bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Severe Polyethylene Wear Requiring Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty in Three Dogs
Authors: Nesser Valerie E. , Kowaleski Michael P. , Boudrieau Randy J. 
Published: June 2016

ObjectiveTo describe the occurrence of severe polyethylene wear of the acetabular component in 3 dogs that ultimately led to implant failure, and to report the outcome of revision of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in these cases.Study DesignCase reportAnimalsDogs (n=3).ResultsThree dogs with hip dysplasia underwent routine THA before 2 years of age. All dogs became acutely lame 4–5 years after THA. Radiographs revealed acetabular cup wear in all cases, shell fragmentation in 2 cases, and additional stem failure in 1 case. All dogs underwent successful revision surgery, during which severe polyethylene wear and metallosis was observed. Revision surgery provided an excellent clinical outcome in all dogs from 10 months to 4 years post revision.ConclusionPolyethylene wear and implant failure may be a significant long‐term complication of THA not previously recognized, which may be especially true when placed at an early age in a large breed, active dog, or in a dog with significant morbidity associated with other limbs. A successful revision was achieved in all 3 dogs. Additional investigation is warranted to document the risk factors associated with severe polyethylene wear in canine THA.
Voltage‐gated calcium channels and their auxiliary subunits: physiology and pathophysiology and pharmacology
Authors: Dolphin Annette C. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractVoltage‐gated calcium channels are essential players in many physiological processes in excitable cells. There are three main subdivisions of calcium channel, defined by the pore‐forming α1 subunit, the CaV1, CaV2 and CaV3 channels. For all the subtypes of voltage‐gated calcium channel, their gating properties are key for the precise control of neurotransmitter release, muscle contraction and cell excitability, among many other processes. For the CaV1 and CaV2 channels, their ability to reach their required destinations in the cell membrane, their activation and the fine tuning of their biophysical properties are all dramatically influenced by the auxiliary subunits that associate with them. Furthermore, there are many diseases, both genetic and acquired, involving voltage‐gated calcium channels. This review will provide a general introduction and then concentrate particularly on the role of auxiliary α2δ subunits in both physiological and pathological processes involving calcium channels, and as a therapeutic target.
image
Methodology for a Partly Automated Parameter Identification for the Validation of Multi-Domain Models
Authors: Kruse D. , Schweers C. , Trächtler A. 
Published: June 2016

The paper presents a methodology for a partly automated parameter identification that is to validate multi-domain models. To this end an identification tool under MATLAB has been developed. It enables a partly automated procedure that uses established methods to identify parameters from complex, nonlinear multi-domain models. In order to integrate such multi-domain models into the tool, an interface based on the Functional Mock-up Interface (FMI) standard can be used. The interface makes the required identification parameters from the multi-domain model automatically available to the identification tool. Additionally a guideline is developed which describes the way in which the respective domain expert has to mark the required identification parameters during modeling.
The needs for this methodology as well as its application are shown by a practical example from the industry, using Dymola, the FMI-standard, and MATLAB. The practical example deals with the model-based development of a new washing procedure. The paper presents a partly automated parameter identification for the validation of the absorption part of the multi-domain model. Besides, new approaches to the modelling of this kind of absorption effects will be detailed.
Analysis on the Three-Dimensional Wire Orientation of ‘Kana-Ami’ Metal Network Between Expert and Non-Expert
Authors: Zelong Wang , Tsuji Ken-ichi , Tsuji Toru , Goto Akihiko , Takai Yuka , Yang Yuqiu , Hamada Hiroyuki 
Published: June 2016

As well known, Kyoto has been the capital city of Japan for one thousand years. The long ancient culture brings out a serious of traditional craft products, such as ‘Kana-ami’ — a kind of metal wire network. ‘Kana-ami’ was all made by hand work, for this reason there was no industrial pollution produced during the manufacturing process. In other words, ‘Kana-ami’ is a kind of green manufacturing product, and its processing motion and working experience make a big effect on final products’ quality. Product’s quality was judged by the standard structure of ‘Kana-ami’, which was established after a long period of history and culture accumulation. That aesthetical standard has already been consistently rooted into Japanese peoples’ heart deeply. Dated back to around 50 years, there were about 30 handmade wire net shops in Kyoto. However, it has decreased dramatic until 7 shops now. Therefore, it is urgent time to pay attention to this severe reality and try to do something to keep this traditional culture wealth and continue green manufacturing technique and skill to the next generation.
In this study, the expert and non-expert were employed as the target investigated subject from ‘Kanaami Tsuji’ workshop. Investigated subjects were required to fabricate a Kana-ami product, which was investigated by 3D motion capture during product’s fabrication. The structural features of final products by expert and non-expert were illustrated and compared by the numerical analysis. The moment of scoop tofu was recorded by high-speed camera in order to clarify the small differences on product performance. In a word, the great effort is to reduce the final products impact to the surface of tofu.
Treatment beliefs, health behaviors and their association with treatment outcome in type 2 diabetes
Authors: von Arx Lill-Brith Wium , Gydesen Helge , Skovlund Søren 
Published: June 2016

