bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measurement of serum 3-epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D3, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 in infant, paediatric and adolescent populations of Korea using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Cho Sung E , Kim Sollip , Kim Young D , Lee Hyojung , Seo Dong H , Song Junghan , Um Tae H , Cho Chong R , Kim Nam H , Hwang Jong H 
Published: September 2016

Background We evaluated the performance of ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to measure serum 3-epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D3, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 concentrations in 519 infant, paediatric and adolescent serum samples in Korea. Methods We used a Kinetex XB-C18 column and isocratic methanol/water (77.5/22.5, v/v) with 0.025% (v/v) high-performance liquid chromatography solvent additive flowing at 0.25 mL/min, yielding an 11 min/sample run time. A TQD triple quadrupole mass spectrometer in electrospray ionization positive ion mode with multiple reaction monitoring transition via an MSMS vitamin D kit was used to evaluate precision, carryover, ion suppression and linearity. Samples were prepared using the 4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione derivatization method. Results Intra- and inter-run precisions were 1.23–13.28% and 1.02–10.08%, respectively. Group carryovers were −0.27% and 0.10%, respectively. There was no ion suppression. The calibration curve showed good linearity from calibrator Level 1 (11.75 nmol/L) to 6 (375 nmol/L) with R2 > 0.9999. The 3-epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 peaks were clearly separated in the extracted ion chromatogram. Infant serum samples 3-epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations were significantly higher than paediatric and adolescent concentrations. Conclusions The ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay performed acceptably, clearly separating 3-epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 from 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. High 3-epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations were observed in infant but not in paediatric and adolescent serum samples.
Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2: a new marker to determine cardiovascular risk in hypercholesterolemic dyslipidaemic children
Authors: Öngen Belkız , Kalkan Uçar Sema , Levent Ertürk , Azarsız Elif , Koloğlu Turan , Çoker Mahmut , Sözmen Eser , Sağın Ferhan G 
Published: September 2016

Background Inflammation and hypercholesterolaemia contribute to atherosclerotic changes which can start in childhood. Children with hyperlipidaemias are at high risk for early coronary atherosclerosis. This study evaluates the relationship between lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and flow-mediated dilatation in hypercholesterolaemic dyslipidaemic children. Methods We performed a case–control study consisting of 43 cases, aged 2 to 17 years, and 24 age-matched controls. Fasting blood samples were obtained from both groups for the measurement of a lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and triglycerides) and Lp-PLA2 in mass units. The latter was determined with a turbidimetric immunoassay method (PlacTest, DiaDexus Inc.) applied to an automated analyser. CIMT and flow-mediated dilatation measurements were undertaken by a paediatric cardiologist, using high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography. Results Total cholesterol, LDL-C and Lp-PLA2 concentrations were significantly higher in the cases than in the controls ( p < 0.001 for all three parameters). While CIMT values were also significantly higher in the patients compared to the controls ( P = 0.001), flow-mediated dilatation values were significantly lower ( P = 0.001). We found positive correlations between Lp-PLA2 and total cholesterol ( r = 0.41, P = 0.001), Lp-PLA2 and LDL-C ( r = 0.36, P = 0.004), Lp-PLA2 and CIMT ( r = 0.44, P = 0.019) and LDL-C and CIMT ( r = 0.41, P = 0.032); there were negative correlations between Lp-PLA2 and flow-mediated dilatation ( r = −0.15, P = 0.045), total cholesterol and flow-mediated dilatation ( r = −0.45, P = 0.017), LDL-C and flow-mediated dilatation ( r = −0.51, P = 0.006) and CIMT and flow-mediated dilatation ( r = −0.45, P = 0.016). Conclusion Lp-PLA2 concentrations are significantly elevated in hypercholesterolaemic dyslipidaemic children. Given the association of Lp-PLA2 with markers of atherosclerosis (total cholesterol, LDL-C, CIMT and flow-mediated dilatation), the finding of increased concentrations of Lp-PLA2 could be used to identify early atherosclerotic changes in hypercholesterolaemic dyslipidaemic children and may inform their clinical management.
Auricular Split‐Thickness Skin Graft for Ear Canal Coverage
Authors: Haidar Yarah M. , Walia Sartaaj , Sahyouni Ronald , Ghavami Yaser , Lin Harrison W. , Djalilian Hamid R. 
Published: September 2016

