bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical properties and metallurgical features of new and ex vivo used Reciproc Blue and Reciproc
Authors: Generali L. , Puddu P. , Borghi A. , Brancolini S. , Lusvarghi L. , Bolelli G. , Consolo U. , Pedullà E. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAimTo compare the mechanical properties and metallurgic features of new and used Reciproc Blue and Reciproc instruments.MethodologyA total of 120 R25 Reciproc Blue and R25 Reciproc instruments were used. The morphological, chemical, mechanical, thermal and phase composition characteristics of new and ex vivo used files were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (FEG‐SEM) with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), focused ion beam analysis (FIB), micro‐Raman spectroscopy, FEG‐SEM metallography, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and indentation tests. Usage‐induce degradation was evaluated. Ten new and ten used instruments per type were run until fracture occurred in a stainless steel artificial canal (60° angle of curvature, 4‐mm radius). Time to fracture and the length of the fractured fragment were recorded. Torque and angle of rotation at failure of ten new and ten used instruments for each type were measured according to ISO 3630‐1. The fracture surface of each fragment was examined. Two‐way analyses of variance was used to analyse the data statistically (α‐level 0.05).ResultsSEM analysis revealed microcracks near the tip on both files after ex vivo usage tests. FIB imaging and micro‐Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of an oxide layer on the Reciproc Blue surface. There was no thinning of the coating after use. XRD revealed a reduction of martensite and R‐phase in Reciproc Blue after use. DSC analysis revealed different transformation temperatures for the instruments analysed. Reciproc Blue was significantly more flexible than Reciproc for both new and used samples (P < 0.05), and they were significantly more resistant to cyclic fatigue than Reciproc (P < 0.05). Ex vivo usage reduced the fatigue resistance of both files. Torsional resistance of Reciproc and Reciproc Blue was not reduced by simulated use (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe thermal treatment of Reciproc Blue was associated with a finer structure with smaller grains than Reciproc, which increased its fracture resistance and was also responsible for its reduced hardness and lower elastic modulus. Both files were safe during ex vivo usage in severely curved canals.
Stabilization of soil by means alternative alkali‐activated cement prepared with spent FCC catalyst
Authors: Cosa Juan , Soriano Lourdes , Borrachero María Victoria , Payá Jordi , Monzó José M. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAlkali‐activated cements are widely studied as alternative and sustainable binder in soil stabilization. In this research work, a mold was designed and constructed, which allowed small cubic specimens to be made (40 × 40 × 40 mm3). With the newly designed mold, cubic samples of soil stabilized with portland cement (OPC) and alternative AAC (based on spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst FCC) were prepared from which compressive strength was obtained. Cylindrical specimens were also prepared using the same binders as in the previous case to obtain their compressive strength. The results obtained in both cases were compared. Greater resistances for cubic samples were achieved. The cubic specimens were selected for being better in terms of standard deviation of compressive strength for AAC stabilized soil. The obtained compressive strength and standard deviation results were compared between the soil specimens stabilized with different stabilizers cured at 7, 14, 28, and 90 days. The method allows small‐sized cubic specimens to be prepared. It improves ergonomics. It also facilitates a large number of specimens being obtained with a small amount of sample. Soil stabilized with AAC yielded higher compressive strength after 90 days compared to that with OPC.
Unpacking the Displacement‐Migration Nexus: Evidence from Northern Iraq
Authors: Costantini Irene , Palani Kamaran 
Published: September 2019

AbstractRecent conflicts have increasingly produced a twofold, forced movement of people: internal displacement and forced migration. While the co‐occurrence of these phenomena is an acknowledged fact, there is not yet an understanding of their relation in terms of either the scale or the process contributing to it. This article seeks to fill this gap by questioning the relation between conflict‐induced displacement and migration in and from Iraq. The analysis is based on survey data (500 questionnaires) and 29 semi‐structured interviews with IraqiIDPs residing in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and national and international key informants. Based on the findings, the study concludes that the aspiration to leave Iraq is primarily attributable to the structural enduring condition of Iraq, rather than an individual condition – a finding that uneasily translates into the new framework for intervention in conflict‐affected and fragile contexts premised on deterring migration.
