bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of calcium assay change on a local adjusted calcium equation
Authors: Davies Sarah L , Hill Charlotte , Bailey Lisa M , Davison Andrew S , Milan Anna M 
Published: April 2015

Background Deriving and validating local adjusted calcium equations is important for ensuring appropriate calcium status classification. We investigated the impact on our local adjusted calcium equation of a change in calcium method by the manufacturer from cresolphthalein complexone to NM-BAPTA. Methods Calcium and albumin results from general practice requests were extracted from the Laboratory Information Management system for a three-month period. Results for which there was evidence of disturbance in calcium homeostasis were excluded leaving 13,482 sets of results for analysis. The adjusted calcium equation was derived following least squares regression analysis of total calcium on albumin and normalized to the mean calcium concentration of the data-set. The revised equation (NM-BAPTA calcium method) was compared with the previous equation (cresolphthalein complexone calcium method). Results The switch in calcium assay resulted in a small change in the adjusted calcium equation but was not considered to be clinically significant. The calcium reference interval differed from that proposed by Pathology Harmony in the UK. Conclusions Local adjusted calcium equations should be re-assessed following changes in the calcium method. A locally derived reference interval may differ from the consensus harmonized reference interval.
Educator talk ratio as a quality indicator in group-based patient education
Authors: Stenov Vibeke , Henriksen Jan Erik , Folker Anna P , Skinner Timothy C , Willaing Ingrid 
Published: April 2015

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate participants’ experiences of and satisfaction with the content and outcome of 13 different sessions of a 4-day diabetes education programme and to compare participants’ experiences with the extent of educator talk in the sessions. A 10-second event coding was used to evaluate educators’ application of participatory methods in patient education. Method: Four diabetes education courses, each consisting of 13 sessions with 10–12 participants, were monitored, using the 10-second event coding to assess educator talk ratios. Three focus group interviews were performed after the course, and 19 exploratory interviews were performed with participants within 3 months of the end of the course. Participants were asked about their experiences of personal outcomes derived from participation in the programme in general and from participation in each session. Qualitative data were analysed using systematic text condensation focused on participants’ perceptions of the personal outcomes derived from each session. Participant reports were compared to measured educator talk ratios to assess relationships between experiences and educator talk ratios. Results: Positive participant-reported outcomes such as learning from each other and a feeling of safety and freedom were associated with low educator talk ratios in specific sessions. However, participants appreciated high talk ratios when educators presented knowledge attendees perceived as essential and meaningful to everyday life. Conclusion: The educator talk ratio is a useful metric to evaluate the quality of group-based diabetes education using participatory methods. However, it must be used in combination with an assessment of education content and format.
Predictors of vocational status in schizophrenia patients – Results from the Polish nationwide survey
Authors: Kiejna Andrzej , Piotrowski Patryk , Misiak Błażej , Adamowski Tomasz , Schubert Agata , Skrzekowska-Baran Iwona , Frydecka Dorota 
Published: April 2015

Background: Steady employment constitutes one of most important aspects of functional recovery in schizophrenia. Therefore, there is a need for understanding clinical and demographic factors predicting vocational status in schizophrenia. Methods: Clinical and demographic data of 1,010 schizophrenia patients were gathered from public outpatient clinics. We compared patients who maintained employment between the diagnosis time point and the day of assessment, with the patients who were employed in the diagnosis time point but were unemployed on the day of assessment with respect to clinical and demographic variables. Results: Lower educational attainment, lower-income region of residence, medical comorbidities (obesity, diabetes and hypertension), first hospitalization at inpatient unit in comparison with the day hospital, higher total number of hospitalizations and the number of inpatient hospitalizations were found to serve as predictors of unemployment throughout the course of schizophrenia. After application of Bonferroni correction and logistic binary regression analysis, lower educational attainment, higher number of inpatient hospitalizations and obesity predicted unemployment. Conclusion: Education, obesity and the number of inpatient hospitalizations seem to predict vocational outcome in schizophrenia. This study warrants further investigation of medical comorbidities in schizophrenia in terms of social consequences in order to indicate the direction of this relationship.
A longitudinal study of the health and wellbeing of culturally and linguistically diverse caregivers of people with psychosis in Australia
Authors: Poon Weng Cheong , Joubert Lynette , Harvey Carol 
Published: April 2015

