bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Cognitive Functions of Individuals Older Than 65 With Diagnosis of Diabetes
Authors: Gokce Serap , Barutcu Canan Demir
Published: September 2018

This study was conducted in order to examine the level of cognitive function of individuals ≥65 years of age with diabetes. The cross-sectional descriptive design was used. The research was carried out in the diabetes polyclinic of a university hospital between June 2016 and January 2018. The study sample consisted of 91 patients. Data were collected with the scale of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The average score of the patients in the MoCA Scale was found to be 19.61 ± 1.70 (min: 15, max: 26). Diabetes is a risk factor for cognitive dysfunction for individuals above 65 years of age. Health professionals regularly monitor the cognitive functions of diabetic patients and use the MoCA scale in these follow-up and plan training and counseling initiatives according to their needs.
Impact of Patient Language on Emergency Medical Service Use and Prenotification for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Rostanski Sara K. , Kummer Benjamin R. , Miller Eliza C. , Marshall Randolph S. , Williams Olajide , Willey Joshua Z.
Published: September 2018

Background and Purpose:

Use of emergency medical services (EMS) is associated with decreased door-to-needle time in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Whether patient language affects EMS utilization and prenotification in AIS has been understudied. We sought to characterize EMS use and prenotification by patient language among intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) tissue plasminogen (IV-tPA) treated patients at a single center with a large Spanish-speaking patient population.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who received IV-tPA in our emergency department between July 2011 and June 2016. Baseline characteristics, EMS use, and prenotification were compared between English- and Spanish-speaking patients. Logistic regression was used to measure the association between patient language and EMS use.

Results:

Of 391 patients who received IV-tPA, 208 (53%) primarily spoke English and 174 (45%) primarily spoke Spanish. Demographic and clinical factors including National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) did not differ between language groups. Emergency medical services use was higher among Spanish-speaking patients (82% vs 70%; P < .01). Prenotification did not differ by language (61% vs 63%; P = .8). In a multivariable model adjusted for age, sex, and NIHSS, Spanish speakers remained more likely to use EMS (odds ratio: 1.8, 95% confidence interval: 1.1-3.0).

Conclusion:

Emergency medical services usage was higher in Spanish speakers compared to English speakers among AIS patients treated with IV-tPA; however, prenotification rates did not differ. Future studies should evaluate differences in EMS utilization according to primary language and ethnicity.
Cerebrospinal Fluid in Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome: Implications of Elevated Protein and Pleocytosis
Authors: Ellis Colin A. , McClelland Andrew C. , Mohan Suyash , Kuo Emory , Kasner Scott E. , Zhang Cen , Khankhanian Pouya , Balu Ramani
Published: September 2018

Background and Purpose:

Patients with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) sometimes undergo analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to exclude alternative diagnoses. This study’s objectives were to describe the CSF characteristics in patients with PRES and to identify clinical and radiologic findings associated with distinct CSF abnormalities.

Methods:

We identified a retrospective cohort of patients with PRES. We compared clinical and radiographic characteristics of those who did versus did not undergo lumbar puncture, described the observed range of CSF findings, and analyzed clinical and radiographic features associated with specific CSF abnormalities.

Results:

A total of 188 patients were included. Patients with (n = 77) and without (n = 111) CSF analysis had similar clinical and radiographic characteristics. Cerebrospinal fluid protein was elevated in 46 (60%) of 77, with median CSF protein 53 mg/dL (upper limit of normal 45 mg/dL). Protein elevation was significantly associated with radiographic severity ( P = .0058) but not with seizure, time from symptom onset, radiographic evidence of diffusion restriction, or contrast enhancement. Five (7%) patients had elevated CSF white blood cells, all of whom had infarction and/or hemorrhage on neuroimaging, and 4 of whom had eclampsia.

Conclusion:

The CSF of most patients with PRES shows a mild protein elevation commensurate with radiographic severity. Cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis may mark a distinct subtype of PRES with predisposition toward infarction and/or hemorrhage. These findings help clinicians interpret CSF findings in these patients and generate new hypotheses about the pathophysiology of this syndrome.
Are People Attracted to Others Who Resemble Their Opposite-Sex Parents? An Examination of Mate Preferences and Parental Ethnicity Among Biracial Individuals
Authors: Heffernan Marie E. , Chong Jia Y. , Fraley R. Chris
Published: September 2018

It is generally believed that people tend to be attracted to and pair with others who resemble their opposite-sex parents. Studies 1A ( n = 1,025) and 1B ( n = 3,105) tested this assumption by examining whether biracial adults were more likely to be paired with partners who matched their opposite-sex parent’s ethnicity. Study 2 ( n = 516) examined whether biracial adults were more likely to be attracted to targets whose ethnicity matched that of their opposite-sex parent. Although biracial adults were more likely to pair with and be attracted to others who resembled their parents compared to those who did not, the sex of the parent was largely inconsequential. These findings have implications for models of mate preferences, including the traditional perspectives (which assume that the opposite-sex parent has greater influence on adult mating preferences) and ethological models (which assume that the sex of the parent is irrelevant with regard to influence on mating preferences).
Editor’s Choice- Impact of insulin-treated diabetes on cardiovascular outcomes following high-risk myocardial infarction
Authors: Rossello Xavier , Ferreira João Pedro , McMurray John JV , Aguilar David , Pfeffer Marc A , Pitt Bertram , Dickstein Kenneth , Girerd Nicolas , Rossignol Patrick , Zannad Faiez ,   for the High-Risk Myocardial Infarction Database Initiative
Published: September 2018

Background:

Diabetes is associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes, and insulin-treated patients usually have a worse prognosis than non-insulin-treated subjects. The relationship between insulin treatment and outcomes in high-risk myocardial infarction patients has not been described in a large dataset.

