bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeted Geriatric Assessment for Fast‐Paced Healthcare Settings: Development, Validity, and Reliability
Authors: Aliberti Márlon J. R. , Apolinario Daniel , Suemoto Claudia K. , Melo Juliana A. , Fortes‐Filho Sileno Q. , Saraiva Marcos D. , Trindade Carolina B. , Covinsky Kenneth E. , Jacob‐Filho Wilson 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesTo develop and examine the validity and reliability of a targeted geriatric assessment (TaGA) for busy healthcare settings.DesignThe TaGA was developed through the consensus of experts (Delphi technique), and we investigated its construct validity and reliability in a cross‐sectional study.SettingGeriatric day hospital specializing in acute care in Brazil.ParticipantsOlder adults (N = 534) aged 79.5 ± 8.4, 63% female, consecutively admitted to the geriatric day hospital.MeasurementsThe Frailty Index (FI), Physical Frailty Phenotype, and Identification of Seniors at Risk (ISAR) were used to explore the TaGA's validity. External scales were used to investigate the validity of each matched TaGA domain. The interrater reliability and time to complete the instrument were tested in a 53‐person subsample.ResultsIn 3 rounds of opinion, experts achieved consensus that the TaGA should include 10 domains (social support, recent hospital admissions, falls, number of medications, basic activities of daily living, cognitive performance, self‐rated health, depressive symptoms, nutritional status, gait speed). They arrived at sufficient agreement on specific tools to assess each domain. A single numerical score from 0 to 1 expressed the cumulative deficits across the 10 domains. The TaGA score was highly correlated with the FI (Spearman coefficient = 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.76–0.82) and discriminated between frail and nonfrail individuals better than the ISAR (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.84 vs 0.72; P < .001). The TaGA score also had excellent interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.92, 95% CI=0.87–0.95). Mean TaGA administration time was 9.5 ± 2.2 minutes.ConclusionThe study presents evidence supporting the TaGA's validity and reliability. This instrument may be a practical and efficient approach to screening geriatric syndromes in fast‐paced healthcare settings. Future research should investigate its predictive value and effect on care.
Effect of platelets‐rich plasma on scalp hair diameter
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad 
Published: February 2018

