bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating Brain Lesion Volume Change in Multiple Sclerosis by Subtraction of Magnetic Resonance Images
Authors: Horsfield Mark A. , Rocca Maria A. , Pagani Elisabetta , Storelli Loredana , Preziosa Paolo , Messina Roberta , Camesasca Fabiano , Copetti Massimiliano , Filippi Massimo 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDChange in lesion volume over time, measured on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, is an important outcome measure for natural history studies and clinical trials in multiple sclerosis (MS).PURPOSETo develop and test image analysis methods for quantification of lesion volume change in order to improve reliability.METHODSThe technique is based on registration and subtraction, and was evaluated in a cohort of 20 MS patients with dual‐echo images acquired annually over a period of four years. The study protocol was approved by the local ethics review boards of participating centers, and all subjects gave written informed consent. The repeatability was compared to that obtained by the standard method for obtaining lesion volume change by evaluating the total volume at each time point, and then subtracting the volumes to obtain the difference.RESULTSCompared to the standard method, the subtraction method had improved intrarater correlation (0.95 and 0.72 for the subtraction method and the standard method, respectively) and interrater correlation (0.51 and 0.28, respectively). Furthermore, the mean time required to analyze the scans from one patient was 41 minutes for the subtraction method compared to 125 minutes for the standard method.CONCLUSIONUse of the subtraction algorithm leads to improved reliability and lower operator fatigue in clinical trials and studies of the natural history of MS.
Diagnostic yield of 24‐hour esophageal manometry in non‐cardiac chest pain
Authors: Barret M. , Herregods T. V. K. , Oors J. M. , Smout A. J. P. M. , Bredenoord A. J. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundIn the past, ambulatory 24‐h manometry has been shown useful for the evaluation of patients with non‐cardiac chest pain (NCCP). With the diagnostic improvements brought by pH‐impedance monitoring and high‐resolution manometry (HRM), the contribution of ambulatory 24‐h manometry to the diagnosis of esophageal hypertensive disorders has become uncertain. Our aim was to assess the additional diagnostic yield of ambulatory manometry to HRM and ambulatory pH‐impedance monitoring in this patient population.MethodsAll patients underwent 24‐h ambulatory pressure‐pH‐impedance monitoring and HRM. Patients had retrosternal pain as a predominant symptom and no explanation after cardiologic and digestive endoscopic evaluations. Diagnostic measurements were analyzed by two independent physicians.Key ResultsFifty‐nine patients met the inclusion criteria; 37.3% of the patients had their symptoms explained by abnormalities on pH‐impedance monitoring and 6.8% by ambulatory manometry. Functional chest pain was diagnosed in 52.5% of the patients. High‐resolution manometry, using the Chicago Classification v3.0 criteria alone, did not identify any of the four patients with esophageal spasm on ambulatory manometry. However, taking into account other abnormalities, such as simultaneous (rapid) or repetitive contractions, HRM had a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 98.2% for the diagnosis of esophageal spasm.Conclusions & InferencesIn the work‐up of NCCP, ambulatory 24‐h manometry has a low additional diagnostic yield. However, it remains the best technique to identify esophageal spasm as the cause of symptoms. This is particularly useful when an unequivocal diagnosis is needed before treatment.
Parental self‐efficacy in managing food allergy and mental health predicts food allergy‐related quality of life
Authors: Knibb Rebecca C. , Barnes Christopher , Stalker Carol 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundFood allergy has been shown to have a significant impact on quality of life (QoL) and can be difficult to manage in order to avoid potentially life‐threatening reactions. Parental self‐efficacy (confidence) in managing food allergy for their child might explain variations in QoL. This study aimed to examine whether self‐efficacy in parents of food allergic children was a good predictor of QoL of the family.MethodsParents of children with clinically diagnosed food allergy completed the Food Allergy Self‐Efficacy Scale for Parents (FASE‐P), the Food Allergy Quality of Life Parental Burden Scale (FAQL‐PB), the GHQ‐12 (to measure mental health) and the Food Allergy Independent Measure (FAIM), which measures perceived likelihood of a severe allergic reaction.ResultsA total of 434 parents took part. Greater parental QoL was significantly related to greater self‐efficacy for food allergy management, better mental health, lower perceived likelihood of a severe reaction, older age in parent and child and fewer number of allergies (all p < 0.05). Food allergy self‐efficacy explained more of the variance in QoL than any other variable and self‐efficacy related to management of social activities and precaution and prevention of an allergic reaction appeared to be the most important aspects.ConclusionsParental self‐efficacy in management of a child's food allergy is important and is associated with better parental QoL. It would be useful to measure self‐efficacy at visits to allergy clinic in order to focus support; interventions to improve self‐efficacy in parents of food allergic children should be explored.
