bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rural patients' experiences of the open disclosure of adverse events
Authors: Piper Donella , Iedema Rick , Bower Kate 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo analyse rural patients' and their families' experiences of open disclosure and offer recommendations to improve disclosure in rural areas.DesignRetrospective qualitative study based on a subset of 13 semistructured, in‐depth interviews with rural patients from a larger dataset. The larger data set form a nationwide, multisite, retrospective‐qualitative study that included 100 semistructured, in‐depth interviews with 119 patients and family members who were involved in high‐severity health care incidents and incident disclosure. The larger study is known as the ‘100 Patient Stories’ study. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed by one analyst (D.P.) for recurrent experiences and concerns.SettingAcute care.ParticipantsA sub‐set of 13 of the 100 participants from the '100 Patient Stories' study who identified as experiencing an adverse incident in a rural or regional area.Main outcome measuresPatients' and family members' perceptions and experiences of health care incident disclosure, as expressed in interviews.ResultsRural patients and clinicians experience additional challenges to metropolitan patients and clinicians in their experiences of health care incidents. These additional barriers include: a lack of resources at small hospitals; delays in diagnosis and transfer; distance between services; and a lack of communication between providers. These challenges impact not only upon how patients and their families experience incidents, but also how open disclosure is implemented.ConclusionsThis analysis of 13 of the 100 Patient Stories interviews provides guidance to rural health services on how to conduct open disclosure.
The EuroPrevall outpatient clinic study on food allergy: background and methodology
Authors: Fernández‐Rivas M. , Barreales L. , Mackie A. R. , Fritsche P. , Vázquez‐Cortés S. , Jedrzejczak‐Czechowicz M. , Kowalski M. L. , Clausen M. , Gislason D. , Sinaniotis A. , Kompoti E. , Le T.‐M. , Knulst A. C. , Purohit A. , de Blay F. , Kralimarkova T. , Popov T. , Asero R. , Belohlavkova S. , Seneviratne S. L. , Dubakiene R. , Lidholm J. , Hoffmann‐Sommergruber K. , Burney P. , Crevel R. , Brill M. , Fernández‐Pérez C. , Vieths S. , Clare Mills E. N. , van Ree R. , Ballmer‐Weber B. K. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe EuroPrevall project aimed to develop effective management strategies in food allergy through a suite of interconnected studies and a multidisciplinary integrated approach. To address some of the gaps in food allergy diagnosis, allergen risk management and socio‐economic impact and to complement the EuroPrevall population‐based surveys, a cross‐sectional study in 12 outpatient clinics across Europe was conducted. We describe the study protocol.MethodsPatients referred for immediate food adverse reactions underwent a consistent and standardized allergy work‐up that comprised collection of medical history; assessment of sensitization to 24 foods, 14 inhalant allergens and 55 allergenic molecules; and confirmation of clinical reactivity and food thresholds by standardized double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenges (DBPCFCs) to milk, egg, fish, shrimp, peanut, hazelnut, celeriac, apple and peach.ResultsA standardized methodology for a comprehensive evaluation of food allergy was developed and implemented in 12 outpatient clinics across Europe. A total of 2121 patients (22.6% <14 years) reporting 8257 reactions to foods were studied, and 516 DBPCFCs were performed.ConclusionsThis is the largest multicentre European case series in food allergy, in which subjects underwent a comprehensive, uniform and standardized evaluation including DBPCFC, by a methodology which is made available for further studies in food allergy. The analysis of this population will provide information on the different phenotypes of food allergy across Europe, will allow to validate novel in vitro diagnostic tests, to establish threshold values for major allergenic foods and to analyse the socio‐economic impact of food allergy.
