bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Apparent diffusion coefficient values are superior to transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy for the assessment of prostate cancer aggressiveness
Authors: Li Chunmei , Chen Min , Wang Jianye , Wang Xuan , Zhang Wei , Zhang Chen 
Published: April 2016

Background Few studies have focused on comparing the utility of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsy in predicting prostate cancer aggressiveness. Whether apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values can provide more information than TRUS-guided biopsy should be confirmed. Purpose To retrospectively assess the utility of ADC values in predicting prostate cancer aggressiveness, compared to the TRUS-guided prostate biopsy Gleason score (GS). Material and Methods The DW images of 54 patients with biopsy-proven prostate cancer were obtained using 1.5-T magnetic resonance (MR). The mean ADC values of cancerous areas and biopsy GS were correlated with prostatectomy GS and D’Amico clinical risk scores, respectively. Meanwhile, the utility of ADC values in identifying high-grade prostate cancer (with Gleason 4 and/or 5 components in prostatectomy) in patients with a biopsy GS ≤ 3 + 3 = 6 was also evaluated. Results A significant negative correlation was found between mean ADC values of cancerous areas and the prostatectomy GS ( P < 0.001) and D’Amico clinical risk scores ( P < 0.001). No significant correlation was found between biopsy GS and prostatectomy GS ( P = 0.140) and D’Amico clinical risk scores ( P = 0.342). Patients harboring Gleason 4 and/or 5 components in prostatectomy had significantly lower ADC values than those harboring no Gleason 4 and/or 5 components ( P = 0.004). Conclusion The ADC values of cancerous areas in the prostate are a better indicator than the biopsy GS in predicting prostate cancer aggressiveness. Moreover, the use of ADC values can help identify the presence of high-grade tumor in patients with a Gleason score ≤ 3 + 3 = 6 during biopsy.
Determination of the electrical conductivity of human liver metastases: impact on therapy planning in the radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors
Authors: Zurbuchen Urte , Poch Franz , Gemeinhardt Ole , Kreis Martin E , Niehues Stefan M , Vahldieck Janis L , Lehmann Kai S 
Published: April 2016

Background Radiofrequency ablation is used to induce thermal necrosis in the treatment of liver metastases. The specific electrical conductivity of a liver metastasis has a distinct influence on the heat formation and resulting tumor ablation within the tissue. Purpose To examine the electrical conductivity σ of human colorectal liver metastases and of tumor-free liver tissue in surgical specimens. Material and Methods Surgical specimens from patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases were used for measurements (size of metastases <30 mm). A four-needle measuring probe was used to determine the electrical conductivity σ of human colorectal liver metastasis (n = 8) and tumor-free liver tissue (n = 5) in a total of five patients. All measurements were performed at 470 kHz, which is the relevant frequency for radiofrequency ablation. The tissue temperature was also measured. Hepatic resections were performed in accordance with common surgical standards. Measurements were performed in the operating theater immediately after resection. Results The median electrical conductivity σ was 0.57 S/m in human colorectal liver metastases at a median temperature of 35.1℃ and 0.35 S/m in tumor-free liver tissue at a median temperature of 34.9℃. The electrical conductivity was significantly higher in tumor tissue than in tumor-free liver tissue ( P = 0.005). There were no differences in tissue temperature between the two groups ( P = 0.883). Conclusion The electrical conductivity is significantly higher in human colorectal liver metastases than in tumor-free liver tissue at a frequency of 470 kHz.
Is multidetector computed tomography comparable to magnetic resonance imaging for assessment of lumbar foraminal stenosis?
Authors: Kang Woo Young , Ahn Joong Mo , Lee Joon Woo , Lee Eugene , Bae Yun Jung , Seo Jiwoon , Kim Junghoon , Kang Heung Sik 
Published: April 2016

Background Both multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used for assessment of lumbar foraminal stenosis (LFS). Therefore, it is relevant to assess agreement between these imaging modalities. Purpose To determine intermodality, inter-, and intra-observer agreement for assessment of LFS on MDCT and MRI. Material and Methods A total of 120 foramina in 20 patients who visited our institution in January and February 2014 were evaluated by six radiologists with different levels of experience. Radiologists evaluated presence and severity of LFS on sagittal CT and MR images according to a previously published LFS grading system. Intermodality agreement was analyzed by using weighted kappa statistics, while inter- and intra-observer agreement were analyzed by using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and kappa statistics. Results Overall intermodality agreement was moderate to good (kappa, 0.478–0.765). In particular, two professors and one fellow tended to overestimate the degree of LFS on CT compared with MRI. For inter-observer agreement of all six observers, ICCs indicated excellent agreement for both CT (0.774) and MRI (0.771), while Fleiss’ kappa values showed moderate agreement for CT (0.482) and MRI (0.575). There was better agreement between professors and fellows compared with residents. For intra-observer agreement, ICCs indicated excellent agreement, while kappa values showed good to excellent agreement for both CT and MRI. Conclusion MDCT was comparable to MRI for diagnosis and assessment of LFS, especially for experienced observers. However, there was a tendency to overestimate the degree of LFS on MDCT compared with MRI.
Uterine peristalsis and junctional zone: correlation with age and postmenopausal status
Authors: Kiguchi Kayo , Kido Aki , Kataoka Masako , Shitano Fuki , Fujimoto Koji , Himoto Yuki , Moribata Yusaku , Kurata Yasuhisa , Fushimi Yasutaka , Okada Tomohisa , Togashi Kaori 
Published: April 2016

