bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality and use of consumer information provided with home test kits: room for improvement
Authors: Grispen Janaica E. J. , Ickenroth Martine H. P. , de Vries Nanne K. , van der Weijden Trudy , Ronda Gaby 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundDiagnostic self‐tests (tests on body materials that are initiated by consumers with the aim of diagnosing a disorder or risk factor) are becoming increasingly available. Although the pros and cons of self‐testing are currently not clear, it is an existing phenomenon that is likely to gain further popularity.ObjectiveTo examine consumers' use of and needs for information about self‐testing, and to assess the quality of consumer information provided with home test kits, as perceived by consumers and as assessed using a checklist of quality criteria.MethodsA cross‐sectional Internet survey among 305 self‐testers assessed their use of and needs for information and their perception of the quality of consumer information provided with self‐test kits. A meta‐search engine was used to identify Dutch and English consumer information for home diagnostic tests available online at the time of the study. The quality of this consumer information was evaluated using a checklist of quality criteria.ResultsThe consumers' information needs were in line with the most frequently used information, and the information was perceived as being of moderate to good quality. The information was mostly in agreement with clinical practice guidelines, although information on reliability and follow‐up behaviour was limited. Approximately half of the instruction leaflets did not include information on the target group of the test.ConclusionsAlthough generally of moderate to good quality, some aspects of the information provided were in many cases insufficient. European legislation concerning self‐tests and accompanying information needs to be adapted and adhered to more closely.
Does the presence of mediastinal adenopathy confer a risk for disseminated infection in immunocompetent persons with pulmonary coccidioidomycosis?
Authors: Mayer Anita P. , Morris Michael F. , Panse Prasad M. , Ko Marcia G. , Files Julia A. , Ruddy Barbara E. , Blair Janis E. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryPulmonary coccidioidomycosis is caused by inhaling airborne arthroconidia of Coccidioides, a soil‐dwelling fungus endemic to the desert southwestern United States. Although uncommon, disseminated coccidioidal infection can be associated with well‐defined risk factors, such as cell‐mediated immunodeficiency, certain racial heritages (e.g. African or Filipino), male sex, or pregnancy. Before widespread use of computed tomography (CT), the presence or persistence of mediastinal lymphadenopathy was postulated to be a risk factor for disseminated coccidioidal infection. To investigate the use of CT scanning to identify the presence of mediastinal lymphadenopathy in patients with pulmonary coccidioidomycosis, and to correlate such lymphadenopathy with disseminated coccidioidal infection, we performed a retrospective review of patients with pulmonary coccidioidomycosis who were evaluated by chest CT. Two radiologists independently interpreted 150 CT scans from patients with pulmonary coccidioidomycosis. Forty‐nine patients met CT criteria for mediastinal lymphadenopathy, whereas 101 patients did not. Disseminated coccidioidal infection was observed in 5 (10%) of the 49 patients with mediastinal lymphadenopathy and in 6 of the 101 (6%; P = .34) without such adenopathy. Among patients with coccidioidomycosis, patients with mediastinal lymphadenopathy, as assessed by CT, had a higher rate of disseminated infection, but the difference was not statistically significant.
