bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A cross‐sectional clinic‐based study exploring whether variants within the glutathione S‐transferase, haptoglobin and uridine 5′‐diphospho‐glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 genes are associated with interindividual phenotypic variation in sickle cell anaemia in Jamaica
Authors: Howell Sharon , Marshall Kwesi , Reid Marvin , McFarlane‐Anderson Norma , McKenzie Colin 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectivesTo explore putative associations between specific variants in either the glutathione S‐transferase (GST), haptoglobin (HP) or uridine 5′‐diphospho‐glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) genes and clinically important phenotypes in sickle cell anaemia (HbSS).Methods371 HbSS participants were recruited from the Sickle Cell Clinic of the Sickle Cell Unit at the University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica. Markers within four GST superfamily genes, the HP gene and the UGT1A1 gene were analysed using PCR‐based assays.ResultsMultivariable regression revealed statistically significant associations between the GSTP1 Ile105Val heterozygote and HbA2 levels (P = .016), HbF percentage (P = .001), MCH concentration (P = .028) and reticulocyte count (P = .032), while the GSTM3 D/D homozygote was significantly associated with HbA2 levels (P = .032). The UGT1A1 (TA)6/(TA)8 heterozygote showed statistically significant associations with HbA2 levels (P = .019), HbF percentage (P < .001), haemoglobin levels (P = .008), PCV values (P = .007) and RBC counts (P = .041).ConclusionThis exploratory cross‐sectional study has generated novel and informative genotype‐phenotype estimates of association, but larger studies are needed to determine whether these specific variants within the GST, UGT1A1 and HP genes are related to interindividual phenotypic variability in HbSS.
Cerebrospinal fluid:serum glucose ratio in the ventricular and lumbar compartments: implications for clinical practice
Authors: Hegen H. , Walde J. , Auer M. , Deisenhammer F. 
Published: November 2017

Background and purposeCalculation of the cerebrospinal fluid:serum glucose (CSF:SGlu) ratio is part of the routine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) work‐up. Reference values have been defined for lumbar CSF, but are lacking for ventricular CSF. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the CSF:SGlu ratio is similar in lumbar and ventricular compartments, and to determine cut‐off values for CSF:SGlu ratio in ventricular CSF.MethodsWe included CSF samples that were collected by either lumbar puncture or ventricular drainage, with a red blood cell count <500/μL, normal white blood cell count and age‐related normal total protein content, with simultaneously withdrawn serum sample and time to laboratory processing of ≤2 h. This resulted in 1808 sample pairs. Glucose concentrations in CSF and serum were measured by enzymatic spectrophotometry.ResultsThe CSF:SGlu ratio was similar in ventricular and lumbar compartments after controlling for age, sex, time between sample withdrawal and laboratory processing, CSF white blood cell and red blood cell count, CSF total protein and serum glucose concentration using a multiple linear regression model. Lower limits for CSF:SGlu ratio in the ventricular compartment, defined as 5th percentile, were 0.51 for patients with serum glucose concentration < 100 mg/dL, 0.45 for those with serum glucose concentration ≥ 100 mg/dL and <150 mg/dL, and 0.36 for those with serum glucose concentration ≥150 mg/dL.ConclusionsThe CSF:SGlu ratio was similar in the ventricular and lumbar compartments, and depended mainly on time to laboratory processing and absolute serum glucose levels. Previously established lower limits for CSF:SGlu ratio in lumbar CSF can be also applied for ventricular CSF.
