bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of 3 Knee-Specific Quality-of-Life Instruments for Patients With Meniscal Tears
Authors: Sgroi Mirco , Kocak Semra , Reichel Heiko , Kappe Thomas 
Published: January 2018

Background: Meniscal tears are a common cause of knee pain and disability. The objective measurement of the health-related quality of life of patients with meniscal tears plays a key role in clinical evaluation and therapeutic decision making. Several evaluation tools have been used to measure the effects of meniscal tears on knee function and quality of life. However, most of these tools are nonspecific for meniscal pathology. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of the present study was to compare the capability of 3 commonly used knee assessment tools to measure the impact of meniscal tears on knee function and quality of life: the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and the Western Ontario Meniscal Evaluation Tool (WOMET). Our null hypothesis was that no difference would exist among the 3 assessment tools. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 207 consecutive patients (mean ± SD: age, 52.6 ± 14.3 years) with arthroscopically confirmed meniscal tear were included. Preoperatively, 3 knee function and quality-of-life scores were obtained: KOOS, WOMAC, and WOMET. The relative outcome scores of the questionnaires were compared postoperatively. Results: The sum scores (relative scores) were as follows: 234.2 ± 92.5 (55.7%) for the KOOS, 132.6 ± 54.3 (55.5%) for the WOMAC, and 113 ± 30.8 (71%) for the WOMET. The relative score results for the WOMET were significantly higher than those for the WOMAC and the KOOS (both P < .01), while no significant difference was found between the WOMAC and the KOOS ( P = .735). Conclusion: A greater impact on health-related quality of life for patients with meniscal tears can be measured with the WOMET when compared with the WOMAC and the KOOS. Therefore, using the WOMET can be recommended for the evaluation of knee function and quality-of-life impairment of patients with meniscal tears.
Long-term health-related quality of life, survival and costs by different levels of functional outcome six months after stroke
Authors: Rudberg Ann-Sofie , Berge Eivind , Gustavsson Anders , Näsman Per , Lundström Erik 
Published: January 2018

Introduction Information about the impact of functional outcome after stroke is currently missing on health-related quality of life, survival and costs. This information would be valuable for health economic evaluations and for allocation of resources in stroke health care. Patients and methods Data on 297 Swedish patients included in the Third International Stroke Trial were analysed including functional outcome at six months (measured by Oxford Handicap Scale), health-related quality of life up to 18 months (EQ-5D-3L) and survival up to 36 months. We used record linkage to collect data on costs up to 36 months, using national patient registers. Results Patients with a better functional outcome level at six months had a significantly better health-related quality of life at 18 months ( p < 0.05), better long-term survival ( p < 0.05) and lower costs ( p < 0.001), for all time points up to 36 months. The difference in costs was mainly due to differences in days spent in hospital ( p < 0.005). Discussion This study showed an association between functional outcome at six months and health-related quality of life up to 18 months, and costs up to 36 months. Conclusion Functional outcome six months after stroke is an important determinant of health-related quality of life, survival and costs over 36 months. Effective interventions aimed at reducing short-term disability levels are therefore also expected to reduce the overall burden of stroke.
Program of Integrated Care for Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Multiple Comorbidities (PIC COPD+): a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rose Louise , Istanboulian Laura , Carriere Lise , Thomas Anna , Lee Han-Byul , Rezaie Shaghayegh , Shafai Roshan , Fraser Ian 
Published: January 2018

We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-component, case manager-led exacerbation prevention/management model for reducing emergency department visits. Secondary outcomes included hospitalisation, mortality, health-related quality of life, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) severity, COPD self-efficacy, anxiety and depression.Two-centre randomised controlled trial recruiting patients with ≥2 prognostically important COPD-associated comorbidities. We compared our multi-component intervention including individualised care/action plans and telephone consults (12-weekly then 9-monthly) with usual care (both groups). We used zero-inflated Poisson models to examine emergency department visits and hospitalisation; Cox proportional hazard model for mortality.We randomised 470 participants (236 intervention, 234 control). There were no differences in number of emergency department visits or hospital admissions between groups. We detected difference in emergency department visit risk, for those that visited the emergency department, favouring the intervention (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.63–0.86). Similarly, risk of hospital admission was lower in the intervention group for those requiring hospital admission (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.54–0.88). Fewer intervention patients died (21versus36) (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.32–0.95). No differences were detected in other secondary outcomes.Our multi-component, case manager-led exacerbation prevention/management model resulted in no difference in emergency department visits, hospital admissions and other secondary outcomes. Estimated risk of death (intervention) was nearly half that of the control.
Management of antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinaemia
Authors: Gupta Sumeet , Lakshmanan Dev A. M. , Khastgir Udayan , Nair Rajesh 
Published: January 2018

