bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain unidentified bright objects (“UBO”) in systemic lupus erythematosus: sometimes they come back. A study of microembolism by cMRI and Transcranial Doppler ultrasound
Authors: Bortoluzzi A , Padovan M , Azzini C , De Vito A , Trotta F , Govoni M 
Published: September 2015

Objectives The objectives of this report are to assess the occurrence of microembolic signals (MES) detected by transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with (NPSLE) and without (SLE) neuropsychiatric involvement, and to verify the correlation between MES, clinical characteristics, especially the patent foramen ovale (PFO), and the presence of punctuate T2-hyperintense white matter lesions (WMHLs) detected by conventional magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI). Methods A TCD registration to detect MES from the middle cerebral artery was carried out in SLE and NPSLE patients after exclusion of aortic and/or carotid atheromatous disease. In all patients conventional brain magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) and transesophageal echocardiography were performed. Patients were stratified in two groups, with and without WMHLs, and compared. Results Twenty-three SLE patients (16 NPSLE and seven SLE) were enrolled in the study. Overall MES were detected in 12 patients (52.1%), WHMLs were detectable in 15 patients (13 NPSLE and two SLE) while eight patients had normal cMRI (three NPSLE and five SLE). Matching TCD ultrasound and neuroimaging data, MES were detected in 10 (nine NPSLE and one SLE) out of 15 patients with WHMLs and in only two out of eight patients (two NPSLE and six SLE) with normal cMRI, both with NP involvement. A PFO was confirmed in all cases of MES detection. Conclusion MES are frequent findings in SLE patients, especially in those with focal WMHLs detected by cMRI and correlating with PFO. These findings should be taken into account and suggest caution in the interpretation of cMRI pictures along with a careful evaluation of MES in patients with cMRI abnormalities that should be included in the workup of SLE patients.
A survey of the mental health workforce in Guangdong: implications for policy and workforce planning
Authors: Li Yue , Jia Fujun , Hou Cailan , Ryan Brigid , Blashki Grant , Everall Ian , Ng Chee 
Published: September 2015

Objective: Mental illness is a major contributor to disease burden in China. Guangdong province has a population of over 104 million. This province’s health information system is inadequate, especially the mental health workforce and service response. This paper describes a field survey to assess the existing mental health workforce and service capacity in Guangdong. Method: A total of 125 major service providers in Guangdong were identified with the capacity to treat serious mental illness at all levels of the health system. These services were approached to complete a standardised survey based on the WHO Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Systems. Results: The survey identified 8498 mental health workers with 72.5% working in psychiatric hospitals. Service providers reported a treatment rate of 68.8% of a total of 430,000 people registered for treatment of severe mental illness, and only 28.4% of over a million people estimated to be experiencing severe mental illness. An inadequate mental health workforce was cited as a common barrier to treatment access. Conclusion: Guangdong province has a significant treatment gap for severe mental illness and a shortage in the mental health workforce. The distribution of the mental health workforce and facilities is imbalanced towards hospital care rather than community care.
Stepped and Standard Care for Childhood Trauma
Authors: Salloum Alison , Small Brent J. , Robst John , Scheeringa Michael S. , Cohen Judith A. , Storch Eric A. 
Published: September 2015

Objective: This study explored the feasibility of stepped care trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (SC-TF-CBT) relative to TF-CBT with children (aged 8–12). Method: Children ( N = 33) with post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) were randomly assigned (2:1) to SC-TF-CBT or TF-CBT. SC-TF-CBT consisted of Step 1, parent-led therapist-assisted treatment, and Step 2 (nine TF-CBT sessions). TF-CBT consisted of 12 therapist-directed sessions. Baseline, post-Step 1, posttreatment, and 3-month follow-up assessments occurred. Cost-related data were collected throughout the treatment. Results: In all, 64% (intent-to-treat) to 82% (completers) responded to Step 1. Group × Time interactions were not statistically significant for PTSS ( p = .888), severity ( p = .576), and internalizing ( p = .862)/externalizing ( p = .974) symptoms, indicating comparable improvements in outcomes across both conditions. There were no significant differences in parental treatment credibility ( p = .440), expectations ( p = .664), and satisfaction ( p = .768). SC-TF-CBT total costs were significantly lower than TF-CBT (Effect Size [ES] = 1.61, confidence interval [CI] = [0.65, 2.59], p < .0001). Conclusion: Step 1 may be a viable service delivery approach although further research is needed.
Pathology and behaviour in feline medicine: investigating the link between vomeronasalitis and aggression
Authors: Asproni Pietro , Cozzi Alessandro , Verin Ranieri , Lafont-Lecuelle Céline , Bienboire-Frosini Cécile , Poli Alessandro , Pageat Patrick 
Published: September 2015

Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate if the feline vomeronasal organ (VNO) can be affected by inflammatory lesions and if these changes are associated with behavioural alterations. Methods VNOs from 20 cats were sampled during necropsy, submitted for routine tissue processing and stained with haematoxylin and eosin for histopathological evaluation. For the 20 cats, data on the presence of aggressive behaviours towards cats or humans were collected by questionnaire survey at the point of death. Inflammatory lesions were classified depending on the duration of the process as acute or chronic, both in vomeronasal sensory epithelium (VNSE) and in non-sensory epithelium (NSE). Fisher’s exact test was used to compare VNO inflammation with behavioural data. Results The VNSE was inflamed in 11/20 VNOs (55%) while the NSE was inflamed in 13/20 (65%). Overall, the VNO was affected by inflammation in 14/20 (70%) cats, and all the lesions were classified as chronic. Five out of 20 cats (25%) had documented intraspecific aggressive behaviours and 8/20 (40%) had shown aggression towards humans. Fisher’s exact test showed a statistically significant correlation between inflammation of the VNSE and intraspecific aggression ( P = 0.038). No statistically correlations were observed between VNSE inflammation and aggression towards humans and between NSE inflammation and aggression towards cats or humans. Conclusions and relevance Our results show, for the first time, the existence of vomeronasalitis in animals and its possible association with intraspecific aggressive behaviours. The inflammatory microenvironment could impair VNSE functionality, causing intraspecific communication alterations, probably through a reduction in chemical communication action and perception. Owing to the pivotal role of the VNO in the social life of cats and other species, this report provides a rationale to further investigate this disease in relation to a variety of behavioural disorders.
Lack of interference between small bowel capsule endoscopy and implantable cardiac defibrillators: an ‘in vivo’ electrophysiological study
Authors: Moneghini Dario , Lipari Alessandro , Missale Guido , Minelli Luigi , Cengia Gianpaolo , Bontempi Luca , Curnis Antonio , Cestari Renzo 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundCapsule endoscopy is a widely performed procedure for small bowel investigation. Once swallowed by the patient, the capsule transmits images to an external recorder over a digital radiofrequency communication channel. Potential electromagnetic interferences with implantable cardiac devices have been postulated. Clinical studies on the safety of capsule endoscopy in patients with cardiac defibrillators are lacking.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess potential mutual electromagnetic interferences between capsule and defibrillators.MethodsThis study used the Given M2A video capsule system. Ten different types of defibrillators were tested in a clinical setting. Before capsule ingestion, defibrillator electrical therapies were switched off. During capsule endoscopy patients were monitored with cardiac telemetry. At the end of capsule endoscopy the following defibrillator’s parameters were analysed: change in device settings; inappropriate shocks; inappropriate anti‐tachycardia therapy; inappropriate sensing or pacing; noise detection; device reset; programming changes; permanent electrical damages. Any technical problem related to capsule image transmission was recorded.ResultsNeither defibrillator malfunction nor interference in sensing or pacing was recorded; conversely, no capsule malfunction potentially caused by defibrillators was registered.ConclusionOur results suggest that capsule endoscopy can be safely performed in patients with cardiac defibrillators.
Effects of Osteoarthritis on Quality of life in Elderly Population of Bhubaneswar, India
Authors: Palo Nishit , Chandel Sidharth Singh , Dash Sunil. K. , Arora Geetanjali , Kumar Mithilesh , Biswal Manas Ranjan 
Published: September 2015

