bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Periodontal disease severity is associated with micronutrient intake
Authors: Luo P‐P , Xu H‐S , Chen Y‐W , Wu S‐P 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to examine if specific micronutrients were associated with periodontal disease using data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2014.MethodsParticipants who were aged 30 years or more and received complete periodontal examinations were included. Regression analyses were performed to determine associations of variables of interest with periodontal disease.ResultsData of 6415 NHANES participants were included in the analysis. Multivariable analysis revealed that less intake of vitamin A (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.784), vitamin B1 (aOR = 1.334), vitamin C (aOR = 1.401), vitamin E (aOR = 1.576), iron (aOR = 1.234), folate (aOR = 1.254) and phosphorus (aOR = 1.280) was associated with increased severity of periodontal disease. Compared with the highest level of vitamin D intake, the second highest level of vitamin D intake was associated with lower severity of periodontal disease (aOR = 0.727).ConclusionsInsufficient intake of vitamin A, B1, C and E, iron, folate and phosphorus was significantly associated with severity of periodontal disease. Results of the present study suggest that the above micronutrients may be increased in the diet or taken as dietary supplements in order to reduce severity of periodontal disease.
A note on the robustness of PBIBD(2)s against breakdown in the event of observation loss
Authors: Godolphin Janet D. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryRobustness against design breakdown following observation loss is investigated for Partially Balanced Incomplete Block Designs with two associate classes (PBIBD(2)s). New results are obtained which add to the body of knowledge on PBIBD(2)s. In particular, using an approach based on theE‐value of a design, all PBIBD(2)s with triangular and Latin square association schemes are established as having optimal block breakdown number. Furthermore, for group divisible designs not covered by existing results in the literature, a sufficient condition for optimal block breakdown number establishes that all members of some design sub‐classes have this property.
Synchronized Pulsatile Flow With Low Systolic Output From Veno‐Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Improves Myocardial Recovery After Experimental Cardiac Arrest in Pigs
Authors: Voicu Sebastian , Sideris Georgios , Dillinger Jean‐Guillaume , Yannopoulos Demetris , Deye Nicolas , Kang Chantal , Bonneau Michel , Bartos Jason , Kedra Antoni , Bailliart Sophie , Pasteur‐Rousseau Adrien , Amah Guy , Bonnin Philippe , Callebert Jacques , Henry Patrick , Megarbane Bruno 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCirculatory failure following cardiac arrest (CA) requires catecholamine support and occasionally veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vaECMO). VaECMO‐generated blood flow is continuous and retrograde, increasing ventricular stroke work. Our aim was to assess the benefit of a device generating a pulsatile vaECMO flow synchronized with the heart rhythm lowering systolic vaECMO output on the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and pulmonary capillary pressure (Pcap) after CA. This experimental randomized study in pigs compared standard nonpulsatile vaECMO (control) with pulsatile synchronized vaECMO (study) group using a pulsatility‐generating device. After sedation and intubation, ventricular fibrillation was induced by pacing. After 10‐min ventricular fibrillation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed for 20 min then vaECMO, defibrillation and 0.15 µg/kg/min intravenous epinephrine infusion were initiated. Hemodynamics, Pcap, LVEF by echocardiography and angiography were measured at baseline and every 30 min after the vaECMO start until vaECMO and epinephrine were stopped (at 120 min), and 30 min later. Baseline hemodynamics did not differ between groups; 120 min after vaECMO initiation, LVEF by echocardiography and angiography was significantly higher in the study than control group 55 ± 19% versus 34 ± 13% (P = 0.042), 50 ± 16% versus 33 ± 12% (P = 0.043), respectively. Pcap decreased from baseline by 4.2 ± 8.6 mm Hg in the study group but increased by 5.6 ± 5.9 mm Hg in the control group (P = 0.043). Thirty minutes later, LVEF remained higher in the study group 44 ± 7% versus 26 ± 11% (P = 0.008) while Pcap did not differ. A synchronized pulsatile device decreasing systolic output from vaECMO improved LVEF and Pcap in a pig model of CA and resuscitation.