Split‐thickness skin graft (STSG) continues to be the preferred means of external auditory canal (EAC) reconstruction. We thus sought to describe our experience using skin from the posterior aspect of the auricle (SPAA) as a donor site in EAC reconstruction. Grafts were, on average, 5 × 10 mm in size and obtained with a No. 10 blade after tumescence injection. The cases of 39 patients who underwent 41 procedures were retrospectively reviewed. Of the 38 patients with both 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐ups, no postoperative stenosis or bony exposure occurred. STSG from the SPAA can be a good option in EAC reconstruction. Total EAC/tympanic membrane coverage can be obtained with STSG from the SPAA.
Non-diagnostic coronary artery calcification and stenosis: a correlation of coronary computed tomography angiography and invasive coronary angiography
Authors: Engel Leif-Christopher , Thai Wai-ee , Medina-Zuluaga Hector , Karolyi Mihaly , Sidhu Manavjot S , Maurovich-Horvat Pal , Margey Ronan , Pomerantsev Eugene , Abbara Suhny , Ghoshhajra Brian B , Hoffmann Udo , Liew Gary Y 
Published: September 2016

Background Heavy coronary artery calcification (CAC) impairs diagnostic accuracy of coronary computed tomography angiography (cCTA) and is considered to be a major limitation. Purpose To investigate the effect of non-evaluable CAC seen on cCTA on clinical decision-making by determining the degree of subsequent invasive testing and to assess the relationship between non-evaluable segments containing CAC and significant stenosis as seen in invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Material and Methods The study comprised of 356 patients who underwent cCTA and subsequent ICA within 2 months between 2005 and 2009. Clinical reports were reviewed to identify the indications for referral to ICA. In a subset of 68 patients where non-diagnostic CAC on cCTA and significant stenosis on ICA were present in the same segment, we correlated and analyzed the underlying stenosis severity of the lesion on ICA to the cCTA. Lesions with CAC were analyzed in a standardized fashion by application of reading rules. Results Non-diagnostic CAC on cCTA prompted ICA in 5.6% of patients. CAC occurred at the site of maximum stenosis in segments with stenosis <50% (95.9% [47/49]), 50–69% (82.4% [28/34]), 70–99% (64.5% [31/48]), and 100% (33.3% [1/3]). At the point of maximum calcium deposit, non-obstructive disease was present in 61.2%. Application of reading rules resulted in a 44% reduction in non-diagnostic cCTA reads. Conclusion Severe CAC may prompt further investigation with ICA. There is less CAC with increasing lesion severity at the point of maximum stenosis. Additional application of reading rules improved non-diagnostic cCTA reads.
Auditor recommendations resulting from three clinical audit rounds in Finnish radiology units
Authors: Miettunen Kirsi , Metsälä Eija 
Published: September 2016

Background The purpose of clinical audits performed in radiology units is to reduce the radiation dose of patients and staff and to implement evidence-based best practices. Purpose To describe auditor recommendations in three Finnish clinical audit rounds performed in 2002–2014, and to determine if auditor recommendations have had any impact on improving medical imaging practice. Material and Methods The retrospective observational study was performed in radiology units holding a radiation safety license issued by the Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority. The data comprised a systematic sample (n = 120) of auditor reports produced in three auditing rounds in these units during the years 2002–2014. The data were analyzed by descriptive methods and by using the Friedman two-way ANOVA test. Results The number of auditor recommendations given varied between clinical audit rounds and according to the type of imaging unit, as well as according to calculation method. Proportionally, the most recommendations in all three clinical audit rounds were given about defining and using quality assurance functions and about guidelines and practices for carrying out procedures involving radiation exposure. Demanding radiology units improved their practices more than basic imaging units towards the third round. Conclusion Auditor recommendations help to address the deficiencies in imaging practices. There is a need to develop uniform guidelines and to provide tutoring for clinical auditors in order to produce comparable clinical audit results.
A free software for the calculation of T2* values for iron overload assessment
Authors: Fernandes Juliano Lara , Fioravante Luciana Andrea Barozi , Verissimo Monica P , Loggetto Sandra R 
Published: September 2016