Development of a nomogram to estimate the quality of life in asthmatic children using the Childhood Asthma Control Test
Authors: Montalbano Laura , Cilluffo Giovanna , Gentile Manuel , Ferrante Giuliana , Malizia Velia , Cibella Fabio , Viegi Giovanni , Passalacqua Giovanni , La Grutta Stefania 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundPediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ) provides detailed information on QoL in asthmatic children, whereas Childhood Asthma Control Test (C‐ACT) Questionnaire is the most validated instrument for asthma control. No study assessed the relationship between C‐ACT and QoL in children by means of those instruments. The aim of this study was to determine whether a QoL estimation is possible using the C‐ACT questionnaire in asthmatic children.MethodsMedical history, spirometry, C‐ACT, and PAQLQ were assessed in 144 (60% male) outpatient asthmatic children from September 2011 to November 2014. A generalized linear model (GLM) for the prediction of PAQLQ was obtained through a stepwise procedure starting from a full model with all C‐ACT items, and predictive nomograms were created.ResultsFifty‐five (38%) well‐controlled (WC) asthma, 37 (26%) partially controlled (PC) asthma, and 52 (36%) uncontrolled asthma (UA) patients were enrolled. Persistent asthmatics (PA) were significantly more uncontrolled (p < 0.0001). A significant reduction in FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and FEF25–75 (p = 0.005, p < 0.0001, and p < 0.001, respectively) was found in WC vs. UA. Through a stepwise process, a reduced model showed a positive relationship between the PAQLQ and the four items of C‐ACT. The regression equations for predicted PAQLQ were ln(PAQLQ) = 1.17 + 0.05*C‐ACT2 + 0.03*C‐ACT3 + 0.04*C‐ACT6 + 0.03*C‐ACT7. Thus, a nomogram was constructed.ConclusionThe designed nomogram provides a highly predictive assessment of QoL in individual patients, facilitating a more comprehensive assessment of asthmatic children in usual clinical care.
Effects of an early referral system on liver transplantation for hepatoblastoma at Texas Children's Hospital
Authors: Kueht Michael , Thompson Patrick , Rana Abbas , Cotton Ronald , O'Mahony Christine , Goss John 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe purposes of this study were to analyze the effects of an ERS on time to transplantation and to describe our center's experience with OLT for HB. Patients who received OLT for HB between 2000 and 2013 were included. Patient and allograft characteristics, chemotherapy regimens, and prior surgical therapies were examined. The interval between diagnosis and OLT prior to and following the institution of an ERS for transplant was compared. Survival and tumor recurrence were analyzed. Nineteen patients received OLT for HB (mean age 33 months). All children received grafts from deceased donors. Two patients underwent prior resections. Tumor recurred in four patients (21.1%). Both patients who received salvage transplants experienced post‐OLT recurrence. Three of the four recurrences occurred in spite of adjuvant chemotherapy. There were three deaths: two from metastatic disease. One‐ and five‐yr survivals were 86.1% and 73.8%. After the institution of the ERS, the mean interval between tissue diagnosis and OLT was significantly reduced. Our series of 19 patients demonstrates a 21% recurrence of HB following OLT despite chemotherapy. Five‐yr survival reached 73.8%. A system of early referral can effectively reduce times between diagnosis and transplant.
Evidence for multidimensional resilience in adult patients with transfusion‐dependent thalassemias: Is it more common than we think?
