bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictive value of NGAL for use of renal replacement therapy in patients with severe sepsis
Authors: HJORTRUP P. B. , HAASE N. , TRESCHOW F. , MØLLER M. H. , PERNER A. 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundThe predictive value of plasma and urine neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) for use of renal replacement therapy (RRT) and acute kidney injury (AKI) is not established in patients with severe sepsis.MethodsThis was a prospective observational study in three general intensive care units (ICUs) in adult ICU patients with severe sepsis needing fluid resuscitation and a sub‐study of the 6S trial. Plasma and urine were sampled at baseline and NGAL was measured using particle‐enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay (The NGAL Test). Outcome measures were use of RRT in ICU, development of AKI according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes plasma creatinine criteria within 48 h and 90‐day mortality.ResultsTwo‐hundred‐ twenty‐two patients had samples taken (211 had plasma and 162 urine sampled); simplified acute physiology score II was 54 (39–66). Forty patients (18%) had RRT in the ICU, 91 patients had AKI at enrolment; of the remaining 131 patients 24% developed AKI during the first 48 h, and 55% had died at 90 days. Areas under receiver‐operating characteristics curve (AuROC) for predicting use of RRT in ICU were 0.70 (95% confidence interval 0.61–0.78) and 0.62 (0.51–0.73) for plasma and urine NGAL, respectively. AuROC of plasma and urine NGAL for AKI were 0.66 (0.54–0.77) and 0.71 (0.59–0.82), respectively, and for 90‐day mortality 0.55 (0.47–0.63) and 0.61 (0.53–0.70), respectively. Combining NGAL values with plasma creatinine did not improve AuROCs.ConclusionIn ICU patients with severe sepsis, plasma and urine NGAL had low predictive power for use of RRT, AKI and 90‐day mortality. These results were supported by sensitivity and exploratory analyses.
Development of knowledge tests for multi‐disciplinary emergency training: a review and an example
Authors: SØRENSEN J. L. , THELLESEN L. , STRANDBYGAARD J. , SVENDSEN K. D. , CHRISTENSEN K. B. , JOHANSEN M. , LANGHOFF‐ROOS P. , EKELUND K. , OTTESEN B. , VAN DER VLEUTEN C. 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundThe literature is sparse on written test development in a post‐graduate multi‐disciplinary setting. Developing and evaluating knowledge tests for use in multi‐disciplinary post‐graduate training is challenging. The objective of this study was to describe the process of developing and evaluating a multiple‐choice question (MCQ) test for use in a multi‐disciplinary training program in obstetric‐anesthesia emergencies.MethodsA multi‐disciplinary working committee with 12 members representing six professional healthcare groups and another 28 participants were involved. Recurrent revisions of the MCQ items were undertaken followed by a statistical analysis. The MCQ items were developed stepwise, including decisions on aims and content, followed by testing for face and content validity, construct validity, item–total correlation, and reliability.ResultsTo obtain acceptable content validity, 40 out of originally 50 items were included in the final MCQ test. The MCQ test was able to distinguish between levels of competence, and good construct validity was indicated by a significant difference in the mean score between consultants and first‐year trainees, as well as between first‐year trainees and medical and midwifery students. Evaluation of the item–total correlation analysis in the 40 items set revealed that 11 items needed re‐evaluation, four of which addressed content issues in local clinical guidelines. A Cronbach's alpha of 0.83 for reliability was found, which is acceptable.ConclusionContent and construct validity and reliability were acceptable. The presented template for the development of this MCQ test could be useful to others when developing knowledge tests and may enhance the overall quality of test development.
Cocaine can generate a stronger conditioned reinforcer than food despite being a weaker primary reinforcer
Authors: Tunstall Brendan J. , Kearns David N. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe present study aimed to test the hypothesis that cues associated with drug‐taking behavior become extra strong motivators of behavior compared with cues paired with non‐drug reinforcers. In experiment 1, rats were trained to lever press for intravenous cocaine infusions and grain pellets. Each reinforcer was paired with a distinct audiovisual cue. When allowed to choose between these alternatives, rats chose grain on ∼70–80 percent of trials. However, after extinguishing lever pressing, reintroduction of press‐contingent cues during a test for cue‐induced reinstatement generated more cocaine seeking than grain seeking (also observed on 3‐ and 8‐week follow‐up tests). To examine whether the same pattern of results would occur with two non‐drug reinforcers, experiment 2 replicated experiment 1 using grain and sucrose as reinforcement alternatives. Rats chose sucrose over grain on ∼70–80 percent of choice trials and also responded more for the sucrose cue than for the grain cue on the reinstatement test. The disconnect between primary and conditioned reinforcements in experiment 1 but not in experiment 2 suggests that drug cues may become exceptionally strong motivators of drug seeking. These results are consistent with cue‐focused theories of addiction and may offer insight into the persistent cue‐driven drug‐seeking behavior observed in addiction.
