bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Primary headache disorders in children under 7 years of age
Authors: Ramdas S , Prasad M , Abu-Arafeh I 
Published: April 2013

Background and aim Research on headache disorders in young children is limited. This study aims to determine causes and clinical presentations of headache in young children attending a specialist clinic. Methods and results All children attending the headache clinic over 9-year period were included. Data were collected prospectively on demography and clinical presentations of headache at every attendance. The diagnosis of headache disorders was based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders-II (2004). Of the 921 children (491 male) who attended the clinic, 73 children (8%) were under 7 years of age at presentation; 34 children had migraine, 11 had tension-type headache (4 chronic), 4 had mixed types of headache and 16 children had unclassified headaches. Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, light intolerance and noise intolerance were common during migraine attacks and forehead was the most common site of maximal pain. Conclusions Migraine is the most common headache disorder in young children attending a specialist clinic. Headache presentation is often atypical and in 20% of young children headache disorders are unclassified. Chronic tension-type headache, often considered a disease of adolescents and adults, is shown to present in early age.
A survey of principal researchers who lead research into Adults with Incapacity in Scotland
Authors: Cameron AC , Lees KR , Booth MG , Bailey A , Hunter W 
Published: April 2013

Background Scotland’s ‘A’ Research Ethics Committee (SAREC, previously MREC A) has exclusive authority to consider research involving Adults with Incapacity in Scotland. No appeal facility exists although resubmissions are accepted. Legislation covering research in England and Wales has created anomalies. RECs ‘recognised’ by the UK Ethics Committee (3 in Scotland, several in England) can approve drug studies involving Adults with Incapacity in Scotland. Several English RECs can approve studies led from outside Scotland. Methods We conducted an anonymous online survey of researchers experienced in studies involving Adults with Incapacity to establish their opinions on the role of SAREC. The survey had 5 multiple-choice questions. Two questions invited a free-text comment. Results Seventy-seven researchers (45% response) completed the survey. The majority (61/76, 80%) received a favourable opinion from SAREC immediately/after minor revision. The consensus was a single, experienced committee is advantageous to researchers (69/77 (90%)) and research participants (65/75 (87%)). There was no association between application outcome and opinion on whether a single committee is advantageous for researchers ( p = 0.39 (Fisher’s exact test)) or research participants ( p = 0.49). Most (42/76, 55%) favoured the current system for reviewing decisions. Conclusions The research establishment favours retaining expertise in one committee. Most are content not having an external appeal facility.
‘Real men wear kilts’.. The anecdotal evidence that wearing a Scottish kilt has influence on reproductive potential: how much is true?
Authors: Kompanje EJO 
Published: April 2013

Background and aims There are anecdotal reports that men who wear (Scottish) kilts have better sperm quality and better fertility. But how much is true? Total sperm count and sperm concentration reflect semen quality and male reproductive potential. It has been proven that changes in the scrotal temperature affect spermatogenesis. We can at least affirm that clothing increases the scrotal temperature to an abnormal level that may have a negative effect on spermatogenesis. Thus, it seems plausible that men should wear skirts and avoid trousers, at least during the period during which they plan to conceive children. Methods and results Analysis of literature concerning scrotal temperature and spermatogenesis and fertility. Wearing a Scottish kilt in a traditional (‘regimental’) way may have clear health-related benefits. Kilt wearing likely produces an ideal physiological scrotal environment, which in turn helps maintain normal scrotal temperature, which is known to be beneficial for robust spermatogenesis and good sperm quality. Conclusion Based on literature on scrotal temperature, spermatogenesis and fertility, the hypothesis that men who regularly wear a kilt during the years in which they wish to procreate will, as a group, have significantly better rates of sperm quality and higher fertility.
Experience of practitioners and delivery outcome
Authors: Indraccolo U , Nicchi S , Indraccolo SR 
Published: April 2013

Background It is commonly believed that the experience of practitioners (time spent in delivery ward) may be helpful in aiding the spontaneous vaginal birth. Aim To check if this opinion is true. Methods In 995 low-risk, full-term, pregnancies resulting in spontaneous labour, multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed, which considered the age, the years of service of the obstetrician and of the midwife, and of both as independent variables. Results The longer the obstetrician (odds ratio 0.779, C.I. 95% 0.653–0.930, p = 0.006) or the midwife has been practising (odds ratio 0.609, C.I. 95% 0.408–0.909, p = 0.015) the less likely is the occurrence of a spontaneous vaginal birth. The combined years of service of the caring doctor/midwife pair appears to have no influence on the outcome of delivery. The chances of an operative vaginal birth increase with the age of the caring obstetrician (odds ratio 1.362, C.I. 95% 1.138–1.630, p = 0.001). Conclusion The experience of the staff assisting women in labour definitely does not determine the success of deliveries. The skills of each professional category are based on theoretical knowledge that is possibly not being put to use during routine duties, especially by the ‘more experienced’ practitioners. Additionally, it appears that there is no team work, and decisions are not taken together.
A case report of Lemierre’s Syndrome associated with dental sepsis
Authors: Boyd D , Paterson P , Dunphy L , Carton A , Hammersley N 
Published: April 2013

