bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of retinal vessels in eyes with retinitis pigmentosa by retinal oximeter
Authors: Ueda‐Consolvo Tomoko , Fuchizawa Chiharu , Otsuka Mitsuya , Nakagawa Takuya , Hayashi Atsushi 
Published: November 2014

AbstractPurposeTo study changes in the oxygen saturation and calibre of retinal vessels in the eyes of patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP).MethodIn this cross‐sectional study, 63 eyes of 63 patients with RP and 14 eyes of 14 healthy subjects were enrolled and examined at Toyama University Hospital. Retinal oximetry measurements were performed using a spectrophotometric oximetry unit (Oxymap T1, Reykjavik, Iceland), which is coupled to a fundus camera base (TRC‐50DX; Topcon Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). Retinal arterioles of 28 eyes and retinal venules of 35 eyes with adequate image quality were selected for analyses. We calculated the residual areas of visual field (I‐4e and V‐4e isopters) in each eye and determined the correlations between the data of retinal vessels and the areas of visual field in the RP eyes.ResultsThe mean oxygen saturation of the venules in the RP eyes (60.2 ± 6.5%) was significantly higher than that in healthy eyes (54.6 ± 6.3%, p = 0.0089). The oxygen saturation of the venules in the RP eyes correlated significantly with the residual areas of the visual field of V‐4e (r = −0.50; p = 0.0030). The mean calibres of the retinal arterioles (91.1 ± 9.1 μm) and retinal venules (116 ± 13 μm) of the RP eyes were significantly narrower than those of the healthy eyes (115 ± 11 μm and 152 ± 15 μm, respectively, p < 0.01). The retinal arteriolar and venular calibres in the RP eyes correlated with the residual areas of the visual field of V‐4e (r = 0.43; p = 0.033 and r = 0.45; p = 0.011, respectively).ConclusionsThe severity of RP was correlated with increased oxygen saturations in the retinal venules and decreased retinal vessel calibres.
Is there really a link between exact‐number knowledge and approximate number system acuity in young children?
Authors: Negen James , Sarnecka Barbara W. 
Published: November 2014

Although everyone perceives approximate numerosities, some people make more accurate estimates than others. The accuracy of this estimation is called approximate number system (ANS) acuity. Recently, several studies have reported that individual differences in young children's ANS acuity are correlated with their knowledge of exact numbers such as the word ‘six’ (Mussolin et al., 2012, Trends Neurosci. Educ., 1, 21; Shusterman et al., 2011, Connecting early number word knowledge and approximate number system acuity; Wagner & Johnson, 2011, Cognition, 119, 10; see also Abreu‐Mendoza et al., 2013, Front. Psychol., 4, 1). This study argues that this correlation should not be trusted. It seems to be an artefact of the procedure used to assess ANS acuity in children. The correlation arises because (1) some experimental designs inadvertently allow children to answer correctly based on the size (rather than the number) of dots in the display and/or (2) young children with little exact‐number knowledge may not understand the phrase ‘more dots’ to mean numerically more. When the task is modified to make sure that children respond on the basis of numerosity, the correlation between ANS acuity and exact‐number knowledge in normally developing children disappears.
Breaking bad: an attachment perspective on youth mentoring relationship closures
Authors: Zilberstein Karen , Spencer Renée 
Published: November 2014

AbstractEndings in youth mentoring relationships have received little attention to date despite the frequency with which they occur. In this paper, we bring an attachment theory perspective to bear on youth mentoring relationship closures and consider how the rich empirical and theoretical literature on attachment can inform mentoring programme practice and possibly help prevent premature and poorly handled mentoring relationship endings. We consider what is known about endings in youth mentoring relationships, articulate an attachment perspective on mentoring relationships and their endings and offer recommendations informed by these literatures for how mentoring programmes can promote positive closure when relationships come to an end.
