bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Grading lumbar disc degeneration: a comparison between low- and high-field MRI
Authors: Hansen Bjarke B , Ciochon Urszula M , Trampedach Charlotte R , Christensen Anders F , Rasti Zoreh , Boesen Mikael 
Published: April 2019

Background More advanced disc degeneration on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is found in individuals with low back pain. However, it is unclear whether this grading is independent of the scanner’s field strength. Purpose To compare disc degeneration on high- versus low-field MRI. Material and Methods Low back pain patients were enrolled to undergo high-field (3 T) MRI, followed by low-field (0.25 T) MRI of the lumbar spine within 3 h. Three radiologists graded the disc degeneration on Pfirrmann’s grading scale with a hiatus of 3 months. A subsample was regraded 6 months later. Reproducibility was measured by weighted kappa statistics (using PROC FREQ statement with AGREE in the TABLES statement for SAS), absolute agreement (i.e. 1:1 agreement/the total number) and the difference in the prevalence (McNemar test). Results Moderate to substantial agreement (κ = 0.52–0.62) and absolute agreement of 43.8–66.1% were found between field strengths. Low-field MRI tended to have numerically higher and lower grades than high-field MRI resulting in a significant difference in the prevalence of grades ( p < 0.001). Both field strengths resulted in a moderate to substantial inter-reader agreement (low-field: κ = 0.63, 0.63, 0.54 and high-field: κ = 0.55, 0.43, 0.53) and intra-reader agreement (high-field: κ = 0.57, 0.77, 0.67 and low-field: κ = 0.51, 0.50, 0.70). Only, the reader with the shortest experience had better agreement with high-field compared to low-field. Conclusions There were a significant difference in the prevalence of disc degeneration grading between 0.25 T and 3 T MRI. Therefore, field strength should be taken into consideration when comparing studies using disc degeneration grading as an outcome.
A Beijing that you might not know: Geovisualizing selected crimes in Beijing
Authors: Zhou Jiangping , Yang Yuling , Zhang Yanji , Zhang Chun 
Published: April 2019

China is generally considered a safe place: among the safest for foreigners to visit. For local (long-term) residents and for Chinese criminology scholars, China as a country and its individual cities might be safer compared to many of their foreign peers; however, they might not be as safe as some travel agents claim. To show why this is the case, we crawled and geovisualized the 2015–2016 crime records ( n = 24,803) available to the public online. The geovisualization shows that the seven crimes ( n = 12,516) that were most likely to be influenced by space in Beijing were aggravated assault, blackmail, cheating and bluffing, dangerous driving, picking quarrels and provoking trouble, robbery and theft. It also shows a Beijing that many might not have known before.
Peripheral and central nervous system distribution of the CGRP neutralizing antibody [125I] galcanezumab in male rats
Authors: Johnson Kirk W , Morin S Michelle , Wroblewski Victor J , Johnson Michael P 
Published: April 2019

Objective The objective of this investigation was to examine the distribution of galcanezumab and a control immunoglobulin 4 antibody containing the same constant regions as galcanezumab, into peripheral and central tissues. Methods Galcanezumab and a control immunoglobulin 4 antibody were radioiodinated with Iodine-125 to specific activities of 0.11 mCi/mg and 0.16 mCi/mg, respectively. At 24, 72, and 168 hours following subcutaneous injection of either antibody (4 mg/kg), cerebrospinal fluid and plasma were obtained followed by saline perfusion to remove residual blood and collection of selected tissues for determination of Iodine-125 content by gamma counting. Results The peak plasma levels of Iodine-125 galcanezumab and Iodine-125 control immunoglobulin 4 were observed at 72 hours and remained high at 168 hours post-dose. The rank order of tissue levels was dura mater = spleen > trigeminal ganglia ≫hypothalamus = spinal cord = prefrontal cortex = cerebellum. Iodine-125 galcanezumab levels in peripheral tissue (dura mater, spleen, and trigeminal ganglia) averaged 5% to 11% of plasma, whereas all of the central nervous system (CNS) tissue levels and the cerebrospinal fluid levels were < 0.4% of plasma. Distribution of the antibodies into the dura mater and the trigeminal ganglia was similar to that observed in the spleen and significantly greater than exposure in the brain or spinal cord. Conclusions The central levels of galcanezumab were relatively low, which would favor the dura mater and trigeminal ganglia as sites of action for its observed clinical efficacy. However, a central site of action cannot be excluded.
Implementation of provider payment system reforms in the age of universal health coverage: a realist review of evidence from Asian developing countries
Authors: Tan Si Ying , Melendez-Torres GJ , Pang Tikki 
Published: April 2019