SummaryObjectivesTo measure the effects of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) on hair diameter in Pakistani population.Materials and methodsThe study was conducted in a private setup in the adult patients undergoing PRP treatment. Baseline platelets count was noted for each patient. PRP was prepared using a commercial kit. Three PRP injections were administered in the scalp at 0, 1, and 3 months of interval. The hair caliber was measured in the mid‐scalp area using a separate stencil for each patient. The diameter of 10 hair (1 cm sq) was measured randomly using the caliper (2 hair on each side of the square and 4 in the center). After 6 months of 3rd injection, the hair caliber was measured and the results were analyzed statistically using Mann‐Whitney's test.ResultsSeven men and 3 women were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 24.2 years (26.3 years in males and 19.3 in females). The average platelets count was found to be 283,580/μL. The mean hair caliber was 37.3 μm (39.1 μm in men and 33.0 μm in women). At the end of the study, the mean hair caliber was found to be 52.3 μm (P < .01). The mean hair caliber was 53.9 μm in men and 48.7 μm in women (P < .01). The increase in the hair caliber was noted to be 27.5% more in men and 31.3% more in women (P < .01).ConclusionThe PRP injections can increase the hair diameter.
The role of pregnancy, perinatal factors and hormones in maternal cancer risk: a review of the evidence
Authors: Troisi R. , Bjørge T. , Gissler M. , Grotmol T. , Kitahara C. M. , Myrtveit Sæther S. M. , Ording A. G. , Sköld C. , Sørensen H. T. , Trabert B. , Glimelius I. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAn understanding of the origin of cancer is critical for cancer prevention and treatment. Complex biological mechanisms promote carcinogenesis, and there is increasing evidence that pregnancy‐related exposures influence foetal growth cell division and organ functioning and may have a long‐lasting impact on health and disease susceptibility in the mothers and offspring. Nulliparity is an established risk factor for breast, ovarian, endometrial and possibly pancreatic cancer, whilst the risk of kidney cancer is elevated in parous compared with nulliparous women. For breast, endometrial and ovarian cancer, each pregnancy provides an additional risk reduction. The associations of parity with thyroid and colorectal cancers are uncertain. The timing of reproductive events is also recognized to be important. Older age at first birth is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, and older age at last birth is associated with a reduced risk of endometrial cancer. The risks of breast and endometrial cancers increase with younger age at menarche and older age at menopause. The mechanisms, and hormone profiles, that underlie alterations in maternal cancer risk are not fully understood and may differ by malignancy. Linking health registries and pooling of data in the Nordic countries have provided opportunities to conduct epidemiologic research of pregnancy exposures and subsequent cancer. We review the maternal risk of several malignancies, including those with a well‐known hormonal aetiology and those with less established relationships. The tendency for women to have fewer pregnancies and at later ages, together with the age‐dependent increase in the incidence of most malignancies, is expected to affect the incidence of pregnancy‐associated cancer.
Influence of CAD/CAM fabrication on denture surface properties
Authors: Steinmassl O. , Dumfahrt H. , Grunert I. , Steinmassl P.‐A. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryThree main properties are responsible for the microbial attractiveness of denture surfaces: roughness, hydrophilicity and free surface energy. This study investigated whether CAD/CAM‐fabricated dentures are more favourable for these surface properties than conventionally fabricated dentures. The mucosal surface roughness of 54 standardised study dentures was measured using contact profilometry. The surface hydrophilicity and free surface energy of 70 standardised denture resin specimens were determined by contact angle measurements. Both experimental settings compared AvaDent (AD), Baltic Denture System (BDS), Vita VIONIC (VV), Whole You Nexteeth (WN) and Wieland Digital Dentures (WDD) surfaces with conventionally manufactured denture surfaces (control group). These data were analysed using ANOVA together with Tukey's test or the Games‐Howell post hoc test. All CAD/CAM dentures had lower mean surface roughness values than conventional dentures. For AD, VV, WN and WDD, the differences were statistically significant. Vita VIONIC (P < .001), coated WN (P < .001), AD (P = .023) and BDS specimens (P = .027) were significantly more hydrophilic than the control group. All measured surface energies were of similar magnitude (mean values between 31.82 and 33.68 mJ/m2), and only coated WN specimens had a significantly increased mean value (66.62 mJ/m2, P < .001). Although most CAD/CAM dentures have smoother and more hydrophilic surfaces than conventional dentures, there is no difference in their free surface energy, except for coated dentures.
Cardiac vagal flexibility and accurate personality impressions: Examining a physiological correlate of the good judge
Authors: Human Lauren J. , Mendes Wendy Berry 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectiveResearch has long sought to identify which individuals are best at accurately perceiving others' personalities or are good judges, yet consistent predictors of this ability have been difficult to find. In the current studies, we revisit this question by examining a novel physiological correlate of social sensitivity, cardiac vagal flexibility, which reflects dynamic modulation of cardiac vagal control.MethodWe examined whether greater cardiac vagal flexibility was associated with forming more accurate personality impressions, defined as viewing targets more in line with their distinctive self‐reported profile of traits, in two studies, including a thin‐slice video perceptions study (N = 109) and a dyadic interaction study (N = 175).ResultsAcross studies, we found that individuals higher in vagal flexibility formed significantly more accurate first impressions of others' more observable personality traits (e.g., extraversion, creativity, warmth). These associations held while including a range of relevant covariates, including cardiac vagal tone, sympathetic activation, and gender.ConclusionIn sum, social sensitivity as indexed by cardiac vagal flexibility is linked to forming more accurate impressions of others' observable traits, shedding light on a characteristic that may help to identify the elusive good judge and providing insight into its neurobiological underpinnings.
Reporting the incidence of unplanned extubation in the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Aydon Laurene , Zimmer Margo , Sharp Mary 
Published: February 2018

