bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and predictors of hand involvement in Thai patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Wangkaew Suparaporn , Sivasomboon Chate , Leungwatthananon Wit , Kasitanon Nuntana , Louthrenoo Worawit 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAimData regarding the clinical and radiographic hand involvement in Asian patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) are limited. Thus, we determined the prevalence of clinical and radiographic hand involvement in Thai SSc patients, comparing diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) and limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc). We also determined the factors associated with arthritis, contracture of fingers and digital ulcers.MethodSSc patients seen at the Rheumatology Clinic, Chiang Mai University, Thailand, from December 2012 to June 2013 were consecutively invited to enroll in the study. After study entry, demographic data, clinical features and hand radiographs were evaluated.ResultWe studied 110 SSc patients (73 dcSSc) with mean ± SD age of 53.2 ± 9.2 years and disease duration from non‐Raynaud's phenomenon of 4.9 ± 4.8 years. The prevalence of arthritis, finger contractures and digital ulcers were 10 (9.1%), 47 (42.7%), and 14 (12.7%), respectively. DcSSc patients had significantly more of the following hand complications than lcSSc patients: digital pitting scar (53.4% vs. 27.0%, P = 0.008), digital ulcer (17.8% vs. 2.7%, P = 0.032), traumatic ulcer (27.4% vs. 0%, P < 0.001), acrolysis (45.2% vs. 18.9%, P = 0.007) and flexion contracture (60.3% vs. 8.1%, P < 0.001). Radiographic finger contractures were more prevalent in the dcSSc subset. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, a positive rheumatoid factor was associated with arthritis; dcSSc, arthritis and modified Rodnan skin score (MRSS) > 18 were associated with contracture of fingers. Furthermore, hand MRSS > 4 was associated with digital ulcers.ConclusionOur results confirm that dcSSc patients had more severe clinical hand complications than lcSSc. However, radiographic findings were similar among subgroups, except that more finger contractures were seen in dcSSc. Finally, the presence of rheumatoid factor is associated with arthritis, and high MRSS is associated with finger contractures and digital ulcers.
Advantage of administering tacrolimus for improving prognosis of patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis
Authors: Ueno Ken‐ichi , Shimojima Yasuhiro , Kishida Dai , Sekijima Yoshiki , Ikeda Shu‐ichi 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAimThe purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic advantage of administering tacrolimus (TAC) in patients with polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical outcomes after initiating treatment in 66 patients with PM/DM (28 PM and 38 DM). After initiating treatment, the prognosis was compared between patients who received TAC in combination with prednisolone (PSL) (the concomitant TAC group), and patients who were treated with PSL alone. The therapeutic efficacy of TAC was also evaluated for patients in the concomitant TAC group as well as patients who started additional TAC treatment after relapse (the additional TAC group), by analyzing clinical results, including serum creatine kinase (CK) levels, muscle strength and the daily dose of PSL.ResultsPatients in the concomitant TAC group had significantly lower frequency of relapse and longer periods of remission than patients who were treated with PSL alone (P = 0.0001, P = 0.001, respectively). Significant decreases in CK levels were observed 1 month after starting TAC treatment in both the concomitant TAC group and the additional TAC group. Moreover, the significant effects of withdrawing PSL were also demonstrated in both groups.ConclusionConcomitant use of TAC with PSL clearly provides a favorable outcome in patients with DM/PM. Furthermore, additional treatment with TAC is useful for improving prognosis even after recurrence.
Tibial tunnel defect size as a risk factor in growth arrest following paediatric transphyseal anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: an anatomical study
Authors: Pananwala Hasitha , Jabbar Yaser , Mills Leonora , Symes Michael , Nandapalan Haren , Sefton Andrew , Delungahawatte Lasitha , Dao Quang 
Published: July 2016

