bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Working Memory and Alcohol Use in At‐Risk Adolescents: A 2‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Peeters Margot , Monshouwer Karin , Janssen Tim , Wiers Reinout W. , Vollebergh Wilma A. M. 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundPrevious research has identified working memory (WM) as a possible risk factor for problem drinking in adolescence. At the same time, results suggest that WM functioning is negatively influenced by the use of alcohol. To get a better understanding of the nature of this relationship, the present study examined the prospective bidirectional association between alcohol use and WM in a sample of young adolescents at risk for problem drinking.MethodsAdolescents were all 8th graders from 17 different Special Education Schools (for youth with externalizing behavior problems). At the beginning of the study, 374 adolescents participated (mean age of 13.6 years). Approximately every 6 months, adolescents completed a questionnaire to establish alcohol use and a Self‐Ordered Pointing Task (SOPT) to assess WM.ResultsCross‐lagged analyses revealed that alcohol use at T1 negatively predicted WM functioning 6 months later (p < 0.001). WM functioning at T2 and at T3 predicted alcohol use 6 months later (p < 0.01).ConclusionsWM functioning has been identified as both risk factor for and as function negatively influenced by alcohol use. Findings indicate that early alcohol use in at‐risk adolescents negatively influences the development of subsequent WM functioning, which in turn constitutes as a risk factor for later alcohol use problems. Implications for early interventions are discussed.
Comorbidities, Confounders, and the White Matter Transcriptome in Chronic Alcoholism
Authors: Sutherland Greg T. , Sheedy Donna , Sheahan Pam J. , Kaplan Warren , Kril Jillian J. 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundAlcohol abuse is the world's third leading cause of disease and disability, and one potential sequel of chronic abuse is alcohol‐related brain damage (ARBD). This clinically manifests as cognitive dysfunction and pathologically as atrophy of white matter (WM) in particular. The mechanism linking chronic alcohol intoxication with ARBD remains largely unknown but it is also complicated by common comorbidities such as liver damage and nutritional deficiencies. Liver cirrhosis, in particular, often leads to hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a primary glial disease.MethodsIn a novel transcriptomic study, we targeted the WM only of chronic alcoholics in an attempt to tease apart the pathogenesis of ARBD. Specifically, in alcoholics with and without HE, we explored both the prefrontal and primary motor cortices, 2 regions that experience differential levels of neuronal loss.ResultsOur results suggest that HE, along with 2 confounders, gray matter contamination, and low RNA quality are major drivers of gene expression in ARBD. All 3 exceeded the effects of alcohol itself. In particular, low‐quality RNA samples were characterized by an up‐regulation of translation machinery, while HE was associated with a down‐regulation of mitochondrial energy metabolism pathways.ConclusionsThe findings in HE alcoholics are consistent with the metabolic acidosis seen in this condition. In contrast non‐HE alcoholics had widespread but only subtle changes in gene expression in their WM. Notwithstanding the latter result, this study demonstrates that significant confounders in transcriptomic studies of human postmortem brain tissue can be identified, quantified, and “removed” to reveal disease‐specific signals.
Differences in Risk of Injury in the U.S. General Population by Injury Treatment Type: Data from the 1995 to 2010 National Alcohol Surveys
Authors: Cherpitel Cheryl J. , Ye Yu 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundWhile emergency room (ER) studies have documented a strong association of alcohol with injury, these studies are not necessarily representative of the general population. To evaluate comparative risk of injury from drinking for those treated in the ER with non‐ER‐treated injuries (those treated elsewhere or those not treated), data on alcohol and injury are analyzed in the U.S. general population by type of injury treatment.MethodsRelative risk (RR) of injury from drinking within 6 hours prior to the event was analyzed using case‐crossover analysis based on respondents' usual frequency of drinking in 4 (1995 to 2010) National Alcohol Surveys (n = 4,819).ResultsRR was 1.01 for the total injured and significantly elevated for ER‐treated injured (1.46), but not for those treated elsewhere (0.75) and those not treated (1.02). RR was significantly elevated for those aged 18 to 30 years (1.45; 1.14, 1.85), Blacks (1.54; 1.11, 2.14) and Hispanics (1.98; 1.51, 2.59), those positive on the Rapid Alcohol Problems Screen (RAPS4) as a measure of alcohol dependence (2.41; 1.86, 3.11), and for motor vehicle injuries (2.61; 1.49, 4.58) or cutting/piercing injuries (2.04, 1.10, 3.81). For those reporting ER‐treated injuries, significant effect modification was found for those aged 18 to 30 years (RR = 2.29), Blacks (RR = 2.59) and Hispanics (RR = 2.68), high risk‐taking (RR = 1.71), positive RAPS4 (RR = 3.69), and for motor vehicle (RR = 3.79) and cutting/piercing injuries (RR = 2.60).ConclusionsData suggest alcohol plays a larger role in injuries for which ER treatment is sought than for other injuries, and estimates for injury from drinking derived from ER studies may be elevated. Future general population studies should take into account intensity of exposure to alcohol prior to injury, potential recall bias (by eliciting data on the proximity of injury to time of the respondent interview) and severity of injury, for improving estimates of the attributable burden of alcohol to injury in society.
