bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aeroallergen sensitization predicts acute chest syndrome in children with sickle cell anaemia
Authors: Willen Shaina M. , Rodeghier Mark , Strunk Robert C. , Bacharier Leonard B. , Rosen Carol L. , Kirkham Fenella J. , DeBaun Michael R. , Cohen Robyn T. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryAsthma is associated with higher rates of acute chest syndrome (ACS) and vaso‐occlusive pain episodes among children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA). Aeroallergen sensitization is a risk factor for asthma. We hypothesized that aeroallergen sensitization is associated with an increased incidence of hospitalizations for ACS and pain. Participants in a multicentre, longitudinal cohort study, aged 4–18 years with SCA, underwent skin prick testing to ten aeroallergens. ACS and pain episodes were collected from birth until the end of the follow‐up period. The number of positive skin tests were tested for associations with prospective rates of ACS and pain. Multivariable models demonstrated additive effects of having positive skin tests on future rates of ACS (incidence rate ratio (IRR) for each positive test 1·23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1·11–1·36, P < 0·001). Aeroallergen sensitization was not associated with future pain (IRR 1·14, 95%CI 0·97–1·33, P = 0·11). Our study demonstrated that children with SCA and aeroallergen sensitization are at increased risk for future ACS. Future research is needed to determine whether identification of specific sensitizations and allergen avoidance and treatment reduce the risk of ACS for children with SCA.
The impact of liver steatosis on the ability of serum ferritin levels to be predictive of liver iron concentration in non‐transfusion‐dependent thalassaemia patients
Authors: Ricchi Paolo , Meloni Antonella , Spasiano Anna , Costantini Silvia , Pepe Alessia , Cinque Patrizia , Filosa Aldo 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThis study analysed the impact of liver steatosis (LS) on the parameters of iron overload in 110 patients with non‐transfusion dependent thalassaemia (NTDT). LS was diagnosed by ultrasound. Liver iron concentration (LIC) measurements were available for 64 patients who underwent a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. LS was frequent (35·5%) and was significantly more prevalent in males than in females (49·0% vs. 24·6%, P = 0·008). Patients with LS had significant higher levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), ALT/AST ratio and ferritin than those without, but LIC values were comparable. An ALT/AST ratio >0·89 predicted the presence of LS with a sensitivity of 0·872 and a specificity of 0·901 (P < 0·0001). Ferritin levels correlated with LIC values (R = 0·558, P < 0·0001) but the correlation was stronger in patients without LS (R = 0·656, P < 0·0001) than in patients with LS (R = 0·426, P = 0·05). LS is a frequent issue in NTDT patients and should be suspected in the presence of an ALT/AST ratio >0·89. Recently, serum ferritin thresholds that predict clinically relevant LIC for guiding iron chelation therapy when MRI is unavailable have been determined. Our data show that LS may cause increase in ferritin levels and may be responsible for anticipating/exceeding chelation treatment in NTDT patients in the absence of LIC evaluation.
Routine outcome monitoring in CAMHS: how can we enable implementation in practice?
Authors: Waldron Samuel M. , Loades Maria E. , Rogers Libby 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundMany CAMHS teams across the United Kingdom are now required to use Routine Outcome Monitoring (ROM). However, some clinicians hold negative attitudes towards ROM and various practical implementation issues have been identified.MethodThe aim of this study was to explore clinician experiences of using ROM in the context of an ‘enforced’ initial implementation initiative. Twenty clinicians were surveyed at the beginning (T1) and end (T2) of the six‐month period in a large UK CAMHS network adopting CYP‐IAPT practice. Changes in the use of and attitudes towards ROM were investigated, as well as barriers to implementation.ResultsOverall, a small but significant increase in clinician use of ROM was observed from T1 to T2, but attitudes towards ROM did not change significantly. On the whole, clinicians were more positive than negative about ROM during the implementation period, but key implementation challenges included clinician concerns about the value and (mis)use of ROM data, poor technological support and additional workload demands.ConclusionsCAMHS clinicians will not necessarily become more receptive to ROM simply as a by‐product of being asked to use it more. Seeking clinician feedback at the early stages of implementation can help provide a focus for improvement efforts. Ideas for future research and important limitations of the study are discussed.
