bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of intractable chronic cluster headache by occipital nerve stimulation: a cohort of 51 patients
Authors: Miller S. , Watkins L. , Matharu M. 
Published: December 2016

Background and purposeChronic cluster headache is a rare, highly disabling primary headache condition. When medically intractable, occipital nerve stimulation can offer effective treatment. Open‐label series have provided data on small cohorts only.MethodsWe analyzed 51 subjects to evaluate the long‐term outcomes of highly intractable chronic cluster headache with occipital nerve stimulation. Patients with intractable chronic cluster headache were implanted with occipital nerve stimulators during the period 2007–2014. The primary endpoint was improvement in daily attack frequency. Secondary endpoints included attack severity, attack duration, quality‐of‐life measures, headache disability scores and adverse events.ResultsWe studied 51 patients [35 males; mean age at implant 47.78 (range 31–70) years; mean follow‐up 39.17 (range 2–81) months]. Nineteen patients had other chronic headache types in addition in chronic cluster headache. At final follow‐up, there was a 46.1% improvement in attack frequency (P < 0001) across all patients, 49.5% (P < 0.001) in those with cluster headache alone and 40.3% (P = 0.036) in those with multiple phenotypes. There were no significant differences in response in those with or without multiple headache types. The overall response rate (defined as at least a 50% improvement in attack frequency) was 52.9%. Significant reductions were also seen in attack duration and severity. Improvements were noted in headache disability scores and quality‐of‐life measures. Triptan use of responders dropped by 62.56%, resulting in significant cost savings. Adverse event rates were highly favorable.ConclusionOccipital nerve stimulation appears to be a safe and efficacious treatment for highly intractable chronic cluster headache even after a mean follow‐up of over 3 years.
Environmental and anthropogenic drivers of connectivity patterns: A basis for prioritizing conservation efforts for threatened populations
Authors: Gubili Chrysoula , Mariani Stefano , Weckworth Byron V. , Galpern Paul , McDevitt Allan D. , Hebblewhite Mark , Nickel Barry , Musiani Marco 
Published: December 2016