The 2010 Royal Australasian College of Physicians' policy statement ‘Circumcision of infant males’ is not evidence based
Authors: Morris B. J. , Wodak A. D. , Mindel A. , Schrieber L. , Duggan K. A. , Dilley A. , Willcourt R. J. , Lowy M. , Cooper D. A. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractInfant male circumcision (MC) is an important issue guided by Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) policy. Here we analytically review the RACP's 2010 policy statement ‘Circumcision of infant males’. Comprehensive evaluation in the context of published research was used. We find that the Statement is not a fair and balanced representation of the literature on MC. It ignores, downplays, obfuscates or misrepresents the considerable evidence attesting to the strong protection MC affords against childhood urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections (human immunodeficiency virus, human papilloma virus, herpes simplex virus type 2, trichomonas and genital ulcer disease), thrush, inferior penile hygiene, phimosis, balanoposthitis and penile cancer, and in women protection against human papilloma virus, herpes simplex virus type 2, bacterial vaginosis and cervical cancer. The Statement exaggerates the complication rate. Assertions that ‘the foreskin has a functional role’ and ‘is a primary sensory part of the penis’ are not supported by research, including randomised controlled trials. Instead of citing these and meta‐analyses, the Statement selectively cites poor quality studies. Its claim, without support from a literature‐based risk‐benefit analysis, that the currently available evidence does ‘not warrant routine infant circumcision in Australia and New Zealand’ is misleading. The Statement fails to explain that performing MC in the neonatal period using local anaesthesia maximises benefits, safety, convenience and cost savings. Because the RACP's policy statement is not a fair and balanced representation of the current literature, it should not be used to guide policy. In the interests of public health and individual well‐being, an extensive, comprehensive, balanced review of the scientific literature and a risk‐benefit analysis should be conducted to formulate policy.
Diagnostic value of 18F‐FDG PET/CT in patients with fever of unknown origin
Authors: Kim Y. J. , Kim S. I. , Hong K‐W. , Kang M. W. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis study investigates the diagnostic value of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F‐FDG PET/CT) in patients with 109 classical fever of unknown origin (FUO). Of the 48 18F‐FDG PET/CT scans, 41 (85.4%) were interpreted as abnormal, and 25 (52.1% of all scans) were considered clinically helpful. The final cause of fever was determined in 41 patients (85.4%); infection (25%), malignancy (12.5%), non‐infectious inflammatory disease (16.7%) and miscellaneous causes (31.3%). 18F‐FDG PET/CT contributed to the final diagnosis of FUO in 65.8%.
Hospital treatment in residential care facilities is a viable alternative to hospital admission for selected patients
Authors: Lau Liza , Chong Carol P , Lim Wen Kwang 
Published: July 2012

Aim:  To determine if hospital treatment in residential care facilities, led by a geriatric team, might be a viable alternative to inpatient admission for selected patients.Methods:  Case series with a new intervention were compared with historical controls receiving the conventional treatment. Treatment in residential care facilities (TRC) by the Residential Care Intervention Program in The Elderly (RECIPE) service was compared against the conventional treatment group, aged care unit (ACU) inpatients.Results:  A total of 95 patients in TRC and 167 patients in ACU were included. The mean Charlson Comorbidity Index score was 7 in both groups and demographics were similar, except more patients in the TRC group had dementia. Palliative care support was provided to 35.8% in the TRC group, compared with 7.8% in ACU, P < 0.001. Six‐month mortality rates were similar at 30% for both groups. Rehospitalization rates at 6 months were similar at 41% for both groups. Length of care was significantly shorter for TRC (mean 2 days) compared with ACU (mean 11 days), P < 0.001.Conclusions:  Hospital treatment in residential care is viable for most patients, including those with dementia and those who need palliative care support. This model of care offers a valuable geriatric service to residents who would prefer to avoid hospital transfers, with no difference in mortality or rehospitalization rates for those treated in residential care, but a significant reduction in length of care. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 378–383.
Dopamine and gamma band synchrony in schizophrenia – insights from computational and empirical studies
Authors: Kömek Kübra , Bard Ermentrout G. , Walker Christopher P. , Cho Raymond Y. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractDopamine modulates cortical circuit activity in part through its actions on GABAergic interneurons, including increasing the excitability of fast‐spiking interneurons. Though such effects have been demonstrated in single cells, there are no studies that examine how such mechanisms may lead to the effects of dopamine at a neural network level. With this motivation, we investigated the effects of dopamine on synchronization in a simulated neural network composed of excitatory and fast‐spiking inhibitory Wang–Buzsaki neurons. The effects of dopamine were implemented through varying leak K+ conductance of the fast‐spiking interneurons and the network synchronization within the gamma band (∼40 Hz) was analyzed. Parametrically varying the leak K+ conductance revealed an inverted‐U shaped relationship, with low gamma band power at both low and high conductance levels and optimal synchronization at intermediate conductance levels. We also examined the effects of modulating excitability of the inhibitory neurons more generically using an idealized model with theta neurons, with similar findings. Moreover, such a relationship holds when the external input is both tonic and periodic. Our computational results mirror our empirical study of dopamine modulation in schizophrenia and healthy controls, which showed that amphetamine administration increased gamma power in patients but decreased it in controls. Together, our computational and empirical investigations indicate that dopamine can modulate cortical gamma band synchrony in an inverted‐U fashion and that the physiologic effects of dopamine on single fast‐spiking interneurons can give rise to such non‐monotonic effects at the network level.