Clinical outcomes of stapled transanal rectal resection for obstructed defaecation syndrome at 10‐year follow‐up
Authors: Schiano di Visconte M. , Nicolì F. , Pasquali A. , Bellio G. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimThe long‐term efficacy of stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) for surgical management of obstructed defaecation syndrome (ODS) has not been evaluated. Therefore, we investigated the long‐term efficacy (> 10 years) of STARR for treatment of ODS related to rectocele or rectal intussusception and the factors that predict treatment outcome.MethodThis study was a retrospective cohort analysis conducted on prospectively collected data. Seventy‐four consecutive patients who underwent STARR for ODS between January 2005 and December 2006 in two Italian hospitals were included.ResultsSeventy‐four patients [66 women; median age 61 (29–77) years] underwent STARR for ODS. No serious postoperative complications were recorded. Ten years postoperatively, 60 (81%) patients completed the expected follow‐up. Twenty‐three patients (38%) reported persistent perineal pain and 13 (22%) experienced the urge to defaecate. ODS symptoms recurred in 24 (40%) patients after 10 years. At the 10‐year follow‐up, 35% of patients were very satisfied and 28% would recommend STARR and undergo the same procedure again if necessary. In contrast, 21% of patients would not select STARR again. Previous uro‐gynaecological or rectal surgery and high constipation scores were identified as risk factors for recurrence.ConclusionsStapled transanal rectal resection significantly improves the symptoms of ODS in the short term. In the long term STARR is less effective, however.
Predicting global ascidian invasions
Authors: Lins Daniel M. , de Marco Paulo , Andrade Andre F. A. , Rocha Rosana M. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimMany species of ascidians are invasive and can cause both ecological and economic losses. Here, we describe risk assessment for nineteen ascidian species and predict coastal regions that are more vulnerable to arrival and expansion.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe used ensemble niche modelling with three algorithms (Random Forest, Support Vector Machine and MaxEnt) to predict ecologically suitable areas and evaluated our predictions using independent (area under the curve—AUC) and dependent thresholds (true skill statistics—TSS). Environmental variables were maximum and the range of sea surface temperature, mean salinity and maximum chlorophyll. We used our niche modelling results and a modified invasibility index to compare invasion risk among 15 coastal regions.ResultsCurrently, the most invaded regions are in temperate latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere and Temperate Australasia, which are regions most prone for new invasions. In the tropics, the West and Central Indo‐Pacific are two regions of strong concern, the former with high risk of primary invasion by Botryllus schlosseri and Didemnum perlucidum. In the Southern Hemisphere, the Southwest and Southeast Atlantic are most at risk, both subject to invasion by Botrylloides violaceus, Didemnum vexillum, Molgula manhattensis and Styela clava among others. Regions most at risk of expansion of established invasive species are the Central Indo‐Pacific, Northwest Pacific, Mediterranean and West Indo‐Pacific.Main conclusionsAll regions studied have areas that are suitable and connected to receive new ascidian introductions or that may permit the spread of already established species. Risk comparison of primary introductions and expansion of established introduced ascidians among regions will allow managers to prioritize species of concern for each region both for monitoring future introductions or to enforce control actions towards established species to decrease the risk of regional expansion.
Optogenetically enhanced axon regeneration: motor versus sensory neuron‐specific stimulation
Authors: Ward Patricia J. , Clanton Scott L. , English Arthur W. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBrief neuronal activation in injured peripheral nerves is both necessary and sufficient to enhance motor axon regeneration, and this effect is specific to the activated motoneurons. It is less clear whether sensory neurons respond in a similar manner to neuronal activation following peripheral axotomy. Further, it is unknown to what extent enhancement of axon regeneration with increased neuronal activity relies on a reflexive interaction within the spinal circuitry. We used mouse genetics and optical tools to evaluate the precision and selectivity of system‐specific neuronal activation to enhance axon regeneration in a mixed nerve. We evaluated sensory and motor axon regeneration in two different mouse models expressing the light‐sensitive cation channel, channelrhodopsin (ChR2). We selectively activated either sensory or motor axons using light stimulation combined with transection and repair of the sciatic nerve. Regardless of genotype, the number of ChR2‐positive neurons whose axons had regenerated successfully was greater following system‐specific optical treatment, with no effect on the number of ChR2‐negative neurons (whether motor or sensory neurons). We conclude that acute system‐specific neuronal activation is sufficient to enhance both motor and sensory axon regeneration. This regeneration‐enhancing effect is likely cell autonomous.
