bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of aortic root dilation and cardiovascular function in tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Seki Mitsuru , Kuwata Seiko , Kurishima Clara , Nakagawa Ryo , Inuzuka Ryo , Sugimoto Masaya , Saiki Hirofumi , Iwamoto Yoichi , Ishido Hirotaka , Masutani Satoshi , Senzaki Hideaki 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe aortic root dilation in tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a long‐term clinical problem, because a severely dilated aorta can lead to aortic regurgitation, dissection, or rupture, which can be fatal, necessitating surgical intervention. The details of the mechanism of aortic root dilation, however, are unclear. We have shown that aortic stiffness is increased in patients with repaired TOF, and may mirror the histological abnormality of elastic fiber disruption and matrix expansion. This aortic stiffness is related closely to the aortic dilation, indicating that aortic stiffness may be a predictor of outcome of aortic dilation. Furthermore, the aortic volume overload is a very important determinant of aortic diameter in TOF patients before corrective surgery. In addition, a chromosomal abnormality and the transforming growth factor‐β signaling pathway, a major contributor to aortic dilation in Marfan syndrome, also affect this mechanism. In this way, aortic dilation in TOF patients is suggested to be a multifactorial disorder. The aim of this review was therefore to clarify the mechanism of aortic dilation in TOF, focusing on recent research findings. Studies linking histopathology, mechanical properties, molecular/cellular physiology, and clinical manifestations of aortic dilation facilitate appropriate treatment intervention and improvement of long‐term prognosis of TOF.
The Transparent and the Invisible in Professional Pedagogical Vision for Science Teaching
Authors: McDonald Scott P. 
Published: January 2016

Science teacher educators use examples of practice to support teacher candidates (TCs) learning to engage in new forms of science teaching. However, interpretation of these examples assumes a level of expertise about practice TCs lack. This article describes a study designed to determine some of the differences between expert teachers' and TCs' professional pedagogical vision for science teaching. Specifically, the study examines what each group attends to (highlights) in examples of science teaching and how they interpret the events they attend to (codes). Both groups were asked to analyze video of classroom science teaching. Differences were found between TCs and expert teachers in terms of both highlighting and coding of science teaching practice. Four key areas of difference are described in detail: actor focus, questions, grain size, and enactment. The implications for science teacher education are discussed, in particular a set of tools and teacher education practices to support acculturating TCs into more a sophisticated professional pedagogical vision for science teaching.This article features a Research to Practice Companion Article. Please click on the supporting information link below to access.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Mutations Associated with Reduced Susceptibility to Linezolid
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Chen Jiazhen , Cui Peng , Shi Wanliang , Shi Xiaohong , Niu Hongxia , Chan Denise , Yew Wing Wai , Zhang Wenhong , Zhang Ying 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACT

Linezolid (LZD) has become increasingly important for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), but its mechanisms of resistance are not well characterized. We isolated 32 mutants of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
with reduced susceptibility to LZD, which was accounted for by
rrl
and
rplC
mutations in almost equal proportions, causing lower and higher MICs, respectively. Our findings provide useful information for the rapid detection of LZD resistance for improved treatment of MDR-TB.
In Vitro
Activity of Ceftazidime-Avibactam against Contemporary Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from U.S. Medical Centers by Census Region, 2014
Authors: Huband Michael D. , Castanheira Mariana , Flamm Robert K. , Farrell David J. , Jones Ronald N. , Sader Helio S. 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACT

The
in vitro
antibacterial activities of ceftazidime-avibactam and comparator agents were evaluated using reference broth microdilution methods against 1,743
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates collected in 2014 from 69 U.S. medical centers, representing each of the nine census regions. Ceftazidime-avibactam demonstrated potent activity against
P. aeruginosa
, including many isolates not susceptible to ceftazidime, meropenem, and piperacillin-tazobactam. In each of the nine census regions, ceftazidime-avibactam demonstrated the highest percentage of susceptible isolates.
How Reliable are Patient‐Reported Rehospitalizations? Implications for the Design of Future Practical Clinical Studies
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Arun , Peterson Eric D. , Knight J. David , Anstrom Kevin J. , Effron Mark B. , Zettler Marjorie E. , Davidson‐Ray Linda , Baker Brian A. , McCollam Patrick L. , Mark Daniel B. , Wang Tracy Y. 
Published: January 2016

Background
Longitudinal clinical investigations often rely on patient reports to screen for postdischarge adverse outcomes events, yet few studies have examined the accuracy of such patient reports.

