bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Validity of ACTFL Can‐Do Statements for Spoken Proficiency: A Rasch Analysis
Authors: Tigchelaar Magda , Bowles Ryan P. , Winke Paula , Gass Susan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe NCSSFL‐ACTFL Can‐Do Statements describe what language learners can do at the various ACTFL proficiency sublevels. Unlike the European equivalent of the Can‐Do Statements (the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), few researchers have assessed the construct validity of the NCSSFL‐ACTFL statements. Concerns have included whether the difficulty levels of the skills described in the statements match the statements’ assigned proficiency levels and whether each statement accurately indicates the underlying construct: language proficiency on the ACTFL subscales. This study addressed those two concerns. Undergraduate Spanish learners at an American university (N = 382) self‐assessed their speaking proficiency by responding to a selection of 50 NCSSFL‐ACTFL Can‐Do Statements. A Rasch analysis revealed 15 misfitting items that did not fit the model. The suspected reasons for the misfit were that the statements were vague, described experiences that the learners may not have had, or assessed multiple skills in a single statement. However, 35 statements fit the model. Discussed are how the NCSSFL‐ACTFL Can‐Do Statements can be used to self‐assess proficiency and how the statements should be assessed for content validity and psychometric value.
Upfront immunohistochemistry improves specificity of Helicobacter pylori diagnosis. A French pathology laboratory point of view
Authors: Ginestet Florent , Guibourg Briac , Doucet Laurent , Théreaux Jérémie , Robaszkiewicz Michel , Marcorelles Pascale , Uguen Arnaud 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundThere is no consensus about the histopathologic methods to detect Helicobacter pylori in gastric biopsies to date. We aimed to question about the value of upfront anti‐H. pylori immunohistochemistry in this field.Material and MethodsWe led a retrospective study about the rate of H. pylori‐positive gastric biopsies before and after the implementation of upfront immunohistochemistry, the inter‐rater and intermethods agreements in H. pylori identification about Hematoxylin‐Eosin Saffron (HES), Giemsa, and immunohistochemistry stains and the histopathologic features associated with low amounts of H. pylori.ResultsFirst, the rate of H. pylori‐positive gastric biopsies significantly diminished after the implementation of upfront immunohistochemistry (from 21.15% to 12.56%, P<.0001), suggesting potential overdiagnosis of H. pylori infection before the use of immunohistochemistry. Secondly, immunohistochemistry was the most reproducible and performing stain (kappa values >0.80), but HES and Giemsa stains also presented good‐to‐very good agreements. Finally, less than 1% of gastric biopsies with inconspicuous H. pylori infection showed no mucosal injury pointing out that any HES‐detected mucosal injury could help to preselect the gastric biopsies requiring ancillary stains for the detection of H. pylori.ConclusionsAlbeit being considered as a gold standard in the detection of H. pylori, the interest of using immunohistochemistry as an upfront stain on gastric biopsies is still debated. In our opinion, its use in second line in case of ambiguous HE/HES‐Giemsa result is more appropriate. Further effort is needed to optimize the inexpensive but feasible HE/HES‐based detection of H. pylori.
The regulation of regulation: interleukin‐10 increases CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells but impairs their immunosuppressive activity in murine models with schistosomiasis japonica or asthma
Authors: He Lei , Zhou Sha , Qi Qianqian , Chi Ying , Zhu Jifeng , Xu Zhipeng , Wang Xuefeng , Hoellwarth Jason , Liu Feng , Chen Xiaojun , Su Chuan 
Published: August 2017

SummaryCD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells play an important role in maintaining immune homeostasis. Interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), a cytokine with anti‐inflammatory capacities, also has a critical role in controlling immune responses. In addition, it is well known that production of IL‐10 is one of the suppression mechanisms of Treg cells. However, the action of IL‐10 on Treg cells themselves remains insufficiently understood. In this study, by using a Schistosoma japonicum‐infected murine model, we show that the elevated IL‐10 contributed to Treg cell induction but impaired their immunosuppressive function. Our investigations further suggest that this may relate to the up‐regulation of serum transforming growth factor (TGF‐β) level but the decrease in membrane‐bound TGF‐β of Treg cells by IL‐10 during S. japonicum infection. In addition, similar IL‐10‐mediated regulation on Treg cells was also confirmed in the murine model of asthma. In general, our findings identify a previously unrecognized opposing regulation of IL‐10 on Treg cells and provide a deep insight into the precise regulation in immune responses.