SummaryHyperprolactinaemia is a common endocrine disorder that can be associated with significant morbidity. Antipsychotic medications are frequently linked to hyperprolactinaemia. This disorder usually presents as menstrual problems in women and sexual problems in men, which affect the patients' quality of life and adherence to antipsychotic treatment. In the past, treatment for hyperprolactinaemia was recommended only for symptomatic patients. However, it has become clear that persistent asymptomatic hyperprolactinaemia can be associated with long-term physical morbidities such as osteoporosis and possibly breast cancer. Hence, it is imperative that hyperprolactinaemia is managed even if asymptomatic when initially detected. This article discusses the various management options, such as reducing the dose of antipsychotic medication, switching to a prolactin-sparing antipsychotic and adding aripiprazole to the treatment regimen.Learning Objectives• Understand the physiology of the prolactin hormone• Be able to judge when to intervene if a patient on an antipsychotic medication presents with hyperprolactinaemia• Learn about the different treatment options
HIV infection and its psychiatric manifestations: A clinical overview
Authors: Knights Mark Jonathan , Chatziagorakis Alexandros , Kumar Buggineni Surendra 
Published: January 2018

SummaryHighly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has led to a reduction in HIV-related morbidity and mortality, and the life expectancy of HIV-positive individuals has improved significantly. It is therefore becoming more likely that clinicians will encounter patients with psychiatric manifestations of the disease. This review summarises the evidence on prevalence, manifestations and treatment of psychiatric conditions in HIV-positive adults. The most prevalent psychiatric illness in this population is depression (35.6%), followed by substance misuse, anxiety, psychosis, adjustment disorder and bipolar affective disorder. Neurocognitive impairment is also common, ranging in severity from asymptomatic (the most frequent) to dementia (the least frequent). Effective treatment of both HIV and psychiatric manifestations is essential to maximising life expectancy and quality of life.Learning Objectives• Comprehend the prevalence, manifestations and treatment of psychiatric conditions in HIV-positive individuals• Learn about the HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders• Develop an understanding of the relationship between HIV infection and psychiatric symptoms
The Fish Can Sing by Halldór Laxness: Holding fast against vanity and illusion
Authors: Baldwin David S. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryIn his early novels, the Icelandic Nobel laureate Halldór Laxness portrayed troubled individuals beset by familial, societal and economic challenges within an unpredictable and often unforgiving landscape; his later work addressed humanistic concerns regarding a well-lived life and the harmony of individual and environment. His 1957 novel The Fish Can Sing lies at the cusp of these preoccupations. Laxness contrasts the economic privations experienced by hard-pressed Icelanders with the ostentatious displays of their Danish colonial overloads; he also portrays individuals afflicted by psychosis, alcohol use disorders and medically unexplained physical symptoms, and delineates the path towards a ‘celebrity’ suicide. The novel warns against self-deceptive vanity and community-endorsed illusions, and celebrates the persistent benefits of nurturing relationships, all within a lyric contemplation of individual adaptive resilience and quotidian domestic pleasures.
After Pool : Good practice guidelines for expert psychiatric witnesses
Authors: Rix Keith , Eastman Nigel , Haycroft Anthony 
Published: January 2018

