bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Body Height and Incident Risk of Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Zöller Bengt , Ji Jianguang , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina 
Published: September 2017

Background—
Body height has been associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), but the association can be confounded with shared familial factors (genetic/environmental). A cosibling design is useful for deeper understanding about the relationship between VTE and height.

Methods and Results—
From Swedish national registry databases, we used a corelative design with full siblings alongside a general Swedish population sample. A cohort of male conscripts (n=1 610 870), born in 1951 to 1992 without previous VTE, was followed from enlistment (1969–2010) until 2012. Another cohort of first-time pregnant women (n=1 093 342) from the medical birth register, without previous VTE, was followed from first pregnancy (1982–2012) until 2012. Using the Multi-Generation Register, we identified all full-sibling pairs discordant for height. This cosibling design allowed for adjustment for familial factors (genetic/environmental). Compared with the tallest women (>185 cm) and men (>190 cm), there was a graded decreased risk by lower height for both men and women. The risk was lowest in women and men with the shortest stature (<155 and <160 cm, respectively): hazard ratios=0.31 (95% confidence interval, 0.22–0.42) and 0.35 (95% confidence interval, 0.22–0.55), respectively. There was a graded association also in the cosibling design comparing siblings with varying degree of discordance for height (reference was the taller sibling): ≥10 cm difference between brothers hazard ratios=0.69 (95% confidence interval, 0.61–0.78) and sisters hazard ratios=0.65 (95% confidence interval, 0.52–0.80), respectively.

Conclusions—
Height is an independent predictor of VTE. The use of sibling pairs reduces the likelihood that familial confounding explains the results. The findings are important for the understanding of the pathogenesis of VTE.
Heart Failure Is Common and Under-Recognized in Patients With Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy/Dysplasia
Authors: Gilotra Nisha A. , Bhonsale Aditya , James Cynthia A. , te Riele Anneline S.J. , Murray Brittney , Tichnell Crystal , Sawant Abhishek , Ong Chin Siang , Judge Daniel P. , Russell Stuart D. , Calkins Hugh , Tedford Ryan J. 
Published: September 2017

Background:
Heart failure (HF) prevalence in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia (ARVC/D) varies depending on study cohort and is not well characterized. This study sought to determine prevalence and predictors of HF in ARVC/D.

Methods and Results:

Clinical HF, defined as at least 1 HF sign or symptom, was retrospectively adjudicated for 289 patients meeting ARVC/D Task Force Criteria. HF was present in 142 patients (49%): 113 had isolated RV involvement and 29 had evidence of LV dysfunction. Average age of HF onset was 40±14 years. Most commonly reported symptoms were exertional dyspnea (78%) and fatigue (73%). Only 40% (n=57/142) had signs of volume overload. Left-sided HF signs were rare. Patients with clinical HF before ARVC/D diagnosis (n=31) were older (
P
=0.005) and met fewer Task Force Criteria (
P
=0.013) than those who developed HF after ARVC/D presentation. Female sex (odds ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.21–4.01;
P
=0.01) and lateral precordial T-wave inversions (odds ratio, 9.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–91.1;
P
=0.043) were associated with increased odds of HF. Additionally, patients with symptomatic LV dysfunction had higher odds of lateral precordial T-wave inversions (odds ratio, 18.4; 95% confidence interval, 2.92–116.18;
P
=0.002). Patients with HF were more likely to undergo heart transplantation (15/142 versus 1/147;
P
<0.001) or die during study follow-up period (7 versus 0;
P
=0.007).

