bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the arterial intima-media thickness in Behcet’s disease patients without vascular complaints
Authors: Kankilic Nazım , Aslan Aydın , Karahan Oguz , Demirtas Sinan , Caliskan Ahmet , Yavuz Celal 
Published: November 2017

Objectives Behcet’s disease is a multisystemic, inflammatory disease. Various factors have been implicated in the disease, including genetics, infections, immunoglobulins, immune complexes, antibodies, and oxidative stress. However, the underlying etiopathogenesis remains unclear. Behcet’s disease can occur with or without vascular involvement. This prospective study investigated the relationship between the intima-media thickness of the major arteries, in addition to other factors affecting the disease process, in Behcet’s disease without vascular involvement. Methods Twenty-four patients (average age: 38.50 ± 10.931) without vascular involvement or any vascular complaints who were diagnosed with Behcet’s disease were included in the study. Sixteen healthy subjects (average age: 39.75 ± 7.793) were included as a control group. Demographic information and medical histories were recorded, and routine blood tests were performed in both groups. The intima-media thickness of the subclavian, axillary, femoral, and carotid arteries of all the participants were recorded using Doppler ultrasonography. The data were then subjected to intergroup statistical and correlation analyses. Results There were no significant differences between the arterial intima-media thickness values of the Behcet’s disease patients and those of the control group ( p > 0.05). However, there was a significant difference between the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio ( p = 0.004), low-density lipoprotein ( p = 0.007), and triglyceride ( p = 0042) levels of the two groups. Significant correlations were found between intima-media thickness and neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio levels ( p = 0.012) and the disease duration ( p = 0.030). There was also a significant correlation between the intima-media thickness of the femoral artery and disease duration ( p = 0.014). Conclusions The results showed that the duration of illness had a significant effect on arterial intima-media thickness in Behcet’s disease. Blood neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio levels were also associated with increased intima-media thickness.
Communicating your research (part 2): to the wider community
Authors: Udovicich Cristian , Kasivisvanathan Veeru , Winchester Catherine L 
Published: November 2017

Dissemination of research findings via digital tools and research engagement activities is rapidly becoming accepted practice for reaching a wider audience. In addition, they offer the opportunity for finding collaborative research partners, networking with peers, and informing funders, clinical practitioners and policy makers. However, exposure should extend beyond a scientific audience and should incorporate the general public, patients and their families, enabling them to be involved with research, facilitating the potential impacts of research to be realised. Level of evidence: Not applicable for an opinion piece.
Exploring Older Adult ED Fall Patients’ Understanding of Their Fall: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Shankar Kalpana N. , Taylor Devon , Rizzo Caroline T. , Liu Shan W. 
Published: November 2017

Objective: We sought to understand older patients’ perspectives about their fall, fall risk factors, and attitude toward emergency department (ED) fall-prevention interventions. Methods: We conducted semistructured interviews between July 2015 and January 2016 of community-dwelling, nondemented patients in the ED, who presented with a fall to an urban, teaching hospital. Interviews were halted once we achieve thematic saturation with the data coded and categorized into themes. Results: Of the 63 patients interviewed, patients blamed falls on the environment, accidents, a medical condition, or themselves. Three major themes were generated: (1) patients blamed falls on a multitude of things but never acknowledged a possible multifactorial rationale, (2) patients have variable level of concerns regarding their current fall and future fall risk, and (3) patients demonstrated a range of receptiveness to ED interventions aimed at preventing falls but provided little input as to what those interventions should be. Conclusions: Many older patients who fall do not understand their fall risk. However, based on the responses provided, older adults tend to be more receptive to intervention and more concerned about their future fall risk, making the ED an appropriate setting for intervention.
Reliability of analysis of the bone mineral density of the second and fifth metatarsals using dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA)
Authors: Pritchard N. Stewart , Smoliga James M. , Nguyen Anh‐Dung , Branscomb Micah C. , Sinacore David R. , Taylor Jeffrey B. , Ford Kevin R. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundMetatarsal fractures, especially of the fifth metatarsal, are common injuries of the foot in a young athletic population, but the risk factors for this injury are not well understood. Dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) provides reliable measures of regional bone mineral density to predict fracture risk in the hip and lumbar spine. Recently, sub‐regional metatarsal reliability was established in fresh cadaveric specimens and associated with ultimate fracture force. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of DXA bone mineral density measurements of sub‐regions of the second and fifth metatarsals in a young, active population.MethodsThirty two recreationally active individuals participated in the study, and the bone density of the second (2MT) and fifth (5MT) metatarsals of each subject was measured using a Hologic QDR x‐ray bone densitometer. Scans were analyzed separately by two raters, and regional bone mineral density, bone mineral content, and area measurements were calculated for the proximal, shaft, and distal regions of the bone. Intra‐rater, inter‐rater, and scan‐rescan reliability were then determined for each region.ResultsProximal and shaft bone mineral density measurements of the second and fifth metatarsal were reliable. ICC's were variable across regions and metatarsals, with the distal region being the poorest.ConclusionsBone mineral density measurements of the metatarsals may be a better indicator of fracture risk of the metatarsals than whole body measurements. A reliable method for measuring the regional bone mineral densities of the metatarsals was found. However, inter‐rater reliability and scan‐rescan reliability for the distal regions were poor. Future research should examine the relationship between DXA bone mineral density measurements and fracture risk at the metatarsals.
Automated telephone interventions for problematic alcohol use in clinical and population samples: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Andersson Claes , Gajecki Mikael , Öjehagen Agneta , Berman Anne H. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Objective
The primary objective was to evaluate 6-month outcomes for brief and extensive automated telephony interventions targeting problematic alcohol use, in comparison to an assessment-only control group. The secondary objective was to compare levels of problematic alcohol use (hazardous, harmful or probable dependence), gender and age among study participants from clinical psychiatric and addiction outpatient settings and from population-based telephone helpline users and Internet help-seeker samples.

