bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non‐expert clinicians' detection of autistic traits among attenders of a youth mental health service
Authors: Fraser Richard , Cotton Sue , Gentle Ellen , Angus Beth , Allott Kelly , Thompson Andrew 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAims: The aims of this study were to determine the point prevalence of autism spectrum disorders and to estimate the prevalence of autistic traits in a youth mental health service.Methods: Following three educational sessions on autism spectrum disorders, treating clinicians were interviewed to determine whether the clients on their caseloads had (i) a confirmed prior diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder; (ii) were felt to exhibit autistic traits; or (iii) were not felt to exhibit autistic traits.Results: Information on autism spectrum disorder status was obtained for 476 patients. Of the included patients, 3.4% (n = 16) had a confirmed diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and 7.8% (n = 37) were reported by treating clinicians to exhibit autistic traits.Conclusions: The rate of autism spectrum disorder was higher in this population than that in community samples with twice as many again being identified as having autistic traits by their treating clinicians. This has implications for correct diagnosis and appropriate management in these settings.
Composition and stratification of a tachinid (Diptera: Tachinidae) parasitoid community in a European temperate plain forest
Authors: STIREMAN JOHN O. , CERRETTI PIERFILIPPO , WHITMORE DANIEL , HARDERSEN SÖNKE , GIANELLE DAMIANO 
Published: September 2011

Abstract.  1. We analysed the canopy and understorey communities of flies in the family Tachinidae, the most diverse group of parasitoid Diptera, in a small and isolated temperate plain forest in northern Italy. Our objective was to assess whether and how these communities differ from one another, and how species distribution relates to forest structure, host distribution, mating sites, and season.2. The study was carried out in 2008 with 14 Malaise traps installed between April and November in an equal number of sites randomly selected inside the forest, seven on the ground and seven in the tree canopy.3. Overall species richness, abundance, and turnover were greater in the understorey traps, but most diversity metrics indicate greater overall diversity and evenness in the canopy traps. Community ordination and estimates of beta diversity indicate that the two habitat‐associated communities are distinct and should both be considered in assessments of insect diversity and community structure. Indicator species values revealed the presence of a number of species that were effective indicators of canopy and understorey habitats. No strong male bias in canopy traps was observed across species; however, the only significant sex ratio biases in the canopy were towards males. Both male and female biases were observed in understorey traps, depending upon the species.
A new version of PRT software for sibling groups reconstruction with comments regarding several issues in the sibling reconstruction problem
Authors: ALMUDEVAR ANTHONY , ANDERSON ERIC C. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPedigree reconstruction using genotypic markers has become an important tool for the study of natural populations. The nonstandard nature of the underlying statistical problems has led to the necessity of developing specialized statistical and computational methods. In this article, a new version of pedigree reconstruction tools (PRT 2.0) is presented. The software implements algorithms proposed in Almudevar & Field (Journal of Agricultural Biological and Environmental Statistics, 4, 1999, 136) and Almudevar (Biometrics, 57, 2001a, 757) for the reconstruction of single generation sibling groups (SG). A wider range of enumeration algorithms is included, permitting improved computational performance. In particular, an iterative version of the algorithm designed for larger samples is included in a fully automated form. The new version also includes expanded simulation utilities, as well as extensive reporting, including half‐sibling compatibility, parental genotype estimates and flagging of potential genotype errors. A number of alternative algorithms are described and demonstrated. A comparative discussion of the underlying methodologies is presented. Although important aspects of this problem remain open, we argue that a number of methodologies including maximum likelihood estimation (COLONY 1.2 and 2.0) and the set cover formulation (KINALYZER) exhibit undesirable properties in the sibling reconstruction problem. There is considerable evidence that large sets of individuals not genetically excluded as siblings can be inferred to be a true sibling group, but it is also true that unrelated individuals may be genetically compatible with a true sibling group by chance. Such individuals may be identified on a statistical basis. PRT 2.0, based on these sound statistical principles, is able to efficiently match or exceed the highest reported accuracy rates, particularly for larger SG. The new version is available at http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/biostat/people/faculty/almudevar.cfm.
Vitamin D levels: its relationship to bone mineral density response and disease activity in premenopausal Malaysian systemic lupus erythematosus patients on corticosteroids
Authors: YEAP Swan Sim , OTHMAN Ahmad Zaidi , ZAIN Amir Azlan , CHAN Siew Pheng 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Aim:  To determine if baseline vitamin D levels would influence the gain in bone mineral density (BMD) in female systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients on corticosteroids (CS) taking bone‐active medication.