AimThe aim of this study was to highlight the incidence of unplanned extubation (UE) and identify associated factors in our neonatal population.MethodsThis study was a prospective audit.ResultsA specifically designed audit tool was used to capture UE events; 182 neonates required mechanical ventilation for 863 days. There were 41 episodes of UE. The UE rate was 4.75 per 100 days of ventilation. At the time of UE, median gestational age of patients was 27.3 weeks (23.4–37.6), with a corrected age median of 29.2 weeks (23.4–37.6). Re‐intubation was required in two thirds of the patients for increasing apnoea and increased work of breathing. Endotracheal tubes are secured in a standardised way either using Neobar or brown tape. UE events occurred with both methods. The two most common factors associated with UE included active handling of the baby and the time of day (0700–1000 h).ConclusionsThis audit has provided our neonatal intensive care unit with a benchmark for improvement. It has also created staff awareness of the risk of UE and promoted staff engagement to reduce UE. A bundle approach to reduce UE has been introduced. Future audits are planned to monitor the impact of these initiatives.
Development and validation of an algorithm for the study of sleep using a biometric shirt in young healthy adults
Authors: Pion‐Massicotte Joëlle , Godbout Roger , Savard Pierre , Roy Jean‐François 
Published: February 2018

SummaryPortable polysomnography is often too complex and encumbering for recording sleep at home. We recorded sleep using a biometric shirt (electrocardiogram sensors, respiratory inductance plethysmography bands and an accelerometer) in 21 healthy young adults recorded in a sleep laboratory for two consecutive nights, together with standard polysomnography. Polysomnographic recordings were scored using standard methods. An algorithm was developed to classify the biometric shirt recordings into rapid eye movement sleep, non‐rapid eye movement sleep and wake. The algorithm was based on breathing rate and heart rate variability, body movement, and included a correction for sleep onset and offset. The overall mean percentage of agreement between the two sets of recordings was 77.4%; when non‐rapid eye movement and rapid eye movement sleep epochs were grouped together, it increased to 90.8%. The overall kappa coefficient was 0.53. Five of the seven sleep variables were significantly correlated. The findings of this pilot study indicate that this simple portable system could be used to estimate the general sleep pattern of young healthy adults.
Persistently altered liver test results in hepatitis C patients after sustained virological response with direct‐acting antivirals
Authors: Olveira A. , Domínguez L. , Troya J. , Arias A. , Pulido F. , Ryan P. , Benítez L. M. , González‐García J. , Montes M. L. ,   the PALT‐M‐Study Group Investigators
Published: February 2018