Antiepileptic drug behavioral side effects and baseline hyperactivity in children and adolescents with new onset epilepsy
Authors: Guilfoyle Shanna M. , Follansbee‐Junger Katherine , Smith Aimee W. , Combs Angela , Ollier Shannon , Hater Brooke , Modi Avani C. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryObjectiveTo examine baseline psychological functioning and antiepileptic drug (AED) behavioral side effects in new onset epilepsy and determine, by age, whether baseline psychological functioning predicts AED behavioral side effects 1 month following AED initiation.MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted between July 2011 and December 2014 that included youths with new onset epilepsy. As part of routine interdisciplinary care, caregivers completed the Behavior Assessment System for Children, 2nd Edition: Parent Rating Scale to report on baseline psychological functioning at the diagnostic visit and the Pediatric Epilepsy Side Effects Questionnaire to identify AED behavioral side effects at the 1‐month follow‐up clinic visit following AED initiation. Children (age = 2‐11 years) and adolescents (age = 12‐18 years) were examined separately.ResultsA total of 380 youths with new onset epilepsy (Mage = 8.9 ± 4.3 years; 83.4% Caucasian; 34.8% focal epilepsy, 41.1% generalized epilepsy, 23.7% unclassified epilepsy) were included. Seventy percent of youths had at‐risk or clinically elevated baseline psychological symptoms. Children had significantly greater AED behavioral side effects (M = 25.08 ± 26.36) compared to adolescents (M = 12.36 ± 17.73), regardless of AED. Valproic acid demonstrated significantly greater behavioral side effects compared to all other AEDs, with the exception of levetiracetam. Higher hyperactivity/impulsivity at baseline significantly predicted higher AED behavioral side effects 1 month after AED initiation in both age groups.SignificanceYounger children seem to be more prone to experience behavioral side effects, and these are likely to be higher if youths with epilepsy have baseline hyperactivity/impulsivity. Baseline psychological screening, specifically hyperactivity, can be used as a precision medicine tool for AED selection.
Effect of effort‐reward imbalance and burnout on infection control among Ecuadorian nurses
Authors: Colindres C.V. , Bryce E. , Coral‐Rosero P. , Ramos‐Soto R.M. , Bonilla F. , Yassi A. 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundNurses are frequently exposed to transmissible infections, yet adherence to infection control measures is suboptimal. There has been inadequate research into how the psychosocial work environment affects compliance with infection control measures, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries.AimTo examine the association between effort‐reward imbalance, burnout and adherence to infection control measures among nurses in Ecuador.IntroductionA cross‐sectional study linking psychosocial work environment indicators to infection control adherence.MethodsThe study was conducted among 333 nurses in four Ecuadorian hospitals. Self‐administered questionnaires assessed demographic variables, perceived infection risk, effort‐reward imbalance, burnout and infection control adherence.ResultsIncreased effort‐reward imbalance was found to be a unique incremental predictor of exposure to burnout, and burnout was a negative unique incremental predictor of nurses' self‐reported adherence with infection control measures.DiscussionResults suggest an effort‐reward imbalance‐burnout continuum, which, at higher levels, contributes to reduce adherence to infection control. The Ecuadorean government has made large efforts to improve universal access to health care, yet this study suggests that workplace demands on nurses remain problematic.ConclusionThis study highlights the contribution of effort‐reward‐imbalance‐burnout continuum to the chain of infection by decreased adherence to infection control of nurses.Implications for Nursing PolicyHealth authorities should closely monitor the effect of new policies on psychosocial work environment, especially when expanding services and increasing public accessibility with limited resources. Additionally, organizational and psychosocial interventions targeting effort‐reward imbalance and burnout in nurses should be considered part of a complete infection prevention and control strategy. Further study is warranted to identify interventions that best ameliorate effort‐reward imbalance and burnout in low‐ and middle‐income settings.
Communitarian equality: to each according to their contribution to the group identity
Authors: Pélabay Janie 
Published: November 2017

SummaryRooted in a contemporary political reality marked by anxieties over identity within culturally dominant groups, this study seeks to interrogate what happens to equality, a principle of justice generally placed at the forefront in liberal democracies, when it becomes subordinate to the preservation of the majority identity. Communitarian conceptions of equality and justice are examined through analysis of the critiques of political liberalism – and notably the writings of John Rawls – advanced by Alasdair MacIntyre, Michael Sandel and Charles Taylor in the 1980s and 90s. This article shows how the “constitutive” role these writers attribute to the sense of community belonging, their emphasis on “indebtedness” to the community, and the value they give to “desert”, tend to subordinate equality to an enterprise of “identity securing” by national majorities. The article highlights problems and dilemmas concerning the respect for fundamental rights and pluralism, which can be generated by an adherence to communitarian equality in the move from theory to practice.
