bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetics of Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP): current knowledge and future directions
Authors: Blum Stefan , McCombe Pamela A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractGuillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) are thought to be autoimmune diseases. There have been many attempts to find a human leukocyte antigen (HLA) association with GBS and CIDP with little success. There have been studies of other plausible genes in GBS and CIDP and the role of these genes in GBS and CIDP and the data from these genetic studies is reviewed. Some of the genes that have been studied are immune related and some others have nervous system effects. The studies are limited by small numbers. Some of the genes show association with disease severity rather than disease susceptibility. The need for more detailed molecular studies of the role of HLA molecules and the need for modern genetic approaches to GBS and CIDP are explained.
Normal variation in cortical osteocyte lacunar parameters in healthy young males
Authors: Carter Yasmin , Suchorab Jessica L. , Thomas C. David L. , Clement John G. , Cooper David M. L. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe most abundant cell in bone, osteocytes form an interconnected system upon which the regulation of healthy bone relies. Although the complete nature of the role of osteocytes has yet to be defined, they are generally accepted to play a part in the sensing of load and the initiation of damage repair. A previous study conducted by our group identified variation of up to 30% in osteocyte lacunar density and morphological parameters between regions of a single cross‐section of human femoral shaft; that study, however, was limited to a single individual. The aim of the current study was to determine whether this pattern consistently occurs in healthy young male femora. Anterior, posterior, medial and lateral blocks were prepared from the proximal femoral shaft of seven males and synchrotron radiation micro‐CT imaged. Average lacunar densities (± SD) from the anterior, posterior, medial and lateral regions were 23 394 ± 1705, 30 180 ± 4860, 35 946 ± 5990 and 29 678 ± 6081 lacunae per mm3 of bone tissue, respectively. These values were significantly different between the anterior and both the medial and posterior regions (P < 0.05). The density of the combined anterior and posterior regions was also significantly lower (P = 0.006) than the density of the combined medial and lateral regions. Although no difference was found in predominant orientation, shape differences were found; with the combined anterior‐posterior regions having lacunae that were significantly more elongated and less flat than the combined medial‐lateral values (P < 0.001). As expected, in this larger study, there was a dramatic difference in lacunar density between the medial and anterior region (up to ~ 54%). The study clearly demonstrates that the high variation seen in osteocyte lacunar density as well as other lacunar parameters, noted in a number of biomechanical, age and pathology studies, are well within the range of normal variation; however, the reasons for and consequences of this variation remain unclear. Lacunar parameters including abundance and shape are being increasingly incorporated into computational modeling of bone biology and this paper represents a more comprehensive description of normal healthy lacunae.
The loss of a shared lifetime: a qualitative study exploring spouses’ experiences of losing couplehood with their partner with dementia living in institutional care
Authors: Førsund Linn Hege , Skovdahl Kirsti , Kiik Riina , Ytrehus Siri 
Published: July 2014

Aims and objectivesTo explore and describe spouses’ experiences of losing couplehood with their dementia‐afflicted partner living in institutional care.BackgroundDespite the losses and experiences of discontinuity due to the cognitive decline caused by dementia, the feelings of belonging and reciprocity in close relationships are still crucial to many couples. However, these experiences of spouses with partners living in institutional care are not well documented and are thus the focus of this study.DesignA constructivist grounded theory approach was used to capture the relational processes described by the spouses.MethodsConversational interviews were conducted with n = 10 spouses of dementia‐afflicted persons living in institutional care. Data were analysed using the constant comparative method.ResultsThe spouses’ experiences of losing couplehood were primarily connected to separation from the partner and the sense of being alone. They were also related to the loss of the shared past and future. However, these experiences did not seem to be constant; short glimpses of connectedness, reciprocity and interdependence contributed to a feeling of couplehood, although these were only momentary.ConclusionsThe spouses’ experiences of losing couplehood were dynamic and were related to the couple's entire life. The spouses wavered between senses of loss and belonging to couplehood, depending on the conditions characterising the moment.Relevance to clinical practiceHealthcare personnel must recognise the severity of some spouses’ experiences of losing couplehood and be aware of how these experiences can fluctuate and be situation dependent.