Plasma C‐peptide concentration in women with Type 1 diabetes during early and late pregnancy
Authors: Murphy H. R. , Elleri D. , Allen J. M. , Simmons D. , Nodale M. , Hovorka R. 
Published: July 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, e361–e364 (2012)AbstractAims  There are previous suggestions of increased C‐peptide concentration in women with Type 1 diabetes during pregnancy. Our aim was to re‐evaluate the hypothesis of a pregnancy‐induced increase by measuring plasma C‐peptide concentration in women with stable blood glucose control under standardized fasting and meal‐stimulated conditions.Methods  Ten women with Type 1 diabetes; median age 31.1 years, median diabetes duration 19 years, median HbA1c 52 mmol/mol (6.9%) were admitted to a clinical research facility for two 24‐h visits in early (12–16 weeks) and late (28–32 weeks) pregnancy. Women They ate standardized study meals ‐ 80‐g carbohydrate dinner, 60‐g carbohydrate breakfast, and fasted between meals and overnight. Closed‐loop insulin delivery maintained stable and comparable glycaemic conditions. Paired samples for plasma glucose and C‐peptide were obtained.Results  Plasma glucose levels were comparable in early (median 6.5 mmol/l; interquartile range 5.6–8.6) and late pregnancy (median 7.0 mmol/l; interquartile range 6.1–7.8; P = 0.72). There was no change in fasting or meal‐stimulated plasma C‐peptide concentration from early to late pregnancy; mean difference 4.0 pmol/l (95% CI −6.0 to 7.0; P = 0.9). Four women had detectable C‐peptide; peak (range) early vs. late pregnancy 48.5 (10–115) vs. 40.0 pmol/l (80–105); P = 0.5, which was weakly associated with plasma glucose; R2 = 0.15, P < 0.0001.Conclusions  We found no gestational changes in plasma C‐peptide concentration. Previously reported increases may reflect differences in glucose control and/or exogenous insulin doses. This study highlights the importance and challenges of standardizing experimental conditions for accurate plasma C‐peptide measurement during Type 1 diabetes pregnancy.
Mobilizing Protest: Insights from Two Factory Closures
Authors: Blyton Paul , Jenkins Jean 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis article draws on investigations of worker response to two factory closures to develop recent discussions around mobilization theory. With many shared characteristics between the factories, both located in the garment manufacturing sector, and with similar workforces and union organization, certain key distinguishing features between the two provide insights into why worker protest became effectively mobilized and sustained in one case but failed to materialize in the other. The findings point to the value of assigning greater weight in studies of worker mobilization to the impact of prior existing social structures within a population, and the interaction between that population, its leaders and wider society.
Effects of Monetary Policy on the US Dollar/UK Pound Exchange Rate. Is There a “Delayed Overshooting Puzzle”?