Identifying conceptualizations and theories of change embedded in interventions to facilitate community participation for people with intellectual disability: A scoping review
Authors: Bigby Christine , Anderson Sian , Cameron Nadine 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundLittle progress has been made towards community participation of people with intellectual disability despite it being a policy aim since the 1980s. We aimed to identify the features of programmes designed to support community participation.MethodA scoping review was conducted of peer‐reviewed literature between 2000 and 2015, about interventions to support community participation for adults with intellectual disability.ResultsA small body of evidence relates to the design and effectiveness of interventions to enhance community participation. Seventeen studies reported programmes reflecting three conceptualizations of community participation (as social relationships, as convivial encounter and as belonging) that used strategies such as active mentoring, facilitative support worker practice and arts‐based programmes.ConclusionsStudies showed the diverse and person‐centred nature of community participation and demonstrated the need for larger‐scale studies of promising interventions that include details of costs, and strategies to guide implementation of policies to support community participation.
Outcomes of catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia with mechanical hemodynamic support: An analysis of the Medicare database
Authors: Aryana Arash , d'Avila André , Cool Christina L. , Miller Marc A. , Garcia Fermin C. , Supple Gregory E. , Dukkipati Srinivas R. , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya , Bunch T. Jared , Bowers Mark R. , O'Neill Padraig Gearoid , Reddy Vivek Y. , Marchlinski Francis E. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIntroductionThere is a paucity of data in favor of mechanical support during catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT). This study investigated the outcomes of VT ablation associated with mechanical support using percutaneous ventricular assist device (PVAD) versus intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP).Methods and resultsWe retrospectively examined the outcomes of patients who underwent VT ablation associated with PVAD versus IABP from 2010 to 2013, captured by the Medicare Inpatient Standard Analytic File database. Data from 345 patients (PVAD = 230, IABP = 115) were examined. On admission, the incidence of heart failure was higher in PVAD (84.3% vs. 73.0%; P = 0.01) with similar rates of renal failure in PVAD versus IABP (33.0% vs. 37.4%; P = 0.42). However, PVAD was associated with reduced in‐hospital cardiogenic shock (9.1% vs. 23.5%; P < 0.001), renal failure (11.7% vs. 21.7%; P = 0.01), and length of stay (8.4 ± 7.9 vs. 10.6 ± 7.5; P < 0.001), but with greater hospital discharges to home/self‐care (66.0% vs. 51.6%; P = 0.02). Index mortality (6.5% vs. 19.1%; P = 0.001) and mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock (18.2% vs. 41.2%; P = 0.03) were significantly lower with PVAD versus IABP. Furthermore, PVAD was associated with lower all‐cause (27.0% vs. 38.7%; P = 0.04) and heart failure‐related (21.4% vs. 33.3%; P = 0.03) 30‐day hospital readmissions, but with similar redo‐VT ablation rates at 1 year (10.2% vs. 14.0%; P = 0.34).ConclusionAmong the cases captured by the Medicare database, catheter ablation of VT associated with mechanical support using PVAD was associated with reduced in‐hospital cardiogenic shock, renal failure, length of stay, hospital readmissions and mortality, but no difference in redo‐VT ablation at 1 year.
