bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Declining prevalence of hepatitis E antibodies among Danish blood donors
Authors: Holm Dorte K. , Moessner Belinda K. , Engle Ronald E. , Zaaijer Hans L. , Georgsen Jørgen , Purcell Robert H. , Christensen Peer B. 
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUNDThe increasing incidence of reported hepatitis E cases in Europe has focused attention on hepatitis E virus (HEV) and the risk of transfusion‐transmitted hepatitis E. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of antibodies to HEV (anti‐HEV) among Danish blood donors in 2013 and to compare it to previous studies in Denmark. In addition we wanted to compare the relative reactivity of two different assays.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSSamples from 504 blood donors were collected and analyzed for anti‐HEV with an in‐house assay developed at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In addition the samples were analyzed with the Wantai anti‐HEV assay. Demographic information and possible HEV exposure was collected by self‐administered questionnaire.RESULTSUsing the NIH assay the prevalence of anti‐HEV among Danish blood donors was 10.7% and with the Wantai assay the prevalence of anti‐HEV was 19.8% (p < 0.001). In both cases the presence of anti‐HEV was significantly correlated with increasing age. In addition, anti‐HEV as measured by the Wantai test was significantly associated with contact with children (p = 0.01), but in multivariate analysis only age was associated with anti‐HEV in both assays. By the NIH assay, the prevalence had declined from 20.6% in 2003 to 10.7% in 2013.CONCLUSIONSAnti‐HEV prevalence had decreased by half among Danish blood donors over 10 years, but was still highly prevalent. The difference in reactivity of the two assays demonstrates the importance of using the same assay when comparing the anti‐HEV prevalence in populations over time.
A prospective study of the prevalence of corneal surface disease in dogs receiving prophylactic topical lubrication under general anesthesia
Authors: Dawson Charlotte , Sanchez Rick F. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo identify the prevalence of corneal ulceration in dogs receiving prophylactic gel lubrication under general anesthesia (GA).Materials and methodsAn ophthalmic examination was performed before premedication and 24 h after GA in 100 dogs (199 eyes) undergoing nonophthalmic procedures. Individuals with known pre‐existing ocular surface conditions were excluded. An ocular lubricating gel containing carmellose sodium was applied by the anesthetist at induction and every 2–4 h until extubation. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate risk factors for ulcerative disease, including signalment, length of GA, patient position, procedure performed, pre‐, and post‐GA ophthalmic examination findings and admitting service. A Wilcoxon rank sum test compared pre‐ and post‐GA Schirmer tear test‐1 (STT‐1) values.ResultsOne dog (0.5% of total eyes) developed fluorescein stain uptake consistent with superficial corneal ulceration that resolved within 48 h with supportive treatment. Twenty‐five (18.6% of total eyes) developed a faint, patchy corneal uptake of stain in the axial cornea that was consistent with epithelial erosion. All erosions resolved with lubrication 24 h later. The decrease in STT‐1 readings at 24 h post‐GA was statistically significant from those pre‐GA (P < 0.001). No significant risk factors for corneal erosion/ulceration were identified.ConclusionsThe results of this study show that a basic protocol of prophylactic lubrication during GA was associated with a low prevalence of corneal ulceration but a higher prevalence of epithelial erosion. In addition, the study supports the need for post‐GA corneal examination.
Slit‐scanning differential x‐ray phase‐contrast mammography: Proof‐of‐concept experimental studies
Authors: Koehler Thomas , Daerr Heiner , Martens Gerhard , Kuhn Norbert , Löscher Stefan , van Stevendaal Udo , Roessl Ewald 
Published: March 2015

