bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma immunological markers in pregnancy and cord blood: A possible link between macrophage chemo‐attractants and risk of childhood type 1 diabetes
Authors: Vistnes Maria , Tapia German , Mårild Karl , Midttun Øivind , Ueland Per M. , Viken Marte K. , Magnus Per , Berg Jens P. , Gillespie Kathleen M. , Skrivarhaug Torild , Njølstad Pål R. , Joner Geir , Størdal Ketil , Stene Lars C. 
Published: December 2017

ProblemPrevious studies have suggested that immune perturbations during pregnancy can affect offspring type 1 diabetes (T1D) risk. We aimed to identify immunological markers that could predict offspring T1D or that were linked to T1D risk factors.Method of studyWe quantified selected circulating immunological markers in mid‐pregnancy (interleukin [IL]‐1β, IL‐1ra, IL‐2Rα, IL‐2, ‐4, ‐5, ‐6, ‐10, ‐12p70, 13, ‐17A, GM‐CSF, IFN‐γ, CXCL10, CCL 2, CCL3, CCL4, TNF) and cord blood plasma (neopterin and kynurenine/tryptophan ratio) in a case‐control study with 175 mother/child T1D cases (median age 5.8, range 0.7‐13.0 years) and 552 controls.ResultsPre‐pregnancy obesity was positively associated with CCL4, CXCL10, kynurenine/tryptophan ratio and neopterin (P < .01). The established T1D SNPs rs1159465 (near IL2RA) and rs75352297 (near CCR2 and CCR3) were positively associated with IL‐2Rα and CCL4, respectively (P < .01). There was a borderline association of CCL4 and offspring T1D risk, independent of maternal obesity and genotype. When grouping the immunological markers, there was a borderline association (P = .05) with M1 phenotype and no association between M2‐, Th1‐, Th2‐ or Th17 phenotypes and offspring T1D risk.ConclusionIncreased mid‐pregnancy CCL4 levels showed borderline associations with increased offspring T1D risk, which may indicate a link between environmental factors in pregnancy and offspring T1D risk.
Radial nerve palsy in mid/distal humeral fractures: is early exploration effective?
Authors: Keighley Geffrey , Hermans Deborah , Lawton Vidya , Duckworth David 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundRadial nerve palsies are a common complication with displaced distal humeral fractures. This case series examines the outcomes of early operative exploration and decompression of the nerve with fracture fixation with the view that this provides a solid construct for optimisation of nerve recovery.MethodsA total of 10 consecutive patients with a displaced distal humeral fracture and an acute radial nerve palsy were treated by the senior author by open reduction and internal fixation of the distal humerus and exploration and decompression of the radial nerve. Motor function and sensation of the radial nerve was assessed in the post‐operative period every 2 months or until full recovery of the radial nerve function had occurred.ResultsAll patients (100%) had recovery of motor and sensation function of their upper limb in the radial nerve distribution over a 12‐month period. Recovery times ranged between 4 and 32 weeks, with the median time to recovery occurring at 26 weeks and the average time to full recovery being 22.9 weeks. Wrist extension recovered by an average of 3 months (range 2–26 weeks) and then finger extension started to recover 2–6 weeks after this. Disability of the arm, shoulder and hand scores ranged from 0 to 11.8 at greater than 1 year post‐operatively.DiscussionOur study demonstrated that early operative exploration of the radial nerve when performing an open stabilization of displaced distal humeral fractures resulted in a 100% recovery of the radial nerve.
Letter: dose‐response analysis revealed closer relationship between obesity and perioperative outcomes in patients after liver transplantation—Authors’ reply
Authors: Barone M. , Viggiani M. T. , Losurdo G. , Principi M. , Leandro G. , Di Leo A. 
Published: December 2017

Linked ContentThis article is linked to Barone et al and Liu et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14139 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14425.
