bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Efficacy of the GnRH Agonist (Deslorelin) in Dogs Affected by Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Evaluation of Prostatic Blood Flow by Doppler Ultrasound
Authors: Polisca A , Orlandi R , Troisi A , Brecchia G , Zerani M , Boiti C , Zelli R 
Published: January 2013

ContentsIn six German Shepherds dogs, GnRH agonist implants (Deslorelin) were inserted subcutaneously one month after histological confirmation of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Prostatic volume (PV), characteristics of ejaculate, serum testosterone concentrations and Doppler parameters of prostatic and subcapsular arteries were detected at different time intervals, for 6 month. The prostatic volume showed a significantly reduction starting at day 37. The decrease in sperm concentration, motility and increase in morphological abnormal sperm were observed from day 22 to day 37, when it was no longer possible to obtain the ejaculate. The values of peak systolic velocity and end‐diastolic velocity in prostatic and subcapsular arteries showed from day 11 a gradual decrease, significant at day 22 until day 37 and reaching the lowest values at day 52 until the end of observation. The power Doppler pixel intensity of both arteries showed a gradual decrease from day 5 until day 52. In particular, a significant decrease was observed for both arteries from day 11. Testosterone serum concentration decreased to undetectable levels by day 11 until the end of the observations. All these Doppler parameters and testosterone values were positively correlated with the prostatic volume. Furthermore, testosterone values were positively correlated with peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity and pixel numbers. The use of implants containing GnRH analogues, even in asymptomatic subjects, is effective for the control of BPH and the application of Doppler exam of prostatic blood flow represent an non‐invasive tool for monitoring the response of medical treatment.
Avatars of Whiteness: Racial Expression in Video Game Characters
Authors: Dietrich David R. 
Published: January 2013

Video games are an enormous segment of popular media today, comparable to television and movies. Moreover, video games represent a new form of media distinguished from previous forms due to the interactive element, where game players have the ability to change and influence the game world. This paper contributes to the study of race and popular media by examining how race is presented in role‐playing video games through the feature of avatar creation. Capabilities for avatar creation are analyzed in over sixty massively multiplayer online role‐playing games (MMORPGs) in service as of early 2010 and twenty offline role‐playing games (RPGs) published over the past 10 years. The analysis shows that the vast majority of games, both online and offline, do not allow for the creation of avatars with a non‐white racial appearance. Forcing an Anglo appearance on avatars that purport to represent the player has the potential to reinforce a sense of normative whiteness as well as shape the social composition of online worlds into all‐white virtual spaces, contributing to the creation of a virtual “white habitus.”
Identifying mild and severe preeclampsia in asymptomatic pregnant women by levels of cell‐free fetal DNA
Authors: Jakobsen Tanja Roien , Clausen Frederik Banch , Rode Line , Dziegiel Morten Hanefeld , Tabor Ann 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundThe objective was to investigate whether women who develop preeclampsia can be identified in a routine analysis when determining fetal RHD status at 25 weeks' gestation in combination with PAPP‐A levels at the first‐trimester combined risk assessment for Trisomy 21.Study Design and MethodsD– women participating in the routine antenatal RHD screening program in the capital region of Denmark were retrospectively studied. We used a standard dilution curve to quantify the amounts of cell‐free fetal DNA (cffDNA) and divided women into groups according to cffDNA levels. PAPP‐A was measured at 11 to 14 weeks. Information about pregnancy outcome and complications was obtained from the National Fetal Medicine Database, medical charts, and discharge letters.ResultsThe odds ratio (OR) of developing severe preeclampsia given a cffDNA level above the 90th percentile compared to cffDNA below the 90th percentile was 8.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.6‐25.5). The OR of developing mild preeclampsia given a cffDNA level below the 5th percentile compared to cffDNA levels above the 5th percentile was 3.6 (95% CI, 1.1‐11.7). PAPP‐A levels below the 5th percentile were associated with mild preeclampsia, but adding it to the analysis did not increase the detection rate (DR).ConclusionWomen with cffDNA levels below the 5th percentile and above the 90th percentile quantified at 25 weeks' gestation are at increased risk of developing preeclampsia. Adding PAPP‐A levels to the analysis did not increase the DR of preeclampsia.
