bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of paediatric immune thrombocytopenia in the General Practice Research Database
Authors: Yong Mellissa , Schoonen Wilma Marieke , Li Lin , Kanas Gena , Coalson Jenna , Mowat Fionna , Fryzek Jon , Kaye James A. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryThis study assessed the incidence of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and characteristics associated with ITP in the paediatric population using the General Practice Research Database (GPRD). Two hundred and fifty‐seven paediatric ITP patients were identified out of 1145 incident patients with ITP recorded between 1990 and 2005. The age‐specific incidence for ITP in paediatric patients was 4·2 per 100 000 person‐years (PY) [95% confidence interval (CI): 3·7–4·8 per 100 000 PY], with a statistically significantly higher incidence in boys compared to girls aged 2–5 years [9·7 (95% CI: 7·5–12·2) per 100 000 PY vs. 4·7 (95% CI: 3·2–6·6) per 100 000 PY, respectively]. By contrast, among teenagers aged 13–17 years, the overall incidence was lower [2·4 (95% CI: 1·7–3·3) per 100 000 PY] with a similar incidence in girls and boys. There was a relationship between age and sex with ITP incidence, suggesting that patterns of disease burden differ among children and teenagers. Evidence of an infection or immunization shortly before ITP diagnosis was apparent in 52 (20·2%) and 22 (8·6%) of the 257 paediatric ITP patients, respectively. Two deaths were observed during the study period. ITP is an important although rarely fatal disease in paediatric patients and its aetiology remains unexplained in the majority of cases.
The effects of autumn closing date on sward leaf area index and herbage mass during the winter period
Authors: Ryan W. , Hennessy D. , Murphy J. J. , Boland T. M. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThe provision of grass for early spring grazing in Ireland is critical for spring calving grass‐based milk production systems. This experiment investigated the effect of a range of autumn closing dates (CD), on herbage mass (kg DM ha−1), leaf area index (LAI) and tiller density (m−2) during winter and early spring. Thirty‐six grazing paddocks, closed from 23 September to 1 December 2007, were grouped to create five mean CD treatments – 29 September, 13 October, 27 October, 10 November, 24 November. Herbage mass, tiller density and LAI were measured every 3 weeks from 28 November 2007 to 20 February 2008; additionally, herbage mass was measured prior to initial spring grazing and tiller density was measured intermittently until September 2008. Delaying CD until November significantly (P < 0·05) reduced herbage mass (by approximately 500 kg DM ha−1) and LAI (by approximately 0·86 units) in mid‐February. On average, 35% of herbage mass present on swards on 20 February was grown between 28 November and 30 January. LAI was positively correlated with herbage mass (R2 = 0·78). Herbage mass increased by approximately 1000 kg DM ha−1 as spring grazing was delayed from February to April. Tiller density increased from November to February, although it did fluctuate, and it was greatest in April (9930 m−2). This experiment concludes that in the south of Ireland adequate herbage mass for grazing in early spring can be achieved by delaying closing to early mid‐October; swards required for grazing after mid‐March can be closed during November.
Extraction time of kidneys during organ procurement impacts function
Authors: Osband Adena J. , Zaki Radi F. 
Published: April 2010

Osband AJ, Zaki RF. Extraction time of kidneys during organ procurement impacts function.  Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 235–238. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  It is well established that ischemic times affect rates of delayed graft function (DGF) and allograft survival following deceased donor kidney transplant. There is, however, a paucity of data regarding what we term extraction time, the time between aortic cross‐clamp and perfusion/cooling, and removal of the kidneys from the body and placement on ice on the back table. We posit that this time is an additional insult, and may significantly contribute to transplant kidney function. Data pooled from May 2003 to December 2004 from the local OPO (Gift of Life) and UNOS included 316 transplanted kidneys (28 en bloc and 52 donation after cardiac death excluded). Retrospective review and statistical analysis of donor, recipient, and transplant characteristics were performed. When divided into 30‐minute intervals, extraction time was found to directly correlate with early graft failure, (rates 0%, 8.1%, and 14.5%, Spearman’s rank correlation p < 0.05). DGF rates were not tied to extraction time, but shorter extraction time was strongly associated with recovery from DGF and eventual kidney function. Further studies are needed to better assess this factor and its impact.