Eosinophils in biopsy specimens of lichen sclerosus: a not uncommon finding
Authors: Lester Elizabeth B. , Swick Brian L. 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundEvolving lesions of lichen sclerosus (LS) pose a diagnostic challenge owing to an absence of classic findings of epidermal atrophy, dermal sclerosis, a band‐like lymphocytic infiltrate and the presence of eosinophils.MethodsRetrospective specimens of LS were reviewed. Demographic information, biopsy vs. excision and the following histopathological characteristics were noted: presence and number of eosinophils, epidermal hyperplasia, spongiosis, early/transitional LS, well‐developed LS and coexisting squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Linear regression analysis was performed.ResultsThe data consisted of 66 biopsies (36 male [M], 30 female [F]), from 53 individuals (33M, 20F), including 57 genital and 9 extragenital biopsies. Seven biopsies showed SCC, 28 showed epidermal hyperplasia and 14 exhibited spongiosis. Thirty‐five specimens were early/transitional LS and commonly exhibited epidermal hyperplasia (57%), epidermotropism of lymphocytes (97%) and basement membrane thickening (97%). Thirty‐five biopsies (53%) contained eosinophils (23 early/transitional lesions). Male gender (p = 0.074) was associated with increased eosinophils. The presence of SCC (p = 0.014) was a significant predictors of eosinophil number.ConclusionsEpidermal hyperplasia, epidermotropism of lymphocytes and basement membrane thickening are helpful features in identifying early LS. Eosinophils are not an uncommon finding in LS and are most common in male genital lesions and in LS associated with SCC.
Factors associated with physical activity in children and adolescents with a physical disability: a systematic review
Authors: Bloemen Manon A T , Backx Frank J G , Takken Tim , Wittink Harriet , Benner Joyce , Mollema Jurgen , de Groot Janke F 
Published: November 2014

AimThe aim of this review was to summarize the important factors associated with participation in physical activity in children and adolescents with physical disabilities.MethodA systematic mixed‐studies review was conducted using the databases Academic Search Elite, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PEDro, PsycINFO, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus, searching for studies conducted from January 2000 to May 2013. The studies were identified by two independent researchers following predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The methodological quality was determined using the McMaster University critical review forms for qualitative or quantitative research and was numerically rated according to the criteria developed by Imms.ResultsThe initial electronic search yielded 10 161 articles, of which six were qualitative and 12 were quantitative studies. These studies showed that a diverse range of positive and negative factors were associated with participation in physical activity, such as self‐efficacy, physical fitness, increasing age, and the availability of equipment and local facilities.InterpretationFuture intervention studies could use these results, within the context of an individual child and his or her environment, as the basis for increasing physical activity levels, starting in early childhood and continuing throughout adolescence and into adulthood. An increased awareness of and focus on providing appropriate equipment and adapted sports in the child's own environment by policy makers might increase physical activity levels.
TAX POLICY AND INCOME INEQUALITY IN THE UNITED STATES, 1979–2007
Authors: Bargain Olivier , Dolls Mathias , Immervoll Herwig , Neumann Dirk , Peichl Andreas , Pestel Nico , Siegloch Sebastian 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis paper assesses the effects of U.S. tax policy reforms on inequality over around three decades, from 1979 to 2007. It applies a new method for decomposing changes in government redistribution into (1) a direct policy effect resulting from policy changes and (2) the effects of changing market incomes. Over the period as a whole, the tax policy changes increased income inequality by pushing up the income share of high‐income earners (the top 20%). (JEL H23, H31, H53, P16)
Ecological factors influencing movement of creek chub in an intermittent stream of the Ozark Mountains, Arkansas
Authors: Walker Richard H. , Adams Ginny L. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIncreasing our understanding of the traits and adaptations that promote the survival and persistence of organisms in highly dynamic environments will aid in the conservation of populations and communities. Projected effects of climate change and land alterations suggest headwater streams may become more intermittent and less predictable, consequently altering biological processes (i.e. dispersal or movement) that govern population dynamics. Few studies have provided insight into movement dynamics of nongame fishes in small headwater streams that commonly experience intermittent conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate movement of a fish species adapted to intermittent stream conditions. Our objectives were to (i) describe the general movement patterns of creek chub, Semotilus atromaculatus, in an intermittent stream and (ii) investigate which ecological factors may influence movement in patchy environments. Creek chub displayed some of the longest distances moved compared to many other stream fishes in perennial streams (179–1069 m seasonal averages; 4678 m maximum distance). Directional movement was significant only in May with more individuals moving upstream. The probability of creek chub movement was inversely related to habitat complexity and pool area. Creek chub adapted to intermittent stream conditions not only exhibited increases in the frequency and distance of movement compared to other nongame fishes, but also exhibited movements in relation to local habitat metrics. These results demonstrate some of the potential adaptations that are likely to promote the survival and persistence of populations in highly dynamic environments such as intermittent streams.
