bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasensitive estrogen levels at 7 years of age predict earlier thelarche: evidence from girls of the growth and obesity Chilean cohort
Authors: Pereira Ana , Corvalán Camila , Uauy Ricardo , Klein Karen O , Mericq Verónica 
Published: September 2015

ObjectivePrepubertal estradiol equivalents have been inconsistently linked to age at thelarche; elucidating this relationship becomes relevant given the worldwide decline in the age of puberty onset. Thus, our aim is to assess whether prepubertal girls with higher serum levels of estradiol equivalents at age 7 have a greater risk of presenting early thelarche (ET).DesignNested case–control study within the Growth and Obesity Cohort Study of 1196 low-middle income children (∼50% girls) from Santiago, Chile. Girls were defined as cases (ET; n=61) if breast bud appeared prior to 8 years of age; controls (n=91) had thelarche >8 years.MethodsAt 6.7 years, weight, height and waist circumference were measured and a fasting blood sample was obtained for measuring estrogen equivalent (ultrasensitive recombinant cell bioassay), DHEAS, leptin, insulin and IGF1. Beginning at 7 years old, Tanner staging was assessed prospectively twice a year and the appearance of breast bud was assessed by palpation.ResultsMean serum estradiol-equivalent at 6.7 years was 3.9±3.6 pg/ml for cases and 3.6±2.3 pg/ml for controls. Girls with ET had a higher risk of presenting elevated estradiol-equivalent (≥5 pg/ml) at 7 years (OR=2.05, 95% CI: 0.96–4.36) than controls that was borderline significant. However, after adjusting by BMI, insulin and IGF1 at age 7, the association between estradiol-equivalent and ET was significant (OR=2.29 (95% CI: 1.05–5.01)).ConclusionsChilean girls from low to middle socioeconomic status with ET exhibited double the risk of having high levels of estradiol-equivalent at 7 years than girls with a later age of thelarche. Whole-body adiposity and increased adrenal activity did not explain the observed prepubertal estrogen increase.
The Key Role of Nurse Researchers in the Evaluation of Nurse Practitioner Models of Practice
Authors: Hungerford Catherine , Prosser Brenton , Davey Rachel 
Published: September 2015

The Nurse Practitioner–Aged Care Models of Practice Program involved diverse models of practice comprising multiple stakeholders located in more than 30 locations across Australia, in remote, rural, urban, and metropolitan settings. Funded by the Australian government, the aims of the program included supporting development of effective, economically viable, and sustainable aged care nurse practitioner models of practice; and enabling improvements in access to primary health care for people aged older than 65 years.This article describes the process by which a framework was developed to support the evaluation of this program. A particular challenge for the nurse researchers involved in the evaluation was to ensure the unique values of the nursing profession were upheld alongside economic, biomedical, and empirical imperatives in the diverse processes involved in collecting and interpreting data. The evaluation framework developed provides an important means of enabling research teams who undertake complex evaluations of diverse nursing models of practice to maintain a common goal—to unify the various stakeholders involved, while at the same time upholding what is most important to the profession of nursing. This article highlights how nurses can play an influential role when involved in the multidisciplinary evaluation of new and innovative approaches to practice.
Development of E‐chromosome Specific Molecular Markers for Thinopyrum elongatum in a Wheat Background
Authors: Chen Shiqiang , Gao Yong , Zhu Xue , Zhang Chao , Cao Wenguang , Fedak George , He Zhentian , Chen Xiulan , Chen Jianmin 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTEleven primers were synthesized according to the reverse transcriptase and long terminal repeat (LTR) conserved regions of retrotransposons BARE‐1 from barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and RIRE‐1 from rice (Oryza sativa L.). Fifty‐two pairs of primer combinations based on these 11 primers were used for DNA amplification of Chinese Spring‐Thinopyrum elongatum addition lines, substitution lines plus the two parents. It showed that 145 specific fragments of inter‐simple sequence repeat (ISSR), inter‐retrotransposon amplified polymorphism (IRAP), and retrotransposon microsatellite amplified polymorphism (REMAP) were obtained which distributed over all the seven E‐genome chromosomes of Th. elongatum. Sixty specific fragments of ISSR, IRAP, and REMAP were randomly selected for cloning and sequencing. Thirty‐four sequences were found not to be homologous with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) sequences in GenBank, which were considered to be the specific sequences of Th. elongatum. Thirty‐four pairs of primers based on these 34 specific sequences were synthesized, and 13 chromosome‐specific markers of Th. elongatum were identified and converted into SCAR markers. The results indicated that ISSR, IRAP, and REMAP techniques can be used to develop chromosome‐specific sequence‐characterized amplified regions (SCAR) markers with good stability and repeatability. These specific SCAR markers can now be used to detect Th. elongatum chromosomes and possibly even some introgressed segments in a wheat background.
Book review: From the Pleistocene to the Holocene
Authors: Dockall John Edward 
Published: September 2015

