bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of non‐progressive dysarthria: practice patterns of speech and language therapists in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Conway Aifric , Walshe Margaret 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundDysarthria is a commonly acquired speech disorder. Rising numbers of people surviving stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) mean the numbers of people with non‐progressive dysarthria are likely to increase, with increased challenges for speech and language therapists (SLTs), service providers and key stakeholders. The evidence base for assessment and intervention approaches with this population remains limited with clinical guidelines relying largely on clinical experience, expert opinion and limited research. Furthermore, there is currently little evidence on the practice behaviours of SLTs available.AimsTo investigate whether SLTs in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) vary in how they assess and manage adults with non‐progressive dysarthria; to explore SLTs’ use of the theoretical principles that influence therapeutic approaches; to identify challenges perceived by SLTs when working with adults with non‐progressive dysarthria; and to determine SLTs’ perceptions of further training needs.Methods & ProceduresA 33‐item survey questionnaire was devised and disseminated electronically via SurveyMonkey to SLTs working with non‐progressive dysarthria in the ROI. SLTs were identified through e‐mail lists for special‐interest groups, SLT manager groups and general SLT mailing lists. A reminder e‐mail was sent to all SLTs 3 weeks later following the initial e‐mail containing the survey link. The survey remained open for 6 weeks. Questionnaire responses were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative comments to open‐ended questions were analysed through thematic analysis.Outcomes & ResultsEighty SLTs responded to the survey. Sixty‐seven of these completed the survey in full. SLTs provided both quantitative and qualitative data regarding their assessment and management practices in this area. Practice varied depending on the context of the SLT service, experience of SLTs and the resources available to them. Not all SLTs used principles such as motor programming or neural plasticity to direct clinical work and some requested further direction in this area. SLTs perceived that the key challenges associated with working in this area were the compliance, insight and motivation of adults with dysarthria.Conclusions & ImplicationsThe use of specific treatment programmes varies amongst SLTs. A lack of resources is reported to restrict practice in both assessment and management. Ongoing research into the effectiveness of SLT interventions with adults with non‐progressive dysarthria is required to guide clinical decision‐making. SLTs identified further training needs which may provide direction for the development of professional training courses in the future.
Methane oxidation coupled to nitrate reduction under hypoxia by the Gammaproteobacterium Methylomonas denitrificans, sp. nov. type strain FJG1
Authors: Kits K. Dimitri , Klotz Martin G. , Stein Lisa Y. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryObligate methanotrophs belonging to the Phyla Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia require oxygen for respiration and methane oxidation; nevertheless, aerobic methanotrophs are abundant and active in low oxygen environments. While genomes of some aerobic methanotrophs encode putative nitrogen oxide reductases, it is not understood whether these metabolic modules are used for NOx detoxification, denitrification or other purposes. Here we demonstrate using microsensor measurements that a gammaproteobacterial methanotroph Methylomonas denitrificans sp. nov. strain FJG1T couples methane oxidation to nitrate reduction under oxygen limitation, releasing nitrous oxide as a terminal product. Illumina RNA‐Seq data revealed differential expression of genes encoding a denitrification pathway previously unknown to methanotrophs as well as the pxmABC operon in M. denitrificans sp. nov. strain FJG1T in response to hypoxia. Physiological and transcriptome data indicate that genetic inventory encoding the denitrification pathway is upregulated only upon availability of nitrate under oxygen limitation. In addition, quantitation of ATP levels demonstrates that the denitrification pathway employs inventory such as nitrate reductase NarGH serving M. denitrificans sp. nov. strain FJG1T to conserve energy during oxygen limitation. This study unravelled an unexpected metabolic flexibility of aerobic methanotrophs, thereby assigning these bacteria a new role at the metabolic intersection of the carbon and nitrogen cycles.
