bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The clinical utility of genetic testing of tissues from pregnancy losses
Authors: Waterman CA , Batstone P , Bown N , Cresswell L , Delmege C , English CJ , Fews G , Grimsley L , Imrie S , Kulkarni A , Mann K , Johnson R , Morgan SM , Roberts P , Simonic I , Trueman S , Wall M , McMullan D 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveTo map the current testing being undertaken following pregnancy loss across the UK and to examine the clinical utility in terms of identifying a cause for the loss and in identifying couples at risk of an unbalanced liveborn child.DesignRetrospective audit.SettingUK, for the year 2014.PopulationAn audit of 6465 referrals for genetic testing of tissue samples following pregnancy loss.MethodsData were obtained by questionnaire from 15 UK regional genetics laboratories.Main outcome measuresData were analysed with respect to gestational age, the presence of identified fetal anomalies, methodologies used, abnormality rates and the presence of a parental balanced rearrangement.ResultsOf 6465 referrals a genetic cause was identified in 22% of cases (before 12 weeks’ gestation, in 47%; at 12–24 weeks, in 14%; after 24 weeks, in 6%). In 0.4% of cases a balanced parental rearrangement was identified where there was a risk of an affected liveborn child in a future pregnancy. Eighty percent of genetic imbalances identified were aneuploidy or triploidy and could be identified by quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction alone. There was significant variation across the UK in acceptance criteria, testing strategies and thus level of resolution of testing.ConclusionsGenetic testing of tissues following pregnancy loss identifies a probable cause of fetal demise in 22% of cases, but it is of low clinical utility in identifying couples at risk of a future unbalanced liveborn child. A comprehensive multidisciplinary review is needed to develop proposals for an affordable and equitable service.Tweetable abstractUK audit of genetic testing of fetal loss shows variation in access to and resolution of analysis.
Good COP, Bad COP: Climate Reality after Paris
Authors: Ivanova Maria 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe twenty‐first Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris was a good COP in contrast to COP15 in Copenhagen, which will remain in history as the low point in climate policy. COP21 demonstrated unprecedented global collaboration when divisions were deep and stakes were high and resulted in the Paris Agreement, the first legally binding document to articulate a clear global temperature goal and a commitment to reach global net‐zero emissions after 2050. The agreement is also universal, with developed and developing countries alike expected to act. This article outlines key outcomes and explains what led to the shift from a bad to a good COP. It also examines the threats and opportunities as the world moves from making commitments to implementing them and draws parallels to the global agenda‐setting process on sustainable development that is also unfolding in the United Nations at the same time.
Bacterial and viral contamination of breathing circuits after extended use – an aspect of patient safety?
Authors: Dubler S. , Zimmermann S. , Fischer M. , Schnitzler P. , Bruckner T. , Weigand M. A. , Frank U. , Hofer S. , Heininger A. 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundIn the past, anaesthetic breathing circuits were identified as a source of pathogen transmission. It is still debated, whether breathing circuits combined with breathing system filters can be safely used for more than 1 day. The aim of this study was to evaluate the transmission risk of bacteria and also viruses via breathing circuits after extended use.MethodsThe inner and outer surface of 102 breathing circuits used for 1 day and of 101 circuits used for 7 days were examined for bacteria and viruses. Additionally, 10 and 20 breathing circuits each were examined after use on patients with pulmonary virus infection and with multidrug‐resistant organism (MDRO) colonisation/infection respectively. Bacteria were detected by standard microbiological procedures; PCR techniques were applied for herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, influenza, parainfluenza and respiratory syncytial virus.ResultsEndoluminal bacterial contamination of breathing circuits remained unchanged after 7‐day vs. 1‐day use (5.9% vs. 7.8%) [CI95%: −0.0886–0.0506, pnon‐inferiority 0.0260]. Only outside surface contamination with bacteria belonging to environmental species or human flora increased (16.8 vs. 6.9%) [CI 95%: 0.0118 – 0.1876, pnon‐inferiority 0.8660]. Viruses occurred on the patient side, but not in breathing circuits. No MDRO occurred in the 20 circuits after use on patients harbouring such germs.ConclusionEndoluminal contamination of breathing circuits with bacteria did not increase after extended use. No viruses were detected in the breathing circuits using filters. Based on our results, the extended use of ABC without exceptions appears safe, if a high level of anaesthesia workplace cleaning is secured.
