bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of a general practitioner management plan on health outcomes and hospitalisations in older patients with diabetes
Authors: Caughey G. E. , Vitry A. I. , Ramsay E. N. , Gilbert A. L. , Shakib S. , Ryan P. , Esterman A. , McDermott R. A. , Roughead E. E. 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundLittle is known about the impact of a general practitioner management plan (GPMP) on health outcomes of patients with diabetes.AimTo examine the impact of a GPMP on the risk of hospitalisation for diabetes.MethodsA retrospective study using administrative data from the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs was conducted (1 July 2006 to 30 June 2014) of diabetes patients either exposed or unexposed to a GPMP. The primary end‐point was the risk of first hospitalisation for a diabetes‐related complication and was assessed using Cox proportional hazard regression models with death as a competing risk. Secondary end‐points included rates of receiving guideline care for diabetes, with differences assessed using Poisson regression analyses.ResultsA total of 16 214 patients with diabetes were included; 8091 had a GPMP, and 8123 did not. After 1 year, 545 (6.7%) patients with a GPMP and 634 (7.8%) of patients without a GPMP were hospitalised for a diabetes complication. There was a 22% reduction in the risk of being hospitalised for a diabetes complication (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69–0.87, P < 0.0001) for those who received a GPMP by comparison to those who did not. Increased rates of diabetes guideline care, HbA1c claims (adjusted HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.25–1.33) and microalbuminura claims (adjusted HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.58–1.72) were observed after a GPMP.ConclusionProvision of a GPMP in older patients with diabetes resulted in improved health outcomes, delaying the risk of hospitalisation at 12 months for diabetes complications. GPMP should be included as part of routine primary care for older patients with diabetes.
Comparison of five systems of classification of diabetic foot ulcers and predictive factors for amputation
Authors: Jeon Byung‐Joon , Choi Hwan Jun , Kang Jin Seok , Tak Min Sung , Park Eun Soo 
Published: October 2016

AbstractDiabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder. Among various complications, diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disorders are closely associated with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Lower extremity ulcers and amputations are ongoing problems among individuals with diabetes. There are several classification systems for DFUs; however, no prognostic system has to date been accepted as the gold standard or the optimum prediction tool for amputations. A retrospective study was designed. Demographic data and baseline laboratory data were gathered and scored or evaluated using five representative DFU classification systems. These included (i) the diabetic ulcer severity score (DUSS); (ii) University of Texas (UT) diabetic wound classification; (iii) Meggitt–Wagner classification; (iv) depth of the ulcer, extent of bacterial colonisation, phase of ulcer and association aetiology (DEPA) scoring system; and (v) site, ischaemia, neuropathy, bacterial infection and depth (SINBAD) score. Finally, a statistical analysis was performed. A total of 137 patients were included in this study. During the follow‐up, DFU had healed in 51·1% of subjects and 48·9% of the individuals underwent lower extremity amputations (LEAs). In a univariable logistic regression analysis, history of previous DFU, hypertension, neuropathy, haemoglobin, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and ankle‐brachial index (ABI) showed a statistically significant difference between the healed group and the LEA group. Moreover, the stages, grades or overall prognostic ability of all five classifications were highly associated with the overall occurrence of LEA. On multivariable logistic regression analysis of the risk of LEA, all classifications showed a significant positive trend with an increased number of amputations. All the five classification systems exhibited high sensitivity, specificity, classification accuracy, positive predictive, negative predictive and area under the curve (AUC) values. They showed substantial accuracy and their main variables were associated with LEA occurrence. The Wagner and UT systems, although they are relatively simple to assess, were better predictors of LEA.
