bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Statistical Seasonal Prediction Based on Regularized Regression
Authors: DelSole Timothy , Banerjee Arindam 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
This paper proposes a regularized regression procedure for finding a predictive relation between one variable and a field of other variables. The procedure estimates a linear prediction model under the constraint that the regression coefficients have smooth spatial structure. The smoothness constraint is imposed using a novel approach based on the eigenvectors of the Laplace operator over the domain, which results in a constrained optimization problem equivalent to either ridge regression or least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, which can be solved by standard numerical software. In addition, this paper explores an unconventional procedure whereby regression models are estimated from dynamical model output and then verified against observations—the reverse of the traditional order. The methodology is illustrated by constructing statistical prediction models of summer Texas-area temperature based on concurrent Pacific sea surface temperature (SST). None of the regularized regression models have statistically significant skill when estimated from observations. In contrast, when estimated from dynamical model output, the regression models have skill with respect to dynamical model data because of the substantially larger sample size available from dynamical model output. In addition, the regression models estimated from dynamical model data can predict observed anomalies with significant skill, even though no observations were used directly to estimate the regression models. The results indicate that dynamical models had no significant skill because they could not accurately predict the SST itself, not because they could not capture realistic SST teleconnections.
Clinical significance of GCF sIL-6R and calprotectin to evaluate the periodontal inflammation
Authors: Kajiura Yukari , Lew Jung-Hwan , Ikuta Takahisa , Nishikawa Yasufumi , Kido Jun-ichi , Nagata Toshihiko , Naruishi Koji 
Published: November 2016

Background Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the soluble form of interleukin-6 receptor (sIL-6R) and calprotectin concentrations in gingival crevicular fluid are useful biomarkers in the evaluation of periodontitis. Methods First, a cross-sectional study was performed. A total of 34 periodontitis patients were enrolled and the gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected from the healthy and inflamed sites of periodontal pockets in each patient. The relationship between periodontal condition and gingival crevicular fluid sIL-6R and calprotectin concentrations was analysed statistically. The cut-off values of gingival crevicular fluid sIL-6R and calprotectin concentrations for the evaluation of periodontitis were determined using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Next, by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, it was examined whether calprotectin induces sIL-6R production in THP-1 macrophages. Results Both gingival crevicular fluid sIL-6R and calprotectin concentrations were significantly higher in the inflamed sites than in the healthy sites ( P < 0.0001). The cut-off values of gingival crevicular fluid sIL-6R and calprotectin concentrations for the evaluation of periodontal inflammation were as follows: sIL-6R: 43.5 pg/site; calprotectin: 134.3 ng/site. In the in vitro study, calprotectin significantly induced sIL-6R production in THP-1 macrophages ( P < 0.01). Conclusions Both gingival crevicular fluid sIL-6R and calprotectin concentrations are significant biomarkers in the evaluation of periodontal inflammation.
Finding solutions for periodic discrete-time generalized coupled Sylvester matrix equations via the generalized BCR method
Authors: Hajarian Masoud 
Published: November 2016

The periodic discrete-time matrix equations have wide applications in stability theory, control theory and perturbation analysis. In this work, the biconjugate residual algorithm is generalized to construct a matrix iterative method to solve the periodic discrete-time generalized coupled Sylvester matrix equations [Formula: see text] The constructed method is shown to be convergent in a finite number of iterations in the absence of round-off errors. By comparing with other similar methods in practical computation, we give numerical results to demonstrate the accuracy and the numerical superiority of the constructed method.
Impact of UK NICE Clinical Guidelines 168 and social deprivation on access to interventional treatment for symptomatic varicose vein and specialist referral for leg ulceration
Authors: Davies Huw OB , Popplewell Matthew , Bate Gareth , Kelly Lisa , Koutsoumpelis Andreas , Bradbury Andrew W 
Published: November 2016