Selective Cerebro‐Myocardial Perfusion in Complex Neonatal Aortic Arch Pathology: Midterm Results
Authors: Hoxha Stiljan , Abbasciano Riccardo Giuseppe , Sandrini Camilla , Rossetti Lucia , Menon Tiziano , Barozzi Luca , Linardi Daniele , Rungatscher Alessio , Faggian Giuseppe , Luciani Giovanni Battista 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAortic arch repair in newborns and infants has traditionally been accomplished using a period of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. To reduce neurologic and cardiac dysfunction related to circulatory arrest and myocardial ischemia during complex aortic arch surgery, an alternative and novel strategy for cerebro‐myocardial protection was recently developed, where regional low‐flow perfusion is combined with controlled and independent coronary perfusion. The aim of the present retrospective study was to assess short‐term and mid‐term results of selective and independent cerebro‐myocardial perfusion in neonatal aortic arch surgery. From April 2008 to August 2015, 28 consecutive neonates underwent aortic arch surgery under cerebro‐myocardial perfusion. There were 17 male and 11 female, with median age of 15 days (3–30 days) and median body weight of 3 kg (1.6–4.2 kg), 9 (32%) of whom with low body weight (<2.5 kg). The spectrum of pathologies treated was heterogeneous and included 13 neonates having single‐stage biventricular repair (46%), 7 staged biventricular repair (25%), and 8 single‐ventricle repair (29%). All operations were performed under moderate hypothermia and with a “beating heart and brain.” Average cardiopulmonary bypass time was 131 ± 64 min (42–310 min). A period of cardiac arrest to complete intra‐cardiac repair was required in nine patients (32%), and circulatory arrest in 1 to repair total anomalous pulmonary venous connection. Average time of splanchnic ischemia during cerebro‐myocardial perfusion was 30 ± 11 min (15–69 min). Renal dysfunction, requiring a period of peritoneal dialysis was observed in 10 (36%) patients, while liver dysfunction was noted only in 3 (11%). There were three (11%) early and two late deaths during a median follow‐up of 2.9 years (range 6 months–7.7 years), with an actuarial survival of 82% at 7 years. At latest follow‐up, no patient showed signs of cardiac or neurologic dysfunction. The present experience shows that a strategy of selective and independent cerebro‐myocardial perfusion is safe, versatile, and feasible in high‐risk neonates with complex congenital arch pathology. Encouraging outcomes were noted in terms of cardiac and neurological function, with limited end‐organ morbidity.
THE SCOPE FOR NON‐PROFIT OBJECTIVES IN A MIXED OLIGOPOLY UNDER INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
Authors: WILLNER Johan , GRÖNBLOM Sonja , KAINU Annina , FLINK Johan 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTWe ask how the scope for non‐profit objectives in a state‐owned enterprise (SOE) in a mixed oligopoly changes because of competition from firms in another country. There is no change if costs and demand are given, unless the trade partner is a low‐cost country. However, the scope for non‐profit objectives is limited by the country's relative size if wages are market‐clearing and if workers and firms are stationary, because of reduced competitiveness caused by higher real wage rates. The total surplus is then not affected by the actions of the SOE. International trade does not otherwise reduce the scope for its non‐profit objectives if workers and firms are mobile, but productivity differences might require restrictions in order to avoid a complete relocation of the workforce in either country.
Faecal calprotectin effectively excludes inflammatory bowel disease in 789 symptomatic young adults with/without alarm symptoms: a prospective UK primary care cohort study
