bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Levothyroxine Improves Abnormal Cardiac Bioenergetics in Subclinical Hypothyroidism: A Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Study
Authors: Madathil Asgar , Hollingsworth Kieren G. , Blamire Andrew M. , Razvi Salman , Newton Julia L. , Taylor Roy , Weaver Jolanta U. 
Published: December 2014

Context:
It is well established that subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is associated with mild cardiac dysfunction, but it is unknown whether there is an underlying impairment of cardiac bioenergetic function.

Objective:
The objective of the study was to quantify the cardiac phosphocreatine to adenosine triphosphate ratio (PCr to ATP) in SCH, compared with healthy controls, and to measure the effect of 6 months of levothyroxine treatment.

Design and Setting:
This was a 6-month, prospective, case-controlled interventional study.

Participants and Main Outcome Measures:
The PCr to ATP ratio was measured using phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy in subjects with SCH at baseline and after levothyroxine therapy (1.6 μg/kg·d) and compared with age- and gender-matched euthyroid controls. All subjects were free of overt heart disease.

Results:
Twenty-one subjects with SCH (normal free T4 and serum TSH between 4.1 and 10 mIU/L) and 17 controls were matched for age (mean age 40.5 vs 43.3 y) and sex (females 81% vs 82%) but differed in mean TSH (6.5 vs 2.1 mIU/L, P &lt; .001). At baseline the mean (±SD) PCr to ATP ratio in SCH was lower than in controls (1.80 ± 0.26 vs 2.07 ± 0.20, P = .001). In the 16 subjects studied after levothyroxine treatment, the PCr to ATP ratio improved (from 1.74 ± 0.24 to 1.91 ± 0.26, P = .004) and approached controls (borderline loss of significance, P = .051). On multivariate analysis, SCH was independently associated with a reduced PCr to ATP ratio, even after adjusting for confounding variables (body mass index and fasting glucose) (P = .001).

Conclusion:
Our results demonstrate early cardiac bioenergetic impairment in SCH, which is reversible with levothyroxine therapy. This mechanistic insight provides justification for longitudinal trials to determine whether improvement in bioenergetic function improves cardiovascular outcome.
Synthesis of Crystalline Poly(lactic acid) from Glycerol By-product via Hydrothermal Reaction and Stereoselective Polymerization
Authors: Hasegawa Takashi , Kishida Hisanori , Nomura Nobuyoshi , Moriya Takehiko 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
In this article, we discuss that glycerol by-product can be a good feedstock for crystalline poly(lactic acid) (PLA). The glycerol by-product containing 46% of glycerol is first converted into racemic lactic acid by an alkaline hydrothermal reaction. The racemic lactic acid is then converted into a stereomixture of lactide, followed by a purification process to obtain racemic lactide. The racemic lactide is stereoselectively polymerized into isotactic PLA, which is crystalline with a high melting temperature of 208 °C.
Dimesitylboryl- and Amino-substituted Acetylene Having Butatriene-type Resonance Contribution
Authors: Onuma Kaoru , Suzuki Katsunori , Yamashita Makoto 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Boryl- and amino-substituted acetylenes would have a butatriene-type resonance contribution due to the interaction between boron empty orbital and nitrogen lone pair. However, a few examples of boryl- and amino-substituted acetylenes have been synthesized up to date, and structural analysis by X-ray crystallography has remained unknown. Here we report the synthesis and characterization of dimesitylboryl- and diethylamino-substituted acetylene. In addition to the spectroscopic studies, the X-ray crystallography of the acetylene revealed the lengthening of the triple bond and the shortening of C–B and C–N bonds, being consistent with the butatriene-type resonance contribution.
DNA Binding of Pentaamino[60]fullerene Synthesized Using Click Chemistry
Authors: Nitta Hirohisa , Minami Kosuke , Harano Koji , Nakamura Eiichi 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
We have synthesized pentaaminofullerene 4 by the introduction of dimethylamino groups using a click reaction. The dendritic fullerene amphiphile showed a low critical micelle concentration of 3.6 ± 0.5 µM. 4 is shown to be an efficient DNA binder that compacts DNA into nanoparticles at low nitrogen/phosphorus ratios.
Antibiotic resistance and irrational prescribing in paediatric clinics in Greece
Authors: Toska Aikaterini , Geitona Mary 
Published: December 2014

