bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radiologic assessment and frequency of idiopathic osteosclerosis of jawbones: an interpopulation comparison
Authors: Moshfeghi Mahkameh , Azimi Fateme , Anvari Mehdi 
Published: December 2013

Background Idiopathic osteosclerosis is a localized growth of compact bone with an unknown cause. This asymptomatic lesion is an insignificant finding and as such requires no treatment. It should be distinguished from other types of osteosclerosis created by inflammatory processes and systemic diseases. Purpose To determine the prevalence and distribution of idiopathic osteosclerosis in the jawbones in Iran and to compare this prevalence and distribution with other populations. Material and Methods This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed in the Dental School of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, between 2010 and 2011. Data were collected from the files of patients who underwent panoramic radiography for dental treatment. Location, shape, and relation between idiopathic osteosclerosis and the tooth as well as the resorption of the tooth involved were evaluated. Lesion distribution regarding age, gender, localization, shape, dental relationship, and root resorption was assessed using the chi-squared test. Results In total, 787 panoramic radiographs of 456 women and 331 men were assessed. Idiopathic osteosclerosis was detected in 75 (9.5%) patients. The prevalence of idiopathic osteosclerosis was significantly higher in the women (11.8% vs. 6.3%; P <0.01). The mean age of the patients with idiopathic osteosclerosis was 31.9 ± 17.9 years and 30.8 ± 13.3 years in the patients without idiopathic osteosclerosis. The distribution of idiopathic osteosclerosis in the mandible (97.3%), mostly in the premolar region, was significantly higher than that in the maxilla (2.7%). Conclusion Our results showed high frequencies of idiopathic osteosclerosis in Iran in comparison to some other countries.
Mini-Open Tenorrhaphy of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures
Authors: Keller Andres , Ortiz Cristian , Wagner Emilio , Wagner Pablo , Mococain Pablo 
Published: December 2013

Background: The high incidence of soft tissue complications related to open Achilles repair has driven enthusiasm for developing minimally invasive surgical procedures. The Dresden procedure, which reduces wound-healing issues and avoids sural nerve damage, has recently been published and shows good functional results. Objective: To evaluate medium-term clinical results of procedures using the Dresden mini-open technique on acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 100 consecutive patients with a mean follow-up of 42.1 months. At follow-up, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, time to return to work and sports, subjective satisfaction, and complications were registered. An isokinetic test was performed on the first 21 patients of this series at 1 year postoperatively. Results: The mean time to return to work was 56.0 days, and the mean time to return to sports was 18.9 weeks. The mean AOFAS score was 97.7; 98% of patients were satisfied. No complications regarding soft tissues and sural nerve damage were reported. Two reruptures and 5 cases of deep venous thrombosis were observed. The isokinetic evaluation showed good recovery of the involved muscles. Conclusion: The excellent functional and satisfaction results, ease of the procedure, and avoidance of sural nerve damage make the mini-open technique a very attractive alternative for acute, spontaneous Achilles tendon ruptures.
Strain Among Caregivers of Youth Designated as Seriously Emotionally Disturbed: Do Place of Residence and Race Matter?
Authors: Grape Annette C. , Plum Kathleen C. , Fielding Stephen L. 
Published: December 2013

To what extent might race and where one lives at service start in Monroe County, New York, influence three dimensions of caregiver strain among those caring for a youth designated as having serious emotional disturbance? We used the Caregiver Strain Questionnaire to measure our outcomes: subjective internalizing strain—negative feelings of guilt and worry associated with having a child with behavioral and emotional problems; subjective externalizing strain—negative feelings about the child such as anger or embarrassment; and objective strain—interruption of personal time, lost work time, and/or financial strain in four geographical areas (place of residence) defined by ZIP code. These places included Low Income Urban (median ZIP code household income less than $39,000), High Income Urban (median ZIP code household income greater than or equal to $39,000), Suburban, and Rural. We found that place at service start and time predicted caregiver strain levels (though time was the only predictor for externalizing strain), controlling for several factors. Race had no detectable influence. Supports can be individualized to a greater extent to address specific factors influencing the type of strain experienced by a caregiver. Providers might begin by identifying caregiver strain by type and intensity as well as identifying the specific circumstances leading to feelings and concerns associated with each type of caregiver strain.
Comparison of lithium, aripiprazole and olanzapine as augmentation to paroxetine for inpatients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Yoshimura Reiji , Hori Hikaru , Umene-Nakano Wakako , Ikenouchi-Sugita Atsuko , Katsuki Asuka , Atake Kiyokazu , Nakamura Jun 
Published: December 2013

