bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Canine central corneal thickness measurements via Pentacam‐HR®, optical coherence tomography (Optovue iVue®), and high‐resolution ultrasound biomicroscopy
Authors: Wolfel Allison E. , Pederson Samantha L. , Cleymaet Allison M. , Hess Ann M. , Freeman Kate S. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo compare central corneal thickness (CCT) values in canine eyes using Pentacam‐HR®Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam), Optovue®iVue spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT), and high‐resolution ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and generate normative canine Pentacam CCT values.Animals studiedTwenty‐four client‐owned dogs (37 eyes) with nondiseased cornea(s) presenting to the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.ProceduresCorneal images were acquired via Pentacam, SD‐OCT, and UBM in the listed order. Machine‐calculated values of CCT from Pentacam and SD‐OCT were compared to operator‐measured values from UBM. Bland–Altman analysis was performed to evaluate agreement between instruments.ResultsMean CCT ± SD measured by Pentacam was 629.73 ± 64.57 μm, by SD‐OCT was 610.56 ± 57.48 μm, and by UBM was 689.77 ± 55.93 μm. On average, Pentacam CCT was 19.17 ± 32.90 μm (3%) thicker than SD‐OCT and 65.12 ± 44.52 μm (10.3%) thinner than UBM. SD‐OCT was on average 82.47 μm (13.5% ) thinner than UBM. The 95% limits of agreement were (−45.31, 83.65), (−152.38, 22.13), and (−126.674, −38.270) for Pentacam vs. SD‐OCT, Pentacam vs. UBM, and SD‐OCT vs. UBM respectively. All differences were statistically significant (P< 0.01).ConclusionsConsidering there is an average of 7.5% normal diurnal variation in canine CCT, a 3.0% difference between Pentacam and SD‐OCT values is likely not clinically relevant. However, Pentacam measurements were both statistically and clinically significantly different from UBM and SD‐OCT measurements.
Computer-Aided Stroke-by-Stroke Visualization of Actual and Target Power Allows for Continuously Increasing Ramp Tests on Wind-Braked Rowing Ergometers
Authors: Treff Gunnar , Winkert Kay , Machus Katja , Steinacker Jürgen M. 
Published: October 2017

Purpose: Ramp tests are continuously increasing exercise tests used for the determination of maximal oxygen uptake (), which is identifiable by a plateau in oxygen uptake despite increasing mechanical power output (LOAD). On wind-braked rowing ergometers (RowErg), it is hardly feasible to ensure a continuous increase in LOAD until test termination, as neither resistance nor stroke frequency is externally adjustable but depends on the rower. To enable ramp tests on RowErg, the authors produced visual stroke-by-stroke feedback showing target and actual LOAD to the rower. The software supports automatic test termination (TERMauto) if LOAD ceases to increase. The authors aimed to evaluate linearity of the LOAD increment and calculate the difference between TERMauto and test duration at subjective exhaustion. Materials: Twenty-eight highly trained male rowers performed a ramp test until subjective exhaustion on RowErg, targeting an increment of 35 W·min−1. LOAD was measured as work per time via external force and position sensors and visualized on a computer screen. TERMauto was deactivated, but all data were logged. Test duration at subjective exhaustion was subsequently compared with virtual test duration at TERMauto calculated from the log files. Results: Regression between time and LOAD was y = 167 + 34.6 W (r = .99). Individual correlations ranged from .97 to 1.0. TERMauto caused 12- to 35-s-shorter test durations than subjective exhaustion in 4 rowers, leading to an underestimation in not higher than 1.2% or 3.7%. Conclusion: This setup allows one to perform ramp tests on RowErg with continuously increasing LOAD until TERMauto. In particular cases might be slightly underestimated at TERMauto.
Effect of the Pacing Strategies on the Open-Water 10-km World Swimming Championships Performances
Authors: Rodriguez Luis , Veiga Santiago 
Published: October 2017

