bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HLA‐B*5801: utility and cost‐effectiveness in the Asia‐Pacific Region
Authors: Yeo Siaw Ing 
Published: April 2013

AbstractGout is a common condition which is mainly treated with the hypo‐uricemic agent, allopurinol. Although allopurinol is generally a well‐tolerated drug, there is a small risk of developing potentially fatal complications, such as allopurinol hypersensitivity syndrome. Recent advances in pharmacogenomics have made possible the identification of genes which confer susceptibility to specific drugs. A recent multi‐national case‐control study has reported allopurinol as the most common drug associated with Stevens‐Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Several studies have established a strong association between the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B*5801 gene and development of Stevens‐Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. The allele frequency of HLA‐B*5801 is highest in the South East Asian population.Since other hypo‐uricemic agents are available, patients may wish to have HLA‐B*5801 testing before being started on allopurinol. As the test for HLA‐B*5801 is expensive, time‐consuming and only available in selected laboratories, there is a need to evaluate the utility and cost‐effectiveness of this test in our region.
Efficiency of the Spermatogenesis in Zebu Bulls (bos taurus indicus)
Authors: Andreussi P. A. T. , Costa D. S. , Faria F. J. C. , Fernandes C. A. C. , Guimarães J. D. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThe objective of the research was to evaluate the efficiency of the spermatogenesis through the morphology of the testicular parenchyma in bulls of different zebu breeds. We used testicular fragments from bull of the breeds Nelore (n = 10), Polled Nelore (n = 6), Gyr (n = 5), Guzerat (n = 5) and Tabapuã (n = 5). The tissue was perfused with Karnovsky solution, included in glycol methacrylate and stained with toluidine blue–sodium borate 1%. Animals of the Nelore breed presented higher population of primary spermatocyte in pre‐leptotene/leptotene (38.30) and in pachytene (38.14) and round spermatids (113.30), higher yield of spermatogonia mitosis (21.2) and higher daily spermatic production per gram of testicular parenchyma (32.8 × 106) than those from breeds Gyr, Guzerat and Tabapuã and higher general yield of spermatogenesis (62.4) than breeds Gyr and Tabapuã. There was no significant difference in any of the evaluated parameters between breeds Nelore and Polled Nelore. The rate of Sertoli cells did not vary between the studied breeds. Apparently, the genetic selection applied to the breeds has been improving the yield in the spermatogenic process by decreasing cellular loss, although it did not increase the support capacity of the Sertoli cells.
Improving the impact of didactic resident training with online spaced education
Authors: Gyorki David E. , Shaw Tim , Nicholson James , Baker Caroline , Pitcher Meron , Skandarajah Anita , Segelov Eva , Mann G. Bruce 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundEducational programmes are frequently developed to improve the knowledge of medical trainees. The impact of a programme may be limited if there is no follow‐up to reinforce the message. Online Spaced Education (SE) has been developed to address this limitation. This study was performed to assess whether an SE programme would improve the impact of a didactic seminar.MethodA randomized trial of an online SE programme occurred as part of the 2010 Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Breast Cancer Trainee Workshop. Consenting participants were randomized to undertake SE or not and were then invited to undertake a 22‐question knowledge test. A questionnaire was administered relating to the perceived value of the SE programme. Participants consisted largely of surgical and medical oncology trainees.ResultsTwo hundred people attended the workshop and 97 consented to randomization. Thirty‐eight of 49 randomized to the SE group commenced the SE course. Seventy‐one percent of participants answered each question at least once and 55% of participants completed the entire programme. Fifty‐nine participants completed the post‐test. The SE participants performed significantly better than the control group (P < 0.05). The questionnaire was completed by 26 of the SE group. Ninety‐two percent strongly agreed or agreed that SE would improve their practice and 96% agreed that SE effectively reinforced key aspects of workshop.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the utility of SE to increase knowledge retention following a face‐to‐face workshop. The programme was very well received by the participants and may be an appropriate reinforcing methodology for other similar seminars.
