bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paravascular abnormalities observed by spectral domain optical coherence tomography are risk factors for retinoschisis in eyes with high myopia
Authors: Li Tong , Wang Xiaohan , Zhou Yanping , Feng Tonghui , Xiao Meichun , Wang Fenghua , Sun Xiaodong 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the retinal features and distribution of paravascular abnormalities (PVAs) and their relationship with retinoschisis in eyes with high myopia.MethodsOne hundred and fifty‐two eyes of 88 patients with high myopia [refractive error greater than −6 dioptres (D) or axial length (AL) ≥26.5 mm] who had undergone comprehensive ophthalmic examinations were evaluated in this cross‐sectional study. Multiple optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans were performed to study the microstructural alterations adjacent to the retinal vascular arcades and the entire macular area. The presence and distribution patterns of various PVAs, retinoschisis and the association between these parameters were analysed.ResultsOf the 152 highly myopic eyes, PVAs were detected by OCT in 126 eyes (82.9%), including paravascular microfolds in all 126 eyes, paravascular cysts in 109 eyes (71.7%) and paravascular lamellar holes in 44 eyes (28.9%). All three types of PVAs were observed more frequently along the temporal vascular arcades than along the nasal vascular arcades (p < 0.005). Seventy‐eight eyes (51.3%) were identified with retinoschisis at retinal vascular arcades, most frequently in the inner plexiform layer (IPL) and along temporal arcades. Eyes with all three types of PVAs (microfolds, cysts and lamellar holes) had the highest incidence of retinoschisis at vascular arcades (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that age, the AL, presence of paravascular microfolds and cysts, and simultaneously existence of all three types of PVAs were associated with an increased risk for retinoschisis at vascular arcades. Macular retinoschisis was detected in 25 eyes (19.8%) and presented with splitting of the outer retina in all cases. All seven eyes with entire macular area retinoschisis (S4 grade) were accompanied by retinoschisis at vascular arcades within multiple layers, including outer retinoschisis, IPL schisis and inner limiting membrane (ILM) detachment.ConclusionOur findings indicated that all three types of PVAs and different types of retinoschisis were most frequently observed along the temporal vascular arcades. Eyes with paravascular microfolds and cysts, and those with all three paravascular lesions may in risk of developing retinoschisis at vascular arcades.
Strictly controlled glucose infusion rates are associated with a reduced risk of hyperglycaemia in extremely low birth weight preterm infants
Authors: Stensvold Hans Jorgen , Lang Astri M. , Strommen Kenneth , Abrahamsen Tore G. , Ogland Bjorn , Pripp Are H. , Ronnestad Arild E. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimWe evaluated a strict strategy that aimed to avoid fluctuations in glucose infusion rates (GIRs) and assessed the independent effects of maximal daily GIRs on the hyperglycaemia risk among extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants receiving early enhanced parenteral nutrition.MethodsThis study comprised all ELBW infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Norway, before (2007–2009) and after (2012–2013) implementing a strict GIR strategy. Severe hyperglycaemia was defined as two consecutive blood glucose values over 12 mmol/L. Maximum daily GIRs (mg/kg/min) were categorised into low (<5.1), intermediate (5.1–7.0) or high (>7.0). Mixed effects logistic regression modelling for repeated measurements was applied to investigate independent determinants of hyperglycaemia.ResultsWe included 1293 treatment days for 195 infants. The maximum daily GIR decreased (6.3 versus 5.8 mg/kg/min), while mean daily glucose and energy intakes were maintained in the post‐strategy period. The prevalence of severe hyperglycaemia (48% versus 23%), insulin use (39% versus 16%) and mortality (26% versus 10%) fell. Intermediate GIR (odds ratio 2.11) and high GIR (odds ratio 2.85) were significant independent predictors of severe hyperglycaemia compared to low GIR.ConclusionA strict GIR strategy reduced the risk of severe hyperglycaemia and adverse outcomes.