Virtual classroom helps medical education for both Chinese and foreign students
Authors: Shi C. , Wang L. , Li X. , Chai S. , Niu W. , Kong Y. , Zhou W. , Yin W. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimsThe rapid development of computer and internet technology has a strong influence over one's quality of education within different fields of study. To determine the potential benefits of introducing internet into medical school classes, a pilot study was conducted in three different Chinese medical schools.Materials and methodsSeven hundred and eight medical school undergraduates, 385 dental school students and 366 foreign students were randomly recruited to complete a self‐administered questionnaire. The contents included personal information, current usage of computer and internet, and attitudes towards the computerised teaching methods. Two forum groups were created using instant message software and were randomly assigned to two classes, allowing students to freely ask or discuss questions with the help of their teachers in these two virtual classrooms.ResultsAll 1539 questionnaires were accepted and analysed. Although there were some differences between Chinese and foreign undergraduates, both group of students were highly proficient in internet usage and navigation. Overwhelmingly, 88.37% of the students owned a computer and frequently logged onto the internet. Most of them believed that the internet is a helpful adjunct to their studies and held positive attitudes towards computerised teaching. Compared to the classes that were not assigned internet forums, the two experimental classes performed significantly better on the examination.ConclusionsOur results suggest that computerised teaching methods have significant potential to assist in learning for both Chinese and foreign medical undergraduates.
The face of chiropractic: evidence‐based?
Authors: Shelley Jacob , Clark Marianne , Caulfield Timothy 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundChiropractors are the most accessed providers of complementary and alternative medicine care in Canada. However, some scepticism exists around the evidentiary base of the chiropractic profession.ObjectivesTo examine the messages utilised by the chiropractic profession around issues of scope and efficacy through website communication with the public.MethodsWebsite content of major Canadian chiropractic associations and colleges (n=11), and commercial clinics (n=80) was submitted to a mixed‐methods analysis. Content was reviewed to quantify specific health conditions described as treatable by chiropractic care. A qualitative textual analysis identified the primary messages related to evidence and efficacy utilised by the websites.ResultsWebsite content claimed that chiropractic is capable of addressing a wide range of health issues. Quantitative analysis revealed that association and college websites identified a total of 41 unique conditions treatable by chiropractic, while private clinic websites named 159 distinct conditions. The most commonly cited conditions included back pain, headaches/migraines and neck pain. Qualitative analysis revealed three prominent themes drawn upon in discussions of efficacy and evidence: grounded in science, the conflation of safety and efficacy and “natural” healing.ConclusionsThe chiropractic profession claims the capacity to treat health conditions that exceed those more traditionally associated with chiropractic. Website content persistently declared that such claims are supported by research and scientific evidence, and at times blurred the lines between safety and efficacy. The chiropractic profession may be struggling to define themselves both within the paradigm of conventional science as well as an alternative paradigm that embraces natural approaches.