Methods and Results

Patients with acute myocardial infarction (
MI
) in the
TRANSLATE
‐
ACS
study were asked during structured interviews at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postdischarge to report any rehospitalizations. The accuracy of patient‐reported rehospitalizations within 1 year of postdischarge was determined using claims‐based medical bill validation as the reference standard. The cumulative incidence of rehospitalizations was compared when identified by patient report versus medical bills. Patients were categorized by the accuracy in reporting events (accurate, under‐, or over‐ reporters) and characteristics were compared between groups. Among 10 643
MI
patients, 4565 (43%) reported 7734 rehospitalizations. The sensitivity and positive predictive value of patient‐reported rehospitalizations were low at 67% and 59%, respectively. A higher cumulative incidence of rehospitalization was observed when identified by patient report versus medical bills (43% vs 37%;
P
<0.001). Overall, 18% of patients over‐reported and 10% under‐reported the number of hospitalizations. Compared with accurate reporters, under‐reporters were more likely to be older, female, African American, unemployed, or a non‐high‐school graduate, and had greater prevalence of clinical comorbidities such as diabetes and past cardiovascular disease.

Conclusions
The accuracy of patient‐reported rehospitalizations was low with patients both under‐ and over‐reporting events. Longitudinal clinical research studies need additional mechanisms beyond patient report to accurately identify rehospitalization events.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
https://clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
01088503.
Angina severity predicts worse sleep quality after coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Yilmaz Seyhan , Aksoy Eray , Doğan Tolga , Diken Adem İlkay , Yalcınkaya Adnan , Ozşen Kelime 
Published: January 2016

Objective: We sought to reveal whether the severity of angina pectoris affects sleep quality after elective coronary artery bypass grafting. Material and methods: Patients scheduled to undergo isolated coronary artery bypass grafting were divided into two groups, having a recent myocardial infarction (Group 1, n=22, mean age 59.40±7.79 years) or not having a recent myocardial infarction (Group 2, n=30, mean age 59.73±7.72 years). The assessment included the Canadian Cardiovascular Society Angina Score, the visual analogue scale for postoperative pain and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results: The two groups were similar in regard to baseline characteristics. Cross-clamp time was significantly higher (p=0.007) and the use of inotropes was significantly more common (p=0.01) in those patients with recent myocardial infarction compared to those without. Mean Canadian Cardiovascular Society scores were also higher in patients with recent myocardial infarction (p=0.02). Total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score was significantly higher in patients with recent myocardial infarction (8.45±3.50 vs. 5.03±2.32, respectively, p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, higher angina score (OR: 3.27, 95% CI, 1.20-8.90, p=0.02) and longer time of intensive care unit stay (OR: 6.15, 95% CI, 1.49-25.35, p=0.01) were found to be independent predictors of poor sleep quality. The Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina score showed a significant positive correlation with poor sleep duration score (<0.001), sleep disturbance score (p=0.02), day dysfunction due to sleepiness score (p=0.001), sleep efficiency score (p=0.003), overall sleep quality score (0.03) and total PSQI score (p=0.004). Conclusion: The severity of angina pectoris in the preoperative period is independently associated with worse sleep quality after elective isolated coronary artery bypass surgery.
Serum levels of thyroid hormones and thyroid stimulating hormone in patients with biliogenic and hyperlipidaemic acute pancreatitis: Difference and value in predicting disease severity
Authors: Yang Ning , Zhang Dong-Lei , Hao Jian-Yu , Wang Guang 
Published: January 2016

Objectives To compare retrospectively serum levels of thyroid hormones (THs) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) between patients with biliogenic acute pancreatitis (BAP) and those with hyperlipidaemic acute pancreatitis (HLAP), in order to assess their value for predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP). Methods Patients with AP were divided into BAP and HLAP groups, then further divided into either a mild AP (MAP) group or a moderately severe AP (MSAP) group. Routine blood parameters were measured. Free tri-iodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and TSH levels were measured. Results Seventy-six patients with AP were enrolled in the study. FT3 and TSH levels were significantly higher in patients with MAP than in patients with MSAP. FT4 and TSH levels were significantly lower in the HLAP group than in the BAP group. TSH levels in both MAP and MSAP patients were significantly lower in the HLAP group than in the BAP group. TSH was inversely correlated with triglyceride levels in patients with HLAP. FT3 was a risk factor for MSAP in patients with AP and also demonstrated moderate accuracy in predicting AP severity. Conclusions THs and TSH decrease with the severity of AP, especially in patients with HLAP. FT3 may be a useful biomarker for the early assessment of the severity of AP.
How attention to everyday technology could contribute to modern occupational therapy: A focus group study
Authors: Nygård Louise , Rosenberg Lena 
Published: January 2016

