bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections within the Kisumu Incidence Cohort Study
Authors: Otieno Fredrick Odhiambo , Ndivo Richard , Oswago Simon , Ondiek Johnson , Pals Sherri , McLellan-Lemal Eleanor , Chen Robert T , Chege Wairimu , Gray Kristen Mahle 
Published: February 2014

Summary While laboratory aetiological diagnosis is considered the gold standard for diagnosis and management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), syndromic management has been presented as a simplified and affordable approach for STI management in limited resource settings. STI signs and symptoms were collected using staff-administered computer-assisted personal interview and audio computer-assisted self-interview. Participants underwent a medical examination and laboratory testing for common STIs. The performance of syndromic management was assessed on the agreement between interviewing methods as well as accurate diagnosis. We screened 846 participants, of whom 88 (10.4%) received syndromic STI diagnosis while 272 (32.2%) received an aetiological diagnosis. Agreement between syndromic and aetiological diagnoses was very poor (overall kappa = 0.09). The most prevalent STI was herpes simplex virus type 2 and the percentage of persons with any STI was higher among women (48.6%) than men (15.6%, p < 0.0001). Agreement between audio computer-assisted self-interview and computer-assisted personal interview interviewing methods for syndromic diagnosis of STIs ranged from poor to good. Our findings suggest that syndromic management of STIs is not a sufficient tool for STI diagnosis in this setting; development and improvement of STI diagnostic capabilities through laboratory confirmation is needed in resource-limited settings.
Family histories of school bullying: implications for parent-child psychotherapy
Authors: Allison Stephen , Roeger Leigh , Smith Bradley , Isherwood Linda 
Published: February 2014

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a parent’s past history of peer victimisation predicted their children’s risk of being bullied at school. Method: In face-to-face interviews, a representative community sample of 1895 mothers and fathers were asked about exposure to traumatic bullying during their schooling. Parents completed the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) to measure possible links with health-related quality of life. The interviews also inquired whether their children were victims of traumatic bullying at school. Results: Parental victimisation was associated with an increased risk for their children being bullied (55% with a positive parental history compared with 25% with no parental history: relative risk=2.17). In a multivariate logistic model controlling for the parents’ age, gender, socioeconomic status and health-related quality of life (physical and emotional components), parental victimisation remained a strong predictor for the children’s victimisation at school (relative risk=2.00). In 9.3% of the sample, both parent and child experienced bullying during their schooling. Conclusions: Parent and child dyads can be exposed sequentially to school bullying. In some instances, they may share familial characteristics that are exploited by bullies. These experiences can be explored in parent-child psychotherapy.
Va’a fakalelei ‘atamai: restoring the mind in the Kingdom of Tonga
Authors: Nielssen Olav , Fukui Atsumi , Fawkner Lisa , Walker Kipling 
Published: February 2014

Objective: We aim to report on the practice of psychiatry in the Kingdom of Tonga. Method: We provide a description of the findings from a visit to Vaiola Hospital and data provided by the chief psychiatrist of Tonga. Results: The practice of psychiatry in Tonga reflects the difficulties of providing health care in a middle-income micro state. Interesting features include the use of kava as a calmative for some acutely disturbed and anxious patients, the high proportion of patients receiving treatment with fluphenazine decanoate and the possibility that the observed increase in psychosis among Tongan migrants to Australia is at least partly due to a high prevalence of psychosis in Tonga itself. Conclusions: A prevalence of psychosis study would need to be undertaken to confirm the report of a higher rate of psychosis in Tonga compared with that in Australia
Efficacy and Safety of Alternate Day Therapy With Atorvastatin and Fenofibrate Combination in Mixed Dyslipidemia
Authors: Harivenkatesh Natarajan , David Darling Chellathai , Haribalaji Natarajan , Sudhakar Muthiah Kothandaramanujam 
Published: February 2014

