bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria phenotype cells and leucocyte subset telomere length in childhood acquired aplastic anaemia
Authors: Tutelman Perri R. , Aubert Geraldine , Milner Ruth A. , Dalal Bakul I. , Schultz Kirk R. , Deyell Rebecca J. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryThe significance of paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNHpos) cells and leucocyte subset telomere lengths in paediatric aplastic anaemia (AA) is unknown. Among 22 children receiving immunosuppressive therapy (IST) for AA, 73% (16/22) were PNHpos, of whom 94% achieved at least a partial response (PR) to IST; 11/16 (69%) achieved complete response (CR). Only 2/6 (33%) PNHneg patients achieved PR. PNHpos patients were less likely to fail IST compared to PNHneg patients (odds ratio 0·033; 95% confidence interval 0·002–0·468; P = 0·012). Children with AA had short granulocyte (P = 7·8 × 10−9), natural killer cell (P = 6·0 × 10−4), naïve T lymphocyte (P = 0·002) and B lymphocyte (P = 0·005) telomeres compared to age‐matched normative data.
Does prostate HistoScanning™ play a role in detecting prostate cancer in routine clinical practice? Results from three independent studies
Authors: Javed Saqib , Chadwick Eliot , Edwards Albert A. , Beveridge Sabeena , Laing Robert , Bott Simon , Eden Christopher , Langley Stephen 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesTo evaluate the ability of prostate HistoScanning™ (PHS; Advanced Medical Diagnostics, Waterloo, Belgium) to detect, characterize and locally stage prostate cancer, by comparing it with transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐guided prostate biopsies, transperineal template prostate biopsies (TTBs) and whole‐mount radical prostatectomy specimens.Subjects and MethodsStudy 1. We recruited 24 patients awaiting standard 12‐core TRUS‐guided biopsies of the prostate to undergo PHS immediately beforehand. We compared PHS with the TRUS‐guided biopsy results in terms of their ability to detect cancer within the whole prostate and to localize it to the correct side and to the correct region of the prostate. Lesions that were suspicious on PHS were biopsied separately.Study 2. We recruited 57 patients awaiting TTB to have PHS beforehand. We compared PHS with the TTB pathology results in terms of their ability to detect prostate cancer within the whole gland and to localize it to the correct side and to the correct sextant of the prostate.Study 3. We recruited 24 patients awaiting radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer to undergo preoperative PHS. We compared PHS with standardized pathological analysis of the whole‐mount prostatectomy specimens in terms of their measurement of total tumour volume within the prostate, tumour volume within prostate sextants and volume of index lesions identified by PHS.ResultsThe PHS‐targeted biopsies had an overall cancer detection rate of 38.1%, compared with 62.5% with standard TRUS‐guided biopsies. The sensitivity and specificity of PHS for localizing tumour to the correct prostate sextant, compared with standard TRUS‐guided biopsies, were 100 and 5.9%, respectively.The PHS‐targeted biopsies had an overall cancer detection rate of 13.4% compared with 54.4% for standard TTB. PHS had a sensitivity and specificity for cancer detection in the posterior gland of 100 and 13%, respectively, and for the anterior gland, 6 and 82%, respectively.We found no correlation between total tumour volume estimates from PHS and radical prostatectomy pathology (Pearson correlation coefficient −0.096). Sensitivity and specificity of PHS for detecting tumour foci ≥0.2 mL in volume were 63 and 53%.ConclusionsThese three independent studies in 105 patients suggest that PHS does not reliably identify and characterize prostate cancer in the routine clinical setting.
