bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lagrangian Surface Wave Motion and Stokes Drift Fluctuations
Authors: Herbers T. H. C. , Janssen T. T. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractNonlinear effects in Lagrangian sea surface motions are important to understanding variability in wave-induced mass transport, wave-driven diffusion processes, and the interpretation of measurements obtained with moored or free-drifting buoys. This study evaluates the Lagrangian vertical and horizontal motions of a particle at the surface in a natural, random sea state using second-order, finite-depth wave theory. In deep water, the predicted low-frequency (infragravity) surface height fluctuations are much larger than Eulerian bound wave motions and of the opposite sign. Comparison to surface elevation bispectra observed with a moored buoy in steady, high-wind conditions shows good agreement and confirms that—in contrast to the Eulerian sea surface motion with predominant phase coupling between the spectral peak and double-frequency harmonic components—nonlinearity in Lagrangian wave observations is dominated by phase-coupled infragravity motions. Sea surface skewness estimates obtained from moored buoys in deep and shallow sites, over a wide range of wind–sea and swell conditions, are in good agreement with second-order theory predictions. Theory and field data analysis of surface drift motions in deep water reveal energetic [O(10) cm s−1] infragravity velocity fluctuations that are several orders of magnitude larger and 180° out of phase with Eulerian infragravity motions. These large fluctuations in Stokes drift may be important in upper-ocean diffusion processes.
Preferences regarding disclosure of prognosis and end-of-life care: A survey of cancer patients with advanced disease in a lower-middle-income country
Authors: Zafar Waleed , Hafeez Haroon , Jamshed Arif , Shah Mazhar Ali , Quader Ainul , Yusuf M Aasim 
Published: January 2016

Background: Cancer patients’ preferences regarding disclosure of prognosis and end-of-life care remain under-reported from low- and middle-income countries where cancer poses an increasing demand on scarce healthcare resources. A better knowledge of these preferences can help in achievement of shared treatment goals. Aim: To survey preferences of adult cancer patients regarding disclosure of prognosis and end-of-life care Design: A multidimensional questionnaire was developed to survey consecutively sampled patients. A fifth of the participants completed a repeat survey 3 months later. Setting/participants: Adult patients at a specialist cancer center in Pakistan. Results: In total, 520 patients were surveyed initially (participation rate 98.6%) and 100 completed the repeat survey. Three in five respondents wanted a healthcare provider to give them detailed information about their prognosis and life expectancy. Those who wanted information withheld were significantly more likely to be female, to have a lower socioeconomic status, or to have lung cancer. Only two in five patients agreed that they wanted to die at home and more than 90% wanted all possible care till end-of-life. Yet, a little over half also agreed that they did not wish to be placed on a ventilator. In rank ordering preferences about end-of-life, respondents ranked “religious wellbeing” as the highest and “avoiding inappropriate prolongation of dying” as the lowest of six options. Conclusion: A majority of adult cancer patients surveyed in this study wanted a truthful disclosure about their disease prognosis and expressed a preference for hospital-based care at end-of-life. Healthcare providers should find ways to tailor prognostic information to patients’ expressed information needs.
Using the Evaluation of Social Interaction (ESI) with men in a low secure forensic unit
Authors: Williams Belinda , Chard Gill 
Published: January 2016

Statement of context This practice analysis explored the utility of the Evaluation of Social Interaction (ESI) in a 12-bedded male in-patient low secure forensic unit in England. The ESI is a standardised observational assessment of the person engaging in two social exchanges in naturalistic settings with real social partners. Critical reflection on practice The ESI helped identify specific social interaction skills that supported and skills that limited competent quality of social interaction. This enabled the men to better understand why they had social interaction problems, thus improve their motivation to engage in planning their own treatment and resulted in positive re-enforcement during the intervention. Implications for practice The ESI is suitable to use in forensic and mental health settings. Unexpected outcomes included a more productive team, a more settled atmosphere and reduced levels of frustration for both staff and clients.
Effects of a one-year physical activity programme for women with systemic lupus erythematosus – a randomized controlled study
Authors: Boström C , Elfving B , Dupré B , Opava C H , Lundberg I E , Jansson E 
Published: January 2016

