bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Longitudinal Study Examining the Change in Functional Independence Over Time in Elderly Individuals With a Functioning Kidney Transplant
Authors: Yau Kevin , Farragher Janine F. , Kim S. Joseph , Famure Olusegun , Jassal Sarbjit V. 
Published: June 2018

Background: Functional disability is defined as the need for assistance with self-care tasks. Objective: To document changes in functional status over time among older prevalent renal transplant recipients. Design: Single center, prospective, follow-up study. Setting: Single center, tertiary care transplant center. Patients: Patients, with a functioning kidney transplant, aged 65 years or older who underwent assessment of functional status approximately 12 months previously. Measurements: Validated tools used included Barthel Index, the Lawton-Brody Scale of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, the Timed Up and Go test, the Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire, the Mini-Cog, and dynamometer handgrip strength. Methods: Outpatient assessment by a trained observer. Results: Of the 82 patients previously studied, 64 (78%) patients participated in the follow-up study (mean age 70.5 ± 4.4 years, 58% male, 55% diabetic). Among those completing functional status measures, 32 (50%) had functional disability at baseline. Over the 1-year period, 11 (17%) of these patients experienced progressive functional decline, 6 (9%) exhibited no change, and 15 (23%) had functional recovery. Eleven patients (17%) initially independent, developed new-onset disability. One of the strongest predictors of progressive functional decline was having 1 or more falls in the previous year. Limitations: Assessments were performed only on 2 occasions separated by approximately 1 year. Conclusions: Fluctuations in disability states are common among older adults living with renal transplants. Episodes of functional disability may place individuals at higher risk of persistent and/or progressive disability.
Female sexual dysfunction in systemic sclerosis: The role of endothelial growth factor and endostatin
Authors: Gigante Antonietta , Navarini Luca , Margiotta Domenico , Barbano Biagio , Afeltra Antonella , Rosato Edoardo 
Published: June 2018

Introduction: Since female sexual dysfunction in systemic sclerosis women is multifactorial, we can assume that vascular damage may play a role in pathogenesis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clitoral blood flow, by Echo color Doppler, and to correlate it whit serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and endostatin. Methods: A total of 15 systemic sclerosis women and 10 healthy controls matched for sex and age were enrolled in this study. Serum VEGF165 and endostatin levels were determined in systemic sclerosis patients by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Clitoral blood flow was measured by Doppler indices of clitoral artery: pulsatile index, resistive index, and systolic/diastolic ratio were measured. Sexual dysfunction was assessed by Female Sexual Function Index. Results: Vascular endothelial growth factor (pg/mL) and endostatin (ng/mL) median values were significantly higher in systemic sclerosis women than healthy controls. Resistive index and systolic/diastolic ratio median values were significantly higher in systemic sclerosis women than healthy controls. Negative correlation exists between serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and resistive index (r = −0.55, p < 0.05). Positive correlation was observed between serum levels of endostatin and resistive index (r = 0.70, p < 0.01) and systolic/diastolic ratio (r = 0.77, p < 0.01). Discussion: We can suppose that clitoral blood flow in systemic sclerosis women is reduced not only for macro- and microvascular damage but also for impaired angiogenesis.
A normal diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide is rare in incidental pulmonary arterial hypertension in systemic sclerosis: Data from the Pulmonary Hypertension Assessment and Recognition of Outcomes in Scleroderma cohort
Authors: Overbury Rebecca S , Murtaugh Maureen A , Frech Tracy M , Steen Virginia D 
Published: June 2018