SummaryGuidelines recommend evaluating persistent alteration of liver tests in HCV‐infected patients after sustained virological response (SVR) and its influence on liver disease progression. We studied the prevalence, etiology, associated factors and evolutionary implications of persistent alteration of liver tests in HCV patients after direct‐acting antivirals (DAA)‐induced SVR. This was a prospective study of HCV‐infected patients and SVR after DAA. Those with another previously diagnosed liver disease were excluded. Persistent alteration of liver tests was defined as any increase in ALT, AST or GGT at SVR12 and SVR24. Causes were determined according to standard clinical practice, including liver biopsy and follow‐up transient elastography. A total of 1112 patients were included (70.8% males, median age 53 years, 38.8% cirrhosis, 34.9% interferon‐experienced, 56.8% HIV‐coinfected). Persistent alteration of liver tests was detected in 130/1112 patients (11.7% [95%CI: 9.7‐13.6]). Its frequency differed between HCV‐monoinfected (45/480: 9.4% [95%CI: 6.7‐12.1]) and HIV‐coinfected (85/632: 13.5% [95%CI: 10.7‐16.2]) (P = .046). In multivariable analysis, cirrhosis (OR 2.12; 95%CI: 1.28‐3.53; P = .004) and baseline transient elastography values (OR 1.03; 95%CI: 1.01‐1.04; P = .000) were associated with persistent alteration of liver tests. The main etiologies were clinical diagnosis suggestive of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in 47 (36.2%), alcohol in 30 (23.1%) and drug consumption in 19 (14.6%). Baseline and follow‐up transient elastography was performed in 594 patients and showed a significantly different decrease in patients who did or did not have a persistent alteration of liver tests (−21.1% vs −30%, respectively; P = .003), independently of sex, HIV status or baseline TE value. In conclusion, persistent alteration of liver tests is not infrequent after SVR. It is associated with cirrhosis and baseline transient elastography, and the main cause is fatty liver. According to transient elastography changes, persistent alteration of liver tests seems to affect the course of liver disease.
The semantic map model: State of the art and future avenues for linguistic research
Authors: Georgakopoulos Thanasis , Polis Stéphane 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe semantic map model is relatively new in linguistic research, but it has been intensively used during the past three decades for studying both cross‐linguistic and language‐specific questions. The goal of the present contribution is to give a comprehensive overview of the model. After introducing the different types of semantic maps, we present the steps involved for building the maps and discuss in more detail the different types of maps and their respective advantages and disadvantages, focusing on the kinds of linguistic generalizations captured. Finally, we provide a thorough survey of the literature on the topic, and we sketch future avenues for research in the field.
Association patterns of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Bahía San Antonio, Argentina
Authors: Vermeulen Els 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the association patterns of a small and resident population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Bahía San Antonio (Argentina), and assess any seasonal variation in view of the reported seasonal variation in the population's grouping behavior. The estimation of social differentiation (S) was 0.29 (SE = 0.08), suggesting a homogenous society. The half‐weight index (HWI) averaged 0.23 (± 0.06), with evidence of long‐term preferred associations. However, data showed seasonal variation in the association patterns. In winter, when large groups were reported in this population, HWI values averaged 0.30 (± 0.09) with no indication of preferred or avoided associations. However, during summer, when group size was generally small, HWI values averaged 0.14 (± 0.07), with an indication of preferred/avoided associations. This study indicates that the social structure of the bottlenose dolphins in Bahía San Antonio seems relatively homogenous and flexible over time, with the formation of a random social network at times when large aggregations are formed, and a more disconnected network made up of strongly connected components when the cost of grouping is high.
Non‐Competitive Agency and Luther's Experiential Argument Against Virtue
Authors: Zahl Simeon 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis article examines a critique that has been levied against Martin Luther's account of the passivity of the human agent in salvation, and his corresponding critique of Aristotelian and Scholastic accounts of virtue. According to Reinhard Hütter and Jennifer Herdt, among others, Luther's theology of passivity is primarily the product of a philosophical failure to recognize that divine and human agency can be conceived in non‐competitive terms. This article demonstrates through close analysis of Luther's arguments that this philosophical critique does not succeed in refuting Luther's theology of passivity. This is because it fails to recognize that Luther's view of human agency and his critique of virtue are based to a significant degree on a different kind of argument: namely, empirical reflection on the experience of sin, including especially experience of the unmasterability of sinful affections through discipline, habit, or effort of will. I conclude by arguing that until Christian virtue ethicists have reckoned with this experiential argument, they have not engaged with one of the strongest theological critiques of virtue‐based paradigms of Christian moral transformation.
Water uptake can occur through woody portions of roots and facilitates localized embolism repair in grapevine
Authors: Cuneo Italo F. , Knipfer Thorsten , Mandal Pratiti , Brodersen Craig R. , McElrone Andrew J. 
Published: February 2018

Summary

Water acquisition is thought to be limited to the unsuberized surface located close to root tips. However, there are recurring periods when the unsuberized surfaces are limited in woody root systems, and radial water uptake across the bark of woody roots might play an important physiological role in hydraulic functioning.

Using X‐ray microcomputed tomography (microCT) and hydraulic conductivity measurements (Lpr), we examined water uptake capacity of suberized woody roots in vivo and in excised samples.

Bark hydration in grapevine woody roots occurred quickly upon exposure to water (c. 4 h). Lpr measurements through the bark of woody roots showed that it is permeable to water and becomes more so upon wetting. After bark hydration, microCT analysis showed that absorbed water was utilized to remove embolism locally, where c. 20% of root xylem vessels refilled completely within 15 h. Embolism removal did not occur in control roots without water.

