bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Item Fit Statistic Thresholds in PISA: Analysis of Cross‐Country Comparability of Cognitive Items
Authors: Joo Seang‐Hwane , Khorramdel Lale , Yamamoto Kentaro , Shin Hyo Jeong , Robin Frederic 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), item response theory (IRT) scaling is used to examine the psychometric properties of items and scales and to provide comparable test scores across participating countries and over time. To balance the comparability of IRT item parameter estimations across countries with the best possible model fit, a partial invariance approach is used in PISA. In this approach, international or common item parameters are estimated for the majority of items, while unique or country‐specific item parameters are allowed for item‐country combinations where a misfit to the common parameters can be identified. The goal of the current study is to establish item fit statistic thresholds for identifying such misfits. We investigated the impact of various thresholds on scale and score estimation. To evaluate the impact of various item fit thresholds, we systematically examined the number of unique item parameters and country performance distributions and compared the overall model fit statistics using data from PISA 2015 and 2018. Results showed that RMSD = .10 provides the best fitting model while still establishing stable parameter estimations and sufficient comparability across groups. The applications and implications of the results are discussed.
Connectome biomarkers of drug‐resistant epilepsy
Authors: Larivière Sara , Bernasconi Andrea , Bernasconi Neda , Bernhardt Boris C. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractDrug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) considerably affects patient health, cognition, and well‐being, and disproportionally contributes to the overall burden of epilepsy. The most common DRE syndromes are temporal lobe epilepsy related to mesiotemporal sclerosis and extratemporal epilepsy related to cortical malformations. Both syndromes have been traditionally considered as "focal," and most patients benefit from brain surgery for long‐term seizure control. However, increasing evidence indicates that many DRE patients also present with widespread structural and functional network disruptions. These anomalies have been suggested to relate to cognitive impairment and prognosis, highlighting their importance for patient management. The advent of multimodal neuroimaging and formal methods to quantify complex systems has offered unprecedented ability to profile structural and functional brain networks in DRE patients. Here, we performed a systematic review on existing DRE network biomarker candidates and their contribution to three key application areas: (1) modeling of cognitive impairments, (2) localization of the surgical target, and (3) prediction of clinical and cognitive outcomes after surgery. Although network biomarkers hold promise for a range of clinical applications, translation of neuroimaging biomarkers to the patient's bedside has been challenged by a lack of clinical and prospective studies. We therefore close by highlighting conceptual and methodological strategies to improve the evaluation and accessibility of network biomarkers, and ultimately guide clinically actionable decisions.
The development and testing of the C/WoundComp instrument for assessing chronic wound‐care competence in student nurses and podiatrists
Authors: Kielo‐Viljamaa Emilia , Suhonen Riitta , Ahtiala Maarit , Kolari Terhi , Katajisto Jouko , Salminen Leena , Stolt Minna 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to describe the level of chronic wound‐care competence among graduating student nurses and student podiatrists in comparison with that of professionals and to develop and test a new instrument (the C/WoundComp) that assesses both theoretical and practical competence in chronic wound care as well as attitudes towards wound care. The data (N = 135) were collected in 2019 from four groups (1): graduating student nurses (n = 44) (2); graduating student podiatrists (n = 28) (3); registered nurses (n = 54); and (4) podiatrists (n = 9). The data were analysed using statistical analysis. According to the results, the students' total mean competence score was 62%. Their mean score for theoretical competence was 67%, and for practical competence, it was 52%. The students' competence level was statistically significantly lower than that of the professionals (P < .0001), but the students showed a positive attitude towards chronic wound care. The instrument demonstrated preliminary validity and reliability, but this warrants further testing. This study provides new knowledge about student nurses' and student podiatrists' competence in chronic wound care, suggesting that their theoretical and practical competence is limited. In addition, it provides information on different methods of assessing competence and how they can be combined.