ADX71441, a novel, potent and selective positive allosteric modulator of the GABAB receptor, shows efficacy in rodent models of overactive bladder
Authors: Kalinichev M , Palea S , Haddouk H , Royer‐Urios I , Guilloteau V , Lluel P , Schneider M , Saporito M , Poli S 
Published: November 2013

Background and PurposeThe GABAB receptor agonist baclofen reduces urethral resistance and detrusor overactivity in patients with spasticity. However, baclofen's side effects limit its use for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB). Here, we tested a novel GABAB positive allosteric modulator (PAM) ADX71441 in models of OAB in mice and guinea pigs.Experimental ApproachMice were left untreated or given (p.o.) vehicle (1% CMC), ADX71441 (1, 3, 10 mg kg−1) or oxybutynin (100 mg kg−1; Experiment 1) or vehicle (1% CMC), baclofen (1, 3, 6 mg kg−1) or oxybutynin (Experiment 2). Treated mice were then overhydrated with water, challenged with furosemide, before being placed into micturition chambers and monitored for urinary parameters. In anaesthetized guinea pigs, intravesical infusion of acetic acid was used to induce OAB and the effects of ADX71441 (1, 3 mg kg−1) or baclofen (1 mg kg−1), administered i.v., on cystometric parameters were monitored.Key ResultsIn mice, 10 mg kg−1 ADX71441 increased urinary latencies, reduced the number of urinary events and the total and average urinary volumes. In guinea pigs, ADX71441 (1 and 3 mg kg−1) increased the intercontraction interval (ICI) and bladder capacity (BC), and reduced micturition frequency (MF) compared to vehicle. At 3 mg kg−1 ADX71441 completely inhibited the micturition reflex and induced overflow incontinence in five out of 10 animals. Baclofen slightly increased ICI and BC and reduced MF.Conclusion and ImplicationsOur findings demonstrate, for the first time, that a GABAB PAM has potential as a novel approach for the treatment of OAB.
Does trade stimulate product quality upgrading?
Authors: Fernandes Ana M. , Paunov Caroline 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis paper investigates whether increased import competition leads firms to engage in incremental innovation reflected in product quality upgrading using Chilean manufacturing firm‐product data and measuring product quality with unit values (prices). We identify causal effects of import competition using an effective trade barrier measure – transport costs – as instruments for import penetration ratios across industries. Transport costs have a negative and significant effect on product quality. The evidence suggests that estimated unit value increases capture product quality upgrading, imports’ competition effects drive quality upgrading, and benefits depend on firms’ industrial specialization. Easier access to intermediate inputs also fosters quality upgrading.
The risk and cost of job loss in Canada, 1978–2008
Authors: Morissette René , Qiu Hanqing , Chan Ping Ching Winnie 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe assess the risk and cost of worker displacement in Canada over the last three decades. We show that neither the risk of job loss nor the short‐term earnings losses of displaced workers trended upwards during that period. However, short‐term earnings losses of workers displaced from manufacturing increased in recent years, as a smaller proportion found a post‐displacement job in that sector. In line with Stevens and Couch and Placzek, we find that high‐seniority workers and individuals with stable labour market attachment experienced, five years after displacement, earnings losses that ranged between 10% and 18%.
Immigrant earnings growth: selection bias or real progress?
Authors: Picot Garnett , Piraino Patrizio 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe use longitudinal tax data linked to immigrant landing records to study the effect of selective attrition on the estimated earnings assimilation of immigrants to Canada. Contrary to findings in the existing international literature, we show that the immigrant‐native earnings gap closes at the same pace in longitudinal and cross‐sectional data. Low‐earning immigrants are likely to leave the cross‐sectional samples over time, but the same is true for the native born. Our study suggests that immigrants to Canada have labour market participation dynamics similar to those of the native born.
Openness in adoption: Challenging the narrative of historical progress
Authors: Jones Christine 
Published: November 2013

AbstractOne significant change in adoption practice that has occurred over the last four decades is the shift away from an expectation of confidentiality towards an expectation of openness in adoption. Openness is typically conceived in terms of the level of contact between adoptive and birth families following adoption or the extent to which adoption is openly discussed within the adoptive family. While these shifts in practice have generated controversy, they are largely supported by research evidence and have become a feature of contemporary adoptive family life. As a result, the narrative that has emerged in relation to openness in adoption is one of historical progress. In this paper, I argue that the lived reality of adoption is less straightforward than this narrative suggests. An analysis of the social and cultural context in which adoption operates suggests instead that the persistent feature of adoption throughout this historical period of increasing openness can be more accurately described as a state of enduring ambiguity regarding the nature of post‐adoption relationships. The paper highlights the potentially damaging consequences of overlooking this aspect of adoptive family life and comments on the role of policy in shaping openness in adoption.