Enterovirus 71 outbreak in Northern Sydney, 2013: Case series and initial response
Authors: Horsley Emily , Just E , Torres C , Huhtinen E , Forssman B , Slade R 
Published: July 2014

AimEnteroviruses are a common cause of childhood disease which may manifest in a variety of ways. Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a subtype of enterovirus which can cause meningoencephalomyelitis resulting in neurological sequelae including lethargy, weakness, ataxia, sleep myoclonus, urinary retention and, in severe cases, cardiorespiratory collapse due to neurogenic pulmonary oedema. EV71 was responsible for outbreaks in South East Asia in 1997–1998, in Western Australia in 1999 and in Sydney in 2000–2001. In 2013, we are experiencing another EV71 outbreak in Sydney. This study describes the discovery of a new outbreak in Sydney's Northern Beaches, the clinical findings as well as the public health response.MethodsThirty‐seven children in total presented with presumed EV71 to the Northern Beaches Health Service from December 2012 to April 2013. Most children presented with a prodrome lasting 2–7 days prior to seeking medical attention. Sleep myoclonus was a common presenting sign occurring in 65%. Neurological signs were subtle in the majority of children and were at times missed by clinicians on a child's first presentation. Forty‐six per cent of children who presented to Northern Beaches Health Service during this outbreak required a transfer to a tertiary paediatric centre for more intensive care.ResultsThe public health investigation was important in establishing that the disease was widespread throughout the community and not as a result to exposure to a single child care setting. Identification of risk factors enabled more targeted communication to medical practitioners, child care centres and parents within the local community.ConclusionsEV71 is in Australia and all clinicians seeing children in primary, secondary and tertiary care centres need to be aware of the disease, the subtle nature of initial symptoms and the potentially devastating consequences.
Driving habits and risk factors for traffic accidents among sleep apnea patients – a European multi‐centre cohort study
Authors: Karimi Mahssa , Hedner Jan , Lombardi Carolina , Mcnicholas Walter T. , Penzel Thomas , Riha Renata L. , Rodenstein Daniel , Grote Ludger ,   the Esada Study Group
Published: July 2014

SummaryObstructive sleep apnea is associated with increased motor vehicle accident risk, and improved detection of patients at risk is of importance. The present study addresses potential risk factors in the European Sleep Apnea Database and includes patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea [n = 8476, age 51.5 (12.5) years, body mass index 31.0 (6.6) kg m−2, 82.4% driver's licence holders]. Driving distance (km year−1), driver's licence type, sleep apnea severity, sleepiness and comorbidities were assessed. Previously validated risk factors for accident history: Epworth Sleepiness Scale ≥16; habitual sleep time ≤5 h; use of hypnotics; and driving ≥15 000 km year−1 were analysed across European regions. At least one risk factor was identified in male and female drivers, 68.75 and 51.3%, respectively. The occurrence of the risk factors was similar across Europe, with only a lower rate in the eastern region (P = 0.001). The mean number of risk factors increased across classes of sleep apnea severity. Frequent driving was prevalent [14.0 (interquartile range 8.0–20.0) × 103 km year−1] and 32.7% of drivers had severe obstructive sleep apnea [apnea–hypopnea index 50.3 (38.8–66.0) n h−1]. Obesity, shorter sleep time and younger age were associated with increased traffic exposure (P ≤ 0.03). In conclusion, the risk factors associated with accident history were common among European patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea, but varied between geographical regions. There was a weak covariation between occurrence of risk factors and clinically determined apnea severity but frequent driving, a strong risk factor for accidents, was over‐represented. Systematic evaluation of accident‐related risk factors is important to detect sleep apnea patients at risk for motor vehicle accidents.
Video killed the radio star? The influence of presentation modality on detecting high‐stakes, emotional lies
Authors: Evanoff Crystal , Porter Stephen , Black Pamela J. 
