bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elbasvir/grazoprevir does not worsen renal function in patients with hepatitis C virus infection and pre‐existing renal disease
Authors: Reddy K. Rajender , Roth David , Bruchfeld Annette , Hwang Peggy , Haber Barbara , Robertson Michael N. , Barr Eliav , Greaves Wayne 
Published: March 2017

AimTreatment options have been limited for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and chronic kidney disease stage 4/5 (CKD 4/5). The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the impact of elbasvir/grazoprevir (EBR/GZR) on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with CKD stage 3 enrolled in phase II/III clinical trials.MethodsWe undertook a retrospective integrated analysis of patients with CKD 3 enrolled in the EBR/GZR phase II/III clinical trials. All patients were required to have chronic HCV infection and have received EBR 50 mg/GZR 100 mg, with or without ribavirin, for 8–18 weeks. Patients with CKD 3 (eGFR <60 to ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m2) at baseline plus ≥1 eGFR assessment postbaseline were included. In all studies, the primary endpoint was sustained virologic response 12 weeks after completion of therapy.ResultsThirty‐two patients with CKD 3 were identified from a pooled dataset of 1689 patients enrolled in the EBR/GZR clinical trial program. Thirty‐one (97%) patients achieved SVR12 and one patient relapsed. In these 32 patients, there was no decline in median eGFR at the end of treatment or at follow‐up week 12 compared with baseline. Median eGFR values were 56 mL/min/1.73 m2 (range, 45–59) at baseline, 58 mL/min/1.73 m2 (range, 41–78) at the end of treatment and 59 mL/min/1.73 m2 (range, 38–78) 12 weeks after completing treatment.DiscussionElbasvir/grazoprevir is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with compromised renal function, irrespective of baseline eGFR.
Changes in elevated cholesterol in the era of tenofovir in South Africa: risk factors, clinical management and outcomes
Authors: Jamieson L , Evans D , Brennan AT , Moyo F , Spencer D , Mahomed K , Maskew M , Long L , Rosen S , Fox MP 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesAntiretroviral therapy (ART) has been associated with unfavourable lipid profile changes and increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). With a growing population on ART in South Africa, there has been concern about the increase in noncommunicable diseases such as CVD. We determined risk factors associated with increased total cholesterol (TC) in a large cohort on ART and describe the clinical management thereof.MethodsWe conducted an observational cohort study of ART‐naïve adults initiating standard first‐line ART in a large urban clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa. TC was measured annually for most patients. A proportional hazards regression model was used to determine risk factors associated with incident high TC (≥ 6 mmol/L).ResultsSignificant risk factors included initial regimen non‐tenofovir vs. tenofovir [hazard ratio (HR) 1.54; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14–2.08], age ≥40 vs. <30 years (HR 3.22; 95% CI 2.07–4.99), body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 (HR 1.65; 95% CI 1.18–2.31) and BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2 (HR 1.70; 95% CI 1.30–2.23) vs. 18–24.9 kg/m2, and baseline CD4 count < 50 cells/μL (HR 1.55; 95% CI 1.10–2.20) and 50–99 cells/μL (HR 1.40; 95% CI 1.00–1.97) vs. > 200 cells/μL. Two‐thirds of patients with high TC were given cholesterol‐lowering drugs, after repeat TC measurements about 12 months apart, while 31.8% were likely to have received dietary counselling only.ConclusionsOlder age, higher BMI, lower CD4 count and a non‐tenofovir regimen were risk factors for incident elevated TC. Current guidelines do not indicate regular cholesterol testing at ART clinic visits, which are the main exposure to regular clinical monitoring for most HIV‐positive individuals. If regular cholesterol monitoring is conducted, improvements can be made to identify and treat patients sooner.
The endangered São Tomé Grosbeak Neospiza concolor is the world's largest canary
Authors: Melo Martim , Stervander Martin , Hansson Bengt , Jones Peter J. 
