bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel Genetic Loci Associated With Retinal Microvascular Diameter
Authors: Jensen Richard A. , Sim Xueling , Smith Albert Vernon , Li Xiaohui , Jakobsdóttir Jóhanna , Cheng Ching-Yu , Brody Jennifer A. , Cotch Mary Frances , Mcknight Barbara , Klein Ronald , Wang Jie Jin , Kifley Annette , Harris Tamara B. , Launer Lenore J. , Taylor Kent D. , Klein Barbara E.K. , Raffel Leslie J. , Li Xiang , Ikram M. Arfan , Klaver Caroline C. , van der Lee Sven J. , Mutlu Unal , Hofman Albert , Uitterlinden André G. , Liu Chunyu , Kraja Aldi T. ,   The CHARGE Exome Chip Blood Pressure Consortium, Mitchell Paul , Gudnason Vilmundur , Rotter Jerome I. , Boerwinkle Eric , van Duijn Cornelia M. , Psaty Bruce M. , Wong Tien Y. 
Published: November 2015

Background—
There is increasing evidence that retinal microvascular diameters are associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions. The shared genetic effects of these associations are currently unknown. The aim of this study was to increase our understanding of the genetic factors that mediate retinal vessel size.

Methods and Results—

This study extends previous genome-wide association study results using 24 000+ multiethnic participants from 7 discovery cohorts and 5000+ subjects of European ancestry from 2 replication cohorts. Using the Illumina HumanExome BeadChip, we investigate the association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms and variants collectively across genes with summary measures of retinal vessel diameters, referred to as the central retinal venule equivalent and the central retinal arteriole equivalent. We report 4 new loci associated with central retinal venule equivalent, one of which is also associated with central retinal arteriole equivalent. The 4 single-nucleotide polymorphisms are rs7926971 in
TEAD1
(
P
=3.1×10
−
11
; minor allele frequency=0.43), rs201259422 in
TSPAN10
(
P
=4.4×10
−9
; minor allele frequency=0.27), rs5442 in
GNB3
(
P
=7.0×10
−10
; minor allele frequency=0.05), and rs1800407 in
OCA2
(
P
=3.4×10
−8
; minor allele frequency=0.05). The latter single-nucleotide polymorphism, rs1800407, was also associated with central retinal arteriole equivalent (
P
=6.5×10
−12
). Results from the gene-based burden tests were null. In phenotype look-ups, single-nucleotide polymorphism rs201255422 was associated with both systolic (
P
=0.001) and diastolic blood pressures (
P
=8.3×10
−04
).

Conclusions—
Our study expands the understanding of genetic factors influencing the size of the retinal microvasculature. These findings may also provide insight into the relationship between retinal and systemic microvascular disease.
Validation of serum free light chain reference ranges in primary care
Authors: Galvani Luca , Flanagan Jane , Sargazi Mansour , Neithercut William D 
Published: November 2015

Background The demand for measurement of serum immunoglobulin free kappa (κ) and lambda (λ) light chains has increased. The κ:λ ratio is used to assist in diagnosis/monitoring of plasma cell disorders. The binding site reference range for serum-free light chain κ:λ ratios of 0.26–1.65 was derived from healthy volunteers. Subsequently, a reference range of 0.37–3.1 for patients with chronic kidney disease has been proposed. Elevated free light chain concentrations and borderline raised free light chain ratios also may be found in polyclonal gammopathies and with other non-renal illnesses. This assessment was conducted to validate the established free light chain reference ranges in individuals from primary care. Method A total of 130 samples were identified from routine blood samples collected in primary care for routine biochemistry testing and estimated glomerular filtration rate calculation. Results The median and range of κ:λ ratios found in each estimated glomerular filtration rate group used for chronic kidney disease classification were higher than previously described. This was the case for individuals with normal or essentially normal renal function with estimated glomerular filtration rates>90, (0.58–1.76) and estimated glomerular filtration rate of 60–90 mL/min/1.73 m2, (0.71–1.93). Individuals with estimated glomerular filtration rate 15–30, (0.72–4.50) and estimated glomerular filtration rate <15 ml/min/1.73 m2 (0.71–4.95) also had higher values when compared to the current renal reference range of 0.37–3.10. Conclusions Elevation of free light chain-κ:λ ratios may occur in the absence of a reduced renal function shown by a normal estimated glomerular filtration rate and in the presence of reduced renal function by estimated glomerular filtration rate when comparing results with the established reference ranges. Explanations include choice of analytical systems or the presence of other concurrent non-plasma cell illness.
Seasonal Difference in Postthyroidectomy Hypocalcemia
Authors: Mascarella Marco A. , Forest Véronique‐Isabelle , Nhan Carol , Leboeuf Rébecca , Tamilia Michael , Mlynarek Alex M. , Payne Richard J 
Published: November 2015

