bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Substitution urethroplasty for the treatment of male urethral stricture: Outcomes in an Australian center
Authors: Al‐Hakeem Yasser , Chung Amanda , Chung Belinda , Tse Vincent 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectiveThis study evaluated the outcomes of urethroplasty performed in male patients by a single surgeon.MethodsA retrospective review of male patients who underwent substitution urethroplasty by a single surgeon was performed. Baseline and perioperative parameters were recorded. Follow‐up involved a pericatheter urethrogram at 3 weeks, a flow study at 8 weeks, and cystoscopic calibration within 6 to 12 months. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the Patient Global Impression of Improvement questionnaire. Primary outcome was functional success, as defined by no need for further intervention. Secondary outcomes were complications, patient satisfaction, and factors associated with stricture recurrence.ResultsSixty male patients were included; two were lost to follow‐up. Median patient age was 47 years (range 17–83 years). Mean stricture length was 5 cm (range 1.5–18 cm). Urethroplasty was performed using buccal mucosa graft repair in 53 patients (92%), flap repair in three patients (5%), and a combination of both techniques in two patients (3%). All complications were Clavien–Dindo Grade I to III, recorded in 20 patients (34%). At a mean follow‐up of 50 months (range 12–124 months), functional success was evident in 90% of patients. Cystoscopic calibration at 6 to 18 months was performed in 28 patients (49%). Most patients (93%) reported a better quality of life after the procedure. Oral complications were low grade and uncommon (6%). Stricture recurrence was not related to age, stricture length, or etiology (all P > 0.05).ConclusionsSubstitution urethroplasty has a high success rate, durable response, and high patient satisfaction. Standardization of surveillance protocol after urethroplasty is recommended.
Disease severity and blood cytokine concentrations in dogs with natural Babesia rossi infection
Authors: Leisewitz Andrew , Goddard Amelia , De Gier Jill , Van Engelshoven Jessica , Clift Sarah , Thompson Peter , Schoeman Johan P. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimsBabesia rossi causes severe disease in dogs. Here, we describe the association between serum cytokine concentrations and disease severity.MethodsSeventeen controls and 55 PCR confirmed B rossi‐infected dogs were included. Diseased dogs were subdivided into 23 critically ill and 32 relatively well cases. Serum concentrations of 11 cytokines and biochemical markers of disease severity were determined.ResultsSignificant differences were detected for IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, MCP‐1 and TNF‐α between the groups. Generally, the more complicated the disease, the more pro‐inflammatory the cytokine milieu. IL‐8 showed a reverse trend and was negatively correlated with disease severity. IL‐6, MCP‐1 and TNF‐α were also significantly higher in the dogs that died (n = 9) compared to the dogs that survived (n = 46). IL‐8 showed the opposite. MCP‐1 and TNF‐α were negatively correlated with biochemical markers of severity. Glucose was negatively correlated with IL‐6. Cortisol, peripheral parasite density and band neutrophil count were positively correlated, whilst thyroid hormone was negatively correlated with IL‐6, MCP‐1 and TNF‐α.ConclusionsAs in malaria and sepsis, B rossi infection induces a pro‐inflammatory cytokine storm that correlates with disease severity and adverse outcome. The multiplicity of cytokines involved argues for redundancy in the system once the disease is established.
On Successful Communication, Intentions and False Beliefs
Authors: VALENTE MATHEUS 
Published: May 2019

