bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of computer adaptive testing version of the Neuro-QOL for people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Healy Brian C , Zurawski Jonathan , Gonzalez Cindy T , Chitnis Tanuja , Weiner Howard L , Glanz Bonnie I 
Published: November 2018

Background: To date, the computerized adaptive testing (CAT) version of the Neuro-quality of life (QOL) has not been assessed in a large sample of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the associations between the CAT version of Neuro-QOL and other clinical and patient-reported outcome measures. Methods: Subjects ( n = 364) enrolled in SysteMS completed the CAT version of the Neuro-QOL and the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) within 4 weeks of a clinical exam that included the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite-4 (MSFC-4). The correlations between the Neuro-QOL domains and the MSFC-4 subscores and the SF-36 scores were calculated. The changes over time in the Neuro-QOL and other measures were also examined. Results: The lower extremity functioning score of the Neuro-QOL showed the highest correlations with MSFC-4 components including Timed 25-Foot Walk, 9-Hole Peg Test, and cognitive score. The expected domains of the Neuro-QOL showed high correlations with the SF-36 subscores, and some Neuro-QOL domains were associated with many SF-36 subscores. There was limited longitudinal change on the Neuro-QOL domains over 12 months, and the change was not associated with change on other measures. Conclusion: The CAT version of the Neuro-QOL shows many of the expected associations with clinical and patient-reported outcome measures.
Radiotherapy Immobilization Mask Molding Through the Use of 3D-Printed Head Models
Authors: Pham Quoc-Viêt Vincent , Lavallée Annie-Pier , Foias Alexandru , Roberge David , Mitrou Ellis , Wong Philip 
Published: November 2018

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of a workflow free of a simulation appointment using three-dimensional-printed heads and custom immobilization devices. Materials and Methods: Simulation computed tomography scans of 11 patients who received radiotherapy for brain tumors were used to create three-dimensional printable models of the patients’ heads and neck rests. The models were three-dimensional-printed using fused deposition modeling and reassembled. Then, thermoplastic immobilization masks were molded onto them. These setups were then computed tomography-scanned and compared against the volumes from the original patient computed tomography-scans. Following translational +/− rotational coregistrations of the volumes from three-dimensional-printed models and the patients, the similarities and accuracies of the setups were evaluated using Dice similarity coefficients, Hausdorff distances, differences in centroid positions, and angular deviations. Potential dosimetric differences secondary to inaccuracies in the rotational positioning of patients were calculated. Results: Mean angular deviation of the 3D-printout from the original volume for the Pitch, Yaw, and Roll were 1.1° (standard deviation = 0.77°), 0.59° (standard deviation = 0.41°), and 0.79° (standard deviation = 0.86°), respectively. Following translational + rotational shifts, the mean Dice similarity coefficients of the three-dimensional-printed and original volumes was 0.985 (standard deviation = 0.002) while the mean Hausdorff distance was 0.9 mm (standard error of the mean: 0.1 mm). The mean centroid vector displacement was 0.5 mm (standard deviation: 0.3 mm). Compared to plans that were coregistered using translational + rotational shifts, the D95 of the brain from three-dimensional-printed heads adjusted for TR shifts only differed by −0.1% (standard deviation = 0.2%). Conclusions: Patient head volumes and positions at simulation computed tomography scans can be accurately reproduced using three-dimensional-printed models, which can be used to mold radiotherapy immobilization masks onto. This strategy, if applied on diagnostic computed tomography scans, may allow symptomatic and frail patients to avoid a computed tomography-simulation and mask molding session in preparation for palliative whole brain radiotherapy.
Combating Hidden Hunger: The Role of International Agencies
Authors: Dalmiya Nita , Schultink Werner 
Published: November 2018

