bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis After Exposure to Dithiocarbamate Fungicide Mancozeb
Authors: Zakharov Sergey , Csomor Jan , Urbanek Petr , Pelclova Daniela 
Published: June 2015

AbstractToxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a life‐threatening mucocutaneous disease with high mortality. Dithiocarbamates (DTC) are organosulphur compounds widely used in agriculture, industry and households. We report a case of TEN after exposure to mancozeb in fungicide. A 48‐year‐old 75 kg b.w. man was admitted with fever and generalized skin/mucous lesions after application of fungicide in a home garden. The patient had necrotic desquamation of gastrointestinal/respiratory tract mucosa, ocular lesion and skin epidermolysis of 90% of body surface. The laboratory findings included elevation of inflammatory parameters, hyperglycaemia, increased urea, creatinine, liver enzymes, hypoalbuminemia and electrolyte disturbances. The treatment included supportive care, management of fluid/electrolyte requirements, analgesics and enteral nutrition. Skin lesions were treated with occlusive non‐adhesive biological wound dressings. Due to the proof of Acinetobacter, Escherichia coli and Escherichia faecalis from skin swabs, a combination of meropenem with amikacin was administered. During the next 2 weeks, complete re‐epithelialization of skin lesions occurred, mucosal lesions healed and the laboratory parameters returned to normal. The patient was discharged on day 42. TEN is a rare condition that is generally caused by medications. Nevertheless, high attention should be paid to the cases of occupational or household exposure to DTC fungicides widely used in agriculture and home gardens because of their ability to cause TEN after skin and inhalation exposure. Greater emphasis on the hazardous properties of these products is necessary to ensure non‐professional users are aware of the necessity of protective clothing during mixing, loading, application and early re‐entry into treated fields.
Comparison of survival rates in stage 1 renal cell carcinoma between partial nephrectomy and radical nephrectomy patients according to age distribution: a propensity score matching study
Authors: Takagi Toshio , Kondo Tsunenori , Iizuka Junpei , Omae Kenji , Kobayashi Hirohito , Yoshida Kazuhiko , Hashimoto Yasunobu , Tanabe Kazunari 
Published: June 2015

ObjectiveTo assess differences in overall survival (OS) between patients receiving partial nephrectomy (PN) and radical nephrectomy (RN) for stage 1 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) according to age distribution, as the survival advantage of PN vs RN has been unclear owing to conflicting data.Patients and MethodsWe studied 952 patients with stage 1 RCC who underwent either PN or RN. Patients were divided into three groups according to age: Group 1 (≤54 years), Group 2 (55–64 years), and Group 3 (≥65 years). Patient variables including age, body mass index, sex, presence of hypertension (HT) and/or diabetes mellitus (DM), performance status, tumour size, pathological diagnosis, nuclear grade, and preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), were adjusted using 1:1 propensity score matching between PN and RN.ResultsGroup 1 included 66 matched patients; Group 2, 72; and Group 3, 70. Group 1 tended to have higher preoperative eGFR values and lower rates of HT and DM compared with Groups 2 and 3. Postoperative eGFR dropped by 11–13% in PN patients and by 34–36% in RN patients. In Group 3, PN patients had longer OS than RN patients (5‐year OS: PN 96%, RN 81%, P = 0.043); however, there was no significant difference in Group 1 (5‐year OS: PN 100%, RN 93%, P = 0.302) or Group 2 (5‐year OS: PN 94%, RN 87%, P = 0.358).ConclusionsOnly the oldest group of patients showed significantly better OS for PN compared with RN; however, we still recommend PN in young patients.
