bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Translucency of Monolithic Zirconia after Hydrothermal Aging: A Review of In Vitro Studies
Authors: Papageorgiou‐Kyrana Katerina , Fasoula Maria , Kontonasaki Eleana 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPurposeRecent modifications in composition, structure, and fabrication methods have led to monolithic zirconia ceramics of superior translucency. However, during aging, intrinsic microstructural features, such as grain boundaries and pores, may affect light scattering and consequently the translucency of zirconia. The aim of this study was to systematically review if hydrothermal aging affects the translucency of monolithic zirconia.Materials and MethodsAn electronic search in Medline and Scopus was conducted to identify the effect of hydrothermal aging on the translucency of zirconia. The search was limited to English‐language publications and in vitro studies. The following search terms were used alone or in combination: “monolithic zirconia,” “full contour zirconia,” “Y‐TZP zirconia,” “tetragonal zirconia,” “cubic zirconia,” “aging,” “hydrothermal aging,” “steam autoclave,” “translucency,” “translucency parameter,” and “contrast ratio.” From the titles found after searching the electronic databases, only 10 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The translucency parameter or total transmittance was used to extract data from the studies.ResultsAging reduced the translucency of monolithic zirconia in most of the studies; however, the differences varied according to the brand tested and the microstructure and thickness of the specimens. The thinner specimens presented higher translucency alterations. Although in all studies a change in translucency was recorded, its mean values suggest that the differences are within the acceptability threshold in most cases, independent of the color system used to calculate translucent parameter, so they are clinically undetectable. For longer aging times, beyond the perspective clinical life of the restorations, the change in translucency is higher than the acceptability threshold.ConclusionsThere is a controversy regarding how aging affects the translucency of monolithic zirconia ceramics; however, this may not be clinically important, as in most cases, changes (either decrease or increase) in translucency were within the acceptability thresholds.
Maternal hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus carrier status and long‐term infectious morbidity of the offspring: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Abu Freha Naim , Wainstock Tamar , Poupko Liat , Yonat Shemer Avni , Sergienko Ruslan , Sheiner Eyal 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe objective of the study was to investigate the long‐term effects of maternal hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) carrier status on the long‐term infectious morbidity of their offspring. A population‐based cohort study was conducted, including all singleton deliveries between the years 1991 and 2014 at a tertiary medical centre. The mothers were subdivided into three groups: HBV carriers, HCV carriers and non‐carriers. Data on demographics, maternal, perinatal and long‐term hospitalization for infectious morbidity were compared between the groups. During the study period, 242 905 (99.7%) non‐carrier mothers, 591 (0.2%) HBV carriers and 186 (0.1%) HCV carriers were observed. Hospitalizations related to infectious morbidity was significantly higher in the offspring of HBV carriers compared with HCV and non‐carriers (15.6% vs 11.3% vs 11.0%; P = .002, respectively; Kaplan‐Meier, log‐rank P < .001). Specifically, a significantly higher rate of hospitalizations gastrointestinal infectious morbidity was noted among the offspring of HBV carrier mothers (3.6% in the HBV carrier group, 1.6% in the HCV carrier group and 1.6% in the non‐carrier group [P = .001]). There was a respiratory infectious morbidity of 8.1% among the offspring of HBV carriers, 8.6% among HCV carriers and 5.5% in non‐carriers (P = .005). Using a Cox multivariable model, controlling for confounding variables, maternal HBV carrier status was associated with a significantly increased long‐term infectious morbidity of the offspring, with an adjusted HR of 1.7 (95% CI, 1.388‐2.077, P < .001). Maternal HBV carrier status is an independent risk factor for long‐term infectious morbidity of the offspring, particularly for gastrointestinal and respiratory infections.