Objectives To study the effects of a one-year physical activity programme on aerobic capacity, physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by a randomized control design. Methods Thirty-five women with low or moderate disease activity and organ damage were randomized to intervention (I) or control (C) group. The intervention during months 0–3 consisted of education, supervised aerobic exercise at high intensity and individual coaching, as well as self-managed physical activity at low-to-moderate intensity. During months 4–12, the physical activity was self-managed and the coaching was successively reduced over time. Outcome measures included: maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) from a bicycle ergometer test, self-reported physical activity and HRQL (SF-36). Results VO2 at sub-max. and max. increased, independent of group, during the one-year study period (main effect of time p < 0.0001). VO2 max. increased between baseline and month 3 ( p < 0.0001), between months 3 and 6 ( p = 0.01) and the increase was sustained at month 12 (ns). Frequency of physical activity at high intensity also increased, independent of group, during the study period. It was increased at months 3, 6 and 12 compared to baseline ( p = 0.02, p < 0.001, p = 0.03). Improvement in mental health between baseline and month 6 ( p = 0.002) was seen for the I-group, not the C-group ( p = 0.03). Disease activity and organ damage did not change. Conclusions Physical activity and aerobic capacity increased after supervised exercise and coaching, and the improvement was sustained during the one-year programme. However, no interactions between the group differences were seen, which suggests that repeated measurements could motivate to increased physical activity and thereby to increased aerobic capacity. As sub-max. VO2 increased over time, training-induced changes in VO2 on-kinetics could be another explanation. Little influence on HRQL was seen after the programme. The study indicates that physical activity at high intensity over one year is tolerated by patients with mild to moderate SLE.
Biologic variability of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in adult healthy cats
Authors: Harris Autumn N , Estrada Amara H , Gallagher Alexander E , Winter Brandy , Lamb Kenneth E , Bohannon Mary , Hanscom Jancy , Mainville Celine A 
Published: January 2016

Objectives The biologic variability of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and its impact on diagnostic utility is unknown in healthy cats and those with cardiac disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the biologic variation of NT-proBNP within-day and week-to-week in healthy adult cats. Methods Adult cats were prospectively evaluated by complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry, total thyroxine, echocardiography, electrocardiography and blood pressure, to exclude underlying systemic or cardiac disease. Adult healthy cats were enrolled and blood samples were obtained at 11 time points over a 6 week period (0, 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, 8 h, 10 h and at weeks 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6). The intra-individual (coefficient of variation [CVI]) biologic variation along with index of individuality and reference change values (RCVs) were calculated. Univariate models were analyzed and included comparison of the six different time points for both daily and weekly samples. This was followed by a Tukey’s post-hoc adjustment, with a P value of <0.05 being significant. Results The median daily and weekly CVI for the population were 13.1% (range 0–28.7%) and 21.2% (range 3.9–68.1%), respectively. The index of individuality was 0.99 and 1 for daily and weekly samples, respectively. The median daily and weekly RCVs for the population were 39.8% (range 17.0–80.5%) and 60.5% (range 20.1–187.8%), respectively. Conclusions and relevance This study demonstrates high individual variability for NT-proBNP concentrations in a population of adult healthy cats. Further research is warranted to evaluate NT-proBNP variability, particularly how serial measurements of NT-proBNP may be used in the diagnosis and management of cats with cardiac disease.
Genetic predictors of relapse rate in pediatric MS
Authors: Graves Jennifer S , Barcellos Lisa F , Shao Xiaorong , Noble Janelle , Mowry Ellen M , Quach Hong , Belman Anita , Casper T. Charles , Krupp Lauren B , Waubant Emmanuelle ,   on behalf of the U.S. Network of Pediatric MS Centers
Published: January 2016

