bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Viral acute respiratory infections among infants visited in a rural hospital of southern Mozambique
Authors: O’Callaghan‐Gordo Cristina , Díez‐Padrisa Núria , Abacassamo Fatima , Pérez‐Breña Pilar , Casas Inmaculada , Alonso Pedro L. , Roca Anna 
Published: June 2011

SummaryObjectives  To determine the epidemiology and clinical presentation of virus‐associated acute respiratory infections (ARI) in Mozambican infants.Methods  A systematic selection of nasopharyngeal aspirates (n = 333), collected from infants younger than 12 months who visited Manhiça District Hospital (southern Mozambique) with ARI during a 12 months respiratory syncitial virus surveillance, were tested for other common respiratory viruses. Four different polymerase chain reactions were used to diagnose rhinovirus (RV), influenza (Flu; A and B), adenovirus (ADV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), parainfluenza (PIV; 1, 2, 3 and 4AB) and enterovirus (EV).Results  At least one study virus was identified in more than half of the samples tested (185/333). Overall, 231 viruses were detected among 185 infants, listed in the order of prevalence: RV (26%), Flu (15%), ADV (14%), hMPV (7%), PIV (5%) and EV (3%). Acute respiratory infections (ARI) cases and viral episodes were seasonal and concentrate during the warm and the rainy season. Clinical features were similar among all study children regardless of the detection of virus, with the exception of ear discharge, which was more frequent among viral cases [6% (11/183) vs. 1% (2/144); P = 0.034]. Children with multiple viral infections had higher odds of severity such as nasal flaring and indrawing (OR = 2.7, P = 0.028 and OR = 3.8, P = 0.007, respectively) and higher odds of hospitalisation (OR = 4.42, P = 0.001, adjusted by age and sex).Conclusions  Viral ARI are frequent among infants visited in MHD. Strategies to prevent mild respiratory infections, and specially their complications, might alleviate health systems of source‐limited settings.
Phenotypic characterization of mononuclear blood cells from pregnant Gabonese and their newborns
Authors: Köhler Carsten , Adegnika Ayola A. , van der Linden Reinier , Luty Adrian J. F. , Kremsner Peter G. 
Published: June 2011

SummaryObjectives  As many studies have analysed the immunological phenotype of either neonatal cord or maternal blood during pregnancy, but few have compared paired maternal and neonatal samples, we designed and conducted such a study in a Central African setting.Methods  We used flow cytometric analyses with blood samples from pairs of Gabonese mothers and their newborns to determine the cellular composition of mononuclear cells as well as the activation status of T and B lymphocytes and antigen‐presenting cells.Results  The results indicate higher activation levels of neonatal cells involved in the first‐line defence against pathogens such as natural killer cells, while the neonatal T‐ and B‐cell compartment as well as the neonatal monocyte subpopulations shows a less mature phenotype.Conclusions  Our findings likely reflect a specific neonatal defence mechanism that compensates for otherwise poorly developed immune responses at birth, especially important in an area with a high burden of infectious agents such as Gabon. The data contribute to the establishment of reference values for the mother–neonate relationship in African regions that have similar environmental characteristics.
High prevalence of distal sensory polyneuropathy in antiretroviral‐treated and untreated people with HIV in Tanzania
Authors: Mullin S. , Temu A. , Kalluvya S. , Grant A. , Manji H. 
Published: June 2011

