bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CARDIOEMBOLIC STROKE IN LATVIA: PREVENTION AND LONG-TERM OUTCOME
Authors: Pucite Elina , Jurjāns Kristaps , Miglāne Evija , Luriņa Baiba , Kalējs Oskars , Millers Andrejs , Priede Zanda 
Published: October 2016

INTRODUCTION: Untreated non-valvular atrial fibrillation is one of major causes of stroke. The goal of the study was to evaluate the use of antithrombotic medication stroke prevention and assess long-term stroke outcome.METHODS: This study involved 531 cardio embolic stroke patients of the Paul’s Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia, in 2014. After discharge the patients or their relatives were interviewed by phone after 30, 90, 180, and 365 days. Standardized questions were asked about the patients’ abilities and use of prescribed secondary prevention medication. The results were compared between patient groups, assigned according to prescribed medications.RESULTS: Of all the patients included in the study, 8.9% were using oral anticoagulants before stroke onset. One year after discharge, 1.44% of patients were not using any preventive medication, 23.56% were using antiplatelet agents, 43.27% warfarin, and 31.73% target-specific oral anticoagulants. The one-year mortality rate was 40.7%. The mortality rate was significantly higher in the patient group using no secondary preventive medication or antiplatelet agents compared to the patient group that used oral anticoagulants.CONCLUSION: Cardio embolic stroke primary and secondary prevention in Latvia is lacking. The study outcomes suggest that action is needed to increase the use of oral anticoagulants in primary stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. Poor function outcomes, dementia, and patients’ incompliance limits the use of oral anticoagulants in secondary prevention.
A CASE REPORT: PKP2 GENE C.1592T>G VARIATION IN HOMOZYGOUS FORM IDENTIFIED IN ARRHYTHMOGENIC RIGHT VENTRICULAR DYSPLASIA PATIENT
Authors: Bidina Luize , Kupics Kaspars , Sokolova Emma , Pavlovic Mihails , Dobele Zane , Piekuse Linda , Kalejs Oskars 
Published: October 2016

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) is an inherited cardiomyopathy. Early recognition and follow up of this disease can reduce sudden cardiac death burden. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia is usually inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. We report a case of a young woman aged 26 years with a past history of chest pain and palpitations. During examination, abnormalities were found in results of an electrocardiogram and echocardiography. Genetic testing of the plakophilin 2 (PKP2) gene was done by direct sequencing and genetic variation “NG_009000.1: c.1592T>G” was found in a homozygote form. In family member screening in patients, parents’ variation is found in a heterozygote form, where both are healthy. In all reports, “c.1592T>G” is reported only in a heterozygous state, with no known pathogenicity. We consider that this is possibly a pathogenic mutation, inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.
PROMOTION HEALTH – EVALUATION OF THE LOCUS OF CONTROL OVER HEALTH
Authors: Novysedláková Mária , Kozáková Marta , Hudáková Zuzana , Cetlová Lada 
Published: October 2016

Health is a basic prerequisite for the existence and operation of values. Health care enables people to protect or restore health throughout their lives, from birth to death, in accordance with applicable legislation. This paper aims to identify the importance of assessing a locus of control over health using the scale measuring tool, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHCL). In total, 100 respondents participated in the survey, with an average age of 42 years. Statistical analyses were performed using Statistica, version 2007, with significance level of 0.05. Correlations of MHLC and attitudes toward preventive actions showed statistically significant results with readiness to quit smoking. People with high IHLC scores were more willing to stop smoking, change their diet, and reduce body weight. Our assumption in this research was that individuals who believed in internal control of health had a more positive effect regarding preventive actions.
COLLABORATION MODEL FOR ASEAN UNIVERSITY NETWORK: A CASE STUDY OF PHRANAKHON RAJABHAT UNIVERSITY AND NETWORKING UNIVERSITIES IN ASEAN COUNTRIES
Authors: Kalawong Suebwong 
Published: October 2016

