bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
No association between rs6897932 in the gene encoding interleukin‐7 receptor α and low‐grade inflammation or self‐reported health – results from the Danish Blood Donor Study
Authors: Hartling Hans J. , Sørensen Cecilie J. , Rigas Andreas S. , Burgdorf Kristoffer S. , Nielsen Susanne D. , Pedersen Ole B. , Petersen Mikkel S. , Sørensen Erik , Kotzé Sebastian , Thørner Lise W. , Hjalgrim Henrik , Erikstrup Christian , Ullum Henrik 
Published: November 2014

The T‐allele in the single nucleotide polymorphism rs6897932 in the gene encoding the IL‐7 receptor α (IL7RA) is associated with reduced risk of autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis and also affects the course of HIV infection. Low‐grade inflammation (LGI) and self‐reported, health‐related quality of life (HRQL) are often associated with chronic diseases and widely used in assessing and monitoring health status. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the T‐allele in rs6897932 is associated with reduced risk of LGI (hsCRP 3–10 mg/L), history of infectious mononucleosis (IM), and HRQL in healthy individuals. A total of 17, 293 healthy Danish individuals from the Danish Blood Donor Study were included in the analyses. We tested rs6897932 as a predictor of LGI, self‐reported IM, and HRQL in univariable and multivariable models stratified by sex. No associations between rs6897932 and LGI, self‐reported IM or HRQL were found in men or women. This suggests that rs6897932 is not associated with general inflammation, and the reported associations between the T‐allele in rs6897932 with several autoimmune diseases may be mediated through effects on a restricted part of the immune system.
Hyponatraemic encephalopathy in azotaemic neonatal foals: four cases
Authors: Hardefeldt LY 
Published: November 2014

Case seriesFour neonatal foals were presented, over a 2‐year period, (2011–2012) with aimlessly walking, head pressing, ‘chewing gum’ seizures and ataxia. The neurological lesion was consistent with increased intracranial pressure in all cases. All foals had severe hyponatraemia and azotaemia identified on biochemistry. Hyponatraemia was transient in 3/4 cases, with the foal in the final case requiring long‐term sodium supplementation. Three foals survived to hospital discharge; one was euthanased because of anuric renal failure and one of the surviving foals was euthanased with septic osteomyelitis 2 weeks after initial discharge.ConclusionCorrection of the sodium deficit resulted in resolution of the neurological signs in these foals; however, azotaemia was slow to resolve, suggesting acute renal failure.
Prevalence and severity of anthelmintic resistance in ovine gastrointestinal nematodes in Australia (2009–2012)
Authors: Playford MC , Smith AN , Love S , Besier RB , Kluver P , Bailey JN 
Published: November 2014

ObjectiveThis study aimed to provide an indication of the prevalence and severity of anthelmintic resistance (AR) in the Australian sheep industry by compiling the results of faecal worm egg count reduction tests (FECRTs).MethodsGovernment and private parasitology laboratories, pharmaceutical companies and veterinarians known to have conducted FECRTs were asked to provide results that conformed to Australian and New Zealand standard diagnostic procedures.ResultsData were available from a total of 390 tests, with larval differentiation conducted in 222 cases. Pooled results from all states for the macrocyclic lactone (ML) class showed a lower prevalence of AR against combined species for moxidectin (54%) compared with abamectin (77%) and ivermectin (87%). Analysis by state revealed higher levels of ML‐resistant Teladorsagia sp. in Tasmania and Western Australia than in other states and ML‐resistant Haemonchus sp. was more frequently detected in New South Wales.ConclusionThis compilation of results of FECRTs conducted by Australian parasitology laboratories in 2009–12 showed widespread AR of the common sheep nematodes (Teladorsagia, Trichostrongylus and Haemonchus) to all broad‐spectrum anthelmintics, with the exception of monepantel, whether used singly or in combination.
Inpatient Drug Utilization in Europe: Nationwide Data Sources and a Review of Publications on a Selected Group of Medicines (PROTECT Project)
Authors: Sabaté Mònica , Ferrer Pili , Ballarín Elena , Rottenkolber Marietta , Amelio Justyne , Schmiedl Sven , Reynolds Robert , Klungel Olaf , Ibáñez Luisa ,   PROTECT Work Package 2
Published: November 2014