Background: Genetic ancestry, sex, and individual alleles have been associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility. Objective: To determine whether established risk factors for disease onset are associated with relapse rate in pediatric MS. Methods: Whole-genome genotyping was performed for 181 MS or high-risk clinically isolated syndrome patients from two pediatric MS centers. Relapses and disease-modifying therapies were recorded as part of continued follow-up. Participants were characterized for 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum status. Ancestral estimates (STRUCTURE v2.3.1), human leukocyte antigen ( HLA) -DRB1*15 carrier status (direct sequencing), sex, and a genetic risk score (GRS) of 110 non-HLA susceptibility single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were evaluated for association with relapse rate with Cox and negative binomial regression models. Results: Over 622 patient-years, 408 relapses were captured. Girls had greater relapse rate than boys (incident rate ratio (IRR) = 1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–1.87, p = 0.026). Participants were genetically diverse; ~40% ( N = 75) had <50% European ancestry. HLA-DRB1*15 status modified the association of vitamin D status ( pixn = 0.022) with relapse rate (per 10 ng/mL, in DRB1*15+ hazard ratio (HR) = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.58–0.88, p = 0.002; in DRB1*15− HR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.83–1.12, p = 0.64). Neither European ancestry nor GRS was associated with relapse rate. Conclusion: We demonstrate that HLA-DRB1*15 modifies the association of vitamin D status with relapse rate. Our findings emphasize the need to pursue disease-modifying effects of MS genes in the context of environmental factors.
Hospital steam sterilizer usage: could we switch off to save electricity and water?
Authors: McGain Forbes , Moore Graham , Black Jim 
Published: January 2016

Objectives Steam sterilization in hospitals is an energy and water intensive process. Our aim was to identify opportunities to improve electricity and water use. The objectives were to find: the time sterilizers spent active, idle and off; the variability in sterilizer use with the time of day and day of the week; and opportunities to switch off sterilizers instead of idling when no loads were waiting, and the resultant electricity and water savings. Methods Analyses of routine data for one year of the activity of the four steam sterilizers in one hospital in Melbourne, Australia. We examined active sterilizer cycles, routine sterilizer switch-offs, and when sterilizers were active, idle and off. Several switch-off strategies were examined to identify electricity and water savings: switch off idle sterilizers when no loads are waiting and switch off one sterilizer after 10:00 h and a second sterilizer after midnight on all days. Results Sterilizers were active for 13,430 (38%) sterilizer–hours, off for 4822 (14%) sterilizer–hours, and idle for 16,788 (48%) sterilizer–hours. All four sterilizers were simultaneously active 9% of the time, and two or more sterilizers were idle for 69% of the time. A sterilizer was idle for two hours or less 13% of the time and idle for more than 2 h 87% of the time. A strategy to switch off idle sterilizers would reduce electricity use by 66 MWh and water use by 1004 kl per year, saving 26% electricity use and 13% of water use, resulting in financial savings of AUD$13,867 (UK£6,517) and a reduction in 79 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. An alternative switch-off strategy of one sterilizer from 10:00 h onwards and a second from midnight would have saved 30 MWh and 456 kl of water. Conclusions The methodology used of how hospital sterilizer use could be improved could be applied to all hospitals and more broadly to other equipment used in hospitals.
Double microcatheter technique for coil embolization of small aneurysms with unfavorable configurations: A comparative study of the aneurysms that are ≤3 mm or >3 mm
Authors: Yin Long , Wei Ming , Ren Hecheng 
Published: January 2016

Introduction The endovascular coiling of small ruptured aneurysms with difficult geometries presents a significant treatment challenge. We report our initial experience and the technical details of dual microcatheter coil embolizations that were applied in these difficult lesions. Method and results Eighty-five small aneurysms (<7 mm) that exhibited difficult configurations, such as a wide neck or an important branch vessel arising from the fundus, were successfully treated using a dual microcatheter technique. The packing attenuation, adverse events during the procedures, and angiographic occlusions from 21 very small aneurysm (≤3 mm) were recorded and compared with our coiling results of 64 small aneurysms (>3 mm, <7 mm). There were no significant differences in intraprocedural ruptures or procedure-related thromboembolisms between the two groups. At the last post-procedure clinical follow-up, a good clinical outcome (an modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 0–2) was observed in 18 of the patients (85.7%). The recanalization rates at follow-up were significantly lower in the very small aneurysm group compared to the small aneurysm group ( p < 0.05) and the mean packing density in the very small aneurysm group was significantly higher compared to the small aneurysm group (35.2% vs 24.8%, p < 0.05). Conclusion The dual technique was feasible, safe, and effective for coil embolization of aneurysms with difficult configurations and, in particular, it provided an alternative option for treating very small aneurysms.
Whole brain C-arm computed tomography parenchymal blood volume measurements
Authors: Kamran Mudassar , Byrne James V 
Published: January 2016

