bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reference interval determination for glycated albumin in defined subgroups of a South African population
Authors: Matsha Tandi E , Korf Marizna , Erasmus Rajiv T , Hoffmann Mariza , Mapfumo Cladnos , Smit Francois , Zemlin Annalise E 
Published: April 2019

Background Glycated proteins, such as glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and glycated albumin (GA%), are increasingly being used for glycaemic control assessment and the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. GA% is an intermediate marker of glycaemic control that is not influenced by factors that affect HbA1c concentrations. The aim of this study was to determine reference intervals and assess confounding factors for glycated albumin in a well-characterized healthy population in South Africa. Methods We measured glycated albumin using an enzymatic method on stored serum samples of healthy individuals recruited in Cape Town, South Africa. Reference intervals (overall and specific for age, sex and ethnicity) were determined using non-parametric methods and confounding factors were assessed using multiple regression analysis. Results The reference interval (2.5th to 97.5th percentile) for glycated albumin of 663 healthy individuals (mean age, 34 years, 38.6% males) ranged from 10.7 to 15.2%. Sex, body mass index categories and ethnicity were significantly associated with the glycated albumin and were considered of practical importance because their standardized regression coefficients (Beta) were greater than a cut-off of 0.15, implying a stronger effect on glycated albumin ( P < 0.001). The glycated albumin reference intervals for subjects with body mass index <25 kg/m2 was 11.2–15.3%, for body mass index 25–30 kg/m2 it was 10.5–14.9% and 10.0–14.6% for body mass index >30 kg/m2 ( P = 0.0001). Conclusions The overall reference interval showed good correlation with reference intervals determined in other studies. However, sex, ethnicity and body mass index were statistically significant confounding factors that may influence the overall reference interval. Therefore, overall glycated albumin reference intervals should be used cautiously.
An occupational therapy community development practice process
Authors: Leclair Leanne L. , Lauckner Heidi , Yamamoto Cynthia 
Published: April 2019

Background. Little research has focused on the application of the Canadian Practice Process Framework (CPPF) to occupational therapists’ work in community development (CD). Purpose. This study sought to describe Canadian occupational therapists’ CD practice processes. Method. Using interpretive description, Canadian occupational therapists engaged in CD practice participated in an initial interview and follow-up interview or focus group. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. Findings. Eight occupational therapists participated in describing a process that focused on five key elements: (1) getting to know the community, (2) getting the ball rolling/planning together, (3) building (upon) occupational opportunities, (4) revisiting the approach, and (5) striving for sustainability. These elements occurred within a practice context and frames of reference related to CD practice. Implications. Participants outlined a process that was less discrete than the CPPF and highlighted the knowledge and skills needed along with the less tangible attitudes/approaches required to engage with communities.
Explaining coping strategies of agricultural extension officers in Tanzania: the role of the wider institutional context
Authors: Lameck Wilfred , Hulst Rudie 
Published: April 2019

Building on Lipsky, public administration scholars have conducted ample research on the coping strategies of street-level bureaucrats. To explain their behaviour, many studies focus on the individual characteristics of street-level workers or on features of the organization that they form part of. So far, less attention has been paid to the influence of the wider institutional context. This article presents findings of research on how different elements of the institutional context – the formal public administration, the norms of the professional community and the expectations of the public – can explain the coping strategies of agricultural extension officers in Tanzania. In the absence of specific guidance from the administrative context and of pressure by the public, the strategies that these street-level workers choose are primarily inspired by the norms of their professional community. Points for practitioners Public managers should be especially aware of the fact that, to a large extent, the professional norms of street-level workers determine how they use their discretion. Therefore, the training of street-level bureaucrats should not only focus on their professional abilities, but also include the transfer of key values of the public service.
“In Ignorance to View a Small Portion and Think that All”: The False Promise of Job Literacy
Authors: Kazemek Francis E. 
Published: April 2019

