bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Point shear wave elastography (pSWE) using Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) imaging: a feasibility study and norm values for renal parenchymal stiffness in healthy children and adolescents
Authors: Grass Lilian , Szekely Nora , Alrajab Abdulsattar , Bui-Ta Thi Thanh Tam , Hoffmann Georg Friedrich , Wühl Elke , Schenk Jens-Peter 
Published: June 2017

Aims: To evaluate the applicability of point shear wave elastography (pSWE) for measuring renal parenchymal stiffness in healthy children and adolescents and to establish norm values for shear wave speed (SWS) using two ARFI methods and ultrasound probes.Material and methods: We prospectively investigated 264 children (43.9% males). pSWE (Virtual TouchTM Quantification and Virtual TouchTM Imaging Quantification (VTQ and VTIQ; Siemens, Germany)) was performed in the renal cortex of 528 healthy kidneys using a 1-6 MHz convex and a 4-9 MHz linear ultrasound probe in ventrolateral and dorsal examinations. Feasibility and reproducibility of pSWE measurements were evaluated. SWS values were analysed with regard to age, body dimensions, kidney volume and measuring depth.Results: pSWE measurements were successful in >95% of subjects using the low and in <60% using the high-frequency probe. Mean SWS values (m/s) differed by method and probe: 2.10±0.43 (VTQ1-6MHz, convex, ventrolateral), 2.30±0.37 (VTQ1-6MHz, convex, dorsal), 1.58±0.44 (VTQ4-9MHz, linear, dorsal) and 1.96±0.27 (VTIQ4-9MHz, linear, dorsal). SWS was positively correlated with age, weight and body height, but independent of sex, BMI, or kidney volume and depth.Conclusions: pSWE (VTQ) is a feasible method to evaluate renal parenchymal stiffness in children of all ages. SWS values are age and weight dependent and differ significantly between high- and low-frequency probes. High-frequency probes and VTIQ should only be used in children <10 years.
Aim: To investigate the value of ElastPQ measurement for differential diagnosis of benign and malignant focal liver lesions (FLLs) by using histologic results as a reference standard. Material and methods: A total of 154 patients were included. ElastPQ measurement was performed for each lesion in which the shear wave speed (SWS) was measured. The difference in SWS and SWS ratio of FLL to surrounding liver were evaluated, and the cut off value was investigated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic performance. Histology as a gold standard was obtained by surgery in all patients. Results: A total of 154 lesions including 129 (83.7 %) malignant FLLs and 25 (16.3 %) benign ones were analysed. The SWS of malignant and benign FLLs was significantly different, 2.77±0.68 m/s and 1.57±0.55 m/s (p<0.05). The SWS ratio of each FLL to surrounding liver parenchyma was 2.23±0.49 for malignant and 1.14±0.36 for benign FLLs (p<0.05). The cut off value for differential diagnosis was 2.06 m/s for SWS and 1.67 for SWS ratio. Conclusions: ElastPQ measurement provides reliable quantitative stiffness information of FLLs and may be helpful in the differential diagnosis between malignant and benign FLLs.
Authors: Dong Yi , Wang Wen-Ping , Xu Yadan , Cao Jiaying , Mao Feng , Dietrich Cristoph F 
Published: June 2017

