bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of ABX Pentra DX 120 and Sysmex XE‐2100 in umbilical cord blood
Authors: Kim H. , Hur M. , Choi S.‐G. , Kim B.‐H. , Moon H.‐W. , Yun Y.‐M. , Hwang H. S. , Kwon H. S. , Sohn I. S. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryIntroductionCord blood (CB) is an important source of hematopoietic stem cells and reflects the hematologic status of neonates. ABX Pentra DX 120 (Horiba Medical, Montpellier, France) and Sysmex XE‐2100 (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan) were compared in 200 CB specimens.MethodsComplete blood count parameters including white blood cell (WBC) differential counts were compared between the two analyzers. Double differential matrix (DDX) by ABX Pentra DX 120 and hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) by Sysmex XE‐2100 were compared with CD34+ cells by flow cytometry.ResultsMost of the parameters showed acceptable correlation between the two analyzers. Although WBC differential of both analyzers showed acceptable correlation with manual counts, mononuclear cells (MNC) by ABX Pentra DX 120 better correlated with manual count than MNC by Sysmex XE‐2100. NRBC by Sysmex XE‐2100 better correlated with manual count than NRBC by ABX Pentra DX 120. ABX Pentra DX 120 showed better flagging performances. DDX better correlated with CD34+ cells than HPC.ConclusionAlthough the results from both analyzers are mostly interchangeable and reliable in CB specimens, flagging performance of ABX Pentra DX 120 seems to be superior to that of Sysmex XE‐2100. DDX by ABX Pentra DX 120 would be valuable to evaluate the quality of CB for further therapeutic utilization.
An exploratory study demonstrating the diagnostic ability of healthcare professionals in primary care using online case studies for common skin conditions
Authors: Tucker Rod , Patel Mahendra , Layton Alison L , Walton Shernaz 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo compare the diagnostic ability of pharmacists, nurses and general practitioners (GPs) for a range of skin conditions.MethodsAn online study comprising 10 specifically developed dermatological case studies containing a digital image of the skin condition and a short case history. A total of 60 participants (20 representing each of pharmacists, GPs and primary care nurses) were required to identify the skin condition as well as the features in the case history that supported the diagnosis and the recommended first-line management approach for the condition.Key findingsThe mean diagnostic scores for each group were GPs = 8.8 (95% confidence interval, CI, 7.9–9.6), pharmacists = 6.2 (95% CI, 5.4–6.9) and nurses = 7.0 (95% CI, 6.1–7.9). Post hoc analysis revealed that the difference in mean diagnostic scores was significant (P &lt; 0.05) between GPs and both pharmacists and nurses. However, pharmacists' diagnostic accuracy was similar to GPs' for some skin conditions such as tinea corporis, scabies and plantar warts and overall at least 40% of pharmacists correctly identified all conditions.ConclusionThis small study has demonstrated that for all of the skin conditions considered, pharmacists' overall diagnostic scores were significantly different from those of GPs but similar to those of nurses for the conditions assessed. However, further work with a larger sample is required to determine the accuracy of these preliminary findings and to establish whether advice given by pharmacists in practice results in the appropriate course of action being taken.
El balance actuarial como herramienta para evaluar la sostenibilidad de los sistemas de pensiones de la seguridad social
Authors: Billig Assia , Ménard Jean‐Claude 
Published: June 2013

ResumenLa elección del método de elaboración del balance actuarial de un sistema de pensiones de la seguridad social viene determinada principalmente por el enfoque de financiación del sistema. En el presente artículo se demuestra mediante el ejemplo del Régimen de Pensiones del Canadá que si la evaluación de la sostenibilidad financiera de un sistema de reparto o de capitalización parcial se realiza por medio de un balance actuarial, el método utilizado deberá tener en cuenta las cotizaciones futuras de los participantes presentes y futuros. En este artículo se analizan los balances actuariales elaborados con arreglo al enfoque de grupo abierto, así como los métodos utilizados en los Estados Unidos y en Suecia.
Ampliación al sector informal de la cobertura del plan de ahorro y pensiones: el Plan Mbao de pensiones de Kenya
Authors: Musonye Kwena Rose , Turner John A. 