Method:  Premenopausal SLE patients participating in a trial assessing the efficacy of calcium alone, calcitriol and calcium, and alendronate and calcium, on BMD in patients on CS, were studied. Patients were randomly allocated to the treatment groups at the start of the study and followed up for 2 years. Serum 25‐hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] was measured at baseline.
Results:  Thirty‐eight patients were studied. One (2%) patient had osteoporosis, nine (24%) had osteopenia and all others had normal BMD. The mean baseline 25(OH)D levels were 21.6 ± 4.6 ng/mL (± 1 SD). Twelve (32%) patients had vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL]. There was a significant negative correlation between SLEDAI scores and 25(OH)D levels, that is, patients with high SLEDAI scores had significantly lower 25(OH)D levels (P = 0.033). Left femoral neck BMD was significantly lower in the deficient compared to insufficient group (P = 0.042). There was a trend toward better BMD gain at 2 years in the vitamin D insufficient compared to the deficient group, which did not reach statistical significance.
Conclusion:  This study showed that in female SLE patients, low vitamin D levels are associated with higher disease activity and suggests that patients who have higher vitamin D levels have a better BMD response during treatment with bone‐active agents.
The Association between Radiographic Greater Tuberosity Cystic Change and Rotator Cuff Tears: A Study of 105 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Pan Yong-Wei , Mok Daniel , Tsiouri Chrysi , Chidambaram Ramiah 
Published: September 2011

Background Cystic changes in the greater tuberosity of the humerus are common, and are often reported to be associated with rotator cuff tear or ageing. The present study aimed to assess whether cysts on plain radiograph of the shoulder are indicative of rotator cuff tears. Materials and Methods One hundred and five consecutive patients with painful shoulders who underwent arthroscopic procedures were recruited prospectively. The observed radiographic cysts in the tuberosity were correlated with arthroscopic findings of their rotator cuff, as well as with other pathologies. Results Cysts appeared more often in shoulders with rotator cuff tears than in those without tears ( p < 0.001). The overall positive predictive value for a patient with a painful shoulder in the presence humeral cysts was 68%. This rises to 85% if the patient is aged 60 years or older. Cysts occurred with similar probability in shoulders with or without superior labral tears, calcific tendinitis, impingement and frozen shoulder. Discussion Cystic changes in the greater tuberosity were closely associated with rotator cuff tears and age. When humeral cysts are detected on plain radiographs in a patient with a painful shoulder, the index of suspicion for rotator cuff tear should be high, particularly for those patients aged over 60 years.
Liver stiffness measured by transient elastography is a predictor of hepatocellular carcinoma development in viral hepatitis
Authors: Akima Takashi , Tamano Masaya , Hiraishi Hideyuki 
Published: September 2011

Aim:  To investigate the value of liver stiffness in diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among patients with viral hepatitis, and to prospectively investigate relationships between liver stiffness and HCC development.Methods:  Liver stiffness was measured by transient elastography for 157 patients with viral hepatitis, along with various other parameters potentially associated with HCC. HCC was initially present in 41 patients and absent in 116 patients, of whom 106 patients were followed prospectively for HCC development. Diagnostic performances of liver stiffness and other clinical parameters in predicting presence of HCC were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the ROC curve (AUROC).Results:  Liver stiffness was significantly higher in patients with HCC (24.9 ± 19.5 kPa) than in patients without HCC (10.9 ± 8.4 kPa; P < 0.0001). Age (P < 0.0001), platelet cell count (P = 0.0001), prothrombin activity (P = 0.0009), alpha fetoprotein (P = 0.0091), and des‐gamma‐carboxy prothrombin (DCP) (P = 0.0099) also differed significantly between patients with and without HCC. The largest AUROC was for liver stiffness. Differences between liver stiffness and age, platelet cell count, prothrombin activity, and DCP were not significant, but the AUROC of liver stiffness was superior to that of alpha fetoprotein (P = 0.03850). Using a cut‐off liver stiffness of 12.5 kPa, development of HCC was identified in 10 of the 106 patients followed. Multivariate analysis identified liver stiffness ≥12.5 kPa, age ≥60 years, and serum total bilirubin ≥1.0 mg/dL as significantly correlated with development of HCC.Conclusions:  Liver stiffness as measured by transient elastography is a predictor of HCC development in viral hepatitis.
