bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic hepatitis E: a review of the literature
Authors: Fujiwara S. , Yokokawa Y. , Morino K. , Hayasaka K. , Kawabata M. , Shimizu T. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryIn 1978, the first case of hepatitis E was identified as non‐A, non‐B hepatitis. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is believed to be one of the common causes of enterically transmitted acute hepatitis in developing countries and is rare in developed countries, except in patients with a history of travel. However, an increasing number of chronic HEV infection cases have recently been reported in developed countries. In these countries, immunosuppressed patients with HEV infection, such as organ transplant recipients, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients or patients with haematological malignancies, could develop chronic hepatitis E (CHE) infection. Approximately 60% of HEV infections in immunocompromised patients after solid organ transplantation evolve to CHE without antiviral treatment. Clinical manifestations of CHE are often nonspecific symptoms. Many patients with CHE infection are asymptomatic, but some have jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, fever and asthenia. Several extrahepatic manifestations have also been reported. Although chronic HEV infection can result in progressive severe liver failure and cirrhosis, diagnosis is often controversial because of the lack of specific diagnostic criteria. Many CHE cases are diagnosed by HEV RNA‐positive serum or stool for >6 months. Immunosuppressive drugs, interferon‐alpha and ribavirin have been used for treatment. Diagnostic reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction is useful for estimating treatment efficacy. Preventive measures for HEV infection have been discussed, while systematic guidelines have not yet been reported.
Estimation of the dispersal of a major pest of maize by cline analysis of a temporary contact zone between two invasive outbreaks
Authors: Bermond Gérald , Blin Aurélie , Vercken Elodie , Ravigné Virginie , Rieux Adrien , Mallez Sophie , Morel‐Journel Thibaut , Guillemaud Thomas 
Published: August 2013

AbstractDispersal is a key factor in invasion and in the persistence and evolution of species. Despite the importance of estimates of dispersal distance, dispersal measurement remains a real methodological challenge. In this study, we characterized dispersal by exploiting a specific case of biological invasion, in which multiple introductions in disconnected areas lead to secondary contact between two differentiated expanding outbreaks. By applying cline theory to this ecological setting, we estimatedσ, the standard deviation of the parent–offspring distance distribution, of the western corn rootworm,Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, one of the most destructive pests of maize. This species is currently invading Europe, and the two largest invasive outbreaks, in northern Italy and Central Europe, have recently formed a secondary contact zone in northern Italy. We identified vanishing clines at 12 microsatellite loci throughout the contact zone. By analysing both the rate of change of cline slope and the spatial variation of linkage disequilibrium at these markers, we obtained twoσestimates of about 20 km/generation1/2. Simulations indicated that these estimates were robust to changes in dispersal kernels and differences in population density between the two outbreaks, despite a systematic weak bias. These estimates are consistent with the results of direct methods for measuring dispersal applied to the same species. We conclude that secondary contact resulting from multiple introductions is very useful for the inference of dispersal parameters and should be more widely used in other species.
Ancient trade routes shaped the genetic structure of horses in eastern Eurasia
Authors: Warmuth Vera M. , Campana Michael G. , Eriksson Anders , Bower Mim , Barker Graeme , Manica Andrea 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAnimal exchange networks have been shown to play an important role in determining gene flow among domestic animal populations. The Silk Road is one of the oldest continuous exchange networks in human history, yet its effectiveness in facilitating animal exchange across large geographical distances and topographically challenging landscapes has never been explicitly studied. Horses are known to have been traded along the Silk Roads; however, extensive movement of horses in connection with other human activities may have obscured the genetic signature of the Silk Roads. To investigate the role of the Silk Roads in shaping the genetic structure of horses in eastern Eurasia, we analysed microsatellite genotyping data from 455 village horses sampled from 17 locations. Using least‐cost path methods, we compared the performance of models containing the Silk Roads as corridors for gene flow with models containing single landscape features. We also determined whether the recent isolation of former Soviet Union countries from the rest of Eurasia has affected the genetic structure of our samples. The overall level of genetic differentiation was low, consistent with historically high levels of gene flow across the study region. The spatial genetic structure was characterized by a significant, albeit weak, pattern of isolation by distance across the continent with no evidence for the presence of distinct genetic clusters. Incorporating landscape features considerably improved the fit of the data; however, when we controlled for geographical distance, only the correlation between genetic differentiation and the Silk Roads remained significant, supporting the effectiveness of this ancient trade network in facilitating gene flow across large geographical distances in a topographically complex landscape.