Conclusions:
HF symptoms, especially exertional dyspnea, are common in ARVC/D; yet, classic left-sided signs are typically absent and less than half have evidence of volume overload. Given the unique predominately right-sided phenotype, a large portion of patients with HF may be under-recognized.
Numinous Presences in Two Buddhist Sūtras: Toward a Comparative Phenomenology
Authors: O’Leary Joseph S. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Experiences of ‘presence’ are common in religion. This essay attempts to approach presence along phenomenological lines, arguing that the pluralism of the phenomena and contexts referred to is not an obstacle to a methodologically open dialogue between different experiences. Despite the impersonalism of Buddhist conceptions of ultimate reality, personal presences play a considerable role even in two scriptures devoted to evoking this ultimate emptiness. Conversely the vibrant personalism of Biblical presentations of the divine does not exclude the possibility of a Buddhist critique and tempering of them, even if the two styles of approaching ultimate reality cannot be expected to coincide.
Analysis of damage in relation to different classifications of pre-collapse osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Zhang Ying , Tian Kewei , Ma Xianghao , Zhang Leilei , Sun Ruibo , Wang Huichao , Liu Youwen , Zhou Guangquan 
Published: September 2017

Objective This study aimed to investigate the damage pattern of the stress transfer path (STP) for the Japanese Investigation Committee (JIC) classification of pre-collapse osteonecrosis of the femoral head. We aimed to provide a specific biomechanical basis for treatment decisions of each subtype. Methods Five computational models were used in the experiment. Different necrotic classifications were simulated based on the JIC classification system. Damage patterns of the STP were used for qualitative assessment and average stresses were used for quantitative analysis. Results The STP of type A showed a strong similarity to the healthy level, which was consistent with the bone density distribution in X-rays and previous simulations results. The damaged area of principal stress of type B was approximately 25% of the healthy level. The STPs of types C1 and C2 were broken and the damaged areas of principal stress were more than 50% of the healthy level. The efficiency of stress transfer was reduced. Conclusions These results indicate that the damage patterns and stress transfer efficiency of the femoral head are associated with necrotic classifications.
The dynamics of bank location decisions in Australia
Authors: Heard Christopher , Menezes Flavio M , Rambaldi Alicia N 
Published: September 2017

This article exploits a large panel to study trends in, and determinants of, the decisions made by the four largest Australian banks about whether to establish or maintain branch- and automated teller machine (ATM)-level presence in a local market between 2002 and 2013. These decisions are potentially important for competition in local banking markets. Our analysis suggests that past presence is the most important factor for explaining current presence in a particular local market. Moreover, we present evidence that the four largest banks co-locate branches. The relationship between the location of other (smaller) banks and the location of the four largest banks is less clear; there is some limited evidence that this relationship is negative for two of the four largest banks. Our results also suggest that the four largest banks displayed changed behaviour in terms of their branch location decisions after the global financial crisis and that the changes differed between banks. Our analysis of ATM location decisions reveals that the four largest banks follow different strategies. These results suggest that Australian banks did not shy away from this limited form of competition, either before or after the global financial crisis (GFC). JEL Classification: C23, D43, G21, L13
IL-1β haplotype influences the effect of NOx exposure on gestational age in the South African MACE birth cohort
Authors: Nansook P , Naidoo RN , Ramkaran P , Phulukdaree A , Muttoo S , Asharam K , Chuturgoon AA 
Published: September 2017

Objective: Cytokines, molecules within the immune system that affect either a pro- or anti-inflammatory response, have previously been shown to influence birth outcomes. The maternal cytokine gene–environment interactions are thought to alter their expression, potentially influencing susceptibility to adverse birth outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the association between the maternal interleukin-1β (IL-1β) haplotype and expression variation with oxides of nitrogen (NOx) levels, and thereafter investigate the IL-1β haplotype-specific effects of NOx exposure levels, IL-1β mRNA expression and other variables on gestational age. Material and methods: Using the prospective Mother and Child in the Environment (MACE) birth cohort in Durban, South Africa, 335 participants were genotyped for the IL-1β haplotype. Previous studies showed that three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), IL-1β-1464G/C, -511C/T and -31C/T, constitute the IL-1β functional haplotype. These SNPs were genotyped using a restriction fragment length polymorphism assay, while IL-1β mRNA expression was measured using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. Individual estimates of NOx exposure were obtained by land use regression modelling. A multivariate linear regression analysis was employed to test for significant effects on gestational age. Results: IL-1β mRNA expression was found to possess a haplotype-dependent effect ( p = 0.0001) and its expression levels positively correlated with NOx levels ( r = 0.34; p = 0.006). In the high haplotype model, a unit increase in NOx exposure level was associated with a decrease in gestational age by 1 week ( p = 0.02). Furthermore, gestational age decreased by 0.9 weeks for every unit increase of IL-1β mRNA expression level ( p = 0.025). HIV-1 positivity was associated with a 0.2-week decrease in gestational age ( p = 0.035) in the intermediate haplotype model and a 0.4-week decrease in the high haplotype model ( p = 0.044). Conclusion: These data have implications for better understanding the effect of prenatal NOx exposure on gestational age and demonstrate the role of the IL-1β haplotype in modulating the effects of NOx exposure.
The impact of fathers’ military deployment on child adjustment. The support needs of primary school children and their families separated during active military service: A pilot study
Authors: Pexton Sharon , Farrants Jacqui , Yule William 
Published: September 2017