…To perplex youth in their outgoings & to bind to labours in Albion Of day & night the myriads of eternity: that they may grind And polish brass & iron hour after hour, laborious tasks, Kept ignorant of its use: that they might spend the days of wisdom In sorrowful drudgery to obtain a scanty pittance of bread, In ignorance to view a small portion & think that All, And call it Demonstration, blind to all the simple rules of life (Blake, 1966, p. 700)
The New Far-Right in Brazil and the Construction of a Right-Wing Order
Authors: Goldstein Ariel Alejandro 
Published: April 2019

Michel Temer’s government produced a new right-wing order in Brazil that might be called an “armored democracy.” The main characteristics of this order are the construction of a “leftist” enemy to justify repression of activists and social movements, preserving a loyal base and manipulating the anger if no economic achievements are made; a political partisan role for the judicial powers with strong interference of lobbying and military consultants; a weak democracy without political participation; the establishment of a market-friendly order against the platform voted for by the majority of Brazilians in the 2014 election; right-wing advances in public discourse that have reframed the political culture and discussion; and the accession of a far-right contender to the presidency for the first time since re-democratization began in 1985. Brazil seems to be repeating its history because it has not reflected on and judged its past. The most important threat to democracy is not only this new president but the country’s own elitist, corrupt, and restricted democratic system. O governo de Michel Temer produziu uma nova ordem da direita no Brasil que pode ser chamada de “democracia blindada”. As principais características dessa ordem são a construção de um inimigo “esquerdista” para justificar a repressão de ativistas e movimentos sociais, preservando uma base leal e manipulando a raiva se nenhuma conquista econômica for feita; um papel partidário político para os poderes judiciais com forte interferência de lobby e consultores militares; uma democracia fraca sem participação política; o estabelecimento de uma ordem favorável ao mercado contra a plataforma votada pela maioria dos brasileiros nas eleições de 2014; os avanços de direita no discurso público que reestruturaram a cultura e a discussão política; e a adesão de um candidato de extrema direita à presidência pela primeira vez desde a redemocratização começou em 1985. O Brasil parece estar repetindo sua história porque não refletiu e julgou seu passado. A mais importante ameaça à democracia não é apenas esse novo presidente, mas o próprio sistema democrático elitista, corrupto e restrito do país.
Repair of Rotator Cuff Tears in the Elderly: Does It Make Sense? A Systematic Review
Authors: Altintas Burak , Anderson Nicole L. , Pitta Rafael , Buckley Patrick S. , Bhatia Sanjeev , Provencher Matthew T. , Millett Peter J. 
Published: April 2019

Background: The indications and outcomes for rotator cuff repair (RCR) among patients ≥70 years old are not widely reported. Many active patients in this age range desire a joint-preserving option, and several small series reported successful clinical outcomes after RCR among patients aged ≥70 years. Purpose: To systematically review the literature on the outcomes of RCR among patients ≥70 years old. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The electronic databases of PubMed and Cochrane were used for the literature search. The quality of the included studies was evaluated according to the Coleman Methodology Score. Studies in English evaluating repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears among patients aged ≥70 years were included. Results: Eleven studies were reviewed, including 680 patients (694 shoulders) who were treated with arthroscopic and/or open RCR with a mean follow-up of 24.2 months (range, 12-40.8 months). Forty patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 654 shoulders with outcome data. This age group demonstrated a significant increase in clinical and functional outcomes after RCR with high satisfaction. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores showed an improvement from 44.2 (range, 35.4-56) preoperatively to 87.9 (range, 84-90.3) postoperatively, while Constant scores improved from 41.7 (range, 22.6-53.6) to 70.8 (range, 58.6-76). Postoperative imaging evaluation was performed on 513 shoulders, revealing a retear rate of 27.1% (139 shoulders). There were 45 retears after open repair and 94 after arthroscopic repair. The difference in retear rate among patients receiving arthroscopic repairs was not significantly different than open repairs ( P = .831). Pain according to a visual analog scale improved from 5.5 (range, 4.6-6.4) preoperatively to 1.3 (range, 0.5-2.3) postoperatively. Conclusion: RCR among patients ≥70 years old shows high clinical success rates with good outcomes and overall excellent pain relief. Although patients in this age group have a high potential for retear or persistent defects on imaging studies, RCR offers a joint-preserving option with significant functional and clinical improvement for the appropriately indicated patient.
Platelet-Rich Plasma for Patellar Tendinopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Leukocyte-Rich PRP or Leukocyte-Poor PRP Versus Saline
Authors: Scott Alex , LaPrade Robert F. , Harmon Kimberly G. , Filardo Giuseppe , Kon Elizaveta , Della Villa Stefano , Bahr Roald , Moksnes Havard , Torgalsen Thomas , Lee Jenny , Dragoo Jason L. , Engebretsen Lars 
Published: April 2019

