bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is the reproducibility of shear wave elastography of thyroid nodules high enough for clinical use? A methodological study
Authors: Swan Kristine Zøylner , Nielsen Viveque Egsgaard , Bibby Bo Martin , Bonnema Steen Joop 
Published: December 2016

SummaryObjectiveTo systematically assess the reproducibility of thyroid ultrasonographic shear wave elastography (SWE).ContextSWE has been suggested as a potential tool for thyroid nodule evaluation, but assessment of its reproducibility has been insufficiently addressed.DesignSWE examinations were performed prospectively by two investigators.PatientsSeventy‐two patients (male/female: 19/53; mean age: 53 ± 14 years; malignant/benign 17/55) undergoing thyroid surgery were enrolled in the study.MeasurementsRepeated and blinded measurements of elasticity index (EI) in predefined regions of interest (ROI) were collected. The inter‐ and intrarater agreement, along with the day‐to‐day agreement, was evaluated in terms of the 95% limits of agreement (LOA). Results are presented as a ratio, by which 1·0 indicates perfect agreement.ResultsThe interrater, intrarater and day‐to‐day LOA showed ratios between repeated measurements of 1·7–3·6, 1·8–3·7 and 2·2–2·9, respectively. These values reflect a low to moderate degree of agreement for all EI outcomes. The interrater LOA was higher for malignant nodules compared with benign nodules for six of seven EI outcomes (P < 0·001–0·03). The proportion of agreement calculated from the optimum cutoff point for differentiating malignant from benign nodules was 63–88% for the investigated EI outcomes.ConclusionsIn this methodological study, EI measured by thyroid SWE seems suboptimal for clinical use, due to a low inter‐ and intrarater agreement. That EI varies from day to day furthermore jeopardizes the validity of the method. Although the proportion of agreement was acceptable for some EI parameters, it is questionable whether EI assessments can reliably differentiate malignant from benign nodules in the individual patient.
Effects of pupil dilation on MAIA microperimetry
Authors: Han Ruofan C , Jolly Jasleen K , Xue Kanmin , MacLaren Robert E 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackgroundMacular Integrity Assessment microperimetry assesses macular sensitivity to projected point light sources and maps eye movements to assess fixation stability. Although microperimetry is gaining prominence as an assessment tool in clinical and research settings, there is no consensus on whether it should be performed before or after pupil dilation. No studies to date have examined the effect of pupil dilation on results. The aim of this project was to elucidate the effect of pupil dilation on microperimetry outcomes.DesignProspective audit.ParticipantsTwenty healthy patients from postoperative cataract clinic and 10 patients with choroideremia to simulate a disease with peripheral visual field loss.MethodsSubjects underwent 10–2 68‐point field testing using the Macular Integrity Assessment microperimeter on each eye. Subjects then underwent randomized dilation of one eye, and the test was repeated in both eyes.Main Outcome MeasuresWe compared changes in threshold sensitivity and fixation stability pre‐pupil and post‐pupil dilation. The undilated eye was analysed for any learning or fatigue effect caused by test repetition.ResultsDilation produced no significant effect on threshold sensitivity (dilation effect: −0.29 decibels, P = 0.23) or fixation stability in healthy controls or in choroideremia patients (dilation effect: +0.08log bivariate contour ellipse area, P = 0.14). There was also no significant learning effect seen in the undilated eye, with no improvement in threshold sensitivity (order of eye testing: +0.03log bivariate contour ellipse area, P = 0.71).ConclusionsIn the clinical setting, patients may be tested for 10 degree microperimetry with or without pupil dilation, as both scenarios yield consistent and interchangeable results.
