bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical application of Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Imaging with Virtual Touch IQ in breast ultrasound: diagnostic performance and reproducibility of a new technique
Authors: Kapetas Panagiotis , Pinker-Domenig Katja , Woitek Ramona , Clauser Paola , Bernathova Maria , Spick Claudio , Helbich Thomas , Baltzer Pascal A 
Published: April 2016

Background Virtual Touch IQ (VTIQ) is a novel technique of quantitative sonoelastography that applies acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI). Purpose To evaluate breast ARFI imaging with VTIQ in the clinical setting, with regard to reproducibility and diagnostic performance, and to specify cutoff limits for the differentiation of benign and malignant lesions. Material and Methods This retrospective study included 83 patients with 85 breast lesions (51 benign, 34 malignant) who received ARFI imaging with VTIQ. Two independent ARFI measurements of each lesion were performed and shear wave velocities (SWV) of the lesion and the adjacent tissues were measured. A lesion-to-fat velocity ratio (L/F Ratio) was calculated for each lesion. Diagnostic performance of SWV measurements and L/F Ratios was evaluated with receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. The intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman plots were used to evaluate measurement reproducibility. Results All measurements showed equal diagnostic performance, as measured by the area under the ROC curve (0.853 for SWV, 0.882 for the L/F Ratio). At a cutoff value of 3.23 m/s, sensitivity and specificity were 82.4% and 80.4%, respectively. An L/F Ratio cutoff value of 2.23 revealed a sensitivity and specificity of 89.7% and 76.5%. The reproducibility of the SWV measurements was moderate (limits of agreement, 40.3–44.4%) and higher than that of the L/F Ratios (54.5–60.2%). Conclusion ARFI imaging with VTIQ is a novel, moderately reproducible, quantitative elastography technique, which provides useful information for the differentiation of benign and malignant breast lesions in the clinical setting.
Sixteen Gauge biopsy needles are better and safer than 18 Gauge in native and transplant kidney biopsies
Authors: Peters Björn , Mölne Johan , Hadimeri Henrik , Hadimeri Ursula , Stegmayr Bernd 
Published: April 2016

Background Kidney biopsies are essential for optimal diagnosis and treatment. Purpose To examine if quality and safety aspects differ between types and sizes of biopsy needles in native and transplant kidneys. Material and Methods A total of 1299 consecutive biopsies (1039 native and 260 transplant kidneys) were included. Diagnostic quality, needle size and type, clinical data and complications were registered. Eight-three percent of the data were prospective. Results In native kidney biopsies, 16 Gauge (G) needles compared to 18 G showed more glomeruli per pass (11 vs. 8, P <  0.001) with less complications. Sub-analysis in native kidney biopsies revealed that 18 G 19-mm side-notch needles resulted in more major (11.3% vs. 3%; odds ratio [OR], 4.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4–12.3) and overall complications (12.4% vs. 4.8%; OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.1–7.1) in women than in men. If the physician had performed less compared to more than four native kidney biopsies per year, minor (3.5% vs. 1.4%; OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.1–6.2) and overall complications (11.5% vs. 7.4%; OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1–2.5) were more common. In transplant kidney biopsies, 16 G needles compared to 18 G resulted in more glomeruli per pass (12 vs. 8, P <  0.001). No differences existed in frequency of biopsy complications. The localization of performing biopsies was not a risk factor to develop complications. Conclusion Kidney biopsies taken by 16 G needles result in better histological quality and lower frequency of complications compared to 18 G. For native kidney biopsies the performer of the biopsy should do at least four biopsies per year.
Safety, tolerability, efficacy and pharmacodynamics of the selective JAK1 inhibitor GSK2586184 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kahl L , Patel J , Layton M , Binks M , Hicks K , Leon G , Hachulla E , Machado D , Staumont-Sallé D , Dickson M , Condreay L , Schifano L , Zamuner S , van Vollenhoven R F ,   on behalf of the JAK115919 Study Team
Published: April 2016