Randomized study of low‐dose versus standard‐dose chemoradiotherapy for unresectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (JCOG0303)
Authors: Shinoda Masayuki , Ando Nobutoshi , Kato Ken , Ishikura Satoshi , Kato Hoichi , Tsubosa Yasuhiro , Minashi Keiko , Okabe Hiroshi , Kimura Yusuke , Kawano Tatsuyuki , Kosugi Shin‐Ichi , Toh Yasushi , Nakamura Kenichi , Fukuda Haruhiko ,   Japan Clinical Oncology Group
Published: January 2015

Low‐dose cisplatin and 5‐fluorouracil (LDPF) chemotherapy with daily radiotherapy (RT) is used as an alternative chemoradiotherapy regimen for locally advanced esophageal carcinoma. We evaluated whether RT plus LDPF chemotherapy had an advantage in terms of survival and/or toxicity over RT plus standard‐dose cisplatin and 5‐fluorouracil (SDPF) chemotherapy in this study. This multicenter trial included esophageal cancer patients with clinical T4 disease and/or unresectable regional lymph node metastasis. Patients were randomly assigned to receive RT (2 Gy/fraction, total dose of 60 Gy) with SDPF (arm A) or LDPF (arm B) chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). A total of 142 patients (arm A/B, 71/71) from 41 institutions were enrolled between April 2004 and September 2009. The OS hazard ratio in arm B versus arm A was 1.05 (80% confidence interval, 0.78–1.41). There were no differences in toxicities in either arm. Arm B was judged as not promising for further evaluation in the phase III setting. Thus, the Data and Safety Monitoring Committee recommended that the study be terminated. In the updated analyses, median OS and 3‐year OS were 13.1 months and 25.9%, respectively, for arm A and 14.4 months and 25.7%, respectively, for arm B. Daily RT plus LDPF chemotherapy did not qualify for further evaluation as a new treatment option for patients with locally advanced unresectable esophageal cancer. This study was registered at the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN000000861.
Parental and family‐related influences on dental caries in children of Dutch, Moroccan and Turkish origin
Authors: Duijster Denise , de Jong‐Lenters Maddelon , de Ruiter Corine , Thijssen Jill , van Loveren Cor  , Verrips Erik 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate the relationship between parental and family‐related factors and childhood dental caries in a sample of 5‐ to 6‐year‐old children of Dutch, Moroccan and Turkish origin. Furthermore, the relationship of parental and family‐related factors with social class and ethnicity was examined.MethodsThe study sample included 92 parent–child dyads (46 cases and 46 controls), which were recruited from a large paediatric dental centre in The Hague, the Netherlands. Cases were children with four or more decayed, missing or filled teeth, and controls were caries free. Validated questionnaires were used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, oral health behaviours, parents’ dental self‐efficacy and locus of control (LoC), parenting practices and family functioning. Parenting practices were also assessed using structured video observations of parent–child interactions.ResultsParents of controls had a more internal LoC, and they were more likely to show positive (observed) parenting in terms of positive involvement, encouragement and problem‐solving, compared to cases (P < 0.05). Lower social class was significantly associated with a lower dental self‐efficacy, a more external LoC and poorer parenting practices. Furthermore, LoC was more external in Moroccan and Turkish parents, compared to Dutch parents.ConclusionParents’ internal LoC and observed positive parenting practices on the dimensions positive involvement, encouragement and problem‐solving were important indicators of dental health in children of Dutch, Moroccan and Turkish origin. Findings suggest that these parental factors are potential mediators of socioeconomic inequalities in children's dental health.
Activated natural killer cells accelerate liver damage in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Zheng Q , Zhu Y Y , Chen J , Ye Y B , Li J Y , Liu Y R , Hu M L , Zheng Y C , Jiang J J 
Published: January 2015

Summary
Emerging evidence indicates that natural killer (NK) cells may contribute to liver injury in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Because HBV infection progresses through various disease phases, the cytolytic profiles of peripheral and intrahepatic NK cells in HBV-infected patients remain to be defined. In this study, we comprehensively characterized intrahepatic and peripheral NK cells in a cohort of HBV-infected individuals, and investigated their impact on liver pathogenesis during chronic HBV infection. The study population included 34 immune-clearance (IC) patients, 36 immune-tolerant (IT) carriers and 10 healthy subjects. We found that the activity of peripheral NK cells from IC patients was functionally elevated compared to IT carriers and controls, and NK cell activation was indicated by an increased expression of CD69, CD107a, interferon (IFN)-γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Further analysis showed that the increased activity of both peripheral and hepatic NK cells was correlated positively with liver injury, which was assessed by serum alanine aminotransferase levels (ALT) and the liver histological activity index (HAI). Interestingly, the frequency of peripheral NK cells was reduced in IC patients (especially those with higher HAI scores of 3–4), but there was a concomitant increase in hepatic NK cells. The functionally activated NK cells are enriched preferentially in the livers of IC patients and skew towards cytolytic activity that accelerates liver injury in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.
