bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Point of Care Ultrasound for the General Internist: Pleural Effusions
Authors: Cotton Darrel William , Lenz Ryan , Kerr Brendan , Ma Irene 
Published: July 2018

Pleural effusions are a common finding in many clinical settings and have important diagnostic and therapeutic implications. They may be identified by physical exam, chest radiography, chest computerized tomography (CT) scans or point of care ultrasonography (POCUS). The use of POCUS for the diagnosis and management of pleural effusions offers several advantages relevant to the practice of the general internist. For the diagnosis of pleural effusion, POCUS has superior sensitivity and specificity when compared to chest radiography and physical exam. Abnormal sonographic features of the pleural fluid and the adjacent pleura may suggest the presence of an exudative or malignant effusion. POCUS can be used to quickly estimate the size of a pleural effusion. Lastly, the use of ultrasound guidance when performing a thoracentesis reduces the risk of pneumothorax and hemorrhage.
Rumpel-Leede Phenomenon: A Case Report
Authors: HU, MBBS, FRCPC Rehman , J, MD Kambo 
Published: July 2018

A 72-year-old woman presented with a one-week history of fever, non-productive cough, and three unwitnessed syncopal episodes, with no other associated symptoms. She had poor recollection of the episodes, but denied urinary/fecal incontinence, tongue biting, numbness, parasthesias, or weakness. Her medical history was significant for hypertension, dyslipidemia, leg ulcers, psoriasis, stress incontinence, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. She did not have diabetes, coronary artery disease, or peripheral vascular disease. Her medications included Atorvastatin, Enalapril, Hydrochlorothiazide, Lansoprazole, and Calcium. She did not smoke or drink. On examination, her vital signs were stable and she was afebrile. Chest auscultation revealed crackles in the right lower base. She developed an erythematous, lacy sharply demarcated rash on her left hand that lasted for 3–4 hours after her blood pressure was taken on the same arm (Figures 1 and 2). Blood tests were unremarkable and included glucose, complete blood count, electrolytes, urea, creatinine, liver function tests, and coagulation studies.
Gastrostomía endoscópica percutánea en ancianos: indicaciones, seguridad y desenlaces
Authors: Atencio Diana Patricia , Blanco Pérez Angela Gabriela , Otero Rengino William 
Published: July 2018

Introducción: la gastrostomía endoscópica percutánea (GEP) se ejecuta cada vez con mayor frecuencia en ancianos con alteraciones deglutorias, sin importar su condición física, mental o funcional. En nuestromedio se desconocen sus complicaciones y desenlaces.Objetivo: el propósito del estudio es determinar las indicaciones, tasa de complicaciones y desenlaces a corto y largo plazo en el seguimiento de hasta de 5 años.Pacientes y métodos: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de pacientes mayores de 60 años de edad hospitalizados con indicación de gastrostomía endoscópica percutánea y atendidos en la Clínica Fundadores en el período comprendido entre enero de 2008 y junio del 2013; fueron excluidos pacientes menores de 60 años, realización de gastrostomía abierta o GEP fallida. Se realizó revisión de historias clínicas y seguimiento telefónico de los pacientes.Resultados: de los 135 pacientes con indicación de GEP, 96 fueron incluidos, media de edad 77,5±9 años, 38 hombres (39,5%). La indicación para la GEP fue la incapacidad para la deglución por evento cerebrovascular (32,89%), demencia (30,26%) u otras causas (36,85%). La hipertensión arterial fue la comorbilidad más frecuente. La complicación más común asociada con la GEP fueron los síntomas gastrointestinales (32,9%). No hubo mortalidad asociada con el procedimiento.Conclusiones: la GEP es segura para el aporte enteral a los pacientes ancianos, sin embargo, no demostró benefi cio en aquellos pacientes asociados con demencia. Es importante un manejo interdisciplinario previo para definir la alimentación por gastrostomía en ancianos.
Poor Glycemic Control Is Associated With Increased Extracellular Volume Fraction in Diabetes
Authors: Al-Badri Ahmed , Hashmath Zeba , Oldland Garrett H. , Miller Rachana , Javaid Khuzaima , Syed Amer Ahmed , Ansari Bilal , Gaddam Swetha , Witschey Walter R. , Akers Scott R. , Chirinos Julio A. 
Published: July 2018

OBJECTIVE
We assessed whether poor glycemic control is associated with an increase in myocardial fibrosis among adults with diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We studied 47 adults with type 2 diabetes and stratified them into three groups according to their hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level: &lt;6.5% (group 1; n = 12), 6.5–7.5% (group 2; n = 20), and &gt;7.5% (group 3; n = 15). Left ventricular (LV) mass was assessed using cardiac MRI. The extracellular volume fraction (ECVF), an index of myocardial fibrosis, was measured by using myocardial T1 mapping before and after the administration of a gadolinium-based contrast agent.

