bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shaping Priority Services for UK Victims of Honour‐Based Violence/Abuse, Forced Marriage, and Female Genital Mutilation
Authors: GILL AISHA K. , COX PAMELA , WEIR RUTH 
Published: December 2018

AbstractVictims of honour‐based violence/abuse (HBV/A), forced marriage (FM), and female genital mutilation (FGM) are now defined as ‘priority groups’ in the UK's Code of Practice for Victims of Crime (commonly known as the Victims’ Code of Practice or VCOP). These groups encompass: those who are affected by the most serious forms of crime; those persistently targeted by crime; those vulnerable by age or physical or mental health; and those classified as intimidated victims. The Code recommends that these victims receive a ‘priority service’ that includes rapid needs assessment and enhanced support. This article draws upon research commissioned by a county police force in southern England which wanted to develop its provision for ‘priority service’ victims. It analyses data gathered from interviews with victims and multi‐agency practitioners and explores four dimensions of victim and practitioner experience: recording and locating victims; initiating a case; modes of protecting victims; and closing a case. It also discusses future directions and challenges for priority victim work in England and elsewhere, and identifies the many challenges experienced by practitioners working to support the victims of HBV/A, FM, and FGM. It argues that the voices of both victims and practitioners must be considered in the co‐creation of future priority services in this field.
Permanent 125I prostate brachytherapy for castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Ding Xue‐Fei , Huang Tian‐Bao , Gao Ying , Lu Sheng‐Ming , Tao Hua‐Zhi , Xu Jia‐Nan , Xu Yao‐Zong , Wang Fei , Zhou Yu‐Quan , Zhou Guang‐Chen , Luan Yang 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical significance of permanent 125I prostate brachytherapy in patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer.MethodsA retrospective study of 45 patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer from the Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China was carried out. Patients were divided into two groups according to different treatments: 21 patients received endocrine therapy alone (control group), and 24 patients underwent brachytherapy combined with endocrine therapy (treatment group). Prostate‐specific antigen progression‐free survival, cancer‐specific survival, overall survival and quality of life of the two groups were compared.ResultsThe median prostate‐specific antigen progression‐free survival and cancer‐specific survival of the treatment group were 29 months (interquartile range 25–37 months) and 37 months (interquartile range 30–50 months), respectively. These were significantly longer than those of the control group (both P < 0.05). Prostate‐specific antigen (before androgen deprivation therapy and before brachytherapy), prostate volume, Gleason score, clinical stage and brachytherapy were associated with prostate‐specific antigen progression‐free survival and cancer‐specific survival on univariate analysis. For the quality of life after treatment, urinary symptoms/problems at 1 month after brachytherapy compared with the control group had a statistically significant difference and clinically relevant deterioration, but after 6 months there were no statistically significant differences and clinically relevant deterioration. Compared with the control group, the physical functioning, social functioning, global health and general physical discomfort of the treatment group were significantly improved.ConclusionsBrachytherapy with 125I seed implantation can effectively prolong survival of patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer and, to a certain extent, improve patients’ quality of life.
Explaining Native‐Migrant Differences in Parental Knowledge about the German Educational System
Authors: Kretschmer David 
Published: December 2018

AbstractTo make sound educational decisions, students and their parents have to be informed about the way the educational system works. Such knowledge, however, tends to vary across social groups. This study investigates the differences in education‐related knowledge between native and migrant mothers in the German context. Empirical analyses based on a sample of native German mothers and mothers from Turkey or the former Soviet Union (N = 2076) indicate that migrant mothers know less about the German educational system than their native counterparts. An investigation of the potential sources of these knowledge gaps shows that migrants’ weaker socio‐economic status explains a substantial part of their lower level of knowledge, particularly among families of Turkish origin. Furthermore, migrants’ less profitable social network composition and lower levels of German language skills contribute to their information deficits. Based on these empirical results, the study considers opportunities for improving the knowledge base of migrant parents.
