bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Technologies in older people’s care
Authors: Andersson Marchesoni Maria , Axelsson Karin , Fältholm Ylva , Lindberg Inger 
Published: July 2015

Background: The tension between care-based and technology-based rationalities motivates studies concerning how technology can be used in the care sector to support the relational foundation of care. Objectives: This study interprets values related to care and technologies connected to the practice of good care. Research design: This research study was part of a development project aimed at developing innovative work practices through information and communication technology. Participants and research context: All staff (n = 18) working at two wards in a care facility for older people were asked to participate in interviews, and 12 accepted. We analysed the data using latent content analysis in combination with normative analysis. Ethical considerations: The caregivers were informed that participation was voluntary and that they could drop out at any time without providing any explanation. Findings: Four values were identified: ‘presence’, ‘appreciation’, ‘competence’ and ‘trust’. Caregivers wanted to focus on care receivers as unique persons, a view that they thought was compromised by time-consuming and beeping electronic devices. Appraising from next-of-kin and been seen as someone who can contribute together with knowledge to handle different situations were other desires. The caregivers also desired positive feedback from next-of-kin, as they wanted to be seen as professionals who have the knowledge and skills to handle difficult situations. In addition, the caregivers wanted their employer to trust them, and they wanted to work in a calm environment. Discussion: Caregivers’ desire for disturbance-free interactions, being valued for their skills and working in a trustful working environment were interpreted as their base for providing good care. The caregivers’ arguments are based on caring rationality, and sometimes they felt the technological rationality interfered with their main mission, providing quality care. Conclusion: Introducing new technology in caring should support the caring relationship. Although society’s overall technology-based approach may have gained popularity as a problem solver, technology-based rationality may compromise a care-based rationality. A shift in attitudes towards care as a concept on all societal levels is needed.
The Power of Sponges
Authors: Meijer Sebastiaan 
Published: July 2015

Background. Innovation in transport systems has a need for simulated environments to experiment with new configurations, ideas, and solutions. Gaming is one such environment. This article applies the approach to the context of capacity allocation and traffic control innovation in the Dutch railway system. Both high-tech and low-tech games are built and applied. Aim and method. By comparing cases using low-tech and high-tech games for innovation in a related bundle of projects in the railway sector, this article aims to identify different patterns emerging from a retrospective cross case comparison. The cases aimed at testing and assessing various ideas about the innovation process through high- and low-tech gaming. Results. The high-tech cases were used to generate more quantitative data, for purposes where a concept had to be tested that has been formulated at a higher level of detail. It shows that, despite the higher precision, fidelity of high-tech simulators was not necessarily better than that of low-tech cases. None of the cases were set up to formally accept or reject hypotheses, but followed the typical innovation logic of testing and assessing ideas early in the process. Conclusions. The numerous qualitative data, gathered during the gaming sessions, illustrated the benefits and drawbacks of high- and low-tech gaming. The real world decisions made by the client, based on the gaming sessions, show that the scope of the project was broader than merely an intervention in an existing transport system. Low-tech games showed to be useful for dealing with rapid systems development (prototyping). They allow flexible role settings, varying rules, and resources. High-tech games did not provide obvious fidelity advantages, but yielded more quantitative data suitable for analysis. Recommendations. The article identifies the need for a new methodological approach: gaming supporting system/organization design.
Effect of Lateral Soft Tissue Release on Sesamoid Position in Hallux Valgus Surgery
Authors: Woo Kyungjei , Yu In-Sang , Kim Jun-Ho , Sung Ki-Sun 
Published: July 2015