Introduction:Greece is among the countries with the highest rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and simultaneous antibiotic consumption.Aim:The aim of this study was to assess the perceptions and knowledge of AMR and irrational antibiotic prescribing of nurses working in paediatric hospitals in Greece.Method:A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to nurses in paediatric hospitals and paediatric clinics in Greece. Descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses were performed. Levels of significance were two-tailed and statistical significance was p=0.05.Results:A total of 87% of participants reported irrational prescribing to be an important cause of AMR. Diagnostic uncertainty was stated by 55.5% as the main cause of irrational antibiotic prescribing and 94% suggested the use of protocols and guidelines as the main measure to control overprescribing. Parental demand for antibiotics in hospitals has increased according to 51.8% of respondents. Strong correlation was observed between social-demographic characteristics and antibiotic resistance, as well as irrational prescribing.Conclusions:Assessing nurses' knowledge and perceptions of antimicrobial resistance and irrational prescribing is vital as nurses actively participate in the antibiotics administration process and antimicrobial management in Greece. Their involvement could contribute to educate patients and parents on the public-health implications of overprescribing and antimicrobial resistance.
Defining Information Needs for Public Health Systems and Services Research
Authors: Buehler James 
Published: December 2014

Background: People who lead or manage public health agencies have multiple needs
for information in order to do their jobs effectively. In seeking to investigate “what
works” in public health practice, investigators in the field of public health systems
and services research (PHSSR) have largely overlapping information needs but often
require a greater detail, specificity, or comprehensiveness than is routinely available
in public health data systems.PHSSR Data Needs Meeting: On April 24, 2014, the PHSSR
Center of the University of Kentucky and AcademyHealth convened a 1-day meeting of
public health practitioners and PHSSR investigators to identify PHSSR information needs.
Meeting participants considered data needs for three PHSSR domains: the organization of
public health agencies and services, the use of rapidly evolving health information
technologies, and the financing and economic evaluation of public health
activities.Future Data Needs: Identifying data needs in these and other PHSSR domains
requires clarification of research questions, consideration of research methods, a
balance of imagination and practicality, and investments to extend the information
captured in existing administrative, financial, and population health monitoring
systems.
Light Weight Tabletop Exercise for Cybersecurity Education
Authors: Ottis Rain 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
It is often difficult to meaningfully convey concepts like security incident management cycle, information sharing, cooperation, as well as the roles of people, processes and technology in cybersecurity courses. Serious gaming can help solve this problem, since it can provide a more immersive and interactive learning experience than traditional methods. This paper presents a light weight tabletop exercise format that has been successfully used in cybersecurity education to demonstrate these and many other concepts to Master level students in two European universities over the past 5 years. The term light weight is chosen to indicate the low work load and resource requirements for the instructor. The paper provides practical guidance on how to develop and execute such exercises. In addition, it lists observations of concepts and recommended discussion points that have been successfully demonstrated in class using this exercise format.
Text Message Reminders for Second Dose of Influenza Vaccine: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Stockwell Melissa S. , Hofstetter Annika M. , DuRivage Nathalie , Barrett Angela , Fernandez Nadira , Vargas Celibell Y. , Camargo Stewin 
Published: December 2014

OBJECTIVE:
To determine whether provision of vaccine-health-literacy-promoting information in text message vaccine reminders improves receipt and timeliness of the second dose of influenza vaccine within a season for children in need of 2 doses.

METHODS:
During the 2012–2013 season, families of eligible 6-month through 8-year-old children were recruited at the time of their first influenza vaccination from 3 community clinics in New York City. Children (n = 660) were randomly assigned to “educational” text message, “conventional” text message, and “written reminder-only” arms. At enrollment, all arms received a written reminder with next dose due date. Conventional messages included second dose due date and clinic walk-in hours. Educational messages added information regarding the need for a timely second dose. Receipt of second dose by April 30 was assessed by using χ2 tests. Timeliness was assessed by receipt of second dose by 2 weeks after due date (day 42) using χ2 and over time using a Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS:
Most families were Latino and publicly insured with no significant between-arm differences between groups. Children in the educational arm were more likely to receive a second dose by April 30 (72.7%) versus conventional (66.7%) versus written reminder-only arm (57.1%; P = .003). They also had more timely receipt by day 42 (P &lt; .001) and over time (P &lt; .001).