We aimed to evaluate the pharmacodynamics, efficacy, safety and tolerability of the JAK1 inhibitor GSK2586184 in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this adaptive, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, patients received oral GSK2586184 50–400 mg, or placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. Primary endpoints included interferon-mediated messenger RNA transcription over time, changes in Safety of Estrogen in Lupus National Assessment-SLE Disease Activity Index score, and number/severity of adverse events. A pre-specified interim analysis was performed when ≥ 5 patients per group completed 2 weeks of treatment. In total, 84–92% of patients were high baseline expressors of the interferon transcriptional biomarkers evaluated. At interim analysis, GSK2586184 showed no significant effect on mean interferon transcriptional biomarker expression (all panels). The study was declared futile and recruitment was halted at 50 patients. Shortly thereafter, significant safety data were identified, including elevated liver enzymes in six patients (one confirmed and one suspected case of Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms), leading to immediate dosing cessation. Safety of Estrogen in Lupus National Assessment-SLE Disease Activity Index scores were not analysed due to the small number of patients completing the study. The study futility and safety data described for GSK2586184 do not support further evaluation in patients with SLE. Study identifiers: GSK Study JAK115919; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01777256.
What Implementation Components Predict Positive Outcomes in a Parenting Program?
Authors: Álvarez Míriam , Rodrigo María José , Byrne Sonia 
Published: April 2016

Objectives: To examine the components affecting the quality of the implementation and their impact on the outcomes of the “Growing Up Happily in the Family” program targeted at parents with children aged 0–5. Method: At-risk and non-at-risk parents ( N = 196) participated in 26 groups in local social services. Adherence, adaptations, quality of delivery, group and participant responsiveness, and implementation barriers were examined as predictors of attendance rate and changes in parental child-rearing attitudes, parental sense of competence, and parenting stress using hierarchical linear regressions analyses. Results: Greater participant responsiveness and fewer implementation barriers predicted higher attendance rates. These implementation variables, as well as greater program adherence, fewer crucial adaptations, and better didactic functioning of the sessions, predicted positive parental changes. Conclusions: The level of implementation contributes to the program effectiveness, suggesting the need to provide a high-quality and well-coordinated implementation to achieve the intended program outcomes in child welfare populations.
Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Renal Impairment Parameters in Diabetic Nephropathy: Preliminary Data
Authors: Bećarević Mirjana , Čabarkapa Velibor , Đerić Mirjana , Ignjatović Svetlana 
Published: April 2016

Objective: Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL Abs) represented an independent factor that was associated with the occurrence and/or progression of nephropathy in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome, but their role in diabetic nephropathy is not elucidated. Therefore, we evaluated the association of aPL Abs with the renal impairment parameters in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Methods: Concentrations of analyzed antibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Cystatin C and anticardiolipin (aCL) antibodies of the immunoglobulin (Ig) G ( r = .349, P = .004) and the IgM isotype ( r = .316, P = .009) were in positive correlation. The IgG isotype of the aCL Abs was in positive correlation with creatinine ( r = .252, P = .038), urea ( r = .241, P = .048), and uric acid ( r = .271, P = .025). The concentrations of the IgG isotype of the aCL Abs were significantly different between subgroups of patients with diabetic polyneuropathy and patients without this clinical finding (Mann-Whitney, P = .033). Conclusion: This is the first report on positive correlation between aCL Abs and renal impairment parameters. Larger studies are necessary for elucidation whether this association is involved in further progression of the disease.
Systematic review of mobile health behavioural interventions to improve uptake of HIV testing for vulnerable and key populations
Authors: Conserve Donaldson F , Jennings Larissa , Aguiar Carolina , Shin Grace , Handler Lara , Maman Suzanne 
Published: April 2016