Background: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are considered first-line treatments for major depressive disorders (MDD). It has been reported, however, that 30–40% of patients with MDD who received SSRIs failed to respond to treatment. Use of lithium (Li) to augment SSRIs seems to be the most common strategy in such cases. It was recently demonstrated that atypical antipsychotics are effective augmentation agents in MDD. Here, we present a randomized controlled study that compared augmentation with Li, olanzapine (OLA) or aripiprazole (ARI) in paroxetine-refractory patients with MDD. Methods: Participants were 30 patients who met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV criteria for MDD and refractory to paroxetine treatment. Treatment with Li, OLA or ARI was added to paroxetine in a randomized protocol for 4 weeks. We defined the patients whose scores on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression decreased 50% or more as responders. Results: Two patients dropped out because of adverse effects. Response rates to Li, OLA or ARI augmentation were 4/10 (40%), 3/10 (30%) and 4/10 (40%), respectively. In addition, Li, OLA and ARI did not influence plasma paroxetine concentrations. Conclusions: We concluded that OLA or ARI could be used as alternatives to Li as options for patients who do not respond to paroxetine treatment.
A comparison of Chinese and non-Chinese Canadian patients hospitalized with heart failure
Authors: Yeung Darwin F , Van Dyke Nicole K , Maclagan Laura C , Moe Gordon W , Shah Baiju R , Chiu Maria , Lee Douglas S , Ko Dennis T , Lau Ching , Tu Jack V 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Canadians of Chinese descent, represent one of the fastest growing visible minority groups in Canada, (as well as the second largest), but relatively little is known about the clinical features of heart failure (HF) in Chinese-Canadian versus non-Chinese Canadian patients.

Methods
We conducted a population-based analysis of urban patients hospitalized in Ontario, Canada for the first time with a most responsible diagnosis of HF between April 1, 1995 and March 31, 2008. Among the 99,278 patients, 1,339 (1.3%) were classified as Chinese using a previously validated list of Chinese surnames. Through linkage to other administrative databases, we compared the clinical characteristics, pharmacological management, and outcomes of Chinese versus non-Chinese HF patients.

Results
Ischemic heart disease was identified as the possible etiology of HF in a greater proportion of non-Chinese patients (47.7% vs. 35.3%; p < 0.001) whereas hypertension (26.1% vs. 16.1%; p < 0.001) and valvular heart disease (11.6% vs. 7.2%; p < 0.001) were relatively more common in Chinese patients. Chinese patients were prescribed angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors less frequently (57.5% vs. 66.4%, p < 0.001) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) more frequently (17.4% vs. 8.9%, p < 0.001) compared to non-Chinese patients. They were also less likely to be adherent to ACE inhibitors over a 1-year follow up period. However, the 1-year case-fatality rates were comparable between the Chinese (31.7%) and non-Chinese (30.2%) subjects (p = 0.24).

