bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Pharyngoesophageal Segment After Total Laryngectomy
Authors: Arenaz Búa Beatriz , Olsson Rolf , Westin Ulla , Rydell Roland 
Published: December 2016

Objective: The aim of the present study was to characterize the pharyngoesophageal segment in laryngectomees who rated themselves as functional tracheoesophageal speakers. Methods: Voice perceptual assessment, high-resolution videomanometry of swallowing and phonation, and high-speed camera recording during phonation provided information about the anatomy and function of the pharyngoesophageal segment. Results: Fourteen patients were included in the study. The voice assessments presented high intra/inter-listener reliability. We found a significant correlation between roughness and poor voice quality, hyperfunction and poor intelligibility, and poor voice quality, long time since the operation, and old age. High-resolution videomanometry during phonation revealed decreasing mean pressures from the distal esophagus to the pharynx and confirmed low resting pressures at the pharyngoesophageal segment and low esophageal peristaltic contraction pressures after laryngectomy in comparison to normal subjects. The neoglottis shape was mainly circular and presented a strong mucosal wave in most of the patients on the high-speed camera recording. Conclusions: Perceptual voice assessment and high-speed camera recordings provided baseline information about voice characteristics and vibration regularity of the neoglottis. Additionally, the quantitative measures obtained with high-resolution videomanometry may have clinical applicability as reference data in voice rehabilitation after total laryngectomy.
Evaluating the Impact of “Old” Criminal Conviction Decision Guidelines on Subsequent Employment and Arrest Outcomes
Authors: Denver Megan 
Published: December 2016

Objectives: Redemption scholars estimate that after an average of 7-10 years pass without a new arrest or conviction, a person’s criminal record essentially loses its predictive value. This article provides the first labor market and recidivism estimates of implementing a criminal background check decision guideline based on this redemption research. Methods: The sample consists of provisionally hired job applicants in New York State’s healthcare industry with at least one prior conviction. A “10 years since last conviction” guideline situated within a highly formalized criminal background check process plausibly creates conditional random variation in clearance decisions, which allows for a regression model to estimate causal effects. Results: Individuals cleared to work because of the 10-year guideline experience meaningful improvements in employment and earnings, but not recidivism on average. However, men do experience reductions in subsequent arrests, which appears to be driven by more complex factors beyond simply time since last arrest. Conclusions: For some individuals, receiving clearance to work even a decade after their last conviction can have not only labor market benefits, but also important recidivism implications. Future research should explore the employment opportunity/recidivism trade-off in adjusting guideline threshold values and consider alternative redemption strategies.
Allele rs2010963 C of the VEGFA gene is associated with the decreased risk of primary varicose veins in ethnic Russians
Authors: Shadrina Alexandra S , Smetanina Mariya A , Sokolova Ekaterina A , Shamovskaya Darya V , Sevost‘ianova Kseniya S , Shevela Andrey I , Soldatsky Evgenii Y , Seliverstov Evgenii I , Demekhova Marina Y , Shonov Oleg A , Ilyukhin Evgeny A , Voronina Elena N , Pikalov Ilya V , Zolotukhin Igor A , Kirienko Alexander I , Filipenko Maxim L 
Published: December 2016

Objective To study the association of polymorphisms rs699947, rs2010963, rs3025039 in the VEGFA gene region and rs1870377, rs2305949, rs2071559 in the VEGFR2 gene region with the risk of primary varicose veins in ethnic Russians. Methods Genotypes were determined by real-time PCR allelic discrimination. The case group consisted of 448 patients with primary varicose veins and the control group comprised 609 individuals without a history of chronic venous disease. Association was studied by logistic regression analysis. Results Allele rs2010963 C was associated with the decreased risk of varicose veins (additive model of inheritance: odds ratio = 0.73, 95% confidence interval = 0.59–0.91, P = 0.004). Conclusions Our results provide evidence that polymorphism rs2010963 located in the 5′ untranslated region of the VEGFA gene can influence genetic susceptibility to primary varicose veins in Russians. Otherwise, it can be in linkage disequilibrium with another functional single nucleotide polymorphism that can alter the level of vascular endothelial growth factor A protein.
The Relationship Between Acute Malnutrition, Hygiene Practices, Water and Livestock, and Their Program Implications in Eastern Chad
Authors: Marshak Anastasia , Young Helen , Bontrager Elizabeth N. , Boyd Erin M. 
Published: December 2016

