bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complex interplay of faulting, glacioeustatic variations and halokinesis during deposition of upper Viséan units over thick salt in the western Cumberland Basin of Atlantic Canada
Authors: Jutras P. , McLeod J. , MacRae R. A. , Utting J. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe late Palaeozoic Cumberland Basin of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick (eastern Canada) developed as a strike‐slip basin in the aftermath of the Middle Devonian Acadian Orogeny. Following deposition of thick salt during the middle Viséan (middle Mississippian), this basin mainly accommodated fault‐controlled continental deposits during the late Viséan, which generated halokinesis from clastic loading. The Mississippian halokinetic history of this basin is cryptic, as it was severely distorted by subsequent tectonic and halokinetic overprints. After minor structural restoration, the study of upper Viséan minibasin units in wide coastal sections and deep wells allowed a fairly detailed reconstruction of the Mississippian halokinetic setting to be made. Paleoenvironments and depositional settings in the western part of the basin include sectors that were proximal to three fault‐bounded source areas and characterized by alluvial fan systems transitioning laterally into gravelly to sandy braidplain environments. More central areas of the basin were characterized by tidal flats transitioning laterally into shallow marine environments. Because of halokinesis, the marine body was eventually forced to subdivide into three separate salt expulsion minibasins. Although late Viséan marine incursions were short‐lived in the rest of eastern Canada due to ongoing glacioeustatic variations, there are sedimentologic and stratigraphic lines of evidence for the long‐lasting entrapment of restricted marine bodies in salt expulsion minibasins of the western Cumberland Basin. In one minibasin that was characterized by especially high accommodation rates, NE of Hopewell Cape (New Brunswick), the proximal conglomerates and marine carbonates of a fan‐delta setting transition laterally into thick sulphate over a short distance, away from freshwater inputs from the source area. The vertical continuity of the latter sulphate succession suggests that this entrapped evaporitic basin was cut‐off from significant marine influxes, even at times of glacioeustatic highstands. This is in contrast with salt expulsion minibasins in open marine shelf settings, which always remain open to global marine transgressions and regressions.
Common mental disorders among women, social circumstances and toddler growth in rural Vietnam: a population‐based prospective study
Authors: Fisher J. , Tran T. , Nguyen T. T. , Nguyen H. , Tran T. D. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundCommon mental disorders (CMD) and adverse social circumstances are widespread among mothers of infants and toddlers in resource‐constrained settings. These can undermine early childhood development through compromised caregiving and insufficient access to essential resources. The aim was to examine the effect of maternal CMD and social adversity in the post‐partum year on toddler's length‐for‐age index in a rural low‐income setting.MethodsA population‐based prospective cohort study of women in Ha Nam province, Vietnam who completed baseline assessments in either late pregnancy or 4–6 weeks post partum and were followed up, with their toddlers, 15 months later. CMD were assessed at both points by psychiatrist‐administered Structured Clinical Interviews for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition Diagnoses. Anthropometric indices were calculated from toddler's age, sex, weight and length using World Health Organization Child Growth Standards. Social adversities were assessed by study‐specific questions and locally validated psychometric instruments. The hypothesized model of factors governing toddler's length‐for‐age Z score (LAZ) was tested using path analysis.ResultsIn total, 211/234 (90.1%) mother–toddler pairs provided complete data. Baseline prevalence of CMD among women was 33.6% and follow‐up was 18.5%. The mean LAZ among toddlers was −1.03 and stunting prevalence (LAZ < −2) was 15.6%. Maternal CMD at baseline were indirectly related to toddler LAZ via maternal CMD at follow‐up (regression coefficient = −0.05, 95% CI −0.11 to −0.01). Maternal CMD at follow‐up was associated significantly with toddler LAZ (regression coefficient = −0.15, 95% CI −0.28 to −0.05). Poorer quality of marital relationship, mothers' experiences of childhood abuse and <30 days dedicated post‐partum care were associated indirectly with lower toddler LAZ via maternal CMD.ConclusionsMaternal post‐natal CMD are associated with child growth measured by LAZ in this resource‐constrained setting. Social adversities affect child growth indirectly through increasing the risk of maternal CMD. Interventions to reduce stunting in low‐income settings may need to address maternal CMD and social adversities in order to improve impact.
