bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Voiding diary: proposal and assessment of a tool
Authors: Nassiff Aline , Mazzo Alessandra , Fumincelli Laís , Biaziolo Cíntia Fernandes Baccarin , Silva Dayane Rosa Alvarenga , Meska Mateus Henrique Gonçalves 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTCan voiding diary be a primary tool to assess urinary symptoms, being accessible and easier to fit into patients' lives and their family or caregiver? The nursing care to neurogenic bladder patients reveals the daily need for standardized patient assessment tools that support the treatment process. The aim of this study is to propose and assess a voiding diary for use with intermittent bladder catheter users and their caregivers. Voiding diary is important tool for patients and their caregivers to use to help both parties understand the functioning of the urinary tract and identify urinary symptoms. Research developed at a Rehabilitation Center of a university hospital. After characterizing the population, the voiding diary was constructed based on the literature review and then subject to expert face and content validation. Each participant received a diary, a graded plastic flask and a data collection instrument, between June and October 2013. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Among the 44 (100.0%) participants, 28 (63.6%) were caregivers and 16 (36.4%) patients. The best assessed items regarding the diary were ‘Importance of the tool,’, ‘Explanation of the orientations’ and ‘Clarity of the Figures.’ The good adherence level to the tool was highlighted, as well as the importance of appropriate orientations before completing the diary.
Colossal permittivity in TiO2 co‐doped by donor Nb and isovalent Zr
Authors: Yang Chao , Wei Xianhua , Hao Jianhua 
Published: August 2017

AbstractEffect of isovalent Zr dopant on the colossal permittivity (CP) properties was investigated in (Zr + Nb) co‐doped rutile TiO2 ceramics, i.e., Nb0.5%ZrxTi1−xO2. Compared with those of single Nb‐doped TiO2, the CP properties of co‐doped samples showed better frequency‐stability with lower dielectric losses. Especially, a CP up to 6.4 × 104 and a relatively low dielectric loss (0.029) of x = 2% sample were obtained at 1 kHz and room temperature. Moreover, both dielectric permittivity and loss were nearly independent of direct current bias, and measuring temperature from room temperature to around 100°C. Based on X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the formation of oxygen vacancies was suppressed due to the incorporation of Zrions. Furthermore, it induced the enhancement of the conduction activation energy according to the impedance spectroscopy. The results will provide a new routine to achieve a low dielectric loss in the CP materials.
Antialbuminuric effect of eplerenone in comparison to thiazide diuretics in patients with hypertension
Authors: Sawai Toshiki , Dohi Kaoru , Fujimoto Naoki , Okubo Setsuya , Isaka Naoki , Ichikawa Takehiko , Makino Katsutoshi , Okamoto Shinya , Koyabu Sukenari , Kitamura Tetsuya , Ogura Toru , Yamada Tomomi , Tamaru Satoshi , Nishikawa Masakatsu , Nakamura Mashio , Ito Masaaki ,   the OWASE Study Investigators
Published: August 2017

This study investigated the effects and safety of eplerenone or thiazide diuretics in patients with hypertension and albuminuria (pretreatment urinary albumin/creatinine ratio ≥10 mg/gCr) treated with an angiotensin II receptor blocker. The primary end point was the mean percent change in the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio from baseline to 48 weeks. An efficacy analysis was performed in 195 patients (98 in the eplerenone group and 97 in the thiazide group). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures at 48 weeks were similar in the two groups. The mean percent change in the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio from baseline to 48 weeks was similar in the two groups (P=.804). In the safety analysis, the withdrawal rates for adverse events were similar in both groups. The antialbuminuric effects and safety of eplerenone therapy were similar to those of thiazide diuretics when combined with an angiotensin II receptor blocker in patients with hypertension and albuminuria.
Comparison of effects of anagliptin and alogliptin on serum lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients
Authors: Kurozumi Akira , Okada Yosuke , Arao Tadashi , Kobayashi Takuya , Masuda Daisaku , Yamashita Shizuya , Tanaka Yoshiya 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIntroductionAnagliptin (ANA) improves dyslipidemia in addition to blood glucose levels. However, there are no comparative studies on the effects of ANA and other dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors on serum lipid profile. We compared the effects of ANA on serum lipid profile with those of alogliptin (ALO) in type 2 diabetes mellitus outpatients.Materials and MethodsThe study participants were 87 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who had been treated with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors for ≥8 weeks and had a low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) level of ≥120 mg/dL. Participants were switched to either 200 mg/day ANA or 25 mg/day ALO for 24 weeks.ResultsThere was no significant difference in percentage change in LDL‐C level at 24 weeks between the ANA and ALO groups. Treatment with ANA for 12 weeks significantly decreased LDL‐C levels, one of the secondary end‐points. Treatment with ANA for 24 weeks significantly improved apolipoprotein B‐100 levels, and the percentage change in LDL‐C levels at 24 weeks correlated significantly with the percentage change in apolipoprotein B‐100 levels in the ANA group.ConclusionsThe LDL‐C‐lowering effects of ANA and ALO at 24 weeks were almost similar in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the results showed a tendency for a decrease in LDL‐C level at 24 weeks in the ANA group, and that such improvement was mediated, at least in part, through the suppression of apolipoprotein B‐100 synthesis.