SummaryActing as an expert psychiatric witness can be rewarding, but there are potential costs and pitfalls, such that the role should be undertaken only in an informed manner. With reference to the recent disciplinary cases of Dr Richard Pool and Dr Waney Squier, and a judgment of the Supreme Court, advice is offered to potential expert psychiatric witnesses. Suggestions are made as to training, the negotiation of instructions, the citation of published literature, the construction of expert opinion and how to ensure compliance with the ethical duties of the expert witness.LEARNING OBJECTIVES•Understand how psychiatric trainees can be prepared for assisting the courts and tribunals in the administration of justice•Appreciate the importance of engaging in a frank discussion with potential instructing solicitors, prior to instruction, regarding areas of expertise and working knowledge, providing a balanced interpretation of the psychiatric literature and giving reasoned opinions that withstand logical analysis•Know what processes can be used to enhance compliance with the ethical responsibilities of the expert psychiatric witness
Niemann-Pick type C disease – the tip of the iceberg? A review of neuropsychiatric presentation, diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Evans William R. H. , Hendriksz Chris J. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryNiemann–Pick type C (NP-C) disease is a rare neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder. It is highly heterogeneous, and there is limited awareness of a substantial subgroup that has an attenuated adolescent/adult-onset disease. In these patients psychiatric features, often a psychosis, may dominate the initial impression, although often there is an associated ataxia and cognitive impairment. Typically, patients experience a substantial diagnostic delay. In this review we highlight the importance of early recognition and discuss the pathophysiology, neuropsychiatric presentation and recent changes in the investigation and work-up of these patients, and treatment options.
The gas bubble sign—a reliable indicator of laryngeal fractures in hanging on post-mortem CT
Authors: Schulze Katja , Ebert Lars Christian , Ruder Thomas Daniel , Fliss Barbara , Poschmann Sebastian Alexander , Gascho Dominic , Thali Michael Josef , Flach Patricia Mildred 
Published: January 2018

Objective:
The purpose was to evaluate the presence of gas in the tissue adjacent to the laryngeal structures, “the gas bubble sign”, in cases of hanging as a diagnostic indicator of neck trauma.

Methods:
In this study, post-mortem CT (PMCT) scans and autopsies of 35 victims of hanging were examined to reveal age-dependent changes, laryngeal fracture, fracture location and the presence of gas. A matched group with cardiac arrest or intoxication was used as controls (n = 35). An autopsy was performed in each case.

Results:
Incomplete suspension was the most common method in hanging. The thyroid horns (90.5%) were identified as the most vulnerable location for fractures. Laryngeal deformity and dislocation, which was only detected on PMCT, was observed in 57.1% and was concomitant with fractures in 83.3%. Laryngeal fractures are more common with advanced age (&gt;40 years, 88.9%) and less common in younger subjects (&lt;40 years, 29.4%). The gas bubble sign with regard to laryngeal fractures yielded a sensitivity of 79.2%, a positive predictive value of 95%, a specificity of 90.9%, a negative predictive value of 34.5% and an accuracy of 83%.

Conclusion:
The complex evaluation of the larynx is profoundly supported by PMCT and the detection of the gas bubble sign as a diagnostic indicator of neck trauma. This relevant diagnostic finding might aid in not only post-mortem cases but also clinical cases, for patients who survive an assault to the neck.

Advances in knowledge:
(1) The gas bubble sign is a diagnostic indicator of neck trauma in not putrefied bodies. (2) PMCT supports evaluation of trauma to the neck in hanging tremendously. (3) The diagnostic finding of gas located at the laryngeal structures may not only aid in post-mortem cases but also clinical cases of people who survive an assault to the neck.
Η μεταγνωστική δεξιότητα «Σχεδιασμός» των μαθητών με μαθησιακές δυσκολίες μέσω των τεχνολογιών της πληροφορικής και της επικοινωνίας
Authors: Πολύδωρος Γεώργιος 
Published: January 2018