Background Iron overload assessment with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using T2* has become a key diagnostic method in the management of many diseases. Quantitative analysis of the MRI images with a cost-effective tool has been a limitation to increased use of the method. Purpose To provide a free software solution for this purpose comparing the results with a commercial solution. Material and Methods The free tool was developed as a standalone program to be directly downloaded and ran in a common personal computer platform without the need of a dedicated workstation. Liver and cardiac T2* values were calculated using both tools and the values obtained compared between them in a group of 56 patients with suspected iron overload using Bland–Altman plots and concordance correlation coefficients (CCC). Results In the heart, the mean T2* differences between the two methods was 0.46 ms (95% confidence interval [CI], −0.037 −0.965) and in the liver 0.49 ms (95% CI, 0.257–0.722). The CCC for both the heart and the liver were significantly high (0.98 [95% CI, 0.966–0.988] with a Pearson ρ of 0.9811 and 0.991 [95% CI, 0.986–0.994] with a Pearson ρ of 0.996, respectively. No significant differences were observed when analyzing only patients with abnormal concentrations of iron in both organs compared to the whole cohort. Conclusion The proposed free software tool is accurate for calculation of T2* values of the liver and heart and might be a solution for centers that cannot use paid commercial solutions.
The continuum of client-centred practice in an acute psychiatric unit: A mixed method study of clients’ perceptions
Authors: Óladóttir Sólrún , Pálmadóttir Guðrún 
Published: September 2016

Introduction The increase of mental health problems calls attention to the need for a quality health care provision that meets the complex needs of this group. The purpose of this study was to examine mental health clients’ perceptions of the care they received in a hospital environment, focusing on how it was reflecting the main principles of client-centred practice. Method A mixed explanatory sequential design was used and data gathered with a self-report instrument and in-depth interviews. Thirty participants, discharging from a hospital ward, responded to the instrument and six others were interviewed after being discharged. Results In general, participants evaluated the care they received as being rather client centred. Staff attitudes and support and clients’ participation in decision-making and goal-setting were the two aspects that were most congruent with client-centred practice, while staff interactions with significant others and the process and outcome of service were least congruent. Exploration by interviewing revealed the complexity of client-centred practice and the influence of contextual factors. Conclusion Some aspects of client-centred mental health practice seem to be more easily achieved than others. At the contextual level, professional culture, work habits and power structure may be some of the limiting factors.
Equipment provision after stroke: A scoping review of the use of personal care and mobility aids in rehabilitation
Authors: Boland Pauline , Levack William , Perry Meredith , Graham Fiona 
Published: September 2016

Introduction The aim of this scoping review was to examine and synthesise literature on adaptive equipment use for personal care and mobility after stroke. Method We searched databases including Medline, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL and Scopus to February 2016. Two authors independently screened 789 titles, identifying 28 studies for inclusion in the review. Results Findings were grouped into four themes: (1) stroke-specific impairments and consequences for equipment use and training; (2) meaning of equipment for people with stroke; (3) cost of equipment after stroke; and (4) conflicts between equipment provision and models of stroke rehabilitation. Conclusion The wide range of impairments after stroke increases complexity of how people use equipment. Nonetheless, training needs and the relationship between social context, identity and equipment use are increasingly better understood,. The findings highlight a tension between practice that seeks to re-train function by ‘normal’ movement without equipment and restoration of function by using compensation strategies involving use of equipment. However, there is no evidence that compensation strategies impede recovery of physical abilities. High-quality evidence about costs of equipment after stroke, which could inform policy decisions, is urgently needed.
Cervical human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA primary screening test: Results of a population-based screening programme in central Italy
Authors: Passamonti Basilio , Gustinucci Daniela , Giorgi Rossi Paolo , Cesarini Elena , Bulletti Simonetta , Carlani Angela , Martinelli Nadia , Broccolini Massimo , D’Angelo Valentina , D’Amico Maria Rosaria , Di Dato Eugenio , Galeazzi Paola , Malaspina Morena , Spita Nicoletta , Tintori Beatrice , Giaimo Maria Donata 
Published: September 2016

