bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relation of the South China Sea Precipitation Variability to Tropical Indo-Pacific SST Anomalies during Spring-to-Summer Transition
Authors: Hu Wenting , Wu Renguang , Liu Yong 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The present study investigates the relationship of South China Sea (SCS) precipitation to tropical Indo-Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) during April–June (AMJ), which is the transition season from spring to summer. It is revealed that SCS rainfall anomalies in AMJ are influenced by SST anomalies in the equatorial Pacific (EP), tropical Indian Ocean (TIO), and western North Pacific (WNP). Three types of SST-influenced cases are obtained based on different combinations of SST anomalies in the above three regions. When same-sign EP and TIO SST anomalies are accompanied by opposite WNP SST anomalies, both anomalous cross-equatorial flows from the southwestern TIO induced by negative SST anomalies there and an anomalous Walker circulation forced by negative EP SST anomalies contribute to enhanced convection over the SCS and the surrounding regions with additional contribution from positive WNP SST anomalies via a Rossby wave–type response. In the cases of combined effects of EP and WNP SST anomalies, above-normal SST in the WNP is a direct cause of above-normal SCS rainfall though the WNP SST anomalies are induced by EP SST forcing. In the cases of combined impacts of TIO and EP SST anomalies, the accompanying coastal Sumatra SST anomalies contribute to the SCS rainfall variability via an anomalous cross-equatorial vertical circulation. The negative SST anomalies near the Sumatra coast induce descent over the southeastern TIO and ascent over the SCS and WNP. Model experiments with an atmospheric model confirm the impacts of southern TIO and EP SST anomalies on AMJ rainfall variation over the SCS.
Influencing Preferences for Different Types of Causal Explanation of Complex Events
Authors: Klein Gary , Rasmussen Louise , Lin Mei-Hua , Hoffman Robert R. , Case Jason 
Published: April 2014

Objective: We examined preferences for different forms of causal explanations for indeterminate situations. Background: Klein and Hoffman distinguished several forms of causal explanations for indeterminate, complex situations: single-cause explanations, lists of causes, and explanations that interrelate several causes. What governs our preferences for single-cause (simple) versus multiple-cause (complex) explanations? Method: In three experiments, we examined the effect of target audience, explanatory context, participant nationality, and explanation type. All participants were college students. Participants were given two scenarios, one regarding the U.S. economic collapse in 2007 to 2008 and the other about the sudden success of the U.S. military in Iraq in 2007. The participants were asked to assess various types of causal explanations for each of the scenarios, with reference to one or more purposes or audience for the explanations. Results: Participants preferred simple explanations for presentation to less sophisticated audiences. Malaysian students of Chinese ethnicity preferred complex explanations more than did American students. The form of presentation made a difference: Participants preferred complex to simple explanations when given a chance to compare the two, but the preference for simple explanations increased when there was no chance for comparison, and the difference between Americans and Malaysians disappeared. Conclusions: Preferences for explanation forms can vary with the context and with the audience, and they depend on the nature of the alternatives that are provided. Application: Guidance for decision-aiding technology and training systems that provide explanations need to involve consideration of the form and depth of the accounts provided as well as the intended audience.
Stimulation of the sphenopalatine ganglion in intractable cluster headache: Expert consensus on patient selection and standards of care
Authors: Jürgens Tim P , Schoenen Jean , Rostgaard Jørgen , Hillerup Søren , Láinez Miguel JA , Assaf Alexandre T , May Arne , Jensen Rigmor H 
Published: April 2014

