bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Group therapy task training versus individual task training during inpatient stroke rehabilitation: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Renner Caroline IE , Outermans Jacqueline , Ludwig Ricarda , Brendel Christiane , Kwakkel Gert , Hummelsheim Horst 
Published: August 2015

Objective: To compare the efficacy of intensive daily applied progressive group therapy task training with equally dosed individual progressive task training on self-reported mobility for patients with moderate to severe stroke during inpatient rehabilitation. Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting: In-patient rehabilitation center. Subjects: A total of 73 subacute patients with stroke who were not able to walk without physical assistance at randomisation. Interventions: Patients were allocated to group therapy task training (GT) or individual task training (IT). Both interventions were intended to improve walking competency and comprised 30 sessions of 90 minutes over six weeks. Main measures: Primary outcome was the mobility domain of the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS-3.0). Secondary outcomes were the other domains of SIS-3.0, standing balance, gait speed, walking distance, stair climbing, fatigue, anxiety and depression. Results: No adverse events were reported in either arm of the trial. There were no significant differences between groups for the SIS mobility domain at the end of the intervention (Z= −0.26, P = 0.79). No significant differences between groups were found in gait speed improvements (GT:0.38 ±0.23; IT:0.26±0.35), any other gait related parameters, or in non-physical outcomes such as depression and fatigue. Conclusion: Inpatient group therapy task training for patients with moderate to severe stroke is safe and equally effective as a dose-matched individual task training therapy. Group therapy task training may be delivered as an alternative to individual therapy or as valuable adjunct to increase time spent in gait-related activities.
The effect of Kinesio taping application for acute non-specific low back pain: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Kelle Bayram , Güzel Rengin , Sakallı Hakan 
Published: August 2015

Objective: To investigate the effect of Kinesio taping application in acute non-specific low back pain. Design: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic. Participants: A total of 109 patients with acute low back pain were randomized into either Kinesio taping ( n = 54) or control ( n = 55) groups. Intervention: The intervention group was treated with information and reassurance plus Kinesio taping, while the control group received merely information and reassurance. All participants were allowed to use as-needed doses of paracetamol. Kinesio tape was applied to the most painful area of the low back for a total of 12 days. Main outcome measures: Worst pain and disability were assessed at baseline, after the 12-day intervention, and at four weeks follow-up. During the first 12 days, participants filled in a pain diary consisting of a numeric rating scale and recorded the number of paracetamol tablets consumed daily. Disability was assessed with the Oswestry Disability Index. Results: After 12 days of intervention, pain intensity and the Oswestry Disability Index improved significantly in both groups; the improvements were significantly superior in the Kinesio taping group ( p = 0.003, p = 0.011). The Kinesio taping group reached pain control earlier (sixth day vs. 12th day) and consumed less paracetamol. At the fourth week, although pain intensity was significantly more reduced in the Kinesio taping group ( p = 0.015), there were no differences with regard to disability. Conclusions: Kinesio taping provided significant improvements in pain and disability; thus, it can be used as a complementary method in acute non-specific low back pain.
Susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for the evaluation of deep infiltrating endometriosis: preliminary results
Authors: Cimsit Canan , Yoldemir Tevfik , Guclu Mehmet , Akpinar Ihsan Nuri 
Published: August 2015

Background Knowledge of the precise sites of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) lesions is essential for preoperative workup and treatment. Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) has high sensitivity for blood products and have recently been applied in abdominal imaging. Purpose To determine the value of SWI in the diagnosis of DIE. Material and Methods Forty-three clinically suspected DIE patients with sonographically diagnosed ovarian endometriomas who had tenderness or palpable nodule(s) on rectovaginal examination were referred to pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including SWI. Two patients were excluded from the study because of low quality of SWI series. Twenty-eight patients who were offered laparoscopic endometriosis surgery (LES) preferred medical treatment over surgical approach. Thirteen out of 41 participants had LES. Lesions were evaluated for their locations, signal intensities on T1-weighted (T1W) and T2-weighted (T2W) images, and presence of signal voids on SWI using 3T MRI and correlated with LES findings. Results A total of 18 endometriosis foci were laparoscopically removed from 13 patients. DIE lesions removed at laparoscopy were located at the uterosacral ligament (9/18), rectovaginal region (4/18), retrocervical region (2/18), and fallopian tubes (3/18). Eleven out of 18 (61%) DIE foci were detected by their high-signal intensities on T1W images whereas 16 out of 18 (89%) DIE foci were detected by signal voids on SWI. Conclusion SWI imaging with its high sensitivity to blood products, contributes to the diagnosis of DIE by depicting different phases of hemorrhage not seen by conventional MRI sequences.
Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato
Authors: Jenkins Mica , Byker Shanks Carmen , Houghtaling Bailey 
Published: August 2015