Mind the Gender Wage Gap – the Impact of Trade and Competition on Sectoral Wage Differences
Authors: Wolszczak‐Derlacz Joanna 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis paper examines differences between women’s and men’s wages in 18 selected OECD countries in the period 1970 to 2005. The study is based on 12 manufacturing sector‐ and skill‐specific sets of panel data on the gender wage gap. We apply a system generalised method of moments (GMM) estimator to the extended version of the conditional gender wage gap convergence equation, controlling for sector concentration and industry‐specific measures of openness using a difference‐in‐difference approach: trade‐affected concentrated sectors versus trade‐affected competitive sectors. The results indicate that: (i) an increase in sector concentration is associated with wage gap growth; (ii) both import and export penetration are associated with a reduction of the high‐skill gender wage gap growth in concentrated industries; (iii) there is evidence of a widening impact of trade on the medium and low‐skill occupational gender wage gap growth in less competitive industries; (iv) institutional regulations of the labour market have an impact on the development of the gender wage gap: for highly‐skilled labour an increase in labour market regulation raises the growth of the gender wage gap, while for medium‐ and low‐skilled workers, it lowers it.
Human Coronavirus EMC Is Not the Same as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
Authors: Perlman Stanley , Zhao Jincun 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

A newly identified betacoronavirus, human coronavirus EMC (HCoV-EMC), has been isolated from several patients with respiratory and renal disease in the Middle East. While only a few infected patients have been identified, the mortality of the infection is greater than 50%. Like its better-known cousin severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), HCoV-EMC appears to have originated from bats. In a recent article in
mBio
, Müller et al. described several important differences between the two viruses [M. A. Müller et al.,
mBio
3(6):e00515-12, 2012, doi:10.1128/mBio.00515-12]. Unlike SARS-CoV, HCoV-EMC can directly infect bat cells. As important, HCoV-EMC does not enter cells using the SARS-CoV receptor, human angiotensin-converting receptor-2 (hACE2). These results provide a strong incentive for identifying the host cell receptor used by HCoV-EMC. Identification of the receptor will provide insight into the pathogenesis of pulmonary and renal disease and may also suggest novel therapeutic interventions.
Microbial Composition of Human Appendices from Patients following Appendectomy
Authors: Guinane Caitriona M. , Tadrous Amany , Fouhy Fiona , Ryan C. Anthony , Dempsey Eugene M. , Murphy Brendan , Andrews Emmet , Cotter Paul D. , Stanton Catherine , Ross R. Paul 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

The human appendix has historically been considered a vestige of evolutionary development with an unknown function. While limited data are available on the microbial composition of the appendix, it has been postulated that this organ could serve as a microbial reservoir for repopulating the gastrointestinal tract in times of necessity. We aimed to explore the microbial composition of the human appendix, using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene V4 region. Seven patients, 5 to 25 years of age, presenting with symptoms of acute appendicitis were included in this study. Results showed considerable diversity and interindividual variability among the microbial composition of the appendix samples. In general, however,
Firmicutes
was the dominant phylum, with the majority of additional sequences being assigned at various levels to
Proteobacteria
,
Bacteroidetes
,
Actinobacteria
, and
Fusobacteria
. Despite the large diversity in the microbiota found within the appendix, however, a few major families and genera were found to comprise the majority of the sequences present. Interestingly, also, certain taxa not generally associated with the human intestine, including the oral pathogens
Gemella
,
Parvimonas
, and
Fusobacterium
, were identified among the appendix samples. The prevalence of genera such as
Fusobacterium
could also be linked to the severity of inflammation of the organ. We conclude that the human appendix contains a robust and varied microbiota distinct from the microbiotas in other niches within the human microbiome. The microbial composition of the human appendix is subject to extreme variability and comprises a diversity of biota that may play an important, as-yet-unknown role in human health.