Objective To present the results of the first and second round human papilloma virus (HPV)-based screening programme in the Umbria region after three years. Methods From August 2010 to November 2011, the entire female population aged 35–64 in a local health district was invited for HPV testing (HPV-DNA cobas4800 on a liquid-based cytology sample). HPV-negative women were re-invited after three years. For HPV-positive women, a slide was prepared and interpreted. Positive cytologies were referred to colposcopy; negatives were referred to repeat HPV after one year. If HPV was persistently positive, women were referred to colposcopy; if negative, to normal screening. Indicators of the first and second round are compared with those of cytology screening in the same area in the preceding three years. Results Participation was 56.5%, the same as cytology (56.6%). HPV-positivity was 6.4% (396/6272), cytology triage positivity was 35.6%; 251 cytology negative women were referred to one-year HPV retesting, 84.1% complied, and 55.5% were positive. Total colposcopy referral was 4.1%, and for cytology 1%. The detection rate for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or more severe was 10‰, compared with 3.7‰ using cytology. After three years, HPV-positivity was 3.4% (129/3831), overall colposcopy referral was 2.3% (most at one-year follow-up), and detection rate was 0.5/1000. Conclusions The first round detection rate was more than twice that of cytology screening, while colposcopy referral increased fourfold. At the second round, the detection rate decreased dramatically, showing that longer interval and more conservative protocols are needed.
“My heart burns” – A qualitative study of perceptions and experiences of type 1 diabetes among children and youths in Tajikistan
Authors: Haugvik Severina , Beran David , Klassen Pamela , Hussain Akhtar , Haaland Ane 
Published: September 2016

Aims To explore and describe perceptions and experiences of living with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus among children/youths in Tajikistan. Methods Qualitative methods were employed. Participants were recruited through purposive and snowball samplings. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide with children/youths having diabetes, their parents as well as health professionals. Data were analyzed according to Malterud’s systematic text condensation. Results Children/youths with diabetes (n = 18), their parents (n = 19) and endocrinologists (n = 4) were interviewed. Families described unique stories in which “emotional stress” and a spiritual “evil eye” were perceived as possible causes of diabetes. Life-threatening complications and maltreatment preceding diagnosis of diabetes were frequent. From manifestation of diabetes onwards, families struggled with systemic and cultural obstacles, causing stigma, discrimination, high school-drop-out rates, diabetic coma, chronic complications or death of the child/youth with diabetes. Conclusions Results of this qualitative study highlight the severity and complexity of challenges families living with a child/youth having diabetes in this low-income country face. Efforts to improve life expectancy and life quality are strongly needed and require addressing both systemic and cultural factors in order to accomplish sustainable impact.
Results and Functional Outcomes of Structural Fresh Osteochondral Allograft Transfer for Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus in a Highly Active Population
Authors: Orr Justin D. , Dunn John C. , Heida Kenneth A. , Kusnezov Nicholas A. , Waterman Brian R. , Belmont Philip J. 
Published: September 2016

Introduction. Structural fresh osteochondral allograft transfer is an appropriate treatment option for large osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs), specifically lesions involving the shoulder of the talus. Sparse literature exists regarding functional outcome following this surgery in high-demand populations. Materials and Methods. Over a 2-year period, a single surgeon performed 8 structural allograft transfers for treatment of large OLTs in an active duty US military population. Lesion morphology and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) stage were recorded. Preoperative and latest postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot-ankle and pain visual analog scores were compared. Results. Eight male service members with mean age 34.4 years underwent structural allograft transfer for OLTs with mean MRI stage of 4.9 and a mean lesion volume of 2247.1 mm3. Preoperative mean AOFAS hindfoot-ankle score was 49.6, and mean pain visual analog score was 6.9. At mean follow-up of 28.5 months, postoperative mean AOFAS score was 73, and mean pain visual analog score was 4.5, representing overall improvements of 47% and 35%, respectively. Three patients were considered treatment failures secondary to continued ankle disability (2) or graft resorption requiring ankle arthrodesis. Conclusions. Despite modest improvements in short-term functional outcome scores, large osteochondral lesions requiring structural allograft transfer remain difficult to treat, particularly in high-demand patient populations. Surgeons should counsel patients preoperatively on realistic expectations for return to function following structural allograft transfer procedures. Levels of Evidence: Level IV: Retrospective study
Long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution and cancer among survivors of myocardial infarction: A 20-year follow-up study
Authors: Cohen Gali , Levy Ilan , Yuval  , Kark Jeremy D , Levin Noam , Broday David M , Steinberg David M , Gerber Yariv 
Published: September 2016