Fat Transfer and Fatal Macroembolization
Authors: Astarita Denis C. , Scheinin Lisa A. , Sathyavagiswaran Lakshmanan 
Published: February 2015

AbstractFat embolism is usually associated with long bone fractures or other trauma. The diagnosis is usually clinical, and in most cases, emboli are not fatal and not usually seen on gross examination. At the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office, we autopsied the victim of fatal macroscopic fat embolization to the lungs. The patient died during buttock enhancement surgery when fat from liposuction was injected into her buttocks. Fat embolism from liposuction and fat injection is reportedly rare, and macroscopic embolization is rarer still. Varicose veins can occur in the area of the sciatic notch and are known to cause painful sciatica symptoms. We suggest them as a potential conduit for macroscopic fat to reach the lungs. Simple pre‐operative questioning for sciatica symptoms and possible radiologic study to rule out sciatic varices seem prudent before undertaking buttock‐enhancing surgery. Careful fat injection with pre‐aspiration is always advised.
Sickle Cell Trait as a Contributory Cause of Death in Natural Disease
Authors: Podduturi Varsha , Guileyardo Joseph M. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractSickle cell trait (SCT) affects 300 million people globally, and awareness is growing that SCT is not an entirely benign condition; however, most reported cases have been non‐natural deaths. Autopsy records from the Baylor University Medical Center (BUMC) in Dallas, Texas, contained seven natural deaths from January 2007 to October 2013 in which micro‐occlusive sickling was identified at autopsy and SCT confirmed by postmortem hemoglobin fractionation. Sickle crisis was never diagnosed clinically. These cases illustrate the importance of red cell morphology in autopsy material. When sickling is suspected, hemoglobin fractionation should be performed. If confirmed, SCT should be listed as an autopsy finding and the severity and distribution of sickling documented. Extensive micro‐occlusive sickling should be considered contributory to death; however, its relative importance depends on all facts of the case. Accurate reporting should facilitate further research and the development of evidence‐based preventative and supportive strategies for these patients.
Non‐medical prescription drug use (NMPDU) and poor quality of life in the Swedish general population
Authors: Abrahamsson Tove , Berglund Mats , Håkansson Anders 
Published: February 2015

Background and ObjectivesQuality of life has become an increasingly important measurement in the substance use field. The main aim of the present study was to examine the relationships between non‐medical use of prescription analgesics and sedatives and poor quality of life in the general population.MethodsData were drawn from a Swedish national household survey conducted in 2008–2009. A stratified sample of 58,000 individuals aged 15–64 was randomly selected, with a response rate of 38.3% (n = 22,095). We examined the relationships between non‐medical prescription drug use and quality of life in a logistic regression analysis, controlling for other substance use and sociodemographic variables.ResultsIn the final logistic regression model, both non‐medical use of prescription analgesics and sedatives were independently associated with poor quality of life. Non‐medical use of prescription sedatives was the strongest correlate of poor quality of life among the substance use variables.Discussion and ConclusionsThe associations between non‐medical prescription drug use and poor quality of life might imply a need to better identify and provide treatment for this group, especially individuals with non‐medical prescription sedative use, which seems to be a particularly strong correlate of poor quality of life.Scientific SignificanceUsing a large, general population sample, the present paper is one of few to examine the relationships between non‐medical prescription drug use and quality of life. (Am J Addict 2015;24:271–277)
Gastric fluid cytokines are associated with chorioamnionitis and white blood cell counts in preterm infants
Authors: Bry K J K , Jacobsson B , Nilsson S , Bry K 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to determine whether the concentration of cytokines in the gastric fluid at birth was associated with chorioamnionitis or funisitis and with the white blood cell counts of very premature newborns.MethodsWe retrieved gastric fluid from 27 preterm infants with a gestational age of <29 weeks within 1 h of birth and used enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay to measure the concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐1beta, epithelial cell‐derived neutrophil‐activating peptide (ENA)‐78, IL‐8 and growth‐related oncogene (Gro)‐alpha. The presence of histologic chorioamnionitis or funisitis in the placentas and the highest white blood cell count of the infants during the first week of life were compared to the cytokine concentrations.ResultsGastric fluid concentrations of IL‐1beta, ENA‐78, IL‐8 and Gro‐alpha were strongly associated with chorioamnionitis and funisitis. In addition, chorioamnionitis and funisitis and gastric aspirate cytokine levels were associated with the highest white blood cell counts of the infants during the first week of life.ConclusionThis study suggests that levels of inflammatory cytokines in the gastric fluid of premature infants at birth can be used to assess the exposure of the infants to antenatal inflammation.
