bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dietary therapy is not the best option for refractory nonsurgical epilepsy
Authors: Vaccarezza María Magdalena , Silva Walter Horacio 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThe ketogenic diet (KD) is currently a well‐established treatment for patients with medically refractory, nonsurgical epilepsy. However, despite its efficacy, the KD is highly restrictive and constitutes a treatment with serious potential adverse effects, and often with difficulties in its implementation and compliance. Patients on the KD require strict follow‐up and constant supervision by a medical team highly experienced in its management in order to prevent complications. Other alternative treatments for patients with refractory epilepsy include vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), new‐generation antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), corpus callosotomy (CC), and responsive focal cortical stimulation (RNS). In this review, we explain not only the difficulties of the KD as a therapeutic option for refractory epilepsy but also the benefits of other therapeutic strategies, which, in many cases, have proven to have better efficacy than the KD itself.
Heterogeneous flows foster heterogeneous assemblages: relationships between functional diversity and hydrological heterogeneity in riparian plant communities
Authors: Lawson James R. , Fryirs Kirstie A. , Lenz Tanja , Leishman Michelle R. 
Published: July 2015

Summary

Riparian ecosystems are biophysically complex and highly diverse taxonomically, structurally and functionally. While many environmental factors determine the structure and function of riparian vegetation communities, hydrology is thought to be the ‘master variable’. Flooding and variability in water availability are known to be key drivers of taxonomic diversity, but their influence on the functional trait diversity of riparian vegetation communities remains largely unexplored.

We collected data on species abundance, quantitative plant functional traits and hydrology from 15 sites distributed across south‐eastern Australia to address the following questions: (a) Is functional trait diversity related to the frequency and magnitude of flooding disturbance? (b) Is functional trait diversity related to variability in seasonal water availability within the riparian zone?

We confirm that metrics describing both flooding disturbance and patterns of water availability exhibit strong relationships with functional trait diversity in riparian vegetation communities of south‐eastern Australia. Our key finding is that functional trait diversity in these systems tends to be positively associated with variability in hydrological conditions and the intensity of rare, high‐magnitude flooding events, rather than average patterns of flow.

Our study highlights the importance of extreme flooding events and temporal patterns of water availability as determinants of diversity in riparian vegetation communities. These relationships may have significant consequences for plant communities experiencing alterations to hydrology caused by anthropogenic flow modification and the changing climate.
The Spillover Effect of Urban Village Removal on Nearby Home Values in Beijing
Authors: Zhang Yingjie , Zheng Siqi , Song Yan , Zhong Yongguang 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAn urban village is a typical type of informal housing settlement in which rural migrants stay in Chinese cities. As urban villages are being woven into modern urban landscapes, we estimate the size of their negative externality and also the positive spillover effect of their removal on nearby formal housing communities. We employ two micro data sets: one includes all the existing urban villages in 2006 and a unique micro survey of 50 villages conducted in 2008, and the other contains 24,000 micro resale records in the formal housing sector from 2006 to 2011. Our findings show that an average urban village causes a 2.5 percent housing price discount in nearby communities, and the removal of this urban village triggers a 3.3–4.3 percent housing price appreciation. However, more careful consideration is needed for the other side of the coin—the welfare change of those rural migrants who are displaced during this process.
First prospective report on immune tolerance in poor risk haemophilia A inhibitor patients with a single factor VIII/von Willebrand factor concentrate in an observational immune tolerance induction study
Authors: Kreuz W. , Escuriola Ettingshausen C. , Vdovin V. , Zozulya N. , Plyushch O. , Svirin P. , Andreeva T. , Bubanská E. , Campos M. , Benedik‐Dolničar M. , Jiménez‐Yuste V. , Kitanovski L. , Klukowska A. , Momot A. , Osmulskaya N. , Prieto M. , Šalek S. Z. , Velasco F. , Pavlova A. , Oldenburg J. , Knaub S. , Jansen M. , Belyanskaya L. , Walter O. ,   the ObsITI study group and the ObsITI committee
Published: July 2015