408 kb 15q11.2 microduplication by array comparative genomic hybridization in a fetus presenting with exomphalos, micrognathia, tetralogy ofFallot and normal karyotype: A genetic counseling dilemma in paternal carrier status
Authors: Tonni Gabriele , Bellotti Maria , Palmisano Marcella , Alesi Viola , Bertoli Marta , Bonasoni Maria Paola 
Published: January 2015

AbstractExomphalos may be associated with chromosomal abnormalities and syndromes. Severe exomphalos (herniation of liver, midgut and spleen) associated with increased nuchal translucency was seen at first trimester screening test. Karyotype by chorionic villus sampling showed normal male fetus. Follow up scan at 16 and 18 weeks of gestation confirmed the severe exomphalos and detected micrognathia and tetralogy ofFallot. Array comparative genomic hybridization (a‐CGH) further demonstrated a 408 kb 15q11.2 microduplication, with the father‐to‐be as healthy carrier. This is the first case of an association between 15q11.2 micorduplication and fetal sonographic anomalies. Genetic counseling for estimation of recurrent risk of congenital anomalies is discussed.
Problems with supertrees based on the subtree prune‐and‐regraft distance, with comments on majority rule supertrees
Authors: Goloboff Pablo A. , Szumik Claudia A. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis paper examines a recent proposal to calculate supertrees by minimizing the sum of subtree prune‐and‐regraft distances to the input trees. The supertrees thus calculated may display groups present in a minority of the input trees but contradicted by the majority, or groups that are not supported by any input tree or combination of input trees. The proponents of the method themselves stated that these are serious problems of “matrix representation with parsimony”, but they can in fact occur in their own method. The majority rule supertrees, being explicitly clade‐based, cannot have these problems, and seem much more suited to retrieving common clades from a set of trees with different taxon sets. However, it is dubious that so‐called majority rule supertrees can always be interpreted as displaying those clades present (or compatible with) with a majority of the trees. The majority rule consensus is always a median tree, in terms of the Robinson–Foulds distances (i.e. it minimizes the sum of Robinson–Foulds distances to the input trees). In contrast, majority rule supertrees may not be median—different, contradictory trees may minimize Robinson–Foulds distances, while their strict consensus does not. If being “majority” results from being median in Robinson–Foulds distances, this means that in the supertree setting a “majority” is ambiguously defined, sometimes achievable only by mutually contradictory trees.
Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on peripheral to central blood pressure ratio in healthy subjects
Authors: da Silva Marianne L. , Chiappa Gaspar R. , da Silva Vinicius M. , Neves Laura M. T. , de Lima Alexandra C. G. B. , Tomasi Fernanda P. , Junior Luiz T. G. , Vilela‐Martin José F. , Bottaro Martim , Junior Gerson C. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryPurposeTo investigate the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on the arterial stiffness in healthy young adult and middle‐aged men using the augmentation index (AI‐x) and hemodynamic measures.MethodsTwenty‐four men (12 aged 27·25 ± 5·53 years and 12 aged 54·83 ± 5·10 years) were randomly allocated to two subgroups: TENS or placebo in ganglion region for 45 min. The AI‐x and hemodynamic measures [late systolic blood pressure (SBP), central blood pressure (CBP), difference between P1 and P2 (ΔP) and tension time index (TTI)] were determined before and after protocols.ResultsTENS resulted in reduction of SBP in younger adults (TENSpre: 111 ± 2; post: 105 ± 2·2 mm Hg; PLACEBOpre: 113 ± 1·8; post: 114 ± 2·5 mm Hg; GEE, P<0·01), whereas no difference was found in middle‐aged group. TENS also resulted in reduction of AI‐x younger adults group (TENSpre: 56 ± 2·8; post: 53 ± 2%; PLACEBOpre: 55 ± 3; post: 58 ± 2·5%; GEE, P<0·01). ΔP and TTI were significantly decreased after the application of TENS in both groups, but significantly greater reductions in TTI and the SBP/CBP ratio were found in the group of younger adults.ConclusionsThe acute application of ganglion TENS attenuated arterial stiffness in younger adults as well as hemodynamic measures in the middle‐aged group. This method could emerge as effective therapy for the management of arterial blood pressure.