The role of β‐blockers in dermatological treatment: a review
Authors: Chen L. , Tsai T.‐F. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMany systemic medications have been used off‐label in cutaneous diseases. Use of β‐adrenergic‐blocking agents has risen in popularity among dermatologists since the discovery of their efficacy in treating infantile haemangioma. There has also been an increase in the interest of the applications of β‐blockers in other skin disorders. Overall, β‐blockers are effective in treating diseases of vascular origin and promote wound healing. They are relatively safe and inexpensive medications that could be included in the armamentarium against skin diseases.
Novel MRI and CT compatible stereotactic brain biopsy system in dogs using patient‐specific facemasks
Authors: James M. D. , Bova F. J. , Rajon D. A. , Carrera‐Justiz S. , Clemmons R. M. 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveThe objective of this pilot study was to describe the application and first preliminary data of a novel MRI and CT compatible patient‐specific facemask for stereotactic brain biopsy of intracranial lesions in dogs.MethodsFive client‐owned dogs presenting for neurological deficits consistent with forebrain disease were included in the study. All dogs had MRI findings consistent with an intracranial lesion. Using images obtained from either MRI or CT, a virtual three‐dimensional model of each dog's face was generated. The contact surface of each dog's face was selected for facemask design and a target point for biopsy was chosen using specialised software and toolkits. A patient‐specific facemask with an attached biopsy port with premeasured and preselected trajectory was then fabricated by a 3D printer. The facemasks were sterilised and used intraoperatively to obtain biopsy samples. Biopsy samples were submitted for both cytological and histopathological evaluation.ResultsThe diagnostic yield based on specific histological diagnosis was 80%. The one case in which a histological diagnosis could not be confirmed had a cytological interpretation consistent with meningioma. No major complications were observed during or immediately after brain biopsy and all dogs were discharged from the hospital within 72 hours postprocedure.Clinical SignificanceIn conclusion, patient‐specific facemasks appear to be a safe and effective method of brain biopsy in dogs, with minimal complications observed.
The Devil's Advocate approach: An interview technique for assessing consistency among deceptive and truth‐telling pairs of suspects
Authors: Deeb Haneen , Vrij Aldert , Hope Lorraine , Mann Samantha , Leal Sharon , Granhag Pär Anders , Strömwall Leif A. 
Published: August 2017

PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess statement consistency in pairs of deceptive and truth‐telling suspects when the Devil's Advocate approach is implemented. This approach involves asking suspects an ‘opinion‐eliciting’ question for arguments that support their opinions followed by a ‘devil's advocate’ question to elicit opposing arguments. On the basis of the confirmation bias and impression management literatures, we predicted that truth‐telling pairs would provide more consistent arguments in response to the opinion‐eliciting question than to the devil's advocate question. Deceptive pairs were expected to be equally consistent with each other in response to both questions.MethodForty‐nine pairs of participants were matched, based on their strong opinions about a controversial topic, and were asked to either tell the truth or lie about their opinions to an interviewer. Pair members were permitted to prepare for the interview together. Each participant was interviewed individually with the devil's advocate approach.ResultsPrepared truth‐telling pairs were more consistent with each other in response to the opinion‐eliciting question than to the devil's advocate question. However, and as predicted, deceptive pairs were equally consistent with each other in response to both questions.ConclusionsThe Devil's Advocate approach seems to be a promising interview technique for assessing consistency among pairs who hold false opinions and pairs who hold true opinions. It also has implications for the consistency heuristic as consistency is not diagnostic of deception or honesty unless the interview technique is taken into consideration.