Authors: Heinlein Reinhold , Krolzig Hans‐Martin 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe determination of the US dollar/UK pound sterling exchange rate is studied in a small symmetric macroeconometric model including UK–US differentials in inflation, output gap, and short‐ and long‐term interest rates for the four decades since the breakdown of Bretton Woods. The key question addressed is the possible presence of a “delayed overshooting puzzle” in the dynamic reaction of the exchange rate to monetary policy shocks. In contrast to the existing literature, we follow a data‐driven modeling approach combining (i) a vector autoregression (VAR)‐based cointegration analysis with (ii) a graph‐theoretic search for instantaneous causal relations and (iii) an automatic general‐to‐specific approach for the selection of a congruent parsimonious structural vector equilibrium correction model. We find that the long‐run properties of the system are characterized by four cointegration relations and one stochastic trend, which is identified as the long‐term interest rate differential and that appears to be driven by long‐term inflation expectations as in the Fisher hypothesis. It cointegrates with the inflation differential to a stationary “real” long‐term rate differential and also drives the exchange rate. The short‐run dynamics are characterized by a direct link from the short‐term to the long‐term interest rate differential. Jumps in the exchange rate after short‐term interest rate variations are only significant at 10%. Overall, we find strong evidence for delayed overshooting and violations of uncovered interest rate parity (UIP) in response to monetary policy shocks.
Balance‐of‐Payments Crises During the Great Recession: Is This Time Different?
Authors: Arduini Tiziano , De Arcangelis Giuseppe , Del Bello Carlo L. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractDuring the 2007–09 financial crisis large volatility and wide currency swings characterized the foreign exchange market. This paper utilizes the early‐warning framework to evaluate whether during the period of the Great Recession there has been a structural break in the relationship between fundamentals and exchange rates. This is done by extending an original data set from 1999 and including not only the most recent period, but also 17 new countries. The analysis considers two variations of the original early‐warning system. First, two new methods are proposed to obtain the probability distribution of the early‐warning indicator (conditional on the occurrence of a crisis)—one fully parametric and one based on a novel distribution‐free semi‐parametric approach. Second, the original early‐warning indicator is compared with a core indicator that includes only “pseudo‐financial variables” (domestic credit/GDP, the real exchange rate, international reserves and the real interest‐rate differential) and their performance is evaluated not only for currency crises during the Great Recession, but also for the Asian Crisis. The conclusion from all tests is that “this time is different”, i.e. early‐warning systems based on traditional macroeconomic variables have not only failed to forecast currency crises during the Great Recession, but have also significantly worsened with respect to the period of the Asian crisis.
Offshoring to High and Low Income Countries and the Labor Demand. Evidence from Italian Firms
Authors: Lo Turco Alessia , Maggioni Daniela 
Published: July 2012

AbstractMaking use of an original data set the effects of imports of intermediates from high and low income countries on the conditional labor demand of a panel of Italian manufacturing firms are investigated. A dynamic panel data model is estimated by means of system GMM allowing for the endogeneity of the right‐hand side regressors, especially the offshoring measures. The results bear a negative offshoring effect which is attributable exclusively to imports of intermediates from low income trading partners and mainly concerns firms operating in traditional sectors. No statistically significant effect is estimated for imports from high income countries. These findings are robust to the different measures of offshoring and to the inclusion of further controls.
High‐performance liquid chromatographic determination of triclosan and triclocarban in cosmetic products
Authors: Liu T. , Wu D. 
Published: July 2012

SynopsisA high–performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the determination of triclosan and triclocarban in cosmetic products was developed. Triclosan and triclocarban quantities in 168 of cosmetics were investigated and statistical analyzed with this method. The optimal condition are as follows: An Agilent SB‐C8 analytical column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5μm) was utilized, and mixed buffer solution of methanol and 0.01 mol L−1 phosphate (pH 3.0) (72 : 28, V/V) were used for isocratic elution at a total flow rate of 1.0 mL min−1. It is found the calibration curves had a good linear regression with UV detection (280 nm) within test range of 0–110 μg mL−1 with the correlation coefficients of 0.999 in all cases. This method is simple, selective, convenient, and reproducible for the determination of triclosan and triclocarban in commercial cosmetic products.
