bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A simple, rapid and validated high-performance liquid chromatography method suitable for clinical measurements of human mercaptalbumin and non-mercaptalbumin
Authors: Yasukawa Keiko , Shimosawa Tatsuo , Okubo Shigeo , Yatomi Yutaka 
Published: January 2017

Background Human mercaptalbumin and human non-mercaptalbumin have been reported as markers for various pathological conditions, such as kidney and liver diseases. These markers play important roles in redox regulations throughout the body. Despite the recognition of these markers in various pathophysiologic conditions, the measurements of human mercaptalbumin and non-mercaptalbumin have not been popular because of the technical complexity and long measurement time of conventional methods. Methods Based on previous reports, we explored the optimal analytical conditions for a high-performance liquid chromatography method using an anion-exchange column packed with a hydrophilic polyvinyl alcohol gel. The method was then validated using performance tests as well as measurements of various patients’ serum samples. Results We successfully established a reliable high-performance liquid chromatography method with an analytical time of only 12 min per test. The repeatability (within-day variability) and reproducibility (day-to-day variability) were 0.30% and 0.27% (CV), respectively. A very good correlation was obtained with the results of the conventional method. Conclusions A practical method for the clinical measurement of human mercaptalbumin and non-mercaptalbumin was established. This high-performance liquid chromatography method is expected to be a powerful tool enabling the expansion of clinical usefulness and ensuring the elucidation of the roles of albumin in redox reactions throughout the human body.
Suicide rate trends in the Slovak Republic in 1993–2015
Authors: Brazinova Alexandra , Moravansky Norbert , Gulis Gabriel , Skodacek Igor 
Published: January 2017

Background: Suicide is a significant public health issue worldwide, resulting in loss of lives, and burdening societies. Aims: To describe and analyze the time trends of suicide rates (SRs) in the Slovak Republic in 1993–2015 for targeted suicide prevention strategies. Methods: Data for this study were obtained from the mortality database of the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic. Crude and standardized annual SRs were calculated. Trends and relative risks of suicide according to age and sex were analyzed by joinpoint regression and negative binomial regression. Results: In total, there were 14,575 suicides in the Slovak Republic in the period 1993–2015 (85.3% were men). The overall average age-standardized SR for the study period was 11.45 per 100,000 person years. The rate increases with age, the highest is in men aged 75+ (42.74 per 100,000 person years). Risk of suicide is six times higher in men than in women and nine times higher in men than in women in the age group 25–34. The time trend of SRs is stable or decreasing from 1993 to 2007, but increasing after 2007, corresponding with increased unemployment rate in the country. Conclusion: The SR in the Slovak Republic is slightly below the average of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) nations. Highest SR is observed in men of working age and in retirement. Society might benefit from a strategy of education for improving the recognition of suicide risks.
Diagnostic Value of RAS Mutations in Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules: Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Clinkscales William , Ong Adrian , Nguyen Shaun , Harruff Elizabeth Emily , Gillespie Marion Boyd 
Published: January 2017

ObjectivesTo determine the diagnostic value of HRAS, KRAS, and NRAS mutations in fine‐needle aspiration biopsies of thyroid nodules that are nondiagnostic on cytology.Data SourcesPubMed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL.Review MethodsTwo authors independently searched the data sources. To be included, studies reported the RAS mutational status and postoperative histopathologic diagnosis of nodules that exhibited indeterminate cytology after fine‐needle aspiration biopsy. Data were extracted to calculate sensitivity, specificity, and positive/negative predictive values of any HRAS, KRAS, or NRAS mutation. A meta‐analysis was performed to generate pooled values for each parameter.ResultsA total of 7 studies with a combined 1025 patients met inclusion criteria. The pooled sensitivity of a RAS mutation for detecting cancer was 0.343 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.198‐0.506), while the pooled specificity was 0.935 (95% CI, 0.882‐0.973). The weighted averages for positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 78.0% and 64.0%, respectively, with 68.0% accuracy. The positive likelihood ratio was 4.235 (95% CI, 1.506‐11.910), and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.775 (95% CI, 0.630‐0.953).ConclusionOur data suggest that testing for any RAS mutation is unlikely to change the clinical management of thyroid nodules that have indeterminate cytology. While a RAS mutation may rule in malignancy, the sensitivity of testing is low enough to merit further mutational analysis, repeat fine‐needle aspiration, or surgical excision, even in the presence of a negative test.
Tuboimpedance: A New Test of Eustachian Tube Function
Authors: Smith Matthew E. , Zou Charlie C. , Blythe Andrew J. C. , Tysome James R. 
Published: January 2017