Background UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) clinical guidelines (CG) 168, published in July 2013, aimed to improve the management of lower limb venous disease by newly recommending interventional treatment for all people affected by symptomatic varicose veins (VV) and specialist vascular referral for all people suffering from a leg ulcer (LU) that had been present for ≥2 weeks. This study aims to determine if CG168 has increased access to vascular services, particularly for the socially deprived, who might be expected to have greater need for such services. Methods The study was performed in a highly multi-cultural, socio-economically diverse, mixed urban/suburban population of approximately 1.2 million people living in and around East Birmingham, UK. Index of multiple deprivation quintile (IMD-Q) was used as a measure of social deprivation to compare levels of social deprivation of people undergoing interventions for symptomatic VV or referred with an LU during 18-month periods before and after the publication of CG168. The referring general practitioner practices (GPPs) were also recorded. Results There was no change in overall IMD-Q distribution before and after CG168 in terms of VV interventions. However, there was a non-significant increase in proportions of people classified as IMD-Q5 (the most deprived quintile). After CG168, fewer IMD-Q5 people with LU were referred, with a shift in referrals towards those from less socially deprived areas. More GPP referred people with both VV and LU after CG168, and those that referred patients before and after CG168 tended to refer more after CG168. Conclusions CG168 has increased VV interventions as well as the number referred with LU. However, this improvement in access to treatment and referral may have disproportionately favoured the more socio-economic privileged. Professional and public education is required to ensure that the beneficial impact of the CG168 recommendations are maximised and that those with the greatest health needs have equal access to evidence-based management of their venous disease.
Comparison of posterior lumbar interbody fusion with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for treatment of recurrent lumbar disc herniation: A retrospective study
Authors: Li Liqiang , Liu Yueju , Zhang Peng , Lei Tao , Li Jie , Shen Yong 
Published: November 2016

Objective To compare posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for spinal fusion in patients previously treated by discectomy. Methods This retrospective study evaluated pre- and postoperative neurological status via Japan Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score. Surgical outcome was based on recovery rate percentage (RR%). Adverse event data were reviewed. Results Both PLIF ( n = 26) and TLIF ( n = 25) significantly improved neurological status. There were no significant between-group differences in postoperative JOA score, RR% or surgical outcome. Overall, 92.3% patients in the PLIF group and 84% in the TLIF group had an excellent or good outcome (RR ≥ 65%). No patient had a poor outcome (RR < 50%). There were six cases of dural tear in the PLIF group and two in the TLIF group. Conclusions PLIF and TLIF provided good outcomes for recurrent lumbar disc herniation. TLIF may be preferred because of its shorter operative time and fewer procedure-related complications than PLIF.
Investigating Single- Versus Multiple-Source Approaches to Communicating Health Messages Via an Online Simulation
Authors: Jongenelis Michelle I. , Pettigrew Simone , Wakefield Melanie , Slevin Terry , Pratt Iain S , Chikritzhs Tanya , Liang Wenbin 
Published: November 2016

Purpose: To assess whether exposing drinkers to information about the alcohol–cancer link via multiple and diverse sources in an online simulation produces larger improvements in attitudes and intentions relative to exposure to a single source of information. Design: Experimental; unequal randomization with respondents allocated to either the single-source (20%) or multiple-source condition (80%). Alcohol-related behavioral intentions were assessed preexposure and postexposure. Setting: Australia. Participants: A total of 2087 drinkers consuming alcohol at least twice per month. Measures: Scales were used to assess attitudes toward the messages (believability, convincingness, and personal relevance) and behavioral intentions (extent to which participants believed that they should and would reduce their alcohol consumption and their intention to consume 5 or more drinks in a single session). Analysis: Hierarchical linear regression. Results: Source condition was significantly associated with all 3 attitudinal variables ( P < .001). Those exposed to an alcohol warning statement from multiple sources found the message more believable, convincing, and personally relevant compared to those exposed to a warning statement via a single source. They also reported significantly greater change preexposure to postexposure on the 2 behavioral beliefs that they should (Δ M = 0.25 vs Δ M = 0.09) and would (Δ M = 0.23 vs Δ M = 0.00) reduce their current alcohol consumption ( P < .001). Further, those in the multiple-source condition reported reduced intentions to consume 5 or more standard drinks in a single sitting (Δ M = 0.21 vs Δ M = 0.14; P < .001). Conclusion: Findings from the online simulation provide support for the suggestion that integrated approaches involving the combination of multiple sources to deliver a message produce superior outcomes compared to relying on a single source (eg, warning labels on alcoholic beverages).
Impact of a Temporary NRT Enhancement in a State Quitline and Web-Based Program
Authors: Cole Sam , Suter Casey , Nash Chelsea , Pollard Joseph 
Published: November 2016

