bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The SOAR (Stroke Subtype, Oxford Community Stroke Project Classification, Age, Prestroke Modified Rankin) Score Strongly Predicts Early Outcomes in Acute Stroke
Authors: Myint Phyo Kyaw , Clark Allan B. , Kwok Chun Shing , Davis John , Durairaj Ramesh , Dixit Anand K. , Sharma Anil K. , Ford Gary A. , Potter John F. 
Published: July 2013

Background Previous prognostic scoring systems in predicting stroke mortality are complex, require multiple measures that vary with time and failed to produce a simple scoring system. Aims/Hypothesis The study aims to derive and internally validate a stroke prognostic scoring system to predict early mortality and hospital length of stay. Methods Data from a UK multicenter stroke register were examined (1997–2010). Using a prior hypothesis based on our and others observations, we selected five patient-related factors (age, gender, stroke subtype, clinical classification, and prestroke disability) as candidate prognostic indicators. An 8-point score was derived based on multiple logistic regression model using four out of five variables. Performance of the model was assessed by plotting the estimated probability of in-hospital death against the actual probability by testing for overfitting (calibration) and area under the curve methods (discrimination). Results The total sample consisted of 12 355 acute stroke patients (ischemic stroke 91·0%). The score predicted both in-patient and seven-day mortality. The crude in-patient mortality were 1·57%, 4·02%, 10·65%, 21·41%, 46·60%, 62·72%, and 75·81% for those who scored 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively. The calibration of the model revealed no evidence of overfitting (estimated overfitting 0·001). The area under the curve values for both in-hospital and seven-day mortality were 0·79. The score predicted length of stay with a higher score was associated with longer median length of stay in those discharged alive and shorter median length of stay in those who died (P for both <0·001). Conclusions A simple 8-point clinical score is highly predictive of acute stroke mortality and length of hospital stay. It could be used as prognostic tool in service planning and also to risk-stratify patients to use these outcomes as markers of stroke care quality across institutions.
Assessment of alcohol histories obtained from patients with liver disease: opportunities to improve early intervention
Authors: Fagan K. J. , Irvine K. M. , Kumar S. , Bates A. , Horsfall L. U. , Feeney G. F. , Powell E. E. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundAlcohol is an important primary and comorbid cause of liver injury in patients referred for investigation and management of liver disease. Early assessment and documentation of alcohol consumption is therefore essential, and recommended in both general practice and hospital settings.AimsTo determine the extent and accuracy of documentation of alcohol consumption in patients referred for evaluation of liver disease.MethodsPatients were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The medical records of all patients interviewed were reviewed to obtain information from the referral letter and the hepatology consultations.ResultsEighty‐three patients were surveyed. Only 14 referrals had an informative alcohol history, despite 27 patients admitting risky alcohol consumption at the initial hepatology consultation. Ninety per cent of initial consultations had an informative alcohol history documented, whereas only 56% of patients attending a follow‐up appointment had informative documentation. Assessment of alcohol consumption was comparable between the hepatology consultation and the structured questionnaire, but four subjects had substantially different alcohol histories. Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test identified all patients reporting harmful alcohol consumption on the questionnaire.ConclusionsHazardous alcohol use is prevalent in subjects attending hepatology clinics, but informative alcohol histories, which are crucial to patient management, are rarely documented in referrals. Screening tools improve documentation and accuracy of alcohol histories, and their use by general practitioners and hospital clinicians would improve detection rates of hazardous drinking and allow earlier intervention. Systematic use of screening tools in hepatology clinics will provide opportunities for education and reinforce recommendations to reduce hazardous or harmful alcohol consumption.
Developing a national database for metastatic colorectal cancer management: perspectives and challenges
Authors: Field K. , Wong H.‐L. , Shapiro J. , Kosmider S. , Tie J. , Bae S. , Yip D. , McKendrick J. , Nott L. , Desai J. , Harold M. , Lipton L. , Stefanou G. , Lim L. , Parente P. , Gibbs P. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe changing treatment landscape for metastatic colorectal cancer creates multiple potential treatment strategies. An Australian‐centric database capturing comprehensive information across a range of treatment locations would create a valuable resource enabling multiple important research questions to be addressed.AimsTo establish a collection of a consensus dataset capturing treatment and outcomes at multiple public and private hospitals across Australia.MethodsAn electronic database was developed by a panel of clinicians, to capture an agreed dataset for patients with newly diagnosed metastatic colorectal cancer. Of particular interest were clinician decision‐making, the impact of comorbidities and the frequency of major adverse events.ResultsSince July 2009, data collection has been established at six public and eight private hospitals across three Australian states and territories. Successful linkage and analysis, with support from BioGrid Australia, of selected data on the initial 864 patients demonstrates that data can be captured from diverse sites, including public and private practice, that multiple factors impact on treatment delivered and outcomes achieved and that comprehensive data on rare but important adverse events can be captured. As a clinical research tool, the project has been highly successful, generating multiple presentations at national and international conferences related to a diverse range of research questions.ConclusionsMultistate, project‐specific data collection involving large numbers of patients is achievable. Providing invaluable insight into the routine clinical management of metastatic colorectal cancer in the era of targeted therapies, this also creates a significant resource for research, including many questions not being addressed by clinical trials.
Effectiveness of an acellular synthetic matrix in the treatment of hard‐to‐heal leg ulcers
Authors: Harding Keith , Aldons Pat , Edwards Helen , Stacey Michael , Finlayson Kathleen , Gibb Michelle , Jenkins Liz , Shooter Gary , Lonkhuyzen Derek Van , Lynam Emily , Heinrichs Eva‐Lisa , Upton Zee 
Published: July 2013