Introduction Lemierre’s syndrome is a potentially fatal condition characterised by spread of an oropharyngeal infection, resulting in thrombosis of the internal jugular vein. This leads to septicaemia and possible metastatic abscesses. Case presentation We discuss the case of a previously healthy 17-year-old male who developed Lemierre’s syndrome following dental sepsis. He presented with bilateral submandibular and submental swelling extending into the neck and chest. His management included a tracheostomy; incision and drainage of the abscesses; drainage of a pleural effusion and prolonged anticoagulant therapy. Conclusion The incidence of Lemierre’s disease appears to be increasing and early diagnosis is essential. A high index of suspicion is needed in cases of oropharyngeal infection followed by fever, tender swelling of the neck and dysphagia – especially in young patients.
Unusual cause of small intestine obstruction in a child
Authors: Jurić I , Pogorelić Z , Despot R , Mrklić I 
Published: April 2013

Introduction Anisakiasis is caused by human infection by the anisakis larvae, a marine nematode found in undercooked or raw fish. Infection with the parasite Anisakis simplex is common in Japan and northern European countries. With the increased popularity of eating sushi and raw fish infection with anisakis is expected to rise. Case presentation We present the case of a 14-year-old boy who had eaten sushi 3 days before the onset of symptoms and had small bowel obstruction caused by enteric anisakiasis. To the best of our knowledge this is the first reported case of intestinal anisakiasis presenting as a bowel obstruction in a child. Conclusion Enteric anisakiasis is very rare, and its diagnosis is usually made after laparotomy. Nevertheless, when signs of acute abdomen develop after the ingestion of raw fish, such as sushi or sashimi, the possibility of enteric anisakiasis should be considered.
Neurofibromatosis type-1 with retroperitoneal stromal tumour: one case report
Authors: Zong G-q , Fei Y , Wang F , Liu R-m 
Published: April 2013

Background Neurofibromatosis with gastrointestinal stromal tumours have been reported several times, while neurofibromatosis with retroperitoneal stromal tumours are very rare. Case description We report the case of a 44-year-old man with a long history of neurofibromatosis. He complained of severe constipation and left leg pain. The patient’s examination showed prominent peripheral cutaneous neurofibromas mainly in the belly and limbs, especially a huge mass in his abdomen, no less than ten café-au-lait spots, four Lisch nodules of the iris. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a round and lobular mass in the retroperitoneal space. It was a well-circumscribed, hypervascular mass with cystic necrosis. A surgical resection was performed, and pathology and immunohistochemistry findings were consistent with stromal tumour. The c-kit gene and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α gene mutations are not observed in the specimen. Conclusions Neurofibromatosis with retroperitoneal stromal tumour is very rare, and radiological, pathological and immunohistochemical examination may identify it. Surgical resection may be the unique method of cure for it.
Pseudoprogression in patients with glioblastoma: added value of arterial spin labeling to dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion MR imaging
Authors: Choi Young Jun , Kim Ho Sung , Jahng Geon-Ho , Kim Sang Joon , Suh Dae Chul 
Published: April 2013

Background Pseudoprogression is a treatment-related reaction with an increase in contrast-enhancing lesion size, followed by subsequent improvement. Differentiating tumor recurrence from pseudoprogression remains a problem in neuro-oncology. Purpose To validate the added value of arterial spin labeling (ASL), compared with dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) alone, in distinguishing early tumor progression from pseudoprogression in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Material and Methods We retrospectively evaluated 117 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed GBM who underwent surgical resection and concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) as standard treatment modality. Sixty-two patients who developed contrast-enhancing lesions were assessed by both ASL and DSC perfusion MRI and classified into groups of early tumor recurrence ( n = 34) or pseudoprogression ( n = 28) based on pathologic analysis or clinical–radiologic follow-up. We used a qualitative analysis and semi-quantitative grade system on the basis of the tumor perfusion signal intensity into those equal to white matter (grade I), gray matter (grade II), and blood vessels (grade III) on ASL imaging. ASL grade was correlated with histogram parameters derived from DSC perfusion MRI. Results Pseudoprogression was observed in 15 (53.6%) patients with ASL grade I, 13 (46.4%) with grade II, and 0 (0%) with grade III, with early tumor progression observed in seven (20.6%) patients with ASL grade I, 11 (32.3%) with grade II, and 16 (47.1%) with grade III ( P = 0.0022). DSC perfusion histogram parameters differed significantly among ASL grades. ASL grade was an independent predictor differentiating pseudoprogression from early tumor progression (odds ratio, 4.73; P = 0.0017). On qualitative review, adjunctive ASL produced eight (12.9%) more accurate results than DSC perfusion MRI alone. Conclusion ASL improves the diagnostic accuracy of DSC perfusion MRI in differentiating pseudoprogression from early tumor progression.
Managing a sustainable, low carbon supply chain in the English National Health Service: The views of senior managers
Authors: Grose Jane , Richardson Janet 
Published: April 2013