Sexual function and stress level of male partners of infertile couples during the fertile period
Authors: Song Seung‐Hun , Kim Dong Suk , Yoon Tae Ki , Hong Jae Yup , Shim Sung Han 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesTo evaluate the sexual function and stress level during timed intercourse (TI) of male partners of infertile couples.Patients and MethodsThe study included 236 male partners of couples with >1 year of infertility who sought medical care or an evaluation of couple infertility. Besides infertility evaluation, all men were asked to complete the five‐item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5) for evaluation of sexual function, and stresses related to infertility and TI were measured using 10‐division visual analogue scales (VAS).ResultsStress levels for sexual function were higher during fertile than non‐fertile periods in109 of the 236 (46.2%) male partners, with 122 (51.7%) reporting no difference in stress during fertile and non‐fertile periods. The mean (sd) VAS score of sexual relationship stress was significantly higher during fertile than non‐fertile periods, at 3.4 (2.6) vs 2.1 (2.2) (P < 0.001). Of the 236 men, 21 (8.9%) reported more than mild‐to‐moderate erectile dysfunction (ED; IIEF‐5 score ≤16) and 99 (42%) reported mild ED (IIEF‐5 score 17–21).ConclusionMale partners of infertile couples experience significantly higher TI‐related stresses during the fertile period compared with the non‐fertile period. Sexual dysfunction is also common in male partners of infertile couples. Medical personnel dealing with infertile couples should be aware of these potential problems in male partners and provide appropriate counselling.
Laparoscopic extended pelvic lymph node (LN) dissection as validation of the performance of [11C]‐acetate positron emission tomography/computer tomography in the detection of LN metastasis in intermediate‐ and high‐risk prostate cancer
Authors: Daouacher Georgios , von Below Catrin , Gestblom Charlotta , Ahlström Håkan , Grzegorek Rafael , Wassberg Cecilia , Sörensen Jens , Waldén Mauritz 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesTo evaluate the accuracy of the radiopharmaceutical [11C]‐acetate combined with positron emission tomography/computer tomography (acetate‐PET/CT) in lymph node (LN) staging in newly diagnosed prostate cancer cases. A second aim was to evaluate the potential discriminative properties of acetate‐PET/CT in clinical routine.Patients and MethodsIn a prospective comparative study, from July 2010 to June 2013, 53 men with newly histologically diagnosed intermediate‐ or high‐risk prostate cancer underwent acetate‐PET/CT investigation at one regional centre before laparoscopic extended pelvic LN dissection (ePLND) at one referral centre. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of acetate‐PET/CT were calculated. Comparisons were made between true‐positive and false‐negative PET/CT cases to identify differences in the clinical parameters: PSA level, Gleason status, lymph metastasis burden and size, calculated risk of LN involvement, and curative treatment decisions.ResultsIn all, 26 patients had surgically/histologically confirmed LN metastasis (LN+). Acetate‐PET/CT was true positive in 10 patients, false positive in one, false negative in 16, and true negative in 26. The individual sensitivity was 38%, specificity 96%, and accuracy 68%. The acetate‐PET/CT positive cases had significantly more involved LNs (mean 7.9 vs 2.4, P < 0.001) with larger cancer diameters (14.1 vs 4.9 mm, P = 0.001) and fewer eventually had treatment with curative intent (40% vs 94%, P <0.005), although we lack long‐term outcome data.ConclusionAcetate‐PET/CT has too low a sensitivity for routine LN staging but the specificity is high. The acetate‐PET/CT positive cases have a very high burden of LN spread.
Changing threat perceptions and the efficient provisioning of international security
Authors: Gupta Rupayan 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis paper proposes a mechanism for structuring international institutions to efficiently provision global security against the threat of a rogue nation, by an alliance of nations. This paper investigates how the evolution of public opinion, in the respective countries facing the rogue nation's threat, affects the mechanism. It also analyzes the impact of “fair‐weather friends” within the alliance, i.e., allies that increase support for security effort when the threat becomes less dangerous but withdraw support in more dangerous circumstances. Additionally, it explores how the possibility of sequential action by the allies, rather than simultaneous action, might affect joint security efforts.