AbstractHard‐to‐heal leg ulcers are a major cause of morbidity in the elderly population. Despite improvements in wound care, some wounds will not heal and they present a significant challenge for patients and health care providers. A multi‐centre cohort study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a synthetic, extracellular matrix protein as an adjunct to standard care in the treatment of hard‐to‐heal venous or mixed leg ulcers. Primary effectiveness criteria were (i) reduction in wound size evaluated by percentage change in wound area and (ii) healing assessed by number of patients healed by end of the 12 week study. Pain reduction was assessed as a secondary effectiveness criteria using VAS. A total of 45 patients completed the study and no difference was observed between cohorts for treatment frequency. Healing was achieved in 35·6% and wound size decreased in 93·3% of patients. Median wound area percentage reduction was 70·8%. Over 50% of patients reported pain on first visit and 87·0% of these reported no pain at the end of the study. Median time to first reporting of no pain was 14 days after treatment initiation. The authors consider the extracellular synthetic matrix protein an effective and safe adjunct to standard care in the treatment of hard‐to‐heal leg ulcers.
Degradation of MSCRAMM target macromolecules in VLU slough by Lucilia sericata chymotrypsin 1 (ISP) persists in the presence of tissue gelatinase activity
Authors: Pritchard David I , Brown Alan P 
Published: July 2013