Background: A small number of randomized controlled trials have found ultrasound-guided injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to be no more effective than saline for several tendinopathies; limited information exists for patellar tendinopathy. In addition, different PRP formulations that produce varying concentrations of leukocytes have not been directly compared for patellar tendinopathy. Purpose/Hypothesis: To determine if a single ultrasound-guided PRP injection, either leukocyte-rich PRP (LR-PRP) or leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP), was superior to saline injection for the treatment of patellar tendinopathy. The null hypothesis was that no treatment would be superior to another for the treatment of patellar tendinopathy. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Athletes with patellar tendinopathy for ≥6 months (Blazina stage IIIB) were assessed for eligibility in a multisite single-blind controlled trial. There were 3 injection arms: LR-PRP, LP-PRP, and saline. Patients received a single ultrasound-guided injection, followed by 6 weeks of supervised rehabilitation (heavy slow resistance training, concentric and eccentric, 3 times per week). Outcome measures—Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment (patellar; VISA-P), pain during activity, and global rating of change—were assessed at 6 and 12 weeks and 6 and 12 months. VISA-P score at 12 weeks was the primary outcome. Fifty-seven patients (19 in each group) were included in an intention-to-treat analysis. Secondary outcome measures included pain during activity and patients’ global rating of change. Results: Study retention was 93% at 12 weeks and 79% after 1 year. There was no significant difference in mean change in VISA-P score, pain, or global rating of change among the 3 treatment groups at 12 weeks or any other time point. After 1 year, the mean (SD) outcomes for the LR-PRP, LP-PRP, and saline groups were as follows, respectively: VISA-P—58 (29), 71 (20), and 80 (18); pain—4.0 (2.4), 2.4 (2.3), and 2.0 (1.9); global rating of change—4.7 (1.6), 5.6 (1.0), and 5.7 (1.2) ( P > .05 for all outcomes). Conclusion: Combined with an exercise-based rehabilitation program, a single injection of LR-PRP or LP-PRP was no more effective than saline for the improvement of patellar tendinopathy symptoms. Registration: NCT02116946 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
The Lead–Lag Relationship Between Futures and Spot Price—A Case of the Oil and Oilseed Contracts Traded on Indian Exchange
Authors: Joarder Suranjana , Mukherjee Diganta 
Published: April 2019

In India, government intervention in the agricultural derivatives market has not allowed the market to grow and become an important tool of risk management. It has always been argued that the farmers and consumers of crops in India primarily operate in the spot market, and their expectations about the future market conditions are likely to be reflected in the spot price movements. If the farmers and consumers of the crops do not participate in the derivatives market, it is not expected to work as an efficient tool of information dissemination on the underlying commodity. We analysed the role played by the futures market in the price discovery process in this article. To test whether the futures or spot market in India plays a dominant role in information dissemination, we have done a regression analysis considering the lagged futures and spot price volatility as explanatory variables. We consider the major oil and oilseed contracts traded on National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange. As the uses of many of the oilseeds are related, we have tried to analyse the interlinkages among the market for different commodities. Our results clearly show that information on relevant futures market volatilities help significantly to assess the volatility in the spot markets. This linkage can be leveraged to manage the spot market risks better. JEL: G10, G13, G14
Quality of Life Among Dutch Children With a Cleft Lip and/or Cleft Palate: A Follow-Up Study
Authors: Nolte Fleur M. , Bos Annemieke , Prahl Charlotte 
Published: April 2019