Associations between psychotic symptoms and substance use in young offenders
Authors: Degenhardt Louisa , Coffey Carolyn , Hearps Stephen , Kinner Stuart A. , Borschmann Rohan , Moran Paul , Patton George 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIntroduction and AimsSubstance use and psychotic symptoms/disorders are associated. There has been little examination of this issue in young offenders, despite elevated substance use in this group.Design and MethodsSemistructured interviews were conducted by trained researchers with 514 young offenders. Psychotic symptoms were assessed using a previously validated screening measure, with scores ≥3 indicative of possible psychotic disorder. Associations between this indicator and patterns of offending, common symptoms of mental disorders and health risk behaviours, including substance use were examined. The extent to which substance use and psychotic symptoms remained associated after adjustment for possible confounding was evaluated.ResultsThirteen percent screened positive for psychosis. Participants who screened positive for psychosis were more likely than those who did not to have: unstable housing; been expelled from school; a family history of substance use/mental health problems, and depressive symptoms. Amphetamine, sedative and cannabis dependence were all strongly associated with screening positive for psychosis. Screening positive remained significantly associated with amphetamine and sedative dependence, and daily cannabis and sedative use, in multivariable regressions.Discussion and ConclusionsOne in eight young offenders reported symptoms consistent with psychosis. Symptomatology was strongly associated with heavy use of a range of illicit drugs. Given the frequency of these symptoms and the potential for them to be related to or exacerbated by drug use, this study highlights the importance of co‐ordinated alcohol and other drugs and mental health treatment for young offenders, both due to co‐occurrence and given the possibility that treating SUDs may impact on mental health symptoms. [Degenhardt L, Coffey C, Hearps S, Kinner SA, Borschmann R, Moran P, Patton G. Associations between psychotic symptoms and substance use in young offenders. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:673–682]
The diagnostic accuracy of routine electroencephalography after a first unprovoked seizure
Authors: Bouma H. K. , Labos C. , Gore G. C. , Wolfson C. , Keezer M. R. 
Published: June 2015

The clinical utility of routine electroencephalography (EEG) after a first unprovoked seizure remains uncertain. Its diagnostic accuracy in identifying adults and children with new onset epilepsy was examined. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies examining individuals who underwent routine EEG after a first unprovoked seizure and were followed for seizure recurrence for at least 1 year was performed. A ‘positive’ test was defined by the presence of epileptiform discharges (ED). Pooled sensitivity and specificity estimates were calculated using a bivariate random effects regression model. In all, 3096 records were reviewed, from which 15 studies were extracted with a total of 1799 participants. Amongst adult studies, the sensitivity and specificity (95% confidence interval) of routine EEG were 17.3% (7.9, 33.8) and 94.7% (73.7, 99.1), respectively. Amongst child studies, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 57.8% (49.7, 65.6) and 69.6% (57.5, 79.5), respectively. Based upon our positive likelihood ratios, and assuming a pre‐test probability of 50%, an adult with ED on routine EEG after a first unprovoked seizure has a 77% probability of having a second seizure, whilst a child with similar findings has a 66% probability. Further studies are required to examine the impact of patient characteristics and EEG features on the diagnostic accuracy of routine EEG for new onset epilepsy.
Are auras a reliable clinical indicator in medial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis?
Authors: Dupont S. , Samson Y. , Nguyen‐Michel V.‐H. , Zavanone C. , Clémenceau S. , Miles R. , Baulac M. , Adam C. 
Published: June 2015

Background and purposeMedial temporal lobe epilepsy with unilateral hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE‐HS) is the most frequent form of surgical temporal lobe epilepsy. In this study, it was aimed to determine whether different types of aura represent a cardinal and characteristic feature of MTLE‐HS and might provide a diagnostic complement to help identify patients who will be seizure‐free after surgery.MethodsAll types of auras and associations of auras reported by 400 MTLE‐HS patients referred for surgery were retrospectively collected and their statistical correlation with the postoperative outcome was examined in a subgroup of 305 patients who underwent surgery.ResultsA total of 876 auras were collected, classified into 12 categories. Globally, MTLE‐HS patients reported widely variable auras and groupings of auras. Most common were autonomic and abdominal visceral auras, followed by psychoaffective and experiential auras; less common, but seen in 10%–15% of patients, were non‐specific auras, somatosensory auras and visual auras, and least common, reported by less than 10% of patients, were auditory, gustatory, vestibular, olfactory and intellectual auras. No auras were reported in 10% of patients. 65% of patients experienced more than one type of aura (two to seven). No specific groupings of aura type were apparent. No evidence was found for correlation between postoperative outcome and (i) any category of aura, (ii) the number of categories of aura per patient and (iii) any association of categories of auras.ConclusionAuras and association of auras vary widely in MTLE‐HS and provide no useful insight into surgical outcome.
Left parietal cortex transcranial direct current stimulation enhances gesture processing in corticobasal syndrome
Authors: Bianchi M. , Cosseddu M. , Cotelli M. , Manenti R. , Brambilla M. , Rizzetti M. C. , Padovani A. , Borroni B. 