Neural response to alcohol taste cues in youth: effects of the OPRM1 gene
Authors: Korucuoglu Ozlem , Gladwin Thomas E. , Baas Frank , Mocking Roel J.T. , Ruhé Henricus G. , Groot Paul F.C. , Wiers Reinout W. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractGenetic variations in the mu‐opioid receptor (OPRM1) gene have been related to high sensitivity to rewarding effects of alcohol. The current study focuses on the neural circuitry underlying this phenomenon using an alcohol versus water taste‐cue reactivity paradigm in a young sample at relatively early stages of alcohol use, thus limiting the confound of variations in duration of alcohol use. Drinkers (17–21 years old) were selected on genotype carrying the AA—(n = 20) or the AG—(n = 16) variant of the A118G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the OPRM1 gene (rs1799971), and underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Magnitude of the neural activity and frontostriatal functional connectivity in response to alcohol versus water were investigated. The AG‐group demonstrated reduced activation in prefrontal and parietal regions, including the inferior and middle frontal gyrus, superior and inferior parietal lobule, compared with the AA‐group. No activation differences were observed in the mesolimbic pathway. Connectivity from the ventral‐striatum to frontal regions for alcohol > water trials was higher in the AG than the AA group. For the dorsal‐striatum seed region, the AG group showed increased connectivity to non‐PFC regions. These results indicate that adolescents carrying the G‐allele may be more vulnerable for the alcohol to hijack the reward system in the absence of frontal control to regulate craving. This implies that findings of hyperactivation in the mesolimbic structures of G‐allele carriers in earlier studies might result from both genetic susceptibility and heavy drinking.
Impact of type 2 diabetes, obesity and glycaemic control on pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Abell Sally K. , Boyle Jacqueline A. , de Courten Barbora , Soldatos Georgia , Wallace Euan M. , Zoungas Sophia , Teede Helena J. 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundThere are no contemporary cohorts examining pregnancy outcomes in women with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Australia.AimTo compare pregnancy outcomes in women with and without T2D, and assess effects of body mass index (BMI) and glycaemic control on outcomes.Materials and methodsAn historical cohort study was conducted of all singleton births > 20 weeks gestation at a specialist maternity network in Australia from 2010 to 2013. Data were extracted from the Birthing Outcomes System database. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine associations between presence of T2D and pregnancy outcomes.ResultsOutcomes for 138 pregnancies with T2D and 27 075 pregnancies in women without diabetes were compared (type 1 diabetes and gestational diabetes excluded). Women with T2D were older and more overweight compared to women without diabetes (P < 0.01). Their babies were born earlier (P < 0.01) with increased risk of large for gestational age (adjusted odds ratio 2.13 (95% CI 1.37–3.32)), hypoglycaemia (4.90 (2.79–8.61)), jaundice (2.58 (1.61–4.13)) and shoulder dystocia (2.72 (1.09–6.78)), but not congenital malformations or perinatal death. Women with T2D had a higher risk of induction (4.03 (2.71–5.99)), caesarean section (2.10 (1.44–3.04)), preterm birth (2.74 (1.78–4.24)) and pre‐eclampsia (2.75 (1.49–5.10)). An HbA1c ≥ 6.0% (42 mmol/mol) was associated with increased preterm birth, special care nursery admission, hypoglycaemia and jaundice.ConclusionsDespite availability of preconception care, good glycaemic control and specialist management, T2D remains associated with increased adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Further research to examine predictors of adverse outcomes may assist in targeted antenatal surveillance and management.