SummaryObjectives  To describe the prevalence of distal sensory polyneuropathy (DSP), a complication of both advanced HIV disease and of antiretroviral therapy (ART), amongst Tanzanians with HIV, on and off ART (including stavudine) with CD4 counts above and below 200 cells/μl.Methods  We recruited participants attending ART clinic into four groups: >6 months ART exposure and (i) CD4 < 200 cells/μl or (ii) CD4 > 200 cells/μl (ART/CD4 < 200 and ART/CD4 > 200, respectively); ART‐naïve and (iii) CD4 < 200 cells/μl or iv)CD4 > 200 cells/μl (noART/CD4 < 200 and noART/CD4 > 200, respectively). Primary outcome was DSP, as defined by presence of at least one symptom and one sign.Results  Of 326 evaluable participants, 81 (32 men, median age 38 years, median CD4 142 cells/μl) were enrolled in the ART/CD4 < 200 group, 78 (17 men, median age 37 years, median CD4 345 cells/μl) in ART/CD4 > 200, 81 (30 men, median age 37 years, median CD4 128 cells/μl) in noART/CD4 < 200 and 86 (22 men, median age 33 years, median CD4 446 cells/μl) in noART/CD4 > 200. Numbness was the most commonly reported symptom. DSP prevalence ranged from 43.2% in ART/CD4 < 200 to 20.9% in noART/CD4 > 200. DSP was more common among men (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–3.3) and older participants (aOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.1–6.2 for age 40 + vs. <30 years).Conclusion  Distal sensory polyneuropathy is common amongst those attending this clinic, even those with no ART exposure and a CD4 count above 200 cells/μl. Stavudine and didanosine expose HIV‐infected patients to an additional avoidable risk of DSP. Access to non‐neurotoxic ART regimes as well as earlier HIV diagnosis and initiation of ART is needed.
Developing a ‘critical’ approach to patient and public involvement in patient safety in the NHS: learning lessons from other parts of the public sector?
Authors: Ocloo Josephine E. , Fulop Naomi J. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThere has been considerable momentum within the NHS over the last 10 years to develop greater patient and public involvement (PPI). This commitment has been reflected in numerous policy initiatives. In patient safety, the drive to increase involvement has increasingly been seen as an important way of building a safety culture. Evidence suggests, however, that progress has been slow and even more variable than in health care generally. Given this context, the paper analyses some of the key underlying drivers for involvement in the wider context of health and social care and makes some suggestions on what lessons can be learned for developing the PPI agenda in patient safety. To develop PPI further, it is argued that a greater understanding is needed of the contested nature of involvement in patient safety and how this has similarities to the emergence of user involvement in other parts of the public services. This understanding has led to the development of a range of critical theories to guide involvement that also make more explicit the underlying factors that support and hinder involvement processes, often related to power inequities and control. Achieving greater PPI in patient safety is therefore seen to require a more critical framework for understanding processes of involvement that can also help guide and evaluate involvement practices.
Management of inherited thrombophilia: guide for genetics professionals
Authors: Varga EA , Kujovich JL 
Published: June 2011

Varga EA, Kujovich JL. Management of inherited thrombophilia: guide for genetics professionals.Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common source of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Heritable risk factors for VTE (thrombophilias) can be identified in 30–50% of affected patients. Factor V Leiden, prothrombin 20210G>A, and deficiencies of antithrombin, protein C and protein S increase the risk of a first VTE. However, an individual's thrombotic risk is determined by a complex interplay of genetic, acquired and circumstantial risk factors. At least 50% of VTE events in thrombophilic individuals are provoked by predisposing factors such as immobility, surgery, trauma, cancer, hormonal therapy and pregnancy. Non‐modifiable risk factors such as advancing age and family history also increase thrombotic risk. An evidence‐based risk factor evaluation is an essential step in VTE prevention. This review will educate genetics professionals about inherited and acquired risk factors for VTE and discuss recommendations for management of asymptomatic individuals with thrombophilia.
Expression of Oestrogen Receptors in Foetal Lung Tissue of Mice
Authors: Carvalho O. , Gonçalves C. 
Published: June 2011

With 2 figures and 1 tableSummaryOestrogens are responsible for the sexual dimorphism in adult mice lung tissue, and this difference is most notable at sexual maturity. Oestrogen receptor‐alpha (ERα) and the oestrogen receptor‐beta (ERβ) are the two receptors that mediate oestrogen action, but adult mice lung tissue only expresses ERβ, and it is probably through this receptor that oestrogens exert their action. The goal of our study was to detect the expression of ERα and ERβ in mouse foetal lung tissues and identify possible gender differences. The foetal lung tissue was collected between developmental days E15–E19, processed for histology and the expression of oestrogen receptors was detected by immunohistochemistry. Over the 5 days of lung development that were evaluated ERα was not expressed in the foetal lung tissues of neither male nor female mice. In contrast, ERβ was detected in both sexes, although the immunoreactivity differed for each developmental day whilst the staining intensity observed for ERβ also indicated differences between male and female lung tissues. The results demonstrate the existence of a gender difference in the foetal expression of ERβ in lungs of mice.
Validation of alternative models in genetic evaluation of racing performance in North Swedish and Norwegian cold‐blooded trotters
Authors: Olsen H.F. , Klemetsdal G. , Ødegård J. , Árnason T. 
Published: June 2011

