bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations of Physical Activity Energy Expenditure with Nutritional-Inflammatory Markers in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Santos Clarcson P. , Silva Luciana F. , Lopes Marcelo B. , Martins Márcia T.S. , Kraychete Angiolina C. , Silva Fernanda A. , Martins Maria T.S. , Matos Cácia M. , Lopes Gildete B. , Lopes Antonio A. 
Published: September 2017

Background Sedentariness, high inflammation status and malnutrition are highly prevalent in end-stage kidney disease patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). This study investigated associations of weekly physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) with clinical and anthropometric markers of nutrition and inflammation. Methods The analysis was performed using baseline cross-sectional data of 640 patients enrolled in the prospective cohort “The Prospective Study of the Prognosis of Patients Treated Chronically by Hemodialysis” (PROHEMO) developed in Salvador, BA, Brazil. The long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to determine a summary measure of PAEE, the metabolic equivalent of task (MET), taking into account physical activities related to occupation, recreation, travel, sports, and housework. PAEE was the predictor variable. To assess associations of PAEE with outcomes, the sex-age-specific median MET was used. The malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS) with range of 0 to 30 (higher is worse), conicity index as indicator of abdominal adiposity and C-reactive protein (CRP) were the nutritional-inflammatory outcomes. Results The mean age of the patients was 48.9 ± 13.8 y, 60.3% were males, 16.7% diabetic, 88.1% nonwhite. In multivariable logistic regression models with adjustments for sociodemographic variables and comorbidities, PAEE ≤median was associated with MIS ≥6 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08, 2.29), conicity index ≥1.3 (OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.03, 2.23) and CRP >1.30 mg/dL (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.08, 2.84). Conclusions Greater physical activity assessed by PAEE was associated with indicators of better nutritional and inflammation status. These results indicate opportunities for improving outcomes in MHD patients by counseling and treatment intervention.
Effect of the Different Implant Protocols on Peri-Implant Bone: A 6-Month Prospective Study in Beagle Dogs
Authors: Song Dandan , Zheng Hui , Huang Yan , Ma Xucheng , Ma Guowu , Liang Xin 
Published: September 2017

Objective To compare the effects of different implant placement and loading protocols on the marginal bone loss (MBL) in beagles by intraoral radiography. Methods and materials 61 dental implants were inserted on 9 beagle dogs at bilateral lower posteriors according to 8 different protocols: immediate implant placement and immediate loading for 3 months (IIP + IL3) or 6 months (IIP + IL6) and unloading (IIP + UL), immediate implant placement and delayed loading for 3 months (IIP + DL3) or 6 months (IIP + DL6), delayed implant placement and immediate loading for 3 months (DIP + IL3) or delayed loading for 3 months (DIP + DL3) and unloading (DIP + UL). Intraoral radiography was performed to analyze the MBL during each surgery, before and after the implant placement and at 3-month intervals after the procedure. Results In total, 57 samples were included. There was less MBL (p<0.05) in the IIP + IL3 group (1.22 ± 0.63 mm) compared to the DIP + IL3 group (1.89 ± 0.9 mm). The longer the loading time, the more bone loss appeared in the IIP + IL group; however, the results were reversed in the IIP + DL group. The MBL during the latter 3-month period was dramatically decreased compared to the former 3-month period in the IIP + DL3 group (p<0.05). Conclusions The IIP + IL group seems superior to the DL protocol and the MBL changed significantly during the first three months and thereafter became stable.
Serum Albumin Levels in Relation to Tumor Parameters in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Carr Brian I. , Guerra Vito 
Published: September 2017