BackgroundThere is ongoing controversy regarding growth disturbances in younger patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. Animal models have shown that an injury of 7–9% of the physeal area is a risk factor for growth disturbances.MethodsA total of 39 magnetic resonance imaging studies of the knee were examined. The proximal tibial physeal area was determined using a calibrated ‘region of interest’ ligature encompassing the tibial physis in the axial plane. The potential defect left by commonly used drill sizes was calculated as a percentage of the physeal area.ResultsA 7‐mm drill leaves a mean defect of 1.45% physeal area (range: 1.11–1.89%, SD: 0.28, 95% CI: ±0.09), 8‐mm drill leaves a 1.84% mean defect (range: 1.43–2.49%, SD: 0.38, 95% CI: ±0.12) and a 9‐mm drill leaves a 2.30% mean defect (range: 1.83–3.19%, SD: 0.58, 95% CI: ±0.17). At 55°, 7‐mm drill leaves a mean defect of 1.96% (range: 1.32–2.28%, SD: 0.37, 95% CI: ±0.12), 8‐mm drill leaves a mean defect of 2.19% (range: 1.71–2.95%, SD: 0.46, 95% CI: ±0.14) and a 9‐mm drill leaves a mean defect of 2.76% (range: 2.16–3.73%, SD: 0.58, 95% CI: ±0.18). There was a statistically significant difference in the tunnel area with a change of drill angle (7‐mm drill P = 0.005, 8‐mm drill P = 0.001, 9‐mm drill P = 0.001).ConclusionOn the basis of this study in the context of animal model and observational evidence, the area of physeal injury using drill tunnels for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction would not appear to contribute to potential growth disturbances.
Delayed instructional feedback may be more effective, but is this contrary to learners' preferences?
Authors: Lefevre David , Cox Benita 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThis research investigates learners' preferences for the timing of feedback provided to multiple‐choice questions within technology‐based instruction, hitherto an area of little empirical attention. Digital materials are undergoing a period of renewed prominence within online learning and multiple‐choice questions remain a common component. There is evidence that a delay in the provision of feedback following a learner's response to multiple‐choice questions leads to an increase in subsequent performance. However, the learner's perspective on delayed feedback is yet to be explored. Learner preferences are pertinent as learning designs that run contrary to preferred learning behaviours can have a negative affect on motivation and therefore engagement. During a series of formative tests, subjects were presented with a choice of viewing either immediate or delayed feedback and their choices were recorded. Over a 2‐year period data were collected relating to 599 subjects. Qualitative interviews were also conducted to investigate why subjects made their choices. In this research, subjects expressed a marked preference for immediate feedback, 95.33% chose to view feedback immediately following their response to a question. The reasons for this preference are explored and the implications for learning design are considered.
Active surveillance is suitable for intermediate term follow‐up of renal oncocytoma diagnosed by percutaneous core biopsy
Authors: Liu Shuo , Lee Stephen , Rashid Prem , Bangash Haider , Hamid Akhlil , Lau Jason , Cohen Ronald 
Published: July 2016

ObjectivesTo evaluate the intermediate outcome of conservative management in patients with biopsy‐proven oncocytoma.Patients and MethodsPatients with oncocytoma diagnosed on percutaneous core biopsy between January 2000 to December 2014 were identified from the renal biopsy database of a large specialist urologic pathology laboratory. After review of patient clinical records, the study cohort comprised only of patients enrolled in active surveillance. Clinicopathological and follow‐up details were reviewed for each case, in particular: type and interval of surveillance imaging, tumour growth, definitive intervention and reason for intervention. Where possible, correlation was made between the final surgical and the initial biopsy specimens.ResultsFifty three patients diagnosed with oncocytoma on core biopsy were initially placed on active surveillance with median follow‐up of 34 months (range 6–109). The median age at diagnosis was 65 years (range 20–85) and median tumour size was 30 mm (range 13–87). Mean average tumour growth was 1.4 mm per annum (median 0 mm/year) with the majority (36 of 53, 68%) exhibiting minimal growth (less than 2 mm per annum) or partial regression. Forty seven of the 53 patients remained on active surveillance with no significant progression. Six patients elected to undergo definitive intervention (five surgical excision, one ablation). Renal oncocytoma was confirmed in all five patients who underwent surgical excision of their lesions.ConclusionsThe majority of oncocytomas in this study showed minimal growth rate or regression. Patients with biopsy proven oncocytoma can be conservatively managed with active surveillance.
Activation and modulation of recombinant glycine and GABAA receptors by 4‐halogenated analogues of propofol
Authors: Germann Allison L , Shin Daniel J , Manion Brad D , Edge Christopher J , Smith Edward H , Franks Nicholas P , Evers Alex S , Akk Gustav 
Published: July 2016

