bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors determining online sustainability reporting by local governments
Authors: Alcaraz-Quiles Francisco J. , Navarro-Galera Andrés , Ortiz-Rodríguez David 
Published: November 2014

Although international organizations and prior literature have recognized the importance of sustainability reporting for governments nowadays, some studies have revealed that this is an issue that has received little attention and thus needs further investigation. This article studies the publication of information on sustainability issues by local governments, analysing the relationship between diverse levels of sustainability information disclosure and some socioeconomic, financial and population variables. Based on the increased use of the Internet by governments, the methodology applied in this study is to analyse the websites of 55 major towns and cities in Spain, seeking 61 items that are recommended in the Global Reporting Initiative guidelines. By applying multiple linear regression analysis, we analysed the influence of 13 factors on the sustainability reporting provided by these municipal authorities. The results show that social information is the most widespread, and that the dependent population has a positive impact on the sustainability disclosures. The major opportunities to improve sustainability practices lie in improving the disclosure of economic and environmental information, through the publication of formal sustainability reports and the enhanced coordination of information published individually by different departments. Points for practitioners The results obtained highlight several issues of particular interest for managers. On the one hand, the public sector financial crisis has heightened the need to legitimize government actions. Moreover, the incidence of the variable ‘dependent population’ on the disclosure of sustainability information suggests that there is an important relation between the population structure and such disclosure, highlighting the need to consider the age of the population and its evolution over time as the basis for creating specific reports on sustainability. The public demand for information on sustainability does not depend on the level of taxes paid. Finally, local governments are not motivated by their level of financial autonomy with respect to information about their commitments on economic sustainability.
Absent Fathers or Absent Variables? A New Look at Paternal Incarceration and Delinquency
Authors: Porter Lauren C. , King Ryan D. 
Published: November 2014

Objectives: This research examines the association between paternal incarceration and children’s delinquency. Prior research suggests an association, although omitted variable bias is an enduring issue. Methods: To help address issues related to unobserved heterogeneity, we employ a method uncommonly used in criminological research. Rather than comparing the children of incarcerated fathers to respondents who have never had a father incarcerated, we exploit the longitudinal nature of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to generate a strategic comparison group: respondents who will have a father incarcerated in the future. We also examine two types of delinquency, expressive and instrumental, to infer plausible mechanisms linking paternal incarceration and delinquency. Results: When using “futures” as comparison cases, results differ from much prior work and suggest a spurious association between paternal incarceration and instrumental delinquency (e.g., theft). Paternal incarceration retains a significant effect on expressive delinquency, which is partly mediated by reduced attachment to fathers. Conclusions: The association between paternal incarceration and expressive (but not instrumental) crime supports Agnew’s strain theory and elements of control theory. Our comparison group also offers important advantages in terms of addressing unobserved heterogeneity, and we think this approach would prove useful for other topics in criminology.
The ROARI project – Road Accident Acute Rehabilitation Initiative: a randomised clinical trial of two targeted early interventions for road-related trauma
Authors: Faux SG , Kohler F , Mozer R , Klein LA , Courtenay S , D’Amours SK , Chapman J , Estell J 
Published: November 2014

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of an Early Rehabilitation Intervention (ERI ) versus a Brief Education Intervention (BEI) following road trauma. Primary objective: return to work or usual activities at 12 weeks (for minor/moderate injury) and 24 weeks for major injury. Secondary objectives: Reduction in pain, anxiety, depression, disability and incidence of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and improved quality of life. Design: A multi-site single-blinded stratified randomized clinical trial (RCT). Methods: 184 patients (92 in each arm) were recruited over 18 months and followed for 12 weeks (minor/moderate injury) and 24 weeks (major injury). Screening questionnaires at 2-4 weeks and follow-up interviews by phone for all outcome measures were undertaken. For those in the ERI group with a positive screen for high risk of persistent symptoms, an early assessment and intervention by a Rehabilitation Physician was offered. Those in the BEI group were sent written information and advised to see their GP. Results: 89.4% of injuries were mild in this cohort. At 12 weeks 73.8% and 69.1% of patients in the ERI and the BEI groups respectively had returned to work or usual activities. There were no significant differences between the two intervention groups with respect to the primary or any secondary outcome measures. Conclusion: This is the first RCT of an ERI following road trauma in Australia. A targeted ERI is as effective as a BEI in assisting those with mild/moderate trauma to return to work or usual activities.
The safety and feasibility of an intervention to improve balance dysfunction in ambulant adults with cerebral palsy: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Morgan Prue , Murphy Anna , Opheim Arve , Pogrebnoy Dina , Kravtsov Stella , McGinley Jennifer 
Published: November 2014

