bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are all cases of paediatric essential thrombocythaemia really myeloproliferative neoplasms? Analysis of a large cohort
Authors: Randi Maria L. , Geranio Giulia , Bertozzi Irene , Micalizzi Concetta , Ramenghi Ugo , Tucci Fabio , Notarangelo Lucia D. , Ladogana Saverio , Menna Giuseppe , Giordano Paola , Consarino Caterina , Farruggia Piero , Zanazzo Giulio A. , Fiori Giovanni M. , Burnelli Roberta , Russo Giovanna , Jankovich Momcilo , Peroni Edoardo , Duner Elena , Basso Giuseppe , Fabris Fabrizio , Putti Maria C. 
Published: February 2015

SummarySporadic essential thrombocythaemia (ET) is rare in paediatrics, and the diagnostic and clinical approach to paediatric cases cannot be simply copied from experience with adults. Here, we assessed 89 children with a clinical diagnosis of ET and found that 23 patients (25·8%) had a clonal disease. The JAK2 V617F mutation was identified in 14 children, 1 child had the MPL W515L mutation, and 6 had CALR mutations. The monoclonal X‐chromosome inactivation pattern was seen in six patients (two with JAK2 V617F and two with CALR mutations). The other 66 patients (74·2%) had persistent thrombocytosis with no clonality. There were no clinical or haematological differences between the clonal and non‐clonal patients. The relative proportion of ET‐specific mutations in the clonal children was much the same as in adults. The higher prevalence of non‐clonal cases suggests that some patients may not have myeloproliferative neoplasms, with significant implications for their treatment.
The experience of sleep in chronic fatigue syndrome: A qualitative interview study with patients
Authors: Gotts Zoe M. , Newton Julia L. , Ellis Jason G. , Deary Vincent 
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesSleep disturbances are common in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and one of the key symptom complaints, yet it has been neglected by previous qualitative research. The aim was to explore the specific role of sleep in patients' experience of their illness.DesignA qualitative semi‐structured interview format facilitated a detailed and open exploration of sleep, and the extent to which its management and problems were linked to the lived experience of CFS.MethodsEleven semi‐structured interviews were conducted with individuals with CFS. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically, to explore and describe patients' experience of their sleep, and its impact on their condition.ResultsSleep emerged as a key aspect of the illness experience, and its management and effect on daytime functioning was a central pre‐occupation for all 11 participants; all of them saw sleep as playing a critical role in their illness through either maintaining or exacerbating existing symptoms. Exploration of individual experiences presented three overarching themes: (1) sleep pattern variability over illness course and from day to day; (2) effect of sleep on daytime functioning; and (3) attempts at coping and sleep management.ConclusionsEach patient with CFS has a unique experience of sleep. Despite the differing narratives regarding the role of sleep in CFS, all participants held the belief that sleep is a vital process for health and well‐being which has had a direct bearing on the course and progression of their CFS. Also, every participant regarded their sleep as in some way ‘broken' and in need of management/repair. Patients' insights demonstrate sleep‐specific influences on their CFS, and the impact of disturbed sleep should be a consideration for clinical and research work.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Sleep disturbances are common in CFS, and one of the key symptom complaints, yet it has been neglected by previous qualitative research. Ontology of CFS is a matter of dispute, with models ranging from the biological to the psychological competing to explain symptomatology in this illness. A qualitative study has the potential to add some clarity to the debate by making the patients' lived experience of the condition, and their own understanding of it, the focus of research.

What this study adds?

Coping and attempts at managing sleep problems in CFS adds to the ‘illness burden' experienced by patients.

Disturbed sleep is universally seen by patients with CFS as impacting on other daytime symptoms.

Broken sleep may contribute to a biopsychosocial cycle that serves to maintain this illness.