The Generalized Quantum Episodic Memory Model
Authors: Trueblood Jennifer S. , Hemmer Pernille 
Published: December 2016

AbstractRecent evidence suggests that experienced events are often mapped to too many episodic states, including those that are logically or experimentally incompatible with one another. For example, episodic over‐distribution patterns show that the probability of accepting an item under different mutually exclusive conditions violates the disjunction rule. A related example, called subadditivity, occurs when the probability of accepting an item under mutually exclusive and exhaustive instruction conditions sums to a number >1. Both the over‐distribution effect and subadditivity have been widely observed in item and source‐memory paradigms. These phenomena are difficult to explain using standard memory frameworks, such as signal‐detection theory. A dual‐trace model called the over‐distribution (OD) model (Brainerd & Reyna, 2008) can explain the episodic over‐distribution effect, but not subadditivity. Our goal is to develop a model that can explain both effects. In this paper, we propose the Generalized Quantum Episodic Memory (GQEM) model, which extends the Quantum Episodic Memory (QEM) model developed by Brainerd, Wang, and Reyna (2013). We test GQEM by comparing it to the OD model using data from a novel item‐memory experiment and a previously published source‐memory experiment (Kellen, Singmann, & Klauer, 2014) examining the over‐distribution effect. Using the best‐fit parameters from the over‐distribution experiments, we conclude by showing that the GQEM model can also account for subadditivity. Overall these results add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that quantum probability theory is a valuable tool in modeling recognition memory.
Income Inequality and Wealth Concentration in the Recent Crisis
Authors: Goda Thomas , Onaran Özlem , Stockhammer Engelbert 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTThis article shows that the increase of income inequality and global wealth concentration was an important driver for the financial and Eurozone crisis. The high levels of income inequality resulted in balance of payment imbalances and growing debt levels. Rising wealth concentration contributed to the crisis because the increasing asset demand from the rich played a key role in the growth of the structured credit market and enabled poor and middle‐income households to accumulate increasing amounts of debt. This analysis thereby puts both income and wealth inequality at the epicentre of the recent crisis, and as crucial for social scientists analysing the causes of the crisis. The authors’ findings suggest that the policy response to the crisis should not be limited to financial regulation but must involve policies to address inequality by increasing the bargaining power of labour as well as redistributive tax policies.
Activation of galanin and cholecystokinin receptors in the lumbosacral spinal cord is required for ejaculation in male rats
Authors: Kozyrev Natalie , Coolen Lique M. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe spinal ejaculation generator is comprised of lumbar spinothalamic (LSt) cells and their axonal projections to autonomic and motor neurons in the lumbosacral spinal cord. LSt cells regulate ejaculatory reflexes by release of neuropeptides that are co‐expressed in their axons, as previously demonstrated for gastrin‐releasing peptide and enkephalin. Here, the role of two other neuropeptides co‐expressed in LSt cells for ejaculatory reflexes is demonstrated: galanin and cholecystokinin (CCK). Adult male rats were anesthetized, spinalized, and received intrathecal infusions of galanin receptor antagonist Galantide (1 or 10 nmol) or CCK receptor antagonist proglumide (71 or 714 nmol). The dorsal penile nerve (DPN) was electrically stimulated to trigger ejaculatory reflexes and seminal vesicle pressure (SVP) and rhythmic contractions of the bulbocavernosus muscle (BCM) were analyzed as parameters of emission and expulsion respectively. Treatment with galanin or CCK antagonists significantly reduced SVP increases and BCM bursting, demonstrating that galanin and CCK are required for ejaculation. Next, anesthetized, spinalized males received intrathecal infusions of galanin (0.15 or 0.3 nmol) or CCK(26–33) (4.35 nmol) and effects on subthreshold DPN stimulations were determined. Intrathecal infusions of galanin or CCK facilitated ejaculatory reflexes induced by subthreshold DPN stimulation in all animals, but did not trigger ejaculatory reflexes in the absence of DPN stimulation. Together, these results demonstrate that galanin and CCK both act in the spinal ejaculation generator to regulate ejaculation. However, effects of galanin and CCK were dependent on DPN stimulation, suggesting that these neuropeptides may act in concert with other LSt co‐expressed neuropeptides.