Highly sensitive AFP‐L3% assay is useful for predicting recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after curative treatment pre‐ and postoperatively
Authors: Kobayashi Masahiro , Hosaka Tetsuya , Ikeda Kenji , Seko Yuya , Kawamura Yusuke , Sezaki Hitomi , Akuta Norio , Suzuki Fumitaka , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Saitoh Satoshi , Arase Yasuji , Kumada Hiromitsu 
Published: September 2011

Aim:  The micro‐total analysis system (µTAS), a fully automated immunoassay system using microchip capillary electrophoresis, is highly sensitive and able to quickly assay the AFP‐L3%. The clinical usefulness of this system was studied.Methods:  We retrospectively enrolled 250 patients who underwent curative treatment for primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (93 patients underwent hepatic resection and 157, radiofrequency ablation [RFA]).Results:  The sensitivity for µTAS AFP‐L3% was 40.3% at the cutoff value of 5% in a range of AFP less than 20 ng/mL where the conventional method was unable to determine AFP‐L3%. The sensitivity for AFP‐L3% remained high even at stage I and at tumor size less than 2 cm (42.5% and 46.0%, respectively). Recurrence rate of patients with AFP‐L3% greater than 5% was significantly higher than that of patients with less than 5% (P = 0.001). Furthermore, in resected patients, the postoperative AFP‐L3% remained elevated with value greater than 5% was related to HCC recurrence (P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that multiple tumors (P = 0.004), preoperative AFP‐L3% greater than 5% (P = 0.003), albumin less than 3.5 g/dL (P = 0.008), and RFA (P = 0.003) were significant prognostic factors of recurrence.Conclusions:  The µTAS was found to be a highly sensitive assay for AFP‐L3% in patients with curative treatment of HCC. A cutoff value of 5% was useful for predicting recurrence after the curative treatment and detecting small tumors and early stage HCC. Additionally, postoperative AFP‐L3% was found to be a prognostic factor of HCC recurrence.
Breed and Sex Risk Factors for Canine Babesiosis in South Africa
Authors: Mellanby R.J. , Handel I.G. , Clements D.N. , de C. Bronsvoort B.M. , Lengeling A. , Schoeman J.P. 
Published: September 2011

Background:In South Africa, canine babesiosis typically is an acute disease in susceptible individuals and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Despite the importance of the disease, there have been no large studies that have examined the influence of breed and sex on disease susceptibility.Hypothesis:Toy breeds have a lower risk of babesiosis than working dogs.Animals:A total of 1,222 dogs diagnosed with canine babesiosis and 11,484 noninfected dogs presented to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital's small animal outpatient clinic between 2004 and 2010.Methods:Retrospective study.Results:Intact male, neutered male, and neutered female dogs had a significantly higher odds of being diagnosed with canine babesiosis compared to intact female dogs. Five of the 6 Toy breeds had significantly lower odds of being diagnosed with canine babesiosis than did the reference breed, Labrador Retrievers. In contrast, none of the 8 working dog breeds had significantly lower odds compared to the reference breed.Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Intact male, neutered male, and neutered female dogs were at increased risk of canine babesiosis compared to intact female dogs. Several dog breeds, notably Toy breeds, had a lower risk of babesiosis in a hospital population of dogs in South Africa. The mechanism or mechanisms by which Toy breeds are protected from developing canine babesiosis may be related to genetic background or environmental exposure and deserves further study.
Evaluation of Predictors for the Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism in Cats
Authors: Wakeling Jennifer , Elliott Jonathan , Syme Harriet 
Published: September 2011

Background:In humans, subclinical hyperthyroidism is diagnosed when serum thyroid hormone concentrations are within the reference range but thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration is subnormal. In a previous study, a higher prevalence of thyroid nodular disease was found in euthyroid geriatric cats with undetectable TSH (<0.03 ng/mL) compared to those with detectable TSH concentrations, suggesting subclinical hyperthyroidism might also exist in cats.Hypothesis:Euthyroid cats with undetectable TSH concentrations have subclinical hyperthyroidism and may subsequently develop overt signs of hyperthyroidism.Animals:One‐hundred four client‐owned cats.Methods:In this prospective cohort study, euthyroid geriatric (≥9 years) cats were recruited during routine health checks. Plasma biochemistry was performed at baseline and every 6 months thereafter. Total thyroxine and TSH concentrations were determined annually. Short‐term follow‐up data (within 14 months of recruitment) were used to detect variables at entry that were predictive of the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism, using univariable analysis followed by multivariable logistic regression analysis. Log rank analysis was used to test the association of initial TSH concentration with diagnosis of hyperthyroidism during the total available follow‐up.Results and Conclusions:Median (range) follow‐up was 26 (0–54) months and annual incidence of hyperthyroidism during the study was 7.4%. Cats that became hyperthyroid within 14 months had higher ALKP activity (P = 0.02) and higher prevalence of goiter (P = .03) at baseline than controls. Cats with undetectable TSH at baseline (29/104; 28%) were significantly (P < .001) more likely to be diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. However, not all cats with undetectable TSH became hyperthyroid during the study.