Context and overview Chronic cluster headache (CCH) is a debilitating headache disorder with a significant impairment of the patients' lives. Within the past decade, various invasive neuromodulatory approaches have been proposed for the treatment of CCH refractory to standard preventive drug, but only very few randomized controlled studies exist in the field of neuromodulation for the treatment of drug-refractory headaches. Based on the prominent role of the cranial parasympathetic system in acute cluster headache attacks, high-frequency sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) stimulation has been shown to abort ongoing attacks in some patients in a first small study. As preventive effects of SPG-stimulation have been suggested and the rate of long-term side effects was moderate, SPG stimulation appears to be a promising new treatment strategy. Aims and conclusion As SPG stimulation is effective in some patients and the first commercially available CE-marked SPG neurostimulator system has been introduced for cluster headache, patient selection and care should be standardized to ensure maximal efficacy and safety. As only limited data have been published on SPG stimulation, standards of care based on expert consensus are proposed to ensure homogeneous patient selection and treatment across international headache centres. Given that SPG stimulation is still a novel approach, all expert-based consensus on patient selection and standards of care should be re-reviewed when more long-term data are available.
Family member accompaniment to routine medical visits is associated with better self-care in heart failure patients
Authors: Cené Crystal W , Haymore Laura Beth , Lin Feng-Chang , Laux Jeffrey , Jones Christine Delong , Wu Jia-Rong , DeWalt Darren , Pignone Mike , Corbie-Smith Giselle 
Published: April 2014

Objectives To examine the association between frequency of family member accompaniment to medical visits and heart failure (HF) self-care maintenance and management and to determine whether associations are mediated through satisfaction with provider communication. Methods Cross-sectional survey of 150 HF patients seen in outpatient clinics. HF self-care maintenance and management were assessed using the Self-Care of Heart Failure Index. Satisfaction with provider communication was assessed using a single question originally included in the American Board of Internal Medicine Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire. Frequency of family member accompaniment to visits was assessed using a single-item question. We performed regression analyses to examine associations between frequency of accompaniment and outcomes. Mediation analysis was conducted using MacKinnon’s criteria. Results Overall, 61% reported accompaniment by family members to some/most/every visit. Accompaniment to some/most/every visit was associated with higher self-care maintenance ( β = 6.4, SE 2.5; p = 0.01) and management ( β = 12.7, SE 4.9; p = 0.01) scores. Satisfaction with provider communication may mediate the association between greater frequency of accompaniment to visits and self-care maintenance (1.092; p = 0.06) and self-care management (1.428; p = 0.13). Discussion Accompaniment to medical visits is associated with better HF self-care maintenance and management, and this effect may be mediated through satisfaction with provider communication.
A new horizon in the treatment of biofilm-associated tonsillitis
Authors: Ciftci Zafer , Develioglu Omer , Arbak Serap , Ozdoganoglu Tunis , Gultekin Erdogan 
Published: April 2014

Objective: To demonstrate the efficacy of tonsil brushing in patients with chronic tonsillitis to remove the microbial biofilm on the tonsil surface using an in vitro model. Design: Specimens from patients undergoing tonsillectomy were evaluated prior to and following surface cleaning methods, including rinsing and brushing, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Patients: The study population consisted of 25 randomly selected patients with chronic tonsillitis. Interventions: Specimens were collected and divided into four portions. Each portion received distinct surface cleaning methods and was immediately fixed for SEM examination. Outcome measures: The biofilm layer on the surface of the tonsils was examined using SEM. The density of the biofilm layer and the degree of persistence of the biofilm after rinsing and brushing were measured. Results: The surface biofilm of the tonsils in the first group, which were neither brushed nor rinsed, revealed a thick layer of biofilm on the mucosal surface. The second group of tonsils, which were only rinsed, also showed a thick layer of biofilm. The third group of tonsils, which were rinsed following gentle brushing using a soft toothbrush, showed a reduction in the thickness of the biofilm layer. The fourth group of tonsils, which were brushed with a hard brush, was almost devoid of a biofilm layer. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that rinsing does not effectively remove the biofilm layer on the tonsil surface. The use of a harder brush was identified as a more powerful means of removing biofilm compared with a soft brush.
African-American Patients’ Preferences for a Health Center Campaign Promoting HIV Testing
Authors: Arya Monisha , Kallen Michael A. , Street Richard L. , Viswanath Kasisomayajula , Giordano Thomas P. 
Published: April 2014

