bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of the Utilization of Ethanol Locks in Pediatric Patients With Intestinal Failure
Authors: Rahhal Riad , Abu‐El‐Haija Maisam A. , Fei Lin , Ebach Dawn , Orkin Sarah , Kiscaden Elizabeth , Cole Conrad R. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackground: Intestinal failure is a chronic condition related to loss of bowel length and/or function, resulting in dependence on central venous catheters for fluids and nutrition. Catheter use can be associated with significant complications, including catheter‐related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs), which can lead to loss of vascular access, advancing intestinal failure associated–liver disease and death. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ethanol locks as compared with standard heparin locks in pediatric intestinal failure. Methods: Databases, including MEDLINE and EMBASE, were searched until March 2017. Titles and abstracts were reviewed independently and relevant articles reassessed by full‐text review. The main outcome was the rate of CRBSIs, while secondary outcomes were catheter replacement and repair. Results: Nine observational studies were included. The mean difference in rate of CRBSIs was 6.27 per 1000 catheter days (95% CI, 4.89–7.66) favoring ethanol locks, with a 63% overall reduction in infection rate. The mean difference in catheter replacement rate (per 1000 catheter days) was 4.56 (95% Cl, 2.68–6.43) favoring ethanol locks. The overall effect on catheter repair rate (per 1000 catheter days) was −1.67 (95% CI, −2.30 to −1.05), indicating lower repair rate with heparin locks. Conclusion: Sufficient evidence was noted showing that ethanol locks reduced CRBSIs and catheter replacements. Our findings raise questions about the effect of the ethanol lock on catheter integrity based on the noted increase in repair rate. This requires further prospective evaluation and may support selective application of ethanol locks to patients with documented CRBSIs.
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor: prediction of the tumor grade using CT findings and computerized texture analysis
Authors: Choi Tae Won , Kim Jung Hoon , Yu Mi Hye , Park Sang Joon , Han Joon Koo 
Published: August 2017

Background Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) include heterogeneous tumors with a variable degree of inherent biologic aggressiveness represented by the histopathologic grade. Although several studies investigated the computed tomography (CT) characteristics which can predict the histopathologic grade of PNET, accurate prediction of the PNET grade by CT examination alone is still limited. Purpose To investigate the important CT findings and CT texture variables for prediction of grade of PNET. Material and Methods Sixty-six patients with pathologically confirmed PNETs (grade 1 = 45, grades 2/3 = 21) underwent preoperative contrast-enhanced CT. Two reviewers determined the presence of predefined CT findings. CT texture was also analyzed on arterial and portal phase using both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed in order to identify significant predictors for tumor grade. Results Among CT findings and CT texture variables, the significant predictors for grade 2/3 tumors were an ill-defined margin (odds ratio [OR] = 7.273), lower sphericity (OR = 0.409) on arterial 2D analysis, higher skewness (OR = 1.972) and lower sphericity (OR = 0.408) on arterial 3D analysis, lower kurtosis (OR = 0.436) and lower sphericity (OR = 0.420) on portal 2D analysis, and a larger surface area (OR = 2.007) and lower sphericity (OR = 0.503) on portal 3D analysis ( P < 0.05). Diagnostic performance of texture analysis was superior to CT findings (AUC = 0.774 vs. 0.683). Conclusion CT is useful for predicting grade 2/3 PNET using not only the imaging findings including an ill-defined margin, but also the CT texture variables such as lower sphericity, higher skewness, and lower kurtosis.
Comparison of variability in breast density assessment by BI-RADS category according to the level of experience
Authors: Eom Hye-Joung , Cha Joo Hee , Kang Ji-Won , Choi Woo Jung , Kim Han Jun , Go EunChae 
Published: August 2017

Background Only few studies have assessed variability in the results obtained by the readers with different experience levels in comparison with automated volumetric breast density measurements. Purpose To examine the variations in breast density assessment according to BI-RADS categories among readers with different experience levels and to compare it with the results of automated quantitative measurements. Material and Methods Density assignment was done for 1000 screening mammograms by six readers with three different experience levels (breast-imaging experts, general radiologists, and students). Agreement level between the results obtained by the readers and the Volpara automated volumetric breast density measurements was assessed. The agreement analysis using two categories—non-dense and dense breast tissue—was also performed. Results Intra-reader agreement for experts, general radiologists, and students were almost perfect or substantial (k = 0.74–0.95). The agreement between visual assessments of the breast-imaging experts and volumetric assessments by Volpara was substantial (k = 0.77). The agreement was moderate between the experts and general radiologists (k = 0.67) and slight between the students and Volpara (k = 0.01). The agreement for the two category groups (nondense and dense) was almost perfect between the experts and Volpara (k = 0.83). The agreement was substantial between the experts and general radiologists (k = 0.78). Conclusion We observed similar high agreement levels between visual assessments of breast density performed by radiologists and the volumetric assessments. However, agreement levels were substantially lower for the untrained readers.
Global Finance and Capital Adequacy Regulation: Recreating Capitalist Social Relations
Authors: Rogers Chris 
Published: August 2017