Introduction: The long half-life of atorvastatin and fenofibrate makes them suitable for alternate day therapy. Hence, we aimed to study the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of alternate day therapy with atorvastatin and fenofibrate combination in mixed dyslipidemia. Methods: Eligible patients with mixed dyslipidemia were randomly allotted into 2 equal parallel groups—alternate day therapy group (group 1) and daily therapy group (group 2). Patients in groups 1 and 2 received fixed dose combination of atorvastatin 10 mg and fenofibrate 160 mg on alternate days and daily, respectively, for 12 weeks. Mean percentage change from baseline in triglycerides (TGLs), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and TC–HDL ratio, incidence of adverse effects, and cost-effectiveness were compared in both the groups. Results: Among 110 patients randomized, 99 completed the study till 12 weeks treatment duration. The TGLs, non-HDL-C, TC, and LDL-C decreased by 56.4%, 49.7%, 36.5%, and 39.2%, respectively, in alternate day therapy group and by 57.5%, 51.2%, 37.5%, and 39.4%, respectively, in daily therapy group. The HDL-C levels increased by 20.1% in alternate day therapy group compared to 21.8% in daily therapy group. No statistically significant difference was seen between both the groups in mean percentage change in lipid parameters from baseline to end of 12 weeks. Incidence of adverse events was reasonably less in alternate day therapy group. Conclusion: Alternate day therapy with atorvastatin–fenofibrate combination is an effective and safe alternative to daily therapy in mixed dyslipidemia. Apart from significant cost savings, reasonable reduction in the incidence of adverse events is seen with alternate day regimen. However, larger studies are needed to more reliably confirm our interesting but preliminary results.
Neurofilament light antibodies in serum reflect response to natalizumab treatment in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Amor Sandra , van der Star Baukje J , Bosca Isabel , Raffel Joel , Gnanapavan Sharmilee , Watchorn Jonathan , Kuhle Jens , Giovannoni Gavin , Baker David , Malaspina Andrea , Puentes Fabiola 
Published: February 2014

Background: Increased levels of antibodies to neurofilament light protein (NF-L) in biological fluids have been found to reflect neuroinflammatory responses and neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: To evaluate whether levels of serum antibodies against NF-L correlate with clinical variants and treatment response in MS. Methods: The autoantibody reactivity to NF-L protein was tested in serum samples from patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) ( n=22) and secondary progressive MS (SPMS) ( n=26). Two other cohorts of RRMS patients under treatment with natalizumab were analysed cross-sectionally ( n=16) and longitudinally ( n=24). The follow-up samples were taken at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after treatment, and the NF-L antibody levels were compared against baseline levels. Results: NF-L antibodies were higher in MS clinical groups than healthy controls and in RRMS compared to SPMS patients ( p<0.001). NF-L antibody levels were lower in natalizumab treated than in untreated patients ( p<0.001). In the longitudinal series, NF-L antibody levels decreased over time and a significant difference was found following 24 months of treatment compared with baseline measurements ( p=0.001). Conclusions: Drug efficacy in MS treatment indicates the potential use of monitoring the content of antibodies against the NF-L chain as a predictive biomarker of treatment response in MS.
Teledermatology consultation using a smartphone multimedia messaging service for common skin diseases in the Korean army: a clinical evaluation of its diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Shin Hyoseung , Kim Dong Hyun , Ryu Hyeong Ho , Yoon So Young , Jo Seong Jin 
Published: February 2014

Summary We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of teleconsultations for skin diseases common in the army using a smartphone multimedia messaging service (MMS). Images of skin lesions were obtained from 100 army patients using digital cameras built into smartphones. Three remotely located dermatologists received the dermatology images and associated clinical information via the MMS. The teledermatologists’ diagnoses were compared with those obtained from face-to-face examinations. The three most common diagnoses made at the dermatology clinics were eczema, viral warts and fungal infections. The mean diagnostic agreement between face-to-face and teledermatology consultations was 71% (SD 2). The mean kappa coefficient was 0.73 (SD 0.06) for the three most common diagnostic categories. The mean values for sensitivity were 78% (SD 0), 88% (SD 21) and 61% (SD 11) for eczema, viral warts and fungal infections, respectively, and the specificity values were above 90% for these skin diseases. Teledermatology consultation using smartphones is simple. Although diagnoses using telemedicine do not perfectly match diagnoses from face-to-face consultations the diagnostic accuracy using smartphones is superior to that of clinicians who are not specialized in dermatology.
Coaching, HRD, and Relational Richness
Authors: Egan Toby , Hamlin Robert G. 
Published: February 2014