Background and PurposeGlycine receptors are important players in pain perception and movement disorders and therefore important therapeutic targets. Glycine receptors can be modulated by the intravenous anaesthetic propofol (2,6‐diisopropylphenol). However, the drug is more potent, by at least one order of magnitude, on GABAA receptors. It has been proposed that halogenation of the propofol molecule generates compounds with selective enhancement of glycinergic modulatory properties.Experimental ApproachWe synthesized 4‐bromopropofol, 4‐chloropropofol and 4‐fluoropropofol. The direct activating and modulatory effects of these drugs and propofol were compared on recombinant rat glycine and human GABAA receptors expressed in oocytes. Behavioural effects of the compounds were compared in the tadpole loss‐of‐righting assay.Key ResultsConcentration–response curves for potentiation of homomeric α1, α2 and α3 glycine receptors were shifted to lower drug concentrations, by 2–10‐fold, for the halogenated compounds. Direct activation by all compounds was minimal with all subtypes of the glycine receptor. The four compounds were essentially equally potent modulators of the α1β3γ2L GABAA receptor with EC50 between 4 and 7 μM. The EC50 for loss‐of‐righting in Xenopus tadpoles, a proxy for loss of consciousness and considered to be mediated by actions on GABAA receptors, ranged from 0.35 to 0.87 μM.Conclusions and ImplicationsWe confirm that halogenation of propofol more strongly affects modulation of homomeric glycine receptors than α1β3γ2L GABAA receptors. However, the effective concentrations of all tested halogenated compounds remained lower for GABAA receptors. We infer that 4‐bromopropofol, 4‐chloropropofol and 4‐fluoropropofol are not selective homomeric glycine receptor modulators.
Mitochondrial function, ornamentation, and immunocompetence
Authors: Koch Rebecca E. , Josefson Chloe C. , Hill Geoffrey E. 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACTUnderstanding the mechanisms that link ornamental displays and individual condition is key to understanding the evolution and function of ornaments. Immune function is an aspect of individual quality that is often associated with the expression of ornamentation, but a general explanation for why the expression of some ornaments seems to be consistently linked to immunocompetence remains elusive. We propose that condition‐dependent ornaments may be linked to key aspects of immunocompetence through co‐dependence on mitochondrial function. Mitochondrial involvement in immune function is rarely considered outside of the biomedical literature, but the role of mitochondria as the primary energy producers of the cell and the centres of biosynthesis, the oxidative stress response, and cellular signalling place them at the hub of a variety of immune pathways. A promising new mechanistic explanation for correlations between a wide range of ornamental traits and the properties of individual quality is that mitochondrial function may be the ‘shared pathway’ responsible for links between ornament production and individual condition. Herein, we first review the role of mitochondria as both signal transducers and metabolic regulators of immune function. We then describe connections between hormonal pathways and mitochondria, with implications for both immune function and the expression of ornamentation. Finally, we explore the possibility that ornament expression may link directly to mitochondrial function. Considering condition‐dependent traits within the framework of mitochondrial function has the potential to unify central tenets within the study of sexual selection, eco‐immunology, oxidative stress ecology, stress and reproductive hormone biology, and animal physiology.
Dental service disparities in Canada: A Saskatoon, Saskatchewan case study
Authors: Jones Marina , Shah Tayyab , Hayes Alyssa , Uswak Gerry , Bell Scott 
Published: July 2016

