bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Skeletal growth, body composition, and metabolic risk among North Sudanese immigrant children
Authors: Alasagheirin Mohammad H. , Clark Mary K. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectivesChildren of immigrants and refugees from developing countries are at risk for poor growth that could contribute to adult chronic disease. This study describes the physical growth, bone growth, body composition, metabolic risks, physical activity, and food security of Sudanese children living in the United States.Design and SampleCross‐sectional descriptive study of 64 Sudanese children age 5–18.MeasuresBone mineral content (BMC), bone density (aBMD), and body composition (fat, lean mass, percent body fat) were measured using DXA. Lipids, insulin, glucose, and hs‐CRP were analyzed using standardized laboratory methods. Food security was assessed with the U.S. Household Food Security Survey. Physical activity was measured through self‐report questionnaire and pedometers.ResultsAbout 1/3 of children had low BMC and aBMD. Lean mass was low in 46%, and 32% were obese. Cholesterol, triglycerides, and HOMA‐IR were elevated in 23.4%, 32.8%, and 15.6% of children, respectively; only 22% of children were physically active and 40% experienced food insecurity.ConclusionSudanese children may have unique risks related to low bone mass low muscle mass, high percent body fat metabolic biomarkers, inactivity, and food insecurity potentially contributing to adult osteoporosis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Experience of migrant care and needs for cultural competence training among public health workers in Korea
Authors: Chae Duckhee , Lee Jina , Asami Keiko , Kim Hyunlye 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectiveThis study explored the experiences of public health workers (PHWs) providing health care for migrants living in Korea and clarified needs for cultural competence training.Design and SampleTwenty‐six PHWs from five public health centers in Gwangju city, South Korea, participated in this exploratory qualitative study.MethodsFive semi‐structured focus group interviews of PHWs were conducted from September to December 2016. A directed content analysis approach was conducted using four categories: perceived characteristics of migrants, interaction between PHWs and migrants, interaction between PHWs and organizations/systems, and cultural competence training needs.ResultsPHWs perceived that migrants lacked autonomy in health decisions and awareness of health behaviors. PHWs experienced difficulties in communicating and in establishing trusting relationships. They found clients hard to reach and easy to miss, a lack of continuity in health care programs, and inadequate human and material resources. They preferred passive teaching methods to activity‐based simulation. PHWs believed essential training should be provided through e‐learning to all PHWs, including management.ConclusionPHWs reported experiencing multiple challenges from a lack of preparedness for culturally competent care and their clients’ vulnerability. Development of cultural competence training is suggested through e‐learning that reflects the PHWs’ experiences and provides systematic support.
Quantitative differences detected in the histology of galls induced by the same aphid species in different varieties of the same host
Authors: Martinez J.‐J. I. , Moreno‐González V. , Jonas‐Levi A. , Álvarez R. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Plant galls are abnormal growths caused by an inducer that determines their morphology and anatomy. We qualitatively and quantitatively compared the histological anatomy of five aphid species (Paracletus cimiciformis, Forda marginata, Forda formicaria, Baizongia pistaciae and Geoica wertheimae) that induce galls in Pistacia terebinthus shrubs growing in Israel. We also quantitatively compared these galls to those that the aphids create on the same host in Spain.

Histological study was conducted following methods described previously by the authors.

Quantitative differences among the galls were found in five of 12 common anatomical traits: gall thickness, stomatal number in the epidermis‐air, size of vascular bundles, distance of phloem ducts from the lumen and number of intraphloematic schizogenous ducts. Other structures were particular to one or some species: number of cracks in the epidermis–lumen, a sclereid layer, trichomes and microcrystal inclusions. Fisher's tests of combined probabilities showed that the galls induced in Israel were statistically different from those in Spain. In particular, the number of intraphloematic schizogenous ducts was higher in the galls induced in P. terebinthus in Israel. Such differences were also found in other traits related to defence of the gall inhabitant.