RESULTS
Mean HbA1c was 5.84 ± 0.16%, 6.89 ± 0.14%, and 8.57 ± 0.2% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. LV mass was not significantly different between the groups. The myocardial ECVF was significantly greater in groups 2 (mean 27.6% [95% CI 24.8–30.3]) and 3 (27.6% [24.4–30.8]) than in group 1 (21.1% [17.5–24.7]; P = 0.015). After adjusting for age, sex, BMI, blood pressure, and estimated glomerular filtration rate, the myocardial ECVF was significantly greater in groups 2 (27.4% [24.4–30.4]) and 3 (28% [24.5–31.5]) than in group 1 (20.9% [17.1–24.6]; P = 0.0156, ANCOVA).

CONCLUSIONS
An increased myocardial ECVF, suggesting myocardial fibrosis, is independently associated with poor glycemic control among adults with diabetes. Further research should assess whether tight glycemic control can revert fibrosis to healthy myocardium or ameliorate it and its adverse clinical consequences.
Performance of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Scores in People Diagnosed With Type 2 Diabetes: External Validation Using Data From the National Scottish Diabetes Register
Authors: Read Stephanie H. , van Diepen Merel , Colhoun Helen M. , Halbesma Nynke , Lindsay Robert S. , McKnight John A. , McAllister David A. , Pearson Ewan R. , Petrie John R. , Philip Sam , Sattar Naveed , Woodward Mark , Wild Sarah H. 
Published: July 2018

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the performance of five cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk scores developed in diabetes populations and compare their performance to QRISK2.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A cohort of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes between 2004 and 2016 was identified from the Scottish national diabetes register. CVD events were identified using linked hospital and death records. Five-year risk of CVD was estimated using each of QRISK2, ADVANCE (Action in Diabetes and Vascular disease: preterAx and diamicroN-MR Controlled Evaluation), Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS), New Zealand Diabetes Cohort Study (NZ DCS), Fremantle Diabetes Study, and Swedish National Diabetes Register (NDR) risk scores. Discrimination and calibration were assessed using the Harrell C statistic and calibration plots, respectively.

RESULTS
The external validation cohort consisted of 181,399 people with type 2 diabetes and no history of CVD. There were 14,081 incident CVD events within 5 years of follow-up. The 5-year observed risk of CVD was 9.7% (95% CI 9.6, 9.9). C statistics varied between 0.66 and 0.67 for all risk scores. QRISK2 overestimated risk, classifying 87% to be at high risk for developing CVD within 5 years; ADVANCE underestimated risk, and the Swedish NDR risk score calibrated well to observed risk.

CONCLUSIONS
None of the risk scores performed well among people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Using these risk scores to predict 5-year CVD risk in this population may not be appropriate.
Effects of High Blood Pressure on Cardiovascular Disease Events Among Chinese Adults With Different Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Tian Jingyan , Sheng Chang-Sheng , Sun Weihong , Song Xiaomin , Wang Haiyan , Li Qifang , Li Wenyi , Wang Weiqing 
Published: July 2018

OBJECTIVE
To investigate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks caused by blood pressure (BP) of 130–139/80–89 mmHg among Chinese adults with different glucose metabolism.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A prospective population-based cohort of 2,132 adults in Shanghai was established in 2002, and CVD information was collected during 10.9 years of follow-up. After assessing the association between BP categories and incident CVD, we analyzed the risk for CVD by blood glucose categories and BP categories combined by using multiple Cox regression analysis among 1,419 participants at follow-up.