Objective Launched to assist in achieving universal health coverage, provider payment reform (PPR) is one of the most important policy tools deployed to transform incentives within a health system that is plagued with allocative inefficiency and high out-of-pocket payments to one that is able to deliver basic services and be cost-efficient. However, the black box of such reform – that is, the contexts in which reform operates, the mechanisms by which it changes health systems and behaviour within health systems, and the outcome patterns that arise from – remains unexplored. This review aims to examine the implementation mechanisms underlying PPR in Asian developing countries. Methods A realist synthesis approach was employed to tease out the configurative elements of PPR in developing countries. A multimethod and retrospective search was conducted to locate the evidence. A programme theory and data extraction framework were developed. Data were analysed using thematic synthesis to inform an overarching realist synthesis, expressed as a set of synthesized context-mechanism-outcome configurations. Results This review found that the policy design of PPR, policy capacity, willingness of policy adoption at the local government level and provider autonomy are critical contextual factors that could trigger different policy mechanisms leading to either intended theoretical outcomes or perverse incentives. Conclusions Our findings, demonstrating the PPR implementation contexts and mechanisms that have worked in Asian countries, have implications in terms of policy learning for most developing countries that are contemplating rolling out similar reforms in the future.
Impact of disclosure of a dementia diagnosis on uptake of support services: A pilot study exploring a post-traumatic stress approach
Authors: Dunham Annette , Mellor David , Rand Elizabeth , McCabe Marita , Lewis Matthew 
Published: April 2019

Background At time of diagnosis, people with dementia and their carers can access support services to help them to plan for their future care needs, but often they do not engage with these services. It is not clear why this occurs but a potential explanation explored in this paper is that disclosure of a dementia diagnosis is an overwhelming and highly stressful event that may lead to behavioural avoidance in the manner of post-traumatic stress. In this study we use a post-traumatic stress screening tool to determine whether being diagnosed with dementia shares some qualitative similarities with post-traumatic stress disorder and explore whether this is associated with a reduced likelihood to engage support services following diagnosis. Method We conducted a small pilot study through the local memory clinic with eight people with dementia and 11 carers returning surveys. Participants completed the Impact of Events Scale-Revised, a validated post-traumatic stress disorder screening tool, and also provided information regarding their experience of the diagnosis and subsequent use of support services. Results One person with dementia and two carers had scores on the Impact of Events Scale-Revised indicating a probable diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder and two people with dementia and two carers scored within the range of clinical concern. The average Impact of Events Scale-Revised score of those who had taken-up a referral to home support was significantly lower than those who had not. Conclusion A dementia diagnosis can be associated with symptoms that are consistent with post-traumatic stress, which in turn may affect engagement with support services.
The influence of gender and race on heart failure self-care
Authors: Graven Lucinda J , Abbott Laurie , Dickey Sabrina L , Schluck Glenna 
Published: April 2019

