bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accelerated induction regimens of TNF-alpha inhibitors in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Johnston Amy , Natarajan Sabrina , Hayes Meghan , MacDonald Erika , Shorr Risa 
Published: January 2018

IntroductionTumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors are commonly used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In patients with IBD who are unresponsive to their first induction dose, the implementation of an ‘accelerated’ induction dose schedule (doses more frequent than recommended in product monographs) is becoming increasingly common. It is unclear whether this practice results in favourable patient outcomes, such as avoidance of surgery and disease remission. As such, there is a need to identify and map the current evidence base on accelerated induction schedules of these medications in the treatment of IBD.Methods and analysisA scoping review will be employed to systematically identify and characterise the nature of scientific literature on accelerated induction regimens of TNF-alpha inhibitors. MEDLINE, Embase, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts and grey literature will be searched to identify relevant studies. The titles/abstracts of all records and full text of potentially relevant articles will be independently screened for inclusion by two reviewers. Data will be abstracted from included studies by one reviewer and verified for accuracy by another. The findings will be synthesised descriptively.Ethics and disseminationWe intend to report the findings of this scoping review in a peer-reviewed journal and a scientific conference.Trial registrationThis research was registered prospectively with the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/z7n2d/).
Association of Progression of Carotid Artery Wall Volume and Recurrent Transient Ischemic Attack or Stroke
Authors: Lu Mingming , Peng Peng , Cui Yuanyuan , Qiao Huiyu , Li Dongye , Cai Jianming , Zhao Xihai 
Published: January 2018

Background and Purpose—
This study aimed to investigate the association between carotid plaque progression and subsequent recurrent events using magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods—
Sixty-three symptomatic patients with ipsilateral carotid atherosclerotic stenosis (30%–69% stenosis) determined by ultrasound underwent first and second carotid artery magnetic resonance imaging for carotid artery at baseline and ≥6 months after the first scan, respectively. All the patients had clinical follow-up after the second magnetic resonance scan for ≤5 years until the onset of recurrent transient ischemic attack or stroke. Presence/absence of carotid plaque compositional features, particularly intraplaque hemorrhage and fibrous cap rupture was identified. The annual progression of carotid wall volume between 2 magnetic resonance scans was measured. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression was used to calculate the hazard ratio and corresponding 95% confidence interval of carotid plaque features in discriminating recurrent events. Receiver-operating-characteristic-curve analysis was conducted to determine the area-under-the-curve of carotid plaque features in predicting recurrent events.

Results—

Sixty-three patients (mean age: 66.5±10.0 years old; 54 males) were eligible for final statistics analysis. During a mean follow-up duration of 55.1±13.6 months, 14.3% of patients (n=9) experienced ipsilateral recurrent transient ischemic attack/stroke. The annual progression of carotid wall volume was significantly associated with recurrent events before (hazard ratio, 1.14 per 10 mm
3
; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.27;
P
=0.019) and after (hazard ratio, 1.19 per 10 mm3; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.37;
P
=0.022) adjusted for confounding factors. In discriminating the recurrence of transient ischemia attack/stroke, receiver–operator curve analysis indicated that combined with annual progression of wall volume, there was a significant incremental improvement in the area-under-the-curve of intraplaque hemorrhage (area-under-the-curve: 0.69–0.81) and fibrous cap rupture (area-under-the-curve: 0.73–0.84).

Conclusions—
The annual progression of carotid wall volume is independently associated with recurrent ischemic cerebrovascular events, and this measurement has added value for intraplaque hemorrhage and fibrous cap rupture in predicting future events.
Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcome of Acute Kidney Injury in Neurocritical Care
Authors: Büttner Stefan , Stadler Andrea , Mayer Christoph , Patyna Sammy , Betz Christoph , Senft Christian , Geiger Helmut , Jung Oliver , Finkelmeier Fabian 
Published: January 2018