Megavesica in a neonatal foal
Authors: Tóth T. , Liman J. , Larsdotter S. , Ley C. , Karlstam E. , Kendall A. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryA newborn male foal was diagnosed with a greatly enlarged urinary bladder (megavesica), a urinary bladder diverticulum, and a herniated and abnormal umbilical remnant. Approximately 50% of the cranial bladder including the abnormal structures was surgically resected; the foal recovered and was still asymptomatic 15 months after surgery. The aetiology of megavesica in foals is unknown but successful outcome may be achieved with surgical intervention and adequate medical support.
Ultrasonographic examination of the dorsal aspect of the distal interphalangeal joint of the horse
Authors: Dupays A.‐G. , Coudry V. , Denoix J.‐M. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryUltrasonographic examination of the dorsal aspect of the distal interphalangeal joint is part of the routine examination of the foot structures. The purpose of this paper is to describe the ultrasonographic anatomy of the area, and normal transverse and longitudinal images. Clinical cases are presented to illustrate abnormal findings and lesions of the dorsal aspect of the joint. Ultrasonography can complement radiography for the diagnosis and documentation of many soft tissue and joint abnormalities such as synovitis, fluid distension, cartilaginous defects, periarticular osteophytes and bone fragments.
Close, impinging and overriding spinous processes in the thoracolumbar spine: The relationship between radiological and scintigraphic findings and clinical signs
Authors: ZIMMERMAN M. , DYSON S. , MURRAY R. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryReasons for performing study:There has been no objective study comparing radiological features of spinous processes (SPs) in the thoracolumbar region and/or scintigraphic findings with clinical signs.Objectives:To investigate the relationship between the presence or absence of clinical signs of back pain and: 1) radiological findings of close, impinging or overriding SPs; 2) increased radiopharmaceutical uptake (IRU) in the SPs; and 3) the combination of radiological findings and IRU. Also to determine the prevalence of concurrent osseous pathology.Methods:Five‐hundred and eighty‐two horses, presented for perceived back pain and poor performance, underwent comprehensive clinical investigation including diagnostic analgesia of the forelimbs, hindlimbs, back and sacroiliac joints, and radiographic and scintigraphic evaluation of the thoracolumbar spine. Radiological and scintigraphic grades were determined subjectively. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the relationships between clinical signs of back pain, radiological and scintigraphic features, age, breed, gender, discipline, height and weight.Results:Thoroughbreds (TBs) were over‐represented with thoracolumbar pain compared with Warmbloods and TB cross breeds. There was a significant association between maximum and total radiological grades of the SPs and thoracolumbar pain, between maximum and total grades of IRU and thoracolumbar pain, and between a combination of radiological and scintigraphic abnormalities and thoracolumbar pain. Horses with osteoarthritis (OA) of the synovial intervertebral articulations (SIAs) were more likely to have thoracolumbar pain than horses with lesions of the SPs alone, but the presence of OA of the SIAs and lesions of the SPs was associated with the highest likelihood of thoracolumbar pain.Conclusions and potential relevance:Fore‐ or hindlimb lameness and/or pain associated with the sacroiliac joints could mimic primary thoracolumbar pain. A combination of radiology and scintigraphy gives the most accurate prediction of thoracolumbar pain, but diagnostic analgesia is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
A randomised, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled study on the efficacy of a unique extract of green‐lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) in horses with chronic fetlock lameness attributed to osteoarthritis
Authors: CAYZER J. , HEDDERLEY D. , GRAY S. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryReasons for performing study: Lyophilised products from green‐lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus[LPPC]) are used to orally treat horses with osteoarthritis (OA). However, no randomised, controlled or double‐blinded studies on the efficacy of this treatment in horses have been reported to date.Objective: To investigate the effects of a unique LPPC (Biolane)1 in improving clinical signs of OA in the fetlock.Methods: Data were analysed from 26 horses with primary fetlock lameness in a controlled, randomised and double‐blinded, multi‐centre clinical trial. The study design was a partial crossover with a washout period and consisted of 19 horses treated with LPPC and 20 with a placebo. Horses were dosed orally with 25 mg/kg bwt/day LPPC or placebo for 56 days. Efficacy was evaluated by clinical assessment of lameness, passive flexion, pain, swelling and heat in the affected joint. Relationships between variables were analysed using an ordinal logistic model with random effects for horse and horse x treatment according to a modified intention‐to‐treat analysis.Results: Clinical evaluation of horses with a fetlock lameness treated with LPPC showed a significant reduction in severity of lameness (P<0.001), improved response to the joint flexion test (P<0.001) and reduced joint pain (P = 0.014) when compared with horses treated with placebo.Conclusions: The LPPC significantly alleviated the severity of lameness and joint pain and improved response to joint flexion in horses with lameness attributable to OA in the fetlock.