bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Incidence of Postoperative Hypocalcemia following Total Thyroidectomy vs Completion Thyroidectomy
Authors: Merchavy Shlomo , Marom Tal , Forest Veronique‐Isabelle , Hier Michael , Mlynarek Alex , McHugh Tobial , Payne Richard 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveTo study the rate of postoperative hypocalcemia following completion thyroidectomy (CT), in comparison with the hypocalcemia rate following total thyroidectomy (TT).Study Design and SettingA retrospective study, performed at the McGill University Thyroid Cancer Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, from 2007 to 2012.Subjects and MethodsMedical records of adult patients undergoing CT and TT operated by a single surgeon were reviewed. Data were extracted for demographics, postoperative calcium levels, surgical logs, and final surgical pathology. Hypocalcemia was defined as corrected serum calcium level ≤1.90 mmol/L, with concurrent serum parathyroid hormone <8 ng/L, and/or any signs or symptoms of hypocalcemia.ResultsThere were 68 CTs and 146 TTs. Transient hypocalcemia occurred in 1 of 68 (1.5%) and 18 of 146 (12.5%) patients in the CT and TT groups, respectively. The rate of hypocalcemia was significantly lower in the CT compared with the TT group (P =. 02). In both groups, there were no cases of permanent hypocalcemia.ConclusionThe risk of transient of hypocalcemia in patients undergoing CT is significantly lower than the rate of hypocalcemia in patients undergoing TT.
Establishing female-only areas in psychiatry wards to improve safety and quality of care for women
Authors: Kulkarni Jayashri , Gavrilidis Emmy , Lee Stuart , Van Rheenen Tamsyn E , Grigg Jasmin , Hayes Emily , Lee Adeline , Ong Roy , Seeary Amy , Andersen Shelley , Worsley Rosie , Keppich-Arnold Sandra , Stafrace Simon 
Published: October 2014

Objective: Our aim was to assess the impact of creating a female-only area within a mixed-gender inpatient psychiatry service, on female patient safety and experience of care. Method: The Alfred hospital reconfigured one of its two psychiatry wards to include a female-only area. Documented incidents compromising the safety of women on each ward in the 6 months following the refurbishment were compared. Further, a questionnaire assessing perceived safety and experience of care was administered to female inpatients on both wards, and staff feedback was also obtained. Results: The occurrence of documented incidents compromising females’ safety was found to be significantly lower on the ward containing a female-only area. Women staying on this ward rated their perceived safety and experience of care significantly more positively than women staying where no such gender segregation was available. Further, the female-only area was identified by the majority of surveyed staff to provide a safer environment for female patients. Conclusions: Establishing female-only areas in psychiatry wards is an effective way to improve the safety and experience of care for female patients.
The TRPV1 receptor agonist capsaicin is an ineffective bronchoprovocant in an experimental model of feline asthma
Authors: Grobman Megan E , Krumme Stacy , Dodam John R , Reinero Carol R 
Published: October 2014

Objectives Airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR), a key feature of feline asthma, can be measured using bronchoprovocation testing. Limitations of both direct and indirect bronchoprovocants evaluated to date in experimental feline asthma have led to a search for a more specific indirect bronchoprovocant (ie, one which relies on existing inflammatory cells or activated neural pathways in diseased but not healthy airways). We hypothesized that capsaicin, a transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 agonist, would lead to dose-responsive increases in airway resistance as measured by ventilator-acquired pulmonary mechanics in experimentally asthmatic cats. Methods Five cats induced to have asthma using Bermuda grass allergen (BGA) were studied. Twenty-four hours after aerosol challenge of BGA, cats were anesthetized and underwent neuromuscular blockade for ventilator-acquired pulmonary mechanics. Cats were monitored with pulse oximetry for hemoglobin desaturation. Parameters recorded on a breath-by-breath basis on the ventilator included airway resistance (Raw) and compliance. Saline at baseline and 10-fold increasing concentrations of capsaicin (0.4–4000.0 µM) were aerosolized for 30 s and data collected for 4 mins between doses. The intended endpoint of the study was a doubling in baseline airway resistance, halving of compliance or oxygen desaturation <75%. Results All cats completed the trial, reaching the highest dose of capsaicin without reaching any of the aforementioned endpoints. No biologically significant alteration in any other pulmonary mechanics parameter was noted. Conclusions and relevance Capsaicin does not appear to be an effective bronchoprovocant in a feline asthma model.
Dobutamine stress for evaluation of right ventricular reserve in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Sharma Tripura , Lau Edmund M.T. , Choudhary Preeti , Torzillo Paul J. , Munoz Phillip A. , Simmons Lisa R. , Naeije Robert , Celermajer David S. 
Published: October 2014