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common age-related joint disease affecting >80% people beyond 55 years of age. It is a leading cause of elderly visit to outpatient departments and accounts for almost half of all nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug prescriptions. The burden and impact of knee OA in Indian population and extent of public health services usage by people with OA are not known. Methods: We performed a prospective blinded multicenter screening and therapeutic study from June 2013 to June 2014 at 3 centers to screen patients >55 years with knee OA to assess quality of life, functional disability, and limitation of functions and to compare the effectiveness of hip and leg strengthening exercise programs in these patients. Functional disability was assessed by Western Ontario and McMaster’s Universities OA index (WOMAC), Friedman, and Wyman Scores; locomotor function was assessed by walking status, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and 30-second timed chair stand tests; and quality of life was assessed by Short Form-36 (SF-36). Results: Of 2854 patients screened, 2054 (72%) patients had OA (male:female-1.9:1) with mean age of 63 years and standard deviation of 8. Of 2054 patients, 226 patients were randomly selected for therapeutic study. In remaining 1828 patients, baseline 10-meter walk test (10MWT) was 0.3 m/s, mean SF-36 Physical Component Score (PCS) was 31.3, and Mental Component Score (MCS) was 34.2. At 3 months, 79% patients were comfortable with significant VAS, WOMAC, Friedman-Wyman Scores, 10MWT, and timed chair test improvements in patients who performed lifestyle modifications and exercises ( P = .04). Short Form-36 improved, mean PCS was 43.6, and MCS was 54.2. At 3 months, 274 (15%) patients were unsatisfied among whom 26% and 74% were treated with arthroscopic procedures and arthroplasty, respectively. Isolated hip and leg strengthening exercise programs similarly improved knee pain, function, and quality of life. Conclusion: Motivation and counseling with hip and leg strengthening exercises should be incorporated with pharmacotherapy in each OA prescription. Physical fitness and weight reduction should be promoted as first-line management of OA.
Familial predisposition and genetic risk factors for lymphoma
Authors: Cerhan James R. , Slager Susan L. 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Our understanding of familial predisposition to lymphoma (collectively defined as non-Hodgkin lymphoma [NHL], Hodgkin lymphoma [HL], and chronic lymphocytic leukemia [CLL]) outside of rare hereditary syndromes has progressed rapidly during the last decade. First-degree relatives of NHL, HL, and CLL patients have an ∼1.7-fold, 3.1-fold, and 8.5-fold elevated risk of developing NHL, HL, and CLL, respectively. These familial risks are elevated for multiple lymphoma subtypes and do not appear to be confounded by nongenetic risk factors, suggesting at least some shared genetic etiology across the lymphoma subtypes. However, a family history of a specific subtype is most strongly associated with risk for that subtype, supporting subtype-specific genetic factors. Although candidate gene studies have had limited success in identifying susceptibility loci, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have successfully identified 67 single nucleotide polymorphisms from 41 loci, predominately associated with specific subtypes. In general, these GWAS-discovered loci are common (minor allele frequency >5%), have small effect sizes (odds ratios, 0.60-2.0), and are of largely unknown function. The relatively low incidence of lymphoma, modest familial risk, and the lack of a screening test and associated intervention, all argue against active clinical surveillance for lymphoma in affected families at this time.
The changing face of a rare disease: lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Authors: Harari Sergio , Torre Olga , Cassandro Roberto , Moss Joel 
Published: September 2015

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a rare disease characterised by cystic destruction of the lung, lymphatic abnormalities and abdominal tumours. It affects almost exclusively females and can occur sporadically or in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex.In the past decade remarkable progress has been made in understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease leading to a new therapeutic approach. This review summarises recent advances regarding pathogenic mechanisms and clinical manifestations, and highlights the current and the most promising future therapeutic strategies.
Benefit of treatment of latent tuberculosis infection in individual patients
Authors: Dobler Claudia C. , Martin Andrew , Marks Guy B. 
Published: September 2015