Background: The causes of acute malnutrition are complex and time and geography variant and need to be better understood in order to both design more effective nutrition programs and evaluate them. The findings reported here are part of an evaluation of a 4-year multisectoral nutrition program led by Concern Worldwide in the Sila Region of eastern Chad. Objective: To present evidence and learning about the relationships between acute malnutrition and potential drivers in Sila, Chad. Methods: Quantitative household-level data from a clustered randomized control trial were collected in November/December 2014. The survey was complemented with water quality testing and qualitative data collected in February and March 2013 and 2014. Results: Households who reported not regularly cleaning the container used for transporting water for household consumption were almost twice as likely to have a malnourished child. Households living in villages with larger concentrations of cattle and having more livestock sharing the same water source as for human consumption were significantly more likely to have a malnourished child. However, cleaning the water container mediated the negative impact of living in a village with a large cattle concentration on wasting. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that hygiene practices and livestock water management are correlated with acute malnutrition in Sila, Chad. These findings provide a hypothesis for a possible pathogen driving acute malnutrition rates— Cryptosporidium—as part of a complex water chain, whereby the source of infection may be mitigated by hygiene behaviors with important implications for humanitarian programs.
How Much Cerebrospinal Fluid Should We Remove Prior to Measuring a Closing Pressure?
Authors: McLaren Son H. , Monuteaux Michael C. , Delaney Atima C. , Landschaft Assaf , Kimia Amir A. 
Published: December 2016

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify a relationship between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume removal and change in CSF pressure in children with suspected idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of children 22 years and younger who underwent a lumbar puncture (LP) and had a documented opening pressure, closing pressure, and volume removed. Relationship between volume removal and pressure change was determined using a fractional polynomial regression procedure. Results: In the 297 patients who met the inclusion criteria, CSF pressure decreased by 1 cm H2O for every 0.91 mL of CSF removed if the maximum change in pressure was less than 15 cm H2O ( R2 = 0.38). Conclusion: A linear relationship exists between the volume of CSF removed and the amount of pressure relieved when the desired pressure change is less than 15 cm H2O.
An in vivo pilot study of a microporous thin film nitinol-covered stent to assess the effect of porosity and pore geometry on device interaction with the vessel wall
Authors: Chun Youngjae , Kealey Colin P , Levi Daniel S , Rigberg David A , Chen Yanfei , Tillman Bryan W , Mohanchandra KP , Shayan Mahdis , Carman Gregory P 
Published: December 2016

Sputter-deposited thin film nitinol constructs with various micropatterns were fabricated to evaluate their effect on the vessel wall in vivo when used as a covering for commercially available stents. Thin film nitinol constructs were used to cover stents and deployed in non-diseased swine arteries. Swine were sacrificed after approximately four weeks and the thin film nitinol-covered stents were removed for histopathologic evaluation. Histopathology revealed differences in neointimal thickness that correlated with the thin film nitinol micropattern. Devices covered with thin film nitinol with a lateral × vertical length = 20 × 40 µm diamond pattern had minimal neointimal growth with well-organized cell architecture and little evidence of ongoing inflammation. Devices covered with thin film nitinol with smaller fenestrations exhibited a relatively thick neointimal layer with inflammation and larger fenestrations showed migration of inflammatory and smooth muscle cells through the micro fenestrations. This “proof-of-concept” study suggests that there may be an ideal thin film nitinol porosity and pore geometry to encourage endothelialization and incorporation of the device into the vessel wall. Future work will be needed to determine the optimal pore size and geometry to minimize neointimal proliferation and in-stent stenosis.
Possible role for glomerular-derived angiotensinogen in nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Yamazaki Mihoko , Fukusumi Yoshiyasu , Kayaba Mutsumi , Kitazawa Yukina , Takamura Sayuri , Narita Ichiei , Kawachi Hiroshi 
Published: December 2016

