bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The efficacy of the interferon‐γ release assay for diagnosing cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis: A prospective controlled study
Authors: Kim Kyung Hee , Kim Rock Bum , Woo Seung Hoon 
Published: August 2015

Objectives/HypothesisThe whole‐blood interferon (IFN)‐γ release assay (IGRA) has been studied mainly for diagnosing latent tuberculosis (TB). We prospectively evaluated its diagnostic usefulness in patients with suspected cervical TB lymphadenitis.Study DesignProspective cohort study.MethodsAn IGRA was performed in subjects with suspected TB lymphadenitis. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the IGRA, we calculated the sensitivity and specificity of culture, radiologic imaging, polymerase chain reaction testing, fine needle aspiration, and excisional biopsy.ResultOf the 271 adult patients with suspected TB lymphadenitis, 42 were diagnosed with the disease. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the IGRA were 78.8% and 95.5%, respectively. When the cutoff value of IFN‐γ was set to 0.26 IU/mL, it met the inclusion criteria for suspicious TB lymphadenitis, with sensitivity and specificity of 83.3% and 95.1%, respectively.ConclusionsThe IGRA is useful in diagnosing TB lymphadenitis, with high sensitivity and specificity.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 126:378–384, 2016
Volumetric nasal cavity analysis in children with unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate
Authors: Farzal Zainab , Walsh Jonathan , Lopes de Rezende Barbosa Gabriella , Zdanski Carlton J. , Davis Stephanie D. , Superfine Richard , Pimenta Luiz A. , Kimbell Julia S. , Drake Amelia Fischer 
Published: August 2015

Objectives/HypothesisChildren with cleft lip and palate (CLP) often suffer from nasal obstruction that may be related to effects on nasal volume. The objective of this study was to compare side:side volume ratios and nasal volume in patients with unilateral (UCLP) and bilateral (BCLP) clefts with age‐matched controls.Study DesignRetrospective case–control study using three‐dimensional (3D) nasal airway reconstructions.MethodsWe analyzed 20 subjects (age range = 7–12 years) with UCLP and BCLP from a regional craniofacial center who underwent cone beam computed tomography (CT) prior to alveolar grafting. Ten multislice CT images from age‐matched controls were also analyzed. Mimics software (Materialise, Plymouth, MI) was used to create 3D reconstructions of the main nasal cavity and compute total and side‐specific nasal volumes. Subjects imaged during active nasal cycling phases were excluded.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in affected:unaffected side volume ratios in UCLP (P = .48) or left:right ratios in BCLP (P = .25) when compared to left:right ratios in controls. Mean overall nasal volumes were 9,932 ± 1,807, 7,097 ± 2,596, and 6,715 ± 2,115 mm3 for control, UCLP, and BCLP patients, respectively, with statistically significant volume decreases for both UCLP and BCLP subjects from controls (P < .05).ConclusionsThis is the first study to analyze total nasal volumes in BCLP patients. Overall nasal volume is compromised in UCLP and BCLP by approximately 30%. Additionally, our finding of no major difference in side:side ratios in UCLP and BCLP compared to controls conflicts with pre‐existing literature, likely due to exclusion of actively cycling scans and our measurement of the functional nasal cavity.Level of Evidence3b. Laryngoscope, 126:1475–1480, 2016
Effects of Vegetation Stems on Hydraulics of Overland Flow Under Varying Water Discharges
Authors: Zhao Chunhong , Gao Jian'en , Huang Yuefei , Wang Guangqian , Zhang Mengjie 
Published: August 2015