Background: Chronic vitamin A deficiency affects both women and children in Mozambique and populations worldwide and cannot be addressed through supplementation alone. Food-based approaches encouraging the consumption of vitamin A-rich foods, such as the orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP), have the potential to positively affect vitamin A status. A range of OFSP varieties have been introduced in sub-Saharan Africa in rural and urban environments and emergency and nonemergency contexts. Objective: To highlight the successes to date and remaining challenges of the introduction of OFSP to increase vitamin A consumption in Mozambique, collating a time line of key events. Methods: A systematic review of literature using The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Results: The systematic search resulted in 20 studies that met inclusion criteria. Data extracted include author and year, study location and duration, project partners, project title, sample size and characteristics, objectives, methods and measures, and outcomes. Conclusions: Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are widely accepted by Mozambican farmers and consumers, and various studies show a positive impact on vitamin A status due to the introduction of this nutritionally superior staple crop. Remaining challenges include vine preservation, pest and disease management, market development, and storage and processing.
Inflammation and Vitamin A
Authors: Thurnham David I. 
Published: August 2015

Background: Serum retinol concentrations are homeostatically controlled and only fall when liver stores of vitamin A are very low. Nevertheless, low concentrations of serum retinol occur in apparently healthy people where there is no evidence of vitamin A deficiency (VAD). Objective: To determine the reason for low serum vitamin A concentrations where there is no VAD. Methods: We observed that elevated acute-phase protein (APP) concentrations often accompanied low retinol concentrations, and we developed a model of the inflammatory response to categorize 4 groups of participants termed reference (no raised APP), incubation (raised acute APP only), early convalescence (both acute and chronic APP raised), and late convalescence (raised chronic APP only). We identified 7 studies with participants who could be allocated to the 4 groups, and using meta-analysis methods we calculated correction (ie, multiplication) factors 1.13, 1.24, and 1.11 to remove the influence of inflammation from the incubation, early, and late convalescent groups, respectively. Conclusion: In nutrition surveys or intervention studies to measure vitamin A status, workers should measure APP and correct retinol concentrations using the multiplication factors where inflammation is found.
Ultrasonographic, endoscopic and histological appearance of the caecum in clinically healthy cats
Authors: Hahn Harriet , Freiche Valérie , Baril Aurélie , Charpentier Julie , Desquilbet Loïc , Le Poder Sophie , Servely Jean-Luc , Laloy Eve , Pey Pascaline 
Published: August 2015