IMPORTANCE
There are currently limited data available on the microbial composition of the human appendix. It has been suggested, however, that it may serve as a “safe house” for commensal bacteria that can reinoculate the
gut at
need. The present study is the first comprehensive view of the microbial composition of the appendix as determined by high-throughput sequencing. We have determined that the human appendix contains a wealth of microbes, including members of 15 phyla. Important information regarding the associated bacterial diversity of the appendix which will help determine the role, if any, the appendix microbiota has in human health is presented.
Human Claudin-8 and -14 Are Receptors Capable of Conveying the Cytotoxic Effects of Clostridium perfringens Enterotoxin
Authors: Shrestha Archana , McClane Bruce A. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

Clostridium perfringens
enterotoxin (CPE) contributes to several important human gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. This toxin and its derivatives are also being explored for translational applications, i.e., cancer therapy or drug delivery. Some, but not all, members of the 24-member claudin (Cldn) family of mammalian tight junction proteins can serve as CPE receptors. Among the human Cldns (hCldns), hCldn-3 and -4 are known to convey CPE sensitivity when expressed by fibroblast transfectants. However, other Cldns are also reportedly expressed in the intestines, where they might contribute to natural CPE-mediated GI disease, and in other organs, where they might react with CPE-based therapeutics. Therefore, the current study assessed whether two additional hCldns beside hCldn-3 and -4 are also functional CPE receptors. Using Cldn-expressing transfectants, hCldn-8 and -14 were shown to convey CPE-mediated cytotoxicity at pathophysiologically relevant concentrations of this toxin, although ~2-to-10-fold less efficiently than hCldn-4. Site-directed mutagenesis then demonstrated that the N
146
residue in hCldn-14 and the S
151
residue in hCldn-8 are largely responsible for modulating the weaker CPE binding properties of hCldn-8 and -14 versus hCldn-4, which broadens understanding of Cldn:CPE binding interactions. Since Cldn-8 and -14 are reportedly expressed in mammalian intestines, the current results support the possibility that these two hCldns contribute to natural CPE-mediated gastrointestinal disease and could be CPE-based therapeutic targets for cancers overexpressing those claudins. However, these results also suggest caution during therapeutic use of CPE, which might trigger toxic side effects in normal human tissues producing hCldn-8 or -14, as well as in those producing hCldn-3 or -4.

IMPORTANCE
Clostridium perfringens
enterotoxin (CPE) is responsible for the gastrointestinal symptoms of the second-most-common bacterial food-borne illness and is also being explored for use as a cancer therapeutic or for increasing drug delivery. Until now, the only known human CPE receptors were claudin-3 and -4. This work shows that human claudin-8 and -14 can also bind CPE and convey cytotoxicity, although slightly less efficiently than claudin-3 and -4. The claudin-8 and -14 residues responsible for this weaker CPE binding were identified, shedding new light on CPE:claudin interactions.
A user's guide to performance of the best shoulder physical examination tests
Authors: Myer Cortney A , Hegedus Eric J , Tarara Daniel Thomas , Myer Daniel M 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundThis article provides clinicians with a user's guide on the performance of the shoulder physical examination tests most supported by current evidence from a recent systematic review published in theBritish Journal of Sports Medicine.DiscussionA description of clinical shoulder tests is provided with explanations on exact testing procedures and complimentary photographs.