Published: June 2015

Background and purposeCorticobasal syndrome (CBS) is a clinical entity characterized by higher cortical dysfunctions associated with asymmetric onset of levodopa‐resistant parkinsonism, dystonia and myoclonus. One of the most typical and distressful features of CBS is limb apraxia, which affects patients in their everyday life. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non‐invasive procedure of cortical stimulation, which represents a promising tool for cognitive enhancement and neurorehabilitation. The present study investigated whether anodal tDCS over the parietal cortex (PARC), would improve ideomotor upper limb apraxia in CBS patients.MethodsFourteen patients with possible CBS and upper limb apraxia were enrolled. Each patient underwent two sessions of anodal tDCS (left and right PARC) and one session of placebo tDCS. Ideomotor upper limb apraxia was assessed using the De Renzi ideomotor apraxia test that is performed only on imitation.ResultsA significant improvement of the De Renzi ideomotor apraxia test scores (post‐stimulation versus pre‐stimulation) after active anodal stimulation over the left PARC was observed (χ2 = 17.6, P = 0.0005), whilst no significant effect was noticed after active anodal stimulation over the right PARC (χ2 = 7.2, P = 0.07). A post hoc analysis revealed a selective improvement in the De Renzi ideomotor apraxia score after active anodal stimulation over the left PARC compared with placebo stimulation considering both right (P = 0.03) and left upper limbs (P = 0.01).ConclusionsThese findings indicate that tDCS to the PARC improves the performance of an ideomotor apraxia test in CBS patients and might represent a promising tool for future rehabilitation approaches.
A collaborative system for endovascular treatment of acute ischaemic stroke: the Madrid Stroke Network experience
Authors: Alonso de Leciñana M. , Fuentes B. , Ximénez‐Carrillo Á. , Vivancos J. , Masjuan J. , Gil‐Nuñez A. , Martínez‐Sánchez P. , Zapata‐Wainberg G. , Cruz‐Culebras A. , García‐Pastor A. , Díaz‐Otero F. , Fandiño E. , Frutos R. , Caniego J.‐L. , Méndez J.‐C. , Fernández‐Prieto A. , Bárcena‐Ruiz E. , Díez‐Tejedor E. ,   the Madrid Stroke Network
Published: June 2015

Background and purposeThe complexity and expense of endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) can present difficulties in bringing this approach closer to the patients. A collaborative node was implemented involving three stroke centres (SCs) within the Madrid Stroke Network to provide round‐the‐clock access to EVT for AIS.MethodsA weekly schedule was established to ensure that at least one SC was ‘on‐call’ to provide EVT for all those with moderate to severe AIS due to large vessel occlusion, >4.5 h from symptom onset, or within this time‐window but with contraindication to, or failure of, systemic thrombolysis. The time‐window for treatment was 8 h for anterior circulation stroke and <24 h in posterior stroke. Outcomes measured were re‐canalization rates, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months, mortality and symptomatic intra‐cranial haemorrhage (SICH).ResultsOver a 2‐year period (2012–2013), 303 candidate patients with AIS were considered for EVT as per protocol, and 196 (65%) received treatment. Reasons for non‐treatment were significant improvement (14%), spontaneous re‐canalization (26%), clinical worsening (9%) or radiological criteria of established infarction (31%). Re‐canalization rate amongst treated patients was 80%. Median delay from symptom onset to re‐canalization was 323 min (p25; p75 percentiles 255; 430). Mortality was 11%; independence (mRS 0–2) was 58%; SICH was 3%.ConclusionsImplementation of a collaborative network to provide EVT for AIS is feasible and effective. Results are good in terms of re‐canalization rates and clinical outcomes.