Authors: Almahmoud S. Y. , Coifman K. G. , Ross G. S. , Kleinert D. , Giardina P. 
Published: March 2016

SUMMARYBackgroundLife expectancy of patients with transfusion‐dependent thalassemias has increased with the development of improved treatment over the last few decades. However, β‐thalassemia disorder still has considerable lifetime treatment demands and heightened risk of frequent complications due to transfusion‐transmitted infections and iron overload, which may affect thalassemic patients' functioning in different domains.ObjectivesThe vast majority of published studies on thalassemic patients have focused on children and adolescent functioning, and little research has examined adults. Hence, the current study was planned to examine the functioning and resilience of adult thalassemic patients in a comprehensive way.MethodsWe examined multidimensional resilience and functioning across different domains (psychological adjustment, treatment adherence, social functioning and occupational functioning). We also examined demographic and medical variables that may relate to resilience and functioning. Participants were adult patients [n = 38; age M = 31·63, standard deviation (SD) = 7·72; 72% female] with transfusion‐dependent thalassemia in treatment in a hospital in the northeastern United States.ResultsThe results suggest that most adult thalassemic patients tend to be resilient, demonstrating good functioning in four main domains: psychological adjustment, treatment adherence, social functioning and occupational functioning.ConclusionDespite the considerable demands of their illness, adult thalassemic patients appeared to be adapting well, demonstrating evidence of multidimensional resilience.
The hemostatic properties of thawed pooled cryoprecipitate up to 72 hours
Authors: Green Laura , Backholer Lucy , Wiltshire Mike , Platton Sean , Stanworth Simon J. , Cardigan Rebecca 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUNDThere is increasing interest in replacing fibrinogen early for the treatment of major hemorrhage. In countries where cryoprecipitate is the main concentrated source of fibrinogen, the thawing process complicates the timely availability of cryoprecipitate for transfusion early during major bleeding. The aim of the study was to investigate the hemostatic quality of cryoprecipitate, thawed and held at 18 to 24°C for up to 72 hours.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSPooled cryoprecipitate (16 units [eight group O and eight group A]) were thawed at 35 ± 2°C for 20 minutes and held at ambient temperature (18‐24°C) for up to 72 hours. Samples were tested at 0, 4, 10, 24, 48, and 72 hours after thawing for Factor (F)VIII, fibrinogen activity, FXIII, rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), and thrombin generation (TG).RESULTSThere were no significant changes in levels of fibrinogen and FXIII over 72 hours. There was a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in FVIII at 24, 48, and 72 hours compared with the baseline; however, at all time points units met the UK specification for FVIII level. The peak thrombin, endogenous thrombin potential, and all ROTEM variables remained unchanged after 72 hours.CONCLUSIONSThe hemostatic properties of thawed pooled cryoprecipitate, maintained at ambient temperature, remain stable for up to 72 hours. Stocking a prethawed product may optimize inventory management, to ensure product availability for rapid transfusion. Further studies need to assess the potential risk of bacterial contamination arising from storage at ambient temperature to determine the maximum shelf life for cryoprecipitate after thawing.
Transcription of thymic stromal lymphopoietin via Toll‐like receptor 2 in canine keratinocytes: a possible association of Staphylococcus spp. in the deterioration of allergic inflammation in canine atopic dermatitis
Authors: Sakamoto Mayu , Asahina Ryota , Kamishina Hiroaki , Maeda Sadatoshi 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundColonization, overgrowth and subsequent infection by Staphylococcus spp. is frequently observed in canine atopic dermatitis (CAD), where it contributes to the intensity of cutaneous inflammation. The mechanisms by which staphylococci contribute to the pathogenesis of CAD are unclear. Studies suggest that thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a cytokine induced by a cell wall component of Staphylococcus spp., may play a critical role in Th2 responses including the pathogenesis of CAD.Hypothesis/ObjectiveTo determine if synthetic triacylated lipopeptide (TLR1/2 ligand), a cell wall component of Staphylococcus spp., induces the transcription of TSLP via TLR2 in canine keratinocytes.MethodsTranscription of TSLP was quantified in a canine keratinocyte cell line after stimulation with synthetic triacylated lipopeptide, and again after inhibition of TLR2 by a targeted small interfering RNA.ResultsThe transcription of TSLP was enhanced 6 h after stimulation with the synthetic triacylated lipopeptide; it was completely suppressed by knockdown of TLR2.Conclusions and clinical importanceThe results demonstrated that a synthetic cell wall component of Staphylococcus spp. induced transcription of TSLP via TLR2 in canine keratinocytes. Additional studies will be required to investigate whether Staphylococcus spp. contributes to Th2 responses in CAD through TLR2‐mediated TSLP production.