Neurophysiology underlying influence of stimulus reliability on audiovisual integration
Authors: Shatzer Hannah , Shen Stanley , Kerlin Jess R. , Pitt Mark A. , Shahin Antoine J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe tested the predictions of the dynamic reweighting model (DRM) of audiovisual (AV) speech integration, which posits that spectrotemporally reliable (informative) AV speech stimuli induce a reweighting of processing from low‐level to high‐level auditory networks. This reweighting decreases sensitivity to acoustic onsets and in turn increases tolerance to AV onset asynchronies (AVOA). EEG was recorded while subjects watched videos of a speaker uttering trisyllabic nonwords that varied in spectrotemporal reliability and asynchrony of the visual and auditory inputs. Subjects judged the stimuli as in‐sync or out‐of‐sync. Results showed that subjects exhibited greater AVOA tolerance for non‐blurred than blurred visual speech and for less than more degraded acoustic speech. Increased AVOA tolerance was reflected in reduced amplitude of the P1‐P2 auditory evoked potentials, a neurophysiological indication of reduced sensitivity to acoustic onsets and successful AV integration. There was also sustained visual alpha band (8–14 Hz) suppression (desynchronization) following acoustic speech onsets for non‐blurred vs. blurred visual speech, consistent with continuous engagement of the visual system as the speech unfolds. The current findings suggest that increased spectrotemporal reliability of acoustic and visual speech promotes robust AV integration, partly by suppressing sensitivity to acoustic onsets, in support of the DRM's reweighting mechanism. Increased visual signal reliability also sustains the engagement of the visual system with the auditory system to maintain alignment of information across modalities.
[18F]GE180 positron emission tomographic imaging indicates a potential double‐hit insult in the intrahippocampal kainate mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Brackhan Mirjam , Bascuñana Pablo , Ross Tobias L. , Bengel Frank M. , Bankstahl Jens P. , Bankstahl Marion 
Published: January 2018

SummaryObjectiveAccumulating evidence suggests that brain inflammation, elicited by epileptogenic insults, is involved in epilepsy development. Noninvasive nuclear imaging of brain inflammation in animal models of epileptogenesis represents a diagnostic in vivo approach with potential for direct translation into the clinic. Here, we investigated up‐regulation of the translocator protein (TSPO) indicative of microglial activation by serial [18F]GE180 positron emission tomographic (PET) imaging in a mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy.MethodsAs epileptogenic insult, a status epilepticus (SE) was induced in mice by intrahippocampal injection of kainate. Post‐SE mice injected with kainate and sham‐injected mice were subjected to [18F]GE180 PET scans before SE and at 2 days, 5‐7 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 7 weeks, and 14 weeks postinsult. For data evaluation, brain regions ipsilateral and contralateral to the injection site were outlined by coregistration with a standard mouse brain atlas, and percentage of injected dose per cubic centimeter was calculated. In addition, a statistical parametric mapping analysis, comparing post‐SE mice to baseline, sham mice to baseline, and post‐SE to sham mice was performed.ResultsFollowing SE, elevations in [18F]GE180 uptake were most prominent in the ipsilateral hippocampus, occurring between 2 days and at least 7 weeks after SE, with a peak at 5‐7 days after SE. In the contralateral hippocampus and other epilepsy‐associated brain regions, increased tracer uptake was observed with a similar time profile but to a lesser extent. Moderate enhancement of tracer uptake was also evident in mice after sham surgery.SignificanceTSPO in vivo imaging reliably detects brain inflammation during epileptogenesis. These inflammatory processes most prominently affect the hippocampus ipsilateral to the injection site. Inflammation induced by the traumatic insult associated with surgery synergistically contributes to total brain inflammation and may also contribute to epileptogenesis. The revealed time course of neuroinflammation will help to identify appropriate time points for anti‐inflammatory, potentially antiepileptogenic treatment.
