bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Angiotensin‐converting enzyme gene polymorphism in Thai patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Pitipakorn Umporn , Suwannalai Parawee , Trachoo Objoon , Rattanasiri Sasivimol , Chitphuk Sermsiri , Ngamjanyaporn Pintip , Sura Thanyachai 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the association between angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) I/D polymorphism and the presence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease and lupus nephritis (LN), including the association with disease severity in a Thai population.MethodIn this retrospective study, 187 SLE patients followed up for (at least) 7 years in a rheumatology clinic of an academic hospital were enrolled. Disease severity and damage score at diagnosis and every 6 months, including treatment outcome of the first episode of LN were retrieved from medical records. The ACE genotype of SLE patients were determined by polymerase chain reaction and compared with ACE genotype in 687 controls from a database of a Thai surveillance cohort.ResultThere was an association between ACE I/D polymorphism and the presence of SLE disease and LN (P < 0.001). Unexpectedly, the prevalence of DD genotype in SLE patients was lower than controls (OR 0.44 [95% CI 0.23–0.84], P = 0.013). The prevalence of ID genotype was not different between SLE patients and controls (OR 1.44 [95%CI 0.93–2.24], P = 0.102), but was higher in LN patients compared to controls (OR 1.77 [95% CI 1.14–2.72], P = 0.01). However, the ACE I/D polymorphism is not associated with SLE disease severity, either in patients with or without nephritis.ConclusionThe DD genotype could not be used as a poor prognostic marker for SLE and LN susceptibility in a Thai population. However, ID genotype may be associated with risk to develop LN.
Measuring temporal turnover in ecological communities
Authors: Shimadzu Hideyasu , Dornelas Maria , Magurran Anne E. 
Published: July 2015

Summary

Range migrations in response to climate change, invasive species and the emergence of novel ecosystems highlight the importance of temporal turnover in community composition as a fundamental part of global change in the Anthropocene. Temporal turnover is usually quantified using a variety of metrics initially developed to capture spatial change. However, temporal turnover is the consequence of unidirectional community dynamics resulting from processes such as population growth, colonisation and local extinction.

Here, we develop a framework based on community dynamics and propose a new temporal turnover measure.

A simulation study and an analysis of an estuarine fish community both clearly demonstrate that our proposed turnover measure offers additional insights relative to spatial context‐based metrics.

Our approach reveals whether community turnover is due to shifts in community composition or in community abundance and identifies the species and/or environmental factors that are responsible for any change.
WHO classification 2008 of myeloproliferative neoplasms: a workshop learning effect – the Danish experience
Authors: Madelung Ann B. , Bondo Henrik , Stamp Inger , Løvgreen Preben , Nielsen Signe L. , Falensteen Anne , Knudsen Helle , Svendsen Kira D. , Lange Theis , Ralfkiær Elisabeth , Nielsen Karsten , Hasselbalch Hans , Thiele Jürgen 
Published: July 2015

We examined the learning effect of a workshop for Danish hematopathologists led by an international expert regarding histological subtyping of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Six hematopathologists evaluated 43 bone marrow (BM) biopsies according to the WHO description (2008), blinded to clinical data. All panelists then participated in the workshop. The case biopsies – mixed with 251 other MPN BM biopsies – were reviewed again. Consensus regarding the histological subtype was significantly improved; from 49% to 72% (Fleiss kappa value 0.302 pre‐workshop, 0.474 post‐workshop; p = 0.004). There was no significant effect on the isolated morphological characteristics. Agreement between cases with histological consensus and clinical diagnosis was 86% without significant change during workshop sessions. Our study demonstrates that experienced hematopathologists can significantly improve their diagnostic ability by a workshop led by an international expert; not by improving the evaluation of individual histological parameters but by weighting these in their conclusive diagnosis.
Promoting mental health in Asia‐Pacific: Systematic review focusing on Thailand and China
Authors: Moeller‐Saxone Kristen , Davis Elise , Herrman Helen 
Published: July 2015