Published: July 2014

PurposeIn many contexts in which high‐stakes lies occur (such as security settings or the courtroom), observers must evaluate whether the stories they hear are credible. However, little research has evaluated the ability of observers to detect high‐stakes lies, nor the influence of the manner in which the deception is presented on judgment accuracy. This study investigated whether the presentation modality of high‐stakes lies influences both explicit and implicit deception detection accuracy.MethodsParticipants (N = 231) were randomly assigned to one of four presentation modalities: audiovisual, video‐only, audio‐only, or transcript‐only and asked to evaluate the honesty of targets – half of whom were sincere and half deceptive killers – making a plea for the return of a missing relative both explicitly (direct lie/truth decision) and implicitly (via emotional reactions).ResultsOverall, explicit deception detection accuracy was slightly above chance (M = 52.5%), and honest pleas were accurately identified at a higher rate than deceptive pleas. Although there were no differences in overall accuracy across modality, observers reading transcripts exhibited a truth bias, which resulted in them detecting truthful pleas at a higher rate than with the other groups. Although explicit accuracy was at the level of chance, implicit reactions indicated that observers were able to unconsciously discern liars from truth‐tellers.ConclusionsDespite the high‐stakes nature of the lies presented here, they were difficult to detect. Lies presented via written language were missed at a higher rate when assessed using explicit but not implicit judgments.
Are Middle‐Aged Men with Chronic Kidney Disease at Higher Risk of Having Nocturia than Age‐Matched Controls
Authors: HSU Chun‐Kai , WU Mei‐Yi , CHIANG I‐Ni , YANG Stephen S.‐D. , CHANG Shang‐Jen 
Published: July 2014

ObjectiveWe compared the lower urinary tract symptoms between middle‐aged men with and without chronic kidney disease (CKD) under 50 years of age.MethodsBetween October 2010 and July 2013, patients with CKD aged below 50 who received regular follow‐ups at the nephrology outpatient clinics were enrolled. We also enrolled men aged below 50 years with estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) higher than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 and without history of kidney diseases from the health examination department as the control group. Clinical parameters and laboratory parameters were collected for analysis and comparison. The lower urinary tract symptoms were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Metabolic syndromes were defined according to the ATP III guidelines.ResultsOverall, 50 men with CKD and 187 age‐matched men without CKD were enrolled in the study (age: 44.9 ± 6.9 vs. 43.7.0 ± 4.3, P = 0.11). When compared with the age‐matched control group, the occurrences of lower urinary tract symptoms were fewer in CKD patients, though not statistically significant. CKD Patients had significantly higher scores of nocturia (1.3 vs. 0.8, P = 0.02) but had significantly less urinary frequency and relatively fewer urgency score. Nocturia was significantly associated with eGFR. Multivariate analysis showed that lower eGFR and overweight were the only two independent risk factors for nocturia (P < 0.01), but was not the case for metabolic syndromes.ConclusionMiddle‐aged men with CKD had significantly more nocturia episodes than the age‐matched control group, but had lower urinary frequency scores. Lower eGFR and overweight are independent risk factors for nocturia in middle‐aged men.
Characterization of mutations in the PAS domain of the EvgS sensor kinase selected by laboratory evolution for acid resistance in Escherichia coli
Authors: Johnson Matthew D. , Bell James , Clarke Kim , Chandler Rachel , Pathak Prachi , Xia Yandong , Marshall Robert L. , Weinstock George M. , Loman Nicholas J. , Winn Peter J. , Lund Peter A. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryLaboratory‐based evolution and whole‐genome sequencing can link genotype and phenotype. We used evolution of acid resistance in exponential phase Escherichia coli to study resistance to a lethal stress. Iterative selection at pH 2.5 generated five populations that were resistant to low pH in early exponential phase. Genome sequencing revealed multiple mutations, but the only gene mutated in all strains was evgS, part of a two‐component system that has already been implicated in acid resistance. All these mutations were in the cytoplasmic PAS domain of EvgS, and were shown to be solely responsible for the resistant phenotype, causing strong upregulation at neutral pH of genes normally induced by low pH. Resistance to pH 2.5 in these strains did not require the transporter GadC, or the sigma factor RpoS. We found that EvgS‐dependent constitutive acid resistance to pH 2.5 was retained in the absence of the regulators GadE or YdeO, but was lost if the oxidoreductase YdeP was also absent. A deletion in the periplasmic domain of EvgS abolished the response to low pH, but not the activity of the constitutive mutants. On the basis of these results we propose a model for how EvgS may become activated by low pH.
