bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Defining serum ferritin thresholds to predict clinically relevant liver iron concentrations for guiding deferasirox therapy when MRI is unavailable in patients with non‐transfusion‐dependent thalassaemia
Authors: Taher Ali T. , Porter John B. , Viprakasit Vip , Kattamis Antonis , Chuncharunee Suporn , Sutcharitchan Pranee , Siritanaratkul Noppadol , Origa Raffaella , Karakas Zeynep , Habr Dany , Zhu Zewen , Cappellini Maria Domenica 
Published: September 2014

SummaryLiver iron concentration (LIC) assessment by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains the gold standard to diagnose iron overload and guide iron chelation therapy in patients with non‐transfusion‐dependent thalassaemia (NTDT). However, limited access to MRI technology and expertise worldwide makes it practical to also use serum ferritin assessments. The THALASSA (assessment of Exjade® in non‐transfusion‐dependent THALASSemiA patients) study assessed the efficacy and safety of deferasirox in iron‐overloaded NTDT patients and provided a large data set to allow exploration of the relationship between LIC and serum ferritin. Using data from screened patients and those treated with deferasirox for up to 2 years, we identified clinically relevant serum ferritin thresholds (for when MRI is unavailable) for the initiation of chelation therapy (>800 μg/l), as well as thresholds to guide chelator dose interruption (<300 μg/l) and dose escalation (>2000 μg/l). (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00873041).
Contact sensitization to cobalt – multifactorial analysis of risk factors based on long‐term data of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology
Authors: Uter Wolfgang , Gefeller Olaf , Geier Johannes , Schnuch Axel 
Published: September 2014

SummaryBackgroundCobalt contact sensitization in consecutively tested patients is common. The sources of exposure, and thus clinical relevance, are mostly unclear.ObjectiveTo examine (i) long‐term time trends of sensitization, (ii) risk factors that may point to relevant exposures, and (iii) coupling with nickel sensitization.MethodsData of all patients patch tested with cobalt(II) chloride hexahydrate (1% pet.) between 1992 and 2012 (n = 185 050) in the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK, www.ivkd.org) were subjected to descriptive stratified and Poisson regression analysis.ResultsThe overall prevalence of positive patch test reactions was 5.23% (95% confidence interal 5.13–5.33%). Regarding time trends, there were significant increases for males aged 18–44 years and for females aged ≥45 years, and a significant variation of co‐reactivity with nickel over time. Female sex almost doubled the risk of sensitization; age ≥45 years was associated with a 30% decrease in the risk of positive patch test reactions to cobalt, and atopic eczema with an approximately 20% increase.ConclusionsNotwithstanding some diagnostic difficulties with the test preparation, a persistent, notable proportion of cobalt sensitization, isolated or coupled with nickel allergy, can be observed. This warrants further in‐depth research into causative exposures, both at the workplace and in consumers.
Contemporary use of social media by consultant colorectal surgeons
Authors: McDonald J. J. , Bisset C. , Coleman M. G. , Speake D. , Brady R. R. W. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimThere is evidence of significant growth in the engagement of UK health‐care professionals with ‘open’ social media platforms, such as Twitter and LinkedIn. Social media communication provides many opportunities and benefits for medical education and interaction with patients and colleagues. This study was undertaken to evaluate the uptake of public social media membership and the characteristics of use of such media channels amongst contemporary UK consultant colorectal surgeons.MethodColorectal surgeons were identified from the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) national registry of colorectal mortality outcomes and were cross‐referenced with the General Medical Council (GMC) register. Individuals were identified by manual searching on a number of social media platforms. Matching accounts were then examined to confirm ownership and to evaluate key markers of use.ResultsSix‐hundred and eighteen individual consultant colorectal surgeons from 142 health authorities were studied (79.5% were ACPGBI members and 90.8% were male). Two‐hundred and twenty‐nine (37.1%) had LinkedIn profiles (37.7% male surgeons, 29.8% female surgeons; P = 0.2530). LinkedIn membership was significantly higher in ACPGBI members (P < 0.001) and in those with GMC registration before 1997 vs after this date (39% before 1997 vs 30% after 1997; P = 0.03). LinkedIn members had a mean of 62 connections (median = 22), and 19 (3.1%) surgeons had Twitter profiles with a mean of 82 (median = 16; range: 0–914) followers and their accounts were followed by a mean of 87 (median = 27; range: 0–642) persons.ConclusionUK consultant colorectal surgeons are less engaged with social media than reported studies from other health‐care professional groups. Further education and appropriate guidance on usage may encourage uptake and confidence, particularly in younger consultants.