Background Serum albumin levels have been shown to have prognostic significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as part of an inflammatory index. The aim of this study was to examine the possible relationship of serum albumin levels to parameters of HCC aggressiveness. Methods A large HCC patient cohort was retrospectively examined, and the possible relationships of albumin levels to tumor diameter, multifocality, portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and α-fetoprotein levels were examined. Results HCC patients with lower serum albumin levels had significantly larger maximum tumor diameters, greater prevalence of PVT, increased tumor multifocality and higher α-fetoprotein levels, than HCC patients with higher albumin levels. A correlation was found between levels of these tumor parameters and serum albumin levels. Conclusions These results indicate that low serum albumin levels correlate with increased parameter measures of HCC aggressiveness, in addition to their role as a monitor of systemic inflammation. Decreased serum albumin might have a role in HCC aggressiveness.
Use of intravenous epoprostenol as a treatment for the digital vasculopathy associated with the scleroderma spectrum of diseases
Authors: Law Shing T. , Farber Harrison W. , Simms Robert W. 
Published: September 2017

Introduction Intravenous prostanoid therapy is recommended for severe systemic sclerosis-related digital vasculopathy. The evidence supporting this recommendation is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of treating scleroderma spectrum digital vasculopathy with intravenous epoprostenol. Methods Patients with a diagnosis of systemic sclerosis who had received intravenous epoprostenol for scleroderma spectrum digital vasculopathy between 1st October 2003 and 1st September 2015 at Boston University Medical Center were identified using ICD-9 code search, and their charts were reviewed in this retrospective case series. Results Of 47 encounters for intravenous epoprostenol infusion for scleroderma spectrum digital vasculopathy, 29 had documentation of improvement as indicated by any of the following: pain relief, increased perfusion of digits as assessed by warmth or color, reduced digital ulcer number or size. In 16 encounters, there was no documentation on whether the indicative condition had improved. No deterioration of the indicative condition was documented in any encounters. Intravenous epoprostenol infusion was well tolerated with few significant adverse effects. Conclusions Intravenous epoprostenol infusion in the treatment of scleroderma spectrum digital vasculopathy is safe. The condition improved with intravenous epoprostenol infusion, although there were study design constraints. We describe our protocol for administering intravenous epoprostenol infusion for scleroderma spectrum digital vasculopathy to improve consistency of patient care.
Primary Bone Lymphoma of the Talus: A Challenging Diagnosis
Authors: Annibali Ombretta , Fabbriciani Gianluigi , Tafuri Mariantonietta , Massarotti Marco , Sedati Pietro , Tomarchio Valeria , Sabattini Elena , Pileri Stefano , Selmi Carlo , Avvisati Giuseppe 
Published: September 2017

Purpose Diagnostic challenges are common in clinical practice and diagnostic or classification criteria for musculoskeletal conditions cannot overshadow clinical skills. Methods We present the case of a young man who complained of prolonged articular pain and mild swelling of the right ankle in the absence of other remarkable data. Apparently fulfilling the Budapest diagnostic criteria for complex regional pain syndrome, the patient was treated accordingly, but the pain increased over time. Then the patient underwent an additional diagnostic workup including synovial and bone biopsies in 2 separate occasions with the second one demonstrating diffuse lymphoid infiltrate compatible with lymphoma. Results The conclusive diagnosis of primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the talus was made and adequate treatment initiated. Conclusions The diagnostic difficulties as well as the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for complex cases are highlighted in this report.
Value of Triphasic MDCT in the Differentiation of Small Renal Cell Carcinoma and Oncocytoma
Authors: Scialpi Michele , Martorana Eugenio , Rondoni Valeria , Eissa Ahmed , Sherbiny Ahmed El , Bevilacqua Luigi , Ros Luis H. , Escartín Martínez Irene , Milizia Michele , Manganaro Lucia , Mazzei Maria Antonietta , D'Andrea Alfredo , Bianchi Giampaolo 
Published: September 2017