Background and objective: Renin–angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors reduce glomerular injury and proteinuria, indicating that angiotensin II (Ang II) is involved in glomerular diseases. Although the local RAS is reported to play an essential role in maintaining local tissue functions, the role of the local RAS in regulating glomerular function is not well evaluated. In this study, we analyzed the glomerular expression of RAS components in nephrotic models and the effect of Ang II receptor blockers (ARB) on the expression of angiotensinogen (AGT). Methods: The levels of glomerular expression of RAS components were analyzed in two nephrotic models: anti-nephrin antibody-induced nephropathy and PAN nephropathy, a mimic of human minimal change nephrotic syndrome. The effect of the ARB irbesartan on the expression of AGT in the nephrotic model was analyzed. Results: Glomerular expression of AGT and the receptors for Ang II was clearly increased in the nephrotic models, while the expression levels of renin, ACE and ACE2 were decreased. ARB treatment suppressed the increase of glomerular expression of AGT in the nephrotic model. Conclusion: It is conceivable that the promoted local RAS action participated in the glomerular dysfunction, and that ARB treatment ameliorated slit diaphragm injury by inhibiting the positive feedback loop of the activated local Ang II action.
Effect of losartan combined with amlodipine or with a thiazide on uric acid levels in hypertensive patients
Authors: Rubio-Guerra Alberto F. , Garro-Almendaro Ana K. , Elizalde-Barrera Cesar I. , Suarez-Cuenca Juan A. , Duran-Salgado Montserrat B. 
Published: December 2016

Hyperuricemia leads to endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance, and has been associated with diseases such as hypertension. Antihypertensive drugs modify serum uric acid levels, however, few data are available about their combinations on uricemia. In this study we evaluate the effect of two combinations of losartan, with amlodipine or with hydrochlorothiazide, on serum uric acid levels in hypertensive patients. Methods: A total of 60 hypertensive patients were randomized in two groups; group LA received losartan/amlodipine (100/5 mg) once a day, whereas LH group received losartan hydrochlorothiazide (100/12.5 mg) once a day for 3 months. In both groups serum uric acid levels were measured at the beginning and end of the study. Patients were evaluated monthly for blood pressure (BP) and adverse events. Statistical analysis was performed with a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures. Results: All patients experienced a significant reduction of BP to the same extent (LA 155/94 to 123/79, LH 157/92 to 124/78 mmHg, p > 0.05). In the LA group, serum uric acid decreased from 6.5 ± 1.6 to 4.6 ± 1.3 mg/ml ( p = 0.0001), whereas in the LH group there was a nonsignificant increase from 5.82 ± 1.4 to 5.85 ± 1.5 mg/ml, ( p = 0.936). When both groups were compared, we found a significant reduction ( p < 0.00013) on serum uric acid levels in the LA group. Conclusions: Both combinations decrease BP values to the same extent, however, LA combination showed a reduction on serum uric acid levels, which may contribute to a reduction in the metabolic risk in hypertensive patients.
Comparative Evaluation of Triphala and Ela Decoction With 0.2% Chlorhexidine as Mouthwash in the Treatment of Plaque-Induced Gingivitis and Halitosis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Mamgain Pratibha , Kandwal Abhishek , Mamgain Ravindra K. 
Published: December 2016