Risk factors for ulceration over tophi in patients with gout
Authors: Xu Jianjun , Lin Cai , Zhang Peng , Ying Jianghui 
Published: October 2016

AbstractUlceration over tophi in patients with gout usually causes a number of clinical problems. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for ulceration of tophi in patients with gout. Patients with gout who had tophi with or without ulceration were prospectively recruited and underwent a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinical factors independently associated with the presence of ulceration were analysed using logistic regression models. Of the 113 participants, 18 (13·7%) had clinically apparent ulceration over tophi. In univariate analysis, ulceration over tophi correlated with age, tophus duration, size, location and lack of protective sensation. In logistic regression analysis, age, tophus size and lack of protective sensation were associated with ulceration over tophi. These findings indicate that old age, large tophus size and lack of protective sensation were independent risk factors for ulceration over tophi.
Effect of Sintering Additives on Relative Density and Li‐ion Conductivity of Nb‐Doped Li7La3ZrO12 Solid Electrolyte
Authors: Rosero‐Navarro Nataly Carolina , Yamashita Taira , Miura Akira , Higuchi Mikio , Tadanaga Kiyoharu 
Published: October 2016

Lithium ion conductors with garnet‐type structure are promising candidates for applications in all solid‐state lithium ion batteries, because these materials present a high chemical stability against Li metal and a rather high Li+ conductivity (10−3–10−4 S/cm). Producing densified Li‐ion conductors by lowering sintering temperature is an important issue, which can achieve high Li conductivity in garnet oxide by preventing the evaporation of lithium and a good Li‐ion conduction in grain boundary between garnet oxides. In this study, we concentrate on the use of sintering additives to enhance densification and microstructure of Li7La3ZrNbO12 at sintering temperature of 900°C. Glasses in the LiO2‐B2O3‐SiO2‐CaO‐Al2O3 (LBSCA) and BaO‐B2O3‐SiO2‐CaO‐Al2O3 (BBSCA) system with low softening temperature (<700°C) were used to modify the grain‐boundary resistance during sintering process. Lithium compounds with low melting point (<850°C) such as LiF, Li2CO3, and LiOH were also studied to improve the rearrangement of grains during the initial and middle stages of sintering. Among these sintering additives, LBSCA and BBSCA were proved to be better sintering additives at reducing the porosity of the pellets and improving connectivity between the grains. Glass additives produced relative densities of 85–92%, whereas those of lithium compounds were 62–77%. Li7La3ZrNbO12 sintered with 4 wt% of LBSCA at 900°C for 10 h achieved a rather high relative density of 85% and total Li‐ion conductivity of 0.8 × 10−4 S/cm at room temperature (30°C).
ExplorinG frailty and mild cognitive impairmEnt in kidney tRansplantation to predict biomedicAl, psychosocial and health cost outcomeS (GERAS): protocol of a nationwide prospective cohort study
Authors: Mauthner Oliver , Claes Veerle , Walston Jeremy , Engberg Sandra , Binet Isabelle , Dickenmann Michael , Golshayan Déla , Hadaya Karine , Huynh‐Do Uyen , Calciolari Stefano , De Geest Sabina ,   the GERAS study consortium; For the Psychosocial Interest Group; Swiss Transplant Cohort Study (STCS)
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimTo present the rationale, design and methodology of theGERASproject, which examines whether assessment of frailty and mild cognitive impairment could enhance risk prediction for biomedical, psychosocial outcomes and foster efficient resource allocation in kidney transplantation.BackgroundFor the burgeoning cohort of older patients considered for kidney transplantation, evidence gaps regarding frailty and mild cognitive impairment limit clinical decision‐making and medical management. As known risk factors for ‘hard’ clinical outcomes in chronic illness, both require further study in transplantation. Integrating these and other bio‐psychosocial factors into a comprehensive pre‐transplant patient assessment will provide insights regarding economic implications and may improve risk prediction.DesignA nation‐wide multi‐centre prospective cohort study nested in the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study.MethodsOur nationally representative convenience sample includes 250 adult kidney transplant recipients. Data sources include the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study and primary data collected at time of transplantation, 6 months, 1 and 2 years post‐transplant via established measures (the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Psychosocial Questionnaire, Fried Frailty Instrument and a blood analysis), investigator‐developed instruments and datasets compiled by hospitals’ management control units, sickness funds, the Swiss Federal Statistical Office and the European Renal Association. Descriptive, competing risk survival and mixed effects analyses will be performed. Research Ethics Committee approval was obtained in January 2016.DiscussionThis pioneering project jointly examines frailty and mild cognitive impairment from bio‐psychosocial and health economic perspectives. Results may significantly inform risk prediction, care tailoring and resource optimization to improve health outcomes in the ageing kidney transplant cohort.
