bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating TMPA Rainfall over the Sparsely Gauged East African Rift
Authors: Monsieurs Elise , Kirschbaum Dalia Bach , Tan Jackson , Maki Mateso Jean-Claude , Jacobs Liesbet , Plisnier Pierre-Denis , Thiery Wim , Umutoni Augusta , Musoni Didace , Bibentyo Toussaint Mugaruka , Ganza Gloire Bamulezi , Mawe Guy Ilombe , Bagalwa Luc , Kankurize Clairia , Michellier Caroline , Stanley Thomas , Kervyn Francois , Kervyn Matthieu , Demoulin Alain , Dewitte Olivier 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Accurate precipitation data are fundamental for understanding and mitigating the disastrous effects of many natural hazards in mountainous areas. Floods and landslides, in particular, are potentially deadly events that can be mitigated with advanced warning, but accurate forecasts require timely estimation of precipitation, which is problematic in regions such as tropical Africa with limited gauge measurements. Satellite rainfall estimates (SREs) are of great value in such areas, but rigorous validation is required to identify the uncertainties linked to SREs for hazard applications. This paper presents results of an unprecedented record of gauge data in the western branch of the East African Rift, with temporal resolutions ranging from 30 min to 24 h and records from 1998 to 2018. These data were used to validate the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) research version and near-real-time products for 3-hourly, daily, and monthly rainfall accumulations, over multiple spatial scales. Results indicate that there are at least two factors that led to the underestimation of TMPA at the regional level: complex topography and high rainfall intensities. The TMPA near-real-time product shows overall stronger rainfall underestimations but lower absolute errors and a better performance at higher rainfall intensities compared to the research version. We found area-averaged TMPA rainfall estimates relatively more suitable in order to move toward regional hazard assessment, compared to data from scarcely distributed gauges with limited representativeness in the context of high rainfall variability.
ClosureFast endovenous radiofrequency ablation for great saphenous vein and small saphenous vein incompetence: Efficacy and anatomical failure patterns
Authors: Rodriguez-Acevedo Omar , Elstner Kristen E , Martinic Kui , Ibrahim RN Isabelle , Tomazini Martins Rodrigo , Arduini Fernando , Ibrahim Nabeel 
Published: September 2018

Background Recurrence rates and patterns after endovenous radiofrequency ablation (ERFA) are poorly documented. Objective To assess the incidence and anatomical recurrence patterns of saphenous vein reflux after ERFA. Method Two hundred patients previously treated with ERFA were recalled for clinical assessment and venous-duplex ultrasound at three years post-treatment. Results A total of 106 patients (68F, 38M) with a mean age of 49.4 years (SD +11.5y) were assessed. Mean follow-up was 42.1 months (SD + 20.1m). Further varicose veins were identified in 31 patients (29.2%). Recanalization/recurrence/failure was diagnosed in 16 patients (15.1%), including 18 trunks (8.7%), 13 great saphenous vein (6.3%) and 5 small saphenous vein (2.4%). Twenty-seven patients (25%) developed neo-incompetence in 31 trunks and 12 non-saphenous veins. All patients with truncal recanalization had a body mass index > 29 (range 29–42). Conclusion Disease progression was twice as high as the recanalization rate at three years post-treatment using ERFA in this study. Raised body mass index may be a contributing factor; however, further longitudinal studies are required. Patient self-selection bias may have also influenced our results.
Association of low socioeconomic status and physician assessment of disease severity with oral health-related quality of life in patients with systemic sclerosis: a pilot study from Croatia, a country in transition
Authors: Parat Katica , Radić Mislav , Borić Katarina , Perković Dijana , Biočina Lukenda Dolores , Martinović Kaliterna Dušanka 
Published: September 2018

