bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and frequency of circulating CD4+ T lymphocytes specific to Benzylpenicillin in healthy donors
Authors: Nhim C. , Delluc S. , Halgand F. , de Chaisemartin L. , Weaver R. J. , Claude N. , Joseph D. , Maillère B. , Pallardy M. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundDrug hypersensitivity is known to rely on a drug‐specific T‐cell response. Amplitude of antigen‐specific T‐cell response is partly controlled by the size of the antigen‐specific naïve CD4+ T‐cell repertoire, but estimate of this repertoire has never been investigated for allergenic drugs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of benzylpenicillin‐specific CD4+ T lymphocytes in healthy donors.MethodsCo‐cultures were established with CD4+ T lymphocytes from healthy donors and mature autologous dendritic cells loaded with benzylpenicillin coupled to human serum albumin. CD4+ T lymphocytes were stimulated once a week for 4 weeks with benzylpenicillin coupled to human serum albumin. The CD4+ T‐cell response was measured using an interferon‐γ ELISPOT assay. Frequency of benzylpenicillin‐specific naive CD4+ T lymphocytes was then calculated using the Poisson distribution law.ResultsResults showed the presence of benzylpenicillin‐specific CD4+ T lymphocytes in 9 of 10 tested healthy donors irrespective of their HLA typing, with a mean frequency of 0.29 cells per million of CD4+ T cells. Experiments performed on naive (CD45RA+) and on memory (CD45RO+) CD4+ T lymphocytes showed that these benzylpenicillin‐specific CD4+ T lymphocytes belonged to the naive T‐cell subpopulation.ConclusionThis study showed for the first time the existence of naive CD4+ T lymphocytes specific to benzylpenicillin in healthy donors.
Validation of the cephalosporin intradermal skin test for predicting immediate hypersensitivity: a prospective study with drug challenge
Authors: Yoon S.‐Y. , Park S. Y. , Kim S. , Lee T. , Lee Y. S. , Kwon H.‐S. , Cho Y. S. , Moon H.‐B. , Kim T.‐B. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundCephalosporin is a major offending agent in terms of drug hypersensitivity along with penicillin. Cephalosporin intradermal skin tests (IDTs) have been widely used; however, their validity for predicting immediate hypersensitivity has not been studied. This study aimed to determine the predictive value of cephalosporin intradermal skin testing before administration of the drug.MethodsWe prospectively conducted IDTs with four cephalosporins, one each of selected first‐, second‐, third‐, or fourth‐generation cephalosporins: ceftezol; cefotetan or cefamandole; ceftriaxone or cefotaxime; and flomoxef, respectively, as well as with penicillin G. After the skin test, whatever the result, one of the tested cephalosporins was administered intravenously and the patient was carefully observed.ResultsWe recruited 1421 patients who required preoperative cephalosporins. Seventy‐four patients (74/1421, 5.2%) were positive to at least one cephalosporin. However, none of responders had immediate hypersensitivity reactions after a challenge dose of the same or different cephalosporin, which were positive in the skin test. Four patients who suffered generalized urticaria and itching after challenge gave negative skin tests for the corresponding drug. The IDT for cephalosporin had a sensitivity of 0%, a specificity of 97.5%, a negative predictive value of 99.7%, and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 0%, when challenged with the same drugs that were positive in the skin test.ConclusionRoutine skin testing with a cephalosporin before its administration is not useful for predicting immediate hypersensitivity because of the extremely low sensitivity and PPV of the skin test (CRIS registration no. KCT0000455).