RESULTS
The corresponding incidence of CVD per 1,000 person-years for the BP &lt;130/80 mmHg, 130–139/80–89 mmHg, and ≥140/90 mmHg or treated groups were 3.0, 6.0, and 13.9, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, and other factors, BP ≥140/90 mmHg was significantly associated with a higher CVD risk in general (hazard ratio 2.68 [95% CI 1.36–5.25]) and in various blood glucose categories (normoglycemia 2.59, prediabetes 3.03, diabetes mellitus [DM] 4.98). However, BP of 130–139/80–89 mmHg was significantly associated with a higher CVD risk in an estimated baseline 10-year atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) risk ≥10% (3.82 [1.42–9.78]) or DM (3.54 [1.05–11.88]) but not in the general population or for a baseline 10-year ASCVD risk &lt;10%, normoglycemia, or prediabetes.

CONCLUSIONS
BP of 130–139/80–89 mmHg may result in a significantly higher CVD risk in Chinese adults with an estimated 10-year ASCVD risk ≥10% or DM but not in those with normoglycemia or prediabetes.
Dairy farmers’ values and how their values affect their decision
Authors: Hansen Bjørn Gunnar , Greve Arent 
Published: July 2018

Values affect humans’ perception of situations and problems and guide our actions. The objective of this study was to explore the values of dairy farmers, and whether their values influenced their decisions to maintain dairy farming or to buy consultancy services. During late fall 2007 we visited and interviewed 90 farmers. First we did a qualitative analysis of the data and then we merged the interview data with the existing database of financial data from the year 2007 to do statistical analyses. We also checked whether the farmers still produced milk in 2013, six years after the interviews. Most farmers had terminal values like keeping up the tradition and to have an interesting work. Value combinations with instrumental values such as to earn money and to produce milk were common. Realizing that many farmers prioritize terminal values over instrumental values has important consequences for dairy companies, dairy consultants and politicians.
Effects of different paper mulches on soil temperature and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in the temperate zone
Authors: Haapala Tapani , Palonen Pauliina , Tamminen Antti , Ahokas Jukka 
Published: July 2018

The effect of different paper mulches and two different biodegradable plastic mulches on the yield of field-grown cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) was examined. The studies were conducted during two climatically different growing seasons 2011 and 2012 in Southern Finland. All the mulches increased the yield as compared to bare ground. In 2011, cucumbers on all the mulches with a dark upper surface produced higher yields than those on kraft paper alone. In 2012, when the average temperatures were lower than in 2011, there were no differences in yield between different types of mulches. Soil temperatures of the experimental plots were monitored throughout the growing seasons. The mulches with a dark-colored upper surface increased the soil temperature more than the ones with a light-colored upper surface. The soil warming effect of the mulches was greater during early season and diminished when the plants grew larger and their leaves covered most of the mulch surface. There was no need for weed control except in uncovered plots. In conclusion, during both years dark-colored paper mulch was comparable to biodegradable film in yield production and could replace it as a mulch material in cucumber production.
Neutral lipid fatty acid analysis is a sensitive marker for quantitative estimation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in agricultural soil with crops of different mycotrophy
Authors: Vestberg Mauritz , Palojärvi Ansa , Pitkänen Timo , Kaipainen Saara , Puolakka Elina , Keskitalo Marjo 
Published: July 2018

The impact of host mycotrophy on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) markers was studied in a temperate agricultural soil cropped with mycorrhizal barley, flax, reed canary-grass, timothy, caraway and quinoa and non-mycorrhizal buckwheat, dyer's woad, nettle and false flax. The percentage of AMF root colonization, the numbers of infective propagules by the Most Probable Number (MPN) method, and the amounts of signature Phospholipid Fatty Acid (PLFA) 16:1ω5 and Neutral Lipid Fatty Acid (NLFA) 16:1ω5 were measured as AMF markers. Crop had a significant impact on MPN levels of AMF, on NLFA 16:1ω5 levels in bulk and rhizosphere soil and on PLFA 16:1ω5 levels in rhizosphere soil. Reed canary-grass induced the highest levels of AMF markers. Mycorrhizal markers were at low levels in all non-mycorrhizal crops. NLFA 16:1ω5 and the ratio of NLFA to PLFA 16:1ω5 from bulk soil are adequate methods as indicators of AMF biomass in soil.
Fumonisin B1 and beauvericin accumulation in wheat kernels after seed-borne infection with Fusarium proliferatum
Authors: Guo Zhiqing , Pfohl Katharina , Karlovsky Petr , Dehne Heinz-Wilhelm , Altincicek Boran 
Published: July 2018