The parenthood argument
Authors: Simkulet William 
Published: November 2017

AbstractDon Marquis is well known for his future like ours theory (FLO), according to which the killing beings like us is seriously morally wrong because it deprives us of a future we can value. According to Marquis, human fetuses possess a future they can come to value, and thus according to FLO have a right to life. Recently Mark Brown has argued that even if FLO shows fetuses have a right to life, it fails to show that fetuses have a right to use their mother's body, evoking Judith Jarvis Thomson's famous violinist case. In the wake of Brown's conclusion, Marquis presents a new argument—the parenthood argument (PA)—which he believes shows that abortion is seriously morally wrong. Here I argue that the PA fails to show abortion is seriously morally wrong for the same reasons FLO fails to show abortion is seriously morally wrong.
Conscientious objection, professional duty and compromise: A response to Savulescu and Schuklenk
Authors: Hughes Jonathan A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn a recent article in this journal, Savulescu and Schuklenk defend and extend their earlier arguments against a right to medical conscientious objection in response to criticisms raised by Cowley. I argue that while it would be preferable to be less accommodating of medical conscientious than many countries currently are, Savulescu and Schuklenk's argument that conscientious objection is ‘simply unprofessional’ is mistaken. The professional duties of doctors should be defined in relation to the interests of patients and society, and for reasons set out in this article, these may support limited accommodation of conscientious objection on condition that it does not impede access to services. Moreover, the fact that conscientious objection appears to involve unjustifiable compromise from the objector's point of view is not a reason for society not to offer that compromise. Arguing for robust enforcement of the no‐impediment condition, rather than opposing conscientious objection in principle, may be a more effective way of addressing the harms resulting from an over‐permissive conscientious objection policy.
Judgments of moral responsibility in tissue donation cases
Authors: Beverley John , Beebe James 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIf a person requires an organ or tissue donation to survive, many philosophers argue that whatever moral responsibility a biological relative may have to donate to the person in need will be grounded at least partially, if not entirely, in biological relations the potential donor bears to the recipient. We contend that such views ignore the role that a potential donor's unique ability to help the person in need plays in underwriting such judgments. If, for example, a sperm donor is judged to have a significant moral responsibility to donate tissue to a child conceived with his sperm, we think this will not be due to the fact that the donor stands in a close biological relationship to the recipient. Rather, we think such judgments will largely be grounded in the presumed unique ability of the sperm donor to help the child due to the compatibility of his tissues and organs with those of the recipient. In this paper, we report the results of two studies designed to investigate the comparative roles that biological relatedness and unique ability play in generating judgments of moral responsibility in tissue donation cases. We found that biologically related individuals are deemed to have a significant moral responsibility to donate tissue only when they are one of a small number of people who have the capacity to help.
Enthusiastic portrayal of 3D bioprinting in the media: Ethical side effects
Authors: Gilbert Frederic , Viaña John Noel M. , O'Connell Cathal D. , Dodds Susan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThere has been a surge in mass media reports extolling the potential for using three‐dimensional printing of biomaterials (3D bioprinting) to treat a wide range of clinical conditions. Given that mass media is recognized as one of the most important sources of health and medical information for the general public, especially prospective patients, we report and discuss the ethical consequences of coverage of 3D bioprinting in the media. First, we illustrate how positive mass media narratives of a similar biofabricated technology, namely the Macchiarini scaffold tracheas, which was involved in lethal experimental human trials, influenced potential patient perceptions. Second, we report and analyze the positively biased and enthusiastic portrayal of 3D bioprinting in mass media. Third, we examine the lack of regulation and absence of discussion about risks associated with bioprinting technology. Fourth, we explore how media misunderstanding is dangerously misleading the narrative about the technology.
What do first‐year university students in Newfoundland and Labrador know about Aboriginal peoples and topics?