The impact of incisional negative pressure wound therapy on the wound healing process after midline sternotomy
Authors: Rashed Aref , Csiszar Marton , Beledi Agnes , Gombocz Karoly 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPrevious studies have reported that the use of incisional negative pressure wound therapy (INPWT) might reduce the incidence of wound infections, although its mechanism remains unknown. We designed a prospective study to explore the effects of INPWT on different stages of the wound healing process. After meeting the inclusion criteria, 108 patients were enrolled. Based on exclusion criteria four patients were excluded and 104 patients were randomised into two groups. INPWT was applied after primary closure of the midline sternotomy in the study group (n = 52), while conventional wound dressing was applied in the control group (n = 52). We documented the incidence of deep sternal wound infections and analysed the pre‐ and postoperative inflammatory biomarkers and scar size in both groups. No wound infections were observed in the study group compared with six cases (11.1%) in the control group, (P = .026). No significant differences were observed in the inflammatory biomarkers between the groups. Scar size was significantly smaller in the study group. We concluded that INPWT has less effect on the inflammatory phase and appears to have more effect on the proliferation phase through pronounced scar formation.
Incisional negative pressure wound therapy to reduce perineal wound infection after abdominoperineal resection
Authors: Kaneko Tomoaki , Funahashi Kimihiko , Ushigome Mitstunori , Kagami Satoru , Goto Mayu , Koda Takamaru , Kurihara Akiharu 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe explored the effects of incisional negative pressure wound therapy in perineal wound infections after abdominoperineal resection. We retrospectively evaluated 146 patients who underwent abdominal perineal resection from December 2004 to December 2019 and compared conventional gauze dressing (controls) with incisional negative pressure wound therapy. We compared patients' characteristics, surgical factors, and perineal infection rates between groups, and patients' characteristics, surgical factors, and negative pressure therapy use between perineal infection vs non‐infection groups, as well as the risk factors for perineal infections. In the negative pressure therapy group, compared with controls, the number of men, smoking prevalence, blood transfusion, drainage via the perineal wound, and intraoperative blood loss were significantly lower (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.001, p < 0.01, respectively), and operation time was significantly longer (p < 0.05). Infections were significantly less common in the negative pressure group (p < 0.05). In the univariate analysis, the infection‐positive group had significantly higher laparoscopic surgery (p < 0.01) and negative pressure wound therapy‐free rates (p < 0.01), and significantly more intraoperative blood loss (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis using these three factors and preoperative radiotherapy showed that incisional negative pressure wound therapy‐free status was a risk factor for infection. Incisional negative pressure wound therapy was beneficial in managing perineal wound infections after abdominoperineal resection.
Outcomes and prognosis of diabetic foot ulcers treated by an interdisciplinary team in Canada
Authors: Patry Jérôme , Tourigny André , Mercier Marie‐Philippe , Dionne Clermont E. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the wound healing outcomes of patients with a plantar diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) treated with an interdisciplinary team approach, and to identify associated variables. A retrospective observational cohort study of 140 adult patients, with a plantar DFU, treated between 2012 and 2018 at a wound care clinic of a University affiliated hospital was conducted. Predictive and explicative analyses were conducted with logistic multivariate methods and with a Receiver Operating Characteristics curve. The best predictor of wound healing at 3 months was a 41.8% wound size reduction at 4 weeks (AUC: 0.86; sensitivity: 83.1%; specificity: 67.2%, positive predictive value: 72.8%; negative predictive value: 78.9%; positive and negative likelihood ratios: 2.53 and 0.25, respectively). Main baseline variables independently associated with this predictor were: a monophasic Doppler waveform (OR 7.52, 95% CI [2.64–21.39]), cigarette smoking (OR 4.7, 95% CI [1.44–15.29]), and male gender (OR 3.58, 95% CI [1.30–9.87]). The health care provider should be cautious and intensify its management of DFUs particularly with patients of male gender; smoking, having a monophasic waveform with a hand‐held Doppler, and not achieving a minimal 41.8% wound area reduction at 4 weeks of treatment.