Objectives To explore gender and racial differences in heart failure (HF) self-care processes and examine whether gender and race predict HF self-care. Methods A secondary analysis of baseline data ( n = 107) from a longitudinal HF study (54.2% males; 56% non-Caucasians) was conducted. The self-care of heart failure index was used to measure self-care maintenance, management, and confidence. Descriptive statistics and univariate analyses examined gender and racial differences in HF self-care outcomes. Multiple linear regression examined whether gender and race predicted HF self-care maintenance, management, and confidence. Results Univariate analyses indicated that Caucasians reported significantly better self-care maintenance ( p = 0.042), while non-Caucasians reported significantly better self-care management ( p = 0.003). Males had significantly higher self-care confidence scores versus women ( p = 0.017). Multiple regression analysis indicated Caucasian race predicted significantly worse self-care management (β = −11.188; p = 0.006) versus non-Caucasian, while male gender predicted significantly higher self-care confidence scores (β = 7.592; p = 0.010) versus female gender. Gender nor race significantly predicted self-care maintenance. Discussion Although gender and race may influence HF self-care, other factors may be more important. More research is needed to identify individual factors that contribute to HF self-care to improve education and intervention.
Fecal microbiota transplant for Crohn disease: A study evaluating safety, efficacy, and microbiome profile
Authors: Gutin Liat , Piceno Yvette , Fadrosh Douglas , Lynch Kole , Zydek Martin , Kassam Zain , LaMere Brandon , Terdiman Jonathan , Ma Averil , Somsouk Ma , Lynch Susan , El-Nachef Najwa 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundEmerging trials suggest fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a promising treatment for ulcerative colitis; however, there is a paucity of data in Crohn disease (CD).ObjectiveThe objectives of this article are to determine whether single‐dose FMT improves clinical and endoscopic outcomes in CD patients and to identify meaningful changes in the microbiome in response to FMT.MethodsWe performed a prospective, open‐label, single‐center study. Ten CD patients underwent FMT and were evaluated for clinical response (defined as decrease in Harvey‐Bradshaw Index score ≥3 at one month post‐FMT) and microbiome profile (16S ribosomal RNA sequencing) at one month post‐FMT.ResultsThree of 10 patients responded to FMT. Two of 10 patients had significant adverse events requiring escalation of therapy. On microbiome analysis, bacterial communities of responders had increased relative abundance of bacteria commonly found in donor gut microbiota.ConclusionsSingle‐dose FMT in this cohort of CD patients showed modest effect and potential for harm. Responders tended to have lower baseline alpha diversity, suggesting baseline perturbation of microbiota may be an indicator of potential responders to FMT in this patient population. Controlled trials are needed to further assess the efficacy and safety of FMT in CD and determine whether FMT is a viable option in this patient population.Clinicaltrials.gov number: NCT02460705.
Italian nationwide survey of pharmacologic treatments in diverticular disease: Results from the REMAD registry
Authors: Cremon Cesare , Carabotti Marilia , Cuomo Rosario , Pace Fabio , Andreozzi Paolo , Barbaro Maria Raffaella , Annibale Bruno , Barbara Giovanni ,   REMAD Group
Published: April 2019

BackgroundAlthough diverticular disease is a common condition, its effective treatment is challenging in clinical practice.ObjectiveThe objective of this article is to assess pharmacological management in different clinical settings of diverticular disease and factors associated with treatment using the Italian registry Registro Malattia Diverticolare (REMAD).MethodsAt study enrolment, patients were categorised into subgroups: diverticulosis, symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease and previous diverticulitis. We registered demographic, clinical and lifestyle factors, quality of life and the use of treatments for diverticular disease in the last year. Logistic regression analysis assessed the association between clinical factors and treatment consumption.ResultsA total of 500 of the 1206 individuals included had had at least one treatment for diverticular disease in the last year: 23.6% (166/702) of patients with diverticulosis, 55.9% (165/295) of patients with symptomatic diverticular disease, and 80.9% (169/209) of patients with previous diverticulitis (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the following factors were significantly associated with treatment use: female gender, family history of colonic diverticula, organic digestive comorbidity and impaired physical quality of life components.ConclusionIndividuals with diverticular disease take medications based on the different clinical settings of disease. We identified different features associated with treatment use in the distinct clinical entities of diverticular disease.ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier: NCT03325829.
Therapeutic hypothermia for acute ischaemic stroke. Results of a European multicentre, randomised, phase III clinical trial
Authors: van der Worp H Bart , Macleod Malcolm R , Bath Philip MW , Bathula Raj , Christensen Hanne , Colam Bridget , Cordonnier Charlotte , Demotes-Mainard Jacques , Durand-Zaleski Isabelle , Gluud Christian , Jakobsen Janus Christian , Kallmünzer Bernd , Kollmar Rainer , Krieger Derk W , Lees Kennedy R , Michalski Dominik , Molina Carlos , Montaner Joan , Roine Risto O , Petersson Jesper , Perry Richard , Sprigg Nikola , Staykov Dimitre , Szabo Istvan , Vanhooren Geert , Wardlaw Joanna M , Winkel Per , Schwab Stefan ,   the EuroHYP-1 investigators
Published: April 2019