Right ventricular contractile response to pharmacological stress in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has not been characterised. We evaluated right ventricular contractile reserve in adults with PAH using dobutamine stress echocardiography.16 PAH patients and 18 age-matched controls underwent low-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography. Contractile reserve was assessed by the change (Δ; peak stress minus rest value) in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and tricuspid annular systolic velocity (S′). A subgroup of 13 PAH patients underwent treadmill cardiopulmonary exercise testing for peak oxygen uptake (V′O2peak).At rest, TAPSE and S′ were reduced in the PAH group compared with controls (1.7±0.4versus2.4±0.2 cm and 9.7±2.6versus12.5±1.2 cm·s−1, respectively; p<0.05). Contractile reserve was markedly attenuated in PAH compared to controls (ΔTAPSE 0.1±0.2versus0.6±0.3 cm and ΔS′ 4.6±2.8versus11.2±3.6 cm·s−1; p<0.0001). In the sub-group of PAH patients with preserved right ventricular systolic function at rest, contractile reserve remained depressed compared to controls.V′O2peakwas significantly correlated with ΔS′ (r=0.87, p=0.0003) and change in stroke volume (r=0.59, p=0.03).Dobutamine stress can reveal sub-clinical reduction in right ventricular contractile reserve in patients with PAH. A correlation with exercise capacity suggests potential clinical value beyond resting measurements.
An official European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society technical standard: field walking tests in chronic respiratory disease
Authors: Holland Anne E. , Spruit Martijn A. , Troosters Thierry , Puhan Milo A. , Pepin Véronique , Saey Didier , McCormack Meredith C. , Carlin Brian W. , Sciurba Frank C. , Pitta Fabio , Wanger Jack , MacIntyre Neil , Kaminsky David A. , Culver Bruce H. , Revill Susan M. , Hernandes Nidia A. , Andrianopoulos Vasileios , Camillo Carlos Augusto , Mitchell Katy E. , Lee Annemarie L. , Hill Catherine J. , Singh Sally J. 
Published: October 2014

Field walking tests are commonly employed to evaluate exercise capacity, assess prognosis and evaluate treatment response in chronic respiratory diseases. In recent years, there has been a wealth of new literature pertinent to the conduct of the 6-min walk test (6MWT), and a growing evidence base describing the incremental and endurance shuttle walk tests (ISWT and ESWT, respectively). The aim of this document is to describe the standard operating procedures for the 6MWT, ISWT and ESWT, which can be consistently employed by clinicians and researchers.The Technical Standard was developed by a multidisciplinary and international group of clinicians and researchers with expertise in the application of field walking tests. The procedures are underpinned by a concurrent systematic review of literature relevant to measurement properties and test conduct in adults with chronic respiratory disease.Current data confirm that the 6MWT, ISWT and ESWT are valid, reliable and responsive to change with some interventions. However, results are sensitive to small changes in methodology. It is important that two tests are conducted for the 6MWT and ISWT.This Technical Standard for field walking tests reflects current evidence regarding procedures that should be used to achieve robust results.
An official systematic review of the European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society: measurement properties of field walking tests in chronic respiratory disease
Authors: Singh Sally J. , Puhan Milo A. , Andrianopoulos Vasileios , Hernandes Nidia A. , Mitchell Katy E. , Hill Catherine J. , Lee Annemarie L. , Camillo Carlos Augusto , Troosters Thierry , Spruit Martijn A. , Carlin Brian W. , Wanger Jack , Pepin Véronique , Saey Didier , Pitta Fabio , Kaminsky David A. , McCormack Meredith C. , MacIntyre Neil , Culver Bruce H. , Sciurba Frank C. , Revill Susan M. , Delafosse Veronica , Holland Anne E. 
Published: October 2014