ObjectiveEustachian tube (ET) dysfunction is most frequently caused by a failure of the ET to adequately open; however, there is currently no reliable method of assessing this. Tubomanometry has recently shown good interindividual repeatability as a measure of ET function by measuring middle ear pressure after the application of regulated nasopharyngeal pressures during swallowing. We present the first reports of a novel test: middle ear impedance measurements during standard nasopharyngeal pressure application (tuboimpedance). We assess repeatability in healthy ears and any advantages over tubomanometry.Study DesignExploratory cohort diagnosis study.SettingTertiary referral center.SubjectsTwenty screened, healthy ears (10 volunteers).MethodsTubomanometry and tuboimpedance tests were performed while individuals swallowed with applied nasopharyngeal pressures of 20, 30, 40, and 50 mbar. Eustachian tube opening detection rate and test repeatability (measured by intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]) for immediate and delayed repeats at each pressure were compared.ResultsET opening was detected more frequently using tuboimpedance, with a 100% detection rate using a nasopharyngeal pressure of 30 mbar or more, compared to 88% to 96% with tubomanometry. Detection of ET opening at 20 mbar was possible with tuboimpedance. Repeatability of both tests was mostly strong (ICC >0.7) for both immediate and delayed repeats. Repeatability for the tubomanometry R value was only fair to moderate.ConclusionTuboimpedance may provide a repeatable measure of ET opening that is easier to perform due to lower nasopharyngeal pressures required and fewer issues with poor ear‐probe sealing. Further assessment in patients with different forms of ET dysfunction is required.
Improvement in patient-reported outcomes of varicose veins following treatment with polidocanol endovenous microfoam
Authors: Lal Brajesh K , Mallick Rajiv , Wright David 
Published: January 2017

Objective To evaluate the relationship between patient-reported symptoms and functional and psychological impact of varicose veins following treatment with polidocanol endovenous microfoam (PEM) 1%. Methods Data were pooled from two randomized trials on VV treatment. Wilson–Cleary health outcomes path model was applied to evaluate impact of VVSymQ™ symptom score improvement on modified VEINES-QOL/Sym functional and psychological scores. Change scores were evaluated for (i) PEM 1% versus placebo groups and (ii) quartiles of symptom improvement. Cumulative distribution function curves were generated to compare percentage of patients with various levels of functional and psychological improvement including clinically meaningful improvement across two treatment groups. Multivariable regression models of change scores and clinically meaningful changes were estimated. Results In 221 patients (109 PEM 1%; 112 placebo), PEM 1% was associated with median improvements of 2.5 points and 4.0 points on the m-VEINES-QOL/Sym functional limitations and m-VEINES-QOL/Sym psychological limitations scores, compared to 0 and 1.0 point improvements, respectively, for placebo. Cumulative distribution function curves revealed that 20–30% more patients in PEM 1% group achieved clinically meaningful functional and psychological improvement versus placebo group. Conclusions Patients with above-average symptom improvement had better functional and psychological improvement. PEM 1% treatment had higher odds of clinically meaningful functional and psychological improvement.
Description of an early cognitive behavioral intervention (UPFRONT-intervention) following mild traumatic brain injury to prevent persistent complaints and facilitate return to work
Authors: Scheenen Myrthe E , Visser-Keizer Annemarie C , van der Naalt Joukje , Spikman Jacoba M 
Published: January 2017