Published: March 2017

The São Tomé Grosbeak Neospiza concolor, endemic to the island of São Tomé (Gulf of Guinea), is one of the least known birds in the world. Formerly considered to be an aberrant weaver (Ploceidae), it is currently placed in a monotypic genus within the true finches (Fringillidae). Phylogenetic inference based on mitochondrial and nuclear sequences confidently identifies N. concolor as an Old World finch (Fringillidae: Carduelinae) within the Crithagra seedeater/canary clade. The São Tomé Grosbeak is therefore the world's largest canary, 50% heavier than the next largest species, and it co‐occurs with a population of its sister species, the Príncipe Seedeater Crithagra rufobrunnea.
Influence of nickel‐titanium rotary systems with varying tapers on the biomechanical behaviour of maxillary first premolars under occlusal forces: a finite element analysis study
Authors: Askerbeyli Örs S. , Serper A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effect of three nickel‐titanium (Ni‐Ti) rotary systems with varying tapers on stress distribution and to analyse potential fracture patterns as well as the volume of fracture‐susceptible regions in two‐rooted maxillary premolars.MethodologyThe root canals of three single‐rooted premolars were prepared with either HeroShaper (Micro‐Mega, Besançon, France) to (size 30, .04 taper), Revo‐S (Micro‐Mega) to AS30 (size 30, .06 taper) or ProTaper Universal (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) to F3 (size 30, .09 taper) Ni‐Ti files. The three root canals were scanned using micro‐computed tomography (μCT) (Skyscan 1174, Skyscan, Kontich, Belgium) and modelled according to the μCT data. An intact tooth model with a root length of 16 mm was also constructed based on μCT images of an extracted maxillary premolar with two roots. New models were constructed by replacing both of the original canals of the intact two‐rooted premolar model with the modelled canals prepared with the HeroShaper, Revo‐S or ProTaper Universal system. Occlusal forces of 200 N were applied in oblique and vertical directions. Finite element analysis was performed using Abaqus FEA software (Abaqus 6.14, ABAQUS Inc., Providence, RI, USA).ResultsUpon the application of oblique occlusal forces, the palatal external cervical root surface and the bifurcation (palatal side of the buccal root) in tooth models experienced the highest maximum principal (Pmax) stresses. The application of vertical forces resulted in minor Pmax stress values. Models prepared using the ProTaper system exhibited the highest Pmax stress values. The intact models exhibited the lowest Pmax stress values followed by the models prepared with the HeroShaper system.ConclusionThe differences in Pmax stress values amongst the different groups of models were mathematically minimal under normal occlusal forces. Rotary systems with varying tapers might predispose the root fracture on the palatal side of the buccal root and cervical palatal root surface in two‐rooted premolars.
Lower risk for cardiovascular mortality for patients with root filled teeth in a Finnish population
Authors: Meurman J. H. , Janket S.‐J. , Surakka M. , Jackson E. A. , Ackerson L. K. , Fakhri H. R. , Chogle S. , Walls A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimTo investigate the relationship of radiographic evidence of root filled teeth to cardiovascular outcomes.MethodologyBaseline data for 506 subjects including 256 angiographically verified heart disease patients and 250 matched cardiologically healthy controls participating in the Kuopio Oral Health and Heart study were collected in 1995–1996. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortalities were accrued until 31 May 2015 and appended to the baseline data. Mortality status data were obtained from the Finnish National Death Register where all mortality cases and the causes of death are compiled for all Finnish citizens. Of the 506 participants, 473 subjects who had no missing values in the predictor, outcome or confounding factors were included in the analyses to assess the relationship of radiographic evidence of root filled teeth with prevalent coronary artery disease (CAD) cross sectionally and also with CVD mortality longitudinally. Multivariable logistic regression was used for the cross‐sectional part and proportional hazard regression analyses for the longitudinal part of the study were used adjusting for age, sex, smoking, edentulism, diabetes, hypertension, total/HDL cholesterol ratio and income. Additionally, whether this association was independent of periodontitis, and a systemic marker of inflammation, serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) was examined.ResultsHaving ≥1 root filled teeth was associated with 84% lower odds of prevalent CAD with Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.09–0.28, P < 0.0001. The OR for edentulism was 1.32 (CI: 0.73–2.38), P = 0.36, suggesting a nonsignificant increase in risk. Prospectively, having at least one root filled teeth was associated with a 49% lower risk of CVD mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.51, CI = 0.27–0.97, P = 0.04) whilst edentulism was associated with nonsignificantly increased risk for CVD mortality: HR = 1.25 (CI: 0.65–2.42), P = 0.36. Adjustment for periodontitis or serum CRP levels changed the OR or HR slightly but the associations remained significant.ConclusionsHaving ≥1 root filled teeth was associated with significantly lower odds for prevalent CAD cross sectionally and lower risk of cardiovascular mortality prospectively. These reduced associations with CVD were independent of periodontitis or serum CRP levels.