ObjectiveWhile the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is growing, it is increasingly well recognized that treatment outcomes in primary care practice are often suboptimal. The aim of this study is to examine the extent to which treatment beliefs and health behaviors predict diabetes health outcome as measured by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, blood pressure, and lipid profile.Research design and methodsThis was a large-scale cross-sectional, registry-based study involving a well-defined type 2 diabetes population, in the county of Funen, Denmark. Registry data were combined with a 27-item self-reported survey administered to all insulin-treated people in the registry (n=3160). The survey was constructed to operationalize key concepts of diabetes management, diabetes treatment beliefs, and health behaviors.ResultsIn total, 1033 respondents answered the survey. The majority of treatment beliefs and health behaviors examined were predictors of glycemic control and, to a large extent, lipid profile. Absence from, or a low frequency of, self-measured blood glucose, non-adherence to general medical advice and the prescribed treatment, a low primary care utilization, and perceived low treatment efficacy were factors positively associated with HbA1clevels, s-cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein. Conversely, infrequent self-measured blood glucose was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of having a blood pressure below 130/80 mm Hg. Perceived low treatment efficacy was the only health belief associated with poorer levels of health outcome other than HbA1c.ConclusionsHealth behaviors were stronger predictors for health outcomes than treatment beliefs. Self-reported adherence to either the treatment regimen or general medical advice most consistently predicted both glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors.
Stages of change for physical activity and dietary habits in persons with type 2 diabetes included in a mobile health intervention: the Norwegian study in RENEWING HEALTH
Authors: Holmen Heidi , Wahl Astrid , Torbjørnsen Astrid , Jenum Anne Karen , Småstuen Milada Cvancarova , Ribu Lis 
Published: June 2016

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate stages of change for physical activity and dietary habits using baseline data from persons with type 2 diabetes included in a mobile health intervention. We examined the associations between stages of change for physical activity change and dietary change, and between stages of change for each behavior and individual characteristics, health-related quality of life, self-management, depressive symptoms, and lifestyle.Research design and methodsWe examined 151 persons with type 2 diabetes with an glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level ≥7.1%, aged ≥18 years at baseline of a randomized controlled trial, before testing a mobile app with or without health counseling. Stages of change were dichotomized into ‘pre-action’ and ‘action’. Self-management was measured using the Health Education Impact Questionnaire (heiQ) where a higher score reflects increased self-management, and health-related quality of life was measured with the Short-Form-36 (SF-36). Logistic regression modeling was performed.ResultsThe median HbA1c level was 7.9% (7.1–12.4), 90% were overweight or obese, and 20% had ≥3 comorbidities. 58% were in the preaction stage for physical activity change and 79% in the preaction stage for dietary change. Higher scores of self-management were associated with an increased chance of being in the action stage for both dietary change and physical activity change. Higher body mass index was associated with an 8% reduced chance of being in the action stage for physical activity change (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.86 to 0.99).ConclusionsBeing in the action stage was associated with higher scores of self-management, crucial for type 2 diabetes. Over half of the participants were in the preaction stage for physical activity and dietary change, and many had a high disease burden with comorbidities and overweight.Trial registration numberNCT01315756.
Access to the NHS by telephone and Internet during an influenza pandemic: an observational study
Authors: Rutter Paul , Mytton Oliver , Ellis Benjamin , Donaldson Liam 
Published: June 2016

ObjectivesTo examine use of a novel telephone and Internet service—the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS)—by the population of England during the 2009–2010 influenza pandemic.SettingNational telephone and Internet-based service.ParticipantsService available to population of England (n=51.8 million).Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrimary: service use rate, by week. Numbers and age-specific and sex-specific rates of population who: accessed service; were authorised to collect antiviral medication; collected antiviral medication; were advised to seek further face-to-face assessment. Secondary: daily mean contacts by hour; proportion using service by telephone/Internet.ResultsThe NPFS was activated on 23 July 2009, operated for 204 days and assessed 2.7 million patients (5200 consultations/100 000 population). This was six times the number of people who consulted their general practitioner with influenza-like illness during the same period (823 consultations/100 000 population, rate ratio (RR)=6.30, 95% CI 6.28 to 6.32). Women used the service more than men (52.6 vs 43.4 assessments/1000 population, RR1 21, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.22). Among adults, use of the service declined with age (16–29 years: 74.4 vs 65 years+: 9.9 assessments/1000 population (RR 7.46 95% CI 7.41 to 7.52). Almost three-quarters of those assessed met the criteria to receive antiviral medication (1 807 866/2 488 510; 72.6%). Most of the people subsequently collected this medication, although more than one-third did not (n=646 709; 35.8%). Just over one-third of those assessed were advised to seek further face-to-face assessment with a practitioner (951 332/2 488 504; 38.2%).ConclusionsThis innovative healthcare service operated at large scale and achieved its aim of relieving considerable pressure from mainstream health services, while providing appropriate initial assessment and management for patients. This offers proof-of-concept for such a service that, with further refinement, England can use in future pandemics. Other countries may wish to adopt a similar system as part of their pandemic emergency planning.
Systematic review of the cost-effectiveness of implementing guidelines on low back pain management in primary care: is transferability to other countries possible?
Authors: Jensen Cathrine Elgaard , Jensen Martin Bach , Riis Allan , Petersen Karin Dam 
Published: June 2016

