bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The ‘real world’ utility of a web‐based bipolar disorder screening measure
Authors: Parker G. , Fletcher K. , Blanch B. , Greenfield L. 
Published: October 2012

ObjectiveTo determine whether those completing a self‐report bipolar self‐test measure and identified as having a likely bipolar disorder judged the self‐test as useful and had a subsequent superior illness course.MethodWe invited those completing the web‐based Mood Swings Questionnaire (or MSQ) to provide contact details and contribute to a 3‐month study evaluating their responses to being identified as having a likely bipolar disorder, any subsequent action taken and the impact of such actions on their illness trajectory.ResultsWe analysed data received from 665 participants screening ‘positive’ on the MSQ and completing baseline and 3‐month follow‐up data. High rates of satisfaction with the MSQ were quantified, with respondents viewing the measure as informative, validating and/or motivating. Of those receiving a confirmed bipolar diagnosis, such clarification occurred on average 12 years after their first depressive episode. Most implemented self‐management strategies irrespective of whether seeking formal diagnostic clarification or not. Participants improved on depressive, quality of life and overall functioning measures over the study period, but with results indicating (via analysis of three sample subsets differing by the degree of ‘actions taken’) that those who took assertive action and had the diagnosis confirmed had the most superior outcome.ConclusionThis is the first study to formally evaluate the clinical impact of a self‐report bipolar disorder screening measure. High acceptance and superior outcomes quantified for those acting assertively in response to such a new diagnosis argue for its ‘real world’ utility.
Neonatal levels of neurotrophic factors and risk of autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Abdallah M. W. , Mortensen E. L. , Greaves‐Lord K. , Larsen N. , Bonefeld‐Jørgensen E. C. , Nørgaard‐Pedersen B. , Hougaard D. M. , Grove J. 
Published: October 2012

ObjectiveTo examine levels of 3 neurotrophic factors (NTFs): Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Neurotrophin‐4 (NT‐4), and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) in dried blood spot samples of neonates diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) later in life and frequency‐matched controls.MethodBiologic samples were retrieved from the Danish Newborn Screening Biobank. NTFs for 414 ASD cases and 820 controls were measured using Luminex technology. Associations were analyzed with continuous measures (Tobit regression) as well as dichotomized at the lower and upper 10th percentiles cutoff points derived from the controls' distributions (logistic regression).ResultsASD cases were more likely to have BDNF levels falling in the lower 10th percentile (odds ratios [OR], 1.53 [95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.04–2.24], P‐value = 0.03). Similar pattern was seen for TGF‐β in females with ASD (OR, 2.36 [95% CI, 1.05–5.33], P‐value = 0.04). For NT‐4, however, ASD cases diagnosed with ICD‐10 only were less likely to have levels in upper 10th percentile compared with controls (OR, 0.22 [95% CI, 0.05–0.98], P‐value = 0.05).ConclusionResults cautiously indicate decreased NTFs levels during neonatal period in ASD. This may contribute to the pathophysiology of ASD through impairments of neuroplasticity. Further research is required to confirm our results and to examine the potential therapeutic effects of NTFs in ASD.
A three dimensional limit load solution for highly undermatched single edge cracked specimens in pure bending
Authors: ALEXANDROV S. , MUSTAFA Y. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTThe accuracy of defect assessment methods for cracked structures depends on the accuracy of limit load solutions. The present paper focuses on a new method to construct simple three‐dimensional kinematically admissible velocity fields for highly undermatched welded joints with edge cracks and its application to single edge cracked specimens in pure bending. The objective is to take into account specific features of flow pattern in highly undermatched joints to propose three‐dimensional kinematically admissible velocity fields whose level of complexity as well as accuracy of limit load predictions are comparable with plane strain fields. The three‐dimensional solution found for single edge cracked specimens in pure bending is compared to available semi‐analytical plane strain solutions. Several feasible ways to improve the solution found are proposed.
A Turkish trichothiodystrophy patient with homozygous XPD mutation and genotype–phenotype relationship
Authors: Pehlivan Davut , Cefle Kivanc , Raams Anja , Ozturk Sukru , Baykal Can , Kleijer Wim J. , Palanduz Sukru , Jaspers Nicolaas G. J. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTTrichothiodystrophy (TTD) is a rare, recessive condition involving multiple organs and systems. Four genes associated with nuclear excision repair have been described in the molecular etiology of TTD. There is a significant heterogeneity of clinical and laboratory findings of TTD, even in individuals carrying the same mutation. Worldwide, approximately 120 cases have been reported, mostly from Western populations and the mutations are compound heterozygous. We herein present clinical and laboratory findings of a female patient with a homozygous mutation, R722W, in the XPD gene. To date, two patients who carry the same mutation have been reported. Our genotype–phenotype correlation study showed patients who carry R722W mutation have a more severe TTD phenotype than other types of mutations.
