bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Co-ingested alcohol and the timing of deliberate self-poisonings
Authors: Chitty Kate M , Kirby Katharine , Osborne Nicholas J , Isbister Geoffrey K , Buckley Nicholas A 
Published: August 2017

Objective: Investigating diurnal variation in the timing of suicidal behaviours offers opportunity to better understand its various proximal risk factors. Acute use of alcohol is a potent proximal risk factor for suicidal behaviour, though the nature of this risk is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to compare the diurnal variation in time of poison ingestion between deliberate self-poisonings that involve alcohol versus those that do not. Methods: A retrospective analysis of consecutive presentations to a toxicology service following deliberate self-poisoning, 1996–2016. An independent samples Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was performed to test the null hypothesis that the diurnal distribution of poison ingestion time was equal across self-poisonings that did and did not involve alcohol co-ingestion. Presence of circadian rhythmicity was established using cosinor analysis. Results: A total of 11,088 deliberate self-poisoning records, for 7467 patients (60.8% females), were included in the analysis. In all, 31.3% of the total records involved alcohol co-ingestion. Distribution of exposure time was significantly different between deliberate self-poisonings that did and did not involve alcohol ( p < 0.001). The alcohol co-ingestion group showed a significantly greater prominent peak with poisoning occurring later in the evening (~20:00 hours) compared to poisonings that did not involve alcohol (~18:00 hours). Conclusion: This study exposed the differential diurnal patterns in deliberate self-poisoning according to the presence of alcohol co-ingestion. This analysis adds to the accumulating evidence that suicidal behaviour that involves alcohol co-ingestion represents a distinct subtype, which may be driven by alcohol consumption patterns in society. This also means that this large proportion of deliberate self-poisonings may not otherwise have occurred if it were not for alcohol consumption, underscoring the importance of drug and alcohol services for alcohol-related self-harm.
Staff-room conversation and the curriculum
Authors: Rodger I. A. 
Published: August 2017

This paper looks at a hitherto neglected area of life of a school, that of the staff room, and considers the possibility that educational discussions within the staff room may affect the ways in which school personnel perceive the aims of education. Research was carried out in junior schools in an inner urban area, and significant differences in the extent and the kind of educational conservations in staffrooms were revealed. Further investigation showed that these differences may reflect different educational ideologies in operation.
Ascertaining the Critical Thinking and Formal Reasoning Skills of Students
Authors: Lim Tock Keng 
Published: August 2017

Ascertaining the critical thinking and formal reasoning skills of students With the critical thinking movement gaining momentum at all levels of education in the United States and other countries, many thinking programmes have been developed. A thinking programme that emphasises process, teaching students how to think, rather than what to think, is the Philosophy for Children (P4C) programme, currently carried out in Singapore. A child, according to Matthew Lipman, the founder of the P4C programme, can reason deductively and logically, using concrete objects. In his specially written stories for children Lipman translated the abstract formulations to reasoning in a concrete way that children could understand. To determine whether primary and secondary pupils in Singapore can reason and do philosophy, a study was set up in 1992 to ascertain their reasoning skills. Two instruments were used: the New Jersey Test of Reasoning, developed in the early 1980s to evaluate the P4C programme, and the Test of Formal Reasoning, written by P. K. Arlin to measure the stage of intellectual and cognitive level of the student: concrete, high concrete, transitional, low formal or high formal. This article reports the findings of the study concerning the relationship between critical thinking as measured by the NJTR and concrete and formal reasoning as measured by the ATFR.
Level of Performance and Low-Wealth School Districts: A Case Study of North Carolina
Authors: Jones Enid B. , Lawrence William W. 
Published: August 2017

Level of Performance and low-wealth School districts: a case study of North Carolina A major source of controversy in educational policy is the extent to which there is a demonstrable correlation between educational expenditure and the quality of education as evident in the level of achievement of students. The issue is twofold: (1) the resources available, and (2) how the resources are spent. Educational equity is a primary goal in the North Carolina school system, but, it has proved elusive. The study was designed to answer the question ‘Are there factors other than wealth that account for the variations in student achievement in twenty-seven selected districts?’ The districts were selected by their categorisation in the North Carolina Report Card as high-performing or low-performing, on the basis of the district average Scholastic Assessment Test scores. Seventeen districts were high-performing while ten were low-performing, but all twenty-seven were designated as low-wealth.
The Effect on Spelling Ability of Exposure to the Printed Word
Authors: Dougherty Sharon , Clayton Mark 
Published: August 2017

