted of questions about values, emotions, cognitions, and behaviors relative to wolves in Michigan. We used path analysis to explore whether emotions and cognitions mediated the relationship between value and behavior. Most respondents attributed intrinsic value to wolves (n = 734) and all life (n = 773) and engaged in behaviors that benefited wolf populations and ecosystems regardless of stakeholder group (e.g., environmentalist, farmer). Attributing intrinsic value to wolves was positively related to favorable emotions toward wolves and cognitive assessments that hunting and trapping of wolves is unacceptable. Despite similarities in attribution of intrinsic value, groups differed in emotions and cognitions about wolf hunting. These differences provide a useful way to predict stakeholder behavior. Our findings may inform interventions aimed at increasing support for wolf management policies and positive interactions among stakeholders and wildlife. Leveraging agreement over intrinsic value may foster cooperation among stakeholders and garner support for controversial conservation policy.
Respiratory manifestations of ANCA‐associated vasculitis
Authors: Greenan Kerry , Vassallo Diana , Chinnadurai Rajkumar , Ritchie James , Shepherd Kate , Green Darren , Ponnusamy Arvind , Sinha Smeeta 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of pulmonary manifestations of ANCA‐associated vasculitis (AAV) is not well understood. This study describes the prevalence of respiratory complications of AAV detected via imaging in patients presenting to a secondary renal centre and describes the associations with mortality.Methods105 patients with AAV were identified from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Standards Implementation Study (CRISIS). CRISIS is a prospective epidemiological study of patients with chronic kidney disease stages 3–5, both who did and did not require dialysis on presentation. Patients were recruited between 2000 and 2013.ResultsA chest X‐ray was performed in 81.0% of patients with AAV on presentation, of which 56.5% were abnormal. A computed tomography (CT) thorax was performed in 27 patients during the course of their disease: 92.6% showed abnormalities, most commonly fibrosis (63.0%) and bronchiectasis (44.4%). Pulmonary vascultitis was confirmed in 22 of 105 patients (21.0%) after respiratory review or demonstrated by associated changes associated on CT scan. In a Cox regression model, there was no significant association between pulmonary vasculitis and mortality (P = 0.088), although there was a trend towards increased mortality with pulmonary vasculitis.ConclusionsPulmonary manifestations of AAV were common, however only a small proportion of patients had had thorough respiratory investigations, suggesting that the pulmonary manifestations of AAV may be under‐diagnosed.
Did Recent Voice Reforms Improve Good Governance within the World Bank?
Authors: Strand Jonathan R. , Retzl Kenneth J. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTUsing the concept of good governance, this article assesses how voting rules in the World Bank Group's primary loan facility determine members’ ability to influence the formation of winning coalitions in the Executive Board. In weighted voting systems, the percentage of votes held by an actor does not adequately measure the ability of that actor to affect outcomes because voting weights do not account for either the possible number of coalitions that may form or the number of votes needed to pass a resolution. In short, weighted voting systems cannot be straightforwardly analysed with reference to voting weights but instead require the determination of relative voting power. Using multiple measures of a priori voting power, data are presented before and after recent voice reforms. Results indicate that the United States, as expected, holds the largest share of voting power. Also, as expected, most borrowing members have little voting power. Unexpectedly, in several voting groups a single member is able to ensure its election to the Board. Hence, other members of these voting groups have no formal influence on the Board. The article concludes by reflecting on the implications of voting power analysis for the concept of good governance within the World Bank.
Reply to Gebhard Kirchgässner
Authors: Feld Lars P. , Schneider Friedrich 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
In this reply to Kirchgässner, four issues are addressed: (1) the extent of double counting in attempts to reconcile estimates of the shadow economy based on the survey method and estimates based on the MIMIC (cum currency demand) approach, (2) advantages and disadvantages of the survey method, (3) of macro methods like the MIMIC approach and (4) the potential role of plausibility checks of estimates from the MIMIC approach with the survey method.
Efficacy and safety of telaprevir with pegylated interferon α‐2a and ribavirin in Japanese patients
Authors: Kumada Hiromitsu , Suzuki Fumitaka , Kamiya Naohiro , Orihashi Madori , Nakayasu Yoshiyuki , Yamada Ichimaro 
Published: April 2016

AimTo assess the efficacy and safety of telaprevir (TVR) in combination with pegylated interferon α‐2a (PEG‐IFNα‐2a) and ribavirin (RBV) for treatment‐naïve patients and relapsed patients compared to previous TVR‐based triple therapy in Japan.MethodsThe study group included 35 treatment‐naïve (median age, 55 years) and 19 relapsed (median age, 55 years) patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus infection. Patients received TVR (750 mg every 8 h) for 12 weeks, in combination with PEG‐IFNα‐2a and RBV.ResultsThe sustained virological response (SVR24) rates for naïve and relapsed patients were 85.7% (30/35) and 94.7% (18/19), respectively. The discontinuation rate of all study drugs due to adverse events was 5.6% (3/54). Among the 54 patients, grade 3 skin disorders and grade 3 anemia (<8.0 g/dL) were reported in 2 (3.7%) and 6 patients (11.1%), respectively. Although the overall safety profiles were similar for the TVR/PEG‐IFNα‐2a/RBV and TVR/PEG‐IFNα‐2b/RBV regimens (previous study), the proportion of patients discontinuing all study drugs due to adverse events was lower in the patients treated with the TVR/PEG‐IFNα‐2a/RBV regimen (3/54, 5.6%) than TVR/PEG‐IFNα‐2b/RBV regimen (44/267, 16.5%).ConclusionTelaprevir in combination with PEG‐IFNα‐2a/RBV provided a high sustained virological response rate for the treatment of genotype 1 hepatitis C virus in both treatment‐naïve and relapsed patients in Japan. Telaprevir‐based therapy may provide a useful treatment option for patients who are difficult to treat due to NS5A (Y93, L31) and NS3/4A (D168) variants.
