bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Milk allergy is a minor cause of milk avoidance due to perceived hypersensitivity among schoolchildren in Northern Sweden
Authors: Winberg Anna , West Christina E. , Strinnholm Åsa , Nordström Lisbeth , Hedman Linnea , Rönmark Eva 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimWe investigated phenotypes of milk hypersensitivity among schoolchildren aged 11–12 in Northern Sweden.MethodsIn a population‐based cohort, 1824 (98%) children aged 11–12 participated in a questionnaire survey, skin prick testing, interviews on food hypersensitivity and assessment of body mass index (BMI). Of the 265 children reporting milk hypersensitivity, milk avoidance and no coeliac disease, 236 (89%) participated in a structured interview and blood samples for analyses of milk‐specific Immunoglobulin E. The children were then categorised into milk hypersensitivity phenotypes according to preset criteria.ResultsIn all, 14.5% reported milk hypersensitivity. Of these, 3% were categorised as current milk allergy, 23% as outgrown milk allergy, 40% as probable lactose intolerance and 11% as nondefinable. Furthermore, 23% had discontinued their elimination diet. Milk allergy was associated with other atopic disorders and lower BMI, with an odds ratio of 0.82 and 95% confidence interval of 0.80–0.98. Only 2% had previously undergone an oral challenge.ConclusionThe most common symptom phenotypes among Swedish children aged 11–12 with self‐reported milk hypersensitivity and milk avoidance were probable intolerance and outgrown milk allergy, while current milk allergy was uncommon. Children with milk allergy had a lower BMI and most lacked a challenge‐proven diagnosis.
Myeloma impairs mature osteoblast function but causes early expansion of osteo‐progenitors: temporal changes in bone physiology and gene expression in the KMS12BM model
Authors: Kassen Deepika , Lath Darren , Lach Anna , Evans Holly , Chantry Andy , Rabin Neil , Croucher Peter , Yong Kwee L. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryMyeloma bone disease results from an uncoupling of osteoclastic resorption and osteoblastic bone formation, but early changes in osteogenic function remain poorly defined. We used the KMS12BM xenograft model to investigate cellular and molecular events at early and late stages of disease. Lytic lesions and changes in osteoblast and osteoclast numbers occur late (8 weeks), however, micro‐computed tomography of femora revealed significant reduction in bone volume at earlier disease stages (3 weeks) when tumour burden is low. Calcein labelling demonstrated reduced mineralization and bone formation at 3 weeks, suggesting functional impairment despite preserved osteoblast numbers. Osteo‐progenitors from compact bone increased early (1 week), but fell at 3 weeks and were profoundly suppressed by 8 weeks. Exposure of osteoblast progenitors to multiple myeloma (MM) cells in vitro induced cell cycling, suggesting a mechanistic basis for early expansion of osteo‐progenitors. We observed temporal changes in chemokine, osteogenic and osteoclastogenic genes in the stromal compartment. Notably, an early rise in CCL3 may underlie functional changes in mature osteoblasts at 3 weeks. Our data indicate that MM has distinct effects on mature osteoblasts and immature osteo‐progenitors. Our findings argue for early clinical intervention to prevent bone changes that ultimately lead to the development of osteolytic disease.
Organ iron accumulation in chronically transfused children with sickle cell anaemia: baseline results from the TWiTCH trial
Authors: Wood John C. , Cohen Alan R. , Pressel Sara L. , Aygun Banu , Imran Hamayun , Luchtman‐Jones Lori , Thompson Alexis A. , Fuh Beng , Schultz William H. , Davis Barry R. , Ware Russell E. ,   the TWiTCH Investigators
Published: November 2015

SummaryTranscranial Doppler (TCD) With Transfusions Changing to Hydroxyurea (TWiTCH) trial is a randomized, open‐label comparison of hydroxycarbamide (also termed hydroxyurea) versus continued chronic transfusion therapy for primary stroke prevention in patients with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) and abnormal TCD. Severity and location of iron overload is an important secondary outcome measure. We report the baseline findings of abdominal organ iron burden in 121 participants. At enrollment, patients were young (9·8 ± 2·9 years), predominantly female (60:40), and previously treated with transfusions (4·1 ± 2·4 years) and iron chelation (3·1 ± 2·1 years). Liver iron concentration (LIC; 9·0 ± 6·6 mg/g dry weight) and serum ferritin were moderately elevated (2696 ± 1678 μg/l), but transferrin was incompletely saturated (47·2 ± 23·6%). Spleen R2* was 509 ± 399 Hz (splenic iron ~13·9 mg/g) and correlated with LIC (r2 = 0·14, P = 0·0008). Pancreas R2* was increased in 38·3% of patients but not to levels associated with endocrine toxicity. Kidney R2* was increased in 80·7% of patients; renal iron correlated with markers of intravascular haemolysis and was elevated in patients with increased urine albumin‐creatinine ratios. Extra‐hepatic iron deposition is common among children with SCA who receive chronic transfusions, and could potentiate oxidative stress caused by reperfusion injury and decellularized haemoglobin.