In conclusion, while the gall shape and size are determined mainly by the cecidogenic insect, it seems that the host plant also plays an important role in determining the number/size of quantitative traits, in this case mainly protective structures.
Effect of a Matter of Balance programme on avoidance behaviour due to fear of falling in older adults
Authors: Sartor‐Glittenberg Cecelia , Bordenave Elton , Bay Curt , Bordenave Lori , Alexander Jeffrey L. 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundFear of falling (FOF) is associated with restricted activities, increased risk of falling, and decreased quality of life. A Matter of Balance (AMOB) is an evidence‐based programme designed to decrease FOF. The current study investigated the influence of the AMOB on activity avoidance caused by FOF in older adults using the Fear of Falling Avoidance Behavior Questionnaire (FFABQ), health‐related quality of life, and a question regarding concerns about falling.MethodsParticipants of this quasi‐experimental, one‐group, pretest–post‐test study design were older adults from community sites in the Phoenix, Arizona, metropolitan area. Participants attended the AMOB programme, which consisted of one weekly 2‐h session for 8 weeks. At the beginning and end of the programme, participants completed the standard AMOB assessments, the FFABQ, the Centers for Disease Control Core Healthy Days Measure (CDC HRQOL‐4), and a question regarding concerns about falling.ResultsSixty‐three participants completed the study; their mean ± SD age was 75.3 ± 7.1 years (range: 60.0–90.0 years), and 84.1% were women. The FFABQ scores decreased from baseline (24.4 ± 12.7 points) to post‐AMOB (20.1 ± 11.9 points; t = 2.62, P = 0.01). No changes in any of the CDC HRQOL‐4 questions were noted (CDC HRQOL‐4 question (Q)1 (z = −1.41, P = 0.16), CDC HRQOL‐4 Q2 and Q3 summary index (z = −1.60, P = 0.11), and CDC HRQOL‐4 Q4 (z = −0.97, P = 0.33)). Concerns about falling decreased from baseline (3.4 ± 0.9 points) to post‐AMOB (2.8 ± 0.8 points; z = −4.09, P < 0.001).ConclusionAvoidance behaviour caused by FOF, as measured by the FFABQ, and concerns about falling decreased in community‐dwelling older adults who participated in the AMOB. Findings support the efficacy of the AMOB for reducing both avoidance behaviour caused by FOF and concerns about falling through an approach that combines education and exercise.
Suvorexant is associated with a low incidence of delirium in critically ill patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Masuyama Tomoyuki , Sanui Masamitsu , Yoshida Naoto , Iizuka Yusuke , Ogi Kunio , Yagihashi Satoko , Nagatomo Kanae , Sasabuchi Yusuke , Lefor Alan K. 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundBenzodiazepine use is a risk factor for the development of delirium in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Suvorexant is an alternative to benzodiazepines to induce sleep, but the incidence of delirium in critically ill patients is unknown. We undertook this retrospective study to investigate the incidence of delirium in patients who receive suvorexant in the ICU.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted in a closed 12‐bed ICU at a tertiary teaching hospital. Patients admitted to the ICU for 72 h or longer between January and June 2015 were evaluated for delirium using the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit tool. We evaluated the incidence of delirium in patients who received suvorexant and those who did not. To adjust for confounding factors, multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted.ResultsStudy subjects included 118 patients, with a median age of 72 years and a median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score of 18 points. Eighty‐two patients (69.5%) were admitted after cardiovascular surgery. In the suvorexant group, there were fewer post‐cardiovascular surgical patients and more medical patients. The duration of mechanical ventilation during ICU stay was longer in the suvorexant group, and sedatives and sleep inducers other than suvorexant were used more frequently in the suvorexant group. The incidence of delirium was 43.8% in the suvorexant group and 58.8% in the non‐suvorexant group (P = 0.149). After adjustment for risk factors using multivariable logistic regression analysis, suvorexant was associated with a lower incidence of delirium (odds ratio = 0.23, 95% confidence interval: 0.07–0.73; P = 0.012).ConclusionsSuvorexant was associated with decreased odds of transitioning to delirium in critically ill patients. The use of suvorexant may lower the incidence of delirium in ICU patients. Future prospective studies are warranted.