AbstractMental health is essential for functioning, general health, and quality of life in low and middle‐income countries (LAMICs), as for high‐income countries. This study aimed first to search in the English language peer‐reviewed literature for reviews of mental health promotion interventions in the Asia‐Pacific region. A global rapid review by Barry and colleagues indicated a paucity of publications on this topic in the peer‐reviewed literature. The second aim of the study followed from this observation. Two systematic reviews of English language literature were conducted as case studies in two countries with known interest in mental health promotion, Thailand and China. The reviews covered publications in peer‐reviewed journals and the “grey” literature. In Thailand, the review demonstrated: strong evidence for an empowerment program for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected mothers; a reduction in HIV‐related stigma in a community‐based program; and a coping program for adolescents. The second review concerned suicide prevention interventions in China. It found one relevant study, a WHO multi‐site study of suicide prevention. We found surprisingly little evidence in either country of interventions focused on health equity or modifying the social determinants of mental health. We agree with Barry and colleagues that there is an urgent need to invest in the policy, practice, and research capacity for mental health promotion in LAMICs so that mental health promotion can be incorporated into the wider health promotion and global health development agenda. This includes the Global Action for Health Equity Network. Evidence‐based interventions in parenting, schools, workplaces, and among older people can be initiated or adapted and evaluated in LAMIC settings.
Review article: the pathophysiology and medical management of diverticulosis and diverticular disease of the colon
Authors: Tursi A. , Papa A. , Danese S. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryBackgroundThe incidence of diverticulosis and diverticular disease of the colon, including diverticulitis, is increasing worldwide, and becoming a significant burden on national health systems. Treatment of patients with diverticulosis and DD is generally based on high‐fibre diet and antibiotics, respectively. However, new pathophysiological knowledge suggests that further treatment may be useful.AimTo review the current treatment of diverticulosis and diverticular disease.MethodsA search of PubMed and Medline databases was performed to identify articles relevant to the management of diverticulosis and diverticular disease. Major international conferences were also reviewed.ResultsTwo randomised controlled trials (RCT) found the role of antibiotics in managing acute diverticulitis to be questionable, particularly in patients with no complicating comorbidities. One RCT found mesalazine to be effective in preventing acute diverticulitis in patients with symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease. The role of rifaximin or mesalazine in preventing diverticulitis recurrence, based on the results of 1 and 4 RCTs, respectively, remains unclear. RCTs found rifaximin and mesalazine to be effective in treating symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease. The use of probiotics in diverticular disease and in preventing acute diverticulitis occurrence/recurrence appears promising but unconclusive. Finally, the role of fibre in treating diverticulosis remains unclear.ConclusionsAvailable evidence suggests that antibiotics have a role only in the treatment of complicated diverticulitis. It appears to be some evidence for a role for rifaximin and mesalazine in treating symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease. Finally, there is not currently adequate evidence to recommend any medical treatment for the prevention of diverticulitis recurrence.
A dataset of factors that influence preservice teachers' intentions to use Web 2.0 technologies in future teaching practices
Authors: Yusop Farrah Dina 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn recent years, researchers have focused on investigating factors that influence preservice teachers' utilization of Web 2.0 technologies in their classrooms. Findings indicate that preservice teachers' intentions, beliefs and attitudes toward technology are important determinants of the success of future technology integration. However, studies tracking the impact of Web 2.0 training on preservice teachers' intentions are still lacking. Moreover, publicly available datasets on the topic are still very limited. This paper presents a dataset of various independent and dependent variables that may influence preservice teachers' intentions to use Web 2.0 technologies in their future teaching practices. A questionnaire modified to conform to the theory of planned behavior (TPB) was distributed to 100 preservice teachers at a public university in Malaysia. The resulting dataset should be beneficial to preservice teacher educators in designing effective training that best nurtures future preservice teachers' familiarity and intentions to utilize Web 2.0 technologies. Interested researchers sharing similar sample characteristics may also utilize this dataset to conduct more rigorous statistical analyses.