Background: The effect of lateral soft tissue release (LSTR) regarding the position of the sesamoid is not clear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of LSTR by comparing the radiologic and clinical outcomes of operative treatment for hallux valgus with or without LSTR. Methods: This study included a consecutive series of chevron osteotomy of 119 feet of 90 patients with symptomatic hallux valgus with incongruent first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints. Fifty-one feet underwent an operation with the LSTR procedure (LSTR group), and the remaining 68 feet underwent treatment without LSTR (control non-LSTR group). We evaluated the differences regarding the distance of the fibular sesamoid from the second metatarsal bone between these 2 groups to evaluate the effect of LSTR on sesamoid position. The tibial sesamoid position was also investigated to evaluate the degree of reduction of the metatarsal head to the sesamoids. The hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, and distal metatarsal articulation angle were analyzed as radiologic outcomes. Additionally, the preoperative and final follow-up American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society hallux MTP-IP scores and complications were evaluated as clinical assessments. The mean follow-up period was 43.3 weeks (range = 12-144). Results: There were no significant differences in the amount and direction of movement of the fibular sesamoid between the LSTR group and non-LSTR group (1.9 mm and 1.6 mm, respectively) ( P = .23). The direction was close to the second metatarsal bone in both groups. The complication rate in the LSTR group was 7.8% (n = 4) and 2.9% (n = 2) in the non-LSTR group ( P = .40). Conclusions: Although there were significantly improved clinical and radiologic outcomes after surgery, the LSTR procedure did not result in medial shift or reduction of the sesamoid position. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective case control study
Recurrent and non-recurrent feline injection-site sarcoma: computed tomographic and ultrasonographic findings
Authors: Zardo Karen Maciel , Damiani Lucas Petri , Matera Julia Maria , Fonseca-Pinto Ana Carolina Brandão de Campos 
Published: July 2015

Objectives This study describes the sonographic and computed tomographic (CT) characteristics of primary and recurrent feline injection-site sarcomas (FISSs). Methods Between 2005 and 2013, 32 cats were selected for prospective and retrospective studies. Tumor shape and margins, presence of thickening of the adipose tissue, muscular and bone involvement, pre- and postcontrast attenuation, blurring of fat planes, calcification and liquefactive necrosis, intratumoral areas and skip metastasis were analyzed in CT scans. Echogenicity, echotexture, tumor margins and peritumoral tissue characteristics were analyzed by ultrasound (US). Results Irregular shape (62.5%) with digitiform projections (100.0%), mixed (peripheral and intratumoral) contrast enhancement (67.7%), blurring of fat planes (68.8%) and signs of liquefactive intratumoral necrosis (68.8%) were the prevailing CT findings. Ultrasonography revealed irregular tumor margins, peripheral hyperechoic capsule-like rim, heterogeneous echotexture, and hyperechoic tissue contiguous with the formations and thickening of adjacent subcutaneous tissues in all cases. Mixed echogenicity with areas suggestive of tumor liquefactive necrosis was documented in 83.3% of cases. Skip metastases were highly correlated with tumor recurrence ( P = 0.001). The incidence of muscular involvement tended to be higher ( P = 0.003) in tumors presenting with thickening of adjacent adipose tissue. Conclusions and relevance CT and US features common to FISS lesions were highlighted in this study. The imaging modalities employed allowed assessment of peritumoral inflammation, particularly adipose tissue inflammation. Imaging data may contribute to FISS diagnosis, therapeutic planning and patient follow-up.
Comparison of non-contact infrared thermometry and rectal thermometry in cats
Authors: Nutt Kelly R , Levy Julie K , Tucker Sylvia J 
Published: July 2015

Objectives Body temperature is commonly used for assessing health and identifying infectious diseases in cats. Rectal thermometry, the most commonly used method, is stressful, invasive and time consuming. Non-contact infrared thermometry (NIRT) has been used with mixed success to measure temperature in humans and other species. The purpose of this study was to determine if NIRT measurements were comparable to rectal temperature measurements or, if not highly correlated, could at least identify cats in the hypothermic or hyperthermic range in need of further evaluation. Methods From a total of six NIRT devices and 15 anatomic sites, three devices and three sites (pinna, gingiva and perineum) with the highest correlation to rectal temperature were selected for further study. Measurements were made in 188 adult cats housed indoors at animal shelters, veterinary clinics and private homes across a wide range of body temperatures and compared with rectal temperatures. Results Bland–Altman analysis revealed poor agreement between NIRT and rectal thermometry. The mean NIRT measurements ranged from 0.7–1.3°C below the mean rectal measurements, but the effect was not consistent; NIRT measurements tended to exceed rectal measurements in hypothermic cats and fall below rectal measurements in normothermic and hyperthermic cats. Conclusions and relevance The accuracy of temperature measurements using NIRT devices is not reliable for clinical use in cats.
Prevalence of intestinal parasites in breeding cattery cats in Japan
Authors: Ito Yoichi , Itoh Naoyuki , Kimura Yuya , Kanai Kazutaka 
Published: July 2015