Effect of body condition score and reuse of progesterone‐releasing intravaginal devices on conception rate following timed artificial insemination in Nelore cows
Authors: Pereira LL , Ferreira AP , Vale WG , Serique LR , Neves KAL , Morini AC , Monteiro BM , Minervino AHH 
Published: February 2018

ContentsThis study had the aim of investigating the efficiency of timed artificial insemination (TAI) through the progesterone‐releasing intravaginal device (PRID), used in new condition and for the second and third times in Nelore cows. The effects of device reuse and body condition score (BCS) on the conception rate (CR) were evaluated in 1,122 multiparous Nelore cows (mean BCS of 2.7 ± 0.4), which were randomly distributed into three groups that received new (n = 330), once (n = 439) and twice used (n = 353) PRID. Among the 1,122 females that underwent TAI, 573 became pregnant, thus representing an overall CR of 51.06%. Cows with BCS between 2.75 and 4.0 had greater (p < .0001) CR (69.75%) than cows with BSC of 2.0–2.5 (32.98%). It was observed that the CR through using PRID was 60.00%, 51.71% and 41.93% for new, once and twice used PRID, respectively, with difference between all groups (p < .0001). Under tropical conditions, animals with BCS greater than 2.5 had a higher CR, and the CR decreased proportionally with the number of times that the PRID had been used.
Inference for Instrumental Variables: A Randomization Inference Approach
Authors: Kang Hyunseung , Peck Laura , Keele Luke 
Published: February 2018

SummaryThe method of instrumental variables provides a framework to study causal effects in both randomized experiments with non-compliance and in observational studies where natural circumstances produce as if random nudges to accept treatment. Traditionally, inference for instrumental variables relied on asymptotic approximations of the distribution of the Wald estimator or two-stage least squares, often with structural modelling assumptions and/or moment conditions. We utilize the randomization inference approach to instrumental variables inference. First, we outline the exact method, which uses the randomized assignment of treatment in experiments as a basis for inference but lacks a closed form solution and may be computationally infeasible in many applications. We then provide an alternative to the exact method, the almost exact method, which is computationally feasible but retains the advantages of the exact method. We also review asymptotic methods of inference, including those associated with two-stage least squares, and analytically compare them with randomization inference methods. We also perform additional comparisons by using a set of simulations. We conclude with three different applications from the social sciences.
Clinical and genetic features of the patients with X‐Linked agammaglobulinemia from Turkey: Single‐centre experience
Authors: Esenboga S. , Cagdas D. , Ozgur T. T. , Gur Cetinkaya P. , Turkdemir L. M. , Sanal O. , VanDerBurg M. , Tezcan I. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractX‐linked agammaglobulinemia is a primary immunodeficiency disorder resulting from BTK gene mutations. There are many studies in the literature suggesting contradictory ideas about phenotype‐genotype correlation. The aim of this study was to identify the mutations and clinical findings of patients with XLA in Turkey, to determine long‐term complications related to the disease and to analyse the phenotype‐genotype correlation. Thirty‐two patients with XLA diagnosed between 1985 and 2016 in Pediatric Immunology Department of Hacettepe University Ihsan Dogramaci Children's Hospital were investigated. A clinical survey including clinical features of the patients was completed, and thirty‐two patients from 26 different families were included in the study. Getting early diagnosis and regular assessment with imaging techniques seem to be the most important issues for improving the health status of the patients with XLA. Early molecular analysis gives chance for definitive diagnosis and genetic counselling, but not for predicting the clinical severity and prognosis.
Is stiffness related to athletic groin pain?