From lip to lab: salty tasting skin is the main clue that raises clinical suspicion of cystic fibrosis in young infants
Authors: Camargos Paulo , Gomes Daniela Lima , Alvim Cristina Gonçalves , Gomes Fabrício Silva , Cajazeiro Júnia Maria Drumond 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimThis study developed a clinical decision rule (CDR) to rule in or rule out cystic fibrosis (CF) in the first weeks of life.MethodsWe combined a two‐step nonconcurrent birth cohort and a cross‐sectional controlled study in which observers and mothers were blinded to confirmatory sweat test results. Neonates from uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries, with two subsequent tests for immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT) higher than 70 ng/mL, were eligible to take part.ResultsWe included 49 CF‐affected and 177 CF‐unaffected infants with an average age of 34 days. CF‐affected infants demonstrated statistically significant differences in weight gain, stool frequency and salty tasting skin from birth. Multivariate analysis showed that the main predictors of CF were salty tasting skin (odds ratio 17.2) and weight gain of <10.5 g per day (odds ratio 4.6). Depending on the CDR score, we obtained the following results: sensitivity (42.9–61.2%), specificity (89.6–96.5%), positive (62.5–77.8%) and negative (85.6–89.1%) predictive value and positive (5.8–12.3) and negative (0.4–0.6) likelihood ratio.ConclusionThe CDR could provide a reliable index of clinical suspicion and timely referral for sweat testing in settings without newborn screening programmes and may also be applied to false‐negative individuals where such programmes already exist.
Autoimmune gastritis in autoimmune thyroid disease
Authors: Venerito M. , Radünz M. , Reschke K. , Reinhold D. , Frauenschläger K. , Jechorek D. , Di Mario F. , Malfertheiner P. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryBackgroundAutoimmune gastritis leads to oxyntic gastric atrophy, a condition at increased risk for gastric cancer. Autoimmune gastritis in conjunction with autoimmune thyroid disease has been reported previously.AimIn a case–control study in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease to evaluate the usefulness of serum pepsinogens for the identification of oxyntic gastric atrophy, and to determine the relationship of Helicobacter pylori with oxyntic gastric atrophy.MethodsPatients with autoimmune thyroid disease (cases) and goitre (controls) were prospectively enrolled in the study. Pepsinogen (PG) I levels ≤25 μg/mL and PG I/II ratio ≤3 were indicative for oxyntic gastric atrophy. Antibodies against H. pylori, CagA and parietal cells were also determined. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsies was offered to patients with serological oxyntic gastric atrophy.ResultsIn total, 34 autoimmune thyroid disease patients and 30 controls were enrolled. Serological oxyntic gastric atrophy was present only in autoimmune thyroid disease patients (8/34, 23.5%, OR 8.3, 95% CI = 1.9–36.2). In all eight patients oxyntic gastric atrophy was confirmed by histology. OLGA stage I, II, III and IV was described in 0%, 33%, 50% and 17% of the cases, respectively. About, 89% and 11% of oxyntic gastric atrophy patients were seropositive for antibodies against parietal cells or H. pylori infection, respectively. Gastric atrophy involved the angulus/antrum in 50% of patients with autoimmune gastritis.ConclusionsThe seroprevalence of oxyntic gastric atrophy is high in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease, and testing of serum pepsinogens should be included in the clinical assessment of these patients. H. pylori infection is unlikely to be a principal factor in the pathogenesis of oxyntic gastric atrophy in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease. In autoimmune gastritis, gastric atrophy can spread from the oxyntic towards the antral mucosa.