Aim: To investigate the value of ElastPQ measurement for differential diagnosis of benign and malignant focal liver lesions (FLLs) by using histologic results as a reference standard.Material and methods: A total of 154 patients were included. ElastPQ measurement was performed for each lesion in which the shear wave speed (SWS) was measured. The difference in SWS and SWS ratio of FLL to surrounding liver were evaluated, and the cut off value was investigated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic performance. Histology as a gold standard was obtained by surgery in all patients.Results: A total of 154 lesions including 129 (83.7 %) malignant FLLs and 25 (16.3 %) benign ones were analysed. The SWS of malignant and benign FLLs was significantly different, 2.77±0.68 m/s and 1.57±0.55 m/s (p<0.05). The SWS ratio of each FLL to surrounding liver parenchyma was 2.23±0.49 for malignant and 1.14±0.36 for benign FLLs (p<0.05). The cut off value for differential diagnosis was 2.06 m/s for SWS and 1.67 for SWS ratio.Conclusions: ElastPQ measurement provides reliable quantitative stiffness information of FLLs and may be helpful in the differential diagnosis between malignant and benign FLLs.
Serum androgen profile and physical performance in women Olympic athletes
Authors: Eklund Emma , Berglund Bo , Labrie Fernand , Carlström Kjell , Ekström Lena , Hirschberg Angelica Lindén 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundThe role of endogenous androgens for body composition and physical performance in women athletes is still not elucidated.AimTo examine the serum androgen profile in relation to body composition and physical performance in women Olympic athletes and to compare endocrine variables and body composition to controls.Study designCross-sectional study, conducted between 2011 and 2015 at the Women’s Health Research Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm.MethodsSwedish women Olympic athletes (n=106) and age-matched and body mass index-matched sedentary controls (n=117) were included in the study. Blood sampling was performed in a rested, fasting state for the measurement of serum androgens and their metabolites by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Body composition was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (controls n=100, athletes n=65). The athletes performed standardised performance tests (n=59) (squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ).ResultsThe athletes demonstrated significantly higher levels of the precursor androgens dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and 5-androstene-3β, 17β-diol (5-DIOL) and the metabolite etiocholanolone glucuronide (Etio-G), significantly lower levels of estrone (p<0.05, respectively), higher bone mineral density (p<0.001) and more lean mass (p<0.001) compared with controls. Serum levels of DHEA, 5-DIOL and Etio-G correlated positively to lean mass variables and physical performance in the athletes. DHEA and lean mass legs explained 66% of the variance in SJ, whereas lean mass explained 52% of the variance in CMJ.ConclusionsThe present data suggest that endogenous androgens are associated with a more anabolic body composition and enhanced performance in women athletes. These results are of importance for the current discussion regarding hyperandrogenism in women athletes.
Effect of two additional interventions, test and reflection, added to standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation training on seventh grade students’ practical skills and willingness to act: a cluster randomised trial
Authors: Nord Anette , Hult Håkan , Kreitz-Sandberg Susanne , Herlitz Johan , Svensson Leif , Nilsson Lennart 
Published: June 2017

ObjectivesThe aim of this research is to investigate if two additional interventions, test and reflection, after standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training facilitate learning by comparing 13-year-old students’ practical skills and willingness to act.SettingsSeventh grade students in council schools of two municipalities in south-east Sweden.DesignSchool classes were randomised to CPR training only (O), CPR training with a practical test including feedback (T) or CPR training with reflection and a practical test including feedback (RT). Measures of practical skills and willingness to act in a potential life-threatening situation were studied directly after training and at 6 months using a digital reporting system and a survey. A modified Cardiff test was used to register the practical skills, where scores in each of 12 items resulted in a total score of 12–48 points. The study was conducted in accordance with current European Resuscitation Council guidelines during December 2013 to October 2014.Participants29 classes for a total of 587 seventh grade students were included in the study.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe total score of the modified Cardiff test at 6 months was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were the total score directly after training, the 12 individual items of the modified Cardiff test and willingness to act.ResultsAt 6 months, the T and O groups scored 32 (3.9) and 30 (4.0) points, respectively (p<0.001), while the RT group scored 32 (4.2) points (not significant when compared with T). There were no significant differences in willingness to act between the groups after 6 months.ConclusionsA practical test including feedback directly after training improved the students’ acquisition of practical CPR skills. Reflection did not increase further CPR skills. At 6-month follow-up, no intervention effect was found regarding willingness to make a life-saving effort.
<b>A checklist of the avian fauna of Chittagong University campus, Bangladesh</b>
Authors: Kabir M. Tarik , Ahsan M. Farid , Rahman M. Mizanur , Islam M. Manirul 
Published: June 2017

