bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Financial Incentives on Diabetes Prevention Class Attendance and Program Completion: Evidence From Minnesota, Montana, and New York
Authors: Alva Maria L. , Romaire Melissa , Acquah Joseph 
Published: August 2018

Purpose: To test the role of financial incentives to motivate engagement in diabetes prevention programs (DPPs). Design: Minnesota, Montana, and New York randomized 3 different approaches to providing incentives: incentivizing class attendance and weight loss (all states), class attendance only (NY), and weight loss only (NY). We used New York to test how different approaches to providing incentives influence DPP completion and attendance. Setting: Health-care facilities and local young men’s Christian association. Participants: Eight hundred thirty one Medicaid enrollees in Minnesota, 204 in Montana, and 560 in New York. Intervention Measure: Impact of the financial incentives on DPP program completion rates. We measured completion of DPP classes in 2 ways: completing 9 or more or 16 or more DPP classes. Analysis: Multivariate logistic model to compare completion of DPP classes between participants randomized into receiving financial incentives and controls. Results: Receipt of incentives was associated with higher odds at attending 9 or more classes (odds ratio [OR]: 2.2; P < .01) in Minnesota, Montana (OR: 2.2; P < .05), and New York (OR: 1.9; P < .01) as well as attending 16 or more classes in Minnesota (OR: 3.1; P < .01), Montana (OR: 2.1; P < .01), and New York (OR: 2.9; P < .01). In New York, individuals paid to attend classes attended more classes than individuals paid based on results only. Conclusion: Among Medicaid beneficiaries, financial incentives improve DPP class attendance.
Prediction of wind speed using a new Grey-extreme learning machine hybrid algorithm: A case study
Authors: Qolipour Mojtaba , Mostafaeipour Ali , Saidi-Mehrabad Mohammad , Arabnia Hamid R 
Published: August 2018

Wind energy is becoming one of the most important sources of renewable energy for many countries in the future. The purpose of this study is to predict wind speed using different algorithms. In this study, a new hybrid algorithm is developed to predict the wind speed behavior, and 24 h predictions of changes in wind speed are obtained with the aid of Homer software. The proposed algorithm is a combination of a well-known artificial neural network predictor called extreme learning machine as an artificial neural network algorithm and the Grey model (1, 1) as a method of Grey systems theory. Long-term wind speed forecasts are obtained using three-year data (2013–2016) of eight variables: TMAX, TMIN, VP, RHMIN, RHMAX, WINDSPEED, SUNSHINE HOURS, and PERCIPITATION for the Zanjan city in Iran, and 24 h wind speed forecast is obtained using 10-year data (2005–2015) pertaining to this city. The results show that proposed algorithm with relative measure of fit R2 of 0.99376 and mean square error of 0.000376 provides better predictions of wind speed in the study area than ordinary extreme learning machine algorithm with R2 of 0.98075 and mean square error of 0.00720. Also, the 24 h prediction of changes in wind speed is done using Homer software. The methodology in this research is more efficient in terms of execution performance and accuracy.
Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfate protects myocardium against paraquat-induced toxicity through activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway in rats
Authors: Zhang WX , Xiao XY , Peng CG , Chen WL , Xie S , Wang DW 
Published: August 2018