What can the parameters of the species–area relationship (SAR) tell us? Insights from Mediterranean islands
Authors: Fattorini Simone , Borges Paulo A.V. , Dapporto Leonardo , Strona Giovanni 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimThe species–area relationship (SAR) is often modelled by the linearized power function logS = logc + zlogA, whereSis species richness,Ais area, logcis the intercept andzis the slope. Although investigating howcandzvalues vary across taxa and archipelagos can provide insights into the biology of theSAR, this approach has many caveats. In this study, we aim to clarify how and whySARs should be properly compared for the same taxon among different areas, or among different taxa in the same area.LocationMediterranean. We considered 18–46 Tyrrhenian islands (0.000024–223 km2) and 32–65 Aegean islands (0.0058–8261 km2).MethodsWe usedOLSregressions to estimatecandzvalues for various taxonomic groups: land snails, isopods, centipedes, tenebrionids and reptiles. We usedANCOVAs to test (1) if different taxa have differentzandcvalues within the same island group (possibly due to their dispersal ability and ecological characteristics), and (2) if the same taxon has differentzandcvalues in different island groups (possibly due to differences in historical processes and isolation).Resultszvaried between 0.141 and 0.309, whilecvaried between 2.717 and 12.286 species per unit area (1 km2). For tenebrionids, centipedes and land snails, we found highercvalues in the Tyrrhenian islands than in the Aegean islands. Overall,cvalues were highest for land snails.Main conclusionsOur results demonstrate the importance of comparingSARs either of different groups within the same area, or of the same group in different areas. Furthermore, we identify the intercept, rather than the slope, as being dependent on the biogeographical dynamics (relict versus equilibrium faunas) and species ecology (dispersal capabilities and population abundance).
Giant tortoises spread to western Indian Ocean islands by sea drift in pre‐Holocene times, not by later human agency – response to Wilmé et al. (2016a)
Authors: Cheke Anthony S. , Pedrono Miguel , Bour Roger , Anderson Atholl , Griffiths Christine , Iverson John B. , Hume Julian P. , Walsh Martin 
Published: October 2016

AbstractEvidence from DNA phylogeny, Plio‐Pleistocene ocean currents, giant tortoise dispersal, evolution of plant defences, radiocarbon dates and archaeology indicates that the endemic giant tortoises on the Mascarenes and Seychelles colonized naturally and were not translocated there by humans.
Soft tissue volume augmentation at dental implant sites using a volume stable three‐dimensional collagen matrix – histological outcomes of a preclinical study
Authors: Thoma Daniel S. , Naenni Nadja , Benic Goran I. , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Jung Ronald E. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to test whether or not soft tissue augmentation with a collagen matrix (VCMX) leads to a similar increase in ridge width around dental implants compared to the use of an autogenous subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG).Materials and MethodsIn 12 dogs, immediate dental implants were placed with simultaneous guided bone regeneration. Three months later, soft tissue volume augmentation was performed by randomly allocating three treatment modalities to these sites [VCMX, SCTG, sham‐operated group (control)]. Dogs were sacrificed at 1 (n = 4), 2 (n = 4) or 6 months (n = 4). Descriptive histology and histomorphometric measurements for soft tissue thickness were performed on non‐decalcified sections.ResultsThe horizontal soft tissue thickness was maximal at the most coronal level (alveolar crest) at 1 month (VCMX: 2.1 ± 1.6 mm; SCTG: 2.5 ± 1.7 mm; p = 0.877) and decreased until 6 months. At 6 months, the greatest mucosal thickness was at a level 3.5 mm below the crest (VCMX: 0.8 ± 0.3 mm; SCTG: 0.7 ± 0.2 mm) (p = 0.754). Control sites revealed no relevant soft tissue augmentation at any level and any time‐point. Tissue integration for VCMX and SCTG were favourable with minimal inflammatory reactions.ConclusionsSoft tissue volume augmentation at implant sites was obtained to a similar extent using VCMX and SCTG up to 2 months. Thereafter, degradation and remodelling processes were enhanced leading to a minimal increase in soft tissue thickness at 6 months for VCMX and SCTG.