Introduction Although differentiation between benign and malignant small renal tumors (≤4 cm) is still difficult, it is a demand for decision making and determining the treatment strategy. Our aim is to evaluate the role of multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) in the differentiation of small renal clear cell carcinoma (RCC) and renal oncocytoma (RO). Methods We reviewed triphasic computed tomographic (CT) scans performed in 43 patients diagnosed with RCC (n = 23) and RO (n = 21). After an unenhanced CT phase of the upper abdomen, triple-phase acquisition included a cortico-medullary phase (CMP), a nephrographic phase (NP), and a pyelographic phase (PP), and lesions were evaluated both qualitatively and quantitatively. Results RCCs were hypervascular in 13 cases and hypovascular in 10 cases, while ROs were hypervascular in nine cases and hypovascular in 12 cases. Mean attenuation values (MAVs) for hypervascular RCCs and hypervascular ROs on unenhanced examination were 34.0 ± 7.1 and 31.3 ± 8.1 HU, respectively. Enhancement in CMP was 173.1 ± 45.2 HU for RCCs and 151.1 ± 36.0 HU for ROs and a gradual wash-out in NP (148.8 ± 34.3 and 137.1 ± 33.9 HU for RCCs and ROs, respectively) and in PP (98.2 ± 36.0 HU for RCCs and 79.4 ± 21.5 HU for ROs) was observed. MAV for hypovascular RCCs and hypovascular ROs on unenhanced examination were 32.4 ± 12.0 and 28.9 ± 8.0 HU, respectively. Both hypovascular RCCs and ROs showed a statistically significant difference in each post contrastographic phase. Conclusions Absolute attenuation and the quantitative amount of the enhancement were not strong predictors for RO and RCC differentiation.
Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Johnson Kurt L. , Hertz Deborah , Stobbe Gary , Alschuler Kevin , Kalb Rosalind , Alexander Katharine S. , Kraft George H. , Scott John D. 
Published: September 2017

Background:
A pilot program using the Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) model was conducted for multiple sclerosis (MS) clinicians in the Pacific Northwest. The pilot was a collaboration between the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and faculty at the University of Washington. The goal was to determine the feasibility of using this telehealth model to increase the capacity and capability of clinicians in rural areas to treat people with MS.

Methods:
Thirteen practice sites with 24 clinicians were recruited to participate. Videoconferencing was used to conduct weekly sessions consisting of brief didactics followed by case consultations.

Results:
Most participants completing the outcome survey (10 of 15) indicated that they were more confident in treating patients with MS. They were satisfied with the training, felt better able to care for their patients, and had made changes in their treatment based on the case consultations and didactic content. They valued the case studies and case-based didactics and learned from each other as well as from the team.

Conclusions:
The pilot MS Project ECHO warrants further investigation regarding its potential effect on access to MS care delivery for underserved populations.
Upper Limb Intention Tremor in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: McCreary J. Keiko , Rogers James A. , Forwell Susan J. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Background:
To present the current knowledge on the characteristics, assessment, and treatment of upper limb intention tremor to inform and improve future intervention studies in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), we conducted a literature review for articles on upper limb intention tremor in patients with MS.

Methods:
Two reviewers conducted searches in PubMed, Web of Science, and MEDLINE (Ovid). Relevant articles, sorted on inclusion criteria, were examined for descriptions and assessments of upper limb intention tremor, and intervention studies were evaluated based on treatment type.

Results:
Eight descriptive studies were found reporting on the incidence and severity of tremor, impairments, and lesion load. Ten studies focused on measurement of tremor using various assessments. Intervention studies included eight articles using a diverse set of noninvasive techniques mainly showing transient reduction in tremor amplitude and temporary increase in function. Eighteen studies on pharmacologic interventions were found, with most displaying positive outcomes and mediation of tremor; others showed little to no benefit. Surgical interventions included 17 studies on thalamotomy and 20 on deep brain stimulation. Most studies showed tremor improvement after surgery; however, most sample sizes were small, and interventions were highly invasive, with potential adverse effects resulting from surgery.

Conclusions:
The literature on upper limb intention tremor in MS is relatively sparse. More studies are required to determine mechanism of action and to provide more suitable and sustainable interventions to decrease upper limb intention tremor and improve quality of life of individuals with MS.
Dylan Thomas’s “Fern Hill”: The Poets’s Passion for Auden’s Greatness
Authors: Bharadwaj S. 
Published: September 2017