Objective: Our purpose was to determine the frequency of normal diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide defined as ⩾70% predicted, in those diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension in the Pulmonary Hypertension Assessment and Recognition of Outcomes in Scleroderma cohort. We compared those with normal diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide to those with reduced diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide <70% in order to better clarify the role of pulmonary function testing as a screening test for pulmonary arterial hypertension and to better understand this population. Methods: Entry criteria included a right heart catheterization with mean pulmonary artery pressure ⩾25 mm Hg and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ⩽15 mm Hg. Demographics, echocardiogram variables, B-type natriuretic peptide levels, right heart catheterization findings, and survival were described for both groups. Results: Of (n = 202), 11 (5.4%) had a diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide of ⩾70% versus 191 (94.6%) who had a diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide <70%. There were no identified statistical differences between the groups. Left atrium size was 4.1 cm in the normal diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide patients compared to 3.7 cm in the low diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide group but did not reach statistical significance. There were no statistically significant differences in survival. On repeat testing, seven patients subsequently developed a diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide <70%. Conclusion: Pulmonary Hypertension Assessment and Recognition of Outcomes in Scleroderma data suggest that it is very rare for a patient to develop pulmonary arterial hypertension with a preserved diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide. The data support the importance of obtaining diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide and that a patient with a normal diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide while suspected to have systemic sclerosis-pulmonary arterial hypertension should be considered critically. Diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide >70% was present in too few patients to find significant differences in B-type natriuretic peptide and atrium size. Future research should seek to confirm abnormal B-type natriuretic peptide, increased left atrium size, and other evidence of myocardial involvement on diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide.
Saturday Night Retinopathy After Intranasal Heroin
Authors: Nguyen Huy V. , North Victoria S. , Oellers Patrick , Husain Deeba 
Published: June 2018

Purpose: To describe the clinical features of a case of Saturday night retinopathy (SNR) following intranasal heroin use. Methods: Ophthalmological examination, including optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiogram, was performed. Serial images were obtained at follow-up visits at 1 week and 1 month. Results: The visual acuity was no light perception vision and there was an afferent pupillary defect in the affected eye. There was also evidence of complete ophthalmoplegia, globe proptosis, conjunctival chemosis, and corneal epitheliopathy and funduscopic evidence of ophthalmic artery occlusion. Follow-up imaging showed choroidal and retinal nonperfusion. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated edematous extraocular muscles and a bilateral hippocampal ischemia. Conclusions: This is the first case of SNR following intranasal heroin use and opioid-associated hippocampal ischemia. As physicians witness the impacts of the country’s opioid epidemic, it is important to recognize SNR as a cause of acute visual loss.
Gender differences in bronchiectasis: a real issue?
Authors: Vidaillac Celine , Yong Valerie F.L. , Jaggi Tavleen K. , Soh ­ Min-Min , Chotirmall Sanjay H. 
Published: June 2018

Gender differences in chronic respiratory disease, including cystic fibrosis and non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis are clinically apparent and of increasing importance. Differences in disease prevalence, severity and outcome are all described, however, the precise cause of the gender dichotomy and their associated underlying mechanisms have been poorly characterised. A lack of dedicated clinical and epidemiological research focused in this area has led to a paucity of data and therefore a lack of understanding of its key drivers. Diagnosis, disease pathogenesis and treatment response are all complex but important aspects of bronchiectasis with an evident gender bias. Broadening our understanding of the interplay between microbiology, host physiology and the environment in the context of chronic lung diseases, such as bronchiectasis, is critical to unravelling mechanisms driving the observed gender differences. In this review, epidemiological, biological and environmental evidence related to gender in bronchiectasis is summarised. This illustrates gender differences as a “real issue” with the objective of mapping out a future framework upon which a gender-tailored medical approach may be incorporated into the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of bronchiectasis.Key pointsCF and non-CF bronchiectasis are complex, multifactorial chronic pulmonary diseases with gender-specific differences in their prevalence, clinical presentation and disease severity.Microbiology and host physiology (immune and inflammatory responses) are essential aspects of bronchiectasis that are influenced by gender.Sex steroid hormones vary in type, fluctuating pattern and concentration throughout life and between the genders with a potential central role in bronchiectasis-related gender differences.Gender-focused clinical and/or therapeutic intervention has the potential to narrow the observed gender gap occurring in bronchiectasis-related lung disease.Educational aimsTo summarise the existing knowledge base of gender-related differences in CF and non-CF bronchiectasis.To highlight key areas of importance in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of bronchiectasis that is amenable to clinical and/or pharmacological intervention to narrow the existing “gender gap”.
The clinical utility of the IRAC component of the Framework for Routine Outcome Measurement in Liaison Psychiatry (FROM-LP)
Authors: Guest Caroline , Crockett Stephen , Little Patrick , Patel Anish 
Published: June 2018

