bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary Valve Opening With Two Rotary Left Ventricular Assist Devices for Biventricular Support
Authors: Wu Eric L. , Nestler Frank , Kleinheyer Matthias , Stevens Michael C. , Pauls Jo P. , Fraser John F. , Gregory Shaun D. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractRight ventricular failure is a common complication associated with rotary left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support. Currently, there is no clinically approved long‐term rotary right ventricular assist device (RVAD). Instead, clinicians have implanted a second rotary LVAD as RVAD in biventricular support. To prevent pulmonary hypertension, the RVAD must be operated by either reducing pump speed or banding the outflow graft. These modes differ in hydraulic performance, which may affect the pulmonary valve opening (PVO) and subsequently cause fusion, valvular insufficiency, and thrombus formation. This study aimed to compare PVO with the RVAD operated at reduced speed or with a banded outflow graft. Baseline conditions of systemic normal, hypo, and hypertension with severe biventricular failure were simulated in a mock circulation loop. Biventricular support was provided with two rotary VentrAssist LVADs with cardiac output restored to 5 L/min in banded outflow and reduced speed conditions, and systemic and pulmonary vascular resistances (PVR) were manipulated to determine the range of conditions that allowed PVO without causing left ventricular suction. Finally, RVAD sine wave speed modulation (±550 rpm) strategies (co‐ and counter‐pulsation) were implemented to observe the effect on PVO. For each condition, outflow banding had higher PVR (97 ± 20 dyne/s/cm5 higher) for when the pulmonary valve closed compared to reduced speed. In addition, counter‐pulsation demonstrated greater PVO than co‐pulsation and constant speed. For the purpose of reducing the risks of pulmonary valve insufficiency, fusion, and thrombotic event, this study recommends a RVAD with a steeper H‐Q gradient by banding and further exploration of RVAD speed modulation.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a patient with Bickerstaff's brainstem encephalitis
Authors: Saito Kazuyuki , Miyazaki Takanori , Toru Shuta 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundBickerstaff's brainstem encephalitis (BBE) is characterized by acute ophthalmoplegia, ataxia and impaired consciousness. Serum anti‐GQ1b antibody in the acute phase has been detected in many BBE cases. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is characterized by acute neurological symptoms with vasogenic edema in the bilateral parieto‐occipital regions. It has been pointed out that the activation of inflammatory cytokines might be involved in the pathophysiology of PRES and BBE.Case presentationA 37‐year‐old woman had an upper respiratory infection a week before losing consciousness. On admission, she was in a coma and her blood pressure was 134/96 mmHg. Doll's eye phenomenon was negative. Bilateral tendon reflexes were normal, although Babinski signs were bilateral positive. Cerebrospinal fluid examination showed normal protein concentration and cell counts. Brain magnetic resonance imaging findings were normal. We administered intravenous methylprednisolone therapy (1000 mg/day), acyclovir (1500 mg/day) and fosphenytoin sodium hydrate (22.5 mg/kg/day). Brain magnetic resonance imaging on the third admission day showed an increased apparent diffusion coefficient map, and high intensities in diffusion‐weighted imaging in the bilateral occipital cortex and subcortex, which are consistent with PRES. Nerve conduction studies were normal. The patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (0.4 g/kg/day) from the fourth admission day. Her consciousness level rapidly improved, and we were able to detect obvious ophthalmoplegia and limb ataxia. Diffusion‐weighted imaging was improved on the 13th day of admission. Serum anti‐GQ1b immunoglobulin G antibody on admission was positive. We ultimately diagnosed her with BBE.ConclusionsWe reported a rare case of BBE complicated with PRES.
Defending the scientific integrity of conservation‐policy processes
Authors: Carroll Carlos , Hartl Brett , Goldman Gretchen T. , Rohlf Daniel J. , Treves Adrian , Kerr Jeremy T. , Ritchie Euan G. , Kingsford Richard T. , Gibbs Katherine E. , Maron Martine , Watson James E. M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractGovernment agencies faced with politically controversial decisions often discount or ignore scientific information, whether from agency staff or nongovernmental scientists. Recent developments in scientific integrity (the ability to perform, use, communicate, and publish science free from censorship or political interference) in Canada, Australia, and the United States demonstrate a similar trajectory. A perceived increase in scientific‐integrity abuses provokes concerted pressure by the scientific community, leading to efforts to improve scientific‐integrity protections under a new administration. However, protections are often inconsistently applied and are at risk of reversal under administrations publicly hostile to evidence‐based policy. We compared recent challenges to scientific integrity to determine what aspects of scientific input into conservation policy are most at risk of political distortion and what can be done to strengthen safeguards against such abuses. To ensure the integrity of outbound communications from government scientists to the public, we suggest governments strengthen scientific integrity policies, include scientists’ right to speak freely in collective‐bargaining agreements, guarantee public access to scientific information, and strengthen agency culture supporting scientific integrity. To ensure the transparency and integrity with which information from nongovernmental scientists (e.g., submitted comments or formal policy reviews) informs the policy process, we suggest governments broaden the scope of independent reviews, ensure greater diversity of expert input and transparency regarding conflicts of interest, require a substantive response to input from agencies, and engage proactively with scientific societies. For their part, scientists and scientific societies have a responsibility to engage with the public to affirm that science is a crucial resource for developing evidence‐based policy and regulations in the public interest.