Pharmacological characterisation of the relaxation induced by the soluble guanylate cyclase activator, BAY 60‐2770 in rabbit corpus cavernosum
Authors: Estancial Camila S. , Rodrigues Renata L. , De Nucci Gilberto , Antunes Edson , Mónica Fabiola Z. 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveTo characterise the relaxation induced by the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) activator, BAY 60‐2770 (4‐({(4‐carboxybutyl) [2‐ (5‐fluoro‐2‐{[4′‐(trifluoromethyl) biphenyl‐4‐yl]methoxy}phenyl)ethyl] amino}methyl)benzoic acid) in rabbit corpus cavernosum (CC).Material and MethodsThe penis from male New Zealand rabbits was removed and fours strips of CC were obtained. Concentration–response curves to BAY 60‐2770 were constructed in the absence and presence of inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase, N (G)‐nitro‐L‐ arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME, 100 μm), sGC, 1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ, 10 μm) and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE‐5), tadalafil (0.1 μm). The potency (pEC50) and maximal response (Emax) values were determined. Then, electrical‐field stimulation (EFS)‐induced contraction or relaxation was tested in the absence and presence of BAY 60‐2770 (0.1 or 1 μm) alone or combined with ODQ (10 μm). For EFS‐induced relaxation two protocols were used: (i) ODQ (10 μm) was first incubated for 20 min and then BAY 60‐2770 (1 μm) was added for another 20 min (ODQ + BAY 60‐2770); (ii) in different CC strips, BAY 60‐2770 was incubated for 20 min followed by another 20 min with ODQ (BAY 60‐2770 + ODQ). The intracellular levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) were also determined.ResultsBAY 60‐2770 potently relaxed rabbit CC with mean (sem) pEC50 and Emax values of 7.58 (0.19) and 81 (4)%, respectively. The inhibitors ODQ (n = 7) or tadalafil (n = 7) produced 4.2‐ and 6.3‐leftward shifts, respectively in BAY 60‐2770‐induced relaxation without interfering with the Emax values. The intracellular levels of cGMP were augmented after stimulation with BAY 60‐2770 (1 μm) alone, whereas its co‐incubation with ODQ produced even higher levels of cGMP. The EFS‐induced contraction was reduced in the presence of BAY 60‐2770 (1 μm) and this inhibition was even greater when BAY 60‐2770 was co‐incubated with ODQ. The nitrergic stimulation induced CC relaxation, which was abolished in the presence of ODQ. BAY 60‐2770 alone increased the amplitude of relaxation. Co‐incubation of ODQ and BAY 60‐2770 did not alter the relaxation in comparison with ODQ alone. Interestingly, when BAY 60‐2770 was incubated before ODQ, EFS‐induced relaxation was partly restored in comparison with ODQ alone or ODQ + BAY 60‐2770.ConclusionsThe relaxation induced by the sGC activator, BAY 60‐2770 was increased after sGC oxidation and unaltered in the absence of nitric oxide. Thus, this class of substances may have advantages over sGC stimulators or PDE‐5 inhibitors for treating patients with erectile dysfunction and extensive endothelial damage.
Synthesis and Anti‐Inflammatory Evaluation of Novel C66 Analogs for the Treatment of LPS‐Induced Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Feng Jianpeng , Xiao Bing , Chen Wenbo , Ding Ting , Chen Lingfeng , Yu Pengtian , Xu Fengli , Zhang Huajie , Liu Zhiguo , Liang Guang 
Published: February 2015

We previously reported a symmetric monocarbonyl analog of curcumin (MACs), C66, which demonstrated potential anti‐inflammatory activity and low toxicity. In continuation of our ongoing research, we designed and synthesized 34 asymmetric MACs based on C66 as a lead molecule. A majority of the C66 analogs effectively inhibited LPS induction of TNF‐α and IL‐6 expression. Additionally, a preliminary SAR was conducted. Furthermore, active compounds 4a11 and 4a16 were found to effectively reduce the W/D ratio in the lungs and the protein concentration in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Meanwhile, a histopathological examination indicated that these two analogs significantly attenuate tissue injury in the lungs with LPS‐induced ALI rats. 4a11 and 4a16 also inhibited mRNA expression of several inflammatory cytokines, including TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐1β, COX‐2, ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1, in the Beas‐2B cells after LPS challenge. Altogether, the data exhibit a series of new C66 analogs as promising anti‐inflammatory agents for the treatment of LPS‐induced ALI.