Bullous pyoderma gangrenosum of the bilateral dorsal hands
Authors: Miyata Toshiko , Yashiro Mika , Hayashi Miyuki , Kamata Kouju , Katsuoka Kensei 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTPyoderma gangrenosum (PG) shows characteristic non‐infectious ulcers that are commonly associated with systemic diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases, myeloproliferative disorders or aortitis syndrome. The typical clinical appearance is undermining ulcers with reddish and irregular borders on the legs. As PG has these notable signs, the diagnosis is relatively easy and its treatment depends on the severity of underlying complications. We report a case of a 60‐year‐old Japanese man, diagnosed with bullous PG, who also had been suffering from myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐positive microscopic polyangiitis and pulmonary aspergillosis. This case displayed soft whitish ulcers that existed on the rough ulcer base, with irregular borders, on his bilateral dorsal hands. Initially, it seemed to be cutaneous secondary aspergillosis because the host was already infected with pulmonary aspergillosis in both lungs. The differential diagnosis of PG from aspergillosis was from the sterile bullae or neutrophilic bullae on his right forearm, which evolved into ulcers in a few days. This case was finally diagnosed as bullous PG and a topical glucocorticoid was very effective to epithelize the ulcers in 2–3 weeks.
Global biogeography and diversification of palms sheds light on the evolution of tropical lineages. II. Diversification history and origin of regional assemblages
Authors: Baker William J. , Couvreur Thomas L.P. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimPalms (Arecaceae/Palmae) are a model group for evolutionary studies in the tropics. In two companion papers, we aim to establish a general framework of palm evolution, exploring the geographical distribution of palm lineages and species diversity patterns at global and regional levels. In this, the second paper, we analyse the biogeographical events underlying regional palm assemblages and diversification processes across the family. We investigate the timing and location of diversification rate shifts and test the ‘odd man out’ pattern of low species diversity observed in the African palm flora.LocationGlobal.MethodsA complete, dated phylogeny of palm genera and ancestral area reconstructions were used to infer the biogeographical history of regional palm assemblages. Diversification rates for all genera were estimated and significant shifts in diversification rates across the family were identified under a maximum likelihood model.ResultsFollowing their early diversification in Laurasia around 100 Ma, palms dispersed southwards before the end of the Cretaceous. Few dispersal events into Africa, North America and South America were inferred, whereas numerous lineages migrated between Eurasia, the Pacific and the Indian Ocean. Thirteen diversification rate increases were identified. High diversification rates were found only in lineages from Asia, the Americas, the Pacific and the Indian Ocean, but not in any African groups. Diversification decreases were not identified in any lineage.Main conclusionsDispersal of palms into their present‐day distribution started during the Late Cretaceous, consistent with the first fossil records for rain forests in Africa and South America. The few dispersal events into South America and Africa emphasize the isolated position of these continents for most of the Cenozoic. In contrast, high dispersal between Eurasia, the Pacific and the Indian Ocean, notably during the Miocene, can be attributed to geological activity in the region, especially in Malesia. Low species diversity in Africa relative to other regions is explained here by increased in situ diversification in Asia, the Americas, the Pacific and the Indian Ocean, rather than by diversification rate decreases in Africa. This may prove to be a general pattern in other organisms showing a similar disparity in richness in Africa.
Assessment of blood administration competencies using objective structured clinical examination
Authors: Sellu D. H. , Davis R. E. , Vincent C. A. 
Published: October 2012

SUMMARYBackgroundIn order to minimise the risk of blood transfusion errors, all healthcare professionals who participate in the transfusion process are required to be assessed as competent. New and innovative methods of training and competency assessment are required to improve the training process.Aim/ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore the use of objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) in the assessment of competencies for blood administration.DesignA mixed‐methods approach was employed using structured observations of simulated practice through a three station OSCE to assess three stages of the blood transfusion process: (i) communication; (ii) documentation and (iii) identification of patients and blood products. Nurses and midwives were assessed using a 28‐item checklist that was rated on a 5‐point Bondy scale. After the OSCE, a questionnaire was given to participants to evaluate their attitudes.Setting and ParticipantsEighty four midwives and nurses from 10 different clinical areas in a District General Hospital in London.ResultsInter‐rater reliability between assessors was high (>0.8). Overall assessors scored participants highest on aseptic technique (97%) and lowest for positive patient identification (81%). Participants felt that the OSCE was a useful intervention and could contribute to improving the competences of staff in blood transfusion safety.ConclusionA simulation OSCE is valid and reliable for competency asessment in blood administration. The checklist is simple to complete and can be used to identify weaknesses and evaluate learning needs of staff in blood administration.