Objectives To address the lack of up-to-date published data, the present study assessed the prevalence of intestinal parasites in breeding catteries in Japan. Methods Fresh faecal samples were randomly collected from 342 cats (aged 1 month to 12 years) in seven breeding catteries in Japan, located in prefectures of Nagano (n = 2), Saitama (n = 1), Aichi (n = 2), Gifu (n = 1) and Miyagi (n = 1), on a single occasion. The samples were tested for the presence of Giardia species copro-antigen using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Other intestinal parasites were identified microscopically using the formalin–ethyl acetate sedimentation technique. Results The total prevalence of intestinal parasites was 20.8%; only two genera of protozoa ( Giardia species: 18.7% and Cystoisospora species: 5.0%) were detected. Coinfections of both protozoans were recorded in 2.9% of cats. In contrast, no helminths were detected. The presence of total infection, Giardia species, Cystoisospora species and multiple infections in cats <1 year old were significantly more prevalent than in cats ⩾1 year old. There were no significant differences among faecal conditions with or without intestinal parasites. Giardia species infection was present in samples from all breeding catteries, except for one facility. Cystoisospora species and coinfections were shown in four and two breeding catteries, respectively. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was markedly variable among the breeding catteries. Conclusions and relevance The present study demonstrates the significance of Giardia species and Cystoisospora species infections in breeding cattery cats. Additionally, it is suggested that environmental contamination is the most important factor influencing the prevalence of protozoal infections in breeding catteries.
Gluteal Augmentation With Liquid Silicone of Unknown Purity Causes Granulomas in an Adult Female
Authors: Nasseri Eiman 
Published: July 2015

Background: A 39-year-old woman presented with a history of relapsing painful erythema and progressive fibrosis of the lower back. Upon questioning, the patient admitted to receiving liquid silicone (LS) injections for gluteal augmentation abroad and was diagnosed with silicone migration, granulomatous reaction, and fibrosis of the lower back. Objective: To review the history of LS injections for cosmetic soft tissue augmentation (STA) as well as its complications and potential treatments. Methods: The author reviewed articles that involved the use of LS for STA and summarized their findings. Results: The author summarizes the various treatments that have been described for inflammatory reactions following LS injection. Conclusion: The growth of cosmetic medical tourism and its inherent lack of after-care as well as patients’ ability to obtain restricted products at home raise the likelihood of encountering granulomatous or fibrotic reactions to fillers during consultations. Physicians should have a structured approach to these patients.
Outer retinal changes following acute optic neuritis
Authors: Al-Louzi Omar A , Bhargava Pavan , Newsome Scott D , Balcer Laura J , Frohman Elliot M , Crainiceanu Ciprian , Calabresi Peter A , Saidha Shiv 
Published: July 2015

Background: Retinal nerve fiber and ganglion cell+inner plexiform (GCIP) layer thinning following multiple sclerosis-related acute optic neuritis (AON) is well described. However, whether AON results in changes in the inner nuclear (INL), outer plexiform (OPL), outer nuclear (ONL) and/or photoreceptor segment (PS) layers remains undetermined. Objectives: The objective of this paper is to determine if INL+OPL and/or ONL+PS changes occur following AON. Methods: Thirty-three AON patients underwent serial optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual function testing (mean follow-up: 25 months). Longitudinal changes in retinal layer thickness were analyzed using mixed-effects linear regression. Results: Four months following AON, the mean decrease in GCIP thickness relative to baseline was 11.4% ( p < 0.001). At four months, a concomitant 3.4% increase in average ONL+PS thickness was observed ( p < 0.001). The percentage decrease in GCIP thickness and increase in ONL+PS thickness were strongly correlated ( r = −0.70; p < 0.001). Between months 4 to 12, ONL+PS thickness declined and, at 12 months, was no longer significantly different from baseline (mean change: 0.5%; p = 0.37). Similar, albeit less robust, changes in the INL+OPL were observed. Conclusions: Following AON, dynamic changes occur in the deep retinal layers, which are proportional to GCIP thinning. These novel findings help further our understanding of the biological and/or anatomical sequelae resulting from AON.
Differentiating neuromyelitis optica from other causes of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis on spinal magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Pekcevik Yeliz , Mitchell Charles H , Mealy Maureen A , Orman Gunes , Lee In H , Newsome Scott D , Thompson Carol B , Pardo Carlos A , Calabresi Peter A , Levy Michael , Izbudak Izlem 
Published: July 2015

