bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mortality and Sudden Death in Pediatric Left Ventricular Noncompaction in a Tertiary Referral Center
Authors: Brescia Samuel T. , Rossano Joseph W. , Pignatelli Ricardo , Jefferies John L. , Price Jack F. , Decker Jamie A. , Denfield Susan W. , Dreyer W. Jeffrey , Smith O’Brian , Towbin Jeffrey A. , Kim Jeffrey J. 
Published: May 2013

Background—
Left ventricular noncompaction is a cardiomyopathy characterized by excessive trabeculation of the left ventricle, progressive myocardial dysfunction, and early mortality. Left ventricular noncompaction has a heterogeneous clinical presentation that includes arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death.

Methods and Results—

We retrospectively reviewed all children diagnosed with left ventricular noncompaction at Texas Children’s Hospital from January 1990 to January 2009. Patients with congenital cardiac lesions were excluded. Two hundred forty-two children were diagnosed with isolated left ventricular noncompaction over the study period. Thirty-one (12.8%) died, and 13 (5.4%) were received a transplant. One hundred fifty (62%) presented with or developed cardiac dysfunction. The presence of cardiac dysfunction was strongly associated with mortality (hazard ratio, 11;
P
<0.001). ECG abnormalities were present in 87%, with ventricular hypertrophy and repolarization abnormalities occurring most commonly. Repolarization abnormalities were associated with increased mortality (hazard ratio, 2.1;
P
=0.02). Eighty children (33.1%) had an arrhythmia, and those with arrhythmias had increased mortality (hazard ratio, 2.8;
P
=0.002). Forty-two (17.4%) had ventricular tachycardia, with 5 presenting with resuscitated sudden cardiac death. In total, there were 15 cases of sudden cardiac death in the cohort (6.2%). Nearly all patients with sudden death (14 of 15) had abnormal cardiac dimensions or cardiac dysfunction. No patient with normal cardiac dimensions and function without preceding arrhythmias died.

Conclusions—
Left ventricular noncompaction has a high mortality rate and is strongly associated with arrhythmias in children. Preceding cardiac dysfunction or ventricular arrhythmias are associated with increased mortality. Children with normal cardiac dimensions and normal function are at low risk for sudden death.
The role of inflammatory cytokines on the aetiopathogenesis of depression
Authors: Makhija Karan , Karunakaran Satish 
Published: May 2013

Objective: The primary focus of this review is to provide an overview of the role of inflammation in the development of depression. The article will describe how inflammatory cytokines contribute to depression via action on three major pathways in the brain: the neuroendocrine; neurotransmitter depletion; and neuroprogression pathways. Methods: An online literature search was carried out in July 2012. Original articles and reviews were selected if they discussed the role of inflammation on the development of depression. Results: There is a large body of current research on the role of inflammatory cytokines on the development of depression. Cytokines have been found to interact with different pathways in the brain, and may contribute to the development of depression. Cytokines cause hypercortisolaemia by dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis directly by activating it and indirectly by modifying glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity to cortisol leading to cortisol hypersecretion. Cytokines deplete central synaptic serotonin levels by reducing its synthesis and increasing its reuptake. They may also deplete neurotrophic factors which are believed to play a neuroprotective role against depression. Cytokines activate cellular cascades that cause excitotoxicity and apoptosis and inhibit neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Conclusion: There is a growing body of correlative studies that suggest inflammatory cytokines may be a central factor that can affect multiple neuronal pathways and have an additive effect on the development of depression. However, the fact that not all people with inflammatory conditions suffer from depression suggests that depression is not purely a result of elevated inflammatory cytokines. Depression may be a result of a complex pathology that remains an area of growing interest and importance.
Linear Modeling of Human Hand-Arm Dynamics Relevant to Right-Angle Torque Tool Interaction
Authors: Ay Haluk , Sommerich Carolyn M. , Luscher Anthony F. 
Published: May 2013