Higher contact force, energy setting, and impedance rise during radiofrequency ablation predicts charring: New insights from contact force‐guided in vivo ablation
Authors: Makimoto Hisaki , Metzner Andreas , Tilz Roland Richard , Lin Tina , Heeger Christian‐H , Rillig Andreas , Mathew Shibu , Lemeš Christine , Wissner Erik , Kuck Karl‐Heinz , Ouyang Feifan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIntroductionHigher contact force (CF) theoretically increases the risk of blood charring, diminishing lesion formation. We aimed to investigate the relationship between CF, impedance change, and char formation during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).MethodsCF was assessed during PVI in 65 patients. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with power‐controlled mode was applied in the point‐by‐point manner. The RFA were divided into five groups: group A (CF < 10 g), group B (10 g ≤ CF < 20 g), group C (20 g ≤ CF < 30 g), group D (30 g ≤ CF < 40 g), and group E (CF ≥ 40 g). Gradual impedance rise (gIR) was defined as >5 Ω increase during each 10‐second period of RFA. Catheter tip was assessed for charring during, and at the end of each procedure.ResultsIn total, 2,064 applications were analyzed. During 0–10 seconds, impedance was significantly decreased in groups with higher CF (P < 0.05). During 10–20 seconds, an impedance decrease was not significantly different among the five groups. During 20–30 seconds, mean impedance increased in group E. A gIR was noted at least once during RFA in 63 patients (97%). The incidence of gIR during RFA after 20 seconds was significantly higher in groups D and E (77/504 [15.3%] vs. 90/1560 [5.8%], P < 0.001). Charring occurred in 8 of 65 (12%) patients. A gIR after 20 seconds was significantly associated with a higher incidence of macroscopic charring (6/20 [30%] vs. 2/45 [4%], P < 0.01).ConclusionsgIR was noted with higher applied CFs after 20 seconds of RFA. This impedance rise may be avoided by keeping the applied CF under 26.9 g with negative predictive value of 95%. Our data suggested that gIR may be related to the incidence of charring.
The importance of dermoscopy for the diagnosis of acquired bilateral telangiectatic macules: the angioid streak pattern reveals underlying chronic liver disease
Authors: Kim G.‐W. , Shin K. , Kim T.‐W. , You H.‐S. , Jin H.‐J. , Shim W.‐H. , Kim H.‐S. , Ko H.‐C. , Kim B.‐S. , Kim M.‐B. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundAcquired bilateral telangiectatic macules (ABTM) are a newly recognized disease entity, which manifest as multiple telangiectatic pigmented macules confined mostly to the upper arms.ObjectivesTo evaluate clinical and dermoscopic features in a group of 50 patients with ABTM and to determine the diagnostic usefulness of dermoscopy in ABTM.MethodsPatients were selected from two tertiary teaching hospitals in Korea [Pusan National University Hospitals (Busan and Yangsan)]. Fifty patients (41 males and 9 females; mean age 48.1 years; range 26–78 years) with ABTM were included in the study. The dermoscopic findings were graded using a 4‐point scale: none (0), mild (1), moderate (2) and severe (3). In addition, the results of 23 patients with and 27 patients without chronic liver disease (CLD) were compared to determine whether the presence of CLD affects dermoscopic findings.ResultsThree distinct dermoscopic patterns were observed; brown pigmentations, telangiectasia (linear‐irregular vessels) and an angioid streak pattern. Brown pigmentation in the group without CLD had higher severity score than those in CLD group (mean score: 2.00 vs. 1.48, P = 0.033). However, mean telangiectasia severity score was higher in the CLD group (2.14 vs. 1.39, P < 0.001). The angioid streak pattern was more severe and more common in patients with CLD than in those without [1.37 vs. 0.35 (P < 0.001) and 63.0% vs. 26.1%, respectively].ConclusionsDetailed observations with dermoscopy can provide first clues of the presence of ABTM and underlying chronic liver disease.