Objective: In 2006, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended routine HIV testing in health care settings and called for HIV testing campaigns targeting African Americans. In a 2011 national survey, 63% of African Americans wanted information on HIV testing. Methods: In our study, 176 African Americans were surveyed to determine channels and spokespersons for an HIV testing campaign. Results: Among 9 media channels, the top 3 ranked as “very likely” to convince them to get HIV tested were television, poster, and brochure. Among 10 spokespersons, the top 3 were doctor, nurse, and “real person like me.” Conclusion: The media are a cost-effective strategy to promote HIV prevention. Posters and brochures are inexpensive and easy to reproduce for clinical settings. Television campaigns may be feasible in clinics with closed-circuit televisions. Research is needed on campaign messages. An effective health center HIV testing campaign may help mitigate the disproportionate toll HIV is having on African Americans.
Influence of Rotator Cuff Tear Size and Repair Technique on the Creation and Management of Dog Ear Deformities in a Transosseous-Equivalent Rotator Cuff Repair Model
Authors: Redler Lauren H. , Byram Ian R. , Luchetti Timothy J. , Tsui Ying Lai , Moen Todd C. , Gardner Thomas R. , Ahmad Christopher S. 
Published: April 2014

Background: Redundancies in the rotator cuff tissue, commonly referred to as “dog ear” deformities, are frequently encountered during rotator cuff repair. Knowledge of how these deformities are created and their impact on rotator cuff footprint restoration is limited. Purpose: The goals of this study were to assess the impact of tear size and repair method on the creation and management of dog ear deformities in a human cadaveric model. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Crescent-shaped tears were systematically created in the supraspinatus tendon of 7 cadaveric shoulders with increasing medial to lateral widths (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 cm). Repair of the 1.5-cm tear was performed on each shoulder with 3 methods in a randomized order: suture bridge, double-row repair with 2-mm fiber tape, and fiber tape with peripheral No. 2 nonabsorbable looped sutures. Resulting dog ear deformities were injected with an acrylic resin mixture, digitized 3-dimensionally (3D), and photographed perpendicular to the footprint with calibration. The volume, height, and width of the rotator cuff tissue not in contact with the greater tuberosity footprint were calculated using the volume injected, 3D reconstructions, and calibrated photographs. Comparisons were made between tear size, dog ear measurement technique, and repair method utilizing 2-way analysis of variance and Student-Newman-Keuls multiple-comparison tests. Results: Utilizing 3D digitized and injection-derived volumes and dimensions, anterior dog ear volume, height, and width were significantly smaller for rotator cuff repair with peripheral looped sutures compared with a suture bridge ( P < .05) or double-row repair with 2-mm fiber tape alone ( P < .05). Similarly, posterior height and width were significantly smaller for repair with looped peripheral sutures compared with a suture bridge ( P < .05). Dog ear volumes and heights trended larger for the 1.5-cm tear, but this was not statistically significant. Conclusion: When combined with a standard transosseous-equivalent repair technique, peripheral No. 2 nonabsorbable looped sutures significantly decreased the volume, height, and width of dog ear deformities, better restoring the anatomic footprint of the rotator cuff. Clinical Relevance: Dog ear deformities are commonly encountered during rotator cuff repair. Knowledge of a repair technique that reliably decreases their size, and thus increases contact at the anatomic footprint of the rotator cuff, will aid sports medicine surgeons in the management of these deformities.
Risk of multiple primary malignancies following treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: van Eggermond Anna M. , Schaapveld Michael , Lugtenburg Pieternella J. , Krol Augustinus D. G. , de Boer Jan Paul , Zijlstra Josée M. , Raemaekers John M. M. , Kremer Leontien C. M. , Roesink Judith M. , Louwman Marieke W. J. , Aleman Berthe M. P. , van Leeuwen Flora E. 
Published: April 2014

Key Points
Hodgkin lymphoma survivors who developed a second malignancy remain at high risk of developing subsequent malignancies. Treatment options for these malignancies may be more restricted making early detection especially important to improving outcome.
Oncogenetics and minimal residual disease are independent outcome predictors in adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Beldjord Kheira , Chevret Sylvie , Asnafi Vahid , Huguet Françoise , Boulland Marie-Laure , Leguay Thibaut , Thomas Xavier , Cayuela Jean-Michel , Grardel Nathalie , Chalandon Yves , Boissel Nicolas , Schaefer Beat , Delabesse Eric , Cavé Hélène , Chevallier Patrice , Buzyn Agnès , Fest Thierry , Reman Oumedaly , Vernant Jean-Paul , Lhéritier Véronique , Béné Marie C. , Lafage Marina , Macintyre Elizabeth , Ifrah Norbert , Dombret Hervé 
Published: April 2014

