bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of the maximum standardized uptake value of pre-treatment primary lesions in small-cell lung cancer on 18F-FDG PET/CT: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Dongyong , Wang Yanfang , Wang Lisha , Chen Jie , Byanju Sama , Zhang Hanfei , Liao Meiyan 
Published: December 2017

Background 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) has been widely used in clinical practice. However, the prognostic value of the pre-treatment standardized uptake value (SUV) for patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) remains controversial. Purpose To investigate the prognostic role of pre-treatment 18F-FDG PET on SCLC patients by meta-analysis. Material and Methods Extensive literature searches of the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were conducted to identify literature published until 5 May 2017. Comparative analyses of the pooled hazard ratios (HRs) for event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were performed to assess their correlations with the pre-treatment maximum SUV (SUVmax). Either the fixed- or the random-effects model was adopted, depending on the heterogeneity observed across the studies. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the results. Results Twelve studies with 1062 patients were included. The pooled HR for OS of 11 studies was 1.13 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05–1.22; P = 0.001; I2 = 0%) and the pooled HR for EFS of nine studies was 1.09 (95% CI = 1.02–1.17; P = 0.014; I2 = 0%), indicating that patients with high SUVs may have poorer prognoses. Begg’s test detected no significant publication bias. The prognostic role of the SUVmax remained similar in the subgroup analyses. Conclusion Our meta-analysis indicated that the pre-treatment SUVmax of primary lesions can be an important prognostic factor for OS and EFS in patients with SCLC. A high SUVmax may indicate poorer prognosis.
Search training for people with visual field loss after stroke: A cohort study
Authors: Turton Ailie J , Angilley Jayne , Longley Verity , Clatworthy Philip , Gilchrist Iain D 
Published: December 2017

Introduction People with visual field loss after stroke often experience difficulties in everyday activities. The purpose of this study was to assess the acceptability of search training as used within occupational therapy and the feasibility of possible measures for use in a future trial. Method Nine participants took part in a goal oriented intervention that was delivered three times a week for 3 weeks. Patient reports of acceptability and outcomes using the Visual Function Questionnaire-25 were collected. Participants’ room-search behaviour before and after the intervention was recorded using a head-worn camera. Results Eight participants completed nine treatment visits. All participants reported improved awareness and attention to the blind side during activities following the intervention. Seven participants’ change scores on the Visual Function Questionnaire-25 exceeded six points. Patterns of head-direction behaviour and overall room-search times were variable across patients; markedly, improved performance was only evident in the most severely affected participant. Conclusion The intervention was acceptable. The Visual Function Questionnaire-25 is a feasible measure for assessing patient-reported outcomes. While the room search was informative about individuals’ behaviour, more sophisticated methods of gaze tracking would allow search processes to be determined in real-world activities that are relevant to patients’ goals.
Occupational therapists in emergency departments: A qualitative study
Authors: James Kirstin , Jones Derek , Kempenaar Larissa , Preston Jenny , Kerr Susan 
Published: December 2017

Introduction Globally, occupational therapists are establishing their role in emergency care, especially in emergency departments. This practice development merits investigation due to its nascence and the challenges that face emergency department professionals. A qualitative study examined the lived experience of occupational therapists in emergency departments to contribute to knowledge and inform practice development. Method Interpretative phenomenological analysis framed the research methods. Nine occupational therapists were purposively recruited with experience of emergency departments. Individual, semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interview transcripts were analysed line-by-line and interpreted using interpretative phenomenological analysis methods. Findings Theme one: ‘On the Factory Floor’ captured the experience of working in emergency departments. They were perceived as ordered environments, but nonetheless could be unpredictable, even chaotic. Theme two: ‘A Stranger in a Strange Land’ encapsulated what it was like to enter and establish a new role in the emergency department. The emergency department brings considerable personal and professional challenges, but it can offer rewards, especially enjoyment, recognition and being valued. At the time of the study, the participants were discovering how they might acculturate. Conclusion Occupational therapists are establishing their presence in the emergency department; professional identity is forming and the practice paradigm requires further consideration.
Pramlintide regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and apoptosis through mitochondrial-dependent pathways in human nucleus pulposus cells
Authors: Wu Xinghuo , Song Yu , Li Suyun , Liu Xianzhe , Hua Wenbin , Wang Kun , Liu Wei , Li Shuai , Zhang Yunkun , Shao Zengwu , Yang Cao 
Published: December 2017

