bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The value of macrophage inhibitory cytokine‐1 level in differentiating benign from malignant solitary pulmonary nodules
Authors: Xu Chun Hua , Xue Jin Shan , Zhang Xiu Wei , Yu Li Ke , Lin Yong 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIntroductionMacrophage inhibitory cytokine‐1 (MIC‐1), a transforming growth factor‐β superfamily cytokine, is involved in tumor pathogenesis, and its measurement can be used as a clinical tool for the diagnosis of a wide range of cancers.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to explore the diagnostic value of serum MIC‐1 in patients with solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs).MethodsSerum specimens from 158 malignant SPN patients, 110 benign SPN patients, along with 120 healthy volunteers. The levels of serum MIC‐1 were measured by sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsSerum levels of MIC‐1 in malignant SPN patients were significantly higher than those in benign SPN patients (P < .01), or those in healthy volunteers (P < .01). With a cutoff of 685.8 pg/ml, the sensitivity and specificity of MIC‐1 in differentiating between malignant SPN patients and benign SPN patients, and between malignant SPN patients and healthy volunteers was, 56.3% and 92.7%, and 65.8% and 96.7%, respectively. An area under the curve (AUC) for malignant SPN resulting from MIC‐1, which was significantly better than any other tumor markers tested including carbohydrate antigens 12‐5 (CA125), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).ConclusionsIn conclusion, measurement of serum MIC‐1 levels could be considered as a diagnostic biomarker for malignant SPN patients.
Neural substrate and clinical significance of general movements: an update
Authors: Hadders‐Algra Mijna 
Published: August 2017

General movements are present from early fetal life to 3 to 5 months corrected age. Atypical general movements, especially in the last, so‐called fidgety general movement phase, are predictive of cerebral palsy (CP). This review updates knowledge on the neural substrate and clinical significance of typical and atypical general movements. Typical general movements are primarily characterized by complexity and variation. Presumably these core characteristics are initially induced by modulating activity of the cortical subplate. When the subplate gradually dissolves between 3 months before term and 3 months corrected age the cortical plate takes over. This coincides with the fidgety general movement phase. Conceivably, fidgety activity reflects ‘sparsification’, i.e. fragmentation of cortical network activity. The quintessential feature of atypical general movements is reduced complexity and variation. This is attributed to impaired integrity of extensive cortical‐subcortical networks, in which the subplate and periventricular white matter play a prominent role. The most serious forms of network impairment are associated with absent fidgety movements.What this paper adds

The emergence of fidgety movements reflects a developmental transition from widespread to fragmented cortical network activity.

Atypical general movements characterized by reduced complexity and variation are attributed to impaired integrity of extensive cortical‐subcortical networks.
Multislice spiral CT angiography for evaluation of acute aortic syndrome
Authors: Zhao De‐Li , Liu Xin‐Ding , Zhao Cheng‐Lei , Zhou Hai‐Ting , Wang Guo‐Kun , Liang Hong‐Wei , Zhang Jin‐Ling 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveTo discuss the diagnostic value of multislice CT angiography (MSCTA) in acute aortic syndrome (AAS).Materials and methodsThe clinical and imaging data of 36 cases diagnosed as AAS by MSCTA were collected. The manifestations of the MSCTA images were reviewed retrospectively, and the average x‐ray dose was calculated.ResultsAmong 36 AAS cases, 16 cases had aortic dissection (AD), 8 cases had penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (PAU), 7 cases had intramural hematoma (IMH), and 5 cases had unstable thoracic aneurysm (UTA). Of 16 cases with AD, type A and type B accounted for 43.7% (7/16) and 56.3% (9/16), respectively. Of 7 cases with IMH, type A and type B accounted for 42.9% (3/7) and 57.1% (4/7), respectively.ConclusionIn spite of the x‐ray radiation, MSCTA proves to be a rapid and noninvasive imaging technique for the diagnosis of AAS.