Background: Although spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) have been described, there is limited data available that help differentiate NMO from other causes of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM). Objective: To investigate the spinal MRI findings of LETM that help differentiate NMO at the acute stage from multiple sclerosis (MS) and other causes of LETM. Methods: We enrolled 94 patients with LETM into our study. Bright spotty lesions (BSL), the lesion distribution and location were evaluated on axial T2-weighted images. Brainstem extension, cord expansion, T1 darkness and lesion enhancement were noted. We also reviewed the brain MRI of the patients during LETM. Results: Patients with NMO had a greater amount of BSL and T1 dark lesions ( p < 0.001 and 0.003, respectively). The lesions in NMO patients were more likely to involve greater than one-half of the spinal cord’s cross-sectional area; to enhance and be centrally-located, or both centrally- and peripherally-located in the cord. Of the 62 available brain MRIs, 14 of the 27 whom were NMO patients had findings that may be specific to NMO. Conclusions: Certain spinal cord MRI features are more commonly seen in NMO patients and so obtaining brain MRI during LETM may support diagnosis.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spinal cord in multiple sclerosis at 7T
Authors: Dula Adrienne N , Pawate Siddharama , Dortch Richard D , Barry Robert L , George-Durrett Kristen M , Lyttle Bailey D , Dethrage Lindsey M , Gore John C , Smith Seth A 
Published: July 2015

Background: The clinical course of multiple sclerosis (MS) is mainly attributable to cervical and upper thoracic spinal cord dysfunction. High-resolution, 7T anatomical imaging of the cervical spinal cord is presented. Image contrast between gray/white matter and lesions surpasses conventional, clinical T1- and T2-weighted sequences at lower field strengths. Objective: To study the spinal cord of healthy controls and patients with MS using magnetic resonance imaging at 7T. Methods: Axial (C2–C5) T1- and T2*-weighted and sagittal T2*-/spin-density-weighted images were acquired at 7T in 13 healthy volunteers (age 22–40 years), and 15 clinically diagnosed MS patients (age 19–53 years, Extended Disability Status Scale, (EDSS) 0–3) in addition to clinical 3T scans. In healthy volunteers, a high-resolution multi-echo gradient echo scan was obtained over the same geometry at 3T. Evaluation included signal and contrast to noise ratios and lesion counts for healthy and patient volunteers, respectively. Results/conclusion: High-resolution images at 7T exceeded resolutions reported at lower field strengths. Gray and white matter were sharply demarcated and MS lesions were more readily visualized at 7T compared to clinical acquisitions, with lesions apparent at both fields. Nerve roots were clearly visualized. White matter lesion counts averaged 4.7 vs 3.1 (52% increase) per patient at 7T vs 3T, respectively ( p=0.05).
Antibodies to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein in aquaporin 4 antibody seronegative longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis: Clinical and prognostic implications
Authors: Cobo-Calvo Álvaro , Sepúlveda María , Bernard-Valnet Raphael , Ruiz Anne , Brassat David , Martínez-Yélamos Sergio , Saiz Albert , Marignier Romain 
Published: July 2015

