bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association between peri‐operative acute risk change (ARC) and long‐term survival after cardiac surgery
Authors: Coulson T. G. , Bailey M. , Reid C. M. , Tran L. , Mullany D. V. , Smith J. A. , Pilcher D. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryAcute risk change has been described as the difference in calculated mortality risk between the pre‐operative and postoperative periods of cardiac surgery. We aimed to assess whether this was associated with long‐term survival after cardiac surgery. We retrospectively analysed 22,570 cardiac surgical patients, with minimum and maximum follow‐up of 1.0 and 6.7 years. Acute risk change was calculated as the arithmetic difference between pre‐ and postoperative mortality risk. ‘Rising risk’ represented an increase in risk from pre‐ to postoperative phase. The primary outcome was one‐year mortality. Secondary outcomes included mortality at 3 and 5 years and time to death. Univariable and multivariable analyses were undertaken to examine the relationship between acute risk change and outcomes. Rising risk was associated with higher mortality (5.6% vs. 3.5%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for baseline risk, rising risk was independently associated with increased 1‐year mortality (OR 2.6, 95%CI 2.2–3.0, p < 0.001). The association of rising risk with long‐term survival was greatest in patients with highest baseline risk. Cox regression confirmed rising risk was associated with shorter time to death (HR 1.86, 1.68–2.05, p < 0.001). Acute risk change may represent peri‐operative clinical events in combination with unmeasured patient risk and noise. Measuring risk change could potentially identify patterns of events that may be amenable to investigation and intervention. Further work with case review, and risk scoring with shared variables, may identify mechanisms, including the interaction between miscalibration of risk and true differences in peri‐operative care.
Effects of testosterone administration (and its 5‐alpha‐reduction) on parenchymal organ volumes in healthy young men: findings from a dose‐response trial
Authors: Gagliano‐Jucá T. , Tang E. R. , Bhasin S. , Pencina K. M. , Anderson S. , Jara H. , Li Z. , Melamud K. , Coleman S. L. , Aakil A. , Almeida R. R. , Huang G. , Travison T. G. , Storer T. W. , Basaria S. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryAnimal data shows that testosterone administration increases the volume of some parenchymal organs. However, the effects of exogenous testosterone on solid abdominal organs in humans remain unknown. The present study evaluated the effects of testosterone administration on the volume of liver, spleen and kidneys in a dose‐response trial. Young healthy men aged 18–50 years participating in the 5α‐Reductase (5aR) Trial. All participants received monthly injections of 7.5 mg leuprolide acetate to suppress endogenous testosterone secretion and weekly injections of 50, 125, 300 or 600 mg of testosterone enanthate, and were randomized to receive either 2.5 mg dutasteride (5 α‐reductase inhibitor) or placebo daily for 20 weeks. Liver, spleen and kidney volumes were measured at baseline and the end of treatment using 1.5‐Tesla magnetic resonance imaging. The dose‐effect of testosterone on changes in the volume of parenchymal organs was evaluated by linear regression model. The association between changes in total testosterone (TT) levels and changes in organ volumes were assessed. Testosterone administration increased liver volume dose‐dependently (17.4 cm3 per 100 mg of weekly testosterone enanthate; p = 0.031); the increase in liver volume was positively associated with changes in TT levels (R2 = 0.08, p = 0.024). A dose‐dependent, but non‐significant, increase in kidney volumes was also seen. Inclusion of dutasteride use into the models showed an independent association of randomization to dutasteride group with liver volume increase. In conclusion, Testosterone administration increased the liver volume in a dose‐dependent manner. The potential changes in parenchymal organs should be considered when interpreting apparent changes in lean mass in response to anabolic interventions.