Peer‐to‐peer financing choice of SME entrepreneurs in the re‐emergence of supply chain localization
Authors: Reza‐Gharehbagh Raziyeh , Hafezalkotob Ashkan , Asian Sobhan , Makui Ahmad , Zhang Allan N. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWhile peer‐to‐peer (P2P) financing mechanisms have recently gained significant popularity, small and medium sized enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs still harbor a considerable degree of skepticism about the role of governments in promoting alternative supply chain finance (SCF) solutions in the re‐emergence of supply chain (SC) localization. This paper studies the SC financing problem of a capital‐constrained SME entrepreneur under two alternative financing schemes provided by an online P2P lending‐investment platform, namely debt financing (DF) and equity financing (EF). Considering the competition between a local and a foreign SC in a shared market, we investigate the direct (i.e., subsidizing domestic production) and indirect (i.e., subsidizing P2P platform service fee) roles of government intervention toward SC localization. Formulating a three‐level Stackelberg game model, this paper presents a scenario‐based decision‐making framework to jointly evaluate four different SCF scenarios through the lens of local SC, P2P financing platforms, and government. The results reveal that there exist three possible regions (i.e., DF, EF, and Conflict), within which the government and the P2P financing platforms can examine the alternative SCF schemes in order to achieve a mutually agreeable agreement. Our sensitivity analysis on interest rate and exchange ratio suggests that, when financed via an online P2P lending platform (i.e., DF), the local SC always achieves a higher profit under the direct intervention policy. The indirect policy, however, is preferred only when EF is the main source of SCF and the exchange ratio is sufficiently high.
Identification of prognosis‐related alternative splicing events in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Zuo Yongdi , Zhang Liang , Tang Weihao , Tang Wanxin 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAlternative splicing (AS) contributes to protein diversity by modifying most gene transcriptions. Cancer generation and progression are associated with specific splicing events. However, AS signature in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) remains unknown. In this study, genome‐wide AS profiles were generated in 537 patients with KIRC in the cancer genome atlas. With a total of 42 522 mRNA AS events in 10 600 genes acquired, 8164 AS events were significantly associated with the survival of patients with KIRC. Logistic regression analysis of the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator was conducted to identify an optimized multivariate prognostic predicting mode containing four predictors. In this model, the receptor‐operator characteristic curves of the training set were built, and the areas under the curves (AUCs) at different times were >0.88, thus indicating a stable and powerful ability in distinguishing patients' outcome. Similarly, the AUCs of the test set at different times were >0.73, verifying the results of the training set. Correlation and gene ontology analyses revealed some potential functions of prognostic AS events. This study provided an optimized survival‐predicting model and promising data resources for future in‐depth studies on AS mechanisms in KIRC.
How Do Frail Medicare Beneficiaries Fare Under Bundled Payments?
Authors: Joynt Maddox Karen E. , Orav Endel John , Zheng Jie , Epstein Arnold M. 
