bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heart rate recovery in elite athletes: the impact of age and exercise capacity
Authors: Suzic Lazic Jelena , Dekleva Milica , Soldatovic Ivan , Leischik Roman , Suzic Slavica , Radovanovic Dragan , Djuric Biljana , Nesic Dejan , Lazic Milivoje , Mazic Sanja 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThere is compelling evidence that postexercise heart rate recovery (HRR) is a valid indicator of sympaticovagal balance. It is also used in prescription and monitoring of athletic training. The purpose of our study was to determine HRR after maximal exercise among elite athletes with respect to age. A total of 274 elite male Caucasian athletes were randomly selected from the larger sample and divided into two groups: adolescent (group Y) and adult athletes (≥18 years; group A). They performed maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing on a treadmill. Heart rate recovery was calculated as the rate of decline of HR from peak exercise to rates 1, 2 and 3 min after cessation of exercise (HRR1, HRR2 and HRR3). A significantly higher HRR1 was found in group A (29·5 ± 15·6 versus 22·4 ± 10·8, P<0·001), but HRR3 was higher in group Y (82·7 ± 10·2 versus 79·9 ± 12·25; P = 0·04). Stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis showed that, among all subjects, the HRR1 alone was independently associated with age (P<0·001). The maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) was in a negative relationship with HRR1 and in a positive one with HRR3 (P<0·05) with respect to all athletes. The HRR during 3 min postexercise should be reported for the purpose of better assessing functional adaptation to exercise among elite athletes as well as the age‐associated differences in recovery. Higher values of HRR1 should be expected in older athletes, and HRR3 could be used as an index of aerobic capacity, irrespective of age.
Can geometric indices of heart rate variability predict improvement in autonomic modulation after resistance training in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?
Authors: Santos Ana Alice Soares dos , Ricci‐Vitor Ana Laura , Bragatto Vanessa Santa Rosa , Santos Ana Paula Soares dos , Ramos Ercy Mara Cipulo , Vanderlei Luiz Carlos Marques 
Published: July 2015

SummaryChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with autonomic dysfunctions that can be evaluated through heart rate variability (HRV). Resistance training promotes improvement in autonomic modulation; however, studies that evaluate this scenario using geometric indices, which include nonlinear evaluation, thus providing more accurate information for physiological interpretation of HRV, are unknown. This study aimed to investigate the influence of resistance training on autonomic modulation, using geometric indices of HRV, and peripheral muscle strength in individuals with COPD. Fourteen volunteers with COPD were submitted to resistance training consisting of 24 sessions lasting 60 min each, with a frequency of three times a week. The intensity was determined as 60% of one maximum repetition and was progressively increased until 80% for the upper and lower limbs. The HRV and dynamometry were performed at two moments, the beginning and the end of the experimental protocol. Significant increases were observed in the RRtri (4·81 ± 1·60 versus 6·55 ± 2·69, P = 0·033), TINN (65·36 ± 35·49 versus 101·07 ± 63·34, P = 0·028), SD1 (7·48 ± 3·17 versus 11·04 ± 6·45, P = 0·038) and SD2 (22·30 ± 8·56 versus 32·92 ± 18·78, P = 0·022) indices after the resistance training. Visual analysis of the Poincare plot demonstrated greater dispersion beat‐to‐beat and in the long‐term interval between consecutive heart beats. Regarding muscle strength, there was a significant increase in the shoulder abduction and knee flexion. In conclusion, geometric indices of HRV can predict improvement in autonomic modulation after resistance training in individuals with COPD; improvement in peripheral muscle strength in patients with COPD was also observed.