ObjectiveHypocalcemia following thyroidectomy often prolongs hospital stay and is potentially life‐threatening. The objective of this study is to determine whether the season when thyroidectomy is performed is associated with postoperative hypocalcemia.Study DesignRetrospective case series of patients undergoing thyroid surgery from 2009 to 2015.SettingTertiary care academic institution in Montreal, Canada.Subjects and MethodsA consecutive sample of 823 patients undergoing thyroidectomy by a single high‐volume otolaryngologist for a suspected or confirmed thyroid malignancy. Patient demographics, procedure type, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and seasonal rate of hypocalcemia postthyroidectomy were calculated and compared.ResultsAverage seasonal rates of postthyroidectomy hypocalcemia in the winter, spring, summer, and autumn were, respectively, 8.3% (8 of 216), 7.3% (12 of 165), 1.5% (3 of 201), and 3.5% (8 of 228; P <. 005). Patients operated in the winter were 5.6 times more likely to develop hypocalcemia as compared with those in the summer (P <. 01; 95% confidence interval: 1.7‐18.7). In a multiple regression analysis factoring in season when surgery was performed, procedure type, and preoperative vitamin D/calcium supplementation, surgery occurring in the winter predicted a hypocalcemia event (correlation coefficient [SE]: 0.72 [0.024], P =. 026; 0.006 [0.025], P =. 81; 0.004 [0.019], P =. 82, respectively).ConclusionIn this study, patients undergoing thyroidectomy in the winter months were more likely to develop postoperative hypocalcemia when compared with those operated in the summer. Further studies are needed to understand the role of vitamin D in the observed seasonal difference in hypocalcemia rates.
A review of the peri-operative risk stratification assessment tools used for the prediction of cardiovascular complications in non-cardiac surgery
Authors: Magapu Pradeep , Haskard Dorian , Fisher Michael 
Published: November 2015

The development of atherosclerosis is a complex process that involves several inflammatory mechanisms. The evolution of a fatty streak to a mature occlusive atheromatous plaque occurs over several decades. However, during acute plaque rupture, to a varying degree, these same inflammatory systems are involved. Evidence exists that suggests a relationship between the activated inflammatory pathways; in the setting of lower respiratory tract or urinary tract infections and cardiac events such as unstable angina or myocardial infarctions. Peripheral vascular disease patients demonstrate atheromatous disease throughout their arterial tree, with coronary artery involvement in a significant proportion of individuals. The stress that a surgical intervention creates may be the catalyst for an acute coronary syndrome through the activation of these inflammatory pathways. Individual responses to the surgical insult are unpredictable and the extent to which the inflammatory mechanisms are stimulated is variable. The measurements of inflammatory biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein, have been associated with adverse short- and long-term mortality in patients who experience an acute coronary syndrome. This review article looks at the previous assessment tools that have been developed over time to try and predict the peri-operative risk of patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery, based on traditional patient parameters. We also explore the use of bio-markers in addition to these characteristics and how future work is being developed to look at the potential use of these to improve individual risk profiles.
A review of the current and potential oxygen delivery systems and techniques utilized in cluster headache attacks
Authors: Oude Nijhuis Jerome C , Haane Danielle YP , Koehler Peter J 
Published: November 2015