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESBundled payments are an alternative payment model in which a hospital takes accountability for the costs of a 90‐day episode of care. Such models are meant to improve care through better coordination across care settings, but could have adverse consequences for frail adults if they lead to inappropriate cuts in necessary post‐acute care.DESIGNRetrospective claims‐based analysis of hospitals' first year of participation in Medicare's Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) program.SETTINGUS hospitals.PARTICIPANTSA total of 641 146 Medicare beneficiaries admitted to 688 BPCI programs and 1276 matched control hospitals for myocardial infarction, heart failure, pneumonia, sepsis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or major joint replacement of the lower extremity in 2012 to 2016.INTERVENTIONParticipation in BPCI.MEASUREMENTSProportion of patients in each quartile of a validated claims‐based frailty index, total and setting‐specific standardized Medicare payments per episode, days at home, 90‐day readmissions, and 90‐day mortality.RESULTSHigher levels of frailty were associated with higher Medicare payments and worse clinical outcomes (for the medical composite, costs per episode were $11 921, $17 348, $22 828, and $29 157 across frailty quartiles; days at home were 70.1, 60.4, 54.3, and 51.5; 90‐day readmission rates were 16.0%, 27.0%, 38.2%, and 50.9%; and 90‐day mortality rates were 15.4%, 22.5%, 25.1%, 21.3%); patterns were similar for joint replacement. Under the BPCI program, there was no differential change in the proportion of highly frail patients at BPCI vs control hospitals. There were also no differential deleterious changes in payments or clinical outcomes for frail relative to nonfrail patients at BPCI vs non‐BPCI hospitals.CONCLUSIONWhile frail patients had higher costs and worse outcomes in general, there was no evidence of changes in access or worsening clinical outcomes in BPCI hospitals for frail patients relative to the nonfrail in hospitals' first year of participation in the program. These findings may be reassuring for policy makers and clinical leaders. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2245–2253, 2019
Dietary total antioxidant capacity is positively associated with muscular strength in cirrhotic outpatients: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: de Freitas Lima L. , de Faria Ghetti F. , Hermsdorff H. H. M. , de Oliveira D. G. , Teixeira G. , de Castro Ferreira L. E. V. V. , Moreira A. P. B. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundCirrhosis is the end‐stage of progressive fibrosis, in which oxidative stress and inflammation‐related pathways can modulate the cellular and tissue events involved in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Dietary intake of antioxidants has been suggested to protect against oxidative damage and related clinical complications. The present study aimed to investigate the potential association of the dietary total antioxidant capacity (dTAC) with anthropometric, functional and biochemical markers, as well as the severity of the disease, in cirrhotic outpatients.MethodsSixty‐two outpatients (38 men and 24 women) with a mean (SD) age of 59.1 (9.9) years were evaluated. Dietary TAC was estimated from a food frequency questionnaire. Aetiology and severity of liver cirrhosis, lifestyle characteristics, occurrence of comorbidities and oedema, and anthropometric, functional and biochemical markers were all assessed.ResultsCirrhotic outpatients with higher dTAC also had higher values of the hand‐grip strength (P = 0.029) and arm muscle area (P = 0.027). After adjusting by sex, age, smoking and alcohol intake, the addition of 1 mmol day−1 of dTAC contributed to increase 0.552 kg f−1 in hand‐grip strength (P < 0.05). The addition of one mmol day−1 of dTAC contributed to an arm muscle area increase 0.565 cm2 (P < 0.05) on average.ConclusionsThe dTAC was positively associated with hand‐grip strength and arm muscle area in cirrhotic outpatients. The implications of the present study are important in clinical practice because a diet rich in antioxidants may be an ally in the control of excessive reactive oxygen species production in cirrhotic outpatients with repercussion on muscle mass and strength.
Pressure injury risk assessment in intensive care units: Comparison of the reliability and predictive validity of the Braden and Jackson/Cubbin scales
Authors: Adibelli Seyma , Korkmaz Fatos 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAims and objectivesTo compare the reliability and predictive validity of the Braden and Jackson/Cubbin PI risk assessment scales in intensive care unit patients.BackgroundRisk assessment with a standardised tool is the usual intervention for preventing pressure injury. Therefore, tools used to assess pressure injury risk should be valid and reliable for the designated patient population.DesignA prospective and cross‐sectional study adheres to the STARD guideline.MethodsThis study was conducted between November 2017–April 2018 in the intensive care units of a tertiary level university hospital in Turkey. The study sample consisted of 176 patients admitted to three intensive care units. Risk assessment was performed once daily with the Braden scale, followed immediately with the Jackson/Cubbin scale. Risk assessment was terminated on the day of pressure injury development or upon patient discharge from the intensive care unit. Each patient's final risk assessment was considered in the data analysis.ResultsThe Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the Jackson/Cubbin and Braden scales was .78 and .85, respectively. The predictive validity of the Jackson/Cubbin scale was confirmed by a sensitivity of .87, specificity of .84, positive predictive value of .47 and negative predictive value of .97. These values for the Braden scale were .95, .75, .38 and .99, respectively.ConclusionBoth the Jackson/Cubbin and Braden scales are reliable and valid scales for pressure injury risk assessment in intensive care unit patients. However, the predictive ability to determine patients at risk and not at risk for pressure injury was better for the Jackson/Cubbin scale than for the Braden scale.Relevance to clinical practiceBoth scales are reliable and valid scales for pressure injury risk assessment. Jackson/Cubbin scale's discriminative ability (between the patients at pressure injury risk and not at pressure injury risk) was better.