Perception and pain thresholds for cutaneous heat and cold, and rectal distension: associations and disassociations
Authors: Horing B. , Kugel H. , Brenner V. , Zipfel S. , Enck P. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundHypersensitivity to somatic or visceral pain has been reported in numerous clinical conditions such as fibromyalgia or the irritable bowel syndrome, and general hypersensitivity has been proposed to be the underlying mechanism. However, cross‐modal relationships especially between somatic and visceral pain have rarely been investigated even in healthy volunteers. Furthermore, psychological influences on pain have rarely been characterized across modalities.MethodsSixty‐one healthy participants underwent testing of perception and pain thresholds for cutaneous thermode heat and cold, as well as for rectal balloon distension. Psychological testing for anxiety, depression, and pain experience (including catastrophizing and coping) as well as cardiac interoception was performed. Measurement quality and the correlations between the different modalities were examined.Key ResultsSignificant correlations existed between the perception thresholds for cold/heat (τB = −0.28, p = 0.002) and cold/distension (τB = −0.21, p = 0.03) and for the pain thresholds for cold/heat (r = −0.61, p < 0.001) and heat/distension (r = 0.33, p = 0.01). No association was found between pain thresholds and anxiety, depression, psychological experience with and processing of pain, or cardiac interoception. Retest reliabilities for pain measurements were satisfying after short intertrial intervals (all intraclass correlation coefficients >0.8), but less so after longer intervals. The individuals contributing to the respective correlations differ between measurements.Conclusions & inferencesModerate associations were found for pain thresholds across modalities. The strength of the associations and their stability over time warrants further investigation and might serve to increase the understanding of conditions affecting multiple pain modalities.
Effect of surface sensory and motor electrical stimulation on chronic poststroke oropharyngeal dysfunction
Authors: Rofes L. , Arreola V. , López I. , Martin A. , Sebastián M. , Ciurana A. , Clavé P. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundChronic poststroke oropharyngeal dysfunction (OD) is a common condition, leading to severe complications, including death. Treatments for chronic poststroke OD are scarce. The aim of our study was to assess and compare the efficacy and safety of treatment with surface electrical stimulation (e‐stim) at sensory and motor intensities in patients with chronic poststroke OD.MethodsTwenty chronic poststroke patients with OD were randomly assigned to (i) sensory e‐stim (treatment intensity: 75% of motor threshold) or (ii) motor e‐stim (treatment intensity: motor threshold). Patients were treated during 10 days, 1 h/day. Videofluoroscopy was performed at the beginning and end of the study to assess signs of impaired efficacy and safety of swallow and timing of swallow response.Key ResultsPatients presented advanced age (74.95 ± 2.18), 75% were men. The mean days poststroke was 336.26 ± 89.6. After sensory stimulation, the number of unsafe swallows was reduced by 66.7% (p < 0.001), the laryngeal vestibule closure time by 22.94% (p = 0.027) and maximal vertical hyoid extension time by 18.6% (p = 0.036). After motor stimulation, the number of unsafe swallows was reduced by 62.5% (p = 0.002), the laryngeal vestibule closure time by 38.26% (p = 0.009) and maximal vertical hyoid extension time by 24.8% (p = 0.008). Moreover, the motor stimulus reduced the pharyngeal residue by 66.7% (p = 0.002), the upper esophageal sphincter opening time by 39.39% (p = 0.009), and increased bolus propulsion force by 211.1% (p = 0.008). No serious adverse events were detected during the treatment.Conclusions & InferencesSurface e‐stim is a safe and effective treatment for chronic poststroke dysphagic patients.