Walking in the shoes of caregivers of children with obesity: supporting caregivers in paediatric weight management
Authors: Zenlea I. S. , Thompson B. , Fierheller D. , Green J. , Ulloa C. , Wills A. , Mansfield E. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryTo incorporate the perspectives and experiences of family caregivers of children with obesity, the KidFit Health and Wellness Clinic, a paediatric weight management programme, embedded feedback opportunities into various stages of programme development. Caregivers were eligible to participate if their children had completed initial 4‐week group‐based pilot programming or were currently receiving treatment in 10 or 12 week group‐based programming. Data were collected through feedback session discussions, audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. In total, 6 caregivers participated in the pilot group feedback session and 32 caregivers participated in the structured group feedback sessions. Caregivers reported that healthy lifestyle strategies first communicated by clinic staff to children during group sessions provided expert validation and reinforcement when discussing similar messages at home. Caregivers reported feeling isolated and blamed for causing their children's obesity and appreciated the supportive forum that group‐based programming provided for sharing experiences. Since experiences of blame and isolation can burden caregivers of children with obesity, paediatric weight management programmes might consider including peer support opportunities and discussion forums for ongoing social support in addition to education about lifestyle change.
How bird clades diversify in response to climatic and geographic factors
Authors: Rodríguez‐Castañeda Genoveva , Hof Anouschka R. , Jansson Roland 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWhile the environmental correlates of global patterns in standing species richness are well understood, it is poorly known which environmental factors promote diversification (speciation minus extinction) in clades. We tested several hypotheses for how geographic and climatic variables should affect diversification using a large dataset of bird sister genera endemic to the New World. We found support for the area, evolutionary speed, environmental predictability and climatic stability hypotheses, but productivity and topographic complexity were rejected as explanations. Genera that had accumulated more species tend to occupy wider niche space, manifested both as occurrence over wider areas and in more habitats. Genera with geographic ranges that have remained more stable in response to glacial‐interglacial changes in climate were also more species rich. Since many relevant explanatory variables vary latitudinally, it is crucial to control for latitude when testing alternative mechanistic explanations for geographic variation in diversification among clades.
Validation of biplane high‐speed fluoroscopy combined with two different noninvasive tracking methodologies for measuringin vivodistal limb kinematics of the horse
Authors: Geiger S. M. , Reich E. , Böttcher P. , Grund S. , Hagen J. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryReason for performing studyBiplane high‐speed fluoroscopy is a new method for gait analysis of the equine distal extremity. This is the first study validating the noninvasive tracking possibilities (Autoscoping and Scientific Rotoscoping) taking equine anatomy into account.ObjectivesTo determine the resolution with which Autoscoping and Scientific Rotoscoping depict motion of the equine phalanges in comparison to the invasive gold standard marker‐based registration.Study designComparativeex vivostudy.MethodsIn 5 distal extremities of slaughtered ponies, 3 or 4 tantalum beads with 1 mm diameter were implanted in each of the proximal, middle and distal phalangeal bones. Three‐dimensional models of the bones were reconstructed using computed tomographic data (120 kV, 50 mA, slice thickness 1 mm, increment 0.5). The beads were digitally removed from the bone models. Biplane fluoroscopic videos were taken at 69.5 ± 3.5 kV, 102.5 ± 22.5 mA, 500 frames/s and 0.5 ms shutter speed. The 5 specimens were moved in the trial field of the biplane fluoroscopic setup in a step‐like motion (simulation of landing, main stance phase, lift‐off). Marker‐based registration, Autoscoping and Scientific Rotoscoping were carried out. For statistical analysis agreement was computed as percentiles, mean and s.d.ResultsThe medians of Scientific Rotoscoping ranged from 0.16 to 0.66 mm in translations and 0.43 to 2.78° in rotations, while values for Autoscoping were 0.13–0.70 mm and 0.28–2.39° respectively. With 2 exceptions, all differences between methods were statistically significant. Scientific Rotoscoping is more time efficient than Autoscoping and results in smaller maximum errors.Main limitationsThe experimental set‐up was specifically designed to accommodatein vivorequirements. Autoscoping was not manually corrected but rather expected to work automatically.ConclusionsIt is possible to noninvasively apply both Autoscoping and Scientific Rotoscoping for gait analysis of the equine phalanges with high precision.The summary is available in Chinese ‐ see supporting information.