Clinical Factors Influencing Removal of the Cement Excess in Implant‐Supported Restorations
Authors: Vindasiute Egle , Puisys Algirdas , Maslova Natalja , Linkeviciene Laura , Peciuliene Vytaute , Linkevicius Tomas 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe depth of the cementation margin has an influence on the amount of cement remnants around implants. However, the role of other clinical factors is still not clarified.PurposeThe aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between undetected cement and (i) location of the implant, (ii) implant diameter, and (iii) undercut.Materials and MethodsSixty‐five patients were treated with single metal‐ceramic restorations on implants. The undercut between the restoration and the tissue was measured. After cementation, the restoration‐abutment unit was unscrewed. All quadrants of the specimens were photographed and analyzed. The ratio between total restoration area/peri‐implant tissue area and area of cement remnants was calculated in pixels. Significance was set to 0.05.ResultsSixty‐five metal‐ceramic restorations were placed on 65 implants (39 molars, 22 premolars, 4 anteriors; 21 implants had a diameter of 3.5 mm, 34 of 4.0 mm, 10 of 5.0 mm). An undercut of 1 mm was found in 118 sites, 2 mm in 96 sites, and 3 mm in 46. The percentages of soft tissue and restoration, respectively, covered by cement were as follows: molars 4% and 7%; premolars 3.8% and 7.3%; anteriors 3% and 3.4%; 3.5 mm diameter 3.3% and 7.4%; 4.0 mm 7.7% and 7.7%; 5.0 mm 3.9% and 2.1%; 1‐mm undercut 3.5% and 5.4%; 2‐mm 4% and 8.1%; 3‐mm 4.8% and 8.4%. The relationship between amount of cement remnants and implant location was insignificant (p > 0.05) for both soft tissue and the specimen, but significant relationships with amount of cement remnants were found for diameter (p = 0.026 for soft tissue, p = 0.600 for specimen) and undercut (p = 0.004 for soft tissue, p = 0.046 for specimen).ConclusionIf cemented crown restoration is desired, undercuts should be reduced to a minimum for better removal of cement excess, irrespective of the diameter and location of the implants in the mouth.
Pretransplant risk stratification for early survival of renal allograft recipients
Authors: Kikić Željko , Herkner Harald , Sengölge Gürkan , Kozakowski Nicolas , Bartel Gregor , Plischke Max 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundBaseline comorbidities influence patient outcomes in renal transplantation. Identification of high‐risk recipients for patient death and early allograft loss might lead to superior stratification.Material and MethodsIn this retrospective study, risk stratification models were developed in a cohort of 392 kidney transplant recipients and validated in an independent cohort to predict short‐term (2 year) outcomes.ResultsPeripheral arterial disease [OR 7·7 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2·45–24·60); P < 0·001], use of oral anticoagulation [OR 18·68 (95% CI: 3·77–92·46); P < 0·0001], smoking [OR 5·15 (95% CI: 1·67–15·84); P = 0·004], recipient age > 60 years [OR 7·28 (95% CI: 2·33–22·69; P = 0·001)], serum albumin < 40 g/L [OR 5·08 (95% CI: 1·82–14·19); P = 0·002], serum calcium ≥ 2·42 mM [OR 6·47 (95% CI: 1·37–30·58); P = 0·02] living donation [OR 2·95, (95% CI: 0·31–28·29); P = 0·34)] and previous haemodialysis [OR 3·33, (95% CI: 0·39–28·11); P = 0·27)] were included in the model. The validated model discriminated between low‐ (< 3 points) and high‐risk recipients (> 8·5 points) with mortality rates of 0% vs. 54%. The comparison of the model with the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) yielded significantly better receiver operating characteristic (ROC) areas (Novel Score ROC: 0·87 vs. CCI: 0·72, P = 0·0012). Early allograft loss was associated with presensitization [OR 3·02 (95% CI: 1·29–7·09); P = 0·011] and presence of hepatitis C antibodies [OR 2·42 (95% CI: 1·09–5·34); P = 0·029]. A risk model (ROC: 0·62) for allograft loss could not be developed.ConclusionRisk stratification based on the novel score might identify high‐risk recipients with disproportional risk of early patient death and lead to optimized strategies.
