bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drug Dosing in Patients with Renal Insufficiency in a Hospital Setting using Electronic Prescribing and Automated Reporting of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate
Authors: Nielsen Anita L. , Henriksen Daniel P. , Marinakis Christianna , Hellebek Annemarie , Birn Henrik , Nybo Mads , Søndergaard Jens , Nymark Anita , Pedersen Court 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn patients with impaired renal function, drug dose adjustment is often required. Non‐adherence to clinical prescribing recommendations may result in severe adverse events. In previous studies, the prevalence rate of non‐adherence to recommended dosing has been reported to be 19–67%. Using the clinical support system Renbase® as reference, we investigated the use and dosing of drugs in patients with impaired renal function in a university hospital setting using electronic prescription and automatic reporting of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). In all, 232 patients with an eGFR in the range of 10–49 ml/min./1.73 m2 were included. We identified 436 episodes with administration of renal risk drugs (prescribed to 183 patients): 410 drugs required dose adjustment according to the eGFR and 26 should be avoided. In total, the use or dosing of 66 (15%) of the 436 renal risk drugs was not in agreement with recommendations in Renbase®. This reflects less disagreement with expert guidelines than reported previously, indicating a possible beneficial effect of electronic prescribing and reporting of eGFR. However, we also found that disagreement to some extent reflected inappropriate drug use. We conclude that despite implementation of electronic prescribing and automated reporting of eGFR, patients with renal insufficiency may still be exposed to inappropriate drug use, with potential increased risk of adverse effects. Initiatives to reduce medication errors such as the use of electronic decision support systems should be explored.
School ethnic diversity and students' interethnic relations
Authors: Thijs Jochem , Verkuyten Maykel 
Published: December 2013

Background and aimsSchool ethnic desegregation has been a topic of strong societal and educational concern. Research has examined the effects of ethnic school composition on students' interethnic relations with diverging outcomes and sometimes inconsistent results. In this review paper, we provide an assessment of this literature to explain why and when school desegregation might improve or worsen ethnic relations and to identify important future research directions.ApproachWe discuss different theoretical perspectives predicting positive versus negative aspects of school ethnic diversity: intergroup contact theory and the perspectives of group threat and power differences. Subsequently, we consider a number of school and educational characteristics that can moderate the impact of ethnic diversity on students' interethnic relations and that could be considered in future research. Furthermore, we discuss the need for studying underlying psychological and social processes as well as the importance of investigating interethnic relations in combination with academic adjustment.ConclusionsSchool ethnic diversity is not enough to promote interethnic tolerance. It is important to examine diversity in relation to other aspects of the school environment that may influence how students respond to the ethnic diversity within school. Important factors to consider are the presence of multicultural education and inclusive school identities, student–teacher relationships, and peer norms and networks, but also the role of parents and of peer relations outside the school context.
Percutaneous neuromodulation of the posterior tibial nerve for the treatment of faecal incontinence – mid‐term results: is retreatment required?
Authors: de la Portilla F. , Laporte M. , Maestre M. V. , Díaz‐Pavón J. M. , Gollonet J. L. , Palacios C. , Vázquez‐Monchul J. M. , García‐Cabrera A. M. , Jiménez‐Rodríguez R. M. , Sánchez Gil J. M. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimPosterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) has emerged in recent years as a therapy for faecal incontinence. Its long‐term effectiveness is yet to be established, along with what the form of retreatment should be in the event of loss of effectiveness. The present study aimed to establish the mid‐term results to identify the proportion of patients who may need further treatment, and if so when.MethodA prospective study including 30 patients was conducted at an academic hospital. The patients underwent 12 weekly outpatient treatment sessions, each lasting 30 min (first PTNS phase). Neuromodulation was discontinued in those patients who did not have a 40% decrease in their pretreatment Wexner score. Patients having a better than 40% response were offered another 12‐week course of complete treatment (second PTNS phase), following which they received no further PTNS treatment (phase without PTNS) but were assessed at 6 months and 2 years.ResultsAll patients finished the first phase and 22/30 patients continued to the second phase. During this phase 11 patients showed an improved Wexner score (baseline/first phase/second phase: 14.3 ± 4.2 vs 9.9 ± 5.4 vs 6.8 ± 5.4). After a 6‐month period without any treatment, the score was still improved in 11/30 patients (9.1 ± 6.2). At 2 years there was improvement in 16/30 patients (8.8 ± 7.1). There was a significant improvement in three variables of the quality of life questionnaire: lifestyle, coping behaviour and embarrassment.ConclusionThe response to first and second phase PTNS was maintained for up to 2 years. Retreatment was not required in about half of patients, even when they had finished the treatment 6 months or 2 years previously.