Religious adaptation of a parenting programme: process evaluation of the Family Links Islamic Values course for Muslim fathers
Authors: Scourfield J. , Nasiruddin Q. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundAmid concern about the reach and inclusivity of parenting interventions, attempts have been made to culturally adapt programmes for specific ethnic or linguistic groups. This paper describes a novel approach of the religious adaptation of a parenting programme, namely the Family Links Islamic Values course.MethodsA small‐scale qualitative process evaluation was conducted on one Family Links Islamic Values course for Muslim fathers in the South of England in order to describe the intervention as implemented and its theory of change, as well as the acceptability of the programme to the participants. The data consisted of 13 semi‐structured interviews (10 with parents and three with staff), 25 h of observation and reading of programme manuals.ResultsA logic model is presented to describe the theoretical basis of the intervention. The programme was highly acceptable to fathers who valued the integration of religious teachings and were generally very positive about their experience of attending the course. Post‐course interviews with both fathers and mothers mentioned some positive changes in fathers as a result of their attendance.ConclusionsIt is important to be responsive to the needs of some British Muslims for religiously credible interventions. This small‐scale process evaluation needs to be followed by a robust evaluation of programme outcomes for parents and children.
NFATc1 deletion in T lymphocytes inhibits the allergic trait in a murine model of asthma
Authors: Koch S. , Reppert S. , Finotto S. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryBackgroundNFATc1 isoforms are highly regulated in peripheral T cells where they contribute to the effector function and cell homeostasis.ObjectiveHere, we investigated the role of NFATc1 in asthma and in T cells.MethodsIn a murine model of allergic asthma, we analysed differences in T‐cell development in this allergic disease model, between wild‐type and NFATc1 conditional knockout mice. Thus, we performed quantitative real‐time PCR to investigate the mRNA expression of Th2‐associated genes as well as genes that are involved in IgE immunoglobulin class‐switch. Additionally, we used ELISA, Western blot and flow cytometry (FACS) to analyse protein concentrations of Th1‐, Th2‐ and Th17‐specific transcription factors and cytokines and the Th2 chemokine, thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine/chemokine ligand 17 (TARC/CCL17) by ELISA.ResultsMice lacking NFATc1 in CD4+ T cells display a significant reduction in lung Th2 and Th17 as well as an increase of Th1 cells in an experimental asthma model. Additionally, Batf gene, a recently described transcription factor of the Th2 and Th17 cell differentiation as well as a key T and B transcription factor involved in the IgE immunoglobulin class‐switch, was found decreased in the lungs of these mice. As a consequence, serum OVA‐specific IgE and IgG1 levels were found significantly decreased after allergen exposure and in the absence of NFATc1 in T cells in experimental allergic asthma.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceTargeting NFATc1 in T lymphocytes ameliorated the allergic trait in the airways of NFATc1fl/flxCD4Cre mice. NFATc1 emerges as a novel target for anti‐allergy intervention.
Lower anti‐echovirus antibody responses in children presenting to hospital with asthma exacerbations
Authors: Iwasaki J. , Chai L. Y. , Khoo S.‐K. , Bizzintino J. , Laing I. A. , Le Souëf P. N. , Thomas W. R. , Hales B. J. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryBackgroundRhinoviruses from the Enterovirus genus cause frequent infections and induce remarkably high titres of anticapsid antigen antibodies in asthmatics, while the prevalence of neutralising antibodies to the gut‐trophic echoviruses from the same genus is diminished.ObjectiveTo assess the absolute and specific antibody titres to VP1 antigens of the gut‐trophic enteroviruses, echovirus 30 and Sabin 1 poliovirus, in asthmatic and non‐asthmatic children.MethodsRecombinant polypeptides representing the VP1 capsid antigens of echovirus 30 and Sabin poliovirus 1 were produced. Their ability to bind IgG1 antibodies from the plasma of asthmatic (n = 45) and non‐asthmatic (n = 29) children were quantitated by immunoassays that incorporated immunoabsorptions to remove cross‐reactivity.ResultsThe IgG1 antibody titres and prevalence of antibody binding to echovirus 30 were significantly lower for asthmatic children compared to controls (P < 0.05) and inversely correlated with total IgE levels for the whole study population (r = ‐0.262; P < 0.05). There was no difference in the prevalence and titre between groups to the VP1 antigen of Sabin poliovirus. Anti‐tetanus toxoid titres measured for comparison did not correlate with anti‐echovirus or poliovirus, but correlated with anti‐rhinovirus titres in controls but not asthmatics, where the titres were higher for the asthmatic group.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThe associations of lower antibody titres of asthmatic children to echovirus reported here and those of our previous findings of a heightened response to rhinovirus suggest a dichotomy where respiratory enterovirus infection/immunity increases the probability of developing asthma and enteric infections lower the risk. This provides further support for the concept of intestinal infection playing a key role in the development of allergic respiratory disease.