Objectives The aim of the study was to describe the ultrasonographic and endoscopic appearance and characteristics of the caecum in asymptomatic cats, and to correlate these findings with histology. Methods Ex vivo ultrasonographic and histologic evaluations of a fresh caecum were initially performed. Then, 20 asymptomatic cats, privately owned or originating from a reproductive colony, were recruited. All cats had an ultrasonographic examination of the ileocaecocolic junction, where the thickness of the caecal wall, ileocolic lymph nodes and the echogenicity of the local fat were assessed. They all underwent a colonoscopy with a macroscopic assessment of the mucosa and biopsies for histology. Results An ultrasonographic hypoechoic nodular inner layer, which corresponded to the coalescence of multiple lymphoid follicles originating from the submucosa and protruding in the mucosa on histology, was visible in all parts of the caecum. The combined mucosa and submucosa was measured ultrasonographically and defined as the follicular layer. Although all cats were asymptomatic, 3/19 cats showed mild caecal inflammation on histology. The most discriminatory ultrasonographic parameter in assessing this subclinical inflammation was the thickness of the follicular layer at the entrance of the caecum, with a cut-off value of 2.0 mm. All cats (20/20) showed some degree of macroscopic ‘dimpling’ of the caecal mucosa on endoscopy. Conclusions and relevance Lymphoid follicles in the caecal mucosa and submucosa constitute a unique follicular layer on ultrasound. In asymptomatic cats, a subtle, non-clinically relevant inflammation may exist and this is correlated with an increased thickness of the follicular layer on ultrasound. On endoscopy, a ‘dimpled aspect’ to the caecal mucosa is a normal finding in the asymptomatic cat.
Clinically Unsuspected Prion Disease Among Patients With Dementia Diagnoses in an Alzheimer’s Disease Database
Authors: Maddox Ryan A. , Blase J. L. , Mercaldo N. D. , Harvey A. R. , Schonberger L. B. , Kukull W. A. , Belay E. D. 
Published: August 2015

Background: Brain tissue analysis is necessary to confirm prion diseases. Clinically unsuspected cases may be identified through neuropathologic testing. Methods: National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) Minimum and Neuropathologic Data Set for 1984 to 2005 were reviewed. Eligible patients had dementia, underwent autopsy, had available neuropathologic data, belonged to a currently funded Alzheimer’s Disease Center (ADC), and were coded as having an Alzheimer’s disease clinical diagnosis or a nonprion disease etiology. For the eligible patients with neuropathology indicating prion disease, further clinical information, collected from the reporting ADC, determined whether prion disease was considered before autopsy. Results: Of 6000 eligible patients in the NACC database, 7 (0.12%) were clinically unsuspected but autopsy-confirmed prion disease cases. Conclusion: The proportion of patients with dementia with clinically unrecognized but autopsy-confirmed prion disease was small. Besides confirming clinically suspected cases, neuropathology is useful to identify unsuspected clinically atypical cases of prion disease.
Worldwide Trends in Dairy Production and Consumption and Calcium Intake: Is Promoting Consumption of Dairy Products a Sustainable Solution for Inadequate Calcium Intake?
Authors: Wang Youfa , Li Shiru 
Published: August 2015

Background Adequate calcium intake is critical for good health. Inadequate calcium intake is a worldwide problem and is more serious in countries where consumption of dairy products is low. Objective To analyze worldwide trends in production and consumption of dairy products and in calcium intake. Methods Data were taken from Food and Agriculture Organization food balance sheets, from published studies, and from surveys of four countries with large populations and large dairy production (China, India, the United States, and Russia). Linear regression models were fitted to estimate average annual changes and to project future trends. Results Overall global dairy production and supply (total and per capita) have increased since 1980, especially in developing countries. There are large between-region and between-country differences in the levels of production, supply, and consumption and in the trends. In 1997 India surpassed the United States to become the largest dairy producer. Consumption of dairy products in China has more than tripled since 1982 and has increased sevenfold among urban residents. The increase has been more dramatic during recent years. In spite of increases in dairy production and consumption in China and India, calcium intake has decreased in these countries. The average daily per capita consumption of dairy products was more than 200 g in the United States in 1999–2004 but less than 27 g in China in 2002; the average daily per capita intake of calcium was 962 mg in US men and 756 mg in US women in 1999–2004, but less than 400 mg in China in 2002. Conclusions Global production and supply of dairy products have been increasing since 1980, which has an impact on the environment. Dairy consumption and calcium intake remain low in most countries examined as compared with recommended amounts of dairy products and calcium. Promotion of consumption of dairy products does not necessarily increase total calcium intake.
Simulation Model of the Impact of Biofortification on the Absorption of Adequate Amounts of Zinc and Iron among Mexican Women and Preschool Children
Authors: Denova-Gutiérrez Edgar , García-Guerra Armando , Flores-Aldana Mario , Rodríguez-Ramírez Sonia , Hotz Christine 
Published: August 2015