Increased technetium‐99 m hydroxy diphosphonate soft tissue uptake on bone scintigraphy in chronic kidney disease patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism: correlation with hyperphosphataemia
Authors: Enevoldsen Lotte Hahn , Heaf James , Højgaard Liselotte , Zerahn Bo , Hasbak Philip 
Published: July 2015

SummaryIn bone scan patients with dialysis‐treated chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hyperparathyroidism, soft tissue accumulation of technetium‐99 m hydroxy/methylene diphosphonate (Tc‐99 m‐HDP/MDP) has been reported primarily in case reports and usually explained by hypercalcaemia and/or hyperphosphataemia. As human vascular smooth muscle cells produce hydroxyapatite during cell culture with increased phosphate levels and as Tc‐99 m‐HDP/MDP primarily binds to hydroxyapatite, we hypothesized that soft tissue accumulation would be found in patients with hyperphosphataemia. We identified 63 CKD patients diagnosed with secondary hyperparathyroidism admitted for Tc‐99 m‐HDP bone scan. Baseline characteristics and mean concentrations of biochemical markers (including P‐calcium and P‐phosphate) taken 0–3 months prior to the bone scans were collected. Soft tissue uptake was detected on bone scans in 37 of 63 (59%) patients. Primary locations were in the heart (27/37 = 73%), muscles (12/37 = 32%), lung (9/37 = 24%) and gastrointestinal tract (6/37 = 16%), and 13 of 37 (35%) patients had simultaneous uptake in more than one location. Regarding biochemical markers, patients with soft tissue uptake only differed from patients without in terms of plasma phosphate levels (1·95 ± 0·15 (n = 37) versus 1·27 ± 0·08 (n = 26), P = 0·0012). All patients with myocardial uptake (n = 27) had a coronary arteriography‐verified history of coronary artery disease (CAD), whereas CAD was only present in six of the 36 patients without myocardial uptake. In conclusion, dialysis‐treated CKD patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism have a high incidence of soft tissue uptake, and this finding is strongly correlated with elevated phosphate, but not calcium values.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease following liver transplantation: a clinical review
Authors: Merola Jonathan , Liapakis AnnMarie , Mulligan David C. , Yoo Peter S. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractNon‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is rapidly becoming the leading indication for liver transplantation (LT) in the United States. While post‐transplantation outcomes are similar to other indications for transplant, recent evidence has suggested that reduction in risk factors for post‐transplant metabolic syndrome may impose a significant survival benefit in this patient population. Cardiovascular mortality is the leading cause of death following transplantation for NASH. While pre‐transplant pharmacologic and surgical approaches have been utilized to reduce cardiovascular risk factors following transplantation, the effectiveness of these treatment approaches in the post‐transplant setting is poorly defined. Studies are urgently needed in the treatment of this rapidly growing population.
Exploring the consistency, transparency and portability of dental technology education: benchmarking across Norway, Ireland and Australia
Authors: Myhrer T. , Evans J. L. , Haugen H. K. , Gorman C. , Kavanagh Y. , Cameron A. B. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractDental technology programmes of study must prepare students to practice in a broad range of contemporary workplaces. Currently, there is limited evidence to benchmark dental technology education – locally, nationally or internationally. This research aims to improve consistency, transparency and portability of dental technology qualifications across three countries. Data were accessed from open‐source curriculum documents and five calibrated assessment items. Three institutions collaborated with Oslo and Akershus University College, Norway; Trinity College Dublin, Ireland; and Griffith University, Australia. From these, 29–44 students completed 174 assessments. The curricula reflect the community needs of each country and display common themes that underpin professional dental technology practice. Assessment results differed between institutions but no more than a normal distribution. Face‐to‐face assessment moderation was critical to achieve consistency. This collaborative research has led to the development of a set of guidelines for other dental technology education providers interested in developing or aligning courses internationally to enhance the portability of qualifications.
