bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fetal macrosomia in Japanese women
Authors: Morikawa Mamoru , Cho Kazutoshi , Yamada Takashi , Yamada Takahiro , Sato Shoji , Minakami Hisanori 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimIt is unknown how to reduce the number of macrosomic neonates among women without hyperglycemia. The aim of this study was to determine clinically useful risk factors for macrosomic neonates among women without hyperglycemia.Material and MethodsA retrospective observational study was conducted in 117 680 Japanese women without hyperglycemia who gave birth to singleton infants at 37 weeks of gestation or later. Maternal age, parity, fetal sex, pregnancy length, and maternal body composition were studied as possible candidates for risk factors of macrosomic neonates using multivariate logistic regression analyses. Outcome measures were clinically available independent risk factors for macrosomic neonates weighing 4000 g or more.ResultsA total of 1037 (0.9%) women gave birth to macrosomic neonates. A male fetus (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.99 [1.75–2.27]), multiparity (1.75 [1.53–1.99]), pregnancy length of 41 weeks or more (4.28 [3.73–4.91]) and six characteristics at or above the 90th percentile values consisting of body height (≥1.65 m: 1.70 [1.45–1.99]), pre‐pregnancy body weight (≥65 kg: 1.47 [1.12–1.93]), pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) (≥25 kg/m2: 1.49 [1.16–1.91]), weight gain during pregnancy (≥15 kg: 2.32 [1.78–3.03]), BMI gain during pregnancy (≥6.0 kg/m2: 1.52 [1.16–2.00]), and body weight at delivery (≥75 kg: 2.57 [2.08–3.17]) were identified as independent risk factors for macrosomia.ConclusionIntervention, such as a counseling on dietary habits leading to a lesser net weight gain may be considered among women suspected of having fetal overgrowth.
Prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in Sri Lankan women with primary amenorrhea
Authors: Samarakoon Lasitha , Sirisena Nirmala D. , Wettasinghe Kalum T. , Kariyawasam Kariyawasam Warnakulathanthrige Jayani C. , Jayasekara Rohan W. , Dissanayake Vajira H. W. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimChromosomal abnormalities are implicated in the etiology of primary amenorrhea. The underlying chromosomal aberrations are varied and regional differences have been reported. The objective of this study is to describe the prevalence of various types of chromosomal abnormalities in Sri Lankan women with primary amenorrhea.Material and MethodsMedical records of all patients diagnosed with primary amenorrhea referred for cytogenetic analysis to two genetic centers in Sri Lanka from January 2005 to December 2011 were reviewed. Chromosome culture and karyotyping was performed on peripheral blood samples obtained from each patient. Data were analyzed using standard descriptive statistics.ResultsAltogether 338 patients with primary amenorrhea were karyotyped and mean age at testing was 20.5 years. Numerical and structural chromosomal abnormalities were noted in 115 (34.0%) patients which included 45,X Turner syndrome (10.7%), Turner syndrome variants (13.9%), XY females (6.5%), 45,X/46,XY (0.9%), 46,XX/46,XY (0.6%), 47,XXX (0.3%), 47,XX,+ mar (0.3%), 46,X,i(X)(p10) (0.3%), 46,XX with SRY gene translocation on X chromosome (0.3%) and 46,XX,inv(7)(p10;q11.2) (0.3%). Short stature, absent secondary sexual characteristics, neck webbing, cubitus valgus and broad chest with widely spaced nipples were commonly seen in patients with Turner syndrome and variant forms. Neck webbing and absent secondary sexual characteristics were significantly associated with classical Turner syndrome than variant forms.ConclusionA considerable proportion of women with primary amenorrhea had chromosomal abnormalities. Mean age at testing was late suggesting delay in referral for karyotyping. Early referral for cytogenetic evaluation is recommended for the identification of underlying chromosomal aberrations in women with primary amenorrhea.