CONCLUSIONS:
In this low-income, urban, minority population, embedding health literacy information improved the effectiveness of text message reminders in promoting timely delivery of a second dose of influenza vaccine, compared with conventional text messages and written reminder only.
Race, Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Status in Research on Child Health
Authors: Cheng Tina L. , Goodman Elizabeth ,   THE COMMITTEE ON PEDIATRIC RESEARCH, Cheng Tina L. , Bogue Clifford W. , Chien Alyna T. , Dean J. Michael , Kharbanda Anupam B. , Peeples Eric S. , Scheindlin Ben 
Published: December 2014

This Policy Statement was reaffirmed September 2022.
An extensive literature documents the existence of pervasive and persistent child health, development, and health care disparities by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (SES). Disparities experienced during childhood can result in a wide variety of health and health care outcomes, including adult morbidity and mortality, indicating that it is crucial to examine the influence of disparities across the life course. Studies often collect data on the race, ethnicity, and SES of research participants to be used as covariates or explanatory factors. In the past, these variables have often been assumed to exert their effects through individual or genetically determined biologic mechanisms. However, it is now widely accepted that these variables have important social dimensions that influence health. SES, a multidimensional construct, interacts with and confounds analyses of race and ethnicity. Because SES, race, and ethnicity are often difficult to measure accurately, leading to the potential for misattribution of causality, thoughtful consideration should be given to appropriate measurement, analysis, and interpretation of such factors. Scientists who study child and adolescent health and development should understand the multiple measures used to assess race, ethnicity, and SES, including their validity and shortcomings and potential confounding of race and ethnicity with SES. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that research on eliminating health and health care disparities related to race, ethnicity, and SES be a priority. Data on race, ethnicity, and SES should be collected in research on child health to improve their definitions and increase understanding of how these factors and their complex interrelationships affect child health. Furthermore, the AAP believes that researchers should consider both biological and social mechanisms of action of race, ethnicity, and SES as they relate to the aims and hypothesis of the specific area of investigation. It is important to measure these variables, but it is not sufficient to use these variables alone as explanatory for differences in disease, morbidity, and outcomes without attention to the social and biologic influences they have on health throughout the life course. The AAP recommends more research, both in the United States and internationally, on measures of race, ethnicity, and SES and how these complex constructs affect health care and health outcomes throughout the life course.
Practical Training of Students and Mentors' Evaluations/Praktična izobrazba studenata i mentorska evaluacija
Authors: Govekar Okoliš Monika 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis article presents the practical training of students at the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia. It talks about the new features and goals of such training, and the connection between practical training and lifelong learning. In addition, international exchange opportunities for students during their practical training are described. And last but not least, there is a section about the importance of high-quality practical training based on the findings mentors have arrived at through their experience, and on a series of evaluations of practical training.Key words: evaluation in practical training; international exchange; practical training and lifelong learning; quality practical training.---Sažetak Ovaj članak govori o praktičnom osposobljavanju studenata Sveučilišta u Ljubljani u Sloveniji. Predstavljene su nove značajke i ciljevi praktične obuke, zatim veza između praktičnoga osposobljavanja i cjeloživotnoga učenja. Osim toga, opisane su mogućnosti međunarodne razmjene za studente tijekom njihove prakse. Na kraju, ali ne manje važno, u radu se govori i o važnosti kvalitetne stručno-pedagoške prakse s obzirom na spoznaje do kojih su mentori došli na temelju svojih iskustava i niza procjena praktičnoga osposobljavanja. Ključne riječi: kvaliteta praktične izobrazbe; međunarodna razmjena; vrednovanje praktičnoga osposobljavanja; praksa i cjeloživotno učenje.
Production of Biogas Using Maize Silage Supplemented with Residual Glycerine from Biodiesel Manufacturing
Authors: Pokój Tomasz , Gusiatin Zygmunt M. , Bułkowska Katarzyna , Dubis Bogdan 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of residual glycerine (5 and 10% w/w) from the biodiesel industry, used as a co-substrate, on biogas production from maize silage. The experiments were conducted in a laboratory-scale, single-stage anaerobic digester at 39ºC and hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 60 d. Addition of 5% residual glycerine caused organic load rate (OLR) to increase to 1.82 compared with 1.31 g organic dry matter (ODM) L-1d-1 for maize silage alone. The specific biogas production rate and biogas yield were 1.34 L L-1d-1 and 0.71 L g ODM-1 respectively, i.e. 86% and 30% higher than for maize alone. Increasing the residual glycerine content to 10% increased OLR (2.01 g ODM L-1d-1), but clearly decreased the specific biogas production rate and biogas yield to 0.50 L L-1d-1 and 0.13 L g ODM-1 respectively. This suggested
that 10% glycerine content inhibited methanogenic bacteria and organics conversion into biogas. As a result, there was accumulation of propionic and valeric acids throughout the experiment.
SDN Controller Mechanisms for Flexible and Customized Networking
Authors: Wytrębowicz Jacek , Ries Thorsten , Dinh Khoa Truong , Kukliński Sławomir 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is seen as the
most promising networking technology today. The spread of
a new technology depends on the acceptance of the engineers
implementing the networks. Typically, when engineers start the
conceptualization of new network devices that work with a new
paradigm, and that should provide expected business values,
they must identify and utilize technical enablers for the defined
business use cases. This paper tries to summarize essential SDN
applications and defines the technical enablers for advanced
and efficient SDN networking. To this end, we identify the core
technical mechanisms, expecting to provide a useful analysis for
the design of new SDN networks.
Trunked Radio Solutions for Special Applications
Authors: Gajewski Sławomir , Gajewska Małgorzata , Katulski Ryszard J. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
In the paper modern concepts of radio communication trunking-dispatch systems for special applications are presented. Basic standards of TETRA, DMR, and cdma2000 are mentioned. The aim of the paper is to present innovative trunking solutions based on the LTE system working both in FDD and TDD mode. The architecture of LTE trunked radio is shown as well as new services possible to implementation are described. The way of TETRA and LTE integration is characterized.
THE FREQUENCY OF ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY IN ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH THALASSEMIA MAJOR VERSUS THALASSEMIA INTERMEDIA IN IRAN
Authors: Matin Sara , Ghanei Jahromi Masoud , Karemizadeh Zohreh , Haghpanah Sezaneh , De Sanctis Vincenzo , Soliman Ashraf , Karimi Mehran 
Published: December 2014