Avian composition of the Chittagong University Campus (CUC), Chittagong, Bangladesh was studied through direct field observations between 2007 and 2014. Two-hundred-and-fifteen species belonging to 63 families were recorded during the study period, which are 33.08% of the country’s total species of birds. Among the birds, 160 species were resident, 51 migratory and 4 vagrant; of which 101 species were very common, 36 common, 29 uncommon, 22 few and 27 rare. The status of these birds in CUC has also been compared with the country’s status. The species richness of birds in the study area reveals that it is a potential habitat for birds, so an urgent step should be taken to conserve this unique habitat in Bangladesh.
<b>First record of hagfish (Cyclostomata: Myxinidae) in Indian waters</b>
Authors: Fernholm B. , Kumar A. Biju , Norén Michael 
Published: June 2017

One specimen of hag fish Eptatretus sp. was collected from the Arabian Sea, off Kerala coast of India at 500-600 m depth. The phylogenetic analysis using the sequence of mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase C (CO1) suggested the Eptatretus sp. collected from India is distinct from all other species where sequence data is available and P ID (Liberal) for Eptatretus sp. collected from India is 0.96, indicating a high probability that an unknown member of the putative species would be correctly identified as a member once more specimens are collected.
<b>Genetic diversity of the Green Turtle (Testudines: Cheloniidae: <I>Chelonia mydas</I> (Linnaeus, 1758)) population nesting at Kosgoda Rookery, Sri Lanka</b>
Authors: Ekanayake E. M.L. , Kapurusinghe T. , Saman M. M. , Rathnakumara D. S. , Samaraweera P. , Rajakaruna R. S. 
Published: June 2017

We determined the genetic diversity of the Green Turtle Chelonia mydas (Linneaus, 1758) nesting at Kosgoda rookery, the second largest sea turtle aggregation on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Skin tissue samples were collected from 68 nesting females and genetic diversity was estimated using six microsatellite loci. High genetic diversity was observed within the population as all loci analyzed were highly polymorphic with a total of 149 alleles observed. The mean number of alleles per locus was 24.7 and the mean observed and expected heterozygosity across all loci were 0.75 and 0.93, respectively. It appears that five out of six loci were not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, while micro-checker analysis suggested that the Kosgoda Green Turtle population was possibly in equilibrium. The viability of a population is unlikely to be reduced if high genetic diversity is maintained within it. Although the Green Turtle population nesting at Kosgoda is small compared to other nesting rookeries in the world, the high genetic diversity observed suggests that the population may not be undergoing a bottleneck.
Prognostic Nutritional Index and the Risk of Mortality in Patients With Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Cheng Yu‐Lun , Sung Shih‐Hsien , Cheng Hao‐Min , Hsu Pai‐Feng , Guo Chao‐Yu , Yu Wen‐Chung , Chen Chen‐Huan 
Published: June 2017

Background

Nutritional status has been related to clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure. We assessed the association between nutritional status, indexed by prognostic nutritional index (
PNI
), and survival in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure.

Methods and Results

A total of 1673 patients (age 76±13 years, 68% men) hospitalized for acute heart failure in a tertiary medical center were analyzed.
PNI
was calculated as 10×serum albumin (g/dL)+0.005×total lymphocyte count (per mm
3
). National Death Registry was linked to identify the clinical outcomes of all‐cause and cardiovascular death. With increasing tertiles of
PNI
, age and N‐terminal probrain natriuretic peptide decreased, and body mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and hemoglobin increased. During a mean follow‐up duration of 31.5 months, a higher
PNI
tertile was related to better survival free from all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in the total study population and in participants with either reduced or preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. After accounting for age, sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate, left ventricular ejection fraction, serum sodium level, and on‐admission systolic blood pressure,
PNI
was independently associated with cardiovascular death and total mortality (hazard ratio per 1 SD of the natural logarithm of the PNI: 0.76 [95% CI, 0.66–0.87] and 0.79 [95% CI, 0.73–0.87], respectively). In subgroup analyses stratified by age, sex, left ventricular ejection fraction, body mass index, or estimated glomerular filtration rate,
PNI
was consistently related to mortality.