AbstractVegetation plays an important role in soil erosion control, but few studies have been performed to quantify the effects of vegetation stems on hydraulics of overland flow. Laboratory flume experiments were conducted to investigate the potential effects of vegetation stems on Reynolds number, Froude number, flow velocity and hydraulic resistance of silt‐laden overland flow. Cylinders with diameter D of 2·0, 3·2 and 4·0 × 10−2 m were glued onto the flume bed to simulate the vegetation stems, and a bare slope was used as control. The flow discharge varied from 0·5 to 1·5 × 10−3 m3 s−1 and slope gradient was 9°. Results showed that Reynolds number on vegetated slope was significantly higher than that on bare slope because of the effect of vegetation stems on effective flow width. All the flows were supercritical flow, but Froude number decreased as D increased, implying a decrease in runoff ability to carry sediment. The mean flow velocity also decreased with D, while the velocity profile became steeper, and no significant differences were found in surface flow velocities among longitudinal sections on all slopes. Darcy–Weisbach friction coefficient increased with D, implying that the energy consumption of overland flow on hydraulic resistance increased. Reynolds number was not a unique predictor of hydraulic roughness on vegetated slopes. The total resistance on vegetated slopes was partitioned into grain resistance and vegetation resistance, and vegetation resistance accounted for almost 80% of the total resistance and was the dominant roughness element. Further studies are needed to extend and apply the insights obtained under controlled conditions to actual overland flow conditions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid, high‐fluence multi‐pass q‐switched laser treatment of tattoos with a transparent perfluorodecalin‐infused patch: A pilot study
Authors: Biesman Brian S. , O'Neil Michael P. , Costner Cara 
Published: August 2015

Background and ObjectivesPerfluorodecalin (PFD) has previously been shown to rapidly dissipate the opaque, white micro‐bubble layer formed after exposure of tattoos to Q‐switched lasers [1]. The current pilot study was conducted to qualitatively determine if the use of a transparent PFD‐infused silicone patch would result in more rapid clearance of tattoos than conventional through‐air techniques.Materials and MethodsBlack or dark blue tattoos were divided into two halves in a single‐site IRB‐approved study with 17 subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types I–III. One half of each tattoo served as its own control and was treated with one pass of a standard Q‐switched Alexandrite laser (755 nm). The other half of the tattoo was treated directly through a transparent perfluorodecalin (PFD) infused patch (ON Light Sciences, Dublin, CA). The rapid whitening reduction effect of the Patch routinely allowed three to four laser passes in a total of approximately 5 minutes. Both sides were treated at highest tolerated fluence, but the optical clearing, index‐matching, and epidermal protection properties of the PFD Patch allowed significantly higher fluence compared to the control side. Standard photographs were taken at baseline, immediately prior to treatment with the PFD Patch in place, and finally before and after each treatment session. Treatments were administered at 4‐ to 6‐week intervals.ResultsIn a majority of subjects (11 of 17), tattoos treated through a transparent PFD‐infused patch showed more rapid tattoo clearance with higher patient and clinician satisfaction than conventional treatment. In no case did the control side fade faster than the PFD Patch side. No unanticipated adverse events were observed.ConclusionsRapid multi‐pass treatment of tattoos with highest tolerated fluence facilitated by a transparent PFD‐infused patch clears tattoos more rapidly than conventional methods. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:613–618, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evidence for fumonisin inhibition of ceramide synthase in humans consuming maize‐based foods and living in high exposure communities in Guatemala
Authors: Riley Ronald T. , Torres Olga , Matute Jorge , Gregory Simon G. , Ashley‐Koch Allison E. , Showker Jency L. , Mitchell Trevor , Voss Kenneth A. , Maddox Joyce R. , Gelineau‐van Waes Janee B. 
Published: August 2015