Echocardiography‐quantified myocardial strain—a marker of global and regional infarct size that stratifies likelihood of left ventricular thrombus
Authors: Kim Jiwon , Rodriguez‐Diego Sara , Srinivasan Aparna , Brown Rachel‐Maria , Pollie Meridith P. , Di Franco Antonino , Goldburg Samantha R. , Siden Jonathan Y. , Ratcliffe Mark B. , Levine Robert A. , Devereux Richard B. , Weinsaft Jonathan W. 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundMyocardial strain provides a novel means of quantifying subtle alterations in contractile function; incremental utility post‐MI is unknown.ObjectivesTo test longitudinal—quantified by postprocessing routine echo—for assessment of MI size measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and conventional methods, and assess regional and global strain (GLS) as markers of LV thrombus.MethodsThe population comprised of patients with anterior ST‐segment MI who underwent echo and CMR prospectively. Preexisting echoes were retrieved, re‐analyzed for strain, and compared to conventional MI markers as well as CMR‐evidenced MI, function, and thrombus.ResultsSeventy‐four patients underwent echo and CMR 4 ± 1 weeks post‐MI; 72% had abnormal GLS. CMR‐quantified MI size was 2.5‐fold larger and EF lower among patients with abnormal GLS, paralleling 2.6–3.1 fold differences in Q‐wave size and CPK (all P ≤ .002). GLS correlated with CMR‐quantified MI (r = .66), CPK (r = .52) and Q‐wave area (r = .44; all P ≤ .001): Regional strain was lower in the base, mid, and apical LV among patients with CMR‐defined transmural MI in each territory (P < .05) and correlated with cine‐CMR regional EF (r = .53–.71; P < .001) and echo wall motion (r = .45–.71; P < .001). GLS and apical strain were ~2‐fold lower among patients with LV thrombus (P ≤ .002): Apical strain yielded higher diagnostic performance for thrombus (AUC: 0.83 [0.72–0.93], P = .001) than wall motion (0.73 [0.58–0.88], P = .02), as did global strain (0.78 [0.65–0.90], P = .005) compared to LVEF (0.58 [0.45–0.72], P = .41).ConclusionsEcho‐quantified longitudinal strain provides a marker of MI size and improves stratification for post‐MI LV thrombus beyond conventional indices.
Traumatic dental injuries in Brazilian children and oral health‐related quality of life
Authors: Silva‐Oliveira Fernando , Goursand Daniela , Ferreira Raquel Conceição , Paiva Paula Cristina Pelli , Paiva Haroldo Neves , Ferreira Efigênia Ferreira , Zarzar Patrícia Maria 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackground/AimsPopulation‐based studies that investigate the impact of TDI on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) among school children and its association with socioeconomic factors are scarce and offer conflicting results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of TDI on OHRQoL among school children and its association with socioeconomic status.Materials and MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted with 588 12‐year‐old children enrolled in public and private schools in the urban areas in the city of Diamantina (southeastern Brazil). Clinical examinations were performed for the diagnosis of traumatic dental injury based on Andreasen's classification. The Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11–14), which has been validated for the population in Brazil, was employed to evaluate oral health‐related quality of life. Socioeconomic status and overjet were also analyzed. Statistical analysis involved the chi‐square test and logistic regression.ResultsA total of 29.4% of the students exhibited some type of trauma to at least one tooth. A negative impact on oral health‐related quality of life was found in 53.1% of the sample. Traumatic dental injury was associated with a high impact on oral health‐related quality of life [OR = 1.61 (95% CI: 1.08‐2.39)] and overjet >3 mm [OR = 5.42 (95% CI: 3.66‐8.02)]. However, no statistically significant associations were found between TDI and socioeconomic status.ConclusionsPrevalence of traumatic dental injury was high among the children who participated in the study, and it was associated with a high impact on oral health‐related quality of life as well as overjet >3 mm.