Background: Despite Australia being an ethnically diverse country, there are limited longitudinal studies of the health and wellbeing of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) carers of people with psychosis. An Australian population-based survey found that 22.7% of carers of people with mental disorders were born overseas. Aims: This study aimed to explore the demographic profile, social connectedness, psychological health, quality of life, grief and caregiving consequences of CALD carers of people with psychosis over 12 months. Method: This longitudinal study utilised a prevalence survey design and recruited 52 CALD carers who were born in 24 countries outside Australia. A series of validated instruments were administered to assess carer health and wellbeing. Results: Descriptive and inferential analysis of the results suggested that CALD carers experienced social isolation (34.7%), psychological distress (28.9%), moderate grief and caregiving consequences and poorer quality of life than the general population. Younger CALD carers and spouse carers experienced greater negative caregiving consequences than other kinship or friend carers. There were no significant changes in these outcomes over the 12-month period of the study. Conclusion: Ethnic-sensitive interventions are needed to better support CALD carers experiencing negative caregiving consequences, especially younger carers or spouses, within the current level of service provision.
Unusual cause of acute abdomen in a child – torsion of greater omentum: report of two cases
Authors: Pogorelić Zenon , Katić Josip , Gudelj Karla , Mrklić Ivana , Vilović Katarina , Perko Zdravko 
Published: April 2015

Introduction Torsion of the omentum is twisting along its long axis and a rare cause of acute abdomen. Depending on associated conditions, it is classified as primary and secondary. It may mimic different pathologies presenting as acute abdomen, most common of them being acute appendicitis. Current choice for management of omental torsion is laparoscopic surgery. Case presentation We present two cases of omental torsion of two boys who presented with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting and underwent emergency laparoscopy. Conclusion Omental torsion is very rare, and its diagnosis is usually made only after surgery. At laparoscopy, omental torsion is suspected when the appendix is normal and the symptoms and findings of torsion are present. Laparoscopy is a safe and effective approach for the diagnosis and management of omental torsion, with the advantages of reduced postoperative pain and hospital stay.
BDNF Promoter Methylation Associated with Suicidal Ideation in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Kim Jae-Min , Kang Hee-Ju , Kim Seon-Young , Kim Sung-Wan , Shin Il-Seon , Kim Hye-Ran , Park Min-Ho , Shin Myung-Geun , Yoon Jung-Han , Yoon Jin-Sang 
Published: April 2015

Objective Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been considered a risk factor for suicidality. BDNF secretion is influenced by epigenetic (DNA methylation) and genetic (val66met polymorphism) profiles. We aimed to investigate the independent effects of BDNF promoter methylation status on suicidal ideation as well as the effects of its interaction with the val66met polymorphism in patients with breast cancer. Methods A total of279 patients with breast cancer were evaluated 1 week after breast surgery, and 244 (87%) were followed up 1 year later. Suicidal ideation was identified using the item addressing suicidal thoughts on the Beck Depression Inventory. The independent effects of BDNF methylation status on suicidal ideation at two points was investigated using multivariable logistic regression models. The two-way interactive effects of BDNF methylation status and the val66met polymorphism on suicidal ideation were also estimated using the same models. Results Increased BDNF methylation was significantly associated with suicidal ideation and depression 1 year after breast surgery, and this association was independent of potential covariates, including previous depression, current depressive symptoms, and BDNF genotype. No significant methylation-genotype interactions were found. Conclusions The BDNF hypothesis and the epigenetic origin of suicidality in patients with breast cancer were supported. BDNF gene methylation status may be a biological marker for suicidality in patients with breast cancer.
Voice Outcomes Following Radiation Versus Laser Microsurgery for T1 Glottic Carcinoma
Authors: Greulich Matthew T. , Parker Noah P. , Lee Philip , Merati Albert L. , Misono Stephanie 
Published: April 2015