Objective: To investigate the safety, feasibility and potential efficacy of balance training in adults with cerebral palsy. Design: Phase 2, assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial. Setting: Outpatient rehabilitation facility. Subjects: A total of 17 ambulatory adults with cerebral palsy. Interventions: Participants were randomly allocated to an eight-week, once-weekly, small group programme of balance training, or seated attention control activity. Balance training was individually tailored using the Balance Evaluation Systems test. Main measures: Primary focus was feasibility, addressed by recruitment, retention, adherence, and safety. Efficacy was primarily evaluated with the Ambulatory Self-Confidence Questionnaire and the Balance Evaluation Systems test, at intervention conclusion and Week 24. Secondary outcomes included gait speed, walking distance, falls efficacy, fatigue, quality of life, and global impression of change. Results: Interventions were safe and feasible with no major adverse events. Adherence was high. At eight and 24 weeks, there were negligible between-group differences in Balance Evaluation systems test total. At 24 weeks, there was a small, non-significant between-group difference in favour of the balance group with effect sizes of 0.14 for ambulatory self-confidence, 0.10 for falls efficacy, and 0.12 for fatigue. There were significant between-group differences for self-reported walking confidence and balance change, in favour of the balance group at Weeks 8 and 24 ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: A customised balance programme is feasible and safe for ambulant adults with cerebral palsy. Small effects from balance training in selected outcomes occurred. Study replication with at least 38 participants per group to confirm efficacy is warranted.
Magnetic resonance imaging of microvascular obstruction in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy after percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation
Authors: Amano Yasuo , Kitamura Mitsunobu , Yamada Fumi , Aita Kumiko , Takayama Morimasa , Tachi Masaki , Kumita Shinichiro 
Published: November 2014

Background The clinical significance of microvascular obstruction (MO) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HOCM) after percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA) remains unknown. Purpose To assess the relationship between the location of MO and the improvement in symptoms and pressure gradient after PTSMA in patients with HOCM. Material and Methods Twenty-three patients with HOCM underwent MRI within 24 weeks after PTSMA. The MO was defined visually as the hypointense region adjacent to the left or right ventricular cavity, which was surrounded by myocardial infarction. The location of MO and improvement in clinical symptoms and pressure gradient at 3–6 months follow-up were assessed. Results MO was observed in 16 patients who underwent MRI within 7 weeks after PTSMA. Left-sided MO was observed in 12 patients, and right-sided MO was observed in four patients. Improvement in clinical symptoms and reduction in the pressure gradient were not sufficient in the patients with right-sided MO, while PTSMA was effective in the patients with the left-sided MO. Conclusion The location of MO identified by MRI may be related to the effectiveness of PTSMA at the short-term follow-up. The left-sided MO is related to complete improvement in clinical symptoms and pressure gradients.
Acceptability of a Nipple Shield Delivery System Administering Antiviral Agents to Prevent Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV through Breastfeeding
Authors: Hart Catherine W. , Israel-Ballard Kiersten A. , Joanis Carol L. , Baniecki Mary Lynn , Thungu Florence , Gerrard Stephen E. , Kneen Elizabeth , Sokal David C. 
Published: November 2014