AbstractI discuss a criterion for successful communication between a speaker and a hearer put forward by Buchanan according to which there is communicative success only if the hearer entertains, as a result of interpreting the speaker’s utterance, a thought that has the same truth conditions as the thought asserted by the speaker and, furthermore, does so in virtue of recognizing the speaker’s communicative intentions. I argue, against Buchanan, that the data on which it is based are compatible with a view involving Fregean modes of presentation. In the second part of the article I critically discuss Unnsteinsson’s claim that communicative success depends on the absence of contextually salient false distinctness beliefs about the subject matter of the conversation. I argue that this thesis leads to clearly counterintuitive consequences and that no fundamental role must be given to the presence or absence of false distinctness beliefs in one’s account of successful communication. The upshot is that we should stick with Buchanan’s criterion. I conclude by employing Strawson and Recanati’s concepts of linking and merging to show how the criterion I favour is compatible with the fact that, when subjects hold no relevant false distinctness beliefs, communicative success does not seem to be disrupted by the hearer seemingly failing to recognize the speaker’s intentions.
Varicella in Tshuapa Province, Democratic Republic of Congo, 2009–2014
Authors: Leung Jessica , McCollum Andrea M. , Radford Kay , Hughes Christine , Lopez Adriana S. , Guagliardo Sarah Anne J. , Nguete Beatrice , Likafi Toutou , Kabamba Joelle , Malekani Jean , Shongo Lushima Robert , Pukuta Elisabeth , Karhemere Stomy , Muyembe Tamfum Jean Jacques , Reynolds Mary G. , Wemakoy Okitolonda Emile , Schmid D. Scott , Marin Mona 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo describe varicella cases in Tshuapa Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo identified during monkeypox surveillance.MethodsDemographic, clinical and epidemiological data were collected from each suspected monkeypox case 2009–2014. Samples were tested by PCR for both Orthopoxviruses and varicella‐zoster virus (VZV); a subset of VZV‐positive samples was genotyped. We defined a varicella case as a rash illness with laboratory‐confirmed VZV.ResultsThere were 366 varicella cases were identified; 66% were ≤19 years old. Most patients had non‐typical varicella rash with lesions reported as the same size and stage of evolution (86%), deep and profound (91%), on palms of hands and/or soles of feet (86%) and not itchy (49%). Many had non‐typical signs and symptoms, such as lymphadenopathy (70%) and sensitivity to light (23%). A higher proportion of persons aged ≥20 years than persons aged ≤19 years had ≥50 lesions (79% vs. 65%, P = 0.007) and were bedridden (15% vs. 9%, P = 0.056). All VZV isolates genotyped from 79 varicella cases were clade 5. During the surveillance period, one possible VZV‐related death occurred in a 7‐year‐old child.ConclusionsA large proportion of patients presented with non‐typical varicella rash and clinical signs and symptoms, highlighting challenges identifying varicella in an area with endemic monkeypox. Continued surveillance and laboratory diagnosis will help in rapid identification and control of both monkeypox and varicella and improve our understanding of varicella epidemiology in Africa.
The ethylene response factor VaERF092 from Amur grape regulates the transcription factor VaWRKY33, improving cold tolerance
Authors: Sun Xiaoming , Zhang Langlang , Wong Darren C. J. , Wang Yi , Zhu Zhenfei , Xu Guangzhao , Wang Qingfeng , Li Shaohua , Liang Zhenchang , Xin Haiping 
Published: May 2019

SummaryCold stress is a major limiting factor in grape (Vitis) productivity. In this study, we characterized a cold‐responsive ethylene response factor (ERF) transcription factor, VaERF092, from Amur grape (Vitis amurensis). VaERF092 expression was induced by both low temperatures and the ethylene precursor 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate (ACC), but was suppressed by treatment with the ethylene inhibitor aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) under cold conditions. Ectopic expression of VaERF092 in Arabidopsis thaliana enhanced cold tolerance. Co‐expression network analysis of V. vinifera genes indicated that WRKY33 might be a downstream target of VaERF092. This hypothesis was supported by the fact that VaWRKY33 was expressed temporally after VaERF092 expression and could also be induced by cold and ACC, and inhibited by AVG. Yeast one‐hybrid, transient β‐glucuronidase (GUS) and dual‐luciferase reporter assays provided evidence for an interaction between VaERF092 and a GCC‐box element in the VaWRKY33 promoter. In addition, heterologous overexpression of VaWRKY33 in A. thaliana resulted in enhanced cold tolerance. VaERF092‐ and VaWRKY33 overexpressing grape calli showed lower low‐temperature exothermic values than the empty vector (EV) calli, indicating enhanced tolerance to cold. Together, these results indicated that VaERF092 regulates VaWRKY33 through binding to its promoter GCC‐box, leading to enhanced cold stress tolerance.
Greater anemia tolerance among hospitalized females compared to males
Authors: Visagie Mereze , Pearson Kathryn R. , Purvis Taylor E. , Gehrie Eric A. , Resar Linda M.S. , Frank Steven M. 
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUNDAlthough females have a lower baseline hemoglobin (Hb) compared to males, it is unknown whether females have a greater tolerance for anemia when hospitalized. We tested the hypothesis that females tolerate severe anemia better than males, with decreased inpatient mortality in this setting.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWe conducted a retrospective cohort study in 230,644 adult patients admitted to Johns Hopkins Hospital from January 2009 to June 2016. The relationships between nadir Hb and percentage change in Hb with inpatient mortality were assessed for nontransfused males and females. A multivariable logistic regression was used to determine risk‐adjusted differences between males and females for the likelihood of inpatient mortality at nadir Hb levels of 5, 6, and 7 g/dL.RESULTSMales had increased mortality when nadir Hb was 6.0 g/dL or less (p < 0.05), whereas females did not. The risk‐adjusted likelihood for inpatient mortality was greater for males compared to females at a nadir Hb of 6 g/dL or less (odds ratio, 1.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.09‐3.16) (p = 0.02), but this sex‐related difference was not significant at a nadir Hb of 5 or 7 g/dL or less. Inpatient mortality increased significantly in both males and females when the percentage decrease in Hb was greater than 50% from baseline (p < 0.05).CONCLUSIONSCompared to males, females tolerate a lower nadir Hb, but a similar percentage change in Hb, before an increase in inpatient mortality is recognized. The findings suggest that females may be “preconditioned” to tolerate anemia better than males.
Working with women who use force: a feasibility study protocol of the Positive (+)SHIFT group work programme in Australia
Authors: Kertesz Margaret , Humphreys Cathy , Larance Lisa Young , Vicary Dave , Spiteri-Staines Anneliese , Ovenden Georgia 
Published: May 2019