AbstractEcosystem fragmentation and habitat loss have been the focus of landscape management due to restrictions on contemporary connectivity and dispersal of populations. Here, we used an individual approach to determine the drivers of genetic differentiation in caribou of the Canadian Rockies. We modelled the effects of isolation by distance, landscape resistance and predation risk and evaluated the consequences of individual migratory behaviour (seasonally migratory vs. sedentary) on gene flow in this threatened species. We applied distance‐based and reciprocal causal modelling approaches, testing alternative hypotheses on the effects of geographic, topographic, environmental and local population‐specific variables on genetic differentiation and relatedness among individuals. Overall, gene flow was restricted to neighbouring local populations, with spatial coordinates, local population size, groups and elevation explaining connectivity among individuals. Landscape resistance, geographic distances and predation risk were correlated with genetic distances, with correlations threefold higher for sedentary than for migratory caribou. As local caribou populations are increasingly isolated, our results indicate the need to address genetic connectivity, especially for populations with individuals displaying different migratory behaviours, whilst maintaining quality habitat both within and across the ranges of threatened populations.
Urbanization drives community shifts towards thermophilic and dispersive species at local and landscape scales
Authors: Piano Elena , De Wolf Katrien , Bona Francesca , Bonte Dries , Bowler Diana E. , Isaia Marco , Lens Luc , Merckx Thomas , Mertens Daan , van Kerckvoorde Marc , De Meester Luc , Hendrickx Frederik 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe increasing conversion of agricultural and natural areas to human‐dominated urban landscapes is predicted to lead to a major decline in biodiversity worldwide. Two conditions that typically differ between urban environments and the surrounding landscape are increased temperature, and high patch isolation and habitat turnover rates. However, the extent and spatial scale at which these altered conditions shape biotic communities through selection and/or filtering on species traits are currently poorly understood. We sampled carabid beetles at 81 sites in Belgium using a hierarchically nested sampling design wherein three local‐scale (200 × 200 m) urbanization levels were repeatedly sampled across three landscape‐scale (3 × 3 km) urbanization levels. First, we showed that communities sampled in the most urbanized locations and landscapes displayed a distinct species composition at both local and landscape scale. Second, we related community means of species‐specific thermal preferences and dispersal capacity (based on European distribution and wing morphology, respectively) to the urbanization gradients. We showed that urban communities consisted on average of species with a preference for higher temperatures and with better dispersal capacities compared to rural communities. These shifts were caused by an increased number of species tolerating higher temperatures, a decreased richness of species with low thermal preference, and an almost complete depletion of species with very low‐dispersal capacity in the most urbanized localities. Effects of urbanization were most clearly detected at the local scale, although more subtle effects could also be found at the scale of entire landscapes. Our results demonstrate that urbanization may fundamentally and consistently alter species composition by exerting a strong filtering effect on species dispersal characteristics and favouring replacement by warm‐dwelling species.
Full Blood Count – Internal QC Protocol: a review by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Programs (RCPAQAP) Pty Ltd – Haematology
Authors: Sioufi J. , Badrick T. , Sinclair L. , Marsden K. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryIntroductionThe RCPAQAP (Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Program) Haematology has undertaken an exercise to review the internal quality control protocol for full blood count (FBC) instrumentation as well as review the action taken by laboratories when nonconforming results are evident in the RCPAQAP proficiency testing reports.MethodA questionnaire was sent to laboratories enrolled in the RCPAQAP FBC module. Laboratories were asked to provide information with regard to the type of control measures used within their testing environment that would trigger alerts for nonconforming events. The questionnaire also reviewed the action taken by laboratories in response to nonconforming test results in their external QA reports.ResultsA total of 253 of the 850 laboratories enrolled in the FBC module returned a response to the questionnaire, which identified variation in the QC protocol used to identify nonconforming events on the FBC analyser, including the type of controls, control levels processed and the frequency of use.ConclusionThis questionnaire identified variation in the internal QC protocol used by laboratories, including the types of control measures used and the rules applied to identify nonconforming events. However, the majority of laboratories appear to follow the most favourable choice of actions supplied when reviewing results of external QA data.
A method comparison study between two hemoglobinometer models (Hemocue Hb 301 and Hb 201+) to measure hemoglobin concentrations and estimate anemia prevalence among women in Preah Vihear, Cambodia
Authors: Rappaport A. I. , Karakochuk C. D. , Whitfield K. C. , Kheang K. M. , Green T. J. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryIntroductionHemoglobin (Hb) concentration is often measured in global health and nutrition surveys to determine anemia prevalence using a portable hemoglobinometer such as the Hemocue® Hb 201+. More recently, a newer model was released (Hemocue Hb 301) utilizing slightly different methods to measure Hb as compared to the older model. The objective was to measure bias and concordance between Hb concentrations using the Hemocue Hb 301 and Hb 201+ models in a rural field setting.MethodsHemoglobin (Hb) concentration was measured using one finger prick of blood (approximately 10 μL) from 175 Cambodian women (18–49 years) using three Hemocue Hb 201+ and three Hb 301 machines. Bias and concordance were measured and plotted.ResultsOverall, mean ± SD Hb concentration was 116 ± 13 g/L using the Hb 201+ and 118 ± 12 g/L using the Hb 301; and anemia prevalence (Hb < 120 g/L) was 58% (n = 102) and 58% (n = 101), respectively. Overall bias ± SD was 2.0 ± 10.5 g/L and concordance (95% CI) was 0.63 (0.54, 0.72). Despite the 2 g/L bias detected between models, anemia prevalence was very similar in both models.ConclusionsThe two models measured anemia prevalence comparably in this population of women in rural Cambodia.
Reshaping the social security agency around improved human capital and technology
Authors: Gujral Gaurav 
Published: December 2016

AbstractSocial security systems around the world evolved at different times, at different speeds, for often very different needs. But now each country faces a universal truth: their social security organizations must be truly adaptive, ready to deliver a new type of service at a time of constant technological and social change. Each social security system is approaching this daunting task in their own way – a grand social experiment in how agencies can provide a proactive, personalized service that meets their citizens’ ever‐changing needs. The results are simply unknown. This article intends to start the debate on what is and is not working, and indeed on how agencies should measure their progress in moving away from the traditional transactional model. The challenges they face are immense. Populations are ageing and social security budgets are shrinking. Meanwhile, the pace of digital change is matched only by the soaring rate of customer expectations. But the opportunities are of similar scale. Advanced technology, automation and new partnerships between public‐sector agencies promise a much smarter, more insight‐driven service for all. Technology is only one side of this equation. As part of rethinking their entire mission, social security agencies will need new workers with new sets of skills, and for their existing workers to adapt and embrace their changing roles. None of this will be straightforward. Whatever the original purpose of the social security organization, it has now changed irrevocably. But with the right combination of talent and technology, agencies can aspire to a new model: one that is flexible enough to withstand economic and social shock and resilient enough for the challenges that lie ahead.
Investments in the global health workforce are imperative to achieve social security for all
Authors: Dhillon Ibadat , Campbell Jim , McKinnon Roddy 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAs part of international efforts framed by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to extend sustainable and adequate social security coverage, social security systems are increasingly looking to deliver holistic policy responses that meet the different needs of people across the life course. To achieve these objectives globally, not only must the design and goals of social security programmes be recalibrated but significant investments in the health workforce are required. Yet, a fundamental challenge is the current and projected mismatch between the global supply, demand, and need for health workers. A number of critical issues require attention: the need for more and better investments in the health workforce; recognition that the health workforce is not gender neutral and that policies that appropriately recognize, value, and reward women’s work in health are of utmost importance; and that political will at the highest level and action across sectors is necessary to allow the required changes
Genetic polymorphism of heme oxygenase 1 promoter in the occurrence and severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhou Hongbin , Ying Xiwang , Liu Yuanshun , Ye Sa , Yan Jianping , Li Yaqing 
Published: December 2016