Methods:

To investigate the association between insulin-treated diabetes and long-term cardiovascular outcomes in patients with high-risk myocardial infarction, we used adjusted Cox models to compare cardiovascular mortality and hospitalisation among 28,771 patients grouped by diabetes status and insulin treatment from four randomised clinical trials (VALIANT, EPHESUS, OPTIMAAL, CAPRICORN) of acute myocardial infarction complicated by heart failure and/or left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Results:

After an approximately 2-year follow-up, patients with no diabetes (21,386 subjects, 74.3%), non-insulin-treated diabetes (4977 patients, 17.3%) and insulin-treated diabetes (2409 subjects, 8.4%) had an incremental yearly mortality risk (15.8%, 21.3% and 28.1%, respectively). Insulin-treated diabetes patients presented with a higher cardiovascular burden and comorbidities. After adjustment for 18 baseline covariates, patients with non-insulin-treated and insulin-treated diabetes were at higher risk of cardiovascular death (hazard ratio (HR) 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13–1.38 and HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.31–1.69, respectively; P for comparison of non-insulin-treated vs. insulin-treated diabetes =0.016) and cardiovascular hospitalisation (HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.25–1.41 and HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.11–1.22, respectively) compared to patients without diabetes. These results remained consistent after further adjustment for medications and left ventricular ejection fraction.

Conclusions:

Insulin-treated diabetes patients had higher event rates than diabetes patients taking oral treatments and patients without diabetes. However, insulin-treated diabetes patients had more comorbidities and atherosclerotic disease, precluding any causality suggestion between insulin treatment and outcomes. This high-risk population may require specific and/or more intense cardiovascular protective therapies.
Palliative endoscopic drainage of malignant stenosis of biliary confluence: Efficiency of multiple drainage approach to drain a maximum of liver segments
Authors: Caillol Fabrice , Bories Erwan , Zemmour Christophe , Pesenti Christian , Ratone Jean Philippe , Gilabert Marine , Launay Simon , Giovannini Marc
Published: September 2018

Background and aim

More than 50% of the liver should be drained in case of unresectable hilar liver stenosis; however, it remains unclear if the use of several types of drainage (endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and pancreatography, percutaneous‐biliary drainage, endoscopic ultrasound biliary drainage (EUS‐BD)), allowing better drainage, has an impact on survival. The aim of our study was to evaluate the percentage of liver drained and its correlation on survival whatever the drainage technique used.

Patients and methods

This study was a retrospective analysis of a prospective registry of patients with malignant drainage stenosis of the hilum. The quality of drainage was evaluated based on the percentage of liver segments drained, which was calculated by dividing the number of liver segments drained by the total number of liver segments. Drainage could be achieved via an endoscopic, EUS‐guided or percutaneous route not associated with the procedure.

Results

Sixty patients (38 men) were included from January 2015 to July 2016. The mean patient age was 69.84 years. Stenosis was classified as type II for 17 (29%) patients, type III for 20 (34%) patients, and type IV for 22 (37%) patients. Histology revealed cholangiocarcinoma for 26 (43%) patients, metastatic disease from colorectal cancer for 15 (25%) patients and another cancer for 19 (32%) patients. The median survival time was five (2.3–12.3) months.

The percentage of liver segments drained had a significant prognostic impact on overall survival regardless of the technique used to drain the liver. The percentage of liver segments drained was dichotomized based on a threshold value of 80%, resulting in two groups (<80% and ≥80%). Univariate analysis of overall survival revealed that the patients with <80% of liver segments drained had significantly worse prognoses (hazard ratio (HR) = 3.25 (1.66–6.36), p < 0.001) than the patients with ≥80% of liver segments drained. This effect was confirmed in multivariate analysis (HR = 2.46 (1.16–5.23), p = 0.02).

The other factor that affected survival was invasion of <50% of the liver by the tumor.

A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to establish a correlation between patients receiving chemotherapy and the percentage of liver drained (area under the curve = 0.77 (0.65–0.88)).

Conclusion

The survival of patients with malignant stenosis of the biliary confluence is highly correlated with the percentage of liver segments drained, regardless of the technique used.
Race and the Likelihood of Intimate Partner Violence Arrest and Dual Arrest
Authors: McCormack Philip D. , Hirschel David
Published: September 2018

Research on the impact of race on the likelihood an incident of intimate partner violence will result in arrest is mixed. Some scholars find racial minorities to be at lower risk of arrest, some find racial minorities to be at higher risk of arrest, and some find no difference in arrest likelihood based on race of the involved parties. Using a data set comprising 10 years of National Incident-Based Reporting System data (2000–2009) from 5,481 jurisdictions in 36 states and the District of Columbia, the authors examine the impact of victim and offender race on the likelihood of arrest and dual arrest. Accounting for such factors as seriousness of offense, location, and sex, the authors found that there are significant differences in the likelihood of arrest and dual arrest based on the victim and offender racial dyad. Generally, regardless of offender race, incidents with a White victim evince the highest likelihood of arrest, while interracial incidents involving a Black offender and White victim evince the lowest likelihood of dual arrest. Research and policy implications of these findings are discussed.
Use of three-dimensional organoids and lung-on-a-chip methods to study lung development, regeneration and disease
Authors: Gkatzis Konstantinos , Taghizadeh Sara , Huh Dongeun , Stainier Didier Y.R. , Bellusci Saverio
Published: September 2018

Differences in lung anatomy between mice and humans, as well as frequently disappointing results when using animal models for drug discovery, emphasise the unmet need forin vitromodels that can complement animal studies and improve our understanding of human lung physiology, regeneration and disease. Recent papers have highlighted the use of three-dimensional organoids and organs-on-a-chip to mimic tissue morphogenesis and functionin vitro. Here, we focus on the respiratory system and provide an overview of thesein vitromodels, which can be derived from primary lung cells and pluripotent stem cells, as well as healthy or diseased lungs. We emphasise their potential application in studies of respiratory development, regeneration and disease modelling.
Development and validation of a simple tool for the assessment of home noninvasive ventilation: the S3-NIV questionnaire
Authors: Dupuis-Lozeron Elise , Gex Grégoire , Pasquina Patrick , Bridevaux Pierre-Olivier , Borel Jean-Christian , Soccal Paola M. , Windisch Wolfram , Pépin Jean-Louis , Janssens Jean-Paul , Adler Dan
Published: September 2018

Patient-centred outcomes are significantly modified by long-term home noninvasive ventilation (NIV), but a short, self-administered, specific tool for routine clinical assessment is lacking. The aim of this study was to develop and validate the S3-NIV questionnaire, a short questionnaire to measure respiratorysymptoms,sleep quality and NIV-relatedside effects.

Patients with stable disease who were under long-term home NIV were recruited from three outpatient NIV services. Questionnaire development consisted of a selection of core items for analysis, followed by item reduction, validation and test–retest reliability.

338 patients completed a 22-item questionnaire. 11 items were removed because of non-scalability (n=2), redundancy (n=8) and lack of fit (n=1). The final version of the S3-NIV questionnaire consisted of 11 items covering two dimensions: “respiratory symptoms” (Cronbach's α=0.84) and “sleep & NIV-related side effects” (Cronbach's α=0.77). Convergent validity was high between the “respiratory symptoms” subscale of the S3-NIV questionnaire and the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (rho= −0.76, p<0.001), and between the “sleep & NIV-related side effects” subscale and the Quebec Sleep Questionnaire (rho=0.51, p<0.001). The S3-NIV questionnaire had good test­–retest reliability after 4 weeks (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.72).

The S3-NIV questionnaire is a short, valid and repeatable self-completed tool for the routine clinical assessment of patients undergoing home NIV.
Development and clinimetric assessment of a nurse-administered screening tool for movement disorders in psychosis
Authors: Balint Bettina , Killaspy Helen , Marston Louise , Barnes Thomas , Latorre Anna , Joyce Eileen , Clarke Caroline S. , De Micco Rosa , Edwards Mark J. , Erro Roberto , Foltynie Thomas , Hunter Rachael M. , Nolan Fiona , Schrag Anette , Freemantle Nick , Foreshaw Yvonne , Green Nicholas , Bhatia Kailash P. , Martino Davide
Published: September 2018

Background

Movement disorders associated with exposure to antipsychotic drugs are common and stigmatising but underdiagnosed.

Aims

To develop and evaluate a new clinical procedure, the ScanMove instrument, for the screening of antipsychotic-associated movement disorders for use by mental health nurses.

Method

Item selection and content validity assessment for the ScanMove instrument were conducted by a panel of neurologists, psychiatrists and a mental health nurse, who operationalised a 31-item screening procedure. Interrater reliability was measured on ratings for 30 patients with psychosis from ten mental health nurses evaluating video recordings of the procedure. Criterion and concurrent validity were tested comparing the ScanMove instrument-based rating of 13 mental health nurses for 635 community patients from mental health services with diagnostic judgement of a movement disorder neurologist based on the ScanMove instrument and a reference procedure comprising a selection of commonly used rating scales.

Results

Interreliability analysis showed no systematic difference between raters in their prediction of any antipsychotic-associated movement disorders category. On criterion validity testing, the ScanMove instrument showed good sensitivity for parkinsonism (90%) and hyperkinesia (89%), but not for akathisia (38%), whereas specificity was low for parkinsonism and hyperkinesia, and moderate for akathisia.

Conclusions

The ScanMove instrument demonstrated good feasibility and interrater reliability, and acceptable sensitivity as a mental health nurse-administered screening tool for parkinsonism and hyperkinesia.