Conclusion
There are important differences in the causes and medical management of HF in Chinese and non-Chinese patients residing in Canada. Despite these differences, the long-term outcomes of HF patients were similar.
Qualitative assessment of attributes and ease of use of the ELLIPTA™ dry powder inhaler for delivery of maintenance therapy for asthma and COPD
Authors: Svedsater Henrik , Dale Peter , Garrill Karl , Walker Richard , Woepse Mark W 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundMedications for respiratory disorders including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are typically delivered to the lung by means of a handheld inhaler. Patient preference for and ability to use the inhaler may influence their adherence to maintenance therapy, and adherence may affect treatment outcomes. In this study, patient experience of using a dry powder inhaler (DPI), the ELLIPTA™ DPI, in clinical trials of a new maintenance therapy for asthma and COPD was investigated. The ELLIPTA DPI has been designed to contain two separate blister strips from which inhalation powder can be delivered, and to be simple to use with a large, easy-to-read dose counter.MethodsSemi-structured, in-depth, qualitative interviews were carried out 2–4 weeks after patients had completed one of six phase IIIa clinical trials using the ELLIPTA DPI. Interview participants were asked about their satisfaction with various attributes of the inhaler and their preference for the ELLIPTA DPI relative to currently-prescribed inhalers, and responses were explored using an inductive content analysis approach. Participants also rated the performance of the inhaler on several criteria, using a subjective 1–10 scale.ResultsParticipants with asthma (n = 33) and COPD (n = 42) reported high levels of satisfaction with the ELLIPTA DPI. It was frequently described as straightforward to operate and easy to use by interview participants. Ergonomic design, mouthpiece fit, and dose counter visibility and ease of interpretation emerged as frequently cited drivers of preference for the ELLIPTA DPI compared with their current prescribed inhaler. Of participants with asthma, 71% preferred the ELLIPTA DPI to DISKUS™ and 60% to metered dose inhalers. Of participants with COPD, 86% preferred the ELLIPTA DPI to DISKUS, 95% to HandiHaler™, and 85% to metered dose inhalers. Overall average performance scores were >9 (out of 10) in participants with asthma and COPD.ConclusionThe ELLIPTA DPI was associated with high patient satisfaction and was preferred to other inhalers by interview participants with asthma and COPD. The development of an inhaler that is regarded as easy and intuitive to use may have positive implications for adherence to therapy in asthma and COPD.Trial registrationAsthma:NCT01165138,NCT01431950. COPD:NCT01053988,NCT01054885,NCT01009463,NCT01017952.
Intention to seek professional psychological help among college students in Turkey: influence of help-seeking attitudes
Authors: Seyfi Feyza , Poudel Krishna C , Yasuoka Junko , Otsuka Keiko , Jimba Masamine 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Depression rates are high among college students in Turkey, but often students do not seek mental health care. This study aimed to examine the association between attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help and intention to seek professional psychological help among such college students. We also examined the factors associated with students’ professional psychological help-seeking attitudes. We conducted this cross-sectional study among 456 conveniently sampled graduate and undergraduate students in Ankara. We collected students’ data using self-administered, structured questionnaires in the Turkish language and then analyzed the data using both descriptive and multivariate methods.

Results
In the multiple linear regression analyses, students’ attitudes towards seeking professional psychological help were positively associated with intention to seek such help (p < 0.001). Other factors positively associated with students’ attitudes towards seeking professional psychological help included the following: age (p < 0.001), perceived social support from family (p < 0.05), perceived social support from friends (p < 0.01), and perceived social support from significant other (p < 0.05). Students with less positive attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help were more likely to be men (p < 0.001), undergraduate students (p < 0.001), and students who were not aware of the presence of the on-campus counseling center (p < 0.01).