Impact of priming on global soil carbon stocks
Authors: Guenet Bertrand , Camino‐Serrano Marta , Ciais Philippe , Tifafi Marwa , Maignan Fabienne , Soong Jennifer L. , Janssens Ivan A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractFresh carbon input (above and belowground) contributes to soil carbon sequestration, but also accelerates decomposition of soil organic matter through biological priming mechanisms. Currently, poor understanding precludes the incorporation of these priming mechanisms into the global carbon models used for future projections. Here, we show that priming can be incorporated based on a simple equation calibrated from incubation and verified against independent litter manipulation experiments in the global land surface model, ORCHIDEE. When incorporated into ORCHIDEE, priming improved the model's representation of global soil carbon stocks and decreased soil carbon sequestration by 51% (12 ± 3 Pg C) during the period 1901–2010. Future projections with the same model across the range of CO2 and climate changes defined by the IPCC‐RCP scenarios reveal that priming buffers the projected changes in soil carbon stocks — both the increases due to enhanced productivity and new input to the soil, and the decreases due to warming‐induced accelerated decomposition. Including priming in Earth system models leads to different projections of soil carbon changes, which are challenging to verify at large spatial scales.
A cohort study assessing the impact of small volume blood tubes on diagnostic test quality and iatrogenic blood loss in a cohort of adult haematology patients
Authors: Myles Nicholas , von Wielligh Jacoba , Kyriacou Mario , Ventrice Terry , To Luen B. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackground/AimTo estimate the reduction in blood volume loss and impact on diagnostic test quality associated with introduction of small volume blood tubes in a cohort of haematology inpatients compared to a historical comparator group.MethodsProspective cohort study of haematology inpatients admitted to a tertiary referral hospital in Adelaide. Small volume blood tubes were used in an intervention cohort admitted between 2012 and 2013 and compared to a control cohort admitted between 2009 and 2010 where standard volume blood tubes had been used. The diagnostic test quality, specimen integrity and total reduction in blood loss associated with small volume blood tubes were estimated.ResultsSmall volume blood tubes demonstrated acceptable collinearity on commonly assayed haematological and biochemical parameters. Small volume tubes were associated with a 42% reduction in blood volume loss equating to a saving of 8.5 mL per patient per day or 180 mL of blood loss over a 3‐week admission. Small volume blood tubes were associated with a slight but significantly increased rate of fibrin contamination of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid samples (0.2–0.5% of specimens).ConclusionSmall volume blood tubes are associated with a substantial reduction in total blood volume collected per day in haematology inpatients. They have similar diagnostic validity and sample integrity to that of standard volume containers.
A description of ‘Australian Lyme disease’ epidemiology and impact: an analysis of submissions to an Australian senate inquiry
Authors: Brown Jeremy D. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundMany Australian patients are diagnosed and treated for the scientifically and politically controversial diagnosis of an endemic form of ‘Australian Lyme Disease’. Patient advocacy led Senator John Madigan to propose an Australian Senate Inquiry into this illness.AimTo describe the symptomology and outcomes of patients diagnosed and treated with Lyme disease in Australia.MethodsAll public, first‐person submissions (n = 698) to the inquiry were reviewed and responses analysed for epidemiology, symptoms and impact against structured criteria.ResultsThe most common symptoms described were fatigue (62.6%), disordered thinking (51.9%) and sensory disturbance (46.1%). Respondents reported experiencing symptoms for a median of 10 years and spent a median of $30 000 on diagnosis and treatment. Almost 10% of respondents self‐diagnosed after being exposed to a media report of Australian Lyme disease.ConclusionsPatients diagnosed with Lyme disease in Australia display a symptomology similar to ‘medically unexplained physical symptoms’ syndromes, experience social and financial harms, and are at risk of nosocomial harms. Negative medical interactions and the media may contribute to patients seeking alternative and potentially non‐evidence‐based diagnoses and treatments.