Authors: Walker G. J. , Moore L. , Heerasing N. , Hendy P. , Perry M. H. , McDonald T. J. , Debenham T. , Bethune R. , Bewshea C. , Hyde C. , Heap G. A. , Singh A. , Calvert C. , Kennedy N. A. , Goodhand J. R. , Ahmad T. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryBackgroundPrimary care faecal calprotectin testing distinguishes inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from functional gut disorder in young patients presenting with abdominal symptoms; however, previous evaluations have excluded patients with alarm symptoms.AimsWe sought to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of calprotectin to distinguish IBD from functional gut disorder in young adults in whom general practitioners (GPs) suspected IBD; including patients reporting gastrointestinal alarm symptoms. We hypothesised that calprotectin would reduce secondary care referrals and healthcare costs.MethodsWe undertook a prospective cohort study of 789 young adults (18‐46 years old) presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms to 49 local general practices that had undergone calprotectin testing (1053 tests: between Jan 2014 and May 2016) because of suspected IBD. We considered calprotectin levels of ≥100 μg/g positive. Primary and secondary care records over 12 months from the point of calprotectin testing were used as the reference standard.ResultsOverall, 39% (308/789) patients reported gastrointestinal alarm symptoms and 6% (50/789) tested patients were diagnosed with IBD. The positive and negative predictive values of calprotectin testing for distinguishing IBD from functional gut disorder in patients with gastrointestinal alarm symptoms were 50% (95% CI 36%‐64%) and 98% (96%‐100%): and in patients without gastrointestinal alarm symptoms were 27% (16%‐41%) and 99% (98%‐100%), respectively. We estimate savings of 279 referrals and £160 per patient.ConclusionsCalprotectin testing of young adults with suspected IBD in primary care accurately distinguishes IBD from functional gut disorder, even in patients with gastrointestinal alarm symptoms and reduces secondary care referrals and diagnostic healthcare costs.
How an ordeal becomes the norm: A qualitative exploration of experiences of self‐cannulation in male home haemodialysis patients
Authors: Moore Currie , Majeed‐Ariss Rabiya , Jayanti Anuradha , Mitra Sandip , Skevington Suzanne , Wearden Alison 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesDespite home haemodialysis (HHD) being associated with significant health and psychosocial benefits, it remains an under‐utilized dialysis modality for people with chronic kidney disease. Self‐cannulation, where patients insert their own needles for dialysis, is a key component of HHD. Recent research suggests that the prospect of self‐cannulation is a barrier for patients, but there is little research which examines why this is the case. The aim of this study was to explore male HHD patients’ experiences and attitudes towards self‐cannulation.DesignQualitative methods were adopted to gather in‐depth views from experienced HHD patients from a UK renal centre.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with eight male HHD patients (HHD duration: 12–55 months). During the interview, the researcher elicited participants’ lived experience of self‐cannulation. Topics included the decision to self‐cannulate and the impact of self‐cannulation on the patient. The data collected were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.ResultsThe findings from this study elucidate the process of how self‐cannulation changed from an ordeal to the norm in these participants’ lives. The central theme from these interviews is that ‘becoming a person who self‐cannulates is a process’. Three super‐ordinate themes were discussed that relate to this central theme: ‘gaining control’, ‘building confidence’, and ‘becoming the norm’.ConclusionsThe findings from this study suggest that some patients’ initial fears of self‐cannulation can be overcome. These findings offer health care professionals and patients alike a greater understanding of how patients who self‐cannulate conceptualize it and its role in their mental and physical health.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Home haemodialysis is a cost‐effective form of renal replacement therapy which is under‐utilized in the United Kingdom.

