bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Baseline Characteristics and Technology Training of Underserved Adults With Type 2 Diabetes in the Mobile Diabetes Detective (MoDD) Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Heitkemper Elizabeth M. , Mamykina Lena , Tobin Jonathan N. , Cassells Andrea , Smaldone Arlene 
Published: October 2017

Purpose The purpose of this study is to describe the characteristics and technology training needs of underserved adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who participated in a health information technology (HIT) diabetes self-management education (DSME) intervention. Methods The baseline physiological, psychosocial, and technology use characteristics for 220 adults with poorly controlled T2DM were evaluated. Intervention participants received a 1-time intervention training, which included basic technology help, introduction to the Mobile Diabetes Detective (MoDD) website and text message features, and account activation that included subject-specific tailoring. Four additional on-site sessions for participants needing computer or Internet access or technology support were made available based on need. Data regarding on-site visits for usual care were collected. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis. Results The participants were predominately Hispanic and female with a baseline mean A1C of 10% (86 mmol/mol). Only half of the participants regularly used computers or text messages in daily life. The average introductory MoDD training session lasted 73.6 minutes. Following training, approximately one-third (35%) of intervention participants returned for basic and MoDD-specific technology assistance at their federally qualified health center. The most frequently reported duration for the extra training sessions was 30 to 45 minutes. Conclusions Training and support needs were greater than anticipated. Diabetes educators should assess technology abilities prior to implementing health information technology (HIT) diabetes self-management education (DSME) in underserved adults. Future research must invest resources in technology access, anticipate subject training, and develop new training approaches to ensure HIT DSME use and engagement.
The state of play in children's occupational therapy: A comparison between Ireland, Sweden and Switzerland
Authors: Lynch Helen , Prellwitz Maria , Schulze Christina , Moore Alice H 
Published: October 2017

Introduction Play is viewed as an important occupation in childhood and consequently in children's occupational therapy. However, few studies have explored the place of play in therapy practice. This study aimed to contribute to this knowledge gap by exploring play in occupational therapy in three European countries. Method A cross-sectional survey of occupational therapists in Ireland, Sweden and Switzerland was conducted to examine the use of play with children under 12 years old. A web-based survey was distributed to 935 occupational therapists, resulting in 338 returned surveys (36%). Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results Results were organised into three themes: (1) demographics and practice context; (2) play education and (3) use of play in practice. Respondents reported that although they valued play as an occupation, their primary focus was on play as a means to achieving other goals. Lack of education on play (research, theory and interventions) and pressures in the workplace were identified as barriers to play-centred practice. Conclusion Findings indicate that there is a mismatch between therapists valuing play as an occupation and how play is utilised in therapy practice. There is a need to strengthen education and research on play occupation to strengthen play-centred practice.
Migraine and cognitive function: Baseline findings from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health: ELSA-Brasil
Authors: Pellegrino Baena Cristina , Goulart Alessandra Carvalho , Santos Itamar de Souza , Suemoto Claudia Kimie , Lotufo Paulo Andrade , Bensenor Isabela Judith 
Published: October 2017