Background: Breastfeeding is a route of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The World Health Organization recommends antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis as the best method to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) during breastfeeding. The nipple shield delivery system (NSDS) is being developed as an accessible method to deliver ARVs to infants and PMTCT during breastfeeding. The NSDS can potentially circumvent hygiene and storage issues in delivering drugs to infants in low-resource settings. Objectives: The primary objective was to determine acceptability of the NSDS for PMTCT in Kenya. Secondary objectives included assessing mothers’ understanding of MTCT and identifying cultural and implementation issues that might affect NSDS acceptability. Methods: Eleven focus group discussions were conducted, each group consisting of 7 to 12 participants. Seven focus group discussions consisted of HIV-positive mothers, 2 included grandmothers/mothers-in-law, and 2 included fathers/husbands. Ten in-depth interviews were also conducted with individual maternal/child health care providers. Topics included infant feeding and HIV stigma, as well as safety, effectiveness, and feasibility of the NSDS. Device prototypes were used in discussions. Results: Participants felt that the NSDS could be trusted if validated scientifically and promoted by health care professionals. HIV-related stigma, access, efficacy, and hygiene were identified as important considerations for acceptance. Conclusion: The NSDS is a potentially acceptable method of PMTCT during breastfeeding. Further studies are needed to confirm acceptability, safety, and efficacy. For NSDS adoption to PMTCT, strategies will need to be developed to minimize HIV-related stigma and to ensure that continuous hygiene of the device is maintained.
Screw Size and Insertion Technique Compared With Removal Rates for Calcaneal Displacement Osteotomies
Authors: Lucas Douglas E. , Simpson G. Alexander , Berlet Gregory C. , Philbin Terrence M. , Smith J. Luke 
Published: November 2014

Background: The calcaneal displacement osteotomy is frequently used by foot and ankle surgeons to correct hindfoot angular deformity. Headed compression screws are often used for this purpose, but a common complication is postoperative plantar heel pain from prominent hardware. We evaluated hardware removal rates after calcaneal displacement osteotomies and analyzed technical factors including screw size, position, and angle. We hypothesized that larger screws placed more plantarly would have been removed more frequently. We also believed that although 2 smaller screws cost more initially, when removal rates and cost are accounted for, savings would be demonstrated with this technique. Methods: We retrospectively collected data on type of fixation, cost of fixation, and frequency of removal. After exclusions we had 30 patients in our screw removal cohort and 119 in our screws retained cohort. A basic cost analysis and statistical analysis was performed. Results: The small screw group had a hardware removal rate of 9% (4/43) compared to 25% (26/104) of the larger screw group ( P = .032). While the cost of 2 smaller screws is more than that of 1 larger screw, when the cost of removal and the rates of doing so are considered, the smaller screws resulted in substantial cost savings. Conclusion: Technical considerations for the medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy, including the use of multiple smaller screws, provided for a lower rate of hardware removal and likely decreased long-term costs. Level of Evidence: Level III, comparative series.
Enforced differentiation of Dnmt3a-null bone marrow leads to failure with c-Kit mutations driving leukemic transformation
Authors: Celik Hamza , Mallaney Cates , Kothari Alok , Ostrander Elizabeth L. , Eultgen Elizabeth , Martens Andrew , Miller Christopher A. , Hundal Jasreet , Klco Jeffery M. , Challen Grant A. 
Published: November 2014

Key Points
Dnmt3a-null hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) cannot sustain long-term hematopoiesis. Cooperating c-Kit mutations drive leukemic transformation of Dnmt3a-null HSCs.
Prevalence of low central venous oxygen saturation in the first hours of intensive care unit admission and associated mortality in septic shock patients: a prospective multicentre study
Authors: Boulain Thierry , Garot Denis , Vignon Philippe , Lascarrou Jean-Baptiste , Desachy Arnaud , Botoc Vlad , Follin Arnaud , Frat Jean-Pierre , Bellec Frédéric , Quenot Jean-Pierre , Mathonnet Armelle , Dequin Pierre-François ,   for the Clinical Research in Intensive Care and Sepsis Group
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Introduction
In septic shock patients, the prevalence of low (<70%) central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) on admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and its relationship to outcome are unknown. The objectives of the present study were to estimate the prevalence of low ScvO2 in the first hours of ICU admission and to assess its potential association with mortality in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock.