Substance use in clinical high risk for psychosis: a review of the literature
Authors: Addington Jean , Case Nevicia , Saleem Majid M. , Auther Andrea M. , Cornblatt Barbara A. , Cadenhead Kristin S. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimIn the literature, there is evidence suggesting an association between substance use and psychosis. However, little is known about substance use in those who may be in the pre‐psychotic phase, that is, those who are putatively prodromal are considered to be at clinical high risk (CHR) of developing psychosis.MethodsWe conducted a review of publications measuring patterns and rates of substance use in CHR for psychosis individuals and the effects on the transition to psychosis.ResultsOf 5527 potentially relevant research papers, 10 met inclusion criteria of CHR subjects and specifically mentioned substance use in the sample. The results of these studies varied. Cannabis, alcohol and tobacco/nicotine were reported as the most commonly used substances. There was limited information on the changes in patterns of use over time. Two out of the ten studies found a significant association between the use of substances and subsequent transition to psychosis. In one of these studies, substance abuse was a predictor of psychosis when included as a variable in a prediction algorithm. In the other study, the abuse of cannabis and nicotine was associated with transition to psychosis.ConclusionsWe found limited evidence to suggest that increased rates of substance use may be associated with transition to psychosis. However, further prospective research examining the association between substance use and transition to psychosis is required before any firm conclusions can be made.
Declining transition rates to psychosis: the contribution of potential changes in referral pathways to an ultra–high‐risk service
Authors: Wiltink Suzanne , Velthorst Eva , Nelson Barnaby , McGorry Patrick M. , Yung Alison R. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimOn the basis of applying ‘ultra–high‐risk’ (UHR) criteria, initially high rates of transition to psychosis were reported. However, a decline in transition to psychosis has been observed in recent years. The current descriptive paper aims to investigate if this drop in transition rate may be due to potential changes in patterns of referral to a large UHR clinic.MethodsOne hundred fifty young people who were referred to the Personal Assessment and Crisis Evaluation (PACE) Clinic in Melbourne, Australia, between August 2000 and July 2004 were included. Their referral pathways were assessed using a semistructured interview. Results were compared with a similar study of a cohort referred to the same clinic between 1995 and 1996.ResultsThe mean number of contacts prior to referral to the PACE Clinic was 1.93 (standard deviation (SD) = 1.15), and the average time between symptom onset and referral to PACE was 46.5 weeks (SD = 57.4). In comparison with the earlier cohort (mean = 2.36; SD = 1.32), our results indicate a lower number of contacts (Cohen's d = 0.35, r = 0.17). Furthermore, participants in the current study were referred twice as fast to the PACE Clinic.ConclusionsIncreasing awareness of UHR symptoms among professionals and in the general population seems to have resulted in faster referral of young people to specialized mental health services. The global drop in transition rate might be due to a change in referral pathways to UHR services.
Awareness and practices regarding zoonotic influenza prevention in Romanian swine workers
Authors: Rabinowitz Peter M. , Huang Eileen , Paccha Blanca , Vegso Sally , Gurzau Anca 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundSwine workers may play a key role in transmission of zoonotic influenza viruses. At the same time, little is known about the extent and effectiveness of influenza prevention programs for these at‐risk workers.ObjectivesTo characterize practices and attitudes regarding zoonotic influenza transmission among swine workers in Romania.MethodsWe conducted a convenience survey of swine workers in Romania. The confidential survey included questions about awareness of zoonotic influenza risk, work tasks performed, flu vaccination status, and reported influenza‐like illness.ResultsA total of 103 workers at seven farms completed the survey. The percentage of workers reporting concern about either contracting influenza from pigs or giving influenza to pigs was 78% and 70%, respectively. Although 60% of workers reported having a sick‐leave policy at work, only 7% of workers reported receiving seasonal influenza vaccination during the past flu season. Only 5% of the workers reported flu‐like illness during the past year while 3% of workers reported that pigs appeared sick with influenza over the same time period. The majority of workers reported using protective overalls and rubber boots during swine work, with lower rates of use of gloves. Reported use of respiratory protection was rare, and use of any personal protective equipment did not differ when pigs appeared ill.ConclusionsDespite awareness and concern regarding zoonotic influenza, Romanian swine workers report low rates of influenza vaccine or respiratory protection. As part of global pandemic influenza preparedness, enhanced prevention programs for swine workers should address such gaps.