Objectives: In an effort to reduce costs and respond to climate change, health care providers (Trusts) in England have started to change how they purchase goods and services. Many factors, both internal and external, affect the supply chain. Our aim was to identify those factors, so as to maintain future supply and business continuity in health and social care. Methods: Qualitative interviews with 20 senior managers from private and public sector health service providers and social care providers in south west England. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Results: There were four areas of concern: contradictions with government legislation which caused confusion about how best to deliver sustainable solutions; procurement was unclear and created multiple approaches to purchasing bulk items at low cost; internal organizational systems needed to be reconsidered to embed sustainability; and embedding sustainability requires a review of organizational systems. There are examples of sustainability solutions throughout the National Health Service (NHS) but the response continues to be patchy. More research is needed into why some Trusts and some staff do not recognize the benefits of a core approach or find the systems unable to respond. Conclusions: The NHS is one of the major purchasers of goods and services in England and is therefore in an excellent position to encourage sustainable resource management, manufacturing, use and disposal.
Improving the assessment of prescribing: use of a ‘substitution index’
Authors: Kunisawa Susumu , Otsubo Tetsuya , Lee Jason , Imanaka Yuichi 
Published: April 2013

Objectives To analyse the current and potential utilization of generic drugs in Japan, to examine the maximum possible cost savings from generic drug use and to develop a fairer measure to assess the level of generic drug substitution. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective analysis of nine million dispensing records during January to March 2010 in Kyoto Prefecture. Maximum potential quantity-based shares were defined as the quantity of generic drugs used plus the quantity of branded drugs that could have been replaced by generic drugs divided by the quantity of all drugs dispensed. We developed a ‘substitution index’, defined as the proportion of generic drugs out of the total drugs substitutable with generic drugs (based on quantity rather than cost). Results Generic drugs had a quantity-based share of 17.9%, a cost-based share of 8.9% and a maximum potential quantity-based share of 50.1%, which is lower than the actual generic drug shares of some other countries. The maximum possible cost savings as a result of generic drug substitution was 16.5%. We also observed wide variations in maximum potential quantity-based shares between health care sectors and health care institutions. Conclusions Simple comparisons based on quantity-based shares may misrepresent the actual generic drug use. A substitution index that takes into account the maximum potential quantity-based share of generic drugs as a fairer measure may promote more realistic goals and encourage generic drug usage.
The importance of local criteria in the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bahijri Suhad M. , Al Raddadi Rajaa M. 
Published: April 2013

The clustering of risk factors predisposing an individual to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are usually referred to as the ‘metabolic syndrome’ (MS). Several definitions exist, causing confusion to practicing clinicians. A consensus definition was reached by several major organizations stating that the presence of any three of five risk factors (abdominal obesity, elevated triglyceride, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and elevated fasting glucose) constitutes a diagnosis. Cutoff points for each of the risk factors were defined, taking into account ethnicity in case of abdominal obesity. The prevalence of MS has been reported to be on the rise globally, and was mainly attributed to changes in diet and lifestyle, in addition to genetic factors and metabolic susceptibility. The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has almost doubled and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has increased fivefold in individuals diagnosed with MS. The prevalence T2DM in Saudi Arabia is increasing, making it an epidemic health hazard. Intervention programs to decrease the risk of progression from MS to full T2DM, and later CVD have been successful in many countries. Therefore, diagnosing MS is important to address risk factors and to prevent progression to the more serious chronic conditions. The prevalence of MS in Saudi adults varies from 16% to 40% depending on the definition used and the study location. Use of the consensus definition might decrease the number of missed cases. However, in the absence of local cutoff points for various risk factors for MS, the use of ratios such as waist/hip ratio and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, and family history of diabetes and CVD might aid diagnosis. Priority should be given to establishing national normal ranges, screening programs for hyperglycemia and hypertension, and community-directed programs to combat obesity and inactivity.
Convergence analysis of an iterative algorithm for monotone operators
Authors: Cho Sun Young , Li Wenling , Kang Shin Min 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
In this paper, an iterative algorithm is proposed to study some nonlinear operators which are inverse-strongly monotone, maximal monotone, and strictly pseudocontractive. Strong convergence of the proposed iterative algorithm is obtained in the framework of Hilbert spaces.