Occipital Condyle Syndrome: A Red Flag for Malignancy. Comprehensive Literature Review and New Case Report
Authors: Rodríguez‐Pardo Jorge , Lara‐Lara Manuel , Sanz‐Cuesta Borja E. , Fuentes Blanca , Díez‐Tejedor Exuperio 
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveTo perform a literature review of the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and clinical course of occipital condyle syndrome, including a new case report.BackgroundOccipital condyle syndrome (OCS) is a rare clinical syndrome, consisting of unilateral occipital headache accompanied by ipsilateral hypoglossal palsy. This headache typically radiates to the temporal region, and is triggered by contralateral head rotation. It is usually associated with skull base metastasis, often unrevealed in basic neuroimaging studies. OCS might be the first manifestation of malignancy, and its unfamiliarity can lead to a delay in the diagnosis.MethodsWe performed a systematic literature review using PubMed and Embase for OCS, along with a new case report.ResultsA total of 35 cases (mean age 59 years, range 25‐77), 24 (70%) men, presented typical unilateral headache followed by ipsilateral hypoglossal palsy from 0 to 150 days after headache presentation. In 16 patients (46%), initial neuroimaging studies were normal. OCS was due to skull base metastasis in 32 cases (91%). In 18 patients (51%), OCS was the first symptom of disease.ConclusionsOCS represents a warning sign and requires an exhaustive search for underlying neoplasm. An appropriate clinical evaluation can lead to an earlier diagnosis in patients with consistent headache.
Comprehensive screening for MED12 mutations in gynaecological mesenchymal tumours identified morphologically distinctive mixed epithelial and stromal tumours
Authors: Yuan Chang‐Tsu , Huang Wen‐Chih , Lee Cheng‐Han , Lin Ming‐Chieh , Lee Chen‐Hui , Kao Yu‐Chien , Huang Hsuan‐Ying , Kuo Kuan‐Ting , Lee Jen‐Chieh 
Published: December 2016

AimsMED12 exon 2 mutations have been identified in most uterine leiomyomas and mammary fibroepithelial tumours. MED12 has not been genotyped in most other gynaecological mesenchymal tumours. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of MED12 mutations in uncommon gynaecological mesenchymal tumours.Methods and resultsSixty‐eight uncommon gynaecological mesenchymal tumours were genotyped for MED12 exon 2, including 27 Müllerian adenosarcomas (including three tentatively diagnosed as ‘variant adenosarcomas’), six cellular angiofibromas, six aggressive angiomyxomas, five angiomyofibroblastomas, five superficial myofibroblastomas, five atypical polypoid adenomyomas, and 14 endometrial stromal sarcomas. Immunohistochemistry for CD10, myogenic markers, hormone receptors, MDM2, and CDK4, and fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH) for JAZF1, PHF1 and YWHAE rearrangement, were performed on selected cases. The three ‘variant adenosarcomas’ harboured MED12 exon 2 mutations (including p.L36R hotspot mutation, recurrent p.L39_A50del, and a novel splice site mutation). Three endometrial stromal sarcomas with JAZF1–SUZ12 or JAZF1–PHF1 fusion harboured unprecedented mutations (p.D54G in two, and p.Q48* in one). All remaining tumours were wild‐type. The three MED12‐mutated ‘variant adenosarcomas’ showed distinctive morphological features, including ‘fibromyomatous’ cytomorphology, a close association with adenomyosis, clustered thick‐walled vessels, focal conspicuous hyalinization, and intralymphovascular tumour growth. Features of conventional adenosarcomas, including nuclear atypia, mitotic activity, periglandular condensation, and phyllodes‐like architecture, were inconspicuous. All three cases showed immunoreactivity for desmin and hormone receptors, while being negative for MDM2 and CDK4; they showed no JAZF1, PHF1 or YWHAE rearrangement. Despite deep myoinvasion, these tumours followed an indolent clinical course.ConclusionsThese MED12‐mutated adenosarcoma‐like tumours might represent a distinct entity that requires more studies for its identification. MED12 exon 2 mutations seemed to have no significant role in other uncommon gynaecological mesenchymal tumours.