Present study evaluates efficacy of Trifala and Ela as plaque controlling agent and compares it with chlorhexidine. Aim. To evaluate Antigingivitis, Antiplaque and Antihalitosis effect of Triphala and Ela decoction. A randomized sample of 60 patients with plaque induced gingivitis was enrolled and equally divided into two groups group A and group B. Group A was given Trifala and Ela decoction and Group B Chlorehexidine mouthwash for 21 days twice daily. Gingival inflammation index, plaque index and Organoleptic scoring scale was recorded at baseline, 14th day and 21st day. Comparing the plaque index for Group A with group B the reduction in from baseline to 14 day was 42.59 % and 38.62% respectively while from baseline to 21 day was 56.20% and 68.57% respectively. On comparing Gingival index for group A with group B the reduction from baseline to 14 day was 31.95% and 38.62 % respectively while from baseline to 21 day was 69.95 % and 68.57% respectively. Halitosis Percentage reduction at 14th day from base line was 33.33% and 38.18%; at 21 day from baseline 66.66% and 72.72% respectively for group A and group B. No statistical significant difference for intergroup comparison was found using paired t test. Intra group analysis using unpaired t test was significant for all the indices at different time intervals. Triphala and Ela decoction is organic, easy to prepare economical and equally effective as compared to chlorhexidine mouthwash.
Trametinib after disease reactivation under dabrafenib in Erdheim-Chester disease with both BRAF and KRAS mutations
Authors: Nordmann Thierry M. , Juengling Freimut D. , Recher Mike , Berger Christoph T. , Kalbermatten Daniel , Wicki Andreas , Paasinen-Sohns Aino , Cathomas Gieri , Tzankov Alexandar , Daikeler Thomas 
Published: December 2016

Key Points
Development of treatment resistance through further somatic mutations may occur in Erdheim-Chester disease during BRAF inhibition. Combinatorial BRAF/MEK inhibition may be beneficial in treatment-resistant ECD harboring a BRAFV600E and further MAPK-activating mutations.
High glucose suppresses embryonic stem cell differentiation into cardiomyocytes
Authors: Yang Penghua , Chen Xi , Kaushal Sunjay , Reece E. Albert , Yang Peixin 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackgroundBabies born to mothers with pregestational diabetes have a high risk for congenital heart defects (CHD). Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are excellent in vitro models for studying the effect of high glucose on cardiac lineage specification because ESCs can be differentiated into cardiomyocytes. ESC maintenance and differentiation are currently performed under high glucose conditions, whose adverse effects have never been clarified.MethodWe investigated the effect of high glucose on cardiomyocyte differentiation from a well-characterized ESC line, E14, derived from mouse blastocysts. E14 cells maintained under high glucose (25 mM) failed to generate any beating cardiomyocytes using the hanging-drop embryonic body method. We created a glucose-responsive E14 cell line (GR-E14) through a graduated low glucose adaptation. The expression of stem cell markers was similar in the parent E14 cells and the GR-E14 cells.ResultsGlucose transporter 2 gene was increased in GR-E14 cells. When GR-E14 cells were differentiated into cardiomyocytes under low (5 mM) or high (25 mM) glucose conditions, high glucose significantly delayed the appearance and reduced the number of TNNT2 (Troponin T Type 2)-positive contracting cardiomyocytes. High glucose suppressed the expression of precardiac mesoderm markers, cardiac transcription factors, mature cardiomyocyte markers, and potassium channel proteins. High glucose impaired the functionality of ESC-derived cardiomyocytes by suppressing the frequencies of Ca2+wave and contraction.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that high glucose inhibits ESC cardiogenesis by suppressing key developmental genes essential for the cardiac program.
Envelope of a Family of Curves
Authors: Гирш  , Girsh A. 
Published: December 2016

A one-parameter family of algebraic curves has an
envelope line, which may be imaginary in certain cases. Jakob
Steiner was right, considering the imaginary images as creation of
analysis. In the analysis a real number is just a part of a complex
number and in certain conditions the initial real values can give an
imaginary result. But Steiner was wrong in denying the imaginary
images in geometry. The geometry, in contrast to the single analytical
space exists in several spaces: Euclidean geometry operates
only on real figures valid and does not contain imaginary figures
by definition; pseudo-Euclidean geometry operates on imaginary
images and constructs their images, taking into account its own
features. Geometric space is complex and each geometric object in
it is the complex one, consisting of the real figure (core) having the
&#34;aura&#34; of an imaginary extension. Thus, any analytical figure of the
plane is present at every point of the plane or by its real part or by
its imaginary extension. Would the figure’s imaginary extension be
visible or not depends on the visualization method, whether the
image has been assumed on superimposed epures – the Euclideanpseudo-Euclidean
plane, or the image has been traditionally assumed
only in the Euclidean plane. In this paper are discussed cases when
a family of algebraic curves has an envelope, and is given an answer
to a question what means cases of complete or partial absence of
the envelope for the one-parameter family of curves. Casts some
doubt on widely known categorical st
Test Tasks on Bases of 3D-Modelling
Authors: Большаков  , Bolshakov V. , Чагина  , Chagina A. 
Published: December 2016