This systematic review examined the measurement properties of the 6-min walk test (6MWT), incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) and endurance shuttle walk test (ESWT) in adults with chronic respiratory disease.Studies that report the evaluation or use of the 6MWT, ISWT or ESWT were included. We searched electronic databases for studies published between January 2000 and September 2013.The 6-min walking distance (6MWD) is a reliable measure (intra-class correlation coefficients ranged from 0.82 to 0.99 in seven studies). There is a learning effect, with greater distance walked on the second test (pooled mean improvement of 26 m in 13 studies). Reliability was similar for ISWT and ESWT, with a learning effect also evident for ISWT (pooled mean improvement of 20 m in six studies). The 6MWD correlates more strongly with peak work capacity (r=0.59–0.93) and physical activity (r=0.40–0.85) than with respiratory function (r=0.10–0.59). Methodological factors affecting 6MWD include track length, encouragement, supplemental oxygen and walking aids. Supplemental oxygen also affects ISWT and ESWT performance. Responsiveness was moderate to high for all tests, with greater responsiveness to interventions that included exercise training.The findings of this review demonstrate that the 6MWT, ISWT and ESWT are robust tests of functional exercise capacity in adults with chronic respiratory disease.
Szász-Baskakov type operators based on q-integers
Authors: Agrawal Purshottam N , Karsli Harun , Goyal Meenu 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
In the present paper, we introduce the q-analog of the Stancu variant of Szász-Baskakov operators. We establish the moments of the operators by using the q-derivatives and then prove the basic convergence theorem. Next, the Voronovskaja type theorem and some direct results for the above operators are discussed. Also, the rate of convergence and weighted approximation by these operators in terms of modulus of continuity are studied. Then we obtain a point-wise estimate using the Lipschitz type maximal function. Lastly, we study the A-statistical convergence of these operators and also, in order to obtain a better approximation, we study a King type modification of the above operators.

MSC:41A25, 26A15, 40A35.
The existence of solutions for some fractional finite difference equations via sum boundary conditions
Authors: Agarwal Ravi P , Baleanu Dumitru , Rezapour Shahram , Salehi Saeid 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
In this manuscript we investigate the existence of the fractional finite difference equation (FFDE)

Δ

μ
−
2

μ

x
(
t
)
=
g
(
t
+
μ
−
1
,
x
(
t
+
μ
−
1
)
,
Δ
x
(
t
+
μ
−
1
)
)

via the boundary condition

x
(
μ
−
2
)
=
0

and the sum boundary condition

x
(
μ
+
b
+
1
)
=

∑

k
=
μ
−
1

α

x
(
k
)

for order

1
<
μ
≤
2

, where

g
:

N

μ
−
1

μ
+
b
+
1

×
R
×
R
→
R

,

α
∈

N

μ
−
1

μ
+
b

, and

t
∈

N
0

b
+
2

. Along the same lines, we discuss the existence of the solutions for the following FFDE:

Δ

μ
−
3

μ

x
(
t
)
=
g
(
t
+
μ
−
2
,
x
(
t
+
μ
−
2
)
)

via the boundary conditions

x
(
μ
−
3
)
=
0

and

x
(
μ
+
b
+
1
)
=
0

and the sum boundary condition

x
(
α
)
=

∑

k
=
γ

β

x
(
k
)

for order

2
<
μ
≤
3

, where

g
:

N

μ
−
2

μ
+
b
+
1

×
R
→
R

,

b
∈

N
0

,

t
∈

N
0

b
+
3

, and

α
,
β
,
γ
∈

N

μ
−
2

μ
+
b

with

γ
<
β
<
α

.

MSC:34A08.
Ultrasound composite scores for the assessment of inflammatory and structural pathologies in Psoriatic Arthritis (PsASon-Score)
Authors: Ficjan Anja , Husic Rusmir , Gretler Judith , Lackner Angelika , Graninger Winfried B , Gutierrez Marwin , Duftner Christina , Hermann Josef , Dejaco Christian 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Introduction
This study was performed to develop ultrasound composite scores for the assessment of inflammatory and structural lesions in Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA).

Methods
We performed a prospective study on 83 PsA patients undergoing two study visits scheduled 6 months apart. B-mode and Power Doppler (PD) findings were semi-quantitatively scored at 68 joints (evaluating synovia, perisynovial tissue, tendons and bone) and 14 entheses. We constructed bilateral and unilateral (focusing the dominant site) ultrasound composite scores selecting relevant sites by a hierarchical approach. We tested convergent construct validity, reliability and feasibility of inflammatory and structural elements of the scores as well as sensitivity to change for inflammatory items.