Introduction/backgroundDevelopment of neutralizing inhibitors against factor VIII (FVIII) is a major complication of haemophilia A treatment.AimThe ongoing, international, open‐label, uncontrolled, observational immune tolerance induction (ObsITI) study evaluates ITI, the standard of care in patients with inhibitors.Patients/methodsForty‐eight prospective patients in this interim analysis received a single plasma‐derived, von Willebrand factor‐stabilized, FVIII concentrate (pdFVIII/VWF) for ITI. According to recommended Bonn protocol, ‘low responders’ at ITI start (<5 BU) received 50–100 IU FVIII kg−1 daily, or every other day; ‘high responders’ (≥5 BU) received 100 IU FVIII kg−1 every 12 h.ResultsForty of 48 patients (83.3%), had at least one risk factor for poor ITI‐prognosis at ITI start (i.e. age ≥7 years, >2 years since inhibitor diagnosis, inhibitor titre ≥10 BU at the start of ITI, or prior ITI failure). Nonetheless, 34 patients (70.8%) achieved complete success, 3 (6.3%) partial success, 1 (2.1%) partial response; ITI failed in 10 patients (20.8%), all with poor prognosis factors. All six low responders achieved complete success. ITI outcome was significantly associated with inhibitor titre level at ITI start (P = 0.0068), number of poor prognosis factors for ITI success (P = 0.0187), monthly bleeding rate during ITI (P = 0.0005) and peak inhibitor titre during ITI (P = 0.0007). Twenty‐two of 35 high responder patients (62.9%) with ≥1 poor prognosis factor achieved complete success.ConclusionTreatment with a single pdFVIII/VWF concentrate, mainly according to the Bonn protocol, resulted in a high ITI success rate in haemophilia A patients with inhibitors and poor prognosis for ITI success.
Fibromyalgia syndrome in Turkish hemodialysis patients
Authors: Leblebici Berrin , Özelsancak Rüya , Yılmaz Emine Ece , Doruk Pınar 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe aim of our study was to evaluate the frequency of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in hemodialysis (HD) patients and to assess whether this syndrome is associated with gender, age, duration of HD, or various laboratory parameters. This study was composed of 221 chronic HD patients (99 females and 122 males), and we recorded each participant's age, gender, causes of kidney failure, HD duration, education level, and symptoms related to FMS, which was diagnosed according to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology criteria. We documented the laboratory parameters for all patients. In addition, patients with FMS filled out the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire. Twenty‐two patients met the diagnostic criteria for FMS (9%), and there were no statistically significant differences related to age, gender, or HD duration between FMS and non‐FMS groups (P > 0.05). In addition, the education levels were lower in patients diagnosed with FMS (P < 0.05), and there were statistically significant differences related to sleep disturbance, fatigue, and cognitive symptoms between the two groups (P < 0.05) as well. However, their laboratory parameters were similar (P > 0.05). There was a higher prevalence of FMS in HD patients than in the general population. Sleep disturbances, fatigue, education level, and cognitive symptoms were associated with FMS, but there was no correlation between the laboratory parameters and this condition.
Awareness of cervical cancer risk factors and symptoms: cross‐sectional community survey in post‐conflict northern Uganda
Authors: Mwaka Amos D. , Orach Christopher G. , Were Edward M. , Lyratzopoulos Georgios , Wabinga Henry , Roland Martin 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundLack of awareness of risk factors and symptoms for cancer may lead to late diagnosis and poor prognosis.ObjectiveWe assessed community awareness about cervical cancer risk factors and symptoms and perceptions about prevention and cure of cervical cancer in order to contribute data to inform interventions to improve cervical cancer survival.DesignCross‐sectional population‐based survey.Setting and participantsWe conducted this study in Gulu, a post‐conflict district in Uganda in 2012. The sample included 448 persons aged 18 years and above, selected through a multi‐stage stratified cluster sampling process.Data collection methods and analysisWe collected data using a pretested structured questionnaire. Logistic regressions were used to determine magnitudes of associations between socio‐demographic and outcome variables.ResultsMost participants (444/448) had heard about cervical cancer. Known risk factors including multiple sexual partners, human papillomavirus infection, and early onset of sexual activity, were recognized by 88%, 82%, and 78% of respondents respectively. 63% of participants believed that prolonged use of family planning pills and injections caused cervical cancer. The majority of participants recognized symptoms of cervical cancer including inter‐menstrual bleeding (85%), post‐menopausal bleeding (84%), and offensive vaginal discharge (83%). 70% of participants believed that cervical cancer is preventable and 92% believed that it could be cured if diagnosed at an early stage.Discussion and conclusionsRecognition of cervical cancer risk factors and symptoms was high among study participants. Targeted interventions including increasing availability of HPV vaccination, population‐based cervical screening and diagnostic services can translate high awareness into actual benefits.
Getting it right! Enhancing youth involvement in mental health research
Authors: Mawn Lauren , Welsh Patrick , Kirkpatrick Lauren , Webster Lisa A.D. , Stain Helen J. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundFew studies relating to youth mental health have actively involved young people in the design and conduct of research.AimsThis qualitative study explores the perceptions of young people about involving them in mental health research.MethodAn opportunistic sample of eight young people (aged 14–24 years) from non‐statutory mental health organizations was interviewed. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and inductive thematic analysis was conducted.ResultsSix key themes emerged reflecting a desire for young people to have the opportunity to actively contribute to every stage of the research process. Meaningful research involvement was perceived as offering opportunities to develop personal skills, contribute to making a difference and ensuring research projects were more relevant.ConclusionsYoung people with an active interest in mental health promotion demonstrate a desire to be involved in research with training in research methods likely to facilitate this process. Researchers need training on how best to actively and meaningfully involve young people in mental health research.
HIV and new onset seizures: slipping through the cracks in HIV care and treatment
Authors: Sikazwe I , Elafros MA , Bositis CM , Siddiqi OK , Koralnik IJ , Kalungwana L , Theodore WH , Okulicz JF , Potchen MJ , Birbeck GL 
Published: July 2015