Prospective Study of Maternal Alcohol Intake During Pregnancy or Lactation and Risk of Childhood Asthma: The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study
Authors: Magnus Maria C. , DeRoo Lisa A. , Håberg Siri E. , Magnus Per , Nafstad Per , Nystad Wenche , London Stephanie J. 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundMany women drink during pregnancy and lactation despite recommendations to abstain. In animals, alcohol exposure during pregnancy and lactation influences lung and immune development, plausibly increasing risk of asthma and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs). Studies in humans are few.MethodsIn the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study, we examined maternal alcohol intake during pregnancy and lactation in relation to risk of current asthma at 36 months (49,138 children), recurrent LRTIs by 36 months (39,791 children), and current asthma at 7 years (13,253 children). Mothers reported frequency and amount of alcohol intake each trimester and the first 3 months following delivery. We calculated adjusted relative risk (aRR), comparing children of drinkers to nondrinkers, using Generalized Linear Models.ResultsA total of 31.8% of mothers consumed alcohol during first trimester, 9.7% during second trimester, and 15.6% during third trimester. Infrequent and low‐dose prenatal alcohol exposure showed a modest statistically significant inverse association with current asthma at 36 months (aRRs ~ 0.85). No association was seen with the highest alcohol intakes during the first trimester when alcohol consumption was most common. RRs of maternal alcohol intake during pregnancy with recurrent LRTIs were ~1, with sporadic differences in risk for some metrics of intake, but without any consistent pattern. For current asthma at 7 years, similar inverse associations were seen as with current asthma at 36 months but were not statistically significant. Among children breastfed throughout the first 3 months of life, maternal alcohol intake during this time was not significantly associated with any of the 3 outcomes.ConclusionsThe low levels of alcohol exposure during pregnancy or lactation observed in this cohort were not associated with increased risk of asthma or recurrent LRTIs. The slight inverse associations of infrequent or low‐dose prenatal alcohol exposure with asthma may not be causal.
A genome‐wide linkage analysis for reproductive traits in F2Large White × Meishan cross gilts
Authors: Hernandez S. C. , Finlayson H. A. , Ashworth C. J. , Haley C. S. , Archibald A. L. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryFemale reproductive performance traits in pigs have low heritabilities thus limiting improvement through traditional selective breeding programmes. However, there is substantial genetic variation found between pig breeds with the Chinese Meishan being one of the most prolific pig breeds known. In this study, three cohorts of Large White × Meishan F2 cross‐bred pigs were analysed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) with effects on reproductive traits, including ovulation rate, teat number, litter size, total born alive and prenatal survival. A total of 307 individuals were genotyped for 174 genetic markers across the genome. The genome‐wide analysis of the trait‐recorded F2 gilts in their first parity/litter revealed one QTL for teat number significant at the genome level and a total of 12 QTL, which are significant at the chromosome‐wide level, for: litter size (three QTL), total born alive (two QTL), ovulation rate (four QTL), prenatal survival (one QTL) and teat number (two QTL). Further support for eight of these QTL is provided by results from other studies. Four of these 12 QTL were mapped for the first time in this study: on SSC15 for ovulation rate and on SSC18 for teat number, ovulation rate and litter size.
Nimotuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody specific for the EGFR, in combination with temozolomide and radiation therapy for newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme: First results in Chinese patients
Authors: Wang Yang , Pan Li , Sheng Xiao‐fang , Chen Shu , Dai Jia‐zhong 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of nimotuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody specific for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), in combination with temozolomide (TMZ) and radiation therapy (RT) in the treatment of newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) in Chinese patients.MethodsTwenty‐six patients with newly diagnosed GBM were enrolled. All patients received standard external beam RT after surgery, with a total dose of 60 Gy in 30 fractions. During RT, concurrent TMZ was given daily at 75 mg/m2 for 40–42 days, combined with six weekly infusions of nimotuzumab at a 200 mg dose. After a 4‐week interval upon completion of RT, six cycles of adjuvant TMZ (150 to 200 mg/m2 for 5 days in each 28‐day cycle) were given. The primary end point was 6‐month progression‐free survival (PFS) rate. EGFR expression in tumor tissues was analyzed by immunohistochemistry.ResultsTreatment was well tolerated and no grade III or higher grade toxicity was observed. Median PFS and overall survival (OS) were 10.0 and 15.9 months, respectively, while the 6‐month PFS and OS rates were 69.2% and 88.5%, respectively. No correlation between efficacy and EGFR expression was found.ConclusionsCombination of Nimotuzumab with RT plus concomitant and adjuvant TMZ showed favorable safety and tolerability profiles in newly diagnosed GBM in Chinese patients. The survival times were similar to those seen in historical data of standard therapy.
Allergic airway diseases in a tropical urban environment are driven by dominant mono‐specific sensitization against house dust mites
Authors: Andiappan A. K. , Puan K. J. , Lee B. , Nardin A. , Poidinger M. , Connolly J. , Chew F. T. , Wang D. Y. , Rotzschke O. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundSoutheast Asian populations are increasingly affected by allergic airway diseases. Etiology and specific causes, however, are still unknown. The aim of this study is therefore to identify allergens and risk factors for the high prevalence of allergic airway disease in the tropical urban environment.MethodsSymptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR), asthma, and allergic dermatitis were recorded in two independent cohorts of 576 and 7373 ethnic Chinese individuals living in Singapore. Reactivity against common allergens was determined by skin prick tests (SPT); specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) titers against 12 common allergens, as well as total serum IgE (tIgE), were measured in the smaller cohort.ResultsImmunoglobulin E sensitization was almost exclusively directed against house dust mite (HDM) allergens. More than 80% of individuals were HDM‐sIgE positive. Of these, less than 30% also had sIgE for other allergens, and similarly, few of the HDM‐sIgE‐negative individuals reacted to other allergens. Titers for HDM‐sIgE were 8–30 times higher than other non‐HDM allergen titers and correlated directly with total serum tIgE levels. Migrants from nontropical countries typically arrived with low or undetectable HDM‐sIgE but developed substantial titers in a time‐dependent fashion. Importantly, prolonged stay in Singapore also resulted in the manifestation of AR and asthma symptoms, contributing to some of the highest national prevalence rates worldwide.ConclusionIn a tropical urban environment, the allergic response is dominated by a single allergen class. The mono‐specific IgE sensitization against HDM translates into increased prevalence of allergic airway diseases, which now impact a large proportion of the population in Singapore.
Determination of adrenal volume by MRI in healthy children: associations with age, body size, pubertal stage and serum levels of adrenal androgens
Authors: Mouritsen Annette , Johansen Marie Lindhardt , Wohlfahrt‐Veje Christine , Hagen Casper P. , Tinggaard Jeanette , Mieritz Mikkel G. , Tefre de Renzy‐Martin Katrine , Soeborg Tue , Fallentin Eva , Juul Anders , Main Katharina M. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryBackgroundAdrenal disorders such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia result in abnormal adrenal size and morphology, but little is known about the clinical value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in determining adrenal volume.ObjectiveTo evaluate the potential usefulness of MR methodology, to estimate adrenal size in healthy children and to evaluate determinants of adrenal volume such as age, gender, body size, pubic hair stage and serum levels of adrenal androgens.DesignTwo hundred and thirty‐five healthy children (116 girls and 119 boys) (age range 10·0–14·8 years) were examined by MRI. Clinical examinations (anthropometry and pubertal staging) were performed, and five androgen metabolites were measured in blood samples by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS).ResultsIt was possible to determine adrenal volume in 115/235 children using MRI. The adrenals were not measurable in 51% of children due to breathing and moving artefacts. The median volume of the right adrenal gland was 0·46 ml in girls and 0·46 ml in boys. The median volume of the left adrenal gland was 0·34 ml in girls and 0·40 ml in boys. Adrenal size was positively associated with body surface area (estimate B = 0·34 ml/year, P = 0·003), age (estimate B = 0·05 ml/year, P = 0·021) and pubic hair stage (estimate B = 0·05 ml/stage, P = 0·075). No associations between adrenal size and serum levels of adrenal androgens were observed.ConclusionIt was possible to determine adrenal volume by MRI in only 50% of healthy children aged 10–15 years. Adrenal volume increased with age and Tanner stage of pubic hair. Future studies will unravel whether adrenal MRI is useful when evaluating children with adrenal diseases.