Spontaneous calf hematoma in a patient with diabetic nephropathy receiving maintenance hemodialysis: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Xiao Li , Ling Fengxia , Tan Lihua , Li Huabing , Hu Chun , Luo Ying , Tang Dang , Liu Fuyou , Kanwar Yashpal S. , Sun Lin 
Published: November 2014

AbstractWe report the outcome of a 52‐year‐old patient with diabetic nephropathy and receiving maintenance hemodialysis (HD) using low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) as an anticoagulant for 2 years. He presented right lower limb pain accompanied with difficulty in walking for 2 months, and had no history of bleeding tendency or trauma. Physical examination revealed marked swelling and tenderness on his right lower limb. By ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnoses, the calf hematoma was diagnosed and identified with venous thrombosis. Following treatment with heparin‐free HD, the swelling regressed and pain subsided, and a follow‐up MRI showed complete dissolution of hematoma. However, similar symptoms recurred in the right upper limb after 2 months without any predisposition, he was just placed on HD with LMWH, and symptoms regressed following the aforementioned therapy. This suggests that HD patients, especially with diabetic nephropathy having extremity hematoma, should be watched for the development of spontaneous hemorrhage that can be differentially diagnosed by imaging tests, such as MRI, and can be effectively treated with heparin‐free HD.
HIV and aging: insights from the Asia Pacific HIV Observational Database (APHOD)
Authors: Han N , Wright ST , O'Connor CC , Hoy J , Ponnampalavanar S , Grotowski M , Zhao HX , Kamarulzaman A ,   Australian HIV Observational Database (AHOD),   TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD)
Published: November 2014

ObjectivesThe proportion of people living with HIV/AIDS in the ageing population (> 50 years old) is increasing. We aimed to explore the relationship between older age and treatment outcomes in HIV‐positive persons from the Asia Pacific region.MethodsPatients from the Australian HIV Observational Database (AHOD) and the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD) were included in the analysis. We used survival methods to assess the association between older age and all‐cause mortality, as well as time to treatment modification. We used regression analyses to evaluate changes in CD4 counts after combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) initiation and determined the odds of detectable viral load, up to 24 months of treatment.ResultsA total of 7142 patients were included in these analyses (60% in TAHOD and 40% in AHOD), of whom 25% were > 50 years old. In multivariable analyses, those aged > 50 years were at least twice as likely to die as those aged 30–39 years [hazard ratio (HR) for 50–59 years: 2.27; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34–3.83; HR for > 60 years: 4.28; 95% CI 2.42–7.55]. The effect of older age on CD4 count changes was insignificant (p‐trend = 0.06). The odds of detectable viral load after cART initiation decreased with age (p‐trend = < 0.0001). The effect of older age on time to first treatment modification was insignificant (p‐trend = 0.21). We found no statistically significant differences in outcomes between AHOD and TAHOD participants for all endpoints examined.ConclusionsThe associations between older age and typical patient outcomes in HIV‐positive patients from the Asia Pacific region are similar in AHOD and TAHOD. Our data indicate that ‘age effects’ traverse the resource‐rich and resource‐limited divide and that future ageing‐related findings might be applicable to each setting.
Longitudinal associations between asthma and general and abdominal weight status among Norwegian adolescents and young adults: the HUNT Study
Authors: Egan K. B. , Ettinger A. S. , DeWan A. T. , Holford T. R. , Holmen T. L. , Bracken M. B. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryBackgroundIn adolescents the temporal directionality to the asthma and adiposity association remains unclear. Asthma may be a consequence of obesity; however, asthma may increase adiposity.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the associations between (i) baseline weight status and subsequent asthma and (ii) baseline asthma and subsequent weight status after 4 and 11 years of follow‐up (N = 1543 and N = 1596, respectively) using data from three, sequentially enrolled population‐based surveys of Norwegians aged 12–30 years from 1995 to 2008.MethodsWeight status was defined as general (body mass index) or abdominal (waist circumference) underweight, normal weight, overweight or obesity. Self‐report physician‐diagnosed asthma defined asthma status.ResultsOver the longitudinal 11‐year follow‐up, baseline generally overweight or abdominally obese adolescents had increased risk of asthma. Likewise, baseline asthmatics had increased risk of general overweight or abdominal obesity. After sex stratification, these associations were stronger in males. Generally (odds ratio [OR] 1.90; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32, 2.73) or abdominally (OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.13, 2.44) overweight males were at increased risk of asthma. Baseline asthmatic males were also at increased risk of general (OR 2.14; 95% CI 1.54, 2.98) and abdominal (OR 1.77; 95% CI 1.27, 2.47) overweight.ConclusionsAmong Norwegian adolescents, a bidirectional association of asthma and adiposity was observed in males. Each baseline condition increased the risk of the other condition over time. No association was observed in females.