Seizure frequency reduction after posteromedial hypothalamus deep brain stimulation in drug‐resistant epilepsy associated with intractable aggressive behavior
Authors: Benedetti‐Isaac Juan C. , Torres‐Zambrano Martin , Vargas‐Toscano Andres , Perea‐Castro Esther , Alcalá‐Cerra Gabriel , Furlanetti Luciano L. , Reithmeier Thomas , Tierney Travis S. , Anastasopoulos Constantin , Fonoff Erich T. , Contreras Lopez William Omar 
Published: July 2015

SummaryObjectivesThe aim of this study was to analyze the impact of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the posteromedial hypothalamus (pHyp) on seizure frequency in patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) associated with intractable aggressive behavior (IAB).MethodsData were collected retrospectively from nine patients, who received bilateral stereotactic pHyp‐DBS for the treatment of medically intractable aggressive behavior, focusing on five patients who also had DRE. All patients were treated at the Colombian Center and Foundation of Epilepsy and Neurological Diseases—FIRE (Chapter of the International Bureau for Epilepsy), in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia from 2010 to 2014. Each case was evaluated previously by the institutional ethical committee, assessing the impact of aggressive behavior on the patient's family and social life, the humanitarian aspects of preserving the safety and physical integrity of caregivers, and the need to prevent self‐harm. Epilepsy improvement was measured by a monthly seizure reduction percentage, comparing preoperative state and outcome. Additional response to epilepsy was defined by reduction of the antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Aggressive behavior response was measured using the Overt Aggression Scale (OAS).ResultsAll the patients with DRE associated with IAB presented a significant decrease of the rate of epileptic seizures after up to 4 years follow‐up, achieving a general 89.6% average seizure reduction from the state before the surgery. Aggressiveness was significantly controlled, with evident improvement in the OAS, enhancing the quality of life of patients and families.SignificanceIn well‐selected patients, DBS of the pHyp seems to be a safe and effective procedure for treatment of DRE associated with refractory aggressive behavior. Larger and prospective series are needed to define the pHyp as a target for DRE in different contexts.
Chronic intermittent colic in a mare attributed to uterine marbles
Authors: Freeman C. E. , Lyle S. K. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryA 13‐year‐old Quarter Horse mare presented for evaluation of chronic intermittent colic. Following extensive diagnostics, abdominal radiographs revealed two round, radiopaque objects in the caudal abdomen. Palpationper rectumand transrectal ultrasonography of the reproductive tract confirmed that the round objects were uterine marbles. Dinoprost tromethamine (Lutalyse, 5 mg i.m. q. 24 h for 2 days) was administered to bring the mare into oestrus, and both uterine marbles were manually removed from the uterus following digital dilation of the relaxed cervix. Follow‐up with the owner 12 months after discharge revealed that the mare had shown no further signs of abdominal discomfort since having the uterine marbles removed. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first published report of chronic intermittent colic attributed to uterine marbles in a mare.
Strategic Management Thinking and Practice in the Public Sector: A Strategic Planning for All Seasons?
Authors: Johnsen Åge 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis paper explores how strategic management thinking manifests itself in strategic management practice in the public sector. Mintzberg's framework of ten strategic management schools of thought is chosen for mapping strategic management thinking. The paper analyses a convenience sample of 35 strategic management processes, observation of an agency's strategy reformulation process and interviews of managers in the public sector in Norway for informing the discussion. Strategic planning is heavily criticised in some of the business strategy literature. The analysis indicates that strategic management in the public sector extensively uses strategic planning, bundled with certain other schools of thought, despite tendencies to downplay formal, mechanistic planning in contemporary strategic management theory.
Co‐owned Local Government Organisations: Conditions for Strategy Development
Authors: Mattisson Ola , Ramberg Ulf 
Published: July 2015

AbstractLocal governments tend to join resources and create co‐owned organisations to solve the supply of public services. From a strategic perspective on local government cooperation, this paper analyses the conditions for strategy development in a co‐owned municipal organisation. The empirical data stem from a longitudinal case study of a Swedish provider of water and sewerage services. We show that difficulties in formulating and agreeing upon strategies are not dependent on the structural form. Instead, there is an intrinsic dilemma when municipalities are to create a joint strategy at the same time as each municipality is sovereign to decide on all local matters.