The importance of micronutrient deficiencies or “hidden hunger” was clearly emphasized by the inclusion of specific goals on iron, vitamin A, and iodine deficiency at the 1990 World Summit for Children and other major international nutrition conferences. Significant progress has since been made toward eliminating vitamin A and iodine deficiencies, with less progress made toward reducing the burden of iron-deficiency anemia. The role of international agencies, such as the World Health Organization, United Nations Children's Fund, Food and Agricultural Organization, and World Bank in assisting countries to make progress toward the World Summit for Children goals has been very important. International agencies have played a critical role in advocating for and raising awareness of these issues at the international, regional, and national levels among policymakers and the general population. Using a rights-based approach, UNICEF and other agencies have been instrumental in elevating to the highest political level the discussion of every child's right to adequate nutrition. International agencies have also been very supportive at the national level in providing technical guidance for programs, including monitoring and evaluation. These agencies have played a critical role in engaging the cooperation of other partners, including bilateral donors, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector for micronutrient programs. Furthermore, international agencies provide financial and material support for micronutrient programs. In the future, such agencies must continue to be heavily involved in programs to achieve the newly confirmed goals for 2010. The present paper focuses on the role of international agencies in combating micronutrient deficiencies, drawing on the lessons learned over the last decade. The first section of the paper summarizes the progress achieved since 1990, and the second section describes the specific role of international agencies in contributing to that progress.
Treatment of Sorghum Grains with Calcium Hydroxide for Calcium Enrichment
Authors: Bharati Pushpa , Vaidehi M. P. 
Published: November 2018

Four varieties of sorghum grain (SB-1079, DSH-1, CSH-5, and SB-905) were subjected to four methods of treatment with saturated calcium hydroxide solution (soaking and drying with and without washing for germinated and ungerminated grains) for five different periods: dipping only, or 4, 8, 16, or 32 hours of soaking. Among all the varieties, treated germinated grain showed a higher calcium content than treated ungerminated grain. Irrespective of the method or duration of soaking, SB-905 showed a significantly lower calcium content than the other varieties. A maximum calcium content of 253.6 mg per 100 g of grain was obtained in the DSH-1 variety when germinated grain was soaked and dried, compared to a 55.0 mg per 100 g in the untreated sample. Washing after soaking resulted in a decreased calcium content in both germinated and ungerminated grains. Increasing the soaking time from simple dipping to four or eight hours resulted in a significant increase in calcium content. Further increases in soaking time to 16 or 32 hours caused a significant reduction in calcium content.
Effects of Vitamin-A Status on Hamster Tracheal Epithellum in Viva in Vitro
Authors: De Luca Luigi M. , McDowell Elizabeth M. 
Published: November 2018

In this paper we have suggested the new concept of exotrophic cells, i.e. cells that have conditionally escaped the need for an essential nutrient, such as vitamin A. These exotrophs might become fixed by a mutation and eventually contribute to the tumorigenic phenotype. The discovery of the retinoic acid receptor (RAR) has opened up new horizons in the search for the mechanism of action of retinoic acid [17; 18]. It is intriguing that a second retinoic acid receptor, RARE, is abundantly expressed in hepatoma tissue and not in normal liver; Benbrook et al. [191 suggest that the erroneous expression of the RARE might contribute to tumour development in liver. How and whether these findings relate to the vitamin-A-deficient status of hepatoma cells remains to be understood.
Evaluation of the Impact of Messages to Improve the Diets of Lactating Rural Bangladeshi Women on Their Dietary Practices and the of Their Breast-Fed Infants
Authors: Brown Laurine V. , Zeitlin Marian F. , Weld Leisa H. , Rogers Beatrice L. , Peterson Karen E. , Huq Nasreen , Gershoff Stanley N. 
Published: November 2018

A community-based nutrition education intervention taught 48 Bangladeshi families with breast-feeding infants how to improve the mothers’ diet. The energy adequacy of the women's diets and of 30 comparable controls averaged 65% + 14% of the FAD/WHO/UNU requirement at baseline and declined to 55% + 7% immediately after the education (Post1) and to 52% + 6% after eight months of study (Post2). This decline was probably a seasonal effect resulting from lower food availability at Post1 and Post2. The adjusted declines in adequacy of treatments and controls did not differ at Post1 (- 9.9% v. - 9.5%; p = .806) when behavioural changes were expected. Adjusted declines from baseline to Post2 were significantly less for treatments than controls (- 10.1% v. - 15.5%; p =.001), but results may have been influenced by flooding that affected food distribution and production. Arm circumferences (MUAC) of both groups remained along the fifth percentile of the international reference. No significant differences were found between the average weight for age (WAZ) or MUAC of the breast-fed children in the two groups, although a greater percentage of control children became severely malnourished (p =.011). The evaluation raises concerns about the effectiveness of nutrition education for improving the diets of poor women if given in isolation of programmes that make improvements affordable.
Vitamin A Supplementation and Child Morbidity and Mortality in Developing Countries
Authors: Beaton George H. , Martorell Reynaldo , Aronson Kristan A. , Edmonston Barry , Ross George McCabe. A. Catharine , Harvey Bart 
Published: November 2018