Background Biofortification is an agricultural process that attempts to increase the iron and zinc content of staple food crops. Improving the absorption of zinc and iron could contribute to reducing the high rates of deficiency of these micronutrients in developing-country settings. Objective To simulate the effects of biofortification of staple food crops (maize, wheat, rice, and beans) on the absorption of zinc and iron among women and children in Mexico. Methods We analyzed dietary data from the 1999 Mexican National Nutrition Survey. On the basis of the intake of the four staple food crops and the increase in zinc and iron content that could be achieved by conventional breeding in the short term, the prevalence of inadequacy in the amounts of absorbed zinc and iron was determined. The mean increase in the amounts of absorbed zinc and iron was compared according to rural and urban residence and according to region of the country. Results In rural areas, simulated biofortification of maize resulted in a reduction in the prevalence of absorption of inadequate amounts of zinc of 47% in children and 56% in women but had no effect on the prevalence of absorption of inadequate amounts of iron. The increase in zinc absorption was greater in rural populations and in the Central and Southern regions ( p < .05). Conclusions Biofortification of maize could significantly improve zinc absorption among children and women in Mexico living in areas most vulnerable to zinc deficiency. Studies of the biological impact of biofortified maize on zinc status are warranted.
Storage, Preparation, and Usage of Fortified Food Aid among Guatemalan, Ugandan, and Malawian Beneficiaries: A Field Study Report
Authors: Rowe Jonathan P. , Brodegard William C. , Pike Oscar A. , Steele Frost M. , Dunn Michael L. 
Published: August 2015

Background An important consideration in determining the ability of fortified food-aid commodities to meet the nutritional needs of beneficiaries is the manner in which commodities are utilized and prepared and the degree to which micronutrient losses occur during handling and cooking by the beneficiaries. Objective A field study was conducted in Uganda, Malawi, and Guatemala to obtain data on storage, preparation, and usage of fortified blended foods provided by the US Agency for International Development. Methods Interview and observational data on the use of corn-soy blend, cornmeal, soy-fortified cornmeal, soy-fortified bulgur, and fortified vegetable oil were collected from more than 100 households and two wet-feeding sites (where food is prepared and served by staff on-site) in 32 villages. Results Storage practices by beneficiaries appeared to be appropriate, and all commodities observed were free from off-flavors and odors. Cooking water was typically obtained from boreholes or open wells with a pH range of 4.7 to 7.7. Food preparation usually took place in covered areas with the use of an aluminum or clay pot over a wood-fueled fire. Thin or thick porridges were the most common dishes prepared from cereal-based products, with concentration ranges of 10% to 31% (wt/wt) in water. Cooking times for porridges ranged from 5 to 53 minutes, with a mean of 26 minutes. Tortillas and beverages were other preparations commonly observed in Guatemala. Vegetable oil was typically used for pan frying. Conclusions Cooking fuel could be saved and nutritional quality probably improved if relief agencies emphasized shorter cooking times. These data can be used to simulate preparation methods in the laboratory for assessment of the nutritional impact of cooking.
Endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms using flow-diverter devices: A systematic review
Authors: Briganti Francesco , Leone Giuseppe , Marseglia Mariano , Mariniello Giuseppe , Caranci Ferdinando , Brunetti Arturo , Maiuri Francesco 
Published: August 2015