Introduction This systematic narrative review examined the empirical evidence on the effectiveness of mobile health (mHealth) behavioural interventions designed to increase the uptake of HIV testing among vulnerable and key populations. Methods MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Global Health electronic databases were searched. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were published between 2005 and 2015, evaluated an mHealth intervention, and reported an outcome relating to HIV testing. We also reviewed the bibliographies of retrieved studies for other relevant citations. The methodological rigor of selected articles was assessed, and narrative analyses were used to synthesize findings from mixed methodologies. Results A total of seven articles met the inclusion criteria. Most mHealth interventions employed a text-messaging feature and were conducted in middle- and high-income countries. The methodological rigor was moderate among studies. The current literature suggests that mHealth interventions can have significant positive effects on HIV testing initiation among vulnerable and key populations, as well as the general public. In some cases, null results were observed. Qualitative themes relating to the use of mobile technologies to increase HIV testing included the benefits of having low-cost, confidential, and motivational communication. Reported barriers included cellular network restrictions, poor linkages with physical testing services, and limited knowledge of appropriate text-messaging dose. Discussion MHealth interventions may prove beneficial in reducing the proportion of undiagnosed persons living with HIV, particularly among vulnerable and key populations. However, more rigorous and tailored interventions are needed to assess the effectiveness of widespread use.
Parental attitudes to a telehealth parent coaching intervention for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Salomone Erica , Maurizio Arduino Giuseppe 
Published: April 2016

Introduction This study examined the potential feasibility of tele-delivered parent coaching in a rural area of Italy through a survey of parents’ attitudes towards this type of intervention. Methods Parents of all children up to six years of age registered with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder at the clinic catering for the area were invited to take part in the study. The final sample consisted of 43 parents. Results Parents with worse Internet skills and those who reported lower levels of satisfaction with currently received services were less likely to be willing to enrol. There was a trend for parents with lower self-efficacy to be less likely to enrol. Educational level, previous experience of video-calling, travel time to the clinic and child’s level of ability were not associated with the choice of enrolment. Discussion Implications for strategies to contrast barriers to adoption and strengthen implementation plans are discussed.
Techniques for analyzing rotating rake mode measurements over passive treatment
Authors: Sutliff Daniel L , Dahl Milo D 
Published: April 2016

The NASA Glenn Research Center’s rotating rake mode measurement system has been successful in measuring the modal content propagating in hard-wall ducts. This paper proposes an extension of the rotating rake measurement and analysis technique to treated sections by developing basis functions based on wall impedance boundary conditions for flow conditions (i.e. constant duct area and Mach number), where the closed-form analytical solution exists. Analytical equations developed to estimate mode power are incorporated. Using the impedance boundary conditions results in better mode measurement solutions. This method is verified by decomposing and analyzing radial pressure profiles generated numerically by the Eversman propagation code. Several modes, frequencies, and impedances are evaluated. For ducts with soft-walls and mean flow, the radial basis functions must be numerically computed. The linear companion matrix method is used to obtain both the eigenvalues of interest, without the need for an initial guess, and the radial basis functions. The governing equations allow for the mean flow to have a boundary layer at the wall. In addition, a nonlinear least-squares method is used to adjust the wall impedance to best fit the data in an attempt to use the rotating system as an in-duct wall impedance measurement tool. Simulated and measured data are used to show the effects of wall impedance and mean flow on the computed results. Data from an inlet of a low-speed ducted fan with several different impedance conditions on the outer wall were acquired and reduced to determine the best fit to the data. The methodology and analysis documented in this paper were directly inspired by the groundbreaking work of Dr. Edward J Rice.
Parents’ experiences of collaborating with professionals in the support of their child with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities
Authors: Jansen Suzanne LG , van der Putten Annette AJ , Vlaskamp Carla 
Published: April 2016