Background The association between migraine and cognitive performance is unclear. We analyzed whether migraine is associated with cognitive performance among participants of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health, ELSA-Brasil. Methods Cross-sectional analysis, including participants with complete information about migraine and aura at baseline. Headache status (no headaches, non-migraine headaches, migraine without aura and migraine with aura), based on the International Headache Society classification, was used as the dependent variable in the multilinear regression models, using the category “no headache” as reference. Cognitive performance was measured with the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease word list memory test (CERAD-WLMT), the semantic fluency test (SFT), and the Trail Making Test version B (TMTB). Z-scores for each cognitive test and a composite global score were created and analyzed as dependent variables. Multivariate models were adjusted for age, gender, education, race, coronary heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, body mass index, smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, depression, and anxiety. In women, the models were further adjusted for hormone replacement therapy. Results We analyzed 4208 participants. Of these, 19% presented migraine without aura and 10.3% presented migraine with aura. All migraine headaches were associated with poor cognitive performance (linear coefficient β; 95% CI) at TMTB −0.083 (−0.160; −0.008) and poorer global z-score −0.077 (−0.152; −0.002). Also, migraine without aura was associated with poor cognitive performance at TMTB −0.084 (−0.160, −0.008 and global z-score −0.077 (−0.152; −0.002). Conclusion In participants of the ELSA-study, all migraine headaches and migraine without aura were significantly and independently associated with poorer cognitive performance.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome Improves Tendon Cell Viability In Vitro and Tendon-Bone Healing In Vivo When a Tissue Engineering Strategy Is Used in a Rat Model of Chronic Massive Rotator Cuff Tear
Authors: Sevivas Nuno , Teixeira Fábio Gabriel , Portugal Raquel , Direito-Santos Bruno , Espregueira-Mendes João , Oliveira Filipe J. , Silva Rui F. , Sousa Nuno , Sow Wan Ting , Nguyen Luong T.H. , Ng Kee Woei , Salgado António J. 
Published: October 2017

Background: Massive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs) represent a major clinical concern, especially when degeneration and chronicity are involved, which highly compromise healing capacity. Purpose: To study the effect of the secretome of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on tendon cells (TCs) followed by the combination of these activated TCs with an electrospun keratin-based scaffold to develop a tissue engineering strategy to improve tendon-bone interface (TBi) healing in a chronic MRCT rat model. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Human TCs (hTCs) cultured with the human MSCs (hMSCs) secretome (as conditioned media [CM]) were combined with keratin electrospun scaffolds and further implanted in a chronic MRCT rat model. Wistar-Han rats (N = 15) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: untreated lesion (MRCT group, n = 5), lesion treated with a scaffold only (scaffold-only group, n = 5), and lesion treated with a scaffold seeded with hTCs preconditioned with hMSCs-CM (STC_hMSC_CM group, n = 5). After sacrifice, 16 weeks after surgery, the rotator cuff TBi was harvested for histological analysis and biomechanical testing. Results: The hMSCs secretome increased hTCs viability and density in vitro. In vivo, a significant improvement of the tendon maturing score was observed in the STC_hMSC_CM group (mean ± standard error of the mean, 15.6 ± 1.08) compared with the MRCT group (11.0 ± 1.38; P < .05). Biomechanical tests revealed a significant increase in the total elongation to rupture (STC_hMSC_CM, 11.99 ± 3.30 mm; scaffold-only, 9.89 ± 3.47 mm; MRCT, 5.86 ± 3.16 mm; P < .05) as well as a lower stiffness (STC_hMSC_CM, 6.25 ± 1.74 N/mm; scaffold-only, 6.72 ± 1.28 N/mm; MRCT, 11.54 ± 2.99 N/mm; P < .01). Conclusion: The results demonstrated that hMSCs-CM increased hTCs viability and density in vitro. Clear benefits also were observed when these primed cells were integrated into a tissue engineering strategy with an electrospun keratin scaffold, as evidenced by improved histological and biomechanical properties for the STC_hMSC_CM group compared with the MRCT group. Clinical Relevance: This work supports further investigation into the use of MSC secretome for priming TCs toward a more differentiated phenotype, and it promotes the tissue engineering strategy as a promising modality to help improve treatment outcomes for chronic MRCTs.
Time Trends in Homicide and Mental Illness in Ontario from 1987 to 2012: Examining the Effects of Mental Health Service Provision
Authors: Penney Stephanie R. , Prosser Aaron , Grimbos Teresa , Darby Padraig , Simpson Alexander I. F. 
Published: October 2017