Objective: A new protocol was evaluated for identification of stiffness, mass, and damping parameters employing a linear model for human hand-arm dynamics relevant to right-angle torque tool use. Background: Powered torque tools are widely used to tighten fasteners in manufacturing industries. While these tools increase accuracy and efficiency of tightening processes, operators are repetitively exposed to impulsive forces, posing risk of upper extremity musculoskeletal injury. Methods: A novel testing apparatus was developed that closely mimics biomechanical exposure in torque tool operation. Forty experienced torque tool operators were tested with the apparatus to determine model parameters and validate the protocol for physical capacity assessment. Results: A second-order hand-arm model with parameters extracted in the time domain met model accuracy criterion of 5% for time-to-peak displacement error in 93% of trials (vs. 75% for frequency domain). Average time-to-peak handle displacement and relative peak handle force errors were 0.69 ms and 0.21%, respectively. Model parameters were significantly affected by gender and working posture. Conclusion: Protocol and numerical calculation procedures provide an alternative method for assessing mechanical parameters relevant to right-angle torque tool use. The protocol more closely resembles tool use, and calculation procedures demonstrate better performance of parameter extraction using time domain system identification methods versus frequency domain. Application: Potential future applications include parameter identification for in situ torque tool operation and equipment development for human hand-arm dynamics simulation under impulsive forces that could be used for assessing torque tools based on factors relevant to operator health (handle dynamics and hand-arm reaction force).
A Life-course Perspective on Adolescents’ Attitudes to Police
Authors: Schuck Amie M. 
Published: May 2013

Objectives: Describe the developmental trajectory of perceptions of the police by youth as they transition from adolescence to young adulthood. Method: A longitudinal experiment to evaluate the impact of the D.A.R.E. program ( N = 1,773). Latent variable growth modeling was used. Results: A dramatic decline in the favorable attitudes of youth toward the police begins in about seventh grade. More negative perceptions of police are associated with minority racial status, negative experiences with officers, involvement in the delinquent subculture, and greater expressions of skewed legal norms. There is a long-term positive effect of D.A.R.E. on attitudes toward the police, particularly for African American youth. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of theorizing about perceptions of the police from a life course perspective. Findings raise new policy questions about the long-term impact of school-based programs, such as D.A.R.E., and the role of multiple reference groups in the formation of minorities’ attitudes. More research is needed to gain a better understanding of the cognitive and experiential processes involved in attitude formation.
Intimate Partner Violence and the Victim-Offender Overlap
Authors: Tillyer Marie Skubak , Wright Emily M. 
Published: May 2013

Objectives: Examine the prevalence and correlates of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization and offending, as well as the overlap of these experiences. Method: Data from wave 4 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health were analyzed to examine IPV among adults ages 24 to 33. A multinomial logistic regression model was estimated to determine whether the correlates of IPV vary across victims, perpetrators, and victim-perpetrators. Results: Approximately 20% of respondents reported some IPV involvement in the past year, one-third of whom reported victimization and perpetration. The victim-offender overlap was observed for males and females across various measures of IPV. Bivariate correlations suggest victimization and perpetration have common correlates. Multivariate analysis, however, reveals considerable differences once we distinguish between victims, offenders, and victim-offenders and control for other variables. Perpetrators and victim-perpetrators were more likely to live with a nonspouse partner; feel isolated; display negative temperaments; and report substance use problems. “Victims only” were more likely to live with children and have lower household incomes. Conclusions: The victim-offender overlap exists for IPV across a variety of measures. Though perpetrators and victim-perpetrators have similar characteristics, those who are victims only appear distinctly different. We discuss the implications for theory, policy, and research.
Bounding the Effects of Social Experiments
Authors: Grogger Jeffrey 
Published: May 2013