Alopecia areata and vitiligo – Partners in crime or a case of false alibis
Authors: Tobin Desmond J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIt has long been appreciated in science that correlation does not imply causation. However, with any logical fallacy, simply spotting that the reasoning behind an argument is faulty does not imply that the resulting conclusion is false. Thus, I begin the tricky business of exploring the basis upon which researchers and clinicians are often tempted to conclude that two medical conditions (here alopecia areata and vitiligo), with some striking resemblances, are in fact related. This is relevant, particularly if assumptions of shared aetiology (and to some extent shared pathomechanism) encourage a common strategy to finding a treatment or cure.
Melanocortin 1 receptor and skin pathophysiology: beyond colour, much more than meets the eye
Authors: García‐Borrón José Carlos , Olivares Concepción 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), a G protein‐coupled receptor preferentially expressed in melanocytes, mediates the pigmentary effects of α melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (αMSH). MC1R is also expressed in other cutaneous cell types, particularly keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts, suggesting non‐pigmentary actions of the αMSH/MC1R system. Böhm and Stegemann now report a dramatic effect of mouse Mc1r functional status on susceptibility to skin fibrosis and collagen types I and III metabolism, in a study combining the powerful mouse model provided by the natural Mc1re/e knockout and an established model of skin fibrosis. The study underscores the antifibrotic role for the skin αMSH/MC1R system.
Fatigue crack growth rates of API X70 pipeline steel in a pressurized hydrogen gas environment
Authors: Drexler E. S. , Slifka A. J. , Amaro R. L. , Barbosa N. , Lauria D. S. , Hayden L. E. , Stalheim D. G. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTHydrogen is known to have a deleterious effect on most engineering alloys. It has been shown repeatedly that the strength of steels is inversely related to the ductility of the material in hydrogen gas. However, the fatigue properties with respect to strength are not as well documented or understood. Here, we present the results of tests of the fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) on API X70 from two sources. The two materials were tested in air, 5.5 and 34 MPa pressurized hydrogen gas, and at both 1 and 0.1 Hz. At these hydrogen pressures, the FCGR increases above that of air for all values of the stress intensity factor range (ΔK) greater than ~7 MPa · m1/2. The effect of hydrogen is particularly sensitive at values of ΔK below ~15 MPa · m1/2. That is, for values of ΔK between 7 and 15 MPa · m1/2, the FCGR rapidly increases from approximately that found in air to as much as two orders of magnitude above that in air. Above 15 MPa · m1/2, the FCGR remains approximately one to two orders of magnitude higher than that of air.
Introduction of imperfections in the cubic mesh of the truss‐like discrete element method
Authors: Iturrioz I. , Riera J. D. , Miguel L. F. F. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTIn the present version of the truss‐like discrete element method (DEM), masses are considered lumped at nodal points and interconnected by means of unidimensional elements with arbitrary constitutive relations. In previous studies of non‐homogeneous concrete cubic samples subjected to nominally uniaxial tension, it was verified that numerical predictions of fracture using DEM models are feasible and yield results that are consistent with the experimental evidence so far available, including the prediction of size and strain rate effects. In the DEM formulation, material failure under compression is assumed to occur by indirect tension. In previous simulations, it was verified that the response is satisfactorily modelled up to the peak load, when a sudden collapse usually occurs, characteristic of fragile behaviour. On the other hand, experimental stress versus displacement curves observed in small specimens subjected to compression typically present a softening branch, in part due to sliding with friction of the fractured parts of the specimens. A second deficiency of DEM models with a perfectly cubic mesh is that the best correlations with experimental results are obtained with material parameters that differ in tension and compression. This paper examines another cause of the excessively fragile behaviour of DEM predictions of the response of concrete elements subjected to nominally uniaxial compression, which is due to the regularity of the perfect cubic mesh, unable to capture nonlinear stability effects in the material. It is shown herein that the introduction of small perturbations of the DEM regular mesh significantly improves the predicting capability of the model and in addition allows adopting a unique set of material properties, which are independent of the nature of the loading.
Notch stress analyses of high‐frequency mechanical impact‐improved welds by using ρf = 1 mm and ρf = ρ + 1 mm approaches
Authors: Yildirim H. C. , Marquis G. B. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTThis paper presents further assessments of the previously reported round‐robin fatigue data obtained from high‐frequency mechanical impact (HFMI)‐improved longitudinal welds. A detailed statistical analyses of geometry measurements of HFMI‐treated weld toe profiles are presented. The fatigue analyses based on notch stress as defined by the International Institute of Welding are performed using the finite element method. Notch stresses are assessed based on both the fictitious weld toe radius and the addition of measured actual notch radius to the fictitious radius. While no large differences are observed between the results of methods, the former one is found to be more practical and faster to implement from the end‐user point of view.