Purpose: To examine the impact of a nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) enhancement on quit outcomes. Design: Observational study using an intent to treat as treated analysis. Setting: Not available. Participants: A total of 4022 Idaho tobacco users aged ≥18 years who received services from the Idaho Tobacco Quitline or Idaho’s web-based program. Intervention: One-call phone or web-based participants were sent a single 4- or 8-week NRT shipment. Multiple-call participants were sent NRT in a single 4-week shipment or two 4-week shipments (second shipment sent only to those completing a second coaching call). Measures: North American Quitline Consortium recommended Minimal Data Set items collected at registration and follow-up. Thirty-day point prevalence quit rates were assessed at 7-month follow-up. Analysis: Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the effects of program type and amount of NRT sent to participants while controlling for demographic and tobacco use characteristics. Results: Abstinence rates were significantly higher among 8-week versus 4-week NRT recipients (42.5% vs 33.3%). The effect was only significant between multiple-call program participants who received both 4-week NRT shipments versus only the first of 2 possible 4-week shipments (51.1% vs 31.1%). Costs per quit were lowest among web-based participants who received 4 weeks of NRT (US$183 per quit) and highest among multiple-call participants who received only 1 of 2 possible NRT shipments (US$557 per quit). Conclusion: To better balance cost with clinical effectiveness, funders of state-based tobacco cessation services may want to consider (1) allowing tobacco users to choose between phone- and web-based programs while (2) limiting longer NRT benefits only to multiple-call program participants.
The Efficacy and Safety of Edoxaban for VTE Prophylaxis Post-Orthopedic Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: AlHajri Lamia , Jabbari Sima , AlEmad Hind , AlMahri Khawla , AlMahri Maryam , AlKitbi Noora 
Published: November 2016

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication that manifests during and/or after hospitalization, as well as postsurgeries including orthopedic surgeries. Edoxaban is a new oral direct factor Xa inhibitor that has been recently approved for treating VTE in patients who have already been treated with a parenteral anticoagulant and for the prevention of stroke and non-central nervous system systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Objectives: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of edoxaban for VTE prophylaxis after lower limb orthopedic surgery. Materials and A comprehensive search was conducted in Google Scholar, PubMed, MEDLINE, and ScienceDirect to identify potential records, then titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened using the inclusion criteria to filter out irrelevant studies. Moreover, the data extraction and quality assessment were undertaken using standardized tools, and the results were narratively synthesized and presented in tables. Results: Six studies were included in this systematic review after screening 2989 records. The majority of studies demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in VTE events in the edoxaban group(s) compared to the dalteparin, placebo, or enoxaparin groups (P < .05). The differences in VTE cases in some studies reached to approximately 50% favoring edoxaban 30 mg over the comparator (P < .05). However, other studies uncovered a statistically insignificant difference between edoxaban and the comparator “enoxaparin” when used for VTE prophylaxis (P > .05). On the other hand, although edoxaban found to cause more bleeding, the differences between edoxaban and the comparator are statistically insignificant (P > .05). Conclusion: This study helped to amalgamate evidence with regard to the use of edoxaban for VTE prophylaxis post-lower limb orthopedic surgery. In line with the results of the reviewed studies, edoxaban seems to be highly effective in reducing VTE post-lower limb orthopedic surgery.
The EDSS integration with the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis and orientation tests
Authors: Saccà Francesco , Costabile Teresa , Carotenuto Antonio , Lanzillo Roberta , Moccia Marcello , Pane Chiara , Russo Cinzia Valeria , Barbarulo Anna Maria , Casertano Sara , Rossi Fabiana , Signoriello Elisabetta , Lus Giacomo , Brescia Morra Vincenzo 
Published: November 2016