Purpose: Many patients with mild traumatic brain injury do not fully return to work owing to persistent posttraumatic complaints. Research suggests that preventing chronic complaints might be prevented by giving cognitive behavioral therapy early after injury. Therefore, a new cognitive behavioral intervention (UPFRONT-intervention) was developed to not only prevent chronic complaints but to also establish a more successful return to work. The intervention is currently being evaluated in a multicenter randomized controlled trial design (trial number ISRCTN86191894) in mild traumatic brain injury patients who are at-risk of negative outcomes (patients with high numbers of early complaints). Two case examples are presented to demonstrate the application of the intervention. Rationale: Psychological factors, like cognitive appraisal and coping, play an important role in the persistence of posttraumatic complaints. Some patients are less able to adapt and thus to cope with the injury and its initial consequences than others. Dealing with the injury in a passive, avoidant way, focusing on negative feelings, will hamper recovery and is therefore a valuable target for an intervention. Theory into practice: The UPFRONT intervention is a short cognitive behavioral therapy intervention for patients that are at-risk of developing persistent posttraumatic complaints. Patients will undergo five sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy within 4–10 weeks after trauma. The intervention aims to enhance patients’ feeling of competency of dealing with the consequences of mild traumatic brain injury by providing psycho-education, identifying and challenging unrealistic illness perceptions and improving coping style (decreasing maladaptive coping and enhancing adaptive coping).
Non-mass breast lesions on ultrasound: final outcomes and predictors of malignancy
Authors: Park Jong Won , Ko Kyung Hee , Kim Eun-Kyung , Kuzmiak Cherie M , Jung Hae Kyoung 
Published: January 2017

Background Breast cancer can present as non-mass lesions (NMLs) on ultrasound. However, knowledge of and understanding about NMLs are scarce. Purpose To retrospectively investigate the final outcomes of sonographic breast NMLs and determine the clinical and radiologic variables associated with malignancy Material and Methods In our radiologic database of breast ultrasound examinations between 2011 and 2014, we found 119 women with 121 NMLs with available histopathologic or sonographic follow-up (over 2 years) data. We collected the clinical variables (patient’s age, symptoms, and mammographic density) and histopathologic data as well as radiologic variables (mammographic and ultrasound findings) after retrospective review by two radiologists, the authors of the current paper, in consensus. We classified the ultrasound findings according to distribution (focal, linear or segmental, and regional) and associated features (calcification, architectural distortion, and ductal changes) and analyzed the associations between variables and malignancy using the t test and χ2 test. Results Of the 121 NMLs, 88 (72.7%) were benign and 33 (27.3%) were malignant. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) (17/33, 51.5%) and invasive ductal cancer with or without DCIS (13/33, 39.4%) comprised the main malignancies, and malignancy was significantly associated with palpability ( P = 0.000). Mammographic findings and sonographic distribution and associated features were significantly different between benign and malignant lesions ( P = 0.000, P = 0.004, and P = 0.001, respectively). Malignant lesions showed more frequent calcifications combined with asymmetry ( P = 0.000) on mammography and linear-segmental distributions ( P = 0.001) and associated calcifications ( P = 0.019) or architectural distortions ( P = 0.015) on ultrasound. Conclusion Breast NMLs on ultrasound showed high risk of malignancy. Symptoms and mammographic and ultrasound findings can be possible predictors of malignancy in NMLs.
Inverse relationship between type 1 diabetes mellitus and migraine. Data from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Surveys 1995–1997 and 2006–2008
Authors: Hagen Knut , Åsvold Bjørn Olav , Midthjell Kristian , Stovner Lars Jacob , Zwart John-Anker , Linde Mattias 
Published: January 2017