Water uptake through the bark of woody roots probably plays an important role when unsuberized tissue is scarce/absent, and would be particularly relevant following large irrigation events or in late winter when soils are saturated, re‐establishing hydraulic functionality before bud break.
Non‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging versus renal scintigraphy in acute pyelonephritis
Authors: Aoyagi Jun , Kanai Takahiro , Odaka Jun , Ito Takane , Saito Takashi , Betsui Hiroyuki , Furukawa Rieko , Nakata Waka , Yamagata Takanori 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe utility of non‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has not been examined extensively for diagnosing acute pyelonephritis (APN) in children. The aims of this study were to compare non‐enhanced MRI with technetium‐99 m dimercaptosuccinic acid (99mTc‐DMSA) renal scintigraphy in detecting APN. Six boys and one girl with temperature ≥38°C and positive urine culture received both non‐enhanced MRI with whole body diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and 99mTc‐DMSA scintigraphy ≤7 days from the fever onset. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI in detecting APN lesions diagnosed on 99mTc‐DMSA scintigraphy were 80% and 100%, respectively. Non‐enhanced MRI in children with suspected APN ≤7 days from fever onset might be a suitable replacement for 99mTc‐DMSA scintigraphy for the detection of APN.
The curvilinear effect of benevolent leadership on team performance: The mediating role of team action processes and the moderating role of team commitment
Authors: Li Guiquan , Rubenstein Alex L. , Lin Weipeng , Wang Mo , Chen Xingwen 
Published: February 2018

AbstractLeaders are encouraged to show benevolence to followers in paternalistic cultures. Yet, there remains debate about whether the influence of increasingly benevolent leadership on follower outcomes is linearly favorable. Grounded in the too‐much‐of‐a‐good‐thing effect and resource allocation theory, we developed and tested a model considering a potential curvilinear relationship between benevolent leadership and team performance while also examining the mediating role of team action processes. We further reasoned that this curvilinear indirect effect would be moderated by team commitment, which could neutralize the diminishing performance returns resulting from excessive benevolent leadership. To test these ideas, we carried out two studies. In the first study, multisource and time‐lagged data collected from 381 employees working in 104 research and development teams showed that benevolent leadership exhibited an inverted U‐shaped relationship with team performance, but this curvilinear relationship disappeared in teams with high team commitment. In the second study, we replicated and extended our results using a sample of 417 employees from 101 hotel management teams of a large hotel chain. Specifically, we found an inverted U‐shaped relationship between benevolent leadership and team action processes, which mediated the inverted U‐shaped relationship between benevolent leadership and team performance. Moreover, this indirect curvilinear effect only held in teams with low team commitment. We discuss the implications of our findings for both theory and practice.
Physiological and biochemical effects of Olea europaea leaf extracts from four phenological growth stages on the oogenesis of female locust Locusta migratoria
Authors: Abdellaoui Khemais , Hazzoug Meriem , Boussadia Olfa , Miladi Meriam , Omri Ghofrane , Acheuk Fatma , Ben Halima‐Kamel Monia , Brahem Mohamed 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe effects of olive leaf extract (OLE) are studied on several reproductive variables and the ovarian biochemical composition of Locusta migratoria (Orthoptera: Acrididae) adult females. The methanolic extracts are prepared from the leaves sampled during four phenological growth stages of olive tree: cluster formation (Cf), swelling inflorescence buds (Sib), full flowering (Ff) and endocarp hardening (Eh). When applied to adult females during the pre‐ovipositional phase, the treatment elicites a significant adverse effect on their reproductive potential. Indeed, OLE significantly reduces both fecundity and fertility and affects oocyte growth during the first gonadotrophic cycle, as indicated by measurements of ovarian weight, length of terminal oocytes and ovarian index. Furthermore, OLE is examined with respect to ovarian biochemical components. Biochemical analyses reveal a significant reduction of ovarian contents of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates, suggesting a disruption in the incorporation of the haemolymph metabolites in the oocytes and an interference of OLE with the vitellogenesis process. The antigonadotrophic effect is confirmed by a histological study of the ovaries, which clearly shows a delay in ovarian development and in yolk accumulation in the basal oocytes of treated females. The most effect is noted with the extract prepared from the leaves collected at the swelling inflorescence buds for all measured parameters, which appears to be related to its high content of polyphenols.