Background: Although direct exposure to war-related trauma negatively impacts children’s psychological well-being, little is known about this impact within the context of parental military deployment to a combat zone and ‘indirect’ experience of the effects of armed conflict. This study investigates the impact of father’s military deployment to Afghanistan on child well-being in primary schoolchildren and compares measures of adjustment with a matched group of children with fathers deployed on military training (non-combat) deployment. Method: Data were collected within primary schools in 2011–2012 from 52 children aged 8–11 years with fathers deploying to Afghanistan ( n = 26) and fathers deploying on military training ( n = 26) via self-completion of questionnaires assessing symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress and levels of self-esteem. Data were collected in both groups, at pre-, mid- and post-parental deployment. Class teachers and parents (non-deployed) completed a measure of child behaviour and parents completed a measure of parenting stress and general health. Results: Unexpectedly child adjustment difficulties were not significantly raised in children whose parents deployed to Afghanistan. Ratings of behavioural difficulties and depression were low in both groups. However, clinically elevated levels of anxiety and stress symptoms were reported by both groups of children at each stage of deployment. No associations between parental stress, parental mental health and child adjustment were found. Conclusion: High levels of children’s anxiety and stress reported during fathers’ active military service warrant further investigation. Implications for school and health monitoring and CAMHS community liaison work are discussed.
Preferred argument structure in the narratives of Chinese-English bilinguals and their monolingual peers
Authors: Jiang Xiangyu , Chen Liang 
Published: September 2017

Aims and Objectives: This paper aims to tease apart the roles of different factors that contribute to potential divergence between bilingual and monolingual speakers in the patterns of preferred argument structure (PAS) in spoken discourse. Methodology: Spoken narratives were elicited from two groups of Chinese-English bilinguals (early versus late) and their monolingual peers, using the wordless picture storybook, Frog, where are you? Data and Analysis: For each transcribed narrative, core arguments in the clauses are coded for grammatical role and information status. The data are then analyzed for conformity to four constraints that Du Bois introduced in his theory of PAS. Findings: The results revealed both similarities and differences in the PAS patterns in the narratives of the four participant groups. While the similarities provide support for the validity of the PAS theory, the differences were found to result from cross-linguistic influence, an age of second language acquisition effect, or a general effect of bilingualism. Originality: The innovative nature of this study lies in the following: (i) the examination of a new syntax–discourse interface phenomenon in bilingual development; and (ii) the intentional attempt to tease apart the effect of cross-linguistic influence and the effect of bilingualism itself on bilingual performance. Implications: Our findings suggest that it is necessary, and indeed empirically possible, to tease apart not only the effect of age of second language acquisition from the effect of cross-linguistic influence, but also these two effects from the general effect of bilingualism in bilingual development and use.
The impact of bilingualism on the acquisition of an additional language: Evidence from lexical knowledge, lexical fluency, and (lexical) cross-linguistic influence
Authors: del Pilar Agustín-Llach María 
Published: September 2017