Vedolizumab in the treatment of chronic, antibiotic‐dependent or refractory pouchitis
Authors: Bär F. , Kühbacher T. , Dietrich N. A. , Krause T. , Stallmach A. , Teich N. , Schreiber S. , Walldorf J. , Schmelz R. , Büning C. , Fellermann K. , Büning J. , Helwig U. ,   the German IBD Study Group
Published: December 2017

SummaryBackgroundThe most common complication after ileal pouch anal anastomosis in up to 50% of patients is an acute pouchitis. The majority of patients respond to antibiotic treatment. However, 10%‐15% develops chronic antibiotic‐dependent or refractory pouchitis which is usually hard to treat.AimTo evaluate the effectiveness of vedolizumab in patients with chronic pouchitis.MethodsPatients with chronic antibiotic‐dependent or refractory pouchitis were treated with vedolizumab (300 mg at week 0, 2, 6 and 10) in 10 IBD centres and retrospectively registered. Data were recorded until week 14 of vedolizumab treatment. In total 20 patients (12 male, median age 43 years) were included for analysis. The effectiveness was measured using the Oresland Score (OS) at week 2, 6, 10 and 14 and the pouch disease activity index (PDAI) at week 0 and 14.ResultsThe mean OS declined from 6.8 (range 2‐12) to 3.4 (range 0‐11). Concordantly, the mean PDAI after 14 weeks of treatment dropped from 10 (range 5‐18) to 3 (range 0‐10). Only three patients reported moderate side effects. No serious side effects were recorded. In addition, symptomatic co‐medication such as loperamide and tincture of opium could be terminated in 8 out of 12 patients as well as antibiotic treatment could be stopped in 17 out of 19 patients.ConclusionOur data indicate that vedolizumab could be an option in the treatment of patients with chronic, antibiotic‐dependent or refractory pouchitis.
Right unilateral electroconvulsive therapy does not cause more cognitive impairment than pharmacologic treatment in treatment‐resistant bipolar depression: A 6‐month randomized controlled trial follow‐up study
Authors: Bjoerke‐Bertheussen Jeanette , Schoeyen Helle , Andreassen Ole A , Malt Ulrik F , Oedegaard Ketil J , Morken Gunnar , Sundet Kjetil , Vaaler Arne E , Auestad Bjoern , Kessler Ute 
Published: December 2017

ObjectivesElectroconvulsive therapy is an effective treatment for bipolar depression, but there are concerns about whether it causes long‐term neurocognitive impairment.MethodsIn this multicenter randomized controlled trial, in‐patients with treatment‐resistant bipolar depression were randomized to either algorithm‐based pharmacologic treatment or right unilateral electroconvulsive therapy. After the 6‐week treatment period, all of the patients received maintenance pharmacotherapy as recommended by their clinician guided by a relevant treatment algorithm. Patients were assessed at baseline and at 6 months. Neurocognitive functions were assessed using the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS) Consensus Cognitive Battery, and autobiographical memory consistency was assessed using the Autobiographical Memory Interview‐Short Form.ResultsSeventy‐three patients entered the trial, of whom 51 and 26 completed neurocognitive assessments at baseline and 6 months, respectively. TheMATRICSConsensus Cognitive Battery composite score improved by 4.1 points in both groups (P = .042) from baseline to 6 months (from 40.8 to 44.9 and from 41.9 to 46.0 in the algorithm‐based pharmacologic treatment and electroconvulsive therapy groups, respectively). The Autobiographical Memory Interview‐Short Form consistency scores were reduced in both groups (72.3% vs 64.3% in the algorithm‐based pharmacologic treatment and electroconvulsive therapy groups, respectively;P = .085).ConclusionsThis study did not find that right unilateral electroconvulsive therapy caused long‐term impairment in neurocognitive functions compared to algorithm‐based pharmacologic treatment in bipolar depression as measured using standard neuropsychological tests, but due to the low number of patients in the study the results should be interpreted with caution.Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00664976
Wheel running during chronic nicotine exposure is protective against mecamylamine‐precipitated withdrawal and up‐regulates hippocampal α7 nACh receptors in mice
Authors: Keyworth Helen , Georgiou Polymnia , Zanos Panos , Rueda André Veloso , Chen Ying , Kitchen Ian , Camarini Rosana , Cropley Mark , Bailey Alexis 
Published: December 2017