Objective This study was performed to identify a possible association of the clinical parameters of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and the socioeconomic status (SES) with oral health-related quality of life (OHrQoL) as measured by the Oral Health Impact Profile 49 (OHIP 49), taking into account the effect of educational level (as a proxy of SES) on oral health. Methods Subjects were recruited from the Croatian SSc Center of Excellence cohort. Detailed dental and clinical examinations were performed according to standardized protocols. The associations of OHrQoL with disease characteristics and socioeconomic status were examined. Results Thirty-one consecutive patients with SSc were enrolled (29 women; mean age, 56.45 ± 13.60 years). OHIP 49 scores were significantly correlated with disease activity and severity. Furthermore, OHrQoL was positively correlated with skin involvement as evaluated by the modified Rodnan skin score. Impaired OHrQoL was positively correlated with the severity of general, skin, gastrointestinal, and joint/tendon involvement. The OHIP 49 score differed between patients who were positive and negative for anti-topoisomerase I antibody. Higher OHIP 49 scores were detected in patients with lower SES (primary school educational level). Conclusion Collaboration between rheumatologists and dental professionals is required to improve dental care and oral health outcomes of SSc.
Influence of dexmedetomidine and lidocaine on perioperative opioid consumption in laparoscopic intestine resection: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Andjelković Lea , Novak-Jankovič Vesna , Požar-Lukanovič Neva , Bosnić Zoran , Spindler-Vesel Alenka 
Published: September 2018

Objective The consumption of opioid analgesics could be reduced by the use of analgesics with different mechanisms of action. We investigated whether additional treatment with dexmedetomidine or lidocaine could reduce opioid consumption. Methods We randomized 59 study participants into three groups and examined: (i) fentanyl consumption, (ii) consumption of piritramide, and (iii) cognitive function and neuropathic pain. The control group received continuous propofol infusion and fentanyl boluses. Continuous intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine (0.5 µg/kg/h) was administered to the dexmedetomidine group and lidocaine (1.5 mg/kg/h) was administered to the lidocaine group. Results No reduction in fentanyl consumption was observed among the groups. However, we noted a significantly lower consumption of piritramide on the first and second postoperative day in the lidocaine group. Total consumption of piritramide was significantly lower in the lidocaine group compared with the control group. Conclusions Lidocaine and dexmedetomidine reduced intraoperative propofol consumption, while lidocaine reduced postoperative piritramide consumption. Clinical trial registration: NCT02616523
Spleen thickness can predict significant liver pathology in patients with chronic hepatitis B with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase or minimally raised alanine aminotransferase: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Junli , Du Xiaoxing , Zhou Zhihui , Lv Fangfang , Yu Yunsong 
Published: September 2018

Objective Liver biopsy is the gold standard test for assessment of liver pathology. This study was performed to assess the predictive value of spleen thickness for liver pathology and the role of routine follow-up procedures in significant liver pathology for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (PNALT) or minimally raised alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Methods Patients with CHB who underwent percutaneous liver biopsy were retrospectively reviewed. The relationship of liver pathology with age, ALT, hepatitis B e-antigen, and spleen thickness was statistically analyzed, and the predictive accuracy of spleen thickness was evaluated. Results In total, 80.65% of patients had significant necroinflammation and/or fibrosis. Nearly 60% of patients had splenomegaly, of which 89.12% had a histopathological grade of ≥G2 and/or S2. Spleen thickness was predictive of liver pathology, and significant histological findings increased as the hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA level increased. Conclusions Spleen thickness is an effective predictor of liver pathology in patients with PNALT or minimally raised ALT. Additionally, the prevalence of significant histological findings tended to increase as the HBV DNA level increased. Patients with CHB and splenomegaly and a high HBV DNA level should be treated early with antivirals to improve liver pathology.
Predictive value of fasting blood glucose for serious coronary atherosclerosis in non-diabetic patients
Authors: Zhao Tong , Gong Hui-Ping , Dong Zhao-Qiang , Du Yi-Meng , Lu Qing-Hua , Chen Hui-Qiang 
Published: September 2018