Authors: Godlewska Anne , Schaefli Laura , Massey Jennifer , Freake Sheila , Adjei Jones K. , Rose John , Hudson Chloe 
Published: November 2017

Key Messages

Students enter university in Newfoundland and Labrador deeply ignorant of Aboriginal people and topics.
Lack of awareness of Aboriginal people and topics reinforces racism in Canada.
Curricular and textbook reform has the capacity to make a significant difference for Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal students.
Canadian economics research on immigration through the lens of theories of justice
Authors: Green David A. , Worswick Christopher 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWe assess the current state of knowledge in the economics of immigration and consider how economic theories of knowledge can be used to further the goal of developing a just immigration policy. In the process, we highlight the contributions of economists working in Canada and Canadian economists internationally in furthering our understanding of this important research area. We identify research gaps such as the need for more research on the underlying causes of the poor returns to foreign work experience for immigrants from non‐traditional source countries and the effect of immigrants on stimulating innovation. More research is also needed on the implications of temporary foreign worker (TFW) programs and the growing importance of employers in immigrant selection systems.
KDM6A promotes chondrogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells by demethylation of SOX9
Authors: Wang Pingting , Li Yanjing , Meng Tingting , Zhang Junjiang , Wei Yuanyuan , Meng Zhaosong , Lin Yunfeng , Liu Dayong , Sui Lei 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectivesKDM6A has been demonstrated critical in the regulation of cell fates. However, whether KDM6A is involved in cartilage formation remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of KDM6A in chondrogenic differentiation of PDLSCs, as well as the underlying epigenetic mechanisms.MethodsKDM6A shRNA was transfected into PDLSCs by lentivirus. The chondrogenic differentiation potential of PDLSCs was assessed by Alcian blue staining. Immunofluorescence was performed to demonstrate H3K27me3 and H3K4me3 levels during chondrogenesis. SOX9, Col2a1, ACAN and miRNAs (miR‐29a, miR‐204, miR‐211) were detected by real‐time RT‐PCR. Western blot was performed to evaluate SOX9, H3K27me3 and H3K4me3.ResultsThe production of proteoglycans in PDLSCs was decreased after knockdown of KDM6A. Depletion of KDM6A inhibited the expression of SOX9, Col2a1, ACAN and resulted in increased H3K27me3 and decreased H3K4me3 levels. EZH2 inhibitor rescued the chondrogenic potential of PDLSCs after knockdown of KDM6A by regulating H3K27me3. Additionally, miR‐29a, miR‐204 and miR‐211 were also involved in the process of PDLSCs chondrogenesis.ConclusionsKDM6A is required in chondrogenic differentiation of PDLSCs by demethylation of H3K27me3, and EZH2 inhibitor could rescue chondrogenesis of PDLSCs after knockdown of KDM6A. It could be inferred that upregulation of KDM6A or application of EZH2 inhibitor might improve mesenchymal stem cell mediated cartilage regeneration in inflammatory tissue destruction such as osteoarthritis.