Introduction Everyday technologies such as mobile phones and ticket vending machines have become increasingly indispensable, profoundly influencing daily life activities. Yet this has been given little attention in occupational therapy. The aim of this study was to explore occupational therapists’ views on everyday technologies’ relevance, meaning and potential applicability in practice. Method Focus groups were undertaken with 42 occupational therapists who had been introduced to an assessment of people’s ability to use everyday technologies. Data comprised eight focus groups and were analysed with a constant comparative approach. Findings The findings show how the participants’ fields of vision expanded when they discovered new ways of using information related to their clients’ everyday technology use, and new roles as therapists that would help make occupational therapy ‘modern’, that is, more timely and up-to-date. However, this also implied a risk of receiving information that was considered potentially unethical if the detected problems could not be dealt with. Conclusion Attending to clients as everyday technology users could give occupational therapists new expert roles, and allow clients to be seen as more complete persons. However, as this opportunity also involves priority conflicts and ethical dilemmas, the issue can inspire critical discussion about client-centred occupational therapy.
Evaluation of porous gradient hydroxyapatite/zirconia composites for repair of lumbar vertebra defect in dogs
Authors: Shao Rong-Xue , Quan Ren-Fu , Huang Xiao-Long , Wang Tuo , Xie Shang-Ju , Gao Huan-Huan , Wei Xi-Cheng , Yang Di-Sheng 
Published: January 2016

Objective To evaluate the effects of porous gradient composites with hydroxyapatite/zirconia and autologous iliac in repair of lumbar vertebra body defects in dogs. Methods (1) New porous gradient hydroxyapatite/zirconia composites were prepared using foam immersion, gradient compound and high temperature sintering; (2) A total of 18 adult beagle dogs, aged five to eight months and weighted 10–13 kg, were randomly assigned into two subgroups, which were implanted with new porous gradient hydroxyapatite/zirconia composites (subgroup A in 12) or autologous iliac bone (subgroup B in 6); (3) The post-operative data were analyzed and compared between the subgroups to repair the vertebral body defect by roentgenoscopy, morphology and biomechanics. Results The porosity of new porous gradient hydroxyapatite/zirconia composites is at 25 poles per inch, and the size of pores is at between 150 and 300 µm. The post-operative roentgenoscopy displayed that new-bone formation is increased gradually, and the interface between composites and host-bone becomes became blur, and the new-bone around the composites were integrated into host-bone at 24 weeks postoperatively in subgroup A. As to subgroup B, the resorption and restructure were found at six weeks after the surgery, and the graft-bone and host-bone have been integrated completely without obvious boundary at 24 weeks postoperatively. Histomorphologic study showed that the amount of bone within pores of the porous gradient hydroxyapatite/zirconia composites increased continuously with a prolonged implantation time, and that partial composites were degradated and replaced by new-bone trabeculae. There was no significant difference between subgroups ( P > 0.05) in the ultimate compressive strengths. Conclusion New porous gradient hydroxyapatite/zirconia composites can promote the repair of bony defect, and induce bone tissue to ingrow into the pores, which may be applied widely to the treatment of bony defect in the future.
Cognitive Function in Older Suicide Attempters and a Population-Based Comparison Group
Authors: Olsson Petter , Wiktorsson Stefan , Sacuiu Simona , Marlow Thomas , Östling Svante , Fässberg Madeleine Mellqvist , Skoog Ingmar , Waern Margda 
Published: January 2016

Objective: The aim was to compare cognitive function in older suicide attempters with a population-based comparison group. Methods: Hospitalized suicide attempters aged 70 years and older were assessed cognitively at baseline (n = 99) and 1-year follow-up (n = 59). Depression symptoms were rated with the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Results of cognitive assessments in attempters were compared with results in nonattempter comparison subjects (n = 115) selected among participants in our population-based health studies to yield a similar distribution of MADRS scores. Results: Suicide attempters scored lower on Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) than comparison persons. Among attempters, the mean MMSE score was lower in those with medically serious attempts. Attempters displayed poorer performance on tests of pentagon drawing and abstract thinking compared to comparison persons, and the results remained also after exclusion of those with medically serious attempts. At 1-year follow-up, significant improvement in MADRS scores was observed in the attempters. No evidence of improvement could be shown regarding cognitive deficits. Conclusion: Older suicide attempters may have cognitive deficits, which may in part be related to the attempt itself. This needs to be taken into account when designing intervention strategies.
Aortic aneurysm association with SLE – a case–control study
Authors: Guy A , Tiosano S , Comaneshter D , Tekes-Manova D , Shovman O , Cohen A D , Amital H 
Published: January 2016