Poor family functioning mediates the link between childhood adversity and adolescent nonsuicidal self‐injury
Authors: Cassels Matthew , van Harmelen Anne‐Laura , Neufeld Sharon , Goodyer Ian , Jones Peter B. , Wilkinson Paul 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundNon‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) is a common harmful behavior during adolescence. Exposure to childhood family adversity (CFA) is associated with subsequent emergence of NSSI during adolescence. However, the pathways through which this early environmental risk may operate are not clear.AimsWe tested four alternative hypotheses to explain the association between CFA and adolescent‐onset NSSI.MethodsA community sample of n = 933 fourteen year olds with no history of NSSI were followed up for 3 years.ResultsPoor family functioning at age 14 mediated the association between CFA before age 5 and subsequent onset of NSSI between 14 and 17 years.ConclusionsThe findings support the cumulative suboptimal environmental hazards (proximal family relationships as a mediator) hypothesis. Improving the family environment at age 14 may mitigate the effects of CFA on adolescent onset of NSSI.
Diets with a low glycaemic load have favourable effects on prediabetes progression and regression: a prospective cohort study
Authors: He F. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundTo date, no study assessing the associations among glycaemic index (GI), glycaemic load (GL) and progression to diabetes has focused specifically on prediabetes. Moreover, the available data on the association between these variables and regression to normal glucose regulation (NGR) are insufficient. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal associations amongGI,GLand prediabetes outcomes.MethodsThis prospective study included 640 adults aged 40–79 years with prediabetes at baseline. Dietary data were assessed using a previously validated 3‐day food record. The participants were divided into three groups according toGIandGLtertiles. Outcomes were defined based on annual oral glucose tolerance test results.ResultsDuring a median of 5 years of follow‐up, 127 incident cases of diabetes and 249 incident cases ofNGRwere identified. DietaryGLwas positively associated with the risk of developing diabetes and negatively associated with the likelihood of reachingNGRat least once. Comparing the highest and lowest tertiles ofGL, the multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 1.85 (1.07–3.21) for progression and 0.65 (0.44‐0.96) for regression. No association was observed betweenGIand prediabetes outcomes in the fully adjusted models.ConclusionsAmong patients with prediabetes, high dietaryGLwas positively associated with diabetes risk. Furthermore, a low‐GLdiet contributed to an increased incidence of reachingNGR.
Decreased rates of cerebral protein synthesis measured in vivo in a mouse model of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: unexpected consequences of reduced tuberin
Authors: Saré Rachel Michelle , Huang Tianjian , Burlin Tom , Loutaev Inna , Smith Carolyn Beebe 
Published: January 2018

AbstractTuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant neurogenetic disorder affecting about 1 in 6000 people and is caused by mutations in either TSC1 or TSC2. This disorder is characterized by increased activity of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), which is involved in regulating ribosomal biogenesis and translation initiation. We measured the effects of Tsc2 haploinsufficiency (Tsc2+/−) in 3‐month‐old male mice on regional rates of cerebral protein synthesis (rCPS) by means of the in vivo L‐[1‐14C]leucine method. This quantitative autoradiographic method includes an estimate of the integrated specific activity of the tracer amino acid in brain tissue. The estimate accounts for recycling of unlabeled amino acids from tissue protein breakdown by means of a factor (λ) that was determined in control and Tsc2+/− mice. The value of λ was higher in Tsc2+/− mice, indicating that a greater fraction of leucine in the tissue precursor pool for protein synthesis is derived from the plasma compared to controls, consistent with reduced rates of protein degradation. We determined rCPS in freely moving, awake male Tsc2+/− and control mice, and we used the determined values of λ in the calculation of rCPS. Unexpectedly, we found that rCPS were significantly decreased in 16 of the 17 brain regions analyzed in Tsc2+/− mice compared to controls. Our results indicate a complex role of mTORC1 in the regulation of cerebral protein synthesis that has not been previously recognized.
image