Botulinum toxin A injection for the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity secondary to spinal cord injury: Multi‐institutional experience in Japan
Authors: Sengoku Atsushi , Okamura Kikuo , Kimoto Yasusuke , Ogawa Takatoshi , Namima Takashige , Yamanishi Tomonori , Yokoyama Teruhiko , Akino Hironobu , Maeda Yoshiko 
Published: November 2014

ObjectivesTo examine the efficacy and safety of onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) injection into the bladder wall for the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity secondary to spinal cord injury in Japanese patients.MethodsWe enrolled Japanese spinal cord injury patients with cystometrically confirmed neurogenic detrusor overactivity who experienced urinary incontinence at least once a week either because they were refractory to anticholinergics or had to discontinue treatment because of adverse events. Patients received 200 units of onabotulinumtoxinA injected into the bladder wall after a 2‐week washout of anticholinergics, and urodynamic variables were assessed before and 1 month after injection. Catheterization and urinary incontinence data, as well as International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Short Form scores, were assessed before injection and every month thereafter until the cessation of treatment effects.ResultsThe study enrolled 19 patients (13 men, six women, age range 22–67 years). One month after injection, the mean number of urinary incontinence episodes decreased from 4.3 to 1.5 times/day (P = 0.004), and the maximum cystometric capacity increased from 100 mL to 296 mL (P = 0.0004). The rate of effective cases whose daily urinary incontinence frequency was decreased to less than 50% was 74%. The duration of efficacy without anticholinergic medication ranged from 3 to 12 months (median 8.5 months). Clinically significant adverse events were not observed.ConclusionsThe present findings show the efficacy and tolerability of onabotulinumtoxinA injection for the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity in Japanese spinal cord injury patients.
Enteric fever in the Pacific: a regional retrospective study from Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Lane R. J. , Holland D. , McBride S. , Perera S. , Zeng I. , Wilson M. , Read K. , Jelleyman T. , Ingram R. J. H. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundThere are limited clinical data on enteric fever in the Pacific and New Zealand (NZ) compared with the Indian subcontinent (ISC) and South‐East Asia (SEA). Our objective was to describe enteric fever in Auckland – a large Pacific city, focusing on disease acquired in these regions.MethodsWe reviewed enteric fever cases hospitalised in Auckland from January 2005 to December 2010.ResultsMicrobiologically confirmed EF was identified in 162 patients. Travel regions: Pacific, 40 cases (25%) (Samoa, 38; Fiji, two), ISC, 72 (44%), SEA, seven (4%), other, three (2%), no travel, 40 (25%). Enteric fever rates for Auckland resident travellers were: India 50.3/100 000; Samoa 19.7/100 000.All Pacific cases were Salmonella Typhi. Of local isolates (without travel history), 38 were S. Typhi (36 fully susceptible, one multi‐drug resistant (MDR) + nalidixic acid resistant (NAR), one unknown) and two S. Paratyphi (both NAR). Of non‐Pacific travel, 56/82 (69%) isolates were S. Typhi, the remainder S. Paratyphi (15 isolates were fully susceptible, only 1% were MDR). Significant associations of serotype and antibiotic resistance with different travel regions and similarity of phage types (local and Pacific) were observed.Headache, vomiting and acute kidney injuries were more frequent with Pacific travel, while abdominal distension and cholecystitis with local disease. Shorter duration of treatment in the Pacific group was seen despite length of stay in hospital not being reduced. Local cases were associated with longer hospital admissions.ConclusionsOne half of cases in Auckland are acquired either from Pacific or locally. Similarities mean that disease acquired locally is likely of Pacific origin.