A perspective on education's importance for urban development
Authors: Joshi Priyadarshani 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe 21stcentury has been called the ‘age of the city’. The concentration of human activity is what makes cities such an important space of opportunity and challenge. This article views urban development challenges from an education perspective and argues that education must be viewed as an important intermediary for capitalising on the physical, intellectual and social capital available in cities. The distribution of educational opportunity within cities must be monitored to ensure that education plays a role in reducing and not exacerbating urban inequalities. Making sure that the city works for all requires improving how we plan cities and making urban planning processes more inclusive through knowledge‐based participation. There needs to be more appreciation of education's role in transformative urban development and stronger advocacy by education stakeholders to gain a seat in the circles that wield the most power in the urban futures debates.
Non‐cognitive skills: Potential candidates for global measurement
Authors: Zhou Kai 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSkills are widely considered as key elements that contribute to the sustainable development of nations and the well‐being of individuals. Given the increasing interests in the international comparisons of skills for informing educational policy, it is necessary to understand the definitions, measurement, and development of key skills. Using literature from economics, sociology, and psychology, this article focuses on non‐cognitive skills that have a positive effect on life outcomes and can be better developed through education and training. Three non‐cognitive skills – grit, self‐control and social skills are illustrated and thoroughly reviewed here. Although some progress has been made in developing and measuring non‐cognitive skills, there is currently no systematic global measure. Several factors hinder the global monitoring of non‐cognitive skills and inhibits effective non‐cognitive skills assessment across countries. These include a lack of solid evidence showing which soft skills predict academic and workforce outcomes and how does the strength of this relationship differ by situation.
A genetic assessment of the human‐facilitated colonization history of black swans in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Montano Valeria , van Dongen Wouter F.D. , Weston Michael A. , Mulder Raoul A. , Robinson Randall W. , Cowling Mary , Guay Patrick‐Jean 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMovement of species beyond their indigenous distribution can fundamentally alter the conservation status of the populations involved. If introductions are human‐facilitated, introduced species could be considered pests. Characterizing the colonization history of introduced species can therefore be critical to formulating the objectives and nature of wildlife management strategies. The black swan (Cygnus atratus) is native to Australia but is considered a reintroduced species in New Zealand, where the endemic population was reported extinct during the 19th century. After the reintroduction of a small number of individuals from Australia, the New Zealand population expanded unexpectedly rapidly, which was attributed to simultaneous waves of migration from Australia. An alternative, but hitherto unformalized, hypothesis is that local extant populations remained and admixed with introduced individuals. To contribute to our understanding of the reintroduction history of the species, we investigated dispersal patterns and demographic histories of seven populations from Australia and New Zealand, using population genetic inferences from a microsatellite dataset. Our results on genetic structure, dispersal rates, and demographic histories provide mixed evidence on the origin of New Zealand black swans. The hypothesis that reintroduced individuals mixed with remaining local individuals and that the subsequent dramatic population expansion may have been due to genetic rescue of the inbred indigenous population cannot be discarded and needs further investigation.
Adaptive evolution during the establishment of European avian‐like H1N1 influenza A virus in swine
Authors: Joseph Udayan , Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran , Smith Gavin J.D. , Su Yvonne C.F. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAn H1N1 subtype influenza A virus with all eight gene segments derived from wild birds (including mallards), ducks and chickens, caused severe disease outbreaks in swine populations in Europe beginning in 1979 and successfully adapted to form the European avian‐like swine (EA‐swine) influenza lineage. Genes of the EA‐swine lineage that are clearly segregated from its closest avian relatives continue to circulate in swine populations globally and represent a unique opportunity to study the adaptive process of an avian‐to‐mammalian cross‐species transmission. Here, we used a relaxed molecular clock model to test whether the EA‐swine virus originated through the introduction of a single avian ancestor as an entire genome, followed by an analysis of host‐specific selection pressures among different gene segments. Our data indicated independent introduction of gene segments via transmission of avian viruses into swine followed by reassortment events that occurred at least 1–4 years prior to the EA‐swine outbreak. All EA‐swine gene segments exhibit greater selection pressure than avian viruses, reflecting both adaptive pressures and relaxed selective constraints that are associated with host switching. Notably, we identified key amino acid mutations in the viral surface proteins (H1 and N1) that play a role in adaptation to new hosts. Following the establishment of EA‐swine lineage, we observed an increased frequency of intrasubtype reassortment of segments compared to the earlier strains that has been associated with adaptive amino acid replacements, disease severity and vaccine escape. Taken together, our study provides key insights into the adaptive changes in viral genomes following the transmission of avian influenza viruses to swine and the early establishment of the EA‐swine lineage.