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of sodium tanshinone IIA sulfate (STS) on paraquat (PQ)-induced myocardial injuries in a rat model. Methods: Healthy adult Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control, PQ, and PQ + STS groups. PQ group was given a single intragastric administration of PQ (80 mg/kg). PQ + STS group was intraperitoneally injected with STS (1 ml/kg) at 30 min following PQ exposure. Rats in control and PQ groups were injected with equal amount of saline. After 12, 24, 48, and 72 h, rats were killed, and the apoptosis of myocardial cells was detected. Myocardial expression of Bax and Bcl-2 was measured. The activity of the nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway was assessed by Western blot. Results: The apoptotic cells in PQ group were significantly increased in a time-dependent manner compared with the control group ( p < 0.01). The rats in PQ group exhibited significantly lower Bcl-2 expression, but notably higher Bax expression at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after PQ exposure ( p < 0.05 or 0.01). STS intervention markedly reduced the proportion of apoptotic myocardial cells, increased Bcl-2 expression, and decreased Bax expression at 24, 48, and 72 h after treatment ( p < 0.05 or 0.01). The expression of phosphorylated Nrf2 and heme oxygenase 1 in PQ + STS group was significantly increased compared with PQ and control groups ( p < 0.05 or 0.01). Conclusion: STS effectively inhibits PQ-induced myocardial cell apoptosis in rats via modulating the Nrf2 pathway, suggesting its potential as a promising therapeutic agent for PQ-induced myocardium damage.
Psychometric validation of the Arthritis Helplessness Index in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Gholizadeh S , Azizoddin D R , Mills S D , Zamora-Racaza G , Potemra H M K , Wallace D J , Weisman M H , Nicassio P M 
Published: August 2018

Objective Helplessness is a relevant construct in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an unpredictable chronic illness with no known cure characterized by relapsing and remitting features. However, no measure of helplessness has been validated in this population. The present study examined the structural validity, reliability, and convergent validity of the Arthritis Helplessness Index, a measure initially developed for rheumatoid arthritis populations, in a sample of patients with SLE. Methods Patients with SLE ( N = 136) receiving medical care at a private hospital completed the Arthritis Helplessness Index and other self-report measures. The structural validity of the Arthritis Helplessness Index was examined using confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistency reliability was evaluated with Cronbach’s coefficient alpha. Pearson product–moment correlations were used to examine convergent validity with measures of depression, anxiety and mastery. Results The five-item Arthritis Helplessness Index–Helplessness measure demonstrated a tenable factor structure (comparative fit index 0.98, root mean square error of approximation 0.06, standardized root mean residual 0.04). Internal consistency reliability was fair (α = 0.69). Convergent validity was evidenced by significant correlations with measures of depression, anxiety and mastery. Conclusion The five-item Arthritis Helplessness Index–Helplessness scale can confidently be used as a measure of helplessness in SLE.
Commentary on “Assessment of Health Risk From Historical Use of Cosmetic Talcum Powder”
Authors: Egilman David , Steffen Joan 
Published: August 2018

In response to recent litigation, Colgate Palmolive hired Exponent to determine if various samples of their cosmetic talc products contained asbestos. Anderson et al., Exponent employees, claim to report the findings of these analyses in their paper “Assessment of Health Risk from Historical Use of Cosmetic Talcum Powder.” The microscopist who reviewed the samples found four anthophyllite fibers. One of the authors of Anderson et al., Patrick Sheehan, who is not a microscopist, directed the reviewing microscopist to alter the report and add the qualification that “…this classification was inconclusive due to the small number counted.” Deviations from the referenced analytical methods, however, would account for the small number of fibers counted relative to the limit of detection. Anderson et al., reported that “no asbestos fibers were detected in any of the eighteen samples analyzed” based on the report’s altered conclusions.
Tongue Reduction Surgery and Feeding Difficulties in Infants With Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome: A Case Series
Authors: Prendeville Nicole , Sell Debbie 
Published: August 2018

