bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk of catecholaminergic crisis following glucocorticoid administration in patients with an adrenal mass: a literature review
Authors: Barrett Catherine , van Uum Stan H.M. , Lenders Jacques W.M. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryBackgroundGlucocorticoids as diagnostic or therapeutic agents have been reported to carry an increased risk of catecholaminergic crisis (CC) in patients with pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma (PPGL).MethodsWe searched literature databases using the following terms: pheochromocytoma, paraganglioma, adrenal incidentaloma, steroids, glucocorticoids, dexamethasone suppression test (DST), hypertensive crisis, cosyntropin and CRH. From all published case reports (1962–2013), we reviewed medical history, presenting symptoms, dose and route of steroid administration, location and size of adrenal mass, biochemical phenotype and outcome.ResultsTwenty‐five case reports describing a CC were identified. Three patients with an adrenal incidentaloma suffered a CC following high‐dose DST, and in one case, this was fatal. In two of these patients, biochemical testing missed the diagnosis, and in the third, a DST was done despite elevated urinary metanephrines. No CC has been reported for patients undergoing a low‐dose DST. Three of 16 patients who received therapeutic glucocorticoids and four of six patients following cosyntropin testing died. No specific biochemical phenotype was related to adverse events.ConclusionsAlthough a causal relationship cannot be established from this review, it seems prudent to exclude a PPGL in patients with a large incidentaloma or when high‐dose DST is considered in a patient with an incidentaloma of any size. Our literature review does not support the need for biochemical testing for PPGL prior to a low‐dose (1 mg) DST. Finally, before starting therapeutic glucocorticoids, any clinical signs or symptoms of a potential PPGL should prompt reliable biochemical testing to rule out a PPGL.
The need for an objective measure in septorhinoplasty surgery: are we any closer to finding an answer?
Authors: Andrews P.J. , Choudhury N. , Takhar A. , Poirrier A.L. , Jacques T. , Randhawa P.S. 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesTo assess the reliability of nasal inspiratory peak flow (NIPF) in providing a clinically accurate objective measure following functional septorhinoplasty by comparing it to the validated disease‐specific quality‐of‐life questionnaire, SNOT‐22. Studies so far have demonstrated poor correlation between bilateral NIPF and symptom‐specific nasal questionnaires following septorhinoplasty.DesignTo perform a prospective comparative analysis between NIPF and the validated disease‐specific quality‐of‐life questionnaire SNOT‐22 and to determine whether a correlation exists following septorhinoplasty surgery.SettingThe Royal National Throat Nose and Ear Hospital, London.ParticipantsA total of 122 patients (78 males, 44 females; mean age 33.5 ± 12.2 years) were recruited from the senior authors rhinology clinic and underwent functional septorhinoplasty surgery.Main outcome measuresPreoperative and postoperative nasal inspiratory peak flow (NIPF) measurements were performed in addition to the completion of three subjective quality‐of‐life and symptom assessment tool questionnaires; Sinonasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT‐22), Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS: 0–10).ResultsThe mean preoperative NIPF was 88.2 L/min, and the postoperative value was 101.6 L/min and showed a significant improvement following surgery (P = 0.0064). The mean total SNOT‐22 score improved significantly from 48.6 to 26.6 (P < 0.0001); the NOSE score from 14.1 to 6.6 (P < 0.0001); and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) blockage score from 6.9 to 3.2 (P < 0.0001). All individual domains assessed showed improvements postoperatively, but no correlation was found between the NIPF and SNOT‐22 score. Equally, we did not find a correlation between NIPF and the symptom‐specific NOSE questionnaire and the nasal blockage domain on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scale.ConclusionWe have demonstrated that NIPF does not correlate with the SNOT‐22 disease‐specific questionnaire, although both outcomes significantly improve postoperatively. At present, we are still lacking a clinically accurate objective measure of nasal function for the evaluation of patients undergoing septorhinoplasty surgery.