Efficacy and safety of driver‐guided catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ramirez F. Daniel , Birnie David H. , Nair Girish M. , Szczotka Agnieszka , Redpath Calum J. , Sadek Mouhannad M. , Nery Pablo B. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIntroductionTargeting localized drivers (electrical rotors or focal impulses) during catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) has been proposed as a strategy to improve procedural success. However, the strength and quality of the evidence to support this approach is unclear.Methods and resultsClinical studies reporting efficacy or safety outcomes of driver‐guided ablation for AF were identified in Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Pubmed, and conference abstracts from major scientific meetings. Random‐effects meta‐analysis of efficacy outcomes from controlled studies was performed. Thirty‐one reports from 30 studies were included: two randomized controlled trials, five nonrandomized controlled studies, and 23 uncontrolled studies. In controlled studies, driver‐guided ablation has been associated with higher rates of acute AF termination (RR 2.08, 95% CI 1.43–3.05; P < 0.001) and increased freedom from AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) at ≥1 year (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.05–1.70; P = 0.02). Similar rates of procedural complications have been reported between ablation strategies. Overall, current data on driver‐guided ablation are predominantly from nonrandomized studies with considerable heterogeneity in mapping and ablation strategies used and in clinical outcomes reported.ConclusionPooled data on the efficacy of AF driver‐guided catheter ablation suggest increased freedom from AF/AT relative to conventional strategies. However, most studies are nonrandomized and of moderate quality. Though promising data exist, there remains no conclusive evidence for the efficacy of AF driver ablation. Robust data from randomized trials are needed.
The relationship between open versus normal contact point and inter‐proximal papilla dimensions in periodontally healthy young adults: A controlled clinical trial
Authors: de Santana Ronaldo Barcellos , de Miranda Jose Luis Carneiro , de Santana Carolina Miller Mattos 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAimThe gingival architecture is determined by the spatial orientation of the gingival zenith (GZ) and the inter‐dental papillae (IP). Among the factors commonly associated with the presence and morphology of the IP, the contact point (CP) and the inter‐dental distance relationships have been considered the most important. The objective of the present controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the role of the CP in determining the clinical and morphometric parameters of the inter‐dental papilla.Materials and methodsThe inter‐dental papillae of sixty patients with unilateral diastemas were evaluated by means of periodontal probing, transgingival probing, the papilla presence index and morphometric measurement with a digital calliper and were analysed with a paired t‐test, with significance set at alpha value of 0.05 or lower.ResultsAll the papillae exhibited PPI score = 1. Papillary measurements were significantly increased in the experimental (diastema) group.ConclusionsIn patients with gingival health, the dimensions of the IP are significantly increased in teeth without a contact point in comparison with their contra‐lateral controls with a contact point. The contact point does not determine the presence and size of the inter‐dental papilla, in patients with a healthy gingiva and without periodontal attachment loss.
Cost comparison of prediction‐based decision‐making for periodontally affected molars
Authors: Schwendicke Falk , Stolpe Michael , Graetz Christian 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAimTooth loss prediction could improve decision‐making for periodontally affected molars. We analysed the costs of removing all, none or only those molars predicted to be at‐risk for extraction during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT).MethodsThis is a model‐based study using a German private payer perspective. Building mainly on cost and effectiveness data from 2039 molars (301 patients) which received long‐term SPT, five (exemplary) prediction/decision strategies were compared: Retaining all molars, removing molars with furcation involvement (FI) ≥ I/ ≥ II/ III, or removing all molars. Each strategy came with different proportions of molars correctly or erroneously (false positively) removed. Retaining as well as removing molars had long‐term cost implications (via SPT or tooth replacement). Using Monte‐Carlo microsimulations, we estimated the lifetime costs of an average population in our cohort and evaluated what accuracy a prediction method needed to have to save costs in different risk groups.ResultsRemoving only molars with FI III (1188 Euro) and removing no molars (1195 Euro) were significantly less costly than removing all molars (1454 Euro). Prediction methods needed to be highly specific in most populations to avoid unnecessary tooth loss and the associated high costs.ConclusionsRemoving molars prior to SPT should be decided cautiously.