Purpose:The purpose of this work is to investigate the feasibility of grating‐based, differential phase‐contrast, full‐field digital mammography (FFDM) in terms of the requirements for field‐of‐view (FOV), mechanical stability, and scan time.Methods:A rigid, actuator‐free Talbot interferometric unit was designed and integrated into a state‐of‐the‐art x‐ray slit‐scanning mammography system, namely, the Philips MicroDose L30 FFDM system. A dedicated phase‐acquisition and phase retrieval method was developed and implemented that exploits the redundancy of the data acquisition inherent to the slit‐scanning approach to image generation of the system. No modifications to the scan arm motion control were implemented.Results:The authors achieve a FOV of 160 × 196 mm consisting of two disjoint areas measuring 77 × 196 mm with a gap of 6 mm between them. Typical scanning times vary between 10 and 15 s and dose levels are lower than typical FFDM doses for conventional scans with identical acquisition parameters due to the presence of the source‐grating G0. Only minor to moderate artifacts are observed in the three reconstructed images, indicating that mechanical vibrations induced by other system components do not prevent the use of the platform for phase contrast imaging.Conclusions:To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to integrate x‐ray gratings hardware into a clinical mammography unit. The results demonstrate that a scanning differential phase contrast FFDM system that meets the requirements of FOV, stability, scan time, and dose can be build.
Health technology assessment in Switzerland: a descriptive analysis of “Coverage with Evidence Development” decisions from 1996 to 2013
Authors: Brügger Urs , Horisberger Bruno , Ruckstuhl Alexander , Plessow Rafael , Eichler Klaus , Gratwohl Alois 
Published: March 2015

ObjectivesTo identify factors associated with the decisions of the Federal Department of Home Affairs concerning coverage with evidence development (CED) for contested novel medical technologies in Switzerland.DesignQuantitative, retrospective, descriptive analysis of publicly available material and prospective, structured, qualitative interviews with key stakeholders.SettingAll 152 controversial medical services decided on by the Federal Commission on Health Insurance Benefits within the framework of the new federal law on health insurance in Switzerland from 1997 to 2013, with focus on 33 technologies assigned initially to CED and 33 to evidence development without coverage.Main outcome measuresFactors associated with numbers and type of contested services assigned to CED per year, the duration and final outcome of the evaluations and perceptions of key stakeholders.ResultsThe rate of CED decisions (82 total; median 1.5/year; range 0–9/year), the time to final decision (4.5 years median; 0.75 to +11 years) and the probability of a final ‘yes’ varied over time. In logistic regression models, the change of office of the commission provided the best explanation for the observed outcomes. Good intentions but absence of scientific criteria for decisions were reported as major comments by the stakeholders.ConclusionsThe introduction of CED enabled access to some promising technologies early in their life cycle, and might have triggered establishment of registries and research. Impact on patients’ outcome and costs remain unknown. The primary association of institutional changes with measured end points illustrates the need for evaluation of the current health technology assessment (HTA) system.
An investigation into the therapeutic effects of statins with metformin on polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Sun Jie , Yuan Yang , Cai Rongrong , Sun Haixia , Zhou Yi , Wang Pin , Huang Rong , Xia Wenqing , Wang Shaohua 
Published: March 2015

ObjectivesTo investigate the therapeutic effects of statins with metformin on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).SettingsEndocrinology department.ParticipantsMEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched until October 2014. Studies comparing statins and placebo, as well as the combination of statins and metformin and metformin alone, were included in the analysis.InterventionsData were independently extracted by two researchers; any convergence was resolved by a third reviewer.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe following properties were extracted from the qualified trials to identify the effects of statins: clinical variables, metabolic characteristics, hormone outcomes, sign of inflammation, glucose parameters and insulin outcomes.ResultsData from four trials comparing statin and metformin with metformin alone were analysed. The combination of statins and metformin decreases the levels of C reactive protein (standardised mean difference (SMD) −0.91; 95% CI −1.81 to −0.02; p=0.046), triglyceride (SMD −1.37; 95% CI −2.46 to −0.28; p=0.014), total cholesterol (SMD −1.28; 95% CI −1.59 to −0.97; p=0.000) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (SMD −0.74; 95% CI −1.03 to −0.44; p=0.000). However, the combined therapy fails to reduce fasting insulin (SMD −0.92; 95% CI −2.07 to 0.24; p=0.120), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (SMD −1.15; 95% CI −3.36 to 1.06; p=0.309) and total testosterone (SMD −1.12; 95% CI −2.29 to 0.05; p=0.061). Analysis of the five trials comparing statin with placebo shows that statin monotherapy reduces LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride and total cholesterol.ConclusionsCombined statin and metformin therapy can improve lipid and inflammation parameters, but cannot effectively improve insulin sensitivity and reduce hyperandrogenism in women with PCOS. A large-scale randomised controlled study must be conducted to ascertain the long-term effects of the therapy.
Exploring the effect of space and place on response to exercise therapy for knee and hip pain—a protocol for a double-blind randomised controlled clinical trial: the CONEX trial
Authors: Sandal Louise Fleng , Thorlund Jonas Bloch , Ulrich Roger S , Dieppe Paul A , Roos Ewa M 
Published: March 2015