Background: Social experiments frequently exploit data from administrative records. However, most administrative data systems are designed to track earnings or benefit payments among residents within a single state. When an experimental participant moves across state lines, his entries in the data system of his state of origin consist entirely of zeros. Such attrition may bias the estimated effect of the experiment. Objective: To estimate the attrition arising from interstate mobility and provide bounds on the effect of the experiment. Method: Attrition is estimated from runs of zeros at the end of the sample period. Bounds are constructed from these estimates. These estimates can be refined by imposing a stationarity assumption. Results: The width of the estimated bounds depends importantly on the nature of the data being analyzed. Negatively correlated outcomes provide tighter bounds than positively correlated outcomes. Conclusion: Attrition can introduce considerable ambiguity into the estimated effects of experimental programs. To reduce ambiguity, one should collect as much data as possible. Even data on outcomes of no direct interest to the objectives of the experiment may be valuable for reducing the ambiguity that arises due to attrition.
Examining the language skills of children with ADHD following a play-based intervention
Authors: Docking Kimberley , Munro Natalie , Cordier Reinie , Ellis Prudence 
Published: May 2013

Communication and play skills are important aspects of development yet are largely uncharted in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This exploratory study examined whether changes in pragmatic skills and problem-solving skills were observed in children with ADHD pre- and post-participation in a play-based intervention conducted by occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists. The study also investigated whether the presence of language difficulties affected the children’s play outcomes. Fourteen children with ADHD (5;0–10;7 years) participated in a 7-week, pilot intervention to address play and social skill deficits. Pre- and post-intervention testing included: (a) the assessment of play and problem-solving skills via standardized testing, and (b) pragmatic skills via parent report. The children’s language skills were also screened and compared with their play scores. Play skills significantly improved post-intervention. No significant differences were observed for pragmatic skills while prediction skills, an aspect of problem-solving, significantly improved pre- and post-play-based intervention. Fifty percent of children failed the language screener, yet separate paired t-tests identified significant play improvements irrespective of the presence or absence of language difficulty. Two independent t-tests revealed significant differences in play scores between these groups at pre- but not post-intervention. While play and predicting skills significantly improved post-play-based intervention, other aspects of problem-solving and pragmatics did not. Reasons for the lack of change in these areas are discussed. The presence of language difficulties did not appear to affect the play outcomes of children with ADHD following a play-based intervention. A larger scale experimental trial investigating the play and language skills of children with ADHD is warranted, as is future collaborative research between occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists in the assessment and management of children with ADHD.
Efficacy of shellac, a natural product, for the prevention of wet gangrene
Authors: Alzahrani Hasan , Bedir Yhya , Al-Hayani Abdulmonaim 
Published: May 2013

Objective To determine the effects of applying a natural polymer solution (shellac) to dry gangrene, and thereby prevent infection and progression to wet gangrene, in diabetic patients. Methods This randomized, controlled, pilot study included patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who had unreconstructable peripheral vascular disease and were awaiting autoamputation. Eligible patients were contraindicated for surgery, had a limited life expectancy and/or had refused surgical amputations. All patients received the best possible medical treatment and were randomized to receive either topical shellac or antiseptic application of 10% povidone-iodine (PVP-I) solution to gangrenous areas. Results A total of 26 diabetic patients were eligible for inclusion, of whom 23 completed the study: 13 were treated with shellac and 10 with PVP-I. The amputation rate was higher in the conventional treatment group versus the shellac group (60.0% versus 46.2%, respectively), although this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions Shellac is a natural solution that may be used to embalm gangrenous tissue in selected diabetic patients. More studies are needed to assess the long-term outcomes of this technique.
Prognostic value of serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activity in patients with sepsis
Authors: Li Yunhui , Zhai Rubo , Li Haifeng , Mei Xu , Qiu Guangbin 
Published: May 2013