Edge effects and large mammal distributions in a national park
Authors: Kiffner C. , Stoner C. , Caro T. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractWhile protected areas are a centrepiece of conservation, populations of animals in protected areas can still be subject to considerable human influence. Conservation theory suggests that many species should live at lower densities at the periphery of protected areas compared with the core area. Similarly, but more specifically, species subject to exploitation are expected to have lower densities in areas close to human settlements compared with more remote areas. Drawing upon distributional data of eight large African herbivore species (buffalo Syncerus caffer, elephant Loxodonta africana, giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis, impala Aepyceros melampus, topi Damaliscus lunatus, warthog Phacochoerus africanus, waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus and zebra Equus quagga) sampled using ground surveys in 1995 and 1996, and seven large herbivore species (the same species without impala) sampled using aerial surveys from 1987 to 2009, we fitted logistic regression models and used an information theoretic model selection approach to test these two hypotheses in an East African savannah national park subject to illegal hunting from outside. In the vast majority of herbivore species, occupancy was not substantially affected by being close to the edge of the park or in close proximity to human villages. Furthermore, population declines witnessed in this protected area were not reflected in reduced occupancy near park boundaries. We conclude that assumed distributional differences between peripheral and core parts of reserves are not necessarily supported by empirical evidence, and that population declines within reserves do not inevitably proceed from boundaries inwards.
Developmental delay of finger torque control in children with developmental coordination disorder
Authors: KING BRADLEY R , CLARK JANE E , OLIVEIRA MARCIO A 
Published: July 2012

Aim  We examined whether the behavioral impairments in finger torque control evident in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) follow a delayed or different developmental trajectory compared with their typically developing peers.Method  Children with DCD (n=36; 18 males, 18 females; mean age 9y 7mo, SD 1y 8mo) and 36 typically developing children (15 males, 21 females; mean age 9y 7mo, SD 2y), between 6 years 10 months and 12 years 7 months of age were recruited from schools in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Particpants completed finger torque control and maximum finger torque production tasks. The inclusion criterion for children with DCD was a Movement Assessment Battery for Children score below the fifth centile. Group means and cross‐sectional age‐related landscapes of the two groups were compared.Results  Children with DCD were more variable (p<0.001), less accurate (p=0.007), and less irregular (p<0.001), on average, in their finger torque control than their typically developing peers, despite producing nearly equivalent levels of maximum torque (p=0.49). Despite these mean differences, the cross‐sectional age‐related changes in torque control were similar in the two groups (all p>0.05).Interpretation  The developmental trajectory of finger torque control in children with DCD, compared with typically developing children, is delayed. This suggests the behavioral deficits in finger torque control in children with DCD persist as a function of age, rather than progressing or resolving.
Development of a nomogram based on markers of ovarian reserve for the individualisation of the follicle‐stimulating hormone starting dose in in vitro fertilisation cycles
Authors: La Marca A , Papaleo E , Grisendi V , Argento C , Giulini S , Volpe A 
Published: July 2012

Please cite this paper as: La Marca A, Papaleo E, Grisendi V, Argento C, Giulini S, Volpe A. Development of a nomogram based on markers of ovarian reserve for the individualisation of the follicle‐stimulating hormone starting dose in in vitro fertilisation cycles. BJOG 2012;119:1171–1179.Objective  To elaborate a nomogram based on markers of ovarian reserve for the calculation of the appropriate starting dose of follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH).Design  Cohort study of infertile women.Setting  In vitro fertilisation (IVF) unit, University Hospital of Modena, Italy.Population  Women aged 18–40 years (n = 346) and undergoing their first IVF cycle.Methods  Serum FSH and anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) measurement.Main outcome measures  Development of a model for the prediction of ovarian response to FSH.Results  A model based on age, AMH and FSH was able to accurately predict the ovarian sensitivity and accounted for 30% of the variability of ovarian response to FSH. An FSH dosage nomogram was constructed and overall it predicts a starting FSH dose <225 IU in 55.1 and 25.9% of women younger and older than 35 years, respectively.Conclusions  In the present study we clearly demonstrated that the daily FSH dose may be calculated on the basis of a woman’s age and two markers of ovarian reserve, namely AMH and FSH, with the first two vari;s (age and AMH) being the most significant predictors. The nomogram we developed seems easily applicable for clinicians during their daily clinical practice.