bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Clinical Overview of Telomerase-Associated Aberrancies in Follicular Thyroid Tumors as Diagnostic and Prognostic Markers: Tert Alert!
Authors: Juhlin C. C. 
Published: May 2019

Background and Aims: Endocrine surgeons and pathologists alike are well aware of the diagnostic predicament that follicular thyroid tumors impose in the clinical setting, best exemplified by the current inability to preoperatively assess the malignant potential of each individual lesion. As the proper recognition of a follicular thyroid carcinoma lies in the histopathological identification of invasive behavior, preoperative cytology alone is not yet sufficient to identify malignant tumors eligible for a total thyroidectomy upfront. Numerous auxiliary markers have been proposed as discriminating markers between follicular thyroid carcinomas and follicular thyroid adenomas, although many have proven suboptimal in terms of sensitivity, specificity, or overall clinical practicality. Of late, recurrent promoter mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase gene have been intimately coupled to subsets of well-differentiated thyroid cancer specimen with aggressive clinical characteristics as well as less differentiated forms of thyroid cancer with exceedingly poor prognosis. The mutations are thought to enhance the telomerase reverse transcriptase gene expressional output and cause immortalization through telomerase-associated mechanisms. Materials and Methods: In this review, the current value of telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutations is detailed from a clinical angle—as well as the possible future application of additional telomerase reverse transcriptase gene aberrations as adjunct markers for the proper recognition of malignant potential. Results: Telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutations are found in subsets of follicular thyroid carcinomas and follicular tumors of uncertain malignant potential while exceedingly rare in recurrence-free follicular thyroid adenomas. Collectively, these aberrancies are suggested as possible diagnostic and prognostic discriminators of follicular thyroid tumors. Conclusions: Telomerase reverse transcriptase gene analyses greatly facilitate the clinical assessment of follicular thyroid tumors, and pinpoints cases at risk of future recurrences. High-volume, tertiary thyroid centers are therefore recommended to implement the mutational screening in clinical routine.
Impact of Esophageal Motion on Dosimetry and Toxicity With Thoracic Radiation Therapy
Authors: Gao Hao , Kelsey Chris R. , Boyle John , Xie Tianyi , Catalano Suzanne , Wang Xiaofei , Yin Fang-Fang 
Published: May 2019

Purpose: To investigate the impact of intra- and inter-fractional esophageal motion on dosimetry and observed toxicity in a phase I dose escalation study of accelerated radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy for locally advanced lung cancer. Methods and Materials: Patients underwent computed tomography imaging for radiotherapy treatment planning (CT1 and 4DCT1) and at 2 weeks (CT2 and 4DCT2) and 5 weeks (CT3 and 4DCT3) after initiating treatment. Each computed tomography scan consisted of 10-phase 4DCTs in addition to a static free-breathing or breath-hold computed tomography. The esophagus was independently contoured on all computed tomographies and 4DCTs. Both CT2 and CT3 were rigidly registered with CT1 and doses were recalculated using the original intensity-modulated radiation therapy plan based on CT1 to assess the impact of interfractional motion on esophageal dosimetry. Similarly, 4DCT1 data sets were rigidly registered with CT1 to assess the impact of intrafractional motion. The motion was characterized based on the statistical analysis of slice-by-slice center shifts (after registration) for the upper, middle, and lower esophageal regions, respectively. For the dosimetric analysis, the following quantities were calculated and assessed for correlation with toxicity grade: the percent volumes of esophagus that received at least 20 Gy (V20) and 60 Gy (V60), maximum esophageal dose, equivalent uniform dose, and normal tissue complication probability. Results: The interfractional center shifts were 4.4 ± 1.7 mm, 5.5 ± 2.0 mm and 4.9 ± 2.1 mm for the upper, middle, and lower esophageal regions, respectively, while the intrafractional center shifts were 0.6 ± 0.4 mm, 0.7 ± 0.7 mm, and 0.9 ± 0.7 mm, respectively. The mean V60 (and corresponding normal tissue complication probability) values estimated from the interfractional motion analysis were 7.8% (10%), 4.6% (7.5%), 7.5% (8.6%), and 31% (26%) for grade 0, grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 toxicities, respectively. Conclusions: Interfractional esophageal motion is significantly larger than intrafractional motion. The mean values of V60 and corresponding normal tissue complication probability, incorporating interfractional esophageal motion, correlated positively with esophageal toxicity grade.
Effects of telerehabilitation in occupational therapy practice: A systematic review
Authors: Hung KN Goris , Fong Kenneth NK 
Published: May 2019