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to describe patient characteristics and outcomes among HIV‐positive adults presenting to a Zambian tertiary care hospital with new‐onset seizures.MethodsFrom July 2011 to June 2013, adults with seizures and a known or probable diagnosis of HIV infection were screened for a cohort study. Demographic and clinical data were obtained, including information on engagement in HIV services and in‐patient mortality. Analyses were conducted to identify characteristics associated with poor engagement in care and death.ResultsA total of 320 of 351 screened adults were HIV‐positive, with 268 of 320 experiencing new‐onset seizures. Of these, 114 of 268 (42.5%) were female, and their mean age was 36.8 years. Seventy‐nine of the 268 patients (29.5%) were diagnosed with HIV infection during the index illness. Among those who were aware of their HIV‐positive status, 59 of 156 (37.8%) had disengaged from care. Significant functional impairment (Karnofsky score < 50) was evident in 44.0% of patients. Cerebrospinal fluid was not obtained in 108 of 268 (40.3%). In‐patient mortality outcomes were available for 214 patients, and 47 of these 214 (22.0%) died during hospitalization. Patients with significant functional impairment were more likely to undergo lumbar puncture (P = 0.046). Women and the functionally impaired were more likely to die (P = 0.04 and < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionsDespite the availability of care, less than half of HIV‐infected people with new‐onset seizures were actively engaged in care and in‐patient mortality rates were high. In the absence of clinical contraindication, lumbar puncture should be performed to diagnose treatable conditions and reduce morbidity and mortality. Continued efforts are needed to expand community‐based testing and improve HIV care retention rates. Qualitative studies are needed to elucidate factors contributing to lumbar puncture usage in this population.
Biodiversity dynamics of chironomid midges in high‐altitude lakes of the Alps over the past two millennia
Authors: Ilyashuk Elena A. , Ilyashuk Boris P. , Tylmann Wojciech , Koinig Karin A. , Psenner Roland 
Published: July 2015

Abstract

Climate change is one of the key drivers of changes in the biodiversity of the planet. There is, however, a general lack of long‐term data sets showing trends in taxonomic diversity of aquatic insects in high mountain environments particularly vulnerable to climate change. Using palaeolimnological techniques, we explored the changes in subfossil chironomid assemblages from three remote water bodies in the Eastern Alps, with the main focus on taxonomic turnover over different intervals of the late Holocene.

Major changes in the assemblages coincided with shifts between different climate regimes and were mainly associated with the taxonomic shifts indicating the crossing ecological thresholds related to the ice‐cover duration in alpine lakes.

Patterns of assemblage turnover through the past 2000 years differ between the study sites. Nevertheless, despite site‐specific differences in the physical setting and taxonomic composition, the study sites reveal substantial chironomid assemblage turnover (>1.0 SD) since AD 1850. The highest chironomid turnover (0.87 SD) over the last 30 years (AD 1980–2010), more than three times greater (0.26 SD) than in the previous 30 years, is observed in the lake situated at the highest elevation among the study lakes.