The Problem Coaching is becoming a ubiquitous form of human resource development (HRD) that experiences regular annual gains in both interest and participation. Yet it lacks theoretical framing and has not been conceptually well developed. There is a need for further framing of coaching as a dyadic, or group-based phenomenon, occurring in a set of diverse, but often commonly utilized contexts. The Solution Contributors to this issue inform this growing HRD area by elaborating upon coaching in terms of conceptualization, theoretical foundations, and measurement tools. They provide perspectives on coaching in its many forms, including executive, managerial, and action learning coaching. These perspectives on coaching most often share a dyadic/one-on-one context, and elaborate on coaching practices in terms of interactional richness, learning, and development. The Stakeholders Researchers and scholarly practitioners in the HRD field, internal and external coaches, and line managers who are committed to improving the practice of and expanding empirical research on coaching will benefit from this special issue on coaching.
Research on structure characteristics and filtration performances of PET-PA6 hollow segmented-pie bicomponent spunbond nonwovens fibrillated by hydro entangle method
Authors: Heng Zhang , Xiaoming Qian , Qi Zhen , Zhaohang Yang 
Published: February 2014

Bicomponent spunbond technology is considered to be the most rapid process of ultrafine fiber nonwoven material. The cross-section of 70% PET and 30% PA6 bicomponent hollow-segmented pie filaments with diameter range from 2 D to 4 D was made by the bicomponent spunbond technology, and fibrillated by the high-pressure water jets at the same time bonded to microfiber nonwoven materials with the dense structure. The structure characteristics of materials were tested to study the feasibility for the air filter, including fineness of the fiber and pore size distribution of the webs. The filtration efficiency and filtration resistance of the webs were studied with the dioctyl phthalate particles in range of 0.3–2.7 micron at face velocity in range of 1.8–4.8 m/min. It was found that the hollow segmented-pie bicomponent fibers are splitted to microfibers and bonded mechanically by subjecting the web to high-pressure water jets, the total high pressure water jets energy was 5610.2 kJ/kg. The microfibers fibers gathered into fiber bundles on the surface of the webs were found from the 3D images. The filtration efficiency and filtration resistance of the webs followed typical behavior for fibrous filtration media, and the filtration efficiency and filtration resistance of the webs is increased with the weight increases.
Closed-Loop Control Performance of the Hypoglycemia-Hyperglycemia Minimizer (HHM) System in a Feasibility Study
Authors: Finan Daniel A. , McCann Thomas W. , Mackowiak Linda , Dassau Eyal , Patek Stephen D. , Kovatchev Boris P. , Doyle Francis J. , Zisser Howard , Anhalt Henry , Venugopalan Ramakrishna 
Published: February 2014

Background: This feasibility study investigated the insulin-delivery characteristics of the Hypoglycemia-Hyperglycemia Minimizer (HHM) System—an automated insulin delivery device—in participants with type 1 diabetes. Methods: Thirteen adults with type 1 diabetes were enrolled in this nonrandomized, uncontrolled, clinical-research-center-based feasibility study. The HHM System comprised a continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pump, a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), and a model predictive control algorithm with a safety module, run on a laptop platform. Closed-loop control lasted approximately 20 hours, including an overnight period and two meals. Results: When attempting to minimize glucose excursions outside of a prespecified target zone, the predictive HHM System decreased insulin infusion rates below the participants’ preset basal rates in advance of below-zone excursions (CGM < 90 mg/dl), and delivered 80.4% less insulin than basal during those excursions. Similarly, the HHM System increased infusion rates above basal during above-zone excursions (CGM > 140 mg/dl), delivering 39.9% more insulin than basal during those excursions. Based on YSI, participants spent a mean ± standard deviation (SD) of 0.2 ± 0.5% of the closed-loop control time at glucose levels < 70 mg/dl, including 0.3 ± 0.9% for the overnight period. The mean ± SD glucose based on YSI for all participants was 164.5 ± 23.5 mg/dl. There were nine instances of algorithm-recommended supplemental carbohydrate administrations, and there was no severe hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis. Conclusions: Results of this study indicate that the current HHM System is a feasible foundation for development of a closed-loop insulin delivery device.
Average Daily Risk Range (ADRR) in Young Children With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Monaghan Maureen , Younge Tamiko B. , McCarter Robert , Cogen Fran R. , Streisand Randi 
Published: February 2014