Managing patients with severe asthma in Australia: Current challenges with the existing models of care
Authors: Chung Li Ping , Hew Mark , Bardin Philip , McDonald Vanessa M. , Upham John W. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSevere asthma leads to debilitating symptoms for patients and excessive socioeconomic burden for the community. Comprehensive models of care are required to address complex issues, risk factors and comorbidities in patients with severe asthma, and to identify patients most appropriate for specialised treatments. Dedicated severe asthma services improve asthma control, reduce asthma exacerbations and hospital admissions, and improve quality of life. Currently, diverse models of care exist for managing severe asthma across Australia. Most referrals to severe asthma services are from respiratory physicians seeking a second opinion or from primary care for poorly controlled asthma. Despite benefits of specialised severe asthma services, many patients are not referred and resources are limited, often resulting in long waiting times. Patient referral is often unstructured and there are considerable variations in the management of severe asthma with limited access to other health care professionals such as speech pathologists and dieticians, and restricted scope to optimise patient work‐up before referral. Ongoing communication between the specialist and referring clinician is essential for continuity of care but is often lacking. Referral pathways can be optimised by developing referral criteria and guidelines to triage patients with severe asthma and to improve resource efficiency. Additional education and tools for assessing and managing severe asthma are needed, and mechanisms should be developed for involving primary care in the management of stabilised patients. Strategies to increase patient access to multidisciplinary services are recommended.
Underweight, overweight, and obesity as independent risk factors for hospitalization in adults and children from influenza and other respiratory viruses
Authors: Moser Joe‐Ann S. , Galindo‐Fraga Arturo , Ortiz‐Hernández Ana A. , Gu Wenjuan , Hunsberger Sally , Galán‐Herrera Juan‐Francisco , Guerrero María Lourdes , Ruiz‐Palacios Guillermo M. , Beigel John H. ,   The La Red ILI 002 Study Group
Published: December 2018

BackgroundThe relationship between obesity and risk of complications described during the 2009 influenza pandemic is poorly defined for seasonal influenza and other viral causes of influenza‐like illness (ILI).MethodsAn observational cohort of hospitalized and outpatient participants with ILI was conducted in six hospitals in Mexico. Nasopharyngeal swabs were tested for influenza and other common respiratory pathogens.ResultsA total of 4778 participants were enrolled in this study and had complete data. A total of 2053 (43.0%) had severe ILI. Seven hundred and seventy‐eight (16.3%) were positive for influenza, 2636 (55.2%) were positive for other viral respiratory pathogens, and 1364 (28.5%) had no respiratory virus isolated. Adults with influenza were more likely to be hospitalized if they were underweight (OR: 5.20), obese (OR: 3.18), or morbidly obese (OR: 18.40) compared to normal‐weight adults. Obese adults with H1N1 had a sixfold increase in odds of hospitalization over H3N2 and B (obese OR: 8.96 vs 1.35, morbidly obese OR: 35.13 vs 5.58, respectively) compared to normal‐weight adults. In adults with coronavirus, metapneumovirus, parainfluenza, and rhinovirus, participants that were underweight (OR: 4.07) and morbidly obese (OR: 2.78) were more likely to be hospitalized as compared to normal‐weight adults. All‐cause influenza‐like illness had a similar but less pronounced association between underweight or morbidly obesity and hospitalization.ConclusionsThere is an increased risk of being hospitalized in adult participants that are underweight or morbidly obese, regardless of their viral pathogen status. Having influenza, however, significantly increases the odds of hospitalization in those who are underweight or morbidly obese.