Non‐celiac gluten sensitivity: clinical relevance and recommendations for future research
Authors: Mooney P. D. , Aziz I. , Sanders D. S. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundThere has been increasing interest in the entity of Non‐Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) in recent years; however, it still remains a controversial topic and its pathogenesis is not well understood. Celiac Disease, in contrast, is a well‐studied condition that has become increasingly recognized as a prevalent condition arising from a heightened immunological response to gluten. Wheat allergy is an IgE‐mediated condition capable of causing a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms. However, the number of patients who have neither celiac disease nor wheat allergy, but appear to derive benefit from a gluten‐free diet, is also increasing substantially. The use of the term NCGS as a way of describing this condition has become increasingly prevalent in recent years.PurposeIn this review, we will focus on gastrointestinal manifestations of NCGS and discuss the evidence for the condition and its putative pathogenesis. We will discuss areas of controversy and areas for potential future research.
What Do Child Daycare Center Teachers Know About Atopic Dermatitis?
Authors: Akcay Ahmet , Tamay Zeynep , Ones Ulker , Guler Nermin 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common childhood inflammatory skin disorder. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the knowledge level of daycare center teachers about AD and related factors. Study subjects were 297 teachers (287 female, 10 male) from 20 randomly selected daycare centers in Istanbul. The knowledge level of teachers was assessed using a questionnaire with 21 questions about AD. The teachers were asked nine additional questions about demographic and other characteristics of the child care centers and about themselves. The mean age of the teachers was 26.4 ± 8.1 years (range 20–53 yrs). The mean score for the 21 questions was 71.4 ± 12.1 (68%) from a maximum of 105 points. The response rate of teachers rate for each question ranged from 54% to 90%. The completely true response rate for each question ranged from 3.0% to 66.7%. The knowledge level of the teachers was related to the number of children in the daycare center, but not to sex, age, education level, family history of atopy, teacher's monthly salary, location, or whether the daycare center was public or private. Although teachers in daycare centers have some knowledge about AD, widespread educational programs for teachers about AD may help to improve the understanding of the disease and the quality of life of affected children in daycare centers.
Role of Trichoscopy in Children's Scalp and Hair Disorders
Authors: Lencastre André , Tosti Antonella 
Published: August 2013

AbstractHair and scalp disorders in children may originate from the hair itself, scalp skin, or infectious causes and be congenital or acquired. The most common sign is alopecia, frequently brought on by tinea capitis, patchy alopecia areata, or trichotillomania. Sometimes less frequent and clinically more elusive conditions such as initial androgenetic alopecia, congenital triangular alopecia, or alopecia areata incognita may be responsible for hair loss. The noninvasive technique known as trichoscopy is being used more frequently, aiding in the prompt differential diagnosis and follow‐up of many of these diseases, oftentimes providing further examination before a treatment decision is made. This review of trichoscopy of the main scalp and hair disorders afflicting children and adolescents discusses the most important dermoscopic criteria and the usefulness of this technique.
Polyarteritis Nodosa in Childhood: Recognition of Early Dermatologic Signs May Prevent Morbidity
Authors: Beckum Kathleen M. , Kim David J. , Kelly David R. , Weiser Peter , Lara Diego A. , Theos Amy 
Published: August 2013

AbstractSystemic polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a vasculitis that affects small to medium‐size arteries. Onset in childhood is rare and can cause significant morbidity. Often, cutaneous manifestations can provide early clues toward diagnosis. This article describes a case of childhood systemic PAN that presented with fever, a necrotic skin lesion, and oral ulceration. Intestinal perforation complicated this case. Prompt recognition of childhood PAN is important to prevent serious complications.
Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome in Black‐Haired Indian Children
Authors: Dey Vivek , Thawani Manasi 
Published: August 2013

AbstractLoose anagen hair syndrome (LAHS) is an uncommonly reported autosomal dominant hair disorder with incomplete penetrance that primarily affects children but is occasionally seen in adults. LAHS is characterized by the ability to easily and painlessly extract unsheathed anagen hairs from the scalp with gentle traction. The hair is sparse and does not grow long. Usually the hairs are not fragile and do not have areas of breakage. Initially it was considered a rare, sporadic condition found predominantly in young white girls with blonde hair. Because autosomal dominant inheritance has been reported, it was suspected that the condition might be equally common in boys but was probably underdiagnosed.
Growth and bone mineralization in small‐for‐gestational‐age preterm infants
Authors: Kitazawa Shigetaka , Itabashi Kazuo , Umeda You , Inoue Makoto , Nishioka Takashi 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundPreterm infants are at risk for metabolic bone disease and suboptimal growth. This study examined the hypothesis that, apart from prematurity, intrauterine growth status (expressed as gestational age‐specific birthweight standard deviation score) influences bone mineralization and body composition in early infancy.MethodsIn this retrospective study, the groups consisted of preterm small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) infants (n = 18; SGA group) and preterm appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age (AGA) infants (n = 24; AGA group). Postnatal bone mineralization was measured at term‐adjusted age (postmenstrual age, 37–42 weeks). Bone mineral content (BMC) and body composition were determined on dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry of the whole body.ResultsBMC and lean mass were significantly lower in the SGA group than in the AGA group at term‐adjusted age (37–42 weeks postmenstrual age). Stepwise regression analysis identified weight at examination as the most significant factor, accounting for 51% of the variance in BMC.ConclusionBodyweight at term‐adjusted age, rather than intrauterine growth, may affect postnatal bone mineralization in preterm low‐birthweight infants. Therefore, promoting an increase in body size might increase postnatal bone mineralization in preterm SGA infants.
Diagnostic markers of serious bacterial infections in febrile infants younger than 90 days old
Authors: Nosrati Adi , Ben Tov Amir , Reif Shimon 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess correlations between demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics and the risk of serious bacterial infection (SBI) in febrile <90‐day‐old infants.MethodsMedical records of all infants younger than 90 days old hospitalized at Dana‐Dwek Children's Hospital (2006–2008) for evaluation of fever were retrospectively reviewed. Data on clinical, laboratory and demographic characteristics were retrieved and evaluated.ResultsForty‐eight of the 401 study infants (12%) had SBI: most of them had urinary tract infection (43 infants; 90% of all SBI), three infants had bacteremia, one had bacterial pneumonia and one had bacterial meningitis. Significant independent clinical predictors for the diagnosis of SBI included duration of fever, absence of rhinitis and the absence of lung and skin manifestations. Significant independent laboratory predictors were absolute neutrophil count (ANC), platelets, blood urea nitrogen and C‐reactive protein (CRP) level. On receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the CRP area under the curve (0.819) was significantly superior to ANC and leukocyte count.ConclusionOf the clinical and laboratory variables selected for evaluation, qualitative CRP was the strongest independent predictor for diagnosing SBI and a significantly better diagnostic marker than clinical characteristics, ANC and white blood cell count.