The effect on spelling ability of exposure to print This study explores the contribution of print exposure to spelling achievement. The hypothesis that exposure to print accounts for individual differences in spelling ability was tested on 129 Year 7 female students from a predominantly non-English-speaking background. A multiple regression analysis was employed to determine the relationship between spelling and the predictor variables - exposure to print (TRT), phonological processing, comprehension level and general ability. The results indicated that phonological processing ability accounted for individual differences in spelling performance regardless of general ability. However, this specific student cohort appear to reflect stages in spelling development associated with word knowledge and reading experience. The analysis also indicated that other factors not addressed in this study are implicated.
An Intervention Strategy to Enhance Spelling Performance and Social Interaction and to Decrease Inappropriate Behaviours of Students with Mild Disabilities and Typical Peers in an Inclusive Instructional Setting
Authors: Sideridis Georgios D. , Utley Cheryl A. , Greenwood Charles R. , Dawson Harriett , Delquadri Joseph , Palmer Penny 
Published: August 2017

An intervention strategy to enhance spelling performance, social interactions and decrease inappropriate behaviours of students with mild disabilities and typical peers in an inclusive instructional setting This study investigated the ability of Class Wide Peer Tutoring (CWPT) to enhance the social interactions and improve the spelling of three students with mild disabilities and three of their typical peers. Social interactions were assessed using the Multiple Option Observation System for Experimental Studies. Spelling performance was measured by weekly pre-post-tests. Using a single-subject design, the results indicated that the duration of positive social interactions emitted by the students with mild disabilities and their typical peers during the CWPT intervention were dramatically increased. In addition, CWPT produced large gains in academic achievement for both groups of students. The implications of the findings for the use of direct observation and CWPT to enhance the social interactions and spelling performance of students with mild disabilities in the regular education classroom are discussed.
Association between Snoring and High‐Risk Carotid Plaque Features
Authors: Kirkham Erin M. , Hatsukami Thomas S. , Heckbert Susan R. , Sun Jie , Canton Gador , Yuan Chun , Weaver Edward M. 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesPrevious studies have demonstrated an association between snoring and carotid disease independent of sleep apnea. The aim of this study was to quantify the association between self‐reported snoring and high‐risk carotid plaque features on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that predict stroke.Study DesignCross‐sectional.SettingTertiary care university hospital and affiliated county hospital.MethodsWe surveyed 133 subjects with asymptomatic carotid artery disease that had been previously evaluated with high‐resolution MRI. The survey captured data on self‐reported snoring (exposure) and covariates (age, sex, body mass index, and sleep apnea via the STOP‐Bang questionnaire). A subset of patients underwent home sleep apnea testing. High‐risk carotid plaque features were identified on the high‐resolution MRI and included thin/ruptured fibrous cap and intraplaque hemorrhage (outcomes). We quantified the association between snoring and high‐risk carotid plaque features with the chi‐square test (unadjusted analysis) and multivariate logistic regression adjusting for the covariates.ResultsOf 133 subjects surveyed, 61 (46%) responded; 32 (52%) reported snoring. Significantly higher proportions of snorers than nonsnorers had a thin/ruptured fibrous cap (56% vs 25%, P =. 01) and intraplaque hemorrhage (63% vs 29%, P <. 01). In multivariate analysis, snoring was associated with thin/ruptured fibrous cap (odds ratio, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.1‐16.6; P =. 04) and intraplaque hemorrhage (odds ratio, 8.2; 95% CI, 2.1‐31.6; P <. 01) after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and sleep apnea.ConclusionThis pilot study suggests a significant independent association between snoring and high‐risk carotid plaque features on MRI. Further study is warranted to confirm these results in a larger cohort of subjects.
The impact of RAGE inhibition in animal models of bacterial sepsis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Xin , Liao Yan-nian , Huang Qian 
Published: August 2017