Background: Endocrine dysfunction is not uncommon complication in patients with transfusion dependent thalassemia and is thought to occur as a consequence of excessive iron overload. The main objective of this study is to determine the frequency of adrenal insufficiency in patients with thalassemia major and thalassemia intermediate. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done at the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Southern Iran, in 2013. One hundred and ninety patients were divided into two groups; thalassemia major(TM) and thalassemia intermediate (TI) groups. We measured 8 AM serum cortisol, ACTH and ferritin concentrations in all patients. Results: The mean age of the TM and TI group were 22.5±5.7 and 23.8±6 years, respectively. 90 patients (47.4%) were splenectomized, 34 (36.2%) with TM and 56 (58.2%) with TI (p : 0.001). The mean serum ferritin levels were 3056.5±2306 and 666.2±616.5 in TM and TI respectively (p: 0.001). Three patients with TM (1.6%) had low basal cortisol and ACTH levels. However their cortisol response to ACTH stimulation was normal. Conclusions: Low basal concentrations of cortisol and ACTH occurred in 1.6% of our adolescents young adult patients with TM suggesting a central defect of cortisol secretion at the basal state. However, cortisol response to standard – dose ACTH was normal in all patients with TM and TI.
The Utility of Immunohistochemistry in the Differential Diagnosis of Gynecologic Disorders
Authors: Kaspar Hanna G. , Crum Christopher P. 
Published: December 2014