Validity of the diagnosis of pre‐eclampsia in the Medical Birth Registry of Norway
Authors: Thomsen Liv C.V. , Klungsøyr Kari , Roten Linda T. , Tappert Christian , Araya Elisabeth , Bærheim Gunhild , Tollaksen Kjersti , Fenstad Mona H. , Macsali Ferenc , Austgulen Rigmor , Bjørge Line 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveEvaluating the validity of pre‐eclampsia registration in the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (MBRN) according to both broader and restricted disease definitions.DesignRetrospective nested cohort study.SettingMulticenter study.PopulationIn this study, two cohorts of women with pre‐eclamptic pregnancies registered in the MBRN were selected. Study group 1 contained 966 pregnancies from 1967 to 2002. Concomitant participation in the Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study 2 was required. Study group 2 comprised 1138 pregnancies recorded in 1967–2005, examined as a pre‐eclampsia biobank was established.MethodsDiagnostic criteria vary. The broader criteria for pre‐eclampsia, used by the MBRN, are one measurement of hypertension and proteinuria (Criterion A). Criteria used internationally today require two measurements of hypertension and proteinuria (Criterion B). The diagnostic validities in Study groups 1 and 2 were judged against medical records according to Criterion A and B, respectively.Main outcome measuresPositive predictive value (PPV) and trend analyses.ResultsThe diagnosis was confirmed in 88.3% of pregnancies in Study group 1, and in 63.6% in Study group 2. PPV was high for Study group 1 throughout the period. For Study group 2, results improved significantly after 1986.ConclusionsThis study ascertains high PPV of pre‐eclampsia in the MBRN using broader traditional criteria, although the PPV decreases through assessment using restricted modern criteria. This illustrates how inclusion of direct measurements may improve registration of complex disorders defined by changing diagnostic criteria.
Prevalence of infestation with gastrointestinal nematodes in Pony Club horses in Victoria
Authors: Flanagan KL , Morton JM , Sandeman RM 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundThe aims of the present study were to identify the common gastrointestinal nematodes, to assess the prevalence of infestation with gastrointestinal nematodes, and to assess some potential indirect determinants of nematode parasitism in Victorian Pony Club horses.MethodsA total of 106 horses from five Pony Clubs from outer Melbourne and Geelong, Victoria, Australia, were enrolled in a cross‐sectional study. Fresh faecal samples were collected and faecal egg counts (FECs) performed on site within 2 h of collection. Potential determinants of the FEC were analysed using logistic and negative binomial regression.ResultsFECs ranged from 0 to 3750 eggs per gram (epg), with an average of 422 epg. Eggs were detected in the faeces of 52% of horses (55/106) and the average count was 813 epg. Counts were 500 epg or greater in 27% (29/106) of horses. Pony Club, season and sex of the horse were not associated with the FEC. Among horses treated with anthelmintics 8 weeks or less prior to sampling, FECs were commonly ≥50 epg, and high FECs were relatively common.ConclusionsThe results indicate that treatment efficacy is commonly low and/or rapid re‐infection after treatment is common, and show that management practices for internal parasite control are often inadequate for preventing high FECs among Pony Club horses in Victoria.
‘My teacher saved my life’ versus ‘Teachers don't have a clue’: an online survey of pupils’ experiences of eating disorders
Authors: Knightsmith Pooky , Sharpe Helen , Breen Olivia , Treasure Janet , Schmidt Ulrike 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundEating disorders (ED) have a peak rate of onset in school‐aged children. Little is known about pupils’ experiences of ED within a school setting.MethodFive hundred and eleven 11‐ to 19‐year‐old school pupils completed an online questionnaire exploring their experiences of ED (72% female, 28% male). Responses were analysed using content analysis principles.ResultsOf the participants, 38% had a current or past ED, 49% of these had never received a formal diagnosis. Of the respondents, 59% saw a need to raise ED awareness. Only 7% would confide in a teacher about an ED.ConclusionsEfforts are needed to break down barriers to disclosure and support teachers to play an effective role in the detection and early intervention for ED.
Non-syndromic autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis in the Israeli population
Authors: Israeli S. , Goldberg I. , Fuchs-Telem D. , Bergman R. , Indelman M. , Bitterman-Deutsch O. , Harel A. , Mashiach Y. , Sarig O. , Sprecher E. 