Objective To determine if high fasting blood glucose (FBG) level is an independent predictor of serious coronary lesions in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods We enrolled 64 patients who had symptoms of chest discomfort and who underwent coronary angiography. FBG was determined from blood samples and the extent of coronary artery lesions was analyzed according to Gensini score. We examined the relationships among diabetes, FBG, and coronary artery severity. Results Diabetes and FBG were significantly and positively related to Gensini score. Diabetes, but not FBG, was independently correlated with the occurrence of a Gensini score >41. However, FBG was significantly associated with Gensini score >41 in non-diabetic patients. Conclusion Hyperglycemia is an independent predictor of severe CAD in non-diabetic patients. Clinicians should be aware of this and should carry out appropriate early interventions.
Effectiveness of D-mannose, Hibiscus sabdariffa and Lactobacillus plantarum therapy in prevention of infectious events following urodynamic study
Authors: Milandri Riccardo , Maltagliati Matteo , Bocchialini Tommaso , Del Prete Chiara , Bianchi Giampaolo , Rocco Bernardo M , Micali Salvatore 
Published: September 2018

Introduction and aim: The urodynamic study is an invasive examination that allows a thorough evaluation of the functional activity of the lower urinary tract (bladder, urethra). The execution of urodynamic study exposes the patient to the risk of contracting infections of the lower urinary tract. Prevention of urinary tract infections consists in the avoidance of risk factors and prophylaxis with antimicrobial and non-antimicrobial measures. In this article, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a phytotherapeutic product composed of D-mannose, Hibiscus sabdariffa, and Lactobacillus plantarum in the prevention of infectious events following invasive urodynamic examination. Materials and methods: We selected 100 female consecutive patients (age 19–87 years) that underwent urodynamic invasive procedure. We prescribed 14-day therapy with D-mannose, H. sabdariffa, and L. plantarum to these 100 patients after urodynamic invasive test. After that, we have examined urine cultures and urinary symptoms through telephone interviews and hospital outpatient visits to evaluate the possible presence of urinary tract infections. Results: Urinary tract infections were observed through urine culture in 13% of the selected patients; of the 13 urinary tract infections, 9 were observed in patients with urinary tract recurrent infections in the last year and the other 4 cases were associated with patients with no urinary infection in the last year. Three women reported some urinary symptoms and underwent antibiotic therapy. The other 10 cases were classified as asymptomatic bacteriuria. Three cases were related to patients presenting with pelvic organ prolapse. Eight cases were instead related to significant post-voiding residue (>100). Six patients with urinary tract infection reported constipation in the last year. All patients completed the prescribed therapy due to the affordable price of the product and no side effects have been reported. Conclusion: Our study about the administration of D-mannose, H. sabdariffa, and L. plantarum after invasive urodynamic examination underlined how this phytotherapeutic product can reduce the risk of bacteriuria and urinary tract infection in women.
Psychometric Properties of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support in Greek Nurses
Authors: Tsilika Eleni , Galanos Antonis , Polykandriotis Tzanis , Parpa Efi , Mystakidou Kyriaki 
Published: September 2018

Background Psychosocial well-being in the workplace may increase retention of oncology nurses, while a lack of social support has been a predictor of occupational stress in nurses. Purpose To further explore this phenomenon by examining the psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support in Greek nurses working in oncology and mental health settings. Methods A cross-sectional design was used. The sample consisted of 150 nurses (70 oncology nurses and 80 mental health nurses) from the area of greater Athens who joined the study. The scale was translated to Greek using the “forward-backward” procedure. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support’s internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s α), stability (intraclass correlation coefficient), factor structure (factor analysis), and convergent validity (correlation with Ways of Coping Questionnaire) were examined. Results A three-factor (significant others, family, and friends) model was confirmed. The subscales representing the three factors demonstrated excellent internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s αs > .90) and stability intraclass correlation coefficient (>.90). Conclusions The measure is reliable and valid, and it can be used to assess nurses’ social support; the results of such an assessment could be helpful when selecting strategies for assisting nurses.
Comparison of Efficacy between Ramipril and Carvedilol on Limiting the Expansion of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Mouse Model
Authors: Park Sang Min , Hong Myeong-Ki , Kim Se Hoon , Jung Subin , Kim Bo Kyoung , Choi Donghoon 
Published: September 2018