Aims: The aim of the present paper is to look into the impact of bilingualism on lexical knowledge, lexical fluency, and lexical cross-linguistic influence (CLI). Design and methodology: To that end, Spanish monolingual (86) and Spanish–Basque bilingual (87) EFL learners were tested on lexical knowledge, lexical fluency, and (lexical) CLI by means of a task of lexical availability. Data were extracted from written sources. Data and analysis: Numerous responses were produced and instances of lexical CLI were examined and compared between monolingual and bilingual learners. Findings/Conclusions: Results point to a slight bilingual advantage in most of the measures tested but are not strong enough to reach statistical significance. Our results concur with previous studies in showing slight benefits for bilingual versus monolingual learners. Typological distance between Basque and English and the homogenization effect of schooling are thought to discard the potential benefits of bilingualism. Originality: This study shows that bilinguals are slightly better at lexical knowledge than monolingual counterparts. The comparisons of adolescent monolingual and bilingual learners learning an L3 under the same conditions are not frequent, neither is the examination of instances of lexical CLI. This is the main asset of the present study. Significance/implications: Our results suggest that teachers should encourage cross-linguistic comparison and positive lexical transfer through an increase in the use of cognates, since these can help then enhance and improve their lexical knowledge. Limitations: It is important to take into account that this study only looks at one specific aspect of lexical knowledge, other factors might also be influencing bilingual versus monolingual performance.
Emerging oral targeted therapies in inflammatory bowel diseases: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Vetter Marcel , Neurath Markus F. 
Published: September 2017

To improve quality of life and prevent long-term risks in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs: Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis), it is essential to suppress inflammatory activity adequately. However, corticosteroids are only suitable for therapy of acute flares and the evidence for positive effects of immunosuppressive substances like azathioprine or 6-mercapropurine is mainly limited to maintenance of remission. In addition, only subgroups of patients benefit from biologicals targeting tumour necrosis factor α or α4β7 integrins. In summary, until now the disease activity is not sufficiently controlled in a relevant fraction of the patients with IBD. Thus, there is an urge for the development of new substances in the therapy of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Fortunately, new oral and parenteral substances are in the pipeline. This review will focus on oral substances, which have already passed phase II studies successfully at this stage. In this article, we summarize data regarding AJM300, phosphatidylcholine (LT-02), mongersen, ozanimod, filgotinib and tofacitinib. AJM300 and ozanimod were tested in patients with ulcerative colitis and target lymphocyte trafficking through inhibition of the α subunit of integrin, respectively binding to the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (subtypes 1 and 5) on lymphocytes. Mongersen was utilized in patients with Crohn’s disease and accelerates the degradation of SMAD7 mRNA, which consequently strengthens the mainly anti-inflammatory signalling pathway of transforming growth factor β1. Various Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors were developed, which inhibit the intracellular signalling pathway of cytokines. For example, the JAK1 blocker filgotinib was tested in Crohn’s disease, whereas the JAK1/3 inhibitor tofacitinib was tested in clinical trials for both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. A different therapeutic approach is the substitution of phosphatidylcholine (LT-02), which might recover the colonic mucus. Taken together, clinical trials with these new agents have opened avenues for further clinical studies and it can be expected that at least some of these agents will be finally approved for clinical therapy.
Sural Flap Use for the Treatment of Wounds With Underlying Osteomyelitis: Graft Size a Predictor in Outcome, a Systematic Review
Authors: Persaud Sham , Chesser Anthony , Pereira Ryan , Ross Adrianne 
Published: September 2017