Published: June 2013

ResumenEl Plan Mbao es un plan de pensiones basado en cuentas de ahorro individuales de carácter voluntario al que pueden contribuir todos los trabadores de Kenya con independencia de su nivel de ingresos o edad. Su finalidad es crear un programa adecuado a las singularidades del sector informal y fomentar la cultura del ahorro para quienes trabajan en él. Su novedad fundamental estriba en la facilidad que ofrece a los trabajadores con ingresos reducidos para que hagan efectivas sus pequeñas contribuciones a un costo relativamente bajo, teniendo en cuenta sus escasas cotizaciones y saldos en sus cuentas corrientes. Para los afiliados tiene la ventaja de que pueden realizar sus aportaciones en cualquier momento y lugar mediante sus teléfonos móviles. El desarrollo de este nuevo sistema de ahorro ha sido posible gracias a la introducción de nuevas tecnologías, que han reducido el costo de los teléfonos móviles y del tiempo de conexión, y a la innovación empresarial que representan las transferencias por telefonía móvil. Han sido las empresas del sector privado las que han propiciado la aplicación de este plan.
Decrease in Major Amputations in Germany
Authors: Santosa Frans , Moysidis Theodoros , Kanya Susanne , Babadagi‐Hardt Zeynep , Luther Bernd , Kröger Knut 
Published: June 2013

AbstractA decrease in rate of amputation has been reported from many countries. This study aims to study the trends in amputation rates in Germany. On the basis of DRG‐system, detailed lists of all amputations coded as minor amputations (OPS 5–864) and major amputations (OPS 5–865) performed between 2005 and 2010 were provided by the Federal Statistical Office. There was a significant decrease in age‐adjusted major amputation rates per 100 000 population in Germany from 27·0 in 2005 to 22·9 in 2010 (15·2%, P ≪ 0·001) in males and from 19·7 in 2005 to 14·4 in 2010 (26·9%, P ≪ 0·001) in females. Overall, minor amputation rates did not show such a decrease but increased in males (from 47·4 in 2005 to 57·8 in 2010, 21·9%, P ≪ 0·001) and remained almost unchanged in females (23·1 in 2005 and 23·9 in 2010, not significant). Reduction in major amputation rates were even more pronounced in people above 80 years, especially in males from 216 to 150 (30·5%) and in females from 168 to 117 (30·4%). The present data demonstrate an increasing overall burden of foot lesions as indicated by an increase in incidence of minor amputations but an ongoing success in the fight against amputation, resulting in a significant decrease in major amputation rates in Germany, in the 6‐year period from 2005 to 2010.
Homeless Women and Hazardous Drinking: Screening Results in a Primary Health Care Setting
Authors: Upshur Carole C. , Weinreb Linda , Bharel Monica 
Published: June 2013

Background and ObjectivesScreening for alcohol use in primary care is underutilized, especially for women. The current study implemented systematic women's alcohol use screening in a health care for the homeless primary care program.MethodsAll women (n = 541) seeking care over 12 months were screened.ResultsOf the 541 screening forms returned, 80 women refused to answer the alcohol use questions. Of 461 completed screens, over 40% reported no alcohol use, while 43.8% reported hazardous drinking. Hazardous drinking was significantly associated with younger age, African American race, and living on the street or in a shelter.Discussion and ConclusionsHigh rates of drinking were identified among women in different housing situations and use of systematic screening was beneficial to providers.Scientific Significance and Future DirectionsHealth care settings are important sites to identify hazardous drinking as well as alcohol disorders among women with unstable housing histories. The growing integration of behavioral health care into primary care, and the medical home concept, both provide opportunities for brief interventions for at‐risk drinkers, as well as treatment options for those with alcohol use disorders that may be particularly appealing to women. Findings support further investigation of the relationship of housing stability to drinking, and suggest African American women may need special attention. (Am J Addict 2014;23:117–122)
Replication of LIN28B SNP association with age of menarche in young Filipino women
Authors: Croteau‐Chonka D. C. , Lange L. A. , Lee N. R. , Adair L. S. , Mohlke K. L. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryBackgroundAge of menarche, or the timing of first menses in girls, is a physiological trait that shows substantial genetic heritability. Earlier age of menarche is associated with increased childhood adiposity and with adult risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease.ObjectivesWe sought to further characterize the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs7759938 from the menarche locus LIN28B in 827 young Filipino women from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey (CLHNS).MethodsWe tested rs7759938 for additive association with age of menarche and also tested whether childhood adiposity, as measured by body mass index (BMI) at age 8, mediated this relationship.ResultsWe observed nominal association of rs7759938 with age of menarche (β = −0.118 years, 95% confidence interval = (−0.216, −0.020), P = 0.019) with an effect direction consistent with the previous report. We also observed suggestive evidence that the effect of the SNP on age of menarche was independent of childhood BMI.ConclusionsThese data confirm the strongest gene reported in Europeans (LIN28B) as a contributor to age of menarche in an Asian population.