The sorptivity and durability of gelling fibre dressings tested in a simulated sacral pressure ulcer system
Authors: Lustig Adi , Alves Paulo , Call Evan , Santamaria Nick , Gefen Amit 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWound‐dressing performances are affected by exudate viscosity, resistance to flow because of gravity, and bodyweight loads, the level of which is related to the body position. Here, we focussed on two dressing properties: (a) Sorptivity—the ability of dressings to transfer exudate away from the wound bed by capillary action—and (b) Durability—the capacity of dressings to maintain their integrity over time and during their removal. Both properties are critically important for avoiding further tissue damage but require the development of new laboratory tests for their measurement. A computer‐controlled phantom of an exuding sacral pressure ulcer has therefore been developed and used to compare the performances of Exufiber (Mölnlycke Health Care) vs an alternative market‐leading dressing. Sorptivity was determined using weight tests, and durability was measured through tensile tests of the used dressings. For a supine configuration, the Exufiber dressing demonstrated ~three times higher sorptivity and better durability, withstanding ~five times greater strain energy than the other product before failure occurred. This work paves the way for quantitative, standardised testing of dressings in all aspects of exudate management. The reported tests are further suitable for testing dressing combinations or how dressings interact with negative pressure wound therapy.
CENTRAL HEMODYNAMICS IN SEVERE POISONING BY HYPNOTIC DRUGS
Authors: Bevegård Sture , Thorstrand Curt 
Published: November 2020

AbstractHemodynamic data have been recorded in nine patients during initial and late phases of severe poisoning by hypnotic drugs. Cardiac output (C.O.) was determined by the dye dilution method and right heart catheterization using “floating” catheter technique. Oxygen uptake was calculated from C.O. and arterio‐venous oxygen difference. During deep coma, characterized by hypothermia, the C.O., stroke volume and oxygen uptake were significantly decreased and the peripheral vascular resistance markedly increased. The arterio‐venous oxygen difference was generally normal, which implies that C.O. varied with oxygen uptake. Central venous pressures were normal or somewhat low, as also were the pressures in the pulmonary artery. During recovery the heart rate, stroke volume and C.O. increased in proportion to the increase in tissue metabolism as evaluated from the calculated oxygen uptake. The reduced tissue metabolism, reflected in reduced body temperature and low oxygen uptake, seems to be the main explanation of the hypo‐kinetic circulation in patients with deep coma because of poisoning by hypnotic drugs. The rather frequent roentgenological signs of pulmonary congestion or edema during the course of intoxication with hypnotic drugs do not seem to be explained by increased left ventricular filling pressures as reflected in elevated pulmonary artery diastolic pressures. A toxic effect on the vascular bed with increased permeability may be the most important underlying explanation.
INTRAVENOUS NUTRITION WITH AMINO ACID SOLUTIONS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC URAEMIA
Authors: Bergström J. , Bucht H. , Fürst P. , Hultman E. , Josephson B. , Norée L.‐O. , Vinnars E. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractStudies are reported dealing with nutrition of patients in terminal uraemia by i.v. infusions of solution of the essential amino acids supplementing a diet with a low, standardized nitrogen content. The basic amino acids were neutralized with acetic acid. Most of the patients had a creatinine clearance below 5 ml/min. The nitrogen balance improved in all patients except in a few cases with intercurrent complications. In most cases the plasma urea concentration decreased concomitantly. The beneficial effect of the essential amino acids on the nitrogen balance and the plasma urea was enhanced by the addition of histidine and also of both histidine and arginine to the amino acid solution.
PLASMA CORTICOSTEROIDS IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY ADRENOCORTICAL INSUFFICIENCY
Authors: Asfeldt V. H. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPlasma corticosteroids have been studied in primary (p.a.i.) and secondary adrenocortical insufficiency (s.a.i.). In eight cases of p.a.i. and in four cases of s.a.i. the circadian rhythm was absent; all except one had low values of plasma corticosteroids at 7 a.m. The 4‐hour intravenous ACTH test was carried out in nine cases of p.a.i. and in eight cases of s.a.i. In p.a.i. no adrenal response was found; in s.a.i. no response was found in one case, subnormal responses in six cases and a normal response in one case. Baseline values of radioimmunologically determined serum corticotropin were elevated in three cases of p.a.i.; in two cases of p.a.i. a circadian rhythm of serum corticotropin was demonstrated. Insulin tolerance test (ITT) was carried out in eight cases of s.a.i.; no pituitary‐adrenal response was found. The diagnostic values of ITT and the metyrapone test in s.a.i. are discussed. It is concluded that early morning baseline values of plasma corticosteroids are often abnormally low in p.a.i. and in s.a.i. During a 4‐hour ACTH test no adrenal response is to be found in p.a.i.; in s.a.i. a variable response will be found. A partial response is diagnostic for s.a.i. Subnormal responses during metyrapone test but normal during ITT have been reported in a few cases of s.a.i. However, subnormal responses during ITT indicate that the responses during the metyrapone test are also subnormal.