Pramlintide, an approved analog of amylin, is responsible for regulating the physiology of energy homeostasis. The goals of this study were to investigate the roles of pramlintide in the regulation of cell survival and matrix metabolism, and further explore their underlying mechanisms, in human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. NP cells were treated with different concentrations of pramlintide in normoxic or hypoxic conditions. Cell viability, LAC concentration, calcium concentration, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), MMPs proteins, and apoptotic related proteins were detected. The results indicate that pramlintide could improve NP cell proliferation, glycolytic activity, and the ECM synthesis under hypoxia, which is evident from the increased precipitation of proteoglycans; increased expression of AGG, Col2, and SOX9 proteins; and decreased expression of MMP3, MMP9, and MMP13 proteins, which are Ca2+-dependent enzymes. And, pramlintide could facilitate the survival of NP cells through mitochondrial-mediated, Bcl-2/caspase-3-dependent apoptosis. In addition, activation of AKT-AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway is also observed by the treatment. These findings demonstrate that pramlintide may play a pivotal role in reversing intervertebral disk degeneration and may relieve the impairment of ECM metabolism and NP cells survival through mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic signaling pathway, thus offering a novel potential pharmacological treatment strategy.
Evaluating the Spatial Consequence of Interest Rate Ceiling Using a Spatial Regime Change Approach
Authors: Lukongo Onyumbe E. , Miller Thomas 
Published: December 2017

The article provides the empirical framework and steps toward the evaluation of the spatial consequence of the 17% interest rate ceiling in Arkansas using a new database from the trade association for installment lenders, the American Financial Services Association. The specific contribution of this study is to build and apply the installment loan accessibility index within the context of the spatial regime models. Results suggest strong evidence of spatial clustering of counties with similar (low or high) installment loan usage rates across the study area and two spatial regimes at work. The loan accessibility index is a strong predictor of the installment loan usage in the study area. That is, an increase in the loan acquisition costs due to the 17% interest rate cap puts interior counties’ residents at disadvantage compared with residents of border counties who can cross the borders to get small dollar loans.JEL Classifications: C51, C52, G23, G28
Factors Associated With Frequency of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption Among US Adults With Diabetes or Prediabetes
Authors: Xu Fang , Park Sohyun , Siegel Karen R. 
Published: December 2017

Purpose: This study assessed the associations between sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake among US adults with diabetes or prediabetes. Design: Quantitative, cross-sectional study. Setting: The 2013 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Participants: A total of 13 268 adults with diabetes and 9330 adults with prediabetes (median response rate: 46.8%). Measures: The outcome measure was SSB intake (0, >0 to <1, and ≥1 time/day). The exposure measures were sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics. Analysis: Both crude and age-adjusted prevalences were calculated. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to estimate the adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) for SSB intake by participants’ characteristics. Results: In 2013, 22.0% adults with diabetes and 38.2% adults with prediabetes consumed SSBs ≥1 time/day. Among adults with diabetes, adjusted PR for consuming SSBs ≥1 time/day was significantly greater for those who had shorter duration of diabetes (≤5 years: PR = 1.47; 6-10 years: PR = 1.33 vs ≥11 years), less frequently self-checking blood sugar (≥0 to <1 time/day: PR = 1.69; ≥1 to <3 times/day: PR = 1.43 vs ≥3 times/day), and no self-management of diabetes course taken (PR = 1.25 vs yes). Among adults with prediabetes, testing blood sugar ≤3 years was not associated with consuming SSBs ≥1 time/day. Conclusion: Daily SSB intake was associated with various characteristics among adults with diabetes or prediabetes. The findings can inform efforts to decrease SSB intake among high-risk populations.
Effects of Traumatic Incident Reduction on Posttraumatic Symptoms in a Community-Based Agency
Authors: Descilo Teresa , Fava Nicole M. , Burke Shanna L. , Acosta Ikam , Swanson Amelia , Figley Charles 
Published: December 2017