The paper argues that capital adequacy regulation has served to recreate the neoliberal form of capitalist social relations. It identifies two dimensions to this process. First, the paper argues that capital adequacy regulation in historical perspective can be understood to have incentivized, facilitated, and legitimated the kind of arbitrage that allow it to proceed. Second, it argues revisions to capital adequacy requirements serve to discipline mutual and cooperative forms of finance. JEL Classification: G28, P13, P16
Symposium on work in the ‘gig’ economy: Introduction
Authors: Flanagan Frances 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis introduction overviews four approaches to theoretical and empirical research on the ‘gig’ economy, framing them within the concept of the ‘fissuring of the workplace’. It outlines arguments that ‘gig’ or digital work is not a new phenomenon but a resurgence of older, unregulated labour extraction methods and outlines the need for a more nuanced way of measuring the dimensions of job insecurity and their corrosive effects. In foreshadowing potential policy approaches to addressing the regulatory deficit surrounding gig economy work, it argues for an eclectic approach to using and strengthening legislation designed to safeguard the rights of consumers and providers of services, including contractors, and regardless of employment status. Finally, it foreshadows a study of how a successful union movement respond to the gig economy – negotiation with a digital platform to bring advertised hourly pay rates into line with the minima set within the industrial relations system for employment in the relevant industries.
Hypermethylation of MIR21 in CD4+ T cells from patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis associates with lower miRNA-21 levels and concomitant up-regulation of its target genes
Authors: Ruhrmann Sabrina , Ewing Ewoud , Piket Eliane , Kular Lara , Cetrulo Lorenzi Julio Cesar , Fernandes Sunjay Jude , Morikawa Hiromasa , Aeinehband Shahin , Sayols-Baixeras Sergi , Aslibekyan Stella , Absher Devin M , Arnett Donna K , Tegner Jesper , Gomez-Cabrero David , Piehl Fredrik , Jagodic Maja 
Published: August 2017

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system caused by genetic and environmental factors. DNA methylation, an epigenetic mechanism that controls genome activity, may provide a link between genetic and environmental risk factors. Objective: We sought to identify DNA methylation changes in CD4+ T cells in patients with relapsing-remitting (RR-MS) and secondary-progressive (SP-MS) disease and healthy controls (HC). Methods: We performed DNA methylation analysis in CD4+ T cells from RR-MS, SP-MS, and HC and associated identified changes with the nearby risk allele, smoking, age, and gene expression. Results: We observed significant methylation differences in the VMP1/MIR21 locus, with RR-MS displaying higher methylation compared to SP-MS and HC. VMP1/MIR21 methylation did not correlate with a known MS risk variant in VMP1 or smoking but displayed a significant negative correlation with age and the levels of mature miR-21 in CD4+ T cells. Accordingly, RR-MS displayed lower levels of miR-21 compared to SP-MS, which might reflect differences in age between the groups, and healthy individuals and a significant enrichment of up-regulated miR-21 target genes. Conclusion: Disease-related changes in epigenetic marking of MIR21 in RR-MS lead to differences in miR-21 expression with a consequence on miR-21 target genes.
Falling down a flight of stairs: The impact of age and intoxication on injury pattern and severity
Authors: Chatha Hridesh , Sammy Ian , Hickey Michael , Sattout Abdo , Hollingsworth John 
Published: August 2017