Objectives: The aims of the present study were to examine the impact of a cleft lip and/or palate on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children, to examine differences between the OHRQoL scores reported by children and their parents, and to examine differences between the scores over 4 years for a subgroup of children. Design: Prospective blinded questionnaires. Setting: All patients were recruited from a university clinic at Academisch Centrum Tandheelkunde Amsterdam. Participants: The sample consisted of 170 children (age between 8 and 18 years) and their parents. Interventions: All participants completed the validated Dutch version of the Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP) questionnaire. Main Outcome Measures: The OHRQoL of children with a cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CL/P) was measured. Results: Parents scored significantly higher than children on the subscale “Oral Symptoms.” On the subscale “Functional Well-Being,” parents scored significantly lower than children. Females scored significantly higher with regard to the subscales “Functional Well-Being” and “School” in comparison to males. Children with a bilateral CL/P scored significantly lower on the subscale “Functional Well-Being” and “School” than other subgroups. Children reported a decrease in “Oral Symptoms” and “Emotional Well-Being” over time. Conclusions: Children and their parents both reported high OHRQoL overall with some areas of difference. Females reported a better OHRQoL on “Functional Well-Being” and “School.” Children with the more complex bilateral CL/P had a significantly lower OHRQoL score on “Functional Well-Being,” “School,” and overall COHIP.
Preclinical Evaluation of Safety and Biodistribution of Red Cell Microparticles: A Novel Hemostatic Agent
Authors: Rehni Ashish K. , Shukla Vibha , Navarro Quero Hever , Bidot Carlos , Haase Conner R. , Crane Ensign Anise A. , Patel Shivam G. , Koch Sebastian , Ahn Yeon S. , Jy Wenche , Dave Kunjan R. 
Published: April 2019

Background:Uncontrollable bleeding is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Effective hemostatic agents are urgently needed. Red cell microparticles (RMPs) are a highly promising hemostatic agent. This study evaluated the safety profile of RMPs preliminary to clinical trial.Methods and Results:RMPs were prepared from type O+ human red blood cell by high-pressure extrusion. Male rats were treated with RMPs either a 1 × bolus, or 4 × or 20 × administered over 60 minutes. The vehicle-treated group was used as a control. Effects on physiological parameters were evaluated; namely, blood pressure, body and head temperature, hematocrit, and blood gases. We did not observe any adverse effects of RMPs on these physiological parameters. In addition, brain, heart, and lungs of rats treated with 4 × dose (bolus followed by infusion over 60 minutes) or vehicle were examined histologically for signs of thrombosis or other indications of toxicity. No thrombosis or indications of toxicity in brain, heart, or lungs were observed. Studies revealed that RMPs were distributed mainly in liver, spleen, and lymph nodes, and were potentially excreted through the kidneys.Conclusions:Our study indicates that RMP administration appears not to have any negative impact on the parameters studied and did not produce thrombosis in heart, brain, and lungs. However, more detailed long-term studies confirming the safety of RMP as a hemostatic agent are warranted.
Prescription Patterns and Outcomes of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Treated With Direct Oral Anticoagulants and Warfarin: A Real-World Analysis
Authors: Kattoor Ajoe John , Pothineni Naga Venkata , Goel Akshay , Syed Mahanazuddin , Syed Shorabuddin , Paydak Hakan , Mehta Jawahar L. 
Published: April 2019