Introduction C-arm flat detector computed tomography (FDCT) parenchymal blood volume (PBV) imaging in the neuro-interventional suite is a new technique for which detailed whole brain measurements have not been previously reported. This study aims to create a catalogue of PBV measurements for various anatomical regions encompassing the whole brain, using a three-dimensional volume-of-interest (3D-VOI) analysis. Methods We acquired and analysed 30 C-arm FDCT datasets from 26 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), as part of a prospective study comparing C-arm computed tomography (CT) PBV with magnetic resonance perfusion-weighted imaging (MR-PWI). We calculated the PBV values for various brain regions with an automated analysis, using 58 pre-defined atlas-based 3D-VOIs encompassing the whole brain. VOIs partially or completely overlapping regions of magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging (MR-DWI) abnormality or magnetic resonance cerebral blood flow (MR-CBF) asymmetry were excluded from the analysis. Results Of the 30 C-arm CT PBV datasets, 14 (54%; 12 patients) had areas of restricted diffusion, the majority of which were focal. The PBV values for the cerebral cortex and cerebral white matter were 4.01 ± 0.47 (mean ± SD) and 3.01 ± 0.39 ml per 100 ml. Lobar PBV values were: frontal lobe 4.2 ± 0.8, temporal lobe 4.2 ± 0.9, parietal lobe 3.9 ± 0.7 and occipital lobe 4.3 ± 0.8 ml/100 ml. The basal ganglia and brainstem PBV values were 3.4 ± 0.7 and 4.6 ± 0.6 ml/100 ml, respectively. Conclusions Compared with the typical reference cerebral blood volume (CBV) values reported in the literature for Positron Emission Tomography (PET), the PBV values were relatively high for the white matter and relatively low for the cortical grey matter. The reported catalogue of PBV values for various brain regions would be useful to inform future studies and could be used in clinical practice, when interpreting PBV maps.
The Camitz transfer and its modifications: a review
Authors: Rymer B. , Thomas P. B. M. 
Published: January 2016

The Camitz procedure involves transfer of the insertion of the palmaris longus tendon with a strip of the palmar aponeurosis to the insertion of abductor pollicis brevis in order to improve thumb opposition, and is usually done when severe carpal tunnel syndrome results in complete wasting of the thenar muscles. We carried out a systematic review of the published reports of this procedure. Analysis of available outcome data showed improvement in overall hand function in 86–100% of patients undergoing the original Camitz procedure. Several modifications of the original Camitz transfer have been described, with most focusing on the incorporation and placement of pulleys. All studies are limited by their small sample sizes. Overall, there is a lack of studies comparing the Camitz transfer with other opponensplasty techniques and comparing the various modifications of the original procedure. Level of evidence: IV
Does collagenase injection disrupt or digest the Dupuytren’s cord: a magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Crivello K. M. , Potter H. G. , Moon E. S. , Rancy S. K. , Wolfe Scott W. 
Published: January 2016