Published: April 2013

Summary
Background
Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) is the term given to a complex and heterogeneous group of cornification disorders associated with mutations in at least eight distinct genes. Mutation distribution and prevalence rates are instrumental for the design of diagnostic strategies in ARCI but have not yet been systematically explored in the Israeli population. Previous data suggest that the demographic features specific to Middle Eastern populations, such as a high frequency of consanguineous marriages, may have an effect on the molecular epidemiology of genodermatoses.
Methods
We systematically assessed all families with ARCI presenting at our clinics over a period of 9 years, using a combination of homozygosity mapping, direct sequencing and PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism assays.
Results
In total, 20 families with ARCI were assessed, and causative mutations were identified in 7 genes: TGM1 (30% of patients), ALOX12B (20%), ABCA12 (5%), CYP4F22 (10%), ALOXE3 (10%), LIPN (5%) and NIPAL4 (5%) Two families (10%) had mutations mapped to an ARCI-associated locus on 12p11.2–q13, while no mutation was found for one additional kindred. In the subgroup of families of Arab Muslim origin, mutations were identified most frequently in ALOX12B and TGM1 (31%), whereas the other subgroups displayed a subtype distribution very similar to that previously reported in western populations.
Conclusions
The present data point to the need for population-tailored mutation screening strategies in genetically heterogeneous genodermatoses, based on the relative prevalence of the disease subsets.
Contesting Urban Space and Disability in HighlandEcuador
Authors: RATTRAY NICHOLAS A. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThis article examines the experiences of people with physical and visual disabilities encountering inaccessible urban spaces in highlandEcuador. I draw on the notion of “embodied space” to explore how people with disabilities have begun to contest discourses of contagion, exclusion, and pity through collective action and spatial tactics aimed at constructing more inclusive spaces, such as community centers or public plazas. Through ethnographic analysis of both conflicts over transportation systems and public rallies aimed at social awareness, I argue thatEcuadorians with disabilities face new forms of socio‐spatial exclusion as they challenge legacies of isolation and stigma.
Kalamazoo's Promise: Exploring the Violence of Economic Development
Authors: SHEAR BOONE , LYON‐CALLO VINCENT 
Published: April 2013

AbstractLike many cities in the Midwestern United States in recent years, Kalamazoo, Michigan has experienced profound social and economic restructuring, resulting in significant job losses, poverty, homelessness, hunger, and racialized inequalities. Despite these conditions in Kalamazoo, many are attempting to improve social conditions by engaging in a wide range of activities such as downtown development projects, investments in education, living wage movements, entrepreneurial training programs, anti‐racism advocacy, among many other initiatives. In this paper, we analyze these well‐intended efforts by drawing upon Slavoj Žižek's (2008, 2009) insights on violence in today's world. We suggest that the focus on what is perceived to be reasonable, or realistic, is maintained by and helps to maintain, the normal workings of capitalism which appear as inevitable, natural, or altogether invisible. In other words, relations of exploitation remain in the realm of the REAL.
The Radiant University: Space, Urban Redevelopment, and the Public Good
Authors: GREGORY STEVEN 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIn 2003, Columbia University announced its plan to expand its Morningside Heights into a 17‐acre area of West Harlem known as Manhattanville. The University's expansion plan called for the acquisition and demolition of all but three buildings in the project's footprint and the construction of a state of the art campus over a roughly 30‐year period. This article examines the discourses, debates and politics surrounding the project and, in particular, the University's demand for exclusive control of the site and ultimate pursuit of eminent domain. To that end, university officials claimed that the expansion would bolster the city's knowledge based economy and, as a consequence, serve the “public good”—a requirement for the exercise of eminent domain. By contrast, critics of the project argued for a mixed‐use redevelopment plan that would include affordable housing and other community‐defined amenities.
Endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided pancreatic duct drainage after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with malignant and benign pancreatic duct obstructions
Authors: Kurihara Toshio , Itoi Takao , Sofuni Atsushi , Itokawa Fumihide , Moriyasu Fuminori 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundEndoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)‐guided pancreatic drainage has been advocated as a rescue treatment for management of patients in whom retrograde access to the pancreatic duct (PD) is technically unsuccessful. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of EUS‐guided drainage for failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.Patients and MethodsA total of 17 EUS‐guided PD drainage (EUS‐PD) procedures were carried out in 14 patients (age: mean 64.6 years, range 54–81 years, eight men).ResultsThe rendezvous technique was successful in 11 of 17 procedures (64.7%). Three of five patients with an unsuccessful rendezvous technique successfully underwent EUS‐PD stenting (7‐Fr plastic stent [two cases], 5‐Fr endoscopic nasobiliarydrainage [one case]). In the two remaining patients, puncture and pancreatography were successful; however, antegrade passage of the guidewire failed.ConclusionEUS‐guided decompression of PD is a feasible and effective treatment for the management of symptomatic high‐pressure PD due to stricture of the PD and/or stenotic pancreatodigestive anastomosis. However, this procedure is technically challenging, has a high rate of complications, and should be done only at tertiary‐care centers.