Towards appreciating appropriate clinical responses to highly sensitive cardiac troponin assays
Authors: Bima A. , Sikaris K. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractCardiac troponins (cTn) are structural components of the contractile apparatus of the cardiomyocyte and the recommended biochemical markers for diagnosing myocardial infarction. Although the diagnostic performance of both cTnT and cTnI as biochemical markers are quite similar, it is the analytical sensitivities of these assays that have been found to create the difference. High‐sensitivity cTn assays, which are capable of measuring cTn levels 10‐folds lower than conventional fourth generation assays, are results of continuous effort to develop more sensitive and accurate tests to detect cardiac injury. While the improvement in the sensitivity of these assays promises improvement in many aspects of patient care, such as earlier myocardial infarction diagnosis and cardiac disease risk assessment, shortcoming of these assays must be considered. Very low measurable levels of cardiac damage biochemical markers can deliver occult yet possible decisive message. Better understanding of the pros and cons of these assays will pledge an appropriate clinical reaction to highly sensitive results.
Total arterial coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with diabetes: an 8‐year experience
Authors: Buxton B. F. , Shi W. Y. , Galvin S. D. , Fuller J. , Hayward P. A. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveCoronary artery bypass grafting using arterial conduits may improve survival and minimise harvest site complications. However, in diabetes, the outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting performed exclusively using arterial conduits are uncertain. We reviewed our experience with this approach.MethodsFrom 1996 to 2008, 400 patients with diabetes (managed with oral hypoglycaemics, insulin or both) underwent primary isolated coronary artery bypass grafting for triple vessel coronary disease. In 246 (61.5%), total arterial revascularisation was achieved using single or bilateral internal thoracic arteries supplemented by one or more radial arteries (arterial group), while in the remaining 154 (38.5%), at least one venous conduit was used (mixed conduits group: mean 1.5 veins per patient). Propensity‐score matching was used to adjust for bias.ResultsTotal arterial revascularisation patients were more likely to be younger (arterial: 63 ± 10 years vs mixed: 67 ± 10 years, P < 0.0001), of elective priority (85% vs 75%, P = 0.018) and less likely to have moderate‐severe left ventricular dysfunction (23% vs 36%, P = 0.024). Use of bilateral internal thoracic arteries was similar between groups (16% vs 11%, P = 0.19). There was a comparable in‐hospital mortality (1.9% vs 2.0%, P > 0.99) and major morbidities, except the arterial group who experienced less stroke (0.4% vs 3.2% vs P = 0.04) and harvest site infections (0.4% vs 4%, P = 0.016). Mean follow was 7.8 ± 3.7 years. Estimated survival at 12‐year survival in the arterial group was 80% ± 3.2% vs 54% ± 5.5% (P < 0.0001). Subsequently, 103 propensity‐score‐matched patient pairs were created between the two groups. After matching, in‐hospital mortality (1% vs 2%, P > 0.99) and major morbidities were similar, as was an estimated 12‐year survival (69% ± 6.1% vs 59% ± 6.5%, P > 0.99).ConclusionsThe use of veins to supplement arterial conduits did not deleteriously affect survival. However, the significant number of patients receiving arterial grafts in both groups may have masked any potential difference. Greater numbers and longer follow‐up will reveal the potential of this approach.
Minor effects of green tea catechin supplementation on cardiovascular risk markers in active older people: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Miyazaki Ryo , Kotani Kazuhiko , Ayabe Makoto , Tsuzaki Kokoro , Shimada Junko , Sakane Naoki , Takase Hideto , Ichikawa Hiroshi , Yonei Yoshikazu , Ishii Kojiro 
Published: October 2012

Aim:  Although previous studies have shown that consumption of green tea catechins (GTC) and walking might prevent development of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the effects of GTC supplementation on CVD risk in active older people are unknown.Methods:  A total of 52 older adults (male/female 20/32, mean age 69.1 ± 5.9 years) participating in a pedometer‐based walking program were randomly assigned to a GTC group with an intake of 630.9 mg GTC daily (n = 26) or a control group (n = 26) for 14 weeks. Cardiovascular risk markers were measured before and after this trial.Results:  In the GTC group, values of the following markers were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) from the beginning to the end of the trial: waist circumference (from 84.2 ± 8.4 to 82.2 ± 8.5 cm), hip circumference (from 95.1 ± 6.9 to 92.2 ± 6.3 cm), total cholesterol (from 233.0 ± 46.3 to 218.8 ± 42.3 mg/dL), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (from 130.4 ± 36.2 to 119.1 ± 33.4 mg/dL) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (from 2.0 ± 1.7 to 1.7 ± 0.5); only hip circumference (from 95.6 ± 8.1 to 94.1 ± 7.6 cm) was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in the control group. No significant between‐group differences were found for any parameter measured.Conclusions:  Although GTC might reduce cholesterol levels, the present randomized control trial suggests that GTC supplementation in active older participants did not significantly affect cardiovascular risk markers. Future studies should identify more effective combinations of GTC supplementation and physical activity. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 622–629.