Objectives Aortic aneurysm is a life threatening cardiovascular complication in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between SLE and occurrence of aortic aneurysms. Methods Patients with SLE were compared with age- and sex-matched controls regarding the proportion of aortic aneurysm in a case–control study. Chi-square and t-tests were used for univariate analysis and a logistic regression model was used for multivariate analysis. The study was performed utilizing the medical database of Clalit Health Services. Results The study included 5018 patients with SLE and 25,090 age- and sex-matched controls. The proportion of aortic aneurysm in patients with SLE was increased compared with the proportion in controls (0.6% and 0.1%, respectively, p < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis SLE was associated with the coexistence of aortic aneurysms (odds ratio 2.06, 95% confidence interval 1.21–3.51). Conclusions Patients with SLE have a higher proportion of aortic aneurysms as compared with matched controls. Therefore, physicians treating patients with SLE should be aware of this life threatening association.
Using Online Message Testing to Evaluate TV Ads, Select Effective Messaging, and Improve Public Health Campaigns
Authors: Mowery Andrea , Riedesel Paul , Dreher Marietta , Schillo Barbara A. , Saul Jessie E. 
Published: January 2016

Background: This article describes two examples of online ad testing used to assess effectiveness of tobacco control ads in Minnesota (United States). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends mass-media campaigns to change tobacco-related attitudes and encourage quitting. ClearWay MinnesotaSM uses online surveys to test ads with target audiences, select the most effective ads, and complement traditional evaluations of its campaigns. Two examples in this article demonstrate the method and how results have been used. Methods: Example 1 used an online survey to test two ad campaigns with 600 tobacco users. Participants were randomly assigned to evaluate two CDC Tips From Former Smokers ads and two ClearWay Minnesota QUITPLAN® Services ads for motivational effectiveness. In Example 2, 805 adult Minnesotans evaluated three of ClearWay Minnesota’s Still a Problem educational ads to determine whether the campaign was having the intended effect on its target audience. Results: Results for Example 1 revealed CDC’s ads were more effective than QUITPLAN Services ads in motivating tobacco users to seek help. Results for Example 2 demonstrated that the Still a Problem campaign was having the intended effect on the target audience. Discussion: Example 1 results compelled ClearWay Minnesota to tag CDC’s ads with the QUITPLAN Services brand and buy more advertising time. Observed service volumes increased. Example 2 results suggested no need for adjustments to change the Still a Problem campaign because it was working as intended. Traditional evaluation requires longer time frames than online testing. Online message testing can inform social marketing and educational campaign development in real time, typically for less cost than traditional methods. Conclusions: Online message testing is an efficient way to test ads, improve program effectiveness, and protect investments in public health marketing campaigns.
What about clonidine for diarrhoea? A systematic review and meta-analysis of its effect in humans
Authors: Fragkos Konstantinos C. , Zárate-Lopez Natalia , Frangos Christos C. 
Published: January 2016

Background: Clonidine is considered an alternative treatment for refractory diarrhoea. The evidence in the literature is scarce and not conclusive. The present paper’s purpose is to gather available evidence and provide a systematic answer regarding the effectiveness of clonidine for diarrhoea. Method: We performed a systematic review of clonidine and its effect on diarrhoea. Meta-analysis was performed with a random effects model of the standardized mean difference (SMD) or the weighted mean difference and heterogeneity was quantified with I2 and publication bias was assessed with Egger’s and Begg’s test. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to investigate sources of heterogeneity. Any empirical study describing use of clonidine for diarrhoea in humans independent of age was included. For the meta-analysis, papers had to provide sufficient data to produce an effect measure, while case reports were not included in the meta-analysis and are discussed narratively only. Results: A total of 24 trials and seven case reports were identified. Clonidine (median dose 300 μg/day) has been used for treatment of diarrhoea in irritable bowel syndrome, faecal incontinence, diabetes, withdrawal-associated diarrhoea, intestinal failure, neuroendocrine tumours and cholera; studies were also performed on healthy volunteers. Results indicate a strong effect of clonidine on diarrhoea (SMD = −1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] −1.46 to −0.58) with a decrease of stool volume by 0.97 l/day, stool frequency by 0.4 times/day and increase in transit time by 31 minutes. In a sensitivity analysis of studies with functional diarrhoea and sample size over 10 subjects, the effect was similar −0.99 (95% CI −1.54 to −0.43). There is however significant heterogeneity and publication bias. Heterogeneity decreased in subgroup analyses by condition but not with other factors examined. A limitation of the present study includes small study effects. Conclusion: Clonidine is effective for treatment of diarrhoea and should be considered as an alternative when all other medications have failed.