Objective: We examine the association between rates of homicide resulting in a mental health disposition (termed mentally abnormal homicide [MAH]) and homicides without such a disposition, as well as to province-wide psychiatric hospitalisation and incarceration rates. Method: In this population-based study, we investigate all adult homicide perpetrators ( n = 4402) and victims ( n = 3783) in Ontario from 1987 to 2012. We present annual rates of mentally abnormal and non–mentally abnormal homicide and position them against hospitalisation and incarceration rates. Results: Among the total sample of homicide accused, 3.7% were mentally abnormal. Most (82.5%) had a psychotic disorder at the time of the offense. Contrasted with declining hospitalisation, incarceration, and population homicide rates, the rate of MAH remained constant at an average of .07 perpetrators per 100,000 population. The rate of MAH was not associated with discharges from or average length of stay in psychiatric hospitals (ρ = 0.10; 0.34, P > 0.10), incarceration rates (ρ = 0.16, P = 0.42), or the total homicide rate (ρ = 0.25, P = 0.22). The proportion of MAH perpetrators with a substance use disorder increased modestly over time (β = 0.35, R2 = 0.12, P = 0.08). Conclusions: The rate of MAH has not changed appreciably over the past 25 years. Declining psychiatric service utilisation was not associated with the rate of homicide committed by people with mental illness and, secondarily, was not linked to increases in the population homicide or incarceration rates. Substance use has become a more prevalent problem for this population.
Neutrophilic urticarial dermatosis and Sweet-like neutrophilic dermatosis: under-recognized neutrophilic dermatoses in lupus erythematosus
Authors: Lee W J , Kang H J , Shin H J , Won C H , Chang S E , Choi J H , Lee M W 
Published: October 2017

Background/Objectives Neutrophilic dermatoses can be associated with autoimmune connective tissue diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We analyzed clinical and histological features of neutrophilic urticarial dermatosis (NUD) and Sweet-like neutrophilic dermatosis (SLND)—the most recently delineated entities of the neutrophilic dermatoses. Methods We retrieved database medical records of patients with SLE whose skin biopsy demonstrated a neutrophilic-predominant infiltrate of the skin, and included those whose biopsies revealed findings of SLND or NUD. Results SLND skin lesions lasted longer than those of NUD and were localized to sun-exposed areas. All NUD cases resolved within one week either spontaneously or with treatment such as antihistamines, but SLND skin lesions lasted longer than one week; prednisone was used in four of these five patients. All NUD cases were found in existing SLE patients and were not associated with systemic signs of flare-up of SLE. However, 80% of SLND cases experienced flare-up of SLE; and in 60%, SLND developed concomitantly with SLE as a presenting sign. Conclusion Different clinical courses and relationships with SLE suggest that NUD and SLND have different pathogeneses for neutrophilic inflammatory reactions.
Trade Potential between India and Central Asia
Authors: Agrawal Pradeep , Sangita Seema 
Published: October 2017

South–South bilateral trade partnerships have been growing increasingly important, and this article analyses the current patterns of bilateral trade between India and five Central Asian countries and the potential for improving them. We apply the gravity model of trade to construct a trade potential index from an Indian perspective and assess the potential for improving India’s trade with Central Asia. We find that the volume of trade between India and Central Asia in 2015 could be six to ten times greater than the actual volume. Political disturbances in the countries that fall along the direct trade route are a major barrier to trade in this region; therefore, we re-examine the potential for trade using alternate routes via Iran and China. We find that the potential for greater bilateral trade between India and Central Asia continues to be positive. JEL Classification: F10, F14
Is Sub-Saharan Africa on a Genuinely Sustainable Development Path? Evidence Using Panel Data
Authors: Bissoon Ourvashi 
Published: October 2017