Background: There is little data on the collaboration between parents and professionals in the support of persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. Since communication is essential to collaboration, this study analysed the frequency, means, and personal experiences of communication between parents and professionals. Method: A multiple case study ( n = 4) was conducted. Observations were logged for every contact between professionals and parents during 12 months. Results: The mean number of contacts a month ranged from 1.9 to 16.7 across the cases. Most of the contacts were with the child’s direct support persons (85.2%) and exchanging information (35.5%) was the most common function. Issues concerning health (28.4%) were the most common subjects discussed. The majority of the mothers’ experiences were positive. Conclusion: Direct support persons play a crucial role; they need to be aware of this role and to be trained to fulfill their role to acknowledge parents as partners.
Histologic features of acute thrombi retrieved from stroke patients during mechanical reperfusion therapy
Authors: Ahn Seong Hwan , Hong Ran , Choo In Sung , Heo Ji Hoe , Nam Hyo Suk , Kang Hyun Goo , Kim Hoo Won , Kim Jin Ho 
Published: April 2016

Background The histologic features of thrombus may differ according to the stroke subtypes. However, in acute reperfusion therapy, fibrin-specific thrombolytics are used based on the assumption that all thrombi are alike. Aims The histologic characteristics of thrombi were compared between patients with different stroke etiologies. Methods Between April 2010 and March 2012, we analyzed thrombi retrieved from acute stroke patients during mechanical thrombectomy. All thrombi were analyzed using component-specific stains such as Martius scarlet blue for fibrins and immunostaining with CD42b antibody for platelets. The stroke subtypes were determined based on the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment classification. Results Among 36 patients, 22 were diagnosed with cardioembolism, 8 with atherothrombosis, and 6 with undetermined etiology. In arteriogenic thrombi, red blood cells were most abundant (56.9 ± 12.2%), and the platelets covered the fibrin layers or were localized at the edge or periphery of the thrombus. In cardiogenic thrombi, fibrin was most abundant (39.5 ± 13.5%), and platelets were clustered within the rich fibrin. Red blood cells proportion was greater in arteriogenic thrombi than in cardiogenic thrombi ( p < 0.001), whereas fibrin proportion was greater in cardiogenic thrombi than in arteriogenic thrombi ( p = 0.003). Of six patients with undetermined etiology, the thrombi in five showed histologic features and composition similar to that of cardiogenic thrombi. Conclusions Acute thrombi showed different histologic features according to the stroke etiology. The distribution of platelets and proportion of red blood cells and fibrin were major distinguishing factors between stroke subtypes.
Assessment of the structures at risk during wrist arthroscopy: a cadaveric study and systematic review
Authors: Shyamalan G. , Jordan R. W. , Kimani P. K. , Liverneaux P. A. , Mathoulin C. 
Published: April 2016

We assessed the proximity of neurological structures to arthroscopic portals in a cadaveric study and through a systematic review. Arthroscopy was performed on ten cadaveric wrists. Subsequently the specimens were dissected to isolate the superficial branch of the radial nerve, the dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve, the posterior interosseous nerve and the extensor tendons. We measured the distances from the nerves to common portals. For the systematic review Pubmed and EMBASE were searched on the 31 May 2014 for cadaveric studies reporting the proximity of neurological structures to any arthroscopic wrist portal. In the cadaveric study, partial injuries were seen to six extensor tendons and one posterior interosseous nerve; it was assumed this was due to creation of the portals. Seven published studies were included in the systematic review. The dorsal sensory branch of the ulnar nerve was found to be at risk by performing the 6 Ulnar, 6 Radial and ulnar midcarpal portals, the sensory branch of the radial nerve by the 1–2 and 3–4 portals and the posterior interosseous nerve by the 3–4 and 4–5 portals. Level of evidence: V
Intramedullary headless screw fixation for fractures of the proximal and middle phalanges in the digits of the hand: a review of 31 consecutive fractures
Authors: Giesen T. , Gazzola R. , Poggetti A. , Giovanoli P. , Calcagni M. 
Published: April 2016