Concept‐Based Bayesian Model Averaging and Growth Empirics
Authors: Magnus Jan R. , Wang Wendun 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIn specifying a regression equation, we need to specify which regressors to include, but also how these regressors are measured. This gives rise to two levels of uncertainty: concepts (level 1) and measurements within each concept (level 2). In this paper we propose a hierarchical weighted least squares (HWALS) method to address these uncertainties. We examine the effects of different growth determinants taking explicit account of the measurement problem in the growth regressions. We find that estimates produced by HWALS provide intuitive and robust explanations. We also consider approximation techniques which are useful when the number of variables is large or when computing time is limited.
The use of nasotracheal Airtraq® laryngoscope with reinforced endotracheal tube: our experience
Authors: Ferrari Fabio , Marchetti Giuliano , Picardo Sergio Giuseppe 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThe authors describe the use of nasotracheal AirtraQ® laryngoscope to perform orotracheal intubation with reinforced endotracheal tube in patients with difficult airways. The choice of nasotracheal AirtraQ® instead of orotracheal device resulted from the difficulty that they sometimes found using orotracheal AirtraQ® with reinforced endotracheal tube. The nasotracheal AirtraQ® may be successfully used to perform orotracheal intubation with styletted reinforced endotracheal tube, specially in case of difficulty in advancing it inside the tube‐guiding channel of orotracheal AirtraQ®.
Unlocking the secondary gene‐pool of barley with next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Wendler Neele , Mascher Martin , Nöh Christiane , Himmelbach Axel , Scholz Uwe , Ruge‐Wehling Brigitte , Stein Nils 
Published: July 2014

SummaryCrop wild relatives (CWR) provide an important source of allelic diversity for any given crop plant species for counteracting the erosion of genetic diversity caused by domestication and elite breeding bottlenecks. Hordeum bulbosum L. is representing the secondary gene pool of the genus Hordeum. It has been used as a source of genetic introgressions for improving elite barley germplasm (Hordeum vulgare L.). However, genetic introgressions from H. bulbosum have yet not been broadly applied, due to a lack of suitable molecular tools for locating, characterizing, and decreasing by recombination and marker‐assisted backcrossing the size of introgressed segments. We applied next‐generation sequencing (NGS) based strategies for unlocking genetic diversity of three diploid introgression lines of cultivated barley containing chromosomal segments of its close relative H. bulbosum. Firstly, exome capture‐based (re)‐sequencing revealed large numbers of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) enabling the precise allocation of H. bulbosum introgressions. This SNP resource was further exploited by designing a custom multiplex SNP genotyping assay. Secondly, two‐enzyme‐based genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) was employed to allocate the introgressed H. bulbosum segments and to genotype a mapping population. Both methods provided fast and reliable detection and mapping of the introgressed segments and enabled the identification of recombinant plants. Thus, the utilization of H. bulbosum as a resource of natural genetic diversity in barley crop improvement will be greatly facilitated by these tools in the future.
Porcine acellular dermal matrix for delayed abdominal wall closure after pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Caso Maestro O. , Abradelo de Usera M. , Justo Alonso I. , Calvo Pulido J. , Manrique Municio A. , Cambra Molero F. , García Sesma A. , Loinaz Segurola C. , Moreno González E. , Jiménez Romero C. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractChildren are one of the groups with the highest mortality rate on the waiting list for LT. Primary closure of the abdominal wall is often impossible in the pediatric population, due to a size mismatch between a large graft and a small recipient. We present a retrospective cohort study of six pediatric patients, who underwent delayed abdominal wall closure with a biological mesh after LT, and in whom early closure was impossible. A non‐cross‐linked porcine‐derived acellular dermal matrix (Strattice™ Reconstructive Tissue Matrix; LifeCell Corp, Bridgewater, NJ, USA) was used in all of the cases of the series. After a mean follow‐up of 26 months (21–32 months), all patients were asymptomatic, with a functional abdominal wall after physical examination. Non‐cross‐linked porcine‐derived acellular dermal matrix (Strattice™) is a good alternative for delayed abdominal wall closure after pediatric LT. Randomized controlled trials are necessary to determine the best moment and the best technique for abdominal wall closure.