Home haemodialysis is associated with positive health outcomes.

Self‐cannulation is noted as a barrier to home haemodialysis.

What does this study add?

Describes the process by which male dialysis patients became proficient in self‐cannulation.

Highlights psychological mechanisms which may facilitate and maintain self‐cannulation.

Suggests practical techniques which can be incorporated into renal clinics and care plans.
Assessment of the psychometric properties of the Graded Care Profile version 2 (GCP2) tool for measuring child neglect
Authors: Johnson Robyn , Fisher Helen L. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractChild neglect is highly prevalent, with extensive effects on children's development and often long‐lasting consequences. It is a complex issue, and the identification and assessment of neglect presents particular difficulties for professionals. The Graded Care Profile (GCP) is a tool that can help practitioners to assess neglect, but the updated version of this tool (GCP2) requires psychometric testing. We sought to test the GCP2 with qualified social work practitioners in the United Kingdom. Interrater reliability was assessed by comparing GCP2 scores between 3 pairs of practitioners following assessments of 30 children. Concurrent validity was assessed by comparing GCP2 scores to scores obtained using 2 other validated measures with 15 children. Professionals were surveyed concerning face validity. There was a substantial level of interrater agreement for 2 domains and a moderate level of agreement for the other 2 domains. There were strong correlations between the GCP2 and the other tools across all domains, and face validity results were positive. In conclusion, although this was a small sample, our findings provide preliminary evidence that the GCP2 has adequate psychometric properties pending further rigorous psychometric testing. It is thus likely to be a useful tool in aiding professionals in the assessment of child neglect.
Trabecular bone microstructure and mineral density in human residual ridge at various intervals over a long period after tooth extraction
Authors: Tanaka Mikako , Yamashita‐Mikami Emi , Akazawa Kohei , Yoshizawa Michiko , Arai Yoshiaki , Ejiri Sadakazu 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundLong‐term changes of trabecular microstructure in human tooth extraction socket have not been investigated.PurposeTo examine the trabecular microstructure of human residual ridges at various intervals following tooth extraction, and to determine whether bone remodeling activity can attain points of relative stability and when such points are reached.Materials and MethodsForty‐four bone biopsy specimens were obtained from lower molar or premolar regions of residual ridges. Postextraction times ranged from 1.6 to 360 months. Samples were analyzed using micro‐computed tomography and three‐dimensional bone morphometry with histological analyses. Trabecular bone parameters were plotted against postextraction times, and a stepwise piecewise linear regression analysis was performed to determine at which points of time these parameters either increased or decreased.ResultsUsing piecewise linear regression, “inflection points” were found in most trabecular bone parameters between 7 and 12 months postextraction. Among the residual ridge samples, woven trabecular structure became mature, consisting of thick lamellar trabeculae with sufficient bone density, under dynamic bone remodeling until the 7th to 12th month post‐tooth extraction. After this period, the mature network structure remained stable with low remodeling activity.ConclusionBone remodeling of trabecular structure in human residual ridge after tooth extraction had a stabilization period.
It's a great big universe: Astrobiology and future trends for an astrotheology
Authors: Pryor Adam 
Published: March 2018

AbstractDespite the awe and wonder that discoveries related to astrobiology inspire, the sheer volume and diversity of new discoveries related to space science can become overwhelming without meaningful frames of reference by which to organize our understanding of these phenomena. I suggest that a critical feature of the future of “astrotheology” relates to how it serves as an organizing correlate to astrobiology and space research. Considering that the prefix astro‐ has an amplicative and abductive effect on the fields of study to which it is applied, I contend that astrotheology implies a creative and constructive shift in how we conceptualize meaningful human being for theology that parallels how astrobiology effects a creative and constructive shift in how we conceptualize living systems.
Systematic theology at the crossroads: Explication of a symbolic universe or contextualization of a redemptive message?
Authors: Nürnberger Klaus 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe article compares Ted Peters' and Klaus Nürnberger's approaches in their recently published systematic theologies. Peters retains the traditional symbolic universe, explicating it for “a new era”; Nürnberger treats the evolving tradition as a series of contextualizations that must be replaced with new contextualizations as situations change. The difference and its consequences are demonstrated in the cases of the concept of God, eschatology, and the content of the gospel. At stake is the validity of the tradition on the one hand and the plausibility of the Christian faith in a modern context on the other.
Transesophageal echocardiography measures left atrial appendage volume and function and predicts recurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after radiofrequency catheter ablation
Authors: He Yemei , Zhang Baixue , Zhu Fang , Hu Zheyu , Zhong Jia , Zhu Wenhui 
Published: March 2018

AimsParoxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) commonly recurs after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). This study aimed to assess left atrial appendage (LAA) volume and function by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and to explore its value in predicting PAF recurrence after RFCA.MethodsEighty patients with PAF were recruited. The left atrial (LA) and LAA volume and function were measured by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and TEE before ablation. Patients were followed up for 12 months after RFCA, and recurrence was recorded. Odds ratios of candidate risk indicators were determined by logistic regression analysis. Prediction model was constructed using logistic regression with backward selection. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve with area under curve (AUC) was performed to evaluate the prediction efficiency.ResultsTwenty‐four (30%) PAF patients had recurrence (R group), and 56 (70%) patients had no recurrence (NR group). Compared to NR group, LA dimension (LAD), LA volume index (LAVI), LAA maximum volume (LAAVmax), and LAA minimum volume (LAAVmin) were significantly higher in R group, while LAA peak emptying flow velocity (LAAeV), LAA peak filling flow velocity (LAAfV), and LAA ejection fraction (LAAEF) significantly declined in R group. According to multivariate analysis and backward selection, LAVI, LAAEF, and LAAeV were significant risk factors for PAF recurrence. The LAVI + LAAEF + LAAeV joint model could effectively predict PAF recurrence with AUC of 0.893 (95% confidence interval = 0.816, 0.970), sensitivity of 0.75, and specificity of 0.929.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that LAVI, LAAEF, and LAAeV were significant predictors of PAF recurrence after RFCA.
Suitability of brachiaria grass as a trap crop for management ofChilo partellus
Authors: Cheruiyot Duncan , Midega Charles A.O. , Van den Berg Johnnie , Pickett John A. , Khan Zeyaur R. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe cereal stemborerChilo partellus(Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera:Crambidae) is a major insect pest of sorghum (Sorghum bicolorL.Moench) and maize (Zea maysL.) in Africa. Trap cropping systems have been shown to be a valuable tool in management of this pest. To optimize trap cropping strategies, an understanding of host‐plant preference for moth oviposition and host suitability for larval survival on potential trap plants is a prerequisite. Therefore, we assessed seven brachiaria accessions (Poaceae) for preference byC. partellusmoths and subsequent larval performance. In two‐choice tests with a local open‐pollinated maize variety (cv. Nyamula), significantly higher numbers of eggs were deposited on brachiaria accessions Marandu, Piata, and Xaraes than on maize, whereas fewer eggs were recorded on plants of Mulato II, Mulato I, and Cayman. There was a significant and negative correlation between the trichome density on plant leaves andC. partellusoviposition preference for brachiaria. In addition to poor larval performance on brachiaria, there was no clear ranking in the accessions regarding larval orientation, settling, arrest, and food ingestion and assimilation. First instars did not consume leaf tissues of brachiaria plants but consumed those of maize, which also suffered more stem damage than brachiaria plants. No larvae survived on brachiaria plant tissue for longer than 5 days, whereas 79.2% of the larvae survived on maize. This study highlights the preferential oviposition ofC. partelluson brachiaria plants over maize and the negative effects that these accessions have on subsequent larval survival and development. Our findings support the use of brachiaria as a trap crop for management ofC. partellusthrough a push‐pull technology.
The role of host patch characteristics and dispersal capability in distribution and abundance ofArhopalus rusticusin centralArgentina
Authors: Grilli Mariano P. , Fachinetti Romina 
Published: March 2018

AbstractHost patch characteristics may influence the abundance of a species, but this will depend on the species’ dispersal ability and the distance between suitable patches. In central Argentina, an area of introduced pine forest was planted for wood production in the 1940s. In 2006, an invading longhorn beetle,Arhopalus rusticus(L.) (Coleoptera:Cerambycidae), was detected in the area. Since then, the species has expanded its range until it occupies the whole area. We analyze how the configuration of host patches and flight performance ofA. rusticusaffect its distribution. The study was performed in the center‐west of Córdoba Province, Argentina, with 24 000 ha of introduced pine forests the main pine production zone of the province. Land cover was estimated using Landsat 8 scenes. Landscape was quantified by estimating the focal patch's area, fractal dimension index (FRAC), and Euclidean nearest neighbor distance (ENN). Focal patch area showed a positive relationship withA. rusticusabundance, whereasENNandFRAChad a negative relationship. The dispersal ability ofA. rusticuswas determined by putting recently emerged individuals to fly in flight mills. The flight performance results indicated that the species was probably introduced in the area by human activity, then rapidly established and expanded to the whole area. This indicates the importance of preventing its arrival in other pine production areas of Argentina, as it has proved to be an extremely successful invader.