ObjectiveSystematic review of literature on patient‐reported voice handicap following T1 glottic squamous cell carcinoma treatment using transoral laser microsurgery or radiation therapy.Data SourcesPubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus (1997‐2013).Review MethodsThese data sources were searched for papers reporting Voice Handicap Index (VHI) after treatment of early glottic carcinoma. Review and reference cross‐checking were performed using a priori selection criteria. Study data were abstracted and publication quality categorized independently by 2 authors. Corresponding authors were contacted to maximize data for analysis. Meta‐analysis was performed only with studies that included both treatment modalities, to reduce heterogeneity and maximize rigor; random effects modeling was used to pool results.ResultsEighteen publications were identified that reported VHI data following surgery and radiotherapy for T1 glottic carcinoma. No studies were randomized. When studies that reported multiple T‐stages or systematic treatment selection bias were excluded, 8 retrospective cohort studies describing 362 patients were suitable for meta‐analysis. Follow‐up time (mean, 47 months; range, 1‐298 mo) and extent of surgical excision varied across studies. Six studies showed no VHI difference between treatment arms; 2 favored radiotherapy over surgery (1 of which reported transmuscular cordectomy for all surgical patients); and none favored surgery. Meta‐analysis showed no significant difference in posttreatment VHI between radiotherapy and surgery (mean difference, –5.52; 95% confidence interval, –11.40, 0.36; heterogeneity I2 = 61%, P =. 01).ConclusionVHI scores were comparable following transoral laser microsurgery and radiation therapy for T1 glottic carcinoma in the current literature, suggesting no clinically significant difference in functional voice outcomes between treatment types.
Biocompatibility of cardiopulmonary bypass circuit with new polymer Senko E-Ternal CoatingTM
Authors: Fukui T , Nishida H , Takanashi S 
Published: April 2015

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the biocompatibility of a new Senko E-Ternal coating (SEC) for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuits with the well-established poly-2-methoxyethyl acrylate (PMEA) coating. Methods: Forty patients undergoing aortic valve replacement were randomly assigned to either an SEC-coated group (n = 20) or a PMEA-coated group (n = 20). Clinical data and the following markers were analyzed: platelet count, platelet factor (PF) 4, fibrinogen, fibrinogen degradation products (FDPs), antithrombin III (AT III), thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), plasminogen, complement hemolytic activity (CH50), complement 3 (C3) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Blood samples were obtained at five time points in both groups. Results: CPB time, aortic cross-clamp time and blood loss and transfusion were similar in both groups. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of platelet count, PF4 and all coagulation and fibrinolytic parameters (FDP, AT III, TAT, and plasminogen) at any time points. Inflammatory markers (CH50, C3 and IL-6) were also similar in both groups at all time points. Conclusions: The SEC-coated circuit demonstrated equivalent biocompatibility to the PMEA-coated circuit. SEC-coated circuits are, therefore, favorably comparable to PMEA-coated circuits for clinical use in CPB.
Assessment of apoptotic cells in the wall of thrombophlebitic saphenous vein
Authors: Li Hu , Han Wei , Wang Lei , Chu Haibo , Xu Yongbo , Wang Tao , Tang Jinyuan , Li Kun , Zhao Jianhua 
Published: April 2015