From the Pleistocene to the Holocene, edited by Bousman and Vierra, resets our thinking on the pace and overall patterns of transitions in North America at this time. This book brings together detailed archaeological syntheses from multiple geographic regions. The result is a volume that stands alone as a new interpretative framework for cultural change during the transition from the last Ice Age to the beginning of the Holocene.
Real Earnings Management and Long-Term Operating Performance: The Role of Reversals in Discretionary Investment Cuts
Authors: Vorst Patrick 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT
I examine whether a reversal of an abnormal cut in discretionary investments is associated with the degree to which the cut is reflective of real earnings management (REM) and whether and how it predicts future operating performance. I define a reversal as occurring when a firm cuts discretionary investments to a below-expected level in one period and reverts back to at least the expected level of investment during the next period. Unlike accrual earnings management, REM involves deliberately altering the operations of the firm to influence reported accounting numbers. To the extent that such interventions diverge from optimality, they can expose the firm to real economic costs. I find that a reversal of an abnormal cut in discretionary investments in the year after the cut has taken place is indicative of REM. I further find that, on average, reversing cuts are associated with lower future operating performance, but that such results vary significantly depending on the various incentives to engage in REM, as well as other factors that affect its associated costs and benefits. These findings are of interest to investors, regulators, and academics with respect to the identification and consequences of REM.
Subclinical Atherosclerosis Is Inversely Associated With Gray Matter Volume in African Americans With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Freedman Barry I. , Divers Jasmin , Whitlow Christopher T. , Bowden Donald W. , Palmer Nicholette D. , Smith S. Carrie , Xu Jianzhao , Register Thomas C. , Carr J. Jeffrey , Wagner Benjamin C. , Williamson Jeff D. , Sink Kaycee M. , Maldjian Joseph A. 
Published: September 2015