Background Although age-related change of junctional zone (JZ) of the uterus has been known, there has been no previous systematic study of age-related changes of uterine peristalsis that is observed as the wave conduction of the thickest or darkest area within the JZ. Purpose To examine the age-related changes of uterine peristalsis in pre and postmenopausal women using cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to determine the correlation between peristalsis and JZ on T2-weighted (T2W) imaging. Material and Methods Cine MRI analysis was performed in 64 premenopausal volunteers and in 43 postmenopausal women. The peristaltic frequency, JZ detectability, and JZ thickness were evaluated and compared between the two groups. In the premenopausal group, the correlations between age and each item was examined. In the postmenopausal group, the number of years after menopause was used instead of age. The correlation between peristaltic frequency and JZ detectability or thickness was also analyzed. Results Peristaltic frequency and JZ detectability significantly differed between the two groups, while JZ thickness did not. Peristaltic frequency did not vary significantly with age before menopause and no peristalsis was observed after menopause. JZ detectability did not change significantly with age or number of years after menopause, while JZ thickness significantly increased with age before menopause, but did not vary after menopause. A significant moderate correlation was observed between JZ detectability and peristaltic frequency, but not between JZ thickness and peristaltic frequency. Conclusion Uterine peristalsis frequency did not change significantly according to age, but observed peristalsis on MRI significantly decreased after menopause.
Political Economy of Banking and Debt Crisis in the EU: Rising Financialization and its Ramifications
Authors: Kotarski Kristijan , Brkic Luka 
Published: April 2016

This paper is structured into four different parts. In the first part the authors analyze the origins of banking and debt crisis in the EU. The state and the evolution of the EU banking sector before the crisis and in its immediate aftermath is analyzed in detail in order to dispel the myth of the existence of an exclusively debt-induced crisis. This part also introduces the notion of financialization into the analysis. The second part analyzes the crisis-related dynamics by using endogenous monetary theory and makes particular use of balance-sheet recession as a concept. The third part introduces political consequences of the banking and debt crisis in the EU by focusing on the political crisis of legitimacy and its impact upon the EU integration process. In order to deal with this topic the authors borrow several concepts from critical international political economy such as transnational elite, knowledge production, and hegemony. We posit a close link between actions of the European transnational elite, crisis origins, and their ramifications. The fourth part focuses on the two most-discussed policy solutions in tackling the crisis: the banking and the fiscal union as well as their feasibility. Additionally, it lays out some fundamental trillemas for creating a viable way out of the crisis which are unfortunately often neglected in public debate. The main argument refers to the growing impact of financialization in the EU and its detrimental effect on the potential for integrated, stable, and prosperous EU economies. The authors explain the changing social, political, and economic landscape and evaluate the main challenges and obstacles to economic and political governance in the EU. The paper is concluded with some heterodox policy recommendations for overcoming them. JEL classification: B52, E51, E52, F34, F50, G01, G20, P48
Association Between Metacognition and Mood Symptoms Poststroke
Authors: Donnellan Claire , Al Banna M. , Redha N. , Al Sharoqi I. , Al-Jishi A. , Bakhiet M. , Taha S. , Abdulla F. 
Published: April 2016

Introduction: The link between metacognition and mood has been well established, particularly in other conditions with psychological comorbidity, however, there is no evidence regarding this association in the area of stroke. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the association between metacognition, based on the Self-Regulatory Executive Function model, and mood symptoms in the acute phase after stroke. Methods: One hundred thirty patients were recruited to a prospective stroke study in Bahrain, and n = 64 were assessed for mood and cognition. A neuropsychological battery of cognitive assessments included the following measures: the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Trail Making Test (A+B), and the Metacognition Questionnaire 30 (MCQ-30) for metacognition. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale assessed mood symptoms, and stroke severity was measured using the National Institute of Health Stroke Severity Scale. Results: Total MCQ-30 scores were significantly associated with both anxiety ( r = .47, P = .001) and depression ( r = .54, P <. 0001). The MCQ-30 subscales’ cognitive confidence, cognitive self-consciousness, and uncontrollability/danger were the specific factors to be associated with mood symptoms ( P < .01). Global cognition ( r =.32, P < .01), but not executive function, was significantly associated with depression only. Metacognition remained a statistically significant correlate with depression (β = .42, P < .0001) and anxiety (β = .51, P < .0001) after adjusting for education and global cognition. Discussion: Metacognition is a better determinant of mood symptoms after stroke, especially in regions where illiteracy levels are high in older populations, in comparison to executive function and global cognition.
Reliability and validity of the Salford-Scott Nursing Values Questionnaire in Turkish
Authors: Ulusoy Hatice , Güler Güngör , Yıldırım Gülay , Demir Ecem 
Published: April 2016