Objective: To profile the pre- and post-operative feeding difficulties in infants with macroglossia in Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome (m-BWS) who have had tongue reduction surgery (TRS) and to pilot a bespoke feeding rating scale. Design: Retrospective consecutive case series designed with two pre-operative and one 3-month post-operative feeding assessments. A 4-point Likert-type scale was developed and applied retrospectively to describe the feeding behaviors for liquids, purées, and solids. Descriptive and non-parametric statistics were used. Setting: National service for children with m-BWS at a pediatric hospital. Patients: Twenty-five infants, age range 4 to 12 months at initial assessment, underwent TRS (median age = 16 months). Intervention: Tongue reduction surgery. Outcome Measure: Oral and selected pharyngeal stage feeding behaviors on liquids, purées, and solids. Results: Pre-operative profile: Most feeding difficulties arose at the oral stage due to the macroglossia impacting important lingual movements. Difficulties were found with lip seal formation, biting, bolus manipulation and tongue lateralization. Aspiration risk was found in >75%. Texture modification was indicated for purées and solids. Post-operative profile: There were statistically significant differences for each consistency pre- and post-operatively. Eighty-four percent of infants had age-appropriate drinking and eating skills. Mild residual difficulties with biting, tongue lateralization, and bolus manipulation remained for solids in four infants. Conclusions: Feeding difficulties are common pre-operatively in m-BWS, putting infants at risk of aspiration if left unmanaged. TRS was effective in reducing or eliminating them. This is the first systematic report of infant feeding in m-BWS pre- and post-TRS.
Templating of Syndesmotic Ankle Lesions by Use of 3D Analysis in Weightbearing and Nonweightbearing CT
Authors: Burssens Arne , Vermue Hannes , Barg Alexej , Krähenbühl Nicola , Victor Jan , Buedts Kris 
Published: August 2018

Background: Diagnosis and operative treatment of syndesmotic ankle injuries remain challenging due to the limitations of 2-dimensional imaging. The aim of this study was therefore to develop a reproducible method to quantify the displacement of a syndesmotic lesion based on 3-dimensional computed imaging techniques. Methods: Eighteen patients with a unilateral syndesmotic lesion were included. Bilateral imaging was performed with weightbearing cone-beam computed tomography (CT) in case of a high ankle sprain (n = 12) and by nonweightbearing CT in case of a fracture-associated syndesmotic lesion (n = 6). The healthy ankle was used as a template after being mirrored and superimposed on the contralateral ankle. The following anatomical landmarks of the distal fibula were computed: the most lateral aspect of the lateral malleolus and the anterior and posterior tubercle. The change in position of these landmarks relative to the stationary, healthy fibula was used to quantify the syndesmotic lesion. A control group of 7 studies was used. Results: The main clinical relevant findings demonstrated a statistically significant difference between the mean mediolateral diastasis of both the sprained (mean [SD], 1.6 [1.0] mm) and the fracture group (mean [SD], 1.7 [0.6] mm) compared to the control group ( P < .001). The mean external rotation was statistically different when comparing the sprained (mean [SD], 4.7 [2.7] degrees) and the fracture group (mean [SD], 7.0 [7.1] degrees) to the control group ( P < .05). Conclusion: This study evaluated an effective method for quantifying a unilateral syndesmotic lesion of the ankle. Applications in clinical practice could improve diagnostic accuracy and potentially aid in preoperative planning by determining which correction needs to be achieved to have the fibula correctly reduced in the syndesmosis. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Endoscopic Flexor Hallucis Longus Transfer for Chronic Noninsertional Achilles Tendon Rupture
Authors: Vega Jordi , Vilá Jesus , Batista Jorge , Malagelada Francesc , Dalmau-Pastor Miki 
Published: August 2018

Background: Operative management of chronic Achilles tendon ruptures is challenging, and numerous techniques have been described. Risk of infection and wound breakdown have been described after open techniques, and minimally invasive methods have been proposed to avoid them. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and radiological results obtained after endoscopic flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer in patients with chronic Achilles tendon rupture. Methods: Between 2012 and 2015, a total of 22 patients were endoscopically treated for chronic Achilles tendon rupture. Mean age was 69 years (range, 59-84 years). Mean follow-up was 30.5 months (range, 18-46 months). Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained and tendon gap measured. An MRI was obtained at 9 to 12 months following surgery to evaluate Achilles tendon changes. Results: Preoperative MRI examination showed a mean tendon gap of 6.3 cm (range, 3-10.7 cm). The MRI control was obtained only in 12 patients, and a normal or close to normal Achilles tendon was observed in all but 1 patient. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score increased from 55 preoperatively (range, 26-75) to 91 (range, 74-100) at final follow-up. All patients returned to their daily activities without difficulties. No patients reported complaints or symptomatic deficits of great toe flexion strength. No major complications were encountered. Conclusion: Chronic Achilles tendon ruptures were successfully treated by an all-endoscopic procedure. The endoscopically assisted FHL transfer provided excellent results while benefiting from the minimally invasive procedure advantages. However, it entailed some technical challenges and may not be suitable for less experienced surgeons. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Subclinical Left Ventricular Dysfunction is Influenced by Genotype Severity in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Pallin Michael , Keating Dominic , Kaye David M , Kotsimbos Tom , Wilson John W 
Published: August 2018