ABCB1/MDR1 gene polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk: a meta‐analysis of case–control studies
Authors: He T. , Mo A. , Zhang K. , Liu L. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAim  ABCB1/MDR1 protein is found in high concentrations on the apical surfaces of colonic epithelial cells. It acts as an efflux pump by transporting toxic endogenous substances, drugs and xenobiotics out of cells. Polymorphisms in the ABCB1/MDR1 gene may either change expression of the ABCB1/MDR1 protein or alter its function, suggesting its possible association with colorectal cancer. Several studies have reported a relationship between ABCB1 gene polymorphisms and colorectal cancer risk, but no consistent conclusion has been reached. We therefore conducted a meta‐analysis to identify any association between the ABCB1 gene and CRC risk.Method  PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Cbmdisc and CNKI were searched for studies on the relationship of ABCB1/MDR1 gene SNPs and the incidence of colorectal cancer. Eligible articles were included for data extraction. The main outcome was the frequency of ABCB1/MDR1 gene SNPs among cases and controls. Comparison of the distribution of SNPs was performed mainly using Review Manager 5.0.Results  Ten, four and two trials were identified that focussed on the ABCB1 gene SNPs rs1045642, rs2032582 and rs3789243, respectively. A total of 3175 cases and 3715 controls were included. The meta‐analysis, stratified by ethnicity or population source, indicated no association between the ABCB1 gene rs1045642 polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk. However, when the study by Bae et al. was removed from the analysis, there was some evidence to indicate a higher T‐allele frequency in Asian colorectal cancer patients (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.02–1.67, P = 0.03). Neither ABCB1 rs2032582 nor ABCB1 rs3789243 indicated an association with colorectal cancer risk. An increased frequency only of the wild‐type combined allele (rs2032582G/rs1045642C) was found in Caucasian patients (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.03–1.44, P = 0.02).Conclusion  There is some evidence to indicate an association between ABCB1 rs1045642T and colorectal cancer risk in Asians. Compared with the ABCB1 gene SNPs rs1045642, rs2032582 or rs3789243 alone, combined haplotypes of several SNPs might be a better marker to determine the genetic influence on the susceptibility to colorectal cancer among Caucasians.
Virtue and austerity
Authors: Allmark Peter 
Published: December 2012

AbstractVirtue ethics is often proposed as a third way in health‐care ethics, that while consequentialism and deontology focus on action guidelines, virtue focuses on character; all three aim to help agents discern morally right action although virtue seems to have least to contribute to political issues, such as austerity. I claim: (1) This is a bad way to characterize virtue ethics. The 20th century renaissance of virtue ethics was first proposed as a response to the difficulty of making sense of ‘moral rightness’ outside a religious context. For Aristotle the right action is that which is practically best; that means best for the agent in order to live a flourishing life. There are no moral considerations besides this. (2) Properly characterized, virtue ethics can contribute to discussion of austerity. A criticism of virtue ethics is that fixed characteristics seem a bad idea in ever‐changing environments; perhaps we should be generous in prosperity, selfish in austerity. Furthermore, empirical evidence suggests that people indeed do change with their environment. However, I argue that virtues concern fixed values not fixed behaviour; the values underlying virtue allow for different behaviour in different circumstances: in austerity, virtues still give the agent the best chance of flourishing. Two questions arise. (a) In austere environments might not injustice help an individual flourish by, say, obtaining material goods? No, because unjust acts undermine the type of society the agent needs for flourishing. (b) What good is virtue to those lacking the other means to flourish? The notion of degrees of flourishing shows that most people would benefit somewhat from virtue. However, in extreme circumstances virtue might harm rather than benefit the agent: such circumstances are to be avoided; virtue ethics thus has a political agenda to enable flourishing. This requires justice, a fortiori when in austerity.
Thinking as a subversive activity: doing philosophy in the corporate university
Authors: Rolfe Gary 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe academy is in a mess. The cultural theorist Bill Readings claimed that it is in ruins, while the political scientist Michael Oakeshott suggested that it has all but ceased to exist. At the very least, we might argue that the current financial squeeze has distorted the University into a shape that would be all but unrecognizable to Oakeshott and others writing in the 1950s and 1960s. I will begin this paper by tracing the development of the modern Enlightenment University over the past 200 years from its roots in late 18th century Berlin to its current predicament. I will then turn my attention to the introduction during the 1990s of nursing education into the University, and examine the particular difficulties and tensions encountered at the interface between a professional practice and an academic discipline. Finally, I will propose philosophy as a way of dwelling in the ruins of the Enlightenment University and of reconciling the corporate demands of the University with the obligations of the nursing profession.