Aims and methodThe clinical utility of the multidimensional Framework for Routine Outcome Measurement in Liaison Psychiatry (FROM-LP) has not previously been examined. We sought to establish whether referral accuracy and ability to achieve the reason(s) for referral to our liaison service improved after incorporating the Identify and Rate the Aim of the Contact (IRAC) scale of this tool into our referral process. We carried out a retrospective analysis of electronic case notes of all appropriate referrals to the team before and after this adaption.ResultsAccuracy of referrals to our team improved from 73.8 to 93.7% following intervention. Referral requests that were fully achieved improved from 57.4 to 77.8%, and referral requests that were not achieved decreased from 26.2 to 6.4%.Clinical implicationsThe IRAC component of the FROM-LP measures what it was developed for, and thus has clinical utility supporting its widespread adoption across liaison services in the National Health Service.Declaration of interestNone.
Aggression and Agitation in Dementia
Authors: Wolf M. Uri , Goldberg Yael , Freedman Morris 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTPURPOSE OF REVIEWThis article reviews the treatment of aggression and agitation in dementia. Both nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic approaches to responsive behaviors are discussed. Practical treatment strategies are applied to common behavioral symptoms.RECENT FINDINGSAggressive and agitated behavior is common in dementia. Behavioral symptoms lead to reduced quality of life and distress for both patients and caregivers. They can also lead to poor outcomes and are associated with significant financial implications for the individual and health care system. A wide range of difficult behaviors exists, with limited evidence for deciding on treatment. Clinicians should integrate the available evidence with practical and commonsense strategies to target these difficult-to-treat behaviors.SUMMARYTreating aggression and agitation in dementia is challenging. Viewing behaviors as a response to either internal or external stimuli can help guide treatment. Treatment should emphasize nonpharmacologic approaches as an initial step, using practical and commonsense strategies. Caregivers and family should be actively involved in the planning and implementation of behavioral plans. It is essential to minimize both medical and nonmedical factors that may be contributing to behaviors. When pharmacologic options are required, it is important to choose medications that will target specific behavioral goals, having both practical consideration and the best evidence in mind.
Assessment and Management of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Ellis Janet , Zaretsky Ari 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE
The goal of this article is to increase clinicians’ understanding of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and improve skills in assessing risk for and diagnosing PTSD. The importance and sequelae of lifetime trauma burden are discussed, with reference to trends in prevention, early intervention, and treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS
PTSD has different clinical phenotypes, which are reflected in the changes in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria. PTSD is almost always complicated by comorbidity. Treatment requires a multimodal approach, usually including medication, different therapeutic techniques, and management of comorbidity. Interest is growing in the neurobiology of childhood survivors of trauma, intergenerational transmission of trauma, and long-term impact of trauma on physical health. Mitigation of the risk of PTSD pretrauma in the military and first responders is gaining momentum, given concerns about the cost and disability associated with PTSD. Interest is also growing in screening for PTSD in medical populations, with evidence of improved clinical outcomes. Preliminary research supports the treatment of PTSD with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation.