A dataset of three educational technology experiments on differentiation, formative testing and feedback
Authors: Haelermans Carla , Ghysels Joris , Prince Fernao 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis paper describes a dataset with data from three individually randomized educational technology experiments on differentiation, formative testing and feedback during one school year for a group of 8th grade students in the Netherlands, using administrative data and the online motivation questionnaire of Boekaerts. The dataset consists of pre‐ and posttest scores for each experiment, as well as background information on the students, such as gender, age, ability, grade repetition and neighborhood characteristics. It also includes motivation of students. The dataset, or parts of it, could be interesting to use in future studies, focusing on effects of the use of educational technology, for comparison with similar and/or slightly different experiments, and for studies such as meta‐analyses or replication studies, especially given the individual experimental setup.
Peroxisomal Disorders: A Review on Cerebellar Pathologies
Authors: De Munter Stephanie , Verheijden Simon , Régal Luc , Baes Myriam 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPeroxisomes are organelles with diverse metabolic tasks including essential roles in lipid metabolism. They are of utmost importance for the normal functioning of the nervous system as most peroxisomal disorders are accompanied with neurological symptoms. Remarkably, the cerebellum exquisitely depends on intact peroxisomal function both during development and adulthood. In this review, we cover all aspects of cerebellar pathology that were reported in peroxisome biogenesis disorders and in diseases caused by dysfunction of the peroxisomal α‐oxidation, β‐oxidation or ether lipid synthesis pathways. We also discuss the phenotypes of mouse models in which cerebellar pathologies were recapitulated and search for connections with the metabolic abnormalities. It becomes increasingly clear that besides the most severe forms of peroxisome dysfunction that are associated with developmental cerebellar defects, milder impairments can give rise to ataxia later in life.
Bird and bat predation services in tropical forests and agroforestry landscapes
Authors: Maas Bea , Karp Daniel S. , Bumrungsri Sara , Darras Kevin , Gonthier David , Huang Joe C.‐C. , Lindell Catherine A. , Maine Josiah J. , Mestre Laia , Michel Nicole L. , Morrison Emily B. , Perfecto Ivette , Philpott Stacy M. , Şekercioğlu Çagan H. , Silva Roberta M. , Taylor Peter J. , Tscharntke Teja , Van Bael Sunshine A. , Whelan Christopher J. , Williams‐Guillén Kimberly 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTUnderstanding distribution patterns and multitrophic interactions is critical for managing bat‐ and bird‐mediated ecosystem services such as the suppression of pest and non‐pest arthropods. Despite the ecological and economic importance of bats and birds in tropical forests, agroforestry systems, and agricultural systems mixed with natural forest, a systematic review of their impact is still missing. A growing number of bird and bat exclosure experiments has improved our knowledge allowing new conclusions regarding their roles in food webs and associated ecosystem services. Here, we review the distribution patterns of insectivorous birds and bats, their local and landscape drivers, and their effects on trophic cascades in tropical ecosystems. We report that for birds but not bats community composition and relative importance of functional groups changes conspicuously from forests to habitats including both agricultural areas and forests, here termed ‘forest‐agri’ habitats, with reduced representation of insectivores in the latter. In contrast to previous theory regarding trophic cascade strength, we find that birds and bats reduce the density and biomass of arthropods in the tropics with effect sizes similar to those in temperate and boreal communities. The relative importance of birds versus bats in regulating pest abundances varies with season, geography and management. Birds and bats may even suppress tropical arthropod outbreaks, although positive effects on plant growth are not always reported. As both bats and birds are major agents of pest suppression, a better understanding of the local and landscape factors driving the variability of their impact is needed.
Long‐term hormonal follow‐up after human Puumala hantavirus infection
Authors: Partanen Terhi , Koivikko Minna , Leisti Päivi , Salmela Pasi , Pääkkö Eija , Karttunen Ari , Sintonen Harri , Risteli Leila , Hautala Nina , Vapalahti Olli , Vaheri Antti , Kauma Heikki , Hautala Timo 
Published: July 2015