ScopeFumonisin (FB) occurs in maize and is an inhibitor of ceramide synthase (CerS). We determined the urinary FB1 (UFB1) and sphingoid base 1‐phosphate levels in blood from women consuming maize in high and low FB exposure communities in Guatemala.Methods and resultsFB1 intake was estimated using the UFB1. Sphinganine 1‐phosphate (Sa 1‐P), sphingosine 1‐phosphate (So 1‐P), and the Sa 1‐P/So 1‐P ratio were determined in blood spots collected on absorbent paper at the same time as urine collection. In the first study, blood spots and urine were collected every 3 months (March 2011 to February 2012) from women living in low (Chimaltenango and Escuintla) and high (Jutiapa) FB exposure communities (1240 total recruits). The UFB1, Sa 1‐P/So 1‐P ratio, and Sa 1‐P/mL in blood spots were significantly higher in the high FB1 intake community compared to the low FB1 intake communities. The results were confirmed in a follow‐up study (February 2013) involving 299 women living in low (Sacatepéquez) and high (Santa Rosa and Chiquimula) FB exposure communities.ConclusionsHigh levels of FB1 intake are correlated with changes in Sa 1‐P and the Sa 1‐P/So 1‐P ratio in human blood in a manner consistent with FB1 inhibition of CerS.
Non‐invasive prenatal testing for aneuploidy: a systematic review of Internet advertising to potential users by commercial companies and private health providers
Authors: Skirton Heather , Goldsmith Lesley , Jackson Leigh , Lewis Celine , Chitty Lyn S. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe development of non‐invasive prenatal testing has increased accessibility of fetal testing. Companies are now advertising prenatal testing for aneuploidy via the Internet.ObjectivesThe aim of this systematic review of websites advertising non‐invasive prenatal testing for aneuploidy was to explore the nature of the information being provided to potential users.MethodsWe systematically searched two Internet search engines for relevant websites using the following terms: ‘prenatal test’, ‘antenatal test’, ‘non‐invasive test’, ‘noninvasive test’, ‘cell‐free fetal DNA’, ‘cffDNA’, ‘Down syndrome test’ or ‘trisomy test’. We examined the first 200 websites identified through each search. Relevant web‐based text was examined, and key topics were identified, tabulated and counted. To analyse the text further, we used thematic analysis.Main resultsForty websites were identified. Whilst a number of sites provided balanced, accurate information, in the majority supporting evidence was not provided to underpin the information and there was inadequate information on the need for an invasive test to definitely diagnose aneuploidy.ConclusionsThe information provided on many websites does not comply with professional recommendations. Guidelines are needed to ensure that companies offering prenatal testing via the Internet provide accurate and comprehensible information. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In situ fabrication of paclitaxel‐loaded core‐crosslinked micelles via thiol‐ene “click” chemistry for reduction‐responsive drug release
Authors: Huang Ying , Sun Rui , Luo Qiaojie , Wang Ying , Zhang Kai , Deng Xuliang , Zhu Weipu , Li Xiaodong , Shen Zhiquan 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTIn this study, a facile method to fabricate reduction‐responsive core‐crosslinked micelles via in situ thiol‐ene “click” reaction was reported. A series of biodegradable poly(ether‐ester)s with multiple pendent mercapto groups were first synthesized by melt polycondensation of diol poly(ethylene glycol), 1,4‐butanediol, and mercaptosuccinic acid using scandium trifluoromethanesulfonate [Sc(OTf)3] as the catalyst. Then paclitaxel (PTX)‐loaded core‐crosslinked (CCL) micelles were successfully prepared by in situ crosslinking hydrophobic polyester blocks in aqueous media via thiol‐ene “click” chemistry using 2,2′‐dithiodiethanol diacrylate as the crosslinker. These PTX‐loaded CCL micelles with disulfide bonds exhibited reduction‐responsive behaviors in the presence of dithiothreitol (DTT). The drug release profile of the PTX‐loaded CCL micelles revealed that only a small amount of loaded PTX was released slowly in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) without DTT, while quick release was observed in the presence of 10.0 mM DTT. Cell count kit (CCK‐8) assays revealed that the reduction‐sensitive PTX‐loaded CCL micelles showed high antitumor activity toward HeLa cells, which was significantly higher than that of reduction‐insensitive counterparts and free PTX. This kind of biodegradable and biocompatible CCL micelles could serve as a bioreducible nanocarrier for the controlled antitumor drug release. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 99–107
Synthesis and FET characterization of novel ambipolar and low‐bandgap naphthalene‐diimide‐based semiconducting polymers
Authors: Fukuta Seijiro , Wu Hung‐Chin , Koganezawa Tomoyuki , Isshiki Yukou , Ueda Mitsuru , Chen Wen‐Chang , Higashihara Tomoya 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTA novel series of naphthalene‐diimide‐based semiconducting polymers (P1–P4) containing benzodithiophene or dithienopyrrole were successfully synthesized for ambipolar semiconducting materials showing near infrared absorptions. The incorporation of a 3‐hexylthiophene (3HT) spacer extended the intramolecular charge‐transfer (ICT) peak from λonset = 739 nm (P1) to 785 nm (P3). Moreover, about 250 nm red‐shift of the ICT peaks was observed in P2 and P4 compared to P1 and P3 due to the increased high‐lying HOMO energy levels. The grazing incidence X‐ray scattering of the P3 and P4 films proved the slightly improved crystalline order in the π−π stacking direction, indicating that the planar backbone is probably due to the introduced 3HT. The P1–P4‐based field‐effect transistor showed n‐type dominant ambipolar characteristics. The P2 and P4 showed higher electron mobilities up to 1.5 × 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1 than P1 and P3, which might be influenced by the orientation of the polymer backbone and the intermolecular orbital overlap. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 359–367
Managerial compensation and corporate spinoffs
Authors: Feldman Emilie R. 
Published: August 2015