Aims The aim of this cross-sectional population-based study was to investigate the associations between migraine and type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods We used data from the second (1995–1997) and third survey (2006–2008) in the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study. Analyses were made for the 26,121 participants (30–97 years of age, median 58.3 years) with known headache and DM status in both surveys, and for the 39,584 participants in the third survey (20–97 years, median 54.1 years). The diagnosis of migraine was given to those who fulfilled the questionnaire-based migraine diagnosis in the second and/or third survey. Associations were assessed using multiple logistic regression, estimating prevalence odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results In the multivariate analysis of the 26,121 participants in both surveys, adjusting for age, gender, years of education, and smoking, classical type 1 DM (n = 81) was associated with a lower prevalence of any headache (OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.34–0.88),and migraine (OR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.26–0.96) compared to those without DM (n = 24,779). Correspondingly, the merged group of classical type 1 DM and latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA) (n = 153) were less likely to have migraine (OR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.31–0.91). Similarly, an inverse relationship between type 1 DM and migraine was found in analyses of 39,584 participants in the third survey. No clear association was found between headache and type 2 DM. Conclusions In this cross-sectional population-based study of mainly middle-aged participants, type 1 DM was inversely associated with headache, in particular migraine.
Pre-Treatment of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells With Inflammatory Factors or Hypoxia Does Not Influence Migration to Osteoarthritic Cartilage and Synovium
Authors: Leijs Maarten J.C. , van Buul Gerben M. , Verhaar Jan A.N. , Hoogduijn Martin J. , Bos Pieter K. , van Osch Gerjo J.V.M. 
Published: January 2017

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising candidates as a cell-based therapy for osteoarthritis (OA), although current results are modest. Pre-treatment of MSCs before application might improve their therapeutic efficacy. Hypothesis: Pre-treatment of MSCs with inflammatory factors or hypoxia will improve their migration and adhesion capacities toward OA-affected tissues. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: We used real-time polymerase chain reaction to determine the effects of different fetal calf serum (FCS) batches, platelet lysate (PL), hypoxia, inflammatory factors, factors secreted by OA tissues, and OA synovial fluid (SF) on the expression of 12 genes encoding chemokine or adhesion receptors. Migration of MSCs toward factors secreted by OA tissues was studied in vitro, and attachment of injected MSCs was evaluated in vivo in healthy and OA knees of male Wistar rats. Results: Different FCS batches, PL, or hypoxia did not influence the expression of the migration and adhesion receptor genes. Exposure to inflammatory factors altered the expression of CCR1, CCR4, CD44, PDGFRα, and PDGFRβ. MSCs migrated toward factors secreted by OA tissues in vitro. Neither pre-treatment with inflammatory factors nor the presence of OA influenced MSC migration in vitro or adhesion in vivo. Conclusion: Factors secreted by OA tissues increase MSC migration in vitro. In vivo, no difference in MSC adhesion was found between OA and healthy knees. Pre-treatment with inflammatory factors influenced the expression of migration and adhesion receptors of MSCs but not their migration in vitro or adhesion in vivo. Clinical Relevance: To improve the therapeutic capacity of intra-articular injection of MSCs, they need to remain intra-articular for a longer period of time. Pre-treatment of MSCs with hypoxia or inflammatory factors did not increase the migration or adhesion capacity of MSCs and will therefore not likely prolong their intra-articular longevity. Alternative approaches to prolong the intra-articular presence of MSCs should be developed to increase the therapeutic effect of MSCs in OA.
Numerical simulation of the multiphase flow phenomena in the crankcase of an internal combustion engine
Authors: Oliva Alexander , Wachtmeister Georg 
Published: January 2017