Results
The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was used for screening of problematic alcohol use and 6-month follow-up assessment. A total of 248 of help-seekers with at least hazardous use (AUDIT scores of ≥ 6/≥ 8 for women/men) were recruited from clinical and general population settings. Minor recruitment group differences were identified with respect to AUDIT scores and age at baseline. One hundred and sixty persons (64.5%) did not complete the follow-up assessment. The attrition group had a higher proportion of probable dependence (71% vs. 56%; p = 0.025), and higher scores on the total AUDIT, and its subscales for alcohol consumption and alcohol problems. At follow up, within-group problem levels had declined across all three groups, but there were no significant between-group differences.
Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01958359, Registered October 9, 2013. Retrospectively registered
Misclassification of child body mass index from cut-points defined by rounded percentiles instead of Z-scores
Authors: Anderson Laura N. , Carsley Sarah , Lebovic Gerald , Borkhoff Cornelia M. , Maguire Jonathon L. , Parkin Patricia C. , Birken Catherine S. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the misclassification resulting from the use of body mass index (BMI) cut-points defined by rounded percentiles instead of Z-scores in early childhood. Using data from theTARGet Kidsprimary care network we conducted a cross-sectional study among 5836 children < 6 years of age. The World Health Organization growth standards were used to calculate BMI-for-age Z-scores. BMI Z-score cut-points of < − 2.0, > 1.0, > 2.0, > 3.0 are recommended to define wasted, at risk of overweight, overweight and obese. However, rounded percentiles of the 3rd, 85th, 97th, and 99.9th are commonly used. Misclassification was calculated comparing the frequency distributions for BMI categories defined by rounded percentiles and Z-score cut-points.ResultsUsing rounded percentiles, the proportion of children who were wasted, at risk of overweight, overweight, and obese was 4.2, 12.5, 4.3 and 0.8%, whereas the distribution using Z-scores was: 3.6, 13.8, 3.4 and 1.0%, respectively. Overall, 117 (2%) children were misclassified when using percentiles instead of Z-scores; however, 13% (33/245) of children who were wasted and 14% (8/57) of children who were obese were misclassified. Misclassification of child growth results from the use of cut-points defined by rounded percentiles instead of Z-scores and limits comparability between studies.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT01869530 June 5, 2013
Plasticity within the niche ensures the maintenance of a Sox2+ stem cell population in the mouse incisor
Authors: Sanz-Navarro Maria , Seidel Kerstin , Sun Zhao , Bertonnier-Brouty Ludivine , Amendt Brad A. , Klein Ophir D. , Michon Frederic 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT
In mice, the incisors grow throughout the animal's life, and this continuous renewal is driven by dental epithelial and mesenchymal stem cells. Sox2 is a principal marker of the epithelial stem cells that reside in the mouse incisor stem cell niche, called the labial cervical loop, but relatively little is known about the role of the Sox2+ stem cell population. In this study, we show that conditional deletion of Sox2 in the embryonic incisor epithelium leads to growth defects and impairment of ameloblast lineage commitment. Deletion of Sox2 specifically in Sox2+ cells during incisor renewal revealed cellular plasticity that leads to the relatively rapid restoration of a Sox2-expressing cell population. Furthermore, we show that Lgr5-expressing cells are a subpopulation of dental Sox2+ cells that also arise from Sox2+ cells during tooth formation. Finally, we show that the embryonic and adult Sox2+ populations are regulated by distinct signalling pathways, which is reflected in their distinct transcriptomic signatures. Together, our findings demonstrate that a Sox2+ stem cell population can be regenerated from Sox2− cells, reinforcing its importance for incisor homeostasis.
Graph Theory of Ring-Current Diamagnetism
Authors: Aihara Jun-ichi 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Various magnetic criteria of aromaticity have been proposed so far, because they are easily calculated and applicable to a variety of cyclic π-systems. Many researchers, however, are reluctant to accept all or some of them. Our graph theory of ring-current diamagnetism revealed serious flaws in familiar magnetic criteria of aromaticity. Physically meaningful information on aromaticity can nevertheless be extracted from the ring-current diamagnetism. In particular, magnetic resonance energy (MRE), derived from the ring-current diamagnetic susceptibility, is interpretable as a kind of aromatic stabilization energy (ASE) and helps in consistently interpreting energetic and magnetic criteria of aromaticity. MRE and related quantities can be determined without reference to any hypothetical polyene-like structure but with a reasonable assumption that, when a magnetic field is applied to a cyclic π-system, a current is induced in each circuit in proportion to the ASE arising from the circuit. Unlike other conventional magnetic indexes, they are independent of the size and shape of the π-system.
Efficacy of a rectal spacer with prostate SABR—first UK experience
Authors: King Raymond B , Osman Sarah OS , Fairmichael Ciaran , Irvine Denise M , Lyons Ciara A , Ravi Ananth , O'Sullivan Joe M , Hounsell Alan R , Mitchell Darren M , McGarry Conor K , Jain Suneil 
Published: November 2017