IntroductionContext effectsare described as effects of a given treatment, not directly caused by the treatment itself, but rather caused by the context in which treatment is delivered. Exercise is a recommended core treatment in clinical guidelines for musculoskeletal disorders. Although moderately effective overall, variation is seen in size of response to exercise across randomised controlled trial (RCT) studies. Part of this variation may be related to the fact that exercise interventions are performed in different physical environments, which may affect participants differently. The study aims to investigate the effect of exercising in a contextually enhanced physical environment for 8 weeks in people with knee or hip pain.Methods and analysisThe study is a double-blind RCT. Eligible participants are 35 years or older with persisting knee and/or hip pain for 3 months. Participants are randomised to one of three groups: (1) exercise in a contextually enhanced environment, (2) exercise in a standard environment and (3) waiting list. The contextually enhanced environment is located in a newly built facility, has large windows providing abundant daylight and overlooks a recreational park. The standard environment is in a basement, has artificial lighting and is marked by years of use; that is, resembling many clinical environments. The primary outcome is the participant's global perceived effect rated on a seven-point Likert scale after 8 weeks exercise. Patient-reported and objective secondary outcomes are included.Ethics and disseminationThe Regional Scientific Ethical Committee for Southern Denmark has approved the study. Study findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications and presented at national and international conferences.Trial registration numberNCT02043613.
Decreased dose of radiation to dogs during acquisition of elbow radiographs using draped shielding
Authors: Nemanic S. , Nixon B. K. , Francis R. A. , Farmer R. H. , Harlan D. L. , Baltzer W. I. 
Published: March 2015

Protective lead equivalent shielding of patients is not routinely used in veterinary radiology. The goal of this study was to determine whether the use of lead equivalent shielding results in a significant reduction in dose of radiation to dogs during acquisition of elbow radiographs. The authors measured radiation doses in the primary beam and over and under protective lead equivalent shielding that was placed at the level of the eyes, body and gonads during acquisition of elbow radiographs using 0.01 mSv sensitivity dosimetry badges. Shielding consisted of 0.5 mm lead equivalent aprons and thyroid shields placed over bodies and eyes, respectively. All badges in the primary beam‐detected radiation. Shielding significantly decreased the dose of radiation with significantly less scatter and tube leakage radiation detected under compared with over shielding (P=0.0001). The dose of radiation detected over shielding was significantly greater than zero (P=0.0001), while that under shielding did not differ significantly from zero (P=0.09). Based on these results, the authors recommend protective shielding be used on veterinary patients during radiography.
Photogrammetric Analysis of the 2013 El Reno Tornado Combined with Mobile X-Band Polarimetric Radar Data
Authors: Wakimoto Roger M. , Atkins Nolan T. , Butler Kelly M. , Bluestein Howard B. , Thiem Kyle , Snyder Jeffrey , Houser Jana 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
This study presents rapid-scanning X-band polarimetric radar data combined with photogrammetry of the El Reno tornado of 31 May 2013. The relationship between the hook echo, weak-echo hole (WEH), weak-echo column (WEC), and the rotational couplet with the visual characteristics of the tornado are shown. For the first time, cross-correlation coefficient (ρhv) and differential reflectivity (ZDR) data are included in the photogrammetric analyses. The tornado was accompanied by a large tornadic debris signature (TDS) with a diameter ~2 km wide during the analysis time. The center of the TDS was not collocated with the WEH and the rotational couplet. Instead, the TDS was displaced ~1 km to the north and within the weak-echo notch of the hook echo. A “debris overhang” was identified in vertical cross sections of the ρhv fields. The overhang was located in a weak-echo trench and a notch of high ρhv, consistent with the position of the tornado updraft. The updraft was hypothesized to be carrying small debris particles to heights that produced the overhang signature. A U-shaped band of high ρhv and ZDR was resolved in a vertical cross section and positioned at the periphery of the WEC during one of the analysis times. It was proposed that the band formed as a result of hydrometeors encircling the WEC while being surrounded on all sides by relatively hydrometeor-free air. The characteristics of the scatterers within the WEC were resolved and believed to be composed of a low concentration of very small, randomly oriented, debris particles, even in the presence of strong centrifuging, and a general absence of hydrometeors.
Males’ mental health disadvantage: An estimation of gender-specific changes in service utilisation for mental and substance use disorders in Australia
Authors: Harris Meredith G , Diminic Sandra , Reavley Nicola , Baxter Amanda , Pirkis Jane , Whiteford Harvey A 
Published: March 2015