Modeling the influence of two terminal electrode contact geometry and sample dimensions in electro‐materials
Authors: Veazey Richard A. , Gandy Amy S. , Sinclair Derek C. , Dean Julian S. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractVarious two terminal electrode geometry configurations are commonly employed to probe the electrical properties of materials with the key consideration being how current flows through the sample. Here, finite element modeling is used to simulate the dc electrical response of an electrically homogeneous sample (based on single crystal SrTiO3) using two terminal electrode geometries based on full surface, top‐bottom macro‐contacts as is commonly used when characterizing bulk ceramics or large single crystals and top‐bottom and top‐top micro‐contacts that are used to characterize thin films and local intra‐ and inter‐granular regions in ceramics. Well‐known equations for macro‐ and micro‐contacts are used to calculate the conductivity of the sample and are compared to the intrinsic values to determine their accuracy. A geometric factor returns accurate bulk conductivity values when there is homogeneous current flow whereas the spreading resistance equation gives the most accurate conductivity values for heterogeneous current flow. When micro‐contacts are used, the response is dominated by a small region of high current density in the vicinity of the contact, providing local electrical properties. Interference can occur when regions of high current density overlap, providing a less resistive route for current flow, thus reducing the applicability of the spreading resistance equation. For top‐top micro‐contacts at small separations, the conductivity is overestimated. The accuracy of the spreading resistance equation increases as the contact separation increases and is within 10% error when they are separated by eight times the micro‐contact radius. Convergence of the error to values lower than 10% becomes increasingly difficult and requires excessively large (and experimentally challenging) separation distances. For example, to obtain a result with an error below 5% requires separations in excess of 28 times the micro‐contact radius. Confinement occurs when the sample size limits the ability of the current to spread out from a micro‐contact, thus increasing the resistance. As the sample shape and dimensions can limit current flow, a geometric factor can sometimes be used to determine accurate conductivity values. In some cases, interference can counter‐balance confinement to yield fortuitously accurate conductivity values.
Phase structure analysis and pyroelectric energy harvesting performance of Ba(HfxTi1‐x)O3 ceramics
Authors: Li Ming‐Ding , Tang Xin‐Gui , Zeng Si‐Ming , Liu Qiu‐Xiang , Jiang Yan‐Ping , Zhang Tian‐Fu , Li Wen‐Hua 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBa(Ti1‐xHfx)O3 ceramics were synthesized by a solid‐state reaction process. The evolution of the phase structure was identified by XRD spectrum, dielectric spectroscopy, and temperature‐dependent Raman spectroscopy for the Ba(Ti1‐xHfx)O3 ceramics. In addition, pyroelectric energy harvesting properties based on the Olsen cycle were investigated for the first time. A maximum pyroelectric energy harvesting density value of ND = 491.30 kJ/m3 (ΔT = 120°C, EH = 50 kV/cm) was achieved in the Ba(Hf0.05Ti0.95)O3 ceramic. Compared with those of BT, the values of ND more than doubled in the temperature range from ΔT = 60°C to ΔT = 100°C in the Ba(Hf0.05Ti0.95)O3 ceramic and even increased 3.2 times at ΔT = 80°C near the Curie temperature (TC) of the Ba(Hf0.05Ti0.95)O3 sample. In addition, a larger pyroelectric energy harvesting density value of ND = 367.10 kJ/m3 (ΔT = 120°C, EH = 50 kV/cm) was acquired in the Ba(Hf0.12Ti0.88)O3 ceramic. Values of ND‐BHT5/ND‐BT and ND‐BHT12/ND‐BT were analyzed in the Ba(Ti1‐xHfx)O3 ceramics. The optimal pyroelectric properties can be obtained in the vicinity of the ferroelectric to paraelectric phase‐transition region.
Molten salt synthesis, characterization, and formation mechanism of superfine (HfxZr1‐x)B2 solid‐solution powders
Authors: Liu Da , Wen Tongqi , Ye Beilin , Zhou Xiya , Chu Yanhui 
Published: December 2018

AbstractHigh‐purity superfine (HfxZr1‐x)B2 solid‐solution powders with various chemical compositions (x = 0.2, 0.5, and 0.8) were successfully synthesized via molten salt synthesis technique at 1423 K using ZrO2, HfO2, and 20% excessive B as precursors within a KCl/NaCl molten salt for the first time. The results showed that the as‐synthesized solid‐solution powders exhibited the irregular polyhedral morphology with the average particle sizes of 170–185 nm and simultaneously possessed a single‐crystalline hexagonal structure and good compositional uniformity from nanoscale to microscale. In addition, their formation mechanisms were well interpreted by analyzing the thermodynamics of the possible chemical reactions in the molten salt.