Objective To determine whether serum paraoxonase (PON) and arylesterase (ARE) activity might predict sepsis mortality. Methods Patients with sepsis and healthy control subjects were enrolled in this retrospective study. Serum PON and ARE activity levels were measured. Patients were stratified according to 30-day mortality rates. Results Serum PON and ARE activity levels were significantly lower in patients with sepsis ( n = 61) than in healthy controls ( n = 32), and were significantly lower in nonsurviving patients ( n = 22) than in surviving patients ( n = 39). Low PON and ARE activity levels were significantly correlated with poor overall survival in patients with sepsis. Conclusions Decreased serum PON and ARE activity is related to poor prognosis in patients with sepsis. Measuring the activity of PON and ARE may represent a new method for evaluating the prognosis of sepsis. In addition, both PON and ARE are potential molecular treatment targets for sepsis.
Arthroscopic Repair of Massive Rotator Cuff Tears
Authors: Chung Seok Won , Kim Joon Yub , Kim Min Hyung , Kim Sae Hoon , Oh Joo Han 
Published: May 2013

Background: Many patients with an unhealed cuff after repair show functional improvement. Purpose: To evaluate outcomes of arthroscopically repaired massive rotator cuff tears and to identify prognostic factors affecting rotator cuff healing and functional outcome, especially in patients with failed rotator cuff healing. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Among 173 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of a massive rotator cuff tear, 108 patients with a mean age of 63.7 years were included. Outcome evaluation was completed both anatomically (CT arthrography or ultrasonography) and functionally at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively; mean follow-up period was 31.68 ± 15.81 months. Various factors affecting cuff healing were analyzed, and factors affecting functional outcome were evaluated in patients with failed repairs using both univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: The anatomic failure rate was 39.8% in arthroscopically repaired massive rotator cuff tears; however, functional status significantly improved regardless of cuff healing ( P < .05). Several factors were associated with failure of cuff healing in the univariate analysis, but only fatty infiltration (FI) of the infraspinatus was significantly related to healing failure in the multivariate analysis ( P = .04). Among patients with failed rotator cuff healing, only reduced postoperative acromiohumeral distance (AHD) was related to poor functional outcome in the multivariate analysis ( P = .01), with a cutoff value of 4.1 mm. Conclusion: Despite a high rate of healing failures, arthroscopic repair can be recommended in patients with massive rotator cuff tears because of the functional gain at midterm follow-up. Higher FI of the infraspinatus was the single most important factor negatively affecting cuff healing. In cases of failed massive rotator cuff repair, no preoperative factor was able to predict poor functional outcome; reduced postoperative AHD was the only relevant functional determinant in the patients’ eventual functional outcome and should be considered when ascertaining a prognosis and planning further treatment strategies.
Correlation Between Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Clinical Outcomes After Cartilage Repair Surgery in the Knee
Authors: Blackman Andrew J. , Smith Matthew V. , Flanigan David C. , Matava Matthew J. , Wright Rick W. , Brophy Robert H. 
Published: May 2013

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used to assess cartilage after surgical repair. The correlation between MRI and clinical outcomes is not well understood. Hypothesis: Postoperative MRI findings correlate with clinical outcome measures in patients after articular cartilage surgery of the knee. Study Design: Meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify studies in which MRI and clinical outcomes were correlated after autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), osteochondral autograft transfer system (OATS), or microfracture. Studies that reported correlation coefficients ( r) for different MRI parameters were then included in a meta-analysis. Results: A total of 26 studies were identified for inclusion in this systematic review, 15 of which were included in the meta-analysis. Most of the studies (n = 19) involved ACI, although studies were available for OATS (n = 5) and microfracture (n = 4). The strongest MRI correlates with clinical outcomes after ACI were graft hypertrophy ( r = 0.72) and repair tissue signal ( r = 0.71). After microfracture, the strongest MRI correlates were the Henderson score ( r = 0.97), subchondral edema ( r = 0.77), and repair tissue signal ( r = 0.76). Correlations after OATS were not as strong, with defect fill ( r = 0.53) and repair tissue structure ( r = 0.51) being the strongest. Conclusion: The MRI findings do correlate with clinical outcomes after cartilage repair surgery in the knee, although the specific parameters that correlate best vary by the type of procedure performed. No current MRI classification system has been shown to correlate with clinical outcomes after all types of cartilage repair surgery.
Providing Mother’s Own Milk in the Context of the NICU
Authors: Hurst Nancy , Engebretson Joan , Mahoney Jane S. 
Published: May 2013