Methodological variations and their effects on reported medication administration error rates
Authors: McLeod Monsey Chan , Barber Nick , Franklin Bryony Dean 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundMedication administration errors (MAEs) are a problem, yet methodological variation between studies presents a potential barrier to understanding how best to increase safety. Using the UK as a case-study, we systematically summarised methodological variations in MAE studies, and their effects on reported MAE rates.MethodsNine healthcare databases were searched for quantitative observational MAE studies in UK hospitals. Methodological variations were analysed and meta-analysis of MAE rates performed using studies that used the same definitions. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated to compare MAE rates between intravenous (IV) and non-IV doses, and between paediatric and adult doses.ResultsWe identified 16 unique studies reporting three MAE definitions, 44 MAE subcategories and four different denominators. Overall adult MAE rates were 5.6% of a total of 21 533 non-IV opportunities for error (OE) (95% CI 4.6% to 6.7%) and 35% of a total of 154 IV OEs (95% CI 2% to 68%). MAEs were five times more likely in IV than non-IV doses (pooled OR 5.1; 95% CI 3.5 to 7.5). Including timing errors of ±30 min increased the MAE rate from 27% to 69% of 320 IV doses in one study. Five studies were unclear as to whether the denominator included dose omissions; omissions accounted for 0%–13% of IV doses and 1.8%–5.1% of non-IV doses.ConclusionsWide methodological variations exist even within one country, some with significant effects on reported MAE rates. We have made recommendations for future MAE studies; these may be applied both within and outside the UK.
A novel approach to improving emergency department consultant response times
Authors: Soong Christine , High Sasha , Morgan Matthew W , Ovens Howard 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundEmergency department (ED) overcrowding is a threat to patient safety and public health. Availability of specialty consultation to the ED may contribute to overcrowding. We implemented a novel intervention using education, goal setting and real-time performance feedback to improve time to admission for patients referred to general internal medicine (GIM).MethodsUsing a time-series design, we examined the effects of a quality improvement intervention on ED wait-times in an academic medical centre. The multifaceted approach included a didactic session for GIM housestaff on medicine triage principles and methods; setting a goal to have disposition decisions and, where appropriate, admission order within 4 h of consultation request; and providing personal data feedback on their performance on this metric to GIM housestaff during their rotation on the inpatient teaching service over a 1-year period. We compared time from consultation request to disposition decision and overall ED length of stay (LOS) for all patients referred to GIM during the intervention period (February 2011–February 2012) with data from the control period (January 2010–January 2011).ResultsMean time from GIM consultation request to admission order entry decreased by 92 min (SD, 5, p<0.05) from 321min in the control period to 229 min in the intervention period. Overall ED LOS for GIM patients decreased by 59 min (SD, 14, p<0.05) for admitted patients from 1022 min in the control period to 963 min in the intervention period, and by 40 min (SD, 13, p<0.05) for all patients referred to GIM. GIM staffing and patient characteristics remained stable across the two periods.DiscussionED throughput for admitted medical patients improved with a quality improvement initiative involving education, goal setting and performance feedback.
Childhood emotional functioning and the developmental origins of cardiovascular disease risk
Authors: Appleton Allison A , Loucks Eric B , Buka Stephen L , Rimm Eric , Kubzansky Laura D 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundDysregulated emotional functioning has been linked with higher cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among adults. Early life experiences may influence the development of adulthood CVD, but few studies have examined whether potential damaging effects of dysregulated emotional function begin earlier in life. Therefore, we examined associations of child emotional functioning and the 10-year risk of developing CVD in midlife.MethodsWe studied 377 adult offspring (mean age=42.2) of Collaborative Perinatal Project participants, a US cohort of pregnant women enrolled in 1959–1966. Three measures of child emotional functioning derived from psychologist ratings of behaviour at 7 years of age were examined: distress proneness, attention and inappropriate self-regulation. Adulthood 10-year CVD risk was calculated with the validated Framingham general CVD risk algorithm. Gender-specific multiple regression models assessed associations of childhood emotion and adulthood CVD risk independent of covariates measured across the life course. Potential mediators of the associations were also examined.ResultsWomen had 31% higher CVD risk per SD increase in childhood distress proneness (p=0.03) and 8% reduced risk per SD increase in attention (p=0.09). For men, each SD increase in childhood distress proneness was associated with 17% higher CVD risk (p=0.02). Associations were partly explained by adulthood body mass index and depressive symptoms in women but not in men. Inappropriate self-regulation was not associated with CVD risk.ConclusionsSeveral aspects of childhood emotional functioning was associated with adulthood CVD risk, particularly for women. As such, primary prevention of CVD may be associated with addressing early life emotional functioning.