Selective ablation of ligament of Marshall inhibits ventricular arrhythmias during acute myocardial infarction: Possible mechanisms
Authors: Yu Xiaomei , He Wenbo , Xie Jing , He Bo , Luo Da , Wang Xiaoying , Jiang Hong , Lu Zhibing 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIntroductionOur recent study found that selective ablation of the distal part of the ligament of Marshall (LOMLSPV) could suppress ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) during acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study was to investigate the possible underlying mechanisms.MethodsDogs were randomly divided into the sham‐operated group (SO; n = 6), AMI group (AMI; n = 8) and the group undergoing LOMLSPV ablation ahead of AMI (LOMD+AMI; n = 8). Incidence of VAs, serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), expression of connexin (Cx43), Bcl‐2, Bax, caspase‐3, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and high mobility group box (HMGB)1 were compared. Anatomic and immunostaining examinations of LOM
LSPV were performed.ResultsCompared with the AMI group, incidence of VAs was reduced in the LOMD+AMI group. Compared with the SO group, Cx43, SOD, and Bcl‐2 were decreased, MDA, Bax, caspase‐3, TNF‐α, IL‐6, and HMGB1 were increased in the MI group, and all the alterations were significantly restrained in the LOMD+AMI group. A visual nerve fiber communication between the left stellate ganglion (LSG) and LOM and abundant sympathetic nerve bundles distribution in LOMLSPV were revealed.ConclusionsLOMLSPV ablation could suppress VAs during AMI. The possible mechanism may be associated with disconnection of the sympathetic conduit from LSG to the ventricles. Preservation of Cx43, inhibition of cardiac oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation may be involved.
Percutaneous lead extraction and repositioning: An effective and safe therapeutic strategy for early ventricular lead perforation with dislocation both inside and outside the pericardial sac following a cardiac device implantation
Authors: Archontakis Stefanos , Sideris Konstantinos , Aggeli Konstantina , Gatzoulis Konstantinos , Demosthenous Michael , Tolios Panagiotis , Lozos Vasilios , Koumallos Nikolas , Limperiadis Dimitrios , Tousoulis Dimitrios , Kallikazaros Ioannis , Sideris Skevos 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIntroductionCardiac perforation of the right ventricle associated with pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) leads’ implantation is uncommon, albeit potentially life‐threatening, complication. The aim of this study is to further identify the optimal therapeutic strategy, especially when lead dislocation has occurred outside the pericardial sac.Methods and ResultsThe study population included 10 consecutive patients (six female, mean age: 66.5 years old) diagnosed with early ventricular lead perforation following a pacemaker or ICD implantation, with significant protrusion inside the pericardial sac (n = 2) or migration of the lead at the pleural space (
n = 3), the diaphragm (
n = 1), or the abdominal cavity (
n = 4), during the period 2013‐2017. All patients were symptomatic; however, individuals presenting with hemodynamic instability were excluded. The outcome of the percutaneous therapeutic approach was retrospectively assessed. All patients underwent a successful removal of the perforating lead percutaneously at the electrophysiology lab, by direct traction, and repositioning in another location of the right ventricle. The operation was performed by a multidisciplinary team, under continuous hemodynamic and transesophageal echocardiographic monitoring and cardiac surgical backup. The periprocedural period was uneventful. Subjects were followed up for at least 1 year. Interestingly, all patients developed a type of postcardiac injury syndrome, successfully treated with a 3‐month regimen of ibuprofen and colchicine.ConclusionPercutaneous traction and repositioning of the perforating ventricular lead are effective, safe, and less invasive compared with the thoracotomy method in hemodynamically stable patients when dislocation has occurred outside the pericardial sac provided that there is no visceral organs injury.
K2p3.1 protein is expressed as a transmural gradient across the rat left ventricular free wall
Authors: Jones Sandra A. , Walton Richard D. , Morton Michael , Lancaster Matthew K. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIntroductionK2p3.1, also known as TASK‐1, is a twin‐pore acid‐sensitive repolarizing K+ channel, responsible for a background potassium current that significantly contributes to setting the resting membrane potential of cardiac myocytes. Inhibition of IK2p3.1 alters cardiac repolarization and is proarrhythmogenic. In this study, we have examined the expression of K2p3.1 and function of this channel in tissue and myocytes from across the left ventricular free wall.Methods and ResultsUsing fluorescence immunocytochemistry, the expression of K2p3.1 protein in myocytes from the subendocardial region was found to be twice (205% ± 13.5%) that found in myocytes from the subepicardial region of the left ventricle (100% ± 5.3%). The left ventricular free wall exhibited a marked transmural gradient of K2p3.1 protein expression. Western blot analysis confirmed significantly higher K2p3.1 protein expression in subendocardial tissue (156% ± 2.5%) than subepicardial tissue (100% ± 5.0%). However, there was no difference in K2p3.1 messenger RNA expression. Whole‐cell patch clamp identified IK2p3.1 current density to be significantly greater in myocytes isolated from the subendocardium (7.66 ± 0.53 pA/pF) compared with those from the subepicardium (3.47 ± 0.74 pA/pF).ConclusionsThis is the first study to identify a transmural gradient of K2p3.1 in the left ventricle. This gradient has implications for understanding ventricular arrhythmogenesis under conditions of ischemia but also in response to other modulatory factors, such as adrenergic stimulation and the presence of anesthetics that inhibits or activates this channel.