Randomised clinical trial: the effects of a multispecies probiotic vs. placebo on innate immune function, bacterial translocation and gut permeability in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Horvath A. , Leber B. , Schmerboeck B. , Tawdrous M. , Zettel G. , Hartl A. , Madl T. , Stryeck S. , Fuchs D. , Lemesch S. , Douschan P. , Krones E. , Spindelboeck W. , Durchschein F. , Rainer F. , Zollner G. , Stauber R. E. , Fickert P. , Stiegler P. , Stadlbauer V. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryBackgroundProbiotics may correct intestinal dysbiosis and proinflammatory conditions in patients with liver cirrhosis.AimTo test the effects of a multispecies probiotic on innate immune function, bacterial translocation and gut permeability.MethodsIn a randomised, double blind, placebo‐controlled study, stable cirrhotic out‐patients either received a daily dose of a probiotic powder containing eight different bacterial strains (Ecologic Barrier, Winclove, Amsterdam, The Netherlands) (n = 44) or a placebo (n = 36) for 6 months and were followed up for another 6 months.ResultsWe found a significant but subclinical increase in neutrophil resting burst (2.6–3.2%, P = 0.0134) and neopterin levels (7.7–8.4 nmol/L, P = 0.001) with probiotics but not with placebo. Probiotic supplementation did not have a significant influence on neutrophil phagocytosis, endotoxin load, gut permeability or inflammatory markers. Ten severe infections occurred in total; one during intervention in the placebo group, and five and four after the intervention has ended in the probiotic and placebo group, respectively. Liver function showed some improvement with probiotics but not with placebo.ConclusionsProbiotic supplementation significantly increased serum neopterin levels and the production of reactive oxygen species by neutrophils. These findings might explain the beneficial effects of probiotics on immune function. Furthermore, probiotic supplementation may be a well‐tolerated method to maintain or even improve liver function in stable cirrhosis. However, its influence on gut barrier function and bacterial translocation in cirrhotic patients is minimal.
Successful laparoscopic treatment of a giant solitary fibrous tumor of the mesorectum: A case report and literature review
Authors: Kawamura Junichiro , Tani Masaki , Kida Yuya , Sumida Kimiaki , Ogawa Ryotaro , Kawasoe Junya , Yazawa Takefumi , Yamada Masahiro , Yamamoto Michihiro , Harada Hideki , Yamamoto Hidekazu , Zaima Masazumi 
Published: September 2016

AbstractA solitary fibrous tumor is a ubiquitous mesenchymal fibroblastic tumor that was previously considered limited to the pleural cavity. Here, we report a rare case of a large solitary fibrous tumor of the mesorectum, which was successfully resected laparoscopically. A 56‐year‐old woman was referred to our hospital for a giant pelvic mass. Pelvic MRI showed a well‐circumscribed mass, 12 cm in diameter, with heterogeneous signal intensity on T2‐weighted images. It was diagnosed as a benign mesorectal tumor of unknown origin. We successfully resected the entire tumor laparoscopically. Histological examination revealed it to be an extrapleural solitary fibrous tumor. For large tumors in the pelvis, the laparoscopic approach is preferable in terms of intraoperative hemorrhage, as long as they do not invade surrounding tissues.
Pre‐slaughter mortality among turkeys related to their transport
Authors: Machovcova Zuzana , Vecerek Vladimir , Voslarova Eva , Malena Milan , Conte Francesca , Bedanova Iveta , Vecerkova Lenka 
Published: September 2016

AbstractOverall mortality among turkeys transported for slaughter in the Czech Republic from 2009 to 2014 was 0.147%. The lowest mortality (0.023%) was found in turkeys transported for distances up to 50 km; longer distances were associated with increasing death rates, with the highest losses (0.543%) recorded for distances from 201 to 300 km. Differences were also found when comparing transport‐related mortality rates according to the season of the year. The highest mortality (0.228%) was associated with transports carried out in summer, whereas the lowest death rates were found in turkeys transported for slaughter in winter (0.105%) and autumn (0.113%). According to the ambient temperatures in which transports associated with the highest death rates among turkeys were carried out (14 to 21°C), it appears that heat stress can be a major factor in the birds’ mortality. However, low ambient temperatures (i.e. below −2°C) also appear to increase transport‐related mortality, as shown by our results. In addition to shortening the lengths of transport distances, appropriate consideration of prevailing climatic conditions and the sensitivity of turkeys to high and low temperatures during transport may also lead to a reduction in the number of turkeys dying during transport for slaughter.