A cluster‐randomised, controlled trial of the impact of Cogmed Working Memory Training on both academic performance and regulation of social, emotional and behavioural challenges
Authors: Hitchcock Caitlin , Westwell Martin S. 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundWe explored whether school‐based Cogmed Working Memory Training (CWMT) may optimise both academic and psychological outcomes at school. Training of executive control skills may form a novel approach to enhancing processes that predict academic achievement, such as task‐related attention, and thereby academic performance, but also has the potential to improve the regulation of emotion, social problems and behavioural difficulties.MethodsPrimary school children (Mean age = 12 years, N = 148) were cluster‐randomised to complete active CWMT, a nonadaptive/placebo version of CWMT, or no training.ResultsNo evidence was found for training effects on task‐related attention when performing academic tasks, or performance on reading comprehension and mathematics tasks, or teacher‐reported social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.ConclusionsCWMT did not improve control of attention in the classroom, or regulation of social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.
A DRD4 gene by maternal sensitivity interaction predicts risk for overweight or obesity in two independent cohorts of preschool children
Authors: Levitan Robert D. , Jansen Pauline , Wendland Barbara , Tiemeier Henning , Jaddoe Vincent W. , Silveira Patricia P. , Kennedy James L. , Atkinson Leslie , Fleming Alison , Sokolowski Marla , Gaudreau Helene , Steiner Meir , Dubé Laurette , Hamilton Jill , Moss Ellen , Wazana Ashley , Meaney Michael 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundRecent evidence suggests that early exposure to low maternal sensitivity is a risk factor for obesity in children and adolescents. A separate line of study shows that the seven‐repeat (7R) allele of the dopamine‐4 receptor gene (DRD4) increases susceptibility to environmental factors including maternal sensitivity. The current study integrates these lines of work by examining whether preschoolers carrying the 7R allele are more vulnerable to low maternal sensitivity as it relates to overweight/obesity risk.MethodThe Maternal Adversity Vulnerability and Neurodevelopment (MAVAN) project in Canada was used as the discovery cohort (N = 203), while the Generation R study in the Netherlands was used as a replication sample (N = 270). Regression models to predict both continuous BMI z‐scores and membership in any higher BMI category based on established World Health Organization (WHO) cutoffs for 48 months of age were completed.ResultsIn both cohorts, there was a significant maternal sensitivity by DRD4 by sex interaction predicting higher body mass indices and/or obesity risk. As hypothesized, post hoc testing revealed an inverse relationship between maternal sensitivity and body mass indices in 7R allele carriers relative to noncarriers. This finding was strongest in girls in the Canadian cohort and in boys in the Dutch cohort.ConclusionsMany children who carry the 7R allele of DRD4 appear to be more influenced by maternal sensitivity as it relates to overweight/obesity risk, consistent with a plasticity effect. Given the relatively small sample sizes available for these analyses, further replications will be needed to confirm and extend these results.