The social support networks of care leavers from a children's village in Ghana: formal and informal supports
Authors: Frimpong‐Manso Kwabena 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIn the past few decades, the number of children requiring out‐of‐home care in the developing world has risen sharply. Many children end up in institutions where they make a transition to adulthood. Little is however known about the social support available to young people during and after they leave care. This study examines the sources and kinds of support as well as the barriers to social support for a group of care leavers from a children's village in Ghana. The participants used a combination of formal and informal sources for their support needs. The formal sources provided mostly financial and practical support, whereas the informal sources offered emotional and informational support. The barriers to access included the attitude of the staff and SOS adults and limited cultural skills of the care leavers. Recommendations for removing the barriers and improving social support for care leavers are offered in the final part of the study.
Biomarkers for Bisphosphonate‐Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Authors: Kim Jin‐Woo , Cha In‐Ho , Kim Sun‐Jong , Kim Myung‐Rae 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate a possible biomarker for bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) in an animal model.Materials and MethodsForty‐eight Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into the bisphosphonate group (n = 36), who were injected once a week with zoledronic acid, and the control group (n = 12), who were injected once a week with saline. After 6 weeks, surgical intervention was performed, and injections were continued up to 8 weeks. Rats in the bisphosphonate group were then further classified to the ONJ group, and the non‐ONJ group, and biomarkers, including CTx, Glu‐OC, TRACP 5b, RANKL, and OPG, were assessed at baseline (T0), at surgical intervention (T1), and at sacrifice (T2). Histomorphometric analysis for quantification of osteoclasts was performed.ResultsRepeated measures analysis of variance revealed that TRACP 5b levels and the RANKL/OPG ratio were significantly decreased over time in the ONJ group compared with the non‐ONJ group (p < .05). At T2, the area under the curve was 0.807 for TRACP 5b (sensitivity: 88.9%, specificity 66.7% at cutoff) and 0.765 for the RANKL/OPG ratio (sensitivity: 77.8%, specificity 62.9% at cutoff). TRACP 5b showed a lower least significant change (29.6%) with lower intra‐assay coefficient of variability (CV; 6.32%) and interassay CV (11.20%) compared with those of the RANKL/OPG ratio (39.27%) and showed a higher signal‐to‐noise ratio (2.76) than that of the RANKL/OPG ratio (1.62). N.Oc/T.Ar and N.Oc/B.Ar demonstrated significantly decreased number of osteoclasts in ONJ group versus non‐ONJ group.ConclusionsThese results show that serum TRACP 5b and the RANKL/OPG ratio were possible biomarkers for BRONJ. These data may provide useful additional information for future ONJ research. Further studies are needed to validate these results in humans with ONJ.
A comparison of systemic inflammatory responses between immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients presenting with otorrhea due to chronic suppurative middle ear disease
Authors: Sarmento K.M.A. , Sampaio A.L.L. , Nakanishi M. , Gurgel J.D.C. 
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesTo study the occurrence of fever and the behaviours of inflammatory blood markers (C‐reactive protein – CRP and procalcitonin – PCT) during episodes of otorrhea due to uncomplicated chronic otitis media in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients.DesignProspective study of patients presenting with otorrhea over a 36‐month period.SettingAll patients were treated at Bonsucesso General Hospital, a tertiary referral hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.ParticipantsA total of 84 participants, of which 50 were immunocompetent and 34 were immunocompromised. Immunocompetent patients had a total of 106 episodes of otorrhea, and immunocompromised patients had 117 episodes of otorrhea.Main outcome measuresOccurrence of fever (axillary temperature over 38°C) and elevation of C‐reactive protein and procalcitonin levels above the normal ranges.ResultsIn the immunocompetent group, the levels of procalcitonin were elevated in five of 106 episodes of otorrhea. The C‐reactive protein levels were above the normal range in nine of 106 episodes, the same number of episodes in which fever was observed. In the immunocompromised group, procalcitonin was elevated in 38 of 117 episodes of otorrhea, C‐reactive protein levels were abnormal in 40 episodes, and fever was detected in 37 episodes. Cases of otorrhea with systemic inflammatory response were significantly more common in immunocompromised patients with associated rhinosinusitis.ConclusionsOtorrhea due to uncomplicated chronic otitis media rarely causes a systemic inflammatory response in immunocompetent patients. Its occurrence in immunocompromised patients seems to be more related to concurrent rhinosinusitis than to the chronic middle ear inflammation itself.