Breastmilk with a high omega‐6 to omega‐3 fatty acid ratio induced cellular events similar to insulin resistance and obesity in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes
Authors: Vaidya H. , Cheema S. K. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryBackgroundAn imbalance of omega (n)‐3 and n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) during critical periods of development may have adverse effects on the health of the newborn in later life.ObjectivesWe hypothesized that breastmilk with higher n‐6 to n‐3 PUFA ratio will have higher inflammatory cytokines and initiate cellular events similar to insulin resistance and obesity.MethodsBreastmilk was collected from healthy women who gave natural birth at full term. Breastmilk fatty acids were measured using gas chromatography; samples were pooled based on the n‐6 to n‐3 PUFA ratio (high, medium and low), and soluble cytokines were measured. Pooled samples were used to treat 3T3‐L1 cells; mRNA expression of diacylglycerol acyltransferase2, stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1, leptin and RPLPO was measured.ResultsBreastmilk with a higher ratio of n‐6 to n‐3 PUFA showed higher pro‐inflammatory cytokines; there was a direct correlation between n‐6 PUFA and pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Breastmilk with a higher ratio of n‐6 to n‐3 PUFA increased the expression of genes involved in lipogenesis.ConclusionsPro‐inflammatory cytokines in breastmilk are associated with higher levels of n‐6 PUFA in breastmilk and has the capacity to alter adipose tissue metabolism to likely predispose the newborn to a higher risk of obesity in later life.
Weight management in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A randomized controlled trial of two dietary approaches
Authors: Ptomey Lauren T , Saunders Richard R , Saunders Muriel , Washburn Richard A , Mayo Matthew S , Sullivan Debra K , Gibson Cheryl A , Goetz Jeannine R , Honas Jeff J , Willis Erik A , Danon Jessica C , Krebill Ron , Donnelly Joseph E 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundThe prevalence of obesity among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is equal to or greater than the general population.MethodsOverweight/obese adults (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) with mild‐to‐moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities were randomized to an enhanced stop light diet (eSLD = SLD + portion‐controlled meals, n = 78) or a conventional diet (CD, n = 72) for an 18 months trial (6 months weight loss, 12 months maintenance). Participants were asked to increase physical activity (150 min/week), self‐monitor diet and physical activity and attend counselling/educational sessions during monthly home visits.ResultsWeight loss (6 months) was significantly greater in the eSLD (−7.0% ± 5.0%) compared with the CD group (−3.8% ± 5.1%, p < .001). However, at 18 months, weight loss between groups did not differ significantly (eSLD = −6.7% ± 8.3%; CD = 6.4% ± 8.6%; p = .82).ConclusionThe eSLD and CD provided clinically meaningful weight loss over 18 months in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Interpersonal relationships of older adults with an intellectual disability in Ireland
Authors: McCausland Darren , McCallion Philip , Brennan Damien , McCarron Mary 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundPeople with intellectual disability tend to have smaller social networks than other groups, with even those living in community‐based residences comparatively worse off.Materials and methodsAnalysis of data from the Intellectual Disability Supplement to The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS‐TILDA) (n = 701) examined measures of interpersonal relationships and interactions. Predictors of family contact and having non‐resident friends were also explored.ResultsSocial networks of older people with intellectual disability differ considerably from the general older population, with a reliance on support staff and co‐resident friends in place of their own immediate family structures and wider friendships. Proximity to family most strongly predicted family contact. Residence in independent or family residences was most strongly linked to having non‐resident friends.ConclusionsWhile family proximity and community living are associated with improved social networks and contacts, older people with intellectual disability remain worse off than the general older population.
