bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of obstructive sleep apnoea on diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Leong W. B. , Jadhakhan F. , Taheri S. , Chen Y. F. , Adab P. , Thomas G. N. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimsTo summarize the association between obstructive sleep apnoea and diabetic retinopathy and diabetic maculopathy, and to examine the effects of oxygen desaturation index, mean and minimum oxygen saturation and time spent with < 90% oxygen saturation on diabetic retinopathy and diabetic maculopathy.MethodsA systematic search was performed for papers published from inception to January 2014 in MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews using indexed terms and free text. Additional searches were carried out for grey literature. Two authors conducted the study selection and quality assessment. Data extraction was performed by the main author and checked by the other authors.ResultsOne cohort study and 15 cross‐sectional studies were included for narrative synthesis and three for meta‐analyses. There was no convincing evidence that obstructive sleep apnoea was associated with diabetic retinopathy, although some evidence suggested that obstructive sleep apnoea was associated with greater severity of diabetic retinopathy and advanced diabetic retinopathy in people with Type 2 diabetes. Only six studies examined the impact of obstructive sleep apnoea on diabetic maculopathy and our narrative review suggests there is an association in Type 2 diabetes. Oxygen desaturation index, mean oxygen saturation or time spent with < 90% oxygen saturation were not associated with diabetic retinopathy, and insufficient evidence was available to draw conclusions on their effects on diabetic maculopathy; however, there was evidence from both narrative synthesis and meta‐analysis that minimum oxygen saturation had an impact on diabetic retinopathy (pooled odds ratio 0.91, 95% CI 0.87–0.95; I2 = 0%).ConclusionsThere is a need for large cohort studies with long‐term follow‐up data to examine the long‐term effects of obstructive sleep apnoea and other sleep variables on advanced retinal disease in diabetes.
Warm temperature acclimation impacts metabolism of paralytic shellfish toxins from Alexandrium minutum in commercial oysters
Authors: Farrell Hazel , Seebacher Frank , O'Connor Wayne , Zammit Anthony , Harwood D. Tim , Murray Shauna 
Published: May 2015

AbstractSpecies of Alexandrium produce potent neurotoxins termed paralytic shellfish toxins and are expanding their ranges worldwide, concurrent with increases in sea surface temperature. The metabolism of molluscs is temperature dependent, and increases in ocean temperature may influence both the abundance and distribution of Alexandrium and the dynamics of toxin uptake and depuration in shellfish. Here, we conducted a large‐scale study of the effect of temperature on the uptake and depuration of paralytic shellfish toxins in three commercial oysters (Saccostrea glomerata and diploid and triploid Crassostrea gigas, n = 252 per species/ploidy level). Oysters were acclimated to two constant temperatures, reflecting current and predicted climate scenarios (22 and 27 °C), and fed a diet including the paralytic shellfish toxin‐producing species Alexandrium minutum. While the oysters fed on A. minutum in similar quantities, concentrations of the toxin analogue GTX1,4 were significantly lower in warm‐acclimated S. glomerata and diploid C. gigas after 12 days. Following exposure to A. minutum, toxicity of triploid C. gigas was not affected by temperature. Generally, detoxification rates were reduced in warm‐acclimated oysters. The routine metabolism of the oysters was not affected by the toxins, but a significant effect was found at a cellular level in diploid C. gigas. The increasing incidences of Alexandrium blooms worldwide are a challenge for shellfish food safety regulation. Our findings indicate that rising ocean temperatures may reduce paralytic shellfish toxin accumulation in two of the three oyster types; however, they may persist for longer periods in oyster tissue.