The Resilient Family Firm: Stakeholder Outcomes and Institutional Effects
Authors: van Essen Marc , Strike Vanessa M. , Carney Michael , Sapp Stephen 
Published: September 2014

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueOur study seeks to explain the relationship between publicly listed family‐controlled firms (FCFs) and investor and employee outcomes before and during the global financial crisis. Theoretically, we develop hypotheses suggesting that FCF resilience is beneficial to both investor and employees. Employing a large firm‐level data set of 2,949 firms across 27 European countries, we test the hypotheses that FCFs' long‐term orientation makes them resilient to the effects of economic shocks. In addition, using hierarchical linear modeling we evaluate family firm investor and employee outcomes, and the moderating impact of legal institutions protecting minority investors and employees.Research Findings/InsightsWe find that FCFs financially outperform non‐FCFs during the financial crisis, beginning in 2007 and reaching its lowest point in 2009, but show no significant differences during the stable‐growth period between 2004 and 2006. We evaluate two employee outcomes: downsizing and wage decreases. We find that FCFs are less likely to downsize their workforce or cut wages in both pre‐crisis and crisis conditions. Based upon hypotheses founded in the comparative capitalisms logic, we find significant institutional effects that are contrary to our predictions. Our findings suggest that investors and employees of FCFs achieve more favorable outcomes for their interests when the rules pertaining to investor protection and their enforcement are poorly developed.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsWe contribute to the emerging literature on the institution‐based view of comparative corporate governance by demonstrating that family‐controlled firms' stakeholder outcomes are contingent upon legal protection for employees and investors under contrasting economic circumstances.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsFamily owners, employees and minority investors should consider both firm‐level and country‐level governance institutions when investing in different countries, especially in times of economic crisis as jurisdiction‐level institutions and firm ownership choices produce variable outcomes for different stakeholders in both crisis and non‐crisis conditions.
Variability of automated carotid intima‐media thickness measurements by novice operators
Authors: Nichols S. , Milner M. , Meijer R. , Carroll S. , Ingle L. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryCarotid intima‐media thickness (C‐IMT) measurements provide a non‐invasive assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis. The aim of the study was to assess the inter‐ and intra‐observer variability of automated C‐IMT measurements undertaken by two novice operators using the Panasonic CardioHealth Station. Participants were free from cardio‐metabolic disease, and each underwent serial bilateral C‐IMT ultrasound measurements. Immediate interoperator measurement variability was calculated by comparing initial measurements taken by two operators. Immediate retest variability was calculated from two consecutive measurements and longer term variability was assessed by conducting a further scan 1 week later. Fifty apparently healthy participants (n = 20 females), aged 26·2 ± 5·0 years, were recruited. Operator 1 recorded a median (interquartile range) right and left‐sided C‐IMT of 0·471 mm (0·072 mm) and 0·462 mm (0·047 mm). Female's right and left C‐IMT were 0·442 mm (0·049 mm) and 0·451 mm (0·063 mm), respectively. The limits of agreement (LoA) for immediate interoperator variability were −0·063 to 0·056 mm (mean bias −0·003 mm). Operator 1's immediate retest intra‐operator LoA were −0·057 to 0·046 mm (mean bias was −0·005 mm). One‐week LoA were −0·057 to 0·050 mm (mean bias −0·003 mm). Operator 2 recorded median right and left‐sided C‐IMT of 0·467 mm (0·089 mm) and 0·458 mm (0·046 mm) for males, respectively, whilst female measurements were 0·441 mm (0·052 mm) and 0·444 mm (0·054 mm), respectively. Operator 2's intra‐operator immediate retest LoA were −0·056 to 0·056 (mean bias <−0·001 mm). Intra‐operator LoA at 1 week were −0·052 to 0·068 mm (mean bias 0·008 mm). Novice operators produce acceptable short‐term and 1‐week inter‐ and intra‐operator C‐IMT measurement variability in healthy, young to middle‐aged adults using the Panasonic CardioHealth Station.