Background: Concerns about low levels of service utilisation for mental and substance use disorders in Australia – especially among males – have prompted targeted help-seeking and stigma-reduction initiatives. Resulting changes in service utilisation according to gender are unknown. We modelled the percentage of Australian males with a mental or substance use disorder who used services each year between 2006–2007 and 2011–2012, and the types of services they used, relative to females. Methods: Twelve-month prevalence of mental and substance use disorders, stratified by gender, was synthesised from existing estimates. The percentage of males and females with these disorders who used mental health services in each year from 2006–2007 to 2011–2012 was modelled from published programme activity data, supplemented by analyses of epidemiological survey data. Uncertainty analysis quantified the effects of sampling error and assumptions on the estimates. Results: Modelling showed a significant increase in the percentage of people with mental or substance use disorders who used services for their mental health – from 32.0% in 2006–2007 to 40.0% in 2011–2012 in males and from 45.1% in 2006–2007 to 54.6% in 2011–2012 in females. Growth was driven largely by uptake of private specialised services – males’ use of these services grew by 92.7% and females’ by 115.4%. There appeared to be a non-significant decrease in use of general practitioner-only mental health care for males (−17.9%), and a significant decrease in the same for females (−35.1%); however, some assumptions made in the modelling of general practitioner-only care require validation. In 2006–2007, the percentage of females treated was 40.9% higher than for males; in 2011–2012, it was 36.6% greater. Conclusions: Recently implemented initiatives have improved males’ likelihood of service utilisation, particularly their use of specialised mental health services. Although the gender gap may have narrowed, improving males’ access to services should remain a policy priority.
POEMS syndrome with opticneuritis as initial symptom: a case report
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Lu Weiping , Zhang Hong , Li Xiang 
Published: March 2015

Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, M-protein and Skin changes syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome from a plasma cell dyscrasia, which most commonly presents with peripheral neuropathy. We report a 30-year-old female with blurred vision and vision loss as reasons for her initial treatment; the patient was diagnosed with bilateral opticneuritis. Five months later, the patient started to have lower extremity numbness and fatigue. Initial laboratory tests did not reveal positive monoclonal immunoglobulin. Therefore, simple peripheral neuropathy was considered for diagnosis, and the patient was treated in the Department of Neurology in our hospital; however, the symptom was not alleviated. Seven months later, the patient showed symptoms of cough, dyspnea, along with rough skin, pigmentation and drooping of both feet. Chest CT revealed bronchiectasis and infection of lungs, destruction of thoracic bones and ribs. Further examination indicated that the patient had splenomegaly, hypothyroidism and monoclonal IgA-λ chain zone, which led to a clear diagnosis of Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, M-protein and Skin changes syndrome.
Air gap thickness and contact area in undershirts with various moisture contents: influence of garment fit, fabric structure and fiber composition
Authors: Frackiewicz-Kaczmarek Joanna , Psikuta Agnes , Bueno Marie-Ange , Rossi René M 
Published: March 2015