AbstractHeme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1) plays an important role in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the association of HMOX1 length polymorphism in promoter region to the risk and severity of COPD has not been well studied. In this study, we searched the databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and extracted the information from related articles. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to study the effect of HMOX1 polymorphism on the risk and severity of COPD. As a result, nine studies were included for this meta‐analysis. Higher frequencies of L allele and type I genotype (containing at least one L allele) were found in patients with COPD (for L allele, OR 2.02, 95% CI: 1.32–3.11, P = 0.001; for type I genotype, OR 1.82, 95% CI: 1.28–2.61, P = 0.001), especially in Asian population (for L allele, OR 2.23, 95% CI: 1.68–2.95, P < 0.001; for type I genotype, OR 2.02, 95% CI: 1.51–2.70, P < 0.001). Genotyping method, source of control subjects, literature quality and language also affected the results to some extent. However, there was little difference in HMOX1 genotypes distribution in patients with COPD with different severity. Our study indicated L allele and type I genotype were related to the susceptibility but not the severity of COPD.
Melanocortin receptor agonists MCR1‐5 protect photoreceptors from high‐glucose damage and restore antioxidant enzymes in primary retinal cell culture
Authors: Maisto Rosa , Gesualdo Carlo , Trotta Maria Consiglia , Grieco Paolo , Testa Francesco , Simonelli Francesca , Barcia Jorge Miquel , D'Amico Michele , Di Filippo Clara , Rossi Settimio 
Published: December 2016

AbstractRetinal photoreceptors are particularly vulnerable to local high‐glucose concentrations. Oxidative stress is a risk factor for diabetic retinopathy development. Melanocortin receptors represent a family of G‐protein‐coupled receptors classified in five subtypes and are expressed in retina. Our previous data indicate that subtypes 1 and 5 receptor agonists exert a protective role on experimental diabetic retinopathy. This study focuses on their role in primary retinal cell cultures in high‐glucose concentrations. After eye enucleation from wild‐type male C57BL/6 mice, retinal cells were isolated, plated in high‐glucose concentration and treated with melanocortin receptors 1 and 5 agonists and antagonists. Immunocytochemical and biochemical analysis showed that treatment with melanocortin receptors 1 and 5 agonists reduced anti‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and enhanced manganese superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels, preserving photoreceptor integrity. According with these evidences, we propose a major role of melanocortin receptors 1 and 5 on primary retinal cell response against high glucose or oxidative insults.
Nursing home manager's knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about advance care planning for people with dementia in long‐term care settings: a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Beck Esther‐Ruth , McIlfatrick Sonja , Hasson Felicity , Leavey Gerry 
Published: December 2016