SummaryThere have been several approaches to the estimation of breeding values of performance in trotters, and the objective of this study was to validate different alternatives for genetic evaluation of racing performance in the North Swedish and Norwegian cold‐blooded trotters. The current bivariate approach with the traits racing status (RACE) and earnings (EARN) was compared with a threshold‐linear animal model and the univariate alternative with the performance trait only. The models were compared based on cross‐validation of standardized earnings, using mean‐squared errors of prediction (MSEP) and the correlation between the phenotype (Y) and the estimated breeding value (EBV). Despite possible effects of selection, a rather high estimate of heritability of EARN was found in our univariate analysis. The genetic trend estimate for EARN was clearly higher in the bivariate specification than in the univariate model, as a consequence of the considerable size of estimated heritability of RACE and its high correlation with EARN (approximately 0.8). RACE is highly influenced by ancestry rather than the on‐farm performance of the horse itself. Consequently, the use of RACE in the genetic analysis may inflate the genetic trend of EARN because of a double counting of pedigree information. Although, because of the higher predictive ability of the bivariate specification, the improved ranking of animals within a year‐class and the inability to discriminate between models for genetic trend, we propose to base prediction of breeding values on the current bivariate model.
Identification of QTL for agronomic traits and resistance to white mold in wild and landrace germplasm of common bean
Authors: Mkwaila Wezi , Terpstra Karolyn A. , Ender Marcio , Kelly James D. 
Published: June 2011

With 1 figure and 5 tablesAbstractWhite mold, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) De Bary, is a serious yield reducing fungal pathogen of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Our objective was to identify QTL for resistance to white mold from wild and landrace accessions of common bean using two inbred backcross line (IBL) populations derived from the recurrent black bean parent ‘Tacana’. Selective phenotyping failed to detect QTL for field disease resistance but other agronomic traits less sensitive to environmental conditions or population size were detected. Four novel QTLs for white mold resistance WM3.3TW, WM7.5TL, WM9.2TW, and WM11.1TL were identified in the greenhouse straw test on linkage groups B3, B7, B9, and B11, respectively, and two previously mapped QTL were also validated on B2 and B4. QTL, SY2.1TL that accounted for 19–37% of the variation for yield under white mold pressure over 3 years, was detected on B2 in the TL population. Enhanced resistance to white mold in common bean could be achieved by combining different QTL associated with physiological resistance with yield under disease pressure.
Correlations and QTL detection in maize family per se and testcross progenies for plant height and ear height
Authors: Zhang Yan , Li Yongxiang , Wang Yang , Peng Bo , Liu Cheng , Liu Zhizhai , Tan Weiwei , Wang Di , Shi Yunsu , Sun Baocheng , Song Yanchun , Wang Tianyu , Li Yu 
Published: June 2011

With 2 figures and 4 tablesAbstractThe magnitude of genotypic correlations between family per se and testcross, r^g (per se, TC), is crucial for testing schemes in hybrid breeding as well as improvement of commercial hybrids. The objectives of this study were to identify the r^g (per se, TC), to examine the proportion of common QTL for both types of progenies and to determine the gene action of QTL identified for family per se and their value for the prediction of testcross progenies. Under multi‐environments, r^g (per se, TC) were significant and higher than r^p (per se, TC), the phenotypic correlations between family per se and testcross for plant height and ear height in two maize crosses. The final fit for QTL explained 21.6–70.3% phenotypic variance and 24.4–79.4% genotypic variance for family per se. However, in cross‐validation analysis (CV), the genotypic variance explained by all QTL was less than 60% for the two traits. Several common QTL (Chr. 1, Chr. 8 and Chr. 10) could be detected for both family per se and TC, which seems feasible to apply marker‐assisted selection in maize breeding programmes.
Post‐natal corticosteroids are associated with reduced expiratory flows in children born very preterm
Authors: Smith Lucia J , van Asperen Peter P , McKay Karen O , Selvadurai Hiran , Fitzgerald Dominic A 
Published: June 2011

