bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti‐inflammatory potency testing of topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors in human volunteers sensitized to diphenylcyclopropenone
Authors: Mose Kristian F. , Andersen Flemming , Røpke Mads A. , Skov Lone , Friedmann Peter S. , Andersen Klaus E. 
Published: April 2018

AimsTo quantify the anti‐inflammatory potency of topical corticosteroids and topical calcineurin inhibitors by measuring the contact allergic response to a diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) challenge in de novo sensitized human volunteers.MethodsTwo randomized, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled studies were performed encompassing 76 volunteers: 29 in the first and 47 in the second study. Topical drugs were applied pre‐ and/or post‐treatment in block designs. The compounds were tested simultaneously under occluded patch tests covering DPCP‐induced dermatitis. Inhibitory responses were assessed by visual scoring and measurements of the oedema thickness with ultrasound.ResultsWhen applied both before and after the DPCP challenge, significant anti‐inflammatory effects were seen in descending order for tacrolimus 0.1% ointment, clobetasol propionate ointment, betamethasone valerate ointment and hydrocortisone butyrate ointment, while pimecrolimus cream, hydrocortisone ointment and vehicles had no significant effect. Only tacrolimus ointment (P < 0.01) demonstrated a consistent significant pre‐treatment inhibitory effect compared with an untreated DPCP control.ConclusionsThis human testing method in which the inflammation of experimentally induced allergic patch test reactions is quantified by objective measurement allows an analysis of the anti‐inflammatory potency of not only topical corticosteroids, but also of drugs that have no effect on vasoconstriction. The method allowed comparison of the potencies of four topical corticosteroids and two calcineurin inhibitors.
Participatory and incremental development in an African local government accounting reform
Authors: Lassou Philippe J. C. , Hopper Trevor , Soobaroyen Teerooven , Wynne Andrew 
Published: April 2018

AbstractDespite significant donor funding, government accounting reforms seeking transparent and effective management of public resources often fail or have limited success, especially in Africa, prompting questions about donors’ implementation approach and calls for studies of successful reforms. This paper investigates a local government accounting reform in Benin supported by a German development agency–perceived as successful due to the participatory, pragmatic, and incremental approach reinforced by conditionalities in the face of neo‐patrimonial leadership.
An improved damage model using the construction technology of virtual load spectrum and its statistical analysis
Authors: Ye N.H. , He Y. , Deng X. , Cheng C.C. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn this work, an improved damage model based on construction technology of virtual load spectrum is developed. A predetermined reliability index is used as the termination criterion to calculate the fatigue life, and the results of statistical analysis have shown that the accuracy of fatigue life prediction result has been greatly improved. The model is targeting cyclic loading applications. The main advantage of the model is the use of construction technology of virtual load spectrum for expanding load spectrum and the Monte Carlo method for correcting fatigue damage. Another advantage concerns the link between predetermined reliability criterion and the fatigue life, which puts forward a new method of calculating fatigue life. The convergence proof of the model is presented, and physical experiment data are shown for validation. Several illustrative examples are presented to confirm the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed damage model.
Trajectories of arterial stiffness and all‐cause mortality among community‐dwelling older Japanese
Authors: Taniguchi Yu , Kitamura Akihiko , Shinozaki Tomohiro , Seino Satoshi , Yokoyama Yuri , Narita Miki , Amano Hidenori , Matsuyama Yutaka , Fujiwara Yoshinori , Shinkai Shoji 
Published: April 2018

AimAortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a strong predictor of all‐cause mortality in later life. The present prospective study used repeated measures analysis to examine sex‐specific age trends in brachial‐ankle PWV (baPWV), identify baPWV trajectories and determine whether potential baPWV trajectories were associated with all‐cause mortality among community‐dwelling older Japanese.MethodsA total of 1744 adults (mean age 71.0 years [SD 5.8 years]; 57.0% women) aged 65–90 years participated in annual geriatric health assessments during the period from April 2003 through July 2015. The average number of follow‐up assessments was 4.3, and the total number of observations was 7419. We checked local registries to identify deaths from any cause; 289 (16.6%) participants died during the period through December 2015.ResultsbaPWV similarly and significantly increased with advancing age in men and women. We identified four distinct trajectory patterns (very high, high, moderate, and low) in adults aged 65–90 years, and these trajectories showed parallel increases. After adjusting for important confounders, participants in the moderate, high and very high baPWV trajectory groups had hazard ratios of 1.12 (95% CI 0.84–1.44), 1.04 (95% CI 0.74–1.45) and 1.98 (95% CI 1.20–3.29), respectively, for all‐cause mortality, as compared with those in the low trajectory group.ConclusionsbaPWV increased with age in men and women, and there was no significance between sexes in later life. This prospective study identified four major baPWV trajectory patterns in community‐dwelling older adults. Individuals in the very high baPWV trajectory group, especially younger seniors, had a higher mortality risk. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1108–1113.
Processing, structural, and biological evaluations of zirconia scaffolds coated by fluorapatite
Authors: León Beltina , Albano María , Garrido Liliana , Ferraz Emanuela , Rosa Adalberto , Tambasco de Oliveira Paulo 
Published: April 2018

AbstractHighly porous zirconia (ZrO2) scaffolds fabricated by the replication method were coated with fluorapatite (FA). The FA coating was obtained by dipping the ZrO2 scaffolds into stabilized aqueous FA slips having different viscosity values (≤5.0 mPa.s). The influence of the FA slip viscosity and the immersion time on the reduction in the scaffold porosity and microstructure of the coated scaffolds were investigated. Cell spreading and survival of bone marrow‐derived stromal cells (BMSC) and pre‐osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells on the uncoated and coated scaffolds were examined using fluorescence and SEM microscopy, and MTT assay.The FA slip with the lowest viscosity value did not lead to a continuous film along the strut network and the macropores remained uncoated. The slips with the highest viscosity value produced a partial blocking of macropores. The porous structure obtained after coating with slips of 2.2 mPa.s viscosity for 2 seconds exhibited a low reduction in porosity and pore size (400‐420 μm), due to the formation of the FA layer, and a continuous film distributed along the strut surfaces. Morphology, spreading, and survival of BMSC and MC3T3‐E1 cells over a 7‐day culture period evidenced good biocompatibility of FA‐coated ZrO2 scaffolds processed by dip coating.
Hydrophobic and oleophobic sol‐gel coatings on glass substrates for usage at high temperatures
Authors: Özmen Eren , Durán Alicia , Castro Yolanda 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe paper reports an optimized process to obtain transparent and highly hydrophobic sol‐gel coatings with further oleophobic behavior at high temperatures. Polyorganosiloxane sols were prepared incorporating an organic based precursor, 1H,1H,2H,2H Perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (POTS), into a silica‐based hybrid sol and deposited on soda‐lime glass‐slides. The coating surfaces show high water contact angle (WCA) around 120 ± 1° and oil contact angle (OCA) of 70 ± 1° after curing at temperatures between 350 and 400°C. The coatings thickness changed between 300 and 2000 nm depending on sol composition and curing temperature. Easy‐to‐clean tests were performed, the results showing excellent anti‐stick and easy‐to‐clean properties compared to non‐coated samples. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed the presence of rippled surfaces with morphology similar to “lotus leaf surface,” this explaining the properties. These hybrid fluoroalkylsilane sol‐gel coatings are a good alternative to provide anti‐stick and easy‐to‐clean properties to glass substrates being quite easy to scale up.
Central sensitization in breast cancer survivors
Authors: Cuesta‐Vargas Antonio I. , Roldan‐Jimenez Cristina , Pajares Bella , Alba Emilio ,   Club_CAM
Published: April 2018