Respiratory and olfactory turbinal size in canid and arctoid carnivorans
Authors: Green Patrick A. , Van Valkenburgh Blaire , Pang Benison , Bird Deborah , Rowe Timothy , Curtis Abigail 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWithin the nasal cavity of mammals is a complex scaffold of paper‐thin bones that function in respiration and olfaction. Known as turbinals, the bones greatly enlarge the surface area available for conditioning inspired air, reducing water loss, and improving olfaction. Given their functional significance, the relative development of turbinal bones might be expected to differ among species with distinct olfactory, thermoregulatory and/or water conservation requirements. Here we explore the surface area of olfactory and respiratory turbinals relative to latitude and diet in terrestrial Caniformia, a group that includes the canid and arctoid carnivorans (mustelids, ursids, procyonids, mephitids, ailurids). Using high‐resolution computed tomography x‐ray scans, we estimated respiratory and olfactory turbinal surface area and nasal chamber volume from three‐dimensional virtual models of skulls. Across the Caniformia, respiratory surface area scaled isometrically with estimates of body size and there was no significant association with climate, as estimated by latitude. Nevertheless, one‐on‐one comparisons of sister taxa suggest that arctic species may have expanded respiratory turbinals. Olfactory surface area scaled isometrically among arctoids, but showed positive allometry in canids, reflecting the fact that larger canids, all of which are carnivorous, had relatively greater olfactory surface areas. In addition, among the arctoids, large carnivorous species such as the polar bear (Ursus maritimus) and wolverine (Gulo gulo) also displayed enlarged olfactory turbinals. More omnivorous caniform species that feed on substantial quantities of non‐vertebrate foods had less expansive olfactory turbinals. Because large carnivorous species hunt widely dispersed prey, an expanded olfactory turbinal surface area may improve a carnivore's ability to detect prey over great distances using olfactory cues.
Potential Conflict and Inefficiencies Arising in Agri‐environmental Management
Authors: Martin Elsa , Stahn Hubert 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWe characterise the welfare implications of uncoordinated policy decisions in the presence of multiple externalities, illustrated with an aquifer. We concentrate on the problem of coordination that can occur when distinct agricultural and water authorities implement their respective policies (to optimise food production and groundwater use) with environmental concerns in mind. We represent this problem as an open‐loop Nash game, which compares the game‐theoretical solution to a centrally planned solution. We show that the inefficiencies arise from differences in the account taken of relevant costs by different authorities. We demonstrate that the magnitude of the inefficiency generated by the absence of coordination of our authorities varies depending on the weights put on environmental benefits by each authority, and discuss the implications of analysis for future research and policy.
Tools to Detect Delirium Superimposed on Dementia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Morandi Alessandro , McCurley Jessica , Vasilevskis Eduard E. , Fick Donna M. , Bellelli Giuseppe , Lee Patricia , Jackson James C. , Shenkin Susan D. , MarcoTrabucchi  , Schnelle John , Inouye Sharon K. , Ely E. Wesley , MacLullich Alasdair 
Published: October 2012

ObjectivesTo identify valid tools to diagnose delirium superimposed on dementia.DesignSystematic review of studies of delirium tools that explicitly included individuals with dementia.SettingHospital.ParticipantsStudies were included if delirium assessment tools were validated against standard criteria, and the presence of dementia was assessed according to standard criteria that used validated instruments.MeasurementsPubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles in English published between January 1960 and January 2012.ResultsNine studies fulfilled the selection criteria. Of 1,569 participants, 401 had dementia, and 50 had delirium superimposed on dementia. Six delirium tools were evaluated. One study using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) with 85% of participants with dementia had high specificity (96–100%) and moderate sensitivity (77%). Two intensive care unit studies that used the CAM for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM‐ICU) reported 100% sensitivity and specificity for delirium in 23 individuals with dementia. One study using electroencephalography reported sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 91% in a population with a 100% prevalence of dementia. No studies examined potential effects of dementia severity or subtype on diagnostic accuracy.ConclusionsThe evidence base on tools for detection of delirium superimposed on dementia is limited, although some existing tools show promise. Further studies of existing or refined tools with larger samples and more‐detailed characterization of dementia are required to address the identification of delirium superimposed on dementia.