Tooth loss, periodontal disease, and cognitive decline in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study
Authors: Naorungroj Supawadee , Schoenbach Victor J. , Wruck Lisa , Mosley Thomas H. , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Alonso Alvaro , Heiss Gerardo , Beck James , Slade Gary D. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this prospective study was to investigate whether poor oral health predicted 8‐year cognitive function change in predominantly late middle adults in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.MethodsParticipants included a subset of ARIC participants aged 52–75 years at 1996–1998 from two study sites: Forsyth County NC and Jackson MS. All subjects completed cognitive function assessments both in 1996–1998 and 2004–2006, and the same subjects received a dental examination at the initial visit. Cognitive assessment consisted of delayed word recall (DWR), digit symbol substitution (DSS), and word fluency (WF) tests. In the analysis, cognitive function for 911 dentally screened participants was evaluated, and 558 of 785 dentate participants received comprehensive oral examinations, including periodontal probing. Measures of oral health included dental status, number of teeth, and periodontal disease classified by the biofilm–gingival interface (BGI) index. The generalized estimating equations (GEE) method was used to analyze repeated measures of cognitive scores with adjustment for socio‐demographic characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors.ResultsOf 911 study participants, 13.8% were edentulous. About 13% of dentally examined participants had periodontal pockets (≥4 mm) with severe bleeding. At the follow‐up visit, DWR and WF scores were lower in edentulous compared to dentate people, whereas other oral health measures were not associated with cognitive function. Mean values declined over time for all three cognitive measures, although poor oral health conditions were not associated with greater degree of decline in cognitive function.ConclusionsIn these late middle‐aged adults, complete tooth loss was significantly associated with lower cognitive performance. However, neither edentulism, number of teeth, nor periodontal disease predicted greater subsequent cognitive decline.
Clinical model assisting with the collaborative care of glaucoma patients and suspects
Authors: Jamous Khalid F , Kalloniatis Michael , Hennessy Michael P , Agar Ashish , Hayen Andrew , Zangerl Barbara 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundOptimizing patient management will reduce unnecessary vision loss in glaucoma through early detection. One method is the introduction of collaborative care schemes between optometrists and ophthalmologists.DesignWe conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the impact of the Centre for Eye Health (CFEH) on glaucoma patient outcomes and management in primary optometric care.ParticipantsPatients referred to CFEH by optometrists for a glaucoma assessment were eligible for this study if written consent was provided (500 participants were randomly chosen).MethodsClinical data were classified according to disease risk and implemented patient care and analysed against the original diagnosis and patient parameters, followed by statistical analysis.Main Outcome MeasuresTwo main parameters were evaluated; suitable referral of patients for glaucoma condition assessment and appropriate implementation of follow‐up care.ResultsThe majority of patients referred for glaucoma assessment (86.2%) were classified as glaucoma suspects or likely to have glaucoma, indicating suitable referral of patients for a CFEH evaluation. Further, the involvement of CFEH resulted in a false positive rate of 7.8% for those patients who proceeded to ophthalmological care. However, long‐term optometric patient care was not maintained for up to a third of primarily lower risk patients.ConclusionsThe investigated collaborative eye health‐care model led to a substantial improvement in appropriate referrals of glaucoma patients to ophthalmologists and could be suitable for optimizing patient care and utilization of resources. Improvement in follow‐up of patients by optometrists is required to minimize inappropriately discontinued patient care.
Bioresorbable zinc hydroxyapatite guided bone regeneration membrane for bone regeneration
Authors: Chou Joshua , Komuro Maki , Hao Jia , Kuroda Shinji , Hattori Yusuke , Ben‐Nissan Besim , Milthorpe Bruce , Otsuka Makoto 
Published: November 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the bone regenerative properties of a heat treated cross‐linkedGBRmembrane with zinc hydroxyapatite powders in the rat calvarial defect model over a 6‐week period.Material and MethodsIn vitrophysio‐chemical characterization involved X‐ray diffraction analysis, surface topology by scanning electron microscopy, and zinc release studies in physiological buffers. Bilateral rat calvarial defects were used to compare the Zn‐HAp membranes against the commercially available collagen membranes and the unfilled defect group through radiological and histological evaluation.ResultsThe synthesized Zn‐MEM(100 μm thick) showed no zinc ions released in the phosphate buffer solution (PBS) buffer, but zinc was observed under acidic conditions. At 6 weeks, both the micro‐CTand histological analyses revealed that the Zn‐MEMgroup yielded significantly greater bone formation with 80 ± 2% of bone filled, as compared with 60 ± 5% in the collagen membrane and 40 ± 2% in the unfilled control group.ConclusionThis study demonstrated the use of heat treatment as an alternative method to cross‐linking the Zn‐MEMto be applied as aGBRmembrane. Its synthesis and production are relatively simple to fabricate, and the membrane had rough surface features on one side, which might be beneficial for cellular activities. In a rat calvarial defect model, it was shown that new bone formation was accelerated in comparison with the collagen membrane and the unfilled defect groups. These results would suggest that Zn‐MEMhas the potential for further development in dental applications.