One prominent strategy of the university network of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is to promote collaboration between the ASEAN universities. Although there are Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) among Asian Universities, the number of collaborative actions are considered extremely low. More than 10 years, PNRU implement on collaboration policy with other ASEAN’s universities. The processes and obstructions of the collaboration between universities in ASEAN were studied by the researcher. This study showed present situation of PNRU and other ASEAN’s universities collaboration. Therefore, the collaboration model between universities in ASEAN was established. The findings revealed that PNRU pursued collaborative activities covering only student and personnel exchange programs. The collaboration obstacles were: 1) policies and goals, 2) implementation plans, 3) university bureaucracy, and 4) language proficiency. A model for university collaboration comprised collaboration processes and principles. A collaboration model for the ASEAN university network involves clear goals, financial and resource support, implementation planning, and raising awareness of participants for collaboration.
CARBOHYDRATE CONTENT IN BULGARIAN AND TURKISH CAROB PODS AND THEIR PRODUCTS
Authors: Fidan Hafize , Petkova Nadezhda , Sapoundzhieva Tana , Abanoz Engin Isik 
Published: October 2016

Carob, Ceratonia siliqua, is cultivated for ornamental and industrial purposes in many Mediterranean countries. This study assessed carob pulp and syrup, a rich source of carbohydrates and sugars, by evaluating content of reducing sugars and total sugars in carob pulp before extraction of syrups. We identified the sugar content before and after treatment by using thin-layer (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography with refractive index detection (HPLC-RID). It was established that total sugars increased with extraction and heat treatment. Sucrose (34.2 g/100 g dry weight; dw), glucose (11.1 g/100 g dw) and fructose (6.5 g/100 g dw) were the major sugars identified and quantified in pulp of the Turkish carob. Ceratonia siliqua pods of Turkish origin produced higher levels of total and of reducing sugars (fructose and sucrose) than did the pods from Bulgaria. The carbohydrate content in the syrup prepared from Turkish carob pods was highest, with the sucrose content especially reaching up to 45 g/100 g dw. The data are discussed in terms of nutritional and energy value of the carob pod. The carob and obtained products (flour or syrup) are identified as highly caloric and as a prospective energy source alternative to cocoa and its products.
Biomechanical analysis of the effect of congruence, depth and radius on the stability ratio of a simplistic ‘ball-and-socket’ joint model
Authors: Ernstbrunner L. , Werthel J-D. , Hatta T. , Thoreson A. R. , Resch H. , An K-N. , Moroder P. 
Published: October 2016

ObjectivesThe bony shoulder stability ratio (BSSR) allows for quantification of the bony stabilisers in vivo. We aimed to biomechanically validate the BSSR, determine whether joint incongruence affects the stability ratio (SR) of a shoulder model, and determine the correct parameters (glenoid concavity versus humeral head radius) for calculation of the BSSR in vivo.MethodsFour polyethylene balls (radii: 19.1 mm to 38.1 mm) were used to mould four fitting sockets in four different depths (3.2 mm to 19.1mm). The SR was measured in biomechanical congruent and incongruent experimental series. The experimental SR of a congruent system was compared with the calculated SR based on the BSSR approach. Differences in SR between congruent and incongruent experimental conditions were quantified. Finally, the experimental SR was compared with either calculated SR based on the socket concavity or plastic ball radius.ResultsThe experimental SR is comparable with the calculated SR (mean difference 10%, sd 8%; relative values). The experimental incongruence study observed almost no differences (2%, sd 2%). The calculated SR on the basis of the socket concavity radius is superior in predicting the experimental SR (mean difference 10%, sd 9%) compared with the calculated SR based on the plastic ball radius (mean difference 42%, sd 55%).ConclusionThe present biomechanical investigation confirmed the validity of the BSSR. Incongruence has no significant effect on the SR of a shoulder model. In the event of an incongruent system, the calculation of the BSSR on the basis of the glenoid concavity radius is recommended. Cite this article: L. Ernstbrunner, J-D. Werthel, T. Hatta, A. R. Thoreson, H. Resch, K-N. An, P. Moroder. Biomechanical analysis of the effect of congruence, depth and radius on the stability ratio of a simplistic ‘ball-and-socket’ joint model. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:453–460. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.510.BJR-2016-0078.R1.
Long-Term Follow-Up Study of Temporary Tricuspid Valve Detachment as Approach to VSD Repair without Consequent Tricuspid Dysfunction
Authors: Lucchese Gianluca , Rossetti Lucia , Faggian Giuseppe , Luciani Giovanni B. 
Published: October 2016