Conclusions

PNI
is independently associated with long‐term survival in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure with either reduced or preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.
On the Hunt
Authors: Norberg Joakim , Engström Andreas , Kjellén Viktor , Carlsson Jan 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine hunters’ experiences of leisure hunting, with a focus on the human-nonhuman animal relationship aspect of the activity. Interviews with twelve Swedish hunters were conducted and analyzed with an inductive thematic approach. The analysis showed that hunting led to an experience of completeness. This experience was complex, encompassing positive ingredients such as flow, peak experience, and transcendence, but there were also negative emotions such as guilt, disgust, and shame. The study showed that the hunters seemed to be aware of these feelings and that killing an animal was thus an ambivalent experience, involving the contrasting feelings of euphoria and guilt.
Relationships between Knowledge of Chicken Production Systems and Advocacy by Animal Protection Workers
Authors: Ross Tara , Phillips Clive J.C. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Animal protection organizations expect their staff to understand and support high welfare standards in animal production. Relationships between Australian animal protection organization workers’ knowledge of chicken production systems, purchasing behavior, and opinion-leading behavior were investigated. Forty-five percent of knowledge questions were answered correctly. Knowledge was mostly gained from animal protection organizations and online literature. Knowledgeable respondents were more critical of both conventional and free range/organic chicken systems and were more likely to avoid eating chicken meat, but not eggs. They were more likely to approach those responsible, in government or industry, about welfare issues and were more likely to discuss animal welfare issues at work and in a social setting. They were also more likely to ask questions about animal welfare standards of food provided at butchers, farmers’ markets, social meals, and restaurants/cafés. Therefore, knowledge was linked to advocacy for improved animal welfare by animal protection organization workers.
Interannual Variability of Sea Surface Temperature in the Southwest Pacific and the Role of Ocean Dynamics
Authors: Bowen Melissa , Markham Jordan , Sutton Philip , Zhang Xuebin , Wu Quran , Shears Nick T. , Fernandez Denise 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
This paper investigates the mechanisms causing interannual variability of upper ocean heat content and sea surface temperature (SST) in the southwest Pacific. Using the ECCOv4 ocean reanalysis it is shown that air–sea heat flux and ocean heat transport convergence due to ocean dynamics both contribute to the variability of upper ocean temperatures around New Zealand. The ocean dynamics responsible for the ocean heat transport convergence are investigated. It is shown that SSTs are significantly correlated with the arrival of barotropic Rossby waves estimated from the South Pacific wind stress over the latitudes of New Zealand. Both Argo observations and the ECCOv4 reanalysis show deep isotherms fluctuate coherently around the country. The authors suggest that the depth of the thermocline around New Zealand adjusts to changes in the South Pacific winds, modifies the vertical advection of heat into the upper ocean, and contributes to the interannual variability of SST in the region.
The Angelina Jolie effect – Impact on breast and ovarian cancer prevention A systematic review of effects after the public announcement in May 2013
Authors: Troiano Gianmarco , Nante Nicola , Cozzolino Mauro 
Published: June 2017

Background: On 14 May 2013, Angelina Jolie (AJ), revealed herself to be the carrier of a BReast CAncer 1 (BRCA1) gene mutation and announced her decision to undergo a prophylactic mastectomy, followed by a laparoscopic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. This review explores the impact of the ‘Angelina Jolie Effect’ in order to reveal whether her announcement led to a change in the attitude of patients, and in decisions regarding healthcare options focusing especially on referrals, on genetic tests and on prophylactic mastectomies. Methods: Between January–February 2017, we performed a systematic search in PubMed using the key search term ‘Angelina Jolie’. We searched for studies published between 2013 and 2017, reporting data on number of BRCA1/2 tests, number of referrals for breast or ovarian cancer and number of performed mastectomies, before and after AJ’s disclosure. We considered eligible for inclusion all cross-sectional, retrospective, prospective studies written in English. Results: The literature search yielded 27 publications. After the analysis of title, abstracts and full text, we identified eight manuscripts for inclusion in the review. The studies were conducted from 2011 to 2015 in the USA, Austria, Australia, Canada and the UK. The announcement generated an increase of referrals for breast/ovarian cancer with peaks of +285%, an increase of BRCA tests with a peak of +80%, but did not lead to a significant increase of prophylactic mastectomies. Patients with a lower level of education asked for information about cancer, and most patients became more aware of breast reconstruction post-mastectomy. Conclusion: Celebrity disclosures, such as AJ’s revelation of her BRCA status and her decision for a prophylactic mastectomy, can influence patients’ behaviour leading to important effects on attitudes towards screening. Organisations should assist patients appropriately, but at the same time should consider the available resources, and should interface with journalists and the social media in order to guarantee the validity of the information.
Psychological symptomatology and impaired prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex are associated with cannabis-induced psychosis
Authors: Morales-Muñoz Isabel , Martínez-Gras Isabel , Ponce Guillermo , de la Cruz Javier , Lora David , Rodríguez-Jiménez Roberto , Jurado-Barba Rosa , Navarrete Francisco , García-Gutiérrez María Salud , Manzanares Jorge , Rubio Gabriel 
Published: June 2017