Although resource rich, sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has in general been characterised by poor economic performance and widespread poverty. The region is, however, now poised to enjoy high levels of growth and is increasingly attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). However, it is important to determine the sustainability of this development path. Given the lack of research on sustainability in the context of SSA, this study attempts to bridge this gap. A capital approach is adopted using the genuine savings (GS) rate computed by the World Bank, a measure of weak sustainability. GS endeavour to assess the sustainability path of countries, based on how ‘well’ they manage their total capital stock through the difference between consumption in natural capital and counter-balancing investments in other forms of man-made capital, namely physical and human. Since GS is based on the assumption of perfect resource substitutability, it can be taken as a limit value of sustainability whereby a country experiencing a positive value of GS is deemed to be weakly sustainable. This article thus aims to investigate whether SSA is on a sustainable development path and the factors affecting GS for this sample of countries. This study looks at a panel data set of 30 SSA countries over a period of 35 years. The fixed, random as well as dynamic effects are taken into account using System-GMM. In particular, improving institutional quality in the countries considered in the sample could directly and significantly improve their weak sustainability. JEL Classification: O11, Q01, B22, C23
Stability of the Syndesmosis After Posterior Malleolar Fracture Fixation
Authors: Miller Matthew A. , McDonald Tyler C. , Graves Matthew L. , Spitler Clay A. , Russell George V. , Jones LaRita C. , Replogle William , Wise Jeremy A. , Hydrick Josie , Bergin Patrick F. 
Published: October 2017

Background: We sought to define the rate of syndesmotic instability after anatomic reduction of the posterior malleolus when posterior stabilization of a trimalleolar or trimalleolar equivalent ankle fracture was chosen vs when a supine position and initially conservative management of the posterior elements was chosen. Methods: The types of syndesmotic and posterior malleolar fixation used to treat adult patients with ankle fractures involving the posterior malleolus at our level I trauma center were retrospectively assessed (N = 198). Specifically, both bimalleolar and trimalleolar fractures were included. Exclusion criteria included pilon fractures, trimalleolar fractures with Chaput fragments, and neurologic injury. Demographics, fracture classification, initial operative position, medial clear space, and posterior malleolar fragment size were recorded for each fracture. Results: In total, 151 patients (76.3%) were initially positioned supine, 27.2% of whom had syndesmotic instability requiring operative stabilization. Almost 25% of supine patients also underwent posterior malleolar stabilization for posterior instability. Overall, 73 (48.3%) patients who were initially treated in the supine position needed some form of additional stabilization. Forty-seven patients (23.7%) were initially positioned prone. Syndesmotic stability was restored in 97.9% of these patients. This 2.1% rate of instability vastly differs from the 13-fold higher syndesmotic instability rate observed in the supine group ( P < .001). Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that the rate of syndesmotic instability was reduced in trimalleolar and trimalleolar equivalent fractures when prone positioning and direct fixation of the posterior malleolus were first performed. Using traditional preoperative estimates of posterior stability to determine the need for posterior malleolar fixation may be inadequate since almost a quarter of patients treated supine received posterior stabilization. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative series.
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Update and Review of Challenges and Successes
Authors: To Derek , Beecker Jennifer 
Published: October 2017

Background: Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a variant of lichen planopilaris (LPP) and is characterised as a progressive cicatricial alopecia affecting the frontotemporal hairline. Objectives: To perform a comprehensive, up-to-date review of the etiopathogenesis, clinicopathological features, and therapeutic options for FFA. Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed (from 1946) and Cochrane (from 1991) databases on March 7, 2017. We included all retrospective and prospective studies reported in English. Only cases studies with reported treatment regimen and outcome were included. No randomised control trials were found. MeSH terms used included frontal fibrosing alopecia, postmenopausal, histopathologic, cicatricial, and treatment. Results: With an increasing incidence of FFA occurring predominantly in postmenopausal women, progress has been made clinically and histologically in understanding this scarring alopecia. Conflicting results have been reported with various treatments, including intralesional or oral corticosteroids, antiandrogens, antimalarials, antibiotics, and surgery. To date, no randomised control trials for treatment of FFA have been conducted. Conclusion: The aetiology and clinical course of FFA remain to be established. Unfortunately, despite the numerous treatment options available, no one therapeutic regimen has proven effective in stopping recession of the hairline and inducing hair growth.
Assessing effective methods to educate caregivers on fever in children aimed at reducing input to the paediatric emergency department
Authors: Ong Tessa E-Lin , Kua Jade Phek Hui , Yiew Luther Jinmian , Lim Zi Ying , Thia Michelle Xing Hui , Sung Sharon Cohan 
Published: October 2017