Effect of intravenous immunoglobulin administration on erythrocyte and leucocyte parameters
Authors: Cicha A. , Fischer M.B. , Wesinger A. , Haas S. , Bauer W.M. , Wolf H.M. , Sauerwein K.M.T. , Reininger B. , Petzelbauer P. , Pehamberger H. , Handisurya A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundIntravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) are an attractive therapeutic tool for therapy of toxic epidermal necrolysis and severe forms of certain autoimmune diseases, including dermatomyositis, autoimmune blistering diseases, systemic vasculitis and lupus erythematodes.ObjectivesPrompted by a case of IVIG‐associated haemolytic anaemia, the effects of IVIG administrations on haematological parameters in patients with dermatological conditions were investigated.MethodsErythrocyte and leucocyte parameters were retrospectively analysed in 16 patients who had received IVIG at doses from 1 to 3 g/kg bodyweight (n = 35 cycles). The influence of IVIG on leucocyte survival was determined in vitro.ResultsDecreased absolute erythrocyte numbers, haemoglobin and haematocrit levels and a case of haemolytic anaemia were linked to transfusion of high‐, but not low‐dose IVIG. In contrast, leucopenia post‐IVIG occurred in the vast majority of the recipients, unrelated to the administered IVIG amounts. In vitro investigations revealed a dose‐dependent impairment of cell survival by IVIG in the neutrophil and monocyte, but not in the lymphocyte subpopulations. In several IVIG preparations, substantial amounts of blood group anti‐A/anti‐B antibodies were detected which could have accounted for the observed changes in the haematological parameters in our study cohort.ConclusionsIVIG products should be administered strictly according to indications. Commercially available IVIG products can contain blood group‐specific antibodies that may induce haemolysis in some recipients. Monitoring of blood counts during applied IVIG therapy, especially when high doses are administered, is recommended.
Household cleaning products and the risk of allergic dermatitis: a prospective cohort study with primary‐school children
Authors: Liu X. , Tan L. , Yu I.T.S. , Zhang Z. , Wong C.C.‐Y. , Guo C. , Ho K.F. , Lau A.P.S. , Yeoh E.K. , Lee A. , Lao X.Q. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundHousehold cleaning products are widely used by the public, but limited data have been obtained on whether their use induces allergic dermatitis in children.ObjectiveThis study investigated the association between exposure to household cleaning products and allergic dermatitis in primary‐school children.MethodsA prospective cohort study of Hong Kong primary‐school children was conducted between 2012 and 2014. A baseline survey was administered to 1812 students who did not have allergic dermatitis. Information on respiratory symptoms, exposure to household chemical cleaning products and other topics was collected using a self‐administered questionnaire. A cumulative chemical burden (CCB) score was calculated for each student by summing the duration of exposure to 14 chemical cleaning products. Principal component analysis was used to identify patterns in the use of these cleaning products. Logistic regression was performed to calculate relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) after adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsEighty‐nine (4.9%) of the students surveyed had dermatitis during the follow‐up. However, exposure to individual chemical cleaning products was not found to be associated with the children's allergic dermatitis (all P > 0.05). In contrast to those in the lowest tertile, neither CCB scores in the middle tertile (RR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.67 to 2.00) nor those in the highest tertile (RR: 1.24, 95% CI: 0.73 to 2.14) were significantly associated with the risk of allergic dermatitis. The adjusted RR for every 5‐unit increment in CCB score was 1.01 (95% CI: 0.98 to 1.03). Four patterns of cleaning‐product use were derived, but none were found to be associated with the risk of dermatitis (all P > 0.05).ConclusionThe use of household chemical cleaning products is not associated with the risk of dermatitis in primary‐school children.
Use of key word signing by staff in special schools and in day centres for adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Rombouts E. , Maes B. , Zink I. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundStaff may encourage individuals with intellectual disabilities to use manual signs by modelling its use, but implementing key word signing during daily activities can be demanding.MethodStaff's use of manual signs was observed in four special schools and four day centres for adults with intellectual disabilities during communicative group activities, non‐communicative group activities and mealtimes. Using in situ partial interval coding, we measured staff's communication rate, semantic diversity of manual signs, sign reinforcement and sign imitation. With Chi‐squared tests, associations were measured between these variables, the two settings and the three activity types.ResultsDuring communicative activities, staff used manual signs significantly more in adult services than special schools. During non‐communicative activities and mealtimes, staff seldom used or reinforced signs.ConclusionsStaff communicated frequently but did not often model sign use during daily activities. To investigate influence from training background, further detailed measurements are warranted.