Objective: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a common condition that may be life-threatening when it is unrecognized. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of ramipril and carvedilol on limiting AAA expansion in mouse model. Methods and Results: A total of 36 experimental AAA mouse model was induced with the continuous infusion of angiotensin II (Ang II) in 20-week-old male apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. They were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups and fed orally for 8 weeks; saline alone, ramipril (2.5 mg/30g/d), or carvedilol (3.125 mg/30g/d), respectively. Aortic diameter (AD) was measured by micro-computed tomography, and the level of biomarkers of aortic tissue such as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) was evaluated. After treatment, AD of both ramipril and carvedilol group was smaller than in the saline group. The percentage change of AD in both ramipril and carvedilol groups was significantly smaller than that of the saline group. Pathologic examination revealed relatively well-preserved aortic walls in the ramipril group compared to the carvedilol and saline groups. The level of MCP-1 was markedly decreased in both the ramipril and carvedilol groups compared to the saline group. The level of TIMP-1 was higher in the carvedilol group when compared to either the saline or ramipril groups. Conclusions: Ramipril and carvedilol treatment shows similar efficacy in limiting AAA expansion in mouse model. Future clinical research would be warranted to validate these results.
Exploratory Study of Associations Between DNA Repair and Oxidative Stress Gene Polymorphisms and Cognitive Problems Reported by Postmenopausal Women With and Without Breast Cancer
Authors: Merriman John D. , Sereika Susan M. , Conley Yvette P. , Koleck Theresa A. , Zhu Yehui , Phillips Mary L. , Bertocci Michele A. , Brufsky Adam M. , Bender Catherine M. 
Published: September 2018

Purpose: Women with breast cancer report varying frequencies of cognitive problems during adjuvant systemic therapy. This variability suggests latent subgroups. Therefore, we identified latent subgroups of self-reported cognitive problems among postmenopausal women with and without breast cancer. We explored associations between membership in these subgroups and (a) demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics and (b) variations in candidate gene polymorphisms. Methods: We evaluated frequency of cognitive problems using the Patient Assessment of Own Functioning Inventory. Growth mixture modeling identified latent subgroups over 18 months of adjuvant systemic therapy and at matched time points for women without cancer ( N = 331). We evaluated for differences among subgroups in demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics and in 41 single nucleotide polymorphisms in 10 candidate genes involved in DNA repair and oxidative stress pathways ( n = 199). We modeled associations between genotypes and subgroup membership using multinomial logistic regression. Results: We identified three latent subgroups: more frequent, persistent, and almost never. Receipt of chemotherapy plus anastrozole, depressive symptoms, and baseline neuropathic symptoms increased the odds of belonging to the more frequent subgroup. Anxiety and depressive symptoms increased the odds of belonging to the persistent subgroup. With covariates controlled for, carrying the ERCC5 rs873601 G minor allele increased the odds of reporting more frequent cognitive problems. Conclusions: Chemotherapy plus anastrozole, depressive symptoms, and presence of neuropathic symptoms may predict more frequent cognitive problems during systemic therapy that later resolve. Mood dysregulation before therapy may predict persistent cognitive problems during therapy. ERCC5 genotype may influence frequency of cognitive problems after controlling for these risk factors.
Post-Renal Transplantation Outcomes in Elderly Patients Compared to Younger Patients in the Setting of Early Steroid Withdrawal
Authors: Alsheikh Razan , Gabardi Steven 
Published: September 2018