Opt‐out screening strategy for HIV infection among patients attending emergency departments: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Henriquez‐Camacho C , Villafuerte‐Gutierrez P , Pérez‐Molina JA , Losa J , Gotuzzo E , Cheyne N 
Published: December 2016

ObjectivesInternational health agencies have promoted nontargeted universal (opt‐out) HIV screening tests in different settings, including emergency departments (EDs). We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the testing uptake of strategies (opt‐in targeted, opt‐in nontargeted and opt‐out) to detect new cases of HIV infection in EDs.MethodsWe searched the Pubmed and Embase databases, from 1984 to April 2015, for opt‐in and opt‐out HIV diagnostic strategies used in EDs. Randomized controlled or quasi experimental studies were included. We assessed the percentage of positive individuals tested for HIV infection in each programme (opt‐in and opt‐out strategies). The mean percentage was estimated by combining studies in a random‐effect meta‐analysis. The percentages of individuals tested in the programmes were compared in a random‐effect meta‐regression model. Data were analysed using stata version 12. Quality assessments were performed using the Newcastle−Ottawa Scale.ResultsOf the 90 papers identified, 28 were eligible for inclusion. Eight trials used opt‐out, 18 trials used opt‐in, and two trials used both to detect new cases of HIV infection. The test was accepted and taken by 75 155 of 172 237 patients (44%) in the opt‐out strategy, and 73 581 of 382 992 patients (19%) in the opt‐in strategy. The prevalence of HIV infection detected by the opt‐out strategy was 0.40% (373 cases), that detected by the opt‐in nontargeted strategy was 0.52% (419 cases), and that detected by the opt‐in targeted strategy was 1.06% (52 cases).ConclusionsIn this meta‐analysis, the testing uptake of the opt‐out strategy was not different from that of the opt‐in strategy to detect new cases of HIV infection in EDs.
An oral formulation of efavirenz‐loaded lactoferrin nanoparticles with improved biodistribution and pharmacokinetic profile
Authors: Kumar P , Lakshmi YS , Kondapi AK 
Published: December 2016

ObjectivesEfavirenz (EFV), a non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, is a drug that is frequently included in highly active antiretroviral therapy for treatment of HIV infection. Decreased bioavailability and increased toxicity limit its use. We report a formulation of efavirenz‐loaded lactoferrin nanoparticles (lacto‐EFV‐nano) for oral delivery which exhibited significantly improved pharmacological properties coupled with reduced toxicity compared with its free form.MethodsLacto‐EFV‐nano was prepared using the Sol‐oil protocol and characterized using various sources of characterization. In vitro and in vivo studies were performed to test the stability, safety, efficacy, biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of lacto‐EFV‐nano.ResultsThe nanoparticles prepared for the present study had an average size of 45−60 nm as revealed by field emission scanning electron microscope measurements. Further, dynamic light scattering data showed a hydrodynamic radius of 103 ± 5.3 nm, a zeta potential of −23 ± 1.2 mV and a polydispersity index of < 0.341. Lacto‐EFV‐nano was found to be stable as assessed using differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. Cell viability studies showed that lacto‐EFV‐nano was at least 2‐fold less toxic to peripheral blood mononuclear cells, Jurkat T cell and B16‐F10 cell lines than free EFV. Furthermore, lacto‐EFV‐nano [50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) < 1.1 nM] showed > 2‐fold enhanced anti‐HIV‐1 activity compared with free EFV (IC50 = 2.56 nM). Lacto‐EFV‐nano exhibited improved oral bioavailability and an improved in vivo pharmacokinetic profile, with a > 3−4‐fold increase in the area under the plasma concentration−time curve (AUC), a 6−7‐fold increase in the area under the first moment curve (AUMC), a > 30% increase in the peak plasma concentration of the drug after oral administration (Cmax) and a 2‐fold increase in the time to reach Cmax (Tmax) and the time required for the concentration of the drug to reach half of its original value (t1/2). Furthermore, lacto‐EFV‐nano did not show any organ‐related toxicity. A significant decrease in the concentrations of various parameters, elevated concentrations of which are markers of reduced safety, were also observed in rats treated with lacto‐EFV‐nano.ConclusionsCompared with free EFV, lacto‐EFV‐nano is a promising oral nanoformulation with enhanced bioavailability and efficacy of EFV and improved safety.