Purpose: To (1) compare the pacing strategies of different-level open-water swimmers during the 10-km race of the FINA 2015 Swimming World Championships and (2) relate these pacing strategies to the race performance. Methods: Final and intermediate split times, as well as intermediate race positions, from the 10-km race participants (69 men and 51 women) were collected from the public domain and were divided into 5 groups (G1–G5) depending on their finishing positions. Results: Medalists and finalists (G1 and G2, respectively) presented an even pacing profile with swimming velocities similar to those of the less successful swimmers (G3–G5) on the initial and middle stages of the race but a 1.5–3% increase in swimming velocity in the last quarter of the race. This acceleration toward the end of the race, or “end spurt,” was largely related to the race performance and was not observed in the G3 and G4 (even-paced profile) or G5 (positive pacing profile) groups. Intermediate race positions and lap rankings were negatively related to finishing position, indicating a delayed positioning of the most successful swimmers at 25%, 50%, and 75% of race distance. Conclusions: The adoption of a conservative starting strategy by open-water swimmers with a negative pacing profile and delayed partial positioning seems to increase the chances of overall race success, as it allows a fast end spurt that is closely related to successful finishing race positions.
Examination of Risk for Sleep-Disordered Breathing Among College Football Players
Authors: Peck Bailey , Renzi Timothy , Peach Hannah , Gaultney Jane , Marino Joseph S. 
Published: October 2017

Context:Professional football linemen are at risk for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) compared with other types of athletes. It is currently unknown whether college football linemen display a similar risk profile.Objective:(1) To determine for the first time whether college football linemen show risk for SDB and (2) test the hypothesis that SDB risk is higher in college football linemen compared with an athletic comparison group.Design:Descriptive laboratory study.Setting:The Health Risk Assessment Laboratory.Participants:Male football linemen (n = 21) and track (n = 19) Division I athletes between the ages of 18 and 22 years.Interventions:Participants completed the Multivariable Apnea Prediction Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale surveys, validated measures of symptoms of sleep apnea and daytime sleepiness, respectively. Neck and waist circumferences, blood pressure, Modified Mallampati Index (MMPI), and tonsil size were determined, followed by body composition assessment using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.Main Outcome Measures:Scores from surveys, anthropometric data, MMPI, and body composition.Results:Survey data demonstrated a deficiency in sleep quality and efficiency, coinciding with increased self-reported symptoms of apnea (Multivariable Apnea Prediction Index = 0.78) in college linemen relative to track athletes. Neck circumference (44.36 cm), waist circumference (107.07 cm), body mass index (35.87 kg/m2), and percent body fat (29.20%), all of which exceeded the clinical predictors of risk for obstructive sleep apnea, were significantly greater in linemen compared with track athletes. Multivariable Apnea Prediction variables were significantly correlated with MMPI, neck circumference, percent body fat, body mass index, and systolic blood pressure (r ≥ .31,P < .05), indicating that college football linemen are at increased risk for SDB.Conclusions:Risk factors for SDB recognized in professional football linemen are also present at the college level. Screening may minimize present or future risk for SDB, as well as the downstream risk of SDB-associated metabolic and cardiovascular disease.
Under Surveillance: Collegiate Athletics as a Total Institution
Authors: Hatteberg Sarah J. 
Published: October 2017

Scholars have identified similarities between collegiate athletics and total institutions for profit-athletes, but few examined the relationship for athletes participating in other sports. Drawing on qualitative data collected from a sample of NCAA Division I athletes participating in four different sports, this study examined how collegiate athletics might approximate a total institution according to Goffman’s 1961 conceptualization. Consistent with Goffman’s conceptualization, athletes experienced 1) an absence of barriers between their spheres of life, 2) insularity of the athletic community, 3) strict schedules, and 4) institutional objectives used to justify totalitarian practices. These aspects of the institution helped to facilitate pervasive surveillance and extensive institutional power and control, aspects of the institution that athletes of all sports types perceived as stressful. These findings suggest that structural aspects of collegiate athletics may operate as ambient strains that could have consequences for athlete well-being, a possibility that should be explored in future research.
Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Cefiderocol, a Parenteral Siderophore Cephalosporin, in Healthy Subjects, Subjects with Various Degrees of Renal Function, and Patients with Complicated Urinary Tract Infection or Acute Uncomplicated Pyelonephritis
Authors: Kawaguchi Nao , Katsube Takayuki , Echols Roger , Wajima Toshihiro 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT

Cefiderocol, a novel parenteral siderophore cephalosporin, exhibits potent efficacy against most Gram-negative bacteria, including carbapenem-resistant strains. The aim of this study was to perform a population pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis based on plasma cefiderocol concentrations in healthy subjects, subjects with various degrees of renal function, and patients with complicated urinary tract infection (cUTI) or acute uncomplicated pyelonephritis (AUP) caused by Gram-negative pathogens and to calculate the fraction of the time during the dosing interval where the free drug concentration in plasma exceeds the MIC (
fT
MIC
). Population PK models were developed with three renal function markers, body surface area-adjusted estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), absolute eGFR, and creatinine clearance, on the basis of 2,571 plasma concentrations from 91 subjects without infection and 238 patients with infection. The population PK models with each renal function marker adequately described the plasma cefiderocol concentrations. Clear relationships of total clearance (CL) to all renal function markers were observed. Body weight and disease status (with or without infection) were also significant covariates. The CL in patients with infection was 26% higher than that in subjects without infection. The
fT
MIC
values were more than 75% in all patients (and were 100% in most patients), suggesting that a sufficient exposure to cefiderocol was provided by the tested dose regimens (2 g every 8 h as the standard dose regimen) for the treatment of cUTI or AUP caused by Gram-negative pathogens.
Optimising the quality of antibiotic prescribing in out-of-hours primary care in Belgium: a study protocol for an action research project
Authors: Colliers Annelies , Coenen Samuel , Philips Hilde , Remmen Roy , Anthierens Sibyl 
Published: October 2017

IntroductionAntimicrobial resistance is a major public health threat driven by inappropriate antibiotic use, mainly in general practice and for respiratory tract infections. In Belgium, the quality of general practitioners’ (GPs) antibiotic prescribing is low. To improve antibiotic use, we need a better understanding of this quality problem and corresponding interventions. A general practitioners cooperative (GPC) for out-of-hours (OOH) care presents a unique opportunity to reach a large group of GPs and work on quality improvement. Participatory action research (PAR) is a bottom-up approach that focuses on implementing change into daily practice and has the potential to empower practitioners to produce their own solutions to optimise their antibiotic prescribing.MethodsThis PAR study to improve antibiotic prescribing quality in OOH care uses a mixed methods approach. In a first exploratory phase, we will develop a partnership with a GPC and map the existing barriers and opportunities. In a second phase, we will focus on facilitating change and implementing interventions through PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) cycles. In a third phase, antibiotic prescribing quality outside and antibiotic use during office hours will be evaluated. Equally important are the process evaluation and theory building on improving antibiotic prescribing.EthicsThe study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Antwerp University Hospital/University of Antwerp. PAR unfolds in response to the needs and issues of the stakeholders, therefore new ethics approval will be obtained at each new stage of the research.DisseminationInterventions to improve antibiotic prescribing are needed now more than ever and outcomes will be highly relevant for GPCs, GPs in daily practice, national policymakers and the international scientific community.Trial registration numberNCT03082521; Pre-results.
Health-related quality of life variations by sociodemographic factors and chronic conditions in three metropolitan cities of South Asia: the CARRS study
Authors: Singh Kavita , Kondal Dimple , Shivashankar Roopa , Ali Mohammed K , Pradeepa Rajendra , Ajay Vamadevan S , Mohan Viswanathan , Kadir Muhammad M , Sullivan Mark Daniel , Tandon Nikhil , Narayan K M Venkat , Prabhakaran Dorairaj 
Published: October 2017