Multisystemic bovine mycobacteriosis in a pony with neurological signs and weight loss
Authors: Charlesworth V. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryThis report describes the clinical, biochemical and histopathological findings of a case of disseminated, primary mycobacterial infection with Mycobacterium bovis in a pony presenting with neurological signs and weight loss. This report revisits tuberculosis as a potential differential diagnosis in horses at a time of relatively strong tuberculosis control in the UK and iterates the importance of post‐mortem examination as a diagnostic tool for clinicians. Key public health questions following exposure to mycobacterial pathogens are also discussed.
Unexpected stasis in a changing world: Lake nutrient and chlorophyll trends since 1990
Authors: Oliver Samantha K. , Collins Sarah M. , Soranno Patricia A. , Wagner Tyler , Stanley Emily H. , Jones John R. , Stow Craig A. , Lottig Noah R. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe United States (U.S.) has faced major environmental changes in recent decades, including agricultural intensification and urban expansion, as well as changes in atmospheric deposition and climate—all of which may influence eutrophication of freshwaters. However, it is unclear whether or how water quality in lakes across diverse ecological settings has responded to environmental change. We quantified water quality trends in 2913 lakes using nutrient and chlorophyll (Chl) observations from the Lake Multi‐Scaled Geospatial and Temporal Database of the Northeast U.S. (LAGOS‐NE), a collection of preexisting lake data mostly from state agencies. LAGOS‐NE was used to quantify whether lake water quality has changed from 1990 to 2013, and whether lake‐specific or regional geophysical factors were related to the observed changes. We modeled change through time using hierarchical linear models for total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), stoichiometry (TN:TP), and Chl. Both the slopes (percent change per year) and intercepts (value in 1990) were allowed to vary by lake and region. Across all lakes, TN declined at a rate of 1.1% year−1, while TP, TN:TP, and Chl did not change. A minority (7%–16%) of individual lakes had changing nutrients, stoichiometry, or Chl. Of those lakes that changed, we found differences in the geospatial variables that were most related to the observed change in the response variables. For example, TN and TN:TP trends were related to region‐level drivers associated with atmospheric deposition of N; TP trends were related to both lake and region‐level drivers associated with climate and land use; and Chl trends were found in regions with high air temperature at the beginning of the study period. We conclude that despite large environmental change and management efforts over recent decades, water quality of lakes in the Midwest and Northeast U.S. has not overwhelmingly degraded or improved.
Estimating Travel Time in Bank Filtration Systems from a Numerical Model Based on DTS Measurements
Authors: des Tombe Bas F. , Bakker Mark , Schaars Frans , van der Made Kees‐Jan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAn approach is presented to determine the seasonal variations in travel time in a bank filtration system using a passive heat tracer test. The temperature in the aquifer varies seasonally because of temperature variations of the infiltrating surface water and at the soil surface. Temperature was measured with distributed temperature sensing along fiber optic cables that were inserted vertically into the aquifer with direct push equipment. The approach was applied to a bank filtration system consisting of a sequence of alternating, elongated recharge basins and rows of recovery wells. A SEAWAT model was developed to simulate coupled flow and heat transport. The model of a two‐dimensional vertical cross section is able to simulate the temperature of the water at the well and the measured vertical temperature profiles reasonably well. MODPATH was used to compute flowpaths and the travel time distribution. At the study site, temporal variation of the pumping discharge was the dominant factor influencing the travel time distribution. For an equivalent system with a constant pumping rate, variations in the travel time distribution are caused by variations in the temperature‐dependent viscosity. As a result, travel times increase in the winter, when a larger fraction of the water travels through the warmer, lower part of the aquifer, and decrease in the summer, when the upper part of the aquifer is warmer.