SummaryObjectiveNephropathia epidemica (NE) is a haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) caused by Puumala hantavirus (PUUV). Pituitary haemorrhage and hypopituitarism may complicate recovery from acute NE.DesignForty‐seven of our recent cohort of 58 NE patients volunteered to be re‐examined in order to estimate the burden of hormonal deficiency 4 to 8 years after the acute illness. Two patients had suffered from pituitary haemorrhage, but many others exhibited pituitary oedema during their acute infection. In this study, we searched for symptoms of hormonal deficiency, performed hormonal laboratory screening, and most patients underwent pituitary MRI examination.ResultsThe pituitary size had diminished in all patients in whom MRI was performed (P < 0·001). One patient with acute phase haemorrhage had made a complete recovery while the other continued to require hormonal substitution. In addition, hormonal laboratory abnormalities were observed in nine other patients; these being attributable to several reasons, for example independent peripheral hormonal diseases, side effects of medication or other secondary causes such as obesity. None of them had signs of late‐onset pituitary insufficiency caused by their previous NE. Health‐related quality of life (mean and median 15D score) of patients was comparable to that of age‐standardized general population.ConclusionsNone of our patients had developed obvious late‐onset hypopituitarism despite of the fact that pituitary gland can be affected during acute NE. We recommend requesting a history of hantavirus infection whenever the possibility of pituitary dysfunction is suspected at least in patients originating from regions with high NE infection rate.
HCV infection is associated with lower survival in simultaneous liver kidney transplant recipients in the United States
Authors: Perumpail Ryan B. , Wong Robert J. , Scandling John D. , Ha Le Dung , Todo Tsuyoshi , Bonham Clark A. , Saab Sammy , Younossi Zobair M. , Ahmed Aijaz 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe frequency of simultaneous liver kidney transplantation (SLKT) has been increasing over the past decade. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most common indication for liver transplantation in the United States. Given the rising prevalence of HCV‐related SLKT, it is important to understand the impact of HCV in this patient population.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the United Network for Organ Sharing registry to assess adult patients undergoing SLKT in the United States from 2003 to 2012. Patient survival following SLKT was assessed using Kaplan–Meier methods and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsPatients infected with non‐HCV have significantly lower survival following SLKT compared to non‐HCV patients at three (three‐yr survival: 71.0% vs. 78.9%, p < 0.01) and five yr (five‐yr survival: 61.4% vs. 72.5%, p < 0.01). The results of multivariate regression analyses demonstrated that patients infected with HCV had significantly lower survival following SLKT than patients with non‐HCV disease (HR 1.41, 95% CI, 1.19–1.67, p < 0.001). In addition, lower post‐SLKT survival was noted among patients with diabetes (HR 1.34, 95% CI, 1.13–1.58, p < 0.001) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HR 1.60, 95% CI, 1.17–2.18, p < 0.01).ConclusionsHepatitis C infection is associated with lower patient survival following SLKT.
Is China Relinquishing Manufacturing Competitiveness to Mexico in US Markets?
Authors: Lin Yue 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe present paper expands on the understanding of the competition between China and Mexico in US markets. Using the OECD International Trade by Commodity Statistics covering the period 2002–2012, we undertake both relative‐market‐share analysis and constant‐market‐share analysis. Through comparison of market share changes at both macro and micro levels, we find that on the one hand China's total negative impact on Mexican manufactured exports has been greatly reduced since 2007; on the other hand, China is increasingly aligned with Mexico in terms of its competitive position over the US market, consolidating its competitiveness in high and medium‐to‐high technology products and gaining market share in the US market, mainly at the expense of the most advanced economies. This changing pattern suggests the intensification of competition between Mexico and China, but also a potential for cooperation, with the enhancement of bilateral intra‐industry trade as a result of different technology choices and specialization paths.
Lipoprotein(a) predicts a new onset of chronic kidney disease in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yun J.‐S. , Ahn Y.‐B. , Song K.‐H. , Yoo K.‐D. , Park Y.‐M. , Kim H.‐W. , Ko S.‐H. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimsWe investigated the association between lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] level and new‐onset chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with Type 2 diabetes.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study from March 2003 to December 2004 with a median follow‐up time of 10.1 years. Patients aged 25–75 years with Type 2 diabetes and without CKD [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 90 ml/min/1.73 m2) were consecutively enrolled. The eGFR was measured at least twice every year , and new‐onset CKD was defined as a decreased eGFR status of < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 using a Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPI) equation.ResultsOf the 862 patients who were enrolled, 560 (65.0%) completed the follow‐up and 125 (22.3%) progressed to CKD. The mean age and duration of diabetes were 53.3 ± 9.6 and 7.5 ± 6.0 years, respectively. The baseline eGFR was 101.8 ± 11.3 ml/min/1.73 m2. After adjusting for multiple confounding factors, a Cox hazard regression analysis revealed that the third tertile of Lp(a) was significantly associated with the development of CKD during the observation period when compared with the first tertile [hazard ratio 2.12 (95% confidence interval 1.33–3.36); P = 0.001).ConclusionsIn this prospective, longitudinal, observational cohort study, we demonstrated that the Lp(a) level was an independent prognostic factor for the future development of CKD in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Culturally appropriate health education for Type 2 diabetes in ethnic minority groups: an updated Cochrane Review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Creamer J. , Attridge M. , Ramsden M. , Cannings‐John R. , Hawthorne K. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimsTo give an updated perspective of interventions from additional data collected since our first review, conducted in 2008.BackgroundThis updated Cochrane Review incorporates new information from recent randomized controlled trials on culturally appropriate diabetes health education interventions.MethodsAn electronic literature search of six databases was repeated, with databases of ongoing trials checked and three journals hand‐searched. Meta‐analysis was carried out for sufficiently homogeneous outcomes, and common themes among trials were highlighted.ResultsA total of 22 new trials were added to the original 11. Meta‐analysis of 28 trials containing suitable data showed significant improvements in glycaemic control (HbA1c) and diabetes knowledge over a period of 24 months, after the delivery of culturally appropriate education to participants, compared with those receiving ‘conventional’ care. There were no consistent benefits over the control group in other selected outcome measures, and lack of data continued to make analysis of several outcome measures difficult.ConclusionsResearch activity in this field has increased considerably over the past 6 years, with culturally appropriate diabetes education showing consistent benefits over conventional care in terms of glycaemic control and diabetes knowledge, sustained in the short‐ to mid‐term. Further research is needed to determine the clinical significance of these improvements and their cost‐effectiveness.
Risk of Recurrent Neurologic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack in Patients with Cryptogenic Stroke and Intrapulmonary Shunt
Authors: Sinha Rahul S. , Hussain Zeeshan , Bhatia Nirmanmoh , Stoddard Marcus F. 
Published: July 2015