Η εργασία διερευνά νέες μεθόδους διδασκαλίας των μαθηματικών και ιδιαίτερα των κλασμάτων σε μαθητές με μαθησιακές δυσκολίες (ΜΔ), ενσωματώνοντας τις τεχνολογίες της πληροφορικής και της επικοινωνίας (ΤΠΕ). Στην εργασία αυτή ως κριτήριο του δείγματος για τις ΜΔ θεωρήθηκε η χαμηλή επίδοση στα Μαθηματικά. Επιλέχτηκαν 120 μαθητές της ΣΤ Δημοτικού με μαθησιακές δυσκολίες, οι οποίοι χωρίστηκαν τυχαία σε τέσσερις πειραματικές ομάδες. Στις ομάδες αυτές εφαρμόστηκαν διδασκαλίες με χρήση α) ηλεκτρονικού υπολογιστή (η/υ) β) video γ) η/υ και video και δ) διάλεξης. Για την διδασκαλία χρησιμοποιήθηκαν εκπαιδευτικά σενάρια προσαρμοσμένα στα λογισμικά Μπάρες, Πίτσα/Τούρτα και Γεωπίνακας του προγράμματος του ΠΙ, Τα παιδιά κάνουν Μαθηματικά. Διενεργήθηκαν τεστ με ασκήσεις κλασμάτων και πλήρως δομημένες συνεντεύξεις για να αξιολογηθεί η επίδοση της μεταγνωστικής δεξιότητας του «Σχεδιασμού». Τα αποτελέσματα της στατιστικής ανάλυσης έδειξαν ότι η μεταγνωστική δεξιότητα «Σχεδιασμός» βελτιώθηκε στις ομάδες «η/υ & video» και «η/υ», ενώ δεν υπήρξε καμία μεταβολή στις άλλες δύο. Επομένως, είναι αναγκαία η ενσωμάτωση των ΤΠΕ στην διδασκαλία των Μαθηματικών και ιδιαίτερα των κλασμάτων.
K2CO3: A Mild and Efficient Catalyst for the Synthesis of Pyran Annulated Heterocyclic Systems by Grinding Method Under Solvent-Free Conditions
Authors: Heydari Reza , Rahimi Rohollah , Kangani Mehrnoosh , Yazdani-Elah-Abadi Afshin , Lashkari Mojtaba 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The potassium carbonate was applied as a green and efficient catalyst for the one-pot synthesis of pyran annulated heterocyclic systems, via the condensation between aromatic aldehydes, malononitrile and dimedone/1-naphtole by a grinding method at room temperature and solvent-free conditions. Short reaction times, environmentally friendly procedure and excellent yields are the main advantages of this procedure which makes it more economic than other environmentally synthetic methods.
Ultrasonic diagnostics of main pipelines
Authors: Raczyński P. , Warnke K. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The main pipelines, like many engineering structures, are subject to high operational safety standards. The safety of their operation is supervised by various institutions from the operator, including supervisors such as the Office of Technical Inspection. Safe operation requires knowledge of their technical condition and trends. One of the important sources of information on the condition of pipelines is their periodic inspection carried out with so-called smart pigs. As a result of the inspection, the operator expects the following questions to be answered: what is the condition of the pipeline examined; where and what metal losses are occurring in its construction; what are the hazards causing these damages for the safety of the pipeline operation; what is the rate of increase in the size of metal losses in the pipeline wall. This article presents technical solutions and methodology to answer the above questions.
The Stress Field at an Axial Eccentrical Fatigue Loading – Influenced by the Test Temperature
Authors: Roşca Vâlcu , Miriţoiu Cosmin Mihai 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
By applying a cyclic eccentrically tensile loading, oscillatory positive, determines at the crack peak that exist in a plate specimen CT type a compound loading of bending with tensile. The aim of the study is to analyze the equivalent stress variation σ, when the working temperature varies, namely: T= 293K (+20°C), T= 253K (-20C) and T= 213K (-60°C). The specimens are made from a stainless steel 10TiNiCr175 type, and were loaded with the asymmetry coefficient R= 0.1. There are drawn the variation curves of stress versus the crack length variation, σ(a), versus the material durability, σ(N), and respectively versus the stress intensity factor, σ(ΔK), for the three loading temperatures.
Fatigue Analysis of Magnesium Alloys Components for Car Industry
Authors: Marsavina Liviu , Rusu Lucian , Șerban Dan Andrei , Negru Radu Marcel , Cernescu Anghel 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The use of magnesium alloys in the automotive industry increased in the last decade because of their low weight and relative good mechanical properties. However, the variable loading conditions require a good fatigue behavior. This paper summaries the fatigue properties of magnesium alloys and presents new fatigue curve results for die cast AM50 magnesium alloy.
Rights-based Approach: The Hub of Sustainable Development
Authors: Choondassery Yesudas 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