Diagnostic accuracy of the faecal immunochemical test for colorectal cancer in symptomatic patients: comparison with NICE and SIGN referral criteria
Authors: Cubiella J. , Salve M. , Díaz‐Ondina M. , Vega P. , Alves M. T. , Iglesias F. , Sánchez E. , Macía P. , Blanco I. , Bujanda L. , Fernández‐Seara J. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimThe diagnostic accuracy of the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) at a 100 ng/ml threshold for colorectal cancer (CRC) was compared with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) referral criteria.MethodA multicentre, prospective, blind study of diagnostic tests was carried out in two Spanish health areas. In 787 symptomatic patients referred for a diagnostic colonoscopy, we determined whether patients met NICE and SIGN referral criteria. All patients performed one FIT determination (OCsensor™). The sensitivity and specificity for CRC detection were determined with McNemar's test. The diagnostic odds ratio as well as the number needed to scope (NNS) to detect a CRC were calculated.ResultsWe detected CRC in 97 (12.3%) patients; 241 (30.6%) had an FIT ≥ 100 ng/ml and 300 (38.1%) and 473 (60.1%) met NICE and SIGN referral criteria. The FIT had a higher sensitivity for CRC detection than NICE criteria (87.6%, 61.9%; P < 0.001) and SIGN criteria (82.5%; P = 0.4). The specificity of FIT was also higher than NICE and SIGN criteria (77.4%, 65.2%, 42.7%; P < 0.001). The odds ratios of FIT, NICE and SIGN criteria for the diagnosis of CRC were 24.24 (95% CI 12.91–45.53), 3.04 (95% CI 1.96–4.71) and 3.51 (95% CI 2.03–6.06). The NNS to detect a CRC in individuals with an FIT ≥ 100 ng/ml was 2.83 (95% CI 2.4–3.41) and in individuals who met NICE and SIGN criteria it was 5 (95% CI 3.98–6.37) and 5.95 (95% CI 4.85–7.35).ConclusionOur study suggests that FIT is more accurate for the detection of CRC than the current NICE and SIGN referral criteria in symptomatic patients referred for colonoscopy.
SAwSu: An Integrated Model of Associative and Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Veksler Vladislav D. , Myers Christopher W. , Gluck Kevin A. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractSuccessfully explaining and replicating the complexity and generality of human and animal learning will require the integration of a variety of learning mechanisms. Here, we introduce a computational model which integrates associative learning (AL) and reinforcement learning (RL). We contrast the integrated model with standalone AL and RL models in three simulation studies. First, a synthetic grid‐navigation task is employed to highlight performance advantages for the integrated model in an environment where the reward structure is both diverse and dynamic. The second and third simulations contrast the performances of the three models in behavioral experiments, demonstrating advantages for the integrated model in accounting for behavioral data.