OBJECTIVERelative to European Americans, African Americans manifest lower levels of computed tomography–based calcified atherosclerotic plaque (CP), a measure of subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD). Potential relationships between CP and cerebral structure are poorly defined in the African American population. We assessed associations among glycemic control, inflammation, and CP with cerebral structure on MRI and with cognitive performance in 268 high-risk African Americans with type 2 diabetes.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSAssociations among hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), C-reactive protein (CRP), and CP in coronary arteries, carotid arteries, and the aorta with MRI volumetric analysis (white matter volume, gray matter volume [GMV], cerebrospinal fluid volume, and white matter lesion volume) were assessed using generalized linear models adjusted for age, sex, African ancestry proportion, smoking, BMI, use of statins, HbA1c, hypertension, and prior CVD.RESULTSParticipants were 63.4% female with mean (SD) age of 59.8 years (9.2), diabetes duration of 14.5 years (7.6), HbA1c of 7.95% (1.9), estimated glomerular filtration rate of 86.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 (24.6), and coronary artery CP mass score of 215 mg (502). In fully adjusted models, GMV was inversely associated with coronary artery CP (parameter estimate [β] −0.47 [SE 0.15], P = 0.002; carotid artery CP (β −1.92 [SE 0.62], P = 0.002; and aorta CP [β −0.10 [SE 0.03] P = 0.002), whereas HbA1c and CRP did not associate with cerebral volumes. Coronary artery CP also associated with poorer global cognitive function on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment.CONCLUSIONSSubclinical atherosclerosis was associated with smaller GMV and poorer cognitive performance in African Americans with diabetes. Cardioprotective strategies could preserve GMV and cognitive function in high-risk African Americans with diabetes.
A comparative study of nanostructured calcium copper titanate thin film and powder and their properties
Authors: Pandirengan Thiruramanathan , Arumugam Marikani , Durairaj Madhavan 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
This paper reports on the effect of phase formation on the dielectric behaviour of nanostructured calcium copper titanate (CaCu3Ti4O12) thin film and powder prepared by using the sol–gel method. X-ray diffraction peaks were indexed as a cubic phase belonging to the Im3 space group for both film and powder. The monophase with a highly crystalline nature was obtained at lower temperature for thin film compared with powder. Micrographs of CaCu3Ti4O12 thin film and nanopowder confirmed the presence of nano-dimensional particles. The functional groups and optical properties of both film and powder were characterized by using the Fourier transform infrared spectrum and the photoluminescence spectrum. The CaCu3Ti4O12 thin film showed higher dielectric permittivity than powder, which strongly suggests that nanostructured thin film is a more efficient material than powder for microelectronic devices.
Preparation of potato starch-based carbon particles by low-temperature carbonization in oil
Authors: Xue Zhonghua , Chen Peirong , He Lifang , Zhang Zhi , Yang Qi , Cheng Beijiu 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Potato starch-based carbon particles were prepared by low-temperature carbonization in methyl silicone oil at 220 °C for 15 h and subsequent carbonization at 600 °C for 1 hour under nitrogen. The as-prepared carbon particles were molded, and then heat-treated. The results confirmed that carbon particles could keep the original shape of the potato starch and exhibit high monodispersity with smooth surfaces. The size distribution of carbon particles ranged from 10 to 100 μm and the blocks molded from the carbon particles exhibited relatively superior mechanical strength with a flexural strength of 85.7 MPa. Additionally, it was found that the low-temperature carbonization in oil is crucial in the preparation of this kind of carbon particle.
Increased Prevalence of Diastolic Heart Failure in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Correlates with Active Disease, but Not with Treatment Type
Authors: Schau Thomas , Gottwald Michael , Arbach Olga , Seifert Martin , Schöpp Maren , Neuß Michael , Butter Christian , Zänker Michael 
Published: September 2015

Objective.Although heart failure (HF) is a major cause of premature mortality, there is little information regarding its prevalence and associated risk factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of HF in a community-based RA cohort. Further, we investigated the effect of RA activity and present treatment on HF rate and cardiac structure.Methods.A diagnostic workup for HF according to the European Society of Cardiology recommendations was performed in 157 patients with RA fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism criteria (68% women, age 61 ± 13 yrs) from our outpatient clinic and in 77 age- and sex-matched controls.Results.The prevalence of HF in patients with RA (24%) was unexpectedly high and differed significantly from the control sample (6%, p = 0.001). Diastolic HF was the dominant type (23% vs 6%), and clinical symptoms alone were of low diagnostic value. Active RA (28-joint Disease Activity Score ≥ 2.6: OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.3–9.8) was an independent risk factor of HF, as well as systemic inflammation (erythrocyte sedimentation rate > 16 mm/h: OR 5.4, 95% CI 2.1–16; C-reactive protein > 10 mg/l: OR 2.6, 95% CI 0.8–8.0) and RA duration > 10 years (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.2–5.8). HF in RA was associated with concentric hypertrophy (48% vs 17%, p < 0.001) and reduced longitudinal strain (−17.2% vs −19.7%, p < 0.001). However, the prevalence of HF was equivalent between the treatment groups [conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) 25%, tumor necrosis factor inhibitors 22%, other biological DMARD 27%].Conclusion.Recognition of all diastolic HF in RA requires a complex diagnostic approach. Active rather than inactive RA places patients at a higher risk for HF, whereas influence of RA treatment on HF risk needs to be elucidated in further studies.
Eyelid Lacerations Due to Dog Bite in Children
Authors: Sadiq Mohammad Ali A. , Corkin Frances , Mantagos Iason S. 
Published: September 2015