Aim:  Infants born very prematurely often received corticosteroids to minimise the risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) but their long term impact on lung function at school age is unclear.Methods:  A cross‐sectional study of 105 children [mean gestation of 27 weeks] was undertaken. Lung function assessments were conducted at a mean age of 10 years according to standard criteria. Corticosteroid dose was obtained from the medical record.Results:  Spirometry in the BPD group was not significantly different to the non‐BPD group, mean per‐cent predicted (95% confidence interval) forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 83% (79, 87) versus 86% (83, 90), FEF25%−75% 67% (60, 73) versus 75% (69, 81). Antenatal steroid treatment alone did not adversely affect airflow FEV1, 88% (84.92) versus 90% (82.97), and forced expiratory flow (FEF)25%−75%, 75% (69.81) versus 87% (70.104). Children who received post‐natal corticosteroids had significantly lower flows than those who did not (FEV1 82% (78.85) vs. 88% (85.92), P = 0.006; FEF25%−75% 65% (59.71) vs. 78% (72.84), P = 0.003). Regression analysis revealed days on oxygen and days ventilated were statistically significant but weak predictors of airflow at 10 years of age.Conclusions:  A diagnosis of BPD did not predict reduced spirometry in middle childhood. Children who received post‐natal corticosteroids as preterm infants had reduced expiratory flows compared with those who did not. While post‐natal corticosteroids may be a marker of severity of lung disease, the potential of post‐natal corticosteroids to influence lung development requires further investigation.
Speech concerns at 5 years and adult educational and mental health outcomes
Authors: Muir Colette , O'Callaghan Michael J , Bor William , Najman Jake M , Williams Gail M 
Published: June 2011