Derivation, validation and comparative performance of a simplified chest X‐ray score for assessing the severity and outcome of pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Pefura‐Yone Eric Walter , Kuaban Christopher , Assamba‐Mpom Serges Auguste , Moifo Boniface , Kengne André Pascal 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIntroductionTo derive and validate against the Ralph et al. score, a simplified chest X‐ray (CXR) score (SCS) for predicting the outcome of smear‐positive pulmonary tuberculosis (SPPTB) among patients with high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.MethodsCXR for 636 SPPTB patients (377 men, median age 31 years) from the Yaounde Jamot Hospital (Cameroon) were examined for the presence of tuberculosis lesions, and estimation of the proportion of lungs affected. SPPTB's evolution was based on sputum smear examination after 2 months of treatments. Logistic regressions were used to derive the SCS with internal validation via bootstrap resampling. Receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) analyses were used to validate, determine of the optimal cut‐offs and compare models' performance.ResultsHIV co‐infection was present in 191 (30%) patients. Sputum smear non‐conversion was found in 45 (7.1) patients after 2 months of treatment. The SCS was expressed as proportion of lung affected plus 23 if cavitation is present. The AUC (95% confidence interval) was 0.718 (0.640–0.795), with little variation in bootstrap validation, and no sizable difference from the Ralph et al. model [0.714 (0.633–0.7860), P = 0.717 for the difference). Both models had good calibration (Hosmer–Lemeshow P ≥ 0.183). The optimal cut‐off for predicting non‐conversion of the sputum at 2 months was 52 for the SCS (sensitivity/specificity 66.7%/62.8%) and 74.5 (62.2%/74.3%) with Ralph et al. score.ConclusionsThe outcome of SPPTB among patients with high prevalence of HIV can acceptably be predicted by simple scores comprising baseline CXR variables, including the Ralph et al. score and the SCS from this study.
The Contribution and Intellectual Legacy of Ronald Coase (1910–2013)
Authors: Ricketts Martin 
Published: January 2014

AbstractRonald Coase's work presents a continuing challenge to the established neoclassical paradigm. His incorporation of transactions cost into economic theory enables many questions of organisational structure to be addressed but also implies a world of continuing evolutionary change rather than static equilibrium. This article reviews some of Coase's most influential papers and considers their implications for the future of public policy and economic theory.
Can Government Intervention in Childcare be Justified?
Authors: Paull Gillian 
Published: January 2014

AbstractChildcare is not like other goods and services. Its inherent nature creates unusual challenges for efficient delivery by the market, while its usage can have social as well as private consequences. Government involvement in childcare may therefore be justified to improve the efficiency of delivery or achieve social objectives, but its effectiveness will depend on whether policy measures can better address the challenges of childcare provision than the market. This article reviews the justification for the recent rapid development of childcare policy in the UK and considers the potential benefits and drawbacks of this growing government intervention.
Spirito–Maron Echocardiographic Score: A Marker for Morphological and Physiological Assessment of Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Rangel Inês , Gonçalves Alexandra , de Sousa Carla , Correia Ana Sofia , Pinho Teresa , Madureira António José , Martins Elisabete , Cardoso José Silva , Macedo Filipe , Maciel Maria Júlia 
Published: January 2014

AimsThe heterogeneous distribution of hypertrophy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) limits the echocardiographic conventional measurements accuracy in the evaluation of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). The aim of this study was to assess the correlation of the echocardiographic Spirito–Maron score (SMS) with left ventricle (LV) mass quantification by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and with LV diastolic function.Methods and ResultsLeft ventricle diastolic function parameters, SMS, LV mass (American Society of Echocardiography formula), and maximal wall thickness (MWT) were evaluated by two‐dimensional (2D) transthoracic echocardiography. The SMS was obtained by adding the MWT of 4 LV segments, at the mitral valve or papillary muscles short‐axis views. Echocardiographic parameters of LVH, including SMS, were correlated with LV mass obtained by CMR and with E/e′ ratio. We included 45 patients (60% male, mean age 48 ± 18 years), who underwent 2D echocardiography. Twenty‐two of them performed a CMR study. A positive correlation was found between SMS and CMR LV mass (r = 0.80; P < 0.001), whereas MWT (r = 0.62; P = 0.002) and the 2D LV mass (r = 0.60; P = 0.011) presented a lower correlation with CMR LV mass. The SMS was significantly correlated with E/e′ ratio (r = 0.60; P = 0.007), whereas a nonsignificant correlation was found with MWT (r = 0.41; P = 0.081) and 2D LV mass (r = 0.22; P = 0.400).ConclusionSpirito–Maron score presents a highly positive correlation with CMR LV mass and with diastolic dysfunction severity in HCM patients. SMS is a reliable quantitative LVH measurement method and seems to provide more comprehensive morphological and physiological information than 2D echocardiographic conventional parameters used to estimate LVH.