bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cohort profile: LifeLines DEEP, a prospective, general population cohort study in the northern Netherlands: study design and baseline characteristics
Authors: Tigchelaar Ettje F , Zhernakova Alexandra , Dekens Jackie A M , Hermes Gerben , Baranska Agnieszka , Mujagic Zlatan , Swertz Morris A , Muñoz Angélica M , Deelen Patrick , Cénit Maria C , Franke Lude , Scholtens Salome , Stolk Ronald P , Wijmenga Cisca , Feskens Edith J M 
Published: August 2015

PurposeThere is a critical need for population-based prospective cohort studies because they follow individuals before the onset of disease, allowing for studies that can identify biomarkers and disease-modifying effects, and thereby contributing to systems epidemiology.ParticipantsThis paper describes the design and baseline characteristics of an intensively examined subpopulation of the LifeLines cohort in the Netherlands. In this unique subcohort, LifeLines DEEP, we included 1539 participants aged 18 years and older.Findings to dateWe collected additional blood (n=1387), exhaled air (n=1425) and faecal samples (n=1248), and elicited responses to gastrointestinal health questionnaires (n=1176) for analysis of the genome, epigenome, transcriptome, microbiome, metabolome and other biological levels. Here, we provide an overview of the different data layers in LifeLines DEEP and present baseline characteristics of the study population including food intake and quality of life. We also describe how the LifeLines DEEP cohort allows for the detailed investigation of genetic, genomic and metabolic variation for a wide range of phenotypic outcomes. Finally, we examine the determinants of gastrointestinal health, an area of particular interest to us that can be addressed by LifeLines DEEP.Future plansWe have established a cohort of which multiple data levels allow for the integrative analysis of populations for translation of this information into biomarkers for disease, and which will offer new insights into disease mechanisms and prevention.
The effects of pleural fluid drainage on respiratory function in mechanically ventilated patients after cardiac surgery
Authors: Brims Fraser J H , Davies Michael G , Elia Andy , Griffiths Mark J D 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundPleural effusions occur commonly after cardiac surgery and the effects of drainage on gas exchange in this population are not well established. We examined pulmonary function indices following drainage of pleural effusions in cardiac surgery patients.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study examining the effects of pleural fluid drainage on the lung function indices of patients recovering from cardiac surgery requiring mechanical ventilation for more than 7 days. We specifically analysed patients who had pleural fluid removed via an intercostal tube (ICT: drain group) compared with those of a control group (no effusion, no ICT).ResultsIn the drain group, 52 ICTs were sited in 45 patients. The mean (SD) volume of fluid drained was 1180 (634) mL. Indices of oxygenation were significantly worse in the drain group compared with controls prior to drainage. The arterial oxygen tension (PaO2)/fractional inspired oxygen (FiO2) (P/F) ratio improved on day 1 after ICT placement (mean (SD), day 0: 31.01 (8.92) vs 37.18 (10.7); p<0.05) and both the P/F ratio and oxygenation index (OI: kPa/cm H2O=PaO2/mean airway pressure×FiO2) demonstrated sustained improvement to day 5 (P/F day 5: 39.85 (12.8); OI day 0: 2.88 (1.10) vs day 5: 4.06 (1.73); both p<0.01). The drain group patients were more likely to have an improved mode of ventilation on day 1 compared with controls (p=0.028).ConclusionsPleural effusion after cardiac surgery may impair oxygenation. Drainage of pleural fluid is associated with a rapid and sustained improvement in oxygenation.
Subtle increases in heart size persist into adulthood in growth restricted babies: the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study
Authors: Arnott Clare , Skilton Michael R , Ruohonen Saku , Juonala Markus , Viikari Jorma S A , Kähönen Mika , Lehtimäki Terho , Laitinen Tomi , Celermajer David S , Raitakari Olli T 
Published: August 2015