The poem “Fern Hill” is interpreted as autobiographical and reminiscent of Dylan Thomas’s boyhood holidays. A reading of the figurative language of the poem, the process of playing with its tropes can be the basis of right interpretation independent of the poet’s life or an historical context. As the poem seeks to be persuasive and objective, it relies more on rhetorics suggesting the sufferings of the fallen poets of the thirties and the war poet of the forties owing to their wild love of the transcendental art of W.H.Auden’s Poems (1930) considered as touchstone of great poetry and a hope for self-advancement in life. However, it is the paradoxical poems of Thomas and his vicarious poetical character that have rehabilitated and revamped the depressed poets. “Fern Hill” reaffirms and reassures the continuation of the same sceptic poetic tradition and culture which Thomas has cherished in all the preceeding and the succeeding poems. What this paper, keeping the contemporary poets’s passion for Auden’s greatness and glory, their dreams and destinations as focal point, strives to convey is the liberating power of Thomas’s moral disinterestedness, his vicarious comic vision and his poetic process of life-in-death contrasted with the amoral aesthetic disinterestedness of Auden, his historic tradition and his poetic process of death-in-life.
Motivation and Attitude of Islamic Azad University’s Faculty Members toward Learning English
Authors: Gholami Hamid 
Published: September 2017

The study aimed at evaluating the Islamic Azad University's faculty members' attitude toward learning English, their motivation and its types and also some perceived barriers toward the goal of getting proficient in English as well as some possible suggestion to make them more motivated. To achieve the aim, some questionnaires were employed and the results revealed the high interest and motivation of faculty members to learn English. The results also indicated that the participants highly valued English as the international academic language. Regarding the inhibitory factors, they mentioned being busy as one of the most important factors. Improper need analysis and consequently lack of appropriate courses were also reported to be of primary significance. As far as suggestions are concerned, matching the course content with the needs of different departments was of a significant importance.
The Impact of Immediate and Delayed Corrective Feedback on Iranian EFL Learners’ Willingness to Communicate
Authors: Zadkhast Mahtab , Farahian Majid 
Published: September 2017

The present study investigated the impact of immediate and delayed corrective feedback on Iranian EFL learners’ willingness to communicate. To attain the purpose of the study, 45 females intermediate students that were roughly selected according to their previous grades and their assigned level in language school were chosen to participate in this study. Then they were divided to three equal groups: Experimental group 1(immediate feedback), Experimental group 2 (delayed feedback) and control group. In the first session, WTC questionnaire (MacIntyre ,2001 modified by Pourya Baghaei and Ali Dourakhshan) was administered to all groups as pretests. In group 1 the students’ errors were corrected by the teacher immediately after committing but in the second group, the students’ errors were written by the teacher and her comments were given to them when they finished their tasks. For the control group, the routine procedure of New Headway intermediate was followed. After about 12 sessions WTC was repeated as posttests. The findings revealed that immediate and delayed corrective feedback have a significant effect on EFL students’ level of WTC. The results, also demonstrated that experimental group 1 (immediate feedback) outweighed the other two groups in relation to their WTC. The findings have implication for pedagogy as well as further research.
Brexpiprazole: A review of a new treatment option for schizophrenia and major depressive disorder
Authors: Diefenderfer Lauren A. , Iuppa Courtney 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Brexpiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic that works as a partial agonist at serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine1A and dopamine D2 receptors and an antagonist at serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine2A. It has US Food and Drug Administration approval for monotherapy treatment of schizophrenia and adjunctive treatment to antidepressants for major depressive disorder. Two phase-3 clinical trials demonstrated efficacy and relatively fair tolerability with regard to adverse effects for each indication. Akathisia was frequently reported in the major depressive disorder trials but less so in the schizophrenia trials. Significant increases in body weight and triglycerides were seen across all studies. Brexpiprazole appears to be a viable option for treating an acute exacerbation of schizophrenia requiring hospitalization or adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder in patients who showed an inadequate response to 1 to 3 antidepressants. Further clinical trials are warranted to determine the long-term efficacy of brexpiprazole, and comparison trials would be beneficial to establish its place in therapy.
What's new in multiple sclerosis?
Authors: Tillery Erika E. , Clements Jennifer N. , Howard Zach 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Introduction:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease state that affects and disables many people each year. The most common clinical presentation is relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). In the past 7 years, new medications have been approved for the treatment of RRMS, thereby providing more treatment options for patients and providers. The purpose of this article is to provide an update on medications for the treatment of MS that have been approved since January 2010.