ObjectiveThe primary aim is to identify, summarise and quality assess the available literature on the cost-effectiveness of implementing low back pain guidelines in primary care. The secondary aim is to assess the transferability of the results to determine whether the identified studies can be included in a comparison with a Danish implementation study to establish which strategy procures most value for money.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesThe search was conducted in Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, NHS Economic Evaluation Database, Scopus, CINAHL and EconLit. No restrictions were made concerning language, year of publication or publication type. The bibliographies of the included studies were searched for any studies not captured in the literature search.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesTo be included, a study must be: (1) based on a randomised controlled trial comparing implementation strategies, (2) the guideline must concern treatment of low back pain in primary care and (3) the economic evaluation should contain primary data on cost and cost-effectiveness.ResultsThe title and abstract were assessed for 308 studies; of these, three studies were found eligible for inclusion. The Consensus Health Economic Criteria (CHEC) list showed that the 3 studies were of moderate methodological quality while application of Welte's model showed that cost results from two studies could, with adjustments, be transferred to a Danish setting. It was questionable whether the associated effects could be transferred.ConclusionsDespite the resemblance of the implementation strategies, the 3 studies report conflicting results on cost-effectiveness. This review showed that transferring the results from the identified studies is not straightforward and underlines the importance of transparent reporting. Future research should focus on transferability of effects, for example, development of a supplement to Welte's model.
β-Blockers for the prevention of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (βLOCK COPD): a randomised controlled study protocol
Authors: Bhatt Surya P , Connett John E , Voelker Helen , Lindberg Sarah M , Westfall Elizabeth , Wells J Michael , Lazarus Stephen C , Criner Gerard J , Dransfield Mark T 
Published: June 2016

IntroductionA substantial majority of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-related morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs are due to acute exacerbations, but existing medications have only a modest effect on reducing their frequency, even when used in combination. Observational studies suggest β-blockers may reduce the risk of COPD exacerbations; thus, we will conduct a randomised, placebo-controlled trial to definitively assess the impact of metoprolol succinate on the rate of COPD exacerbations.Methods and analysesThis is a multicentre, placebo-controlled, double-blind, prospective randomised trial that will enrol 1028 patients with at least moderately severe COPD over a 3-year period. Participants with at least moderate COPD will be randomised in a 1:1 fashion to receive metoprolol or placebo; the cohort will be enriched for patients at high risk for exacerbations. Patients will be screened and then randomised over a 2-week period and will then undergo a dose titration period for the following 6 weeks. Thereafter, patients will be followed for 42 additional weeks on their target dose of metoprolol or placebo followed by a 4-week washout period. The primary end point is time to first occurrence of an acute exacerbation during the treatment period. Secondary end points include rates and severity of COPD exacerbations; rate of major cardiovascular events; all-cause mortality; lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)); dyspnoea; quality of life; exercise capacity; markers of cardiac stretch (pro-NT brain natriuretic peptide) and systemic inflammation (high-sensitivity C reactive protein and fibrinogen). Analyses will be performed on an intent-to-treat basis.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol has been approved by the Department of Defense Human Protection Research Office and will be approved by the institutional review board of all participating centres. Study findings will be disseminated through presentations at national and international conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberNCT02587351; Pre-results.
Plasma brain natriuretic peptide concentrations in patients with valvular heart disease
Authors: Sharma Vishal , Stewart Ralph A , Lee Mildred , Gabriel Ruvin , Van Pelt Niels , Newby David E , Kerr Andrew J 
Published: June 2016

ObjectivePlasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations predict prognosis in patients with valvular heart disease (VHD), but it is unclear whether this directly relates to disease severity. We assessed the relationship between BNP and echocardiographic measures of disease severity in patients with VHD.MethodsPlasma BNP concentrations were measured in patients with normal left ventricular (LV) systolic function and isolated VHD (mitral regurgitation (MR), n=33; aortic regurgitation (AR), n=39; aortic stenosis (AS), n=34; mitral stenosis (MS), n=30), and age-matched and sex-matched controls (n=39) immediately prior to exercise stress echocardiography.ResultsCompared with controls, patients with VHD had elevated plasma BNP concentrations (MR median 35 (IQR 23–52), AR 34 (22–45), AS 31 (22–60), MS 58 (34–90); controls 24 (16–33) pg/mL; p<0.01 for all). LV end diastolic volume index varied by valve lesion; (MR (mean 77±14), AR (91±28), AS (50±17), MS (43±11), controls (52±13) mL/m2; p<0.0001). There were no associations between LV volume and BNP. Left atrial (LA) area index varied (MR (18±4 cm2/m2), AR (12±2), AS (11±3), MS (19±6), controls (11±2); p<0.0001), but correlated with plasma BNP concentrations: MR (r=0.42, p=0.02), MS (r=0.86, p<0.0001), AR (r=0.53, p=0.001), AS (r=0.52, p=0.002). Higher plasma BNP concentrations were associated with increased pulmonary artery pressure and reduced exercise capacity. Despite adverse cardiac remodelling, 81 (60%) patients had a BNP concentration within the normal range.ConclusionsDespite LV remodelling, plasma BNP concentrations are often normal in patients with VHD. Conversely, mild elevations of BNP occur with LA dilatation in the presence of normal LV. Plasma BNP concentrations should be interpreted with caution when assessing patients with VHD.
Physical exercise and quantitative lower limb collateral function
Authors: Stoller Michael , Stoller David , Seiler Christian 
Published: June 2016

ObjectiveThis study tested the hypothesis that global physical activity and physical performance parameters are directly related to invasively obtained left superficial femoral artery (SFA) collateral flow index (CFI).BackgroundSo far, the association between different measures of physical exercise activity and quantitative lower limb collateral function has not been investigated.MethodsThe primary study end point was pressure-derived CFI as obtained during a 3 min left SFA balloon occlusion. CFI is the ratio of simultaneously recorded mean SFA distal occlusive pressure divided by mean aortic pressure, both subtracted by central venous pressure. As independent variables, the items of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and physical exercise performance (maximal workload in watts) as achieved during a bicycle or treadmill exercise test were determined. The secondary study end point was transcutaneous left calf partial oxygen pressure (PO2in mm Hg) divided by transcutaneous PO2at a non-ischaemic reference site as obtained simultaneously to CFI measurement.ResultsOf the 110 study patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography, 79 belonged to the group without and 31 with engagement in regular intensive leisure time physical activity according to GPAQ. Left SFA CFI tended to be lower in the group without than with intensive leisure time physical activity: 0.514 ±0.141 vs 0.560 ±0.184 (p =0.0566). Transcutaneous PO2index was associated with simultaneous left SFA CFI: CFI =018 +0.57 PO2index; p<0.0001. Maximal physical workload was directly associated with left SFA CFI: CFI =0.40 +0.0009 maximal workload; p =0.0044.ConclusionsQuantitative left SFA collateral function is directly reflected by maximal physical workload as achieved during an exercise test.Trial registration numberNCTO02063347.
Gender-specific secondary prevention? Differential psychosocial risk factors for major cardiovascular events
Authors: Kure Christina E , Chan Yih-Kai , Ski Chantal F , Thompson David R , Carrington Melinda J , Stewart Simon 
Published: June 2016

ObjectiveTo explore the psychosocial determinants and interhospital variability on a major acute cardiovascular event (MACE), during follow-up of a multicenter cohort of patients hospitalised with heart disease, participating in a nurse-led secondary prevention programme.MethodsOutcome data were retrospectively analysed from 602 cardiac inpatients randomised to postdischarge standard care (n=296), or home-based intervention (n=306), with prolonged follow-up of individualised multidisciplinary support. Baseline psychosocial profiling comprised depressive status, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), social isolation and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Multivariate analyses examined the independent correlates of a composite 2-year MACE rate of all-cause mortality and unplanned cardiovascular-related hospitalisation, according to gender.ResultsParticipants were aged 70±10 years, 431 (72%) were men and 377 (63%) had coronary artery disease. During 2-year follow-up, 165 (27%) participants (114 men, 51 women; p=0.431) experienced a MACE. Independent correlates of a MACE in men were depressive status (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.06 to 3.58; p=0.032), low physical HRQoL (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.00; p=0.027) and increasing comorbidity (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.25; p=0.004). In women, age (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.12; p=0.008), MCI (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.09 to 5.18; p=0.029) and hospital site predicted a MACE (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.09 to 4.93; p=0.029).ConclusionsPsychological determinants, cognitive impairment and responses to secondary prevention are different for men and women with heart disease and appear to modulate cardiovascular-specific outcomes. Early detection of psychosocial factors through routine screening and gender-specific secondary prevention is encouraged.Trial registration number12608000014358.