Postoperative Systolic Blood Pressure as a risk factor for haematoma following thyroid surgery
Authors: Morton Randall P. , Vandal Alain C. 
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesTo examine potential factors that may predict development of postoperative haematoma following thyroid surgery, with particular attention to postoperative systolic blood pressure.DesignRetrospective, observational case–control study of patients undergoing thyroid surgery.SettingSecondary General Hospital.ParticipantsPatients attending Counties Manukau District Health Board (CMDHB) between 2002 and 2012.Main Outcome MeasuresPost‐operative Haematoma formation that required re‐exploration of the wound.ResultsThe overall rate of postoperative haematoma was 2.57% (16/621). Three patients bled immediately (i.e. after wound closure but while still on the operating table); 10 patients (1.6%) bled in the early postoperative period; and three others bled 24 h or more after surgery. The principal independent risk factor for postoperative haemorrhage that remained after multivariable regression was postoperative systolic blood pressure level. There was a 39% increase in risk of bleeding for every 10 points rise of highest blood pressure recordings in our patient population (OR 1.39; 95% CI = 1.09–1.8).ConclusionsThis study identifies postoperative hypertension as significantly related to development of early postoperative haematoma. Cause for late post‐thyroidectomy bleeding remains speculative.
Estimating Social Influences from Social Networking Sites—Articulated Friendships versus Communication Interactions
Authors: Guo Hong , Pathak Praveen , Cheng Hsing Kenneth 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTDespite the ubiquity of social networking sites, the online social networking industry is in search of effective marketing strategies to better profit from their established user base. Social media marketing strategies build on the premise that the social network of online users can be predicted and social influences among online users can be estimated. However, the existence of various heterogeneous social interactions on social networking sites presents a challenge for social network prediction and social influence estimation. In this article we draw upon the literatures on self‐presentation on social networking sites and signaling in online social networking to categorize six heterogeneous online social interactions on social networking sites into two types—articulated friendships and communication interactions. This article provides empirical evidence for the differences between articulated friendships and communication interactions and the corresponding articulated and communication networks. In order to compare the impacts of the social influences based on these two networks, we utilize support vector machines to build a classifier to predict virtual community membership and we further estimate the marginal effects of these social influences using a two‐stage probit least squares method. We find significant explanatory power of social influences in predicting virtual community membership. Although the communication network is much sparser than the articulated network, social influences based on the communication network achieve similar performance as the articulated network. These findings provide important implications for social media marketing as well as the management of virtual communities.
Competitive Goals and Plant Investment in Environment and Safety Practices: Moderating Effect of National Culture
Authors: Power Damien , Klassen Robert , Kull Thomas J. , Simpson Dayna 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTOperations managers clearly play a critical role in targeting plant‐level investments toward environment and safety practices. In principle, a “rational” response would be to align this investment with senior management's competitive goals for operational performance. However, operations managers also are influenced by contingent factors, such as their national culture, thus creating potential tension that might bias investment away from a simple rational response. Using data from 1,453 plants in 24 countries, we test the moderating influence of seven of the national cultural characteristics on investment at the plant level in environment and safety practices. Four of the seven national cultural characteristics from GLOBE (i.e., uncertainty avoidance, in‐group collectivism, future orientation and performance orientation) shifted investment away from an expected “rational” response. Positive bias was evident when the national culture favored consistency and formalized procedures and rewarded performance improvement. In contrast, managers exhibited negative bias when familial groups and local coalitions were powerful, or future outcomes—rather than current actions—were more important. Overall, this study highlights the critical importance of moving beyond a naïve expectation that plant‐level investment will naturally align with corporate competitive goals for environment and safety. Instead, the national culture where the plant is located will influence these investments, and must be taken into account by senior management.