Key Messages

This intra‐urban analysis of spatial accessibility to dental services highlights poorly served municipalities.
The dental access score is found to be associated with the following socio‐economic variables: lone parent, home ownership, and dwellings needing major repairs.
The Financial Return from Measuring Impact
Authors: Santangeli Andrea , Sutherland William J. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIn conservation, as in most other subjects, there is a division of expenditure into problem identification, solution testing, and practice. However, research concentrates on problem identification rather than solution testing. We calculate the return on the investment of research (a PhD thesis) examining the effectiveness of conservation interventions for birds of prey in three European countries. We show that the economic return from investing in a PhD thesis could be substantial, in the order of hundreds of thousands euros over 10 years or a return on investment of between 292% and 326% over that period. We derived the values of return on investment by first setting a common biological target (the total number of raptor fledglings produced per year). We then compared overall costs in achieving such target via the wide implementation of the results from the thesis (i.e., allocating resources to the most effective intervention) versus a business as usual scenario. We identify other theses that also show considerable benefits in improving effectiveness. We suggest that further research examining effectiveness would be cost‐effective in improving practice.
ASTRAL, DRAGON and SEDAN scores predict stroke outcome more accurately than physicians
Authors: Ntaios G. , Gioulekas F. , Papavasileiou V. , Strbian D. , Michel P. 
Published: July 2016

Background and purposeASTRAL, SEDAN and DRAGON scores are three well‐validated scores for stroke outcome prediction. Whether these scores predict stroke outcome more accurately compared with physicians interested in stroke was investigated.MethodsPhysicians interested in stroke were invited to an online anonymous survey to provide outcome estimates in randomly allocated structured scenarios of recent real‐life stroke patients. Their estimates were compared to scores' predictions in the same scenarios. An estimate was considered accurate if it was within 95% confidence intervals of actual outcome.ResultsIn all, 244 participants from 32 different countries responded assessing 720 real scenarios and 2636 outcomes. The majority of physicians' estimates were inaccurate (1422/2636, 53.9%). 400 (56.8%) of physicians' estimates about the percentage probability of 3‐month modified Rankin score (mRS) > 2 were accurate compared with 609 (86.5%) of ASTRAL score estimates (P < 0.0001). 394 (61.2%) of physicians' estimates about the percentage probability of post‐thrombolysis symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage were accurate compared with 583 (90.5%) of SEDAN score estimates (P < 0.0001). 160 (24.8%) of physicians' estimates about post‐thrombolysis 3‐month percentage probability of mRS 0–2 were accurate compared with 240 (37.3%) DRAGON score estimates (P < 0.0001). 260 (40.4%) of physicians' estimates about the percentage probability of post‐thrombolysis mRS 5–6 were accurate compared with 518 (80.4%) DRAGON score estimates (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsASTRAL, DRAGON and SEDAN scores predict outcome of acute ischaemic stroke patients with higher accuracy compared to physicians interested in stroke.
Drosophila maleless gene counteracts X global aneuploid effects in males
Authors: Bhadra Utpal , Gandhi Sumit G. , Palaparthi Ramesh , Balyan Manoj K. , Pal‐Bhadra Manika 
Published: July 2016

The loss of the entire X chromosome in Drosophila males generates a genome‐wide aneuploid effect. We have employed a systems biology approach (microarray) to investigate the global aneuploid effect of the maleless (mle) mutation that disrupts the binding of male specific lethal (MSL) proteins that function in dosage compensation. A large number of the genes (144) that encode a broad spectrum of cellular transport proteins and transcription factors are located mainly in the autosomes of Drosophila melanogaster. We found several such targets to be sensitive to the aneuploid effect and conserved with the X chromosome in primitive Drosophila species and Anopheles gambiae. During evolution, they shifted gradually from their X‐chromosomal positions to the autosomes in the species D. melanogaster, suggesting that the counteraction of trans‐acting regulatory modifiers and their targets in two separate chromosomes is evolutionarily advantageous. These findings suggest a remarkable and previously unexpected level of complexity favoring natural compensation for the aneuploid effect. We propose that the MSL complex functions in dosage compensation in two separate steps. Initially, X‐linked genes including X‐linked trans‐acting modifiers are hyperactivated in dosage compensated males. Later, these compensated modifiers eventually mitigate inverse aneuploid effects for the equality in expression of their autosomal targets in males and females.DatabaseMicroarray data are available at the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) web deposit of National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) with the accession number GSE78227.
Measurement and prediction of CTOD in austenitic stainless steel
Authors: Khor W , Moore P L , Pisarski H G , Haslett M , Brown C J 
Published: July 2016