Persistent vs non‐persistent candidaemia in adult patients in 2007‐2016: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ala‐Houhala Mari , Anttila Veli‐Jukka 
Published: April 2020

SummaryObjectivesPersistent candidaemia (PC) is a recognised complication of candidaemia. Our objective was to evaluate risk factors and clinical significance of PC in adult patients.MethodsThis is a retrospective, cohort study. We compared PC with non‐PC. All patients with blood cultures positive for Candida species were identified from a microbiological database in the hospital district of Helsinki and Uusimaa from 2007 to 2016. PC was defined as an isolation of the same Candida species from positive blood culture for ≥5 days.ResultsPC criteria were fulfilled by 75/350 patients (21.4%). No significant difference emerged between persistent and non‐persistent cases caused by non‐albicans Candida species (37.3% vs 35.1%, P = .742). The length of hospital stay before onset of candidaemia was longer before PC (hospital stay > 7 days; 73.3% vs 59.6%, P = .043). No significant impact on 30‐day mortality was observed (20.0% vs 15.5%, P = .422). Using multivariable regression analysis, we found the presence of central venous catheter (CVC) (OR = 2.71, 95% CI 1.31‐5.59), metastatic infection foci (OR 3.60, 95% CI 1.66‐7.79) and ineffective empirical treatment (OR = 3.31, 95% CI 1.43‐7.65) to be independent risk factors for PC. In subgroup analysis, early source control was identified as a protective factor against PC (30.5% vs 57.7%, P = .002).ConclusionThe presence of CVC, metastatic infection foci and ineffective empirical treatment were independently associated with PC in adult patients. Active search for and treatment of metastatic infection foci and removal of CVC are key elements for preventing PC.
Cumulative distribution function of daily rainfall in the Tocantins–Araguaia hydrographic region, Amazon, Brazil
Authors: Progênio Mayke F. , Blanco Claudio J. C. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractKnowing the temporal and spatial variability of the probability of rainfall occurrence is indispensable for the planning and management of agricultural and agroindustrial activities. This study aims to evaluate the applicability of four cumulative distribution functions (CDFs; exponential, two‐parameter exponential, mixed exponential, and gamma) to estimate the probability of daily rainfall in the Tocantins–Araguaia hydrographic region (TAHR). The CDFs were applied to 196 rainfall gauge stations distributed in three homogeneous regions (HRs) of rainfall in the TAHR. In relation to the CDFs, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test and the probability–probability plot showed that the mixed exponential best adhered to the observed data for most of the months of the year in the three HRs that were analyzed. In the few months that this function did not have a good statistical performance, the gamma function was the one with the best fit quality. This study can be used as a guide for studies in other river basins in Brazil and around the world to estimate CDFs of daily rainfall.Recommendations for Resource Managers

Stochastic models using cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) allow the simulation of rainfall data by means of their frequency of occurrence. Some CDFs have been used to verify the behavior and variability of precipitation over the years. For example, the mixed exponential, the Weibull with two parameters, the generalized Pareto, the lognormal, and the gamma with two parameters.
Daily rainfall modeling is important to recognize the occurrence patterns for the prediction of the climatic behavior of a region. Sectors such as agriculture, flood control, and human supply projects need knowledge of precipitation for planning, management, and operation.
The knowledge of the rainfall behavior is very important in Tocantins–Araguaia hydrographic region because it is located in the arc of deforestation in the Amazon. In this case, the dry season and temperatures have been increasing due to global climate change and deforestation itself.
When ESKD complicates disease management: GI bleeding and other GI illnesses
Authors: Salani Megha , Golper Thomas 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe presentation of gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses is similar in patients with end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) and in the general population. However, there are several instances where kidney failure and renal replacement therapy (RRT) can affect the course of the disease and its management. In this section, we will focus on unique factors of GI illnesses that should be considered in the ESKD population with and without residual kidney function (RKF). We will also discuss the role of RRT modalities in the occurrence and treatment of GI disease.