Use of anti‐CD20 antibody in the treatment of post‐transplant glomerulonephritis
Authors: Damodar Amar , Mustafa Reem , Bhatnagar Jyotsna , Panesar Mandip , Gundroo Aijaz , Zachariah Mareena , Blessios George , Tornatore Kathleen , Weber‐Shrikant Edit , Venuto Rocco 
Published: April 2010

Damodar A, Mustafa R, Bhatnagar J, Panesar M, Gundroo A, Zachariah M, Blessios G, Tornatore K, Weber‐Shrikant E, Venuto R. Use of anti‐CD20 antibody in the treatment of post‐transplant glomerulonephritis. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 375–379. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Post‐transplant glomerulonephritis (PTGN) accounts for 4–10% of late graft loss. Six consecutive patients who developed PTGN 3–72 months post‐transplant presented to our center with deteriorating kidney function and proteinuria. Three had focal segmental glomerulosclerosis; one had membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis Type 1; one recurrent membranous nephropathy; and one recurrent immunoglobin A nephropathy. All six were treated with an aggressive immunosuppression regimen including rituximab, pulse steriods and/or maximization of mycophenolic acid and calcineurin inhibitor therapy. Four of the six patients received plasma exchange. The patients were followed for a minimum of nine months after treatment. Proteinuria decreased from 7.2 ± 4.4 to 1.4 ± 1.5 g (p = 0.04), while mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 31.2 ± 13.1 and 42.5 ± 21.7 mL/min (p = 0.07) at nine months. No adverse events were noted. These observations suggest that immune modulating therapy may be of benefit in the treatment of PTGN.
KEL*02alleles with alterations in and around exon 8 in individuals with apparent KEL:1,−2 phenotypes
Authors: Wester E. S. , Steffensen R. , Ligthart P. C. , Vad J. , De Haas M. , Storry J. R. , Olsson M. L. 
Published: April 2010

Background and Objectives Antibodies to antigens in the Kell blood group system, especially anti‐KEL1, are involved in both haemolytic disease of the newborn and foetus and haemolytic transfusion reactions. Correct typing results are important and discrepancies between serologic and genetic typing must be resolved. Here, we describe the investigation of three healthy individuals who were initially phenotyped as KEL:1,−2.Materials and Methods Antigen typing was performed by standard serological techniques and by flow cytometric analysis. TheKEL*01/02polymorphism was tested by an allele‐discrimination TaqMan assay as well as by PCR with allele‐specific primers and PCR–RFLP. DNA sequencing of theKELcoding region was also performed.Results TwoKEL*02Nalleles with mutated splice sites around exon 8 were identified: intron 7 −1g>c (novel) and intron 8 +1g>t (previously reported in one case of K0). In the third sample, a missense mutation in exon 8, 787G>A (novel) predicting Gly263Arg, was detected on aKEL*02allele and associated with dramatically weakened KEL2 antigen expression.Conclusion Resolution of discrepant phenotype/genotype results identified silencing mutations in or around exon 8. A combination of molecular and serologic methods has the potential to improve the quality of test results and was required to ensure both the accurate KEL2 antigen status andKEL*01zygosity of these individuals.
Singing the Popular Songs? Nightingales Share More Song Types with Their Breeding Population in Their Second Season than in Their First
Authors: Kiefer Sarah , Sommer Christina , Scharff Constance , Kipper Silke 
Published: April 2010

AbstractSignals used in communication often change throughout an individual’s life course. For example, in many song bird species, males modify their song especially between their first and second breeding season. To address one possible reason of such modification, we investigated whether common nightingalesLuscinia megarhynchosadjust their song type repertoires to sing the song types commonly occurring in their breeding population. We analysed nocturnal singing of six nightingales in their first and second breeding season and compared their repertoire composition and usage to the ‘typical’ repertoire and usage on the breeding ground (represented by seven reference birds). Songs that were maintained between the first and second season by the six focal birds occurred in most of the repertoires of the seven reference birds and were sung often. In contrast, song types that were dropped from the repertoires occurred less often in the reference birds’ repertoires and were sung less often. Furthermore, in the first year, each focal nightingale’s repertoire was less similar to the reference birds’ repertoires than in the second year. Thus, nightingales adjusted their singing towards the songs popular in the breeding grounds by keeping song types that were common and frequently sung by other individuals in their breeding area and by disposing of infrequently performed ones. This resulted in increased similarity with the population’s repertoire from the first to the second year. We discuss possible ontogenetic processes that may lead to such an adjustment and suggest an improved ability to match song types as possible adaptive value.
Molecular cloning, function prediction and phylogenetic analysis of LMW glutenin subunit genes in Triticum timopheevii (Zhuk.)
Authors: Zhang M. Y. , Wang K. , Wang S. L. , Li X. H. , Zeller F. J. , Hsam S. L. K. , Yan Y. M. 