Background Previous studies suggested a carcinogenic effect of exposure to traffic-related air pollution. Recently, higher rates of cancer incidence were observed among myocardial infarction survivors compared with the general population. We examined the association between chronic exposure to nitrogen oxides, a proxy measure for traffic-related air pollution, and cancer incidence and mortality in a cohort of myocardial infarction patients. Methods Patients aged ≤65 years admitted to hospital in central Israel with a first myocardial infarction in 1992–1993 were followed to 2013 for cancer incidence and cause-specific mortality. Data on sociodemographic and cancer risk factors were obtained, including time-varying information on smoking. Using land use regression models, annual averages of nitrogen oxides during follow-up were estimated individually according to home addresses. Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to study the relationships with cancer outcomes. Results During a mean follow-up of 16 (SD 7) years, 262 incident cancers and 105 cancer deaths were identified among 1393 cancer-free patients at baseline (mean age 54 years; 81% men). In adjusted models, a 10 ppb increase in mean nitrogen oxide exposure was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.06 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96–1.18) for cancer incidence and HR of 1.08 (95% CI 0.93–1.26) for cancer mortality. The association with lung, bladder, kidney or prostate cancer (previously linked to air pollution) was stronger (HR 1.16; 95% CI 1.00–1.33). Conclusions Chronic exposure to traffic-related air pollution may constitute an environmental risk factor for cancer post-myocardial infarction. Variation in the strength of association between specific cancers needs to be explored further.
Cryptogenic mechanism in ischaemic stroke patients is a predictor of 5-year survival: A population-based study
Authors: Timsit S , Bailly P , Nowak E , Merrien FM , Hervé D , Viakhireva-Dovganyuk I , Jourdain A , Thomas E , Goas P , Rouhart F 
Published: September 2016

Introduction The present study sought to identify factors affecting mortality beyond 28 days in ischaemic stroke patients with whatever ischaemic mechanism. Patients and methods A prospective population-based registry was set up in Brest County, Brittany, France. Demographic data, clinical presentation, vascular risk factors and mortality were collected from January 2008 to December 2012. At “home without help” was used as a surrogate marker for low Rankin (0–1) at discharge from the hospital. IS was classified on the TOAST classification. Overall mortality was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Multivariate analysis of mortality beyond 28 days was implemented, using a Cox model, on significant risk factors identified on univariate analysis. Results About 3024 IS cases were followed up beyond 28 days. Overall mortality beyond 28 days was 38.49% at 60 months. On multivariate analysis, age (10 years: HR = 1.84; [1.66–2.02]), coronary artery disease (HR = 1.28; [1.05–1.56]), cardiac arrhythmia (HR = 1.36; [1.11–1.67]), peripheral artery disease (HR = 1.66 [1.29–2.13]) and incomplete assessment (HR = 1.39; [1.12–1.74]) were associated with higher mortality risk, whereas female gender (HR = 0.80; [0.68–0.94]), high Glasgow Coma Scale score (GCS > 12) (HR = 0.58; [0.45–0.76]), lacunar syndrome (HR = 0.82; [0.68–0.99], being ‘at home without help’ (HR = 0.50; [0.41–0.59]) and negative assessment (HR = 0.75; [0.58–0.97], compared to cardioembolism) were associated with better survival probability. Discussion Initial clinical status, prior cardiovascular diseases and age was associated with more risk of death: an increment of 10 years almost doubled mortality. Women had more survival probability than men, controlling for age. Ischaemic stroke mechanisms were predictors of late 5-year mortality. Conclusion Patients with negative assessment, i.e. representing truly cryptogenic ischaemic stroke, had the best survival probability probably due to fewer atherosclerotic markers.