Myocardial viability as shown by left ventricular lead pacing threshold and improved dyssynchrony by QRS narrowing predicts the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Takenaka Masaki , Inden Yasuya , Yanagisawa Satoshi , Fujii Aya , Ando Monami , Funabiki Junya , Murase Yosuke , Otake Noriaki , Sakamoto Yusuke , Shibata Rei , Murohara Toyoaki 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIntroductionPatients with advanced heart failure and dyssynchrony can benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). To predict the response to CRT, myocardial viability and improved dyssynchrony are suggested to be important.MethodsWe retrospectively investigated 93 patients who underwent CRT implantation in Nagoya University Hospital. We assessed QRS narrowing the day after implantation to measure the improvement in dyssynchrony and measured the left ventricular pacing threshold (LVPT) to determine the local myocardial viability in all patients. Responders to CRT were defined as those having a greater than or equal to 15% decrease in left ventricular end‐systolic volume by echocardiography at their 6‐month follow‐up.ResultsSixty‐two patients (67%) were classified as responders. The QRS width before CRT implantation, QRS narrowing after implantation, left atrial diameter, septal‐to‐posterior wall motion delay, left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter, radial strain, and LVPT were significantly different between the responder and nonresponder groups. On multivariate analysis, QRS narrowing (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01‐1.05; P = 0.005) and LVPT (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.22‐0.82; P = 0.011) were independent predictors of a response to CRT. We calculated the cutoff values from the receiver operating characteristic curves as 22.5 milliseconds of QRS narrowing and 1.55 V of LVPT. The response rates in patients with both predictive factors (QRS narrowing ≥ 22.5 milliseconds and LVPT ≤ 1.55 V), one factor, and no factors were 91%, 61%, and 25%, respectively (P < 0.001).ConclusionBoth myocardial viability and improved electrical dyssynchrony may be essential to predict a good response to CRT.
Predictors and correlates of systolic blood pressure reduction with liraglutide treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wijkman Magnus O. , Dena Mary , Dahlqvist Sofia , Sofizadeh Sheyda , Hirsch Irl , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Mårtensson Johan , Torffvit Ole , Imberg Henrik , Saeed Aso , Lind Marcus 
Published: December 2018

AbstractLiraglutide is associated with blood pressure reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, it is not known whether this blood pressure reduction can be predicted prior to treatment initiation, and to what extent it correlates with weight loss and with improved glycemic control during follow‐up. We analyzed data from a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, in which 124 insulin‐treated patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to liraglutide or placebo. We evaluated various baseline variables as potential predictors of systolic blood pressure (SBP) reduction, and evaluated whether changes in SBP correlated with weight loss and with improved glycemic control. A greater reduction in SBP among liraglutide‐treated patients was predicted by higher baseline values of SBP (P < 0.0001) and diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.012), and by lower baseline values of mean glucose measured by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM; P = 0.044), and serum fasting C‐peptide (P = 0.015). The regression coefficients differed significantly between the liraglutide group and the placebo group only for diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.037) and mean CGM (P = 0.021). During the trial period, SBP reduction correlated directly with change in body weight and BMI, but not with change in HbA1c. We conclude that patients with lower mean CGM values at baseline responded to liraglutide with a larger reduction in SBP, and that improved HbA1c during follow‐up was not associated with reductions of SBP. Our data suggest that some patients with type 2 diabetes may benefit from liraglutide in terms of weight and SBP reduction.