Objective: This study examined the effectiveness of traumatic incident reduction (TIR) among a sample of adults with trauma histories through a review of client records. TIR is a brief, structured, person-centered, memory-based intervention that helps individuals process traumatic memories, thus eliminating or significantly reducing negative psychological consequences and promoting insight and growth. Method: On average, participants ( N = 247) were 37 years old ( SD = 10.98), mostly women, and racially and ethnically diverse. Self-reported posttraumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and expectations for future success were assessed prior to treatment, midway, and after treatment. A series of analysis of covariance models with repeated measures were examined, controlling for participants’ biological sex and total number of hours spent in psychoeducational groups. Results: Posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms were significantly reduced, and expectations for future success increased. Conclusions: Findings support the potential of TIR to positively impact clients’ mental health and well-being.
Antibody response to feline panleukopenia virus vaccination in healthy adult cats
Authors: Bergmann Michèle , Schwertler Stephanie , Reese Sven , Speck Stephanie , Truyen Uwe , Hartmann Katrin 
Published: December 2017

Objectives According to prior studies, between 25.0% and 92.8% of adult cats have antibodies against feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) and thus are likely protected against FPV infection. It is, however, unknown how healthy adult cats with different antibody titres react to FPV vaccination in the field. Therefore, the aim of the study was to measure antibody titres in healthy adult cats within a period of 28 days after vaccination against FPV and to evaluate factors that are associated with a lack of adequate response to vaccination. Methods One hundred and twelve healthy adult cats were vaccinated with a vaccine against FPV, feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus. Antibodies against FPV were determined before vaccination (day 0), on day 7 and day 28 after vaccination by haemagglutination inhibition (HI). A HI titre ⩾1:40 was defined as protective. An adequate response to vaccination was defined as a four-fold titre increase. Uni- and multivariate statistical analysis was used to determine factors associated with an adequate response. Results Pre-vaccination antibody titres of ⩾1:40 were present in 64.3% (72/112; 95% confidence interval [CI] 55.1–72.6). Only 47.3% (53/112; 95% CI 37.8–57.0) of cats had an adequate response to vaccination. Factors associated with an adequate response to vaccination were lack of previous vaccination (odds ratio [OR] 15.58; 95% CI 1.4–179.1; P = 0.035), lack of antibodies (⩾1:40) prior to vaccination (OR 23.10; 95% CI 5.4–98.8; P <0.001) and breed (domestic shorthair cats; OR 7.40; 95% CI 1.4–38.4; P = 0.017). Conclusions and relevance As none of the cats with high pre-vaccination antibody titres (⩾1:160) had an at least four-fold increase in FPV antibody titres, measurement of antibodies rather than regular revaccinations should be performed. Thus, evaluation of FPV antibody titre in cats with previous vaccinations against FPV are recommended prior to revaccination.
Evaluation of three herbal compounds used for the management of lower urinary tract disease in healthy cats: a pilot study
Authors: Daniels Melissa , Bartges Joseph W , Raditic Donna M , Marsden Steve , Cox Sherry K , Callens Amanda J 
Published: December 2017