SUMMARY
PTSD is a trauma-related disorder with features of fear and negative thinking about the trauma and the future. Untreated, it leads to ongoing disruption of life due to avoidance, impaired vocational and social functioning, and other symptoms, depending on the phenotype. Despite a theoretical understanding of underlying mechanisms, PTSD remains challenging to treat, although evidence exists for benefit of pharmacologic agents and trauma-focused therapies. A need still remains for treatments that are more effective and efficient, with faster onset.
META-pipe Authorization service
Authors: Raknes Inge Alexander , Bongo Lars Ailo 
Published: June 2018

We describe the design, implementation, and use of the META-pipe Authorization service. META-pipe is a complete workflow for the analysis of marine metagenomics data. We will provide META-pipe as a web based data analysis service for ELIXIR users. We have integrated our Authorization service with the ELIXIR Authorization and Authentication Infrastructure (AAI) that allows single sign-on to services across the ELIXIR infrastructure. We use the Authorization service to authorize access to data on the META-pipe storage system and jobs in the META-pipe job queue. Our Authorization server was among the first SAML2 service providers that integrated with ELIXIR AAI. The code is open source at: https://gitlab.com/uit-sfb/AuthService2.
COPD, metabolic syndrome, respiratory symptoms, and functional incapacity in smokers, ex-smokers, and never-smokers aged 40-59 in Almaty, Kazakhstan: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhussupov Baurzhan , Sharman Almaz , Sharman Dana 
Published: June 2018

Background: No study has reported the relationship between smoking status with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Kazakhstan. The aim of this study was to assess the associations between health outcomes, including COPD, MetS, respiratory symptoms, and functional incapacity, with the cigarette smoking status. Methods: The cross-sectional study recruited 500 smokers, 200 ex-smokers, and 200 never-smokers aged 40-59 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Questions assessed socio-demographic, clinical characteristics, and smoking behavior. Blood glucose and lipid profiles were determined after overnight fasting. COPD was defined according to the GOLD 2017 statement. Respiratory symptoms and functional incapacity were assessed by the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and 6-min walk test (6MWT), respectively. Logistic regression models were used to assess the associations. Results: The prevalence of COPD among smokers, ex-smokers and never-smokers were 5.5%, 3.0% and 3.0%, respectively. Respiratory symptoms based on CAT were more prevalent among smokers (42.8%) as compared to ex-smokers (42.8% vs 17.0%; aOR 3.43, 95% CI 2.25–5.23) and never-smokers (42.8% vs 12.5%; aOR 5.44, 95% CI 3.42–8.65). Current smokers were more likely to walk less than 450 meters during 6MWT as compared to never-smokers (16.5% vs 5.0%; aOR 3.72, 95% CI 1.86–7.44). No significant association was found between the smoking status with COPD and MetS. Conclusions: Respiratory symptoms are common among the current smokers, even if most of them had preserved pulmonary function defined by spirometry.
Prevalence of intestinal parasites among food handlers attending public health laboratories in Khartoum State, Sudan
Authors: Gamar Tarig A. , Musa Hassan H. , Altayb Hisham N. , Kabbashi Mogeeb , Alsayed Yassen , Abakar Adam D. 
Published: June 2018

Background: Infections by intestinal pathogens especially protozoans and helminths are considered to pose a real health problem, particularly in the tropics. They cause considerable morbidity and mortality rates in developing countries. The high prevalence of these infections is closely correlated with poverty, poor environmental hygiene, and impoverished health services. This study aimed to detect prevalence and frequency of parasitic infections among food handlers in Khartoum Sudan. Methods: Three hundred and fifty Food-handlers, attending public health laboratories in Khartoum, Sudan, for an annual medical check-up, were screened for intestinal parasites by four laboratory techniques viz. direct faecal examination, formal-ether concentration, Baermann technique and agar culture method. Results: The infection rate was 23.7% by Formol-Ether Concentration technique, followed by direct saline stool preparation (7.1%). Out of 83 positive samples the infection rate among different nationalities was as follows: Sudanese 68 (81.9%), Ethiopians 13 (15.7%), Syrians 2 (2.4%) and Egyptians 0 (0%). Intestinal parasites were more prevalent among males (73; 25.1%) than female food handlers (10; 16.9%). Three protozoans, nematodes, two tap worms and one trematode worm were detected among infected population: their frequency were as follows: Entamoeba histolytica (7.4%), Entamoeba coli (6.86%), Giardia lamblia (6%), Schistosoma mansoni (1.40%), Necator americanus (1.43%), Hymenolepis nana (0.68%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.68%), Taenia saginata (0.57%), Ascaris lumbricoides (0.57%) and Trichostrongylus species (0.29%). Conclusion: The overall prevalence of protozoan infections among food handler in Khartoum state, Sudan was 20.26% while the helminthic infections was 5.97%. Formol-ether concentration technique is better for detection of intestinal parasites than the direct faecal smear technique. Likewise, Barmann’s technique confirms detection of nematodes worms especially hookworms.
Experimental Studies of UV Irradiation Induced Changes in Optical, Mechanical and Microstructural Properties of PVA/Modified Cellulose Composite
Authors: R F Bhajantri Sunil G Rathod 
Published: June 2018