Results
The bilateral score (termed PsASon22) included 22 joints (6 metacarpophalangeal joints (MCPs), 4 proximal interphalangeal joints (PIPs) of hands (H-PIPs), 2 metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPs), 4 distal interphalangeal joints (DIPs) of hands (H-DIPs), 2 DIPs of feet (F-DIPs), 4 large joints) and 4 entheses (bilateral assessment of lateral epicondyle and distal patellar tendon). The unilateral score (PsASon13) compromised 13 joints (2 MCPs, 3 H-PIPs, 1 PIP of feet (F-PIP), 2 MTPs, 1 H-DIP and 2 F-DIPs and 2 large joints) and 2 entheses (unilateral lateral epicondyle and distal patellar tendon). Both composite scores revealed a moderate to high sensitivity (bilateral composite score 43% to 100%, unilateral 36% to 100%) to detect inflammatory and structural lesions compared to the 68-joint/14-entheses score. The inflammatory and structural components of the composite scores correlated weakly with clinical markers of disease activity (corrcoeffs 0 to 0.40) and the health assessment questionnaire (HAQ, corrcoeffs 0 to 0.39), respectively. Patients with active disease achieving remission at follow-up yielded greater reductions of ultrasound inflammatory scores than those with stable clinical activity (Cohen’s d effect size ranging from 0 to 0.79). Inter-rater reliability of bi- and unilateral composite scores was moderate to good with ICCs ranging from 0.42 to 0.96 and from 0.36 to 0.71, respectively for inflammatory and structural sub-scores. The PsASon22 and PsASon13 required 16 to 26 and 9 to 13 minutes, respectively to be completed.

Conclusion
Both new PsA ultrasound composite scores (PsASon22 and PsASon13) revealed sufficient convergent construct validity, sensitivity to change, reliability and feasibility.
Cognitive-friendly hospitals: a leap from Flat Earthers to Galileo: commentary on… managing delirium in everyday practice
Authors: Jolley David 
Published: November 2014

SummaryGeneral hospitals and hospices see mostly older people, many of whom have dementia and multiple pathologies: delirium is common, costly and damaging. Informed and kindly care can reduce the incidence of delirium and hasten its resolution. O'Connell et al demand ownership of this phenomenon by the whole hospital. This will require a turnabout of philosophy, management and training for all professions.
Positive attributes in children and reduced risk of future psychopathology
Authors: Vidal-Ribas Pablo , Goodman Robert , Stringaris Argyris 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundThere is little research on children's positive attributes and their association with psychiatric outcomes.AimsTo examine the hypothesis that children's positive attributes are associated with a reduced risk of developing psychopathology in future.MethodPositive attributes, measured with the Youth Strengths Inventory (YSI) and psychiatric outcomes were assessed on two occasions over 3 years in a large epidemiological sample of British children and adolescents (n= 5325).ResultsThe YSI showed high to moderate cross-informant correlations and longitudinal stability. Children scoring high on positive attributes at baseline had fewer psychiatric symptoms and disorders at follow-up, adjusting for symptoms at baseline, disorder at baseline and child and family factors. Analyses with propensity score matching also suggested that positive attributes decrease the likelihood of psychiatric morbidity.ConclusionsChildren's positive attributes are associated with significantly less psychopathology across time and may be a target for intervention.
Bone Turnover, Bone Mineral Density, and Fracture Risk in Acromegaly: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mazziotti Gherardo , Biagioli Elena , Maffezzoni Filippo , Spinello Maurizio , Serra Vincenza , Maroldi Roberto , Floriani Irene , Giustina Andrea 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

Context:
GH excess causes an increase in bone turnover, but the consequences in terms of skeletal fragility have long been uncertain due to the heterogeneity of studies dealing with this topic.

Objective:
We conducted a meta-analysis of studies examining the effects of acromegaly on bone turnover, bone mineral density (BMD), and fractures. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of sex, gonadal status, and activity of disease on skeletal end-points in acromegaly.

Data Sources:
We conducted MEDLINE and EMBASE systematic searches up to December 31, 2013.

Study Eligibility Criteria:
Studies conducted in patients with acromegaly and reporting at least one determinant of skeletal fragility.