Evaluation of three chemical immobilization protocols in golden‐headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) undergoing vasectomy surgery
Authors: Ferraro Mario A. , Molina Camila V. , Catão‐Dias José L. , Kierulff Maria C. M. , Pissinatti Alcides , Bueno Marina G. , Cortopassi Silvia R. G. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe golden‐headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas), originally endemic to Bahia, was introduced in Rio de Janeiro. The species is currently found in remaining forests within the region of original occupation of the golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia), which may compromise the survival of the golden lion tamarin. Groups of golden‐headed lion tamarins were captured and translocated to Bahia. However, the area chosen reached its limit and males underwent to vasectomy procedures.MethodsAnimals were separated into 3 groups: S‐ketamine and midazolam, S‐ketamine and dexmedetomidine, and racemic ketamine and dexmedetomidine.Results and ConclusionsHeart rate, sedation and muscle relaxation degrees, antinociception, and lidocaine consumption presented significant difference between midazolam and dexmedetomidine groups. Bradycardia was present on dexmedetomidine groups, with values remaining within the normal range. Dexmedetomidine groups present the best outcomes for muscle relaxation, sedation, and antinociception and were safe for vasectomy surgery in golden‐headed lion tamarins.
Diurnal and photoperiodic changes in thyrotrophin‐stimulating hormone β expression and associated regulation of deiodinase enzymes (DIO2, DIO3) in the female juvenile chicken hypothalamus
Authors: Dunn I. C. , Wilson P. W. , Shi Y. , Burt D. W. , Loudon A. S. I. , Sharp P. J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIncreased thyrotrophin‐stimulating hormone β (TSHβ) expression in the pars tuberalis is assumed to be an early step in the neuroendocrine mechanism transducing photoperiodic information. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between long‐photoperiod (LP) and diurnal TSHβ gene expression in the juvenile chicken by comparing LP‐photostimulated birds with groups kept on a short photoperiod (SP) for 1 or 12 days. TSHβ expression increased by 3‐ and 23‐fold after 1 and 12 days of LP‐photostimulation both during the day and at night. Under both SP and LP conditions, TSHβ expression was between 3‐ and 14‐fold higher at night than in the day, suggesting that TSHβ expression cycles in a diurnal pattern irrespective of photoperiod. The ratio of DIO2/3 was decreased on LPs, consequent to changes in DIO3 expression, although there was no evidence of any diurnal effect on DIO2 or DIO3 expression. Plasma prolactin concentrations revealed both an effect of LPs and time‐of‐day. Thus, TSHβ expression changes in a dynamic fashion both diurnally and in response to photoperiod.
The evolution of the manus of early theropod dinosaurs is characterized by high inter‐ and intraspecific variation
Authors: Barta Daniel E. , Nesbitt Sterling J. , Norell Mark A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe origin of the avian hand, with its reduced and fused carpals and digits, from the five‐fingered hands and complex wrists of early dinosaurs represents one of the major transformations of manus morphology among tetrapods. Much attention has been directed to the later part of this transition, from four‐ to three‐fingered taxa. However, earlier anatomical changes may have influenced these later modifications, possibly paving the way for a later frameshift in digit identities. We investigate the five‐ to four‐fingered transition among early dinosaurs, along with changes in carpus morphology. New three‐dimensional reconstructions from computed tomography data of the manus of the Triassic and Early Jurassic theropod dinosaurs Coelophysis bauri and Megapnosaurus rhodesiensis are described and compared intra‐ and interspecifically. Several novel findings emerge from these reconstructions and comparisons, including the first evidence of an ossified centrale and a free intermedium in some C. bauri specimens, as well as confirmation of the presence of a vestigial fifth metacarpal in this taxon. Additionally, a specimen of C. bauri and an unnamed coelophysoid from the Upper Triassic Hayden Quarry, New Mexico, are to our knowledge the only theropods (other than alvarezsaurs and birds) in which all of the distal carpals are completely fused together into a single unit. Several differences between the manus of C. bauri and M. rhodesiensis are also identified. We review the evolution of the archosauromorph manus more broadly in light of these new data, and caution against incorporating carpal characters in phylogenetic analyses of fine‐scale relationships of Archosauromorpha, in light of the high degree of observed polymorphism in taxa for which large sample sizes are available, such as the theropod Coelophysis and the sauropodomorph Plateosaurus. We also find that the reduction of the carpus and ultimate loss of the fourth and fifth digits among early dinosaurs did not proceed in a neat, stepwise fashion, but was characterized by multiple losses and possible gains of carpals, metacarpals and phalanges. Taken together, the high degree of intra‐ and interspecific variability in the number and identities of carpals, and the state of reduction of the fourth and fifth digits suggest the presence of a ‘zone of developmental variability’ in early dinosaur manus evolution, from which novel avian‐like morphologies eventually emerged and became channelized among later theropod clades.