Background Falling down a flight of stairs is a common injury mechanism in major trauma patients, but little research has been undertaken into the impact of age and alcohol intoxication on the injury patterns of these patients. The aim of this study was to compare the impact of age and alcohol intoxication on injury pattern and severity in patients who fell down a flight of stairs. Methods This was a retrospective observational study of prospectively collected trauma registry data from a major trauma centre in the United Kingdom comparing older and younger adult patients admitted to the Emergency Department following a fall down a flight of stairs between July 2012 and March 2015. Results Older patients were more likely to suffer injuries to all body regions and sustained more severe injuries to the spine; they were also more likely to suffer polytrauma (23.6% versus 10.6%; p < 0.001). Intoxicated patients were more likely to suffer injuries to the head and neck (42.9% versus 30.5%; p = 0.006) and were significantly younger than sober patients (53 versus 69 years; p < 0.001). Conclusion Older patients who fall down a flight of stairs are significantly different from their younger counterparts, with a different injury pattern and a greater likelihood of polytrauma. In addition, alcohol intoxication also affects injury pattern in people who have fallen down a flight of stairs, increasing the risk of traumatic brain injury. Both age and intoxication should be considered when managing these patients.
Long-term effect of parasympathetic or sympathetic denervation on intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis
Authors: Davis Elizabeth A , Washington Martha C , Yaniz Emily R , Phillips Heidi , Sayegh Ayman I , Dailey Megan J 
Published: August 2017

Intestinal epithelial tissue is constantly regenerated as a means to maintain proper tissue function. Previous studies have demonstrated that denervation of the parasympathetic or sympathetic nervous system to the intestine alters this process. However, results are inconsistent between studies, showing both increases and decreases in proliferation after denervation of the parasympathetic or sympathetic. The effect appears to correlate with (1) the timing post-denervation, (2) denervation-induced changes in food intake, (3) the denervation technique used, and (4) which intestinal segment is investigated. Thus, we proposed that parasympathetic or sympathetic denervation does not have an effect on intestinal epithelial regeneration when you (1) evaluate denervation after long-term denervation, (2) control for post-surgical changes in food intake, (3) use minimally invasive surgical techniques and (4) include a segmental analysis. To test this, adult male Sprague Dawley rats underwent parasympathetic denervation via subdiaphragmatic vagotomy, sympathetic denervation via celiacomesenteric ganglionectomy, a parasympathetic denervation sham surgery, or a sympathetic denervation sham surgery. Sham surgery ad libitum-fed groups and sham surgery pair-fed groups were used to control for surgically induced changes in food intake. Three weeks post-surgery, animals were sacrificed and tissue from the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum was excised and immunohistochemically processed to visualize indicators of proliferation (bromodeoxyuridine-positive cells) and apoptosis (caspase-3-positive cells). Results showed no differences between groups in proliferation, apoptosis, or total cell number in any intestinal segment. These results suggest that parasympathetic or sympathetic denervation does not have a significant long-term effect on intestinal epithelial turnover. Thus, intestinal epithelial regeneration is able to recover after autonomic nervous system injury. Impact statement This study investigates the long-term effect of autonomic denervation on intestinal epithelial cell turnover, as measured by proliferation, apoptosis, and total cell number. Although previous research has established that autonomic denervation can alter intestinal epithelial turnover under short-term conditions, here we establish for the first time that these changes do not persist long-term when you control for surgical-induced changes in food intake and use targeted denervation procedures. These findings add to the base of knowledge on autonomic control of tissue turnover, highlight the ability of the intestinal epithelium to recover after autonomic injury and reveal possible implications of the use of ANS denervation for disease treatment in humans.
Quantitative evaluation of arteriovenous malformation hemodynamic changes after endovascular treatment using parametric color coding: A case series study
Authors: Rivera Rodrigo , Sordo Juan G , Echeverria Daniel , Badilla Lautaro , Pinto Camila , Merino-Osorio Catalina 
Published: August 2017

Background Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are complex vascular lesions. Endovascular treatment results are usually measured by calculating the volume reduction of the lesions. Nevertheless, vascular flow quantification seems a more physiologically accurate way of measuring endovascular results. We evaluated the use of parametric color coding (PCC) with digital subtraction angiography (DSA), in order to determine the feasibility of PCC to detect and measure the impact of AVM endovascular treatment-induced changes using real-time hemodynamic parameters. Methods and results Supratentorial brain AVM treatment was evaluated in 29 patients over the course of 38 sessions. Using regions of interest (ROIs) at the carotid siphon, arterial feeder, drainage vein and venous sinus, we found significant increase in time to peak (TTP) values at the arterial feeder, drainage vein and venous sinus. We compared TTP in four different embolization volume groups: I (0–25%), II (26–50%), III (51–75%) and IV (76–100%). We found significant differences between groups and a moderate correlation between embolization percentages, as well as an increase in TTP at the main vein ROI; but not in the arterial side or sinus. Conclusions Brain AVM endovascular treatment results can be quantified in vivo with PCC. PCC is capable of detecting hemodynamic changes after brain AVM endovascular treatment, that may reflect flow drop, and it is correlated with volume embolization.
Use of smoking cessation products: A survey of patients in community pharmacies
Authors: Phung Alan , Luo Lauren , Breik Noor , Alessi-Severini Silvia 
Published: August 2017