Fusarium proliferatum is a fungal pathogen causing ear rot of maize. The fungus infects a range of other plants but the economic impact of these diseases has not been established. Recently, F. proliferatum and its mycotoxin fumonisin were found in wheat grains. Here we report that seed-borne infection of wheat with F. proliferatum resulted in systemic colonization of wheat plants and contamination of wheat grains with fumonisins and beauvericin. F. proliferatum strains originating from different hosts were able to infect wheat via seeds. Colonization of wheat plants with the fungus was highest in the stems, followed by leaves; one third of the strains reached kernels, causing accumulation of fumonisins and beauvericin to 15–55 µg kg-1. The results show that seed-borne infection of wheat with F. proliferatum can lead to contamination of wheat kernels with mycotoxins fumonisins and beauvericin.
The nylon bag technique in the determination of ruminal feed protein degradation
Authors: Setälä Jouko 
Published: July 2018

The investigation included experiments in which factors affecting the reliability of the nylon bag method were studied. The possibility of applying the feed protein degradabilities to practical feeding conditions was also examined. In the experiments concerning reliability, such factors as bag porosity, sample weight, sample treatment, washing procedure, diets, and differences between animals and incubation days were studied. The feed protein degradabilities were also determined by using as incubation periods the ruminal retention times for particulate matter of different feeds, evaluated as a function of DM intake/100 kg liveweight in different diets. A nylon bag, with a pore size of 40 µm and internal dimensions of 6 X 12 cm was selected for the degradability determinations. The sample weight used in incubations was 57 —60 mg DM/cm2. In the determination of feed protein degradability, when sheep are used as experimental animals, it is recommended that for routine determinations only one animal be used, analyzing the contents of two bags for each incubation period during two successive days. A control sample of which degradability is determined in advance in many sheep, should be used in all incubations in order to control the digestive processes in the rumen of the experimental sheep. The actual degradabilities analyzed by the bag method are applicable in practise, if they are determined using animals at similar feeding levels and on diets similar to those prevailing under the conditions in which the degradabilities are going to be used.
Effects of meat bone meal as fertilizer on yield and quality of sugar beet and carrot
Authors: Kivelä Jukka , Chen Lin , Muurinen Susanna , Kivijärvi Pirjo , Hintikainen Veikko , Helenius Juha 
Published: July 2018

Meat and bone meal (MBM) is a by-product of the meat industry and is an important pathway for recycling of N and P. MBM contains about 8% N, 5% P, 1% K and 10% Ca. Field trials compared the effects of MBM and mineral fertilizer on yield and quality of sugar beet (2008-2009) and carrot (2010-2011) in Finland. MBM fertilisation of sugar beet grown on clay loam and sandy clay soil gave 11.4% (2008) and 19.6% (2009) lower yields than mineral fertilizers. The lower root yield in 2008 was compensated by higher extractable sugar content and lower amino-N, K and Na in root but no such compensation in root quality was detected for 2009. Mixing MBM with mineral NPK fertilizers had similar effects as MBM-alone. MBM (80 kg N ha-1 2010 and 60 kg N ha-1 2011) together with K fertilizer (Patentkali®, 180 kg K ha-1) were applied for carrot to a fine sandy till soil in 2010 and sandy loam in 2011. MBM alone gave 14% lower total and marketable root yield than mineral fertilization. The lower yield was compensated by improved quality, lower NO3- content in the carrot and good storability. Adding extra fertilizer during growth or separating fertilization applications had no effect on root yield or quality. MBM performed in these cases mainly as an organic N fertilizer. The N supply from MBM is not sufficient for achieving same yields as with mineral fertilizers. The relative N efficiency of total N of MBM was 83% that of mineral fertilizers. MBM should be targeted on soils with low P status.We conclude that MBM is a reasonably competitive alternative to mineral fertilizers, and as a recycled fertilizer it is a good option for organic production.
Emotional State of Consumer in the Urban Purchase: Processing Data
Authors: Halkin Andrii 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
The research aims to assess the emotional state of the consumer during the purchase process in the urban retail chains. Galvanic skin response (GSR) and heart beat per minute (BPM) are used to assess the effect of environment on emotional fatigue of the consumer during shopping. Stress index was used for evaluating the results of different shops visited by a consumer. The conceptual framework of emotional fatigue research has been presented. The method was also used to estimate the level of emotional fatigue of a consumer during his or her visit to any shop on each purchase stage. The results can improve the quality of trade services by creating more favorable environment for shopping, planning sales areas, shops, sales analysis, advertising campaigns, and analysis of customers’ behavior. Developing a method to process and assess a consumer’s emotional state in purchase elements extend the neuromarketing theory by including the real environment component in it.
Reasons of Using IT Outsourcing (ITO) — Polish-Spanish Cross-Cultural Analysis
Authors: Słoniec Jolanta , González Rodriguez Reyes 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
The article compares the reasons for using IT outsourcing (ITO) in Polish and Spanish enterprises, based on the authors’ own research. The reasons for the application of ITO have been classified into three groups: economic, technological, and organizational/strategic. On the basis of the classified reasons, a research hypothesis was formulated: Representatives of Polish enterprises assess other groups of reasons as the most important motivation for the use of ITO in their companies compared to Spanish enterprises. On the basis of the authors’ own research, the hypothesis has been confirmed. Polish enterprises assess technological reasons as the most important, whereas Spanish enterprises consider organizational/strategic reasons to be the most important, although the differences in the assessment are not large. The difference in the validity of the reasons for the use of ITO may arise from the maturity of the ITO market in both countries but may also result from the personal experience of the companies with ITO.
Evaluation of two-dimensional dose distributions for pre-treatment patient-specific IMRT dosimetry
Authors: Radojcic Đeni Smilovic , Rajlic David , Casar Bozidar , Kolacio Manda Svabic , Obajdin Nevena , Faj Dario , Jurkovic Slaven 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Background
The accuracy of dose calculation is crucial for success of the radiotherapy treatment. One of the methods that represent the current standard for patient-specific dosimetry is the evaluation of dose distributions measured with an ionization chamber array inside a homogeneous phantom using gamma method. Nevertheless, this method does not replicate the realistic conditions present when a patient is undergoing therapy. Therefore, to more accurately evaluate the treatment planning system (TPS) capabilities, gamma passing rates were examined for beams of different complexity passing through inhomogeneous phantoms.