The waiting room as a relational space: young patients and their families' experience in a day hospital
Authors: Corsano P. , Majorano M. , Vignola V. , Guidotti L. , Izzi G. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundWaiting in hospital is a condition of high stress for patients and their families, especially in childhood. The literature has investigated the emotional experiences of patients and their families, recognizing the need for a comfortable environment, attention from the staff, information and sharing emotions with others. Waiting time in day hospitals is a topic that has not yet been investigated in the literature, but is nevertheless interesting for researchers. This exploratory study investigates the experience of waiting young patients and their families go through during treatments in day hospitals.MethodFifty children and adolescents from ages 7 to 15 years, admitted to the day hospital of a paediatric haematology and oncology ward of an Italian hospital, completed the Emotional Reaction Instrument (ERI) and the Child Drawing: Hospital. Their parents or relatives completed a semi‐structured interview on waiting.ResultsThe data showed that the young patients displayed a low level of anxiety and negative emotion. In contrast, the adults' experience of waiting in the day hospital entailed boredom, anxiety and concern for the emotional state of their children. These conditions can be alleviated by relationships and sharing emotions with other adults.ConclusionsThis study has shown that day hospital waiting rooms should be organized and should be experienced by adults and children as relational spaces. This could provide useful suggestions in order to improve the organization of day hospital waiting rooms.
Basophil allergen threshold sensitivity and component‐resolved diagnostics improve hazelnut allergy diagnosis
Authors: Brandström J. , Nopp A. , Johansson S. G. O. , Lilja G. , Sundqvist A.‐C. , Borres M. P. , Nilsson C. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryBackgroundIgE sensitization to hazelnut is common, especially in birch endemic areas. However, its clinical significance often needs to be confirmed by a food challenge.ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical significance of IgE antibodies to hazelnut components and basophil allergen threshold sensitivity (CD‐sens) to hazelnut, in relation to double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) in children with a suspected hazelnut allergy.MethodsForty children underwent a DBPCFC. CD‐sens to hazelnut as well as IgE antibodies to hazelnut and its components Cor a 1, Cor a 8, Cor a 9 and Cor a 14 were analysed. Serum tryptase was measured before, during and after DBPCFC.ResultsEight children had a positive DBPCFC, and all of them had a high CD‐sens value to hazelnut. Of the 32 children that passed the DBPCFC, 31 were very low or negative in CD‐sens. A positive DBPCFC corresponded with significantly higher CD‐sens values (median 8.9, range 3.3–281) compared to children negative in challenge (median 0.05, range 0–34.7, P < 0.0001). Children positive in challenge also had higher levels of IgE‐ab to Cor a 9 and Cor a 14 (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively) compared with those with a negative challenge. In relation to the results from DBPCFC, the sensitivity of CD‐sens and IgE‐ab to Cor a 14 was excellent (100%) and the specificity was very high (> 97% and > 94%, respectively). Five of the eight patients positive at challenge showed an increase in tryptase > 20% compared to tryptase baseline levels.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceCD‐sens and component‐resolved diagnostics to hazelnut, used separately or in combination, may improve the diagnostic accuracy and safety and reduce overdiagnosis of hazelnut allergy.