Methods:
A review was performed utilizing CenterWatch to search for medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of RRMS between January 2010 and April 2017. The package inserts of medications indicated for RRMS were analyzed, and key points were summarized. PubMed and EBSCOhost were utilized to identify articles relevant to RRMS background and treatment.

Results:
Seven medications with varying mechanisms of action have been approved to treat RRMS since 2010. Pharmacotherapy options include oral and injectable formulations. Efficacy across the agents is comparable, and each agent has safety data from clinical trials. The safety profile varies between oral and injectable agents, but potential adverse effects are important to consider before initiation. Therapeutic selection is based on patient preference, dosing (frequency and route), and safety considerations.

Discussion:
Multiple therapeutic options are available for the treatment of RRMS. Health care practitioners should be cognizant of the adverse effects, dosing route, and frequency in order to optimally tailor therapy to meet individual patient needs.
Integration of Graphene, Nano Sulfur, and Conducting Polymer into Compact, Flexible Lithium–Sulfur Battery Cathodes with Ultrahigh Volumetric Capacity and Superior Cycling Stability for Foldable Devices
Authors: Xiao Peitao , Bu Fanxing , Yang Guanhui , Zhang Yu , Xu Yuxi 
Published: August 2017

AbstractLithium–sulfur batteries, as one of the most promising next‐generation batteries, attract tremendous attentions due to their high energy density and low cost. However, their practical application is hindered by their short cycling life and low volumetric capacity. Herein, compact, flexible, and free‐standing films with a sandwich structure are designed simply by vacuum filtration, in which nanosulfur is homogenously coated by graphene and poly(3,4‐ethylene‐dioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). This unique hierarchical structure not only provides a highly conductive network and intimate contacts between nanosulfur and graphene/PEDOT:PSS for effective charge transportation, but also offers synergistic physical restriction and chemical confinement of dissoluble intermediate lithium polysulfides during electrochemical processes. Therefore, these conductive compact films, used directly as cathodes, show the highest reversible volumetric capacity of 1432 Ah L−1 at 0.1 C and 1038 Ah L−1 at 1 C, and excellent cycling stability with a minimal decay rate of 0.04% per cycle over 500 cycles at 1 C. Meanwhile, remarkable rate performance with a high capacity of 701 mAh g−1 at 4 C is also achieved. Soft‐packaged batteries based on this flexible cathode are further fabricated and demonstrate excellent mechanical and electrochemical properties with little capacity decay under folded state, highlighting the practical application of our deliberately designed electrode in a flexible power system.
Highly Concentrated, Ultrathin Nickel Hydroxide Nanosheet Ink for Wearable Energy Storage Devices
Authors: Shi Peipei , Chen Rong , Hua Li , Li Li , Chen Ruyi , Gong Yujiao , Yu Chenyang , Zhou Jinyuan , Liu Bin , Sun Gengzhi , Huang Wei 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSolution‐based techniques are considered as a promising strategy for scalable fabrication of flexible electronics owing to their low‐cost and high processing speed. The key to the success of these techniques is dominated by the ink formulation of active nanomaterials. This work successfully prepares a highly concentrated two dimensional (2D) crystal ink comprised of ultrathin nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2) nanosheets with an average lateral size of 34 nm. The maximum concentration of Ni(OH)2 nanosheets in water without adding any additives reaches as high as 50 mg mL−1, which can be printed on arbitrary substrates to form Ni(OH)2 thin films. As a proof‐of‐concept application, Ni(OH)2 nanosheet ink is coated on commercialized carbon fiber yarns to fabricate wearable energy storage devices. The thus‐fabricated hybrid supercapacitors exhibit excellent flexibility with a capacitance retention of 96% after 5000 bending–unbending cycles, and good weavability with a high volumetric capacitance of 36.3 F cm−3 at a current density of 0.4 A cm−3, and an energy density of 11.3 mWh cm−3 at a power density of 0.3 W cm−3. As a demonstration of practical application, a red light emitting diode can be lighted up by three hybrid devices connected in series.