Seeing Like a Geologist: Bayesian Use of Expert Categories in Location Memory
Authors: Holden Mark P. , Newcombe Nora S. , Resnick Ilyse , Shipley Thomas F. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractMemory for spatial location is typically biased, with errors trending toward the center of a surrounding region. According to the category adjustment model (CAM), this bias reflects the optimal, Bayesian combination of fine‐grained and categorical representations of a location. However, there is disagreement about whether categories are malleable. For instance, can categories be redefined based on expert‐level conceptual knowledge? Furthermore, if expert knowledge is used, does it dominate other information sources, or is it used adaptively so as to minimize overall error, as predicted by a Bayesian framework? We address these questions using images of geological interest. The participants were experts in structural geology, organic chemistry, or English literature. Our data indicate that expertise‐based categories influence estimates of location memory—particularly when these categories better constrain errors than alternative (“novice”) categories. Results are discussed with respect to the CAM.
Influential entomology: a short review of the scientific, societal, economic and educational services provided by entomology
Authors: LEATHER SIMON R. 
Published: May 2015

1. Entomology as a written science probably originated with the ancient Greeks; Aristotle being regarded as the first published entomologist. It was, however, not until the Renaissance and the invention of the microscope that any further advances were made. The formation of national entomological societies in the early and mid‐19th century heralded the blossoming of entomology as a scientific discipline.2. The role of entomology in the development of ecology as a science is often overlooked, but important concepts in ecology such as the role and types of mimicry, the theoretical development of population dynamics and island biogeography all have their roots in the pioneering work of entomologists.3. Insect products have long played a part in the economies of human civilizations stretching back several thousand years from the development of the silk industry in China to modern day uses of the excretory products of Hemiptera such as cochineal and shellac.4. The study of entomology has had indirect applications in human medicine and genetics, such as the development of cryostorage techniques based on an understanding of the freeze‐avoidance strategies of Antarctic insects to the direct use of Dipteran larvae in maggot debridement therapy.5. Insects and their products have been used as sources of food by humans since before written records existed, the use of honey for example, being recorded in pre‐historic cave drawings. Insects as recognisable entities such as lepidopteran larvae and adult locusts, play a significant role in the diets of some cultures, but increasingly, the idea that processed insect material can be used as mainstream human and livestock food is gaining ground with a number of commercial enterprises being formed.6. Culturally insects have long inspired humans, from ancient Egypt and their veneration of scarab beetles, portrayal of insects in ancient Mesoamerican art, in European painting from the medieval period onwards and in literature, poetry, and the performing arts including cinema and music. Although the depiction of insects has not always been positive, it is undeniable that they have had a marked influence on human culture.7. Insects have also influenced engineers, with their form and function inspiring the development of airless tyres, desert water collection devices and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Imaging learned fear circuitry in awake mice using fMRI
Authors: Harris Anjanette P. , Lennen Ross J. , Marshall Ian , Jansen Maurits A. , Pernet Cyril R. , Brydges Nichola M. , Duguid Ian C. , Holmes Megan C. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractFunctional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of learned behaviour in ‘awake rodents’ provides the opportunity for translational preclinical studies into the influence of pharmacological and genetic manipulations on brain function. fMRI has recently been employed to investigate learned behaviour in awake rats. Here, this methodology is translated to mice, so that future fMRI studies may exploit the vast number of genetically modified mouse lines that are available. One group of mice was conditioned to associate a flashing light (conditioned stimulus, CS) with foot shock (PG; paired group), and another group of mice received foot shock and flashing light explicitly unpaired (UG; unpaired group). The blood oxygen level‐dependent signal (proxy for neuronal activation) in response to the CS was measured 24 h later in awake mice from the PG and UG using fMRI. The amygdala, implicated in fear processing, was activated to a greater degree in the PG than in the UG in response to the CS. Additionally, the nucleus accumbens was activated in the UG in response to the CS. Because the CS signalled an absence of foot shock in the UG, it is possible that this region is involved in processing the safety aspect of the CS. To conclude, the first use of fMRI to visualise brain activation in awake mice that are completing a learned emotional task is reported. This work paves the way for future preclinical fMRI studies to investigate genetic and environmental influences on brain function in transgenic mouse models of disease and aging.