Introduction We assessed whether modest systemic cooling started within 6 hours of symptom onset improves functional outcome at three months in awake patients with acute ischaemic stroke. Patients and methods In this European randomised open-label clinical trial with blinded outcome assessment, adult patients with acute ischaemic stroke were randomised to cooling to a target body temperature of 34.0–35.0°C, started within 6 h after stroke onset and maintained for 12 or 24 h , versus standard treatment. The primary outcome was the score on the modified Rankin Scale at 91 days, as analysed with ordinal logistic regression. Results The trial was stopped after inclusion of 98 of the originally intended 1500 patients because of slow recruitment and cessation of funding. Forty-nine patients were randomised to hypothermia versus 49 to standard treatment. Four patients were lost to follow-up. Of patients randomised to hypothermia, 15 (31%) achieved the predefined cooling targets. The primary outcome did not differ between the groups (odds ratio for good outcome, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.48–2.13; p = 0.97). The number of patients with one or more serious adverse events did not differ between groups (relative risk, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.65–1.94; p = 0.52). Discussion In this trial, cooling to a target of 34.0–35.0°C and maintaining this for 12 or 24 h was not feasible in the majority of patients. The final sample was underpowered to detect clinically relevant differences in outcomes. Conclusion Before new trials are launched, the feasibility of cooling needs to be improved.
High-Frequency Heart Rate Variability Index: A Prospective, Observational Trial Assessing Utility as a Marker for the Balance Between Analgesia and Nociception Under General Anesthesia
Authors: Anderson T. Anthony , Segaran Joshua R. , Toda Chihiro , Sabouri A. Sassan , De Jonckheere Julien 
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND:
Maintaining a balance between nociception and analgesia perioperatively reduces morbidity and improves outcomes. Current intraoperative analgesic strategies are based on subjective and nonspecific parameters. The high-frequency heart rate (HR) variability index is purported to assess the balance between nociception and analgesia in patients under general anesthesia. This prospective observational study investigated whether intraoperative changes in the high-frequency HR variability index correlate with clinically relevant nociceptive stimulation and the addition of analgesics.

METHODS:
Instantaneous and mean high-frequency HR variability indexes were measured continuously in 79 adult subjects undergoing general anesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The indexes were compared just before and 2 minutes after direct laryngoscopy, orogastric tube placement, first skin incision, and abdominal insufflation and just before and 6 minutes after the administration of IV hydromorphone.

RESULTS:
Data from 65 subjects were included in the final analysis. The instantaneous index decreased after skin incision ([SEM], 58.7 [2.0] vs 47.5 [2.0]; P < .001) and abdominal insufflation (54.0 [2.0] vs 46.3 [2.0]; P = .002). There was no change in the instantaneous index after laryngoscopy (47.2 [2.2] vs 40.3 [2.3]; P = .026) and orogastric tube placement (49.8 [2.3] vs 45.4 [2.0]; P = .109). The instantaneous index increased after hydromorphone administration (58.2 [1.9] vs 64.8 [1.8]; P = .003).