Authors: Gore S. J. , Franklyn‐Miller A. , Richter C. , Falvey E. C. , King E. , Moran K. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAthletic groin pain (AGP) is a common injury prevalent in field sports. One biomechanical measure that may be of importance for injury risk is stiffness. To date however, stiffness has not been examined in AGP. The primary aim was to determine whether AGP affects vertical and joint stiffness and if so, whether successful rehabilitation is associated with a change in stiffness. Sixty‐five male patients with AGP and fifty male controls were recruited to this study. Assessment included a biomechanical examination of stiffness during a lateral hurdle hop test. Subjects with AGP were tested pre‐ and post‐rehabilitation, while controls were tested once. AGP subjects were cleared for return to play in a median time of 9.14 weeks (5.14‐29.0). Stiffness was significantly different at pre‐rehabilitation in comparison with controls for four of the ten stiffness values examined: ankle plantar flexor, knee extensor, hip abductor, and vertical stiffness (P < .05, D = 0.36‐0.79). Despite clearance for return to play, of these four variables, only hip abductor stiffness changed significantly from pre‐ to post‐rehabilitation (P = .05, D = 0.35) to become non‐significantly different to the uninjured group (P = .18, D = 0.26). These findings suggest that hip abductor stiffness may represent a target for AGP rehabilitation. Conversely, given the clearance for return to play, the lower sagittal plane and vertical stiffness in the AGP group in comparison with the uninjured controls likely represents either a compensatory mechanism to reduce the risk of further injury or a consequence of neuromuscular detraining.
Computing with cognitive spatial frames of reference in GIS
Authors: Scheider Simon , Hahn Jürgen , Weiser Paul , Kuhn Werner 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn everyday communication, people effortlessly translate between spatial cognitive frames of reference. For example, a tourist guide translates from a map (“the fountain is north‐west of the church”) into a cognitive frame for a tourist (“the fountain in front of the church”). While different types of cognitive reference frames and their relevance for language cultures have been studied in considerable depth, we still lack adequate transformation models. In this article, we argue that transformations in current Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are inappropriate to this end. Appropriate transformation models need to go beyond point discretization to take into account vague transformations, in order to deal with forms, sizes, and vagueness of spatial relations relative to ground objects. We argue thatneural fieldsshould be used to denote fuzzy positions, directions, and sizes in a particular frame. We proposefuzzy vector spacesto approximate neural field behavior with affine transformations, including fuzzy translation, rotation, and scaling, in order to efficiently transform between different cognitive perspectives. We use an implementation in Haskell to describe a geographic map from the perspective of six well‐known cognitive frames of reference. Based on these findings, we give an outlook on the principles of a “neural GIS.”
Intravenous iron isomaltoside improves hemoglobin concentration and iron stores in female iron‐deficient blood donors: a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Gybel‐Brask Mikkel , Seeberg Jens , Thomsen Lars L. , Johansson Pär I. 
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUNDThis trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) iron isomaltoside (Monofer) in comparison with placebo in first‐time female blood donors.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThe trial was a prospective, double blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized, comparative, single‐center trial of 85 first‐time female blood donors. The subjects were randomly assigned 1:1 to either 1000 mg IV iron isomaltoside infusion or placebo. The primary endpoint of the trial was change in hemoglobin (Hb) from baseline to right before the third blood donation.RESULTSThe increase in Hb was significantly higher for iron isomaltoside compared with placebo right before both the second blood donation (p = 0.0327) and the third blood donation (primary endpoint, p < 0.0001). Improvements in other iron‐related variables (plasma iron, plasma ferritin, transferrin saturation, and reticulocyte count) in favor of iron isomaltoside were also observed. The trial was not powered on patient‐reported outcomes. However, improvements in iron stores and Hb levels after iron isomaltoside administration were supported by the fact that several of the fatigue symptoms scores showed numerical differences in favor of iron isomaltoside. There were no differences in side effects between the groups.CONCLUSIONIn iron‐deficient female blood donors a single IV iron isomaltoside administration resulted in an improvement in Hb concentration and iron stores and demonstrated a favorable safety profile comparable to placebo.