Objective: The objective was to examine the utility of the average daily risk range (ADRR) in young children with type 1 diabetes. Methods: Self-monitored blood glucose (BG) data and A1c values were collected from 134 children (ages 2-6). Other measures of BG variability and diabetes care were calculated using self-monitored BG data. ADRR, A1c, and other glycemic indices were compared to assess their distinctiveness and utility as measures of BG variability and glycemic control. Results: Of young children’s ADRR values, 72% were in the “high-risk” range using adult guidelines. ADRR and A1c were highly correlated with indicators of hyperglycemia but only weakly correlated with measures of hypoglycemia. ADRR was moderately correlated with minimum BG value in the past 30 days but not percentage of BG values below 70 mg/dL. A1c was not correlated with either measure of hypoglycemia. Conclusions: ADRR values confirm the high degree of BG variability present in young children with type 1 diabetes, particularly as compared with adults. New ADRR risk guidelines are needed for pediatric patients. ADRR and A1c are adequate indicators of hyperglycemia in young children. However, both ADRR and A1c failed to effectively capture hypoglycemia risk in this sample, and neither ADRR nor A1c can take the place of review of raw BG data to evaluate BG variability in young children.
Evaluation of an Algorithm for Retrospective Hypoglycemia Detection Using Professional Continuous Glucose Monitoring Data
Authors: Jensen Morten Hasselstrøm , Mahmoudi Zeinab , Christensen Toke Folke , Tarnow Lise , Seto Edmund , Johansen Mette Dencker , Hejlesen Ole Kristian 
Published: February 2014

Background: People with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are unable to produce insulin and thus rely on exogenous supply to lower their blood glucose. Studies have shown that intensive insulin therapy reduces the risk of late-diabetic complications by lowering average blood glucose. However, the therapy leads to increased incidence of hypoglycemia. Although inaccurate, professional continuous glucose monitoring (PCGM) can be used to identify hypoglycemic events, which can be useful for adjusting glucose-regulating factors. New pattern classification approaches based on identifying hypoglycemic events through retrospective analysis of PCGM data have shown promising results. The aim of this study was to evaluate a new pattern classification approach by comparing the performance with a newly developed PCGM calibration algorithm. Methods: Ten male subjects with T1D were recruited and monitored with PCGM and self-monitoring blood glucose during insulin-induced hypoglycemia. A total of 19 hypoglycemic events occurred during the sessions. Results: The pattern classification algorithm detected 19/19 hypoglycemic events with 1 false positive, while the PCGM with the new calibration algorithm detected 17/19 events with 2 false positives. Conclusions: We can conclude that even after the introduction of new calibration algorithms, the pattern classification approach is still a valuable addition for improving retrospective hypoglycemia detection using PCGM.
Feasibility of Factory Calibration for Subcutaneous Glucose Sensors in Subjects With Diabetes
Authors: Hoss Udo , Budiman Erwin S. , Liu Hanqing , Christiansen Mark P. 
Published: February 2014