Efficacy of supplementary buccal infiltrations and intraligamentary injections to inferior alveolar nerve blocks in mandibular first molars with asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Parirokh M. , Sadr S. , Nakhaee N. , Abbott P. V. , Askarifard S. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimThis randomized double‐blinded controlled trial was performed to compare the efficacy of inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) injection for mandibular first molar teeth with irreversible pulpitis with or without supplementary buccal infiltration and intraligamentary injection.MethodologyEighty‐two patients with asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis received either a combination of intraligamentary injection + buccal infiltration+ IANB or with traditional IANB injection in mandibular first molar teeth with irreversible pulpitis. Each patient recorded their pain score on a Heft–Parker visual analogue scale before commencing treatment, in response to a cold test 15 min after the designated anaesthetic injection, during access cavity preparation and during root canal instrumentation. No or mild pain at any stage was considered a success. Data were analysed by chi‐square test.ResultsAt the final stage of treatment, 69 of the 82 patients were eligible to be included in the study. No significant difference was found between age (P = 0.569) and gender (P = 0.570) amongst the patients in the two groups. The success rate of anaesthesia in the IANB and the combination groups were 22% and 58%, respectively. The success rate of anaesthesia in the combination group was significantly higher than the traditional IANB injection (P = 0.003).ConclusionA combination of anaesthetic techniques can improve the success rate of anaesthesia for mandibular first molar teeth with irreversible pulpitis.
Estimation of inbreeding and effective population size of full‐blood wagyu cattle registered with the American Wagyu Cattle Association
Authors: Scraggs E. , Zanella R. , Wojtowicz A. , Taylor J.F. , Gaskins C.T. , Reeves J.J. , de Avila J.M. , Neibergs H.L. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThe objective of this research was to examine the population structure of full‐blood (100%) Wagyu cattle registered in the United States with the American Wagyu Association, with the aim of estimating and comparing the levels of inbreeding from both pedigree and genotypic data. A total of 4132 full‐blood Wagyu cattle pedigrees were assessed and used to compute the inbreeding coefficients (FIT and FST) and the effective population size (Ne) from pedigree data for the period 1994 to 2011. In addition to pedigree analysis, 47 full‐blood Wagyu cattle representing eight prominent sire lines in the American Wagyu cattle population were genotyped using the Illumina BovineSNP50 BeadChip. Genotypic data were then used to estimate genomic inbreeding coefficients (FROH) by calculating runs of homozygosity. The mean inbreeding coefficient based on the pedigree data was estimated at 4.80%. The effective population size averaged 17 between the years 1994 and 2011 with an increase of 42.9 in 2000 and a drop of 1.8 in 2011. Examination of the runs of homozygosity revealed that the 47 Wagyu cattle from the eight prominent sire lines had a mean genomic inbreeding coefficient (FROH) estimated at 9.08% compared to a mean inbreeding coefficient based on pedigree data of 4.8%. These data suggest that the mean genotype inbreeding coefficient of full‐blood Wagyu cattle exceeds the inbreeding coefficient identified by pedigree. Inbreeding has increased slowly at a rate of 0.03% per year over the past 17 years. Wagyu breeders should continue to utilize many sires from divergent lines and consider outcrossing to other breeds to enhance genetic diversity and minimize the adverse effects of inbreeding in Wagyu.
Amoebophrya spp. from the Bloom‐forming Dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides: Parasites not Nested in the “Amoebophrya ceratii Complex”
Authors: Kim Sunju , Park Myung Gil 
Published: December 2013

AbstractMembers of Amoebophrya ceratii complex are known to infect a number of free‐living dinoflagellates including harmful algal bloom species. In August and October 2012, Amoebophrya infections during two bloom events of the dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides were observed along southern coastal waters of Korea. Microscopic observations and molecular data revealed that two different Amoebophrya parasites infected the same host species. In addition, while one developed in the host's nucleus, the other in the host's cytoplasm. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the two parasites were not nested in the previously recognized “Amoebophrya ceratii complex clade”, which contained sequences of parasites infecting numerous dinoflagellate species. Instead, they branched as sister taxa to the isolate (possibly Amoebophrya) from radiolarians Hexacontium gigantheum. Our result indicates that the two Amoebophrya parasites infecting C. polykrikoides may be different species from those inside the “complex.”