ObjectivesHealth-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a key indicator of health. However, HRQOL data from representative populations in South Asia are lacking. This study aims to describe HRQOL overall, by age, gender and socioeconomic status, and examine the associations between selected chronic conditions and HRQOL in adults from three urban cities in South Asia.MethodsWe used data from 16 287 adults aged ≥20 years from the baseline survey of the Centre for Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction in South Asia cohort (2010–2011). HRQOL was measured using the European Quality of Life Five Dimension—Visual Analogue Scale (EQ5D-VAS), which measures health status on a scale of 0 (worst health status) to 100 (best possible health status).Results16 284 participants completed the EQ5D-VAS. Mean age was 42.4 (±13.3) years and 52.4% were women. 14% of the respondents reported problems in mobility and pain/discomfort domains. Mean VAS score was 74 (95% CI 73.7 to 74.2). Significantly lower health status was found in elderly (64.1), women (71.6), unemployed (68.4), less educated (71.2) and low-income group (73.4). Individuals with chronic conditions reported worse health status than those without (67.4 vs 76.2): prevalence ratio, 1.8 (95% CI 1.61 to 2.04).ConclusionsOur data demonstrate significantly lower HRQOL in key demographic groups and those with chronic conditions, which is consistent with previous studies. These data provide insights on inequalities in population health status, and potentially reveal unmet needs in the community to guide health policies.
Probiotics administered intravaginally as a complementary therapy combined with antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Ma Liyan , Su Jianrong , Su Yanli , Sun Wei , Zeng Zhaoying 
Published: October 2017

IntroductionBacterial vaginosis (BV) is a highly prevalent vaginal polymicrobial disorder commonly encountered in women of childbearing age. Therapy with only recommended antibiotics results in low cure rates and unacceptably high recurrence rates. The use of probiotics as a complementary approach for use with antibiotics for the treatment of BV remains unclear. This review aims to assess the efficacy of lactobacilli administered intravaginally in conjunction with antibiotics for the treatment of BV.Methods and analysisThe Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in The Cochrane Library, Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews, Medline/PubMed and Embase will be used to search for articles from database inception to November 2016. Randomised controlled clinical trials using lactobacilli administered intravaginally in conjunction with antibiotics to treat BV will be included. Primary outcome will be the BV cure rate. The recurrence rate will be examined as secondary outcome. Two reviewers will independently select trials and extract data from the original publications. The risk of bias will be assessed according to the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. We will perform data synthesis using the Review Manager (RevMan) software V.5.2.3. To assess heterogeneity, we will compute the I2statistic.Ethics and disseminationThis study will be a review of published data and it is not necessary to obtain ethical approval. Findings of this systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration numberInternational Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews 2014: CRD42014015079.
ST-Elevation Magnitude Correlates With Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Conduction Delay in Type I Brugada ECG
Authors: Leong Kevin M.W. , Ng Fu Siong , Yao Cheng , Roney Caroline , Taraborrelli Patricia , Linton Nicholas W.F. , Whinnett Zachary I. , Lefroy David C. , Davies D. Wyn , Boon Lim Phang , Harding Sian E. , Peters Nicholas S. , Kanagaratnam Prapa , Varnava Amanda M. 
Published: October 2017

Background:
The substrate location and underlying electrophysiological mechanisms that contribute to the characteristic ECG pattern of Brugada syndrome (BrS) are still debated. Using noninvasive electrocardiographical imaging, we studied whole heart conduction and repolarization patterns during ajmaline challenge in BrS individuals.

Methods and Results:

A total of 13 participants (mean age, 44±12 years; 8 men), 11 concealed patients with type I BrS and 2 healthy controls, underwent an ajmaline infusion with electrocardiographical imaging and ECG recordings. Electrocardiographical imaging activation recovery intervals and activation timings across the right ventricle (RV) body, outflow tract (RVOT), and left ventricle were calculated and analyzed at baseline and when type I BrS pattern manifested after ajmaline infusion. Peak J-ST point elevation was calculated from the surface ECG and compared with the electrocardiographical imaging–derived parameters at the same time point. After ajmaline infusion, the RVOT had the greatest increase in conduction delay (5.4±2.8 versus 2.0±2.8 versus 1.1±1.6 ms;
P
=0.007) and activation recovery intervals prolongation (69±32 versus 39±29 versus 21±12 ms;
P
=0.0005) compared with RV or left ventricle. In controls, there was minimal change in J-ST point elevation, conduction delay, or activation recovery intervals at all sites with ajmaline. In patients with BrS, conduction delay in RVOT, but not RV or left ventricle, correlated to the degree of J-ST point elevation (Pearson
R
, 0.81;
P
<0.001). No correlation was found between J-ST point elevation and activation recovery intervals prolongation in the RVOT, RV, or left ventricle.