Objective/background This study aimed to review the current evidence on the application of telerehabilitation in occupational therapy practice and its clinical outcomes over the last 10 years. Methods A systematic review was performed on studies published in English in the decade 2008 to 2017, retrieved from seven electronic databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, SAGE, Science Direct and EMBASE). Only articles evaluating the use of telerehabilitation to provide occupational therapy services from a distance were included, with no restrictions on pathology, impairment, age, or the nature of occupational therapy intervention. Results Fifteen articles (three randomised controlled trials, eight quasi-experimental studies, one trial with single-group post-intervention and three case studies) were reviewed. Despite various study designs and outcome measures, most studies indicated positive therapeutic effects of using telerehabilitation in occupational therapy practice. There is insufficient evidence, however, to confirm that telerehabilitation is more effective than the face-to-face model. Little evidence was shown on the long-term effect and cost efficacy. Only two studies used smartphones in their applications. Conclusion Telerehabilitation offers an alternative service delivery model for occupational therapy, not only bridging distance but also offering user-friendly treatment for patients at home. Further research, particularly on the use of the most cutting-edge mobile technology, is needed to determine effectiveness in occupational therapy practice treating various diseases, conditions and impairments and the characteristics of patients, interventions and therapists that lead to the best fit with this alternative and emerging form of service delivery.
A single-arm study to evaluate skin tolerance, effectiveness and adherence to use of an alcohol-based hand rub solution among hospital nurses
Authors: Ripabelli Giancarlo , Tamburro Manuela , Guerrizio Giuliana , Fanelli Incoronata , Agnusdei Concetto Paolo , Sammarco Michela Lucia 
Published: May 2019

Background: Hand hygiene is considered as the most important strategy for preventing healthcare infections. Objective: In this single-arm study, skin tolerance, effectiveness and prolonged efficacy, and adherence to use an alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) solution among hospital nurses was evaluated. Methods: Nurses were recruited in the main hospital of Molise Region, Central Italy. Skin reactions during 12-week follow-up were self-reported by nurses and, when occurring examined by hospital dermatologist. Samples were collected from palms and fingertips before and after ABHR, also at random times during work. Results: Dermatological reactions were not reported by 20 nurses (15 female and 5 male, aged 30–59 years) after product use. Microbial counts decreased by 99% (2Log10) in 75%, with higher reduction in palm than fingertips (99% vs 70% respectively). Analysis of six randomly collected samples after 10–20 and 30–40 min from the last use showed a satisfactory prolonged efficacy. Discussion: Beyond high effectiveness to reduce transient microbiota, no skin reactions were observed, likely due to the camomile, thyme and eucalyptus extracts contained within the gel. This study, addressing technical questions of a commercialised product, provides useful information for public health authorities faced with a choice of hand disinfectants, evaluating cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit in the light of the huge amount of these products needed at hospital level.
Naturally Occurring Homoisoflavonoids: Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, and Synthesis (Part II)
Authors: Abegaz Berhanu M , Kinfe Henok H 
Published: May 2019

This review documents all the new homoisoflavonoids (HIFs) that have been reported since 2007, whose total number has grown from 159 in 2007 to 295 at the present time. This review contains their structures, biological sources, plant parts they are obtained from, and, if reported, their optical rotations and melting points. The same classification is followed as an earlier review to ease reference to both reviews. This review takes note of the recent revision of plant families that were known to contain HIFs that have now been merged into one big family, Asparagaceae. Homoisoflavonoids also occur in Fabaceae and others. Two taxa, Ophiopogoan japonicus (Asparagaceae) and Caesalpinia sappan (Fabaceae), have been the source of many HIFs. These are briefly summarized. The biological properties of HIFs are also reviewed under the topics such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and cytotoxic. The review also surveys the total synthesis of natural HIFs. All new compounds are classified and tabulated following the same style as the previous review. Dedicated to Professor Andrew Paul Krapcho on the occasion of his 87th Birthday.
Lung cancer screening patient–provider discussion: Where do we stand and what are the associated factors?
Authors: Chalian Hamid , Khoshpouri Pegah , Iranmanesh Arya M , Mammarappallil Joseph G , Assari Shervin 
Published: May 2019