Conclusions
Students’ positive attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help were positively associated with their intentions to seek such help. To encourage utilization of the counseling center inside the campus more frequently when in need, interventions might be necessary to improve students’ attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help—in particular among young male students.
Direct Oxidative Transformation of Glycerol into Acrylic Acid over Phosphoric Acid-added W–V–Nb Complex Metal Oxide Catalysts
Authors: Omata Kaori , Matsumoto Keeko , Murayama Toru , Ueda Wataru 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
The addition of phosphoric acid to W–Nb–O catalyst active for glycerol transformation to acrolein and to W–V–Nb–O catalyst active for direct transformation of glycerol to acrylic acid appreciably improved their catalytic performance. The phosphoric acid-added W–Nb–O catalyst gave acrolein yield of 81.8%, and the phosphoric acid-added W–V–Nb–O catalyst gave acrylic acid yield of 59.2% in the direct glycerol transformation. The improvement of the catalytic performance seems due to the increases of the acid amount and the Brønsted acidity.
The effect of nitrogen addition to Ar/CH4 gas mixture on microstructural characterization of nanocrystalline diamond
Authors: Lee Wei-Fang , Wu Chia-Yu , Lin Che-Tong , Peng Chiao-Yun , You Hui-Wen , Peng Pei-Wen 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
In the present study, nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) nanowire films were synthesized on silicon substrates, using microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) with a CH4/Ar/N2 gas mixture at moderate temperatures. The influence of nitrogen concentration on the formation of NCD was investigated. The characteristics of NCD films were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, optical emission spectroscopy (OES), and a contact angle meter. NCD nanowire films with 300–500 nm length were grown with the incorporation of nitrogen. Heterostructures of sp3-bonded diamond nanowires and sp2-bonded graphite were synthesized by adding small amounts of nitrogen to the CH4/Ar gas mixture. Surface roughness became smooth and the grain size decreased as the nitrogen was introduced into the CH4/Ar gas mixture. With the increase of nitrogen concentration, the sp2/sp3 ratio of carbon bonds increased. The wettability of the NCD nanowire films was sensitive to the bonding structure. The hydrophobic and non-reactive properties of NCD nanowire films make them highly applicable for biomedical implants.
The Novel Secreted Factor MIG-18 Acts with MIG-17/ADAMTS to Control Cell Migration in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Kim Hon-Song , Kitano Yuko , Mori Masataka , Takano Tomomi , Harbaugh Thomas Edward , Mizutani Kae , Yanagimoto Haruka , Miwa Sayaka , Ihara Shinji , Kubota Yukihiko , Shibata Yukimasa , Ikenishi Kohji , Garriga Gian , Nishiwaki Kiyoji 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
The migration of Caenorhabditis elegans gonadal distal tip cells (DTCs) offers an excellent model to study the migration of epithelial tubes in organogenesis. mig-18 mutants cause meandering or wandering migration of DTCs during gonad formation, which is very similar to that observed in animals with mutations in mig-17, which encodes a secreted metalloprotease of the ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motifs) family. MIG-18 is a novel secreted protein that is conserved only among nematode species. The mig-17(null) and mig-18 double mutants exhibited phenotypes similar to those in mig-17(null) single mutants. In addition, the mutations in fbl-1/fibulin-1 and let-2/collagen IV that suppress mig-17 mutations also suppressed the mig-18 mutation, suggesting that mig-18 and mig-17 function in a common genetic pathway. The Venus-MIG-18 fusion protein was secreted from muscle cells and localized to the gonadal basement membrane, a tissue distribution reminiscent of that observed for MIG-17. Overexpression of MIG-18 in mig-17 mutants and vice versa partially rescued the relevant DTC migration defects, suggesting that MIG-18 and MIG-17 act cooperatively rather than sequentially. We propose that MIG-18 may be a cofactor of MIG-17/ADAMTS that functions in the regulation of the gonadal basement membrane to achieve proper direction of DTC migration during gonadogenesis.
Impact of a Bronchiolitis Guideline on ED Resource Use and Cost: A Segmented Time-Series Analysis
Authors: Akenroye Ayobami T. , Baskin Marc N. , Samnaliev Mihail , Stack Anne M. 
Published: December 2013

OBJECTIVE:
Bronchiolitis is a major cause of infant morbidity and contributes to millions of dollars in health care costs. Care guidelines may cut costs by reducing unnecessary resource utilization. Through the implementation of a guideline, we sought to reduce unnecessary resource utilization and improve the value of care provided to infants with bronchiolitis in a pediatric emergency department (ED).

METHODS:
We conducted an interrupted time series that examined ED visits of 2929 patients with bronchiolitis, aged 1 to 12 months old, seen between November 2007 and April 2013. Outcomes were proportion having a chest radiograph (CXR), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) testing, albuterol or antibiotic administration, and the total cost of care. Balancing measures included admission rate, returns to the ED resulting in admission within 72 hours of discharge, and ED length of stay (LOS).