Capitalism, the state and health care in the age of austerity: a Marxist analysis
Authors: Porter Sam 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe capacity to provide satisfactory nursing care is being increasingly compromised by current trajectories of healthcare funding and governance. The purpose of this paper is to examine how well Marxist theories of the state and its relationship with capital can explain these trajectories in this period of ever‐increasing austerity. Following a brief history of the current crisis, it examines empirically the effects of the crisis, and of the current trajectory of capitalism in general, upon the funding and organization of the UK and US healthcare systems. The deleterious effect of growing income inequalities to the health of the population is also addressed. Marx's writings on the state and its relation to the capitalist class were fragmentary and historically and geographically specific. From them, we can extract three theoretical variants: the instrumentalist theory of the state, where the state has no autonomy from capital; the abdication theory, whereby capital abstains from direct political power and relies on the state to serve its interests; and the class‐balance theory, whereby the struggle between two opposed classes allows the state to assert itself. Discussion of modern Marxist interpretations includes Poulantzas's abdication theory and Miliband's instrumentalist theory. It is concluded that, despite the pluralism of electoral democracies, the bourgeoisie do have an overweening influence upon the state. The bourgeoisie's ownership of the means of production provides the foundation for its influence because the state is obliged to rely on it to manage the supply of goods and services and the creation of wealth. That power is further reinforced by the infiltration of the bourgeoisie into the organs of state. The level of influence has accelerated rapidly over recent decades. One of the consequences of this has been that healthcare systems have become rich pickings for the evermore confident bourgeoisie.
(Non)words, (non)words, (non)words: evidence for a protolexicon during the first year of life
Authors: Ngon Céline , Martin Andrew , Dupoux Emmanuel , Cabrol Dominique , Dutat Michel , Peperkamp Sharon 
Published: December 2012

AbstractPrevious research with artificial language learning paradigms has shown that infants are sensitive to statistical cues to word boundaries (Saffran, Aslin & Newport, 1996) and that they can use these cues to extract word‐like units (Saffran, 2001). However, it is unknown whether infants use statistical information to construct a receptive lexicon when acquiring their native language. In order to investigate this issue, we rely on the fact that besides real words a statistical algorithm extracts sound sequences that are highly frequent in infant‐directed speech but constitute nonwords. In three experiments, we use a preferential listening paradigm to test French‐learning 11‐month‐old infants' recognition of highly frequent disyllabic sequences from their native language. In Experiments 1 and 2, we use nonword stimuli and find that infants listen longer to high‐frequency than to low‐frequency sequences. In Experiment 3, we compare high‐frequency nonwords to real words in the same frequency range, and find that infants show no preference. Thus, at 11 months, French‐learning infants recognize highly frequent sound sequences from their native language and fail to differentiate between words and nonwords among these sequences. These results are evidence that they have used statistical information to extract word candidates from their input and stored them in a ‘protolexicon’, containing both words and nonwords.
Shrinkage and Penalty Estimators of a Poisson Regression Model
Authors: Hossain Shakhawat , Ahmed Ejaz 
Published: December 2012

SummaryIn this paper we propose Stein‐type shrinkage estimators for the parameter vector of a Poisson regression model when it is suspected that some of the parameters may be restricted to a subspace. We develop the properties of these estimators using the notion of asymptotic distributional risk. The shrinkage estimators are shown to have higher efficiency than the classical estimators for a wide class of models. Furthermore, we consider three different penalty estimators: the LASSO, adaptive LASSO, and SCAD estimators and compare their relative performance with that of the shrinkage estimators. Monte Carlo simulation studies reveal that the shrinkage strategy compares favorably to the use of penalty estimators, in terms of relative mean squared error, when the number of inactive predictors in the model is moderate to large. The shrinkage and penalty strategies are applied to two real data sets to illustrate the usefulness of the procedures in practice.
