bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Armed Ukrainians in L’viv: Ukrainian Militia, Ukrainian Police, 1941 to 1942
Authors: Rich David Alan 
Published: August 2014

Who were the Ukrainians who participated in the exterminatory violence that swept eastern Galicia following the German invasion of the USSR in June 1941? Records show that they represented diverse political and demographic strata. Those most distant from nationalist roots, however, demonstrated the highest lethality and greatest willingness to serve as disciplined agents of Nazi genocide. The cycles of violence in German-occupied Galicia were far from uniform in character. The victims and German perpetrators alike rarely differentiated among the Ukrainians doing the violence. The Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) “task groups” first entered Galicia to establish Ukranian nationalist authority and in Lemberg participated in a few days of blood-letting until disbanded by the SS. A new, better controlled Ukrainian militia likewise proved unreliable except in self-actuated violence, and was disbanded. Finally, in late July 1941 a standing Ukrainian Auxiliary Police force – different in structure, membership, subordination, and motivation – came into being. It participated centrally in the rendering of Lemberg as Judenfrei, as security and civil authorities orchestrated the murder of Lemberg’s 150,000 Jews over the following two years.
US Trends in Receipt of Appropriate Diabetes Clinical and Self-care From 2001 to 2010 and Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Care
Authors: Chen Roxana , Cheadle Allen , Johnson Donna , Duran Bonnie 
Published: August 2014

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine trends in the receipt of 8 recommended diabetes clinical and self-care indicators from 2001 to 2010 and assess racial/ethnic disparities in care. Methods This observational study examined receipt of A1C tests, annual eye and foot exams, flu vaccination, diabetes self-management education (DSME), exercise, self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), and self feet examinations among US adults with diabetes using national survey data from 2001 to 2010. Analyses included estimating proportions for each indicator by year, testing differences in magnitude of change from 2001 to 2010 by race/ethnicity, and regression models to assess changes in care over time and factors associated with care. Results There were significant increases from 2001 to 2010 in A1C tests, annual foot exams, flu shots, DSME, and SMBG but declines in eye and self feet exams. DSME was positively associated with receipt of several care indicators. However, only half of respondents received DSME. White and black non-Hispanics, respectively, experienced improvements in at least 3 indicators. Hispanics experienced a significant increase in exercise but were consistently less likely than whites to receive or engage in most care. Conclusions While improvements in several indicators were observed, patterns varied by race/ethnicity, with Hispanics falling short on most measures. DSME was strongly associated with most care and demonstrates the potential to improve receipt of recommended care by increasing DSME participation. With the Affordable Care Act (ACA), health professionals have a prime opportunity to leverage ACA provisions to increase access to recommended services, including DSME.
Fatalistic Beliefs About Cancer Prevention Among Older African American Men
Authors: Mitchell Jamie A. , Manning Mark , Shires Deirdre , Chapman Robert A. , Burnett Janice 
Published: August 2014

Objectives: Evidence suggests that minority groups are more likely to exhibit fatalistic beliefs about cancer prevention (FBCP), which are defined as confusion, pessimism, and helplessness about one’s ability to prevent cancer. This study examines the socioeconomic and psychosocial predictors of FBCP among older African American men (AAM). Methods: AAM ( N = 1,666) enrolled in Medicare and participating in a longitudinal study on patient navigation were surveyed. Measures included three FBCP constructs, namely demographic items and physical and mental health variables. Binary logistic regression was performed. Results: The average participant was 73.6 years old; 76.5% felt helpless, 44.2% were confused, and 40.7% were pessimistic about the ability to prevent cancer. As education increased, so did all three FBCP. Being downhearted was predictive of confused and helpless beliefs. Discussion: It is critical for health practitioners to understand how psychosocial and economic challenges influence beliefs that may impede cancer prevention efforts for older AAM.
The impact of haemodilution and bypass pump flow on cerebral oxygen desaturation during cardiopulmonary bypass - A comparison of two systems of cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Bennett MJ , Weatherall M , Webb G , Dudnikov SF , Lloyd CT 
Published: August 2014