Applying non‐linear structural equation modelling, we found that cold‐season (October–May) temperatures and therefore lake ice phenology are among the most important environment variables affecting the chironomid assemblages.

The results of this study suggest that further climate warming will increase the risk of ecological alterations in remote Alpine freshwaters, including major shifts in chironomid fauna.
Intracanal molar barometric pressure differentials at simulated altitude conditions – proof of concept study
Authors: Roberts H. W. , Kirkpatrick T. C. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimTo evaluate whether objective data could be obtained regarding internal pressure conditions of a molar tooth with canals prepared but not filled exposed to reduced barometric pressures that could be experienced by aircrew.MethodologyThe root canals of five mandibular molars were prepared but not filled. Root apices were sealed with a resin‐modified glass–ionomer liner and root surfaces sealed with a dental adhesive. The sealed root surfaces were then coated with a polyvinylsiloxane (PVS) adhesive and the teeth inserted into cylinders of PVS impression material to the level of the cervical enamel junction. Barometric pressure transducers were placed in the pulp chambers with the endodontic access sealed with cotton and a provisional restoration. The specimens were then subjected to a manually controlled, atmospheric altitude challenge consisting of a slow ascent and descent to a simulated 25 000 feet above sea level followed by a rapid altitude climb and descent. The real‐time difference between intracanal and simulated atmospheric pressures were recorded and correlated (Pearson's, P = 0.05).ResultsNo tooth material fractured, and there was no failure of the provisional restorations. Barometric pressures inside the closed prepared molar canals and the ambient atmospheric pressure were found to correlate (r2 = 0.97–0.99; P < 0.0001), but pressure equalization lags were observed. However, no differences greater than six pounds per square inch (310 torr) were noted.ConclusionThis pilot study established a protocol that demonstrated that objective data regarding barometric pressures within the prepared canals of molars can be obtained at simulated altitude conditions.
Heart Rate Variability and Baroreceptor Sensitivity in Acute Stroke: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yperzeele Laetitia , van Hooff Robbert-Jan , Nagels Guy , De Smedt Ann , De Keyser Jacques , Brouns Raf 
Published: July 2015

Background Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is common after acute stroke and is associated with elevated risk of cardiac arrhythmia and mortality. Heart rate variability and baroreceptor sensitivity have been investigated as parameters of autonomic nervous system dysfunction for the prediction of stroke outcome. Summary We performed a systematic literature review on heart rate variability and baroreceptor sensitivity as parameters for autonomic nervous function in acute stroke. Twenty-two studies were included. Associations between heart rate variability or baroreceptor sensitivity and stroke severity, early and late complications, dependency and mortality were reported. However, interpretability of most studies and extrapolation to general stroke population are limited due to many confounding factors such as varying methodology, small sample sizes, survival selection, and exclusion of patients with frequently occurring comorbidities in stroke. Key issues, such as the effect of thrombolytic therapy on autonomic function, autonomic nervous system dysfunction in the hyperacute phase of stroke, and correlation with the risk of recurrent stroke have not been investigated. Also, nonlinear techniques have remained largely unexplored in this domain, in spite of their advantage to provide more solid evaluation in the occurrence of arrhythmia. Key messages Cardiac autonomic dysfunction, represented by reduced heart rate variability or impaired baroreceptor sensitivity, is associated with stroke severity, early and late complications, dependency, and mortality. Large-scale prospective studies applying internationally accepted standards of measures for analysis of heart rate variability and baroreceptor sensitivity are needed in patients with acute stroke.
Economic growth, labour flexibilization and employment quality in Colombia, 2002–11
Authors: FARNÉ Stefano , VERGARA Carlos Andrés 
Published: July 2015