The Benefits and Costs of Zero Tillage RD&E on the Canadian Prairies
Authors: Awada Lana , Gray Richard S. , Nagy Cecil 
Published: November 2015

The development and adoption of zero tillage has profoundly transformed cropping systems in Western Canada. In this paper, we describe key drivers and aspects of this innovation process and quantify the overall economic impacts of adoption and the benefit cost of research development and extension, which accelerated the adoption. Estimating on‐site and off‐site benefits we find very high benefit–cost ratios, suggesting a need to maintain institutions that can foster the development of similar innovations.Le développement et l'adoption des techniques sans labour (TSL) ont profondément transformé les systèmes de culture dans l’Ouest Canadien. Dans cet article, nous décrivons les principales causes et les aspects de ce processus d'innovation et quantifions les conséquences économiques de l'adoption et le avantage‐coût de recherche‐développement et vulgarisation, ce qui ont accéléré l'adoption. Estimer les bénéficies sur site et hors site nous avons trouvé que les ratios avantage‐coût est très élevé, ce qui suggère la nécessité de maintenir les institutions qui favorisent le développement d'innovations similaires.
An open randomized controlled clinical trial to evaluate ridge preservation and repair using SocketKAP™and SocketKAGE™: part 1‐three‐dimensional volumetric soft tissue analysis of study casts
Authors: Zadeh Homayoun H. , Abdelhamid Alaa , Omran Mostafa , Bakhshalian Neema , Tarnow Dennis 
Published: November 2015

AbstractObjectivesThe aims of this study were to evaluate (i) the efficacy of ridge preservation and repair involving SocketKAP™and SocketKAGE™devices following tooth removal; and (ii) ridge contour changes at 6 months post‐extraction in intact sockets and sockets with dehiscence defects.Material and methodsThirty‐six patients required a total of 61 teeth to be extracted. Five cohorts were established with groups A–C involving intact sockets and groups D and E involving facial dehiscence: (A) Negative Control; (B) SocketKAP™alone; (C) Anorganic Bovine Bone Mineral (ABBM) + SocketKAP™; (D) Negative Control; and (E)ABBM + SocketKAP™ + SocketKAGE™. PreoperativeCBCTand laser‐scanned casts were obtained. Teeth segmented from preoperativeCBCTwere merged with study cast images to allow for digital removal of teeth from the casts. Volumetric measurements of ridge contour were performed. Images of preoperative and 6 months post‐operative casts were superimposed to measure ridge contour changes.ResultsPost‐extraction contour loss occurred in all sockets primarily in the crestal 3 mm but was also detected up to 6 mm from alveolar crest. For intact sockets, SocketKAP™or SocketKAP™ + ABBMinterventions led to greater percentages of remaining ridge contour when compared to controls. A significant difference favoring SocketKAP™ + SocketKAGE™ + ABBMtreatment was observed for sockets with facial dehiscence when compared to controls.ConclusionSocketKAP™, with or withoutABBM, significantly limited post‐extraction ridge contour loss in intact sockets. In the absence of a group treated with only the SocketKAGE™, it is not possible to determine its efficacy, although the combination of SocketKAGE™ + SocketKAP™ + ABBMwas effective in limiting post‐extraction ridge contour loss in sockets with dehiscence defects.