Evaluation of the expected ventilatory response to metabolic acidosis in chronic hemodialysis patients
Authors: Marano Marco 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIntroduction: Expected pCO2 during metabolic acidosis should be computed to rule out superimposing respiratory acid‐base disorders, the latter being featured by too high or too low pCO2 than expected. At least 4 different and inconsistent formulas exist. Based on the common practical rule, the reduction of pCO2 equals 1.2 multiplied by the reduction of serum bicarbonate ([]), whereas pCO2 equals to the 2 digit after pH decimal point according to Fulop. Instead, based on Winters' formula, pCO2 equals to 1.5 times [] + 8. Finally, a very simple formula has been proposed, it reads pCO2 = [] + 15. Beyond the evident simplicity, the latter has been effective in a small hemodialysis cohort but validation in a larger dataset is highly desirable.Methods: Formulas have been applied to 180 hemodialysis patients' blood samples dataset featured by mild metabolic acidosis (HCO3 ≥ 14 mEq/L) and root mean square errors (RMSE) associated with each formula were computed. pCO2 reference range was computed as expected pCO2 ± 2 RMSE.Findings: Fulop's rule and Winters' formula are associated with large prediction errors. Conversely, the common practical rule and the very simple formula are both featured by the same low error (1.7 mmHg). They further show good agreement and pick out the same reference range.Discussion: Superimposing respiratory acid‐base disorders can be promptly and effectively ruled out by computing expected pCO2 as [] + 15, a very simple formula proved to be interchangeable with the common practical rule that requires computes and assumptions, but leads to same results.
Peristomal skin complications: what dermatologists need to know
Authors: Almutairi Dalal , LeBlanc Kimberly , Alavi Afsaneh 
Published: August 2017

AbstractA stoma is an artificial opening to the skin formed when a part of the gastrointestinal tract is resected and opened to the skin in order to divert the bowel content to the skin surface. The incidence of stomal and peristomal complication varies from 30 to 67% with a significant negative impact on patient quality of life. Despite their prevalence, care providers tend to show insufficient awareness of peristomal skin complications, and research‐based evidence related to peristomal skin complication and management options particularly in dermatology literature is sparse. This article will present a comprehensive review of peristomal skin complications in classification, clinical presentation, causes, prevention, and management aiming at increasing knowledge about this topic.
Psychometric testing of the revised “Families’ Importance in Nursing Care—Nurses’ Attitudes instrument”
Authors: Mackie Benjamin R. , Marshall Andrea , Mitchell Marion , Ireland Michael J. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe validity of instruments is crucial in ensuring that data collected are sound and that these data represent what the instrument claims to measure. When an instrument is revised or used in a different population, it is useful to re‐examine its construct validity.AimTo test the psychometrics properties of an instrument—the revised Families’ Importance In Nursing Care—Nurses’ Attitudes, designed to measure nurse’ attitudes towards involving family in nursing care in an adult acute care setting.Design and methodologyA cross‐sectional survey design was used in April–May 2016 with a sample of Enrolled and Registered Nurses (N = 212) to test the factor structure of the revised Families’ Importance In Nursing‐Nurses’ Attitudes instrument. The instrument had 26 items with a five‐point Likert response scale. Principle components analysis and exploratory factor analysis were performed with oblique rotations to assess the internal structure of the instrument.SettingA regional referral hospital in Queensland, Australia.ResultsUsing Principal Components Analysis and Principal Axis Factoring, we obtained the same factor structure to that originally identified for the instrument. Our results suggested the removal of six items to refine the instrument and achieve simple structure.ConclusionThe removal of several items, relabeling of factors and residual cross‐loading issues suggest that further revisions to the instrument are needed.