Objective To evaluate the impact of inhibition of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) on the outcome of bacterial sepsis in animal models. Methods Relevant publications were identified by systematic searches of PubMed, ISI Web of Science and Elsevier-Scopus databases. Results A total of Eleven studies with moderate quality were selected for analysis. A meta-analysis of survival rates revealed a significant advantage of RAGE inhibition in comparison with controls (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.52–0.86). This effect was most pronounced in polymicrobial infection (HR 0.28, 95% CI 0.14–0.55), followed by Gram positive (G+) bacterial infection (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.50–0.97) and Gram negative (G−) bacterial infection (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.58–1.38). For G+ bacterial infection, RAGE inhibition decreased bacterial outgrowth and dissemination, inflammatory cell influx, plasma cytokine levels, and pulmonary injury. Conclusions RAGE inhibition appears to have a beneficial impact on the outcome of sepsis in animal models, although there are discrepancies between different types of infection.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae 23S rRNA A2063G mutation does not influence chest radiography features in children with pneumonia
Authors: Deng Huan , Rui Jun , Zhao Deyu , Liu Feng 
Published: August 2017

Objective To measure the rate of the A2063G mutation in the Mycoplasma pneumoniae ( M. pneumoniae) 23S rRNA domain V in children with pneumonia and to determine the correlation between radiographic findings and the presence of the A2063G mutation. Methods Patients who were hospitalized with a confirmed diagnosis of M. pneumoniae pneumonia were enrolled in this study. M. pneumoniae strains were collected for genotype analysis. Chest radiography was performed on all children prior to and following macrolide treatment. Clinical and imaging data were obtained. Results Of 211 patients, 195 (92.42%) harboured M. pneumoniae with the A2063G mutation. No significant differences were identified in inflammation score, chest radiography inflammation absorption grade before and after macrolide treatment, or pulmonary complications (atelectasis, hydrothorax, or pleuritis) prior to macrolide treatment when children were stratified based on the presence or absence of the A2063G mutation. Conclusions A high proportion of children with pneumonia harboured strains of M. pneumoniae with the A2063G mutation in the 23S rRNA domain V. However, no obvious chest radiographic features of M. pneumoniae pneumonia were associated with the A2063G variant.
Migraine in mitochondrial disorders: Prevalence and characteristics
Authors: Vollono Catello , Primiano Guido , Della Marca Giacomo , Losurdo Anna , Servidei Serenella 
Published: August 2017