Intelligent tutorial system based on personalized system of instruction to teach or remind mathematical concepts
Authors: Paiva R.C. , Ferreira M.S. , Frade M.M. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe growth of the higher education population and different school paths to access an academic degree has increased the heterogeneity of students inside the classroom. Consequently, the effectiveness of traditional teaching methods has reduced. This paper describes the design, development, implementation and evaluation of a tutoring system (TS) to improve student's engagement in higher mathematics. The TS design was based on the Personalized System of Instruction of the Mastery Learning pedagogical approach and can be implemented in any higher education course with mathematics needs. The TS consists on small self‐paced modularized units of educational contents, including tutorial videos, notes and formative e‐assessment with personalized feedback. The TS ensures that the student is only allowed to proceed to the next unit after he or she achieves the required mastery criterion of the current unit. The TS was implemented in the Quantitative Methods course of an undergraduate degree and received good acceptance from students. It was also recognized that TS contributed to learning and engagement with the discipline. Through an experimental research experience, it has been shown that the imposition of restrictions on the advance to the next level by a mastery criterion leads to a significant improvement in student's engagement and performance.
Use of nanofractional radiofrequency for the treatment of acne scars in Indian skin
Authors: Goel Apratim , Gatne Vallari 
Published: March 2017

SummaryBackgroundPitted acne scars of all types remain notoriously challenging to treat with no satisfactory treatment modality, particularly true for darker Fitzpatrick skin types such as Indian skin.AimNanofractional radiofrequency has been shown to be an effective treatment modality for the cosmetic improvement of acne scars.MethodsTwenty healthy male and female Indian patients aged 16–60 years with Fitzpatrick skin types IV‐V and moderate‐to‐severe acne scar lesions received 1–3 treatments with a nanofractional radiofrequency device (Venus Viva) at baseline and at 3‐ to 6 week intervals and were evaluated with photographs at each treatment visit and up to 6 months after the final treatment session. Patients reported on their satisfaction with the treatment. The safety of treatments was evaluated by the frequency, severity, and type of adverse events.ResultsThe majority of study patients achieved improvement in the appearance of their acne scar lesions. There was less improvement on ice pick scar compared to box and rolling type scars, with less impact on ice pick scar type. Overall patient satisfaction from treatment at the 6‐month follow‐up visit was very high. Adverse events were mild but transient in nature.ConclusionThe data and results presented here support the efficacy of nanofractional radiofrequency used for the cosmetic improvement of acne scar lesions in facial skin. Moreover, the favorable adverse event profile witnessed in this trial underscores the safety of this technology for cosmetic facial treatments such as facial acne scar lesion therapy in darker Fitzpatrick skin types.
A psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the nursing home survey on patient safety culture
Authors: Lin Shu‐Yuan , Tseng Wei Ting , Hsu Miao‐Ju , Chiang Hui‐Ying , Tseng Hui‐Chen 
Published: March 2017

Aims and objectivesTo test the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Nursing Home Survey on Patient Safety Culture scale among staff in long‐term care facilities.BackgroundThe Nursing Home Survey on Patient Safety Culture scale is a standard tool for safety culture assessment in nursing homes. Extending its application to different types of long‐term care facilities and varied ethnic populations is worth pursuing.DesignA national random survey.MethodsA total of 306 managers and staff completed the Chinese version of the Nursing Home Survey on Patient Safety Culture scale among 30 long‐term care facilities in Taiwan. Content validity and construct validity were tested by content validity index (CVI) and principal axis factor analysis (PAF) with Promax rotation. Concurrent validity was tested through correlations between the scale and two overall rating items. Reliability was computed by intraclass correlation coefficient and Cronbach's α coefficients. Statistical analyses such as descriptive, Pearson's and Spearman's rho correlations andPAFwere completed.ResultsScale‐level and item‐levelCVIs (0.91–0.98) of the Chinese version of the Nursing Home Survey on Patient Safety Culture scale were satisfactory. Four‐factor construct and merged item composition differed from the Nursing Home Survey on Patient Safety Culture scale, and it accounted for 53% of variance. Concurrent validity was evident by existing positive correlations between the scale and two overall ratings of resident safety. Cronbach's α coefficients of the subscales and the Chinese version of the Nursing Home Survey on Patient Safety Culture scale ranged from .76–.94.ConclusionsThe Chinese version of the Nursing Home Survey on Patient Safety Culture scale identified essential dimensions to reflect the important features of a patient safety culture in long‐term care facilities. The researchers introduced the Chinese version of the Nursing Home Survey on Patient Safety Culture for safety culture assessment in long‐term care facilities, but further testing of the reliability of the scale in a large Chinese sample and in different long‐term care facilities was recommended.Relevance to clinical practiceThe Chinese version of the Nursing Home Survey on Patient Safety Culture scale was developed to increase the users’ intention towards safety culture assessment. It can identify areas for improvement, understand safety culture changes over time and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
The influence of role models in undergraduate nurse education
Authors: Jack Kirsten , Hamshire Claire , Chambers Alison 
Published: March 2017

Aims and ObjectivesTo explore the concept of role modelling in undergraduate nurse education and its effect on the personal and professional development of student nurses.BackgroundEffective educative strategies are important for student nurses, who have to cope with learning in both clinical and university settings. Given the contemporary issues facing nurse education and practice in the United Kingdom (UK), it is timely and important to undertake pedagogical research into the concept of role modelling as an effective educative method.DesignA descriptive narrative approach.MethodsUnstructured interviews were conducted with 14 current/recently discontinued students from Adult and Mental Health branches of nursing degree programmes in the north‐west region of England, United Kingdom (UK). Data were thematically analysed.ResultsStudents valued exposure to positive role models in clinical and university settings and viewed them as beneficial to their learning. Exposure to negative role models occurred, and this provided students with opportunities to consider the type of nurse they aspired to become. In some cases, students’ exposure to perceived poor practice had an adverse effect on their learning and led to negative feelings about nursing work. Clinical staff might be perceived as more relevant role models than those in the university setting although there were still opportunities for academic staff to model professional behaviours.ConclusionThe study found that role modelling is an effective way to support learning and led to student satisfaction across both clinical and university settings. The findings support the use of role models in nurse education, and further research about conscious positive modelling of practice is required.Relevance to practiceExploring the use of role models is important when examining ways in which the quality of nurse education might be developed.
When Elites Forget Their Duties: The Double‐Edged Sword of Prestigious Directors on Boards
Authors: Oehmichen Jana , Braun Daniel , Wolff Michael , Yoshikawa Toru 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPrevious research indicates that the performance effect of prestigious directors is ambiguous. Our study addresses this issue by integrating the theoretical lens of board capital and the institutional perspective. We argue that prestigious directors can bring benefits as well as costs. We claim that the emergence of these costs depends on the institutional context, specifically the institutional characteristics of the country's corporate elite circle which is characterized by the elite cohesion and the elite exclusiveness. Our empirical results with a 15‐country sample covering the period of 2005 to 2014 provide evidence for the overall existence of a positive performance effect of prestigious boards. However, our results also indicate that these beneficial effects of prestigious boards are mitigated in countries with high elite exclusiveness. Hence, under these certain institutional conditions, the elite‐favouring behaviour of prestigious directors also brings costs.