Research summary: This article investigates how corporate spinoffs affect managerial compensation. These deals are found to improve the alignment of spinoff firm managers' incentive compensation with stock market performance, especially among spinoff firm managers that used to be divisional managers of the spun‐off subsidiary, and particularly when the spun‐off subsidiary performs better than or is unrelated to its parent firm's remaining businesses. By contrast, incentive alignment does not improve for the parent firm managers running the divesting companies. This finding appears to be driven by a significant post‐spinoff increase in these managers' incentive compensation, the magnitude of which is inversely related to governance quality in their firms. Together, these results elucidate how spinoffs influence managerial compensation in diversified firms and the companies they divest.Managerial summary: This article explores how spinoffs affect incentive alignment: the correlation between incentive compensation and stock market performance. The incentive alignment of spinoff firm managers improves following these deals. These gains are the largest when spinoff firm managers used to be divisional managers of the spun‐off subsidiary and when the spun‐off subsidiary performs better than or is unrelated to the other businesses in the parent firm. By contrast, incentive alignment does not improve for parent firm managers. Instead, the level of these managers' incentive compensation rises significantly post‐spinoff, and the magnitude of this increase is inversely related to governance quality in these firms. Together, these results shed light on the ways in which spinoffs influence managerial compensation in diversified firms and in the companies they divest. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Change and Recovery: Culturally Appropriate Early Childhood Programmes with Refugee Families and Communities
Authors: Signorelli R. G. , Coello M. , Momartin S. 
Published: August 2015

The STARTTerS Early Childhood Programme at the NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) has been developed in response to the complex refugee experiences of very young children, their families and communities. This biopsychosocial and systemic model is informed by neuroscience, attachment theory and current knowledge of the nature and impact of refugee-specific trauma on very young children and their families. It addresses the complex interactions between, social, cultural and political factors within the trauma and recovery environments, as they influence the clients’ presentations and the choice of interventions with families in cultural transition (FICT).This paper provides a background to the STARTTerS programme, and reports on the results of a Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) project with the Karen and Mandaean refugee communities. It explores perceptions and cultural views of signs and symptoms related to early childhood trauma. It also explores help seeking preferences in relation to the recovery, settlement and health needs of families with young children. This research has led to ongoing collaborative and consultative processes with those communities, resulting in the development of services and referral systems, which will build a comprehensive and culturally appropriate early childhood programme.
Alternative approaches for studying humanitarian interventions: propensity score methods to evaluate reintegration packages impact on depression, PTSD, and function impairment among child soldiers in Nepal
Authors: Kohrt B. A. , Burkey M. , Stuart E. A. , Koirala S. 
Published: August 2015

Background.Ethical, logistical, and funding approaches preclude conducting randomized control trials (RCTs) in some humanitarian crises. A lack of RCTs and other intervention research has contributed to a limited evidence-base for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPS) programs after disasters, war, and disease outbreaks. Propensity score methods (PSMs) are an alternative analysis technique with potential application for evaluating MHPS programs in humanitarian emergencies.Methods.PSMs were used to evaluate impacts of education reintegration packages (ERPs) and other (vocational or economic) reintegration packages (ORPs)v.no reintegration programs on mental health of child soldiers. Propensity scores were used to determine weighting of child soldiers in each of the three treatment arms. Multiple linear regression was used to estimate adjusted changes in symptom score severity on culturally validated measures of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and functional impairment from baseline to 1-year follow-up.Results.Among 258 Nepali child soldiers participating in reintegration programs, 54.7% completed ERP and 22.9% completed ORP. There was a non-significant reduction in depression by 0.59 (95% CI −1.97 to 0.70) for ERP and by 0.60 (95% CI −2.16 to 0.96) for ORP compared with no treatment. There were non-significant increases in PTSD (1.15, 95% CI −1.55 to 3.86) and functional impairment (0.91, 95% CI −0.31 to 2.14) associated with ERP and similar findings for ORP (PTSD: 0.66, 95% CI −2.24 to 3.57; functional impairment (1.05, 95% CI −0.71 to 2.80).Conclusion.In a humanitarian crisis in which a non-randomized intervention assignment protocol was employed, the statistical technique of PSMs addressed differences in covariate distribution between child soldiers who received different integration packages. Our analysis did not demonstrate significant changes in psychosocial outcomes for ERPs and ORPs. We suggest the use of PSMs in evaluating non-randomized interventions in humanitarian crises when non-randomized conditions are not utilized.
Serum ferritin levels are associated with carotid atherosclerosis in Chinese postmenopausal women: the Shanghai Changfeng Study
Authors: Ma Hui , Lin Huandong , Hu Yu , Li Xiaoming , He Wanyuan , Jin Xuejuan , Gao Jian , Zhao Naiqing , Song Binbin , Pan Boshen , Gao Xin 
Published: August 2015