AbstractDrug utilization (DU) studies in inpatient settings at a national level are rarely conducted. The main objective of this study was to review the general information on hospital medicine management in Europe and to report on the availability and characteristics of nationwide administrative drug consumption databases. A secondary objective was to perform a review of published studies on hospital DU of a group of selected drugs, focusing on methodological characteristics (ATC/DDD). General information on hospital drug management was retrieved from several websites, nationwide administrative drug consumption databases and reports published by governmental organizations. A PubMed search was conducted using keywords related to the selected group of drugs AND ‘hospital drug utilization’. The data sources for hospital DU information varied widely and included 14 databases from 25 reviewed countries. Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Norway and Sweden obtain information on inpatient DU at a national level from wholesalers/manufacturers. In Belgium, Italy and Portugal, drugs dispensed to patients in hospitals are registered at a national level. Data are freely available online only for Denmark and Iceland. From the PubMed search, of a total of 868 retrieved studies, only 13 studies used the ATC/DDD methodology. Although the number of DDD/100 bed‐days was used in four studies, other units of measure were also used. The type of information provided for the inpatient sector allowed primarily for conducting DU research at an aggregated data level. The existence of national administrative structures to monitor hospital DU would contribute to promoting the rational use of medicines and improving the safety and quality of prescribing.
Pentraxin 3 is reduced in bipolar disorder
Authors: Dickerson Faith , Stallings Cassie , Origoni Andrea , Katsafanas Emily , Schweinfurth Lucy AB , Savage Christina LG , Khushalani Sunil , Yolken Robert 
Published: November 2014

ObjectiveImmunologic abnormalities have been found in bipolar disorder but pentraxin 3, a marker of innate immunity, has not been studied in this population.MethodsLevels of pentraxin 3 were measured in individuals with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and non‐psychiatric controls. Linear regression models were used to compare the pentraxin 3 levels in each of the psychiatric groups to that in the control group, adjusting for demographic and clinical variables. Logistic regression models were used to calculate the odds ratios associated with levels of pentraxin 3 which differed from specified levels of the control group.ResultsThe sample consisted of 831 individuals: 256 with bipolar disorder, 309 with schizophrenia, and 266 without a psychiatric disorder. The levels of pentraxin 3 in the bipolar disorder, but not in the schizophrenia, group were significantly lower than those of controls, adjusting for age, gender, race, maternal education, smoking status, and body mass index (t = −3.78, p < 0.001). The individuals with bipolar disorder also had significantly increased odds of having low levels of pentraxin 3 relative to both the 10th and 25th percentile level of the controls and significantly decreased odds of having a level greater than the 75th and the 90th percentile level of the controls, adjusting for the same covariates.ConclusionsIndividuals with bipolar disorder have low levels of pentraxin 3 which may reflect impaired innate immunity. An increased understanding of the role of innate immunity in the etiopathogenesis of bipolar disorder might lead to new modalities for the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder.
Tectonics of the Xining Basin in NW China and its implications for the evolution of the NE Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhang Jin , Wang Yannan , Zhang Beihang , Zhang Yiping 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe continuous Cenozoic strata in the Xining Basin record the growth and evolution of the northeastern Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. Here, the mechanisms and evolution of the Xining Basin during the Cenozoic were investigated by studying the sedimentary facies of 22 Cenozoic sections across the basin and detrital zircon U‐Pb ages of three Cenozoic sections located in the eastern, central and western basin, respectively. In the Eocene (ca. 50–44 Ma), the India‐Eurasia Collision affected the northeastern Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. The Central Qilian Block rotated clockwise by ca. 24° to form the Xining Basin. The Triassic flysch sediments surrounding the basin were the primary sources of sediment. Between ca. 44–40 Ma, the basin enlarged and deepened, and sedimentation was dominated by saline lake sediments. Between ca. 40–25.5 Ma, the Xining Basin began to shrink and dry, resulting in the deposition of saline pan and saline mudflat sediments in the basin. After ca. 20 Ma, the Laji Shan to the south of the Xining Basin was uplifted due to the northward compression of the Guide Basin to the south. Clasts that eroded from this range dominated the sediments as the basin evolved from a lacustrine environment into a fluvial system. The Xining Basin was an extensional basin in the Early Cenozoic, but changed into a compressive one during the Late Cenozoic, it was not a foreland basin either to the Kunlun Shan or to the western Qinling Shan in the whole Cenozoic. The formation and deformation of the Xining Basin are the direct responses of the India‐Eurasia Collision and the growth of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau.
Development of haemophilic arthropathy of the ankle: results of a Delphi consensus survey on potential contributory factors
Authors: McCarthy A. , Moore A. , Redhead L. , McLaughlin P. , Iorio A. , Chowdary P. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryThe evidence base to support the prevention of haemophilic arthropathy remains incomplete. In particular there is a lack of evidence regarding the potential influence of non‐haematological factors. Additionally the ankle joint, the most affected joint in the primary prophylaxis era, has biochemical and structural features that should offer some protection from degeneration. Therefore, this study aimed to ascertain expert opinions on the potential contributory factors in order to inform a research agenda. The Delphi method, a group forum technique to achieve consensus of expert opinion was selected. It allows anonymous participation of a geographically disparate panel. A modified three‐round design was used with a multi‐professional international panel from 11 countries, 280 suggestions with the potential to influence arthropathy development were submitted in Round 1. These were analysed for theme, giving 47 factors in four categories: musculoskeletal intrinsic, extrinsic affecting physical health, compliance, education and non‐haematological management, and haemophilia related. Subsequently, consensus was ascertained on their importance for study. At survey completion, 31 panellists (86%) completed. 41 factors reached the pre‐selected level for consensus and 6 were rejected. The breadth of the factors put forward suggests that the panel believe pathogenesis of HA is multifactorial. Panel composition indicates results with high face and content validity capable of guiding future research. Developing an understanding of the relative influence of factors in each patient has the potential of not only individualizing replacement therapy with regard to frequency and trough levels but also individualizing other interventions that promote musculoskeletal health.
Efficacy of naftopidil for nocturia in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms: Comparison of morning and evening dosing
Authors: Tanaka Tomoaki , Kuratsukuri Katsuyuki , Yoshimura Rikio , Adachi Takahisa , Yamaguchi Tetsuo , Ohmachi Tetsuji , Yamamoto Shinji , Nakamura Takahiro , Tamada Satoshi , Nakatani Tatsuya 
Published: November 2014