Effect of a peptide in cosmetic formulations for hair volume control
Authors: Cruz C. F. , Ribeiro A. , Martins M. , Cavaco‐Paulo A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe capacity of hair to absorb water causes changes in its physical and cosmetic properties under different environmental conditions. Hence, the control of hair volume in variable relative humidity settings is an important topic in cosmetics. The behaviour of two types of hair, Caucasian and Asian, was studied regarding their volume change in different relative humidity conditions. The ability of a peptide as a hair volume treatment was evaluated in two climate control formulations.MethodsTresses of the two types of hair were tested in two relative humidity (RH) conditions: (A) variable relative humidity (2 h 40% RH, followed by 2 h 90% RH and 2 h of 40% RH), and (B) continuous high relative humidity (90% RH for 6 h). Changes in the hair tress volume were assessed throughout time. Hair treated with two climate control formulations, with and without a peptide (KP peptide), were tested under the two relative humidity conditions.ResultsCaucasian hair had a higher change in volume compared to the Asian hair in variable and high relative humidity conditions. The hair volume increase when subject to high air humidity, and it was lower with the incorporation of a peptide into climate control formulations.ConclusionCaucasian hair showed higher volume than Asian hair when submitted to both relative humidity conditions. The incorporation of the peptide into the climate control formulations, a base (mostly composed of water ≈ 94%) and an ethanolic, was found to reduce the volume of Caucasian hair tresses. The presence of the peptide improved the hair volume change more than 60% in high relative humidity conditions.
Do tournaments solve the adverse selection problem?
Authors: Tsoulouhas Theofanis 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis paper provides a solution to a puzzle in the analysis of tournaments, that of why there is no agent discrimination or differential contracting in certain business practice settings. The paper examines the problem of a principal contracting with multiple agents whose activities are subject to common shocks. The presence of common shocks invites the use of relative performance evaluation to minimize the costs of moral hazard. But, in the additional presence of adverse selection, the analysis shows that there may be no need for ex ante screening through menus of offers. This is so because the principal becomes better informed ex post about agent types, via the realization of common uncertainty, and can effectively penalize or reward the agents ex post. Thus, unlike the standard adverse selection problem without common uncertainty where the principal always benefits from ex ante screening, it is shown that ex post sorting through relative performance evaluation reduces the scope for ex ante screening through menus, and can eliminate it completely if agents are known to not be very heterogeneous. This is consistent with observed practice in industries where the primary compensation mechanism is a cardinal tournament which is uniform among employees. The analysis connotes that by using relative instead of absolute performance measures, firms with employees who are not substantially heterogeneous not only can alleviate the agency problem, but there is also no need to extract the agents' ex ante private information about their innate abilities via a screening menu.
In vitro biocompatibility of hydroxyapatite‐added GIC: An SEM study using human periodontal ligament fibroblasts
Authors: Thomas Betsy , Gupta Kunal 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTObjectiveNano‐hydroxyapatite‐added GIC has been developed to improve the physical properties of conventional GIC. However, biological response of periodontal cells to this potentially useful cervical restorative material has been unexplored. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro response of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts to hydroxyapatite‐added GIC.Materials and MethodsThree categories of materials, namely, test group 1 (cGIC or type IX GIC), test group 2 (HA‐GIC or hydroxyapatite‐added GIC), and positive control (glass cover slips) were incubated with human periodontal ligament fibroblasts. The samples were viewed under scanning electron microscope to study the morphological characteristics of fibroblasts. Additionally, elemental analysis was performed to differentiate between the two test groups based on surface chemical composition.ResultsTest group 1 (cGIC) exhibited cells with curled up morphology, indicative of poor attachment to the substrate. Test group 2 (Ha‐GIC) exhibited cells with flattened morphology and numerous cellular extensions such as lamellipodia and blebs, indicative of good attachment to the substrate. The test group 2 (Ha‐GIC) demonstrated higher surface elemental percentages of calcium and phosphorus.ConclusionWithin the limitations of this study, it may be concluded that hydroxyapatite‐added GIC is more biocompatible than conventional GIC (type IX), probably attributed to high elemental percentages of calcium and phosphorus.Clinical significanceThe search for an ideal cervical restorative dental material has been ever elusive. Hydroxyapatite‐added GIC is a simple and economical dental material to fabricate from basic conventional GIC. The results from this study strengthen its candidature for cervical and root surface restorations which may later require soft tissue augmentation. The possibility of connective tissue adhesion to this material is an exciting prospect in the field of periorestorative dentistry.