Introduction: Many paediatric emergency departments face a significant proportion of non-urgent attendances, leading to problems for both patients and healthcare systems. Our primary aim was to compare the effectiveness of pamphlet versus video in educating caregivers regarding fever management in children. Our secondary aim was to assess caregivers’ sentiments towards these methods. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 50 participants over a four-week period (May–June 2015) in the KK Hospital Paediatric Emergency Department. The control group was exposed to the standard pamphlet available in the KK Hospital Paediatric Emergency Department, which provided basic information on fever management. The intervention group watched a video produced by our team, containing similar content. The same five-question questionnaire assessing fever management knowledge was issued to participants before and immediately following exposure to intervention. Results: The pamphlet group had a mean pre-intervention score=2.8 (out of five), post-intervention score=3.84, amounting to an improvement of 1.04. The video group had a mean pre-intervention score=2.56, post-intervention score=4.12, giving an improvement of 1.36. The study was powered at 80%, with calculated p-value=0.111, hence the results were statistically insignificant. Both groups had increased self-reported awareness post-exposure, found the intervention useful, would rely on it for future management and would recommend it to others. Conclusion: While the sample size was limited, this study demonstrates the potential that both pamphlet and video interventions have in educating caregivers, as participants reported favourable sentiments towards the methods. It would be worthwhile to conduct the study on a larger scale to yield statistically significant results.
Predictability of Return Volatility Across Different Emerging Capital Markets: Evidence from Asia
Authors: Vidanage Thushari N. , Carmignani Fabrizio , Singh Tarlok 
Published: October 2017

The importance of return volatility forecasts in policy formation and investment decision-making in emerging countries is growing considerably. However, from an operational perspective, there is no consensus in the literature on which econometric model has the best forecasting performance. To shed new light on this issue, this article compares forecasting models for a selected group of emerging Asian economies: India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Thailand. Model’s performance is tested using both in-sample and out-of-sample forecasting methods. It is found that a relatively simple asymmetric EGARCH model clearly outperforms other models. JEL Classification: G12, G17
Effect of erdosteine on the rate and duration of COPD exacerbations: the RESTORE study
Authors: Dal Negro Roberto W. , Wedzicha Jadwiga A. , Iversen Martin , Fontana Giovanni , Page Clive , Cicero Arrigo F. , Pozzi Edoardo , Calverley Peter M.A. 
Published: October 2017

Oxidative stress contributes to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations and antioxidants can decrease exacerbation rates, although we lack data about the effect of such drugs on exacerbation duration.The RESTORE (Reducing Exacerbations and Symptoms by Treatment with ORal Erdosteine in COPD) study was a prospective randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, enrolling patients aged 40–80 years with Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage II/III. Patients received erdosteine 300 mg twice daily or placebo added to usual COPD therapy for 12 months. The primary outcome was the number of acute exacerbations during the study.In the pre-specified intention-to-treat population of 445 patients (74% male; mean age 64.8 years, forced expiratory volume in 1 s 51.8% predicted) erdosteine reduced the exacerbation rate by 19.4% (0.91versus. 1.13 exacerbations·patient−1·year−1for erdosteine and placebo, respectively; p=0.01), due to an effect on mild events; the reduction in the rate of mild exacerbations was 57.1% (0.23versus0.54 exacerbations·patient−1·year−1for erdosteine and placebo, respectively; p=0.002). No significant difference was observed in the rate of moderate and severe exacerbations (0.68versus0.59 exacerbations·patient−1·year−1for erdosteine and placebo, respectively; p=0.054) despite a trend in favour of the comparison group. Erdosteine decreased the exacerbation duration irrespective of event severity by 24.6% (9.55versus12.63 days for erdosteine and placebo, respectively; p=0.023). Erdosteine significantly improved subject and physician subjective severity scores (p=0.022 and p=0.048, respectively), and reduced the use of reliever medication (p<0.001), but did not affect the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire score or the time to first exacerbation.In patients with COPD, erdosteine can reduce both the rate and duration of exacerbations. The percentage of patients with adverse events was similar in both the placebo and erdosteine treatment groups.