Published: April 2010

With 4 figures and 3 tables AbstractTwo new low‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunits (LMW‐GS) genes from Triticum timopheevii (Zhuk.) were cloned by reverse‐transcription PCR (RT‐PCR). The complete open reading frames of 897 and 894 bp, corresponding to the size of LMW‐GS genes were designated as TTLMW‐m1 and TTLMW‐m2, respectively. Multiple sequence alignment analysis indicated that these two genes showed high similarity with known LMW‐m type genes, albeit possessing distinct sequence variations. A total of 10 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in the TTLMW‐m1 and TTLMW‐m2 genes were identified, including five non‐synonymous mutations. The predicted secondary structure of the deduced mature glutenin subunits of TTLMW‐m1 and TTLMW‐m2 genes showed that both subunits possessed more α‐helixes and β‐strands than the control subunit AY263369, suggesting a more viscoelastic dough structure and a positive effect on quality. The homology tree and phylogenetic analysis showed that the two LMW‐m type genes were most likely located at the Glu‐G3 locus and that they diverged from the LMW‐i type genes about 13 million years ago (MYA). The G genome in T. timopheevii appears to be closely related to the D and B genomes of Triticum aestivum.
Does the current stepwise approach to asthma pharmacotherapy encourage over‐treatment?
Authors: O'BYRNE Paul M. , REDDEL Helen K. , COLICE Gene L. 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACTFor the past 20 years, asthma pharmacotherapy has been described in clinical practice guidelines in terms of a stepwise approach, with medications and/or doses increased if asthma is not well‐controlled, and reduced once good control is achieved and maintained. Although many patients with asthma are untreated, there are also significant problems with over‐treatment once regular controller therapy is commenced. This increases the cost of treatment and exposes patients to unnecessary risks of side‐effects. The present pro‐con debate addresses the question of whether the stepwise approach itself leads to over‐treatment. Two asthma experts discuss factors for and against this proposition, identify issues on which more research is needed, and suggest areas in which guidelines can be changed in order to facilitate more appropriate prescribing of asthma medications. These strategies include better validation of the concepts underlying asthma treatment recommendations, stronger recommendations that every treatment change should be followed up with a scheduled review using evidence‐based assessment tools and incorporation of phenotype‐specific considerations into treatment recommendations. In addition, the process for development and dissemination of clinical practice guidelines should ensure that recommendations are easily understood, feasible to implement, and relevant to everyday asthma care and the needs and concerns of patients and clinicians.
TWO STALEMATES IN THE PHILOSOPHICAL DEBATE ABOUT ABORTION AND WHY THEY CANNOT BE RESOLVED USING ANALOGICAL ARGUMENTS
Authors: KAPOSY CHRIS 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACTPhilosophical debate about the ethics of abortion has reached stalemate on two key issues. First, the claim that foetuses have moral standing that entitles them to protections for their lives has been neither convincingly established nor refuted. Second, the question of a pregnant woman's obligation to allow the gestating foetus the use of her body has not been resolved. Both issues are deadlocked because philosophers addressing them invariably rely on intuitions and analogies, and such arguments have weaknesses that make them unfit for resolving the abortion issue. Analogical arguments work by building a kind of consensus, and such a consensus is virtually unimaginable because (1) intuitions are revisable, and in the abortion debate there is great motive to revise them, (2) one's position on abortion influences judgments about other issues, making it difficult to leverage intuitions about other ethical questions into changing peoples' minds about abortion, and (3) the extent of shared values in the abortion debate is overstated. Arguments by analogy rely on an assumption of the commensurability of moral worldviews. But the abortion debate is currently unfolding in a context of genuinely incommensurable moral worldviews. The article ends by arguing that the default position must be to permit abortion as a consequence of the freedom of conscience protected in liberal societies.
Dermoscopy‐guided surgery in basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Caresana G , Giardini R. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground  In basal cell carcinoma (BCC), excision margins between 3 and 10 mm, according to site, size, borders, previous treatment and histology, can allow for radical excision in at least 95% of cases.Objective  The objective was to ascertain whether dermoscopy can detect more accurately the lateral borders in BCCs than clinical examination alone, and allow us to obtain radical excision in more than 95% of cases with only 2‐mm excision margins.Methods  A prospective study was performed of 200 consecutive BCCs of the head and neck removed with 2‐mm dermoscopically detected excision margins. Morpheaform BCC, deeply recurrent BCC, BCC in Gorlin‐Goltz syndrome, BCC located in sites not accessible through dermoscopy and superficial multifocal BCC were excluded. All cases of excised BCC were submitted to a uniform method of histological examination of the whole specimen with serial parallel sections at 2‐mm intervals.Results  In only three cases did surgical excision with 2‐mm margins prove to be inadequate; in the remaining 197 cases, the excision margins were tumour‐free. The comparison of clinical and dermoscopic extension measurement showed concordance in 131 cases (65.5%). In 69 cases (34.5%), dermoscopic evaluation showed a larger peripheral extension.Conclusions  These results indicate that 2‐mm dermoscopically detected excision margins can achieve histologically confirmed complete excisions in 98.5% of cases.
Efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil vs. methotrexate for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis
Authors: Akhyani M , Chams‐Davatchi C , Hemami MR , Fateh S 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground  Methotrexate (MTX) is a well‐known systemic drug for moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis. Recently, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has been recommended for psoriasis.Objective  To compare the efficacy and safety of MMF vs. MTX for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis.Methods  Thirty‐eight consecutive patients with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) >10 were randomly assigned for 12 weeks of treatment with either MTX (18 patients; initial dose, 7.5 mg/week) or MMF (20 patients; dose; 2 g/day) and were followed for 12 weeks after discontinuing the treatment. The differences between the two groups were analysed at the end of treatment and follow‐up comparing with baseline values.Results  After 12 weeks of treatment, the mean ± SD score for the PASI decreased from 16.46 ± 5.29 at baseline to 3.17 ± 2.35 among 15 patients treated with MTX, whereas the score decreased from 17.43 ± 7.42 to 3.97 ± 5.95 among 17 patients treated with MMF (P > 0.05). Twelve weeks after discontinuing the treatment, the scores were 4.77 ± 3.52 and 5.94 ± 4.27, respectively (P > 0.05). PASI ‐75 were achieved in 58.8% of patients in MMF group and 73.3% in MTX group (P > 0.05). Three months after discontinuing the treatment, PASI‐75 remained in 33.3% of patients in MMF and 53.3% of MTX group (P > 0.05). Both drugs were well tolerated and side‐effects were minor and transient.Conclusions  No significant differences in efficacy were found between MTX and MMF groups. MMF may represent a good alternative for the treatment of psoriasis in patients who are unable to take MTX or other available drugs due to contraindication or toxicity.
Mental health promotion in the upper level of comprehensive school from the viewpoint of school personnel and mental health workers
Authors: Puolakka Kristiina , Kiikkala Irma , Haapasalo‐Pesu Kirsi‐Maria , Paavilainen Eija 
Published: April 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 37–44 Mental health promotion in the upper level of comprehensive school from the viewpoint of school personnel and mental health workersPrevalence of mental health problems among adolescents varies from 10 to 30%. Therefore, mental health promotion in school has risen as a very important developing area in public health services. The need is international. Despite the large number of projects and recommendations on the promotion of schoolchildren’s mental health, the literature does not offer a comprehensive theoretical description of what mental health work with people of this particular age really is as a whole. The theory can be constructed by combining and comparing the viewpoints of the different parties – the employees, the schoolchildren and their families – as well as previous knowledge of the subject. The purpose of this research was to produce a description of the concepts used by employees when addressing the subject of promoting mental health in the upper level of comprehensive schools (grades 7–9). The description has been produced by analysing interviews with nine people who work with schoolchildren, as well as workgroup memos related to the development work. The respondents work in the fields of primary healthcare, specialised healthcare, the education authority and social services. The analysis was conducted by applying the grounded theory method. The research target was a Finnish upper‐level comprehensive school with 446 pupils. Four key concepts were found: The concept of a school environment comprises the physical and social conditions in the school, the curricula and other instructions. Human resources comprise representatives of various organisations, their competencies and time‐consumption opportunities. The schoolchildren and their families and also their friends are key operators and partners. The concept of work to promote mental health is related to enhancing the school’s conditions, recognising problems and offering help, co‐operation and joint agreement. The produced description clarifies the overall picture of mental health work in schools and facilitates the finding of key development areas.
Measuring the participation of elderly patients in the discharge process from hospital: a critical review of existing instruments
Authors: Foss Christina , Askautrud Marianne 
Published: April 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2010; 24; 46–55

Measuring the participation of elderly patients in the discharge process from hospital: a critical review of existing instruments Measuring patients’ experiences has been a major task for health care organisations during the past decade. The discharge process is identified as a vulnerable component of health care in need of assessment, especially when it concerns elderly persons. There are no published reviews or systematic assessment of the existing instruments developed to capture patients’ perspective on the discharge process. This study gives a review of existing survey instruments designed to assess patients’ perspectives on the discharge process. We used systematic searches for potentially relevant instruments in MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for English language studies published between 1998 and 2009 was considered to evaluate the patients’ perspective on the discharge process. Ten studies were included and assessed according to the established criteria, and the studies presented a total of 47 items related to participation. The review identified only one instrument designed specifically to capture participation in the discharge process. The main focus is on the information flow from the professional to the patient and never vice versa. Few of the instruments studied/analysed to what degree the patients were invited to share their knowledge, and none of the instruments inquired whether, in the patients’ experiences, their perspective was taken into account. The major finding of the review is that none of the existing instruments capture the full range of participation, nor do they cover those areas of the discharge process identified by elderly patients themselves as the most essential.