Objective:
This study assessed the use of implanted hydrogel rectal spacers for stereotactic ablative radiotherapy-volumetric modulated arc therapy (SABR-VMAT) patients, investigating practicality, dosimetric impact, normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) and early toxicity.

Methods:
Data from the first 6 patients treated within a prostate SABR and rectal spacer trial were examined to determine spacer insertion tolerability, resultant changes in treatment planning and dosimetry and early toxicity effects. CT scans acquired prior to spacer insertion were used to generate SABR plans which were compared to post-insertion plans. Plans were evaluated for target coverage, conformity, and organs at risk doses with NTCPs also determined from resultant dose fluences. Early toxicity data were also collected.

Results:
All patients had successful spacer insertion under local anaesthetic with maximal Grade 1 toxicity. All plans were highly conformal, with no significant differences in clinical target volume dose coverage between pre- and post-spacer plans. Substantial improvements in rectal dose metrics were observed in post-spacer plans, e.g. rectal volume receiving 36 Gy reduced by ≥42% for all patients. Median NTCP for Grade 2 + rectal bleeding significantly decreased from 4.9 to 0.8% with the use of a rectal spacer (p = 0.031). To date, two episodes of acute Grade 1 proctitis have been reported following treatment.

Conclusion:
The spacer resulted in clinically and statistically significant reduction in rectal doses for all patients.

Advancesin knowledge:
This is one of the first studies to investigate the efficacy of a hydrogel spacer in prostate SABR treatments. Observed dose sparing of the rectum is predicted to result in meaningful clinical benefit.
Review of Strategies to Reduce Central Line‐Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) and Catheter‐Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI) in Adult ICUs
Authors: Patel Payal K. , Gupta Ashwin , Vaughn Valerie M. , Mann Jason D. , Ameling Jessica M. , Meddings Jennifer 
Published: November 2017