Background Despite oxygen therapy being one of the foremost acute treatments for cluster headache (CH) attacks, little is known about the different techniques and systems. Objectives In this review we will examine the efficacy of the standard non-rebreather mask (NRM) with room temperature oxygen in relieving pain in CH, and try to compare it with the diversity of other oxygen gas conditions and interfaces like partial rebreathers, simple masks, nasal cannulas, tusk masks, demand valve oxygen, hyperbaric and cooled oxygen. Method We searched non-structured Pubmed, Medline, the Cochrane online database and instruction protocols from various oxygen delivery devices. Conclusions and implications Interfaces like demand valves and tusk masks are already proving to be superior or at least similar to the standard NRM in terms of fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), though the demand valve only showed better results than the NRM in a single study in only four participants. Furthermore, new research shows how lower temperatures of the gas may be an essential part of effective pain relief and hyperbaric treatments show potential in preventing night time attacks.
Hypoechogenicity of brainstem raphe nuclei is associated with increased attack frequency in episodic migraine
Authors: Ayzenberg Ilya , Nastos Ilias , Strassburger-Krogias Katrin , Obermann Mark , Gold Ralf , Krogias Christos 
Published: November 2015

Introduction Reduced echogenicity of the brainstem raphe nuclei (BRN) was demonstrated in major depression, possibly indicating serotonergic dysfunction. Postulating that migraine may constitute a “chronic low serotonin syndrome,” we aimed to evaluate the echogenicity of midbrain structures, including serotonergic BRN in episodic migraine. Methods Transcranial sonography was performed in 39 patients with episodic migraine (median age 35, interquartile range (IQR): 27–47 years; 27 women) and 35 controls (median age 31, IQR: 29–47 years; 19 women). Individuals with concomitant depression were excluded. Echogenicity of BRN, substantia nigra (SN) and third ventricle width was evaluated according to an internationally established examination protocol. Results Hypoechogenicity of BRN was depicted in 23.1% of migraine patients and 20% of controls, showing no significant difference. Migraine patients with hypoechogenic BRN had significantly higher attack frequency (median 3, IQR 2–5 vs. 1.5, IQR 1–2 days/month; p = 0.029) and a trend toward earlier disease manifestation. The rate of hyperechogenic SN and width of the third ventricle were similar between both groups. We did not observe any differences between migraine patients with and without aura. Conclusion Sonographic findings did not differ between migraine patients and controls. Hypoechogenic BRN correlated to a higher migraine attack frequency, probably indicating more severe disease activity.
Is Hip Abduction Strength Asymmetry Present in Female Runners in the Early Stages of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
Authors: Plastaras Christopher , McCormick Zack , Nguyen Cayli , Rho Monica , Nack Susan Hillary , Roth Dan , Casey Ellen , Carneiro Kevin , Cucchiara Andrew , Press Joel , McLean Jim , Caldera Franklin 
Published: November 2015