Background and objective: Over 2000 genotypes in the cystic fibrosis (CF) gene have been described. These genotypic differences result in variable clinical manifestations of CF, with severity of disease dependent on CF transmembrane conductance (CFTR) protein function. CFTR is widely distributed in nucleated cells, including cardiac myocytes, but the effect of genotype on cardiac function is not known. Methods: This retrospective review of echocardiographic data is from a single adult CF centre between 2000 and 2015. Patients were cohorted based on the functional classification of genotype. ‘Severe’ patients had both CF genes from functional classification groups 1-3; ‘mild’ patients had one or no gene from these groups, or in the event of the second gene being unknown were pancreatic sufficient. Results: Genotype and echocardiography were recorded during the inclusion period in 100 patients, 79 of whom were classified as having severe genotypes. Although the severe group were younger they had a lower fractional shortening (33.66 ± 6.6 vs 36.9 ± 6.3, P < .05), left atrial area (14.9 ± 3.6 versus 18.0 ± 4.2 cm2; P < .01) and volume (39.9 ± 18.7 versus 51.0 ± 18.7 mL; P < .05) and showed a trend to lower left ventricular ejection fraction. Conclusions: This study is the first to show that in CF, severity of genotype (functional classification) is associated with cardiac impairment. Patients with severe CF genotype and cardiac dysfunction should be identified to evaluate cardiac response to gene-modifying treatments prior to consideration for lung transplantation.
Can we trust self-reported walking distance when determining EDSS scores in patients with multiple sclerosis? The Danish MS hospitals rehabilitation study
Authors: Skjerbæk Anders Guldhammer , Boesen Finn , Petersen Thor , Rasmussen Peter Vestergaard , Stenager Egon , Nørgaard Michael , Feys Peter , Kjeldgaard-Jørgensen Marie Louise , Hvid Lars Grøndahl , Dalgas Ulrik 
Published: August 2018

Background: In multiple sclerosis (MS), the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) reflects disease severity. Although parts of the EDSS are dependent on actual walking distance, self-reported statements are often applied. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was, therefore, to compare self-reported walking distance to actual walking distance to outline how this influences EDSS scoring. Methods: MS patients with EDSS 4.0–7.5 ( n = 273) were included from the Danish MS hospitals rehabilitation study ( n = 427). All patients subjectively classified their maximal walking distance according to one of seven categories (>500; 300–499; 200–299; 100–199; 20–99; 5–19; 0–4 m). Subsequently, actual maximal walking distance was assessed and EDSS was determined from both self-reported walking distance (EDSSself-report) and actual walking distance (EDSSactual). Results: In 145 patients (53%), self-reported walking distance was misclassified when compared to the actual walking distance. Misclassification was more frequent in patients using walking aids (64% vs. 44%, p < 0.05) and in patients with primary progressive MS (69%, p < 0.05). Misclassification of walking distance corresponded to incorrect EDSS scores (EDSSself-report vs EDSSactual) of ⩾0.5 point in 24%. Conclusion: In MS patients with EDSS 4.0–7.5, 53% misclassified their walking distance yielding incorrect EDSS scores in 24%. Therefore, correct EDSS determination must be based on measurement of actual walking distance.
Alcohol consumption in adolescence is associated with a lower risk of multiple sclerosis in a Danish cohort
Authors: Andersen Christina , Søndergaard Helle Bach , Bang Oturai Ditte , Laursen Julie Hejgaard , Gustavsen Stefan , Larsen Nanna Katrine , Magyari Melinda , Just-Østergaard Emilie , Thørner Lise Wegner , Sellebjerg Finn , Ullum Henrik , Oturai Annette Bang 
Published: August 2018