AbstractVenous leg ulcer slough is unpleasant to the patient and difficult to manage clinically. It harbours infection, also preventing wound management materials and dressings from supporting the underlying viable tissues. In other words, slough has significant nuisance value in the tissue viability clinic. In this study, we have sought to increase our knowledge of slough by building upon a previous but limited analysis of this necrotic tissue. In particular, slough has been probed using Western blotting for the presence of proteins with the capacity to engage microbial surface components recognising adhesive matrix macromolecules. Although the samples were difficult to resolve, we detected fibrinogen, fibronectin, IgG, collagen, human serum albumin and matrix metalloproteinase‐9. Furthermore, the effect of a maggot‐derived debridement enzyme, chymotrypsin 1 on macromolecules in slough was confirmed across seven patient samples. The effect of chymotrypsin 1 on slough confirms our thesis that this potential debridement enzyme could be effective in removing slough along with its associated bacteria, given its observed resistance to intrinsic gelatinase activity. In summary, we believe that the data provide scientists and clinicians with further insights into the potential molecular interactions between bacteria, wound tissue and Lucilia sericata in a clinically problematic yet scientifically interesting wound ecosystem.
Genetic background, and not ontogenetic effects, affects avian seasonal timing of reproduction
Authors: Gienapp P. , van Noordwijk A. J. , Visser M. E. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAvian seasonal timing is a life‐history trait with important fitness consequences and which is currently under directional selection due to climate change. To predict micro‐evolution in this trait, it is crucial to properly estimate its heritability. Heritabilities are often estimated from pedigreed wild populations. As these are observational data, it leaves the possibility that the resemblance between related individuals is not due to shared genes but to ontogenetic effects; when the environment for the offspring provided by early laying pairs differs from that by late pairs and the laying dates of these offspring when they reproduce themselves is affected by this environment, this may lead to inflated heritability estimates. Using simulation studies, we first tested whether and how much such an early environmental effect can inflate heritability estimates from animal models, and we showed that pedigree structure determines by how much early environmental effects inflate heritability estimates. We then used data from a wild population of great tits (Parus major) to compare laying dates of females born early in the season in first broods and from sisters born much later, in second broods. These birds are raised under very different environmental conditions but have the same genetic background. The laying dates of first and second brood offspring do not differ when they reproduce themselves, clearly showing that ontogenetic effects are very small and hence, family resemblance in timing is due to genes. This finding is essential for the interpretation of the heritabilities reported from wild populations and for predicting micro‐evolution in response to climate change.
Candidaemia in a Polish tertiary paediatric hospital, 2000 to 2010
Authors: Dzierzanowska‐Fangrat Katarzyna , Romanowska Ewa , Gryniewicz‐Kwiatkowska Olga , Migdał Marek , Witulska Katarzyna , Ryżko Józef , Kaliciński Piotr , Książyk Janusz , Nadkowska Paulina , Dzierzanowska Danuta 
Published: July 2013

SummaryData on the epidemiology of invasive Candida infections in paediatric patients in Europe are still limited. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse the epidemiology of candidaemia in a tertiary paediatric hospital in Poland from 2000 to 2010. Using microbiological records, a total of 118 episodes of candidaemia were identified in 114 children, with an annual incidence of 0.35 episodes/1000 discharges. The highest incidences were found in the medical intensive care unit (5.28), and in neonatal intensive care (1.47). The mortality rate was 8.5%. Candida albicans and C. parapsilosis were the most prevalent species (39.8% and 35.6% respectively). The prevalence of non‐albicans species increased from 12.5% in 2000 to 70% in 2010. No differences were found between C. albicans and C. non‐albicans episodes in terms of demographics, risk factors or mortality. The highest resistance rates (overall 7.6%) were observed for fluconazole (4.3% in C. albicans, 7.1% in C. parapsilosis and 13.8% in other Candida species). Resistance to amphotericin B (2.5%) was limited to non‐albicans isolates. The dynamic changes in species distribution and increasing resistance of fungal pathogens confirm the importance of epidemiological surveillance.
Mitochondrial polymorphisms and dysfunction related to aggressive periodontitis: a pilot study
Authors: Wang X , Luan Q , Chen Q , Zhao L , Guo Y 
Published: July 2013