Background: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been found to be similar or superior to warfarin in reducing ischemic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We sought to examine the anticoagulation prescription patterns in community since the advent of DOACs and also evaluate the outcomes in terms of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, ischemic stroke, and ICH in real-world patients with AF receiving anticoagulation. Methods: This is a retrospective study comprising patients who were newly diagnosed with nonvalvular AF and were prescribed anticoagulants for stroke prevention. Prescription pattern of the anticoagulants based on CHA2DS2Vasc score was studied. Clinical outcomes of GI bleeding, ischemic stroke, and ICH were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: Of the 2362 patients with AF on anticoagulation, 44.7% were prescribed DOACs. Patients with CHA2DS2VASc score of ≥3 received a prescription for warfarin more often than DOACs ( P < .001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the incidence of GI bleed (odds ratio [OR]: 0.91, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.62-1.35, P = .66) and stroke (OR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.57-1.05, P = .10) was similar between warfarin and DOAC users. However, there was a trend toward lower ICH in the DOAC group (OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.36-1.01, P = .06). Conclusions: Prescription rate of DOACs for nonvalvular AF has increased significantly, with apixaban being the most commonly used agent. Patients with higher CHA2DS2-VASc score (≥3) are prescribed DOACs less often than warfarin. The reason for this discrepancy is unclear. Given the favorable risk–benefit profile of DOACs, further studies are needed to identify factors that determine anticoagulant selection in patients with AF with high thromboembolic risk.
Modeling of the exploding foil initiator and related circuitry for the variable mode of operation
Authors: Borman A J , Dowding C F , Seddon D 
Published: April 2019

Analytical and numerical models, validated against published data, were developed to calculate the velocity and time of arrival duration (ToAD) of the flyer-plasma material at the top of the barrel of an exploding foil initiator (EFI), as commonly used in explosive devices. Such tools will aid system designers in the optimization of capacitor discharge circuit (CDC) or EFI bridge material properties. The analytical elements of the approach developed support the requirement for the consideration of mass ejection variation with respect to initial capacitor voltage. The numerical elements of the approach developed demonstrate that EFI design alteration to increase flyer mass is less effective in reducing ToAD than supply voltage modulation via the CDC. This finding is of particular relevance for in situ control of functional performance characteristics. This work goes on to demonstrate that such control is impracticable when using hexanitrostilbene, since the initial capacitor voltages necessary to yield appropriate ToAD for deflagration deliver insufficient energy to instigate a response from the EFI.
Optimism and distress tolerance in the social adjustment of nurses: examining resilience as a mediator and gender as a moderator
Authors: Falavarjani Mehrdad F , Yeh Christine J 
Published: April 2019

Background As nursing is recognised as one of the most stressful occupations in healthcare organisations, nurses are vulnerable to adjustment challenges. Aims The authors examine the association between optimism, distress tolerance and social adjustment through the mediating role of resilience and the moderating role of gender among Iranian nurses. Methods The sample consisted of 183 nurses working in six private hospitals in Iran. The authors employed structural equation modelling to test a moderation–mediation model of social adjustment. Results Findings reveal that: (a) resilience partially mediates the association between distress tolerance and social adjustment and the link between optimism and social adjustment – nurses with high levels of optimism and distress tolerance are significantly more likely to report greater resilience and subsequently report higher social adjustment; and (b) gender plays a moderating role in the model – women reported higher levels of optimism and lower levels of both resilience and distress tolerance than men. However, men reported higher levels of both distress tolerance and resilience as well as better social adjustment in comparison to female nurses. Conclusions The promotion of resilience may contribute to increased social adjustment, optimism and distress tolerance at work.
Express testing for sexually transmitted infections: clinical results
Authors: O’Byrne Patrick , Orser Lauren 
Published: April 2019

Background Many sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics are becoming unable to meet increases in service demand. Aims To address increased service delivery demand at our STI clinic, we implemented express testing, which involved self-assessment and visitation with a nurse who performed specimen collection but no examination. Methods Patient consent was obtained and chart review occurred. Results Of our patients who sought testing, 20% ( n = 1427/12,711) were eligible for express testing, with 90.7% ( n = 1295/1427) of these patients agreeing to use it. We identified 62 infections (all gonorrhoea and chlamydia) among the 1295 patients who used express. In streamlining care provision, express testing enabled us to see 334 more patients, among whom we identified an additional 27 infections (four patients with infectious syphilis, 23 with gonorrhoea or chlamydia). Conclusion Our results support the expanded use of express testing.