CONCLUSIONS:
In adult subjects under general anesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, changes in the high-frequency HR variability index reflect alterations in the balance between nociception and analgesia. This index might be used intraoperatively to titrate analgesia for individual patients. Further testing is necessary to determine whether the intraoperative use of the index affects patient outcomes.
Monitoring of extreme land hydrology events in central Poland using GRACE, land surface models and absolute gravity data
Authors: Kuczynska-Siehien Joanna , Piretzidis Dimitrios , Sideris Michael G. , Olszak Tomasz , Szabó Viktor 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
This study deals with the analysis of temporal gravity variations in central Poland, deduced from multiple sources and covering the period from 2002–2016. The gravity data sets used comprise GRACE monthly solutions, GLDAS land surface models and absolute gravimeter measurements from the FG-5 gravimeter located in Józefosław, Poland. All data are corrected using standard processing methods in order to include the same gravity effects. After removing the annual and semi-annual components from all data using least-squares spectral analysis and seasonal-trend decomposition, the deseasoned time series are derived and examined for signatures of extreme hydrological events. The signatures of several severe drought and flood conditions affecting Poland and central Europe are identified. A complementary correlation analysis is performed to assess the level of agreement between different data sources. A higher correlation is shown when the analysis is restricted in the 2009–2012 period that includes the 2010 extreme flood and 2011 increased precipitation events, both affecting Poland.
Recovery of recycled paper in the removal of the textile dye basic yellow 28: characterization and adsorption studies
Authors: Laib Radouane , Amokrane-Nibou Samira , Nibou Djamel , Trari Mohamed 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
A recycled newspaper pulp (NPP) was used in the adsorption of a basic textile dye (Sandocryl gold yellow, basic yellow 28: BY28). NPP was deinked and bleached for the homogeneity of the adsorbent and elimination of the anchor. The release of NPP was followed by measuring the absorbance and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in water. The NPP samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction and FT-IR spectroscopy while the morphology was visualized by the SEM technique and the chemical composition determined by the energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The adsorption of BY28 on NPP was investigated by varying the contact time (0–160 min), pH (2–6), biosorbent dose (1–8 g) and initial BY28 concentration (25–200 mg L−1); the results show a good yield in the pH range (4–7). The adsorption isotherms were studied by the Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) and Tempkin models. A maximal NPP adsorption capacity of 91.21 mg g−1 at 20 °C was obtained. The kinetic study showed that the best fit is obtained with the pseudo second order model that correlates suitably the experimental data well.
Pre-bleaching of kraft acacia pulp
Authors: Haque Moinul , Nanjiba Moumita , Jahan M. Sarwar , Quaiyyum M. A. , Alam M. Zahangir , Nayeem Jannatun 
Published: April 2019

AbstractKraft pulps from acacia hybrid,Acacia mangiumof 8 years old andAcacia auriculiformisof 6, 8 and 10 years old were pre-treated with oxygen, peroxyformic acid and acid treatment prior to bleaching. The kappa number reduction was 52–63 % by oxygen delignification, 31–35 % by peroxyformic acid (PFA) pre-treatment and 11–13 % by acid pre-treatment. Oxygen delignified pulp required less chlorine dioxide charge to reach target brightness. At the consumption of 30 kg ClO2/ton of pulp, the pulp brightness reached to 65–71 % for the untreated pulp, 81–85 % for the oxygen delignified pulp, 81–82 % for the PFA treatment and 79–80 % for acid pre-treated pulp. COD load in bleached effluent was much lower in oxygen delignified pulp. Cold alkali extraction of unbleached and oxygen delignified pulps was also carried out with varying alkali charge to remove hexenuronic acid (HexA) from the pulp. Xylan removal from the pulp was insignificant and resulted in no removal of HexA. Acid pretreatment removed 55.7 % to 17.8 % HexA from acacia hybrid, 57.5 % to 16.3 % fromA. auriculiformisof 10 years and 58.6 % to 20.1 % fromA. auriculiformisof 6 years old, resulting in improved final pulp brightness.
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy in heritage science
Authors: Anglos Demetrios 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a versatile analytical technique that can be used to probe the elemental composition of materials in diverse types of heritage samples, objects or monuments. The main physical principles underlying LIBS are presented along with analytical figures of merit and technical details concerning instrumentation. In practice, LIBS analysis does not require any sample preparation and the technique is nearly non-invasive, offering close to microscopic spatial resolution and the possibility for depth profile analysis. These features are, at present, available in a number of compact or transportable instruments that offer versatility and enable the use of LIBS for the analysis of a broad variety of objects/samples at diverse locations and this can be highly valuable at several stages of archaeological investigations and conservation campaigns. Representative examples are presented indicating how LIBS has been used to obtain compositional information for materials in the context of archaeological science, art history and conservation.