Meta‐analysis of magnitudes, differences and variation in evolutionary parameters
Authors: Morrissey M. B. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMeta‐analysis is increasingly used to synthesize major patterns in the large literatures within ecology and evolution. Meta‐analytic methods that do not account for the process of observing data, which we may refer to as ‘informal meta‐analyses’, may have undesirable properties. In some cases, informal meta‐analyses may produce results that are unbiased, but do not necessarily make the best possible use of available data. In other cases, unbiased statistical noise in individual reports in the literature can potentially be converted into severe systematic biases in informal meta‐analyses. I first present a general description of how failure to account for noise in individual inferences should be expected to lead to biases in some kinds of meta‐analysis. In particular, informal meta‐analyses of quantities that reflect the dispersion of parameters in nature, for example, the mean absolute value of a quantity, are likely to be generally highly misleading. I then re‐analyse three previously published informal meta‐analyses, where key inferences were of aspects of the dispersion of values in nature, for example, the mean absolute value of selection gradients. Major biological conclusions in each original informal meta‐analysis closely match those that could arise as artefacts due to statistical noise. I present alternative mixed‐model‐based analyses that are specifically tailored to each situation, but where all analyses may be implemented with widely available open‐source software. In each example meta‐re‐analysis, major conclusions change substantially.
Ordinary least squares regression is indicated for studies of allometry
Authors: Kilmer J. T. , Rodríguez R. L. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWhen it comes to fitting simple allometric slopes through measurement data, evolutionary biologists have been torn between regression methods. On the one hand, there is the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, which is commonly used across many disciplines of biology to fit lines through data, but which has a reputation for underestimating slopes when measurement error is present. On the other hand, there is the reduced major axis (RMA) regression, which is often recommended as a substitute for OLS regression in studies of allometry, but which has several weaknesses of its own. Here, we review statistical theory as it applies to evolutionary biology and studies of allometry. We point out that the concerns that arise from measurement error for OLS regression are small and straightforward to deal with, whereas RMA has several key properties that make it unfit for use in the field of allometry. The recommended approach for researchers interested in allometry is to use OLS regression on measurements taken with low (but realistically achievable) measurement error. If measurement error is unavoidable and relatively large, it is preferable to correct for slope attenuation rather than to turn to RMA regression, or to take the expected amount of attenuation into account when interpreting the data.
Dielectric properties and microwave and infrared‐microwave combination drying characteristics of banana and kiwifruit
Authors: Öztürk Sevgi , Şakıyan Özge , Özlem Alifakı Yaşar 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe scope of this study was to investigate the effects of initial moisture content, different drying methods and different microwave power on quality and dielectric properties of banana (Musa cavendishii) and kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) and it was also aimed to examine the correlation between dielectric properties and microwave and microwave‐infrared combination (MW‐IR) drying characteristics of banana and kiwifruit. Samples with different initial moisture contents were dried by using different microwave powers (180 W, 270 W, 360 W for banana) and (350 W, 420 W, 490 W for kiwifruit). For combination drying of banana, the application parameters were adjusted as 360 W for microwave power and 600 W for upper and lower halogen lamps (600 W) and for kiwifruit those were adjusted as 420 W and 600 W, respectively. The drying characteristics investigated throughout the study were moisture content and color values (L*, a*, and b*). Dielectric properties of fresh and processed samples were also detected. It was observed that an increase in microwave power resulted in an increase in rate of drying and a decrease in processing time. It was also found that combining infrared with microwaves resulted in higher rates of moisture loss from the product. Dielectric properties of banana and kiwifruit samples decreased with increasing microwave power and initial moisture content. When microwave and combination dried samples were compared with conventionally dried ones, products with lower final moisture content and higher quality could be produced with a time saving of approximately 98%.Practical applicationsConventional drying like hot‐air drying takes a long time even at high temperatures which results in a decrement of the dried product quality. To overcome such a problem, as well as to obtain a product with better nutritional and sensory properties, the process could be speeded up by the application of microwave energy. In this study, both microwave and microwave‐infrared combination drying were investigated. The most important property of combination drying is the ability to combine the time saving advantages of microwave with surface moisture removal advantage of infrared heating. There is a lack of knowledge of literature about an appropriate drying method to preserve the best quality of banana and kiwifruit samples, thus in this study the basic scope is developing an efficient, time‐saving drying method to improve quality characteristics of banana and kiwifruit samples.