Declaration of interest

None.
The 46th David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award Lecture: Oligometastasis—From Conception to Treatment
Authors: Weichselbaum Ralph R.
Published: September 2018

Metastasis from most adult solid tumors generally has been considered to be widespread and incurable. Here, I present clinical and molecular data to support the hypothesis that some metastases are limited in number and pace and are curable with ablative therapies. I advance the hypothesis that immunotherapy combined with radiotherapy may be a general strategy to increase the number of patients with metastatic cancer amenable to cure. I further suggest that, in the context of ablative radiotherapy, the potential synergies between immunotherapy and radiotherapy are principally within the local tumor microenvironment and require treatment of all or most sites of metastatic disease. Improvements in the molecular staging of metastasis, immunotherapy strategies, and radiotherapy delivery are likely to improve outcomes for patients with metastatic cancer.
Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Previously Treated With Docetaxel-Based Chemotherapy: Treatment Patterns From the PROXIMA Prospective Registry
Authors: Akaza Hideyuki , Procopio Giuseppe , Pripatnanont Choosak , Facchini Gaetano , Fava Sergio , Wheatley Duncan , Leung Kwong Chuen , Butt Mohammad , Silva Alberto , Castillo Liliana , Karavasilis Vasilios , Ӧzatılgan Ayse , Hitier Simon , Ecstein-Fraisse Evelyne B. , Ӧzgüroḡlu Mustafa
Published: September 2018

Purpose

There is a major clinical need to devise an optimal treatment sequence for the multiple therapy options available for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). In the absence of prospective clinical trials, sequencing information can be derived from large, real-world registry studies.

Patients and Methods

PROXIMA (Treatment Patterns in Patients With Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Previously Treated With Docetaxel-Based Chemotherapy) is a large, global, prospective registry study evaluating real-world treatment patterns of patients with mCRPC who experience disease progression during or after docetaxel therapy. Patients were enrolled worldwide between 2011 and 2014. Treatments were determined by the treating physicians and recorded in categories of chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and palliative therapy. Treatment sequencing patterns, response to treatment, and types of progression were recorded and analyzed. Progression-free survival and overall survival with different treatment modalities were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Treatment patterns were evaluated in 903 patients. Therapy selection was influenced by region. Hormonal therapy (57.5%) and taxane chemotherapy (26.4%) were the most frequently administered first subsequent treatments after docetaxel. Tumor responses to first subsequent treatment were observed in 22.6% of evaluable patients. Overall survival and progression-free survival did not differ significantly across different treatment modalities.

Conclusion

Identifying an optimal treatment sequence is vital for improving the care of patients with mCRPC. The PROXIMA registry provided a representative sample of global data on real-world treatment patterns for patients with mCRPC previously treated with docetaxel. These data can be used to devise optimal therapy sequences and inform treatment decisions.
A synthetic biology platform for the reconstitution and mechanistic dissection of LINC complex assembly
Authors: Majumder Sagardip , Willey Patrick T. , DeNies Maxwell S. , Liu Allen P. , Luxton G. W. Gant
Published: September 2018

The linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) is a conserved nuclear envelope-spanning molecular bridge that is responsible for the mechanical integration of the nucleus with the cytoskeleton. LINC complexes are formed by a transluminal interaction between the outer and inner nuclear membrane KASH and SUN proteins, respectively. Despite recent structural insights, our mechanistic understanding of LINC complex assembly remains limited by the lack of an experimental system for its in vitro reconstitution and manipulation. Here, we describe artificial nuclear membranes (ANMs) as a synthetic biology platform based on mammalian cell-free expression for the rapid reconstitution of SUN proteins in supported lipid bilayers. We demonstrate that SUN1 and SUN2 are oriented in ANMs with solvent-exposed C-terminal KASH-binding SUN domains. We also find that SUN2 possesses a single transmembrane domain, while SUN1 possesses three. Finally, SUN protein-containing ANMs bind synthetic KASH peptides, thereby reconstituting the LINC complex core. This work represents the first in vitro reconstitution of KASH-binding SUN proteins in supported lipid bilayers using cell-free expression, which will be invaluable for testing proposed models of LINC complex assembly and its regulation.
ODF2 maintains centrosome cohesion by restricting β-catenin accumulation
Authors: Yang Kefei , Tylkowski Marco Andreas , Hüber Daniela , Contreras Constanza Tapia , Hoyer-Fender Sigrid
Published: September 2018

The centrosome, as the main microtubule-organizing center, safeguards chromosome segregation by supporting the bipolar spindle. Centrosome aberrations are causally related to chromosome segregation disorders, both characterizing cancer cells. Thus, a restriction to only having one centrosome per cell and cell cycle-dependent duplication of the centrosome is mandatory. Duplicated centrosomes remain physically connected, in order to function as a single entity, until onset of mitosis when centrosome disjunction is licensed by disassembly of linker proteins and accumulation of β-catenin. The crucial role β-catenin plays in centrosome disjunction inevitably demands for restricting its premature accumulation. ODF2 (also known as cenexin) is an essential centrosomal component, but its relevance for the interphase centrosome has not been elucidated. We show here that ODF2 plays a central role in centrosome cohesion. Depletion of ODF2 induces premature centrosome splitting and formation of tripolar spindles that are likely caused by the observed accumulation of centrosomal β-catenin. Our data collectively indicate that ODF2 restricts β-catenin accumulation at the centrosome, thus preventing premature centrosome disjunction.
Moved to Opportunity: The Long-Run Effects of Public Housing Demolition on Children
Authors: Chyn Eric
Published: September 2018