Subjective ratings of neurocognitive functioning in depressed young people undergoing treatment: utility of a brief screening tool
Authors: Fisher Caroline A. , Goodall Joanne , Simmons Magenta B. , Allott Kelly , Hetrick Sarah E. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimsTo determine how young people with depression rate their neurocognitive functioning during treatment, and whether these ratings are affected by depression severity, age, suicidal ideation and antidepressant status.MethodsFifty young people (12–25 years) engaged in psychological therapy completed the Neuropsychological Symptoms Self‐Report rating their neurocognitive functioning in a range of domains.ResultsIn two domains, working memory/multitasking and motivation, more than 40% of the sample rated their functioning as improved, since commencing treatment. Ratings of neurocognitive functioning were affected by depression severity and suicidal ideation, particularly in the areas of wakefulness, attention and concentration, working memory/multitasking, and motivation. However, there were few differences related to age or antidepressant status.ConclusionsThe Neuropsychological Symptoms Self‐Report – a rapid measure of subjective neurocognitive functioning – can provide a snapshot of subjective changes in neurocognitive functioning during treatment for depression. This information may guide treatment approaches.
Chinese label for people at risk for psychosis
Authors: Lee Edwin H.M. , Ching Elaine Y.N. , Hui Christy L.M. , Lin Jessie J.X. , Chang W.C. , Chan Sherry K.W. , Chen Eric Y.H. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimWith the movement of early detection and intervention for people at risk for psychosis, there is a growing need for a uniform terminology to describe the condition. A diagnostic label that can adapt into local culture and value may have positive effect in minimizing stigma. This study explored the preference of Chinese label for people at risk of psychosis and its associated stigma in Hong Kong.MethodsA total of 149 individuals from the general public and 51 health‐care professionals were recruited between March 2013 and May 2014. The condition of at risk for psychosis was described in a vignette. Participants' preference of label and perceived stigma of the condition and their basic demographics were collected by self‐administered questionnaires.ResultsThe most preferred Chinese label was ‘yun‐niang‐qi’ (developing period, 45%), followed by ‘qian‐qu‐qi’ (precursor period, 19%), ‘feng‐xian‐qi’ (risky period, 18%), ‘zao‐xian‐qi’ (early sign period, 16%) and ‘gao‐wei‐qi’ (high risk period, 4%). Gender, age, occupation and previous contact with mental health were not associated with preference of any Chinese label.ConclusionsThe process in searching for this potential and locally accepted label for people at risk for psychosis has raised the awareness among the professionals. A proper label may help promote future clinical research and mental health services in Hong Kong.
Acceleration of cyanobacterial dominance in north temperate‐subarctic lakes during the Anthropocene
Authors: Taranu Zofia E. , Gregory‐Eaves Irene , Leavitt Peter R. , Bunting Lynda , Buchaca Teresa , Catalan Jordi , Domaizon Isabelle , Guilizzoni Piero , Lami Andrea , McGowan Suzanne , Moorhouse Heather , Morabito Giuseppe , Pick Frances R. , Stevenson Mark A. , Thompson Patrick L. , Vinebrooke Rolf D. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIncreases in atmospheric temperature and nutrients from land are thought to be promoting the expansion of harmful cyanobacteria in lakes worldwide, yet to date there has been no quantitative synthesis of long‐term trends. To test whether cyanobacteria have increased in abundance over the past ~ 200 years and evaluate the relative influence of potential causal mechanisms, we synthesised 108 highly resolved sedimentary time series and 18 decadal‐scale monitoring records from north temperate‐subarctic lakes. We demonstrate that: (1) cyanobacteria have increased significantly since c. 1800 ce, (2) they have increased disproportionately relative to other phytoplankton, and (3) cyanobacteria increased more rapidly post c. 1945 ce. Variation among lakes in the rates of increase was explained best by nutrient concentration (phosphorus and nitrogen), and temperature was of secondary importance. Although cyanobacterial biomass has declined in some managed lakes with reduced nutrient influx, the larger spatio‐temporal scale of sedimentary records show continued increases in cyanobacteria throughout the north temperate‐subarctic regions.