Evaluation of non‐surgical causes of cardiac tamponade in children at a cardiac surgery center
Authors: Ozturk Erkut , Tanidir Ibrahim Cansaran , Saygi Murat , Ergul Yakup , Guzeltas Alper , Odemis Ender 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to examine the causes of cardiac tamponade in children undergoing percutaneous pericardiocentesis.MethodPatients who presented with other complaints but were diagnosed with cardiac tamponade based on clinical and echocardiographic findings between January 2010 and January 2013 were retrospectively investigated. Electrocardiography, telecardiography and transthoracic echocardiography were performed. Pericardiocentesis was performed percutaneously under continuous blood pressure and rhythm monitoring with echocardiography and fluoroscopy. Pericardial fluid was analyzed on hemography and biochemistry.ResultsFourteen patients (six boys, eight girls; median age, 7 years) underwent pericardiocentesis for cardiac tamponade. At presentation, 78% had dyspnea, 56% chest pain, and 49% fever. All had cardiomegaly, and their cardiothoracic index was 0.56–0.72. Also, all patients had sinus tachycardia; 78%, low QRS voltage; 70%, ST‐T changes; and 50% QRS alternans. On echocardiography the widest diameter of pericardial effusion was between 12 mm and 36 mm depth around the heart. The pericardial fluid was purulent in one, serohemorrhagic in seven, serofibrinous in two, and serous in four cases. Pericardiocentesis was unsuccessful in two patients, who underwent open surgical drainage, with no complications. Based on pericardial fluid characteristics and additional tests, cardiac tamponade was caused by an infection in five patients, hypothyroidism in two, familial Mediterranean fever in two, malignancy in one, acute rheumatic fever in one, collagen tissue disease (systemic lupus erythematosus) in one, catheter placement‐associated damage in one, and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension in one patient.ConclusionPericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade in children have varied causes, and early treatment is life saving.
Integration of ultrasound findings with Alvarado score in children with suspected appendicitis
Authors: Toprak Huseyin , Kilincaslan Huseyin , Ahmad Issam Cheikh , Yildiz Seyma , Bilgin Mehmet , Sharifov Rasul , Acar Murat 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the integration of ultrasound (US) findings with Alvarado score in diagnosing or excluding acute appendicitis.MethodsData were analyzed in 122 pediatric patients with suspected appendicitis who had undergone US. The US findings were classified into four groups, and the patients were classified into three groups according to Alvarado score. US results and Alvarado score were compared.ResultsAlvarado score was a good predictor of appendicitis for scores ≥7.ConclusionIn the case of non‐visualization of the appendix without a high Alvarado score, appendicitis can be safely ruled out.
How to increase quality of care during coercive admission? A review of literature
Authors: van den Hooff Susanne , Goossensen Anne 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundInvoluntary admission is still raising in numbers and as a procedure a widely discussed subject from ethical point of view. A common dilemma is the tension between individual freedom and the need to protect the patient. Patients who are coerced during the admission process often report negative feelings or trauma. Finding out quality issues remains a challenge for providing good care during coercive admission.AimThis study aims to explore themes from patients' and professionals' perspectives within scientific literature on involuntary admission.MethodsA literature review of English articles using Academic Search Elite, Cinahl, Medline, PubMed and Social Science Journals for the period 1995–2012 was conducted. Additional studies were identified using the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Search terms included involuntary, hospitalisation, ethical, admission, nursing home, coercion and factor. Finally, twenty‐two articles were included and analysed out of 1216.Results and conclusionArticles were divided between those describing themes from patients' perspective and articles describing themes from professionals' perspective. Findings show that most experiences of patients can be traced back to one core experience: not being listened to or listened to. When patients experience being listened to genuinely, they feel more respected as a human being. The challenge for the professional carer seems to explicitly pay attention and stay in touch with the patients' emotional struggles while making the necessarily decision to admit the patient to prevent harm. Quality of care during coercive admission improves when professionals are able to do justice to both inside and outside perspectives simultaneously.
Deconvolution Estimation of Onset of Pregnancy with Replicate Observations
Authors: Comte Fabienne , Samson Adeline , Stirnemann Julien J 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTIn general, the precise date of onset of pregnancy is unknown and may only be estimated from ultrasound biometric measurements of the embryo. We want to estimate the density of the random variables corresponding to the interval between last menstrual period and true onset of pregnancy. The observations correspond to the variables of interest up to an additive noise. We suggest an estimation procedure based on deconvolution. It requires the knowledge of the density of the noise which is not available. But we have at our disposal another specific sample with replicate observations for twin pregnancies. This allows both to estimate the noise density and to improve the deconvolution step. Convergence rates of the final estimator are studied and compared with other settings. Our estimator involves a cut‐off parameter for which we propose a cross‐validation type procedure. Lastly, we estimate the target density in spontaneous pregnancies with an estimation of the noise obtained from replicate observations in twin pregnancies.