Phosphorylation of Smad2/3 at the specific linker threonine residue indicates slow-cycling esophageal stem-like cells before re-entry to the cell cycle
Authors: Takahashi Y. , Fukui T. , Kishimoto M. , Suzuki R. , Mitsuyama T. , Sumimoto K. , Okazaki T. , Sakao M. , Sakaguchi Y. , Yoshida K. , Uchida K. , Nishio A. , Matsuzaki K. , Okazaki K. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe stem cell compartment in the esophageal epithelium is possibly located in the basal layer. We have identified significant expression of Smad2/3, phosphorylated at specific linker threonine residues (pSmad2/3L-Thr), in the epithelial cells of murine stomach and intestine, and have suggested that these cells are epithelial stem cells. In this study, we explore whether pSmad2/3L-Thr could serve as a biomarker for esophageal stem cells. We examined esophageal tissues from normal C57BL/6 mice and those with esophagitis. Double immunofluorescent staining of pSmad2/3L-Thr with Ki67, CDK4, p63, or CK14 was performed. After immunofluorescent staining, we stained the same sections with hematoxylin-eosin and observed these cells under a light microscope. We used the 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling assay to examine label retention of pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells. We collected specimens 5, 10, 15 and 20 days after repeated BrdU administrations and observed double immunofluorescent staining of pSmad2/3L-Thr with BrdU. In the esophagus, pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells were detected in the basal layer. These cells were detected between Ki67 immunostaining-positive cells, but they were not co-localized with Ki67. pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells showed co-localization with CDK4, p63, and CK14. Under a light microscope, pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells indicated undifferentiated morphological features. Until 20 days follow-up period, pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells were co-localized with BrdU. pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells significantly increased in the regeneration phase of esophagitis mucosae, as compared with control mice (esophagitis vs. control: 6.889 ± 0.676/cm vs. 4.293 ± 0.659/cm; P &lt; 0.001). We have identified significant expression of pSmad2/3L-Thr in the specific epithelial cells of murine esophagi. We suggest that these cells are slow-cycling epithelial stem-like cells before re-entry to the cell cycle.
Effects of Frame Rate on Two‐Dimensional Speckle Tracking–Derived Measurements of Myocardial Deformation in Premature Infants
Authors: Sanchez Aura A. , Levy Philip T. , Sekarski Timothy J. , Hamvas Aaron , Holland Mark R. , Singh Gautam K. 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundFrame rate (FR) of image acquisition is an important determinant of the reliability of 2‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE)‐derived myocardial strain. Premature infants have relatively high heart rates (HR). The aim was to analyze the effects of varying FR on the reproducibility of 2DSTE‐derived right ventricle (RV) and left ventricle (LV) longitudinal strain (LS) and strain rate (LSR) in premature infants.MethodsRV and LV LS and LSR were measured by 2DSTE in the apical four‐chamber view in 20 premature infants (26 ± 1 weeks) with HR 163 ± 13 bpm. For each subject, 4 sets of cine loops were acquired at FR of <90, 90–110, 110–130, and >130 frames/sec. Two observers measured LS and LSR. Inter‐ and intra‐observer reproducibility was assessed using Bland–Altman analysis, coefficient of variation, and linear regression.ResultsIntra‐observer reproducibility for RV and LV LS was higher at FR >110 frames/sec, and optimum at FR >130 frames/sec. The highest inter‐observer reproducibility for RV and LV LS were at FR >130 and >110 frames/s, respectively. The highest reproducibility for RV and LV systolic and early diastolic LSR was at FR >110 frames/sec. FR/HR ratio >0.7 frames/sec per bpm yielded optimum reproducibility for RV and LV deformation imaging.ConclusionsThe reliability of 2DSTE‐derived RV and LV deformation imaging in premature infants is affected by the FR of image acquisition. Reproducibility is most robust when cine loops are obtained with FR/HR ratio between 0.7 and 0.9 frames/sec per bpm, which likely results from optimal myocardial speckle tracking and mechanical event timing.
