bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resting Heart Rate Is Not Associated with Cognitive Function
Authors: Wod Mette , Jensen Magnus Thorsten , Galatius Søren , Hjelmborg Jacob B. , Jensen Gorm B. , Christensen Kaare 
Published: March 2018

<b><i>Aims:</i></b> In order to examine the hypothesis that elevated resting heart rate (RHR) is associated with impaired cognitive score, we investigated the relationship between RHR and cognitive score in middle-aged, elderly and old Danish subjects from the general population. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Composite cognitive scores derived from the result of 5 age-sensitive cognitive tests for a total of 7,002 individuals (Middle-aged Danish twin: <i>n</i> = 4,132, elderly Danish twins: <i>n</i> = 2,104 and Danish nonagenarian: <i>n</i> = 766) divided according to RHR and compared using linear regression models adjusted for sex, age, previous heart conditions and hypertension. RHR was assessed by palpating radial pulse. Genetic and shared environmental confounding was addressed in intrapair analyses of 2,049 twin pairs. <b><i>Results:</i></b><i></i> In unadjusted multivariate models and in multivariable models adjusting for age, sex, heart conditions and hypertension, RHR was not associated with cognitive function. Furthermore, the intrapair analyses showed that RHR was not associated with cognitive score testing within twin pairs, as measured by the proportion of twin pairs in which the twin with higher RHR also was the twin with the lowest composite cognitive score (1,049 pairs of 2,049 pairs [51% (95% CI 49–53), <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.289]). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> While elevated RHR has been shown to be associated with adverse health events and poor fitness level, RHR has no relation to cognitive function in the general population.
Classical Pathway of Complement Activation: Longitudinal Associations of C1q and C1-INH With Cardiovascular Outcomes
Authors: Hertle Elisabeth , Arts Ilja C.W. , van der Kallen Carla J.H. , Feskens Edith J.M. , Schalkwijk Casper G. , Stehouwer Coen D.A. , van Greevenbroek Marleen M.J. 
Published: March 2018

Objective—
The classical complement pathway has been assigned both protective and pathological effects in cardiovascular disease (CVD), but human data are lacking. We determined the associations of the pattern recognition factor C1q and the regulator C1-INH (C1-inhibitor) with incident CVD, carotid intima–media thickness, endothelial dysfunction, and low-grade inflammation.

Approach and Results—

Baseline concentrations of C1q and C1-INH were measured in the CODAM study (Cohort on Diabetes and Atherosclerosis Maastricht; n=574; 61% men; age, 60±7 years). The 7-year incidence of CVD in participants free of CVD at baseline was evaluated using logistic regression analyses (n=342; 73 cases). The lowest incidence of CVD was observed in the middle tertile of C1q (T
low
compared with T
middle
: odds ratio, 2.38 [95% confidence interval, 1.14–4.95]; T
high
compared with T
middle
: odds ratio, 1.96 [95% confidence interval, 0.94–4.07]). C1-INH was not associated with CVD. During the 7-year follow-up period, C1q and C1-INH were not, or inconsistently, associated with carotid intima–media thickness or with biomarker scores reflecting endothelial dysfunction and low-grade inflammation.

Conclusions—
Our results suggest a nonlinear association between C1q and incident CVD. This supports the concept that early steps in classical pathway activation may have both protective and pathological effects on human CVD.
Aspects of thermal ecology of the meadow lizard (Darevskia praticola)
Authors: Ćorović Jelena , Crnobrnja-Isailović Jelka 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
We studied the thermal biology of the meadow lizard (Darevskia praticola) in the peripheral part of its distribution range (westernmost edge of the distribution area). We assessed whether these lizards actively thermoregulate, estimated the accuracy and effectiveness of thermoregulation, and evaluated the thermal quality of the habitat using the standard thermal parameters: body (), preferred () with set-point range () and operative temperatures (). of the meadow lizard under controlled laboratory conditions was between 27.8°C and 31.4°C. In the field and averaged 29.0°C and 26.1°C, respectively. A large proportion of s fell below the range of the meadow lizard, and lizard s were substantially closer to the species’ range. Obtained values of thermoregulatory indices suggested that the meadow lizard thermoregulated actively, with a rather high accuracy () and effectiveness ( and ), and that their habitat at this locality was thermally favourable during the spring. Our results suggest that thermal requirements of the meadow lizard resemble those of alpine lacertids, while their s and are lower than in most lacertid lizards. Further thermoregulation studies could be an important step in predicting the impact of the global climate change on the meadow lizard and the risks of local extinctions of its peripheral populations.
Sampling design for efficient detection of pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, in diseased trees using a DNA detection kit: variation across branch, trunk and tree
Authors: Nakabayashi Yuuki , Aikawa Takuya , Matsushita Michinari , Hoshizaki Kazuhiko 
Published: March 2018