Incremental Bayesian Category Learning From Natural Language
Authors: Frermann Lea , Lapata Mirella 
Published: November 2015

AbstractModels of category learning have been extensively studied in cognitive science and primarily tested on perceptual abstractions or artificial stimuli. In this paper, we focus on categories acquired from natural language stimuli, that is, words (e.g.,chairis a member of the furniture category). We present a Bayesian model that, unlike previous work, learns both categories and their features in a single process. We model category induction as two interrelated subproblems: (a) the acquisition of features that discriminate among categories, and (b) the grouping of concepts into categories based on those features. Our model learns categoriesincrementallyusing particle filters, a sequential Monte Carlo method commonly used for approximate probabilistic inference that sequentially integrates newly observed data and can be viewed as a plausible mechanism for human learning. Experimental results show that our incremental learner obtains meaningful categories which yield a closer fit to behavioral data compared to related models while at the same time acquiring features which characterize the learned categories. (An earlier version of this work was published in Frermann and Lapata.)
Is It a Name or a Fact? Disambiguation of Reference Via Exclusivity and Pragmatic Reasoning
Authors: Malone Stephanie A. , Kalashnikova Marina , Davis Erin M. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAdults reason by exclusivity to identify the meanings of novel words. However, it is debated whether, like children, they extend this strategy to disambiguate other referential expressions (e.g., facts about objects). To further inform this debate, this study tested 41 adults on four conditions of a disambiguation task: label/label, fact/fact, label/fact, and fact/label (Scofield & Behrend, ). Participants also provided a verbal explanation for their referent selections to tease apart the underlying processes. Results indicated that adults successfully discerned the target object in the label/label and label/fact condition, yet not the remaining two conditions. Verbal reports indicated that the strategy utilized to disambiguate differed depending upon communicative context. These findings confirm that the tendency to reason by exclusivity becomes restricted to word‐learning situations with growing linguistic and communicative experience.
Reliability of muscle strength measures obtained with a hand‐held dynamometer in an elderly population
Authors: Buckinx Fanny , Croisier Jean‐Louis , Reginster Jean‐Yves , Dardenne Nadia , Beaudart Charlotte , Slomian Justine , Leonard Sylvain , Bruyère Olivier 
Published: October 2015

SummaryBackgroundThe objective of this study was to assess the reliability of a hand‐held dynamometer for isometric strength measurements among nursing home residents.MethodsThe isometric muscle strength of nursing home residents was assessed for eight different muscle groups, using a hand‐held dynamometer, the MicroFET2 device. Strength measurements were performed at baseline and after 4 days by the same operator and after 8 days by a second operator. Intraclass coefficients (ICC) were computed to assess the relative reliability, whereas the minimal detectable change (MDC%) was calculated to assess the absolute reliability of the test–retest of the MicroFET2 used by one single operator or by two different ones.ResultsThirty nursing home residents (75·0 ± 11·2 years, 50% of women) were enrolled in this study. ICC of the test–retest with one single operator ranged from 0·60 (0·37–0·83) for the ankle extensors to 0·85 (0·74–0·95) for the elbow flexors. When considering the test–retest with two different operators, the ICC values ranged from 0·62 (0·41–0·84) for the ankle extensors to 0·87 (0·79–0·96) for the elbow extensors. For the absolute reliability, MDC% varies from 27·64 (elbow flexors) to 81·97 (ankle extensors) when performed in intra‐observer. In interobserver condition, MDC%, respectively, varies from 24·38 (elbow extensors) 67·59 (ankle extensors).ConclusionUsing standardized protocol and standardized instructions to patients, a high relative and moderate absolute reliability was observed for all but ankle muscle groups, making this hand‐held dynamometer a potential tool for research in the elderly population.
Relation between exercise central haemodynamic response and resting cardiac structure and function in young healthy men
Authors: Babcock Matthew C. , Lefferts Wesley K. , Heffernan Kevin S. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryBackgroundLeft ventricular (LV) structure and function are predictors of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality and are related to resting peripheral haemodynamic load in older adults. The central haemodynamic response to exercise may reveal associations with LV structure and function not detected by traditional peripheral (brachial) measures in a younger population.PurposeTo examine correlations between acute exercise‐induced changes in central artery stiffness and wave reflections and measures of resting LV structure and function.MethodsSixteen healthy men (age 26 ± 6 year; BMI 25·3 ± 2·7 kg m−2) had measures of central haemodynamic load measured before/after a 30‐s Wingate anaerobic test (WAT). Common carotid artery stiffness and reflected wave intensity were assessed via wave intensity analysis as a regional pulse wave velocity (PWV) and negative area (NA), respectively. Resting LV structure (LV mass) and function [midwall fractional shortening (mFS)] were assessed using M‐mode echocardiography in the parasternal short‐axis view.ResultsThere was a significant association between mFS and WAT‐mediated change in carotid systolic BP (r = −0·57, P = 0·011), logNA (r = −0·58, P = 0·009) and PWV (r = −0·44, P = 0·045). There were no significant associations between resting mFS and changes in brachial systolic BP (r = −0·26, P>0·05). There were no associations between resting LV mass and changes in any haemodynamic variable (P>0·05).ConclusionExercise‐induced increases in central haemodynamic load reveal associations with lower resting LV function in young healthy men undetected by traditional peripheral haemodynamics.