Objective: To determine the influence of haemodilution, bypass flow rates and calculated oxygen delivery during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with either a conventional CPB (C-CPB) circuit or a miniaturised (Mini-CPB) circuit on cerebral oxygen desaturation. The effect of minimal haemodilution with a Mini-CPB was investigated. Participants: Eighty patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery. Intervention: Oxygenated haemoglobin (O2Hb) and tissue oxygenation index (TOI) were measured with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Results: The average indexed bypass pump flow was significantly lower with Mini-CPB. When combined with haemoglobin concentration, the average oxygen delivery was the same between groups. Patients in the C-CPB group had a greater duration and severity of cerebral desaturation to a level <20% below baseline values, but none reached the depth and duration of the cerebral desaturation associated with poor outcome. Cerebral oxygen desaturation with C-CPB was significantly associated with low flows during bypass, whereas desaturation with Mini-CPB was associated with low perioperative haemoglobin concentration.
Exercise testing and training in people with Huntington’s disease
Authors: Dawes H , Collett J , Debono K , Quinn L , Jones K , Kelson MJ , Simpson SA , Playle R , Backx K , Wasley D , Nemeth AH , Rosser A , Izardi H , Busse M 
Published: August 2014

Objective: To explore exercise response in people with Huntington’s disease (HD). Design: Experimental observational study with a randomly allocated subgroup before/after interventional study. Setting: Community. Subjects: People with HD ( n=30) and a healthy comparator group ( n=20). Thirteen people from the HD group were randomly allocated to an exercise training program. Main measures: Heart rate (HR) and perceived exertion on the Borg-CR10 scale (RPE) during a submaximal cycle ergometer exercise test (three minute unloaded and nine minute 65%-75%HRmaximum phase). Expired air and lactate measures were available for 8 people with HD during the exercise. Intervention: A 12 week gym and home walking exercise programme ( n=13). Results: People with HD achieved a lower work rate at nine minutes (82±42(0-195) v 107±35(50 -185) Watts ( p<0.05)), but higher RPE at both three (3±2(0-7) v 1±1(0-4)) and nine minutes (7±3(1-10) v 5± 2(2-9)) both p<0.01, compared to the healthy group and did not achieve a steady state HR during unloaded cycling. People with HD also demonstrated higher than expected lactate at three 2.5±2.5(1.1-8)mmo.L-1 and nine 3.8±1.9(1.2-6.6)mmo.L-1 minutes and respiratory exchange ratio at three 0.78±0.03 (0.74-0.81) and nine minutes 0.94±0.11(0.81-1.15). After exercise training there were no changes observed in HR or RPE responses during the exercise test. Conclusions: There was a large variability in the observed metabolic and physiological responses to exercise in people with HD. The observed exercise responses suggest that altered exercise prescription parameters may be required for people with HD and that exercise response and factors’ affecting this requires further investigation.
A randomized comparison of energy consumption when using different canes, inpatients after stroke
Authors: Jeong Yeon-Gyu , Jeong Yeon Jae , Kim Taikon , Han Seung Hoon , Jang Seong Ho , Kim Yoon Shin , Lee Kyu Hoon 
Published: August 2014

Objectives: To investigate the differences in oxygen consumption associated with gait in hemiplegic patients according to the type of cane they use. Design: A randomized crossover design. Setting: University hospital-based rehabilitation center, Korea. Subjects: Thirty consecutive patients (mean ± SD age, 56.3 ± 3.2 years) with chronic stroke, 17 (56.7%) males and 13 (43.3%) females. Interventions: At approximately the same time of day for three consecutive days, each participant completed a walk with one of three randomly assigned types of canes: a single-point cane, a quad cane, and a hemi-walker. Main outcome measure: Energy expenditure (O2 rate, mL/kg/min), energy cost (O2 cost, mL/kg/m), and heart rate (HR) via a portable gas analyzer, a 10-meter walk test (10MWT), and a 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Results: Energy expenditure, gait endurance, and gait velocity for a single-point cane were higher ( p<0.001 or p=0.005) than for any other type of cane. Energy cost (0.5 ± 0.2 mL/kg/m vs. 0.6 ± 0.2 mL/kg/m vs. 0.6 ± 0.2 ml/kg/m, respectively, p=0.001) was lower for the single-point cane, except for HR ( p ≥ 0.05) after the Bonferroni correction (0.05/5=0.01). Conclusions: A single-point cane requires less oxygen use at a given speed, or permits greater speed for the same oxygen consumption.
Narrative therapy an evaluated intervention to improve stroke survivors’ social and emotional adaptation
Authors: Chow Esther OW 
Published: August 2014