The flow processes in the crankcase of an internal combustion engine are essential for many sub areas of a combustion engine. Piston cooling, oil transport through the main and conrod bearings or the tribology of the piston assembly are some of them and take place in the crankcase. The oil supply of the liner plays an important role for the friction losses of an engine. Additionally oil aerosols are emerging in the crankcase. The sizes of the droplets are crucial for the oil separator dimensioning. Due to blow-by a part of the crankcase gas flows back to the intake manifold (via the oil separator) and the containing oil in the flow is responsible for additional emissions of the engine. This study introduces a simulation method for the calculation of the multiphase flow phenomena in the crankcase of a four-cylinder diesel engine. All relevant effects have been identified and modeled numerically. The detailed geometry of the crankcase volume and all moving parts of the piston assembly have been considered in the model. To calculate the multiphase flow in the crankcase a discrete particle method has been chosen, where the gas flow is described continuously and the oil flow is modeled with the discrete droplet method. With this method the oil flow and the interaction with the gas flow can be calculated. The computational fluid dynamics results enable new insights into the crankcase flow of an internal combustion engine and therefore statements about the oil distribution in the crankcase can be made. That leads to further knowledge of the transport processes in the crankcase.
Effects of prolonged methylprednisolone treatment after pulse therapy for paraquat-intoxicated rats
Authors: Feng SY , Gao J , Wang J , Li Y 
Published: January 2017

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate prolonged methylprednisolone (MP) treatment after pulse therapy for paraquat (PQ)-intoxicated rats. Method: Acute PQ toxicity was induced by intraperitoneally injecting single toxic dose of 25 mg/kg of body weight. Rats were divided into four groups: control group (saline solution for 15 days), PQ group (saline solution for 15 days after PQ toxicity), pulse group (15 mg·kg−1·day−1 MP for 3 days after PQ toxicity and then saline solution for 12 days) and pulse + prolonged group (15 mg·kg−1·day−1 MP for 3 days after PQ toxicity; dosage was subsequently reduced by half every 2 days, and MP was terminated until 0.47 mg·kg−1·day−1). Hydroxyproline (HYP) content in lung tissues was evaluated through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and lung fibrosis was examined using a semiquantitative scoring system (Ashcroft staging criteria). Lung wet-to-dry weight (W/Dc) ratio and 15-day survival rates of the rats were also analysed. Results: Similar survival rates (55.0 vs. 65.0%) were obtained for the pulse group and the pulse + prolonged group. The W/Dc (4.79 ± 0.42 vs. 5.29 ± 0.35), HYP content in the lung tissues (3.23 ± 0.24 vs. 3.72 ± 0.23 μg/mg) and lung fibrosis scores (2.69 ± 0.74 vs. 3.12 ± 0.60) of the pulse + prolonged group were lower than those of the pulse group. Conclusion: Prolonged MP treatment after pulse therapy could effectively ameliorate PQ-intoxicated acute lung injury in rats. However, further studies should be performed to verify our findings.
Compassionate care during withdrawal of treatment: A secondary analysis of ICU nurses' experiences
Authors: Efstathiou Nikolaos , Ives Jonathan 
Published: January 2017

Background: Withdrawal of treatment is a common practice in intensive care units when treatment is considered futile. Compassion is an important aspect of care; however, it has not been explored much within the context of treatment withdrawal in intensive care units. Objectives: The aim was to examine how concepts of compassion are framed, utilised and communicated by intensive care nurses in the context of treatment withdrawal. Design: The study employed a qualitative approach conducting secondary analysis of an original data set. In the primary study, 13 nurses were recruited from three intensive care units within a large hospital in United Kingdom. Deductive framework analysis was used to analyse the data in relation to compassionate care. Ethical considerations: The primary study was approved by the local Research Ethics Committee and the hospital’s Research and Development services. Findings: Compassionate care was mostly directed to the patient’s family and was demonstrated through care and emotional support to the family. It was predominantly expressed through attempts to maintain the patient’s dignity by controlling symptoms, maintaining patient cleanliness and removing technical apparatus. Conclusion: This study’s findings provide insight about compassionate care during treatment withdrawal which could help to understand and develop further clinicians’ roles. Prioritising the family over the patient raised concerns among nurses, who motivated by compassion, may feel justified in taking measures that are in the interests of the family rather than the patient. Further work is needed to explore the ethics of this.