ContextImmunohistochemistry has assumed an increasing role in the identification and characterization of gynecologic disorders including lesions with deceptively bland morphology, uncommon and underdiagnosed neoplasms, and neoplasms with specific genetic alterations associated with overexpression or loss of expression of specific proteins. The diagnostic accuracy has been significantly improved owing to the discovery and increasing experience with the tumor-associated biomarkers, and the increasing demand for precise tumor classification to assess suitability for the expanding therapeutic modalities including clinical trials.ObjectiveTo differentiate lesions of the gynecologic tract through the use of effective immunohistochemical panels.Data SourcesLiterature review and authors' personal practice experience.ConclusionsThe application of diagnostic and prognostic immunohistochemical panels has enabled pathologists to better guide therapeutic decisions and to better predict the clinical outcome. It is now well established that the use of ancillary testing, including immunohistochemistry, has a significant power in the identification, differentiation, and classification of reactive, premalignant, and malignant gynecologic disorders. This article discusses the utilities and pitfalls of the commonly used immunohistochemical markers in the context of overlapping morphologic features encountered in the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
Noninvasive Imaging of Aortic Atherosclerosis by Ultrasound Biomicroscopy in a Mouse Model
Authors: Zhang Xiaoshan , Ha Si , Wei Wei , Duan Shasha , Shi Yilu , Yang Ya 
Published: December 2014

ObjectivesThe noninvasive and accurate evaluation of vessel characteristics in mouse models has become an intensive focus of vascular medicine. This study aimed to apply ultrasound biomicroscopy to evaluate aortic atherosclerotic progression in a low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDL‐R) knockout mouse model of atherosclerosis.MethodsTen male LDL‐R−/−C57BL/6 mice aged 16 and 24 weeks and 8 male wild‐type C57BL/6 mice aged 16 and 24 weeks were used as experimental and control groups, respectively. Ultrasound biomicroscopy was applied to detect the morphologic characteristics of the aortic root, ascending aorta, aortic arch, and carotid artery and to measure the aortic root intima‐media thickness and carotid artery bifurcation.ResultsUltrasound biomicroscopy showed a significant increase in the aortic root intima‐media thickness from 0.10 ± 0.03 mm in 16‐week‐old mice to 0.16 ± 0.04 mm in 24‐week‐old mice (P < .01). The ultrasound biomicroscopically measured intima‐media thickness was highly correlated with the histologic measurement (r = 0.81).ConclusionsUltrasound biomicroscopy could be used for a noninvasive, accurate, and dynamic analysis of aortic atherosclerosis in LDL‐R knockout mice.
Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Sub‐1‐cm Breast Lesions Using Contrast‐Enhanced Sonography
Authors: Liu He , Jiang Yuxin , Dai Qing , Zhu Qingli , Wang Liang , Zhang Jing , Yang Qian 
Published: December 2014

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to prospectively assess the diagnostic efficacy of contrast‐enhanced sonography for differential diagnosis of sub‐1‐cm breast lesions.MethodsContrast‐enhanced sonography was performed in 46 women with 46 sub‐1‐cm breast lesions scheduled for surgery or biopsy. Histologic results were used as a reference standard. The contrast enhancement pattern, enhancement degree, direction, margin, radial vessels surrounding the lesion, and lesion size discrepancy between contrast‐enhanced and conventional sonography were evaluated.ResultsThe detection rates for increased size, radial vessels surrounding the lesion, and hyperenhancement on contrast‐enhanced sonography were significantly higher in the malignant than the benign group (P < .05). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for increased size were 72.7%, 80.0%, and 78.2%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for radial vessels surrounding the lesion were 54.5%, 97.1%, and 87.0%. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for hyperenhancement were 81.8%, 60.0%, and 65.0%. No significant difference was found for the enhancement pattern, direction, and margin between the groups.ConclusionsContrast‐enhanced sonographic features of sub‐1‐cm breast lesions included increased size on contrast‐enhanced sonography, radial vessels surrounding the lesion, and hyperenhancement. Identification of these features is useful for differentiation of small breast lesions.