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to estimate the percentage of individuals possibly eligible for lung cancer screening that report having discussed screening with a health care provider. The secondary objective was to investigate the associated factors of having patient–provider lung cancer screening discussion. Methods: Data from the Health Information National Trends Survey 2017 were used ( n = 3217). Lung cancer screening eligibility was based on the criteria utilized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Gender, race, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, and usual source of health care were covariates. Current or former smokers ages 55–77 ( n = 706) were considered potentially eligible for lung cancer screening (dependent variable). Results: Only 12.24% of individuals potentially eligible for lung cancer screening report prior discussion regarding lung cancer screening with a health care provider. Being eligible for lung cancer screening based on Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services eligibility criteria was positively associated with the odds of a patient–provider lung cancer screening discussion (odds ratio = 3.95, 95% confidence interval = 2.48–6.30). Unlike gender, race, education, or insurance coverage, a usual source of health care was positively associated with a patient–provider screening discussion (odds ratio = 2.48, 95% confidence interval = 1.31–4.70). Conclusion: Individuals potentially eligible for lung cancer screening are more likely to have screening discussions with a health care provider. Having a usual source of health care may increase the odds of such a discussion, while patients are not discriminated based on race, gender, education, and insurance coverage. However, the relatively low rate (12.24%) of reported patient–provider lung cancer screening discussion indicates that significant barriers still remain.
A novel method in assessing lower limb motor function
Authors: Khanfar Aws , Al Qaroot Bashar , Alsousi Ahmed , Zughoul Basheer , Al Elaumi Ahmad , Hamdan Mohammad , Safi Rami 
Published: May 2019

Purpose: To propose a novel, accurate, and easy to perform test replacing the manual muscle testing. Our target is to develop a valuable tool for identification of patients with neurological motor impairment precisely, rapidly, and easily. Methods: We have randomly selected patients presenting to the clinic complaining of back pain with or without lower limb symptoms. These patients were asked to walk on their heels and on their toes. Being unable to walk on heels and/or toes, the patient is considered to have positive test result (abnormal finding). After that, a full and thorough neurological examination was performed on every patient by an orthopedic resident doctor. We looked specifically to the correlation between the ability to do toe–heel walking with the results of the detailed neurological examination. Results: Toe–heel walking test was able to detect all patients with weakness in their lower limb musculature. The results from the current investigation indicate a very high Pearson correlation of 0.95 ( p = 0.001) between the toe–heel test and manual muscle testing. Conclusion: Toe–heel walking test is superior to detailed neurological examination in identification of patients with weakness, sphincter problem, and/or positive straight leg raising test. This test is both simple and rapidly performed test, which can be easily done by any health-care provider. Owing to its ease, this test is not restricted to medical doctors, but it could be accurately performed by any health-care provider such as nurses and physiotherapists. This will enable us to decrease the referral to the specialty clinic and to decrease the overall cost.
Progress and Challenges in “Getting to Zero” New HIV Infections in Miami, Florida
Authors: Escudero Daniel Javier , Bennett Brady , Suarez Sarah , Darrow William Ward , Mayer Kenneth Hugh , Seage George Richard 
Published: May 2019