Objectives Lower urinary tract disease (LUTD) occurs commonly in cats, and idiopathic cystitis (FIC) and urolithiasis account for >80% of cases in cats <10 years of age. Although several strategies have been recommended, a common recommendation is to induce dilute urine resulting in more frequent urination and to dilute calculogenic constituents. In addition to conventional therapy using modified diets, traditional Chinese and Western herbs have been recommended, although only one – choreito – has published data available. We evaluated three commonly used herbal treatments recommended for use in cats with LUTD: San Ren Tang, Wei Ling Tang and Alisma. We hypothesized that these three Chinese herbal preparations would induce increased urine volume, decreased urine saturation for calcium oxalate and struvite, and differences in mineral and electrolyte excretions in healthy cats. Methods Six healthy spayed female adult cats were evaluated in a placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover design study. Cats were randomized to one of four treatments, including placebo, San Ren Tang, Wei Ling Tang or Alisma. Treatment was for 2 weeks each with a 1 week washout period between treatments. At the end of each treatment period, a 24 h urine sample was collected using modified litter boxes. Results Body weights were not different between treatments. No differences were found in 24 h urinary analyte excretions, urine volume, urine pH or urinary saturation for calcium oxalate or struvite between treatments. Conclusions and relevance The results of this study do not support the hypothesis; however, evaluation of longer-term and different dosage studies in cats with LUTD is warranted.
Using a Modified ADAPTE Process to Enable Effective Implementation of Electrical Stimulation Therapy for Treating Pressure Ulcers in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Lala Deena , Houghton Pamela , Holyoke Paul , Wolfe Dalton 
Published: December 2017

Objectives: To apply a modified ADAPTE process to adapt best practices to a local context for successful implementation of electrical stimulation therapy (EST) for treating pressure injuries in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Participants: An expert team of health care professionals and a consumer participated in a 2-day workshop to assist in the development of the locally adapted EST document in Southwest Ontario, Canada. Results: A process map illustrating the flow of activities to initiate EST for treating pressure injuries in persons with SCI based on the challenges and opportunities existing within this region was created. The team also developed a summary of roles and responsibilities delineating tasks specific to providing EST and identified a set of challenges likely to be encountered. Conclusions: The modified ADAPTE process provided a clear and flexible structure to adaptation when used for implementation planning. This article shares some challenges associated with using this process for local adaptation and shares strategies of improvement for future studies aimed at adapting a practice to their local environment.
A bond graph model for simulating the effects of regenerative braking system on emission of a hybrid vehicle
Authors: Mosadegh Mahdi , Jalili Mohammad M , Mazidi Abbas 
Published: December 2017

Nowadays, vehicles have major role in the transportation of people and goods. The air pollution and fuel consumption are the most important topics in this subject. One of the methods used for reducing fuel consumption is regenerative braking systems. Very few researches have studied the effects of regenerative braking system on emission of hybrid vehicles. In this research, using bond graph method, a vehicle model including combustion, heat transfer, power generation, power transmission, braking, energy storage system and vehicle body is simulated. To determine the amount of pollution generation, an incomplete combustion model and complete gas theory are assumed and Arrhenius equation is used for modelling the combustion reaction velocity. This model can determine fuel consumption in any actual operating condition and also all pollutions generated by incomplete combustion in the engine. This is the preference of this research while most of previous researches using engine fuel map to determine fuel consumption and unable to define all kind of pollutions. The body of the vehicle is modelled with seven degrees of freedom mass-spring-damper model. Also, the hydraulic braking system is modelled by acting braking torque on wheels. Using this vehicle model and its parameters, amount of energy consumption and emission of the vehicle equipped with regenerative braking system are achieved and compared with the results of the same vehicle without regenerative braking system. Simulations are performed on two standard Economic Commission for Europe and extra urban driving cycles to determine regenerative braking system operation effects on reducing fuel consumption and emission in each cycle. Results show that a vehicle with this equipment is capable of reducing fuel consumption and emission in comparing with an unequipped vehicle. Using regenerative braking system in Economic Commission for Europe cycle, in comparing with extra urban driving cycle, is more efficient in reducing emission and fuel consumption. According to the results, regenerative braking system makes more deceleration than Hydraulic Braking System in high speeds.
Biological Response Following Inlay Arthroplasty of the Knee: Cartilage Flow Over the Implant
Authors: Beyzadeoglu Tahsin , Pehlivanoglu Tuna 
Published: December 2017