Detection of immunoglobulin light‐chain restriction in cutaneous B‐cell lymphomas by ultrasensitive bright‐field mRNAin situ hybridization
Authors: Minca Eugen C , Wang Hongwei , Wang Zhen , Lanigan Christopher , Billings Steven D , Luo Yuling , Tubbs Raymond R , Ma Xiao‐Jun 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundDetection of immunoglobulin light‐chain restriction is important in the diagnosis of B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (B‐NHL). Flow‐cytometry, commonly used to evaluate light‐chain restriction, is impractical to be used in cutaneous specimens. Immunohistochemical and conventional chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) methods on formalin‐fixed‐paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue lack sufficient sensitivity to detect low‐level light‐chain expression in B‐NHL without plasmacytic differentiation. Ultrasensitive bright‐field mRNA‐ISH (BRISH) for in situ light‐chain detection in cutaneous B‐NHL has been assessed.DesignKappa/lambda mRNA was detected using two‐color BRISH (RNAscope 2xPlex, Advanced Cell Diagnostics) on 27 FFPE skin biopsies and excisions from patients with available B‐cell PCR clonality studies: 16 clonal B‐cell lesions (6 follicle center lymphoma, 5 marginal zone lymphoma, 3 large B‐cell lymphoma, and 2 other) and 11 non‐clonal B‐cell proliferations.ResultsBRISH was successful in 15/16 clonal B‐cell lesions and 11/11 non‐clonal proliferations. Light‐chain restriction was detected in 15/15 clonal lesions and in 1/11 non‐clonal proliferations (96.1% overall concordance with clonality PCR). In 4/5 marginal zone lymphomas, light‐chain restriction was detected as strong monotypic mRNA expression in a B‐cell subset, consistent with plasmacytic differentiation.ConclusionUltrasensitive BRISH can successfully detect light‐chain restriction in B‐NHL from FFPE skin specimens and may be a useful adjunct ancillary tool in cases not resolved by CISH or immunohistochemical methods.
Optimal Analysis of Left Atrial Strain by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography: P‐wave versus R‐wave Trigger
Authors: Hayashi Shuji , Yamada Hirotsugu , Bando Mika , Saijo Yoshihito , Nishio Susumu , Hirata Yukina , Klein Allan L. , Sata Masataka 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundLeft atrial (LA) strain analysis using speckle tracking echocardiography is useful for assessing LA function. However, there is no established procedure for this method. Most investigators have determined the electrocardiographic R‐wave peak as the starting point for LA strain analysis. To test our hypothesis that P‐wave onset should be used as the starting point, we measured LA strain using 2 different starting points and compared the strain values with the corresponding LA volume indices obtained by three‐dimensional (3D) echocardiography.MethodsWe enrolled 78 subjects (61 ± 17 years, 25 males) with and without various cardiac diseases in this study and assessed global longitudinal LA strain by two‐dimensional speckle tracking strain echocardiography using EchoPac software. We used either R‐wave peak or P‐wave onset as the starting point for determining LA strains during the reservoir (Rres, Pres), conduit (Rcon, Pcon), and booster pump (Rpump, Ppump) phases. We determined the maximum, minimum, and preatrial contraction LA volumes, and calculated the LA total, passive, and active emptying fractions using 3D echocardiography.ResultsThe correlation between Pres and LA total emptying fraction was better than the correlation between Rres and LA total emptying fraction (r = 0.458 vs. 0.308, P = 0.026). Pcon and Ppump exhibited better correlation with the corresponding 3D echocardiographic parameters than Rcon (r = 0.560 vs. 0.479, P = 0.133) and Rpump (r = 0.577 vs. 0.345, P = 0.003), respectively.ConclusionsLA strain in any phase should be analyzed using P‐wave onset as the starting point rather than R‐wave peak.