Objective: Despite cognitive tests have been validated in multiple sclerosis (MS), a neuropsychological evaluation is not implemented in the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scoring. Methods: We used the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) and orientation tests (OTs) to measure the cerebral functional system (CFS) score and to evaluate its impact on the EDSS. We compared EDSS calculated as usual (Native-EDSS) and after the use of the BICAMS and OT (NPS-EDSS). Results: We tested 604 MS patients with BICAMS, OTs, and EDSS. In all, 384 patients (63.6%) had at least one altered test at the BICAMS. Older age, lower education, higher Native-EDSS, and male gender were independently associated with at least one impaired BICAMS test. Native-EDSS was different from NPS-EDSS (−0.112; p < 0.001) in 99 patients (16%). When considering patients with a Native-EDSS ⩽ 4.0, the proportion of miscalculated EDSS was 25%. Conclusion: The use of brief neuropsychological tests leads to a more accurate CFS assessment in two-thirds of MS patients, and a more accurate EDSS calculation in 25% of patients with a score ⩽4.0. This may help clinicians to better recognize cognitive impairment in everyday clinical practice, especially in the case of isolated cognitive worsening.
Leptomeningeal contrast enhancement is associated with progression of cortical atrophy in MS: A retrospective, pilot, observational longitudinal study
Authors: Zivadinov Robert , Ramasamy Deepa P , Vaneckova Manuela , Gandhi Sirin , Chandra Avinash , Hagemeier Jesper , Bergsland Niels , Polak Paul , Benedict Ralph HB , Hojnacki David , Weinstock-Guttman Bianca 
Published: November 2016

Background: Leptomeningeal contrast enhancement (LM CE) has been recently described in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients as a potential in vivo marker of cortical pathology. Objectives: To investigate the association of LM CE and development of cortical atrophy in 50 MS patients (27 relapsing-remitting (RR) and 23 secondary-progressive (SP)) followed for 5 years. Methods: The presence and number of LM CE foci were assessed only at the 5-year follow-up using three-dimensional (3D) fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequence obtained 10 minutes after single dose of gadolinium injection on 3T scanner. The percentage change in whole brain, cortical and deep gray matter (GM) volumes, and lesion volume (LV) was measured between baseline and the 5-year follow-up. Results: In total, 25 (50%) of MS patients had LM CE at the 5-year follow-up. Significantly more SPMS patients (12, 85.7%) had multiple LM CE foci, compared to those with RRMS (2, 18.2%) ( p = 0.001). MS patients with LM CE showed significantly greater percentage decrease in total GM (−3.6% vs −2%, d = 0.80, p = 0.006) and cortical (−3.4% vs −1.8%, d = 0.84, p = 0.007) volumes and greater percentage increase in ventricular cerebrospinal fluid (vCSF) volume (22.8% vs 9.9%, d = 0.90, p = 0.003) over the follow-up, compared to those without. Conclusion: In this retrospective, pilot, observational longitudinal study, the presence of LM CE was associated with progression of cortical atrophy over 5 years.
Time patterns in multiple acute cerebral infarcts
Authors: Novotny Vojtech , Khanevski Andrej N , Thomassen Lars , Waje-Andreassen Ulrike , Naess Halvor 
Published: November 2016