Background and objectivesImpaired fetal growth is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in adulthood. We sought to determine whether adults born with intrauterine growth restriction have primary maladaptive changes in cardiac structure.MethodsStudy participants were adults (34–49 years) who attended the 31-year follow-up of theCardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study(longitudinal cohort). Transthoracic echocardiograms and demographic and cardiovascular risk surveys were completed for 157 adults born small for gestational age (SGA, birth weight <10th population centile) and 627 born average for gestational age (average for gestational age (AGA), birth weight 50th–90th population centile).ResultsThose born growth restricted had subtly enlarged hearts with indexed left ventricular (LV) end-systolic and end-diastolic diameters slightly greater in the SGA individuals than the AGA group (LVESD 18.7 mm/m2SGA vs 18.1 mm/m2AGA, p<0.01; LVEDD 27.5 mm/m2SGA vs 26.6 mm/m2AGA, p<0.01); LV base-to-apex length (47.4 mm/m2SGA vs 46.0 mm/m2AGA, p<0.01); LV basal diameter (26.4 mm/m2SGA vs 25.7 mm/m2AGA, p<0.01); and right ventricular base-to-apex length (40.1 mm/m2SGA vs 39.2 mm/m2AGA, p=0.02). LV stroke volume was greater in those born AGA (74.5 mL SGA vs 78.8 mL AGA, p<0.01), with no significant difference in cardiac output (5 L/min SGA vs 5.2 L/min AGA, p=0.06), heart rate, diastolic indices or sphericity index.ConclusionsAdults born SGA have some statistically significant but subtle changes in cardiac structure and function, which are less marked than have been described in childhood, and are unlikely to play a pathogenic role in their elevated cardiovascular risk.
A serosurvey for selected pathogens in Greek European wild boar
Authors: Touloudi A. , Valiakos G. , Athanasiou L. V. , Birtsas P. , Giannakopoulos A. , Papaspyropoulos K. , Kalaitzis C. , Sokos C. , Tsokana C. N. , Spyrou V. , Petrovska L. , Billinis C. 
Published: August 2015

ObjectivesSerum samples, collected from 94 European wild boar (Sus scrofa) during the hunting seasons 2006 ‐2010 from different regions of Greece, were examined in order to estimate the role of these wildlife species as reservoir of pathogens important for livestock and/or public health.Materials and MethodsThe assays used for this purpose were commercial indirect ELISA for the detection of antibodies against porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV‐2), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (virus) (PRRSV), Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV), influenza A (IA) virus,Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Salmonella species, Trichinellaspecies and indirect immunofluorescence antibody test for the detection of antibodies againstToxoplasma gondiiandNeospora caninum.ResultsAntibodies against PCV‐2, PRRSV, ADV, IA virus,A. pleuropneumoniae, M. hyopneumoniae,Salmonellaspecies,Trichinellaspecies,T. gondiiandN. caninumwere detected in 19.1 per cent, 12.8 per cent, 35.1 per cent, 1.1 per cent, 57.4 per cent, 0 per cent, 4.3 per cent, 6.4 per cent, 5.2 per cent and 1.1 per cent of the samples, respectively. Cluster analysis revealed a hot spot of seropositivity near Bulgarian border; seropositivity to ADV was more common among female animals.ConclusionsThese results indicate exposure of wild boar to most of the above‐mentioned pathogens, raising concern about the possibility that these species may pose a significant health risk for livestock and/or humans.
Epidemiology of Injuries in Major League Baseball Catchers
Authors: Kilcoyne Kelly G. , Ebel Brian G. , Bancells Richard L. , Wilckens John H. , McFarland Edward G. 
Published: August 2015