Background Migraine is a well-known feature of mitochondrial disorders (MDs). However, no systematic epidemiological data are available in large populations of patients. Aims The aim of this cross-sectional cohort study was to describe the prevalence and migraine characteristics in a large cohort of patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathies. Methods We studied 93 consecutive patients with characterised MDs referred to our Neuromuscular Unit during a 12-month period. All patients (age range = 16–78 years; 31 men; 58 progressive external ophthalmoplegia [PEO], 12 myoclonic epilepsy with ragged red fibres [MERRF], eight mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes [MELAS], two mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy [MNGIE] and 13 other MDs) underwent a structured diagnostic headache interview using an operational diagnostic tool following the IHS criteria. If they met the criteria for migraine, they were included in the ‘Migraine Group’. The other patients were counted in the ‘No Migraine Group’. Patient demographic and migraine characteristics were examined. Clinical, neuroradiological and neurophysiological data were compared between groups. Results Migraine was reported in 35.5% of patients. Migraine without aura was the most common headache (81.8%). The migraine group showed younger age ( P < 0.01), increased prevalence of epilepsy ( P = 0.01), myoclonus ( P = 0.03), stroke-like episodes ( P = 0.03) and decreased prevalence of muscle weakness ( P < 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that migraine was positively associated with absence of muscle weakness ( P = 0.04) and presence of EEG abnormalities ( P = 0.02). Conclusion Migraine has a higher prevalence in MDs compared with general population-based data, independently from genotype or phenotype. Migraine is not merely a phenotypic aspect of specific MDs but is rather the expression of vulnerability of the central nervous system, probably directly related with defects of the respiratory chain.
Diagnostic experience of patients with fibromyalgia – A meta-ethnography
Authors: Mengshoel Anne Marit , Sim Julius , Ahlsen Birgitte , Madden Sue 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveTo examine how individuals experience the process and consequences of receiving a diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome.MethodsA systematic literature search of qualitative studies up to May 2016 was performed. Twenty-eight reports including information on patients’ diagnostic experiences were subjected to an interpretive analysis in accordance with the principles of meta-ethnography.ResultsYears were normally spent consulting specialists in an attempt to confirm the reality of symptoms and make sense of the illness. Great relief was felt at finally achieving the fibromyalgia syndrome diagnosis. However, relief waned when therapies proved ineffective. Health professionals and others questioned whether individuals were genuinely ill, that the illness had a psychological nature, and whether they were doing their best to recover. The diagnosis did not provide a meaningful explanation of individuals’ suffering and had limited power to legitimate illness. Patients felt blamed for their failure to recover, threatening their personal credibility and moral identity.ConclusionThe fibromyalgia syndrome diagnosis has limitations in validating and making sense of patients’ illness experiences and in providing social legitimation of their illness. Social relationships are strained during the diagnostic process and in the course of ineffective therapies.
Lemierre’s syndrome, necrotizing pneumonia and staphylococcal septic shock treated with extracorporeal life support
Authors: Mattke Adrian C , Prabhu Sudesh , Clark Julia , Labrom Robert , Burns Hanna , Schlapbach Luregn J 
Published: August 2017

Objectives: Lemierre’s syndrome cause by methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus is rare, but can lead to necrotizing pneumonia and septicaemia. When treating such patient with extracorporeal life support source control can be both challenging and controversial. Methods: In this report we present a 12 year old male who presented with Lemierre’s syndrome from which he developed septic shock and severe necrotizing pneumonia. He also showed multiple pulmonary embolisms from the internal jugular vein thrombi, resulting in acute respiratory distress syndrome. Results: The patient was treated with extracorporeal life support. Subsequent computed tomography revealed multiple abscesses throughout his lungs and around vertebral bodies C1 and C2, for which source control with drainage of the cervical abscesses was achieved while on extracorporeal life support. The necrotizing pneumonia gradually improved, and partial pneumectomy was avoided. He was successfully separated from extracorporeal life support and respiratory support and recovered from his illness. Follow-up imaging showed almost complete resolution of the pulmonary abscesses. Osteomyelitis of C1/C2 and severe muscle wasting required a prolonged hospital stay. Conclusion: This case highlights the challenges of supporting patients suffering from disseminated staphylococcal sepsis with extracorporeal life support and the key role of source control and demonstrates the value of using extracorporeal life support in necrotizing pneumonia.
Surgical sympathectomy for Buerger’s disease
Authors: Cacione Daniel G , Moreno Daniel H , Nakano Luis CU , Baptista-Silva José CC 
Published: August 2017

Buerger's disease is characterized by recurring progressive inflammation and occlusions in small and medium arteries and veins of the limbs. Its cause is unknown, but it is most common in young men with a history of tobacco use. It is responsible for ischemic ulcers and extreme pain in the hands and feet. In many cases, notably in patients with the most severe presentations, there is no possibility of improving the condition with surgery (limb revascularisation), and therefore, alternative therapies (e.g. sympathectomy) is used. This review assessed the effectiveness of surgical sympathectomy compared with any other therapy in patients with Buerger's disease. As a result, only one randomised controlled study (162 participants) compared sympathectomy with prostacyclin analogue (iloprost) was incorporated to the review. Such comparison shown that iloprost is more effective than sympathectomy to complete healing ulcers at four weeks (risk ratio 0.65; 95% confidence interval 0.45 to 0.95; P = 0.02; very low quality evidence) and at twenty four weeks (risk ratio 0.62; 95% confidence interval 0.48 to 0.82; P < 0.01; very low quality evidence) after the start of treatment and to relief rest pain at four weeks (risk ratio 1.90; 95% confidence interval 1.17 to 3.10; P = 0.01; very low quality evidence) but not more effective at twenty four weeks (risk ratio 1.68; 95% confidence interval 1.00 to 2.84; P = .10; very low quality evidence) after the start of treatment. We concluded, with very low quality of evidence, that intravenous iloprost is more effective than lumbar sympathectomyin the healing of ischemic ulcers and pain at rest in patients with Buerger's disease. Therefore, until now, the preference of the usage of intravenous iloprost over the lumbar sympathectomy (and vice versa) does not find robust evidence for its routine use.
Factors associated with antibiotic prescriptions for the viral origin diseases in office-based practices, 2006–2012
Authors: Imanpour Sara , Nwaiwu Obioma , McMaughan Darcy K , DeSalvo Bethany , Bashir Adnan 
Published: August 2017