Genome‐wide association study and pathway analysis for fat deposition traits in nellore cattle raised in pasture–based systems
Authors: Martins Rafaela , Machado Pamela C. , Pinto Luis Fernando B. , Silva Marcio R. , Schenkel Flavio S. , Brito Luiz F. , Pedrosa Victor B. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractGenome‐wide association study (GWAS) is a powerful tool to identify candidate genes and genomic regions underlying key biological mechanisms associated with economically important traits. In this context, the aim of this study was to identify genomic regions and metabolic pathways associated with backfat thickness (BFT) and rump fat thickness (RFT) in Nellore cattle, raised in pasture‐based systems. Ultrasound‐based measurements of BFT and RFT (adjusted to 18 months of age) were collected in 11,750 animals, with 39,903 animals in the pedigree file. Additionally, 1,440 animals were genotyped using the GGP‐indicus 35K SNP chip, containing 33,623 SNPs after the quality control. The single‐step GWAS analyses were performed using the BLUPF90 family programs. Candidate genes were identified through the Ensembl database incorporated in the BioMart tool, while PANTHER and REVIGO were used to identify the key metabolic pathways and gene networks. A total of 18 genomic regions located on 10 different chromosomes and harbouring 23 candidate genes were identified for BFT. For RFT, 22 genomic regions were found on 14 chromosomes, with a total of 29 candidate genes identified. The results of the pathway analyses showed important genes for BFT, including TBL1XR1, AHCYL2, SLC4A7, AADAT, VPS53, IDH2 and ETS1, which are involved in lipid metabolism, synthesis of cellular amino acids, transport of solutes, transport between Golgi Complex membranes, cell differentiation and cellular development. The main genes identified for RFT were GSK3β, LRP1B, EXT1, GRB2, SORCS1 and SLMAP, which are involved in metabolic pathways such as glycogen synthesis, lipid transport and homeostasis, polysaccharide and carbohydrate metabolism. Polymorphisms located in these candidate genes can be incorporated in commercial genotyping platforms to improve the accuracy of imputation and genomic evaluations for carcass fatness. In addition to uncovering biological mechanisms associated with carcass quality, the key gene pathways identified can also be incorporated in biology‐driven genomic prediction methods.
Stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (STRA8) interacts with the germ cell specific bHLH factor SOHLH1 and represses c‐KIT expression in vitro
Authors: Desimio Maria Giovanna , Cesari Eleonora , Sorrenti Maria , De Felici Massimo , Farini Donatella 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSTRA8 (Stimulated by Retinoic Acid Gene 8) controls the crucial decision of germ cells to engage meiotic division up and down‐regulating genes involved in the meiotic programme. It has been proven as an amplifier of genes involved in cell cycle control and chromosome events, however, how STRA8 functions as negative regulator are not well understood. In this study, we demonstrate that STRA8 can interact with itself and with other basic Helix‐Loop‐Helix (bHLH) transcription factors through its HLH domain and that this domain is important for its ability to negatively interfere with the Ebox‐mediated transcriptional activity of bHLH transcription factors. Significantly, we show that STRA8 interacts with TCF3/E47, a class I bHLH transcription factors, and with SOHLH1, a gonadal‐specific bHLH, in male germ cells obtained from prepuberal mouse testis. We demonstrated that STRA8, indirectly, is able to exert a negative control on the SOHLH1‐dependent stimulation of c‐KIT expression in late differentiating spermatogonia and preleptotene spermatocytes. Although part of this results were obtained only ‘in vitro’, they support the notion that STRA8 interacting with different transcription factors, besides its established role as ‘amplifier’ of meiotic programme, is able to finely modulate the balance between spermatogonia proliferation, differentiation and acquisition of meiotic competence.