Summary
Detection of pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is fundamental for effective control of pine wilt disease. Recent molecular techniques, such as DNA detection, have enhanced detectability of the nematodes whereas appropriate field sampling has received less attention. In order to elucidate a sampling design that most efficiently detects B. xylophilus using a commercially-distributed DNA detection kit, we compared detection levels of B. xylophilus using wood chips taken from various positions on dead trees. Results showed that the DNA kit had a higher detection level than the conventional method, and that trunk samples had higher levels than branch samples. Statistical model revealed that among-tree variation influenced the detectability more strongly than within-tree variation. Our results suggest that, in practice, with limited resources for control, it is more efficient to take samples from many trees with a minimum number from each tree, rather than taking many samples from a small number of trees.
Crisis of Representation and New Media Policies in Latin America
Authors: Becerra Martín , Wagner Celeste M. 
Published: March 2018

The emergence of new communication policies in Latin America from 2004 to 2015 took place in the midst of an unprecedented public antagonism between governments and media groups in Latin America. To understand the emergence of this conflict, the following variables are proposed: (1) the populist features of the governments involved, (2) a crisis of representation, (3) high levels of media concentration in a context of historically permissive regulation and a crisis of the traditional media, and (4) the governments’ perception of the media as opponents and even as threats to their power. La emergencia de nuevas políticas de comunicación en América Latina desde 2004 a 2015 tuvo lugar en medio de un conflicto público inédito entre gobiernos y grupos de comunicación. Con el fin de explicar la emergencia de este conflicto, las siguientes variables de análisis se plantean: (1) las características populistas de los gobiernos, (2) la crisis de representación, (3) la concentración mediática en escenarios de históricas regulaciones permisivas en conjunto con la crisis de los medios tradicionales y (4) la percepción de los medios como fuerza opositora o destituyente por parte de los gobiernos.
Balanced scorecard-based performance evaluation of Chinese county hospitals in underdeveloped areas
Authors: Gao Hongda , Chen He , Feng Jun , Qin Xianjing , Wang Xuan , Liang Shenglin , Zhao Jinmin , Feng Qiming 
Published: March 2018