Diurnal rhythms in neural activation in the mesolimbic reward system: critical role of the medial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Baltazar Ricardo M. , Coolen Lique M. , Webb Ian C. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractPrevious evidence suggests a circadian modulation of drug‐seeking behavior and responsiveness to drugs of abuse. To identify potential mechanisms for rhythmicity in reward, a marker of neural activation (cFos) was examined across the day in the mesolimbic reward system. Rats were perfused at six times during the day [zeitgeber times (ZTs): 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, and 22], and brains were analysed for cFos and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)‐immunoreactive (IR) cells. Rhythmic expression of cFos was observed in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core and shell, in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and in TH‐IR and non‐TH‐IR cells in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), with peak expression during the late night and nadirs during the late day. No significant rhythmicity was observed in the basolateral amgydala or the dentate gyrus. As the mPFC provides excitatory input to both the NAc and VTA, this region was hypothesised to be a key mediator of rhythmic neural activation in the mesolimbic system. Hence, the effects of excitotoxic mPFC lesions on diurnal rhythms in cFos immunoreactivity at previously observed peak (ZT18) and nadir (ZT10) times were examined in the NAc and VTA. mPFC lesions encompassing the prelimbic and infralimbic subregions attenuated peak cFos immunoreactivity in the NAc, eliminating the diurnal rhythm, but had no effect on VTA rhythms. These results suggest that rhythmic neural activation in the mesolimbic system may contribute to diurnal rhythms in reward‐related behaviors, and indicate that the mPFC plays a critical role in mediating rhythmic neural activation in the NAc.
Cowhage can induce itch in the atopic dog
Authors: Olivry Thierry , Bizikova Petra , Paps Judy S. , Dunston Stan , Lerner Ethan A. , Yosipovitch Gil 
Published: April 2013

AbstractItch is a cardinal symptom of atopic dermatitis in humans and dogs. Until now, experimental induction of itch in dogs has proven difficult. The objectives of this study were to determine whether protease‐rich spicules, protein extracts and the protease mucunain of the tropical legume cowhage provoked itch and inflammation when rubbed onto canine skin. Native spicules variably induced itch manifestations in about half of the dogs, while challenges with protease‐deactivated spicules remained negative. The epicutaneous application of cowhage extract and mucunain after microneedle roller usage also induced pruritus and inflammation. Importantly, there was an interindividual inconsistency in pruritus and inflammation induction and also marked differences in pruritus intensity after challenge. In conclusion, cowhage spicules, protein‐rich extracts and mucunain can all induce pruritus and inflammation in dogs as in other species, but the inconsistency of provocation is currently a limitation of this challenge type for future studies of pruritus in dogs.
Soil invertebrate fauna affect N2O emissions from soil
Authors: Kuiper Imke , de Deyn Gerlinde B. , Thakur Madhav P. , van Groenigen Jan Willem 
Published: April 2013

AbstractNitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from soils contribute significantly to global warming. Mitigation of N2O emissions is severely hampered by a lack of understanding of its main controls. Fluxes can only partly be predicted from soil abiotic factors and microbial analyses – a possible role for soil fauna has until now largely been overlooked. We studied the effect of six groups of soil invertebrate fauna and tested the hypothesis that all of them increase N2O emissions, although to different extents. We conducted three microcosm experiments with sandy soil and hay residue. Faunal groups included in our experiments were as follows: fungal‐feeding nematodes, mites, springtails, potworms, earthworms and isopods. In experiment I, involving all six faunal groups, N2O emissions declined with earthworms and potworms from 78.4 (control) to 37.0 (earthworms) or 53.5 (potworms) mg N2O‐N m−2. In experiment II, with a higher soil‐to‐hay ratio and mites, springtails and potworms as faunal treatments, N2O emissions increased with potworms from 51.9 (control) to 123.5 mg N2O‐N m−2. Experiment III studied the effect of potworm density; we found that higher densities of potworms accelerated the peak of the N2O emissions by 5 days (P < 0.001), but the cumulative N2O emissions remained unaffected. We propose that increased soil aeration by the soil fauna reduced N2O emissions in experiment I, whereas in experiment II N2O emissions were driven by increased nitrogen and carbon availability. In experiment III, higher densities of potworms accelerated nitrogen and carbon availability and N2O emissions, but did not increase them. Overall, our data show that soil fauna can suppress, increase, delay or accelerate N2O emissions from soil and should therefore be an integral part of future N2O studies.