Challenging the NPM Ideas About Performance Management: Selectivity and Differentiation in Outcome‐Oriented Performance Budgeting
Authors: Ter Bogt Henk J. , Van Helden G. Jan , Van Der Kolk Berend 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis paper shows how the performance budget of a local government organization, in this case a province in the Netherlands, can be attuned to the specific task characteristics of the programmes in these budgets. Three ways of alignment are suggested: differentiating between standardized and complex programmes; focussing on the politically most relevant programmes in order to avoid information overload; and distinguishing between the types of performance information in terms of the role of the province in the programme (facilitator versus executor) and the stage in the policy making cycle (policy development, policy elaboration or policy execution). These suggestions challenge the generally straightforward NPM rationale of performance budgeting, in which standardized outputs are directly related to resources. Our empirical research shows on the one hand that the redesigned programme budget based on the above principles received substantial approval of its users, i.e., the provincial councillors. On the other hand, as regards the use of this programme budget the picture is rather diffuse, i.e., the majority of the councillors indicate that they use the information rather intensively, but its formal use in official Council and Council committee meetings remains limited.
Land use efficiency: anticipating future demand for land‐sector greenhouse gas emissions abatement and managing trade‐offs with agriculture, water, and biodiversity
Authors: Bryan Brett A. , Crossman Neville D. , Nolan Martin , Li Jing , Navarro Javier , Connor Jeffery D. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractCompetition for land is increasing, and policy needs to ensure the efficient supply of multiple ecosystem services from land systems. We modelled the spatially explicit potential future supply of ecosystem services in Australia's intensive agricultural land in response to carbon markets under four global outlooks from 2013 to 2050. We assessed the productive efficiency of greenhouse gas emissions abatement, agricultural production, water resources, and biodiversity services and compared these to production possibility frontiers (PPFs). While interacting commodity markets and carbon markets produced efficient outcomes for agricultural production and emissions abatement, more efficient outcomes were possible for water resources and biodiversity services due to weak price signals. However, when only two objectives were considered as per typical efficiency assessments, efficiency improvements involved significant unintended trade‐offs for the other objectives and incurred substantial opportunity costs. Considering multiple objectives simultaneously enabled the identification of land use arrangements that were efficient over multiple ecosystem services. Efficient land use arrangements could be selected that meet society's preferences for ecosystem service provision from land by adjusting the metric used to combine multiple services. To effectively manage competition for land via land use efficiency, market incentives are needed that effectively price multiple ecosystem services.
Influence of the rs738409 polymorphism in patatin‐like phospholipase 3 on the treatment efficacy of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kan Hiromi , Hyogo Hideyuki , Ochi Hidenori , Hotta Kikuko , Fukuhara Takayuki , Kobayashi Tomoki , Naeshiro Noriaki , Honda Yohji , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Tsuge Masataka , Hiramatsu Akira , Imamura Michio , Kawakami Yoshiiku , Aikata Hiroshi , Chayama Kazuaki 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimA genome‐wide association study revealed that the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs738409 in the patatin‐like phospholipase 3 gene (PNPLA3) was strongly associated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Recent pilot studies investigated the effects of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors on liver function and glucose metabolism in NAFLD with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). We herein evaluated the efficacy of alogliptin in NAFLD patients with type 2 DM as well as the relationship between genotypes at rs738409 in PNPLA3 and treatment efficacy.MethodsForty‐one biopsy‐proven NAFLD patients with type 2 DM treated with 25 mg/day alogliptin were retrospectively enrolled. SNP rs738409 in PNPLA3 was present in all patients. Clinical data were measured before and after the treatment.ResultsAverage hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels mostly remained unchanged. Moreover, significant changes were not noted in the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) during the follow‐up period. A positive correlation was observed between improvements in HbA1c (ΔHbA1c) levels and changes in AST (ΔAST) and ALT (ΔALT) levels (r = 0.325 and 0.439, respectively). Patients with the risk allele (G‐allele) showed more positive correlation between ΔHbA1c and changes in transaminase. Furthermore, improvements in the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and hyaluronic acid were significantly greater in G‐allele patients in the weight loss group.ConclusionThe treatment of NAFLD with type 2 DM with alogliptin contributed to the amelioration of NAFLD. Our results suggested that differences in the PNPLA3 risk allele affected the therapeutic effects of this treatment.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with melanocytic mucosal macules: the role of STK11 gene polymorphisms in PCOS and Peutz–Jeghers syndrome
Authors: Smith Kathleen J. , Germain Marguerite 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex genetic disorder that is the most common endocrinopathy that affects women.ObservationsWe report two individuals with PCOS with a genetic polymorphism in serine threonine kinase 11 (STK11). Both these individuals developed mucosal pigmentation suggesting Peutz–Jeghers syndrome (PJS), which is associated with mutations in STK11. Both individuals showed some improvement in their metabolic and endocrine dysregulation with therapies commonly used for PCOS. However, they continued to show progression of mucosa pigmentation.ConclusionsThis is the first report of clinical overlap in individuals with PCOS and PJS, even though some individuals with PCOS show a polymorphism in STK11, which is the gene mutated in PJS. The importance of this clinical association is not clear but may be significant because of the association of STK11 dysregulation and the development of internal tumors.
Remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema associated with parvovirus B19 infection: two new cases and review of the comorbidities
Authors: Drago Francesco , Ciccarese Giulia , Agnoletti Arianna F. , Cogorno Ludovica , Muda Alessandro , Cozzani Emanuele , Parodi Aurora 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundRemitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE) is a rare syndrome consisting of acute symmetrical tenosynovitis of the hands and wrists associated with pain and marked pitting edema of the dorsum of the hands or the feet. Persistent rheumatoid factor seronegativity and elevated acute phase reactants are the rule, while radiographic findings are characterized by the absence of bony erosions. The syndrome has occasionally been associated with a wide range of diseases including solid and hematological malignancies, polymyalgia rheumatica, and other inflammatory rheumatic diseases.MethodsTwo patients with skin eruption on hands and feet associated with arthromyalgias have been investigated to confirm diagnosis of RS3PE and to detect comorbidities. A revision of all the possible medical conditions correlated to RS3PE has been performed.ResultsWe report two cases of RS3PE associated with Parvovirus B19 infection/reactivation. There are very few reports on the association between RS3PE and infectious agents, and in only one case the syndrome has been correlated to parvovirus infection.ConclusionsWe want to underline the importance for patients with RS3PE to be seen by dermatologists who should become familiar with this syndrome and remark that Parvovirus B19 infection may be a potential cause of RS3PE.
Correlations between clinical and pathological features in 17 cases of mycosis fungoides before and after transformation
Authors: Bittencourt Achiléa L. , Oliveira Pedro D. , Carvalho‐Andrade Agnes , Araújo Iguaracyra 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundMycosis fungoides (MF) may progress to transformed MF (T‐MF), a condition with aggressive behavior.ObjectivesThis study was designed to compare the clinical and pathological features of biopsies in 17 cases of MF before and after transformation.MethodsDuring a revision of primary cutaneous T cell lymphomas, 53 cases of MF were identified, including 17 cases of T‐MF. Clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemical data for the MF patients were evaluated. Cases of T‐MF and intermediate transformed (IT) MF were diagnosed according to previous criteria. The histological and immunohistochemical features of T‐MF biopsies were compared with those of MF/IT‐MF biopsies taken before or concomitant with transformation.ResultsAt the initial diagnosis, three patients were found to have more advanced stages of disease: two had MF and T‐MF simultaneously, and another had only oral T‐MF. Four patients considered to show histological transformation maintained disease stages Ia and Ib and all remain alive. Of five patients with IT‐MF at first diagnosis, all progressed to complete histological transformation, three developed tumors, and two died of disease. Four patients progressed to CD30+ large cell lymphoma, and three of these died of disease. In one of these patients, the MF biopsy showed a high level of expression of CD30 in the epidermis and dermis.ConclusionsNo correlation between advanced MF and expression of CD25 and CD30, or frequency of Ki‐67+ cells was found. The frequency of transformation among patients with initially non‐transformed MF was high. Our findings support the emphasis given by other authors to IT‐MF, a pattern of MF which is generally not considered in many studies.