A field trial in Thailand of the efficacy of oral fluralaner for the treatment of dogs with generalized demodicosis
Authors: Duangkaew Lerpen , Larsuprom Lawan , Anukkul Pojnicha , Lekcharoensuk Chalermpol , Chen Charles 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundGeneralized demodicosis in dogs can be challenging to manage, especially in adult‐onset cases.Hypothesis/objectivesThis study evaluated the efficacy of oral fluralaner at the dose of 25–50 mg/kg for the treatment of canine generalized demodicosis.AnimalsClient‐owned dogs from Bangkok, Thailand, diagnosed with generalized demodicosis according to published criteria.MethodsDeep skin scrapings were performed at three to five affected areas to evaluate numbers of mites. Repeat examinations were performed monthly until parasitological cure; dogs were then followed up for two to 12 months. Parasitological cure was defined as two negative skin scrapings achieved one month apart.ResultsOne hundred and fifteen dogs were included in the study, 73 with adult‐onset demodicosis and 42 with juvenile‐onset demodicosis. Twenty one dogs were lost to follow‐up and 27 had one negative skin scraping but did not return. Sixty seven dogs (21 with juvenile‐onset and 46 with adult‐onset disease) reached parasitological cure, which occurred after two, three and four months in 63%, 85% and 100% (respectively) of dogs with adult‐onset demodicosis, cumulatively, and after two and three months in 81% and 100% of dogs with juvenile‐onset demodicosis. Underlying causes associated with adult‐onset demodicosis included atopic dermatitis, neoplasia, metabolic diseases and idiopathy. No adverse effects of fluralaner were observed in any of the dogs.ConclusionFluralaner given at the label dose for flea and tick prevention is effective for the treatment of canine generalized demodicosis.
Donor understandings of blood and the body in relation to more frequent donation
Authors: Lynch R. , Cohn S. 
Published: February 2018

Background and objectivesThe INTERVAL trial aimed to find the optimum frequency of blood donation to enhance blood supplies and maintain donor health. This not only requires biological knowledge, but also an appreciation of donor perspectives, and how their experiences and beliefs might be central if any changes are ever to be made. To address this, trial participants were interviewed about their ideas of blood and the body in relation to their experiences of increased donation frequency.Materials and methodsThirty in depth face‐to‐face interviews conducted with blood donors participating in the trial.ResultsThree key themes emerged: ideas about how blood and iron reserves are replenished, and what people did to facilitate this; beliefs about physiological differences relating to age and gender; and practical issues that affected the experience of donation. Overall, participants interviewed welcomed more frequent donation, despite a range of pragmatic concerns.ConclusionDespite some practical obstacles, increased donation frequency aligned with participant's ideas about bodily replenishment, the value of donation, and their identity as enduring blood donors. They therefore supported the idea of increasing frequency of donation, independently of the biomedical evidence from the trial itself.
Hepatitis C: from discovery to cure
Authors: Li Y. , Li S. , Duan X. , Yang C. , Xu M. , Chen L. 
Published: February 2018

Background and ObjectivesWith a prevalence of approximately 71 million infected individuals globally, chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the major causes of chronic hepatitis leading to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review aimed to summarize the general history of HCV and provide a perspective on future journey of HCV.Materials and MethodsWe searched for articles published in periodicals, monographs and edited books with the key words including ‘non‐A, non‐B hepatitis’, ‘HCV’, ‘interferon’ and ‘direct‐antiviral agents (DAAs)’. And the data emphasized HCV emergence, identification, treatment, epidemiology as well as the cellular and animal models leading to the eradication of HCV infections, were summarized.Results and ConclusionThe battle against hepatitis C is destined to be recorded in history as one of science's remarkable success. Although the revolutionary direct‐antiviral agents (DAAs) are able to cure more than 95% of HCV patients, access to diagnosis and therapy remains improved. More efforts should be made to promote HCV screening, treatment delivery and vaccine development.