Efficacy and Safety of Transthoracic Echocardiography Alone in Transcatheter Closure of Secundum‐Type Atrial Septal Defects in Adults
Authors: Ding Cheng , Chang Jia‐Kan , Lin Chang‐Chyi , Wu Yong‐Jian , Hsieh Kai‐Sheng 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundOn‐site transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) to guide the transcutaneous closure of secundum‐type atrial septal defects (ASDs) in the catheterization laboratory remains unclear, especially in adults.MethodsBetween 2005 and 2012, a total of 82 adults underwent transcutaneous closure of ASDs. The initial 15 cases underwent the procedure with both on‐site transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and TTE monitoring. Since January 2008, a total of 67 patients underwent on‐site TTE alone to guide the procedure.ResultsAmong the 82 adult patients who underwent a transcutaneous closure of the secundum‐type ASD procedure, all had successful closure of the defects, and no periprocedural adverse complications occurred. No statistical significance was observed in the successful complete shunt closure rate between the TEE plus TTE and TTE groups during sequential follow‐up (postprocedure 24 hour [87% vs. 92%],1 month [93% vs. 95%], 3 month [93% vs. 97%], and 12 month [93% vs. 97%], P > 0.05, respectively) nor was a significant difference observed between the two groups, including decreased right ventricular dimension (29.5 ± 3.3 vs. 32.0 ± 4.9 mm, 26.5 ± 3.0 vs. 28.7 ± 4.6 mm, 26.2 ± 3.1 vs. 28.2 ± 4.8 mm, and 25.6 ± 2.8 vs. 27.7 ± 4.7 mm, P > 0.05, respectively) or increased left ventricular end‐diastolic dimension (41.1 ± 2.0 vs. 42.6 ± 3.0 mm, 44.3 ± 2.7 vs. 45.5 ± 3.1 mm, 44.2 ± 2.8 vs. 45.4 ± 3.1 mm, 44.9 ± 2.7 vs. 45.8 ± 2.6 mm, P > 0.05, respectively) before the procedure, and at the 3‐, 6‐, and 12‐month follow‐up evaluations.ConclusionThis study showed that TTE guidance alone may be considered efficacious and safe as TEE during a transcutaneous ASD occlusion procedure in select adults.
Effects of intra‐ and interspecific competition and hydropeaking on growth of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Puffer Michael , Berg Ole K. , Huusko Ari , Vehanen Teppo , Einum Sigurd 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe effects of hydropeaking and intra‐ and interspecific competition on the growth performance (growth in length, mass and lipid content) of juvenile Atlantic salmon Salmo salar and brown trout Salmo trutta were studied in six experimental channels (three experiencing hydropeaking and three controls with a stable discharge of water). Changes in the water‐covered area in the hydropeaking channels were small to avoid fish stranding. Each channel was divided into three similar‐sized sections and stocked with either low or high density of Atlantic salmon, or a mix of Atlantic salmon and brown trout, with the density of the latter equalling the high‐density treatment of Atlantic salmon. A marked effect of competition was visible as salmon in the low‐density treatment were significantly larger (27–33%) and had a higher mass (30–38%) than salmon in both the high‐density salmon treatment and the high‐density salmon and trout treatment. Hydropeaking had only minor and insignificant effects on the growth performance: overall final length, mass and body lipid content in the salmon experiencing hydropeaking differed by −9%, −7% and +2% compared with controls. Furthermore, there was no indication that the competitive regime influenced hydropeaking effects. The increase in both intra‐ and interspecific competition among the juvenile salmon had a pronounced and significant effect on growth. Our study adds to the growing evidence that energetic consequences of hydropeaking are likely to be small for Atlantic salmon and that stress and mortality associated with stranding represent the main source of population impact.