Person‐centred, web‐based support in pregnancy and early motherhood for women with Type 1 diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Linden K. , Berg M. , Adolfsson A. , Sparud‐Lundin C. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimsTo report results from and explore use of a multicentre, parallel‐group, unblinded, randomized controlled trial testing the effectiveness in terms of well‐being and diabetes management of a person‐centred, web‐based support programme for women with Type 1 diabetes, in pregnancy and postpartum.MethodsBetween 2011 and 2014, 174 pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes were randomly allocated (1:1) to web‐based support and standard care (intervention group, n=83), or standard care (control group, n=91). The web‐based support consisted of evidence‐based information; a self‐care diary for monitoring of daily activities; and peer support in a discussion forum. The primary outcomes (mean difference, measured at 6 months after childbirth) were well‐being and diabetes management.ResultsNo differences were found with regard to the primary outcome measure scores for general well‐being [1.04 (95% CI –1.28 to 3.37); P=0.68] and self‐efficacy of diabetes management [0.08 (95% CI –0.12 to 0.28); P= 0.75], after adjustment for baseline differences in the insulin administration method, nor with regard to the secondary outcome measures.ConclusionsAt 6 months after childbirth, the web‐based support plus standard care was not superior to standard care in terms of general well‐being or self‐efficacy of diabetes management. This might be explained by the low number of participants who had a high activity level. Few simultaneously active participants in the web‐based programme and stressors in motherhood and diabetes postpartum were the main barriers to its use. Further intervention studies that offer web‐based support are needed, with lessons learned from the present study.(Clinicaltrials.gov identification number: NCT015665824)
Testosterone therapy for sexual dysfunction in men with Type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Algeffari M. , Jayasena C. N. , MacKeith P. , Thapar A. , Dhillo W. S. , Oliver N. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effectiveness of testosterone therapy on a range of sexual function domains in men with Type 2 diabetes.MethodElectronic databases were searched for studies investigating the effect of testosterone therapy on sexual function in men with Type 2 diabetes. All randomized controlled trials were considered for inclusion if they compared the efficacy of testosterone therapy with that of placebo and reported sexual function outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using a random‐effects model, and heterogeneity was expressed using the I2 statistic.ResultsA total of 611 articles were screened. Six randomized control trials, in a total of 587 men with Type 2 diabetes, were eligible for inclusion. The pooled data suggested that testosterone therapy improves sexual desire (random‐effects pooled effect size 0.314; 95% CI 0.082–0.546) and erectile function (random‐effects pooled effect size 0.203; 95% CI 0.007–0.399) when compared with control groups. Testosterone therapy had no significant effect on constitutional symptoms or other sexual domains compared with control groups. No studies have investigated the incidence of prostate cancer, fertility and cardiovascular disease after testosterone therapy in men with Type 2 diabetes.ConclusionTestosterone therapy may moderately improve sexual desire and erectile function in men with Type 2 diabetes; however, available data are limited, and the long‐term risks of testosterone therapy are not known in this specific patient group. We conclude that testosterone therapy is a potential treatment for men with Type 2 diabetes non‐responsive to phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitors. Testosterone therapy could be considered for men with Type 2 diabetes when potential risks and benefits of therapy are carefully considered and other therapeutic options are unsuitable.
MONITOR‐GCSF DLBCL subanalysis: Treatment patterns/outcomes with biosimilar filgrastim for chemotherapy‐induced/febrile neutropenia prophylaxis
Authors: Gascón Pere , Krendyukov Andriy , Höbel Nadja , Aapro Matti 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectiveProspective data on the use of granulocyte‐colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) in non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma and its aggressive subtypes, including diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), are limited. MONITOR‐GCSF is a pan‐European, multicenter, prospective, observational study aiming to describe treatment patterns and clinical outcomes in patients receiving biosimilar filgrastim in the prophylaxis of chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia (CIN) and febrile neutropenia (FN).MethodsThis analysis describes patient characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes for 245 patients with stage 3 or 4 DLBCL receiving ≤6 chemotherapy cycles as part of MONITOR‐GCSF study, including patients aged ≥65 years and ≥70 years. Outcomes of interest included the incidence of CIN and FN, antibiotic prophylaxis, biosimilar filgrastim prophylaxis, and adverse events (AEs).ResultsMONITOR‐GCSF included 245 patients with DLBCL. Of these patients, 87 (35.5%) experienced one or more CIN (any grade) episode and 24 (9.8%) experienced FN (any grade). The most frequent AE reported was bone pain (n = 7, 2.9%), followed by arthralgia (n = 2, 0.8%) and back pain (n = 2, 0.8%).ConclusionIn real‐life practice, biosimilar filgrastim demonstrated clinical effectiveness and safety in patients with DLBCL. The large percentage of patients aged ≥65 years adds to the evidence on how to best treat older patients with DLBCL receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy.