This paper provides new evidence on the effects of moving out of disadvantaged neighborhoods on the long-run outcomes of children. I study public housing demolitions in Chicago, which forced low-income households to relocate to less disadvantaged neighborhoods using housing vouchers. Specifically, I compare young adult outcomes of displaced children to their peers who lived in nearby public housing that was not demolished. Displaced children are more likely to be employed and earn more in young adulthood. I also find that displaced children have fewer violent crime arrests. Children displaced at young ages have lower high school dropout rates. (JEL H75, I38, J13, R23, R38)
Narrative Sign Restrictions for SVARs
Authors: Antolín-Díaz Juan , Rubio-Ramírez Juan F.
Published: September 2018

We identify structural vector autoregressions using narrative sign restrictions. Narrative sign restrictions constrain the structural shocks and/or the historical decomposition around key historical events, ensuring that they agree with the established narrative account of these episodes. Using models of the oil market and monetary policy, we show that narrative sign restrictions tend to be highly informative. Even a single narrative sign restriction may dramatically sharpen and even change the inference of SVARs originally identified via traditional sign restrictions. Our approach combines the appeal of narrative methods with the popularized usage of traditional sign restrictions. (JEL C32, E52, Q35, Q43)
Why Do Defaults Affect Behavior? Experimental Evidence from Afghanistan
Authors: Blumenstock Joshua , Callen Michael , Ghani Tarek
Published: September 2018

We report on an experiment examining why default options impact behavior. By randomly assigning employees to different varieties of a salary-linked savings account, we find that default enrollment increases participation by 40 percentage points—an effect equivalent to providing a 50 percent matching incentive. We then use a series of experimental interventions to differentiate between explanations for the default effect, which we conclude is driven largely by present-biased preferences and the cognitive cost of thinking through different savings scenarios. Default assignment also changes employees’ attitudes toward saving, and makes them more likely to actively decide to save after the study concludes. (JEL C93, D14, D91, O12)
Influence of VistaScan image enhancement filters on diagnosis of simulated periapical lesions on intraoral radiographs
Authors: Brasil Danieli Moura , Yamasaki Mayra Cristina , Santaella Gustavo Machado , Guido Maria Carolina Zumstein , Freitas Deborah Queiroz , Haiter-Neto Francisco
Published: September 2018

Objective:

To evaluate whether image enhancement filters of VistaScan system improve the diagnostic accuracy of simulated periapical lesions.

Methods:

10 sockets were prepared on bovine ribs to fit a bovine tooth. Bone defects were created and successively enlarged providing four groups (n = 10): Group 0, absence of lesions; Group 1, periapical lesions with 1.6  mm in diameter; Group 2, with 1.8  mm in diameter; and Group 3, with 2.1  mm in diameter. Periapical radiographs were taken using a photostimulable storage phosphor plate and DBSWIN software. VistaScan filters were applied and the images were allocated into seven groups: Nonfiltered, Fine, Caries 1, Caries 2, Endodontic, Periodontal and Noise Reduction. All the 280 images were assessed about the presence or absence of periapical lesions. Pixel intensities standard deviation were compared between nonfiltered and filtered images. Two-Way Analysis of Variance and the post hoc Tukey’s test were used to compare area under the ROC curve, sensitivity and specificity.

Results:

VistaScan filters showed no significant difference for area under receiver operating characteristic curve (p = 0.124), sensitivity (p = 0.835) and specificity (p = 0.832). Area under receiver operating characteristic curve (p = 0.000) and sensitivity (p = 0.000) in 2.1  mm lesions size were significantly higher than in 1.6  mm and 1.8  mm lesions size. Pixel intensities standard deviation was significantly changed in the filtered images compared to nonfiltered ones (p < 0.01), except for Fine in the bone region (p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

VistaScan enhancement filters do not influence the diagnostic accuracy of simulated periapical lesions. On the other hand, larger lesions were more frequently detected. The filters change the pixel intensities reducing or intensifying the differences between similar regions.
Inferior Vena Cava Filter Placement in Patients with Venous Thromboembolism without Contraindication to Anticoagulation
Authors: Parris Ritika S. , Carbo Alexander R.
Published: September 2018

The “Things We Do for No Reason” (TWDFNR) series reviews practices that have become common parts of hospital care but may provide little value to our patients. Practices reviewed in the TWDFNR series do not represent “black and white” conclusions or clinical practice standards but are meant as a starting place for research and active discussions among hospitalists and patients. We invite you to be part of that discussion.
Immediate dentures part 2: denture construction
Authors: Jogezai Ursala , Laverty Dominic , Walmsley A Damien
Published: September 2018

Abstract: These two review articles aim to provide a comprehensive summary on immediate dentures. In this second part, the various stages of immediate denture construction are discussed. These include primary and master impressions, jaw registration, wax try-in and fitting the prosthesis. However, it has been explained that each stage may not be carried out in every immediate denture construction case. This paper concludes with a discussion on methods of addition to immediate dentures, if and when further teeth are lost.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Immediate dentures are commonly used to provide patients with tooth replacement immediately following extractions to maintain aesthetics and function. Therefore, they are an integral part of a dentist's armamentarium.
Current concepts for the evaluation and management of diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Mavrogenis Andreas F. , Megaloikonomos Panayiotis D. , Antoniadou Thekla , Igoumenou Vasilios G. , Panagopoulos Georgios N. , Dimopoulos Leonidas , Moulakakis Konstantinos G. , Sfyroeras George S. , Lazaris Andreas
Published: September 2018