Alcohol consumption trends in Australia: Comparing surveys and sales‐based measures
Authors: Livingston Michael , Callinan Sarah , Raninen Jonas , Pennay Amy , Dietze Paul M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIntroduction and AimsSurvey data remain a crucial means for monitoring alcohol consumption, but there has been limited work done to ensure that surveys adequately capture changes in per‐capita consumption in Australia. In this study, we explore how trends in consumption from two major Australian surveys compare with an official measure of per‐capita consumption between 2001 and 2014 and examine age‐specific trends in drinking.Design and MethodsData were from five waves of the cross‐sectional National Health Survey (total n = 113 279) and 12 waves of the longitudinal Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Study (average n = 12 347). Overall and age‐specific estimates of annual alcohol consumption were derived and compared with official per‐capita consumption and previous analyses of the National Drug Strategy Household Survey.ResultsIn terms of overall consumption, both surveys broadly reflected trends in per‐capita consumption, especially the decline that has been observed since 2007/2008. Age‐specific trends were broadly similar, with the recent decline in consumption clearly concentrated among teenagers and young adults.Discussion and ConclusionsThe main Australian monitoring surveys remain useful monitoring tools for alcohol consumption in Australia. There is consistent evidence that the recent declines in Australian per‐capita consumption have been driven by sharp falls in drinking among young people, a trend that requires further study. [Livingston M, Callinan S, Raninen J, Pennay A, Dietze PM. Alcohol consumption trends in Australia: Comparing surveys and sales‐based measures. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;00:000‐000]
Off‐label use of rituximab in autoimmune disease in the Top End of the Northern Territory, 2008–2016
Authors: Wongseelashote Sarah , Tayal Vipin , Bourke Peter Francis 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundRituximab, an anti‐CD20 B‐cell depleting monoclonal antibody, is increasingly prescribed off‐label for a range of autoimmune diseases. There has not previously been an audit of off‐label rituximab use in the Northern Territory, where the majority of patients are Aboriginal.AimsTo evaluate retrospectively off‐label rituximab use in autoimmune diseases in the Top End of the Northern Territory.MethodsWe performed a retrospective audit of 8 years of off‐label rituximab use at the Royal Darwin Hospital, the sole tertiary referral centre for the Darwin, Katherine and East Arnhem regions. Electronic and paper records were reviewed for demographic information, diagnosis/indication for rituximab, doses, previous/concomitant immunosuppression, clinical outcomes and specific adverse events.ResultsRituximab was prescribed off‐label to 66 patients for 24 autoimmune diseases. The majority of patients (62.1%) were Aboriginal and 60.6% female. The most common indications were refractory/relapsing disease despite standard therapies (68.7%) or severe disease with rituximab incorporated into an induction immunosuppressive regimen (19.4%). Systemic lupus erythematosus was the underlying diagnosis in 28.8% of cases. A clinically significant response was demonstrated in 74.2% of cases overall. There were 18 clinically significant infections; however, 13 were in patients receiving concurrent immunosuppressive therapy. There was a total of nine deaths from any cause.ConclusionRituximab has been used off‐label for a range of autoimmune diseases in this population with a high proportion of Aboriginal patients successfully and safely in the majority of cases.
Negotiating a ‘Radically Ambiguous World’: Planning for the Future of Research at the Art and Design University
Authors: Liinamaa Saara 
Published: July 2017

AbstractTheoretically and methodologically, understanding the role of research within art and design practices is a recurring theme within contemporary dialogue and debate. In the published literature, there are many questions around how categories and definitions of artistic research are employed within the increasingly under‐resourced realm of higher education. This article contributes to this larger discussion by building up our knowledge of a particular feature of this landscape: how research policy and planning documents at art and design universities represent and define artistic research. While examining research at the level of practice remains important, we must also understand the symbolic and practical weight that institutional directives carry. In light of recent literature on artistic research and the debates concerning its evaluation and institutionalisation, this article develops our contemporary understanding of the role of the art and design university as an important mediator of conflicting perspectives on the ‘value’ of art and design research. Based on a discourse analysis of research planning documents from Canada's three independent public art and design universities, this article will argue that it is not the definition of artistic research itself that is the most contentious feature of university research planning – it is defining the value of this research that invites conflict and concern.