Maternal plasma and breastmilk viral loads are associated with HIV-1-specific cellular immune responses among HIV-1-exposed, uninfected infants in Kenya
Authors: Liu A Y , Lohman-Payne B , Chung M H , Kiarie J , Kinuthia J , Slyker J , Richardson B , Lehman D , Farquhar C , John-Stewart G 
Published: February 2015

SummaryInfants exposed to maternal HIV-1 provide an opportunity to assess correlates of HIV-1-specific interferon (IFN)-γ responses and may be informative in the development of HIV-1 vaccines. HIV-1-infected women with CD4 counts 200–500 cells/mm3 were randomized to short-course zidovudine/nevirapine (ZDV/NVP) or highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) between 2003 and 2005. Maternal plasma and breastmilk HIV-1 RNA and DNA were quantified during the first 6–12 months postpartum. HIV-1 gag peptide-stimulated enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assays were conducted in HIV-1-exposed, uninfected infants (EU), and correlates were determined using regression and generalized estimating equations. Among 47 EU infants, 21 (45%) had ≥1 positive ELISPOT result during follow-up. Infants had a median response magnitude of 177 HIV-1-specific spot-forming units (SFU)/106 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) [interquartile range (IQR) = 117–287] directed against 2 (IQR = 1–3) gag peptide pools. The prevalence and magnitude of responses did not differ by maternal anti-retroviral (ARV) randomization arm. Maternal plasma HIV-1 RNA levels during pregnancy (P = 0·009) and breastmilk HIV-1 DNA levels at 1 month (P = 0·02) were associated with a higher magnitude of infant HIV-1-specific ELISPOT responses at 1 month postpartum. During follow-up, concurrent breastmilk HIV-1 RNA and DNA (cell-free virus and cell-associated virus, respectively) each were associated positively with magnitude of infant HIV-1-specific responses (P = 0·01). Our data demonstrate the importance of antigenic exposure on the induction of infant HIV-1-specific cellular immune responses in the absence of infection.
Searching for the neural basis of reserve against memory decline: intellectual enrichment linked to larger hippocampal volume in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sumowski J. F. , Rocca M. A. , Leavitt V. M. , Riccitelli G. , Sandry J. , DeLuca J. , Comi G. , Filippi M. 
Published: February 2015

Background and purposeActive engagement in intellectually enriching activities (e.g. reading, hobbies) builds ‘reserve’ against memory decline in elders and persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), but the neural basis for this protective influence of enrichment is unknown. Herein the neuroanatomical basis of reserve against memory decline in MS patients is investigated.MethodsRelapse‐onset MS patients (N = 187) underwent 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging of the brain to quantify T2 lesion volume (T2LV) and normalized volumes of total brain, total white, total grey (using SIENAX) and thalamus, caudate, putamen, pallidum, amygdala and hippocampus (using FIRST). Patients completed a survey quantifying their engagement in early life intellectual enrichment (i.e. reading, hobbies). Verbal and visuospatial episodic memory was assessed with neuropsychological tasks in a representative subsample (N = 97).ResultsControlling for demographics and T2LV, intellectual enrichment was specifically linked to larger normalized hippocampal volume (rp = 0.213, P = 0.004), with no link to other brain volumes/structures. Moreover, greater intellectual enrichment moderated/attenuated the negative relationship between normalized total brain volume (i.e. overall cerebral atrophy) and normalized hippocampal volume (i.e. hippocampal atrophy; P = 0.001) whereby patients who engaged in more early life intellectual enrichment better maintained hippocampal volume in the face of worse overall cerebral atrophy. Finally, the link between greater intellectual enrichment and better memory was partially mediated through larger hippocampal volume.ConclusionsThese findings support larger hippocampal volume as one key component of the neuroanatomical basis of reserve against memory decline in MS. These findings are consistent with previous literature on experience‐dependent neuroplasticity within the hippocampus.