Materials and methods
The research was performed using Siemens Oncor Expression linear accelerator, Siemens Somatom Open CT simulator and Elekta Monaco TPS. A 2D detector array was used to evaluate dose distribution accuracy in homogeneous, semi-anthropomorphic and anthropomorphic phantoms. Validation was based on gamma analysis with 3%/3mm and 2%/2mm criteria, respectively.

Results
Passing rates of the complex dose distributions degrade depending on the thickness of non-water equivalent material. They also depend on dose reporting mode used. It is observed that the passing rate decreases with plan complexity. Comparison of the data for all set-ups of semi-anthropomorphic and anthropomorphic phantoms shows that passing rates are higher in the anthropomorphic phantom.

Conclusions
Presented results raise a question of possible limits of dose distribution verification in assessment of plan delivery quality. Consequently, good results obtained using standard patient specific dosimetry methodology do not guarantee the accuracy of delivered dose distribution in real clinical cases.
PEMANFAATAN MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN ICT SEBAGAI KEGIATAN PEMBELAJARAN SISWA DI SMP NEGERI ACEH TAMIANG
Authors: Nursamsu Nursamsu , Kusnafizal Teuku 
Published: July 2018

Abstrak. Tujuan dilakukannya penelitian tentang Pemanfaatan Media Pembelajaran ICT sebagai Kegiatan Pembelajaran Siswa di SMP Negeri Aceh Tamiang adalah Untuk mengetahui perbedaan dalam pemanfaatan Media Pembelajaran ICT. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode eksperimen yaitu True Experimental Design Sampel penelitian berjumlah siswa sebanyak 44 orang siswa. Instrumen yang digunakan yaitu instrumen tes. Instrumen tes berupa tes kemampuan kognitif siswa (hasil belajar ) mata pelajaran IPA. Adapun teknik analisis data yaitu dilakukan uji normalitas, uji homogenitas, uji beda, uji-t. Hasil penelitian ini adalah nilai 72,60 yang dimanfaatkan pada SMP Negeri 1 Manyak Panyed sedangkan nilai 66,92 yang dimanfaatkan pada SMP Negeri 2 Karang Baru. Adapun kesimpulan penelitian ini bahwa pelaksanaan pembelajaran yang memanfaatkan media pembelajaran ICT, sering dilaksanakan di SMP Negeri 1 Manyak Panyed dari pada SMP Negeri 2 Karang Baru.Kata Kunci: Pemanfaatan, Media ICT, Pembelajaran IPA.