Background: The current literature indicates that hip abduction weakness in female patients is associated with ipsilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) as part of the weaker hip abductor complex. Thus, it has been suggested that clinicians should consider screening female athletes for hip strength asymmetry to identify those at risk of developing PFPS to prevent the condition. However, no study to date has demonstrated that hip strength asymmetry exists in the early stages of PFPS. Purpose: To determine whether hip abduction strength asymmetry exists in female runners with early unilateral PFPS, defined as symptoms of PFPS not significant enough to cause patients to seek medical attention or prevent them from running at least 10 miles per week. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: This study consisted of 21 female runners (mean age, 30.5 years; range, 18-45 years) with early unilateral PFPS, who had not yet sought medical care and who were able to run at least 10 miles per week, and 36 healthy controls comparably balanced for age, height, weight, and weekly running mileage (mean, 18.5 mi/wk). Study volunteers were recruited using flyers and from various local running events in the metropolitan area. Bilateral hip abduction strength in both a neutral and extended hip position was measured using a handheld dynamometer in each participant by an examiner blinded to group assignment. Results: Patients with early unilateral PFPS demonstrated no significant side-to-side difference in hip abduction strength, according to the Hip Strength Asymmetry Index, in both a neutral (mean, 83.5 ± 10.2; P = .2272) and extended hip position (mean, 96.3 ± 21.9; P = .6671) compared with controls (mean, 87.0 ± 8.3 [ P = .2272] and 96.6 ± 16.2 [ P = .6671], respectively). Hip abduction strength of the affected limb in patients with early unilateral PFPS (mean, 9.9 ± 2.2; P = .0305) was significantly stronger than that of the weaker limb of control participants (mean, 8.9 ± 1.4; P = .0305) when testing strength in a neutral hip position; however, no significant difference was found when testing the hip in an extended position (mean, 7.0 ± 1.4 [ P = .1406] and 6.6 ± 1.5 [ P =.1406], respectively). Conclusion: The study data show that early stages of unilateral PFPS in female runners is not associated with hip abduction strength asymmetry and that hip abduction strength tested in neutral is significantly greater in the affected limb in the early stages of PFPS compared with the unaffected limb. However, when tested in extension, no difference exists. Further studies investigating the early stages of PFPS are warranted. Clinical Relevance: Unlike patients with PFPS seeking medical care, early PFPS does not appear to be significantly associated with hip abduction strength asymmetry.
Back to grass roots: Peak union councils and community campaigning
Authors: Barnes Alison , Balnave Nikola 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPeak union bodies in Australia have a long and influential history, and most recently have developed an approach to union revitalisation based on community-based campaigning strategies. In responding to labour market changes, declining union membership and hostile governments and employers, peak union bodies have developed new ways to strengthen the collective ability of their affiliated unions to successfully represent members at the workplace level. They have embraced local-level strategies that tap into community concerns and are aimed at capacity building across the labour movement. The resulting grass-roots organisations have the potential to shape both the workplace and the public domain. We explore one example of this approach: the establishment of Local Union Community Councils by Unions NSW. We argue that although peak bodies are well placed to spearhead community campaigning, the grass-roots councils being created will need to progress through several stages of development, if they are to become self-sustaining organisations, contributing effectively over the long term to community mobilisation and stronger, more coordinated union campaigns.
Union responses to regulatory change: Strategies of protective layering
Authors: Kaine Sarah , Brigden Cathy 
Published: November 2015

AbstractChanges to the Australian regulatory landscape over the past three decades of global liberalisation created regulatory uncertainty for unions. Coupled with membership decline and internal restructuring through union amalgamations, they prompted an important reorientation by unions (back) to the workplace, and precipitated different strategic decisions and organising challenges. However, the proliferation of fragmented employment relationships rendered workplace-centred organising an insufficient response. As a result, some unions experimented with ways of supplementing existing legal frameworks by other regulatory initiatives, through campaigns that resulted in the layering of regulation. In this article, we examine attempts by three unions – covering garment workers, road transport workers and aged care workers – to address the needs of members in garment homeworking, road transport and aged care in a contested regulatory environment.
A randomised controlled trial of two supervised exercise regimens and their impact on inflammatory burden in patients with intermittent claudication
Authors: Delaney CL , Spark JI 
Published: November 2015