Objectives: At 17.3%, smoking rates in Manitoba continue to exceed the national average. In this province, a total health care spending of more than $200 million per year has been attributed to smoking. This study examined the use of smoking cessation agents, including nicotine replacement products and prescription medications, in a sample of smokers in the city of Winnipeg. Methods: A simple multiple-choice questionnaire was administered to willing individuals attending 2 community pharmacies in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Data on demographics, smoking habits, previous attempts of smoking cessation and previous and current use of over-the-counter and prescription smoking cessation products were collected anonymously. Results: Of the 2237 individuals who were approached, 586 were smokers (26.2%) and 180 responded to the survey (30.7%); 48.9% were female. A majority of smokers (32.8%) reported smoking 16 to 25 cigarettes per day. More than 90% had smoked for more than 5 years, 27.2% had more than 5 previous quit attempts and 82.1% used smoking cessation products with the intention to quit. Self-motivation (44.4%) and family/friend advice (28.3%) were major reasons for quitting. Impact of health care practitioners’ advice was low (6.4%). More than 80% of respondents reported that they had no insurance coverage for their smoking cessation products. Despite having the highest rate of use, both nicotine gum (33.3%) and patches (24.4%) were reported to have lower rates of perceived efficacy. Electronic cigarette (97.9%) and varenicline (70.6%) had the highest rates of reported effectiveness. Conclusion: Smokers wanting to quit undergo many attempts. Pharmacists should assume a key role in reaching out to smokers.
Sustained remission in rheumatoid arthritis: latest evidence and clinical considerations
Authors: Ajeganova Sofia , Huizinga Tom 
Published: August 2017

Sustained remission is an ultimate treatment goal in the management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Historically the frequency of sustained remission was low but the frequency of achieved sustained remission is increasing over time. The last years’ clinical studies of tight control targeted treatment and intervention trials of early use of intensive strategy suggest that these treatment strategies are associated with higher rates of sustained remission. Achievement of sustained remission, in particular but not limited to early sustained remission, can provide tapering and stopping disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). With new treatment strategies drug-free sustained remission is becoming an achievable goal. Sustained remission is associated with improved outcomes in regard to function, patient-reported outcomes and survival. Drug-free sustained remission is characterized by normalized function ability and survival. Sustained remission and, in particular, drug-free sustained remission offer hope that early identification of patients with arthritis, early improved novel treatments and treatment with target to achieve remission may potentially transform the progressive course of RA disease and disrupt RA chronicity. In this review we summarize the recent evidence on sustained remission in patients with RA, treatment strategies to achieve sustained remission, management of patients in sustained remission and significance of sustained remission from the patient perspective.
Effect of Changes in Artificial Turf on Sports Injuries in Male University Soccer Players
Authors: Fujitaka Kohei , Taniguchi Akira , Kumai Tsukasa , Otuki Shingo , Okubo Mamoru , Tanaka Yasuhito 
Published: August 2017

Background: Studies comparing the types and severity of trauma and injuries caused by different types of field surfaces have been conducted. However, there have been no studies on sports injuries caused by temporal deterioration of long-pile artificial turf fields and related decreases in the rubber chip and silica sand infill. Purpose: To investigate the influence of an artificial turf field on sports injuries in a university soccer team. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiological study. Methods: A total of 397 male soccer players who were members of a single university soccer team were surveyed over a 12-year period, from April 2003 to March 2015. During this period, the team played for 4 years on a soil field (2003-2006) and 8 years on artificial turf (2007-2014). We analyzed the effect of changes in the artificial turf on the incidence rate of sports injuries (injury rate per 1000 athlete-exposures). We calculated the incidence rate of injuries sustained by the team and compared the results for each year of the study. Results: After conversion of the field to artificial turf, there was a significant increase in the incidence of upper extremity trauma ( P < .05). There was a significant increase in lower extremity sprains from 2007 to 2008, 1 year after the conversion from soil to artificial turf ( P < .05). Analysis of the incidence of lower extremity muscle strain indicated that although the injury rate increased progressively, it decreased significantly after the insertion of additional rubber chips in 2014 ( P < .05). Conclusion: After conversion to artificial turf, there was a significant increase in the incidence of upper extremity trauma. After the refurbishing with additional rubber chips, the incidence of lower extremity muscle strain significantly declined. When analyzing measures that could prevent sports injuries related to soccer, it is necessary to take into consideration the changes that occur to the artificial turf over time.