The sural flap procedure is a versatile technique that can be used to cover many types of defects about the lower extremity. The management of soft tissue defects of the lower extremity with underlying osteomyelitis is difficult. The goal for any of these patients is to create a biomechanically stable foot for weight-bearing purposes with no continued infection. Data were gathered using multiple databases from the years 2000 to 2016. Data were compiled looking at the number of subjects, age, comorbidities, number of complications, number of failures, and average flap size of complications/failures. A total of 110 patients were gathered using 5 separate articles. Twenty-two of the 110 patients had short-term complications. Flap failure was seen in 9/110 patients. A significant difference was noticed in flap size between flap failure and complication groups and nonfailure groups. The average flap size of patients who had some form of complication or failure was 51.87 cm2 in size. The average graft size for patients without complications during their recovery was 36.54 cm2. Within our study, the failure rate of 8.9% and complication rate of 13.7% are consistent with previous reports on sural perforator flaps. Last, with regard to the effect of flap size, there were significant differences between patients with a successful outcome and those who experienced complications or failures. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level III: Systematic review
Quality improvement regarding handoff
Authors: Studeny Scott , Burley Lauren , Cowen Kelsey , Akers Melanie , O’Neill Kelly , Flesher Susan L 
Published: September 2017

Background and Objectives: Previous studies have emphasized the importance of effectual communication during patient handoffs. The objectives of this study were to (1) implement a resident-driven quality improvement project to improve handoffs by including key elements that are necessary for a safe and effective handoff. We chose to use the IPASS (illness severity, patient summary, action items, situation awareness and contingency planning, synthesis by receiver) mnemonic as our standardized handoff model; (2) Consider balancing measures in an effort to be aware of any negative effects of our interventions on resident satisfaction with the system. Methods: A senior resident established a quality improvement team which developed an AIM statement (a written, measurable, and time-sensitive description of the goal of a quality improvement team) and key drivers. A survey was administered to residents regarding their opinions about the handoff process. Tracking of whether or not handoffs included the component IPASS elements was performed over an 11-month period. During this time frame, three Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles were conducted. The first was an educational series involving lecture and role playing. The second was printed cards listing appropriate handoff elements. Intervention three was development of a tool and method to decrease nurse interruptions during handoff. Results: Inclusion of six key elements of handoffs improved as follows. Illness severity improved from 5% to 97%, diagnosis from 60% to 100%, patient summary from 71% to 100%, contingency planning from 10% to 100%, action list from 23% to 100%, and receiver synthesis from 0% to 97%. Balancing measures showed the residents were more satisfied with the new system and found it to be more effective at providing a safe transition of care. Conclusion: Implementation of a resident-driven multidisciplinary IPASS handoff system resulted in improved inclusion of key handoff elements and increased resident satisfaction.
Effects of Prior Cervical Fusion on Patient Outcomes After Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Tangtiphaiboontana Jennifer , Cortez Abigail , Barry Jeffrey J , Sing David C , Ma C Benjamin , Feeley Brian T , Zhang Alan L 
Published: September 2017

Background The coexistence of cervical disease and shoulder pathology is not uncommon. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the early complication rates and outcomes after shoulder arthroplasty in patients with prior cervical arthrodesis. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on a prospectively collected cohort at a single institution. Shoulder arthroplasty (TSA or RTSA) patients with prior cervical fusion (cervical arthrodesis-shoulder arthroplasty [CASA]) were identified and age-matched to controls without cervical fusion from 2012 to 2015. Early (<90-day) complications, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, and hospital length of stays were analyzed. Active shoulder range of motion (ROM) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon (ASES) scores preoperatively, 6-week, 6-month, and 1-year postoperatively were compared. Results Seventeen CASA patients were matched to 34 controls. Patients were similar in gender, American Society of Anesthesiologist score, body mass index, opioid use, and arthroplasty procedure (TSA vs RTSA). CASA patients had similar postoperative VAS pain scores (4.6 vs 4.0), hospital length of stay (2.3 vs 2.5), and 90-day complications (3/17 vs 3/34) when compared to controls. Active shoulder ROM and ASES preoperatively and postoperatively at 6-week, 6-month, and 1-year were similar between the 2 groups. CASA patients had similar improvements in ASES scores at 1-year from preoperative scores when compared to controls (25.8 ± 24.3 vs 35.8 ± 21.4, P = .25). Conclusion Prior cervical fusion does not appear to be a risk factor for increased perioperative complications or poorer patient reported outcomes in patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty.