bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Existing plagiarism detection techniques
Authors: Eisa Taiseer Abdalla Elfadil , Salim Naomie , Alzahrani Salha
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse the state-of-the-art techniques used to detect plagiarism in terms of their limitations, features, taxonomies and processes.

Design/methodology/approach

– The method used to execute this study consisted of a comprehensive search for relevant literature via six online database repositories namely; IEEE xplore, ACM Digital Library, ScienceDirect, EI Compendex, Web of Science and Springer using search strings obtained from the subject of discussion.

Findings

– The findings revealed that existing plagiarism detection techniques require further enhancements as existing techniques are incapable of efficiently detecting plagiarised ideas, figures, tables, formulas and scanned documents.

Originality/value

– The contribution of this study lies in its ability to have exposed the current trends in plagiarism detection researches and identify areas where further improvements are required so as to complement the performances of existing techniques.
Implications of scaled δ15N fractionation for community predator–prey body mass ratio estimates in size‐structured food webs
Authors: Reum Jonathan C. P. , Jennings Simon , Hunsicker Mary E.
Published: June 2015

Nitrogen stable isotope ratios (δ15N) may be used to estimate community‐level relationships between trophic level (TL) and body size in size‐structured food webs and hence the mean predator to prey body mass ratio (PPMR). In turn, PPMR is used to estimate mean food chain length, trophic transfer efficiency and rates of change in abundance with body mass (usually reported as slopes of size spectra) and to calibrate and validate food web models.

When estimating TL, researchers had assumed that fractionation of δ15N (Δδ15N) did not change with TL. However, a recent meta‐analysis indicated that this assumption was not as well supported by data as the assumption that Δδ15N scales negatively with the δ15N of prey.

We collated existing fish community δ15N–body size data for the Northeast Atlantic and tropical Western Arabian Sea with new data from the Northeast Pacific. These data were used to estimate TL–body mass relationships and PPMR under constant and scaled Δδ15N assumptions, and to assess how the scaled Δδ15N assumption affects our understanding of the structure of these food webs.

Adoption of the scaled Δδ15N approach markedly reduces the previously reported differences in TL at body mass among fish communities from different regions. With scaled Δδ15N, TL–body mass relationships became more positive and PPMR fell.

Results implied that realized prey size in these size‐structured fish communities are less variable than previously assumed and food chains potentially longer. The adoption of generic PPMR estimates for calibration and validation of size‐based fish community models is better supported than hitherto assumed, but predicted slopes of community size spectra are more sensitive to a given change or error in realized PPMR when PPMR is small.
Ethnically Diverse Transport Behaviours: An Australian Perspective
Authors: KLOCKER NATASCHA , TOOLE STEPHANIE , TINDALE ALEXANDER , KERR SOPHIE‐MAY
Published: June 2015

Rates of car ownership in Australia are among the highest in the world. Private cars have shaped the urban form of Australian cities and the daily routines of their residents, making it possible to fulfil geographically stretched responsibilities for work, family, and social lives. But the dominance of the private car in Australian lives and landscapes should not be confused with universality. Aggregate, population‐wide statistics of car ownership and use mask the fact that not all Australians are equally car dependent. In this paper, we report on the results of a household sustainability survey conducted in metropolitan Sydney and Wollongong. Overseas‐born persons, migrants, and (some) ethnic minority groups were found to own fewer cars – and to use them less – than their Anglo‐Australian and Australian‐born counterparts. These differences were not attributable to socio‐economic or demographic factors. Our findings, which point towards the existence of diverse cultures of transport within the Australian population, are significant for transport planning and policymaking. Given profound concerns about the environmental implications of car use, the environmentally (more) sustainable transport behaviours of ethnic minorities and migrants should be supported. A shift in research focus away from the most car‐dependent groups in Australian society may also be more widely instructive. The transport practices, experiences, and strategies of those who own and drive cars at below‐average rates may indeed contribute practical lessons to inform planning for more environmentally sustainable transport futures.
The interrelationship of proteasome impairment and oligomeric intermediates in neurodegeneration
Authors: Deger Jennifer M. , Gerson Julia E. , Kayed Rakez
Published: June 2015

Various neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the accumulation of amyloidogenic proteins such as tau, α‐synuclein, and amyloid‐β. Prior to the formation of these stable aggregates, intermediate species of the respective proteins—oligomers—appear. Recently acquired data have shown that oligomers may be the most toxic and pathologically significant to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The covalent modification of these oligomers may be critically important for biological processes in disease. Ubiquitin and small ubiquitin‐like modifiers are the commonly used tags for degradation. While the modification of large amyloid aggregates by ubiquitination is well established, very little is known about the role ubiquitin may play in oligomer processing and the importance of the more recently discovered sumoylation. Many proteins involved in neurodegeneration have been found to be sumoylated, notably tau protein in brains afflicted with Alzheimer's. This evidence suggests that while the cell may not have difficulty recognizing dangerous proteins, in brains afflicted with neurodegenerative disease, the proteasome may be unable to properly digest the tagged proteins. This would allow toxic aggregates to develop, leading to even more proteasome impairment in a snowball effect that could explain the exponential progression in most neurodegenerative diseases. A better understanding of the covalent modifications of oligomers could have a huge impact on the development of therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. This review will focus on the proteolysis of tau and other amyloidogenic proteins induced by covalent modification, and recent findings suggesting a relationship between tau oligomers and sumoylation.
The effect of pregnancy‐induced hypertensive disorders on placental growth along short and long axes and neonatal outcomes
Authors: Phad Neelkanth , Dahlstrom Jane E. , Ellwood David , Kent Alison L.
Published: June 2015

Aim

To assess the effect of pregnancy‐induced hypertensive disorders on the growth of the placenta on the short and long axes and neonatal outcomes.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort study of gross and histological characteristics of placentas and the fetal outcomes of normotensive and hypertensive pregnancies over a three‐year period from January 2009 to December 2011 at a tertiary teaching hospital in ACT, Australia.

Results

Placentas and neonatal outcomes from 100 pregnancies complicated with pregnancy‐induced hypertension/pre‐eclampsia were studied and compared with 51 gestational age‐matched placentas and neonatal outcomes from normotensive pregnancies. The median maternal age and smoking history were similar in the two groups (P = 0.894; P = 1.00, respectively). The median pre‐pregnancy weight was significantly higher (P < 0.001) and primiparity more common (P = 0.001) in the study group. The median weight of the placenta was significantly lower (P < 0.001) and below the 10th centile (P < 0.001) in the study group. Both the long and short axes of the placental disc were significantly smaller in the study group (P = 0.002; P ≤ 0.001 respectively). Accelerated villous maturation, placental infarcts and decidual vessel vasculopathy were more common in the study group (P < 0.001). The median birthweight and the number of infants with birthweight and length below the 10th centile were significantly higher in the study group (P = 0.008; P < 0.001; P = 0.004, respectively).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that pregnancy‐induced hypertension significantly influences the growth and development of both the placenta and fetus.
INFORMed choices: Facilitating shared decision‐making in health care
Authors: Beckmann Michael , Cooper Catherine , Pocock Daniel
Published: June 2015

A clinical audit was undertaken before and after the introduction of a five‐minute video presentation as an adjunct to the clinical consultation in the setting of ruptured membranes at term. The video framed clinical information using an INFORM structure: providing Information, Facts, Options, Reasons, Meaning. Subsequently, women were more likely to report that information was unbiased, based on facts and evidence that they were involved in the decision‐making and overall satisfied with the information provided.
Hand infection patients presenting to an orthopaedic unit: An audit of incidence and demographics at a rural hospital
Authors: Turow Arthur , Palapitige Bandulasena , Kim Susan W. , Jaarsma Ruurd L. , Bramwell Donald , Krishnan Jeganath
Published: June 2015

Objective

Hand infections are a common presentation to health services in the Northern Territory; however, little is known about these patients. This study aims to identify incidence, treatment and co‐morbidities of hand infection patients and to pinpoint factors associated with poor outcome.

Design

A retrospective study of all patients presenting to Alice Springs Hospital with a hand infection during 2012.

Setting

Orthopaedic Unit at Alice Springs Hospital.

Participants

All patients admitted with a hand infection were included.

Main outcome measures

Admission duration, duration waited before first presentation, re‐admission rate, duration of re‐admission and rate of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Results

One hundred fourteen cases of hand infections were admitted to Alice Springs Hospital during 2012, of which 87 (76%) were in Indigenous patients. Indigenous patients (P = 0.001) and older patients (P = 0.038) had significantly longer admissions. Indigenous patients were 9.52 times (P = 0.038) more likely to be re‐admitted than non‐Indigenous patients. The rate of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus was 24.6%, and this was associated with smoking (P = 0.049) and substance abuse (P = 0.036). Formal follow‐up was not related to indirect measures of hand infection severity, such as admission duration or re‐admissions.

Conclusion

Hand infections are a common presentation to Alice Springs Hospital. Indigenous people are admitted 2.38 times longer after adjusting for age and alcohol abuse. They have a more than ninefold chance of being re‐admitted to hospital than non‐Indigenous people following a hand infection.
Not sending the message: A low prevalence of strength‐based exercise participation in rural and regional Central Queensland
Authors: Dalbo Vincent J. , Czerepusko James B. , Tucker Patrick S. , Kingsley Michael I. , Moon Jordan R. , Young Kaelin , Scanlan Aaron T.
Published: June 2015

Objective

The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of current strength‐based exercise in rural and regional populations of Central Queensland. The secondary aim was to examine the proportion of residents from various demographic groups who currently partake in strength‐based exercise to allow for targeted strength training campaigns.

Design

A cross‐sectional, survey‐based experimental design was followed.

Setting

Rural and regional Australia.

Participants

Rural and regional community‐dwelling individuals living in Central Queensland and aged 18 years and older.

Intervention

Survey data was collected in October and November 2010 as part of the Central Queensland University Social Survey.

Main outcome measures

Strength‐based exercise participation, gender, age, income, years of education, self‐reported physical activity and perception of health.

Results

Participation in strength‐based exercise was 13.2%. Women were less likely to partake in strength‐based exercise than male, and ≥55 year old adults were less likely to partake in strength‐based exercise than 18–34 year old adults. Participation in strength‐based exercise was found to increase with years of education, self‐reported physical activity and self‐rated health.

Conclusion

The prevalence of adults in rural and regional Central Queensland engaging in strength‐based exercise is low. Exercise physiologists, clinicians and government officials must work together to ensure that this form of exercise is acknowledged as a vital component of health in rural and regional areas.
High risk HPV testing in the triage of repeat ASC‐US and LSIL
Authors: Veijalainen Olga , Tuomisaari Sanna , Luukkaala Tiina , Mäenpää Johanna
Published: June 2015

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the real‐life performance of high‐risk (HR) HPV testing in the triage of repeat atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC‐US) and low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL).

Material and methods

In 2004–2012, 127 women with repeat ASC‐US and 118 women with LSIL were triaged with HPV testing using either a Hybrid Capture 2® or Abbott RealTime® HR‐HPV test. The patient charts were retrospectively reviewed for performance of the tests.

Results

In the repeat ASC‐US group, 40.9% of the women were positive for HR‐HPV. The prevalence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) was 8.7%. The sensitivity of the HR‐HPV testing for detection of CIN2+ was 90.9% (95% Cl 58.7–98.5%), with a specificity of 63.8% (95%CI 54.4–72.5%). In women ≥30 years old, the specificity was 70.4%, whereas in younger women it was only 27.8%. The negative predictive value to predict CIN3 was 100% (95% CI 95.2–100.0%). Of the women with LSIL, 68.6% were positive for HR‐HPV and the prevalence of CIN2+ was 14.4%. The sensitivity of HR‐HPV testing for detection of CIN2+ was 94.1% (95% CI 71.2–99.0%), and the specificity 35.6% (95% CI 26.4–45.8%), respectively. The negative predictive value to predict CIN3 was 100% (95% CI 90.4–100.0%).

Conclusion

HR‐HPV testing seems to be beneficial in the triage of repeat ASC‐US in women ≥30 years old, but a high prevalence of HR‐HPV infection combined with poor specificity limit the use of HPV testing in the case of LSIL.
Systematic Review of Phosphodiesterase‐5 Inhibitor Use in Right Ventricular Failure Following Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation
Authors: Baker William L. , Radojevic Joseph , Gluck Jason A.
Published: June 2015

Our aim was to identify relevant literature supporting the use of phosphodiesterase‐5 (PDE5) inhibitors in patients with persistent pulmonary hypertension with signs of postprocedural right ventricular (RV) dysfunction following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. We searched MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science from inception through November 27, 2014 for citations evaluating patients with end‐stage heart failure necessitating LVAD, continuous and pulsatile, who received a PDE5 inhibitor to prevent RV failure. Outcomes of interest included changes in mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, central venous pressure, cardiac index, and mean arterial pressure. Results are presented qualitatively. Four citations (n = 83 patients) were included. These included a single case report, two retrospective case series, and a prospective open‐label study with a historical control. All four studies utilized the PDE5 inhibitor sildenafil with various doses for up to 3 months. Sildenafil routinely reduced mean pulmonary artery pressures as soon as 90 min after administration. Reductions in pulmonary vascular resistance were also seen shortly after the procedure and maintained through 12–15 weeks. While one study saw improvements in postoperative central venous pressures, another did not. Evidence supporting PDE5 inhibitor use to attenuate RV failure in patients requiring an LVAD is weak.
Group living in squamate reptiles: a review of evidence for stable aggregations
Authors: Gardner Michael G. , Pearson Sarah K. , Johnston Gregory R. , Schwarz Michael P.
Published: June 2015

How sociality evolves and is maintained remains a key question in evolutionary biology. Most studies to date have focused on insects, birds, and mammals but data from a wider range of taxonomic groups are essential to identify general patterns and processes. The extent of social behaviour among squamate reptiles is under‐appreciated, yet they are a promising group for further studies. Living in aggregations is posited as an important step in the evolution of more complex sociality. We review data on aggregations among squamates and find evidence for some form of aggregations in 94 species across 22 families. Of these, 18 species across 7 families exhibited ‘stable’ aggregations that entail overlapping home ranges and stable membership in long‐term (years) or seasonal aggregations. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that stable aggregations have evolved multiple times in squamates. We: (i) identify significant gaps in our understanding; (ii) outline key traits which should be the focus of future research; and (iii) outline the potential for utilising reproductive skew theory to provide insights into squamate sociality.
Feature Statistics Modulate the Activation of Meaning During Spoken Word Processing
Authors: Devereux Barry J. , Taylor Kirsten I. , Randall Billi , Geertzen Jeroen , Tyler Lorraine K.
Published: June 2015