Objective Since the Guangxi government implemented public county hospital reform in 2009, there have been no studies of county hospitals in this underdeveloped area of China. This study aimed to establish an evaluation indicator system for Guangxi county hospitals and to generate recommendations for hospital development and policymaking. Methods A performance evaluation indicator system was developed based on balanced scorecard theory. Opinions were elicited from 25 experts from administrative units, universities and hospitals and the Delphi method was used to modify the performance indicators. The indicator system and the Topsis method were used to evaluate the performance of five county hospitals randomly selected from the same batch of 2015 Guangxi reform pilots. Results There were 4 first-level indicators, 9 second-level indicators and 36 third-level indicators in the final performance evaluation indicator system that showed good consistency, validity and reliability. The performance rank of the hospitals was B > E > A > C > D. Conclusions The performance evaluation indicator system established using the balanced scorecard is practical and scientific. Analysis of the results based on this indicator system identified several factors affecting hospital performance, such as resource utilisation efficiency, medical service price, personnel structure and doctor–patient relationships.
Colorectal cancer and brain metastases: An aggressive disease with a different response to treatment
Authors: Chahine Georges , Ibrahim Tony , Felefly Tony , El-Ahmadie Abir , Freiha Pamela , El-Khoury Lionel , Khalife-Saleh Nadine , Saleh Khalil 
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Brain metastases (BM) are rare in colorectal cancer (CRC) and are associated with a dismal prognosis. This work aims to report the rate of BM in CRC patients treated in a single institution, along with survival and prognostic factors. Methods: Medical charts for patients with histologically proven CRC were retrospectively reviewed. Results: A total of 538 patients were identified, of whom 33% developed any metastatic disease and 4.4% presented BM. Lung was the most frequently associated metastatic site (in 68% of the cases). The only factor independently associated with BM development was the presence of metastatic disease at the time of initial presentation. The median duration from initial diagnosis to BM development was 38.6 months (SD 29.1 months). Median survival after BM development was 62 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 56–68). Patients diagnosed with BM within 1 year of cancer diagnosis responded significantly better to treatment than those who acquired BM later, with a median survival after BM diagnosis of 261 days versus 61 days, respectively ( p = .002). Patients with BM who received antiangiogenic therapy had an improved median survival compared to those who did not (151 days vs 59 days, p = 0.02; hazard ratio for death 0.29 [95% CI 0.09–0.94]). Conclusion: CRC with BM is an aggressive disease resistant to standard treatment and is associated with poor outcomes. Adding antiangiogenic therapy might be of value for those patients. Patients with BM developing early in the disease course might respond better to treatment.
La méthodologie de la méta-analyse en marketing
Authors: Laroche Patrice , Soulez Sébastien 
Published: March 2018

L'objectif de cet article est de présenter et d'illustrer la démarche méthodologique qu'il convient de suivre lorsque l'on souhaite conduire une méta-analyse en marketing. La méta-analyse est une approche méthodologique consistant à faire la synthèse des résultats d'études empiriques individuelles au moyen de méthodes statistiques appropriées. La méta-analyse offre non seulement la possibilité d'intégrer et de combiner les résultats souvent contradictoires que les chercheurs obtiennent sur des questions de recherche identiques mais aussi d'analyser ces résultats de telle sorte que l'on puisse identifier les éventuelles sources de variation entre les résultats obtenus. Après avoir décrit les principales étapes à suivre pour mener à bien une méta-analyse, deux applications de la méthodologie en marketing sont présentées et des recommandations formulées pour les chercheurs en marketing désirant utiliser cette méthode.
Effects of internal limiting membrane peeling during vitrectomy for macula-off primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Blanco-Teijeiro María José , Bande Rodriguez Manuel , Mansilla Cuñarro Raquel , Paniagua Fernández Laura , Ruiz-Oliva Ruiz Francisco , Piñeiro Ces Antonio 
Published: March 2018

Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of internal limiting membrane peeling during vitrectomy for macula-off primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in the prevention of postoperative epiretinal membrane formation and achievement of good visual outcomes and to identify preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for epiretinal membrane formation. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 62 eyes of 62 consecutive patients with macula-off primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment who underwent vitrectomy with (n = 30) or without (n = 32) internal limiting membrane peeling between January 2014 and March 2016 and were followed up for at least 12 months. The effects of internal limiting membrane peeling on visual outcomes and postoperative recovery of the macular structure were determined. We subsequently divided patients into an epiretinal membrane group and a non-epiretinal membrane group and assessed the effects of various preoperative and intraoperative factors on postoperative epiretinal membrane formation. Results: Postoperative epiretinal membrane developed in 10 patients in the no internal limiting membrane peeling group and three patients in the internal limiting membrane peeling group. Postoperative visual acuity significantly improved in both groups. Epiretinal membrane formation was found to be correlated with a higher number of retinal breaks. Conclusion: Our results suggest that internal limiting membrane peeling during macula-off primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery can reduce the occurrence of postoperative epiretinal membrane, is safe, and results in favorable visual outcomes.
Behavioral Mapping of Patient Activity to Explore the Built Environment During Rehabilitation
Authors: Blennerhassett Jannette Maree , Borschmann Karen Nancy , Lipson-Smith Ruby Adelaide , Bernhardt Julie 
Published: March 2018