Background: Developing professional values among nursing students is important because values are a significant predictor of the quality care that will be provided, the clients’ recognition, and consequently the nurses’ job satisfaction. The literature analysis showed that there is only one validated tool available in Turkish that examines both the personal and the professional values of nursing students. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the Salford-Scott Nursing Values Questionnaire in Turkish. Design of the study: This study was a Turkish linguistic and cultural adaptation of a research tool. Participants and research context: The sample of this study consisted of 627 undergraduate nursing students from different geographical areas of Turkey. Two questionnaires were used for data collection: a socio-demographic form and the Salford-Scott Nursing Values Questionnaire. For the Salford-Scott Nursing Values Questionnaire, construct validity was examined using factor analyses. Ethical considerations: The study was approved by the Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Medicine Research Ethics Board. Students were informed that participation in the study was entirely voluntary and anonymous. Results: Item content validity index ranged from 0.66 to 1.0, and the total content validity index was 0.94. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin measure of sampling was 0.870, and Bartlett’s test of sphericity was statistically significant (x2 = 3108.714, p < 0.001). Construct validity was examined using factor analyses and the six factors were identified. Cronbach’s alpha was used to assess the internal consistency reliability and the value of 0.834 was obtained. Conclusion: Our analyses showed that the Turkish version of Salford-Scott Nursing Values Questionnaire has high validity and reliability.
A comparison of multiple sclerosis clinical disease activity between patients treated with natalizumab and fingolimod
Authors: Koch-Henriksen Nils , Magyari Melinda , Sellebjerg Finn , Soelberg Sørensen Per 
Published: April 2016

Background: Natalizumab and fingolimod were approved for treatment of active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in Denmark in 2006 and 2011, respectively. There have been no randomized head-to-head studies comparing the two drugs. Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy of natalizumab and fingolimod. Methods: Data on all Danish RRMS patients who started their first second-line treatment with natalizumab or fingolimod from July 2011 to March 2015 were prospectively recorded in the Danish Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Treatment Register. The two treatment arms were 1:1 propensity score matched by baseline covariates using ‘nearest neighbour’ method. Results: Propensity score matching left 928 of 1309 RRMS cases, 464 in each treatment group. The on-treatment annualized relapse rate was 0.296 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.26–0.34) for natalizumab and 0.307 (95% CI: 0.27–0.35) for fingolimod. The adjusted relapse rate ratio was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.74–1.17; p = 0.53). Mean time to first relapse was 2.55 and 2.56 years, respectively ( p = 0.76). There was no difference in change of Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Conclusion: We found no differences in clinical disease activity between natalizumab- and fingolimod-treated RRMS patients in this real-life observational study. However, the lack of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data for the propensity score matching may conceal a higher efficacy of natalizumab.
The effect of rhythmic-cued motor imagery on walking, fatigue and quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Seebacher Barbara , Kuisma Raija , Glynn Angela , Berger Thomas 
Published: April 2016

Background: Motor imagery and rhythmic auditory stimulation are physiotherapy strategies for walking rehabilitation. Objectives: To investigate the effect of motor imagery combined with rhythmic cueing on walking, fatigue and quality of life (QoL) in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: Individuals with MS and Expanded Disability Status Scale scores of 1.5–4.5 were randomised into one of three groups: 17 minutes of motor imagery, six times per week, for 4 weeks, with music (A) or metronome cues (B), both with verbal cueing, and (C) controls. Primary outcomes were walking speed (Timed 25-Foot Walk) and distance (6-Minute Walk Test). Secondary outcomes were walking perception (Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12), fatigue (Modified Fatigue Impact Scale) and QoL (Short Form-36 Health Survey, Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29, Euroquol-5D-3L Questionnaire). Results: Of the 112 participants randomised, 101 completed the study. Compared to controls, both interventions significantly improved walking speed, distance and perception. Significant improvements in cognitive but not psychosocial fatigue were seen in the intervention groups, and physical fatigue improved only in the music-based group. Both interventions improved QoL; however, music-cued motor imagery was superior at improving health-related QoL. Conclusion: Rhythmic-cued motor imagery improves walking, fatigue and QoL in people with MS, with music-cued motor imagery being more effective.
The effects of age of acquisition on verbal memory in bilinguals
Authors: Delcenserie Audrey , Genesee Fred 
Published: April 2016