Individualistic response to past climate changes: niche differentiation promotes diverging Quaternary range dynamics in the subspecies of Testudo graeca
Authors: Anadón J. D. , Graciá E. , Botella F. , Giménez A. , Fahd S. , Fritz U. 
Published: January 2015

Understanding how species have responded to past climate changes might inform how current climate change may affect species. However, current perspectives on species’ response to Quaternary cycles mainly stem from studies on mid and high latitudes and limited information is available at lower latitudes. In these systems a greater variation in individual species’ responses to glacial cycles has been suggested, but we lack of clear case studies of such variations. Here, by means of ecological niche modelling, we characterized the niche differentiation of the five subspecies of the tortoise Testudo graeca in north Africa and described the range dynamics suffered by each of the subspecies since the Last Glacial Maxima. Molecular data was employed to infer past population dynamics.The five subspecies present a clear niche differentiation, particularly in relation to rainfall, covering a range from semiarid to humid species. The ecological differentiation among subspecies promotes very different, even opposite, post‐glacial range dynamics. Since the Last Glacial Maxima, the ranges have either expanded (T. g. graeca), contracted (T. g. marokkensis), shifted northwards (T. g. soussensis) or remained stable (T. g. cyrenaica and T. g. nabeulensis). Molecular data supported the majority of these range dynamics. Our work exemplifies how, in a climate change scenario, phylogenetically very close taxa (i.e. at the subspecies level) might experience strikingly different biogeographical dynamics due to former niche differentiation. Our work supports an individualistic response to glacial cycles, which can be particularly strong in lower latitudes. In these areas precipitation changes during glacial periods may have strongly affected distribution ranges in idiosyncratic ways. We hypothesize that in those species limited by precipitation the response to glacial cycles (and climate changes) is more unpredictable than in those limited by temperature.
Seasonal decline in plant defence is associated with relaxed offensive oviposition behaviour in the viburnum leaf beetle Pyrrhalta viburni
Authors: DESURMONT GAYLORD A. , HAJEK ANN E. , AGRAWAL ANURAG A. 
Published: January 2015

1. Plant defence of Viburnum shrubs against oviposition by its specialist herbivore, the viburnum leaf beetle [VLB Pyrrhalta viburni(Paykull)], involves an egg‐crushing wound response in twigs. Although the response is variable among Viburnum species, it can have a strong impact on egg survivorship. Beetles typically aggregate egg masses with conspecifics along infested twigs, forming clusters that can overwhelm the twig response. It was investigated whether twig responses and beetle oviposition behaviour vary seasonally.2. In a field experiment, twig defences decreased towards the end of the VLB oviposition period: wound response of the North American Viburnum dentatum L. and the European V. opulus L. was reduced by 100% and 54%, respectively, in September compared with the July to August period.3. Oviposition trials demonstrated a corresponding behavioural change: VLB females displayed aggregative oviposition in August, but not in September.4. Further tests revealed that late‐season VLB females reverted to aggregative oviposition after being kept on uninfested twigs, whereas females kept on heavily infested twigs did not. This behavioural change suggests that relaxation of aggregative oviposition originates from cues associated with high densities of egg masses.5. Relaxation of aggregative oviposition may be adaptive (and beneficial for invasion) on shrubs with low levels of defences by reducing intra‐specific competition.