Aim: To explore the use of a rehabilitation-focused behavioral mapping method to identify changes in patient physical activity, location, and social interaction following the relocation of a rehabilitation ward. Background: Rehabilitation wards are unique healthcare environments where patient activity is encouraged to improve recovery. Little is known about the impact of building design on patient behavior within a rehabilitation setting. We examined this issue when a rehabilitation ward was relocated without altering other aspects of the healthcare service. Method: The setting was a publicly funded inpatient general rehabilitation ward with a separate therapy area. Before and after ward relocation, patient behavior (location, physical, and social activities) was observed at 10-min intervals between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Patients and staff performed their usual activities during data collection. Results: Twenty-three patients participated in the old ward and 24 in the new ward, resulting in 1,150 and 1,200 observation time points, respectively. Patient location and behaviors were similar between wards ( p > .05). Participants were in bedrooms for more than half of the observations (67% old ward, 58% new ward), sitting down (62.8% old ward, 59.0% new ward), and alone (42.0% old ward, 38.0% new ward). Design features, such as separation of the therapy area and ward, may have impacted on patient behavior. Conclusions: The rehabilitation-focused behavioral mapping method provided a rich description of relevant patient behaviors, indicating that it is a feasible and useful method for exploring the impact of the built environment in rehabilitation settings.
Synovial Fluid Eotaxin-1 Levels May Reflect Disease Progression in Primary Knee Osteoarthritis Among Elderly Han Chinese: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Li Bei , Zhang Yi-Li , Yu Shou-Yi 
Published: March 2018

Objective The CC chemokine family member eotaxin-1, also named chemokine C-C motif ligand 11 (CCL11), has been detected in knee osteoarthritis (OA) and could induce breakdown of cartilage matrix. This study was performed to investigate the plasma and synovial fluid eotaxin-1 levels with the disease progression in elderly Han Chinese with primary knee OA. Design A total of 143 elderly primary knee OA patients and 135 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) was performed to evaluate the clinical severity. The radiographic severity was assessed by Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grading. Plasma and synovial fluid (SF) eotaxin-1 levels were explored using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The SF levels of matrix metalloproteinase–3 (MMP-3) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were also examined. Results Elevated plasma eotaxin-1 levels were found in knee OA patients compared with healthy controls. Eotaxin-1 levels in SF of knee OA patients with K-L grade 4 were significantly elevated compared with those with K-L grades 2 and 3. Meanwhile, knee OA patients with K-L grade 3 had significantly increased SF levels of eotaxin-1 compared with those with K-L grade 2. Plasma eotaxin-1 levels in different K-L grading did not reach significant difference. Eotaxin-1 levels in SF of knee OA patients were significantly associated with disease severity evaluated by KL grading criteria. In addition, eotaxin-1 levels in SF were positively related to clinical severity illustrated by WOMAC as well as biochemical markers MMP-3 and IL-6. Conclusions Eotaxin-1 levels in SF instead of plasma, were independently and positively related to the disease severity in elderly knee OA patients. The inhibition of eotaxin-1 and its related signaling pathways may serve as a novel therapeutic approach for OA progression.
Evaluating Postoperative Complications and Outcomes of Orthopedic Fracture Repair in Nonagenarian Patients
Authors: Scarano Kyle A. , Philp Frances H. , Westrick Edward R. , Altman Gregory T. , Altman Daniel T. 
Published: March 2018