Objective: To describe a theoretical and practical framework of using a train metaphor in narrative therapy for stroke rehabilitation in group practice. Background: There is a paucity of literature on the application of narrative therapy in meeting the psycho-social-spiritual needs of stroke survivors in rehabilitation. In the current article, the use of narrative therapy being evaluated in a formal randomized study in stroke survivors is described in detail. The metaphor may be of practical interest to those working with populations confronted with unpredictable life challenges. Method: Narrative practice using the metaphor of ‘Train of life’ is an alternative practice to psychopathology, which provides a means for the participants to deconstruct from the illness experience, re-author their lives, and reconstruct their identity with hopes and dreams. This therapeutic conversations, primarily using questions, can be divided into six steps: (1) engaging participants to a Concord station; (2) unfolding the experience with Stroke: where each of the participants are coming from; (3) dialoging directly with Stroke; (4) co-constructing the train carriage; (5) planning for a future life journey with Stroke; and (6) celebrating the unlocking of a new journey. Along with the train of life metaphor, therapeutic documents and outsider witness conversations are used to strengthen the preferred identity, as opposed to the problem-saturated identity of the participants. Discussion: This metaphor poses an alternative methodology in stroke rehabilitation by reconnecting the survivors’ inner resources, skills, and competencies. Eventually, it could re-author the survivors’ identity developed from previous life challenges and reconstruct their purpose in life.
Serum concentrations of interleukin-2 and tumour necrosis factor-α under cyclosporine versus acitretin treatment in plaque-type psoriasis
Authors: Akçali Cenk , Guven Ebru Homurlu , Kirtak Necmettin , Inaloz H Serhat , Ozgoztasi Orhan , Guvenc Ulas 
Published: August 2014

Objective A prospective, randomized clinical study to compare the short-term effects of cyclosporin and acitretin on psoriasis severity, and serum interleukin (IL)-2 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α concentrations. Methods Patients with moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis were randomly assigned to receive either 3 mg/kg per day cyclosporine or 0.3–0.5 mg/kg per day acitretin for 8 weeks. Disease severity (psoriasis area severity index [PASI] score) and serum IL-2 and TNF-α concentrations were determined before and after treatment. Results PASI scores and serum IL-2 and TNF-α concentrations were significantly decreased after treatment with either cyclosporine ( n = 21) or acitretin ( n = 25). There were no statistically significant between-group differences in any parameter. Conclusions Acitretin and cyclosporine are equally effective in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis.
Early Versus Delayed Passive Range of Motion Exercise for Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Chang Ke-Vin , Hung Chen-Yu , Han Der-Sheng , Chen Wen-Shiang , Wang Tyng-Guey , Chien Kuo-Liong 
Published: August 2014