At least three phenotypes exist among periodontitis patients
Authors: Delatola Chryssa , Loos Bruno G. , Levin Evgeni , Laine Marja L. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAimTo identify phenotypes of periodontitis patients by the use of an unsupervised modelling technique (clustering), based on pre‐treatment radiographic and microbiological characteristics.Materials and methodsThis retrospective study included data from 392 untreated periodontitis patients. Co‐regularized spectral clustering algorithm was used to cluster the patients. The resulting clusters were subsequently characterized based on their demographics, radiographic bone loss patterns and microbial data.ResultsThe vast majority of patients fitted into one of the three main clusters (accuracy 90%). Cluster A (n = 18) was characterized by high prevalence and high proportions of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, a trend for a more localized pattern of alveolar bone loss and young individuals. Clusters B (n = 200) and C (n = 135) differed clearly in disease severity patterns and smoking habits, but not in microbiological characteristics.ConclusionOn the basis of alveolar bone loss patterns and microbiological data, untreated periodontitis patients can be clustered into at least three phenotypes. These results should be validated in other cohorts, and the clinical utility needs to be explored on the basis of periodontal treatment outcomes and/or disease progression.
Reduction in bacteremia after brushing with a triclosan/copolymer dentifrice—A randomized clinical study
Authors: Sreenivasan Prem K. , Tischio‐Bereski Deborah , Fine Daniel H. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAimThe aims of this study were to; 1) test susceptibility to bacteremia in subjects with moderate gingivitis, and 2) compare the effects of brushing with a fluoride toothpaste (control) as compared to a triclosan/copolymer toothpaste (test) on those susceptible to repeated bacteremia.Materials and MethodsOne hundred and seven adult subjects were tested for repeated bacteremia after eating a hard apple. Twenty‐nine bacteremia positive subjects were enrolled in a double‐blind cross‐over study designed to analyse the effects of a test toothpaste. After random toothpaste assignment, subjects brushed for 21 days. Following a wash‐out period, subjects completed the study with the alternate toothpaste. Statistical analysis compared bacteremia between groups by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).ResultsTwenty‐six adult subjects completed the cross‐over study. No statistically significant differences for bacteremia were seen at baseline. Mean bacterial counts at baseline and post‐treatment visits were 45.5 and 10.8 counts versus 48.5 and 38.0 counts, respectively (test vs. control group; significant at p < .05). Significant reductions in blood borne bacteria were seen in the test versus control groups in both cultural and DNA data (p < .05).ConclusionsThirty percentage of subjects showed repeated bacteremia. Brushing with a triclosan/copolymer dentifrice demonstrated significant reductions in bacteremia as compared to the control toothpaste.
Virulence of a chimeric recombinant infectious haematopoietic necrosis virus expressing the spring viraemia of carp virus glycoprotein in salmonid and cyprinid fish
Authors: Emmenegger E J , Biacchesi S , Mérour E , Glenn J A , Palmer A D , Brémont M , Kurath G 
Published: August 2017

AbstractInfectious haematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) and spring viraemia of carp virus (SVCV) are both rhabdoviruses of fish, listed as notifiable disease agents by the World Organization for Animal Health. Recombinant rhabdoviruses with heterologous gene substitutions have been engineered to study genetic determinants and assess the potential of these recombinant viruses for vaccine development. A recombinant IHNV (rIHNV), containing the full‐length genome of a European IHNV strain, was modified by deleting the glycoprotein (G) gene and replacing it with a European SVCV G‐gene to make the rIHNV‐Gsvcv. The chimeric rIHNV‐Gsvcv level of virulence in rainbow trout, common carp and koi was assessed, and its ability to induce a protective immune response in surviving koi against wild‐type SVCV infection was tested. The rIHNV‐Gsvcv infection of trout led to high mortality, ranging from 78% to 92.5%, after immersion. In contrast, no deaths occurred in juvenile common carp after infection with rIHNV‐Gsvcv by either immersion or intraperitoneal (IP) injection. Similarly, koi infected with rIHNV‐Gsvcv via IP injection had little to no mortality (≤9%). Koi that survived initial infection with a high dose of recombinant virus rIHNV‐Gsvcv were protected against a virulent SVCV challenge resulting in a high relative per cent survival of 82.5%.