Background and objective: Due to the possible existence of a vulnerable period of multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility in adolescence and because Danish teenagers have a high alcohol consumption, we investigated the association between alcohol consumption at ages 15–19 and the risk of developing MS. Methods: A total of 1717 patients with MS and 4685 healthy blood donors filled in a comprehensive environmental and lifestyle questionnaire. Data were analysed by logistic regression models and adjusted for selected confounders. Results: We found an inverse association between alcohol consumption in adolescence and risk of developing MS in both women ( p < 0.001) and men ( p = 0.012). Women with low alcohol consumption had an odds ratio (OR) of 0.56 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.47–0.66) compared with non-drinking women. The ORs were similar for women with moderate (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.38–0.62) and high consumption (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.38–0.84). Men with low alcohol consumption had an OR of 0.69 (95% CI: 0.53–0.89) compared with non-drinking men but no decreased risk was found for men with moderate and high consumption. Conclusion: Alcohol consumption in adolescence was associated with lower risk of developing MS among both sexes.
Practice perspectives and theoretical debates about social workers’ legal powers to protect adults
Authors: Stevens Martin , Manthorpe Jill , Martineau Stephen , Norrie Caroline 
Published: August 2018

Summary This paper explores arguments for and against increasing social workers’ legal powers in adult protection (safeguarding) in England, where there is no direct power of entry. It draws on a research study conducted in 2016–17 involving an international literature review, interviews with social workers (n = 22), managers (n = 15), older and disabled people (n = 6) and carers (n = 5) and a survey of adult safeguarding managers (n = 27). The paper contextualises findings by exploring concepts of vulnerability and autonomy. Findings Most participants were in favour of increased powers for social workers undertaking safeguarding enquiries. A power of entry was seen to strengthen the legal basis of safeguarding and provide legitimacy for social workers to act. However, many participants expressed reservations, arguing that cases could generally be resolved with good social work, there would be a risk of negative impact on adults at risk and their families, the power of entry conflicted with social work practice and values and it could negatively affect social work relationships. Such arguments indicate a nuanced view of autonomy and vulnerability, which allow for doubt about the autonomy of people with capacity in certain circumstances. Applications The paper suggests the need for investment in the processes of implementation of risk management if increased legal powers are introduced. There could be a value in encouraging social workers to make explicit their assumptions about the definitions of vulnerability and its impact on autonomy and to explore the subjective experience of vulnerability in their judgements about intervening in these kinds of situations.
Predictors of empathy in women social workers
Authors: Stanley Selwyn , Mettilda Buvaneswari G , Meenakshi A 
Published: August 2018

Summary This study explored the manifestation of reflective ability, emotional intelligence and empathy in 120 women social workers in Tiruchirappalli, India. A cross-sectional quantitative design was used and the Emotional Intelligence Scale, Groningen Reflective Ability Scale and the Empathy Assessment Index were administered to assess the manifestation of these dimensions. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify predictors of empathy. Findings Based on mean scores, the majority of respondents were classified as being ‘high’ in terms of emotional intelligence and reflective ability. Respondents of different age groups showed a significant difference in terms of the manifestation of empathy. Age, self-reflection and appraisal and expression of emotions were extracted as significant predictors of empathy. Application The article discusses the importance of these professional attributes for effective practice and the role of academic institutions and social work organisations in fostering the development of these dimensions in social work practitioners.