Background and PurposeEvidence suggests that exercise decreases nicotine withdrawal symptoms in humans; however, the mechanisms mediating this effect are unclear. We investigated, in a mouse model, the effect of exercise intensity during chronic nicotine exposure on nicotine withdrawal severity, binding of α4β2*, α7 nicotinic acetylcholine (nAChR), μ‐opioid (μ receptors) and D2 dopamine receptors and on brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and plasma corticosterone levels.Experimental ApproachMale C57Bl/6J mice treated with nicotine (minipump, 24 mg·kg−1·day−1) or saline for 14 days underwent one of three concurrent exercise regimes: 24, 2 or 0 h·day−1 voluntary wheel running. Mecamylamine‐precipitated withdrawal symptoms were assessed on day 14. Quantitative autoradiography of α4β2*, α7 nAChRs, μ receptors and D2 receptor binding was performed in brain sections of these mice. Plasma corticosterone and brain BDNF levels were also measured.Key ResultsNicotine‐treated mice undertaking 2 or 24 h·day−1 wheel running displayed a significant reduction in withdrawal symptom severity compared with the sedentary group. Wheel running induced a significant up‐regulation of α7 nAChR binding in the CA2/3 area of the hippocampus of nicotine‐treated mice. Neither exercise nor nicotine treatment affected μ or D2 receptor binding or BDNF levels. Nicotine withdrawal increased plasma corticosterone levels and α4β2* nAChR binding, irrespective of exercise regimen.Conclusions and ImplicationsWe demonstrated for the first time a profound effect of exercise on α7 nAChRs in nicotine‐dependent animals, irrespective of exercise intensity. These findings shed light onto the mechanism underlining the protective effect of exercise on the development of nicotine dependence.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.11/issuetoc
Do needle and syringe programs reduce risky behaviours among people who inject drugs in Kermanshah City, Iran? A coarsened exact matching approach
Authors: Noroozi Mehdi , Marshall Brandon D. L. , Noroozi Alireza , Armoon Bahram , Sharifi Hamid , Farhoudian Ali , Ghiasvand Hesam , Vameghi Meroe , Rezaei Omid , Sayadnasiri Mohammad , Pouya Rokhsane Hosseini 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIntroduction and AimsIn this study, we used a ‘coarsened exact matching’ method to evaluate the relationship between two levels of needle and syringe program (NSP) utilisation and HIV‐related risk behaviours among people who inject drugs (PWID).Design and MethodsUsing snowball sampling, we recruited 500 PWID (all male) in Kermanshah City, Iran between September and December 2014 in a cross‐sectional survey. We categorised participants into two groups, including high (i.e. receiving 60% or more of their syringes from an NSP) and low (i.e. receiving less than 60% of their syringes from NSP) NSP users. Then, we applied coarsened exact matching to match the two groups based on confounding covariates (age, place of residence, income, receiving methadone maintenance treatment) and made statistically equivalent comparison groups to estimate the effect of the NSP on injection risk behaviours.ResultsParticipants with low NSP use were more likely to report borrowing syringes in past 2 months (odds ratio [OR] 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30, 1.86; P < 0.04), in comparison with participants with high NSP use. Regarding recent syringe lending, low NSP use was also significantly and positively associated with this outcome (OR 3.34; 95% CI 1.70, 5.20; P < 0.02). Reusing one's own syringe was reported more frequently in low NSP use group (OR 1.40; 95% CI 1.22, 3.97; P < 0.03).Discussion and ConclusionsNSPs are a promising approach to reduce injection‐related risk behaviours among PWID in Kermanshah, Iran. Expanded coverage of high‐quality NSPs is recommended.
Beyond ‘State Ibuism’: Empowerment Effects in State‐led Development in Indonesia
Authors: Jakimow Tanya 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTThis article examines the ways women's processes of self‐formation are indicative (or not) of new possibilities for women's gendered selves in the post‐Reformasi period in Indonesia. It focuses on the development arena to reveal how shifts in state rhetoric, from top‐down guidance based on a patriarchal familial model to bottom‐up, inclusive development based on empowerment, have transformed what is referred to as the ‘topography for self’. The article draws upon theories of personhood a) to show how gendered selves emerge and are contested within particular historical conditions; and b) to develop an alternative framework of ‘empowerment’ that focuses not on capabilities and choice, but on an expansion in the possibilities for self. It argues that models of community‐driven development have provided new opportunities for women to hold and enact socially recognizable subject positions. This constitutes a form of empowerment for individual women but does not necessarily reflect challenges to patriarchy in Indonesia.