Arrhythmogenic and metabolic remodelling of failing human heart
Authors: Gloschat C. R. , Koppel A. C. , Aras K. K. , Brennan J. A. , Holzem K. M. , Efimov I. R. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractHeart failure (HF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The global burden of HF continues to rise, with prevalence rates estimated at 1–2% and incidence approaching 5–10 per 1000 persons annually. The complex pathophysiology of HF impacts virtually all aspects of normal cardiac function – from structure and mechanics to metabolism and electrophysiology – leading to impaired mechanical contraction and sudden cardiac death. Pharmacotherapy and device therapy are the primary methods of treating HF, but neither is able to stop or reverse disease progression. Thus, there is an acute need to translate basic research into improved HF therapy. Animal model investigations are a critical component of HF research. However, the translation from cellular and animal models to the bedside is hampered by significant differences between species and among physiological scales. Our studies over the last 8 years show that hypotheses generated in animal models need to be validated in human in vitro models. Importantly, however, human heart investigations can establish translational platforms for safety and efficacy studies before embarking on costly and risky clinical trials. This review summarizes recent developments in human HF investigations of electrophysiology remodelling, metabolic remodelling, and β‐adrenergic remodelling and discusses promising new technologies for HF research.
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Clique Here: On the Distributed Complexity in Fully-Connected Networks
Authors: Applebaum Benny , Kowalski Dariusz R. , Patt-Shamir Boaz , Rosén Adi 
Published: March 2016

We consider a message passing model with n nodes, each connected to all other nodes by a link that can deliver a message of B bits in a time unit (typically, B = O(log n)). We assume that each node has an input of size L bits (typically, L = O(n log n)) and the nodes cooperate in order to compute some function (i.e., perform a distributed task). We are interested in the number of rounds required to compute the function. We give two results regarding this model. First, we show that most boolean functions require ‸ L/B ‹ − 1 rounds to compute deterministically, and that even if we consider randomized protocols that are allowed to err, the expected running time remains [Formula: see text] for most boolean function. Second, trying to find explicit functions that require superconstant time, we consider the pointer chasing problem. In this problem, each node i is given an array Ai of length n whose entries are in [n], and the task is to find, for any [Formula: see text], the value of [Formula: see text]. We give a deterministic O(log n/ log log n) round protocol for this function using message size B = O(log n), a slight but non-trivial improvement over the O(log n) bound provided by standard “pointer doubling.” The question of an explicit function (or functionality) that requires super constant number of rounds in this setting remains, however, open.
GCMA
Authors: Park SeongJae , Kim Minchan , Yeom Heon Y. 
Published: March 2016

While demand for physically contiguous memory allocation is still alive, especially in embedded system, existing solutions are insufficient. The most adapted solution is reservation technique. Though it serves allocation well, it could severely degrade memory utilization. There are hardware solutions like Scatter/Gather DMA and IOMMU. However, cost of these additional hardware is too excessive for low-end devices. CMA is a software solution of Linux that aims to solve not only allocation but also memory utilization problem. However, in real environment, CMA could incur unpredictably slow latency and could often fail to allocate contiguous memory due to its complex design.
We introduce a new solution for the above problem, GCMA (Guaranteed Contiguous Memory Allocator). It guarantees not only memory space efficiency but also fast latency and success by using reservation technique and letting only immediately discardable to use the area efficiently. Our evaluation on Raspberry Pi 2 shows 15 to 130 times faster and more predictable allocation latency without system performance degradation compared to CMA.