MSC:47H05, 47H09.
A subgraph isomorphism algorithm and its application to biochemical data
Authors: Bonnici Vincenzo , Giugno Rosalba , Pulvirenti Alfredo , Shasha Dennis , Ferro Alfredo 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Graphs can represent biological networks at the molecular, protein, or species level. An important query is to find all matches of a pattern graph to a target graph. Accomplishing this is inherently difficult (NP-complete) and the efficiency of heuristic algorithms for the problem may depend upon the input graphs. The common aim of existing algorithms is to eliminate unsuccessful mappings as early as and as inexpensively as possible.

Results
We propose a new subgraph isomorphism algorithm which applies a search strategy to significantly reduce the search space without using any complex pruning rules or domain reduction procedures. We compare our method with the most recent and efficient subgraph isomorphism algorithms (VFlib, LAD, and our C++ implementation of FocusSearch which was originally distributed in Modula2) on synthetic, molecules, and interaction networks data. We show a significant reduction in the running time of our approach compared with these other excellent methods and show that our algorithm scales well as memory demands increase.

Conclusions
Subgraph isomorphism algorithms are intensively used by biochemical tools. Our analysis gives a comprehensive comparison of different software approaches to subgraph isomorphism highlighting their weaknesses and strengths. This will help researchers make a rational choice among methods depending on their application. We also distribute an open-source package including our system and our own C++ implementation of FocusSearch together with all the used datasets (http://ferrolab.dmi.unict.it/ri.html). In future work, our findings may be extended to approximate subgraph isomorphism algorithms.
Constant or fluctuating hyperglycemias increases cytomembrane stiffness of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in culture: roles of cytoskeletal rearrangement and nitric oxide synthesis
Authors: Chen Xianxian , Feng Lie , Jin Hua 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Previous studies have implicated continuous or intermittent hyperglycemia in altered endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. NO can regulate both the F-actin cytoskeleton and endothelial cell membrane stiffness. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a powerful tool that can be used to study plasma membrane deformability at the single cell level. As membrane stiffness is partially dependent on filamentous F-actin, the interdependence of these parameters can be studied through the combined approaches of AFM and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). In the present study, we evaluated the effects of constant or fluctuating hyperglycemia on endothelial-derived NO synthesis, the cytoskeletal contribution and endothelial cell membrane stiffness.

Results
Compared to control cells cultured in low glucose (5 mM), constant (25 mM) or fluctuating (25/5 mM) high glucose significantly decreased NO release along with stiffening of endothelial cell membranes and F-actin rearrangement. The non-selective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) exerted similar effects on endothelial cells. Increasing concentrations of L-NAME (from 0.1 to 1 mM) exacerbated these effects in a concentration-dependent manner.

Conclusions
Result from the present study suggest that stiffening endothelial cell membranes are associated with decreased NO synthesis, which was established through the F-actin cytoskeletal redistribution. The precise mechanisms of hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction require further investigation.
Fast immunosensing technique to detect Legionella pneumophila in different natural and anthropogenic environments: comparative and collaborative trials
Authors: Bedrina Begoña , Macián Sonia , Solís Inmaculada , Fernández-Lafuente Roberto , Baldrich Eva , Rodríguez Guillermo 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundLegionellosis is an uncommon form of pneumonia. After a clinical encounter, the necessary antibiotic treatment is available if the diagnosis is made early in the illness. Before the clinical encounter, early detection of the main pathogen involved,Legionella pneumophila, in hazardous environments is important in preventing infectious levels of this bacterium. In this study a qualitative test based on combined magnetic immunocapture and enzyme-immunoassay for the fast detection ofLegionella pneumophilain water samples was compared with the standard method, in both comparative and collaborative trials. The test was based on the use of anti-Legionella pneumophilaantibodies immobilized on magnetic microspheres. The final protocol included concentration by filtration, resuspension and immunomagnetic capture. The whole assay took less than 1 hour to complete.ResultsA comparative trial was performed against the standard culture method (ISO 11731) on both artificially and naturally contaminated water samples, for two matrices: chlorinated tap water and cooling tower water. Performance characteristics of the test used as screening with culture confirmation resulted in sensitivity, specificity, false positive, false negative, and efficiency of 96.6%, 100%, 0%, 3.4%, and 97.8%, respectively. The detection limit at the level under which the false negative rate increases to 50% (LOD50) was 93 colony forming units (CFU) in the volume examined for both tested matrices. The collaborative trial included twelve laboratories. Water samples spiked with certified reference materials were tested. In this study the coincidence level between the two methods was 95.8%.ConclusionResults demonstrate the applicability of this immunosensing technique to the rapid, simple, and efficient detection ofLegionella pneumophilain water samples. This test is not based on microbial growth, so it could be used as a rapid screening technique for the detection ofL. pneumophilain waters, maintaining the performance of conventional culture for isolation of the pathogen and related studies.