Objective This study assesses the impact of treadmill-based SET alone or in combination with resistance training on systemic inflammatory response, in patients with intermittent claudication (IC). Methods Thirty-five patients with IC were randomised to 12 weeks of treadmill-only SET (Group 1) or a combination of treadmill and lower-limb resistance SET (Group 2). A panel of pro- and anti-inflammatory markers were assessed before, during and after the SET. Results Over the duration of SET, homocysteine increased within Group 1 (12.0–15.5 µmol/L, p = 0.003) but not Group 2, (13.7–14.7 µmol/) while neutrophil elastase (NE) increased within Group 2 (174.5–238.2 ng/mL, p = 0.007) but not Group 1 (300.8–312.0 ng/mL). In both groups NE increased following acute exercise at the start of the SET. Differences in cytokine expression was evident between the two groups (in Group 1, pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-12 and interferon-gamma decreased following an acute bout of exercise at the end of SET, where as in Group 2 pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and 8 were seen to increase after an acute bout of exercise at the end of SET). Conclusion SET in patients with IC influences the complex immune-modulatory state of atherosclerosis through inflammatory pathways that induce both pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive responses.
Mortality and complications following surgery for diverticulitis: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Haas Jason M , Singh Maharaj , Vakil Nimish 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundThe surgical treatment of diverticulitis is in a state of evolution. Clinicians across many disciplines need to counsel patients regarding surgical choices.ObjectivesA systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted to determine the mortality and complication rates following surgery for diverticulitis in both the emergent and elective setting.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) for relevant articles published from 1980 to 2012. The primary outcome of interest was the point estimate of mortality, following surgery for diverticulitis.ResultsOf the 289 citations reviewed, we included 59 studies. Overall, the point estimate for mortality was 3.05%, with a 95% confidence intereval (CI) of 1.73–5.32 and p  < 0.001. Mortality following emergent surgery was 10.64% (95% CI 7.95–14.11; p  < 0.001), versus 0.50% (95% CI 0.46–0.54; p  < 0.001) following elective operations. A laparoscopic approach had an estimated mortality of 0.75% (95% CI 0.35–1.58; p  < 0.001), compared to an open surgical approach, which had a mortality of 4.69% (95% CI 2.29–9.36, p  < 0.001). The mortality following a resection with primary anastomosis was 1.96% (95% CI 1.22–3.13; p  < 0.001) and for the Hartmann’s procedure was 14.18% (95% CI 9.83–20.03; p  < 0.001). A comparative analysis found that the risk of post‐operative mortality was significantly higher following emergent surgery, compared to elective surgery (odds ratio (OR): 6.12 with 95% CI 1.62–23.10; p  = 0.008; Q  = 2.56, p  = 0.46 and I2  = 0); the open approach, compared to a laparoscopic approach (OR: 36.43 with 95% CI 9.94–133.6; p  = 0.13; and Q  = 2.79, p  = 0.25 and I 2  = 28.26); and for Hartmann’s procedure, compared to primary anastomosis without diversion (OR: 25.45 with 95% CI 15.13–42.81, p  < 0.001; and Q  = 23.34, p  = 0.14 and I 2  = 27.16). The overall reported post‐operative complication rate was 32.64% (95% CI 27.43–38.32; p  < 0.00). The overall surgical and medical complication rates were 18.96% and 13.93%, respectively.ConclusionsUrgent surgical treatment of diverticulitis has a significant complication rate. Even elective surgery has a significant complication rate that needs to be considered when doing the clinical decision‐making for recurrent diverticulitis.
The Modalities of Nonadherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy and the Associated Factors Related to Patients’ Sociodemographic Characteristics and Their Caregiving Perceptions in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)
Authors: Guira Oumar , Kaboré Delwendé S. R. , Dao Ginette , Zagré Nicaise , Zohoncon Théodora M. , Pietra Virginio , Drabo Joseph Y. , Simporé Jacques 
Published: November 2015

Background: The authors studied the modalities of nonadherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and its sociodemographic associated factors and those in relation to caregiving perception in Ouagadougou. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed from December 2013 to February 2014 in 2 health centers. Adults receiving HAART for at least 3 months were included. Adherence was studied according to the quantitative, qualitative, and global criteria. Factors associated with nonadherence were analyzed with chi-square and Fisher tests. A logistic regression model was applied for multivariate analysis. Results: The authors studied 152 patients: mean age 40.7 ± 7.8 years and sex ratio 0.34. Frequencies were 7.2% for self-reported quantitative, 20.4% for calculated quantitative, 31.6% for qualitative, and 38.2% for global nonadherence. Married status ( P = .02), patient’s dissatisfaction regarding clinical monitoring ( P = .01), and therapeutic education ( P = .03) were associated with nonadherence. In multivariate analysis, married status remains associated (odds ratio = 7.00, 95% confidence interval = 1.89-25.8, P = .0004). Conclusion: Nonadherence to HAART needs to be correctly managed during HIV/AIDS monitoring.