Methods
This was a prospective, multicentre, observational study conducted over a one-year period in ten French ICUs. Clinicians were asked to include patients with severe sepsis or septic shock preferably within 6 hours of ICU admission and as soon as possible without changing routine practice. ScvO2 was measured at inclusion and 6 hours later (H6), by blood sampling.

Results
We included 363 patients. Initial ScvO2 below 70% was present in 111 patients and the pooled estimate for its prevalence was 27% (95% Confidence interval (95%CI): 18% to 37%). At time of inclusion, among 166 patients with normal lactate concentration (≤2 mmol/L), 55 (33%) had a low initial ScvO2 (<70%), and among 136 patients who had already reached the classic clinical endpoints for mean arterial pressure (≥65 mmHg), central venous pressure (≥8 mmHg), and urine output (≥0.5 mL/Kg of body weight), 43 (32%) had a low initial ScvO2 (<70%). Among them, 49% had lactate below 2 mmol/L. The day-28 mortality was higher in case of low initial ScvO2 (37.8% versus 27.4%; P = 0.049). When adjusted for confounders including the Simplified Acute Physiology Score and initial lactate concentration, a low initial ScvO2 (Odds ratio (OR) = 3.60, 95%CI: 1.76 to 7.36; P = 0.0004) and a low ScvO2 at H6 (OR = 2.18, 95%CI: 1.12 to 4.26; P = 0.022) were associated with day-28 mortality by logistic regression.

Conclusions
Low ScvO2 was common in the first hours of admission to the ICU for severe sepsis or septic shock even when clinical resuscitation endpoints were achieved and even when arterial lactate was normal. A ScvO2 below 70% in the first hours of ICU admission and six hours later was associated with day-28 mortality.
Endogenous glycosaminoglycan anticoagulation in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: MacLaren Graeme , Monagle Paul 
Published: November 2014

AbstractA heparin-like effect was recently described in infants, children, and adults receiving bivalirudin while supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation following cardiopulmonary bypass. This is most likely due to endogenous release of glycosaminoglycans from vascular endothelium and mast cells and is associated with longer duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and an increased incidence of sepsis. Further investigation into this effect should include patients without recent cardiopulmonary bypass, exclude the presence of covalent antithrombin-heparin complexes, and employ a variety of different heparinases for thromboelastography. The phenomenon may partially explain the heterogeneity of anticoagulation requirements in patients on extracorporeal life support.
Does pulse pressure variation predict fluid responsiveness in critically ill patients? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Xiaobo , Du Bin 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Fluid resuscitation is crucial in managing hemodynamically unstable patients. The last decade witnessed the use of pulse pressure variation (PPV) to predict fluid responsiveness. However, as far as we know, no systematic review and meta-analysis has been carried out to evaluate the value of PPV in predicting fluid responsiveness specifically upon patients admitted into intensive care units.

Methods
We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE and included clinical trials that evaluated the association between PPV and fluid responsiveness after fluid challenge in mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care units. Data were synthesized using an exact binomial rendition of the bivariate mixed-effects regression model modified for synthesis of diagnostic test data.

Result
Twenty-two studies with 807 mechanically ventilated patients with tidal volume more than 8 ml/kg and without spontaneous breathing and cardiac arrhythmia were included, and 465 were responders (58%). The pooled sensitivity was 0.88 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81 to 0.92) and pooled specificity was 0.89 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.92). A summary receiver operating characteristic curve yielded an area under the curve of 0.94 (95% CI 0.91 to 0.95). A significant threshold effect was identified.