Labour, Migration and the Spatial Fix: Evidence from the UK Food Industry
Authors: Scott Sam 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe paper argues that David Harvey's (1981) concept of the “spatial fix” (Antipode 13(3):1–12) can help us to understand contemporary labour migration. According to Harvey, the spatial fix is a response by capital to periodic crises that may involve both ex situ (finding new markets and production sites) and in situ solutions (importing and/ or improving labour). Drawing on experiences in the UK food industry, via 37 employer interviews, I show that in situ restructuring has become hegemonic and that an associated “good migrant worker” rhetoric has emerged. This rhetoric has two dimensions. Most obviously, low‐wage employers stress the apparently superior hard and soft skills of migrants. Some, however, also link low‐wage immigration to a purposeful shift in power from labour to capital. In both respects, migration functions as a regulatory project and “spatial fix”, and employers' “need” for migrant labour is primarily about maximising labour power in downgraded jobs more than about absolute labour shortages.Implications for policyEmployer reliance on migrant labour is not new. It is important, therefore, that policymakers do not get too carried away by contemporary low‐wage immigration. Nevertheless, this phenomenon appears to occur even when, in theory at least, employers could recruit domestically. The fact that they do not, demonstrates the ways in which recruitment, even at the bottom of the labour market, is not just about getting people in post, but about getting the right kind of people in post. Labour shortages, then, are an issue of quality and quantity; and employers' ability to use periphery‐to‐core migration to increase both is what constitutes the “in situ spatial fix”. The challenge for policymakers is to weigh up the undoubted economic benefits of this “fix” (especially significant for sectors that are undergoing prolonged restructuring, like the UK food industry) against the impact it can have in depressing pay and conditions and further marginalising would‐be domestic workers.
Can ultrasound be used to estimate bone mineral density in children with growth problems?
Authors: Khan Khalid M , Sarafoglou Kyriakie , Somani Arif , Frohnert Brigitte , Miller Bradley S 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimTo assess predictability of bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine (LS) determined by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) using by ultrasound speed of sound of the right and left radii (SOS‐R and SOS‐L) in patients with growth problems.MethodsUltrasound and DXA were compared in patients with advanced, normal and delayed bone ages assessed by Greulich and Pyle (GP) and Tanner and Whitehouse (TW3) methods.ResultsThere was a strong correlation (r), of raw scores, between SOS‐R and SOS‐L, r = 0.81, p = 0.000 and their respective Z‐scores, r = 0.78, p = 0.000. Z‐score correlations were poor between SOS‐R or SOS‐L and LS‐BMD. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of SOS‐R and Z‐scores for predicting normal (>−1 to <1) and low (<−1) LS‐BMD were poor. For high (>1) LS‐BMD, Z‐scores were 22%, 93%, 29% and 90%, respectively, for SOS‐R and for SOS‐L, 25%, 89%, 20% and 91%. For very low (<−2) LS‐BMD, SOS‐R and SOS‐L were the same, respectively, 29%, 91%, 40% and 86%.ConclusionUltrasound of the radius is a poor predictor of radiologically assessed BMD at the LS, especially with delayed bone age.
Management strategies and medication use for treating paediatric patients with concussions
Authors: Kinnaman Karen A , Mannix Rebekah C , Dawn Comstock R , Meehan William P 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimTo assess management strategies for paediatric patients suffering from concussions.MethodsA 17‐item questionnaire was distributed to 1305 section members of the American Academy of Pediatrics Sections on Adolescent Health, Sports Medicine and Fitness, Community Pediatrics and School Health. The use of medications, neuropsychological testing, neuroimaging and published guidelines in concussion management was queried.ResultsTwo hundred and twenty respondents (17%) completed the questionnaire, of which 64% had been an attending for greater than 10 years. A majority of respondents (92%) managed patients with concussions, with 26% treating more than 24 patients per year. Most paediatricians (84%) reported using a published guideline. The majority of respondents (89%) manage the symptoms of concussed patients with medications, most commonly acetaminophen (62%) or nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory medications (54%). The use of prescriptions medications such as tricyclic antidepressants (23%), amantadine (10%) and methylphenidate (8%) was also commonly reported. Paediatricians treating >16 patients per year with concussion were more likely to prescribe tricyclic antidepressants, stimulants and agents used for sleep disturbance.ConclusionPaediatricians nationwide routinely use medications when managing patients with concussions. The pharmacological agents used differ according to number of patients treated per year. In addition, most paediatricians use published guidelines in concussion management.