Determination of magnetic motor evoked potential latency time cutoff values for detection of spinal cord dysfunction in horses
Authors: Rijckaert Joke , Pardon Bart , Saey Veronique , Raes Els , Van Ham Luc , Ducatelle Richard , van Loon Gunther , Deprez Piet 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundTranscranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and recording of magnetic motor evoked potentials (MMEP) can detect neurological dysfunction in horses but cutoff values based on confirmed spinal cord dysfunction are lacking.ObjectivesTo determine latency time cutoff for neurological dysfunction.AnimalsFive control horses and 17 horses with proprioceptive ataxia.MethodsCase‐control study with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, based on diagnostic imaging, TMS, and histopathological findings. Horses were included if all 3 examinations were performed.ResultsDiagnostic imaging and histopathology did not show abnormalities in the control group but confirmed spinal cord compression in 14 of 17 ataxic horses. In the remaining 3 horses, histopathological lesions were mild to severe, but diagnostic imaging did not confirm spinal cord compression. In control horses, latency time values of thoracic and pelvic limbs were significantly lower than in ataxic horses (20 ± 1 vs 34 ± 16 milliseconds,P= .05; and 39 ± 1 vs 78 ± 26 milliseconds,P= .004). Optimal cutoff values to detect spinal cord dysfunction were 22 milliseconds (sensitivity [95% CI interval], 88% [73%‐100%]; specificity, 100% [100%‐100%]) in thoracic and 40 milliseconds (sensitivity, 94% [83%‐100%]; specificity, 100% [100%‐100%]) in pelvic limbs. To detect spinal cord dysfunction caused by compression, the optimal cutoff for thoracic limbs remained 22 milliseconds, while it increased to 43 milliseconds in pelvic limbs (sensitivity, 100% [100%‐100%]; specificity, 100% [100%‐100%] for thoracic and pelvic limbs).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceMagnetic motor evoked potential analysis using these cutoff values is a promising diagnostic tool for spinal cord dysfunction diagnosis in horses.
Long‐term survival of dogs treated for gallbladder mucocele by cholecystectomy, medical management, or both
Authors: Parkanzky Max , Grimes Janet , Schmiedt Chad , Secrest Scott , Bugbee Andrew 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundGallbladder mucoceles (GBM) typically are treated by cholecystectomy. Medical management rarely has been reported and medical and surgical management have not been compared.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo compare survival of dogs treated for GBM by medical management or cholecystectomy or both.AnimalsEighty‐nine client‐owned dogs diagnosed with GBM that received cholecystectomy or medical treatment or both from 2011 to 2017.MethodsPotential cases were identified by searching the medical records database. Data collected included signalment, clinicopathologic results, treatments, and ultrasonographic images and reports. Dogs were grouped according to the treatment received (medical management, surgical treatment, or both) that was chosen at the discretion of the attending veterinarian. Survival analysis was performed and prognostic variables identified and compared between treatment groups.ResultsOf dogs surviving at least 14 days after diagnosis, median survival times were 1802 (95% confidence interval [CI], 855‐not reached) days, 1340 (95% CI, 444‐1340) days, and 203 (95% CI, 18‐525) days, for the surgical, medical, and medical then surgical treatment groups, respectively, and differed significantly (P < .0001). Gallbladder mucocele type (P = .05), serum alkaline phosphatase activity (P = .0001), and serum creatinine (P = .002) and phosphorus (P = .04) concentrations were associated with decreased survival across groups. Suspicion of biliary rupture on abdominal ultrasound (AUS) examination was correlated with increased survival in the surgical group (P = .02).Conclusions and clinical importanceCholecystectomy for the treatment of GBM results in the best long‐term survival in dogs surviving the immediate postoperative period (14 days) compared to medical management. Although medical management is associated with shorter survival compared to surgical treatment, it is a reasonable alternative when surgery cannot be pursued.