A meta-analysis of eight mortality trials indicates that improving the vitamin A status of children aged six months to five years reduced mortality rates by about 23% in populations with at least low prevalence of clinical signs of vitamin A deficiency. The observed effect of supplementation, described in terms of relative risk (RR), was RR =0.77 (95% confidence interval 0.68–0.88; p < .001) and did not differ by sex or age. However, the number of lives saved was greater at younger ages because of higher mortality. A significant RR was shown for deaths attributed to diarrhoea and measles, but not for respiratory infection. Variability among the trials in effects was apparent, but attempts to explain it by descriptors of the population (baseline anthropometric status, prevalence of xerophthalmia, age profile, baseline mortality) were unsuccessful. Owing to the lack of data, firm conclusions could not be reached about effectiveness in children of less than six months and in settings where biochemical but not clinical evidence of vitamin A deficiency exists. Information about morbidity outcomes from about two dozen studies was reviewed. No consistent effects on frequency or prevalence of diarrhoeal and respiratory infections were found. Improvement in vitamin A status did appear to reduce severe morbidity, particularly in children with measles.
Developing a Simple 3-Day Insulin Delivery Device to Meet the Needs of People With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Lilly Leslie C. , Mader Julia K. , Warner Jay 
Published: November 2018

Aim: We sought to design an insulin delivery method that would overcome barriers to insulin therapy and meet the needs of the users, adults with diabetes, and their health care providers (HCPs). Methods: We conducted focus groups and human factors studies with users to learn about their needs and requirements. We then designed an insulin delivery device, PAQ, with features that met the user’s requirements. Iterative design and human factors testing (HFT) was performed with adults with diabetes on ⩾2 injections/day and HCPs. In parallel, studies were conducted to identify an adhesive that stayed adhered for 3 days and caused minimal, if any, dermal irritation. Pilot clinical studies were then initiated. Results: Users want a way to administer insulin that is simple, discreet, safe, and effective. A summative HFT found the device was easy to learn and use. All participants (30/30, 100%) successfully completed the key performance measures tested. An adhesive validation study in 30 adults with diabetes found 90% of the devices remained adhered to the participant’s application site at the end of 3 days with minimal skin irritation. Data from 3 clinical studies revealed 74-75% transitioned from injectable insulin to the device with the first fixed basal rate selected, improved glycemic control, and participants’ satisfaction with the device. Conclusion: The collective data from the HFT, adhesive, and clinical studies demonstrated that the device provides a method of insulin delivery that overcomes barriers to injectable insulin, meets the needs of the user, and achieves glycemic control.
Apremilast in Combination With an Interleukin 17A Inhibitor in the Treatment of Recalcitrant Palmoplantar Psoriasis
Authors: Alomran Abdulaziz , Zancanaro Pedro , Prussick Lisa , Abudu Minawaer , Her Min Ji , Kachuk Courtney , Dumont Nicole , Gottlieb Alice B. , Rosmarin David 
Published: November 2018

Background: Palmoplantar psoriasis (PPP) is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory disorder affecting the palms and soles. Despite marked improvement in patient outcomes with use of biologic therapies, PPP remains hard to treat as the efficacy of systemic agents does not fully carry over to PPP trials. Methods: The study was approved by the institutional review board of Tufts Medical Center. It is a retrospective chart review of patients seen in Tufts Medical Center’s dermatology outpatient clinic who met the criteria of being diagnosed with PPP and received an anti-interleukin 17 A (IL-17A) concurrently with apremilast for a period of no less than 12 weeks. Four patients who met the criteria were included in the study, and descriptive analysis was performed due to the small sample size. Results: All 4 patients analyzed showed improvement in Palmoplantar Physician Global Assessment (PPPGA) while on combination apremilast and anti-IL17A therapy. Prior to anti-IL17A therapy, the first 3 patients had baseline PPPGAs of mild to severe. They then had PPPGAs of moderate while on anti-IL17A therapy and PPPGAs of clear/almost clear while on the combination of anti-IL17A therapy and apremilast. Patient 4 had a PPPGA of almost clear while on adalimumab, methotrexate, and acitretin and a PPPGA of clear after treatment with ixekizumab, apremilast, and methotrexate. Minimal side effects were reported on combination treatment. Conclusion: All 4 patients who were treated with combination anti-IL17A and apremilast achieved a PPPGA of clear or almost clear. Although the sample size is small, these encouraging results merit further investigation into combination therapy in the treatment of recalcitrant PPP.
Impact of intravenous exenatide infusion for perioperative blood glucose control on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injuries after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: sub study of the phase II/III ExSTRESS randomized trial
Authors: Besch Guillaume , Perrotti Andrea , Salomon du Mont Lucie , Puyraveau Marc , Ben-Said Xavier , Baltres Maude , Barrucand Benoit , Flicoteaux Guillaume , Vettoretti Lucie , Samain Emmanuel , Chocron Sidney , Pili-Floury Sebastien 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Background
The aim of the study was to investigate whether intravenous (iv) infusion of exenatide, a synthetic GLP-1 receptor agonist, could provide a protective effect against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Methods
A sub study analysis of patients > 18 years admitted for elective CABG and included in the ExSTRESS trial was conducted. Patients were randomized to receive either iv exenatide (1-h bolus of 0.05 µg min−1 followed by a constant infusion of 0.025 µg min−1) (exenatide group) or iv insulin therapy (control group) for blood glucose control (target range 100–139 mg dl−1) during the first 48 h after surgical incision. All serum levels of troponin I measured during routine care in the Cardiac Surgery ICU were recorded. The primary outcome was the highest value of plasma concentration of troponin I measured between 12 and 24 h after ICU admission. The proportion of patients presenting an echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) > 50% at the follow-up consultation was compared between the two groups.

Results
Finally, 43 and 49 patients were analyzed in the control and exenatide groups, respectively {age: 69 [61–76] versus 71 [63–75] years; baseline LVEF < 50%: 6 (14%) versus 16 (32%) patients; on-pump surgery: 29 (67%) versus 33 (67%) patients}. The primary outcome did not significantly differ between the two groups (3.34 [1.06–6.19] µg l−1 versus 2.64 [1.29–3.85] µg l−1 in the control and exenatide groups, respectively; mean difference (MD) [95% confidence interval (95% CI)] 0.16 [− 0.25; 0.57], p = 0.54). The highest troponin value measured during the first 72 h in the ICU was 6.34 [1.36–10.90] versus 5.04 [2.39–7.18] µg l−1, in the control and exenatide groups respectively (MD [95% CI] 0.20 [− 0.22; 0.61], p = 0.39). At the follow-up consultation, 5 (12%) versus 8 (16%) patients presented a LVEF < 50% in the control and in the exenatide groups respectively (relative risk [95% CI] 0.68 [0.16; 2.59], p = 0.56).