Background: Postoperative shoulder stiffness complicates functional recovery after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Purpose: To compare early passive range of motion (ROM) exercise with a delayed rehabilitation protocol with regard to the effectiveness of stiffness reduction and functional improvements and rates of improper healing in patients undergoing arthroscopic repair for torn rotator cuffs. Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing both rehabilitation approaches were identified in PubMed and Scopus. Between-group differences in shoulder function were transformed to effect sizes for comparisons, whereas the effectiveness against stiffness and the risk of tendon failure were reported using standardized mean differences of ROM degrees and odds ratios (ORs) of recurrent tears, respectively. Results: Six RCTs were included, consisting of 482 patients. No significant difference in shoulder function existed across both protocols. The early ROM group demonstrated more improvement in shoulder forward flexion than the delayed rehabilitation group, with a standardized mean difference of 7.45° (95% CI, 3.20°-11.70°) at 6 months and 3.51° (95% CI, 0.31°-6.71°) at 12 months. Early ROM exercise tended to cause a higher rate of recurrent tendon tears (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 0.90-2.28), and the effect became statistically significant (OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.04-3.60) after excluding 2 RCTs that recruited only those patients with small to medium-sized tears. Conclusion: Early ROM exercise accelerated recovery from postoperative stiffness for patients after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair but was likely to result in improper tendon healing in shoulders with large-sized tears. The choice of either protocol should be based on an accommodation of the risks of recurrent tears and postoperative shoulder stiffness.
The insertion/deletion polymorphism in the angiotensin-converting enzyme and susceptibility to schizophrenia or Parkinson’s disease: A meta-analysis
Authors: Song Gwan Gyu , Lee Young Ho 
Published: August 2014

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine whether the insertion (I) and deletion (D) polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) confers susceptibility to schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Materials and methods: A meta-analysis was performed of the associations between the ACE I/D polymorphism and schizophrenia and PD. Results: Thirteen studies with 2024 cases and 2230 controls comprising eight studies on schizophrenia and five on PD were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed no association between the ACE D allele and schizophrenia (OR = 0.990, 95% CI = 0.889–1.102, p = 0.856) or PD (OR = 1.067, 95% CI = 0.907–1.255, p = 0.433). Stratification by ethnicity indicated no association between the ACE D allele and schizophrenia in European, Asian, or Turkish ethnic groups (OR = 0.896, 95% CI = 0.566–1.419, p = 0.640; OR = 1.057, 95% CI = 0.903–1.238, p = 0.492; OR = 1.111, 95% CI = 0.889–1.389, p = 0.354, respectively). Ethnicity-specific meta-analysis was not conducted for PD because only one ethnic PD study was available. Conclusions: This meta-analysis found no association between the ACE I/D polymorphism and schizophrenia or PD.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion gene polymorphisms is associated with risk of glioma in a Chinese population
Authors: Lian MinXue , Jiang HaiTao , Wang Hui , Guo ShiWen 
Published: August 2014

Introduction: The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme ( ACE) gene has recently been linked to the pathogenesis and progression of human cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential association between ACE I/D polymorphism and glioma in a Chinese population. Materials and methods: A case-control study involving patients with 800 glioma and 800 controls was conducted. Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay was applied to assess the ACE I/D genotypes. Results: Glioma cases had a significantly higher frequency of DD genotype [odds ratio (OR) = 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.12, 2.32; p = 0.01] than controls. When stratified by the grade of glioma, cases with WHO IV glioma had a significantly higher frequency of DD genotype (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.03, 2.21; p = 0.03). When stratified by the histology of glioma, there was no significant difference in the distribution of each genotype. Conclusion: Our study suggested that the ACE DD genotype was associated with a higher glioma risk in this Chinese population. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the potential association between ACE I/D polymorphism and glioma. Additional studies are needed to confirm this finding.
A core promoter variant of angiotensinogen gene and interindividual variation in response to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
Authors: Yu Huimin , Lin Shuguang , Zhong Jiuchang , He Min , Jin Lijun , Zhang Yuqing , Liu Guozhang 
Published: August 2014