Central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and catheter‐associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) are costly and morbid. Despite evidence‐based guidelines, Some intensive care units (ICUs) continue to have elevated infection rates. In October 2015, we performed a systematic search of the peer‐reviewed literature within the PubMed and Cochrane databases for interventions to reduce CLABSI and/or CAUTI in adult ICUs and synthesized findings using a narrative review process.The interventions were categorized using a conceptual model, with stages applicable to both CAUTI and CLABSI prevention: (stage 0) avoid catheter if possible, (stage 1) ensure aseptic placement, (stage 2) maintain awareness and proper care of catheters in place, and (stage 3) promptly remove unnecessary catheters. We also looked for effective components that the 5 most successful (by reduction in infection rates) studies of each infection shared. Interventions that addressed multiple stages within the conceptual model were common in these successful studies. Assuring compliance with infection prevention efforts via auditing and timely feedback were also common. Hospitalists with patient safety interests may find this review informative for formulating quality improvement interventions to reduce these infections.
Cardiovascular risk reduction in referrals to outpatient vascular clinics
Authors: Stather P , Muscara F , Benson R , Blackwell J , Bootun R , Bosanquet D , Brooke P , Busuttil A , Coupland A , Dattani N , Duncan A , Edmonds R , Kane R , Koshnow Z , McCretton D , Nesbitt C , O’Connell M , Omotolani L , Onida S , Saratzis A , Shalhoub J , Sidloff D , Skinner A , Tsui A 
Published: November 2017

Introduction Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), aneurysmal disease (AD) or carotid atherosclerosis are at high cardiovascular risk, necessitating secondary cardiovascular protection. The aim of this study was to determine compliance with cardiovascular risk reduction guidelines in new patients referred to vascular clinics. Methods A multicentre collaborative national observational audit of new patients referred to eight tertiary general vascular clinics over a three-month period in England and Wales was conducted by the Vascular and Endovascular Research Network (VERN). Referral letters, case notes and investigations were reviewed by local investigators, and data analysed by VERN. Results A total of 656 patients were included in the study: 73.2% had PAD, 23.2% had AD and 3.7% had carotid atherosclerosis. A third (37.5%) were current smokers, two-thirds (61.7%) were on antiplatelet therapy and two-thirds (61.5%) were on statin therapy. Smoking was more prevalent in the PAD cohort (PAD 41.4%, AD 27.5%, p=0.003). However, more PAD patients were on antiplatelet therapy (PAD 63.9%, AD 53.3%, p=0.024). Both antiplatelet and statin prescription significantly increased with the number of cardiovascular risk factors. Patients with a previous cardiac or cerebrovascular history were more likely to have stopped smoking, and to be on antiplatelet and statin therapy (p<0.0001 for each). Overall, 47.3% of patients were on both antiplatelet and statin therapy, and 28.9% were on antiplatelet and statin therapy and not smoking. Conclusions This study highlights deficiencies in cardiovascular risk minimisation in patients with established vascular disease. Patients with concomitant cardiac or cerebrovascular disease were more likely to be on best medical therapy.
Concepciones de tecnología en docentes universitarios de ciencias
Authors: Cardoso-Erlam Néstor Roberto , Morales-Oliveros Edna Eliana 
Published: November 2017

A continuación, se presenta un resultado parcial de la investigación “Concepciones de Ciencia, tecnología y las relaciones CTS en profesores universitarios y de formación media, y en textos escolares de ciencias”. Enseguida se aborda la pregunta acerca de las concepciones que sobre la naturaleza de la tecnología expresan los profesores universitarios de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Universidad del Tolima. La información se recogió mediante entrevista focal y el análisis de la información se realizó mediante análisis de contenido. Se encuentra que los profesores expresan diversas concepciones sobre la naturaleza de la tecnología, algunas más desactualizadas que otras. Sólo un docente expresa una visión adecuada y actualizada.
Plasma betaine concentrations correlate with plasma cortisol but not with C-reactive protein in an elderly population
Authors: Lever Michael , Storer Malina K. , Lewis John G. , George Peter M. , Chambers Stephen T. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractLow plasma betaine concentrations are a feature of seriously ill patients. Increased dietary betaine intake has been associated with lowered systemic inflammation. We aimed to compare plasma cortisol (a stress marker) and C-reactive protein (an inflammation marker) as statistical predictors of plasma betaine concentrations.Plasma carnitine, cortisol and C-reactive protein concentrations, other biochemical measures and urine betaine excretion, were compared with plasma betaine concentration by correlation and in multiple regression models, using morning blood and urine samples from 64 ambulant elderly subjects and from 55 patients admitted to hospital with hip fractures.In the ambulant elderly without acute trauma, plasma cortisol (with negative coefficients) and carnitine (with positive coefficients) statistically predicted plasma betaine concentrations. C-reactive protein was not a predictor. In the patients, the significant predictors were plasma carnitine (positive coefficient) and plasma homocysteine (negative coefficient) and C-reactive protein again was not a predictor. In regression models using combined patient and control data there were large ranges of both cortisol and especially C-reactive protein; cortisol and homocysteine (negative coefficients) and carnitine (positive coefficient) were significant predictors but C-reactive protein was not significant.Stress rather than inflammation may affect plasma betaine concentrations.
(σ,τ)-*-Jordan ideals in *-prime rings
Authors: Ashraf Mohammad , Parveen Nazia 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Let R be a prime ring with involution