Understanding spoken words involves a rapid mapping from speech to conceptual representations. One distributed feature‐based conceptual account assumes that the statistical characteristics of concepts’ features—the number of concepts they occur in (distinctiveness/sharedness) and likelihood of co‐occurrence (correlational strength)—determine conceptual activation. To test these claims, we investigated the role of distinctiveness/sharedness and correlational strength in speech‐to‐meaning mapping, using a lexical decision task and computational simulations. Responses were faster for concepts with higher sharedness, suggesting that shared features are facilitatory in tasks like lexical decision that require access to them. Correlational strength facilitated responses for slower participants, suggesting a time‐sensitive co‐occurrence‐driven settling mechanism. The computational simulation showed similar effects, with early effects of shared features and later effects of correlational strength. These results support a general‐to‐specific account of conceptual processing, whereby early activation of shared features is followed by the gradual emergence of a specific target representation.
Ultrasound measurements of carotid intima–media thickness by two semi‐automated analysis systems
Authors: Ring M. , Eriksson M. J. , Jogestrand T. , Caidahl K.
Published: June 2015

Increased carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT) is associated with an increased risk of cardiac events and stroke. Several semi‐automated edge‐detection techniques for measuring cIMT are used for research and in clinical practice. Our aim was to compare two currently available semi‐automated techniques for the measurement of cIMT. Carotid ultrasound recordings were obtained from 99 subjects (mean age 54·4 ± 8·9 years, range 33–69) without known cardiovascular diseases using a General Electric (GE) Vivid 7 ultrasound scanner, 8‐MHz transducer. The far‐wall cIMT was evaluated 1–2 cm proximal to the carotid bulb. Three diastolic images (ECG R‐wave) from the left and three images from the right common carotid arteries were analysed using GE and Artery Measurement System (AMS) semi‐automated softwares. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 120 ± 13 and 76 ± 8 mmHg, respectively. The cIMTmean (left + right)/2 by GE and cIMTmean (left + right)/2 AMS were highly correlated (r = 0·92, P<0·001). Higher values were measured by GE (0·72 ± 0·12 mm) compared with AMS (0·69 ± 0·12 mm), and this was significant (P<0·001). The coefficients of variation for the intra‐observer variability of cIMTmean (left + right)/2 were 1·0% (GE) and 2·2% (AMS). cIMTmean measured by GE's semi‐automated edge‐detection method correlated well with that measured by AMS. However, there were small but significant systematic differences between the cIMTmean values measured by the two techniques. Thus, the use of only one type of measurement program seems favourable in follow‐up studies and when evaluating treatment effects.
Hemodynamic responses and energy expenditure during blood flow restriction exercise in obese population
Authors: Karabulut Murat , Garcia Sonio D.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

The study investigated the acute effects of different initial restrictive pressures (IRP; tightness of cuffs before inflation with air) on heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and energy expenditure (EE) during constant‐load upright cycling.

Methods

In a within subject study design, 34 obese men (age = 24·3, n = 18) and women (age = 23·1, n = 16) completed three cycling sessions (two blood flow restriction and one control sessions). The cycling exercise was performed with an external load of 1kp at 50 rpm for 20 min with 1‐min rest after the 10th‐min. The blood flow restriction (BFR) cuffs were placed on the thigh of both legs during BFR sessions and IRP and IRP of ~40 or ~60 mmHg were applied in random order.

Results

There were significant condition × time interactions for HR, SBP, RPE and RER and time × gender interactions for HR and SBP. There were also significant condition and time main effects for HR, SBP, RPE and RER (P<0·01) and a significant condition effect for EE (P<0·05).

Conclusion

The intensity of exercise with BFR was higher and affected by IRP, but the subjects perceived the effort as ‘light’. Low‐intensity cycling with BFR shows potential to reduce the time requirement per session to elicit greater EE while placing greater demands on the circulatory system.
Long‐term outcomes of transplant recipients referred for angiography for suspected transplant renal artery stenosis
Authors: Ali Anum , Mishler Dennis , Taber Tim , Agarwal David , Yaqub Muhammad , Mujtaba Muhammad , Goggins William , Sharfuddin Asif
Published: June 2015