AbstractVariation of Crack Tip Opening Displacement (CTOD) test values can have a significant effect on the Engineering Critical Assessment of a structure. This paper examines the development of CTOD with increasing load in an austenitic stainless steel. The silicone replication method giving variation of CTOD across the specimen thickness, and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) are compared to each other, and in turn to clip gauge measurements from tests. Results from Finite Element models are also presented. Estimations of CTOD from BS 7448‐1, ISO 12135 and ASTM E1820, and a proposed modification from JWES are compared to the experimental data from the crack cast in silicone compound – assumed to be the actual CTOD. The DIC measurement showed consistency with crack replicas, and a formula is given to estimate CTOD using DIC. For high strain hardening austenitic stainless steel, both the JWES and ASTM E1820 estimations provide adequate accuracy for CTOD.
Analytical and numerical investigation of the stiffness matrix for edge‐cracked circular shafts
Authors: Li Y. , Cao S. , Dimitri R. , Fantuzzi N. , Tornabene F. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThis paper examines two engineering methods of evaluating the stress intensity factors for cracked beams and bars subjected to a combined loading and proposes innovative formulations, as far as the circular cross section is concerned. Based on the definition of the stress intensity factors, the compliance matrix is determined as the inverse of the stiffness matrix, modelling the cracked section of a beam through a line‐spring approximation with interactive forces computed within fracture mechanics. A comparative evaluation of numerical predictions based on the proposed methods is also performed with methods available from the literature. Results for free vibration analyses of beams with transverse non‐propagating open cracks are presented and compared in order to estimate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed methods, where a good agreement is generally found. More specifically, two different coupling effects are herein analysed for circular beams subjected to a combined bending, axial and shear loading, first, and a combined bending, shear and torsion loading, subsequently.
Validity of the Portuguese CHO‐KLAT in Brazil
Authors: Villaça P. R. , Blanchette V. S. , Carneiro J. D. A. , Ozelo M. C. , Antunes S. , Feldman B. M. , Abad A. , Usuba K. , Young N. L. 
Published: July 2016

IntroductionIt is essential to assess the health‐related quality of life outcomes of boys with haemophilia in Brazil. The Canadian Haemophilia Outcomes‐Kids Life Assessment Tool (CHO‐KLAT) was recently adapted for this population.AimTo test the construct validity of the Portuguese version of the CHO‐KLAT.MethodsWe recruited 50 boys, with moderate [factor VIII (FVIII) level 1–5%] or severe (FVIII level <1%) haemophilia, to participate in a descriptive study to establish a baseline understanding of the current status of boys with haemophilia in Brazil. All boys were required to complete the Brazilian CHO‐KLAT and Brazilian Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) by self‐report. We examined the correlation between the CHO‐KLAT and PedsQL scores to establish the construct validity of the Brazilian version of the CHO‐KLAT.ResultsWe obtained CHO‐KLAT and PedsQL data from 35 boys with severe haemophilia and 15 with moderate haemophilia. They ranged in age from 7.3 to 18.0 years, with a mean of 13.0 years. They reported a mean CHO‐KLAT score of 72.3 (range = 44.1–93.9). The mean PedsQL score was 79.9 (range = 45.7–96.7), with physical health (mean of 83.9) being better than psychosocial health (77.8). The Pearson's correlation between CHO‐KLAT and PedsQL was 0.47 respectively (P < 0.001). The CHO‐KLAT had a moderate and inverse relationship with the degree to which they were bothered by their haemophilia (ρ = −0.53), while the PedsQL had a weaker relationship (ρ = −0.27).ConclusionThe results confirm the validity of the Portuguese version of the CHO‐KLAT. This measure is now available for clinical trials in boys with haemophilia in Brazil.