ObjectivesTo examine the difference in improvement of lower urinary tract symptoms between morning and evening dosing of α1‐blocker naftopidil.MethodsA total of 177 male patients with nocturia were included in the present study and randomized to morning or evening dosing of naftopidil. The International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life index and nocturia quality of life index were compared between the two study groups at 12 weeks.ResultsA total of 143 patients (morning group: n = 70, evening group: n = 73) were analyzed as a result of the dropout of 34 patients because of failure to give consent, adverse events and failure to attend. Nocturia, quality of life index and nocturia quality of life index at 12 weeks were significantly better in the evening group compared with the morning group. In a multivariate model, both the dosing time of naftopidil and the initial nocturia quality of life index were significantly associated with change in nocturia quality of life index.ConclusionsEvening dosing of naftopidil seems to be more effective in treating nocturia in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms.
Lessons learnt from a feasibility study on price incentivised healthy eating promotions in workplace catering establishments
Authors: Mackison D. , Mooney J. , Macleod M. , Anderson A. S. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundIt is recognised that the worksite catering sector is likely to play a pivotal role in influencing dietary intake in adults of working age. The present study aimed to assess the feasibility of engaging worksites in a healthy eating intervention, implementing a price incentivised main meal intervention and measuring indicative intervention responses to inform the design of a future trial.MethodsWorkplaces registered with the Scottish Healthy Living Award were invited to participate. The EatSMART intervention (a reduced price, healthy meal combination plus promotions) was implemented over 10 weeks in two worksites. Implementation was assessed by observational and sales data. Indicative effects on food habits were measured using online pre‐ and post‐intervention questionnaires. Focus group discussions and interviews were used to determine catering staff and consumer acceptability.ResultsThirty‐seven worksites were invited to participate and four worksites responded positively. Two sites (with 1600 and 500 employees, respectively) participated. Both required significant implementation support. Estimated sales data indicated that the uptake of promoted items varied by week (range 60–187 items) and by site. A poor response rate from questionnaires limited the evaluation of intervention impact. Consumers reported improved value for money and quality. Both sites reported an intention to continue the intervention delivery.ConclusionsSignificant efforts are required to engage worksite catering teams and implement healthy eating interventions. Evaluation methods require further development to improve data collection. Responses from consumers and catering staff suggest that further work in this area would be welcomed.
Effect of a high‐fat meal containing conventional or high‐oleic peanuts on post‐prandial lipopolysaccharide concentrations in overweight/obese men
Authors: Moreira A. P. B. , Teixeira T. F. S. , Alves R. D. M. , Peluzio M. C. G. , Costa N. M. B. , Bressan J. , Mattes R. , Alfenas R. C. G. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundAn increased plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentration may favour metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance. The meal composition influences plasma LPS concentrations. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the acute consumption of a high‐fat meal (49% of energy from fat) containing conventional or high‐oleic peanuts on post‐prandial LPS concentrations and its relationship with lipaemia and insulinaemia in overweight and obese men.MethodsThe test meal consisted of a shake containing conventional peanuts (CVP; n = 21), high‐oleic peanuts (HOP; n = 23) or a control biscuit (CT; n = 21). Blood samples were collected in the fasting state and 1, 2 and 3 h post‐prandially. LPS, insulin, lipids and glucose concentrations were assessed.ResultsLPS concentrations were lower in CVP [mean (SE) 0.7 (0.5) EU mL−1] and HOP [1.0 (0.9) EU mL−1] groups compared to CT [1.6 (1.2) EU mL−1] at 3 h post‐prandially. Triacylglycerol and insulin concentrations increased in all groups. Triacylglycerol started to increase only after 2 h in the CVP and HOP groups. LPS correlated positively with triacylglycerol. Insulin returned to basal concentrations at 3 h only in the CVP and HOP groups.ConclusionsThe acute consumption of peanuts delayed the increase in serum triacylglycerol and favoured the quicker return of insulin to basal concentrations, especially in the CVP group. Our results suggest that the consumption of conventional or high‐oleic peanuts may help to reduce the risk of endotoxaemia and metabolic disorders.
Bilingualism, executive control, and age at diagnosis among people with early‐stage Alzheimer's disease in Wales
Authors: Clare Linda , Whitaker Christopher J. , Craik Fergus I. M. , Bialystok Ellen , Martyr Anthony , Martin‐Forbes Pamela A. , Bastable Alexandra J. M. , Pye Kirstie L. , Quinn Catherine , Thomas Enlli M. , Gathercole Virginia C. Mueller , Hindle John V. 
Published: November 2014