Our aim was to study the long‐term outcomes of all transplant recipients who underwent angiography for suspected TRAS at our institution. The patients were divided into TRAS+ve and TRAS−ve groups based upon angiographically confirmed results. TRAS was confirmed in 58.1% of 74 patients with median time of 8.9 months. Primary angioplasty alone was performed in 56% of patients with TRAS, while the remaining had PTA with stent (PTAS). There was reduction in systolic and diastolic BP (165 ± 19–136 ± 15 mmHg and 82 ± 14 mmHg to 68 ± 12 mmHg; p < 0.05) and number of antihypertensive drugs (3.5 ± 0.9–2.7 ± 1.0; p < 0.05). Overall, graft survival and patient survival from time of transplant were similar in both groups. Graft function was similar for the patients with treated TRAS+ve as compared to TRAS−ve over time. Graft survival and patient survival when compared to an age‐ and year of transplant‐matched cohort control group were also similar. In conclusion, angiography for suspected TRAS is more likely to yield a confirmatory result early in the transplant course as compared to late. Treatment of TRAS in these patients had sustained long‐term graft function. Alternative etiologies of HTN and graft dysfunction should be sought for recipients further out from transplant.
Standardization of Research‐Quality Anthropometric Measurement of Infants and Implementation in a Multicenter Study
Authors: Coburn‐Miller Christine , Casey Susan , Luong Quynh , Cameron Natalia , Hocevar‐Trnka Jasna , Leung Daniel H. , Gelfond Daniel , Heubi James E. , Ramsey Bonnie , Borowitz Drucy
Published: June 2015

Malnutrition is one of the earliest clinical manifestations of cystic fibrosis (CF) and is associated with poorer pulmonary and cognitive outcomes and survival later in life. Infant growth can be a responsive measure for clinical research in this age group if obtained and characterized accurately. We report here the methods to standardize and implement research‐quality anthropometric measurement of infants with cystic fibrosis in the Baby Observational Nutrition Study multicenter trial.
Alanine aminotransferase and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes (ZODIAC‐38)
Authors: Deetman Petronella E. , Alkhalaf Alaa , Landman Gijs W.D. , Groenier Klaas H. , Kootstra‐Ros Jenny E. , Navis Gerjan , Bilo Henk J.G. , Kleefstra Nanne , Bakker Stephan J.L.
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Combined data suggest a bimodal association of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) with mortality in the general population. Little is known about the association of ALT with mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes. We therefore investigated the association of ALT with all‐cause, cardiovascular and noncardiovascular mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Design

A prospective study was performed in patients with type 2 diabetes, treated in primary care, participating in the Zwolle Outpatient Diabetes project Integrating Available Care (ZODIAC) study. Cox regression analyses were performed to determine the associations of log2‐transformed baseline ALT with all‐cause, cardiovascular and noncardiovascular mortality.

Results

In 1187 patients with type 2 diabetes (67 ± 12 years, 45% female), ALT levels were 11 (8–16) U/L. During median follow‐up for 11·1 (6·1–14·0) years, 553 (47%) patients died, with 238 (20%) attributable to cardiovascular causes. Overall, ALT was inversely associated with all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0·81; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0·72–0·92), independently of potential confounders. This was less attributable to cardiovascular mortality (HR 0·87; 95% CI 0·72–1·05), than to noncardiovascular mortality (HR 0·77; 95% CI 0·65–0·90). Despite the overall inverse association of ALT with mortality, it appeared that a bimodal association with all‐cause mortality was present with increasing risk for levels of ALT above normal (P = 0·003).

Discussion

In patients with type 2 diabetes, low levels of ALT are associated with an increased risk of all‐cause mortality, in particular noncardiovascular mortality, compared to normal levels of ALT, while risk again starts to increase when levels are above normal.
Sepsis biomarkers in neutropaenic systemic inflammatory response syndrome patients on standard care wards
Authors: Ratzinger Franz , Haslacher Helmuth , Perkmann Thomas , Schmetterer Klaus G. , Poeppl Wolfgang , Mitteregger Dieter , Dorffner Georg , Burgmann Heinz
Published: June 2015

Background

Neutropaenic patients are at a high risk of contracting severe infections. In particular, in these patients, parameters with a high negative predictive value are desirable for excluding infection or bacteraemia. This study evaluated sepsis biomarkers in neutropaenic patients suffering from systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Further, the predictive capacities of evaluated biomarkers in neutropaenic SIRS patients were compared to non‐neutropaenic SIRS patients.

Material and methods

In this prospective observational cohort study, patients with clinically suspected sepsis were screened. The predictive capacities of procalcitonin (PCT), C‐reactive protein and lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein (LBP) in neutropaenic SIRS patients were evaluated in terms of their potential to identify infection or bacteraemia and were compared to results for non‐neutropaenic SIRS patients. To select an appropriate control cohort, propensity score matching was applied, balancing confounding factors between neutropaenic and non‐neutropaenic SIRS patients.

Results

Of 3370 prospectively screened patients with suspected infection, 51 patients suffered from neutropaenic SIRS. For the identification of infection, none of the assessed biomarkers presented a clinically relevant discriminatory potency. Lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein and PCT demonstrated discriminatory capacity to discriminate between nonbacteraemic and bacteraemic SIRS in patients with neutropaenia [receiver‐operating characteristics‐area under the curves (ROC‐AUCs): 0·860, 0·818]. In neutropaenic SIRS patients, LBP had a significantly better ROC‐AUC than in a comparable non‐neutropaenic patient cohort for identifying bacteraemia (P = 0·01).