A new screening strategy for varices by liver and spleen stiffness measurement (LSSM) in cirrhotic patients: A randomized trial
Authors: Wong Grace L. H. , Kwok Raymond , Hui Aric J. , Tse Yee‐Kit , Ho Kai‐Tin , Lo Angeline O. S. , Lam Kelvin L. Y. , Chan Heyson C. H. , Lui Rashid A. , Au Kenneth H. D. , Chan Henry L. Y. , Wong Vincent W. S. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundVariceal bleeding is a common and life‐threatening complication in patients with cirrhosis. Screening with upper endoscopy is recommended but is uncomfortable to patients. Non‐invasive assessment with transient elastography for liver/spleen stiffness measurement (LSM and SSM) is accurate in detecting varices.AimsTo test the hypothesis that a new screening strategy for varices guided by LSM/SSM results (LSSM‐guided) is non‐inferior to universal endoscopic screening in detecting clinically significant varices in patients with cirrhosis.MethodsThis was a non‐inferiority, open‐label, randomized controlled trial. Adult patients with known chronic liver diseases, radiological evidence of cirrhosis and compensated liver function. The primary outcome was clinically significant varix diagnosed with upper endoscopy.ResultsBetween October 2013 and June 2016, 548 patients were randomized to LSSM arm (n = 274) and conventional arm (n = 274) which formed the intention‐to‐test (ITT) population. Patients in both study arms were predominantly middle‐aged men with viral hepatitis‐related cirrhosis in 85% of the cases. In the ITT analysis, 11/274 participants in the LSSM arm (4.0%) and 16/274 in the conventional arm (5.8%) were found to have clinically significant varices. The difference between two groups was −1.8% (90% CI, −4.9% to −1.2%, P < .001). The absolute difference in the number of patients with clinically significant varices detected was 5/16 (31.3%) fewer in the LSSM arm.ConclusionsNon‐inferiority of the LSSM‐guided screening strategy to the convention approach cannot be excluded by this RCT. This approach should be further evaluated in a cohort of larger sample size with more clinically significant varices.
Treatment at a high‐volume centre is associated with improved survival among patients with non‐metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Holliday Emma B. , Allen Pamela K. , Elhalawani Hesham , Abdel‐Rahman Omar 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsThe association between case volume and outcomes is well‐documented for several cancer types. However, it is unknown if patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated at high‐volume centres have improved overall survival.MethodsAbout 135 442 patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma between 2004‐2014 were identified in the Commission on Cancer's National Cancer Database and 53 795 patients were excluded for metastatic or node‐positive disease. Average annual case volume was calculated as the total number of cases treated per centre from 2004‐2014 and dividing by 10. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed the most significant case number threshold between high‐volume centres and remaining centres. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Cox regression analysis to determine factors associated with improved survival. Kaplan‐Meier curves and log‐rank tests were used for overall survival estimates.ResultsA total of 81 647 patients with stage I‐III hepatocellular carcinoma were treated at a total of 1218 centres. The median [range] case volume per year averaged over the 10‐year study period was 48.6 [0.1‐205.5]. High‐volume centres treated >114 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma annually while remaining centre treated ≤114 cases. Median survival for patients treated in high‐volume centres and remaining centres were 31.9 and 16.6 months respectively (Log Rank P < .001). On multivariate analysis, average annual case volume was significantly associated with improved survival.ConclusionsReceiving treatment at a high‐volume centre is significantly associated with survival for patients with non‐metastatic disease. Improved survival at high‐volume centres may be related to access to a variety of treatment modalities, multidisciplinary evaluation, and/or subspecialty expertise.
Association between maternal prepregnancy obesity and breastfeeding duration: Data from a nationwide prospective birth cohort
Authors: Boudet‐Berquier Julie , Salanave Benoit , Desenclos Jean‐Claude , Castetbon Katia 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAssociation of maternal obesity with shorter breastfeeding duration may involve different factors and might be modified by parity. In a national birth cohort, we aimed to estimate the association between prepregnancy body mass index (pBMI) and breastfeeding duration after adjustment for sociodemographic, pregnancy, and other characteristics and assess the effect modification of parity in such associations. In 2012, 3,368 mother–infant dyads were randomly included at birth in the French Epifane cohort. Breastfeeding information was collected in maternity wards and by phone interview at 1, 4, 8, and 12 months postpartum. Poisson regression analyses estimated the association of pBMI with the number of days of “any breastfeeding” (ABF) and “exclusive breastfeeding” (EBF) in unadjusted and adjusted models. Interactions between parity and pBMI were tested. Obesity before pregnancy was independently associated with shorter ABF duration (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.86, 95%CI [0.74, 0.99]) compared to normal‐weight status. Parity showed an effect modification only with EBF duration. Among primiparae, no association was found for obesity, but overweight was significantly associated with shorter EBF duration independently of all covariates (IRR = 0.74 [0.58, 0.95]). Among multiparas, obesity was associated with shorter EBF duration after controlling for sociodemographic factors (IRR = 0.71 [0.53, 0.95]). This association was no longer statistically significant after controlling for other covariates. Obesity appears to be a strong risk factor in shorter ABF duration. Furthermore, parity is a key factor in the relationship of pBMI to shorter EBF duration. Overweight primiparous and obese multiparous women need additional support to prolong breastfeeding duration.