Background: In part because of the perception that many injuries occur during collisions with the catcher at home plate, Major League Baseball (MLB) officials recently implemented rule changes to prevent these injuries. There is little research on the rate, type, and severity of injuries in MLB catchers. Purpose: To (1) determine the types and severity of injuries to catchers, (2) determine catchers’ athlete exposure (AE) rate of injuries, and (3) assess the perception that catchers are at risk for career-ending injuries caused by home plate collisions. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: The MLB Electronic Baseball Information System was queried for injuries in catchers during the 2001-2010 seasons categorized by cause (collision vs noncollision), diagnosis, and severity. All collision injuries were confirmed by reviewing publicly accessible records and news media. The injury exposure rate per 1000 AEs was calculated, and the rate of injury, associated days on the disabled list (DL), and injury severity were determined on the basis of cause and location of injury. Poisson regression was used to compare rates among seasons, and significance was set at P < .05. Results: During the study period, 134 injuries were sustained, resulting in 6801 days lost. The mean time on the DL was 50.8 days (range, 15-236). The average injury rate was 2.75 injuries per 1000 AEs (range, 0.82-5.14). Of those 134 injuries, 20 were collision injuries. Collision injuries resulted in a mean of 39 days (range, 15-93) of DL time, compared with 53 days for noncollision injuries (range, 15-236), which was not a significant difference. No collision injury was career ending. Noncollision injuries more commonly resulted in >100 days on the DL compared with collision injuries ( P = .049). Conclusion: Study findings indicated that (1) the most common type of injury to catchers was noncollision injury, (2) the rate of injuries to catchers is lower than previously reported rates for other player positions, and (3) this study did not support the perception that collision injuries are a frequent cause of career-ending injury to catchers.
Polyurethane composite foams with β-tricalcium phosphate for biomedical applications
Authors: Szczepańczyk Piotr , Pielichowska Kinga , Chłopek Jan 
Published: August 2015

Biocompatibility, bioactivity, bioconductivity and injectability are the most valuable features of biodegradable polyurethanes for orthopaedic applications. Injectable biomaterials may be used in bone tissue engineering for minimally invasive therapies and other medical applications. Polyurethane composites have been synthesized with concentration of β-tricalcium phosphate in the range of 0–30 wt%. Incorporation of β-tricalcium phosphate leads to an increased glass temperature of soft segments while a decrease of glass temperature was observed for hard segments. Moreover, addition of β-tricalcium phosphate caused an increase in the thermal stability of polyurethane matrix. Porosity has ranged between 27 and 53%. The mechanical and thermal properties of the polyurethane/β-tricalcium phosphate composite samples have been investigated. In vitro degradation tests have been carried out in water, Ringer’s solution and phosphate buffered saline. After 2 weeks incubation in simulated body fluid, scanning electron microscopy observations showed the presence of an inorganic phase deposition which might indicate good bioactivity of the composites. The relationships between their properties and bone regeneration quality were discussed as the composites demonstrate vast potential to be used as injectable scaffolds for bone repair.
The Impact and Statistical Analysis of a Multifaceted Anticoagulation Strategy in Children Supported on ECMO
Authors: Kessel Aaron D. , Kline Myriam , Zinger Marcia , McLaughlin Dawn , Silver Peter , Sweberg Todd M. 
Published: August 2015