Background Flow-diverter devices (FDDs) are new-generation stents placed in the parent artery at the level of the aneurysm neck to disrupt the intra-aneurysmal flow thus favoring intra-aneurysmal thrombosis. Objective The objective of this review article is to define the indication and results of the treatment of intracranial aneurysms by FDD, reviewing 18 studies of endovascular treatment by FDDs for a total of 1704 aneurysms in 1483 patients. Methods The medical literature on FDDs for intracranial aneurysms was reviewed from 2009 to December 2014. The keywords used were: “intracranial aneurysms,” “brain aneurysms,” “flow diverter,” “pipeline embolization device,” “silk flow diverter,” “surpass flow diverter” and “FRED flow diverter.” Results The use of these stents is advisable mainly for unruptured aneurysms, particularly those located at the internal carotid artery or vertebral and basilar arteries, for fusiform and dissecting aneurysms and for saccular aneurysms with large necks and low dome-to-neck ratio. The rate of aneurysm occlusion progressively increases during follow-up (81.5% overall rate in this review). The non-negligible rate of ischemic (mean 4.1%) and hemorrhagic (mean 2.9%) complications, the neurological morbidity (mean 3.5%) and the reported mortality (mean 3.4%) are the main limits of this technique. Conclusion Treatment with FDDs is a feasible and effective technique for unruptured aneurysms with complex anatomy (fusiform, dissecting, large neck, bifurcation with side branches) where coiling and clipping are difficult or impossible. Patient selection is very important to avoid complications and reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality. Further studies with longer follow-up are necessary to define the rate of complete occlusion.
Repair of a sliding (type I) hiatal hernia in a cat via herniorrhaphy, esophagoplasty and floppy Nissen fundoplication
Authors: Gambino Jennifer M , Sivacolundhu Ramesh , DeLucia Meghan , Hiebert Elizabeth 
Published: August 2015

Case summary A 10-month-old domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for severe esophagitis and protracted vomiting and regurgitation secondary to a sliding (type I) hiatal hernia. The hernia and concurrent upper airway obstruction (nasopharyngeal polyp) were diagnosed with a multi-modality approach, including thoracic and abdominal radiographs, abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography and endoscopy. Following unsuccessful attempts at medical management, lower esophageal incompetence was successfully treated by employing a combination of surgical techniques, including herniorrhaphy, esophagopexy and modified (floppy) Nissen fundoplication. Relevance and novel information A multi-modality imaging approach was valuable in completely assessing the extent of this cat’s disease. Although an untraditional approach, the authors report herein the first clinical description of the use of combined surgical techniques with the floppy Nissen fundoplication technique (an antireflux procedure) in a cat. This procedure was used as a first-line surgical technique in this cat with severe lower esophageal incompetence, and may be a viable option for cases non-responsive to other therapeutic interventions. Further investigation of this surgical technique is warranted.
Operative Mortality After Arthroplasty for Femoral Neck Fracture and Hospital Volume
Authors: Maceroli Michael A. , Nikkel Lucas E. , Mahmood Bilal , Elfar John C. 
Published: August 2015

Background: The purpose of the present study is to use a statewide, population-based data set to identify mortality rates at 30-day and 1-year postoperatively following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and hemiarthroplasty (HA) for displaced femoral neck fractures. The secondary aim of the study is to determine whether arthroplasty volume confers a protective effect on the mortality rate following femoral neck fracture treatment. Methods: New York’s Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System was used to identify 45 749 patients older than 60 years of age with a discharge diagnosis of femoral neck fracture undergoing THA or HA from 2000 through 2010. Comorbidities were identified using the Charlson comorbidity index. Mortality risk was modeled using Cox proportional hazards models while controlling for demographic and comorbid characteristics. High-volume THA centers were defined as those in the top quartile of arthroplasty volume, while low-volume centers were defined as the bottom quartile. Results: Patients undergoing THA for femoral neck fracture rather than HA were younger (79 vs 83 years, P < .001), more likely to have rheumatoid disease, and less likely to have heart disease, dementia, cancer, or diabetes (all P < .05). Thirty-day mortality after HA was higher (8.4% vs 5.7%; P < .001) as was 1-year mortality (25.9% vs 17.8%; P < .001). After controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, and comorbidities, risk of mortality following THA was 21% lower (hazard ratio [HR] 0.79; P = .003) at 30 days and 22% lower (HR 0.78; P < .001) at 1 year than HA. Patients undergoing THA at high-volume arthroplasty centers had improved 1-year mortality when compared to those undergoing THA at low-volume hospitals (HR 0.55; P = .008). Conclusions: Based on this large, population-based study, there is no basis to assume THA carries a greater mortality risk after hip fracture than does standard HA, even when accounting for institutional volume of hip arthroplasty.