Conclusion

In neutropaenic SIRS patients, none of the evaluated biomarkers was able to adequately identify infection. LBP and PCT presented a good performance in identifying bacteraemia. Therefore, these markers could be used for screening purposes to increase the pretest probability of blood culture analysis.
Social Support Networks for LGBT Young Adults: Low Cost Strategies for Positive Adjustment
Authors: Snapp Shannon D. , Watson Ryan J. , Russell Stephen T. , Diaz Rafael M. , Ryan Caitlin
Published: June 2015

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth and young adults are known to have compromised physical and mental health, and family rejection has been found to be an important risk factor. Yet few studies have examined the positive role that support from parents, friends, and the community have for LGBT young adults. In a cross‐sectional study of 245 LGBT non‐Latino White and Latino young adults (ages 21–25) in the United States, sexuality‐related social support was examined in association with measures of adjustment in young adulthood. Family, friend, and community support were strong predictors of positive outcomes, including life situation, self‐esteem, and LGBT esteem. However, family acceptance had the strongest overall influence when other forms of support were considered. Implications for the unique and concurrent forms of social support for LGBT youth and young adult adjustment are discussed.
Dedication and Sliding in Emerging Adult Cyclical and Non‐Cyclical Romantic Relationships
Authors: Vennum Amber , Hardy Nathan , Sibley D. Scott , Fincham Frank D.
Published: June 2015

This study investigates the association between dedication commitment and sliding (moving through relationship transitions without considering the consequences) over 14 weeks for emerging adults in cyclical (partners who have broken up and renewed) and non‐cyclical relationships. An autoregressive cross‐lagged panel and bivariate latent growth curve analysis were conducted using three waves of data from 220 emerging adults in exclusive dating relationships. Results indicated that dedication and sliding may be relatively stable constructs with a negative bidirectional association although their rates of change may not be related. Further, number of cycles experienced in the current relationship was negatively related to dedication, positively related to sliding, and negatively related to the rate of change in dedication, such that the rate of change in dedication over the course of the semester became increasingly negative the more relationship cycles a participant had experienced. The implications for relationship education are outlined.
Delirium among elderly patients admitted to a post‐acute care facility and 3‐months outcome
Authors: Miu Doris Ka Ying , Chan Ching Wai , Kok Ching
Published: June 2015

Aim

To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of delirium in an extended care unit, the persistence of delirium and 3‐month outcome.

Method

Patients aged >65 years were recruited. Basic demographic data, medical comorbidity using the Charlson Comorbidity Index, pre‐existing cognitive impairment using the informant questionnaire on cognitive decline in the elderly, place of residence and physical function as measured by the modified Barthel Index were recorded. Delirium was assessed by the Confusion Assessment Method and Direct Observation Scale. Delirium status, physical function and placement were reassessed on discharge, and at 1 month and 3 months after discharge.

Results

A total of 261 patients were recruited with a mean age of 81.9 years. Delirium was present in 89 participants (34.1%). Of these, 70 patients continued to be delirious on discharge. A total of 76 patients had persistent delirium at 1 month, and 49 remained to be delirious at 3 months. Pre‐existing cognitive impairment (OR 9.12), use of psychoactive drugs (OR 3.61), presence of metabolic disturbances (OR 3.53), acute infection (OR 3.49) and old age home residents (OR 3.04) were associated with delirium on admission. A smaller number of delirium patients can return home on discharge, and they have poorer functional status on admission, at discharge, and at 1 month and 3 months after discharge. Unplanned hospital admission was significantly higher among the delirium group (42.9% vs 24.1%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Delirium in post‐acute convalescence units is highly prevalent and persistent. It is associated with poor functional recovery, higher nursing home placement and unplanned hospital admission. These findings reinforce the necessity to implement a program to prevent, early detect and treat delirium in elderly patients admitted to post‐acute care units. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 586–592.
Having It All? Women in High Commitment Careers and Work–Life Balance in Norway
Authors: Seierstad Cathrine , Kirton Gill
Published: June 2015

The question if, or how, women can 'have it all' — high commitment career, partner and children — is regularly debated in popular media internationally. Drawing on qualitative research, this article examines work–life balance (WLB) for women in high commitment careers as politicians and non‐executive directors on corporate boards in Norway. Norway is lauded as one of the most gender equal countries in the world and in theory at least it is therefore a highly enabling environment for women to combine career and family. The article considers the WLB challenges women politicians and directors encounter and what types of WLB support — national, workplace and household level — are important for them in order to mitigate the potential strain caused by work–family conflict. This article's contribution is in highlighting the competing and sometimes contradictory policies, practices and discourses at multiple levels that surround WLB and the gendered social expectations of women in Norway who apparently 'have it all'.
Evaluation of an educational activity in the oral health of students
Authors: Barros VJ de A , Costa S M , Zanin L , Flório FM
Published: June 2015

Objective

To investigate the influence of educational activity in the school environment based on prescriptive and subjective oral health indicators.