When ESKD complicates cancer screening and cancer treatment
Authors: Yasin Saddam , Holley Jean L. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractEnd‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) affects the recommended screening, incidence, treatment, and mortality of cancer. Cancer occurring in a patient with ESKD can influence candidacy for kidney transplantation as well as dialysis decision‐making and cancer treatment. Certain cancers are more common among ESKD patients, notably, viral‐mediated cancers that are associated with human papilloma or hepatitis viruses, and urothelial cancers associated with analgesic and Balkan nephropathies. Solid tumors are not believed to occur more frequently in ESKD patients. The presence of ESKD may confer a higher risk of post‐surgical complications as well as mortality. The cost‐effectiveness of cancer screening depends upon individual cancer risk and estimated overall survival. The high mortality associated with ESKD argues against routine cancer screening in dialysis patients. Cancer treatment in ESKD may be complicated by the need to avoid, adjust doses of and/or coordinate the timing of administration of imaging contrast, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy with dialysis treatments. There is a general dearth of information on the treatment of cancer in ESKD patients. These issues will be discussed, and some general guidelines presented based upon the current literature.
Date of birth and selective schooling: Some lessons from the 1944 education reforms in England and Wales
Authors: Hart Robert A. , Moro Mirko 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWe compare the probabilities of selective (grammar) school entry in England and Wales before and after the 1944 Education Act. The Act had direct and indirect influences on the costs of grammar education and on entry‐exam coverage, design and marking methodology. Post‐1944, grammar school entry among children born in the middle of the school year improved considerably. We argue that age‐adjusted group standardized testing was an important contributory factor. The youngest pupils remained significantly disadvantaged. We produce evidence that this is consistent with the practice of streaming (tracking) junior school children at age 7 into classes delineated by average ability.
Financial analysis of large‐volume delayed sampling to reduce bacterial contamination of platelets
Authors: Kacker Seema , Katz Louis M. , Ness Paul M. , Bloch Evan M. , Goel Ruchika , Gehrie Eric A. , Lokhandwala Parvez M. , Tobian Aaron A.R. 
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUNDEffective and financially viable mitigation approaches are needed to reduce bacterial contamination of platelets in the US. Expected costs of large‐volume delayed sampling (LVDS), which would be performed by a blood center prior to shipment to a hospital, were compared to those of pathogen reduction (PR), point‐of‐release testing (PORt), and secondary bacterial culture (SBC).METHODSUsing a Markov‐based decision‐tree model, the financial and clinical impact of implementing all variants of LVDS, PR, PORt, and SBC described in FDA guidance were evaluated from a hospital perspective. Hospitals were assumed to acquire leukoreduced apheresis platelets, with LVDS adding $30 per unit. Monte Carlo simulations were run to estimate the direct medical costs for platelet acquisition, testing, transfusion, and possible complications associated with each approach. Input parameters, including test sensitivity and specificity, were drawn from existing literature and costs (2018US$) were based on a hospital perspective. A one‐way sensitivity analysis varied the assumed additional cost of LVDS.RESULTSUnder an approach of LVDS (7‐day), the total cost per transfused unit is $735.78, which falls between estimates for SBC (7‐day) and PORt. Assuming 20,000 transfusions each year, LVDS would cost $14.72 million annually. Per‐unit LVDS costs would need to be less than $22.32 to be cheaper per transfusion than all other strategies, less than $32.02 to be cheaper than SBC (7‐day), and less than $196.19 to be cheaper than PR (5‐day).CONCLUSIONSLVDS is an effective and cost‐competitive approach, assuming additional costs to blood centers and associated charges to hospitals are modest.