Cross‐cultural validity of the German version of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI‐G)—a Rasch model application
Authors: Schulze C. , Page J. , Lilja M. , Kottorp A. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the cross‐cultural validity of the German version of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI‐G) when used in Austria, Germany and Switzerland.MethodA total of 118 girls and 144 boys participated in this study; 198 of the children (75.6%) had a developmental disability and 64 (24.4%) were without a known disability. The mean age was four years (range 11 months to 10 years and six months, SD 1.91). Item goodness of fit, differential item functioning (DIF) and differential test functioning (DTF) were evaluated by use of a Rasch model.ResultsTwenty‐four (11.6%) out of 206 items of the Functional Skills Scale and one (5%) out of 20 items of the Caregiver Assistance Scale demonstrated misfit according to the Rasch model. Thirty‐four (16.5%) out of 206 items of the Functional Skills Scale and no item from the Caregiver Assistance Scale demonstrated DIF. Almost half (46%) of the items demonstrating misfit also demonstrated DIF, indicating an association between them. The DIF by country only demonstrated a minimal impact on the person measures of the PEDI‐G.InterpretationEven though some items did not meet the statistical and clinical criteria set, the PEDI‐G can be used, on a preliminary basis as a valid tool to measure activities of daily living of children with and without a disability in these countries. Further larger studies are needed to evaluate more psychometric item properties of the PEDI‐G in relation to context.
Consumer Preferences for Improved Hen Housing: Is a Cage a Cage?
Authors: Doyon Maurice , Bergeron Stéphane , Cranfield John , Tamini Lota , Criner George 
Published: September 2016

The rising concern among consumers regarding animal welfare in livestock production has prompted several regions, including California and the European Union to ban the use of battery cage housing systems for laying hens. In Quebec, battery cages are being phased out with new barns required to be equipped with enriched cages or alternative housing system. Since switching housing systems generates costs, it is important to verify consumer receptivity to these changes. This paper examines the results of a discrete choice experiment to understand Quebec consumers’ demand for enriched cages and preferences for amenities commonly included in these cages. Results show that each subgroup of consumers provides a positive value for eggs produced in enhanced housing systems but differ in the features that are valued. However, in all subgroups there is low or no valuation associated with increased cage space, as well as the presence of scratch pads and dust baths.Les consommateurs sont de plus en plus soucieux du bien‐être animal. Plusieurs régions, incluant la Californie et l'Europe, interdissent l’élevage de poules dans des systèmes de cages traditionnelles. Au Québec, ce type de cage sera graduellement éliminé, les producteurs ayant collectivement décidé que les nouvelles constructions seront équipées de cages enrichies ou de système alternatif. Puisqu'un système de cages enrichies implique des coûts additionnels pour les producteurs, il est important de vérifier la réceptivité des consommateurs pour les œufs produits dans ce type de système de logement. Les données d'une expérience à choix discret sont analysées, notamment par segment de consommateurs. Les résultats indiquent une valeur positive pour le système enrichi, mais les différentes composantes du système de cages enrichies sont valorisées différemment selon les segments de consommateurs. Toutefois, l'espace supplémentaire, la possibilité de bains de poussières et le coussin de grattage sont peu ou pas valorisés, et ce, pour l'ensemble des segments de consommateurs.