At the beginning of this paper a short review of known
geometric and graphic tests has been presented, and a practical lack of
test tasks on computer graphics tools application for geometrical simulation
problems solution has been emphasized. The test tasks directed
to assessment the level of intellectual abilities related to the optimum
choice of solid-state simulation tools for creation and editing products’
parametrical sketches and models in the KOMPAS-3D system are offered.
The content of the developed test tasks is based on analysis of 3D
simulation’s stages within which novice users allow maximum number
of wrong or far from optimum actions. In the test task on rational construction
of parametrical sketches it is necessary to choose commands
from the submitted lists for creation of the shown sketches. Tasks on
solid-state simulation for details are based on the analysis of a form of
fifteen models shown in axonometric projections. It is offered to optimize
simulation procedures and to specify a minimum number of forming
operations for creation of shown details models. Tasks on solid-state
models editing show a multivariance of procedures for models creation
and editing; these tasks have been directed to the rational choice for the
minimum number of the forming operations for models modification.
In a task on kinds insert in an associative drawing it is offered to make
for the details shown in axonometry a right choice on number and
content of necessary images in the associative drawing. In a test task on
solid-state simulation for two-component assembly units is required to
choose from a presented set of separate components the ones which are
necessary for subsequent mental conjunction by executing the command
“components’ side coincidence”.
Tests, scans and investigations, 5. Total cholesterol
Authors: Peate Ian 
Published: December 2016

Within the sphere of healthcare provision, there are many different types of blood test available that strive to monitor the patient, or help make a diagnosis. The total cholesterol test, however, serves to make an estimate of how likely a person is at risk of developing a disease (heart disease). This article provides the healthcare assistant (HCA) and assistant practitioner (AP) with information that will help them to understand the procedure and in so doing promote positive patient outcomes. The article also discusses heart disease (atherosclerosis) and the risk factors associated with the development of heart disease. When the HCA or AP understands these issues, then the important activity of preventative health care will be more effective in having an impact on the patient's overall health and wellbeing.
Surgical wound pain: a trial of two treatments
Authors: Briggs M. 
Published: December 2016

In order to compare postoperative incisional pain intensity, a prospective randomised controlled trial was conducted with two patient groups: a treatment group (treated with a film dressing left intact until suture removal) and a control group (treated with the existing wound-care protocol of a dry dressing removed after 48 hours).Patient-controlled analgesia consumption and infection rates in the two groups were also compared. A sample of 30 patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy was selected. Incisional wound pain, measured using a visual analogue scale (at rest, on movement and a 24-hour average) and the McGill Pain Questionnaire were recorded daily until discharge (four days).The pain scores were not significantly different between the groups on Days 1 or 2 postoperatively. However, on Day 3 (when the wounds in the dry dressing group were exposed), there was a statistically significant difference in 24-hour average pain. Those whose wounds were covered with the film dressing experienced less pain and requested fewer non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on Day 3.Maintaining a cover over a surgical wound until suture removal appears to promote pain relief when compared to exposing wounds to the air. A film dressing was useful in this respect as it allowed inspection of the wound without removing the dressing.
From the Journals
Authors: Booth B. , Finnie Alison , Plassmann P. , Nelson E.A. , Hofman Deborah , Culley Fiona , Lewis Brynda K. 
Published: December 2016

PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS AND LEG ULCER HEALING IN OLDER PATIENTSM THE USE OF NON-ADHERENT DRESSINGS IN SKIN-GRAFT MANAGEMENT VIDEO TECHNIQUE FOR MEASURING WOUND SIZE COMPRESSION HOSIERY AND VENOUS LEG ULCERS VENOUS LEG ULCERS AND QUALITY OF LIFE PRESSURE SORE GRADING SCALES AND INTER-RATER RELIABILITY VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS AND DIETARY INTAKE IN OLDER PEOPLE