Occupational toxic epidermal necrolysis associated with dalbergia cochinchinensis: a retrospective comparative study of eight cases in China
Authors: Yang Yongsheng , Zhang Zhen , Lu Xiaonian , Zhu Xiaohua , Huang Qiong , Liang Jun , Xu Jinhua 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundOccupational toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) related to Dalbergia cochinchinensis has seldom been reported in the past. Its clinical characteristic needs to be investigated. This study reports eight cases of such disease in China.MethodsEight patients with occupational TEN admitted from 2003 to 2012 were retrospectively analyzed and compared with 15 patients admitted with TEN caused by drugs as controls. Patients all received combination therapy of corticosteroid and intravenous immunoglobulin. The times for bullous ceasing, tapering of corticosteroid, and total hospitalization were compared between the two groups of patients. SCORTEN, a severity‐of‐illness scoring system for TEN prognosis, was applied to evaluate clinical outcome.ResultsThe three time measurements in occupational TEN were longer than those in control, and the differences were statistically significant (P = 0.0023, 0.026, 0.0017), which means the total dose of corticosteroid needed in occupational TEN was higher than that in the control. There were no deaths in the two groups, although expected deaths were 0.612 and 0.836, respectively.DiscussionOccupational TEN has a longer progression than TEN caused by drugs, and there is more difficulty in its treatment. Clinicians should pay attention to this disease. However, its mechanism and target therapy remain unclear.
Effect of Gd Content on Luminescence Properties of Eu3+‐Doped La2−xGdxZr2O7 Transparent Ceramics
Authors: Wang Zhengjuan , Zhou Guohong , Zhang Jian , Qin Xianpeng , Zhang Fang , Ai Jianping , Wang Shiwei 
Published: May 2015

3 at.% Eu3+‐doped La2−xGdxZr2O7 (x = 0–2.0) transparent ceramics were fabricated by vacuum sintering. The effect of Gd content on crystal structure, in‐line transmittance, and luminescence property of the ceramics were investigated. The ceramics are all cubic pyrochlore structure with high transparency. The cut‐off edge of the transmittance curve of the ceramics varied with Gd content and was also affected by the annealing process. The luminescence intensity became stronger for the ceramics annealed in air. As Gd content increased, the energy band structure as well as the luminescence behavior of the ceramics was changed; in addition, the symmetry of the crystal lattice reduced, resulting in the shift of the strongest luminescence peak from 585 nm to around 630 nm.
Physical Activity Levels Among Adolescent and Young Adult Women and Men with and without Intellectual Disability
Authors: Sundahl Lina , Zetterberg Marie , Wester Anita , Rehn Börje , Blomqvist Sven 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundAs physical activity can prevent overweight and promote general health, the aim was to investigate the amount of physical activity among adolescent and young adult women and men with intellectual disability (ID), compared to age‐matched control groups without intellectual disability. A further aim was to examine whether physical activity level was associated with the body mass index (BMI).Materials and methodsFifty‐two adolescent and young adult women and men with intellectual disability and 48 without intellectual disability, between the ages 16 and 20 years, BMIs ranging from 16.3 to 50.3 kg/m2, were measured for number of steps taken with a pedometer for five consecutive days (Sunday–Thursday).ResultsThe only group to meet recommendations regarding number of steps (10 000–12 000/day) was women without intellectual disability. No significant associations were found between total number of steps taken and BMI.ConclusionAs the majority of adolescents and young adults with intellectual disability, especially women, did not reach recommended activity levels regardless of their BMIs, this call for broad measures to increase physical activity.
Legislative Scrutiny? The Political Economy and Practice of Legislative Vetoes in the European Union
Authors: Kaeding Michael , Stack Kevin M. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis article examines the European Parliament's and Council of Ministers' use of legislative vetoes to override the European Commission's rule‐making. Well‐established principles of political economy suggest that the Parliament and Council will exercise their veto powers infrequently. Using an original data set of legislative vetoes of Commission acts by both European legislators from June 2006 to April 2014, we show that levels of formal exercise of the legislative veto to overrule the Commission's regulatory policies are indeed very low. Particularly interesting is the fact that the level of exercise of legislative veto provisions has not increased significantly since the Lisbon Treaty came into effect, suggesting that the ways in which the Treaty formally augmented the powers of legislative scrutiny have not resulted in appreciably greater formal exercise of these powers. Moreover, no significant differences appear between the two European Union legislative bodies.