Temporary tricuspid valve detachment improves the operative view of certain congenital ventricular septal defects (VSDs), but its long-term effects on tricuspid valve function are still debated.
From 2002 through 2012, we performed a prospective study of 68 children (mean age, 1.28 ± 1.01 yr) who underwent transatrial closure of VSDs following temporary tricuspid valve detachment. Sixty patients had conoventricular and 8 had mid-muscular VSDs. All were in sinus rhythm. Seventeen patients had systemic pulmonary artery pressures. Preoperative echocardiograms showed trivial-to-mild tricuspid regurgitation in 62 patients and tricuspid dysplasia with severe regurgitation in 6 patients. Patients were clinically and echocardiographically monitored at 30 postoperative days, 3 months, 6 months, every 6 months thereafter for the first 2 years, and then once a year.
No in-hospital or late death was observed at the median follow-up evaluation of 5.9 years. Mean intensive care unit and hospital stays were 1.6 ± 1.1 and 7.3 ± 2.7 days, respectively. Residual small VSDs occurred in 3 patients, and temporary atrioventricular block in one. After VSD repair, 62 patients (91%) had trivial or mild tricuspid regurgitation, and 6 moderate. Five of these last had severe tricuspid regurgitation preoperatively and had undergone additional tricuspid valve repair during the procedure. The grade of residual tricuspid regurgitation remained stable postoperatively, and no tricuspid stenosis was documented. All patients were in New York Heart Association class I at follow-up.
Temporary tricuspid valve detachment is a simple and useful method for a complete visualization of certain VSDs without incurring substantial tricuspid dysfunction.
Incidence, Predictors, and Impact of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Military Veterans
Authors: Omer Shuab , Cornwell Lorraine D. , Bakshi Ankur , Rachlin Eric , Preventza Ourania , Rosengart Todd K. , Coselli Joseph S. , LeMaire Scott A. , Petersen Nancy J. , Pattakos Greg , Bakaeen Faisal G. 
Published: October 2016

Little is known about the frequency and clinical implications of postoperative atrial fibrillation in military veterans who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We examined long-term survival data, clinical outcomes, and associated risk factors in this population.
We retrospectively reviewed baseline, intraoperative, and postoperative data from 1,248 consecutive patients with similar baseline risk profiles who underwent primary isolated CABG at a Veterans Affairs hospital from October 2006 through March 2013. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of postoperative atrial fibrillation. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate long-term survival (the primary outcome measure), morbidity, and length of hospital stay.
Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurred in 215 patients (17.2%). Independent predictors of this sequela were age ≥65 years (odds ratios [95% confidence intervals], 1.7 [1.3–2.4] for patients of age 65–75 yr and 2.6 [1.4–4.8] for patients >75 yr) and body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 (2.0 [1.2–3.2]). Length of stay was longer for patients with postoperative atrial fibrillation than for those without (12.7 ± 6.6 vs 10.3 ± 8.9 d; P ≤0.0001), and the respective 30-day mortality rate was higher (1.9% vs 0.4%; P=0.014). Seven-year survival rates did not differ significantly.
Older and obese patients are particularly at risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation after CABG. Patients who develop the sequela have longer hospital stays than, but similar long-term survival rates to, patients who do not.
Towards a new paradigm in laboratory medicine: the five rights
Authors: Plebani Mario 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
A body of evidence collected in the last few decades demonstrates that the pre- and post-analytical phases of the testing cycle are more error-prone than the analytical phase. However, the paradigm of errors and quality in laboratory medicine has been questioned, analytical mistakes continuing to be a major cause of adverse clinical outcomes and patient harm. Although the brain-to-brain concept is widely recognized in the community of laboratory professionals, there is lack of clarity concerning the inter-relationship between the different phases of the cycle, interdependence between the pre-analytical phase and analytical quality, and the effect of the post-analytical steps on the quality of ultimate laboratory information. Analytical quality remains the “core business” of clinical laboratories, but laboratory professionals and clinicians alike should never lose sight of the fact that pre-analytical variables are often responsible for erroneous test results and that quality biospecimens are pre-requisites for a reliable analytical phase. In addition, the pressure for expert advice on test selection and interpretation of results has increased hand in hand with the ever-increasing complexity of tests and diagnostic fields. Finally, the data on diagnostic errors and inappropriate clinical decisions made due to delay or misinterpretation of laboratory data underscore the current need for greater collaboration at the clinical-laboratory interface.
Utilisation of maternal health services by adolescent mothers in Kenya: analysis of the demographic health survey 2008–2009
Authors: Banke-Thomas Oluwasola , Banke-Thomas Aduragbemi , Ameh Charles Anawo 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Background:
Many Kenyan adolescents die following pregnancy and childbirth complications. Maternal health services (MHS) utilisation is key to averting such poor outcomes. Our objectives were to understand the characteristics of adolescent mothers in Kenya, describe their MHS utilisation pattern and explore factors that influence this pattern.