Introduction: The United States and the world are currently experiencing a tremendous growth in the elderly population. Moreover, individuals surpassing the ages of 80 and 90 are also continuing to increase. As this unique division of society expands, it is critical that the medical community best understands how to assess, diagnose, and treat this population. The purpose of this study was to analyze morbidity, mortality, and overall outcome of patients aged 90 years and older after orthopedic surgical fracture repair. Such knowledge will guide patients and their families in making decisions when surgery is required among nonagenarians. Methods: The trauma registry of our level I academic medical center was queried to identify potential study participants over the past decade. Two hundred and thirty-three surgical procedures among 227 patients were included and retrospectively assessed. Parameters of specific interest were injury type, mechanism of injury (including high energy vs low energy and height of falls), injury severity score, preoperative comorbidities, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, discharge destination, and postoperative mortality rate. Results: Overall, 4.3% of the cohort died in the hospital following surgery. Of the patients who survived, 89.7% were discharged to a professionally supervised setting. The nonagenarian population displayed a considerable follow-up rate, as 82.8% of individuals returned for their first postoperative office visit. Discussion: Historically, surgical morbidity and mortality are highly associated with this age group. However, the number of nonagenarians in the United States is increasing, as are these surgical procedures. The epidemiologic and clinical findings of our study support this trend and add further insight into the matter. Conclusion: This investigation demonstrates that orthopedic surgery is an appropriate treatment in this population with an acceptable complication rate. Furthermore, nonagenarians have the potential to demonstrate a substantial follow-up rate, but postoperative discharge to a professionally supervised setting may be necessary.
Trace-element geochemistry of molybdenite from porphyry Cu deposits of the Birgilda-Tomino ore cluster (South Urals, Russia)
Authors: Plotinskaya Olga Y. , Abramova Vera D. , Groznova Elena O. , Tessalina Svetlana G. , Seltmann Reimar , Spratt John 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTMineralogical, electron microprobe analysis and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry data from molybdenite within two porphyry copper deposits (Kalinovskoe and Birgilda) of the Birgilda-Tomino ore cluster (South Urals) are presented.† The results provide evidence that molybdenites from these two sites have similar trace-element chemistry. Most trace elements (Si, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Ag, Sb, Te, Pb, Bi, Au, As and Se) form mineral inclusions within molybdenite. The Re contents in molybdenite vary from 8.7 ppm to 1.13 wt.%. The Re distribution within single molybdenite flakes is always extremely heterogeneous. It is argued that a temperature decrease favours the formation of Re-rich molybdenite. The high Re content of molybdenite observed points to a mantle-derived source.
Computational Model of Progression to Multiple Myeloma Identifies Optimum Screening Strategies
Authors: Altrock Philipp M. , Ferlic Jeremy , Galla Tobias , Tomasson Michael H. , Michor Franziska 
Published: March 2018

Purpose Recent advances have uncovered therapeutic interventions that might reduce the risk of progression of premalignant diagnoses, such as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) to multiple myeloma (MM). It remains unclear how to best screen populations at risk and how to evaluate the ability of these interventions to reduce disease prevalence and mortality at the population level. To address these questions, we developed a computational modeling framework. Materials and Methods We used individual-based computational modeling of MGUS incidence and progression across a population of diverse individuals to determine best screening strategies in terms of screening start, intervals, and risk-group specificity. Inputs were life tables, MGUS incidence, and baseline MM survival. We measured MM-specific mortality and MM prevalence after MGUS detection from simulations and mathematic modeling predictions. Results Our framework is applicable to a wide spectrum of screening and intervention scenarios, including variation of the baseline MGUS to MM progression rate and evolving MGUS, in which progression increases over time. Given the currently available point estimate of progression risk reduction to 61% risk, starting screening at age 55 years and performing follow-up screening every 6 years reduced total MM prevalence by 19%. The same reduction could be achieved with starting screening at age 65 years and performing follow-up screening every 2 years. A 40% progression risk reduction per patient with MGUS per year would reduce MM-specific mortality by 40%. Specifically, screening onset age and screening frequency can change disease prevalence, and progression risk reduction changes both prevalence and disease-specific mortality. Screening would generally be favorable in high-risk individuals. Conclusion Screening efforts should focus on specifically identified groups with high lifetime risk of MGUS, for which screening benefits can be significant. Screening low-risk individuals with MGUS would require improved preventions.