Direct contact between dendritic cells and bronchial epithelial cells inhibits T cell recall responses towards mite and pollen allergen extracts in vitro
Authors: Papazian D , Wagtmann V R , Hansen S , Würtzen P A 
Published: February 2015

Summary
Airway epithelial cells (AECs) form a polarized barrier along the respiratory tract. They are the first point of contact with airborne antigens and are able to instruct resident immune cells to mount appropriate immune responses by either soluble or contact-dependent mechanisms. We hypothesize that a healthy, polarized epithelial cell layer inhibits inflammatory responses towards allergens to uphold homeostasis. Using an in-vitro co-culture model of the airway epithelium, where a polarized cell layer of bronchial epithelial cells can interact with dendritic cells (DCs), we have investigated recall T cell responses in allergic patients sensitized to house dust mite, grass and birch pollen. Using allergen extract-loaded DCs to stimulate autologous allergen-specific T cell lines, we show that AEC-imprinted DCs inhibit T cell proliferation significantly of Bet v 1-specific T cell lines as well as decrease interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-13 production, whereas inhibition of Phl p 5-specific T cells varied between different donors. Stimulating autologous CD4+ T cells from allergic patients with AEC-imprinted DCs also inhibited proliferation significantly and decreased production of both T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 cytokines upon rechallenge. The inhibitory effects of AECs’ contact with DCs were absent when allergen extract-loaded DCs had been exposed only to AECs supernatants, but present after direct contact with AECs. We conclude that direct contact between DCs and AECs inhibits T cell recall responses towards birch, grass and house dust mite allergens in vitro, suggesting that AECs-DC contact in vivo constitute a key element in mucosal homeostasis in relation to allergic sensitisation.
Human monocyte subsets exhibit divergent angiotensin I-converting activity
Authors: Rutkowska-Zapała M , Suski M , Szatanek R , Lenart M , Węglarczyk K , Olszanecki R , Grodzicki T , Strach M , Gąsowski J , Siedlar M 
Published: February 2015

Summary
Immune cells may take part in the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS), which plays a pivotal role in the regulation of vascular tone and blood pressure. The aim of the study was to analyse the expression and activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme type 1 (ACE1) and ACE2 in human monocytes (MO) and their subsets. The highest relative level of ACE1-, as well as ACE2-mRNA expression, was observed in CD14++CD16− (classical) MO. Moreover, in these cells, mean level of ACE2-mRNA was almost two times higher than that of ACE1-mRNA (11.48 versus 7.073 relative units, respectively). In peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), MO and classical MO, ACE1 and ACE2 protein expression was stronger compared to other MO subpopulations. The highest level of Ang II generated from Ang I in vitro was observed in classical MO. In this setting, generation of Ang-(1–9) by PBMC and classical MO was higher when compared to the whole MO population (P &lt; 0·05). The generation rate of vasoprotective Ang-(1–7) was comparable in all analysed cell populations. However, in CD14+CD16++ (non-classical) MO, formation of Ang-(1–7) was significantly greater than Ang II (P &lt; 0·001). We suggest that in physiological conditions MO (but also lymphocytes forming the rest of PBMC pool) may be involved in the regulation of vessel wall homeostasis via the RAAS-related mechanisms. Moreover, non-classical MO, which are associated preferentially with the vascular endothelium, express the vasoprotective phenotype.
Causes of the failure and the revision methods for congenital scoliosis due to hemivertebra
Authors: Shi Zhicai , Li Quan , Cai Bin , Yu Baoqing , Feng Yuan , Wu Jibin , Li Ming , Ran Bo 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to retrospectively investigate the causes of failure in the first operation and the revision procedure for patients with congenital scoliosis due to hemivertebra. Nineteen patients who underwent the revision operations because of failure in the first operation were included in this study. All the malformations were identified as fully segmented hemivertebra, including 16 cases in thoracolumbar vertebra (T10: three patients; T12: seven patients; L1: six patients), and three cases in thoracic vertebra (T8). The causes of failure in the first operation and the outcome of revision procedure for patients were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were successfully performed the personalized revision surgeries. The failure reasons of the first operation included limitations of the first operation procedure, no or incomplete resection of the malformed hemivertebra, improper operation during surgery, improper internal fixation material, and improper internal fixation scope. The average postoperative scoliosis Cobb's angle and kyphosis Cobb's angle were corrected from 54.1° preoperatively to 23.1° postoperatively, and 59.3° preoperatively to 25.8° postoperatively, respectively. The average postoperative distance between the C7 plumb line and the center sacral vertical line was decreased from 2.5 cm preoperatively to 1.5 cm postoperatively. The average follow‐up period was 2.2 years. No serious complication was observed. The cause of the failure of the first operations for the congenital scoliosis due to hemivertebra is verified. Our study may provide a basis for the treatment of congenital scoliosis due to hemivertebra.