Methods:
We collected demographic and MHS utilisation data of all 301 adolescent mothers aged 15–19 years included in the Kenya Demographic Health Survey 2008/2009 (KDHS). Descriptive statistics were used to characterise them and their MHS utilisation patterns. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to test associations between selected predictor variables and MHS utilisation.

Findings:
Eighty-six percent, 48% and 86% of adolescent mothers used ante-natal care (ANC), skilled birth attendance (SBA) and post-natal care (PNC), respectively. Adolescent mothers from the richest quintile were nine (CI=2.00–81.24, p=0.001) and seven (CI=3.22–16.22, p<0.001) times more likely to use ANC and SBA, respectively, compared to those from the poorest. Those with primary education were four (CI=1.68–9.64, p<0.001) and two (CI=0.97–4.81, p=0.043) times more likely to receive ANC and SBA, respectively, compared to uneducated mothers, with similar significant findings amongst their partners. Urban adolescent mothers were six (CI=1.89–32.45, p=0.001) and four (CI=2.00–6.20, p<0.001) times more likely to use ANC and SBA, respectively, compared to their rural counterparts. The odds of Maasai adolescent mothers using ANC was 90% (CI=0.02–0.93, p=0.010) lower than that of Kalenjin mothers.

Conclusions:
Adolescent MHS utilisation in Kenya is an inequality issue. To address this, focus should be on the poorest, least educated, rural-dwelling adolescent mothers living in the most disadvantaged communities.
Sustainability of the results of a non communicable diseases prevention program among youth in the region of Sousse, Tunisia
Authors: Zammit Nawel , Maatoug Jihene , Ghammam Rim , Raoudha Kebaili , Lamia Boughammoura , Mustafa Al’Absi , Harry Lando , Ghannem Hassen 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Introduction:
Implementation of a healthy lifestyle at an early age is described as a successful intervention to prevent non communicable diseases. However, successful programs are not necessarily sustainable. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a 1-year sustainability of a 3-year comprehensive intervention conducted to promote a healthy lifestyle among schoolchildren.

Materials and methods:
A cohort study of 204 schoolchildren enrolled in middle schools was conducted after a quasi-experimental study in the region of Sousse, Tunisia. The survey lasted 1 year. An exposed group (n=105) was selected from the intervention group and the not-exposed group (n=99) was selected from the control group. The exposition was the intervention. The same questionnaire used at pre-intervention and post-intervention was self-administered to collect data about tobacco use, physical activity and eating habits. The biometric measurements were taken by trained medical doctors at schools.