The effects of Kinesio Taping on body functions and activity in unilateral spastic cerebral palsy: a single‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kaya Kara Ozgun , Atasavun Uysal Songul , Turker Duygu , Karayazgan Sedef , Gunel Mintaze Kerem , Baltaci Gul 
Published: September 2014

AimThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Kinesio Taping (KT) on the body functions and activity of children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP).MethodThis study was designed as a single‐blind, randomized, controlled trial. Thirty children with unilateral spastic CP were randomized and split equally between the KT group (eight males, seven females; mean age 9y [SD 2y 3mo] range 7–12y) and the control group (seven males, eight females; mean age 9y 7mo [SD 3y 4mo] range 7–14y) receiving usual care. All participants were evaluated with the Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM), the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP), the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), short‐term muscle power, agility and functional muscle strength tests. Wilcoxon signed‐rank and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to evaluate within and between‐group differences respectively. The level of significance was accepted as p<0.05.ResultsThere were significant differences in muscle power sprint (p=0.003), lateral step‐up test right (p=0.016), sit to stand (p=0.018), attain stand through half knee right (p=0.003), BOTMP Gross scores (p=0.019), and WeeFIM total (p=0.003) and self‐care scores (p=0.022) between the groups (p<0.05).InterpretationKinesio Taping is a promising additional approach to increase proprioceptive feedback and improve physical fitness, gross motor function, and activities of daily living in children with CP.
Pore network and water retention characteristics of volcanic porous media
Authors: Dal Ferro N. , Pagliarin C. , Morari F. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryAggregate media are often characterized by multi‐porous systems, which have structural and water retention characteristics that depend on the complex interaction between intra‐ and inter‐aggregate pores. Here we investigate the structure and water retention dynamics of rigid aggregate volcanic materials. In particular, we focus on commercially used pumices, lapilli and zeolites. The aim was to estimate the air and water content through complex dual‐porous systems, and thus to evaluate their suitability for vegetation growth. Both inter‐ and intra‐aggregate characteristics were determined by means of mercury intrusion porosimetry, X‐ray microtomography and water retention curves. The wilting point was determined with pressure plates, a dew point hygrometer and the sunflower method to assess their reliability at small matric potentials. Results indicate that aggregate porous media were bimodal and their heterogeneous pore network affected the water retention dynamics because (i) the large inter‐aggregate pores allowed a rapid drainage near saturation and (ii) the intra‐aggregate porosity held water available for root uptake and plant growth. In contrast, volcanic powders were less affected by the inter‐ and intra‐aggregate dual‐porosity. The use of a dew point hygrometer instead of pressure plates for determining small matric potentials is also suggested because pressure plates might over‐estimate the water content because of poor plate and soil conductance. However, the reference potential at wilting point should be set at values greater than −1471.5 kPa (−784.8 kPa) to consider the interaction between plant roots and porous media with small hydraulic conductivity. Results from this work indicate that aggregate multi‐porous media allow the simultaneous supply of oxygen and available water for plants, although the heterogeneous nature of the pore network involves uncertainties regarding water balance and root–matrix interactions.