Chemical and Biological Mechanisms of Pathogen Reduction Technologies
Authors: Mundt Janna M. , Rouse Lindsay , Van den Bossche Jeroen , Goodrich Raymond P. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWithin the last decade new technologies have been developed and implemented which employ light, often in the presence of a photosensitizer, to inactivate pathogens that reside in human blood products for the purpose of transfusion. These pathogen reduction technologies attempt to find the proper balance between pathogen kill and cell quality. Each system utilizes various chemistries that not only impact which pathogens they can inactivate and how, but also how the treatments affect the plasma and cellular proteins and to what degree. This paper aims to present the various chemical mechanisms for pathogen reduction in transfusion medicine that are currently practiced or in development.
Parental Education and Children's School and Work Status in Urban Ethiopia: A Note on Gender Bias
Authors: Alvi Eskander , Dendir Seife 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis paper examines gender bias in the parental education–child status link using data from urban Ethiopia. Gender bias is defined here, specifically, as the differential impact of a parent's education on a child's status depending on the gender of the parent vis‐à‐vis the child. Children's status is measured by school enrolment and participation in market work. Results from a basic model point to same‐gender bias – father–son, mother–daughter in school enrolment and father–son in market work. In an extended model, results show that father–son bias in market work may be particularly pertinent for middle‐ to later‐born children. Policy interventions should be mindful of such differential effects, particularly if the aim is to address persistent gender disparities in children's status.
Intrahousehold and Interhousehold Child Nutrition Inequality in Malawi
Authors: Mussa Richard 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis paper investigates whether child nutrition inequalities are attributable to differences between households or differences within households in Malawi. Child nutrition is measured using height‐for‐age z‐scores. The empirical analysis uses the 2006 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey data. We find evidence of within household nutritional differences along gender, age and birth order lines in Malawi. The results for rural and urban areas as well as religious groups show that nutrition inequalities largely stem from differences within households. Both intrahousehold and interhousehold nutrition inequalities are unexplained by observable factors.
In vivo long‐term effects of retinoic acid exposure in utero on induced tumours in adult mouse skin
Authors: García‐Fernández Rosa A. , Pérez‐Martínez Claudia , García‐Iglesias Maria J. 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundRetinoic acid (RA) and its analogues (retinoids) are promising agents in skin cancer prevention following either topical application or oral administration. However, long‐term in vivo effects of RA on chemically induced hyperplastic epidermal foci in adult mouse skin have also been described, casting some doubt with regard to its chemopreventive activity.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo characterize chemically induced skin tumours and to investigate the in vivo long‐term action and preventive effect of RA on adult mouse skin carcinogenesis.AnimalsFifty‐six adult Naval Medical Research Institute mice, exposed (n = 28) or not exposed (n = 28) to RA in utero.MethodsMice were treated with a standard two‐stage skin carcinogenesis protocol, which included an initiating application of 7,12‐dimethylbenz(a)anthracene followed by promotion with 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol 13‐acetate.ResultsRetinoic acid administered to pregnant mice showed a long‐term inhibitory action on cell differentiation and development of chemically induced tumours on the adult skin of their offspring, as well as a stimulatory effect on cell proliferation and expression of an early marker of malignant progression (keratin 13).Conclusions and clinical importanceThe results suggest that RA exposure in utero confers long‐lasting effects on adult mouse skin carcinogenesis. These include chemopreventive activity (reduced number of tumours), as well as enhancement of squamous papilloma progression, which appears to be due to enhanced keratinocyte proliferation and suppression of epidermal maturation. The clinical significance of these findings is not known for other routes of RA administration at this time.