Background: We sought to determine whether the introduction of a new anticoagulation protocol improved the frequency with which target anticoagulation parameters were met in children supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Additionally, we sought to correlate the results of various tests of anticoagulation with the heparin infusion dose (HID) for patients on ECMO and to evaluate the utility of these anticoagulation monitoring tests for the titration of the HID. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 18 patients who received ECMO at an academic tertiary care children’s hospital. Nine patients who were managed using a new anticoagulation protocol were matched by age and diagnosis with 9 patients managed with the old protocol. We collected data relating to patient demographics, type of extracorporeal support, disease process, and incidence of bleeding or thrombosis. Anticoagulation parameters collected include the activated clotting time (ACT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time/international normalized ratio, anti-factor Xa level, and antithrombin 3 level along with the HID at each time point. Patient groups were compared using a Generalized Linear Mixed Model, a mixed model analysis of variance, and correlational studies. Main Results: The percentage of in-range ACT values was not different between the 2 protocols, whereas the percentage of in-range aPTT values was higher in the new anticoagulation protocol (ACT: 37.7% vs 39.5%; aPTT: 25.1% vs 39.8%). After accounting for repeated and variable measures within patients, the probability of obtaining an in-range ACT and aPTT did not differ significantly between the 2 protocols (ACT: P = .3488; aPTT: P = .16). The mean HID did not differ between the 2 groups (35.0 unit/kg/h vs 37.6 unit/kg/h, P = .56). Correlation coefficients demonstrated a significant inverse correlation between the ACT and the HID in both the groups (old: r = −.22, P < .0001; new: r = −.26, P < .0001). We observed a significant positive correlation between the aPTT and the HID in the historical group ( r = .25, P < .0001), but no correlation between the aPTT and the HID in the current group ( r = −.02, P = .71). The anti-factor Xa level showed a significantly positive correlation with the HID in the current group ( r = .62, P < .0001). Conclusions: A multipronged monitoring regimen slightly increased the amount of time that anticoagulation parameters were within range. Correlations between the HID and the aPTT differed based on anticoagulation protocol, with a positive correlation in the older protocol and no correlation in the new protocol. This may highlight a problem in study design and analysis that requires further examination. Further trials are needed to assess the most useful markers with which anticoagulation protocols for ECMO can be created, adjusted, and evaluated.
Commercial-Off-the-Shelf-Technology in UK Military Training
Authors: Curry John , Price Tim , Sabin Phil 
Published: August 2015

Aim. This article gives an overview of how commercial computer game technology was introduced for training, education and decision support within the British Army. Value of the article. It records the narrative of the introduction and development of first person shooter computer games into the British Army; an area where developments are not routinely reported outside the closed world of defence training. Methodology. The research was based on interviews of key staff who worked in procurement at the Defence Academy of the UK and for the MoD during 2002 to 2012. The interviewees included two officers, an experienced defence contractor and a senior civil servant. These interviews were given on the understanding that the views expressed would not be individually attributable as they might not represent those of their current employers. The authors were also given access to a unique collection of documents, some of which were not publically available, but are held in the archives of the UK Defence Academy. These are cited in the bibliography. Limitations of the article. This article cites the evidence from the time that supported the continued use of what was a radical and contentious new way of training. Since the introduction of Virtual Battle Space 2 into the British Army, further research into the effectiveness of games based training in the military has been published. Analysis. Games based training has become a significant part of the training cycle for many parts of the British Army. These games have limitations, but are the only alternative to real operations for some types of training. However, the difficult topic of what is the correct proportion of games based training to other types? is a contested area within defence training in the UK. Conclusions. Initial evaluations on the effectiveness of the use of computer games in preparing UK forces for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan showed they had a significant positive impact. The first experience of the British Army with these games has secured the long-term application of this technology and it is unrealistic to imagine future military training without some degree of games technology.
Correlation of Clinical, Operative, and Histopathologic Diagnosis of Interdigital Neuroma and the Cost of Routine Diagnosis
Authors: O’Connor Kathryn M. , Johnson Jeffrey E. , McCormick Jeremy J. , Klein Sandra E. 
Published: August 2015

Background: Diagnosis of an interdigital neuroma (IDN) is clinically based on patient symptoms. During operative excision, it is common to send the excised specimen for routine histopathologic examination. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the clinical and intraoperative diagnosis of IDN and correlate these with the histopathologic results of IDN. Methods: Case logs of 3 fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons were reviewed to identify all neuroma excisions completed between 1997 and 2014. Charts were reviewed to identify the preoperative clinical diagnosis and intraoperative diagnosis as well as concern for pathology besides a neuroma. All results were compared to final histopathology to identify instances of discordance between diagnoses. A total of 123 patients with 133 neuromas were identified. Results: Of the total 133 neuromas, 5 cases included a clinical or intraoperative concern for a diagnosis other than neuroma. In these 5 instances surgeons accurately identified cysts and rheumatoid nodules. 132 of 133 histopathology reports indicated the presence of nerve tissue in their report. There were no reports of malignancy or abnormal nerve tissue. There were no changes to the postoperative protocol based on histopathology. Conclusion: The clinical, intraoperative, and histopathologic diagnosis of neuroma was in concordance 100% of the time. With a high level of clinical and intraoperative acumen in identifying a neuroma, we believe it is reasonable not to submit the specimen for histopathologic evaluation. In addition, limiting the amount of routine histopathologic evaluation could have saved approximately $480 per case. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.
Clinical Features and Patient Outcomes of Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Authors: Kim Whan B. , Sibbald R. Gary , Hu Howard , Bashash Morteza , Anooshirvani Niloofar , Coutts Patricia , Alavi Afsaneh 
Published: August 2015