Autonomy support and control in weight management: What important others do and say matters
Authors: Ng Johan Y. Y. , Ntoumanis Nikos , Thøgersen‐Ntoumani Cecilie 
Published: June 2013

ObjectivesDrawing from self‐determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2002, Overview of self‐determination theory: An organismic‐dialectical perspective. In E. L. Deci & R. M. Ryan (Eds.), Handbook of self‐determination research (pp. 3–33). Rochester, NY: The University of Rochester Press.), we examined how individuals' psychological needs, motivation, and behaviours (i.e., physical activity and eating) associated with weight management could be predicted by perceptions of their important others' supportive and controlling behaviours.MethodsUsing a cross‐sectional survey design, 235 participants (mean age = 27.39 years, SD = 8.96 years) completed an online questionnaire.ResultsStatistical analyses showed that when important others were perceived to be more supportive, participants reported higher levels of more optimal forms of motivation for weight management, which in turn predicted more physical activity and healthy eating behaviours. In contrast, when important others were perceived to be controlling, participants reported higher levels of less optimal forms of motivation, which in turn predicted less physical activity and healthy eating behaviours, as well as more unhealthy eating behaviours. Significant indirect effects were also found from perceived support and control from important others to physical activity and eating behaviours, all in the expected directions.ConclusionsThe findings support the importance of important others providing support and refraining from controlling behaviours in order to facilitate motivation and behaviours conducive to successful weight management.Statement of contributionWhat is already known on this subject? Autonomy support is related to basic need satisfaction and autonomous motivation in the context of weight management. In turn, these variables are related to adaptive outcomes for weight management.

What does this study add?

Measurement of perceived controlling behaviours by important others.

Measurement of perceived need thwarting.

Structural model on how important others affect weight management behaviours of the individual.
Cardiovascular risk factors in children and adolescents with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21‐hydroxylase deficiency
Authors: Subbarayan Anbezhil , Dattani Mehul T. , Peters Catherine J. , Hindmarsh Peter C. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryObjectiveThe prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) varies widely. In the light of recent changes in treatment regimens, we have reassessed the prevalence of these risk factors in our current cohort of patients with CAH due to P450c21 deficiency.MethodsA retrospective cross‐sectional study of 107 children (39 m) with CAH aged 9·2 years (range 0·4–20·5 years). Anthropometric, systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure data were collected and expressed as standard deviation scores (SDS) using UK growth reference data and the Fourth Task Force data set, respectively. Fasting blood glucose with plasma insulin and lipids was measured, and insulin resistance (HOMA IR) calculated using the homoeostasis assessment model.Results23·6% (33% men; 18% women) of the cohort were obese (BMI SDS>2). BMI SDS was significantly higher (P < 0·001) when compared with the UK population. Nineteen (20·9%) of 91 patients (20% men; 21% women) had systolic hypertension and 8 [8·8% (8·6% men; 8·9% women)] had diastolic hypertension. Mean SBP [108 (SD 13·5)] mm Hg was significantly higher than the normal population (P < 0·001), but mean DBP was not (P = 0·07). Both SBP SDS and DBP SDS were not related to BMI SDS. 9·5% of the subjects had hyperlipidaemia, but HOMA IR was more favourable compared with the normal population.ConclusionDespite a reduction in steroid doses over the last decade, a number of children with CAH are still obese and hypertensive. Whether this reflects general population trends or indicates a need to further optimize treatment regimens remains to be determined.
Role of interleukin‐6 in the pathogenesis of neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Uzawa Akiyuki , Mori Masahiro , Kuwabara Satoshi 
Published: June 2013

AbstractNeuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system that predominantly affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. NMO is characterized by anti‐aquaporin 4 (AQP4) antibody‐mediated astrocytopathy. Recent studies have improved our knowledge of NMO. Interleukin‐6 presumably plays an important role in the immunopathogenesis of NMO, because it is involved in the production of anti‐AQP4 antibody in the peripheral circulation and in the enhancement of inflammation in the central nervous system. Significant advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of NMO will help develop new treatments. The present review focuses on the current research addressing the role of interleukin‐6 in NMO.