Objectives: Miami has the highest rate of new HIV diagnoses in the United States. We examined the early successes and challenges in fulfilling recommendations made by the Miami-Dade County HIV/AIDS Getting to Zero Task Force, formed by local experts in 2016. Methods: We used a host of surveillance data, published empirical studies, public reports, and unpublished data from partners of the Task Force to evaluate progress and challenges in meeting the recommendations. Results: Improvements in prevention and care included routinized HIV testing in emergency departments, moving the linkage-to-care benchmark from 90 to 30 days, increased viral suppression, and awareness of pre-exposure prophylaxis. However, treatment enrollment, viral suppression, and pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake remained low. Conclusions: Recommendations from the Task Force provide excellent guidance for implementing evidence-based HIV prevention in Miami, yet success in achieving the recommendations will require continued or increased support in many public health sectors in South Florida.
Ventricular Ectopy and Arrhythmia Characteristics for Persons Living with HIV and Uninfected Controls
Authors: Meyer Alexander , Dandamudi Sanjay , Achenbach Chad , Lloyd-Jones Donald , Feinstein Matthew 
Published: May 2019

Background: Persons with HIV have elevated risk for cardiovascular disease, but little is known about the risk of ventricular ectopy and ventricular tachycardia (VE/VT) for HIV-infected (HIV+) persons. Methods: We evaluated the presence and anatomic origin of VE/VT for HIV+ persons and controls by screening a cohort using International Classification of Diseases codes and adjudicating positive screens by chart review. We sought to evaluate (1) presence of VE/VT and (2) likely anatomic origin of the VE/VT based on electrocardiogram. Results: There was no significant difference in the prevalence of VE/VT for HIV+ or uninfected persons. Among HIV+ persons, worse HIV control was associated with significantly greater odds of VE/VT. Exploratory analyses suggested that HIV+ persons may have a greater likelihood of VE/VT originating from the left ventricle. Conclusion: Although worse HIV control was associated with higher odds of VE/VT among persons with HIV, odds of VE/VT were not higher for persons with HIV than uninfected persons.
Exploring the Provider Preferences of Multiracial Patients
Authors: Snyder Cyndy R , Truitt Anjali R 
Published: May 2019

Background: Patient–provider race concordance has been argued as one way to improve patient–provider communication, patient satisfaction, and even patient outcomes. However, much of this literature focuses on or assumes that both patients and providers identify with only one race. Objective: The purpose of this study was to understand multiracial patients’ preferences in choosing a health-care provider. Methods: We conducted 15 interviews and 3 focus groups. We performed a directed content analysis to understand participants’ expressed preferences. Results: Thirty-one participants shared their health-care preferences. Participants described proximity to their homes or work, convenience in terms of availability, and health insurance coverage as reasons for selecting a provider. The majority articulated preferences related to provider gender and race. However, participants noted key barriers to receiving care from their preferred providers. Conclusion: This study highlights the preferences for health-care providers and the factors influencing those preferences and decisions among multiracial individuals. Findings illustrate the need to increase health workforce diversity, especially among primary care providers. Findings also show the need for increased empathy and cultural sensitivity among health-care professionals.
Clay mineral dating of displacement on the Sronlairig Fault: implications for Mesozoic and Cenozoic tectonic evolution in northern Scotland
Authors: Kemp Simon J. , Gillespie Martin R. , Leslie Graham A. , Zwingmann Horst , Campbell S. Diarmad G. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractTemporary excavations during the construction of the Glendoe Hydro Scheme above Loch Ness in the Highlands of Scotland exposed a clay-rich fault gouge in Dalradian Supergroup psammite. The gouge coincides with the mapped trace of the subvertical Sronlairig Fault, a feature related in part to the Great Glen and Ericht–Laidon faults, which had been interpreted to result from brittle deformation during the Caledonian orogeny (c. 420–390 Ma). Exposure of this mica-rich gouge represented an exceptional opportunity to constrain the timing of the gouge-producing movement on the Sronlairig Fault using isotopic analysis to date the growth of authigenic (essentially synkinematic) clay mineralization. A series of fine-size separates was isolated prior to K–Ar analysis. Novel, capillary-encapsulated X-ray diffraction analysis was employed to ensure nearly perfect, random orientation and to facilitate the identification and quantification of mica polytypes. Coarser size fractions are composed of greater proportions of the 2M1 illite polytype. Finer size fractions show increasing proportions of the 1M illite polytype, with no evidence of 2M1 illite in the finest fractions. A series of Illite Age Analysis plots produced excellent R2 values with calculated mean ages of 296 ± 7 Ma (Late Carboniferous–Early Permian) for the oldest (2M1) illite and 145 ± 7 Ma (Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous) for the youngest (1M) illite. The Late Carboniferous–Early Permian (Faulting event 1) age may represent resetting of earlier-formed micas or authigenesis during dextral displacement of the Great Glen Fault Zone (GGFZ). Contemporaneous WNW(NW)–ESE(SE) extension was important for basin development and hydrocarbon migration in the Pentland Firth and Moray Firth regions. The Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous (Faulting event 2) age corresponds with Moray Firth Basin development and indicates that the GGFZ and related structures may have acted to partition the active extension in the Moray Firth region from relative inactivity in the Pentland Firth area at this time. These new age dates demonstrate the long-lived geological activity on the GGFZ, particularly so in post-Caledonian times where other isotopic evidence for younger tectonic overprints is lacking.
Evaluation of the efficacy of halloysite nanotubes in the removal of acidic and basic dyes from aqueous solution
Authors: Ngulube Tholiso , Gumbo Jabulani Ray , Masindi Vhahangwele , Maity Arjun 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe present work describes the removal of Direct Red 81, Methyl Orange, Methylene Blue and Crystal Violet from aqueous solution using halloysite nanotubes. The clay mineral was physicochemically characterized using various methods. The influences of pH, interaction time, initial dye concentration, adsorbent amount and temperature on adsorption were monitored and interpreted. Although previous work has shown that acidic pH conditions favour the adsorption of pollutants from aqueous systems by clay materials, in this study maximum removal was possible over a wide range of pH conditions (pH ≥2–12). Adsorption was very rapid, and equilibrium was attained within 30 min. For all four dyes studied, chemical reaction seemed significant in the rate-controlling step, and the pseudo-second-order chemical reaction kinetics provided the best correlation of the experimental data. Thermodynamically, the process was spontaneous, with Gibbs energy decreasing with increasing temperature. Halloysite would be suitable for removing dyes from aqueous solution. This was further tested by using the halloysite nanotubes for the removal of complex dyes from printing and ink industry effluents.
Reliability of Violent Death Certification in One Coroner's District
Authors: Barraclough B. M. 
Published: May 2019