Aim:  To determine if parent‐reported speech concerns at 5 years predict poorer educational and mental health outcomes at 21 years independent of social context and child's receptive language, behaviour and motor concerns at 5 years. To determine if these adult outcomes are mediated by school performance at 14 years.Methods:  Information on speech concerns at 5‐ and 21‐year outcomes was available for 3193 participants from a birth cohort of 7223 infants. At 5, child behaviour was measured using a behavioural checklist, and at 21 years, it was measured by the Young Adult Self‐Report. Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test‐Revised at 5 years was not available for all children. Maternal mental health and social information at 5 years and educational outcomes at 14 years and 21 years were collected prospectively by questionnaire. Potential confounding and mediating factors were analysed using logistic regression.Results:  Children with speech concerns were less likely to have completed secondary school (P < 0.01) or gained better overall position (OP) scores (P < 0.001). OP scores rank students in Queensland applying for tertiary entrance. There was no association with mental health outcomes. Findings were independent of maternal and social factors, and motor concerns, though attenuated by behaviour and Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test‐Revised scores. In the model adjusted for these factors, any concerns predicted OP score 1–11 (odds ratio 0.58; 95% confidence interval 0.42, 0.79), though if academic functioning at 14 was included, no associations were significant.Conclusion:  Maternal‐reported speech concerns at 5 years predict poorer educational though not adult mental health outcomes.
Morbidity burden of end‐stage kidney disease in Australia: Hospital separation rates among people receiving kidney replacement therapy
Authors: MCDONALD STEPHEN P , TONG BIN 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT:Background:  Mortality associated with dialysis and transplantation is well characterized. Less well described are hospital separation rates for “non‐renal” diagnoses among people receiving kidney replacement therapy (KRT = haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplantation). We examined these rates among Australians receiving KRT.Methods:  Observational study based on Australian National Hospital Morbidity Database, incorporating Australian public and private hospitals. Separations from this dataset were examined for 2002–7, excluding day‐only haemodialysis. ICD (International Classification of Disease) codes were used to identify separations for people receiving chronic KRT. Separations categorized into “renal” and “non‐renal” by principal diagnosis. Separation rate, admission length and in‐hospital mortality were compared with the general population.Results:  Overall hospital separation rate (adjusted for age and gender) was increased relative to the general population for all groups: for HD patients, relative rate (RR) was 4.49 [95% confidence interval 4.460–4.53]; for PD patients 5.52 [5.460–5.59]; for transplant recipients 4.83 [4.20–4.28] (all p < 0.001). When restricted to separations with a “non‐renal” principal diagnosis, the excess remained among KRT groups: HD adjusted RR 2.20 [2.170–2.22], PD 2.00 [1.950–2.04] and transplants 2.63 [2.600–2.66], all p < 0.001).The length and in‐hospital mortality for separations in each KRT group was also increased. By ICD‐10 chapter, rates of separations with infectious and metabolic causes were increased in all KRT groups; separations with circulatory and respiratory causes were also increased.Conclusion:  Among people receiving KRT in Australia, there is a substantial burden of morbidity in addition to that directly related to KRT. This is most marked for infective, endocrine and circulatory and respiratory hospitalisations.
Nephrotoxicity of vancomycin in patients with methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia
Authors: SHEN WAN‐CHEN , CHIANG YI‐CHUN , CHEN HSIANG‐YIN , CHEN TSO‐HSIAO , YU FANG‐LAN , TANG CHAO‐HSIUN , SUE YUH‐MOU 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT:Aim:  Vancomycin and teicoplanin are the two most used glycopeptides for the treatment of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Vancomycin is suspected to have more nephrotoxicity but this has not been clearly established. The aim of this study was to assess its nephrotoxicity by a consensus definition of acute kidney injury (AKI): the risk (R), injury (I), failure (F), loss and end‐stage renal disease (RIFLE) classification.Methods:  Patients with MRSA bacteraemia who were prescribed either vancomycin or teicoplanin between 2003 and 2008 were classified. Patients who developed AKI were classified by RIFLE criteria. Variables such as comorbidities, laboratory data and medical cost information were also obtained from the database. Outcomes determined were: (i) the rate of nephrotoxicity and mortality; and (ii) the association of nephrotoxicity with the length of hospital stay and costs.Results:  The study included 190 patients (vancomycin 33, teicoplanin 157). Fifteen patients on vancomycin and 27 patients on teicoplanin developed AKI (P = 0.0004). In the vancomycin group, four, eight and three patients were classified to RIFLE criteria R, I and F, respectively. In the teicoplanin group, 17, nine and one patient were classified to RIFLE criteria R, I and F, respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed significant difference in time to nephrotoxicity for the vancomycin group compared to the teicoplanin group. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of total mortality, length of hospital stay and costs.Conclusion:  The study data suggest that vancomycin is associated with a higher likelihood of nephrotoxicity using the RIFLE classification.
High prevalence of astigmatism in the 40‐ to 64‐year‐old population of Shahroud, Iran
Authors: Hashemi Hassan , Khabazkhoob Mehdi , Yekta AbbasAli , Jafarzadehpur Ebrahim , Emamian Mohammad H , Shariati Mohammad , Fotouhi Akbar 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground:  The prevalence of astigmatism, its axis and determinants were determined in the 40‐ to 64‐year‐old population of Shahroud, Iran.Design:  Population‐based cross sectional study.Participants:  Using random cluster sampling, 6311 subjects were invited for eye examinations. Of 5190 participants (response rate = 82.2%), data of 5020 were eligible for analysis.Methods:  Participants received visual acuity measurement, manifest refraction and eye examinations.Main Outcome Measures:  The prevalence of astigmatism based on cylinder powers of more than 0.5, 1 and 3 D were studied.Results:  The prevalence (and 95% confidence interval) of astigmatism based on a cylinder power worse than 0.5, 1, and 3 D was 49.1% (47.6–50.5), 24.1% (22.9–25.3), and 3.4% (2.9–3.9), respectively. In a multiple logistic regression model, the prevalence of astigmatism was higher in men (odds ratio = 1.25) and increased with age (odds ratio for each 5 years = 1.21). Higher education was found to be inversely correlated to astigmatism (P < 0.001). The prevalence of with‐the‐rule, against‐the‐rule and oblique astigmatism was 12.6%, 25.9% and 10.6%, respectively. Oblique astigmatism was significantly higher in women and the older age groups (P < 0.001). Against‐the‐rule astigmatism increased with age from 19.9% in the age group of 40–44 to 37.0% in the age group of 60–64 (P < 0.001).Conclusions:  In comparison with those studies conducted in Iran and other countries, the prevalence of astigmatism was higher in this study. Astigmatism was higher in men and age had an important role in astigmatism and its axis. The prevalence of against‐the‐rule and oblique astigmatism increased with age.