Small cell‐ versus large cell‐sized metal stent in endoscopic bilateral stent‐in‐stent placement for malignant hilar biliary obstruction
Authors: Lee Jae Min , Lee Sang Hyub , Chung Kwang Hyun , Park Jin Myung , Paik Woo Hyun , Woo Sang Myung , Lee Woo Jin , Ryu Ji Kon , Kim Yong‐Tae 
Published: February 2015

Background and AimAlthough the large cell‐sized biliary stent facilitates contralateral stent deployment through the mesh of the first metallic stent for stent‐in‐stent (SIS) technique, there are concerns about its vulnerability to tumor ingrowth. The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical outcomes of endoscopic bilateral SIS placement according to the cell size of a self‐expandable metallic stent (SEMS).MethodsA total of 58 patients were enrolled who underwent endoscopic bilateral SIS placement of SEMS for malignant hilar biliary obstruction as a result of cholangiocarcinoma or gallbladder cancer. Finally, 43 patients who underwent successful stent insertion were included in the analysis and divided into the small cell‐sized stent (SCS; n = 21) and the large cell‐sized stent (LCS; n = 22) groups. We retrospectively compared comprehensive clinical and laboratory data in both groups.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the two groups in successful drainage (SCS vs LCS, 100% vs 100%, respectively), early complications (38.1% vs 18.2%), late complications (14.3% vs 22.7%), stent occlusion (42.9% vs 45.5%), tumor ingrowth (33.3% vs 45.5%) or overgrowth (9.5% vs 0%). Duration of stent patency and overall survival were not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.086 and P = 0.320, respectively).ConclusionsEndoscopic bilateral SIS placement for malignant hilar biliary obstruction shows no differences in stent patency, survival, complications and clinical course according to the cell size of SEMS.
Improving the quality of colonoscopy bowel preparation using a smart phone application: A randomized trial
Authors: Lorenzo‐Zúñiga Vicente , Moreno de Vega Vicente , Marín Ingrid , Barberá Marta , Boix Jaume 
Published: February 2015

Background and AimGetting ready for a colonoscopy is difficult and involves many steps. Information given to patients is very important for adherence to treatment. We created a novel smart phone application (SPA) aimed to increase bowel preparation quality and patient satisfaction.MethodsWe carried out a prospective, endoscopist‐blinded, randomized, controlled trial. We enrolled 260 outpatient (58% female, age range 21–75 years) owners of a smartphone. Patients were allocated to two different protocols: instructions provided by SPA (SPA group; n = 108) or written instructions with visual aids (control group; n = 152). All procedures were carried out in the afternoon and patients received the same purgative regimen (2 L polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution plus ascorbic acid), in a full‐dose same‐day regimen. The study was designed to detect an improvement in quality of bowel preparation using the Harefield Cleansing Scale (HCS) scale. Effect of protocol on patient satisfaction was assessed with a specific questionnaire at the time of colonoscopy.ResultsProportion of patients who obtained successful bowel preparation for colonoscopy (HCS A or B) was significantly higher in the SPA group than in the control group (100% vs 96.1%, respectively; P = 0.037). Mean global HCS scores were similar in both groups. Patient‐reported tolerability and overall experience with the prescribed bowel preparation were significantly higher for the SPA group than for the control group.ConclusionSuccessful cleansing and patient acceptability with the use of SPA were superior to written instructions in outpatients submitted for colonoscopy using 2 L PEG solution plus ascorbic acid.
Phylogenies support out‐of‐equilibrium models of biodiversity
Authors: Manceau Marc , Lambert Amaury , Morlon Hélène 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThere is a long tradition in ecology of studying models of biodiversity at equilibrium. These models, including the influential Neutral Theory of Biodiversity, have been successful at predicting major macroecological patterns, such as species abundance distributions. But they have failed to predict macroevolutionary patterns, such as those captured in phylogenetic trees. Here, we develop a model of biodiversity in which all individuals have identical demographic rates, metacommunity size is allowed to vary stochastically according to population dynamics, and speciation arises naturally from the accumulation of point mutations. We show that this model generates phylogenies matching those observed in nature if the metacommunity is out of equilibrium. We develop a likelihood inference framework that allows fitting our model to empirical phylogenies, and apply this framework to various mammalian families. Our results corroborate the hypothesis that biodiversity dynamics are out of equilibrium.