Background: Continuous glucose monitoring using subcutaneously inserted sensors currently requires blood glucose tests for sensor calibration. Alternatively, sensors precalibrated during the manufacturing process may eliminate the need for fingerstick calibrations. In this study we evaluated the feasibility of sensor factory calibration in subjects with diabetes. Methods: A total of 33 subjects with diabetes were asked to wear 4 sensors in parallel, 2 on the arm and 2 on the abdomen. Sensors from a lot with low in vitro sensitivity coefficient of variation were used in the study. Based on frequent capillary blood glucose measurements, the average glucose sensitivity of each sensor was determined over a 5-day wear time. The in vivo sensitivities were analyzed for inter- and intrasubject variation. Mean absolute relative difference (MARD) calculation and consensus error grid analysis (EGA) were performed using a single calibration factor for all sensors, to simulate factory calibration and compared against conventional finger-stick calibration. Results: The sensitivity coefficient of variation between sensors increased from 2.9% in vitro to 6.0% in vivo. No difference in sensor response between subjects ( P = .069) as well as between insertion sites (arm and abdomen) was detected ( P = .104). Applying one calibration factor to all sensors in the study resulted in an MARD of 13.4%, and 83.5% of the values fell in consensus EGA zone A. Multiple fingerstick calibration resulted in an MARD of 12.7% and 84.1% in zone A. Conclusions: Feasibility of factory calibration was demonstrated in subjects with diabetes using sensors based on “wired enzyme” technology, resulting in accuracy metrics similar to sensors calibrated with capillary blood glucose.
Validity and Reliability of a Glucometer Against Industry Reference Standards
Authors: Salacinski Amanda J. , Alford Micah , Drevets Kathryn , Hart Sarah , Hunt Brian E. 
Published: February 2014

As an appealing alternative to reference glucose analyzers, portable glucometers are recommended for self-monitoring at home, in the field, and in research settings. Objective: The purpose was to characterize the accuracy and precision, and bias of glucometers in biomedical research. Research Design and Methods: Fifteen young (20-36 years; mean = 24.5), moderately to highly active men (n = 10) and women (n = 5), defined by exercising 2 to 3 times a week for the past 6 months, were given an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) after an overnight fast. Participants ingested 50, 75, or 150 grams of glucose over a 5-minute period. The glucometer was compared to a reference instrument. Results: The glucometer had 39% of values within 15% of measurements made using the reference instrument ranging from 45.05 to 169.37 mg/dl. There was both a proportional (−0.45 to −0.39) and small fixed (5.06 and 0.90 mg/dl) bias. Conclusions: Results of the present study suggest that the glucometer provided poor validity and reliability results compared to the results provided by the reference laboratory analyzer. The portable glucometers should be used for patient management, but not for diagnosis, treatment, or research purposes.
Short-Term Thermal-Humidity Shock Affects Point-of-Care Glucose Testing
Authors: Lam Mandy , Louie Richard F. , Curtis Corbin M. , Ferguson William J. , Vy John H. , Truong Anh-Thu , Sumner Stephanie L. , Kost Gerald J. 
Published: February 2014

Objective: The objective was to assess the effects of short-term (≤1 hour) static high temperature and humidity stresses on the performance of point-of-care (POC) glucose test strips and meters. Background: Glucose meters are used by medical responders and patients in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, homes, and the field. Reagent test strips and instruments are potentially exposed to austere environmental conditions. Methods: Glucose test strips and meters were exposed to a mean relative humidity of 83.0% (SD = 8.0%) and temperature of 42°C (107.6°F, SD = 3.2) in a Tenney BTRC environmental chamber. Stressed and unstressed glucose reagent strips and meters were tested with spiked blood samples (n = 40 measurements per time point for each of 4 trials) after 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes of exposure. Wilcoxon’s signed rank test was applied to compare measurements test strip and meter measurements to isolate and characterize the magnitude of meter versus test strip effects individually. Results: Stressed POC meters and test strips produced elevated glucose results, with stressed meter bias as high as 20 mg/dL (17.7% error), and stressed test strip bias as high as 13 mg/dL (12.2% error). The aggregate stress effect on meter and test strips yielded a positive bias as high as 33 mg/dL (30.1% error) after 15 minutes of exposure. Conclusions: Short-term exposure (15 minutes) to high temperature and humidity can significantly affect the performance of POC glucose test strips and meters, with measurement biases that potentially affect clinical decision making and patient safety.