Impact of ambulatory physiotherapy on motor abilities of elderly subjects with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Manckoundia Patrick , Taroux Michaël , Kubicki Alexandre , Mourey France 
Published: April 2013

AimWe investigated the impact of ambulatory physiotherapy (AP) on motor abilities in elderly subjects with Alzheimer's disease (AD).MethodsSubjects with mild to moderate AD were included and divided into “physiotherapy group” (PG) and “no physiotherapy group” (NPG) according to whether or not they received AP between inclusion (T0) and the second time of assessment, between 15 and 36 months after inclusion (T1). The follow‐up duration, Mini‐Mental State Examination, Tinetti and mini motor test (MMT) scores, Timed Up & Go test (TUG), gait speed (GS), one‐leg balance (OLB), history of falls within the last 6 months (HF), ability to rise from the floor (RFF) and the use of a walking aid (UWA) were recorded at T0, and after at least 15 months of follow up (T1).ResultsA total of 50 subjects were included in the NPG and 20 in the PG. At baseline, these groups were not significantly different for all the parameters recorded. The anova showed a progression of cognitive disorders in the two groups between T0 and T1 (P < 0.001), which was similar in the two groups (P = 0.83). For each postural and motor quantitative test (Tinetti, MMT, TUG, GS) the anova showed a main effect of time of assessment (All P < 0.05) associated with a group × time of assessment interaction (All P < 0.05). The comparison between the two groups with regard to the evolution of qualitative parameters showed a significant difference for the OLB test only. No significant difference was found for RFF, HF and UWA.ConclusionsThere was a significant improvement or stability of motor abilities in the PG; while these abilities decreased in the NPG. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 167–175.
Efficacy of high‐dose corticosteroid in the early stage of viral acute liver failure
Authors: Fujiwara Keiichi , Yasui Shin , Yonemitsu Yutaka , Mikata Rintaro , Arai Makoto , Kanda Tatsuo , Imazeki Fumio , Oda Shigeto , Yokosuka Osamu 
Published: April 2013

AimAcute liver failure (ALF) is a worldwide problem despite its rare incidence because of its extremely high mortality. There are no beneficial therapies except for emergency liver transplantation for ALF. However, in Japan where the problem of a shortage of donor livers still remains, therapies other than transplantation must be further investigated for patients with ALF. Our aim was to elucidate the efficacy of high‐dose corticosteroid (CS) in decreasing liver enzyme levels in the early stage of ALF.MethodsThirty‐one consecutive Japanese patients with viral ALF in the early stage were prospectively examined for their clinical and biochemical features and treatment responses during 2 weeks after the start of treatment. Nineteen were treated with high‐dose methylprednisolone, and 12 having clinical and biochemical backgrounds with no significant difference were treated without CS.ResultsThe aspartate aminotransferase : alanine aminotransferase ratio became lower in patients treated with CS than in controls (P < 0.05). Fifteen of 19 patients in the CS group and eight of 12 in the control group recovered (P = 0.36). Hepatitis B viral infection and advanced liver damage at the start of treatment were associated with poor prognosis (P < 0.05). Complications during the therapy were not greater in the CS group than control (P = 0.64).ConclusionThe introduction of high‐dose CS in the early stage of ALF was effective in suppressing the destruction of hepatocytes. CS‐treated patients showed slightly higher survival rates and slightly more improved liver regeneration than controls, although the differences were not statistically significant.