Introduction Programmed cell death plays a critical role in various physiological processes. In the present study, we investigated its possible pathogenic role in primary varicose veins. We studied histological changes in surgical specimens from thrombophlebitic saphenous veins. In thrombophlebitic saphenous, varicose, and healthy veins, we also determined the number of apoptotic cells, and investigated apoptosis in the role of the pathogenesis of varicose veins. Methods Forty-four specimens of thrombophlebitic saphenous veins and simple varicose veins were collected. Thirteen samples of normal great saphenous veins were also collected (control group). Apoptosis of venous walls was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and immunofluorescence methods. The corpuscular number per high-power field was counted under light microscopy. Results A significantly higher apoptotic ratio of the intima and media were observed in control veins as compared with thrombophlebitic saphenous veins and simple varicose veins ( p < 0.01). A significant difference was not observed between thrombophlebitic saphenous veins and simple varicose veins ( p > 0.05). A significant difference was not seen between the intima and media of the three groups ( p > 0.05). Conclusion In the walls of thrombophlebitic saphenous veins and varicose veins, the apoptotic indices were clearly decreased. The results suggest that the process of programmed cell death was inhibited in walls of thrombophlebitic saphenous veins and varicose veins.
Prevalence of C7 level anomalies at the C7 level: an important landmark for cervical nerve ultrasonography
Authors: Takeuchi Mikinobu , Aoyama Masahiro , Wakao Norimitsu , Tawada Yuka , Kamiya Mitsuhiro , Osuka Koji , Matsuo Naoki , Takayasu Masakazu 
Published: April 2015

Background Recently, various examination and intervention techniques using cervical nerve ultrasonography have been developed. The specific shapes of the C7 transverse process and vertebral artery in front of the C7 transverse process have become landmarks. Purpose To determine the prevalence of anomalies and anomalous vertebral artery entrances at the C7 transverse process. Material and Methods The records of patients who underwent plain or contrast-enhanced neck or cervical spine computed tomography (CT) were reviewed. The examinations were scored for the anomalous presence of anterior tubercles or cervical ribs as well as vertebral artery entrances in the C7 transverse process. The prevalence of anomalies was compared based on patient sex and age. Results Evaluating the examinations from 2067 patients (1046 men; 1021 women), 1% of patients exhibited an anomalous presence of anterior tubercles, and 0.3% of patients displayed cervical ribs at the C7 transverse process. The prevalence of anomalies process was significantly higher in men aged less than 40 years than in older men ( P < 0.001), whereas the prevalence was not higher in women aged less than 40 years than in older women. The prevalence of vertebral artery entry into the C7 transverse foramen was 0.6%. Conclusion Although an anomalous vertebral artery entry into the C7 transverse foramen was rare, the prevalence of an anomaly at the C7 transverse process was higher in men aged less than 40 years. Therefore, we recommend performing CT in younger men before cervical nerve ultrasonographic intervention to avoid misinterpretations at the cervical level.
Galectin-3 binding protein links circulating microparticles with electron dense glomerular deposits in lupus nephritis
Authors: Nielsen C T , Østergaard O , Rekvig O P , Sturfelt G , Jacobsen S , Heegaard N H H 
Published: April 2015

Objective A high level of galectin-3-binding protein (G3BP) appears to distinguish circulating cell-derived microparticles in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study is to characterize the population of G3BP-positive microparticles from SLE patients compared to healthy controls, explore putative clinical correlates, and examine if G3BP is present in immune complex deposits in kidney biopsies from patients with lupus nephritis. Methods Numbers of annexin V-binding and G3BP-exposing plasma microparticles from 56 SLE patients and 36 healthy controls were determined by flow cytometry. Quantitation of microparticle-associated G3BP, C1q and immunoglobulins was obtained by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Correlations between microparticle-G3BP data and clinical parameters were analyzed. Co-localization of G3BP with in vivo -bound IgG was examined in kidney biopsies from one non-SLE control and from patients with class IV (n = 2) and class V (n = 1) lupus nephritis using co-localization immune electron microscopy. Results Microparticle-G3BP, microparticle-C1q and microparticle-immunoglobulins were significantly ( P < 0.01) increased in SLE patients by LC-MS/MS. Three G3BP-exposing microparticle populations could be discerned by flow cytometry, including two subpopulations that were significantly increased in SLE samples ( P = 0.01 and P = 0.0002, respectively). No associations of G3BP-positive microparticles with clinical manifestations or disease activity were found. Immune electron microscopy showed co-localization of G3BP with in vivo -bound IgG in glomerular electron dense immune complex deposits in all lupus nephritis biopsies. Conclusions Both circulating microparticle-G3BP numbers as well as G3BP expression are increased in SLE patients corroborating G3BP being a feature of SLE microparticles. By demonstrating G3BP co-localized with deposited immune complexes in lupus nephritis, the study supports cell-derived microparticles as a major autoantigen source and provides a new understanding of the origin of immune complexes occurring in lupus nephritis.
Flourishing in the now: Initial validation of a present-eudaimonic time perspective scale
Authors: Vowinckel Jonte C , Westerhof Gerben J , Bohlmeijer Ernst T , Webster Jeffrey D 
Published: April 2015