IntroductionThis study assesses the feasibility of the Positive Shift (+SHIFT) programme in the context of legal responses and social welfare provision in the state of Victoria, Australia.The +SHIFT programme, adapted from the Vista curriculum, is a group work and case management programme for women who use force. Building on traditional survivor support group strengths, the programme facilitates participants’ engagement with viable alternatives to force while promoting healing. The study also aims to increase understanding about the characteristics and needs of women who use force in Australia.Methods and analysisThis feasibility study will assess the +SHIFT programme’s appropriateness in addressing women’s use of force in the Victorian context. Process evaluation will be undertaken to identify recruitment, retention, women’s participation, barriers to implementation, the appropriateness of proposed outcome measures and other issues. The feasibility of an outcome evaluation which would employ a longitudinal mixed methods design with measures administered at preprogramme, programme completion and 3 months postprogramme time points, along with semistructured interviews with participants, programme staff and referring professionals, will also be assessed.Ethics and disseminationResearch ethics approval was obtained from the University of Melbourne Human Research Ethics Committee. Results of the study will be communicated to the programme providers as part of the action research process evaluation methodology. On completion, final results will be reported to programme providers and funding bodies, and published in academic journals and presented at national and international conferences.
Adaptations to support occupational engagement with age-related vision loss: A metasynthesis study
Authors: McGrath Colleen E. , Corrado Ann Marie 
Published: May 2019

Background. Age-related vision loss (ARVL) is a progressive process that adversely affects older adults’ occupational engagement. As such, older adults often employ a variety of psychological adaptation strategies. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to identify those psychological adaptation strategies employed by older adults aging with ARVL. Method. This metasynthesis searched and identified 21 qualitative articles that described a link between psychological adaptation strategies and occupational engagement. Findings. The psychological strategies identified were categorized into five themes. The strategies of persisting with hope, positivity, and acceptance and portraying a self-image consistent with independence, competence, and self-reliance were well established in the literature, while other themes were more emerging, such as using humour, relying on religious/spiritual beliefs, and comparing the self to others. Implications. By understanding the psychological adaptation strategies employed by older adults with ARVL, occupational therapists will be better positioned to guide their clients toward positive adaptive patterns.
Depression and risk of disability pension: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Amiri Sohrab , Behnezhad Sepideh 
Published: May 2019

Background and objective Depression is a common mental disorder that leads to undesirable consequences. The study of the role of depression in disability pension can provide valuable insights. This study was conducted with the goal of systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between depression and disability pension. Methods PubMed, Scopus, PsycInfo, and Google Scholar databases were systematically searched until March 2018. Fifteen prospective cohort studies were selected and included in the meta-analysis. The random-effects method was used to combine the studies. Subgroup analysis was performed, and publication bias was also examined. Results Depression was a risk factor for disability pension (pooled risk ratio =1.68 and 95% confidence interval = 1.50–1.88). In men, pooled risk ratio was 1.82 for the effect of depression on the risk of disability pension (95% confidence interval = 1.45–2.28). In women, pooled risk ratio was 1.62 (95% confidence interval = 1.31–2.02). The results showed that there is publication bias. Conclusions Depression is a factor for retirement due to disability. Therefore, the prevention and treatment of depression can reduce socioeconomic and psychological consequences imposed on society.
Symptoms and anxiety predict declining health-related quality of life in multiple myeloma: A prospective, multi-centre longitudinal study
Authors: Ramsenthaler Christina , Gao Wei , Siegert Richard J , Edmonds Polly M , Schey Stephen A , Higginson Irene J 
Published: May 2019