Results:
After 1 year of follow-up, none of participants became smokers in the exposed group. However, in the not-exposed group five (5.1%) participants became smokers. The proportion of schoolchildren who experimented with tobacco for the first time increased insignificantly by 2.9% (p=0.77) in the exposed group versus a significant increase by 11.1% (p=0.001) in the not-exposed group. Concerning the recommended physical activity practice, fast food and fried food consumption and overweight, there were no significant changes in the two groups.

Conclusion:
A 3-year non communicable diseases prevention program has limited sustainable effects among schoolchildren in the short-term. Its repetition or a continued program through multisectoral actions is required.
A Novel Technique for Maximum Power Point Tracking of a Photovoltaic Based on Sensing of Array Current Using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS)
Authors: El-Zoghby Helmy M. , Bendary Ahmed F. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is now widely used method in increasing the photovoltaic (PV) efficiency. The conventional MPPT methods have many problems concerning the accuracy, flexibility and efficiency. The MPP depends on the PV temperature and solar irradiation that randomly varied. In this paper an artificial intelligence based controller is presented through implementing of an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) to obtain maximum power from PV. The ANFIS inputs are the temperature and cell current, and the output is optimal voltage at maximum power. During operation the trained ANFIS senses the PV current using suitable sensor and also senses the temperature to determine the optimal operating voltage that corresponds to the current at MPP. This voltage is used to control the boost converter duty cycle. The MATLAB simulation results shows the effectiveness of the ANFIS with sensing the PV current in obtaining the MPPT from the PV.
On categorization: Stick to the facts of the languages
Authors: LaPolla Randy J. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThis paper argues that in doing both description and comparison we should work inductively, staying true to the facts of the languages as manifested in natural data, and not resort to abstractions that lead to classifying languages or constructions in a way that ignores the actual facts of the languages. A non-Structuralist alternative view of communication and typological description is also presented.
Comparative concepts and language-specific categories: Theory and practice
Authors: Croft William 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
What are comparative concepts and how are they related to language-specific categories used in language description? Three general categories of comparative concepts are defined here: purely functional comparative concepts and two types of hybrid formal-functional concepts, constructions and strategies. The two hybrid types provide more explicit and precise definitions of common typological practice. However a terminological issue is that Western grammatical terms are frequently used to describe strategies which are not universal rather than constructions which are. Language-specific categories appear to be radically different from comparative concepts because the former are defined distributionally whereas the latter are defined in universal functional and formal terms. But language-specific constructions have functions, that is, they are instances of constructions in the comparative sense and their form is an instantiation of a strategy. Typology forms generalizations across language-specific constructions in both their form and their function. Finally, a major issue is the confusion of terminological choices for language-specific categories. Four rules of thumb for useful labeling of language-specific categories, largely following best descriptive practice, are offered.
Some language-particular terms are comparative concepts
Authors: Beck David 
Published: October 2016

Abstractdraws a categorial distinction between language-particular terms – terms used in the description of specific languages – and comparative concepts – terms used for crosslinguistic comparison. This seems like a valid distinction for a lot of terminology, but it is also true that there are “portable” terms that are suitable both for the description of specific languages and for crosslinguistic comparison. This descriptive metalanguage is analogous to the descriptive vocabulary employed in other observational sciences, and its elaboration is an important enterprise for both descriptivist and comparative linguists.
On the right of being a comparative concept
Authors: Lander Yury , Arkadiev Peter 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWe provide a critical review of the distinction between “comparative concepts” and “descriptive categories”, showing that in current typological practice the former are usually dependent on the latter and are often vague, being organized around prototypes rather than having sharp boundaries. We also propose a classification of comparative concepts, arguing that their definitions can be based on similarities between languages or on differences between languages or can also be “blind” to language-particular facts. We conclude that, first, comparative concepts and descriptive categories are ontologically not as distinct as some typologists would like to have it, and, second, that attempts at a “non-aprioristic” approach to linguistic description and language typology are more of an illusion than reality or even a desideratum.