Quantitative analysis of titanium‐induced artifacts and correlated factors during micro‐CT scanning
Authors: Li Jun Yuan , Pow Edmond Ho Nang , Zheng Li Wu , Ma Li , Kwong Dora Lai Wan , Cheung Lim Kwong 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the impact of cover screw, resin embedment, and implant angulation on artifact of microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT) scanning for implant.Materials and methodsA total of twelve implants were randomly divided into 4 groups: (i) implant only; (ii) implant with cover screw; (iii) implant with resin embedment; and (iv) implants with cover screw and resin embedment. Implants angulation at 0°, 45°, and 90° were scanned by micro‐CT. Images were assessed, and the ratio of artifact volume to total volume (AV/TV) was calculated. A multiple regression analysis in stepwise model was used to determine the significance of different factors. One‐way ANOVA was performed to identify which combination of factors could minimize the artifact.ResultsIn the regression analysis, implant angulation was identified as the best predictor for artifact among the factors (P < 0.001). Resin embedment also had significant effect on artifact volume (P = 0.028), while cover screw had not (P > 0.05). Non‐embedded implants with the axis parallel to X‐ray source of micro‐CT produced minimal artifact.ConclusionsImplant angulation and resin embedment affected the artifact volume of micro‐CT scanning for implant, while cover screw did not.
An analysis of the duplicate testing strategy of an Irish immunochemical faecal occult blood test colorectal cancer screening programme
Authors: Kelley L. , Swan N. , Hughes D. J. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimThis study examined the relevance of using a two‐sample quantitative immunochemical faecal occult blood test (FIT) at a high cut‐off stringency by the first population‐based colorectal cancer (CRC) pilot screening programme in Ireland.MethodApproximately 10 000 individuals between the ages of 50 and 74 years were invited to perform two consecutive FITs. These were analysed in tandem using the OC Sensor and participants with at least one positive result with a haemoglobin cut‐off for positivity at 100 ng/ml were offered colonoscopy.ResultsA total of 5023 (52%) [2177 (43%) male, 2846 (57%) female] individuals with a median age of 64 years participated. At least one positive FIT was detected from 514 (10%) individuals. From the 419 (82%) patients who proceeded to colonoscopy 17 (4%) had CRC and 132 (33%) had an advanced adenoma. The detection rate for these screen‐relevant lesions was 3% (95% CI 2.5–3.5) and the FIT‐positive colonoscopy detection rate was 36% (95% CI 31–40). The number needed to undergo colonoscopy to find an advanced lesion was 2.8. The two‐test system detected four (23.5%) additional patients with CRC and 37 (28%) with an advanced adenoma compared with a single test.ConclusionThe CRC miss rate estimated for a single test (23.5%) was unacceptably high when the goal was to maximize the discovery of advanced lesions in the initial screening round. We conclude that the two‐test protocol at a high cut‐off threshold is suitable for optimizing FIT screening in Ireland.
The effect of endoscopic mucosal resection and transanal endoscopic microsurgery on anorectal function
Authors: Barendse R. M. , Oors J. M. , de Graaf E. J. R. , Bemelman W. A. , Fockens P. , Dekker E. , Smout A. J. P. M. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimThe study assessed the impact on anorectal function of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) of large rectal adenomas.MethodPatients with a large (≥ 3 cm) rectal adenoma undergoing EMR or TEM were included. Self‐reported faecal incontinence was assessed using the Colorectal Functional Outcome (COREFO) questionnaire and the Wexner Incontinence Grading Scale. Anorectal manometry was performed before and at 6 months after treatment to measure anal resting (ARP) and squeeze pressure (SP), squeeze endurance (SE), the rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR), rectal volumetry of first sensation (FS), first urge (FU), maximum tolerable volume (MTV) and rectal compliance (RC).ResultsTwenty‐four patients were included in the study, of whom 11 underwent EMR and 13 underwent TEM. The mean adenoma size was 51 ± 19 mm and the median distance from the anal verge was 3 cm (interquartile range 1–10 cm). Follow‐up data were available from 20 patients; one patient had died and three had undergone total mesorectal excision. Incontinence for liquid stool and Wexner score decreased significantly after treatment. In contrast, none of the measured parameters of anorectal motility (ARP, SP, SE, RAIR, RC) and perception (FS, FU, MTV) was affected by adenoma resection. No differences were found in baseline and follow‐up incontinence and functional parameters between intervention groups, except for postprocedural ARP, which was lower after TEM than after EMR.ConclusionContinence in patients with a large rectal adenoma improved after EMR or TEM, probably due to decreased rectal mucus production. Anal sphincter pressure, rectoanal reflexes, rectal sensation and compliance were not affected by adenoma resection.