Key PointsIn adult ALL, oncogenetic markers and minimal residual disease levels are independent outcome predictors. Both factors should be used for individual treatment stratification.
The role of HTLV-1 clonality, proviral structure, and genomic integration site in adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma
Authors: Cook Lucy B. , Melamed Anat , Niederer Heather , Valganon Mikel , Laydon Daniel , Foroni Letizia , Taylor Graham P. , Matsuoka Masao , Bangham Charles R. M. 
Published: April 2014

Key Points
Adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) does not, as previously believed, result from the oligoclonal proliferation caused by HTLV-1 infection. In both ATL patients and those with nonmalignant infection, the HTLV-1 provirus preferentially survives in vivo in acrocentric chromosomes.
“It’s alright to ask for help”: findings from a qualitative study exploring the information and support needs of family carers at the end of life
Authors: Harrop Emily , Byrne Anthony , Nelson Annmarie 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Family carers play an essential role in providing end-of-life care to their relatives but have been found to experience uncertainty and a lack of confidence in fulfilling their caregiving roles, prompting recent calls for educational or information based resources to be developed for carers.

Methods
We carried out four focus groups with Clinical Nurse Specialists, healthcare assistants, former and current carers at a hospice in the UK, to explore the information and support needs of family carers.

Results
Our findings support previous research by highlighting a number of care situations where carers experience uncertainty and could seemingly benefit from greater information or instruction. Three main themes were identified which reflected carer experiences and needs in relation to potential information giving or educational interventions. These have been described as the knowledge and competence of carers; the preparedness of carers and low levels of carer identification with, and confidence in their roles as ‘carers’, which influences help seeking behaviours; and in turn how potential supportive interventions might be received by carers.

Conclusions
Family carers experience multiple needs for information and education, but meeting these needs remains a challenge. Our results suggest three domains which could underpin this type of intervention: developing knowledge and competence; facilitating preparedness; supporting role recognition and confidence building. We recommend an integrated information giving approach which addresses these domains by combining a resource pack for carers with a more explicit acknowledging role for health professionals. Together these could provide key information and also build confidence amongst family carers to ask for further support and advice as needed.
Effect of electroacupuncture stimulation at Zusanli acupoint (ST36) on gastric motility: possible through PKC and MAPK signal transduction pathways
Authors: Yang Qi , Xie Yan-Dong , Zhang Ming-xin , Huang Bo , Zhang Chao , Li Hui-Yan , Zhang Rong , Qin Ming , Huang Yu-Xin , Wang Jing-Jie 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation has been shown to have a great therapeutic potential for treating gastrointestinal motility disorders. However, no evidence has clarified the mechanisms contributing to the effects of EA stimulation at the Zusanli acupoint (ST.36). This study was designed to investigate the regulative effect of EA stimulation at the ST.36 on gastric motility and to explore its possible mechanisms.

Methods
Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: the ST.36 group, the non-acupoint group, and the control group. EA stimulation was set at 2 Hz, continuous mode, and 1 V for 30 min. The frequency and average peak amplitude of gastric motility were measured by electrogastrography. The protein kinase C (PKC) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reactions. Caldesmon (CaD) and calponin (CaP) protein expression in the gastric antrum were detected on Western blots. A Computed Video Processing System was used to evaluate morphological changes in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from the gastric antrum.

Results
EA stimulation at ST.36 had a dual effect on the frequency and average peak amplitude. Additionally, EA stimulation at ST.36 regulated the expression of some genes in the PKC and MAPK signaling pathways, and it regulated the expression of the CaD and CaP proteins. EA serum induced SMC contractility. Promotion of gastric motility may correlate with up-regulation of MAPK6 (ERK3), MAPK13, and Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) gene expression, and the down-regulation of the collagen, type I, alpha 1 (COL1A1) gene and CaD and CaP protein expression. Inhibition of gastric motility may correlate with down-regulation of the Interleukin-1 receptor type 2 (IL1R2) and Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) genes, and up-regulation of CaD and CaP protein expression.