Influence of Sex and Disease on Illness‐Related Concerns in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Maunder R , Toner B , de Rooy E , Moskovitz D 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE: Identifying the normal concerns of people with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease (CD) facilitates a comprehensive approach to their medical care. Clinically, it can be easily appreciated that the concerns of men and women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may differ and that this may have a substantial impact on both coping and treatment decisions. However, sex differences have received little empirical study.METHODS: Significant differences between the sexes on the 25 items of the Rating Form of IBD Patient Concerns (RFIPC) were determined in 343 subjects by univariate ANOVA with disease type and sex as factors, correcting for multiple comparisons and covarying for IBD symptom severity.RESULTS: Compared with men, women reported higher levels of IBD symptom severity and higher overall RFIPC scores. Women were more concerned than men about feelings related to their bodies, attractiveness, feeling alone and having children. There was an interaction between disease and sex regarding concern about sexual performance and intimacy. In both cases, men with CD reported less concern than each other comparison group. The illness concerns that differ between sexes are not the most intense concerns in either sex.DISCUSSION: These results confirm that sex has a significant influence on a number of illness concerns, particularly concerns related to self‐image and relationships. The interaction of disease type and sex with respect to concern over sexual performance and intimacy is open to several potential explanations and requires further research. Sex differences should be considered in the treatment of IBD. Specific inquiry into sex‐specific concerns may be useful for the clinician. Further research is required to replicate these retrospective findings.
Survey of Current Practices among Members of CAG in the Follow-Up of Patients Diagnosed with Gastric Ulcer
Authors: Breslin Niall P , Sutherland Lloyd R 
Published: March 2016

INTRODUCTION: Guidelines recommend a policy of endoscopic follow-up of all gastric ulcers until healing. Analysis of data from the Alberta Endoscopy Project indicates that fewer than 50% of patients diagnosed with benign gastric ulcer had undergone a repeat procedure. The practice and attitudes of physician members of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG) on the follow-up of such patients were assessed.METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to members of CAG. Respondents were asked to indicate their practice setting and to estimate the proportion of gastric ulcer patients in whom they perform follow-up endoscopy. They were also asked to indicate factors influencing this choice, including the role ofHelicobacter pylori.RESULTS: Fifty-seven per cent of 220 respondents indicated that they perform repeat endoscopy in 95% to 100% of individuals with benign gastric ulcer. The most common reasons influencing this choice were to ensure healing (86.3%) and to confirm the benign nature of the lesion (79.5%). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use (83.2%) and patient ill health (62.9%) were the most common reasons for not repeating the endoscopy. Twenty per cent of individuals indicated thatH pylorihad influenced a change in their practice.DISCUSSION: Physicians vary widely in their follow-up of benign gastric ulcer. Studies on the occurrence of gastric cancer in this setting are not unanimous in their conclusions. Subgroups of patients with NSAID exposure and successfully eradicatedH pyloriinfection may have a lower risk of malignancy. Studies to confirm this are warranted, and modified guidelines may be appropriate.
Using exercises to cope with the transference in the process of group counseling
Authors: Boyacı Mehmet 
Published: March 2016

People who have different characteristics maintain their life by communicating each other. Today people may have many problems related to their relationships with others. So they may need professional support when they could not find a solution for some personal or social problems which they have faced throughout their life. In this sense, Counseling and Group Counseling is a professional field having the aim of helping people to overcome those problems. Group counseling has some advantages compared to individual counseling. The feeling of not being alone within the group and transfer of the experiences learned in the sessions to social life are some advantages of group counseling. Besides its advantages, transference and countertransference may arise in group counseling process. In this article; the exercises which may help to the group leader to cope with transference and countertransference during the group counseling have been examined in a theoretical framework. Some exercises like role playing, empty chair and unfinished business were discussed in the light of literature. At the end of the study some recommendations and suggestions are offered to the counselors and the field professionals.