Emodin ameliorates hepatic steatosis through endoplasmic reticulum–stress sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1c pathway in liquid fructose‐feeding rats
Authors: Li Xiaojie , Xu Zhimeng , Wang Shaojie , Guo Hongli , Dong Sizhe , Wang Tao , Zhang Luyong , Jiang Zhenzhou 
Published: May 2015

AimTo investigate the effects of emodin on the treatment of non‐alcoholic fatty liver in rats induced by liquid fructose‐feeding in rats and the possible underlying mechanisms.MethodsSprague–Dawley rats were divided into the control, fructose‐feeding group, and three fructose‐feeding groups treated with 40, 80 and 160 mg/kg emodin, respectively. After 4 weeks of feeding, liquid consumption, food intake, bodyweight, liver index, serum triglyceride (TG), glucose and aminotransferases (aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and alanine aminotransferase [ALT]), liver TG contents and histology features were examined. The hepatic expression of lipogenic and fatty acid oxidation key enzymes, and an upstream transcriptional factor, sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1c (SREBP1c) were determined. Glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78), a liver endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) marker and the unfolded protein response (UPR) related proteins were also measured.ResultsEmodin reduced bodyweight, liver index, serum TG levels of fructose‐feeding rats with no significant difference in serum glucose, AST and ALT levels. Emodin improved hepatic steatosis by inhibiting SREBP1c activation and its target genes, and enhancing carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 expression in fructose‐feeding rats. Emodin resolved hepatic ERS and the UPR induced by liquid fructose in rats.ConclusionEmodin is capable of improving the lipid accumulation through the ERS–SREBP1c pathway in fructose‐induced non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Performance of an artefact reduction algorithm in the diagnosis of in vitro vertical root fracture in four different root filling conditions on CBCT images
Authors: de Rezende Barbosa G. L. , Sousa Melo S. L. , Alencar P. N. B. , Nascimento M. C. C. , Almeida S. M. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimTo evaluate the influence of an artefact reduction algorithm (ARA) and several root filling materials on the detection of root fractures on cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.MethodologyForty‐four teeth were divided into control and fractured groups and scanned on a Picasso Trio CBCT device under four conditions: unrestored, filled with gutta‐percha cones, cast‐gold or fibreglass posts; either with or without applying the ARA. Three calibrated examiners assessed the images. ROC analysis, anova and pairwise Tukey LSD test were performed.ResultsNo significant difference between the groups with and without the ARA was observed. There was no significant interaction between the algorithm and root condition. On the other hand, there was a significant difference in the mean values of sensitivity (Sn) and accuracy (Ac) amongst the different root filling groups (P ≤ 0.001).ConclusionsThe application of the ARA did not influence the diagnosis of root fractures, and its effects did not depend on root conditions. In relation to the filling materials, gold posts reduced the overall CBCT diagnostic ability, regardless of the use of the ARA.
Police, Social Work and Medical Responses to Battered Women
Authors: Johnson Norman 
Published: May 2015

Battered women frequently experience difficulties in seeking help from formal sources. They do not always know what services are available and they may be deterred by feelings of embarrassment, shame and even guilt. They may also fear reprisals. A further problem is that services are poorly co-ordinated. This paper examines the response of the three agencies most frequently approached by battered women seeking help. The police, social workers and medical and paramedical personnel reveal the same or similar attitudes towards marital violence and the problem is either ignored or redefined (usually in terms of child care). There is a marked reluctance on the part of all practitioners to become involved in cases of marital violence which they see as peripheral to their main concerns. The privacy of the family and of marriage is constantly stressed and women are viewed primarily as wives and mothers. When practitioners do become involved, therefore, the emphasis is on reconciliation rather than firm action. This response has the effect of trivializing the problems, and the legitimacy of male violence as a means of controlling women remains largely unchallenged. It is small wonder that battered women frequently express dissatisfaction with the services concerned.
Woman-Battering, Child Abuse and Social Heredity: What is the Relationship?