Population dynamics of cocirculating swine influenza A viruses in the United States from 2009 to 2012
Authors: Anderson Tavis K. , Nelson Martha I. , Kitikoon Pravina , Swenson Sabrina L. , Korslund John A. , Vincent Amy L. 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundUnderstanding the ecology and evolution of influenza A viruses (IAV) in mammalian hosts is critical to reduce disease burden in production animals and lower zoonotic infection risk in humans. Recent advances in influenza surveillance in US swine populations allow for timely epidemiological, phylogenetic, and virological analyses that monitor emergence of novel viruses and assess changes in viral population dynamics.MethodsTo better understand IAV in the North American swine population, we undertook a phylogenetic analysis of 1075 HA, 1049 NA, and 1040 M sequences of IAV isolated from US swine during 2009–2012 through voluntary and anonymous submissions to the US Department of Agriculture IAV swine surveillance system.ResultsAnalyses revealed changes in population dynamics among multiple clades of A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and A/H1N2 cocirculating in US swine populations during 2009–2012. Viral isolates were categorized into one of seven genetically and antigenically distinct hemagglutinin lineages: H1α, H1β, H1γ, H1δ1, H1δ2, H1pdm09, and H3 cluster IV. There was an increase in occurrence of H1δ1 in samples submitted, with a concurrent decrease in H1pdm09. H3 cluster IV exhibited increasing diversification, warranting a re‐evaluation of phylogenetic nomenclature criteria. Although H3N2 represented 25% of identified viruses, this subtype was reported in increasing proportion of sequenced isolates since late 2011.ConclusionsSurveillance and reporting of IAV in US swine have increased since 2009, and we demonstrate a period of expanded viral diversity. These data may be used to inform intervention strategies of vaccine and diagnostic updates and changes in swine health management.
Antibiotic Resistant Group A Streptococci
Authors: Yoshioka Morimasa , Kunii Toyo 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTGroup A streptococcus mutants, which lost the ability to produce soluble hemolysins, either β or α hemolytic on the horse blood agar, showed penicillin‐mitomycin C double resistance. Penicillin resistance was high and stable, but mitomycin C resistance was not remarkably high. Mitomycin C resistance was always accompanied with inactivation of the antibacterial activity of the drug, while mitomycin C and penicillin sensitive group A streptococci never showed mitomycin inactivation. The component affecting the mitomycin C was not found in the sterile filtrate of mutant cell cultures, nor could it be extracted by sonic oscillation. The activity of the factor diminished, when living mutant cells were heated at 60 C for 30 min, but activity was not diminished at 56 C. The intensity of activity was a function of the bacterial quantities used. Mutant cells suspended in heart infusion broth, proteose peptone, casamino acid and horse serum were able to render the factor which inactivated mitomycin C, while mutant cells suspended in bovine serum albumin, RNA, or saline did not show the phenomenon.
The Viability of Leptospires in the Summer Paddy Water
Authors: Ryu Eihyo , Liu Chaw‐King 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTIn connection with the possible role played by water buffaloes in transmitting leptospiral infection, surveys of pH and temperature of paddy water in Taiwan as well as investigation of their effects upon the viability of various leptospires were performed during the summer time. The pH values of paddy water at 122 places in 37 villages distributed in the southern, central and northern parts of Taiwan were surveyed. The pH values of the water of 8 (6.6%) places ranged from 6.4 to 6.8, that of 29 (23.8%) places varied between 7.0 and 7.5, and that of 85 (69.7%) places ranged from 7.6 to 7.8. The temperature of these paddy waters was surveyed for one week between July and August. Temperatures ranging from 40 C to 43 C were obtained from 8 out of 11 places in the south, 9 out of 11 places in the central section and 5 out of 10 places in the north. L. australis A lost its viability in paddy water within one day in the experiment performed in the fields between July and August in the southern, central and northern areas, while 2 out of 21 strains of leptospires (L. semarang and L. australis A) maintained their viability for one week in the experiment performed between August and September in Taipei. In laboratory experiments, L. australis A was killed in paddy water at 42 C within 3 hours compared to 6 hours in L. semarang. The viability of both strains of leptospires was markedly influenced at −15 C, while they maintained their viability for 7 to 14 days at temperatures ranging from 0 C to 30 C.