Labor, Agency, and State‐building in Trinidad and Tobago: Toward a Postcolonial Sociological Approach to Development
Authors: Edwards Zophia 
Published: July 2017

AbstractExisting development theories predict that factors such as natural resource wealth and the legacies of European colonizers inhibit development. However, the case of Trinidad and Tobago challenges these theories, as a resource‐rich former colony that has achieved high levels of development. This article examines what accounts for Trinidad and Tobago's development trajectory. Advancing a novel analytical approach – a postcolonial sociological approach – this study emphasizes what existing theories miss, namely, the role of organized labor in enabling Trinidad and Tobago to escape the development trap. The findings suggest that development studies attend to how colonial labor legacies shape post‐colonial development.
Long‐term outcomes of tonsillectomy for IgA nephropathy patients: A retrospective cohort study, two‐centre analysis with the inverse probability therapy weighting method
Authors: Matsumoto Keiichiro , Ikeda Yuki , Yamaguchi Sae , Sanematsu Mai , Fukuda Makoto , Takashima Tsuyoshi , Kishi Tomoya , Miyazono Motoaki , Uchiumi Saori , Yoshizaki Mai , Nonaka Yasunori , Matsumoto Ryoko , Kanaya Akiko , Fukunari Kenichi , Ikeda Yuji 
Published: July 2017

Summary at a GlanceThe effect of tonsillectomy on IgAN remains controversial. This paper contains important information on this issue, showing the lack of effectiveness of tonsillectomy on long‐term outcome of IgAN.
Comparison of resting energy equations and total energy expenditure in haemodialysis patients and body composition measured by multi‐frequency bioimpedance
Authors: Oliveira Ben , Sridharan Sivakumar , Farrington Ken , Davenport Andrew 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAimWaste products of metabolism are retained in haemodialysis (HD) patients. Cellular metabolism generates energy, and patients with greater energy expenditure may therefore require more dialysis. The aim of the present study was to determine the amount of dialysis required, to determine equations estimating the required resting and total energy expenditure (REE, TEE).MethodsEstimates of REE in HD patients were compared using established equations with a novel equation recently validated in HD patients (HD equation). TEE was derived from REE (HD equation) and estimates of physical activity obtained by questionnaire. REE and TEE relationships with bioimpedance measured body composition were then determined.ResultsA total of 317 HD patients were studied: 195 males (61.5%), 123 diabetic (38.9%), mean age 65.0 ± 15.3 and weight 73.1 ± 16.8 kg. REE from HD Equation was 1509 ± 241 kcal/day, which was greater than for Mifflin St Joer 1384 ± 259, Harris‐Benedict 1437 ± 244, Katch‐McArdle 1345 ± 232 (all P < 0.05 vs. HD Equation), but less than Cunningham 1557 ± 236 kcal/day. Bland–Altman mean bias ranged from −263 to 55 kcal/day. TEE was 1727 (1558–1976) kcal/day, and on multi‐variable analysis was positively associated with skeletal muscle mass (β 23.3, P < 0.001), employment (β 406.5, P < 0.001), low co‐morbidity (β 105.1, P = 0.006), and protein nitrogen appearance (β 2.7, P = 0.015), and negatively with age (β −7.9, P < 0.001), and dialysis vintage (β −121.2, P = 0.002).ConclusionsMost standard equations underestimate REE in HD patients compared to the HD Equation. TEE was greater in those with higher skeletal muscle mass and protein nitrogen appearance, lower co‐morbidity, age, and dialysis vintage, and the employed. More metabolically active patients may require greater dialytic clearances.
Autosomal dominant form of type IV collagen nephropathy exists among patients with hereditary nephritis difficult to diagnose clinicopathologically
Authors: Imafuku Aya , Nozu Kandai , Sawa Naoki , Hasegawa Eiko , Hiramatsu Rikako , Kawada Masahiro , Hoshino Junichi , Tanaka Kiho , Ishii Yasuo , Takaichi Kenmei , Fujii Takeshi , Ohashi Kenichi , Iijima Kazumoto , Ubara Yoshifumi 
Published: July 2017

Summary at a GlanceThe study revealed that 69% of families with hereditary nephritis that was difficult to diagnose clinicopathologically had heterozygous mutations of COL4A3/A4 (TBMN/ADAS). The finding suggests the importance of genetic testing in appropriate patients.