Priming effects of perceived norms on behavioral intention through observability
Authors: Lewis Nehama 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThis paper describes research on 2 normative concepts thought to impact health behaviors: injunctive and descriptive norms. The study tests whether the extent to which the same health behavior is enacted in an observable or non‐observable setting will lead to variation in normative influence on parent intention. In online experiments conducted in Winter 2009, participants were randomized to a behavioral scenario in which the health behavior was described as occurring in an observable or non‐observable setting. For sun‐protection behaviors, observability primed the influence of descriptive norms on intention. For nutrition behaviors, observability primed the influence of injunctive norms on intention. Across both conditions, observability of the behavioral scenario increased the strength of the association between norms and intention.
Group trauma‐focused cognitive‐behavioural therapy with former child soldiers and other war‐affected boys in the DR Congo: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: McMullen John , O'Callaghan Paul , Shannon Ciaran , Black Alastair , Eakin John 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundThe Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been home to the world's deadliest conflict since World War II and is reported to have the largest number of child soldiers in the world. Despite evidence of the debilitating impact of war, no group‐based mental health or psychosocial intervention has been evaluated in a randomised controlled trial for psychologically distressed former child soldiers.MethodA randomised controlled trial involving 50 boys, aged 13–17, including former child soldiers (n = 39) and other war‐affected boys (n = 11). They were randomly assigned to an intervention group, or wait‐list control group. The intervention group received a 15‐session, group‐based, culturally adapted Trauma‐Focused Cognitive–Behavioural Therapy (TF‐CBT) intervention. Assessment interviews were completed at baseline, postintervention and 3‐month follow‐up (intervention group).ResultsAnalysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) demonstrated that, in comparison to the wait‐list control group, the TF‐CBT intervention group had highly significant reductions in posttraumatic stress symptoms, overall psychosocial distress, depression or anxiety‐like symptoms, conduct problems and a significant increase in prosocial behaviour (p < .001 for all). Effect sizes were higher when former child soldier scores were separated for sub‐analysis. Three‐month follow‐up of the intervention group found that treatment gains were maintained.ConclusionsA culturally modified, group‐based TF‐CBT intervention was effective in reducing posttraumatic stress and psychosocial distress in former child soldiers and other war‐affected boys.
TMEM106B p.T185S regulates TMEM106B protein levels: implications for frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Nicholson Alexandra M. , Finch NiCole A. , Wojtas Aleksandra , Baker Matt C. , Perkerson Ralph B. , Castanedes‐Casey Monica , Rousseau Linda , Benussi Luisa , Binetti Giuliano , Ghidoni Roberta , Hsiung Ging‐Yuek R. , Mackenzie Ian R. , Finger Elizabeth , Boeve Bradley F. , Ertekin‐Taner Nilüfer , Graff‐Radford Neill R. , Dickson Dennis W. , Rademakers Rosa 
Published: June 2013

AbstractFrontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is the second leading cause of dementia in individuals under age 65. In many patients, the predominant pathology includes neuronal cytoplasmic or intranuclear inclusions of ubiquitinated TAR DNA binding protein 43 (FTLD‐TDP). Recently, a genome‐wide association study identified the first FTLD‐TDP genetic risk factor, in which variants in and around the TMEM106B gene (top SNP rs1990622) were significantly associated with FTLD‐TDP risk. Intriguingly, the most significant association was in FTLD‐TDP patients carrying progranulin (GRN) mutations. Here, we investigated to what extent the coding variant, rs3173615 (p.T185S) in linkage disequilibrium with rs1990622, affects progranulin protein (PGRN) biology and transmembrane protein 106 B (TMEM106B) regulation. First, we confirmed the association of TMEM106B variants with FTLD‐TDP in a new cohort of GRN mutation carriers. We next generated and characterized a TMEM106B‐specific antibody for investigation of this protein. Enzyme‐linked immunoassay analysis of progranulin protein levels showed similar effects upon T185 and S185 TMEM106B over‐expression. However, over‐expression of T185 consistently led to higher TMEM106B protein levels than S185. Cycloheximide treatment experiments revealed that S185 degrades faster than T185 TMEM106B, potentially due to differences in N‐glycosylation at residue N183. Together, our results provide a potential mechanism by which TMEM106B variants lead to differences in FTLD‐TDP risk.