Methods

Cross‐sectional, comparative study involving students between 9 and 12 years of age, from schools that have educational activities and those that do not, designated schools A and B. The oral health indicators used were the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI‐S) and the Community Periodontal Index (CPITN). Knowledge and attitudes with regard to oral health were evaluated using a structured questionnaire.

Results

A total of 289 schoolchildren took part, 50.5% from school A and 49.5% from school B, in the town of Montes Claros, in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. In school A, the schoolchildren's OHI‐S was satisfactory for 9.6%, normal for 78.8% and deficient for 11.6%, while in school B, the respective percentages were 3.5%, 17.5% and 79% (chi‐squared, P < 0.001). The students in school A showed better CPITN results, namely lack of bleeding for 61.6%, the presence of bleeding for 29.5% and presence of tartar for 8.9%, while in school B, the respective results were 25.2%, 45.5% and 29.4% (chi‐squared, P < 0.001). Students in school A achieved more correct answers in questions that evaluated knowledge of oral health. The account of daily use of dental floss in school A was 21.7% and in B, 3.6% (chi‐squared, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

It is believed that educational activity in the school environment had a positive effect on oral health conditions, the consolidation of knowledge and incorporation of oral hygiene habits.
Rationale and Design of the Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Ischemic Stroke Patients with High Risk of Cerebral Hemorrhage (Picasso) Study: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hong Keun-Sik , Kim Bum Joon , Lee Jun-Young , Kwon Sun U.
Published: June 2015

Rationale

Prior intracerebral haemorrhage and cerebral microbleeds may increase the risk of haemorrhagic stroke. However, the optimal long-term antiplatelet therapy and lipid management in these patients remain unclear.

Aim

PreventIon of CArdiovascular events in iSchemic Stroke patients with high risk of cerebral hemOrrhage was designed to compare cilostazol and aspirin and to assess the effect of adding probucol, a lipid-lowering and anti-oxidative agent, in patients at high risk of haemorrhagic stroke.

Sample size estimate

The projected sample size is 1600 patients with at least 12 months of follow-up.

Methods and design

PreventIon of CArdiovascular events in iSchemic Stroke patients with high risk of cerebral hemOrrhage is a randomized trial involving 67 institutes from 3 countries. Patients with non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack within 180 days and with prior intracerebral haemorrhage or multiple cerebral microbleeds on gradient echo imaging are eligible. Enrolled patients are simultaneously randomized in a 2 × 2 factorial design: double-blind for cilostazol 200 mg/day vs. aspirin 100 mg/day, and an open-label, blind end-point evaluation for probucol 500 mg/day vs. non-probucol.

Study outcomes

The co-primary end-points are the safety end-point of haemorrhagic stroke and the efficacy end-point of a composite of stroke, myocardial infarction, or vascular death. Time-to-event will be analyzed separately for each intervention: superiority testing for the safety of cilostazol over aspirin as well as the efficacy of probucol over non-probucol, and non-inferiority testing for the efficacy of cilostazol to aspirin.

Discussion

PreventIon of CArdiovascular events in iSchemic Stroke patients with high risk of cerebral hemOrrhage is the largest secondary stroke prevention trial for informing antiplatelet therapy and lipid management in patients at high risk of haemorrhagic stroke.
Improved Ischemic Stroke Outcome Prediction Using Model Estimation of Outcome Probability: The THRIVE-c Calculation
Authors: Flint Alexander C. , Rao Vivek A. , Chan Sheila L. , Cullen Sean P. , Faigeles Bonnie S. , Smith Wade S. , Bath Philip M. , Wahlgren Nils , Ahmed Niaz , Donnan Geoff A. , Johnston S. Claiborne
Published: June 2015

Background and purpose

The Totaled Health Risks in Vascular Events (THRIVE) score is a previously validated ischemic stroke outcome prediction tool. Although simplified scoring systems like the THRIVE score facilitate ease-of-use, when computers or devices are available at the point of care, a more accurate and patient-specific estimation of outcome probability should be possible by computing the logistic equation with patient-specific continuous variables.

Methods

We used data from 12 207 subjects from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive and the Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke – Monitoring Study to develop and validate the performance of a model-derived estimation of outcome probability, the THRIVE-c calculation. Models were built with logistic regression using the underlying predictors from the THRIVE score: age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and the Chronic Disease Scale (presence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or atrial fibrillation). Receiver operator characteristics analysis was used to assess model performance and compare the THRIVE-c model to the traditional THRIVE score, using a two-tailed Chi-squared test.

Results

The THRIVE-c model performed similarly in the randomly chosen development cohort ( n = 6194, area under the curve = 0·786, 95% confidence interval 0·774–0·798) and validation cohort ( n = 6013, area under the curve = 0·784, 95% confidence interval 0·772–0·796) ( P = 0·79). Similar performance was also seen in two separate external validation cohorts. The THRIVE-c model (area under the curve = 0·785, 95% confidence interval 0·777–0·793) had superior performance when compared with the traditional THRIVE score (area under the curve = 0·746, 95% confidence interval 0·737–0·755) ( P < 0·001).