Collagenase clostridium histolyticum has been extensively studied as a treatment modality for Dupuytren’s contracture. Its mechanism of action has been documented. It is unknown whether injected collagenase weakens the Dupuytren’s cord sufficiently to cause failure during manipulation or if there is digestion and reduction in cord volume. We examined five patients with isolated contractures of the ring or middle metacarpalphalangeal (MP) joint using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prior to injection with collagenase and again 1 month following injection. All patients had full correction after manipulation which was maintained at follow-up. The Dupuytren’s cord was evaluated with respect to volume, signal intensity, inflammatory changes and continuity. Additionally, signal intensity changes of the flexor tendons and neurovascular structures were recorded. MRI demonstrated cord discontinuity, significant reduction of cord volume and a significant increase in cord signal intensity after treatment with collagenase. There was a slight increase in flexor tendon signal intensity that was not significant. These findings suggest that there may be local chemical dissolution of the cord. Future studies may establish whether or not this will have prognostic implications in terms of correction and recurrence following collagenase injection. Level of evidence: IV
Some results on best proximity point on star-shaped sets in probabilistic Banach (Menger) spaces
Authors: Shayanpour Hamid , Shams Maryam , Nematizadeh Asiyeh 
Published: January 2016

AbstractWe first present the concepts of proximal contraction and proximal nonexpansive mappings on star-shaped sets in probabilistic Banach (Menger) spaces. We derive some results about the best proximity points for these mappings in probabilistic Banach (Menger) spaces. Next, we bring some examples that defend our main results.
Effects of Collagen Grafting on Cell Behaviors in BCP Scaffold with Interconnected Pore Structure
Authors: Yang Dong-Jun , Jeon Jae-Hui , Lee Sun-Young , An Hyun-Wook , Park Keun Oh , Park Kwang-Bum , Kim Sukyoung 
Published: January 2016

Abstract

Background
This study was to investigate the effect of collagen grafted porous biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) on cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. Porous BCP scaffolds with interconnected micropore structure were prepared with were prepared and then grafted with a collagen type I. The hydroxyapatite (HA) and β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) ratio of the TCP scaffolds was about 60/40 and the collagen was crosslinked on the TCP scaffold surface (collagen-TCP).

Results
The sintered BCP scaffolds showed fully interconnected micropore structures with submicron-sized grains. The collagen crosslinking in the scaffolds was conducted using the the N-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) crosslinking method. The cell proliferation of collagen-BCP scaffolds showed a similar result to that of the BCP scaffolds. However, osteoblastic differentiation and cell attachment increased in the collagen-BCP scaffolds.

Conclusions
Collagen-BCP scaffold improved the cell attachment ability in early phase and osteoblastic differentiation.
Effects of the Internal Circadian System and Circadian Misalignment on Glucose Tolerance in Chronic Shift Workers
Authors: Morris Christopher J. , Purvis Taylor E. , Mistretta Joseph , Scheer Frank A. J. L. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract

Context:
Shift work is a risk factor for diabetes. The separate effects of the endogenous circadian system and circadian misalignment (ie, misalignment between the central circadian pacemaker and 24-hour environmental/behavioral rhythms such as the light/dark and feeding/fasting cycles) on glucose tolerance in shift workers are unknown.

Objective:
The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that the endogenous circadian system and circadian misalignment separately affect glucose tolerance in shift workers, both independently from behavioral cycle effects.

Design:
A randomized, crossover study with two 3-day laboratory visits.

Setting:
Center for Clinical Investigation at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Patients:
Healthy chronic shift workers.

Intervention:
The intervention included simulated night work comprised of 12-hour inverted behavioral and environmental cycles (circadian misalignment) or simulated day work (circadian alignment).

Main Outcome Measures:
Postprandial glucose and insulin responses to identical meals given at 8:00 am and 8:00 pm in both protocols.

Results:
Postprandial glucose was 6.5% higher at 8:00 pm than 8:00 am (circadian phase effect), independent of behavioral effects (P = .0041). Circadian misalignment increased postprandial glucose by 5.6%, independent of behavioral and circadian effects (P = .0042). These variations in glucose tolerance appeared to be explained, at least in part, by different insulin mechanisms: during the biological evening by decreased pancreatic β-cell function (18% lower early and late phase insulin; both P ≤ .011) and during circadian misalignment presumably by decreased insulin sensitivity (elevated postprandial glucose despite 10% higher late phase insulin; P = .015) without change in early-phase insulin (P = .38).

Conclusions:
Internal circadian time affects glucose tolerance in shift workers. Separately, circadian misalignment reduces glucose tolerance in shift workers, providing a mechanism to help explain the increased diabetes risk in shift workers.