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We studied the p.T185S TMEM106B genetic variant previously implicated in frontotemporal dementia with TAR DNA binding protein 43 pathology caused by progranulin mutations. Our cell culture studies provide evidence that the protective S185 isoform is degraded more rapidly than T185 TMEM106B, potentially due to differences in glycosylation. These findings suggest that low TMEM106B levels might protect against FTLD‐TDP in these patients.
Neuregulin1 signaling promotes dendritic spine growth through kalirin
Authors: Cahill Michael E. , Remmers Christine , Jones Kelly A. , Xie Zhong , Sweet Robert A. , Penzes Peter 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe biological functions of the neuregulin 1 (NRG1) andERBB4 genes have received much recent attention due to several studies showing associations between these genes and schizophrenia. Moreover, reduced forebrain dendritic spine density is a consistent feature of schizophrenia. It is thus important to understand the mechanisms wherebyNRG1 and erbB4 modulate spine morphogenesis. Here, we show that long‐term incubation withNRG1 increases both spine size and density in cortical pyramidal neurons.NRG1 also enhances the content of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionate receptors in spines. Knockdown ofERBB4 expression prevented the effects ofNRG1 on spine size, but not on spine density. The effects ofNRG1 and erbB4 on spines were mediated by the RacGEFkalirin, a well‐characterized regulator of dendritic spines. Finally, we show that environmental enrichment, known to promote spine growth, robustly enhances the levels of erbB4 protein in the forebrain. These findings provide a mechanistic link betweenNRG1 signaling and spine morphogenesis.imageNRG1 and erbB4 increase spine size, while NRG1 activity, but not erbB4 activity, increases spine density. NRG1 also increases spine GluA1 content, and the GEF kalirin is necessary for the ability of NRG1 and erbB4 to regulate spine morphogenesis. We find that environmental enrichment, which is known to stimulate spine morphogenesis in the forebrain, increases cortical and hippocampal erbB4 expression.
Development of the Two‐Dimensional Mood Scale for self‐monitoring and self‐regulation of momentary mood states
Authors: Sakairi Yosuke , Nakatsuka Kentaro , Shimizu Takeshi 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to develop a measure for self‐monitoring and self‐regulation of momentary mood states. The Two‐Dimensional Mood Scale (TDMS), consisting of eight words selected on the basis of pleasure and arousal, was created as an efficient measure of self‐monitoring. In Study 1, the validity and reliability of the TDMS were examined by administering the measure to 904 university students. Structural equation modeling revealed that mood states were constructed of two components, arousal and pleasure, and factor analysis found two factors, vitality and stability. In Study 2, differences between two mood manipulations, activation (exercise) and relaxation techniques were examined in 224 university students. The results showed that exercise induced higher vitality (, ) but no change in stability (, ), while relaxation resulted in an increase in stability (, ) but no change in vitality (, ). The TDMS can be combined with various mood manipulations to enable individuals to self‐regulate and alter negative psychological states.
Human umbilical vein endothelial cells synergize osteo/odontogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells in 3D cell sheets
Authors: Prgeeth Pandula P. K. C. , Samaranayake L. P. , Jin L. J. , Zhang C. F. 