Can repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation increase muscle strength in functional neurological paresis? A proof‐of‐principle study
Authors: Broersma M. , Koops E. A. , Vroomen P. C. , Van der Hoeven J. H. , Aleman A. , Leenders K. L. , Maurits N. M. , van Beilen M. 
Published: February 2015

Background and purposeTherapeutic options are limited in functional neurological paresis disorder. Earlier intervention studies did not control for a placebo effect, hampering assessment of effectivity. A proof‐of‐principle investigation was conducted into the therapeutic potential of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), using a single‐blind two‐period placebo‐controlled cross‐over design.MethodsEleven patients received active 15 Hz rTMS over the contralateral motor cortex (hand area), in two periods of 5 days, for 30 min once a day at 80% of resting motor threshold, with a train length of 2 s and an intertrain interval of 4 s. Eight of these eleven patients were also included in the placebo treatment condition. Primary outcome measure was change in muscle strength as measured by dynamometry after treatment. Secondary outcome measure was the subjective change in muscle strength after treatment.ResultsIn patients who received both treatments, active rTMS induced a significantly larger median increase in objectively measured muscle strength (24%) compared to placebo rTMS (6%; P < 0.04). Subjective ratings showed no difference due to treatment, i.e. patients did not perceive these objectively measured motor improvements (P = 0.40).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that rTMS by itself can potentially improve muscle weakness in functional neurological paresis disorder. Whereas patients' muscle strength increased as measured with dynamometry, patients did not report increased functioning of the affected hand, subjectively. The results may indicate that decreased muscle strength is not the core symptom and that rTMS should be added to behavioral approaches in functional neurological paresis.
Predictors and impact of early cerebral infarction after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Jabbarli R. , Reinhard M. , Niesen W.‐D. , Roelz R. , Shah M. , Kaier K. , Hippchen B. , Taschner C. , Van Velthoven V. 
Published: February 2015

Background and purposeCerebral infarction is a frequent and serious complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This study aimed to identify independent predictors of the timing of cerebral infarction and clarify its impact on disease course and patients’ outcome.MethodsAll consecutive patients with SAH admitted to our institution from January 2005 to December 2012 were analyzed. Serial computed tomography (CT) scans were evaluated for cerebral infarctions. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and radiological data of patients during hospitalization as well as clinical follow‐ups 6 months after SAH were recorded.ResultsOf the 632 analyzed patients, 320 (51%) developed cerebral infarction on CT scans. 136 patients (21.5%) with early cerebral infarction (occurring within 3 days after SAH) had a significantly higher risk of unfavorable outcome than patients with late infarction [odds ratio (OR) 2.94; P = 0.008], a higher in‐hospital mortality (OR 3.14; P = 0.0002) and poorer clinical outcome after 6 months (OR 0.54; P < 0.0001). The rates of decompressive craniectomy (OR 1.96, P = 0.0265), tracheostomy (OR 1.87, P = 0.0446), the duration of intensive care unit stay and mechanical ventilation were significantly higher in patients with early infarction. In multivariate analysis, Hunt and Hess grades 4 and 5 (OR 2.06, P = 0.008), Fisher grades 3 and 4 (OR 3.99, P = 0.014), sustained elevations of intracranial pressure >20 mmHg (OR 5.95, P < 0.0001) and early vasospasm on diagnostic angiograms (OR 3.01, P = 0.008) were predictors of early cerebral infarction.ConclusionEarly cerebral infarction after SAH is associated with severe clinical course and unfavorable outcome and can be reliably predicted by poor initial clinical condition, thick subarachnoid clot, early angiographic vasospasm and sustained elevations of intracranial pressure.