Objective Inlay arthroplasty (IA) has seen growing interest as a new primary arthroplasty intervention for patients that need to transition from biology to joint replacement. The purpose of this study was to investigate the biological response to this procedure. Design Patients presenting with symptomatic mono- or bicompartmental arthrosis and varus malalignment underwent IA and concurrent medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO). A subset of patients required hardware removal and consented to second-look arthroscopy without biopsy allowing for assessment of IA components and compartment-specific findings related to implant fixation, cartilage flow, propagation of lesions, and opposing tibial surfaces. Results In a series of 41 knees (35 patients) treated with combined IA and HTO (mean varus >7°), 26 knees (23 patients, 18 male, 5 female) with a mean age of 52 years (range = 43-67) required HTO plate removal. Concurrent second look arthroscopy was performed at a mean of 14 months (range = 12-19) following the index procedure. On probing, all arthroplasty components showed solid fixation without gap formation. On the medial femoral condyle, 15 mm implants ( n = 14) showed a peripheral cartilage flow of 12% (range = 5% to 25%), 20 mm implants ( n = 12) of 9% (range 5% to 15%), and trochlear implants ( n = 12) of 20% (range 10% to 40%). No progressive deterioration of the index defects or progression of tibial and retropatellar grades were seen. Conclusion Joint surface reconstruction using IA showed stable fixation with peripheral cartilage coverage ranging from 9% to 20% and no further chondral damage on opposing surfaces. Future clinical effectiveness studies are required to support the positive biological integration.
The changing concept of work
Authors: Schoukens Paul , Barrio Alberto 
Published: December 2017

In most countries, a standard (or core) model of employment relationship (i.e. full-time work under an open-ended employment contract) typically receives the greatest labour and social security protection, with divergent work arrangements receiving less protection in correlation to the magnitude of the differences between the former and the latter. However, recent developments concerning non-standard forms of work may question this dynamic. In this article, we examine the nature and current evolution of the standard employment relationship, then analyse how other forms of work deviate from this standard. In order to do so, we draw on the conclusions of the numerous studies recently published by scholars and international organisations in the wake of the growing public debate on the ‘new world of work’. Afterwards, we analyse the situation of non-standard workers under certain social security systems, in order to determine how those systems have approached the divergent character of these forms of work. This leads us to identify the main challenges that social security systems experience when faced with non-standard forms of work. The article concludes by addressing the need to adapt the basic principles of social security to the atypical features of non-standard work.
Management of Retinopathy in Incontinentia Pigmenti: A Systematic Review and Update
Authors: Huang Natalie T. , Summers C. Gail , McCafferty Brandon K. , Areaux Raymond G. , Koozekanani Dara D. , Montezuma Sandra R. 
Published: December 2017

Purpose: The objective of this study is to perform a systematic review and provide an update on the diagnosis and management of retinopathy associated with incontinentia pigmenti (IP). Design: This is a systematic review. Methods: A literature search was performed for articles related to IP-associated retinopathy on PubMed, Embase, and ScienceDirect with no date limitations. Articles published on ophthalmology journals were screened and original human studies pertaining to the diagnosis and management of IP retinopathy were included for data analysis. The clinical and imaging findings, treatment, follow-up frequency and duration, and final visual outcomes were recorded. Results: The literature search retrieved 388 articles across the databases. Forty-two full-text peer-reviewed original human studies, containing 100 eyes of 60 unique patients of IP retinopathy, met our inclusion criteria. The majority of patients (68%) presented with IP retinopathy during the first 2 years of life, and 12 eyes of 8 patients who progressed from mild to severe IP retinopathy were all presented before the age of 4 months. Thirty-one (31%) eyes developed retinal detachment, 24 (24%) eyes had a final visual acuity of light perception or no light perception, and 14 (14%) eyes had a visual acuity of 20/50 or better. Conclusion: The results of this systematic review suggest that early detection and early frequent reevaluation of retinopathy in patients with IP in the first 2 years of life are key in obtaining optimal visual outcomes. Therefore, we propose an updated IP retinopathy management algorithm.