How does progress towards the MDG 4 affect inequalities between different subpopulations? Evidence from Nepal
Authors: Nguyen Kim-Huong , Jimenez-Soto Eliana , Morgan Alison , Morgan Chris , Hodge Andrew 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundFew previous studies have examined non-wealth-based inequalities in child mortality within developing countries. This study estimates changes in under-5-year-olds and neonatal mortality in Nepal across a range of subnational levels, which allows us to assess the degree of equity in Nepal's progress towards Millennium Development Goal 4.MethodsDirect estimates of under-5-year-olds and neonatal death rates were generated for 1990–2005 using three Demographic and Health Surveys and two Living Standards Surveys by the following levels: national, rural/urban location, ecological region, development region, ethnicity and wealth. Absolute and relative inequalities were measured by rate differences and rate ratios, respectively. Additionally, wealth-related inequality was calculated using slope and relative indexes of inequality and concentration indices.ResultsEstimates suggest that while most rates of under-5-year-olds and neonatal mortality have declined across the different equity markers, leading to a downward trend in absolute inequalities, relative inequalities appear to have remained stable over time. The decline in absolute inequalities is strongest for under-5-year-olds’ mortality, with no statistically significant trend in either relative or absolute inequalities found for neonatal mortality. A possible increase in inequalities, at least in relative terms, was found across development regions, where death rates remain high in the mid-western region.ConclusionsBy 2015, our estimates suggest that more than 65% of deaths of under-5-year-olds will occur in the neonatal period, with stable trends in neonatal mortality inequalities. These findings along with the fact that health outcomes for neonates are more highly dependent on health systems, suggest further equitable reductions in under-5-year-olds mortality will require broad health-system strengthening, with a focus on the improvement of healthcare services provided for mothers and newborns. Other inequities suggest continued special attention for vulnerable subpopulations is warranted, particularly to overcome social exclusion and financial barriers to care in urban areas.
Trajectories of socioeconomic inequalities in health, behaviours and academic achievement across childhood and adolescence
Authors: Howe Laura D , Lawlor Debbie A , Propper Carol 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundSocioeconomic inequalities are a key policy challenge. Studies to date have not taken a unified approach to assess how socioeconomic inequalities in health, behaviour and educational attainment change as children age.MethodsWe examined maternal education inequalities in multiple offspring health, behavioural and educational outcomes and how these changed across childhood and adolescence in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a cohort born in 1991/1992 in South-West England (N=5560–11 463).ResultsInequalities were observed for some health measures (blood pressure (BP), height, cholesterol, bone mineral density (BMD) and fat-mass (females)) but not in other measures (parent-assessed child health, triglycerides, fat-mass (males), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, C reactive protein). The strongest health inequality was systolic BP (mean difference comparing highest to lowest maternal education −0.28 SD (95% CI −0.35 to −0.20), approximately 2.6 mm Hg. Wide inequalities, similar in magnitude to BP, were observed for behavioural outcomes. Even greater inequalities were observed for offspring academic achievement (mean difference comparing highest to lowest maternal education 1.43 SD (95% CI 1.37 to 1.50), a difference of 22%). For all behavioural outcomes and some health indicators, inequality was stable over childhood. For some outcomes (BP, BMD and most education outcomes), inequality narrowed as children got older. Only for height and attainment in English tests was there evidence of widening inequalities with age.ConclusionsOur results suggest that within this cohort, maternal education inequalities in offspring health, behaviour and educational attainment are established in childhood but do not increase up to adolescence. Maternal education inequalities in behaviour and educational attainment were considerably larger than in health measures.