The lifetime risk for diabetic patients to develop a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is 25%. In these patients, the risk of amputation is increased and the outcome deteriorates. More than 50% of non-traumatic lower-extremity amputations are related to DFU infections and 85% of all lower-extremity amputations in patients with diabetes are preceded by an ulcer; up to 70% of diabetic patients with a DFU-related amputation die within five years of their amputation. Optimal management of patients with DFUs must include clinical awareness, adequate blood glucose control, periodic foot inspection, custom therapeutic footwear, off-loading in high-risk patients, local wound care, diagnosis and control of osteomyelitis and ischaemia.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2018;3:513-525. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.3.180010
Common Hormone Therapies Used to Care for Transgender Patients Influence Laboratory Results
Authors: Humble Robert M , Imborek Katherine L , Nisly Nicole , Greene Dina N , Krasowski Matthew D
Published: September 2018

Background

Many laboratory tests are reported and interpreted with sex-specific reference intervals. However, transgender individuals receiving masculinizing or feminizing hormone therapy experience physiological changes predisposing some laboratory tests to shift outside of existing reference intervals. In this study, we review laboratory testing of a large cohort of transgender individuals who were prescribed hormone therapy for at least 6 months at an academic medical center.

Methods

Transgender patients were identified using a search function within the electronic health record with gender identity status verified by chart review. Patients were grouped based on type of hormone therapy administered. All laboratory studies were ordered for medical purposes as part of clinical care; as a result, the exact laboratory tests differed among the patients. Some of the patients had sufficient data for both 6- and 12-month comparisons with baseline laboratory values.

Results

Statistically significant changes were observed at 6- and 12-month comparisons in basic chemistry, endocrine, and hematologic parameters for transgender individuals receiving masculinizing or feminizing hormones. Chart review demonstrated variation in route of administration of hormone therapy and frequency of gender-affirming surgery within the study population.

Conclusions

Transgender individuals receiving hormone therapy experienced significant changes in components of basic chemistry, endocrine, and hematologic parameters following administration of hormone therapy. Variability in hormone dosing and route of administration for gender-affirming treatment warrants further investigation.
Long-term changes on the structure of fish assemblages in the Lobo-Broa reservoir, Brazil
Authors: Sanchez André Luís , Matsubara Kenzo Gabriel , Gaeta Espíndola Evaldo Luiz
Published: September 2018

The freshwater fishes are threatened by anthropic disturbances. Our study investigate the trends of a retrospective analysis and the changes on the structure of fish assemblages in a tropical reservoir. To attempt it, we compared scientific publications of Lobo-Broa reservoir from 1975 to 2011, integrating long-term environmental data. The results obtained suggest the composition of species had an increase in similarity. The species with higher constancy of occurrence became constant, reflecting an increased constancy of opportunistic species with a declining number of native species. In conclusion, our study are an important register and alert about the anthropic impacts on fish assemblages, supporting the implementation of fishery management and conservation acts.
Assessment of Presidente Getúlio Waterfalls Bathing Conditions – Santa Catarina State, Brazil
Authors: Bagattoli Felipe , Serbent Maria Pilar , Censi Guilherme , Lunelli Bachmann Suyanne Angie
Published: September 2018

Human actions without proper planning can result in degradation of water bodies by compromising their varied uses, and among them, the recreational use. The district of Presidente Getúlio, located in Alto Vale do Itajaí, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, has several waterfalls that serve as recreation environments. However, there is a lack of studies to assess the environmental quality of these areas. The objective of this study was to evaluate the bathing conditions of four waterfalls of Presidente Getúlio according to the bathing criteria established by Brazilian law. The indicative parameters of water quality evaluated were Escherichia coli, pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, turbidity and biochemical oxygen demand. The results indicate that the waterfalls have improper conditions of primary contact recreation due to pollution caused by diffuse sources (fecal matter from livestock activities) and point sources (untreated domestic sewage). Fecal pollution of these recreational water bodies can lead to health problems because of the presence of infectious microorganisms.
Hospitalidade na cidade: as manifestações culturais como uso do espaço público
Authors: Bitelli Fábio Molinari , Bastos Sênia Regina
Published: September 2018