Poor functional performance 1 year after ACL reconstruction increases the risk of early osteoarthritis progression
Authors: Patterson Brooke , Culvenor Adam Geoffrey , Barton Christian J , Guermazi Ali , Stefanik Joshua , Morris Hayden G , Whitehead Timothy S , Crossley Kay M 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundNot meeting functional performance criteria increases reinjury risk after ACL reconstruction (ACLR), but the implications for osteoarthritis are not well known.ObjectiveTo determine if poor functional performance post-ACLR is associated with risk of worsening early osteoarthritis features, knee symptoms, function and quality of life (QoL).MethodsSeventy-eight participants (48 men) aged 28±15 years completed a functional performance test battery (three hop tests, one-leg-rise) 1 year post-ACLR. Poor functional performance was defined as <90% limb symmetry index (LSI) on each test. At 1 and 5 years, MRI, Knee injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective form were completed. Primary outcomes were: (i) worsening patellofemoral and tibiofemoral MRI-osteoarthritis features (cartilage, bone marrow lesions (BMLs) and meniscus) and (ii) change in KOOS and IKDC scores, between 1 and 5 years.ResultsOnly 14 (18%) passed (≥90% LSI on all tests) the functional test battery. Poor functional performance on the battery (all four tests <90% LSI) 1 year post-ACLR was associated with 3.66 times (95% CI 1.12 to 12.01) greater risk of worsening patellofemoral BMLs. A triple-crossover hop <90% LSI was associated with 2.09 (95% CI 1.15 to 3.81) times greater risk of worsening patellofemoral cartilage. There was generally no association between functional performance and tibiofemoral MRI-osteoarthritis features, or KOOS/IKDC scores.ConclusionOnly one in five participants met common functional performance criteria (≥90% LSI all four tests) 1 year post-ACLR. Poor function on all four tests was associated with a 3.66 times increased risk of worsening patellofemoral BMLs, and generally not associated with decline in self-reported outcomes.
Volunteers as members of the stroke rehabilitation team: a qualitative case study
Authors: Nelson Michelle L A , Thombs Rachel , Yi Juliana 
Published: April 2020

ObjectivesClinicians are facing increasing demands on their time, exacerbated by fiscal constraints and increasing patient complexity. Volunteers are an essential part of the many healthcare systems, and are one resource to support improved patient experience and a mechanism through which to address unmet needs. Hospitals rely on volunteers for a variety of tasks and services, but there are varying perceptions about volunteers’ place within the healthcare team. This study aimed to understand the role of volunteers in stroke rehabilitation, as well as the barriers to volunteer engagement.DesignA qualitative case study was conducted to understand the engagement of volunteers in stroke rehabilitation services within a complex rehabilitation and continuing care hospital in Ontario, Canada.Participants28 clinicians, 10 hospital administrators and 22 volunteers participated in concurrent focus groups and interviews. Organisational documents pertaining to volunteer management were retrieved and analysed.ResultsWhile there was support for volunteer engagement, with a wide range of potential activities for volunteers, several barriers to volunteer engagement were identified. These barriers relate to paid workforce/unionisation, patient safety and confidentiality, volunteer attendance and lack of collaboration between clinical and volunteer resource departments.ConclusionsAn interprofessional approach, specifically emphasising and addressing issues related to key role clarity, may mediate these barriers. Clarity regarding the role of volunteers in hospital settings could support workforce planning and administration.
Effects of brief family psychoeducation for caregivers of people with schizophrenia in Japan provided by visiting nurses: protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Yasuma Naonori , Sato Sayaka , Yamaguchi Sosei , Matsunaga Asami , Shiozawa Takuma , Tachimori Hisateru , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Imamura Kotaro , Nishi Daisuke , Fujii Chiyo , Kawakami Norito 
Published: April 2020

IntroductionDevelopment of a support system for families caring for people with schizophrenia in routine psychiatric care settings is an important issue worldwide. Regional mental health systems are inadequate for delivering effective services to such family members. Despite evidence that family psychoeducation (FPE) alleviates the burden of schizophrenia on families, its dissemination in routine clinical practice remains insufficient, suggesting the need for developing an effective and implementable intervention for family caregivers in the existing mental health system setting. In Japan, the visiting nurse service system would be a practical way of providing family services. Visiting nurses in local communities are involved in the everyday lives of people with schizophrenia and their families. Accordingly, visiting nurses understand their needs and are able to provide family support as a service covered by national health insurance. The purpose of this study is to discover whether a brief FPE programme provided by visiting nurses caring for people with schizophrenia will alleviate family burden through a cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT).Methods and analysisThe study will be a two-arm, parallel-group (visiting nurse agency) cRCT. Forty-seven visiting nurse agencies will be randomly allocated to the brief FPE group (intervention group) or treatment as usual group (control group). Caregivers of people with schizophrenia will be recruited by visiting nurses using a randomly ordered list. The primary outcome will be caregiver burden, measured using the Japanese version of Zarit Burden Interview. Outcome assessments will be conducted at baseline, 1-month follow-up and 6-month follow-up. Multiple levels of three-way interactions in mixed models will be used to examine whether the brief FPE programme will alleviate the burden on caregivers relative to treatment as usual.Ethics and disseminationThe Research Ethics Committee of the Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan (No 2019065NI) approved this study. The results will be published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration numberUMIN000038044.