Strong selection on male plumage in a hybrid zone between a hybrid bird species and one of its parents
Authors: Bailey R. I. , Tesaker M. R. , Trier C. N. , Sætre G.‐P. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractHomoploid hybrid speciation (HHS) requires reproductive barriers between hybrid and parent species, despite incomplete reproductive isolation (RI) between the parents. Novel secondary sexual trait values in hybrids may cause prezygotic isolation from both parents, whereas signals inherited by the hybrid from one parent species may cause prezygotic isolation with the other. Here we investigate whether differences in male plumage function as a premating barrier between the hybrid Italian sparrow and one of its parent species, the house sparrow, in a narrow Alpine hybrid zone. Italian sparrow male plumage is a composite mosaic of the parental traits, with its head plumage most similar to its other parent, the Spanish sparrow. We use geographical cline analysis to examine selection on three plumage traits, 75 nuclear single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and hybrid indices based on theseSNPs. SeveralSNPs showed evidence of restricted introgression in the Alps, supporting earlier findings. Crown colour exhibited the narrowest plumage cline, representing a 37% (range 4–65%) drop in fitness. The cline was too narrow to be due to neutral introgression. Only crown colour was significantly bimodal in the hybrid zone. Bimodality may be due toRIor a majorQTL, although fitness estimates suggest that selection contributes to the pattern. We discuss the implications with respect toHHSand the species status of the Italian sparrow.
Prevalence of potentially inappropriate medicine use in older New Zealanders: a population‐level study using the updated 2012 Beers criteria
Authors: Narayan Sujita W. , Nishtala Prasad S. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractRational, aims and objectivesTo examine the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medicines (PIMs) in older New Zealanders at a population level.MethodsDe‐identified prescription data for all individuals ≥65 years were obtained from the Pharmaceutical Claims Data Mart for 2011. International Classification of Diseases‐10‐AM (version 6) codes were used to extract diagnostic information from the National Minimum Datasets and PIMs were identified using the updated Beers 2012 criteria.Results40.9% of older people were prescribed PIMs with approximately half dispensed ≥2 PIMs in 2011. Exposure was highest in individuals aged 65–74 years (68.9 ± 2.9). The most prevalent PIMs dispensed were diclofenac (6.0%), amitriptyline (4.9%), ibuprofen (4.6%), zopiclone (3.2%) and naproxen (3.0%). 66.3% of individuals were dispensed ≥1 and 80.8% were dispensed ≥2 medicines with a potential for drug‐disease/syndrome interaction.ConclusionsThe updated Beers 2012 criteria identified that the use of PIMs at a population level is common in older New Zealanders.
First Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. Infecting Buffalo Calves in Brazil
Authors: Aquino Monally C. C. , Widmer Giovanni , Zucatto Anaiza S. , Viol Milena A. , Inácio Sandra V. , Nakamura Alex A. , Coelho Willian M. D. , Perri Silvia H. V. , Meireles Marcelo V. , Bresciani Katia D. S. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWith the aim of determining the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp., 222 fecal samples were collected from Murrah buffalo calves aged up to 6 mo. Fecal DNA was genotyped with a nested polymerase chain reaction targeting the 18S rRNA gene and sequencing of the amplified fragment. Nested 18S PCR was positive for 48.2% of the samples. Sequence analysis showed that the most frequent species in these animals was Cryptosporidium ryanae, which was present in buffalo calves as young as 5 d. The zoonotic species Cryptosporidium parvum was detected in one animal. An uncommon Cryptosporidium 18S genotype was found in buffaloes.