Bairro inicialmente formado por negros e imigrantes (predominantemente italianos), o Bexiga, localizado na região central da cidade de São Paulo, está inserido no distrito Bela Vista e tem enraizada no uso de seu espaço público a cultura festiva desses grupos formadores. Nesse território, manifestações culturais vêm surgindo desde 1926, algumas permanecem e contribuem como atrativo turístico, de lazer e de sociabilidade. Com o objetivo de entender o bairro sob os aspectos da hospitalidade urbana, a pesquisa concentrou-se na busca de categorias para análise dessas manifestações culturais inventariadas e compreendidas como corpus desse artigo. O referencial teórico sobre espaço público e hospitalidade urbana, realizado por meio de levantamento bibliográfico, fundamentou as categorias de acessibilidade, identidade, legibilidade, cidadania e vivência, posteriormente avaliadas com base na observação participante, e contribuiu para o desenvolvimento do estudo. Como resultado, as manifestações apresentaram na prática, em menor ou maior grau, o alcance dos conceitos relacionados às categorias em questão, convergindo à hospitalidade na cidade. Espera-se que a apresentação de tais categorias contribua para pesquisas futuras, como instrumento prático de aplicação, objetivando a identificação da hospitalidade urbana nos estudos do espaço público.
Produção científica no campo da Gastronomia: em busca de uma configuração
Authors: Ferro Rafael Cunha , Rejowski Mirian
Published: September 2018

Esta pesquisa exploratória-descritiva possui natureza documental e se caracteriza como um estudo de estado da arte de documentos originários de programas de pós-graduação stricto sensu de qualquer área do conhecimento em âmbito nacional, relacionados diretamente com a Gastronomia. Como objetivo principal, pretendeu-se investigar a formação do campo de conhecimento da Gastronomia no Brasil a partir da sistematização da sua produção acadêmica em nível de pós-graduação. A amostra dessa pesquisa contou com 223 documentos - teses (13%) e dissertações (87%) datados de 1999 e 2016 –, cujos dados foram tratados pela análise de conteúdo. Com base no tipo de documento, instituição de ensino superior, nome do programa e ano de defesa, foi possível classificar os documentos em 27 áreas do conhecimento, com maior concentração em Turismo e Interdisciplinar, e em 7 grandes áreas do conhecimento, com destaque para Ciências Sociais Aplicadas. Os títulos, resumos, objetivos e palavras-chave foram utilizados para categorizar os documentos em 12 aspectos que foram agrupados em três abordagens: comercial, não comercial e de saúde. Em média, 3 a cada 5 documentos versam sobre temáticas voltadas aos aspectos não comerciais da Gastronomia. Com essa sistematização, elaborou-se um modelo preliminar de abordagens temáticas do campo da Gastronomia, que reforça a natureza multi e interdisciplinar da pesquisa nesse campo emergente em construção.
Annual net nitrogen mineralization and litter flux in well-drained downy birch, Norway spruce and Scots pine forest ecosystems
Authors: Becker Hardo , Aosaar Jürgen , Varik Mats , Morozov Gunnar , Aun Kristiina , Mander Ülo , Soosaar Kaido , Uri Veiko
Published: September 2018

The main aim of the current study was to estimate the annual net nitrogen mineralization (NNM) flux in stands of different tree species growing on drained peatlands, as well as to clarify the effect of tree species, soil properties and litter on annual NNM dynamics. Three study sites were set up in May 2014: a downy birch ( Ehrh.) stand and a Norway spruce ( (L.) Karst.) stand in full-drained swamp (ODS) and a Scots pine ( L.) stand in full-drained swamp (MDS). The NNM flux was estimated using the method with incubated polyethylene bags. The highest value of NNM was found in stands that were growing on fertile ODS: 127.5 kg N ha yr and 87.7 kg N ha yr, in the downy birch stand and in the Norway spruce stand, respectively. A significantly lower annual NNM flux (11.8 kg N ha yr) occurred in the Scots pine stand growing in MDS. Nitrification was highest at fertile ODS sites and ammonification was the highest at the low fertility MDS site. For all study sites, positive correlation was found between soil temperature and NNM intensity. The difference in annual NNM between the downy birch stand and the Norway spruce stand growing on similar drained fertile peatlands was due to litter quality. The annual N input into the soil through leaf litter was the highest at the downy birch site where also the C/N ratio of litter was the lowest. The second highest N input into the soil was found in the spruce stand and the lowest in the pine stand.Betula pubescensPicea abiesOxalisPinus sylvestrisMyrtillusin situâ1â1â1â1â1â1
The Effect of Brand Image and Consumer Attitudes on The Decision to Purchase Batik Jetis Sidoarjo Mediated by Intent to Buy
Authors: Mubarok Muhammad Mufti
Published: September 2018

In the context of regional economic development, the development of the local economy according to its potential is a very important factor. The owners of the batik industry face problems in marketing. In an effort to influence consumer decisions to buy, they must try one of them is to attract consumers. Therefore, they must pay attention to the image and attitude factors of the industrial owners so that consumers also have a positive attitude towards the image of their products. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of brand image and consumer attitudes on purchasing decisions directly and indirectly mediated by intent to purchase. The population in this study were consumers of Batik Jetis Sidoarjo with a sample of 100 people taken using judgment sampling method. Data collection method uses a questionnaire. Then, the data were analyzed using path analysis with the IBM SPSS 21 program. The results showed thatbrand image has a positive and significant direct effect on purchasing decisions; (2) consumer attitudes also has a significant direct effect on purchasing decisions; (3) Brand image and consumer attitudes have a positive and significant indirect effect on purchasing decisions through intent to purchase. It is advisable for Batik Jetis Sidoarjo innovate their batik products, both from the combination of motivesand colors. They also have to improve the kiosk spatial sector and adequate facilities, and organize batik events and festivals. Increased promotion and marketing see objects classified as new, strategies for batik events to sell and demand and have their own image by visitors.
Parallel Numerical Creation of Phase-space Diagrams of Nonlinear Systems Using Maple
Authors: Hajdu F. , Molnárka Gy.
Published: September 2018