Objective To test the potential association between time spent with a doctor and antibiotic overprescriptions in case of the common cold, runny nose, bronchitis, chest colds, flu, sore throats, and fluid in the middle ear. Design Cross-sectional study Setting Office-based physicians in the US. Participants A total of 261,623 patient visits recorded to office-based physicians in the US. Main outcome measures The interest outcome was unnecessary antibiotic prescription. Results The analysis revealed five significant predictors of antibiotic prescriptions for suspected viral infections: length of doctor–patient encounter time, patient gender, spending time with a family medicine doctor, type of insurance, and the rate of antibiotic prescriptions per physician. For every additional minute a patient spent with a physician during a visit, the mean predicted probability of receiving unnecessary antibiotics decreased by 2.4%. Conclusions This study provided evidence that physicians continue to prescribe antibiotics in avoidable cases. Policies that would monitor antibiotic prescription in office-based settings should be considered in order to control spreading of antibiotic resistance and eventually improve population health.
Anthropometric and Skeletal Parameters Predict 2-Strand Semitendinosus Tendon Size in Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Chiba Daisuke , Tsuda Eiichi , Sasaki Shizuka , Liu Xizhe , Ishibashi Yasuyuki 
Published: August 2017

Background: Few studies have examined whether skeletal parameters predict hamstring graft size during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to examine whether preoperative anthropometric and radiographic skeletal parameters could predict hamstring graft size during ACLR. We hypothesized that both anthropometric and skeletal parameters can be used to predict graft size in our double-bundle procedure and that the use of skeletal parameters will improve the accuracy of graft size prediction. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 200 patients were recruited and underwent double-bundle ACLR using a semitendinosus (ST) graft. The harvested tendon was measured to determine graft length (GL) and then split at its midpoint. The graft diameters of the anteromedial (GDAM) and posterolateral bundles (GDPL) were measured at the femoral aspect of the 2-stranded graft. The mean diameters of both bundles were included in the analysis. On the coronal radiograph, femorotibial angle (FTA), femoral interepicondylar distance (IED), and tibial plateau width (coronal tibial width [CTW]) were measured. Blumensaat line length (BLL) and the lateral tibial width (LTW) were measured on the lateral radiograph. A linear regression analysis was conducted using graft size as the dependent variable and age, sex, height, weight, Tegner activity score, and skeletal parameters as the independent variables. Results: Mean GL was 258.9 ± 21.9 mm, GDAM was 5.9 ± 0.5 mm, and GDPL was 5.7 ± 0.6 mm. Single regression analysis showed that GL was significantly predicted by sex, height, weight, Tegner activity score, IED, CTW, BLL, and LTW ( R2 range, 0.033-0.342). GD was predicted by sex, height, weight, IED, CTW, BLL, and LTW ( R2 range, 0.094-0.207). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis significantly confirmed sex, height, and age as the variables to comprehensively predict GL ( R2 = 0.384). With regard to GD, stepwise multiple regression confirmed height and IED as significant variables ( R2 = 0.224). Conclusion: Both preoperative anthropometric and radiographic parameters on plain radiographs were able to predict harvested GL and 2-strand GD. Multivariate regression slightly improved the prediction of graft dimensions compared with univariate regression.