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/modified Cellulose composite films with 85:15 wt.% were prepared by solution casting method and subjected to UV irradiation for different intervals of time. The UV irradiation induced modifications in optical, mechanical and morphological properties were studied. The FTIR results confirm the chemical interaction between PVA and Cellulose. The optical absorption also supports the formation of crosslinked network in the polymer composite. The XRD result shows an increase in the amorphousness with increase in UV irradiation time. The Young’s modulus (YM), tensile strength (TS), stiffness and percentage (%) elongation at break (% EB) of the composite films increase with increase in UV irradiation time. The Scanning Electron microscope (SEM) images confirm the
An Efficient Method of Production of Colloidal Chitin for Enumeration of Chitinase Producing Bacteria
Authors: Joe Shaun , Sarojini Suma 
Published: June 2018

Chitin is a long-chain polymer of an N-acetyl glucosamine, a derivative of glucose, and is one of the most abundant natural polymer which has proved versatile for several medical, industrial and biotechnological purposes. Chitinase enzymes have received wide spread attention for its biotechnological applications mainly in the field of agriculture as a bio control agent against fungi and certain insects. An efficient way of obtaining colloidal chitin and the enumeration of chitinase producing bacteria with fungicidal properties were the main objectives of the current study. For this purpose two different species of fungi, Alternaria sp. and Fusarium sp. were isolated from infected vegetables. Chitinase can be used as a potential alternative to chemical fungicides. The current study elucidates an effective method of preparation of colloidal chitin to enumerate the chitanase producing bacteria.
Role and Scope of Machine Learning in Different Media Verticals in India
Authors: Thomas Juby 
Published: June 2018

The Internet is fast becoming a way of life for millions of people and also a way of living because of growing dependence and reliance of mankind on these machines. Today, the availability of information at a click is not so surprising. But it may be disappointing to find the important information from those 10 blue links. There is no doubt that everyone likes to receive the exact information that goes through the mind at a click. Therefore expectation for a machine which can read the human mind and provide exactly what the user is looking for is highly in demand now. Teaching a machine to think like a human will open up a broad spectrum of possibilities. It has so much to do with communication in the current scenario especially in a country like India.
A Comparison of Maslow’s Theory of Hierarchy of Needs with the Pancha Kosha Theory of Upanishads
Authors: B Sathiyaseelan , Sathiyaseelan Anuradha 
Published: June 2018

There is a growing recognition that reductionist and mechanistic worldview that we hold of human motivation needs to be revised and transformed. Many attempts have been made in this direction including a more humanistic approach. In the Western world, Maslow‟s needs hierarchy was a first such attempt.However, not many attempts have been made to expand further the concept of self-actualization proposed by Maslow. On the other hand, there was a criticism of his approach as not being rooted in research and the real world. In this article, the authors attempt to explore the similarities between the needs hierarchy as proposed by Maslow (1943, 1954) and the model of „Pancha Kosha‟ or„five sheaths‟ theory as presented in the Taittriya Upanishad