The goal of this study was to study central sensitization (CS)‐related symptoms in breast cancer (BC) survivors and to find if there are differences in clinical and functional variables. In this cross‐sectional study, 25 women aged between 32 and 69 years participated. CS pain was measured with the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI). Forty points was considered the cutoff value. Cancer‐related fatigue (CRF), Quality of life, functional capacity, and handgrip strength (HGS) was assessed. A 60% of BC survivors showed a CSI score from 0 to 40, while the rest 40% of women had a score higher than 40, CSI scores being 38.35 ± 14.54 points in the whole sample. Significant differences were found in functional capacity, CRF and QoL (p < .011). However, there were no differences in HGS (p = .089). This is the first study to report BC survivors CS‐related symptoms. The high CS‐related symptoms group showed differences in some symptoms and functional capacity in this population. Future research including a wider sample and more variables related to pain should be carried out.
An electrocardiographic diagnostic model for differentiating left from right ventricular outflow tract tachycardia origin
Authors: He Zhuoqiao , Liu Ming , Yu Min , Lu Nan , Li Jia , Xu Tan , Zhu Jinxiu , O'Gara Mary Clare , O'Meara Michael , Ye Hong , Tan Xuerui 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIntroductionAlthough several electrocardiographic (ECG) algorithms have been proposed for differentiating the origins of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias, the most optimal one has not been agreed on. The purpose of this study was to establish an ECG diagnostic model based on the previous ECG algorithms.Methods and resultsThe following ECG diagnostic model, , was developed by standard 12‐lead ECG algorithms in 488 patients with idiopathic premature ventricular contractions or ventricular tachycardia with a left bundle branch block pattern and inferior axis QRS morphology. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to establish the ECG diagnostic model. The ECG diagnostic model consisted of two ECG algorithms—the transition zone (TZ) index and V2S/V3R index. The area under the curve by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for the ECG diagnostic model was 0.88, with a cut‐off value of ≥ –0.76 predicting a left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) origin with a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 86%, which was higher than other ECG algorithms in this study. The predictive accuracy of the ECG diagnostic model was also the best among all ECG algorithms in patients with a lead V3 precordial transition. This model was tested prospectively in 207 patients with a sensitivity of 90%, a specificity of 87%, and Youden index of 0.77.ConclusionsA highly accurate ECG diagnostic model for correctly differentiating LVOT origin from right ventricular outflow tract origin was developed.
A randomized controlled study on the accuracy of free‐handed, pilot‐drill guided and fully guided implant surgery in partially edentulous patients
Authors: Younes Faris , Cosyn Jan , De Bruyckere Thomas , Cleymaet Roberto , Bouckaert Eline , Eghbali Aryan 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAimTo compare the accuracy of free‐handed (FH), pilot‐drill guided (PG) and fully guided (FG) implant surgery.Materials and methodsPartially edentulous patients in need of ≥2 implants in the posterior maxilla were randomly allocated to one of the following treatment groups: FH, PG and FG. Ideal implant positions were determined in designated software following the fusion of bony information (CBCT data in DICOM format) to the prosthetic wax‐up (optical scan data in STL format). The position of every implant as surgically realized was compared to its “ideal position”. The apical global deviation (AGD) was the primary outcome of the study. Secondary outcome variables were angular deviation (AD), coronal global deviation (CGD), coronal lateral deviation (CLD), coronal vertical deviation (CVD), apical lateral deviation (ALD) and apical vertical deviation (AVD).ResultsEleven patients (mean age 57; three males; eight females; altogether 26 implants) were treated by FH surgery, 11 (mean age 53; four males; seven females; altogether 24 implants) by PG surgery and 10 (mean age 60; four males; six females; altogether 21 implants) by FG surgery. FG surgery was most accurate (mean AGD: 0.97 mm; maximum AGD: 1.98 mm) followed by PG surgery (mean AGD: 1.43 mm; maximum AGD: 2.72 mm). FH surgery resulted in huge deviation from the ideal position (mean AGD: 2.11 mm; maximum AGD: 4.84 mm). The results on most secondary outcome variables followed the same order. Although screw‐retained restorations were planned for all implants, five of 26 in the FH group and one of 24 in the PG group had to be restored by means of a cement‐retained restoration.ConclusionWhen perfect implant positioning is required, FG surgery should be considered the gold standard approach.