Evaluating social (pragmatic) communication disorder
Authors: Mandy William , Wang Adele , Lee Irene , Skuse David 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundSocial (pragmatic) communication disorder (SPCD) is a new diagnosis introduced by DSM‐5, characterised by problems with verbal and nonverbal social communication. It is currently unclear whether SPCD is a valid diagnostic category, because little is known about the characteristics of those who meet its criteria. We sought to identify and describe cases of SPCD, to contribute to debates about its validity. We investigated whether the symptoms of SPCD cluster together to form a coherent syndrome that is distinct from autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in terms of its core and associated features.MethodsParticipants were young people (N = 1,081, age range = 4–18 years) who had attended a specialist social communication disorders clinic for children with fluent language and normal‐range intelligence. Standardised parent‐report data were collected using the Developmental, Dimensional and Diagnostic Interview (3Di), Child Communication Checklist (CCC) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). An algorithm was designed using 3Di and CCC items to implement DSM‐5 SPCD criteria.ResultsEighty‐eight young people met our criteria for SPCD, with 801 meeting DSM‐5 ASD criteria and the remaining 192 having neither SPCD nor ASD (‘clinical comparison group’). The core symptoms of SPCD co‐occurred to a moderate degree (average interitem correlation = .22). SPCD cases had autistic social difficulties that were intermediate between ASD and the clinical comparison group. SPCD was associated with high rates of nonautistic psychopathology, with 63.5% scoring in the abnormal range of the SDQ's Total Problems scale.ConclusionsWe did not find evidence that SPCD is qualitatively distinct from ASD. Rather, it appears to lie on the borderlands of the autism spectrum, describing those with autistic traits that fall just below the threshold for an ASD diagnosis. SPCD may have clinical utility for identifying people with autistic traits that are insufficiently severe for ASD diagnosis, but who nevertheless require support.
A clinical trial of a novel emulsion for potential use as a saliva substitute in patients with radiation‐induced xerostomia
Authors: Apperley O. , Medlicott N. , Rich A. , Hanning S. , Huckabee M. L. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryResearchers have recently developed a novel oily formulation for potential use as a saliva substitute for the treatment of dry mouth. The aim of this randomised, crossover study was to compare this new formulation to a currently available saliva substitute and a control of water on measures of mastication, subjective feeling of oral dryness and product acceptability. Forty participants treated with radiotherapy to the head and neck and experiencing xerostomia were invited to participate in the trial. Each participant trialled all three products in a randomised order. The effect of each product was measured using the Test of Masticating and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS), the Shortened Xerostomia Inventory (SXI) and a questionnaire designed to test patient acceptability of each product. Outcome data were gathered in a single session after the first administration of each product to evaluate immediate effects and after 7 days of use to evaluate longer‐term effects. Statistical analyses consisted of repeated‐measures analysis of variance and mixed models. There was no evidence that application of the three formulations had an effect on any of the TOMASS measures, either immediately or after one week of use (P > 0·05). There was a significant main effect of formulation on the SXI score (P = 0·02). Application of the novel emulsion resulted in a clinically small but significant improvement in SXI score (P < 0·01); however, application of methylcellulose (P = 0·21) and water (P = 0·81) resulted in no significant difference. There was no difference in participant acceptability between the three products (P = 0·32). The novel oily emulsion showed no clinically significant benefit over two existing products for relief of xerostomia. Indeed, none of the three products demonstrated significant change in patient outcomes.
Probabilistic Risk Analysis of Diversion Tunnel Construction Simulation
Authors: Yu Jia , Zhong Denghua , Ren Bingyu , Tong Dawei , Hong Kun 
Published: July 2017

AbstractComprehensive and effective risk analysis is significant for studying construction simulation of diversion tunnel. Existing tunnel risk simulation approaches mainly analyze ordinary risk factors, and cannot quantitatively study risk events considering their causes. Additionally, in other tunnel probabilistic risk analysis methods, although some studies have made full probabilistic estimates of tunnel schedule, risk factors are unable to be studied considering cyclic construction characteristics and occurrence probability of risk events cannot be determined quantitatively. To address the issues, a probabilistic risk analysis approach of diversion tunnel construction simulation is proposed. Based on hierarchical simulation model, risk factors can be analyzed at operation level of tunnel construction. Moreover, Bayesian network is embedded into simulation program to quantitatively calculate probability of risk events in each simulation cycle, considering geology, design, construction, and management conditions and their mutual dependence.