Gödel's Argument for Cantorian Cardinality
Authors: Parker Matthew W. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractOn the first page of “What is Cantor's Continuum Problem?”, Gödel argues that Cantor's theory of cardinality, where a bijection implies equal number, is in some sense uniquely determined. The argument, involving a thought experiment with sets of physical objects, is initially persuasive, but recent authors have developed alternative theories of cardinality that are consistent with the standard set theory ZFC and have appealing algebraic features that Cantor's powers lack, as well as some promise for applications. Here we diagnose Gödel's argument, showing that it fails in two important ways: (i) Its premises are not sufficiently compelling to discredit countervailing intuitions and pragmatic considerations, nor pluralism, and (ii) its final inference, from the superiority of Cantor's theory as applied to sets of changeable physical objects to the unique acceptability of that theory for all sets, is irredeemably invalid.
Roles of impaired intracellular calcium cycling in arrhythmogenicity of diabetic mouse model
Authors: Chou Chung‐Chuan , Ho Chien‐Te , Lee Hui‐Ling , Chu Yen , Yen Tzung‐Hai , Wen Ming‐Shien , Lin Shien‐Fong , Lee Cheng‐Hung , Chang Po‐Cheng 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundDiabetes mellitus is associated an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), but the underlying electrophysiological mechanisms are not fully explored. This study was aimed to test whether dynamic factors and Cai handling play roles in arrhythmogenesis of a diabetic animal model.MethodsWe used 26 db/db type 2 diabetes mice and 28 control mice in this study. VA inducibility was evaluated in vivo under isoflurane general anesthesia. The intracellular Ca2+ (Cai) and membrane voltage (Vm) signals of the Langendorff‐perfused mouse hearts were simultaneously recorded using the optical mapping technique. Action potential duration (APD), Cai dynamics conduction velocity (CV), and arrhythmogenic alternans were analyzed. Western blot was conducted to examine expressions of calcium handling and associated ion channels proteins.ResultsThe diabetic db/db mice showed significantly increased VA inducibility and severity. Longer APD and Cai transient duration and slower Cai decay and CV in the db/db mice than these in the control ones were observed. Dynamic pacing showed increased incidence of spatially discordant alternans leading to more VA inducibility in the db/db mice. Western blot analyses revealed increased phosphorylated‐Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II protein expression and decreased ryanodine receptor protein expression, which probably underlay the molecular mechanisms of enhanced arrhythmogenicity in db/db mice.ConclusionsThe type 2 diabetic mouse hearts show impaired repolarization, Cai handling homeostasis, and cardiac conduction reserve, leading to vulnerability of spatially discordant alternans development and induction of VA. Altered Cai‐handling protein expressions probably underlie the molecular mechanisms of arrhythmogenicity in the type 2 diabetes animal model.
Epicardial ablation utilizing remote magnetic navigation in a patient with Brugada syndrome and inferior early repolarization
Authors: Lim Paul Chun Yih , Nademanee Koonlawee , Lee Edward Chun Yi , Teo Wee Siong 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe report a case of epicardial ablation in a combined Brugada and inferior early repolarization syndrome patient with recurrent defibrillator therapy for spontaneous ventricular fibrillation. Electroanatomic mapping and ablation were achieved with remote magnetic navigation. Highly fractionated electrograms were seen epicardially in the anterior right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and at the anterior‐inferior right ventricle. Ablation of the RVOT region resulted in resolution Brugada pattern electrocardiogram. The inferior early repolarization persisted despite ablation of the inferior right ventricular epicardium. Our patient remained event free at 12‐months follow‐up.
Effect of Intravenous Corticosteroids on Pain Management and Early Rehabilitation in Patients Undergoing Total Knee or Hip Arthroplasty: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Li Donghai , Wang Changde , Yang Zhouyuan , Kang Pengde 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundCorticosteroids are frequently used for the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and have also been reported to have an effect on postoperative analgesia. This study was conducted to assess the pain management effect of perioperative intravenous corticosteroids in patients undergoing total knee or hip arthroplasty and evaluate their early rehabilitation.MethodRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched from electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase (Ovid interface), and the Cochrane Library (Ovid interface). Among 932 records identified, 14 RCTs involving 1,023 patients were eligible for data extraction and meta‐analysis.ResultsThe use of intravenous steroids was associated with reduced pain at rest and with activity during the first 24 hours after operation (P < 0.05). Patient steroid groups had less opioid consumption (P < 0.05). Additionally, patients using intravenous corticosteroids had better outcomes, in terms of nausea and vomiting (both P < 0.05). Moreover, corticosteroids were effective in decreasing the inflammatory marker interleukin‐6 (P < 0.05). Complications such as deep infection and pruritus showed similar occurrence in both the corticosteroid groups and control groups (P > 0.05), while the occurrence of venous thromboembolism was lower in the corticosteroid groups, with a marginally significant difference. In addition, no significant difference in length of hospital stay was observed, irrespective of whether patients received intravenous corticosteroids (P > 0.05).ConclusionOur results show that intravenous corticosteroids have good efficacy and safety when used perioperatively in total knee or hip arthroplasty.