A retrospective study of 30,959 implants: Risk factors associated with early and late implant loss
Authors: Lin Guofen , Ye Shuhua , Liu Fengjia , He Fuming 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAimThis retrospective study assessed the risk factors associated with early and late implant loss at the patient‐ and implant‐based analysis.Materials and methodsA total of 18,199 patients received 30,959 dental implants during the years 2011–2015. Age, gender, jaw, location, implant brands, implant length and diameter, bone augmentation procedures, and the number of implants placed per patient were recorded. A multivariate generalized estimating equation (GEE) logistic regression was used to identify risk factors related to both early and late implant loss.ResultsThe cumulative survival rates were 98.0% for patients and 98.7% for implants after 1–6 years observation time. A total of 183 patients with 194 implants were lost before or at the abutment connection, and 193 patients with 209 implants were lost after occlusal loading of the implant fixture. The multivariable GEE logistic regression showed that males, patients aged ≥41 years, and mandibular anterior location were risk factors for early implant loss. In the case of late implant loss, males, patients aged ≥41 years, bone augmentation and short implants were correlated with a significantly increased failure rate.ConclusionsGeneral factors such as male sex, elderly patients, mandibular anterior location, bone augmentation and short implants were associated with implant loss.
Case Studies of Interprofessional Education Initiatives From Five Countries
Authors: Levett‐Jones Tracy , Burdett Teresa , Chow Yeow Leng , Jönsson Lisbeth , Lasater Kathie , Mathews Launa Rae , McAllister Margaret , Pooler Alison , Tee Stephen , Wihlborg Jonas 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundAlthough teamwork and interprofessional collaboration are critical to patient safety, nursing, medical, and allied health graduates often feel ill‐prepared to confidently communicate and collaborate with other team members. While interprofessional education (IPE) has been advocated as a way of addressing this issue, there are multiple barriers to its systematic and sustained integration in undergraduate healthcare programs. Despite these challenges, examples of effective IPE initiatives have emerged.InnovationThis article profiles seven case studies of innovative interprofessional education activities that have been successfully implemented across five countries, for a variety of learners, using different delivery modalities, and with evaluation results attesting to their success.ConclusionsThe case studies demonstrate innovative ideas that have the potential to overcome some of the barriers to IPE through the use of creative and targeted approaches. This article provides a wealth of ideas for the successful design and implementation of IPE initiatives and will be of benefit to educators wishing to expand their repertoire of teaching approaches.Clinical RelevanceA body of research attests to the relationship between interprofessional communication, teamwork, and patient outcomes. IPE is imperative for facilitating the development of nursing graduates’ communication and teamwork skills; however, innovative approaches are needed to overcome the perceived and actual impediments to its implementation.
Management of the female athlete triad
Authors: Nose‐Ogura Sayaka , Harada Miyuki , Hiraike Osamu , Osuga Yutaka , Fujii Tomoyuki 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe female athlete triad (FAT) is defined by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as low energy availability (low EA), functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea and osteoporosis. In low EA, lutein dysfunction first develops, followed by anovulation and, subsequently, oligomenorrhea, leading to amenorrhea. Moreover, low estradiol concentrations due to amenorrhea decrease bone mineral density (BMD). In athletes with one of the factors of FAT, the risk of a stress fracture is 2.4–4.9 times higher and may increase the risk of fracture throughout the lifespan. Low EA is the starting point of FAT, and the FAT concept emphasizes the importance of energy intake that is commensurate with exercise energy expenditure in athletes. In amenorrheic athletes who undergo gynecological examination, it is important to appropriately evaluate whether the cause is low EA and to review exercise energy expenditure and energy intake. It remains difficult even for experts to calculate available energy using the ACSM definition formula when evaluating energy deficiency. Moreover, performing early FAT screening during teenage years and cooperation between the department of obstetrics and gynecology and sports dietitians are also issues. The aim of this paper is to review the management of FAT from the viewpoint of gynecologists.
Female paraurethral leiomyoma successfully excised through a vaginal approach: A case report
Authors: Harada Ko , Ishikawa Yoko , Fujiwara Haruna , Ishihara Go 
Published: April 2018