AimTo investigate whether aggressive periodontitis (AgP) is associated with specific mtDNA polymorphisms or point mutations and furthermore whether mitochondrial dysfunction occurs in gingival fibroblasts of AgP patients.Materials and methodsThe mitochondrial DNA coding regions were amplified and sequenced in 22 overlapped fragments in 34 patients with AgP and 28 healthy controls for initial screening. We selected eleven SNPs for detailed investigation in the rest 30 AgP patients and 26 healthy controls, because all other variants occurred at relatively low frequencies or had no difference between two groups. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between mtDNA variants and AgP. Gingival fibroblasts were cultured from four patients with AgP and four healthy controls, and then mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species production and cell proliferation were analyzed.ResultsSignificant association was observed between aggressive periodontitis and eight mitochondrial polymorphisms: ‘8701A‐9540T‐10400C‐10873T‐14783T‐15043G‐15301G’ (OR = 3.471 (1.610–7.483), P = 0.001) and 10398A (OR = 3.238 (1.481–7.078), P = 0.003). Compared with the controls, patients with aggressive periodontitis had a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and an increase in reactive oxygen species production.ConclusionIn conclusion, we propose that mitochondrial dysfunction and ‘8701A‐9540T‐10400C‐10873T‐14783T‐15043G‐15301G, 10398A’ are associated with and may increase the susceptibility to AgP in the Han Chinese population.
Mongolian Spots—A Prospective Study
Authors: Gupta Divya , Thappa Devinder M. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractTo determine the frequency and clinical presentation of Mongolian spots (MS) and assess their evolution with age, this study was conducted in three phases. The first phase examined 2,313 babies born at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research between October and December 2010 for the number, size, shape, color, and distribution of MS. Babies with MS were followed up at 6 months and 1 year, in the second and third phases, respectively, to note the evolution of the patches. Of 2,313 babies, 1,524 (65.9%) had MS. The majority had a single patch (n = 790), measuring less than 5 cm (n = 932), with an irregular shape (n = 981) and a blue‐green color (n = 577). The most common site was sacral (n = 1,203), and the most common extrasacral site was a lower extremity (n = 156). A single case of superimposed MS was recorded. Male sex and prematurity were significantly associated with MS (p < 0.05). At 6 months, 73 of 634 babies (11.5%) showed fading and 83 (13.1%) showed complete disappearance. At 1 year, 90 (14.2%) showed fading and 268 (42.3%) showed complete disappearance. Multiple MS (p < 0.05), extrasacral position (p < 0.05), size larger than 10 cm (p < 0.05), and dark‐colored lesions (blue/blue‐black) (p < 0.05) were significantly associated with persistence beyond 1 year. Seven hundred ninety babies (51.8%) had a single MS. More than 40% of MS disappeared by 1 year. Multiple patches, extrasacral position, size larger than 10 cm, and dark‐colored lesions were markers of persistence beyond 1 year.
Failure of bortezomib to cure acute antibody‐mediated rejection in a non‐compliant renal transplant patient
Authors: Ryckewaert A. , Allain‐Launay E. , Moreau A. , Blancho G. , Cesbron A. , Blin N. , Roussey G. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBortezomib has appeared recently as a potential active treatment for acute AMR for few years. We reported a patient who received two courses of bortezomib for the treatment of an acute AMR associated with de novo HLA DSA that occurred 18 months after renal transplantation because of non‐compliance. Graft biopsy revealed features of acute humoral rejection with plasmocyte infiltration and C4d staining. Bortezomib was associated with corticosteroid pulses, IVIgs, and PP. Despite this rapid management, the patient lost his graft and carried on dialysis. Bortezomib therapy in addition to current therapy of AMR is not always effective in the treatment for late acute AMR in renal transplantation. We discuss on the place of such a treatment and other therapeutic strategies in this indication.
Top‐down control of audiovisual search by bimodal search templates
Authors: Matusz Pawel J. , Eimer Martin 
Published: July 2013

AbstractTo test whether the attentional selection of targets defined by a combination of visual and auditory features is guided in a modality‐specific fashion or by control processes that are integrated across modalities, we measured attentional capture by visual stimuli during unimodal visual and audiovisual search. Search arrays were preceded by spatially uninformative visual singleton cues that matched the current target‐defining visual feature. Participants searched for targets defined by a visual feature, or by a combination of visual and auditory features (e.g., red targets accompanied by high‐pitch tones). Spatial cueing effects indicative of attentional capture were reduced during audiovisual search, and cue‐triggered N2pc components were attenuated and delayed. This reduction of cue‐induced attentional capture effects during audiovisual search provides new evidence for the multimodal control of selective attention.
Efficient Estimation of Non-Linear Finite Population Parameters by Using Non-Parametrics
Authors: Goga Camelia , Ruiz-Gazen Anne 
Published: July 2013