Structured education to improve primary‐care management of headache: how long do the benefits last? A follow‐up observational study
Authors: Braschinsky M. , Haldre S. , Kals M. , Arge M. , Saar B. , Niibek M. , Katsarava Z. , Steiner T. J. 
Published: November 2017

Background and purposeOur earlier study showed that structured education of general practitioners (GPs) improved their practice in headache management. Here the duration of this effect was assessed.MethodsIn a follow‐up observational study in southern Estonia, subjects were the same six GPs as previously, managing patients presenting with headache as the main complaint. Data reflecting their practice were collected prospectively during a 1‐year period commencing 2 years after the educational intervention. The primary outcome measure was referral rate (RR) to neurological services. Comparisons were made with baseline and post‐intervention data from the earlier study.ResultsIn 366 patients consulting during the follow‐up period, the RR was 19.9%, lower than at baseline (39.5%; P < 0.0001) or post‐intervention (34.7%; P < 0.0001). The RR was diagnosis‐dependent: the biggest decline was for migraine. Use of headache diagnostic terms showed changes generally favouring specific terminology. In particular, the proportion of patients given migraine diagnoses greatly increased whilst use of the inappropriate M79.1 (Pericranial) myalgia almost disappeared. Requests for investigations, which had fallen from 26% (of patients seen) at baseline to 4% post‐intervention, resurged to 23% (mostly laboratory investigations; requests for X‐rays continued to dwindle). Initiation of treatment by the GPs remained at the post‐intervention level of just over 80% (up from baseline 58%).ConclusionsImprovements in GPs’ practice after a structured educational programme mostly last for ≥3 years, some showing further betterment. A few measures suggest the beginnings of a decline towards baseline levels. This policy‐informing evidence for continuing medical education indicates that the educational programme needs repeating every 2–3 years.
Severe infantile onset developmental and epileptic encephalopathy caused by mutations in autophagy gene WDR45
Authors: Carvill Gemma L. , Liu Aijie , Mandelstam Simone , Schneider Amy , Lacroix Amy , Zemel Matthew , McMahon Jacinta M. , Bello‐Espinosa Luis , Mackay Mark , Wallace Geoffrey , Waak Michaela , Zhang Jing , Yang Xiaoling , Malone Stephen , Zhang Yue‐Hua , Mefford Heather C. , Scheffer Ingrid E. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryHeterozygous de novo variants in the autophagy gene, WDR45, are found in beta‐propeller protein‐associated neurodegeneration (BPAN). BPAN is characterized by adolescent onset dementia and dystonia; 66% patients have seizures. We asked whether WDR45 was associated with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). We performed next generation sequencing of WDR45 in 655 patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. We identified 3/655 patients with DEE plus 4 additional patients with de novo WDR45 pathogenic variants (6 truncations, 1 missense); all were female. Six presented with DEE and 1 with early onset focal seizures and profound regression. Median seizure onset was 12 months, 6 had multiple seizure types, and 5/7 had focal seizures. Three patients had magnetic resonance susceptibility‐weighted imaging; blooming was noted in the globus pallidi and substantia nigra in the 2 older children aged 4 and 9 years, consistent with iron accumulation. We show that de novo pathogenic variants are associated with a range of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies with profound developmental consequences.
Is bank capital sensitive to a tax allowance on marginal equity?
Authors: Martin‐Flores Jose , Moussu Christophe 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis paper studies how bank capital changes following the implementation and removal of a tax incentive on equity. We examine the impact of the introduction of a tax allowance in Italy granted to banks (and other firms) that increase their equity from a base year. Using a difference‐in‐differences setting, we observe an 8.83% increase in bank capital ratios following the implementation of this reform. When this tax mechanism is phased out, we observe an opposite effect on the equity ratio, showing the absence of a hysteresis effect in bank capital. We document a heterogeneous effect for large and small banks.