Characterization and transcriptional analysis of one carbonic anhydrase gene in the green‐tide‐forming alga Ulva prolifera (Ulvophyceae, Chlorophyta)
Authors: Wang Yu , Liu Feng , Wang Mengqiang , Moejes Fiona W. , Bi Yuping 
Published: September 2019

SUMMARYUlva prolifera is a green‐tide‐forming macroalga dominating the green tides in the Yellow Sea from 2007 to 2019. The exponential growth of U. prolifera, and the correlating accumulation of biomass, rely heavily on its carbon fixation capability. Despite the importance of carbon fixation in algal growth, to date none of the genes involved in carbon fixation have undergone molecular characterization in U. prolifera. This study used Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE) to characterize one full‐length carbonic anhydrase (CA) gene of U. prolifera (UpαCA1). An activity assay showed that UpαCA1 was an active CA. Real‐time quantitative PCR results showed that temperature, irradiance, salinity and pH could influence the transcriptional level of UpαCA1, indicating that UpαCA1 was sensitive to varying environmental factors. The results of this study provided further insights into our understanding of the influence of environmental factors on carbon fixation in U. prolifera and its subsequent role in the formation of green tides.
Patients with head and neck cancers' oral health knowledge, oral health‐related quality of life, oral health status, and adherence to advice on discharge to primary dental care: A prospective observational study
Authors: Abed Hassan , Reilly Damien , Burke Mary , Daly Blánaid 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAimsThis prospective observational study set out to assess patients' oral health knowledge, oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) and status immediately posttherapy, and adherence with oral health behaviors posttreatment with radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HaNC).MethodsA prospective observational study post HaNC therapy. At time one (T1), prior to discharge to primary dental care, oral health knowledge, OHRQoL, and status were assessed and dental health advice was delivered. At time two (T2), four weeks postdischarge, patients' adherence with dental health advice was reassessed.ResultsThirty people postradiotherapy were recruited (mean age 58.9, SD ± 8.4). Twenty‐three (77%) were men. Thirteen (45%) respondents reported they were not informed about the side effects of radiotherapy. On discharge to primary care, 20 (67%) of the respondents rated their oral health as fair or worse, while 47% were displeased with dental appearance. Respondents reported a mean of 8.6 impacts (SD ± 5.3) on OHRQoL. Five (17%) and two (7%) patients had an established or a new osteoradionecrosis, respectively, and 16 patients (53%) had greater than two new carious teeth. One month postdischarge (T2), adherence with dental advice was high, 93% were registered with a primary care dentist and all brushed their teeth daily.ConclusionWithin the limitations of this study in a single‐center, adherence with oral health advice was high. However, participants felt they received little preparatory information about side effects and impacts of radiotherapy on oral and dental health, and how to maintain oral health after radiotherapy.
Plasma PTX3, MCP1 and Ang2 are early biomarkers to evaluate the severity of sepsis and septic shock
Authors: Tian Rui , Wang Xiaoli , Pan Tingting , Li Ranran , Wang Jiahui , Liu Zhaojun , Chen Erzhen , Mao Enqiang , Tan Ruoming , Chen Yang , Liu Jialin , Qu Hongping 
Published: September 2019

AbstractSepsis is associated with significant mortality. Early diagnosis and prognosis of patients with sepsis is still a difficult clinical challenge. In this study, the ability of plasma PTX3 (pentraxin 3), MCP1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein 1) and Ang (angiopoietin)1/2 was investigated to evaluate the severity of sepsis. Blood samples were obtained from 43 patients with sepsis. A total of 33 post‐surgery patients with infections and 25 healthy individuals served as controls. The results showed that plasma PTX3, MCP1 and Ang2 significantly increased in patients on the first day of septic shock onset, while sepsis patients had significantly higher Ang2 level, compared with controls. Furthermore, PTX3, MCP1 and Ang2 had high AUROC values in patients with septic shock on the first day of sepsis onset. The findings suggest that PTX3, MCP1 and Ang2 maybe early predictors to evaluate the severity of sepsis and septic shock with the latest Sepsis 3.0 definitions.