Background: Mothers of very preterm infants continue to face challenges related to providing their expressed breast milk in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Objective: This qualitative study sought to understand the experience of mothers of hospitalized very preterm infants related to their daily pumping routine during the NICU stay. Methods: Fourteen women who were pumping breast milk for their hospitalized infants were interviewed. Sequential, semistructured, audiotaped individual interviews were conducted at 2 different time points: within 2 weeks following delivery when the mothers were pumping only, and 4 to 6 weeks once breastfeeding had been initiated. Results: The central themes found were: becoming a “mother–interrupted” and negotiating a paradoxical experience of separation and connection. Unique to these findings were the paradoxical view of the pump as both a wedge and a link to their infants, the intense dislike the mothers had for the tasks required to provide their expressed breast milk, and diversionary tactics used during pumping sessions. Conclusion: The complexity of thoughts, actions, and behaviors revealed in the mothers’ narrative accounts provides a guide to direct future breastfeeding interventions and management.
Characteristics of regenerated nanocellulosic fibers from cellulose dissolution in aqueous solutions for wood fiber/polypropylene composites
Authors: Lee Sangyeob , Pan Hui , Hse Chung Y , Gunasekaran Alfred R , Shupe Todd F 
Published: May 2013

The effects of aqueous solutions were evaluated on the properties of regenerated cellulosic nanofibers prepared from pure cellulose fibers in various formulations of aqueous solutions. Thermoplastic composites were prepared with reinforcement of the regenerated cellulosic nanofibers. The regenerated cellulosic fibers from cellulosic woody biomass were obtained from dissolved cellulose solutions by coagulating with sulfuric acid and water for phase separation. The properties of the regenerated cellulosic fibers were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), field emission scanning electron microscopy, and tensile testing. The TGA, WAXRD, and FTIR spectra indicated that the regenerated nanofibers possessed cellulosic crystal type II. The micrographs of regenerated cellulosic fibers showed a dense composite structure and lower crystallinity than controlled fibers. The tensile strength of regenerated cellulosic fiber-reinforced polymer composites reached 30 MPa, which was 70% higher than the control fiber-reinforced composites. The composites prepared from regenerated fibers with sodium hydroxide (NaOH)/urea and NaOH/urea/thiourea aqueous solutions provided the best results. This work also provides a potential promising method to efficiently obtain nanocellulosic fibers as reinforcement materials in bio-based nanocomposites.
Chicken feather fibers–recycled high-density polyethylene composites
Authors: Supri Abdul Ghani , Aizat A Emy , Yazid MIM , Masturina M 
Published: May 2013

The effects of ε-caprolactam on tensile properties, morphology, thermal degradation, and swelling behavior of recycled high-density polyethylene–chicken feather fiber composites (r-HDPE/CFF) were studied. The r-HDPE/CFF composites were prepared using Brabender Plasticorder at 160°C and a rotor speed of 50 r min−1 for 6 min. The r-HDPE/CFF/ε-caprolactam composites exhibit higher tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and final decomposition temperature, but lower mass swell percentage and elongation at break than r-HDPE/CFF composites. Scanning electron microscopic morphology showed that the CFF was more widely dispersed in the r-HDPE matrix with the addition of ε-caprolactam as a coupling agent. It was also found that the addition of ε-caprolactam offers better thermal stability in r-HDPE/CFF/caprolactam composites than r-HDPE/CFF composites.