Authors: Stark Evan , Flitcraft Anne 
Published: May 2015

This paper explores the relationship between child abuse and woman-battering. In so doing the authors test and reject the hypothesis, common in the violence literature, that ‘violence begets violence’. The vast majority of woman-batterers do not come from homes where they were beaten, and the vast majority of men who were beaten as children do not later batter their wives. Child abuse experts deny the importance of woman-battering. Interventions to stop child abuse focus on changing the ‘mother's’ behaviour. Wife abuse is, however, the major precipitating context of child abuse. Children whose mothers are battered are more than twice as likely to be physically abused than children whose mothers are not battered. When women are battered and children are abused it is usually the male batterer who is responsible for the maltreatment of the child. In other cases women may turn to child abuse when their own battering is already well-established. Battered women who abuse their children are more likely to be treated punitively than non-battered mothers who treat their children in a similar manner. They are, for instance, more likely to have their children removed. These findings have important implications for policy. The authors point out that those who are concerned about child abuse ‘would do well to look toward advocacy and protection of battered mothers as the best available means to prevent current child abuse as well as child abuse in the future’.
The Politics of Schism: Routinisation and Social Control in the International Socialists/Socialist Workers' Party
Authors: Rayner Steve 
Published: May 2015

There is a common assumption in social science, that voluntary associations founded on egalitarian principles must inevitably develop hierarchical structures with centralized control, if they are to persist through time. This paper uses grid/group analysis to suggest an approach to organizational change that is less fatalistic than the iron law of oligarchy. A case study is presented which suggests that the process of routinization in egalitarian associations is far from automatic. Indeed, the members' awareness of contradiction between egalitarian principles on which the group was founded, and principles of centralized power and hierarchy in bureaucratic organizations is a problem that must be overcome by a leader who seeks to effect such a change. Furthermore, the case study shows that social control through a centralized hierarchy cannot simply be introduced into a voluntary association. It must first pass through a phase in which institutional memory of the founding principles is eradicated through high membership turnover, and the expulsion of rival contenders for leadership. This process creates the conditions for centralized social control and the bureaucratic exercise of power.
The Delta Programme and updated flood risk management policies in the Netherlands
Authors: Van Alphen J. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe Delta Programme consists of strategies to protect the Netherlands against flooding and to safeguard fresh water supply while anticipating climate change. The programme is aimed at avoiding a disastrous flood, rather than responding to it after the event. This requires a multigovernmental approach, strategies dealing with uncertainty and adequate institutional arrangements to guarantee future‐proof implementation. The Delta Programme includes updated standards for flood protection, a policy framework regarding flood‐proof urban (re)development and efforts to improve disaster management. Uncertainties about the future climate, population, economy and society are to tackled by an adaptive way of planning i.e. maximizing flexibility, keeping options open and avoiding ‘lock in’. The multifunctional design of these measures increases societal ‘added value’ (regarding nature, recreation or urban development) and enhances acceptance. The Delta Commissioner directs this multigovernmental process, monitors progress, reports to Parliament every year and takes the necessary steps when problems arise. From 2020 onwards, a Delta Fund of about 1 billion EUR per year will provide stability in financial resources. The new Delta Act forms the legal basis for the programme, the Commissioner and the Delta Fund.
Cerebral Hypoperfusion and Hypometabolism Detected by Arterial Spin Labeling MRI and FDG‐PET in Early‐Onset Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Verclytte Sebastien , Lopes Renaud , Lenfant Pierre , Rollin Adeline , Semah Franck , Leclerc Xavier , Pasquier Florence , Delmaire Christine 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEEarly‐onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) is frequently associated with atypical clinical presentations and its early detection remains a challenging issue. In this study, we used arterial spin labeling (ASL), a noninvasive perfusion MRI sequence, and [18F]‐FDG‐PET to detect the perfusion and metabolic features in patients with EOAD.METHODSAll patients were investigated in the French reference center for young‐onset dementia and were assessed by MRI, including a pseudo‐continuous ASL (pCASL) sequence, and [18F]‐FDG‐PET. Quantitative analyses and intermodality comparison with correlation analysis were made after data processing including correction of partial volume effects, cortical projection, and specific intensity normalization.RESULTSWe prospectively included 37 patients with EOAD with a mean age of 58.3 years. The areas of most severe hypoperfusion detected with ASL were located in the parietal lobes, the precuneus, the right posterior cingulate cortex, and the frontal lobes (P < .05). The areas of lowest glucose metabolism detected by [18F]‐FDG‐PET were identified in the temporoparietal cortex and the precuneus (P < .05). Hypometabolic regions were more extensive than hypoperfused regions on ASL maps whereas ASL highlighted alterations in the frontal lobes without apparent hypometabolism on [18F]‐FDG‐PET maps.CONCLUSIONSASL and [18F]‐FDG‐PET detected pathological areas of similar distribution mainly located in the inferior parietal lobules and local zones in the temporal cortex in patients with EOAD. Our preliminary study showed that ASL and [18F]‐FDG‐PET may have a complementary role in combination with structural MRI for the assessment of suspected EOAD.