SummaryClassifications given to self-inflicted deaths between 1959 and 1972 by a coroner and his deputy were compared for differences in the use of the suicide, accident, and open verdict definitions. The coroners varied in their use of the open verdict and the suicide verdict for poisoning cases but not for deaths from other causes.
The Evaluation of a Questionnaire Measuring Severity of Alcohol Dependence*
Authors: Hilton Margaret R. , Lokare V. G. 
Published: May 2019

This paper is concerned with the evaluation of the Hilton Drinking Behaviour Questionnaire (HDBQ), which is based on the proposition that although there are wide variations in the types of problems caused by alcohol abuse there are certain symptoms which are generally considered to indicate ‘alcoholism’. Also that there is an identifiable pattern of symptom development in the acquisition of dependence.The HDBQ proved to be a unidim.ensional scale which was valid and reliable as a m.easure of alcoholfsm, All items significantly discritninated between the alcoholic and control groups, and total scores correlated highly with those on the Alcadd test and with quantity-frequency measures of drinking. The theoretical and clinical implication of the results are discussed.
The Predictability of Speech in Schizophrenic Patients
Authors: Rutter D. R. , Wishner J. , Kopytynska Hanka , Button Mary 
Published: May 2019

SummaryPrevious research has suggested that schizophrenic speech is less predictable than normal speech. Two experiments designed to test the suggestion are reported, both of them based on Cloze Procedure. In the first, raters were asked to predict ten passages of schizophrenic speech and ten passages of normal speech under fourth-word deletion. No difference between the two types of passage was found. In the second, a modified form of presentation was introduced which prevented raters making use of the text which follows a blank. Once again, no difference was revealed between the schizophrenic and normal passages, and this was true for both the new and traditional forms of presentation, and for both fourth-word and fifth-word deletion patterns. The investigation is discussed in the light of previous findings, and a number of suggestions concerning methodology and forms of analysis are made for future research.