Vertical distribution of charcoal in a sandy soil: evidence from DRIFT spectra and field emission scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Hobley E. , Willgoose G. R. , Frisia S. , Jacobsen G. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryThis study uses diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier Transform (DRIFT) spectrometry and field emission scanning electron microscopy to investigate the vertical distribution of charcoal in a sandy soil from SE Australia. The soil was sampled to bedrock (120 cm) at varying depths and bulk samples were fractionated into three particle‐sizes: macro‐ (2000–200 µm), micro‐ (200–60 µm) and mineral‐associated organic matter (MAOM, < 60 µm). Charcoal was isolated from 0–30 and 30–60‐cm depths. Soil charcoal was detected by using a DRIFT band centred at 1590 cm−1 and scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive spectroscopy. Charcoal content as a proportion of soil organic carbon (SOC) was estimated with linear regressions of cumulative DRIFT bands. At 0–30 cm, charcoal content as a portion of SOC did not differ significantly between particle‐size fractions, constituting 5–26% of SOC. At a depth of 30–60 cm, charcoal constituted 19–39% of SOC in the fractions. At 60–100 cm, charcoal was only detectable in the mid‐sized fraction, where it constituted about 17% of SOC. These results support our previous hypothesis of charcoal enrichment in the micro‐fraction inducing a greater SOC stability in this fraction as inferred from radiocarbon ages (Hobley et al., 2013). Our findings indicate that DRIFT spectra can be used to detect the presence and amount of charcoal in soil, which may prove to be a simple and low‐cost alternative to more laborious and costly detection methods.
Comparison of silicate minerals as sources of potassium for plant nutrition in sandy soil
Authors: Mohammed S. M. O. , Brandt K. , Gray N. D. , White M. L. , Manning D. A. C. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryGiven the cost of conventional fertilizers and increasing demand as a result of increasing population growth, new sources of potassium (K) for plant nutrition need to be considered. Readily soluble nutrients are rapidly lost from well‐drained soils, and so it is appropriate to consider silicate minerals that release K slowly during weathering. In this paper, we compare the availability to plants grown in sandy soils of K from microcline (feldspar), biotite (mica) and nepheline syenite (nepheline + microcline) using leek (Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum L.) as a model plant. Pot experiments were carried out under controlled environmental conditions using natural and artificial soil. The performance of the minerals was compared with treatment with KCl and a negative control (no K added). Plant shoot diameter was measured weekly to assess growth rates. After 10 weeks, plant dry mass and soil and plant contents of soluble K were measured to determine offtake; mineralogical changes in biotite‐treated soils were assessed. Results for artificial and natural soil differed, reflecting differences in their mineralogy. With no added K, plant growth ceased after 2 weeks. Growth rates were greatest for KCl, followed by biotite; linear growth continued for 5 weeks in the natural soil and for the entire 10 weeks in the artificial soil. Growth rates with nepheline syenite (natural soil) and microcline (both soils) did not differ significantly from the negative control, but for nepheline syenite, leek shoot K content was significantly greater, demonstrating availability of K from this source. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that biotite reacted to form vermiculite.
Doctors’ perspectives of informed consent for non‐emergency surgical procedures: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Wood Fiona , Martin Sean Michael , Carson‐Stevens Andrew , Elwyn Glyn , Precious Elizabeth , Kinnersley Paul 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe need to involve patients more in decisions about their care, the ethical imperative and concerns about ligation and complaints has highlighted the issue of informed consent and how it is obtained. In order for a patient to make an informed decision about their treatment, they need appropriate discussion of the risks and benefits of the treatment.ObjectivesTo explore doctors’ perspectives of gaining informed consent for routine surgical procedures.DesignQualitative study using semi‐structured interviews selected by purposive sampling. Data were analysed thematically.Setting and ParticipantsTwenty doctors in two teaching hospitals in the UK.ResultsDoctors described that while consent could be taken over a series of consultations, it was common for consent to be taken immediately prior to surgery. Juniors were often taking consent when they were unfamiliar with the procedure. Doctors used a range of communication techniques to inform patients about the procedure and its risks including quantifying risks, personalizing risk, simplification of language and use of drawings. Barriers to effective consent taking were reported to be shortage of time, clinician inexperience and patients’ reluctance to be involved.Discussion and ConclusionCurrent consent processes do not appear to be ideal for many doctors. In particular, junior doctors are often not confident taking consent for surgical procedures and require more support to undertake this task. This might include written information for junior staff, observation by senior colleagues when undertaking the task and ward‐based communication skills teaching on consent taking.