RESULTS:
There were no significant preexisting trends in the outcomes. After guideline implementation, there was an absolute reduction of 23% in CXR (95% confidence interval [CI]: 11% to 34%), 11% in RSV testing (95% CI: 6% to 17%), 7% in albuterol use (95% CI: 0.2% to 13%), and 41 minutes in ED LOS (95% CI: 16 to 65 minutes). Mean cost per patient was reduced by $197 (95% CI: $136 to $259). Total cost savings was $196 409 (95% CI: $135 592 to $258 223) over the 2 bronchiolitis seasons after guideline implementation. There were no significant differences in antibiotic use, admission rates, or returns resulting in admission within 72 hours of discharge.

CONCLUSIONS:
A bronchiolitis guideline was associated with reductions in CXR, RSV testing, albuterol use, ED LOS, and total costs in a pediatric ED.
Between-Lesion Discrepancies in Terms of Dysplasia, Cell Turnover and Diagnosis in Patients with Multiple Potentially Malignant Oral Lesions
Authors: Lucio Montebugnoli , Andrea Gabusi , Bartolomeo Gissi Davide , Fabio Cervellati , Dora Servidio 
Published: December 2013

Objective:
The present study assessed patients with multiple oral lesions to evaluate the mis-estimation rate in terms of diagnosis and risk of malignant transformation when only one biopsy is performed.

Study Design:
Thirty-five patients presenting at least two white and/or red lesions in different oral mucosa sites with a final diagnosis of leuko/erythroplakias or lichenoid lesions were included, for a total of 70 biopsies.

Results:
Nineteen patients (54%) had at least one between-lesion discrepancy considering the presence/absence of dysplasia (10 patients), normal/high cell turnover (13 patients) or diagnosis (5 patients). Discrepancies were not related to clinical aspect or within-patient similarity of lesions.

Conclusions:
Multiple oral lesions in the same patient can significantly differ in terms of dysplasia, high cell turnover and, even diagnosis. Multiple biopsies are imperative and diagnosis as well as risk of malignant transformation should be formulated for each single lesion rather than for each individual patient.
A Psychoeducational Program to Restore Hypoglycemia Awareness: The DAFNE-HART Pilot Study
Authors: de Zoysa Nicole , Rogers Helen , Stadler Marietta , Gianfrancesco Carla , Beveridge Susan , Britneff Emma , Choudhary Pratik , Elliott Jackie , Heller Simon , Amiel Stephanie A. 
Published: December 2013

OBJECTIVE
To develop and pilot a novel intervention addressing motivational and cognitive barriers to avoiding hypoglycemia in people with type 1 diabetes and persistent impaired awareness of hypoglycemia (IAH) despite training in flexible insulin therapy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A 6-week intervention using motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral techniques was designed. Diabetes educators were trained and supported in its delivery to 23 people with IAH (Gold score ≥4).

RESULTS
Twelve months postcourse, hypoglycemia awareness had improved (P &lt; 0.001). Median (range) rates of severe hypoglycemia (SH) fell from 3 (0–104) to 0 (0–3) per person per year (P &lt; 0.0001) and moderate from 14 (0–100) to 0 (0–18) per person per 6 weeks (P &lt; 0.001). Worry and behavior around hyperglycemia improved. HbA1c was unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS
A pilot intervention targeting motivation and cognitions around hypoglycemia engaged patients with resistant IAH and recurrent SH and was associated with significant improvement, supporting the hypothesis that these factors underpin problematic hypoglycemia.
Ex Situ Conservation of Rare Medicinal Plants in the Botanical Garden (Institute) of Academy of Sciences of Moldova
Authors: Ciocârlan Nina 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
This work refers to the native species of genus Astragalus L. (A. dasyanthus, A. ponticus), Adonis L. (A. vernalis, A. wolgensis) and Digitalis L. (D. lanata, D. grandiflora). The plants are cultivated in the Botanical Garden of Moldova in the field collection of the medicinal and aromatic plants. Investigation includes propagation aspects, research into cultivation techniques and conservation measures. The biological particularities and the phenologic rhythm are also registered. The obtained data shows the ecological flexibility of species and the possibility of preserving them in culture.