Progress of the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme: referrals, uptake and participant characteristics
Authors: Barron E. , Clark R. , Hewings R. , Smith J. , Valabhji J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimsTo describe early progress of the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, a behavioural intervention designed to prevent or delay onset of Type 2 diabetes in people in England already identified to be at high risk, to assess numbers of referrals received by Programme providers and the proportion that attended the initial assessment, and to identify the factors associated with attendance rates.MethodsThese analyses examine the data for referrals received between June 2016 and March 2017.ResultsThere were 43 603 referrals received, 16% higher than expected. Of those referred, 49% attended the initial assessment, higher than the 40% modelled uptake. Of those referred, there was no significant difference in uptake by sex (P=0.061); however, attendance per 100 000 population varied significantly by sex, age group, ethnicity and deprivation; it was significantly lower for men (P<0.001), higher as age increased (P<0.001) and higher for individuals from Asian, Afro‐Caribbean, mixed and other ethnic groups compared with individuals from white European groups (P<0.001). There was significant interaction between attendance rates by ethnicity and deprivation (P<0.001) such that attendance rates were significantly higher in the most deprived quintile vs the least deprived quintile for Asian, Afro‐Caribbean, mixed and other ethnic groups but not significantly different for white European ethnic groups.ConclusionThe analyses show that referral numbers and percentage uptake are in excess of prior modelled values. Characteristics of attendees suggest that the programme is reaching those who are both at greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and who typically access healthcare less effectively.
Social protection is a grassroots reality: Making the case for policy reflections on community‐based social protection actors and services in Africa
Authors: Awortwi Nicholas 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn Africa, the state is not the biggest responder to poverty and social vulnerability. While international attention has searched for State remedies to State shortfalls, the poor themselves have taken a different route. They have improvised, organized, delivered and governed their social protection (SP) services using grassroots mechanisms without State support. Based on empirical studies in 30 districts in six African countries, this article makes the case that the highly localized models may not be perfect, but are probably the best fit for implementing an all‐encompassing SP policy in Africa. The challenge for policy will be to harness this potential—not by trying to turn grassroots organizations into something they are not, but by supporting what they already are.
Fungal colonization of the paranasal sinuses*
Authors: Vennewald Irina , Henker M. , Klemm E. , Seebacher C. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryFungal infection of the paranasal sinuses occur in four primary types: acute invasive (1), chronic invasive (2), chronic fungus ball (3) and allergic fungal sinusitis (4). The first and second form can be fatal and is often found in immunosuppressed patients. The present paper concerns a group of immunocompetent patients with non‐invasive chronic sinusitis caused by moulds.Over the period from 1994 to 1998, 132 tissue samples from the paranasal sinuses obtained by endoscopic operation from 117 patients was examined for mycotic infections. The mycological examination was carried out if granulomatous and crumbly material was seen in the sinus by endoscopy (91 times maxillary sinus, 23 times ethmoid sinus, 11 times frontal sinus, 7 times sphenoid sinus). Out of 117 patients 29 were positive (24,9%). From 132 surgical specimens fungi were proved in 34 times (25,7%). The following fungal species were isolated: Aspergillus fumigatus 17 times, other Aspergillus spp 6 times, Alternaria alternate 2, Penicillium rugulosum 1, and moulds without differentiation 5 times. In the histological examination an invasive mycelial growth in the mucous membrane or in the bones was never observable. Our findings represented a commensal colonization of the paranasal sinuses, but not a mycosis. The colonization is evidently assisted by a chronic hyperthrophic sinusitis with increased mucus production which impedes the mucociliary clearance. For immunosuppressed patients, however, this situation causes a danger of invasion with fatal consequences.