Purpose: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a severe complication in medical and surgical intensive care units accounting for a high morbidity and mortality. Incidence, risk factors, and prognostic impact of this deleterious condition are well established in this setting. Data concerning the neurocritically ill patients is scarce. Therefore, aim of this study was to determine the incidence of AKI and elucidate risk factors in this special population. Methods: Patients admitted to a specialized neurocritical care unit between 2005 and 2011 with a length of stay above 48 hours were analyzed retrospectively for incidence, cause, and outcome of AKI (AKI Network-stage ≥2). Results: The study population comprised 681 neurocritically ill patients from a mixed neurosurgical and neurological intensive care unit. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) was 8.4% (57/681). Overall incidence of AKI was 11.6% with 36 (45.6%) patients developing dialysis-requiring AKI. Sepsis was the main cause of AKI in nearly 50% of patients. Acute kidney injury and renal replacement therapy are independent predictors of worse outcome (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.704; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.867-7.350; P < .001; and HR: 2.848; CI: 1.301-6.325; P = .009). Chronic kidney disease was the strongest independent risk factor (odds ratio: 12.473; CI: 5.944-26.172; P < .001), whereas surgical intervention or contrast agents were not associated with AKI. Conclusions: Acute kidney injury in neurocritical care has a high incidence and is a crucial risk factor for mortality independently of the underlying neurocritical condition. Sepsis is the main cause of AKI in this setting. Therefore, careful prevention of infectious complications and considering CKD in treatment decisions may lower the incidence of AKI and hereby improve outcome in neurocritical care.
Wellness-Promoting Practices Through Girl Scouts: A Pragmatic Superiority Randomized Controlled Trial With Additional Dissemination
Authors: Cull Brooke J. , Dzewaltowski David A. , Guagliano Justin M. , Rosenkranz Sara K. , Knutson Cassandra K. , Rosenkranz Richard R. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of in-person versus online Girl Scout leader wellness training for implementation of wellness-promoting practices during troop meetings (phase I) and to assess training adoption and current practices across the council (phase II). Design: Pragmatic superiority trial (phase 1) followed by serial cross-sectional study (phase II). Setting: Girl Scout troop meetings in Northeast Kansas. Participants: Eighteen troop leaders from 3 counties (phase 1); 113 troop leaders from 7 counties (phase II). Intervention: Phase I: Troop leaders attended 2 wellness training sessions (first in groups, second individually), wherein leaders set wellness-promoting practice implementation goals, self-monitored progress, and received guidance and resources for implementation. Leaders received the intervention in person or online. Measures: Phase I: At baseline and postintervention, leaders completed a wellness-promoting practice implementation questionnaire assessing practices during troop meetings (max score = 11). Phase II: Leaders completed a survey about typical troop practices and interest in further training. Analysis: Phase I: Generalized linear mixed modeling. Results: Phase I: In-person training increased wellness-promoting practice implementation more than online training (in person = 2.1 ± 1.8; online = 0.2 ± 1.2; P = .022). Phase II: Fifty-six percent of leaders adopted the training. For 8 of 11 wellness categories, greater than 50% of leaders employed wellness-promoting practices. Conclusion: In-person training was superior to online training for improvements in wellness-promoting practices. Wellness training was adopted by the majority of leaders across the council.
Risk Factors for Failed Nonoperative Treatment and Rerupture in Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture
Authors: Reito Aleksi , Logren Hanna-Liina , Ahonen Katri , Nurmi Heikki , Paloneva Juha 
Published: January 2018