The observation of a bilingual advantage in executive control tasks involving inhibition and management of response conflict suggests that being bilingual might contribute to increased cognitive reserve. In support of this, recent evidence indicates that bilinguals develop Alzheimer's disease (AD) later than monolinguals, and may retain an advantage in performance on executive control tasks. We compared age at the time of receiving an AD diagnosis in bilingual Welsh/English speakers (n = 37) and monolingual English speakers (n = 49), and assessed the performance of bilinguals (n = 24) and monolinguals (n = 49) on a range of executive control tasks. There was a non‐significant difference in age at the time of diagnosis, with bilinguals being on average 3 years older than monolinguals, but bilinguals were also significantly more cognitively impaired at the time of diagnosis. There were no significant differences between monolinguals and bilinguals in performance on executive function tests, but bilinguals appeared to show relative strengths in the domain of inhibition and response conflict. Bilingual Welsh/English speakers with AD do not show a clear advantage in executive function over monolingual English speakers, but may retain some benefits in inhibition and management of response conflict. There may be a delay in onset of AD in Welsh/English bilinguals, but if so, it is smaller than that found in some other clinical populations. In this Welsh sample, bilinguals with AD came to the attention of services later than monolinguals, and reasons for this pattern could be explored further.
Differences in the handover process and perception between nurses and residents in a critical care setting
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Amartya , Leong Benjamin SH , Lua Adela , Aroos Rana , Wong Jie Jun , Koh Nicola , Goh Nicholette , See Kay Choong , Phua Jason , Kowitlawakul Yanika 
Published: November 2014

Aims and objectivesTo identify the differences in practices and perceptions of handovers between nurses and residents in the critical care setting, so as to improve the quality of the process.BackgroundCritically ill patients with complex problems are ideal for the study of handovers. However, few handover studies have been conducted in intensive care units.DesignDescriptive study using questionnaires.MethodsWe interviewed all nurses and residents involved in handovers of patients admitted to and discharged from a medical intensive care unit over a period of one month. Interviews were guided by a questionnaire and conducted between 24–48 hours of handovers.ResultsOut of 672 eligible participants, 580 (290 nurses and 290 residents) agreed to participate in the study (86·3% response rate). Compared to residents, nurses received more training on handovers, covered issues specific to allied health specialties more frequently during handovers, and reviewed patients earlier after handovers. The perceived importance of the different components of handover varied significantly: donor residents, donor nurses, recipient residents and recipient nurses emphasised the overall management plan, case complexity, management plan over the next 48 hours and past medical history, including allergies, respectively. Satisfaction in the handover was related to pre‐handover review of electronic medical records, handover training and clarity level in the management plan following the handover, with only the last factor remaining significant on multivariate analysis.ConclusionsMore nurses than residents received prior training in handovers. Nursing handovers were more inclusive of allied health specialties. The perceived importance of the components of handover varied. Greater clarity in management plans was associated with better satisfaction.Relevance to clinical practiceDeficiencies in the handover process (lack of prior training in handovers, not including allied health specialties and not reviewing electronic records before handover) were identified, thus providing opportunities for mutual learning between nurses and residents.