Validity of Medical Student Questionnaire Data in Prediction of Rural Practice Choice and Its Association With Service Orientation
Authors: Shannon C. Ken , Jackson Jodie 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPurposeThe validity of medical student projection of, and predictors for, rural practice and the association of a measure of service orientation, projected practice accessibility to the indigent, were investigated.MethodsWest Virginia (WV) medical student online pre‐ and postrural rotation questionnaire data were collected during the time period 2001‐2009. Of the 1,517 respondent students, submissions by 1,271 met the time interval criterion for inclusion in analyses. Subsequent WV licensing data were available for 461 in 2013. These 2 databases were used to assess for validity of projection of rural practice, for predictors of rural practice, and for student projected accessibility of the future practice to indigent patients.FindingsThere were statistically significant associations between both pre‐ and postrotation projections of rural practice and subsequent rural practice. The most significant independent predictors of rural practice were student rural background, reported primary care intent, prediction of rural practice and projection of greater accessibility of the future practice to indigent patients. For scoring of practice access, there were trends for higher scoring by rural students and rural practitioners, with greater pre‐post increases for those with urban hometowns.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the utility of medical student questionnaires for projections of numbers of future rural physicians. It suggests that students with a rural background, rural practice intent, or greater service orientation are more likely to enter rural practice. It also suggests that students, particularly those with urban hometowns, are influenced by rural rotation experiences in forecasting greater practice accessibility and in entering rural practice.
Antifungal stewardship in daily practice and health economic implications
Authors: Muñoz Patricia , Valerio Maricela , Vena Antonio , Bouza Emilio 
Published: May 2015

SummaryDuring recent years, inappropriate antifungal use has contributed to the global increase in antifungal resistance and has played a role in the shift in the aetiology of invasive fungal infections. Moreover, overuse of antifungals may also lead to higher toxicity associated with unnecessary medication exposure and to increased healthcare costs. Antifungal stewardship (AFS) programmes consist of multidisciplinary interventions, led by specialists in infectious disease, microbiology and pharmacy that cooperate and communicate with the major prescribing departments in order to optimise antifungal therapies evaluating the indication, dose, streamlining and duration. Herein, we review the available evidence for the use of AFS and their impact on health economics. We also describe our AFS program, the successive steps we followed and the main difficulties we found.
The PAUL Suit©: an experience of ageing
Authors: Bennett Paul , Moore Malcolm , Wenham John 
Published: May 2015

SummaryBackgroundAn ageing population worldwide makes it increasingly important that health students understand issues that elderly people face and can provide empathic care to them.ContextThis teaching department in an isolated rural setting developed an interprofessional learning session to assist health students to understand issues of functional loss and social isolation that can affect elderly people.InnovationThe Premature Ageing Unisex Leisure (PAUL) Suit© was developed as part of a 1‐day learning session for undergraduate health students – including students of medicine, nursing and allied health – attending clinical placement in far‐west New South Wales. The suit was developed locally and can be adjusted to simulate a wide range of functional losses in the wearer. Students undertake a range of daily tasks in the community while wearing the suit in the company of a student ‘carer’. Over the past 4 years, approximately 140 students have participated in the simulation. Post‐simulation evaluations report that students gain a greater understanding of some functional issues associated with ageing, and of the social isolation that can be associated with these. The experiential nature of the activity leads to some powerful insights.This activity is an innovative, experiential tool to deepen students understanding of issues related to ageingImplicationsThis activity is an innovative, experiential tool to deepen students understanding of issues relating to ageing. The interprofessional nature of the activity is an important factor in the success of the day, and produces a wide range of shared insights. The activity also enhances the partnerships between the university, the health service and the local community. Our experience supports the value of simulation in providing a deep learning opportunity in the area of ageing and disability.