Introduction A positive focus on the present, the only time zone which we experience directly and permanently, is at least as relevant as perspectives on the past and future in a balanced time perspective and its relation to wellbeing. Yet, few instruments examining a positive present time perspective exist. Two present-directed concepts, mindfulness and flow, that are intrinsically linked to mental wellbeing were analyzed and used to formulate a present-eudaimonic scale that complements the past and future scales of the balanced time perspective scale. The present study addresses the psychometric properties of the present-eudaimonic scale and the modified balanced time perspective scale. Method 131 participants filled out the present-eudaimonic scale, the balanced time perspective scale, the Zimbardo time perspective inventory, the five facet mindfulness questionnaire – short form, the Swedish flow proneness questionnaire and the mental health continuum – short form. Balanced time perspective was operationalized using the deviation from a balanced time perspective coefficient. Results The present-eudaimonic scale showed good psychometric properties including internal consistency, factor structure, and convergent validity. The present-eudaimonic scale explained an additional eleven percent of variance in mental health beyond the other time perspective scales. Balanced time perspective as measured with the modified balanced time perspective scale correlated significantly stronger with mental health than balanced time perspective measured with the Zimbardo time perspective inventory. Conclusions The present-eudaimonic scale fills a gap in the assessment of time perspective and the modified balanced time perspective scale is a promising way to study balanced time perspective.
Defragmenting paediatric anorexia nervosa: the Flinders Medical Centre Paediatric Eating Disorder Program
Authors: Suetani Shuichi , Yiu Sau Man , Batterham Michael 
Published: April 2015

Objective: To describe the establishment and the main characteristics of the Flinders Medical Centre Paediatric Eating Disorder Program. Conclusion: While the programme is still in its infancy, it is hoped that our model of care can provide a sustainable, long term contribution to the management of paediatric eating disorders.
‘Acceptability’ of a new oral suspension formulation of mercaptopurine in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Mulla Hussain , Buck Helen , Price Lisa , Parry Annie , Bell Geoff , Skinner Roderick 
Published: April 2015

Aim The aim of this questionnaire-based survey was to determine the ‘acceptability’ of Xaluprine®, a new oral liquid formulation of mercaptopurine, when administered chronically to children during the maintenance treatment phase of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Patients and methods This was a single centre survey of children (aged 3 to 16 years) and their parents at a routine follow-up visit during the maintenance phase of acute lymphoblastic leukaemica treatment. The questionnaire probed for their views on overall acceptability such as taste, smell, incidences of vomiting, ease and willingness to take Xaluprine® on a daily basis, and utilised a 5-point facial hedonic scale (1 = bad, 5 = good) as well as open/closed questions. Results Twenty-two children were recruited; 17 (77%) scored taste between 3 and 5 (‘okay’ to ‘good’) and 20 (91%) scored smell between 3 and 5. Only four children (18%) reported an aftertaste. Of the five children (23%) who scored taste as 1 or 2 (‘bad’), three found taking all oral medicines difficult. Six children (27%) reported vomiting, but this was not considered related to Xaluprine®. Seven children (32%) sometimes complained that they did not want to take Xaluprine®; 15 (68%) never complained. In response to the question, ‘How easy is it for you to take Xaluprine®?’ 18 children (82%) reported that it was ‘Easy all the time.’ This was more favourable than other oral liquid medicines that they were taking concurrently. Conclusion The results of this survey show that Xaluprine® has good overall acceptability in the paediatric population and suggests that Xaluprine® is an important, alternative, age-appropriate formulation of mercaptopurine.