Qualitative study of peer workers within the ‘Partners in Recovery’ programme in regional Australia
Authors: Hurley John , Cashin Andrew , Mills Jem , Hutchinson Marie , Kozlowski Desiree , Graham Iain 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIn Australia and internationally, Peer Workers are increasingly being incorporated into the mental health workforce. Underpinning this trend is the conviction that the inclusion of workers with lived experience in overcoming mental health challenges is central to transforming service delivery. Given there are few identified Australian studies into the experiences of Peer Workers, this paper reports findings from qualitative interviews conducted in a Partners In Recovery programme in one regional area in Australia. The interviews formed part of a larger mixed‐method study evaluating Peer Worker roles in the programme. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts with Peer Workers and other staff employed in the programme (n = 22) was undertaken. Central to the five themes that emerged was the concept of lived experience expertise in overcoming mental health challenges. The themes were: (i) role variance, (ii) the challenges and opportunities for Peer Worker, (iii) the processes Peer Workers employed as they attempted to shape an identify and language, (iv) the inconsistencies and challenges of employing lived experience as a defining feature of the peer worker role, and (v) the nature of trust arising from lived experience relationships. From this study, it is evident that the Peer Worker role remains underdeveloped. The difficulties experienced by Peer Workers in establishing a homogenous identity and role is not unique. The process and lack of clarity around role identity revealed from the narratives, parallels the experiences of Mental Health Nursing.
Observation of ceramic cracking during quenching
Authors: Shao Yingfeng , Song Fan , Liu Boyang , Li Wei , Li Long , Jiang Chiping 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIt is difficult to observe the thermal shock cracking in real time, so the measurement of the crack after thermal shock is considered as an alternative method. This paper proposes a new experimental method which can exhibit the thermal shock cracking in real time by water quenching of translucent ceramic and high‐speed imaging. The crack propagation is captured, and the crack growth rate is calculated. The results confirm the previous theoretical predictions of crack propagation under thermal shock. This paper expands the research on understanding the failure mechanisms of ceramic materials in thermal shock.
Goals of care: a concept clarification
Authors: Stanek Susan 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimTo report an analysis and clarification of the concept of goals of care.BackgroundGoals of care have been used by healthcare providers since 1978, but no operationalized, consensual definition exists.DesignNorris's method of concept clarification was used to create an operational definition, conceptual model and testable hypotheses of goals of care from the healthcare provider's perspective.Data sourcesData came from current research reports, interviews with experts and web sites of professional organizations. Research reports were published between 2003–2013.MethodsAntecedents, definitions and consequences were systematized and organized into coherent and more abstract groups to define goals of care. A conceptual model and testable hypotheses were created from this process.ResultsGoals of care are desired health expectations that are formulated through the thoughtful interaction between a human being seeking medical care and the healthcare team in the healthcare system and are appropriate, agreed on, documented and communicated.ConclusionsDevelopment of clear goals of care can increase patient satisfaction and quality of care while decreasing costs, hospital length of stay and hospital readmission. Goals of care are dynamic and should be reassessed regularly. How and when goals of care transition from implicit to explicit should be explored further, and what prompts this transition. Nurses, physicians and healthcare providers need education on how to best fill their roles in the development of goals of care.
“Falls prevention among older people and care providers: protocol for an integrative review”
Authors: de la Cuesta‐Benjumea Carmen , Henriques Maria Adriana , Abad‐Corpa Eva , Roe Brenda , Orts‐Cortés María Isabel , Lidón‐Cerezuela Beatriz , Avendaño‐Céspedes Almudena , Oliver‐Carbonell José Luís , Sánchez‐Ardila Carmen 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimTo review the evidence about the role of care providers in fall prevention in older adults aged ≥ 65 years, this includes their views, strategies, and approaches on falls prevention and effectiveness of nursing interventions.BackgroundSome fall prevention programmes are successfully implemented and led by nurses and it is acknowledged the vital role they play in developing plans for fall prevention. Nevertheless, there has not been a systematic review of the literature that describes this role and care providers' views on fall's prevention initiatives.DesignA convergent synthesis of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies. The eligibility criteria will be based on participants, interventions/exposure, comparisons, and outcomes for quantitative studies and on population, the phenomena of interest and the context, for qualitative studies. To extract data and assess study qualities members of the research team will work in pairs according to their expertise. The review will follow the guidelines for integrative reviews and the proposed methods will adhere to the PRISMA statement checklist complemented by the ENTREQ framework. As qualitative synthesis are emergent, all procedures and changes in procedure will be documented.DiscussionThe review has a constructivist drive as studies that combine methods ought to be paradigmatic driven. Review questions are broad to allow issues emerge and have purposefully left the design flexible to allow for adjustments as the review progresses. The review seeks to highlight the roles that care providers play in fall prevention and their views on fall's prevention initiatives.