Aims and objectives: The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of age of acquisition on verbal working memory (WM) in bilinguals. In light of previous studies that have found a bilingual advantage on non-verbal WM and less consistently on verbal WM, we included participants with native-like second language (L2) proficiency who had benefited from several years of dual language use and who did not differ from the monolinguals in terms of socioeconomic status in order to control for proficiency. Very few studies have looked at bilinguals’ performance on measures of both verbal and non-verbal memory, making it difficult to know how bilingualism influences both types of abilities in the same participants. Therefore, we also compared the groups on non-verbal WM. Methodology: Simultaneous bilingual, early successive bilinguals, and late successive bilinguals were compared with monolingual English speakers. All bilingual participants were selected using three different criteria: self-assessment ratings of English abilities, ratings of nativelikeness by a native English speaker, and scores on a L2 Cloze test. The groups did not differ significantly with respect to their L2 proficiency, or on measures of general cognitive ability. Data and analysis: Fifteen simultaneous bilinguals were compared with 15 early successive bilinguals and 15 late successive bilinguals who acquired English between 4–6 years of age and 7–15 years of age, respectively. The bilinguals were compared with 15 English-speaking monolinguals. Participants were compared using verbal and non-verbal short-term memory and WM tests. Findings: All bilingual groups performed significantly better than the monolinguals on tests of verbal and non-verbal WM, thus supporting a bilingual advantage. The early and late successive bilinguals scored significantly lower than the simultaneous bilinguals, suggesting an age-of-acquisition effect among the bilinguals. Originality and implications: This is the first study to find a bilingual advantage on verbal WM in adults, but also the first study to report an age-of-acquisition effect in groups of bilingual adults carefully selected for their nativelikeness in the L2.
Public support for economic and military coercion and audience costs
Authors: Thomson Catarina P. 
Published: April 2016

This article expands the concept of ‘audience costs’ from the military realm to the realm of economic coercion. ‘Audience costs’ occur when an executive publicly commits to a coercive foreign policy action and subsequently reneges as public approval will decline. An experiment specifies when the public will support economic or military coercion, and how this preference affects the evaluation of executives who renege on threats. The findings suggest that audience costs do occur when the executive threatens economic sanctions and subsequently reneges, similar to military coercion. However, I find that inconsistency is not punished when a leader reneges after threatening military intervention in a crisis that does not threaten national security. I specify the role public support for economic and military coercion and reactions to executive inconsistencies play in generating and/or weakening approval for executives. In times of international crises, these factors may compete against each other when it comes to determining public approval. To examine this claim, I conducted a survey experiment on a representative sample of adults to determine when audiences will support economic or military coercion, and how this willingness to support specific coercive action affects their evaluation of the executive’s handling of international crises. I find that public policy preferences can have a stronger effect than a preference for having a leader behave consistently. Specifically, I find that (1) executive inconsistency is not punished when a leader backs down from a military commitment in a non-threatening crisis, (2) executive inconsistencies are not only punished in military disputes but also in cases of economic coercion (punishment is in fact more prominent in sanctions cases), and (3) executive inconsistency can be punished both in major and lesser conflicts.
High satisfaction and low decisional conflict with advance care planning among chronically ill patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart failure using an online decision aid: A pilot study
Authors: Van Scoy Lauren J , Green Michael J , Dimmock Anne EF , Bascom Rebecca , Boehmer John P , Hensel Jessica K , Hozella Joshua B , Lehman Erik B , Schubart Jane R , Farace Elana , Stewart Renee R , Levi Benjamin H 
Published: April 2016

Objective Many patients with chronic illnesses report a desire for increased involvement in medical decision-making. This pilot study aimed to explore how patients with exacerbation-prone disease trajectories such as advanced heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease experience advance care planning using an online decision aid and to compare whether patients with different types of exacerbation-prone illnesses had varied experiences using the tool. Methods Pre-intervention questionnaires measured advance care planning knowledge. Post-intervention questionnaires measured: (1) advance care planning knowledge; (2) satisfaction with tool; (3) decisional conflict; and (4) accuracy of the resultant advance directive. Comparisons were made between patients with heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Results Over 90% of the patients with heart failure (n = 24) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 25) reported being “satisfied” or “highly satisfied” with the tool across all satisfaction domains; over 90% of participants rated the resultant advance directive as “very accurate.” Participants reported low decisional conflict. Advance care planning knowledge scores rose by 18% (p < 0.001) post-intervention. There were no significant differences between participants with heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Discussion Patients with advanced heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were highly satisfied after using an online advance care planning decision aid and had increased knowledge of advance care planning. This tool can be a useful resource for time-constrained clinicians whose patients wish to engage in advance care planning.