Uptake of community‐based, self‐collected HPV testing vs. visual inspection with acetic acid for cervical cancer screening in Kampala, Uganda: preliminary results of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Moses Erin , Pedersen Heather N. , Mitchell Sheona M. , Sekikubo Musa , Mwesigwa David , Singer Joel , Biryabarema Christine , Byamugisha Josaphat K. , Money Deborah M. , Ogilvie Gina S. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo compare two cervical cancer screening methods: community‐based self‐collection of high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) testing and visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA).MethodsPilot randomised controlled trial of 500 women aged 30–65 in the community of Kisenyi, Uganda. Women randomised to self‐collection‐based HR‐HPV testing provided a cervico‐vaginal swab for HR‐HPV, and results were provided by phone after laboratory testing. Women who tested HPV positive were referred for VIA at the local health unit. Women randomised to VIA underwent screening at the local health unit, where women who tested positive with VIA were provided cryotherapy at time of screening, as per local standard of care. Women were referred for colposcopy when indicated. Outcome measures were uptake of screening, HR‐HPV prevalence, VIA result and treatment rates.ResultsIn the HR‐HPV arm, 248 of 250 (p < 0.01) women provided samples, while in the VIA arm, 121 of 250 (48.4%) women attended screening. Among the 73 of 248 HR‐HPV‐positive women, 45.2% (N = 33) attended VIA screening for follow‐up, 21.2% (N = 7) of whom screened positive; five received treatment and two were missing clinical follow‐up records. Of the 121 women in the VIA arm who attended screening, 13.2% (N = 16) screened positive; seven received cryotherapy, three refused treatment, five were referred to colposcopy; and one woman had suspected cervical cancer and received treatment after confirmatory testing.ConclusionsThis pilot study demonstrated trial feasibility and willingness of the women to participate and be randomised successfully into the two arms. Self‐collection‐based cervical cancer screening had a higher uptake than VIA.
Interpretation of pretransfusion testing in obstetrical patients who have received antepartum Rh immunoglobulin prophylaxis
Authors: Szkotak A. J. , Lunty B. , Nahirniak S. , Clarke G. 
Published: May 2015

Background and ObjectivesDetermining whether anti‐D represents active or passive alloimmunization after RhIg administration is challenging. The objectives were to use antibody reaction strength to differentiate patients who may have become RhD alloimmunized during pregnancy from those manifesting passive anti‐D and to investigate which methods work best for this determination.Materials and MethodsData were collected from patients residing in the Edmonton region of Canada, ≥18 years old, undergoing antibody screening in late pregnancy, who received 300 μg (1500 IU) of RhIg in the preceding 120 days. A total of 1106 tests were performed on 1050 blood samples from 963 patients: 640 by PEG, 156 by gel‐card and 310 by solid‐phase methodology.ResultsPEG was the least sensitive to passive anti‐D, with significantly fewer positive results at ≥8 weeks after RhIg compared to the other methods. Strength of reactivity and time since RhIg injection could be used to identify patients at high risk using PEG as a 4+ reaction at any time, ≥3+ at >2 weeks, ≥2+ at >6 weeks and ≥1+ at >14 weeks. Similarly, the gel‐card method thresholds were 4+ at >5 weeks, ≥3+ at >10 weeks and ≥2+ at >15 weeks. Reaction strength by solid‐phase was too variable to establish useful thresholds by this method. Infant RhD status did not significantly affect results.ConclusionPatients can be risk stratified for alloimmunization by anti‐D reaction strength and time after RhIg administration. The PEG method was the best of those investigated, but the gel‐card method can also be used.