Influence of socioeconomic status on the referral process to cardiac rehabilitation following acute coronary syndrome: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Graversen Christina Boesgaard , Johansen Martin Berg , Eichhorst Regina , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Riahi Sam , Holmberg Teresa , Larsen Mogens Lytken 
Published: April 2020

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and referral to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after incident acute coronary syndrome (ACS) by dividing the referral process into three phases: (1) informed about CR, (2) willingness to participate in CR, (3) and assigned CR setting.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingDepartment of Cardiology at a Danish University Hospital from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2014.ParticipantsA total of 1229 patients assessed for CR during hospitalisation with ACS were prospectively registered in the Rehab-North Register from 2011 to 2014. SES was assessed using data from national registers, concerning: personal income, occupational status, educational level and civil status. Patients were excluded if one of the following criteria was fulfilled: (1) missing data on SES, or (2) acceptable reason for not informing patients about CR (treatment with coronary artery bypass grafting, transfer to another hospital, still under treatment or death).Main outcome measuresOutcomes were defined by dividing the referral process into three phases: (1) informed about CR, (2) willingness to participate, and (3) assigned CR setting (in-hospital/community centre) after ACS.ResultsA total of 854 (69.5 %) patients were referred to CR. After adjustment for age, gender, ACS diagnosis (ST-elevated myocardial infarction, non-ST-elevated myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris) and comorbidity, high income had the strongest association of referral to CR in all three phases (informed about CR: OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.01 to 4.64; willingness to participate in CR: OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.35; assigned in-hospital CR: OR 1.47, 95% CI 0.91 to 2.36). Educational level showed similar tendencies, however not statistically significant. The results did not vary according to gender.ConclusionThis is the first study to investigate the referral process to CR using a three-phase structure. It suggests income and education to influence all phases in the referral process to CR after ACS.
Identification of known and unknown genes associated with mitral valve prolapse using an exome slice methodology
Authors: van Wijngaarden Aniek L , Hiemstra Yasmine L , Koopmann Tamara T , Ruivenkamp Claudia A L , Aten Emmelien , Schalij Martin J , Bax Jeroen J , Delgado Victoria , Barge-Schaapveld Daniela Q C M , Ajmone Marsan Nina 
Published: April 2020

PurposeAlthough a familial distribution has been documented, the genetic aetiology of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is largely unknown, with only four genes identified so far:FLNA,DCHS1,DZIP1andPLD1. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic yield in known causative genes and to identify possible novel genes associated with MVP using a heart gene panel based on exome sequencing.MethodsPatients with MVP were referred for genetic counselling when a positive family history for MVP was reported and/or Barlow’s disease was diagnosed. In total, 101 probands were included to identify potentially pathogenic variants in a set of 522 genes associated with cardiac development and/or diseases.Results97 (96%) probands were classified as Barlow’s disease and 4 (4%) as fibroelastic deficiency. Only one patient (1%) had a likely pathogenic variant in the known causative genes (DCHS1). However, an interesting finding was that 10 probands (11%) had a variant that was classified as likely pathogenic in six different, mostly cardiomyopathy genes:DSP(1×),HCN4(1×),MYH6(1×),TMEM67(1×),TRPS1(1×) andTTN(5×).ConclusionExome slice sequencing analysis performed in MVP probands reveals a low genetic yield in known causative genes but may expand the cardiac phenotype of other genes. This study suggests for the first time that also genes related to cardiomyopathy may be associated with MVP. This highlights the importance to screen these patients and their family for the presence of arrhythmias and of ‘disproportionate’ LV remodelling as compared with the severity of mitral regurgitation, unravelling a possible coexistent cardiomyopathy.