Conclusions:
Magnitude of ST (J point) elevation in the type I BrS pattern is attributed to degree of conduction delay in the RVOT and not prolongation in repolarization time.
Climatological Beam Propagation Conditions for China’s Weather Radar Network
Authors: Wang Hongyan , Wang Gaili , Liu Liping 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe vertical refractivity gradient (VRG) is critical to weather radar beam propagation. The most common method of calculating beam paths uses the 4/3 Earth radius model, which corresponds to standard refraction conditions. In the present work, to better document propagation conditions for radar electromagnetic waves, which is essential for hydrology and numerical weather forecast models to more fully benefit from observations taken from the new-generation weather radar network in China, VRG spatial and temporal variations in the first kilometers above the surface are explored using 6-yr sounding observations. Under the effects of both regional climatic and topographic conditions, VRG values for most of the radars are generally smaller than those of the standard conditions for much of the year. There are similar or slightly larger values at only a few radar sites. Smaller VRG values are more frequent and widespread, especially during rainy seasons when weather radar observations are important. In such conditions, beam heights estimated using standard atmospheric refraction are overestimated relative to actual heights for most of the radars. Underestimates are much less common and of much shorter duration. However, height deviations are acceptable for being well within the uncertainty of radar echo height owing to the ~1° beamwidth. In coastal areas and the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, radar observations should be applied with much more caution because of the greater risk of beam blockage and clutter contamination.
Mental illness stigma among medical students and teachers
Authors: Janoušková Miroslava , Weissová Aneta , Formánek Tomáš , Pasz Jiří , Bankovská Motlová Lucie 
Published: October 2017

Background: Medical school curriculum contributes to future doctors’ attitude formation towards people with mental illness. Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare stigmatizing attitudes between medical students and faculty, analyse stigmatizing attitudes among students from different years of study and identify factors predicting stigma. Methods: A cross-sectional study with the use of scales measuring attitudes and social distance was designed. Online questionnaires were distributed to all students and teachers at a medical faculty in the Czech Republic. Results: The response rate was 32.1% ( n = 308) among students and 26.7% ( n = 149) among teachers. Teachers had a greater prevalence of stigmatizing attitudes than students. Increased tolerant attitudes in students were detected after the fourth year, that is, following introduction to psychiatry. Preferred specialization in psychiatry and attending two psychiatry courses predicted more tolerant attitudes. Among both students and teachers, men possessed more stigmatizing attitudes towards people with mental illness. Age was an important predictor of stigmatizing attitudes among teachers. Conclusion: Educators should pay closer attention to the role of medical psychology and communication training implementation, which may be beneficial to improving skills and increasing medical students’ self-esteem and feeling of competence throughout their psychiatry rotation.
Psychiatric impairment ratings in children and adolescents
Authors: Kasinathan John , Flower Teresa , Singh Yolisha , Harden Scott 
Published: October 2017

Objectives:It is accepted practice in Australia and New Zealand for psychiatric impairment rating scales to be applied for persons claiming psychiatric injury. These scales were derived for adults, not children. There is less clarity as to whether and how these scales may be applied for children claiming psychiatric injury.Methods:We review Australian and New Zealand guidelines and methods for assessing permanent psychiatric impairment, as they apply to children and adolescents.Results:With significant caution, psychiatric impairment rating scales can be administered for children. Guidance and recommendations in this regard are provided. For some, the effects of psychiatric injury may not be stable, and permanent impairment assessment should be delayed until sufficient maturity occurs.Conclusions:Psychiatric impairment rating scales are widely applied for adults claiming psychiatric injury, however caution must be exercised when these scales are used in children.