Industrial Intensification and Energy Embodied in Trade: Long‐Run Energy Perspective of the Planned Economy of Czechoslovakia
Authors: Nielsen Hana 
Published: December 2017

SummaryThis paper examines the role of foreign trade in the consumption of energy in Czechoslovakia through a bottom‐up approach in accounting for energy embodied in trade with manufactured goods. It provides a unique analysis of annual changes in energy embodied in trade in a country characterized by changing political regimes. On the whole, Czechoslovakia has been a net exporter of energy throughout the twentieth century with an average 12% of domestic energy consumption embodied in exports. The role of central planning was found to have a significant effect on the absolute levels of energy embodied in trade, which reached its peak in 1972, when Czechoslovakia had net exports of embodied energy of 29 gigajoules per capita, well above those of Sweden in 1970 or China in 2013. Increased product specialization with a shift toward heavy industrial goods also had a clear impact on the composition of energy embodied in exports. Despite this development, the energy intensity curve of Czechoslovakia does not change substantially when adjusted for foreign trade.
It is not a flat world after all: Tax repatriation costs and cash value
Authors: Fabrizi Michele , Ipino Elisabetta , Parbonetti Antonio 
Published: December 2017

AbstractUS corporations have accumulated record‐high amounts of cash, and most of it is trapped in foreign accounts. This study tests the hypothesis that the marginal value of cash decreases in the presence of tax repatriation costs, as these costs are a strong indication that part of the cash is trapped abroad. Cash abroad is not readily available to the company because it is subject to an additional layer of tax before it can be used or distributed. Moreover, uncertainty surrounds the potential use of foreign cash, and research documents that firms holding high amounts of cash abroad are likely to invest in negative net present value activities. Finally, possible changes in tax regulation are an additional source of uncertainty. Consequently, foreign cash should be worth less than domestic cash. Using a large sample of US firms drawn from COMPUSTAT during the 1991–2012 period, the analysis suggests that shareholders value an extra dollar of cash at $1.086. However, this result changes dramatically when the change in cash is interacted with the tax cost of repatriating the earnings. That is, the marginal value of cash decreases significantly in the presence of tax repatriation costs, and shareholders discount cash when it is likely to be held abroad. This study contributes to the literature on cash holding by investigating whether tax repatriation costs affect the value of corporate cash. Moreover, the findings show that there are important economic consequences linked to the phenomenon of cash accumulation in foreign countries and therefore provide regulators with a sound foundation on which to take additional actions to require more disclosure of and transparency in the actual location of firms’ cash holdings.
Associations of Nurse Staffing and Education With the Length of Stay of Surgical Patients
Authors: Cho Eunhee , Park Jeongyoung , Choi Miyoung , Lee Hye Sun , Kim Eun‐Young 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPurposeTo examine the association of nurse staffing and education with the length of stay of surgical patients in acute care hospitals in South Korea.DesignA cross‐sectional survey design was used for a nurse survey in acute hospitals collected between 2008 and 2009. The survey data (N = 1,665) were linked with patient discharge data (N = 113,438) and hospital facility data from 58 hospitals with 100 or more beds in South Korea.MethodsThe dependent variable was the length of stay, that is, the number of days a patient remained in the hospital. The independent variables were nurse staffing (number of patients per nurse) and nurses’ education level (percentage of nurses with a bachelor of science in nursing [BSN] degree). A multilevel analysis was used to analyze the associations of nurse staffing and education level with the length of stay by controlling for both hospital and patient characteristics.FindingsThe average proportion of nurses with a BSN in all the hospitals was 30.86%, while the average number of patients per nurse was 14.31. The median length of hospital stay for patients was about 7 days. The multilevel analysis showed that nurse staffing and nurse education level were significantly associated with the length of stay of surgical patients in acute care hospitals. A 10% increase in the average number of patients per nurse increased the length of stay by 0.284 days (p = .037). When the number of nurses with a BSN was increased by 1%, the length of stay decreased by 0.42 days (p = .025).ConclusionsNurse staffing and nurses’ education levels were significantly associated with the length of stay of surgical patients in South Korean hospitals. The findings from this study suggest that the South Korea healthcare system should develop appropriate strategies to improve the nurse staffing and education levels to ensure high‐quality patient care in hospitals.Clinical RelevanceHealthcare policymakers and nurse managers need to modify adequate nurse staffing and education levels in order to reduce the length of stay of patients.