Is the shadow economy a bane or boon for economic growth?
Authors: Saunoris James W. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis paper uses the theoretical framework developed by Feder (1983) and Ram (1986) to examine interactions (i.e. externalities and intersectoral factor productivity differentials) between the official and unofficial sectors of the economy. Results from the empirical analysis, using data on over 100 countries from 1970 to 2008, suggest that the marginal externality effect of growth in the unofficial sector on the official sector is positive. Further, input productivities are higher in the unofficial sector relative to the official sector. These results are robust using alternate measures of the (unobserved) unofficial economy and across level of development.
Addressing the risk of bacterial contamination in platelets: a hospital economic perspective
Authors: Li Justin W. , Brecher Mark E. , Jacobson Jessica L. , Harm Sarah K. , Chen Dorothy , El‐Gamil Audrey , Dobson Al , Mintz Paul D. 
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUNDBacterially contaminated platelets (PLTs) remain a serious risk. The Food and Drug Administration has issued draft guidance recommending hospitals implement secondary testing or transfuse PLTs that have been treated with pathogen reduction technology (PRT). The cost implications of these approaches are not well understood.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWe modeled incurred costs when hospitals acquire, process, and transfuse PLTs that are PRT treated with INTERCEPT (Cerus Corp.) or secondary tested with the PLT PGD Test (Verax Biomedical).RESULTSHospitals will spend $221.27 (30.0%) more per PRT‐treated apheresis PLT unit administered compared to a Zika‐tested apheresis PLT unit that is irradiated and PGD tested in hospital. This difference is reflected in PRT PLT units having: 1) a higher hospital purchase price ($100.00 additional charge compared to an untreated PLT); 2) lower therapeutic effectiveness than untreated PLTs among hematologic‐oncologic patients, which contributes to additional transfusions ($96.05); or 3) fewer PLT storage days, which contributes to higher outdating cost from expired PLTs ($67.87). Only a small portion of the incremental costs for PRT‐treated PLTs are offset by costs that may be avoided, including primary bacterial culture, secondary bacterial testing ($26.65), hospital irradiation ($8.50), Zika testing ($4.47), and other costs ($3.03).CONCLUSIONThe significantly higher cost of PRT‐treated PLTs over PGD‐tested PLTs should interest stakeholders. For hospitals that outdate PLTs, savings associated with expiration extension to 7 days by adding PGD testing will likely be substantially greater than the cost of implementing PGD‐testing. Our findings might usefully inform a hospital's decision to select a particular blood safety approach.
Comparison of two external fixator systems for fracture reduction during minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis in simulated antebrachial fractures
Authors: Gilbert Erika D. , Lewis Daniel D. , Townsend Sarah , Kim Stanley E. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the Minimally Invasive Reduction Instrumentation System (MIRIS) to a two‐ring circular fixator construct (CFC) for indirect reduction during minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis.Study DesignCadaveric antebrachial fracture model.AnimalsTen skeletally mature dog cadavers.MethodsSimulated bilateral antebrachial fractures were reduced and stabilized with the MIRIS on one limb, and a CFC on the contralateral limb, prior to placing a 10 hole Locking Compression Plate. Time to satisfactory reduction and implant placement were compared. Difficulty of fracture reduction and plate application was subjectively scored (1 to 5) for each procedure. Prefracture and postoperative orthogonal antebrachial radiographs were compared to assess restoration of radial length and angulation in sagittal and frontal planes. A paired t test (P ≤ .05) was used to compare parameters between the two reduction techniques.ResultsReduction was faster (P = .0191) and plate application was subjectively easier (P = .047) when using the MIRIS compared to the CFC. There were no differences in subjective difficulty of reduction or plate application time between techniques. Mean postoperative radial length was reduced by approximately 4‐mm, and procurvatum were decreased by approximately 7° compared to prefracture measurements, regardless of reduction technique.ConclusionThe MIRIS allowed for faster fracture reduction, and simplified plate placement compared to a temporary application of a CFC in our simulated antebrachial fracture model.