Background: Previous studies reported improved outcomes for renal recipients undergoing early steroid withdrawal (ESW), with significantly lower rates of new-onset diabetes, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and malignancy. As renal transplants in older adults has increased, studies have shown similar outcomes between elderly and younger patients. We aim to evaluate post-renal transplantation outcomes in elderly patients compared to younger patients who have undergone ESW. Methods: A retrospective analysis of adults who received transplants between January 2004 and December 2014 and received either basiliximab or antithymocyte globulin for induction, underwent ESW, and received tacrolimus and mycophenolate for maintenance. Patients were stratified based on age (≥60 vs <60). The 1-year primary end point was a composite of patient survival, graft survival, biopsy-proven acute rejection, and serum creatinine. The secondary outcomes included renal function, the incidence of opportunistic infections, malignancies, diabetes, and cardiovascular complications. Cox regression was used to evaluate variables that may affect rejection. Results: The sample included 292 patients; 72 were elderly individuals and 220 were younger adults. No significant differences were found in the primary end point or incidence of CMV, BK virus, or malignancy ( P = 1.0, .82, and .06, respectively). The use of blood pressure medications and the need for lipid-lowering agents were significantly higher in elderly patients at last follow-up. Diabetes was more common in elderly patients (15.2% vs 8.41%, P = .11). The induction agent used did not show any significant effect on rejection risk. Conclusion: We report similar outcomes in elderly patients compared to younger patients in the setting of ESW.
Fatigue and its associated factors in microscopic colitis
Authors: Kane John S. , Irvine Andrew J. , Derwa Yannick , Ford Alexander C. 
Published: September 2018

Background: Fatigue is a well-recognized symptom in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and has been associated with psychological comorbidity and impaired quality of life in both. However, features associated with fatigue in patients with microscopic colitis (MC) are less clear. Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of patients with a new diagnosis of MC including levels of anxiety, depression, somatization, quality of life, and IBS-type symptoms. Levels and impact of fatigue were assessed using the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Fatigue self-assessment scale. Mean scores were compared against various patient characteristics, and were also correlated with anxiety, depression, somatization, and quality-of-life scores. Results: In total, 129 patients with MC diagnosed between 2010 and 2015 returned completed postal questionnaires. Common histological subtypes were collagenous colitis (53.5%, n = 69) and lymphocytic colitis (38.8%, n = 50). Higher mean fatigue severity and impact scores were associated with the presence of irritable-bowel-syndrome-type symptoms, abnormal levels of anxiety and depression, and high levels of somatization ( p < 0.0001 for all), but those reporting ongoing symptoms attributable to MC did not report significantly higher scores. There were significant positive correlations between total anxiety, depression, or somatization scores and fatigue severity and impact scores, and significant negative correlations with quality-of-life measures ( p < 0.001 for all). Conclusions: Fatigue in MC appears to be associated with reporting IBS-type symptoms, psychological comorbidity and impaired quality of life. It may therefore represent an important target for treatment.
Effectiveness of a Modified Lifestyle-Integrated Functional Exercise Program in Residential Retirement Communities—A Pilot Study
Authors: Li Kitsum , Comer Kayla , Huang Tiffany , Schmidt Kelly , Tong Matthew 
Published: September 2018

Abstract Aims This study explored the effectiveness of a modified Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise program for increasing community-dwelling older adults’ lower body strength and balance to decrease fall risk. Methods Purposive sampling of men and women aged 65 years and older, with or without a history of falls, living at retirement communities yielded 19 older adult participants, and 16 of the participants completed the 26-week integrated exercise program. The program consisted of five-group training sessions focused on how to integrate individualized exercises into everyday activities, followed by 20 weeks of independent practice with a booster session at Week 10 and two phone calls at Week 15 and Week 20. A battery of assessments was used 3 times to measure the participants. Results Results demonstrated a significant improvement in lower body strength and balance, but fall risk reduction cannot be confirmed from this study. Conclusion Despite reduction in fall risk was inconclusive from this study, a modified Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise program delivered to community-dwelling older adults in a group format may be an effective intervention program to improve lower body strength and balance, while integration of exercises into daily activities may also appear to be more sustainable than traditional exercise program.
Soluble PD-1 ligands regulate T-cell function in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
Authors: Jalali Shahrzad , Price-Troska Tammy , Paludo Jonas , Villasboas Jose , Kim Hyo-Jin , Yang Zhi-Zhang , Novak Anne J. , Ansell Stephen M. 
Published: September 2018

Key Points
Cytokines in the BM microenvironment regulate PD-1 ligand expression and secretion in WM. Secreted PD-1 ligands modulate T-cell function in WM.