In this paper the numerical creation of phase-plane diagrams in parallel utilizing Maple is presented. One of the most effective method for studying nonlinear systems is the creation of detailed enough phase-plane diagrams. But in the case of large systems it requires huge amount of numerical calculation, which can be accelerated using parallel computers. Here we show some attempts for this using moderate size known problems. We demonstrate that detailed diagrams can be created fast and efficiently with a SIMD model based algorithm even using simple PC-s. We exhibit that the parallel algorithm taken for one- and two-dimensional problems can be expanded for 3D phase-space diagram creation without any loss of efficiency. In this paper a methodology is showed which can be followed in the study of large dynamical systems as well.
The POLICRYPS liquid-crystalline structure for optical applications
Authors: Caputo Roberto , De Luca Antonio , Strangi Giuseppe , Bartolino Roberto , Umeton Cesare , De Sio Luciano , Veltri Alessandro , Serak Svetlana , Tabiryan Nelson
Published: September 2018

We present a review of polymer-liquid crystal-based devices for optical applications. Starting from a particular fabrication technique, which enables to obtain the POLICRYPS (POlymer LIquid CRYstal Polymer Slices) structure, we illustrate different realizations, along with their working principle and main features and performances. The name POLICRYPS indicates a structure made of parallel slices of pure polymeric material alternated to films of well-aligned nematic liquid crystal (NLC), with a spatial periodicity that can be settled in the range 0.2÷15 μm. Suitably designed samples can be utilized as optical devices with a high efficiency, which can be switched on and off both by applying an electric field of a few V/μm or by irradiating samples with a suitable light beam. In different geometries, POLICRYPS can be specialized to operate as switchable diffraction grating, switchable optical phase modulator, switchable beam splitter, or tunable Bragg filter. The POLICRYPS framework can be also used as a soft matter template for aligning different types of LCs or to create an array of tunable microlasers. Finally, we present a POLICRYPS structure with a polar symmetry of the director alignment, which enables local shaping of light polarization, allowing to convert circularly polarized beams into cylindrical vector beams.
In-situ density estimation by four nondestructive techniques on Norway spruce from built-in wood structures
Authors: Llana Daniel F. , Íñiguez-González Guillermo , Montón Joaquín , Arriaga Francisco
Published: September 2018

Needle penetration resistance (NPR), screw withdrawal resistance (SWR), core drilling (CD) and drilling chips extraction (DCE) are nondestructive and semi-destructive techniques used to estimate density in timber structures. In most of the previous studies, these techniques were tested in clear sawn timber and clear specimens. The goal of the present paper is to study the relationship between density and these techniques by means of five different devices in whole pieces of timber from built-in engineering structures, which are from 12 4.5-m long structural timber joists of Norway spruce from a 19thcentury building in Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain). Although determination coefficients (R2) for density estimation models were lower than those from clear timber, the results obtained confirmed that these four techniques are suitable forin-situdensity estimation of woods in buildings. The best results were obtained by CD (the bigger the bit, the higher the correlation), followed by DCE, and SWR. The worst correlation was found for NPR devices, but the results could be probably improved with more measurements.
Tandem DNAzyme for double digestion: a new tool for circRNA suppression
Authors: Ding Junyao , Zhou Wenhu , Li Xiaojing , Sun Meng , Ding Jingsong , Zhu Qubo
Published: September 2018

Circular RNA (circRNA) play a crucial role in many biological processes and have been proved as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in many diseases. Manipulation of their expression is a critical task. In this study, we developed a new strategy for circRNA suppression with DNAzyme. Data showed single-digestion DNAzymes cleaved circRNA efficiently in vitro but not in cell culture. However, tandem DNAzymes for double digestion showed higher cleavage efficacy both in vitro and in cell culture. Functional study demonstrated that double-digestion DNAzymes suppressed the miRNA sponge function of circRNA and changed the proliferation and migration rates of HCC cells.
Effective Approach to Classify and Segment Retinal Hemorrhage Using ANFIS and Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Atlas Lawrence Livingston Godlin , Parasuraman Kumar
Published: September 2018

The main objective of this study is to progress the structure and segment the images from hemorrhage recognition in retinal fundus images in ostensible. The abnormal bleeding of blood vessels in the retina which is the membrane in the back of the eye is called retinal hemorrhage. The image folders are deliberated, and the filter technique is utilized to decrease the images specifically adaptive median filter in our suggested proposal. Gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM), grey level run length matrix (GLRLM) and Scale invariant feature transform (SIFT) feature skills are present after filtrating the feature withdrawal. After this, the organization technique is performed, specifically artificial neural network with fuzzy interface system (ANFIS) method; with the help of this organization, exaggerated and non-affected images are categorized. Affected hemorrhage images are transpired for segmentation procedure, and in this exertion, threshold optimization is measured with numerous optimization methods; on the basis of this, particle swarm optimization is accomplished in improved manner. Consequently, the segmented images are projected, and the sensitivity is great when associating with accurateness and specificity in the MATLAB platform.