Background: Nonoperative treatment is feasible in most patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture. Risk factors associated with failed nonoperative treatment are poorly understood. We investigated risk factors associated with rerupture after nonoperative treatment and otherwise failed nonoperative treatment of Achilles tendon rupture. Methods: All patients diagnosed with acute Achilles tendon rupture between January 2009 and June 2016 and who underwent 8 weeks of nonoperative treatment with functional rehabilitation were included in the study. Patients with rerupture or otherwise failed nonoperative treatment were identified retrospectively. Time to rerupture and association of age, sex, time from injury, diabetes, and visits to the physiotherapist for cases of reruptures and otherwise failed nonoperative treatment were investigated. A total of 210 patients were included in the study. Results: Fifteen patients sustained a rerupture. Rerupture incidence was 7.1%. Incidence of late reruptures, those occurring after return to daily activities at 12 weeks, was 1.9%. Six patients had otherwise failed nonoperative treatment. Median time to rerupture was 23 days (6 to 61) after the end of the treatment. The incidence of all-cause failure was 10.0%. Male gender was associated with reruptures ( P = .013) and failed nonoperative treatment for any reason ( P = .029). Conclusion: It is important to highlight the increased risk of rerupture in male patients during the first month after the end of the nonoperative treatment. Age alone, even in male patients, was a poor indication for operative treatment since it did not predict early failure. Further studies will hopefully clarify the influence of activity level on the risk of rerupture. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Strategic Qualitative Focus Group Research
Authors: Cowley James C.P. 
Published: January 2018

This paper addresses the urgent need for our profession to agree on and articulate the taxonomy of skills and signals of competency for those conducting qualitative market research focus groups. It argues that this is required due to five factors: groups are used for strategic advice; they are high cost; people other than market researchers are offering them; the explanations of the skills seem to range from myth/magic through to experience and hard work; and for training and accreditation there has to be an agreed taxonomy. The paper describes recent research into the views of 19 SQMRs (strategic qualitative market researchers) in Australia on this theme and related literature. It proposes a model of the taxonomy of skills, a summary of a model of competency, a model of how SQMRs describe their analytical thinking in and outside of focus groups and an attempt to demythologise the skill and identify the cause of competency. It concludes by posing 15 questions for our profession.2
A comparison of ultrasound with magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of fetal biometry and weight in the second trimester of pregnancy: An observer agreement and variability study
Authors: Matthew Jacqueline , Malamateniou Christina , Knight Caroline L , Baruteau Kelly P , Fletcher Tara , Davidson Alice , McCabe Laura , Pasupathy Dharmintra , Rutherford Mary 
Published: January 2018

Objective To compare the intra and interobserver variability of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of common fetal biometry and estimated fetal weight in the second trimester. Methods Retrospective measurements on preselected image planes were performed independently by two pairs of observers for contemporaneous ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging studies of the same fetus. Four common fetal measurements (biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length) and an estimated fetal weight were analysed for 44 ‘low risk’ cases. Comparisons included, intra-class correlation coefficients, systematic error in the mean differences and the random error. Results The ultrasound inter- and intraobserver agreements for ultrasound were good, except intraobserver abdominal circumference (intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.880, poor), significant increases in error was seen with larger abdominal circumference sizes. Magnetic resonance imaging produced good/excellent intraobserver agreement with higher intra-class correlation coefficients than ultrasound. Good interobserver agreement was found for both modalities except for the biparietal diameter (magnetic resonance imaging intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.942, moderate). Systematic errors between modalities were seen for the biparietal diameter, femur length and estimated fetal weight (mean percentage error = +2.5%, −5.4% and −8.7%, respectively, p < 0.05). Random error was above 5% for ultrasound intraobserver abdominal circumference, femur length and estimated fetal weight and magnetic resonance imaging interobserver biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, femur length and estimated fetal weight (magnetic resonance imaging estimated fetal weight error >10%). Conclusion Ultrasound remains the modality of choice when estimating fetal weight, however with increasing application of fetal magnetic resonance imaging a method of assessing fetal weight is desirable. Both methods are subject to random error and operator dependence. Assessment of calliper placement variations may be an objective method detecting larger than expected errors in fetal measurements.
Preliminary development of the Portuguese Coach Motivation Questionnaire
Authors: da Silva Eduardo Jorge , Sánchez-Oliva David , Mallett Clifford J , Palmeira António 
Published: January 2018