AbstractParaurethral leiomyomas are extremely rare, and few cases have been reported in the literature. Because of the rarity of the disease and its anatomical complexity, diagnosis and management is challenging for clinicians. Here, we herein report the case of a 50‐year‐old woman who complained of a protruding mass at the urethral opening. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a sharply defined tumor measuring 43 × 36 × 26 mm in diameter, located in the anterior vaginal wall, compressing the urethra. Based on the perioperative diagnosis of leiomyoma, the paraurethral tumor was excised via the vaginal approach. The patient was discharged 4 days postoperatively without any complications. Pathological features confirmed the diagnosis of leiomyoma. This case implies that, although there is the possibility of complications due to the surgical procedure, tumor removal is a reasonable choice for management to exclude malignancy and relieve symptoms.
Information sharing in interteam responses to disaster
Authors: Waring Sara , Alison Laurence , Carter Grace , Barrett‐Pink Chloe , Humann Michael , Swan Lauren , Zilinsky Tomas 
Published: April 2018

Research demonstrates that information sharing is facilitated by familiarity, and having a common understanding of problems, use of lexicon, and semantic meaning. These factors can be difficult to develop within extreme environments such as disasters as members of the multi‐agency system that responds often have limited experience of working together. Public inquiries repeatedly highlight the impact of information sharing difficulties on public safety, but limited academic research has focused on identifying concrete behaviours that facilitate interteam information sharing within such environments. This paper presents a case study of a national disaster response exercise involving 1,000 emergency responders. Data consist of structured observations, recordings of interteam meetings, and interviews with emergency responders. Results of mixed‐method analysis indicate that interteam information sharing is delayed by limited situation awareness and poor articulation. Conversely, adopting behaviours that promote common frames for understanding interteam capabilities and information requirements improves information sharing and potentially reduces cognitive effort required to process information. Findings contribute to interteam communication theory by highlighting that in complex, time‐constrained environments, having a shared understanding of responsibilities and information requirement is important for minimizing redundant deliberation and improving relevance and speed.Practitioner points

Facilitating the exchange and interpretation of relevant information is important for improving situation assessment, decision‐making, and the implementation of appropriate actions for addressing risks.

Interteam information sharing can be particularly challenging when teams are comprised of members from across different organizations with different language and cultures that must form ad hoc to rapidly respond to problems in extreme environments.

Adopting communication strategies that develop common frames‐of‐reference can facilitate information sharing and interteam responses to disasters.
Livestock ownership is associated with higher odds of anaemia among preschool‐aged children, but not women of reproductive age in Ghana
Authors: Jones Andrew D. , Colecraft Esi K. , Awuah Raphael B. , Boatemaa Sandra , Lambrecht Nathalie J. , Adjorlolo Leonard Kofi , Wilson Mark L. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractLivestock ownership may influence anaemia through complex and possibly contradictory mechanisms. In this study, we aimed to determine the association of household livestock ownership with anaemia among women aged 15–49 years and children aged 6–59 months in Ghana and to examine the contribution of animal source foods (ASFs) to consumption patterns as a potential mechanism mediating this association. We analysed data on 4,441 women and 2,735 children from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey and 16,772 households from the Ghana Living Standards Survey Round 6. Haemoglobin measurements were used to define anaemia (non‐pregnant women: <120 g/L; children: <110 g/L). Child‐ and household‐level ASF consumption data were collected from 24‐hour food group intake and food consumption and expenditure surveys, respectively. In multiple logistic regression models, household livestock ownership was associated with anaemia among children (OR, 95% CI: 1.5 [1.1, 2.0]), but not women (1.0 [0.83, 1.2]). Household ownership of chickens was associated with higher odds of anaemia among children (1.6 [1.2, 2.2]), but ownership of other animal species was not associated with anaemia among women or children. In path analyses, we observed no evidence of mediation of the association of household livestock ownership with child anaemia by ASF consumption. Ownership of livestock likely has limited importance for consumption of ASFs among young children in Ghana and may in fact place children at an increased risk of anaemia. Further research is needed to elucidate if and how pathogen exposure associated with livestock rearing may underlie this increased risk of anaemia.