Specialist nurse in Europe: education, regulation and role
Authors: Dury C. , Hall C. , Danan J‐L. , Mondoux J. , Aguiar Barbieri‐Figueiredo M.C. , Costa M.A.M. , Debout C. 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundThe concept of a ‘specialist nurse’ has existed for many years and related education programmes are proliferating. However, while literature clearly outlines the roles and practice of registered nurses and advanced practice nurses, those of specialist nurses remain unclear and nursing specializations across Europe need clarifying.AimThis pilot study aimed to explore the competencies, education requirements and regulation of specialist nurses in Europe.DesignA descriptive cross‐sectional survey.MethodsAn online questionnaire named ‘Specialist nurse and specialization in Europe’ was sent to 550 members of the European Federation of Nurse Educators and ten members of the European Specialist Nurses Organizations. Snowball sampling was then used to build a convenience sample of nurse educators, clinical nurses and specialist nurses, national nursing association members, and chief nursing officers from all European countries. Besides quantitative aspects, responses to open‐ended questions were analysed using a qualitative content analysis process.ResultsA total of 77 experts from 29 European countries responded to the questionnaire. Findings highlighted variations in titles, levels and length of education, certification, regulation and scope of practice for specialized nurses in Europe. Analysis of the promoted competencies revealed dominant clinical and technical aspects of the role with a high level of knowledge.ConclusionsThe study emphasized the need to improve standards for education, certification and regulation for specialist nurses. Interpretation of the role and competencies is diverse with a weak presence of health policy that would enhance and develop the specialities.Implications for nursing and health policyTo address the current lack of provisions for automatic recognition of specialist nurses, common training frameworks corresponding to the relevant level of the European Qualifications Framework should promote lifelong learning and mobility, and enhance levels of health care and patient safety.
Apoptosis mediated by phosphatidylserine externalization in the elimination of aneuploid germ cells during human spermatogenesis
Authors: Garcia‐Quevedo L. , Blanco J. , Sarrate Z. , Vidal F. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryIt has been described that aneuploidies trigger cell cycle checkpoints leading to apoptosis. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the presence of chromosomal abnormalities and apoptosis in germ cells and in Sertoli cells. Fourteen diagnostic testicular biopsies from infertile patients were processed following a sequential methodology, which included enzymatic disaggregation, apoptotic staining, cell sorting, cell fixation, and fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis. The chromosome constitution of germ cells (interphase pre‐meiotic germ cells, meiotic figures, post‐reductional germ cells, and spermatozoa) and Sertoli cells was evaluated in non‐sorted and flow‐sorted cell populations (apoptotic and viable). The mean percentage of aneuploidy was compared between the three fractions in each cell type using a Kruskal–Wallis test. If significant results were obtained, a two‐by‐two Chi‐squared test was performed. There were significant differences between the apoptotic fraction and the viable and non‐sorted fractions in the pre‐meiotic germ cells (p < 0.01). In the remaining cell types, no association between the presence of aneuploidy and apoptotic processes was observed, even in the case of post‐reductional germ cells in which we detected the highest rates of aneuploidy regardless of the fraction analyzed. From our data, it can be inferred that most of the aneuploid post‐reductional germ cells are efficiently removed from the testicular epithelium without differentiating into spermatozoa. Our results suggest that the elimination of aneuploid testicular epithelial cells is triggered by different mechanisms. Accordingly, the cellular elimination of aneuploid germ cells beyond the blood–testis barrier does not involve phosphatidylserine externalization.