Purpose Coaches' motivation is central to their coaching, however, few studies have examined coaches' motivation in different cultures. The aim of this study was to provide initial validation of the Portuguese version of the Coach Motivation Questionnaire. Method The participants were 369 coaches from various sports (males = 288) aged between 18 and 67 years old (M = 32.4, SD = 11.04). Confirmatory factor analysis, discriminant and nomological validity, and invariance across gender, team/individual sports and coaching experience were analysed. Results The hypothesised six-factor structure obtained acceptable values with the following robust adjustment indices: RTLI = .902; RCFI = .921; RGFI = .904 and RRMSEA (90% CI) = .066 (.058–.074). The amended model also showed high factor weights (λ ≥ .500) and appropriate individual reliabilities (λ2 ≥ .25). The instrument's internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's alpha (.646–.898) and composite reliability (.662–.900). Regarding discriminant validity, correlations among the factors were in general according to the hypothesised patterns, where closer factors were positively related and not close factors were less strongly related. Regarding nomological validity, results supported for the hypothesised relationships through the associations with measures of motivation at work, need satisfaction and need frustration. Lastly, the measurement model met configural and metric invariance across gender and coaching experience and also met configural invariance across team/individual sports. Conclusions The evidence from this study suggests that the Portuguese Coach Motivation Questionnaire is a promising and parsimonious questionnaire to assess coaches' motivation, albeit its development remains a work in progress.
An audit of urological MDT decision making in the South West of England
Authors: Hounsome Luke , Verne Julia , Persad Raj , Bahl Amit , Gillatt David , Oxley Jon , Macdonagh Ru , Graham John , Pocock Richard 
Published: January 2018

Objective: The formation of multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) was formalised for urological cancer services by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the 2002 Improving Outcomes in Urological Cancer guidance. This project aimed to assess the variability of MDT recommendations when presented with the same patient. It covered the type and grade of tumour, recorded stage, treatment recommendations and whether clinical trials were considered. Materials and methods: Anonymised details of 10 patients were sent to South West Trust MDTs in two tranches. Details included age, clinical history, haematology and biochemistry results, digital radiology, and pathology text. A panel of representative urologists and urological oncologists from the region decided on optimal treatment and key points of management decisions. Results: The MDTs were not consistent in decision making. This agrees with a previous survey of urologists which also showed inconsistent decision making, and under-use of clinical cues. Some decisions contradicted NICE guidelines in force at the time. Conclusions: MDTs are now an instrumental, integrated part of cancer management. It is vital for assurance of best patient care and best outcomes that the MDT considering and planning treatment is fully functional and well informed on the evidence base, with effective communications. This audit suggests that this is not the case. The Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine – Levels of Evidence is not applicable to this study.
Skin Diseases in the Era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy: A Retrospective Study of 534 Patients
Authors: Tan Jennifer , Pina Ana , Borges-Costa João 
Published: January 2018

Background: With the increasing number of HIV-infected patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the shift in their dermatologic profile becomes less characteristic of AIDS-defining illnesses. Methods: Retrospective review of mucocutaneous pathology among patients seen at HIV-Dermatology Clinic from January 2009 to December 2013. Results: Among 534 patients, there were 68.4% males and 31.6% females, with 8.7-year average duration of infection; 82.8% were receiving HAART. Kaposi sarcoma was the only relatively frequent AIDS-defining disease. Fungal and viral infections were common, with human papilloma virus (HPV) as the most frequent overall. Benign and premalignant tumors were associated with HAART and CD4 >200/mm3 ( P < .05). Psoriasis was prevalent among patients without HAART ( P < .05). Prurigo was associated with lower CD4 count ( P < .001). Conclusion: Patients receiving HAART are faced with chronic skin problems such as benign and premalignant tumors, and HPV infection adds to their neoplastic predisposition. Further research is recommended to develop protocols for treating psoriasis and screening for HPV-associated neoplasia among patients.
Image‐Based 3‐Dimensional Characterization of Laryngotracheal Stenosis in Children
Authors: McDaniel Lee S. , Poynot William J. , Gonthier Keith A. , Dunham Michael E. , Crosby and Tyler W. 
Published: January 2018