Aims and objectivesTo examine nursing home managers’ knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and current practice regarding advance care planning for people with dementia in long‐term care settings informed by the theory of planned behaviour.BackgroundInternationally, advance care planning is advocated for people with dementia. However, evidence suggests that discussions with people with dementia are rare, particularly in long‐term care settings. Whilst nursing home managers can be considered central to implementation in this setting, there is a dearth of research that has examined their perspective. This study reports on their role with regard to advance care planning and the perceived factors which influence this.DesignA cross‐sectional postal survey was carried out as part of a larger scale sequential explanatory mixed‐methods study between January–March 2015.Setting and participantsNursing home managers in a region in the UK (n = 178).ResultsA response rate of 66% (n = 116) was achieved. Nursing home managers demonstrated a lack of knowledge of advance care planning, with negative attitudes underpinned by concerns regarding the capacity and lack of perceived benefits to the person with dementia. Currently, they do not view advance care planning as part of their role, with lack of ownership impacting upon current practice behaviours.ConclusionsWhilst nursing home managers recognise the potential benefits of advance care planning, barriers and challenges create a reluctance to facilitate. Targeted training to address the knowledge deficit is required, with the wider components of advance care planning promoted. There is a need for greater role clarification to ensure nurses in long‐term care settings identify with the process in the future. A gap between rhetoric and reality of implementation is evident; therefore, long‐term care settings must critically examine system, organisational and individual factors for failure to implement advance care planning for people with dementia.Relevance to Clinical PracticeIncreased cognisance of the context in which advance care planning takes place is vital for improved implementation in this context.In addition strong nursing leadership is imperative to facilitate initiation, engagement and re‐evaluation of the process of advance care planning.
Liver dysfunction in women with pregnancy‐induced antithrombin deficiency
Authors: Morikawa Mamoru , Kawabata Kosuke , Kato‐Hirayama Emi , Oda Yasunari , Ueda Hiroto , Kataoka Soromon , Yamada Takashi , Okuyama Kazuhiko , Sengoku Kazuo , Minakami Hisanori 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to determine whether women with pregnancy‐induced antithrombin deficiency (PIATD) had higher risk of liver dysfunction in the absence of thrombocytopenia.MethodsWe carried out a retrospective observational study at five centers in all 129 women with incidentally found PIATD among 5249 maternities and 129 control women without PIATD matched for number of fetuses and gestational week at delivery. PIATD was diagnosed in women with antenatal antithrombin (AT) activities of ≤75% followed by a further decrease to ≤65% peripartum. Liver dysfunction was defined as serum aspartate aminotransferase >  45 IU/L concomitant with lactate dehydrogenase >  400 IU/L. Thrombocytopenia was defined as platelet count < 120 × 109/L.ResultsThrombocytopenia (22% [28/129] vs 5.4% [7/129], P =  0.0001) and liver dysfunction (16% [20/129] vs 0.0% [0/129], P =  0.0000) occurred significantly more often in PIATD than in control women. Of the 20 women with liver dysfunction, 15 (75%) had PIATD, but not thrombocytopenia. Thus, even in the absence of thrombocytopenia, liver dysfunction occurred significantly more often in PIATD than in control women (15% [15/101] vs 0.0% [0/122], respectively, P =  0.0000). The relative risk (95% confidence interval) of liver dysfunction was 28.6 (1.64–500) for women with AT activity of 60–65% and 52.4 (3.17–865) for women with AT activity of <60%, compared to women with AT activity ≥66%.ConclusionPIATD can occur in the absence of thrombocytopenia and PIATD women had higher risk of liver dysfunction even in the absence of thrombocytopenia.
Phatic Violence? Gambling and the Arts of Distraction in Laos
Authors: Zuckerman Charles H. P. 
Published: December 2016

“Tempted,” as he put it, by the “demon of terminological invention,” Malinowski first coined the term “phatic” as one half of a two‐word compound, “phatic communion.” Since Malinowski, “phatic” has often been used to imply a semiotic equation where mere communicative contact automatically produces positive social relations among those communicating. This article explores a genre of “trash talk” on the pétanque gambling courts of Luang Prabang, Laos to challenge this assumption and clarify multiple senses of “phaticity.” With close attention to talk used not for positive communion but for distraction, I argue that communicative contact as a technical phenomenon must be separated from communicative contact as a sign of other kinds of meaning.
Quantitative Analysis of Extracranial Arterial Tortuosity in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Buch Karen , Arya Rahul , Shah Bhavya , Nadgir Rohini N. , Saito Naoko , Qureshi Muhammad M. , Sakai Osamu 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTPURPOSECompared to the intracranial vasculature in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients, the morphologic changes of the extracranial vasculature in SCD patients are less well understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tortuosity of the extracranial carotid and vertebral arteries in patients with SCD compared to age‐matched controls.METHODSFollowing Institution Review Board approval, between January 2004 and December 2013, Magnetic resonance angiogram neck examinations were retrospectively reviewed on 56 patients with SCD and 56 age‐matched controls. Vessel tortuosity was measured as curved vector lengths in the common carotid, extracranial internal carotid, and vertebral arteries bilaterally. Correlation of vessel tortuosity with age and hematocrit level was assessed. Paired and unpaired Student's t‐tests were performed to determine within and between group differences.RESULTSGreater tortuosity in extracranial carotid and vertebral arteries were noted in patients with SCD as compared to age‐matched control patients (P < .001). Greater differences in tortuosity between carotid and vertebral arteries were noted in SCD patients as compared to differences in control patients. Incidence of infarction was significantly associated with greater tortuosity of right carotid (P = .002), right (P = .004), and left (P = .020) vertebral arteries.CONCLUSIONSExtracranial carotid and vertebral arterial tortuosity is increased in SCD patients. This could be related to aberrations in hemodynamics from nonlaminar flow in these vessels. These increases in extracranial vascular tortuosity could potentially lead to alterations in intracranial vascular tortuosity and may be an independent risk factor for cerebral infarct.