Conclusions
EA stimulation at ST.36 regulated gastric motility, and the effects were both promoting and inhibiting in rats. The possible mechanisms may correlate with the PKC and MAPK signal transduction pathways.
Body mass index and waist/height ratio for prediction of severity of coronary artery disease
Authors: Sabah Khandker MD Nurus , Chowdhury Abdul Wadud , Khan HI Luftur Rahman , Hasan ATM Hasibul , Haque Serajul , Ali Shomsher , Kawser Shamima , Alam Nur , Amin Gaffar , Mahabub S M Ear E 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
To determine whether waist-to-height ratio correlates with coronary artery disease (CAD) severity better, than the body mass index (BMI) as assessed by coronary angiography in Bangladeshi population.

Methods
This cross sectional study was done on patients in Department of Cardiology in DMCH and those referred in the cath-lab of the Department of Cardiology for CAG during November 2009 to October 2010 involving 120 patients. They were divided into group-A (with coronary score ≥7) and group-B (coronary score <7) depending on Gensisni score.

Result
There were no statistically significant difference regarding the distribution of age, sex and clinical diagnosis and parameters between the two groups. The mean age of patients was 51.7 ± 8.2 years and 48.8 ± 9.1 years in Group A and Group B respectively with a male predominance in both the groups. Patients in group A had higher BMI ≥25 and waist to height ratio (≥0.55) than Group B which showed a statistically significant association (p < 0.001). Though a significant positive correlation (r = 0.296, p = 0.006) was observed between BMI and Coronary artery disease score in group A patients, scenario was reverse fro group B (r = 0.076, p = 0.659). The statement was also true for Waist-to-height ratio and Waist-to-height ratio with BMI. Multivariate analysis also yeilded that a patient with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and waist-to height ratio of ≥0.55 are 3.06 times and 6.77 times, more likely to develop significant coronary artery disease respectively.

Conclusion
The waist-to-height ratio showed better correlation with the severity of coronary artery disease than the BMI.
Diagnosis of cervical cells based on fractal and Euclidian geometrical measurements: Intrinsic Geometric Cellular Organization
Authors: Prieto Bohórquez Signed E , Velásquez Javier O Rodríguez , Correa Herrera S Catalina , Soracipa Muñoz M Yolanda 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Fractal geometry has been the basis for the development of a diagnosis of preneoplastic and neoplastic cells that clears up the undetermination of the atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS).

Methods
Pictures of 40 cervix cytology samples diagnosed with conventional parameters were taken. A blind study was developed in which the clinic diagnosis of 10 normal cells, 10 ASCUS, 10 L-SIL and 10 H-SIL was masked. Cellular nucleus and cytoplasm were evaluated in the generalized Box-Counting space, calculating the fractal dimension and number of spaces occupied by the frontier of each object. Further, number of pixels occupied by surface of each object was calculated. Later, the mathematical features of the measures were studied to establish differences or equalities useful for diagnostic application. Finally, the sensibility, specificity, negative likelihood ratio and diagnostic concordance with Kappa coefficient were calculated.

Results
Simultaneous measures of the nuclear surface and the subtraction between the boundaries of cytoplasm and nucleus, lead to differentiate normality, L-SIL and H-SIL. Normality shows values less than or equal to 735 in nucleus surface and values greater or equal to 161 in cytoplasm-nucleus subtraction. L-SIL cells exhibit a nucleus surface with values greater than or equal to 972 and a subtraction between nucleus-cytoplasm higher to 130. L-SIL cells show cytoplasm-nucleus values less than 120. The rank between 120–130 in cytoplasm-nucleus subtraction corresponds to evolution between L-SIL and H-SIL. Sensibility and specificity values were 100%, the negative likelihood ratio was zero and Kappa coefficient was equal to 1.

Conclusions
A new diagnostic methodology of clinic applicability was developed based on fractal and euclidean geometry, which is useful for evaluation of cervix cytology.