Objective: We aimed to investigate the frequency and clinical significance of antibodies to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG-abs) in patients who presented with a first episode of seronegative aquaporin 4 antibody (AQP4-ab) longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM). Methods: Epidemiological, clinical, and paraclinical data of 56 patients from three European centres were analysed. Patients were retrospectively tested for MOG-abs and AQP4-abs, by cell-based assays. Findings: Thirteen (23.2%) patients were MOG-ab positive. Among the 56 patients, six (10.7%) converted to neuromyelitis optica (NMO), one (1.8%) to multiple sclerosis (MS), nine (16.1%) had recurrent LETM, and 40 (71.4%) remained as monophasic LETM. Compared with seronegative patients, those with MOG-abs were younger (median: 32.5 vs 44 years; p=0.007), had cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis more frequently (94% vs 45%, p=0.003) and had better outcome (median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 2.0 vs 3.0, p=0.027). MOG-ab positive patients also showed an increase risk of optic neuritis relapse and NMO conversion ( p=0.010). Conclusion: Patients with MOG-abs in AQP4-ab seronegative LETM have clinical distinctive features, higher risk of optic neuritis relapses, and better outcome than patients seronegative.
Multi-parametric structural magnetic resonance imaging in relation to cognitive dysfunction in long-standing multiple sclerosis
Authors: Daams Marita , Steenwijk Martijn D , Schoonheim Menno M , Wattjes Mike P , Balk Lisanne J , Tewarie Prejaas K , Killestein Joep , Uitdehaag Bernard MJ , Geurts Jeroen JG , Barkhof Frederik 
Published: July 2015

Background: Cognitive deficits are common in multiple sclerosis. Most previous studies investigating the imaging substrate of cognitive deficits in multiple sclerosis included patients with relatively short disease durations and were limited to one modality/brain region. Objective: To identify the strongest neuroimaging predictors for cognitive dysfunction in a large cohort of patients with long-standing multiple sclerosis. Methods: Extensive neuropsychological testing and multimodal 3.0T MRI was performed in 202 patients with multiple sclerosis and 52 controls. Cognitive scores were compared between groups using Z-scores. Whole-brain, white matter, grey matter, deep grey matter and lesion volumes; cortical thickness, (juxta)cortical and cerebellar lesions; and extent and severity of diffuse white matter damage were measured. Stepwise linear regression was used to identify the strongest predictors for cognitive dysfunction. Results: All cognitive domains were affected in patients. Patients showed extensive atrophy, focal pathology and damage in up to 75% of the investigated white matter. Associations between imaging markers and average cognition were two times stronger in cognitively impaired patients than in cognitively preserved patients. The final model for average cognition consisted of deep grey matter DGMV volume and fractional anisotropy severity (adjusted R²=0.490; p<0.001). Conclusion: From all imaging markers, deep grey matter atrophy and diffuse white matter damage emerged as the strongest predictors for cognitive dysfunction in long-standing multiple sclerosis.
Spectral Imaging Technology-Based Evaluation of Radiation Treatment Planning to Remove Contrast Agent Artifacts
Authors: Yi-qun Xu , Wei Liu , Xin-ye Ni 
Published: July 2015

Objective: This study employs dual-source computed tomography single-spectrum imaging to evaluate the effects of contrast agent artifact removal and the computational accuracy of radiotherapy treatment planning improvement. Method: The phantom, including the contrast agent, was used in all experiments. The amounts of iodine in the contrast agent were 30, 15, 7.5, and 0.75 g/100 mL. Two images with different energy values were scanned and captured using dual-source computed tomography (80 and 140 kV). To obtain a fused image, 2 groups of images were processed using single-energy spectrum imaging technology. The Pinnacle planning system was used to measure the computed tomography values of the contrast agent and the surrounding phantom tissue. The difference between radiotherapy treatment planning based on 80 kV, 140 kV, and energy spectrum image was analyzed. Results: For the image with high iodine concentration, the quality of the energy spectrum-fused image was the highest, followed by that of the 140-kV image. That of the 80-kV image was the worst. The difference in the radiotherapy treatment results among the 3 models was significant. When the concentration of iodine was 30 g/100 mL and the distance from the contrast agent at the dose measurement point was 1 cm, the deviation values ( P) were 5.95% and 2.20% when image treatment planning was based on 80 and 140 kV, respectively. When the concentration of iodine was 15 g/100 mL, deviation values ( P) were −2.64% and −1.69%. Conclusion: Dual-source computed tomography single-energy spectral imaging technology can remove contrast agent artifacts to improve the calculated dose accuracy in radiotherapy treatment planning.