We present the results of 26 patients with 31 consecutive displaced or unstable extra-articular fractures of the base and shaft of the proximal and middle phalanges of the digits of the hand, treated over a period of 12 months with an intramedullary headless compression screw and early mobilization with no splinting. All fractures healed with no major complications. Only one patient, who had a pathological fracture through an enchondroma, required a tenolysis to improve the mobility of the finger. This technique seems to be technically simple, effective and with few drawbacks. Level of evidence: IV
Racquet string tension directly affects force experienced at the elbow: implications for the development of lateral epicondylitis in tennis players
Authors: Mohandhas Badri R , Makaram Navnit , Drew Tim S , Wang Weijie , Arnold Graham P , Abboud Rami J 
Published: April 2016

Background Lateral epicondylitis (LE) occurs in almost half of all tennis players. Racket-string tension is considered to be an important factor influencing the development of LE. No literature yet exists that substantiates how string-tension affects force transmission to the elbow, as implicated in LE development. We establish a quantitative relationship between string-tension and elbow loading, analyzing tennis strokes using rackets with varying string-tensions. Methods Twenty recreational tennis players simulated backhand tennis strokes using three rackets strung at tensions of 200 N, 222 N and 245 N. Accelerometers recorded accelerations at the elbow, wrist and racket handle. Average peak acceleration was determined to correlate string-tension with elbow loading. Results Statistically significant differences ( p < 0.05) were observed when average peak acceleration at the elbow at 200 N string-tension (acceleration of 5.58 m/s2) was compared with that at 222 N tension (acceleration of 6.83 m/s2) and 245 N tension (acceleration of 7.45 m/s2). The 200 N racket induced the least acceleration at the elbow. Conclusions Although parameters determining force transmission to the elbow during a tennis stroke are complex, the present study was able to control these parameters, isolating the effect of string-tension. Lower string-tensions transmit less force to the elbow in backhand strokes. Reducing string-tension should be considered favourably with respect to reducing the risk of developing LE.
A general survey on learners and faculty perspectives on educational activities held in the National Dental Centre, Singapore
Authors: Ong Marianne Meng-Ann , Woo Kia Mun , Cook Sandy 
Published: April 2016

Background: The National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS) has been educating learners since the late 1980s. However, in this time, no formal feedback about these educational activities has been garnered from education stakeholders (comprising learners and faculty). Furthermore, no formal faculty development efforts to improve the educational activities have been done. Purpose: The aim of the study was to collect data from learners about the NDCS’s educational activities and the faculty’s attitude towards teaching. Methods: A survey was administered to 239 education stakeholders from May to July 2015. The survey on learners focused on learners’ perceptions on the importance and frequency of the One-Minute Preceptor (OMP) five-step microskills model of clinical teaching, and the quality and quantity of teaching overall. For faculty, the survey focused on their attitudes around teaching. Results: A total of 92 responses were received from learners. Learners perceived the OMP elements to be important (mean Likert scores ranged from 4.13–4.44 out of 5). However, they reported infrequent use of this teaching model by the faculty (range 3.06–3.50 out of 5). While learners reported quality and content of teaching to be adequate, they felt the number of clinical hours for teaching could be increased. The faculty reported positive attitudes towards teaching. Conclusion: This study provided educators with valuable feedback on the NDCS’s educational activities, identifying strengths and weaknesses of the programmes that they can work towards improving.
Acute myocardial infarction in a young athlete: Optical coherence tomographic features of the culprit lesion
Authors: Klemenc Matjaz , Budihna Gregor , Bedencic Mateja , Bartolic Andrej , Kranjec Igor 
Published: April 2016

Objectives: We report on a young male athlete who suffered from acute myocardial infarction immediately after a vigorous training. Methods: A comprehensive optical coherence tomographic investigation of the culprit coronary artery was performed after the combined mechanical and pharmacological thrombus removal. Results and Conclusion: The imaging discovered a tear at the junction of the non-obstructive, largely fibrotic plaque with the normal arterial wall. This exertion-related vessel damage resulted in a dynamic thrombosis that almost completely occluded the culprit artery. As the vessel obstruction was not considered flow-limiting, the stent implantation was not required and the patient was discharged on the double antiplatelet therapy and statin.