Hb TAYBE: clinical and morphological findings IN 43 patients
Authors: Koren Ariel , Levin Carina , Zalman Luci , Palmor Haya , Filon Dvora , Chubar Evgeny , Resnitzky Peretz , Bennett Michael 
Published: October 2015

AbstractHereditary sequence variants in globin genes are usually silent and are rarer in α‐globin chains than β‐globin chains. Some may lead to an unstable protein with a hemolytic or thalassemic phenotype. Hb Taybe is an unstable α‐chain hemoglobin variant caused by the deletion of a threonine residue at codon 38 or 39 of the α1 globin gene. This deletion results in a structural abnormality that affects the α1β2 contact and the α1β1 interface, producing a highly unstable Hb.ObjectiveWe describe the clinical, laboratory, and morphological characteristics of 43 patients with Hb Taybe, sixteen of whom are heterozygous, eight are homozygous, and nineteen are double heterozygous for Hb Taybe and other α‐gene mutations or deletions.ResultsThe clinical presentation is very variable from a mild hemolytic anemia to the need for red cell transfusion. Morphological characteristics include erythroid hyperplasia, defective hemoglobin production, and dyserythropoietic features.On electron microscopy dyserythropoiesis and cytoplasmic precipitation of globin compatible optical dense material is seen.ConclusionsThis is the largest report of Hb Taybe patients. Previous reported cohorts are not related to these cases. We conclude that patients carrying Hb Taybe have a unique hematological and clinical phenotype distinct from other hemoglobinopathies and from congenital dyserythropoietic anemia.
Post‐operative swallowing in multiple system atrophy
Authors: Ueha R. , Nito T. , Sakamoto T. , Yamauchi A. , Tsunoda K. , Yamasoba T. 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundSome patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) require surgical interventions such as tracheostomy and aspiration prevention. Few studies have investigated the postoperative clinical course of MSA patients. The aim of this study was to determine a management strategy for dysphagia and respiratory disorder in MSA.MethodsFrom 2001 to 2014, 18 MSA patients (13 males and 5 females, 52–76 years) underwent tracheostomy (TR, n = 11) or laryngeal closure (LC, n = 12). Five patients underwent LC following TR. Vocal fold impairment, the degree of dysphagia and pre/post‐operative oral ingestion, and postoperative survival time were evaluated retrospectively. Swallowing function was assessed using the penetration aspiration scale (PAS).ResultsTR was performed due to respiratory disorder in seven patients and due to dysphagia in four patients. PAS scores ranged 1–8 in TR patients and 7–8 in LC patients. Seven of 11 patients who underwent TR displayed worsened PAS scores, and no patients displayed improved PAS scores following TR. All patients who underwent LC regained complete or partial oral intake after surgery. There were no significant differences in postoperative survival time between the two groups.ConclusionsConsidering the impacts of TR and LC on survival time, postoperative feeding and swallowing, LC is a good option for treating MSA patients with dysphagia.
Factors predictive of return to work after stroke in patients with mild−moderate disability in India
Authors: Bonner B. , Pillai R. , Sarma P. S. , Lipska K. J. , Pandian J. , Sylaja P. N. 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundSuccessful return to work after stroke may improve economic circumstances, quality of life and overall life satisfaction, but not all stroke survivors are able to return to work.AimOur aim was to determine what proportion of previously employed patients return to work after an acute stroke resulting in mild to moderate disability and to examine factors associated with a successful return to work.MethodsPatients 18–60 years of age who were previously employed and who had a first‐ever stroke 3 months to 2 years previously resulting in mild to moderate disability (modified Rankin score ≤3) were recruited. Socio‐demographic and clinical information was collected and anxiety, depression and social support were assessed using previously validated instruments. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with a successful return to work.ResultsOf 141 patients (mean age ± SD 48 ± 8.8 years), 74 (52.5%) returned to work after stroke. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that a lower modified Rankin scale at 3 months [odds ratio (OR) 3.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.77–7.76], younger age (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.07–4.67) and a professional or business job (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.44–6.34) were significantly associated with successful return to work and revealed that anxiety, depression and social support score did not affect patients' decision to return to work (P = 0.17, 0.61 and 0.27, respectively).ConclusionsAmongst patients with mild to moderate disability after stroke, almost half do not return to work, and this is determined by functional disability and type of job rather than psychosocial factors such as anxiety and depression.