AbstractOver the period 2002–11, the Colombian labour market saw a marked improvement in employment opportunities, accompanied by an increase in nonstandard forms of employment. The authors look at how this affected employment quality, using a composite index based on Categorical Principal Components Analysis (CATPCA). They observe a small but widespread improvement in employment quality – mainly for self‐employed women – brought about by higher earnings, increased social protection and less time‐related underemployment. However, a considerable “quality deficit” remains, which calls for policies to strengthen labour market institutions and stimulate productivity and investment.
Impact of Electrode Type on Mapping of Scar‐Related VT
Authors: BERTE BENJAMIN , RELAN JATIN , SACHER FREDERIC , PILLOIS XAVIER , APPETITI ANTHONY , YAMASHITA SEIGO , MAHIDA SAAGAR , CASASSUS FREDERIC , HOOKS DARREN , SELLAL JEAN‐MARC , AMRAOUI SANA , DENIS ARNAUD , DERVAL NICOLAS , COCHET HUBERT , HOCINI MÉLÈZE , HAÏSSAGUERRE MICHEL , WEERASOORIYA RUKSHEN , JAÏS PIERRE 
Published: July 2015

Mapping of Scar‐Related VTBackgroundSubstrate‐based VT ablation is mostly based on maps acquired with ablation catheters. We hypothesized that multipolar mapping catheters are more effective for identification of scar and local abnormal ventricular activity (LAVA).Methods and resultsPhase1: In a sheep infarction model (2 months postinfarction), substrate mapping and LAVA tagging (CARTO®3) was performed, using a Navistar (NAV) versus a PentaRay (PR) catheter (Biosense Webster). Phase2: Consecutive VT ablation patients from a single center underwent NAV versus PR mapping. Point pairs were defined as a PR and a NAV point located within a 3D‐distance of ≤3 mm. Agreement was defined as both points in a pair being manually tagged as normal or LAVA.Four sheep (4 years, 50 ± 4.8 kg) and 9 patients were included (53 ± 14 years, 8 male, 6 ischemic cardiomyopathy). Mapping density was higher within the scar with PR versus NAV (3.2 vs. 0.7 points/cm2, P = 0.001) with larger bipolar scar area (68 ± 55 cm2 vs. 58 ± 48 cm2, P = 0.001). In total, 818 point pairs were analyzed. Using PR, far‐field voltages were smaller (PR vs. NAV; bipolar: 1.43 ± 1.84 mV vs. 1.64 ± 2.04 mV, P = 0.001; unipolar; 4.28 ± 3.02 mV vs. 4.59 ± 3.67 mV, P < 0.001). More LAVA were also detected with PR (PR vs. NAV; 126 ± 113 vs. 36 ± 29, P = 0.001). When agreement on LAVA was reached (overall: 72%; both LAVA, 40%; both normal, 82%) higher LAVA voltages were recorded on PR (0.48 ± 0.33 mV vs. 0.31 ± 0.21 mV, P = 0.0001).ConclusionMultipolar mapping catheters with small electrodes provide more accurate and higher density maps, with a higher sensitivity to near‐field signals. Agreement between PR and NAV is low.
Overexpression of CD55 from Barrett's esophagus is associated with esophageal adenocarcinoma risk
Authors: Murao Takahisa , Shiotani Akiko , Fujita Yoshihiko , Yamanaka Yoshiyuki , Kamada Tomoari , Manabe Noriaki , Hata Jiro , Nishio Kazuto , Haruma Ken 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackground and Aim:Although several molecular biomarkers for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) have been shown to be useful disease indicators, none has been established as a reliable indicator for risk of EAC or have progressed to routine use. The aim was to identify biomarkers of high risk for EAC in patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE).Methods:Following endoscopic observation by magnified endoscopy with narrow band imaging (ME‐NBI), brushing was followed by obtaining biopsy samples from columnar‐lined esophagus (CLE) and from EAC lesions of EAC patients, and from age‐ and sex‐matched non‐EAC controls with BE. Total RNA was extracted for microarray analysis using Affymetrix GeneChip Human Genome U133 plus 2.0 Array. Real‐time‐PCR analysis of identified candidate genes was used to confirm the results.Results:Overall, 9 EAC patients and 50 patients with BE were studied. Seventy‐nine candidate genes were identified by microarray analysis based on a proportional hazards model (P < 0.005). Six genes exhibited significantly differential expressions in both BE and cancer lesions of the EAC group compared to BE of the controls. In the brushing samples, median CD55 relative expression levels in cancer lesions were highest and decreased in BE of EAC group and BE of the controls, in that order (P < 0.001).Conclusion:Over expression of CD55 in brushing samples taken from BE may be associated with the risk of EAC.