Background and PurposeCardio‐embolic phenomenon is believed to underlie a significant proportion of cryptogenic strokes. We recently showed that intrapulmonary shunt (IPS) was associated with cryptogenic stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). We hypothesized that patients with prior cryptogenic stroke or TIA that had an IPS were at a higher risk for recurrent ischemic events.MethodsThe population included subjects with cryptogenic cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or TIA. Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years, sinus rhythm, and clinically indicated transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Exclusion criteria were hemorrhagic CVA, septal defect, and patent foramen. Patients were followed from index TEE.ResultsOf 71 patients, 8 were lost to follow‐up. A total of 23 patients had and 40 were without IPS. Average follow‐up duration was 38.3 ± 19.2 months. Groups were similar at baseline. There was no significant difference in the recurrence of ischemic CVA or TIA in the IPS versus non‐IPS groups (0% vs. 7.5%; P = NS). There was no difference between the incidence of hemorrhagic CVA in the IPS and non‐IPS groups (4.3% vs. 5.0%; P = NS). The proportion of patients on warfarin in the IPS group was significantly higher compared to the non‐IPS group (17.4% vs. 0%; P < 0.05).ConclusionsPatients with IPS and cryptogenic stroke or TIA did not have a higher recurrence of ischemic cerebral events. Warfarin was significantly higher at follow‐up in the IPS compared to the non‐IPS group, which may explain these findings. A study randomizing patients with IPS and cryptogenic stroke or TIA to warfarin or no warfarin would be of great interest.