Phylogeny, Diversity, Distribution, and Host Specificity of Haemoproteus spp. (Apicomplexa: Haemosporida: Haemoproteidae) of Palaearctic Tortoises
Authors: Javanbakht Hossein , Kvičerová Jana , Dvořáková Nela , Mikulíček Peter , Sharifi Mozafar , Kautman Matej , Maršíková Aneta , Široký Pavel 
Published: May 2015

AbstractA complex wide‐range study on the haemoproteid parasites of chelonians was carried out for the first time. Altogether, 811 samples from four tortoise species from an extensive area between western Morocco and eastern Afghanistan and between Romania and southern Syria were studied by a combination of microscopic and molecular‐genetic methods. Altogether 160 Haemoproteus‐positive samples were gathered in the area between central Anatolia and eastern Afghanistan. According to variability in the cytochrome b gene, two monophyletic evolutionary lineages were distinguished; by means of microscopic analysis it was revealed that they corresponded to two previously described species—Haemoproteus anatolicum and Haemoproteus caucasica. Their distribution areas overlap only in a narrow strip along the Zagros Mts. range in Iran. This fact suggests the involvement of two different vector species with separated distribution. Nevertheless, no vectors were confirmed. According to phylogenetic analyses, H. caucasica represented a sister group to H. anatolicum, and both of them were most closely related to H. pacayae and H. peltocephali, described from South American river turtles. Four unique haplotypes were revealed in the population of H. caucasica, compared with seven haplotypes in H. anatolicum. Furthermore, H. caucasica was detected in two tortoise species, Testudo graeca and Testudo horsfieldii, providing evidence that Haemoproteus is not strictly host‐specific to the tortoise host species.
Validity of the Mini‐Mental State Examination and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment in the Prediction of Driving Test Outcome
Authors: Hollis Ann M. , Duncanson Haley , Kapust Lissa R. , Xi Patricia M. , O'Connor Margaret G. 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of two cognitive screening measures, the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), in predicting driving test outcome for individuals with and without cognitive impairment.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingA clinical driving evaluation program at a teaching hospital in the United States.ParticipantsAdult drivers who underwent assessment with the MMSE and MoCA as part of a comprehensive driving evaluation between 2010 and 2014 (N = 92).MeasurementsMMSE and MoCA total scores were independent variables. The outcome measure was performance on a standardized road test.ResultsA preestablished diagnosis of cognitive impairment enhanced the validity of cognitive screening measures in the identification of at‐risk drivers. In individuals with cognitive impairment there was a significant relationship between MoCA score and on‐road outcome. Specifically, an individual was 1.36 times as likely to fail the road test with each 1‐point decrease in MoCA score. No such relationship was detected in those without a diagnosis of cognitive impairment.ConclusionFor individuals who have not been diagnosed with cognitive impairment, neither the MMSE nor the MoCA can be reliably used as an indicator of driving risk, but for individuals with a preestablished diagnosis of cognitive impairment, the MoCA is a useful tool in this regard. A score on the MoCA of 18 or less should raise concerns about driving safety.
Consistent Differences in Medical Unit Fall Rates: Implications for Research and Practice
Authors: Staggs Vincent S. , Mion Lorraine C. , Shorr Ronald I. 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesTo determine the proportion of variation in long‐term fall rates attributable to variability between rather than within hospital units and to identify unit‐ and hospital‐level characteristics associated with persistently low‐ and high‐fall units.DesignRetrospective study of administrative data on inpatient falls. Eighty low‐fall and 74 high‐fall units were identified based on monthly rankings of fall rates. Unit‐ and hospital‐level characteristics of these units were compared.SettingU.S. general hospitals participating in the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators.ParticipantsNonsubspecialty medical units (n = 800) with 24 consecutive months of falls data.MeasurementsMonthly self‐reported unit fall rates (falls per 1,000 patient‐days).ResultsAn estimated 87% of variation in 24‐month fall rates was due to between‐unit differences. With the exception of patient‐days, a proxy for unit bed size, low‐ and high‐fall units did not differ on nurse staffing or any other unit or hospital characteristic variable.ConclusionThere are medical units with persistently low and persistently high fall rates. High‐fall units had higher patient volume, suggesting patient turnover as a variable for further study. Understanding additional factors underlying variability in long‐term fall rates could lead to sustainable interventions for reducing inpatient falls.