The heat and water vapor transport in clothing results from fabric properties, air layers enclosed in the garment and environmental conditions. Accumulation of moisture in clothing layers intensifies this transport because of the change in thermal properties of wet fabrics and the size of air gap thickness and the contact area. This paper presents distribution of air gaps and contact areas in relation to various moisture contents in typical undershirts confectioned from fabrics with contrasting affinity to moisture. The effect of the undershirt fit, body region, fabric structure and fiber type is also discussed. The air gap thickness and the contact area were determined using three-dimensional scanning and the post-processing technique. The results show that the influence of the moisture content on the sought parameters noticeably varied among body regions and was related to the regional fit of the clothing. This variation was larger in cotton than polyester undershirts or those containing spandex, but the direct relevance of the fabric structure was not clear. Although influence of the moisture content was found, the magnitude of the air gap thickness and the contact area resulted mainly from the garment fit.
Exploring geometric morphology in shape memory textiles: design of dynamic light filters
Authors: Cabral Isabel , Souto AP , Carvalho Helder , Cunha Joana 
Published: March 2015

Thermo-responsive Shape Memory Alloys are able to adopt a temporary configuration and return to their programmed shape when heated to a determined activation temperature. The possibility to integrate them in textile substrates creates potential to develop smart textiles whose shape change explores functional and expressive purposes. The aim of this research is to develop shape memory woven textiles in which dynamic behavior achieves predefined geometric shapes. The requirement of geometric morphology was addressed through origami techniques. Combining foldability properties with shape change, it is possible to design textile structures with a variable number of layers. Difference in light transmittance is analyzed according to layer variation. Experiments conducted explore methodological processes aimed at future developments in dynamic light filters research. The results highlight a process to design textiles with predefined geometric morphologies that can be activated electrically, and delineate a further study in order to improve the shape memory textile behavior.
The Role of Obstruction Length and Height in Predicting Outcome of Velopharyngeal Surgery
Authors: Zhang Peng , Ye Jingying , Pan Chuxiong , Sun Nian , Kang Dan 
Published: March 2015

ObjectiveTo measure obstruction length and height using drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients and to evaluate their association with outcomes of velopharyngeal surgery.Study DesignProspective cohort study.SettingUniversity medical center.MethodsForty‐three consecutive patients with OSA were evaluated by DISE using dexmedetomidine. The 2 new parameters, obstruction length (defined as the distance from the most superior point of the collapse to the most inferior point of the collapse) and obstruction height (the distance from the posterior border of the nasal septum to the most proximal point of the collapse), were measured by both DISE and a pressure transducer catheter method before surgery. All of the patients received velopharyngeal surgery, including revised uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with uvula preservation and transpalatal advancement pharyngoplasty. We followed up with all of the patients using polysomnography at least 3 months after surgery.ResultsTwenty‐six (60.5%) patients were responders, and 17 (39.5%) were nonresponders. The mean obstruction length and obstruction height were 1.3 ± 0.5 cm (range, 0.4‐2.2 cm) and 3.4 ± 0.9 cm (range, 1.1‐5.0 cm), respectively. Nonresponders had a longer obstruction length and a shorter obstruction value. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that obstruction length >1.4 cm (odds ratio [OR], 0.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.04‐0.98; P =. 048) and obstruction height ≥3.2 cm (OR, 9.35; 95% CI, 1.79‐48.80; P =. 008) were the only independent predictors of velopharyngeal surgery success.ConclusionsAccurate measurement of obstruction length and height can be performed with both DISE and a pressure transducer catheter method. The 2 parameters can predict the outcome of velopharyngeal surgery.