What are the dietary treatment research priorities for inflammatory bowel disease? A short report based on a priority setting partnership with the James Lind Alliance
Authors: Lomer M. C. , Hart A. L. , Verjee A. , Daly A. , Solomon J. , Mclaughlin J. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundTreatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves a multidisciplinary approach comprising medical management and sometimes surgery. Although diet is central to IBD management, the optimal diet for patients with IBD is uncertain. A UK collaborative partnership within the James Lind Alliance was set up between patients, clinicians and other stakeholders to develop research priorities in IBD. The aim of this short report is to provide a comprehensive summary of the research priority findings relating to diet in the treatment of IBD.MethodsThe James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership process was used to develop research priorities in IBD. In brief, patients, clinicians and other stakeholders were invited to provide up to five treatment uncertainties in IBD. These uncertainties were collated, revised and ranked, leading to a final top 10 research questions in IBD.ResultsA total of 1671 uncertainties from 531 participants were collected and refined to exclude duplicates leaving 1253 uncertainties. Of these, 348 were categorised as diet‐related and grouped according to topic. There were 206 uncertainties related to how diet can be used to treat IBD or alleviate symptoms. Seventy‐two percent of diet‐related questions came from patients. One broadly diet‐related and two diet‐specific treatment uncertainties were included in the top 10 research priorities for IBD.ConclusionsDietary treatment options in the management of IBD are important research priorities. Almost three‐quarters of diet related questions came from patients, who were particularly interested in how diet can impact disease activity and symptom control.
The Process of Intrapartum Care Among Skilled Birth Attendants in the Dominican Republic and Maternal Perceptions of Care During Labor and Birth: A Case Report
Authors: Schindler Peter , Burgos Rosa , Vuong Kimberly , Lerner Hilary Aviela , Evangelista Elsa , Rodriguez Flor Josefina , Peralta Polanco Lourdes , Foster Jennifer 
Published: August 2017

IntroductionThe World Health Organization calls for situation analyses of maternity settings globally to improve maternal‐newborn health. This study evaluated the care processes of skilled birth attendants and women's satisfaction with the care in a public hospital in the Dominican Republic. The purpose of the assessment was to establish a baseline to build quality improvements.MethodsA cross‐sectional, mixed‐methods, observational study was conducted by an international team. Eighty‐four participants were included in the Intrapartum Data Set (American College of Nurse‐Midwives), and 55 participants completed the Chilean Maternal Well‐Being Scale. The data set was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Three focus groups were conducted with health providers, and 4 focus groups were conducted with postpartum women. Themes were derived using content analysis.ResultsNurses were the skilled birth attendants (SBAs) for 54% of women; 46% were attended by either obstetricians or family medicine residents. Ninety‐one percent of newborns with nurse attendants had immediate skin‐to‐skin contact, compared to 79% of newborns with physician attendants. Newborns breastfed within the first hour of life for 67% of the dyads with nurse SBAs, whereas 24% of newborns attended by physicians did so. The well‐being survey indicated most women perceived care was adequate or better, irrespective of attending provider. Nevertheless, 67% of rural women perceived care negatively. Qualitative findings indicated that some women felt neither respected nor heard.DiscussionWhen nurses managed the labor and birth, their care was comparable to that of physicians. Moreover, women were more likely to receive evidence‐based newborn care, including skin‐to‐skin contact, immediate breastfeeding, and discharge instructions. Qualitative findings highlighted the discrepancy between health care providers’ perception of the care they provided and patients’ perceptions of that care. Reflexive practice and frequent communication with patients about their experience of care should be a part of every practitioner's toolkit, wherever that care is provided.