Early evolution of large micro‐organisms with cytological complexity revealed by microanalyses of 3.4 Ga organic‐walled microfossils
Authors: Sugitani K. , Mimura K. , Takeuchi M. , Lepot K. , Ito S. , Javaux E. J. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe Strelley Pool Formation (SPF) is widely distributed in the East Pilbara Terrane (EPT) of the Pilbara Craton, Western Australia, and represents a Paleoarchean shallow‐water to subaerial environment. It was deposited ~3.4 billion years ago and displays well‐documented carbonate stromatolites. Diverse putative microfossils (SPF microfossils) were recently reported from several localities in the East Strelley, Panorama, Warralong, and Goldsworthy greenstone belts. Thus, the SPF provides unparalleled opportunities to gain insights into a shallow‐water to subaerial ecosystem on the early Earth. Our new micro‐ to nanoscale ultrastructural and microchemical studies of the SPF microfossils show that large (20–70 μm) lenticular organic‐walled flanged microfossils retain their structural integrity, morphology, and chain‐like arrangements after acid (HF‐HCl) extraction (palynology). Scanning and transmitted electron microscopy of extracted microfossils revealed that the central lenticular body is either alveolar or hollow, and the wall is continuous with the surrounding smooth to reticulated discoidal flange. These features demonstrate the evolution of large micro‐organisms able to form an acid‐resistant recalcitrant envelope or cell wall with complex morphology and to form colonial chains in the Paleoarchean era. This study provides evidence of the evolution of very early and remarkable biological innovations, well before the presumed late emergence of complex cells.
A structuration framework for bridging the macro–micro divide in health‐care governance
Authors: Bodolica Virginia , Spraggon Martin , Tofan Gabriela 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundExtant studies demonstrate that macro (hierarchical) and micro (relational) governance initiatives in health‐care settings continue to be developed in isolation rather than interactively. Government‐driven hierarchical governance endeavours that guide health‐care reforms and medical practice are disconnected from micro‐level physician–patient interactions being unable to account for patient preferences in the macro‐level policymaking.Method/ObjectiveWe undertake a review of the recent literature to couch our argument for a unified governance framework for bridging the macro–micro divide in medical contexts. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach to health‐care delivery, we maintain that the (strong) structuration theory provides a fruitful opportunity for narrowing the gap between hierarchical and relational governance.DiscussionEmphasizing the coexistence of institutional structures and human agency, the (strong) structuration theory elucidates how macro and micro governance devices shape each other's structure via mutually reinforcing cycles of influence. Micro‐level encounters between patients and physicians give rise to social structures that constitute the constraining and enabling forces through which macro‐level health‐care infrastructures are altered and reproduced over time. Permitting to illustrate how patients' agency can effectively emerge from complex networks of clinical trajectories, the advanced structuration framework for macro–micro governance integration avoids the extremes of paternalism and autonomy through a balanced consideration of professional judgement and patient preferences.Conclusion/ImplicationsThe macro–micro integration of governance efforts is a critical issue in both high‐income states, where medical institutions attempt to deploy substantial realignment efforts, and developing nations, which are lagging behind due to leadership weaknesses and lower levels of governmental investment. A key priority for regulators is the identification of relevant systems to support this holistic governance by providing clinicians with needed resources for focusing on patient advocacy and installing enabling mechanisms for incorporating patients' inputs in health‐care reforms and policymaking.
Biosamples as gifts? How participants in biobanking projects talk about donation
Authors: Locock Louise , Boylan Anne‐Marie R. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundIn the UK, altruism has featured explicitly as an underpinning principle for biobanking. However, conceptualizing donation as altruistic downplays the role of reciprocity and personal or family benefit.ObjectiveTo investigate how biosample donors talk about their donation and whether they regard samples as ‘gifts’.MethodsIn this qualitative study, 21 people, both healthy volunteers and people with health conditions, who had been invited to give biosamples took part in semi‐structured narrative interviews. The data were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed.ResultsThe term ‘gift’ was considered appropriate by some, but it also evoked puzzlement, especially in relation to ‘waste’ material (e.g. urine or tumour samples). Whilst ‘giving’ or ‘donating’ were commonly mentioned, the noun ‘gift’ signified something more special and deliberate. Analysis suggested biosamples could be interpreted as gifts in several different ways, including unreserved gift; reciprocal gift; collective gift; unwanted/low‐value gift; and gift as an exaggeration.Discussion and conclusionsAlthough people describe a network of exchange consistent with anthropological understandings of gift relationships, lay (and biomedical) understandings of the term ‘gift’ may differ from anthropological definitions. For donors (and researchers), value is attached to the information derived from the sample, rather than the sample itself. Consequently, when asking people for biosamples, we should avoid using the term ‘gift’. Acknowledging the value of participation and the information the sample holds may mean more to potential donors.