A rights-based approach to the environmental issues has been gaining momentum since the United Nations’ Environmental Agency proposed a new rights-based agenda for sustainable development in the document, Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (UN, 2015). Our moral responsibility toward the environment is essential to the project of sustainable development. The Kantian ethical tradition lays the foundations of a rights-based approach to human rights and sustainable development. Human rights are essential to the flourishing of all human beings regardless of their nationality or another status. Linking human rights to environmental justice has been an arduous task, but contemporary environmental ethicists argue that giving a human face to the environment that nurtures and sustains us is a precondition for sustainable development. The concept of sustainability addresses the issue of economic growth at present and how this impacts the future generations. This paper examines the rights-based environmental ethics, which has emerged in the context of a human rights-based approach to human development and forges a link between rights-based ethics and sustainable development that could establish a solid foundation for environmental justice.
TiO2-nanowire/MWCNT composite with enhanced performance and durability for polymer electrolyte fuel cells
Authors: Selvaganesh S. Vinod , Dhanasekaran P. , Bhat Santoshkumar D. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDurability is a major issue and has been the growing focus of research for the commercialization of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). Corrosion of carbon support is a key parameter as it triggers the Pt catalyst degradation and affects cell performance, which in turn affects the longevity of the cells. Herein, we describe a hybrid composite support of TiO
Geochemical modeling of the Cu-Ag deposits from the Lubin-Głogów Copper District (Poland) supported by lithological modeling
Authors: Wasilewska-Błaszczyk Monika , Mucha Jacek 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The most important reasons for the limited credibility of 3D geochemical models of the Cu-Ag deposits (The Lubin-Głogów Copper District) are unfavorable statistical characteristics of the main metals (Cu, Ag), and the unfavorable structure of their variability with a relatively poorly marked non-random component of variability. It is hoped that the accuracy of geochemical models can be increased by previous lithological modeling of a given deposit. This is due to significant differences in mean Cu content in both the main lithological series (carbonates, shales and sandstones) and individual lithological units within them, which justifies separate geochemical modeling of each. The paper presents the results of the comparison of the reliability of 3D modeling of Cu content carried out in both individual and main lithological units of the Cu-Ag Rudna deposit (The Lubin- Głogów Copper District). The 3D lithological models were made using ordinary kriging (main lithological units) and Plurigaussian simulation (individual lithological units). The 3D estimation of Cu content within lithological models was carried out using the ordinary kriging (OK ) and squared inverse distance (ID2) methods. The verification of the accuracy of Cu estimates in the 3D model using spot samples of the test data set has shown only a slight increase in the accuracy of the estimates of Cu content within the individual lithological units of the shale series compared to the estimates of Cu content in the whole main lithology. In most cases, 3D models of Cu content carried out using the ordinary kriging method are slightly more accurate than the analogous squared inverse distance weighting method.
Brain activity: beta wave analysis of 2D and 3D serious games using EEG
Authors: Hosťovecký M. , Babušiak B. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Neuroscience and gaming are among the most rapidly increasing research areas. Today, researchers look for a way to develop a serious game, which would improve some chosen knowledge of participants at schools or work. Therefore, it is very necessary to have some feedback whether a serious game is going to improve chosen knowledge. One of the possibilities is to use a neurofeedback using electroencephalography (EEG). Brainwaves, especially beta waves (12Hz - 30Hz), are very important if we want to evaluate the effectiveness of game methodology. Beta waves are activated just when the participant is concentrated. The main goal of our research was to measure and confirm brain activity of beta waves when playing 3D and 2D serious games and compare them. In the last part of paper, we introduce some benefits and profits of using serious games and neurofeedback.
Evaluation of Continuous Sampling Plan (CSP-5) Parameters Using GERT Technique and MATLAB
Authors: Veerakumari K. Pradeepa , Resmi R. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
In this paper, we have designed the Continuous sampling plan (CSP-5) plan using GERT analysis and the software package MATLAB 2007b. The formula for finding the performance parameters such as AOQ, E(I) and the parameters i and f are found out by GERT technique and developing program for the construction of table values and plotting graph using MATLAB.