ObjectivesDescribe a technique for the description and classification of laryngotracheal stenosis in children using 3‐dimensional reconstructions of the airway from computed tomography (CT) scans.Study DesignCross‐sectional.SettingAcademic tertiary care children’s hospital.Subjects and MethodsThree‐dimensional models of the subglottic airway lumen were created using CT scans from 54 children undergoing imaging for indications other than airway disease. The base lumen models were deformed in software to simulate subglottic airway segments with 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% stenoses for each subject. Statistical analysis of the airway geometry was performed using metrics extracted from the lumen centerlines. The centerline analysis was used to develop a system for subglottic stenosis assessment and classification from patient‐specific airway imaging.ResultsThe scaled hydraulic diameter gradient metric derived from intersectional changes in the lumen can be used to accurately classify and quantitate subglottic stenosis in the airway based on CT scan imaging. Classification is most accurate in the clinically relevant 25% to 75% range of stenosis.ConclusionsLaryngotracheal stenosis is a complex diagnosis requiring an understanding of the airway lumen configuration, anatomical distortions of the airway framework, and alterations of respiratory aerodynamics. Using image‐based airway models, we have developed a metric that accurately captures subglottis patency. While not intended to replace endoscopic evaluation and existing staging systems for laryngotracheal stenosis, further development of these techniques will facilitate future studies of upper airway computational fluid dynamics and the clinical evaluation of airway disease.
Liaison psychiatry for older adults in the general hospital: service activity, development and outcomes
Authors: Mujic Fedza , Cairns Ruth , Mak Vivienne , Squire Clare , Wells Andrew , Al-Harrasi Ahmed , Prince Martin 
Published: January 2018

Aims and methodThis study used data collected to describe the activity, case-load characteristics and outcome measures for all patients seen during a 6-year period.ResultsThe service reviewed 2153 patients over 6 years with referral rates and case-load characteristics comparable to those described in a previous study period. The team saw 82% of patients on the day they were referred. Data and outcome measures collected showed significant complexity in the cases seen and statistically significant improvement in Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) scores following service input.Clinical implicationsThe outcome measures used were limited, but the study supports the need for specialist liaison psychiatry for older adults (LPOA) services in the general hospital. The Framework of Outcome Measures – Liaison Psychiatry has now been introduced, but it remains unclear how valid this is in LPOA. It is of note that cost-effectiveness secondary to service input and training activities are not adequately monitored.Declaration of interestNone.
Toward the Decipherment of a Set of Mid-Colonial Khipus from the Santa Valley, Coastal Peru
Authors: Medrano Manuel , Urton Gary 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis article focuses on a linked pair of “documents” from mid-seventeenth-century coastal Peru. The analysis first examines a revisita (an administrative “revisit”) carried out in 1670 in settlements around the town of San Pedro de Corongo, in the lower Santa River Valley. The revisit describes a census of the population of what are described as six pachacas (“one-hundreds”) administrative/census units that usually coincided with ayllus (the Andean clanlike sociopolitical groups). The document identifies 132 tributaries distributed across the six ayllus, all but two of whom are identified by name. Tribute is assessed on this new census count. The information in the revisit is then compared to the organization of a group of six khipus (knotted-string recording devices) that were said to have been recovered from a burial in the Santa Valley. The six khipus are organized into a total of 133 color-coded groups of six cords. The knot values on the first cords of the six-cord groups total the same value as the tribute assessed in the revisit document, and it is argued on these grounds that the khipus and the revisit document pertain to the same administrative procedure. The attachment knots of the first cords of the six-cord groups vary in a binary fashion by attachment type (i.e., tied either “verso” or “recto”). It is argued that this construction feature divides the tributaries identified in the revisit into moieties; therefore, the khipus constitute a gloss on the social organization of the population identified in the revisit document. It is suggested that the names of the tributaries may be signed by color coding in the khipus.