Background Multiple acute cerebral infarcts in different arterial territories may be caused by several emboli concurrently or successively. Aim and/or hypothesis We hypothesized that the time from stroke onset to magnetic resonance imaging may shed light on underlying mechanisms of multiple acute cerebral infarcts. Methods This is a prospective observational cohort study involving 2697 ischemic stroke patients conducted at Haukeland University Hospital between February 2006 and October 2013. Only patients with diffusion-weighted imaging lesions in more than one arterial territory (left or right anterior circulation or posterior circulation) were included. The time from stroke onset to magnetic resonance imaging was registered and correlated with the etiology of multiple acute cerebral infarcts in each patient. Results We reviewed 2697 consecutive patients and 2220 (82%) underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Among these 2125 (96%) had diffusion-weighted imaging lesions. We found 187 multiple acute cerebral infarct patients who were then included in the study. There was positive correlation (0.20; p < .001) between time to magnetic resonance imaging and frequency of multiple acute cerebral infarcts caused by internal carotid stenosis. There was no correlation (−.02) between time to magnetic resonance imaging and frequency of multiple acute cerebral infarcts caused by cardiogenic embolism. Conclusions Multiple acute cerebral infarcts associated with cardiogenic embolism seem to happen concurrently as a shower of emboli whereas multiple acute cerebral infarcts associated with internal carotid artery stenosis seem to occur successively separated by hours or days.
The prevalence of physical activity among the young population of UAE: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yammine Kaissar 
Published: November 2016

Aims: Lack of physical activities is a key disease factor and constitutes a serious public health issue in the Middle East region. Reports from this geographical area converge in concluding that the resident populations do not get enough exercise to keep themselves healthy. The objective of this systematic review is to obtain accurate data on the prevalence of physical activity (PA) and levels of PA among the young residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: Five prospective studies met the inclusion criteria with 12,988 subjects (including 12,782 adolescents). Results: Meta-analytical results showed that (1) almost a quarter of the young population have a total sedentary lifestyle with no PA, (2) less than half have been mildly involved in physical activities, (3) around a fifth practised a moderate level of PA, and (4) a quarter were involved in a vigorous PA. Additionally, mild PA was more common in female adolescents, whereas moderate and high PA were significantly higher in male adolescents. Conclusion: Such alarming rates of exercise involvement among the young UAE residents should stimulate policymakers and college/university administrations to plan and promote PA in order to reduce future levels of chronic diseases.
Complications, effectiveness, and long term follow‐up of fecal microbiota transfer by nasoduodenal tube for treatment of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection
Authors: van Beurden Yvette H , de Groot Pieter F , van Nood Els , Nieuwdorp Max , Keller Josbert J , Goorhuis Abraham 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundFecal microbiota transfer (FMT) is an effective treatment for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), but data on procedure‐related complications and long‐term outcome are scarce.MethodsAll patients treated with FMT for recurrent CDI at the Academic Medical Center between July 2010 and January 2016 were included. FMT was performed according to the FECAL trial protocol: administration of fresh donor feces (related or unrelated donor) through a duodenal tube after pre‐treatment with vancomycin and bowel lavage. We collected information on FMT‐related complications, recurrent CDI, and short‐ and long‐term adverse events by telephone interviews using a structured questionnaire at three months after FMT, and at the time of data collection of this study.ResultsIn total, 39 patients were treated with FMT. The primary cure rate (no recurrence ≤8 weeks after one infusion with donor feces) was 82% (32 of 39 patients). Of the seven patients with recurrent CDI after FMT, four were cured by antibiotic therapy alone (fidaxomicin in three patients, metronidazole in one patient) and three by repeat FMT. Peri‐procedural complications occurred in five patients, comprising fecal regurgitation or vomiting. One patient died one week post‐FMT due to pneumonia; a causal relation with FMT could not be excluded. The follow‐up period ranged between 3 and 68 months. No long‐term side effects were reported.ConclusionsOur data underline the efficacy of FMT as treatment for recurrent CDI. Importantly, it is possible to cure post‐FMT recurrences with antibiotic therapy alone. Peri‐procedural complications do occur and should be closely monitored to help identify high‐risk patients. To minimize the risk of complications, all FMT candidates should be evaluated to assess the most ideal delivery method.