Published: June 2013

Background and ObjectiveTo investigate the expression of osteo/odontogenic differentiation markers and vascular network formation in a 3D cell sheet with varying cell ratios of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).Material and MethodsHuman PDLSCs were isolated and characterized by flow cytometry, and co‐cultured with HUVECs for the construction of cell sheets. Both types of cells were seeded on temperature‐responsive culture dishes with PDLSCs alone, HUVECs alone and various ratios of the latter cells (1 : 1, 2 : 1, 5 : 1 and 1 : 5) to obtain confluent cell sheets. The expressions of osteo/odontogenic pathway markers, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone sialoprotein (BSP) and runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), were analyzed at 3 and 7 d using RT‐PCR. Further ALP protein quantification was performed at 7 and 14 d using ALP assay. The calcium nodule formation was assessed qualitatively and quantitatively by alizarin red assay. Histological evaluations of three cell sheet constructs treated with different combinations (PDLSC–PDLSC–PDLSC/PDLSC–HUVEC–PDLSC/co‐culture–co‐culture–co‐culture) were performed with hematoxylin and eosin and immunofluorescence staining. Statistical analysis was performed using t‐test (p < 0.05).ResultsSignificantly higher ALP gene expression was observed at 3 d in 1 : 1 (PDLSC–HUVEC) (2.52 ± 0.67) and 5 : 1 (4.05 ± 1.07) co‐culture groups compared with other groups (p < 0.05); this was consistent with ALP protein quantification. However, the expression of BSP and RUNX2 genes was higher at 7 d compared to 3 d. Significant calcium mineralization was detected as quantified by alizarin red assay at 14 d in 1 : 1 (1323.55 ± 6.54 μm) and 5 : 1 (994.67 ± 4.15 μm) co‐cultures as compared with monoculture cell sheets (p < 0.05). Hematoxylin and eosin and CD31 immunostaining clearly exemplified the development of a layered cell sheet structure with endothelial cell islands within the constructed PDLSC–HUVEC–PDLSC and co‐culture groups. Furthermore, HUVECs invaded the layered cell sheet, suggestive of rudimentary vascular network initiation.ConclusionThis study suggests that the PDLSC–HUVEC co‐culture, cell sheet, model exhibits significantly high levels of osteo/odontogenic markers with signs of initial vascular formation. This novel 3D cell sheet‐based approach may be potentially beneficial for periodontal regenerative therapy.
Rural‐Urban Differences in Inpatient Quality of Care in US Veterans With Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Phipps Michael S. , Jia Huanguang , Chumbler Neale R. , Li Xinli , Castro Jaime G. , Myers Jennifer , Williams Linda S. , Bravata Dawn M. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractPurposeDifferences in stroke care quality for patients in rural and urban locations have been suggested, but whether differences exist across Veteran Administration Medical Centers (VAMCs) is unknown. This study examines whether rural‐urban disparities exist in inpatient quality among veterans with acute ischemic stroke.MethodsIn this retrospective study, inpatient stroke care quality was assessed in a national sample of veterans with acute ischemic stroke using 14 quality indicators (QIs). Rural‐Urban Commuting Areas codes defined each VAMC's rural‐urban status. A hierarchical linear model assessed the rural‐urban differences across the 14 QIs, adjusting for patient and facility characteristics, and clustering within VAMCs.FindingsAmong 128 VAMCs, 18 (14.1%) were classified as rural VAMCs and admitted 284 (7.3%) of the 3,889 ischemic stroke patients. Rural VAMCs had statistically significantly lower unadjusted rates on 6 QIs: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis, antithrombotic at discharge, antithrombotic at day 2, lipid management, smoking cessation counseling, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale completion, but they had higher rates of stroke education, functional assessment, and fall risk assessment. After adjustment, differences in 2 QIs remained significant—patients treated in rural VAMCs were less likely to receive DVT prophylaxis, but more likely to have documented functional assessment.ConclusionsAfter adjustment for key demographic, clinical, and facility‐level characteristics, there does not appear to be a systematic difference in inpatient stroke quality between rural and urban VAMCs. Future research should seek to understand the few differences in care found that could serve as targets for future quality improvement interventions.