Data Extraction and Analysis:
Study design, patient characteristics, interventions, and outcomes were independently extracted by two authors. We calculated the standardized mean difference (SMD) of bone turnover and BMD differences, whereas fractures were presented as relative frequencies in acromegaly and odds ratios between patients and controls.

Results:
Forty-one studies fulfilled eligibility criteria and were therefore selected for data extraction and analysis. A total of 1935 patients were included (eight to 206 per study). Acromegaly patients had higher bone formation (SMD, 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97–2.01; P &lt; .0001) and bone resorption (SMD, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.03–2.10; P &lt; .0001) as compared to control subjects, without significant differences in lumbar spine BMD. BMD at the femoral neck tended to be higher in acromegaly patients vs control subjects (SMD, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.07–1.27; P = .03). Patients with acromegaly had high frequency of vertebral fractures (odds ratio, 8.26; 95% CI, 2.91–23.39; P &lt; .0001), in close relationship with male gender, hypogonadism, and active acromegaly.

Limitations:
Limitations included heterogeneous study protocols with possible variability in the assessment of skeletal end-points.

Conclusions:
Skeletal fragility is an emerging complication of acromegaly.
Reliable quantification of bite-force performance requires use of appropriate biting substrate and standardization of bite out-lever
Authors: Lappin A. Kristopher , Jones Marc E.H. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Bite-force performance is an ecologically important measure of whole-organism performance that shapes dietary breadth and feeding strategies and, in some taxa, determines reproductive success. It also is a metric critical to testing and evaluating biomechanical models. We reviewed nearly one-hundred published studies of a range of taxa that incorporate direct in vivo measurements of bite force. Problematically, methods of data collection and processing vary considerably among studies. In particular, there is little consensus on the appropriate substrate to use on the biting surface of force transducers. In addition, the bite out-lever, defined as the distance from the fulcrum (i.e. jaw joint) to the position along the jawline at which the jaws engage the transducer, is rarely taken into account. We examined the effect of bite substrate and bite out-lever on bite-force estimates in a diverse sample of lizards. Results indicate that both variables have a significant impact on the accuracy of measurements. Maximum bite force is significantly greater using leather as the biting substrate, as compared to a metal substrate. Less forceful bites on metal are likely due to inhibitory feedback from mechanoreceptors that prevent damage to the feeding apparatus. Standardization of bite out-lever affected which trial produced maximum performance for a given individual. Indeed, maximum bite force usually is underestimated without standardization because it is expected to be greatest at the minimum out-lever (i.e. back of jaws), which in studies is rarely targeted with success. We assert that future studies should use a pliable substrate, such as leather, and employ appropriate standardization for bite out-lever.
Jumping mechanisms in lacewings (Neuroptera, Chrysopidae and Hemerobiidae)
Authors: Burrows Malcolm , Dorosenko Marina 
Published: October 2014

AbstractLacewings launch themselves into the air by simultaneous propulsive movements of the middle and hind legs as revealed in video images captured at a rate of 1000 s-1. These movements were powered largely by thoracic trochanteral depressor muscles but did not start from a particular preset position of these legs. Ridges on the lateral sides of the meso- and metathorax fluoresced bright blue when illuminated with ultraviolet light suggesting the presence of the elastic protein resilin. The middle and hind legs were longer than the front legs but their femora and tibiae were narrow tubes of similar diameter. Jumps were of two types. First, those in which the body was oriented almost parallel to the ground (-7 ± 8 degrees in green lacewings, 13.7 ± 7 degrees in brown lacewings) at take-off and remained stable once airborne. The wings did not move until 5 ms after take-off when flapping flight ensued. Second, were jumps in which the head pointed downwards at take-off (-37 ± 3 degrees green lacewings, -35 ± 4 degrees in brown lacewings) and the body rotated in the pitch plane once airborne without the wings opening. The larger green lacewings (mass 9 mg, body length 10.3 mm) took 15 ms to accelerate the body and the smaller brown lacewings (3.6 mg and 5.3 mm) 9 ms, to mean take-off velocities of 0.6 and 0.5 m s-1. During their fastest jumps both green and brown lacewings respectively experienced accelerations of 5.5 or 6.3 g, required an energy expenditure of 5.6 or 0.7 μJ, a power output of 0.3 or 0.1 mW and exerted a force of 0.6 or 0.2 mN. The required power was well within the maximum active contractile limit of normal muscle, so that jumping could be produced by direct muscle contractions without a power amplification mechanism or an energy store.