Confidence Intervals for the Weighted Sum of Two Independent Binomial Proportions
Authors: Decrouez Geoffrey , Robinson Andrew P. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryConfidence intervals for the difference of two binomial proportions are well known, however, confidence intervals for the weighted sum of two binomial proportions are less studied. We develop and compare seven methods for constructing confidence intervals for the weighted sum of two independent binomial proportions. The interval estimates are constructed by inverting the Wald test, the score test and the Likelihood ratio test. The weights can be negative, so our results generalize those for the difference between two independent proportions. We provide a numerical study that shows that these confidence intervals based on large‐sample approximations perform very well, even when a relatively small amount of data is available. The intervals based on the inversion of the score test showed the best performance. Finally, we show that as for the difference of two binomial proportions, adding four pseudo‐outcomes to the Wald interval for the weighted sum of two binomial proportions improves its coverage significantly, and we provide a justification for this correction.
Public health intelligence and the detection of potential pandemics
Authors: French Martin , Mykhalovskiy Eric 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis article considers contemporary developments in public health intelligence (PHI), especially their focus on health events of pandemic potential. It argues that the sociological study of PHI can yield important insights for the sociology of pandemics. PHI aims to detect health events as (or evenbefore) they unfold. Whilst its apparatuses envelope traditional public health activities, such as epidemiological surveillance, they increasingly extend to non‐traditional public health activities such as data‐mining in electronically mediated social networks. With a focus on non‐traditional PHI activities, the article first situates the study of PHI in relation to the sociology of public health. It then discusses the conceptualisation and actualisation of pandemics, reflecting on how public health professionals and organisations must equip themselves with diverse allies in order to realise the claims they make about pandemic phenomena. Finally, using the analytic tools of actor‐network theory, sites for future empirical research that can contribute to the sociology of pandemics are suggested.
Using model‐based evidence in the governance of pandemics
Authors: Mansnerus Erika 
Published: December 2012

AbstractPandemic preparedness planning relies on techniques to extend epidemiological inference beyond the bounds of direct observation. Mathematical modelling and simulation techniques are used to predict the course of an outbreak or test various mitigation strategies in pre‐pandemic preparedness planning. This reflects an increasing reliance on quantifiable objects and establishing regulatory and governing practices by developing numerical assessment methods. This process has been described in terms of techne; the emergence of technologies and practices of calculation in the context of governance. This article develops a narrative framework to study how modelling methods are used in the governance of pandemic outbreaks by analysing both pre‐pandemic modelling practices and model‐based evidence used in pandemic risk assessment at the European Disease Control Centre. It examines how the modelling methods form techne through which the efforts of governance are organised. It concludes with a critical reflection on the limits of modelling methods by studying how they accommodate uncertainties.
Sequential Sentinel SNP Regional Association Plots (SSS‐RAP): An Approach for Testing Independence of SNP Association Signals Using Meta‐Analysis Data
Authors: Zheng Jie , Gaunt Tom R. , Day Ian N. M. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryGenome‐Wide Association Studies (GWAS) frequently incorporate meta‐analysis within their framework. However, conditional analysis of individual‐level data, which is an established approach for fine mapping of causal sites, is often precluded where only group‐level summary data are available for analysis. Here, we present a numerical and graphical approach, “sequential sentinel SNP regional association plot” (SSS‐RAP), which estimates regression coefficients (beta) with their standard errors using the meta‐analysis summary results directly. Under an additive model, typical for genes with small effect, the effect for a sentinel SNP can be transformed to the predicted effect for a possibly dependent SNP through a 2×2 2‐SNP haplotypes table. The approach assumes Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium for test SNPs. SSS‐RAP is available as a Web‐tool (http://apps.biocompute.org.uk/sssrap/sssrap.cgi). To develop and illustrate SSS‐RAP we analyzed lipid and ECG traits data from the British Women's Heart and Health Study (BWHHS), evaluated a meta‐analysis for ECG trait and presented several simulations. We compared results with existing approaches such as model selection methods and conditional analysis. Generally findings were consistent. SSS‐RAP represents a tool for testing independence of SNP association signals using meta‐analysis data, and is also a convenient approach based on biological principles for fine mapping in group level summary data.