Background: Cannabis-induced psychotic disorder (CIPD) is a psychiatric disorder induced by cannabis consumption. The psychological and psychophysiological features of this disorder are still unknown. We aimed to examine the psychological, personality and psychophysiological features of patients with CIPD. This study is an analytical extension of our previously published data, which previously found prepulse inhibition (PPI) deficits in the CIPD group used in this current paper. Methods: We used a sample of 45 patients with CIPD. After 9 months of follow up, these patients were assessed with a Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R) questionnaire of psychopathology, with the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, and with a psychophysiological paradigm of inhibition of the startle reflex (PPI). These results were compared with a group of patients with schizophrenia and cannabis abuse (SCHZ) ( n = 54); patients with cannabis dependence (CD) ( n = 21); and healthy controls ( n = 50). Results: CIPD patients obtained significant higher scores in the SCL-90-R subscale of neuroticism. These patients showed PPI percentages similar to SCHZ patients within early attentional levels (30 ms). The variables with greater correlation, and that appeared in the CIPD group were interpersonal sensitivity, depression and phobia. Conclusions: Neurotic symptomatology and difficulties in inhibition of the startle reflex might be risk factors for developing CIPD.
Do racial/ethnic disparities exist in recommended migraine treatments in US ambulatory care?
Authors: Charleston IV Larry , Burke James Francis 
Published: June 2017

Background Racial disparities in migraine have been reported in the US. Migraine in African Americans (AA) is more frequent, more severe, more likely to become chronic and associated with more depression and lower quality of life compared to non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). It is possible that racial differences in prescribing practices contribute to these differences, but little is known about the quality of migraine prescribing patterns in the US or whether racial differences exist. Objective To determine if racial differences in quality of migraine medical prescription care exist. Methods We used data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey to estimate differences in the use of migraine prophylactic and abortive medications by race. Quality of migraine care was defined using the American Academy of Neurology Headache Quality Measure Set (AAN-HQMS). Patients were assigned to one of four categories representing the overall quality of evidence for their abortive and prophylactic medications using the AAN-HQMS. We hypothesized that there would be suboptimal migraine treatment in minority populations. Racial comparisons were made using descriptive statistics after applying NAMCS survey weights. Results Two thousand, eight hundred and sixty visits were included in the study, representing approximately 50 million migraine visits in the US from 2006–2013. In all, 41.3% of AA, 40.8% of NHW, and 41.2% of Hispanic (HI) patients received no prophylactic treatments ( p = 0.99). A total of 18.8% of AA patients, 11.9% of NHW patients, and 6.9% of HI patients received exclusively Level A prophylaxis ( p = 0.30). A total of 47.1% of AA patients, 38.2% of NHW patients, and 36.3% of HI patients received no abortive treatments ( p = 0.23). In total, 15.3% of AA patients, 19.4% of NHW patients, and 17.7% of HI patients received any Level A abortives (i.e. triptans or Dihydroergotamine; DHE, p = 0.64). A total of 15.2% of all patients had a prescription for opiates, but there were no racial differences. Conclusions Migraine may be undertreated with prophylactic medications. Level A acute analgesics may be underused and opiates overused. No major racial/ethnic differences in abortive or prophylactic treatment were identified.