We aimed to develop a decision aid that estimates whether treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is likely to have a net gain in quality-adjusted life-years for an individual.A Markov model was developed which incorporated personalised estimates for risk of tuberculosis (TB) reactivation, TB death, quality-of-life impairments and treatment side-effects. The net effect of LTBI treatment was quantified in terms of quality-adjusted life-years gained or lost. Analyses were conducted for a representative set of hypothetical patients.LTBI treatment was estimated to be beneficial when the annual risk of TB reactivation exceeded 13/100 000 to 93/100 000 for females aged 10–75 years and 15/100 000 to 119/100 000 for males aged 10–75 years; the numbers needed to treat to avoid one case of TB were 93, 77, 85 and 72, respectively, at these threshold levels.LTBI treatment was estimated to confer a positive net benefit across a broad range of patients with characteristics typically seen in a low incidence setting for TB. Use of the decision aid has the potential to facilitate and increase confidence with LTBI treatment decisions by providing clinicians and patients with personalised estimates of likely net benefit.
The burden of severe asthma in childhood and adolescence: results from the paediatric U-BIOPRED cohorts
Authors: Fleming Louise , Murray Clare , Bansal Aruna T. , Hashimoto Simone , Bisgaard Hans , Bush Andrew , Frey Urs , Hedlin Gunilla , Singer Florian , van Aalderen Wim M. , Vissing Nadja H. , Zolkipli Zaraquiza , Selby Anna , Fowler Stephen , Shaw Dominick , Chung Kian Fan , Sousa Ana R. , Wagers Scott , Corfield Julie , Pandis Ioannis , Rowe Anthony , Formaggio Elena , Sterk Peter J. , Roberts Graham 
Published: September 2015

U-BIOPRED aims to characterise paediatric and adult severe asthma using conventional and innovative systems biology approaches.A total of 99 school-age children with severe asthma and 81 preschoolers with severe wheeze were compared with 49 school-age children with mild/moderate asthma and 53 preschoolers with mild/moderate wheeze in a cross-sectional study.Despite high-dose treatment, the severe cohorts had more severe exacerbations compared with the mild/moderate ones (annual medians: school-aged 3.0versus1.1, preschool 3.9versus1.8; p<0.001). Exhaled tobacco exposure was common in the severe wheeze cohort. Almost all participants in each cohort were atopic and had a normal body mass index. Asthma-related quality of life, as assessed by the Paediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ) and the Paediatric Asthma Caregiver's Quality of Life Questionnaire (PACQLQ), was worse in the severe cohorts (mean±seschool-age PAQLQ: 4.77±0.15versus5.80±0.19; preschool PACQLQ: 4.27±0.18versus6.04±0.18; both p≤0.001); however, mild/moderate cohorts also had significant morbidity. Impaired quality of life was associated with poor control and airway obstruction. Otherwise, the severe and mild/moderate cohorts were clinically very similar.Children with severe preschool wheeze or severe asthma are usually atopic and have impaired quality of life that is associated with poor control and airflow limitation: a very different phenotype from adult severe asthma. In-depth phenotyping of these children, integrating clinical data with high-dimensional biomarkers, may help to improve and tailor their clinical management.
Health impacts of anthropogenic biomass burning in the developed world
Authors: Sigsgaard Torben , Forsberg Bertil , Annesi-Maesano Isabella , Blomberg Anders , Bølling Anette , Boman Christoffer , Bønløkke Jakob , Brauer Michael , Bruce Nigel , Héroux Marie-Eve , Hirvonen Maija-Riitta , Kelly Frank , Künzli Nino , Lundbäck Bo , Moshammer Hanns , Noonan Curtis , Pagels Joachim , Sallsten Gerd , Sculier Jean-Paul , Brunekreef Bert 
Published: September 2015