Experiences of Family Therapists Working with Families in a Transitional Homeless Community
Authors: Harris‐McKoy DeAnna E. , Woods Sarah B. , Brantley Cicely W. , Farineau Heather M. 
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and observations of marriage and family therapists (MFTs) conducting an empirically supported parenting program at a transitional homeless community. A diary method was used in recording five MFTs' observations and reactions to implementing the psychoeducational groups. Fifty‐one recordings were collected from three different parenting groups over the course of 20 weeks. Constant comparative method was used to identify themes related to MFTs' experiences of conducting the parenting program. These themes included the needs of at‐risk families, confidentiality, and role ambivalence and boundary ambiguity. We provide recommendations for best practices and an example of therapists' decision‐making process using Kitchener's (1984) model.
A Bowen Family Systems Model of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Romantic Relationship Distress
Authors: Priest Jacob B. 
Published: December 2013

Many individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) do not respond well to currently available treatments. Moreover, treatments are less effective when GAD is accompanied by romantic relationship distress. In order to develop effective treatments for GAD and relationship distress, it is necessary to conduct theory‐based research to identify links common to both GAD and romantic relationship distress. Drawing on Bowen's family systems theory, the roles of family abuse/violence and differentiation in GAD and romantic relationship distress were examined using existing data from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (n = 2,312; 2005). As predicted, family abuse/violence was directly linked to both GAD and romantic relationship distress. Differentiation mediated the relationship between family abuse/violence and GAD, and partially mediated the relationship between family abuse/violence and romantic relationship distress. Findings suggest that current and past relationship processes may help maintain chronic anxiety and that Bowen's theory may be a useful framework for developing couple therapy treatment of GAD and romantic relationship distress.
Experiences faced by next of kin during their older family members’ transition into long‐term care in a Norwegian nursing home
Authors: Eika Marianne , Espnes Geir Arild , Söderhamn Olle , Hvalvik Sigrun 
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectivesTo describe and explore experiences of next of kin during the older persons’ transition into long‐term care.BackgroundMoving into long‐term care is a challenge for both resident and next of kin. Next of kin experience transitions at the same time as they play significant parts in their family members’ transition into long‐term care placement.DesignConstructivist hermeneutical design.MethodsTen next of kin to newly admitted eight residents were recruited by purposeful sampling and interviewed. Periodic participant observation periods following new residents on arrival day and the first week after admission and some written documentation were the backdrops to the interviews.ResultsWhat happened prior to the long‐term care placement as well as what happened in the initial period of transition influenced the experiences of next of kin. Characteristics of their experiences were: ‘striving to handle the new situation’, ‘still feeling responsible’, and ‘maintaining dignity and continuity’.ConclusionsNext of kin were unprepared for the transition and had little support from staff. Staff lacked awareness about next of kin's transition experiences. Their involvement with next of kin was unpredictable, and this added to the burdens of next of kin in this period.Relevance to clinical practiceKnowledge about experiences of next of kin needs to be acknowledged among healthcare professionals. Health professionals need to pay attention to what happens across institutional borders within families as well as between staff and family members. Individual family members need support in this period of change.
Sexual function in women after urinary incontinence and/or pelvic organ prolapse surgery
Authors: Celik Dilek Bilgic , Kizilkaya Beji Nezihe , Yalcin Onay 
Published: December 2013

Aims and ObjectivesTo determine how the sexual function is affected in women who underwent surgery for urinary incontinence and/or pelvic organ prolapse.DesignThe study was conducted as a descriptive and prospective research.BackgroundApproximately 11·1% of the cases with pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence require surgical intervention. Some authors report improved function after surgical correction of pelvic floor disorders, whereas others report deterioration of function.MethodsThe research was carried out with totally 116 patients in three groups of women who underwent surgery for urinary incontinence and/or pelvic organ prolapse. Sexual function and low urinary tract symptoms were assessed preoperatively and at six months postoperatively, with the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire 12 and Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Scale.ResultsProlapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire‐12 total scores increased significantly, and sexual function improved at postoperative six months in all groups. In the evaluation of sexual function in each group at preoperative and postoperative six months, Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire‐12 scores of UI, and UI and POP were found to be increased significantly, while there was no change in sexual function in women in the pelvic organ prolapse surgery group at postoperative six months compared with preoperative period.ConclusionAs a result, it was determined that lower urinary tract symptoms were improved and sexual function of women changed positively at six months after UI and/or POP surgery.Relevance to clinical practiceIt is important to provide counselling on potential development of postoperative sexual function and the possibility of impairment of sexual function for women undergoing UI and/or POP surgery.