Purpose:
To evaluate the nature and extent of lacrimal apparatus injury in children after eyelid laceration from a dog bite.

Methods:
A retrospective chart review of all eyelid lacerations treated between 1990 and 2012 at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, was conducted. Seventy-three patients who sustained an eyelid laceration due to dog bite were identified and were matched 5:1 with a randomly selected cohort of 365 patients from the group of 1,177 patients who had sustained eyelid lacerations from other causes during the same time period.

Results:

Of the 73 patients who sustained an eyelid laceration due to a dog bite, 26 (35.62%) had damage to the lacrimal apparatus. This was statistically significant when compared to patients who sustained eyelid lacerations from other causes, in which 13 (3.56%) patients had damage to the lacrimal apparatus (
P
< .000001). The inferior canaliculus was the most commonly involved site of lacrimal apparatus trauma as a result of a dog bite. Success was defined as lack of epiphora at the time of the last follow-up. Early surgical management of eyelid lacerations with lacrimal apparatus involvement had a success rate of 82%.

Conclusions:
Eyelid lacerations due to dog bites have a greater prevalence of involvement of the lacrimal apparatus and especially the inferior canaliculus than lacerations due to other causes in children. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for lacrimal apparatus involvement and be prepared for surgical repair, if indicated.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus.
2015;52(6):360–363.]
Mononeuritis multiplex in acquired amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia
Authors: Khan Firosh , Shehna Abdulkhader , Mukundan Lekha 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTMononeuritis multiplex involves inflammation of two or more nerves, typically in unrelated parts of the body. It has been well described in bleeding disorders like idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and Hemophilia. Acquired amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia (AAT) is a bleeding diathesis characterized by thrombocytopenia but with reduced number of megakaryocytes in the bone marrow, as against ITP. Though AAT is a well described entity, peripheral nervous system manifestations have not been described so far. We report a young man who has presented with bleeding diathesis and mononeuritis multiplex due to AAT. The mechanism of development of mononeuritis multiplex and treatment options are discussed.
Pediatric stiff-person syndrome with renal failure
Authors: Kumar M. Veerendra , Savida P. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTStiff-person syndrome (SPS) is an autoimmune neuronitis with progressive myoclonus and stiffness. It is a rare but treatable disorder with few case reports in children. SPS is due to autoantibodies against the enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase which is present in neuronal and nonneuronal tissues. This is the case report of an 8-year-old boy with clinical and investigational features suggestive of SPS with associated myoglobin-induced renal failure, who completely recovered with treatment.
A toe that pointed the wrong way: An unusual presentation of tetanus
Authors: Chatterjee Krishnarpan , Ghosh Anirban , Sengupta Rimi Som 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTWe report the case of a 15-year-old girl who was initially diagnosed to have a striatal toe. Her condition progressed and she later developed clinical features consistent with tetanus. History of blunt trauma to nose was elicited retrospectively. Antimicrobial therapy with metronidazole and both active and passive immunization was started immediately. The patient went on to make a complete recovery.
Spinal cord compression secondary to vertebral echinococcosis
Authors: Sahlu Abat , Mesfin Brook , Tirsit Abenezer , Wester Knut 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTWe describe a patient with progressive lower limb weakness and paresthesia 3 days after falling from a considerable height. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography revealed collapsed Th2 and Th3 vertebrae. A tuberculous (TB) spondylitis was suspected, and anti-TB medication was started however with no clinical improvement. She was referred to our center and operated. A 3 level discectomy and 2 level corpectomy were performed with iliac bone grafting and anterior plating via an anterior cervical approach. The patient developed an esophagocutaneous fistula that was repaired and cured. The biopsy specimen showed a hydatid cyst of the vertebra as the cause of the lesion. After the result, she was started on oral albendazole. At follow-up nearly 4 months after surgery, the patient had regained significant power in her lower limbs with a muscular strength of 5/5 in both legs, thus making it possible to walk without support.
Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes: Relationship between type of seizures and response to medication in a Greek population
Authors: Gkampeta Anastasia , Fidani Liana , Zafeiriou Dimitrio , Pavlou Evangelos 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT
Purpose: Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) is considered to be the most common childhood epileptic syndrome. We studied the relationship between the type of seizures and response to medication in a Greek population. Materials and Methods: We studied 60 neurodevelopmentally normal children diagnosed with BECTS. Children were subdivided into three groups, based on type of seizures: Group A comprised 32 children with generalized tonic-clonic seizures, Group B 19 children with focal seizures and Group C 9 children with focal seizures with secondary generalization. All patients in the present study were started on an antiepileptic medication after the third seizure (sodium valproate, carbamazepine, and oxcarbazepine), and we studied the response to medication. Results: 10 from 13 (76.92%) of patients in Group A, 13 from 15 (86.66%) patients in Group B, and all 6 patients (100%) in Group C started carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine had a favorable respond. Similarly, 16 from 19 (84.2%) of patients in Group A, 3 from 4 patients (75%) in Group B, and 1 from 3 patients (33.3%) in Group C, started sodium valproate responded well to medication. Conclusions: The majority of children responded well to the first antiepileptic treatment and had a favorable outcome, regardless of type of seizures. 88.3% of children became seizure free by 1 or 2 years after seizure onset. These findings are indicative that the type of seizures has no major effect neither in response to antiepileptic treatment or in the final outcome. Further research in a larger number of children is needed.
Epidemiological, clinical and prognostic profile of childhood acute bacterial meningitis in a resource poor setting
Authors: Kuti Bankole Peter , Bello Emmanuel Olasehinde , Jegede Tolulope Opeoluwa , Olubosede Omolayo 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT
Background: Childhood bacterial meningitis is a neurologic emergency that continues to kill and maims children particularly in developing countries with poor immunization coverage. Objective: This study set out to assess the hospital incidence, pattern of presentation, etiologic agents, outcome and determinants of mortality among the children admitted with bacterial meningitis at the Wesley Guild Hospital (WGH), Ilesa. Patients and Methods: We carried out a retrospective review of admitted cases of bacterial meningitis in children aged one month to 15 years at the WGH, Ilesa over a three year period by looking at the hospital records. Factors in the history and examinations were compared among survivors and those that died to determine factors significantly associated with mortality in these children. Results: Eighty-one (5.5%) of the 1470 childhood admissions during the study period had bacterial meningitis. Male preponderance was observed and two-thirds of the children were infants. More cases were admitted during the wet rainy season than during the dry harmattan season. Haemophilus influenzae type B and Streptococcus pneumoniae were the leading etiologic agents and ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone adequately cover for these organisms. Twenty-two (27.2%) of the 81 children died, while 34 (42.0%) survived with neurologic deficits. Children with multiple seizures, coma, neck retraction, hyponatremia, hypoglycorrhachia, turbid CSF as well as Gram positive meningitis at presentation were found to more likely to die (P < 0.05). None of these factors however independently predict mortality. Conclusion: Childhood bacterial meningitis often results in death and neurologic deficit among infants and young children admitted at the WGH, Ilesa. Children diagnosed with meningitis who in addition had multiple seizures, neck retraction and coma at presentation are at increased risk of dying.