Conclusion

By computing the logistic equation with patientspecific continuous variables in the THRIVE-c calculation, outcomes at the individual patient level are more accurately estimated. Given the widespread availability of computers and devices at the point of care, such calculations can be easily performed with a simple user interface.
Prevalence and Cognitive Impact of Medial Temporal Atrophy in a Hospital Stroke Service: Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kebets Valeria , Gregoire Simone M. , Charidimou Andreas , Barnes Josephine , Rantell Khadija , Brown Martin M. , Jäger Hans R. , Cipolotti Lisa , Werring David J.
Published: June 2015

Background

Cerebrovascular disease and neurodegeneration cause cognitive impairment and frequently coexist.

Aims

Our objectives were to investigate the prevalence and cognitive impact of medial temporal lobe atrophy – a radiological marker often associated with Alzheimer's disease – in a hospital stroke service.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of patients from a hospital stroke service. Patients assessed for suspected ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, irrespective of final diagnosis, underwent neuropsychological testing and magnetic resonance imaging. medial temporal lobe atrophy, white matter hyperintensities, lacunes, and cerebral microbleeds were rated using established criteria and validated scales. The associations between medial temporal lobe atrophy and cognition were tested using multivariable logistic regression analyses, adjusted for age and imaging markers of cerebrovascular disease.

Results

Three hundred and ninety-three patients were included, of whom 169 (43%; 95% confidence interval: 38·1–48·1%) had medial temporal lobe atrophy; in 38 patients (9·7%), medial temporal lobe atrophy was severe (mean score ≥2). In unadjusted logistic regression analyses in the whole cohort, mean medial temporal lobe atrophy score was associated with verbal memory, nominal and perceptual skills, executive function, and speed and attention. After adjustment for age, white matter hyperintensities, number of lacunes, presence of cerebral microbleeds, previous ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, and premorbid intelligence quotient, mean medial temporal lobe atrophy score remained associated with impairment in verbal memory (odds ratio: 1·64; 95% confidence interval 1·04–2·58) and nominal skills (odds ratio: 1·61; 95% confidence interval 1·04–2·48).

Conclusions

Medial temporal lobe atrophy is common and has an independent impact on cognitive function in a stroke service population, independent of confounding factors including age and magnetic resonance imaging markers of cerebrovascular disease. Medial temporal lobe atrophy is independently related to verbal memory and nominal skills, while small vessel pathology also contributes to speed and attention, and executive and perceptual functions.
Positive Assortative Matching: Evidence from Sports Data
Authors: Filippin Antonio , van Ours Jan C.
Published: June 2015

It is difficult to establish empirically whether or not there is positive assortative matching in the labor market. We use longitudinal data from a 24‐hour relay marathon in Belluno, Italy, in which participants are affiliated with teams, to study group dynamics in a manner that closely resembles workers' accessions to and separations from firms. In our dataset the productivity of the individual agents is measured and we exploit this by investigating the determinants of accessions, separations, and assortative matching. We find support for the existence of positive assortative matching; i.e., better runners moving to better teams in subsequent years.
The Health Consequences of Adverse Labor Market Events: Evidence from Panel Data
Authors: Maclean Johanna Catherine , Webber Douglas A. , French Michael T. , Ettner Susan L.
Published: June 2015

This study investigates the associations between self‐assessed adverse labor market events (experiencing problems with coworkers, employment changes, financial strain) and health. Longitudinal data are obtained from the National Epidemiological Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions. Our findings suggest problems with coworkers, employment changes, and financial strain are associated, respectively, with a 3.1 percent (3.3 percent), 0.9 percent (0.2 percent), and 4.5 percent (5.1 percent) reduction in mental health among men (women). Associations are smaller in magnitude and less significant for physical health.
Workforce planning and financing on a production/capital discrete‐time model
Authors: Martins Pedro , Quelhas Ana Paula
Published: June 2015

Traditionally, companies have considered production planning and financial commitments separately. Production planning involves planning when to produce how much of a product, while the financial commitment considers which loans to take and how to repay them. In the current difficult financial environment with new challenges and with different opportunities, such as short‐term flexible loans for paying salaries, these related problems must be considered together. In this paper, we model the two processes (production and cash flows) in a single framework, using a mixed‐integer programming discrete‐time formulation. When taken individually, each of the problems has been thoroughly discussed in the literature, while the combined version that also incorporates labor financial costs and workforce sizing is more scarce. The main contribution of the paper involves new strategies for financing labor costs in strong agreement with the company's production plan and financial commitments. The new strategy relates credit ceiling with employment funding, using a sequence of flexible short‐term loans. We consider applications and propose mathematical programming based tools that can be used by companies’ managers for conducting their own solutions analysis, following their own findings and discussion of alternative scenarios.