Introduction: The polymorphic angiotensinogen (AGT) gene is one of the most promising candidates for essential hypertension. The aim of this study was to examine the association between the A-6G variant of the AGT gene and the blood pressure response to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in hypertensive subjects. Methods: Five hundred and nine mildly to moderately hypertensive subjects received ACE inhibitors for six weeks after a two-week run-in period. AGT genotyping was performed by direct polymerase chain reaction amplification and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) nucleotide sequencing from peripheral blood. Results: The AA genotype, AG genotype, and GG genotype were present in 301 (59.1%), 186 (36.6%), and 22 (4.3%) of patients, respectively. As compared with patients carrying the AA or AG genotype, those carrying the GG genotype had significantly greater reductions in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure and mean arterial pressure ( p=0.007, 0.014, 0.027 and 0.005, respectively). Moreover, stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that the A-6G genotype was a significant predictor of systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure reductions ( p=0.040 and 0.019, respectively). Conclusion: Our study indicates that the A-6G variant of the AGT gene may be an important determinant of interindividual variation in the response to ACE inhibitors.
Hypokalemia correlated with arterial stiffness but not microvascular endothelial function in patients with primary aldosteronism
Authors: Chang Yi-Yao , Chen Aaron , Chen Ying-Hsien , Hung Chi-Sheng , Wu Vin-Cent , Wu Xue-Ming , Lin Yen-Hung , Ho Yi-Lwun , Wu Kwan-Dun ,   the TAIPAI Study Group
Published: August 2014

Introduction: Hypokalemia in primary aldosteronism (PA) patients correlates with higher levels of cardiovascular events and altered left ventricular geometry. However, the influence of aldosterone on microvascular endothelial function and the effect of hypokalemia on the vascular structure still remain unclear. Objectives: We investigated the peripheral arterial functions, including the endothelial function of microvasculature and arterial stiffness in PA and essential hypertension (EH) patients, and the correlation between hypokalemia and peripheral arterial function among PA patients. Methods: Twenty patients diagnosed as EH and 37 patients with PA were enrolled in this study. Reactive hyperemia index (RHI) and the augmentation index (AI) were obtained by non-invasive peripheral arterial tonometry. Results: Twenty EH patients and a total of 37 PA patients, including 21 patients with normokalemia and 16 patients with hypokalemia, were enrolled and divided into groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. PA patients had significantly higher AI ( p=0.024) but not RHI than EH patients. RHI showed no difference between groups 1, 2 and 3. Group 3 had higher AI than either group 1 or group 2. In the whole study population, serum potassium level, after multivariate regression analysis testing, was the only factor associated with AI (ß= −0.102; p=0.002). In PA patients, serum potassium level was the only significant factor correlated with AI. (r= −0.458; p=0.004) Conclusions: PA patients had higher arterial stiffness but comparable microvascular endothelial function to EH patients. Hypokalemia correlated with arterial stiffness but not microvascular endothelial function in PA patients.
Efficacy and safety of combination therapy of high-dose losartan and hydrochlorothiazide in patients with hypertension
Authors: Shiga Yuhei , Miura Shin-ichiro , Norimatsu Kenji , Hitaka Yuka , Nagata Itsuki , Koyoshi Rie , Morii Joji , Kuwano Takashi , Uehara Yoshinari , Inoue Asao , Shirotani Tetsuro , Fujisawa Kazuaki , Matsunaga Eiyu , Saku Keijiro 
Published: August 2014

Objective: We analyzed the efficacy and safety of combination therapy of high-dose losartan (100 mg/day) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, 12.5 mg/day) compared with those of the combination of high-dose telmisartan (80 mg/day) and HCTZ (12.5 mg/day). Methods: Forty hypertensive patients who received a combination of high-dose telmisartan and HCTZ were enrolled. We applied a changeover strategy with switching from a combination of high-dose telmisartan and HCTZ to high-dose losartan and HCTZ. We divided the patients into two groups; those who achieved the target blood pressure (controlled group) and those who did not reach the target blood pressure (uncontrolled group) before the changeover and performed further analysis. Results: The uncontrolled group showed a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (143±12 mmHg to 126±11 mmHg at three months). In addition, serum uric acid significantly decreased in all subjects, and in each of the controlled and uncontrolled groups. There were no significant changes in other biochemical parameters, such as potassium and hemoglobin A1c, at three months after the changeover in all subjects. Conclusion: Combination therapy with high-dose losartan and HCTZ was superior to the combination of telmisartan and HCTZ with respect to significant decreases in systolic blood pressure and serum uric acid in hypertensive patients.