Assessment of the Readability of Online Patient Education Material from Major Geriatric Associations
Authors: van Ballegooie Courtney , Hoang Peter 
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESAn increasing number of patients are using the internet to supplement information provided by medical professionals. Online geriatric patient education materials (PEMs) should be written at or below a 6th grade reading level (GRL) that takes into account barriers unique to the geriatric population. The objectives of the study are to assess PEMs of geriatric associations' websites and determine whether they are above the GRL recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and National Institutes of Health.DESIGNDescriptive and correlational methodology. PEMs from 10 major geriatric associations were assessed for their GRL using 10 scales. Eight of the scales provide a numerical GRL while two of the scales provide a visual representation of the GRLs. Analysis was conducted using Readability Studio 2019.3.SETTINGAnalysis was conducted February 2020.PARTICIPANTSIdentified 10 geriatric associations and 884 PEMs.MEASUREMENTSGRLs were measured by 10 validated readability indices: the Degrees of Reading Power and Grade Equivalent test, Flesch–Kincaid grade level, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook test, Coleman‐Liau Index, Gunning Fog Index, New Fog Count, New Dale‐Chall readability formula, Ford, Caylor, Sticht scale, Raygor readability estimate graph, and Fry readability graph.RESULTSThe mean of all PEMs using the numerical scales was 11.1 ± 2.4. Ninety‐nine percent of PEMs are above the 6th GRL. PEMs ranged from a grade 3.0 to 19.0 reading level. Analysis of variance demonstrated a significant difference between associations (P < .0001), and multiple comparison analysis identified the National Institute on Aging as the content easiest to read (9.5 ± 1.6).CONCLUSIONPEMs from geriatric association websites are written above the recommended 6th GRL. As patients increasingly look toward online supplementary health information during COVID‐19, there is an opportunity for improving PEMs to enable greater comprehension by the target population.
Differences in Adolescent Experiences of Polyvictimization and Suicide Risk by Sexual Minority Status
Authors: Johns Michelle M. , Lowry Richard , Hipp Tracy N. , Robin Leah , Shafir Shira 
Published: November 2020

Sexual minority adolescents (SMA) report more suicide risk behaviors than heterosexual adolescents. Polyvictimization (co‐occurrence of multiple types of victimization) may be an important, underresearched correlate of this disparity. With the 2017 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey (N = 13,179), national estimates of polyvictimization and suicide risk were assessed among high school students by sexual minority status (SM vs. heterosexual), and multivariate relationships between sexual minority status, polyvictimization, and suicide risk were tested. Additionally, risk profiles of those who experienced polyvictimization (2 + types of victimization; n = 1,932) were compared across sexual minority status. Results confirm that SMA are more likely to experience polyvictimization than heterosexual adolescents (31.8% v. 12.9%, respectively); however, also indicate that polyvictimization does not fully explain elevated suicide risk among SMA.
Role of in vitro testing in food allergy
Authors: Arasi Stefania , Barni Simona , Mastrorilli Carla , Comberiati Pasquale , Chiera Fernanda , Pelosi Umberto , Paravati Francesco , Caimmi Davide 
Published: November 2020

AbstractOral food challenges remain the gold standard for the diagnosis of food allergy. Nevertheless, the allergy workup is based on the presence of a clinical history, which is evocative of an immune‐allergic reaction, and the first assessment is usually the performance of skin prick tests. Based on these results, allergists are used to evaluate the presence of serum‐specific IgE, which are today the most commonly prescribed in vitro test for the evaluation of a possible food allergy. Other in vitro tests include the basophil activation test, that is becoming more and more employed by clinicians and not only by researchers, and the evaluation of serum IgG4, which is still an issue of debate in the allergy community. The present paper reviews the use of these in vitro tests for the diagnosis of food allergy.