Neurofilament phosphorylation and their proline‐directed kinases in health and disease
Authors: Holmgren Anne , Bouhy Delphine , Timmerman Vincent 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe intermediate filaments called neurofilaments (NFs) are the main cytoskeleton elements in neurons. They are mainly present in the adult axonal cytoskeleton, where they are extensively phosphorylated and their phosphorylation status is pivotal for their properties and functions. Specific phosphorylation of the C‐terminal domains of the large NF subunits has been implicated in radial axonal growth, NF bundling, and NF axonal transport. Many kinases and phosphatases are involved in regulating the NF phosphorylation status, and this complex interplay is of growing interest as hyperphosphorylation of NFs is a hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we focus on the in vivo relevance of C‐tail phosphorylation of the large NF subunits and give an overview of the kinases and phosphatases involved in regulating the phosphorylation status of the NFs.
Intrinsic microvasculature of the sciatic nerve in the rat
Authors: Zamir Mair , Twynstra Jasna , Vercnocke Andrew J. , Welch Ian , Jorgensen Steve M. , Ritman Erik L. , Holdsworth David W. , Shoemaker J. Kevin 
Published: December 2012

AbstractMicrovasculature associated with the sciatic nerve was examined using high‐resolution micro‐CT scanning in one group of rats and surgical exploration in another. The results indicate that blood supply to the sciatic nerve is an “open‐ended” system in which the vessels run longitudinally within the epineurium and connect with external vasculature primarily at junction points. Although the range of vasculature found extended down to 4–5 μ, only a few isolated vessels of this size were found, with no capillary “mesh” as such, possibly because of the close proximity of the intrinsic vessel to nerve fibers within the epineurium. While the study did not include direct measurements of flow or nerve function, the “open‐ended” pattern of vasculature found has important implications regarding the relationship between the two. Specifically, the nerve is less vulnerable to a severe or complete disruption in blood supply than it would be under a close‐ended system such as that of the heart or brain, where a severe disruption can occur with the obstruction of only a single vessel. Indeed, the pattern of vasculature found, subject to further study of vasculature at the capillary level, suggests that flow within the intrinsic vessels may be in either direction, depending on circumstances, somewhat like flow within the circle of Willis in the cerebral circulation.
Transthyretin‐related familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy: description of a cohort of patients with Leu64 mutation and late onset
Authors: Russo Massimo , Mazzeo Anna , Stancanelli Claudia , Di Leo Rita , Gentile Luca , Di Bella Gianluca , Minutoli Fabio , Baldari Sergio , Vita Giuseppe 
Published: December 2012

AbstractTransthyretin‐related familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (TTR‐FAP) usually presents itself as a progressive sensorimotor polyneuropathy with severe autonomic dysfunction and cardiomyopathy. Eighteen patients carrying the Leu64 mutation underwent a series of regular follow‐ups, including: neurological examination, electroneurography, electromyography, electrocardiography and echocardiography, blood analysis, a questionnaire on autonomic symptoms, cardiovascular autonomic tests and a 99mTc‐DPD examination study. A late onset of a slowly progressive disease which reached its terminal stage after about 10  years was observed. The onset was mainly a length‐dependent sensory neuropathy, although a focal onset with carpal tunnel syndrome was detected in three patients. At the onset of the disease, autonomic dysfunction was present in a small number of patients, but, within a few years, this had manifested in all members of the sample group. The only extra‐neurological manifestations were cardiac related. It is reasonable to consider Southern Italy as an endemic focus of TTR‐FAP. An underestimation of disease prevalence could be caused by a late onset of FAP, which can manifest in patients up to their late 70s. Follow‐up of asymptomatic individuals may permit the early detection of symptoms and signs, allowing a detailed record of the natural history of the disease from the beginning and facilitating prompt treatment.