Background: Despite the high burden of disease associated with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), epidemiologic data are scarce. Objective: The objective was to review demographic features and clinical findings in 80 HS patients from 2 referral centres in Ontario, Canada, from October 2013 to September 2014, and to assess for factors that are associated with more advanced disease. Methods: Multicentre cross-sectional study. The data on demographic and clinical features were obtained by questionnaires and chart review. Results: Of a total of 80 patients (67.5% females), percentages of patients in Hurley stages I, II, and III were 15.4%, 55.8%, and 28.9%, respectively. Most patients were not diagnosed for more than 1 year (70.1%). Patients with more severe disease were more likely to be females and to have a greater number of lesions and were less likely to be diagnosed initially by a dermatologist. Conclusions: This study documents the common demographic and clinical features of HS to optimize resource allocation and patient outcomes.
Comparison of Autoimmune Thyroid Disease in Patients With Progressive and Stable Vitiligo
Authors: Yazdanpanah Mohammad Javad , Seyedi Noghabi Seyed Ali , Taghavi Morteza , Afzal Aghaee Monavar , Zabolinejad Naghmeh 
Published: August 2015

Background and Objective: Activity of vitiligo has not been considered as a patient selection criteria in previous studies; we decided to compare the presence of elevated thyroid auto-antibodies in patients with progressive and stable vitiligo. Methods: Seventy-two patients with vitiligo were examined for thyroid problems and were divided into 2 groups of stable and progressive vitiligo according to their history and physical examination. Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO antibodies), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were assessed for all patients. Results: Elevated levels of anti-TPO antibodies were observed in 43.7% of the patients with stable vitiligo and in 37.5% of patients with progressive vitiligo, which was not statistically significant ( P = .315). Conclusion: This study not only confirmed thyroid dysfunction in patients with vitiligo but also showed that there was no difference in thyroid dysfunction and anti-TPO antibody levels in the subgroups of patients with stable or progressive vitiligo.
Description of the types and content of phase 1 clinical trial consent conversations in practice
Authors: Wall Louisa , Farmer Zachary Luke , Webb Margaret White , Dixon Margie D , Nooka Ajay , Pentz Rebecca D 
Published: August 2015

Background or aims: All agree that informed consent is a process, but past research has focused content analyses on post-consent or on one conversation in the consent series. Our aim was to identify and describe the content of different types of consent conversations. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of 38 adult oncology phase 1 consent conversations, which were audio-recorded, transcribed, coded, and qualitatively analyzed for type and content. Results: Four types of consent conversations were identified: (1) priming, (2) patient-centered options, (3) trial centered, and (4) decision made. The analysis provided a robust description of the content discussed in each type of conversation. Two themes, supportive care and prognosis, were rarely mentioned. Four themes clustered in the patient-centered (type 2) conversations: affirmation of honesty, comfort, progression, and offer of supportive care. Conclusion: We identified and described four types of consent conversations. Our novel findings include (1) four different types of conversations with one (priming) not mentioned before and (2) a change of focus from describing the content of one phase 1 consent conversation to describing the content of different types. These in-depth descriptions provide the foundation for future research to determine whether the four types of conversations occur in sequence, thus describing the structure of the consent process and providing the basis for coaching interventions to alert physicians to the appropriate content for each type of conversation. A switch from a focus on one conversation to the types of conversations in the process may better align the consent conversations with the iterative process of shared decision making.