Conclusions
Postoperative iv exenatide did not provide any additional cardioprotective effect compared to iv insulin in low-risk patients undergoing scheduled CABG surgery.
Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01969149, date of registration: January 7th, 2015; EudraCT No. 2009-009254-25 A, date of registration: January 6th, 2009
Observing supermassive black holes in virtual reality
Authors: Davelaar Jordy , Bronzwaer Thomas , Kok Daniel , Younsi Ziri , Mościbrodzka Monika , Falcke Heino 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWe present a 360∘ (i.e., 4π steradian) general-relativistic ray-tracing and radiative transfer calculations of accreting supermassive black holes. We perform state-of-the-art three-dimensional general-relativistic magnetohydrodynamical simulations using the code, subsequently post-processing this data with the radiative transfer code . All relativistic and general-relativistic effects, such as Doppler boosting and gravitational redshift, as well as geometrical effects due to the local gravitational field and the observer’s changing position and state of motion, are therefore calculated self-consistently. Synthetic images at four astronomically-relevant observing frequencies are generated from the perspective of an observer with a full 360∘ view inside the accretion flow, who is advected with the flow as it evolves. As an example we calculated images based on recent best-fit models of observations of Sagittarius A*. These images are combined to generate a complete 360∘ Virtual Reality movie of the surrounding environment of the black hole and its event horizon. Our approach also enables the calculation of the local luminosity received at a given fluid element in the accretion flow, providing important applications in, e.g., radiation feedback calculations onto black hole accretion flows. In addition to scientific applications, the 360∘ Virtual Reality movies we present also represent a new medium through which to interactively communicate black hole physics to a wider audience, serving as a powerful educational tool.
Advanced Age Redistributes Positive but Not Negative Leg Joint Work during Walking
Authors: WAANDERS JEROEN B. , HORTOBÁGYI TIBOR , MURGIA ALESSIO , DEVITA PAUL , FRANZ JASON R. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Advanced age brings a distal-to-proximal redistribution of positive joint work during walking that is relevant to walking performance and economy. It is unclear whether negative joint work is similarly redistributed in old age. Negative work can affect positive work through elastic energy return in gait. We determined the effects of age, walking speed, and grade on positive and negative joint work in young and older adults.

Methods
Bilateral ground reaction force and marker data were collected from healthy young (age = 22.5 yr, n = 18) and older (age = 76.0 yr, n = 22) adults walking on a split-belt instrumented treadmill at 1.1, 1.4, and 1.7 m·s−1 at each of three grades (0%, 10%, and −10%). Subjects also performed maximal voluntary eccentric, isometric, and concentric contractions for the knee extensors (120°·s−1, 90°·s−1, and 0°·s−1) and plantarflexors (90°·s−1, 30°·s−1, and 0°·s−1).

Results
Compared with young adults, older adults exhibited a distal-to-proximal redistribution of positive leg joint work during level (P < 0.001) and uphill (P < 0.001) walking, with larger differences at faster walking speeds. However, the distribution of negative joint work was unaffected by age during level (P = 0.150) and downhill (P = 0.350) walking. Finally, the age-related loss of maximal voluntary knee extensor (P < 0.001) and plantarflexor (P = 0.001) strength was smaller during an eccentric contraction versus concentric contraction for the knee extensors (P < 0.001) but not for the plantarflexors (P = 0.320).

Conclusion
The distal-to-proximal redistribution of positive joint work during level and uphill walking is absent for negative joint work during level and downhill walking. Exercise prescription should focus on improving ankle muscle function while preserving knee muscle function in older adults trying to maintain their independence.
The role of fetal movement counting and ‘kick charts’ to reduce stillbirths in pregnancies ≥28 weeks’ gestation
Authors: Callaghan Shauna 
Published: November 2018

Background Stillbirths represent a significant global issue, with 2.6 million cases reported in 2015. Stillbirths are often unexplained and preceded by changes in fetal movement patterns. Fetal movement counting methods may be used to monitor maternally perceived fetal movement to identify pregnancies at increased risk. Aims This article reports on an in-depth, evidence-based practice review conducted to investigate the relationship between fetal movement counting and stillbirth rates. Methods A comprehensive search of online databases was undertaken to identify relevant literature using keywords. The results were then appraised. Findings Although a lack of conclusive evidence exists to support or refute the routine implementation of fetal movement counting to reduce stillbirth, indirect evidence suggests that increased maternal and professional awareness of fetal movement may assist in reducing stillbirth rates. Conclusions Further research is required to develop an appropriate definition of reduced fetal movement, and to determine the potential implications of fetal movement counting as a diagnostic screening tool to reduce stillbirths.
Total hip arthroplasty through an anterior approach
Authors: Kyriakopoulos Georgios , Poultsides Lazaros , Christofilopoulos Panayiotis 
Published: November 2018

Total hip arthroplasty through an anterior approach has been increasing in popularity amongst surgeons and patients. Anterior approach hip arthroplasty seems to offer improved early outcomes in terms of pain, rehabilitation and length of stay. No difference in long-term outcomes has been shown between anterior and posterior or lateral approaches. Proper formal training, utilization of fluoroscopy and adequate experience can mitigate risks of complications and improve early and medium-term outcomes.Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2018;3:574-583. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.3.180023.