Conclusions
PPV predicts fluid responsiveness accurately in mechanically ventilated patients with relative large tidal volume and without spontaneous breathing and cardiac arrhythmia.
The genome of the sparganosis tapeworm Spirometra erinaceieuropaeiisolated from the biopsy of a migrating brain lesion
Authors: Bennett Hayley M , Mok Hoi Ping , Gkrania-Klotsas Effrossyni , Tsai Isheng J , Stanley Eleanor J , Antoun Nagui M , Coghlan Avril , Harsha Bhavana , Traini Alessandra , Ribeiro Diogo M , Steinbiss Sascha , Lucas Sebastian B , Allinson Kieren SJ , Price Stephen J , Santarius Thomas S , Carmichael Andrew J , Chiodini Peter L , Holroyd Nancy , Dean Andrew F , Berriman Matthew 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Background
Sparganosis is an infection with a larval Diphyllobothriidea tapeworm. From a rare cerebral case presented at a clinic in the UK, DNA was recovered from a biopsy sample and used to determine the causative species as Spirometra erinaceieuropaei through sequencing of the cox1 gene. From the same DNA, we have produced a draft genome, the first of its kind for this species, and used it to perform a comparative genomics analysis and to investigate known and potential tapeworm drug targets in this tapeworm.

Results
The 1.26 Gb draft genome of S. erinaceieuropaei is currently the largest reported for any flatworm. Through investigation of β-tubulin genes, we predict that S. erinaceieuropaei larvae are insensitive to the tapeworm drug albendazole. We find that many putative tapeworm drug targets are also present in S. erinaceieuropaei, allowing possible cross application of new drugs. In comparison to other sequenced tapeworm species we observe expansion of protease classes, and of Kuntiz-type protease inhibitors. Expanded gene families in this tapeworm also include those that are involved in processes that add post-translational diversity to the protein landscape, intracellular transport, transcriptional regulation and detoxification.

Conclusions
The S. erinaceieuropaei genome begins to give us insight into an order of tapeworms previously uncharacterized at the genome-wide level. From a single clinical case we have begun to sketch a picture of the characteristics of these organisms. Finally, our work represents a significant technological achievement as we present a draft genome sequence of a rare tapeworm, and from a small amount of starting material.
BAsE-Seq: a method for obtaining long viral haplotypes from short sequence reads
Authors: Hong Lewis Z , Hong Shuzhen , Wong Han Teng , Aw Pauline PK , Cheng Yan , Wilm Andreas , de Sessions Paola F , Lim Seng Gee , Nagarajan Niranjan , Hibberd Martin L , Quake Stephen R , Burkholder William F 
Published: November 2014

AbstractWe present a method for obtaining long haplotypes, of over 3 kb in length, using a short-read sequencer, Barcode-directed Assembly for Extra-long Sequences (BAsE-Seq). BAsE-Seq relies on transposing a template-specific barcode onto random segments of the template molecule and assembling the barcoded short reads into complete haplotypes. We applied BAsE-Seq on mixed clones of hepatitis B virus and accurately identified haplotypes occurring at frequencies greater than or equal to 0.4%, with >99.9% specificity. Applying BAsE-Seq to a clinical sample, we obtained over 9,000 viral haplotypes, which provided an unprecedented view of hepatitis B virus population structure during chronic infection. BAsE-Seq is readily applicable for monitoring quasispecies evolution in viral diseases.
Use of next-generation DNA sequencing to analyze genetic variants in rheumatic disease
Authors: Wiley Graham B , Kelly Jennifer A , Gaffney Patrick M 
Published: November 2014

AbstractNext-generation DNA sequencing has revolutionized the field of genetics and genomics, providing researchers with the tools to efficiently identify novel rare and low frequency risk variants, which was not practical with previously available methodologies. These methods allow for the sequence capture of a specific locus or small genetic region all the way up to the entire six billion base pairs of the diploid human genome.Rheumatic diseases are a huge burden on the US population, affecting more than 46 million Americans. Those afflicted suffer from one or more of the more than 100 diseases characterized by inflammation and loss of function, mainly of the joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. While genetics studies of many of these diseases (for example, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease) have had major successes in defining their genetic architecture, causal alleles and rare variants have still been elusive. This review describes the current high-throughput DNA sequencing methodologies commercially available and their application to rheumatic diseases in both case–control as well as family-based studies.