⋆

{\star}

, and let σ, τ be endomorphisms on R. For any

x
,
y

∈
R

{x,y\in R}

, let

(
x
,
y
)

σ
,
τ

=

x
⁢
σ
⁢

(
y
)

+

τ
⁢

(
y
)

⁢
x

{(x,y)_{\sigma,\tau}=x\sigma(y)+\tau(y)x}

and

C

σ
,
τ

⁢

(
R
)

=

{

x
∈
R

∣

x
⁢
σ
⁢

(
y
)

=

τ
⁢

(
y
)

⁢
x

}

{C_{\sigma,\tau}(R)=\{x\in R\mid x\sigma(y)=\tau(y)x\}}

.
An additive subgroup U of R is said to be a

(
σ
,
τ
)

{(\sigma,\tau)}

-right Jordan ideal (resp.

(
σ
,
τ
)

{(\sigma,\tau)}

-left
Jordan ideal) of R if

(
U
,
R
)

σ
,
τ

⊆
U

{(U,R)_{\sigma,\tau}\subseteq U}

(resp.

(
R
,
U
)

σ
,
τ

⊆
U

{(R,U)_{\sigma,\tau}\subseteq U}

), and U is called a

(
σ
,
τ
)

{(\sigma,\tau)}

-Jordan ideal if U is both a

(
σ
,
τ
)

{(\sigma,\tau)}

-right
Jordan ideal and a

(
σ
,
τ
)

{(\sigma,\tau)}

-left Jordan ideal of R. A

(
σ
,
τ
)

{(\sigma,\tau)}

-Jordan ideal U
of R is said to be a

(
σ
,
τ
)

{(\sigma,\tau)}

-

⋆

{\star}

-Jordan ideal if

U
⋆

=
U

{U^{\star}=U}

.
In the present paper, it is shown that if U is commutative, then R is commutative. The commutativity of R is also obtained if

(
U
,
U
)

σ
,
τ

⊆

C

σ
,
τ

⁢

(
R
)

{(U,U)_{\sigma,\tau}\subseteq C_{\sigma,\tau}(R)}

. Some more results are obtained on the

⋆

{\star}

-prime ring with a characteristic different from 2.
Wandel versus Stabilität im Informations- und Wissensmanagement: Optimierte Handhabung eines Spannungsfelds
Authors: Reiß Michael 
Published: November 2017

ZusammenfassungDas spannungsgeladene Zusammenspiel von Wandel und Stabilität lässt sich mit einem Hybridansatz besser verstehen und gestalten als mit den vorliegenden Ansätzen der Path Constitution, des geschichteten Wandels oder des durchbrochenen Gleichgewichts. Der Beitrag vermittelt einen Überblick über die generischen Architekturen von Hybridansätzen, vor allem die Prinzipien, qualitativen Muster und quantitativen Proportionen der Kopplung von Wandel und Stabilität und gibt damit neue Antworten auf die Fragen nach dem Wie, Wann, Wo und Wie viel einer Konfiguration von kontinuierlicher und diskontinuierlicher Veränderung.
The taxpayer’s intentions: Subjective prerequisites in tax law
Authors: Påhlsson Robert 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Tax legislation contains references to taxpayer’s intentions with their transactions. The acquisition or sale of an asset may be treated differently, for example, depending on the purpose of the person holding it. This article contains a discussion of the concept of subjective prerequisites, with particular emphasis on the role they can play in tax law. How the terms intention and purpose are actually used in the Swedish Income Tax Act (ITA) is also explored.