Validity of trichoscopy in the diagnosis of primary cicatricial alopecias
Authors: Abedini Robabeh , Kamyab Hesari Kambiz , Daneshpazhooh Maryam , Ansari Mahshid Sadat , Tohidinik Hamid Reza , Ansari Mahsa 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundThere are limited data on the validity of dermatoscopy in primary cicatricial alopecias (PCAs) and its subtypes, including lichen planopilaris and discoid lupus erythematosus. Trichoscopic features of PCAs, their prevalence, and validity were evaluated in this study.MethodsOne hundred patients with PCA underwent dermatoscopy. Biopsy specimens were obtained after the site was marked with a dermatoscope. The control group comprised 100 patients with non‐cicatricial alopecia and 100 normal individuals. Finally, the prevalence, sensitivity, and specificity of trichoscopic features were evaluated using SPSS and Stata software.ResultsThe absence of follicular opening, perifollicular scale, and presence of one scarring pattern or white patch were sensitive and specific patterns in the trichoscopy of PCAs. The presence of tortuous branching vessels and follicular keratotic plugging was 100% specific for a diagnosis of discoid lupus erythematosus.ConclusionsSome trichoscopic features can help a dermatologist to differentiate between non‐cicatricial alopecia and PCA. Moreover, a group of dermatoscopic features can be helpful in the diagnosis of PCA subtypes.
SSB taxes and diet quality in US preschoolers: estimated changes in the 2010 Healthy Eating Index
Authors: Ford C. N. , Poti J. M. , Ng S. W. , Popkin B. M. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryBackgroundTaxing sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSBs) has been proposed as a strategy to combat child obesity. Yet it is unclear how a tax on SSBs might influence the overall quality of diet in preschool children. Thus, we use simulated price increases and the 2010 Healthy Eating Index (HEI‐2010) to explore the relationship between SSB taxes and diet quality in preschool children.MethodsPrice and purchase data from the 2009–2012 Nielsen Homescan Panel and a two‐part marginal effects model were used to estimate relative changes in purchases with a 20% increase in the price of SSBs. Demand elasticities were applied to dietary intake data for children ages 2–5 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2009–2010 and 2011–2012) to estimate the impact of a 20% SSB tax on dietary intake and quality (HEI‐2010).ResultsA 20% increase in the price of SSBs was associated with lower total caloric intake (−28 kcal d−1, p < 0.01), caloric intake from juice drinks (−20 kcal d−1, p < 0.01), added sugars (−4.1 servings d−1, p = 0.03), refined grains (−0.63 servings d−1, p < 0.01) and total meat (−0.56 servings d−1, p < 0.01). Beneficial decreases in empty calories and refined grains were offset by unfavourable changes in fatty acid profile, total protein, vegetables and fruit, such that total HEI scores (0–100 range) were not meaningfully changed with a 20% increase in SSB price (difference: −0.85, p < 0.01).ConclusionsA 20% tax on SSBs could decrease caloric intake, and intakes of added sugars and SSBs, but may not improve diet quality as an isolated intervention among US preschool children.
In the case of prostate cancer patients, are there advantages in cancer nurse‐led follow‐up?
Authors: Belun‐Vieira Irina , McInness Douglas , Sheriff Matin Khalid 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTThe role of cancer nurse specialist (CNS) has expanded reflecting rapid changes in the field of prostate cancer diagnostics, treatments and improved survival outcomes. Extended roles such as CNS‐led follow‐up are aimed at helping men and their families to cope better with the impact of the disease. Aim of this study is to compare medical with CNS‐led follow‐up by assessing the patient experience, quality of life and emotional wellbeing. Primary sources of research articles were searched on selected databases: MEDLINE (1995 to September 2015), EMBASE (1995 to September 2015) and CINAHL (1995 to September 2015). The Cochrane Collaboration Assessment of Bias Collaboration's tool was used and 10 of 11 studies were selected for data extraction. The process of meta‐analysis was supported by the use of RevMen software version 5·1.7. Although there is some indication that the CNS‐led follow‐up is better, there is no statistically significant difference between medical and CNS‐led follow‐up. This review has found no statistically significant difference between medical and CNS‐led follow‐up. Therefore, it is proposed that CNS can offer a safe and effective follow‐up for people with cancer, including men with prostate cancers.