Postmenopausal women are at increased risk of CVD: the increased serum ferritin level may be involved in the pathogenesis. The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship of ferritin and carotid atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women. A total of 1178 postmenopausal women (mean age, 60·8 years) were enrolled from the Changfeng Study. A standard interview, anthropometric measurements and laboratory analyses were performed for each participant. Bilateral CIMT (carotid intima–media thickness) were measured using ultrasonography, and the presence of carotid plaques was assessed. Serum ferritin was measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. The results showed that serum ferritin was 181·9 (sd 65·8) ng/ml in the postmenopausal women. Multivariate, linear, stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that age (standardised β = 0·233, P< 0·001), alanine transaminase (standardised β = 0·194, P< 0·001), log homeostasis model assessment index for insulin resistance (standardised β = 0·181, P< 0·001), TAG (standardised β = 0·083, P= 0·003), Hb (standardised β = 0·080, P= 0·004) and PPG (2-h glucose levels following a 75-g oral glucose challenge) (standardised β = 0·079, P= 0·004) were independently associated with serum ferritin. Compared with the ferritin level of subjects in the first quartile, that in the fourth quartile had greater CIMT, and higher prevalence of carotid plaque. After adjusting for conventional CVD risk factors, Hb, leucocytes, log urine albumin:creatinine ratio and liver function, the ferritin level of postmenopausal women in the fourth quartile had a 1·587-fold increased risk of carotid plaques relative to those in the lowest quartile. In conclusion, these results suggest that serum ferritin is independently and positively associated with carotid atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women and that ferritin may be implicated in atherosclerosis.
Impact of cultivation year, nitrogen fertilization rate and irrigation water quality on soil salinity and soil nitrogen in saline-sodic paddy fields in Northeast China
Authors: HUANG L. H. , LIANG Z. W. , SUAREZ D. L. , WANG Z.C. , WANG M. M. , YANG H. Y. , LIU M. 
Published: August 2015

SUMMARYSaline-sodic soils are widely distributed in the western Songnen Plain of Northeast China and planting rice has been found to be an effective and feasible approach for improving saline-sodic soil and increasing food production. Assessment of the effectiveness and sustainability of this method requires monitoring of the changes in soil salinity and nutrient content. The objective of the current study was to investigate the changes of soil salinity and nitrogen (N) contents over 1, 3, 6 and 9 years of cultivation, four application rates of N (N0: no N, N1: 100 kg N/ha, N2: 200 kg N/ha and N3: 300 kg N/ha) and two irrigation water types: ground water irrigation (GWI) and river water irrigation (RWI). Salinity and N contents of soil and water samples were analysed before planting and after harvest throughout the experiments. Soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC), especially in the surface layer of 0–40 cm depth, decreased with years of cultivation with both GWI and RWI, while soil inorganic N and total N contents increased. Moreover, with increasing N application rates, soil inorganic N and total N contents increased significantly in the 0–20 cm soil layer. Increasing N application had little effect on soil pH and EC. Reclaiming and planting rice promoted desalination of the surface and formation of a fertile tillage layer in saline-sodic paddy fields. In terms of irrigation and drainage in saline-sodic paddy fields, both soil salinity and N contents increased. Soil total salinity increased annually by 34 and 12·8 kg/ha, and inorganic N contents increased annually by 9 and 13·5 kg/ha with GWI and RWI, respectively. Therefore, comprehensive agricultural practices should be adopted for improving and cropping rice in saline-sodic paddy fields.