Background: Patients with multiple myeloma, an incurable haematological cancer, often receive palliative care only late in their trajectory. Criteria for early referral are lacking. Aim: To identify which patients might benefit from early integration, by identifying trajectories of health-related quality of life and the determinants for declining or poor Health related quality of life . Design: Prospective, longitudinal cohort study. Participants: Multiple myeloma patients at all stages (newly diagnosed, first-line or second-line treatment, early or later treatment-free interval, refractory disease) from in- and outpatient units at 14 hospitals in England were recruited. In addition to clinical information and standardised Health related quality of life and psychological aspects, the Myeloma Patient Outcome Scale (MyPOS) measured palliative care concerns. Results: A total of 238 patients were recruited, on average 3.5 years ( SD: 3.4) post-diagnosis. Latent mixture growth models identified four Health related quality of life trajectories. Classes 3 and 4 represent trajectories of stable poor Health related quality of life or declining Health related quality of life over an 8-month period. The strongest predictors of poor outcome at the end of follow-up were general symptom level (odds ratio (OR): 1.3, 95% CI: 1.0–1.6, p = 0.028), presence of clinically relevant anxiety (OR: 1.2, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0–1.4, p = 0.019), and presence of pain (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.0–1.1, p = 0.018), all being more predictive than demographic or clinical characteristics. Conclusion: General symptom level, pain and presence of anxiety predict declining Health related quality of life in multiple myeloma. Identification of patients with palliative care needs should focus on assessing patient-reported symptoms and psychosocial well-being for identifying those at risk of deterioration.
Aromatherapy, massage and reflexology: A systematic review and thematic synthesis of the perspectives from people with palliative care needs
Authors: Armstrong Megan , Flemming Kate , Kupeli Nuriye , Stone Patrick , Wilkinson Susie , Candy Bridget 
Published: May 2019

Background: Effectiveness evidence of complementary therapies in people with advanced disease is uncertain, and yet people are still keen to engage in complementary therapy. Insights into people’s experiences of complementary therapy in palliative care, the perceived benefits, and how they want it delivered, can inform clinical guidelines and suggest ways to test therapies more appropriately in future evaluations. Aims: Explore in people with advanced disease (1) the experiences and perceptions of benefits and harms of aromatherapy, massage, and reflexology and (2) how they would like these therapies delivered. Design: A systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies. Database search terms were related to palliative care, aromatherapy, reflexology and massage. Citations and full texts were reviewed independently against predefined inclusion criteria. Studies were appraised for quality. This review is registered at PROSPERO (22/11/2017 CRD42017081409). Data sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, AMED, CINAHL, KoreaMed and ProQuest with a bibliography search to June 2018. Results: Five qualitative studies in advanced cancer were identified. Three analytical themes were identified: (1) Experience during the therapy (enhanced well-being and escapism), (2) beyond the complementary therapy session (lasting benefits and overall evaluation), and (3) delivery of complementary therapy in palliative care (value of the therapist and delivery of the complementary therapy). Conclusions: People with advanced cancer experience benefits from aromatherapy, reflexology and massage including enhanced well-being, respite, and escapism from their disease. Complementary therapy interventions should be developed in consultation with the target population to ensure they are delivered and evaluated, where feasible, as they wish.
Age at Time of Surgery but Not Sex Is Related to Outcomes After Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Hiemstra Laurie A. , Kerslake Sarah 
Published: May 2019

Background:Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction has become a well-accepted procedure for recurrent patellofemoral instability. Despite a growing volume of research assessing surgical results, the relationship of age and sex to outcomes after MPFL reconstruction surgery is unclear.Purpose:To investigate whether age at the time of surgery or sex influenced patient-reported quality of life and clinical outcome after MPFL reconstruction for recurrent lateral patellofemoral instability.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Between January 2010 and May 2016, 328 patients underwent primary patellofemoral stabilization. Demographic and clinical data were collected preoperatively. Patients completed the Banff Patellofemoral Instability Instrument (BPII) at the pre- and postoperative visits and were assessed clinically at 12 and 24 months. To assess the effects of age at surgery and sex on BPII, multiple linear regression models were fit predicting BPII at 12 and 24 months. An unadjusted regression was applied with the predictors being age at the time of surgery and sex. A second regression model was applied adjusting for age at first dislocation, grade of trochlear dysplasia, knee hyperextension, and the WARPS/STAID score—a measure of the risky patellofemoral instability characteristics of the patient.Results:Of 328 patients, 298 (91%) had complete data and minimum 12-month BPII scores available for analysis. There were 11 redislocations in the cohort (3.4%), all in female patients. When stratified by sex, baseline characteristics were not statistically different except for higher age at first dislocation ( P = .022) as well as higher WARPS/STAID scores ( P = .006) for males. Age at the time of surgery was statistically significant for each postoperative follow-up, with lower BPII scores apparent for each 10-year increase in age at the time of surgery. In the adjusted model, the WARPS/STAID score was significantly associated with the preoperative BPII score. For the 24-month postoperative BPII scores, age at time of surgery and preoperative WARPS/STAID score were both significant. Lower BPII scores were apparent for each 10-year increase in age at the time of surgery, as well as for lower scores on the WARPS/STAID classification.Conclusion:This study demonstrated that when adjusted for risky pathoanatomy, neither age at first dislocation nor sex influences patient-reported quality of life outcomes after MPFL reconstruction. Age at the time of surgery was correlated with outcome, with lower BPII scores apparent for each 10-year increase in age at the time of MPFL reconstruction.