SummaryCurrently, high precision estimation of non-linear parameters such as Gini indices, low income proportions or other measures of inequality is particularly crucial. We propose a general class of estimators for such parameters that take into account univariate auxiliary information assumed to be known for every unit in the population. Through a non-parametric model-assisted approach, we construct a unique system of survey weights that can be used to estimate any non-linear parameter that is associated with any study variable of the survey, using a plug-in principle. Based on a rigorous functional approach and a linearization principle, the asymptotic variance of the estimators proposed is derived, and variance estimators are shown to be consistent under mild assumptions. The theory is fully detailed for penalized B-spline estimators together with suggestions for practical implementation and guidelines for choosing the smoothing parameters. The validity of the method is demonstrated on data extracted from the French Labour Force Survey. Point and confidence interval estimation for the Gini index and the low income proportion are derived. Theoretical and empirical results highlight our interest in using a non-parametric versus a parametric approach when estimating non-linear parameters in the presence of auxiliary information.
The Role of Perceived Friendship Self‐efficacy as a Protective Factor against the Negative Effects of Social Victimization
Authors: Fitzpatrick Sally , Bussey Kay 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis study examined perceived friendship self‐efficacy as a protective factor against the negative effects associated with social victimization in adolescents. The sample consisted of 1218 participants (557 males, age range 12–17 years). Perceived friendship self‐efficacy was associated with lower internalizing scores irrespective of adolescents' social victimization level and with lower externalizing scores at low, but not high, levels of social victimization. Furthermore, the relationship between perceived friendship self‐efficacy and all forms of adjustment did not differ between boys and girls, or between adolescents in both reciprocated and unilateral very best friendships. The role of perceived friendship self‐efficacy as a protective factor amenable to intervention in social bullying at school is discussed.
Improved detection of electrical activity with a voltage probe based on a voltage‐sensing phosphatase
Authors: Tsutsui Hidekazu , Jinno Yuka , Tomita Akiko , Niino Yusuke , Yamada Yoshiyuki , Mikoshiba Katsuhiko , Miyawaki Atsushi , Okamura Yasushi 
Published: July 2013

Key points
The use of genetically encoded voltage probes has been expected to enable sensitive detection of spatiotemporal electrical activities in excitable cells.
However, existing probes suffer from low signal amplitude and/or kinetics too slow to detect fast electrical activity.
We have developed an improved voltage probe named Mermaid2.
Mermaid2 provides ratiometric readouts of electrical activity with fast kinetics and great sensitivity, and was able to detect single‐event electrical activity both in vitro and in vivo.
Mermaid2 will expand our chances to analyse electrical events that have been less accessible by using other techniques.
Abstract  One of the most awaited techniques in modern physiology is the sensitive detection of spatiotemporal electrical activity in a complex network of excitable cells. The use of genetically encoded voltage probes has been expected to enable such analysis. However, in spite of recent progress, existing probes still suffer from low signal amplitude and/or kinetics too slow to detect fast electrical activity. Here, we have developed an improved voltage probe named Mermaid2, which is based on the voltage‐sensor domain of the voltage‐sensing phosphatase from Ciona intestinalis and Förster energy transfer between a pair of fluorescent proteins. In mammalian cells, Mermaid2 permits ratiometric readouts of fractional changes of more than 50% over a physiologically relevant voltage range with fast kinetics, and it was used to follow a train of action potentials at frequencies of up to 150 Hz. Mermaid2 was also able to detect single action potentials and subthreshold voltage responses in hippocampal neurons in vitro, in addition to cortical electrical activity evoked by sound stimuli in single trials in living mice.
The Polymorphic Linker Domain of
pfmdr1
Is Associated with Resistance-Conferring Mutations in Plasmodium falciparum Populations from East and West Africa
Authors: Okombo John , Zongo Issaka , Gadalla Nahla , Bousema Teun , Beshir Khalid B. , Roper Cally , Hallett Rachel , Ochola-Oyier Lynette Isabella , Sutherland Colin J. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

Sequence variation in the asparagine/aspartate-rich domain of
pfmdr1
in 215 isolates of
Plasmodium falciparum
from three African countries was compared with published data. The role of this domain in modulating antimalarial sensitivity has not been established. The
pfmdr1
86Y allele was significantly associated with different configurations of the Asn/Asp-rich domain in West and East Africa. In Kenya, a specific form of the Asn/Asp-rich domain was significantly linked to the 86Y, 184Y, and 1246Y haplotype of
pfmdr1
.