Automated Estimation of Reinforced Precast Concrete Rebar Positions Using Colored Laser Scan Data
Authors: Wang Qian , Cheng Jack C. P. , Sohn Hoon 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPrecast concrete elements are widely adopted and the performance of precast structures is relying on the quality of connections between adjacent elements. For reinforced precast concrete elements, rebar positions are important for the overall structural performance, however, they are usually manually inspected. This study develops a technique for automated position estimation of rebars on reinforced precast concrete elements using colored laser scan data. A novel mixed pixel filter is developed to remove mixed pixels from the raw scan data based on both distance and color difference. A one‐class classifier is used for extracting rebars from all the data based on both geometric and color features of points. Furthermore, a novel rebar recognition algorithm is developed to recognize individual rebars based on two newly defined metrics. Experiments on two reinforced precast concrete bridge deck panels were conducted and showed that the proposed technique can accurately and efficiently estimate rebar positions.
A research agenda to guide progress on childhood obesity prevention in Latin America
Authors: Kline L. , Jones‐Smith J. , Jaime Miranda J. , Pratt M. , Reis R.S. , Rivera J.A. , Sallis J.F. , Popkin B.M. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryChildhood obesity rates in Latin America are among the highest in the world. This paper examines and evaluates the many efforts underway in the region to reduce and prevent further increases in obesity, identifies and discusses unique research challenges and opportunities in Latin America, and proposes a research agenda in Latin America for the prevention of childhood obesity and concomitant non‐communicable diseases. Identified research gaps include biological challenges to healthy growth across the life cycle, diet and physical activity dynamics, community interventions promoting healthy child growth, and rigorous evaluation of national food and activity programs and regulatory actions. Addressing these research gaps is critical to advance the evidence‐based policy and practice in childhood obesity tailored to the Latin American context that will be effective in addressing obesity.
Prevention of childhood obesity and food policies in Latin America: from research to practice
Authors: Pérez‐Escamilla R. , Lutter C.K. , Rabadan‐Diehl C. , Rubinstein A. , Calvillo A. , Corvalán C. , Batis C. , Jacoby E. , Vorkoper S. , Kline L. , Ewart‐Pierce E. , Rivera J.A. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryBackgroundAddressing childhood obesity in Latin America requires a package of multisectoral, evidence‐based policies that enable environments conducive to healthy lifestyles.ObjectiveIdentify and examine key elements to translating research into effective obesity policies in Latin America.MethodsWe examined obesity prevention policies through case studies developed with an expert in the specific policy. Policies were selected based on their level of implementation, visibility and potential impact to reduce childhood obesity. They include: (i) excise taxes on sugar sweetened beverages and energy‐dense foods; (ii) front‐of‐package food label legislation; (iii) trans fatty acids removal from processed foods; and (iv) Ciclovías recreativas or ‘open streets’. Case studies were coded to identify components that explained successful implementation and sustainability using the Complex Adaptive Health Systems framework.ResultsThe analysis identified key elements for effective and sustainable policy, including evidence justifying policy; evidence‐based advocacy by civil society; political will; and legislation and skillful negotiations across government, academia, the private sector and civil society. Scientific evidence and evaluation played an important role in achieving tipping points for policies' launch and sustain effective implementation.ConclusionsWell‐coordinated, intersectoral partnerships are needed to successfully implement evidence‐based anti‐obesity policies. Prospective policy research may be useful for advancing knowledge translation.
The association between obesity and academic performance in youth: a systematic review
Authors: Santana C. C. A. , Hill J. O. , Azevedo L. B. , Gunnarsdottir T. , Prado W. L. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryPrevious studies have found that obesity could influence academic performance. The aim of this study was to systematically review the scientific evidence on the association between obesity and academic performance in school children. A systematic review of English articles was undertaken by using databases PubMed/Medline, ERIC, LILACS, SciELO and Web of Science. Cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies examining the association between obesity and academic performance in children and adolescents, published between January 1990 and December 2016, were included. Risk of bias was assessed by using Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology. Thirty‐four studies (23 cross‐sectional and 11 longitudinal) matched all inclusion criteria and were included. Seven studies were classified as low risk of bias, 23 as medium risk and four as high risk. After controlling for covariates such as socio‐economic status, parental education and physical activity, the association between obesity and academic performance becomes uncertain for most of the studies (55.9%). Therefore, at present, there is insufficient evidence to support a direct link between obesity and poor academic performance in school age children. In order to clarify this issue, we need more longitudinal studies with adequate sample sizes and that control for potential confounders.