Incidence and prognosis of dysnatraemia in critically ill patients: analysis of a large prevalence study
Authors: Vandergheynst Frédéric , Sakr Yasser , Felleiter Peter , Hering Rudolf , Groeneveld Johan , Vanhems Philippe , Taccone Fabio S. , Vincent Jean‐Louis 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this study is to assess the impact of dysnatraemia on mortality among intensive care unit (ICU) patients in a large, international cohort.Material and methodsAnalysis of the Extended Prevalence of Infection in Intensive Care (EPIC II) study, a 1‐day (8 May 2007) worldwide multicenter, prospective point prevalence study. Hyponatraemia was categorized as mild (130–134 mM/L), moderate (125–129 mM/L) or severe (< 125 mM/L). Hypernatraemia was also categorized as mild (146–150 mM/L), moderate (151–155 mM/L) or severe (> 155 mM/L). Patients with normal serum sodium (135–145 mM/L) constituted the reference group. The main outcome was hospital mortality. Analysis was conducted separately for patients admitted on the study day (25·8%) and those already present on the ICU (74·2%).ResultsSerum sodium was measured in 13 276 of the 13 796 patients (96·2%). A total of 3815 patients (28·7%) had dysnatraemia: 12·9% with hyponatraemia and 15·8% with hypernatraemia. The prevalence of dysnatraemia was significantly greater in patients already present on the ICU prior to the study day than for those just admitted (13·1% vs. 12·3% for hyponatraemia and 17·1% vs. 12·1% for hypernatraemia, both P < 0·001). Hospital mortality rates were higher in patients with dysnatraemia than in those with normal sodium levels and were directly related to the severity of hypo‐ and hypernatraemia. This association between dysnatraemia and mortality was similar in infected and noninfected patients (P = 0·061).ConclusionsDysnatraemia is more frequent during the ICU stay than on the day of admission. Dysnatraemia in the ICU – even mild – is an independent predictor of increased hospital mortality.
Synergism of lacosamide with established antiepileptic drugs in the 6‐Hz seizure model in mice
Authors: Shandra Alexey , Shandra Pavel , Kaschenko Olga , Matagne Alain , Stöhr Thomas 
Published: June 2013

SummaryPurposeLacosamide (LCM, Vimpat) is an anticonvulsant with a unique mode of action. This provides lacosamide with the potential to act additively or even synergistically with other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). The objective of this study was to determine the presence of such interactions by isobolographic analysis.MethodsThe anticonvulsant effect of LCM in combination with other AEDs including carbamazepine (CBZ), phenytoin (PHT), valproate (VPA), lamotrigine (LTG), topiramate (TPM), gabapentin (GBP), and levetiracetam (LEV) at fixed dose ratios of 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1, was evaluated in the 6‐Hz–induced seizure model in mice. In addition, the impact of the combinations of LCM with the other AEDs on motor coordination was assessed in the rotarod test. Finally, AED concentrations were measured in blood and brain to evaluate potential pharmacokinetic drug interactions.Key FindingsAll studied AEDs produced dose‐dependent anticonvulsant effects against 6‐Hz–induced seizures. Combinations of LCM with CBZ, LTG, TPM, GBP, or LEV were synergistic. All other LCM/AED combinations displayed additive effects with a tendency toward synergism. Furthermore, no enhanced adverse effects were observed in the rotarod test by combining LCM with other AEDs. No pharmacokinetic interactions were seen on brain AED concentrations. Coadministration of LCM and TPM led to an increase in plasma levels of LCM, whereas the plasma concentration of PHT was increased by coadministration of LCM.SignificanceThe synergistic anticonvulsant interaction of LCM with various AEDs, without exacerbation of adverse motor effects, highlights promising properties of LCM as add‐on therapy for drug refractory epilepsy.