Understanding Strategic Behavior and Its Contribution to Hypothetical Bias When Eliciting Values for a Private Good
Authors: Doyon Maurice , Bergeron Stéphane 
Published: September 2016

Understanding market demand and premiums paid for food products with social and environmental attributes is increasingly important to ensure adequate information for the agri‐food system. Stated preference (SP) surveys are a flexible and affordable approach to elicit values, however the presence of hypothetical bias compromises their reliability. In this study, we seek to identify strategic behaviors and how they relate to hypothetical bias in SP survey for private goods. An online survey was conducted to measure willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) for regular and free‐run eggs using two treatments, a nonhypothetical experimental auction and an open‐ended elicitation question. We find that the bias associated with the presence of strategic behavior in the open‐ended elicitation survey can be isolated by calculating premiums, which are defined as the difference between declared values for free‐run eggs and regular eggs. The insight gained from this study can be used to improve experimental design of hypothetical SPs surveys and significantly reduce hypothetical bias.Comprendre la demande et la volonté de payer pour des biens alimentaires avec des caractéristiques sociales et environnementales est important afin d'assurer une information adéquate pour le secteur agroalimentaire. Les sondages déclaratifs sont une approche flexible et peu coûteuse pour capturer les valeurs, par contre la présence d'un biais hypothétique réduit la fiabilité des valeurs ainsi estimées. Dans cette étude nous tentons d'identifier le comportement stratégique en lien avec le biais hypothétique intrinsèque aux sondages déclaratifs. À cet effet, nous réalisons un sondage en ligne qui mesure le consentement à payer pour des œufs réguliers et de poules en liberté en utilisant deux traitements, une enchère non hypothétique et une question ouverte. Nous trouvons que le comportement stratégique présent en situation déclarative peut être isoler en calculant la prime, laquelle est définie comme étant la différence entre la valeur déclarée pour les œufs de poules en liberté et des œufs réguliers. Les résultats de cette étude peuvent être utilisés pour améliorer le design expérimental des enquêtes de préférences révélées et limiter le biais hypothétique.
Development for Children, or Children for Development? Examining Children's Participation in School‐Led Total Sanitation Programmes
Authors: Joshi Deepa , Kooy Michelle , van den Ouden Vincent 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTThe Community‐Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach is said to have radically revolutionized a poorly performing sanitation sector. The claims of CLTS programmes successfully stopping practices of open defecation have only recently begun to be critically reviewed: scholars and practitioners are questioning the sustainability and scrutinizing the participatory nature of this approach. This article builds on these analyses to draw attention to the School‐Led Total Sanitation (SLTS) programme which promotes the role of children as sanitation change agents to ‘trigger’ a shift of behaviour in their peers and elders in school and surrounding environments. The article reviews the active role of children in SLTS in the context of how ‘participation’ is structured in demand‐led sanitation approaches, as well as in relation to children's rights to participation in developmental projects in general. Reviewing the arguments supporting SLTS in practitioner literature and drawing on observations from SLTS case studies in Ghana, the authors notice a significant contradiction in the concept of children's participation as premised in SLTS initiatives and as outlined in the child rights agenda. These findings expose inherent tensions in SLTS between children's rights, participation and the role of children as sanitation change agents. They build on existing critiques of participation as coercion within demand‐led sanitation approaches that have ‘gone global’.
Ulinzi Shirikishi: Popular Experiences of Hybrid Security Governance in Tanzania
Authors: Cross Charlotte 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTIn the context of increasing academic and policy‐related attention to hybrid forms of security provision which combine state and non‐state institutions, in Africa and elsewhere, this article explores the implementation of community‐based or participatory policing (ulinzi shirikishi) in Tanzania. Through ulinzi shirikishi citizens are encouraged to form local security committees, organize neighbourhood patrols and investigate reported crime. In contrast to earlier forms of state‐sponsored sungusungu vigilantism in Tanzania, community police are expected to cooperate with the Tanzania Police Force and to adhere to state law. Based on 11 months’ fieldwork in three sub‐wards of the city of Mwanza, this article argues that community policing has been fairly effective in improving residents’ perceptions of local safety. However, two important concerns emerge that may compromise the sustainability and legitimacy of community policing in the future. Firstly, organizing local policing entails considerable costs for communities, which disproportionately disadvantage the relatively poor. Secondly, controlling local service provision can enable individuals to pursue private gains, at the expense of the production of public goods. It is thus important to consider the development of hybridity over time towards models that may look less like community‐based policing and more like commercial security provision.