Climate change policies have stimulated a shift towards renewable energy sources such as biomass. The economic crisis of 2008 has also increased the practice of household biomass burning as it is often cheaper than using oil, gas or electricity for heating. As a result, household biomass combustion is becoming an important source of air pollutants in the European Union.This position paper discusses the contribution of biomass combustion to pollution levels in Europe, and the emerging evidence on the adverse health effects of biomass combustion products.Epidemiological studies in the developed world have documented associations between indoor and outdoor exposure to biomass combustion products and a range of adverse health effects. A conservative estimate of the current contribution of biomass smoke to premature mortality in Europe amounts to at least 40 000 deaths per year.We conclude that emissions from current biomass combustion products negatively affect respiratory and, possibly, cardiovascular health in Europe. Biomass combustion emissions, in contrast to emissions from most other sources of air pollution, are increasing. More needs to be done to further document the health effects of biomass combustion in Europe, and to reduce emissions of harmful biomass combustion products to protect public health.
Nebulised colistin for ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention
Authors: Karvouniaris Marios , Makris Demosthenes , Zygoulis Paris , Triantaris Apostolos , Xitsas Stelios , Mantzarlis Konstantinos , Petinaki Efthimia , Zakynthinos Epaminondas 
Published: September 2015

We evaluated whether prophylactic nebulised colistin could reduce ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) rates in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting with prevalent multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria.We used a single-centre, two-arm, randomised, open-label, controlled trial in a 12-bed ICU in the University Hospital of Larissa, Greece. Patient inclusion criteria included mechanical ventilation of >48 h. The two arms consisted of prophylaxis with 500 000 U colistin (Col group) or normal saline (NS group), thrice daily, for the first 10 ICU days or until extubation. The primary outcome of the study was the 30-day VAP incidence.In total, 168 patients entered the study. VAP incidence was not different between Col and NS group patients (14 (16.7%)versus25 (29.8%), respectively, p=0.07). Regarding the secondary outcomes, the intervention resulted in a lower VAP incidence density rate (11.4versus25.6, respectively, p<0.01), and less Gram-negative bacteria-VAP (p=0.03) and MDR-VAP (p=0.04). Among VAP patients (n=39), prophylaxis with inhaled colistin improved ICU survival (p=0.016). There was no evidence of increased resistance to colistin or multidrug resistance.Our findings suggest that nebulised colistin had no significant effect on VAP incidence.
Assessing clinicopathological correlation in chronic traumatic encephalopathy: rationale and methods for the UNITE study
Authors: Mez Jesse , Solomon Todd M. , Daneshvar Daniel H. , Murphy Lauren , Kiernan Patrick T. , Montenigro Philip H. , Kriegel Joshua , Abdolmohammadi Bobak , Fry Brian , Babcock Katharine J. , Adams Jason W. , Bourlas Alexandra P. , Papadopoulos Zachary , McHale Lisa , Ardaugh Brent M. , Martin Brett R. , Dixon Diane , Nowinski Christopher J. , Chaisson Christine , Alvarez Victor E. , Tripodis Yorghos , Stein Thor D. , Goldstein Lee E. , Katz Douglas I. , Kowall Neil W. , Cantu Robert C. , Stern Robert A. , McKee Ann C. 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive neurodegeneration associated with repetitive head impacts. Understanding Neurologic Injury and Traumatic Encephalopathy (UNITE) is a U01 project recently funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. The goal of the UNITE project is to examine the neuropathology and clinical presentation of brain donors designated as “at risk” for the development of CTE based on prior athletic or military exposure. Here, we present the rationale and methodology for UNITE.

Methods
Over the course of 4 years, we will analyze the brains and spinal cords of 300 deceased subjects who had a history of repetitive head impacts sustained during participation in contact sports at the professional or collegiate level or during military service. Clinical data are collected through medical record review and retrospective structured and unstructured family interviews conducted by a behavioral neurologist or neuropsychologist. Blinded to the clinical data, a neuropathologist conducts a comprehensive assessment for neurodegenerative disease, including CTE, using published criteria. At a clinicopathological conference, a panel of physicians and neuropsychologists, blinded to the neuropathological data, reaches a clinical consensus diagnosis using published criteria, including proposed clinical research criteria for CTE.

Results
We will investigate the validity of these clinical criteria and sources of error by using recently validated neuropathological criteria as a gold standard for CTE diagnosis. We also will use statistical modeling to identify diagnostic features that best predict CTE pathology.

Conclusions
The UNITE study is a novel and methodologically rigorous means of assessing clinicopathological correlation in CTE. Our findings will be critical for developing future iterations of CTE clinical diagnostic criteria.