Effects of experimental warming on soil respiration and its components in an alpine meadow in the permafrost region of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: Peng F. , You Q. G. , Xu M. H. , Zhou X. H. , Wang T. , Guo J. , Xue X. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryThe response of soil respiration (Rs) and its components (autotrophic [Ra] and heterotrophic respiration [Rh]) to climate warming is one of the uncertainties in ecosystem carbon (C) models. Here we conducted a warming experiment in an alpine meadow dominated by Koresbia in the permafrost region of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP) to examine effects of warming on Rs and its components. Infrared heaters were used to simulate a 2°C warming of the surface soil temperature. Deep collars (50 cm to exclude root growth) were inserted into soil to measure Rh: Ra, which was calculated by subtracting Rh from Rs. Average Rs and its components (Ra and Rh) were significantly stimulated by 21.5, 27 and 15.6%, respectively, in warmed plots from January 2011 to October 2013. The contribution of Rh to Rs decreased in the warmed plots because of the smaller relative increase in Rh than in Ra. Annual soil C release increased by 263 and 247 g C m−2 in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Stimulation in Ra and Rh was related to the significant increase in root biomass (0–50 cm) and in labile soil C in the deeper layer (40–50 cm). The temperature sensitivities (Q10) of Rs and its components all increased with larger values in Ra, followed by Rs and Rh. Our results suggest a positive feedback between soil C release and climatic warming in the permafrost region of the QTP.
Learning and Behavior in Reef Fish: Fuel for Microevolutionary Change?
Authors: Drew Joshua A. , Gumm Jennifer M. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractSmall‐scale population differentiation among coral reef fishes may be more common than previously thought. New molecular technologies have informed patterns of differentiation, while experimental approaches focusing on larval abilities to limit distribution have explored processes leading to diversification. Building upon a recently published paper by Wismer et al. that examined population level differences in learning and cooperative behaviors in cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus), we use a phylogenetic framework to explore how social behaviors are distributed among wrasses in the Labrichthyines clade. Establishing links between social behavior and speciation across the phylogeny allows us explore how social behaviors such as learning and cooperation may also act as possible mechanisms driving diversification at the microevolutionary scale.
Self‐perception of the hearing‐impaired elderly before and after hearing‐aid fittings
Authors: Barbosa Mirna Rossi , de Sousa Medeiros Daniel , Rossi‐Barbosa Luiza Augusta Rosa , Silveira Marise Fagundes , de Barros Lima Martins Andrea Maria Eleutério , Caldeira Antônio Prates 
Published: November 2014

AimTo evaluate the impact of hearing aid (HA) fittings among elderly patients through the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE).MethodsThe present study was carried out with 125 hearing‐impaired individuals over aged 65 years in the northern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The instrument used was the HHIE self‐assessment questionnaire. HHIE were completed before and after HA fittings. Data were analyzed using the non‐parametric Wilcoxon test and the McNemar χ2‐test.ResultsThere were significant decreases in general, social and emotional handicap after HA use (P < 0.001). The percentage of patients with severe hearing handicap decreased from 45.6% to 8.8% with HA use. The greatest difficulty reported by respondents, both before and after HA use, was “hearing when someone whispers”.ConclusionsAlthough HA use significantly improves the hearing handicap, some older adults still maintain social and emotional limitations. The HHIE instrument can be a great ally in helping professionals understand and rehabilitate the difficulties that remain after amplification. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 977–982.
Degradation of Spark Plasma Sintered Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) and CeO2‐YSZ Ceramics in Supercritical Water
Authors: Siebert‐Timmer A. , Bichler L. , Mondal K. 
Published: November 2014

Zirconia ceramics are often considered in the nuclear industry for high temperature applications due to their radiation resistance, chemical inertness, high thermal stability and low thermal conductivity. However, wide application of zirconia ceramics is hindered by their degradation behavior in aqueous media. In this research, moderately dense 8 mol% Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) as well as YSZ based ceramics containing 5, 10 and 15 mol% CeO2 were fabricated via Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). Sintered ceramics were subjected to static degradation testing in supercritical water at 400°C and 31 MPa. The weight loss and microstructural changes of the ceramics associated with supercritical water exposure were studied, and the results suggest that the addition of CeO2 significantly reduced the degradation rate and improved the bulk structural stability of the ceramic composite. This behavior was attributed to the enhanced stabilization of the zirconia lattice, preventing the evolution of the undesirable monoclinic‐ZrO2 phase.
Influence of Joining Interlayer on Impact Damage to Laminated Boron Carbide Ceramics
Authors: Sekine Kiyoto , Kumazawa Takeshi , Tanabe Yasuhiro 
Published: November 2014

Impact damage of laminated B4C ceramic samples was investigated using four types of aluminum sheets — without holes and with 25 4‐, 8‐, and 25‐mm‐diameter holes — at joining ratios of 100, 94, 76, and 45%. Four 1‐mm‐thick B4C ceramics plates were laminated using three aluminum sheets of the same type and joined at 700°C in vacuum. In impact damage tests using spherical SUJ‐2 projectile with a diameter of 4 mm with a velocity of approximately 300 ms−1, bulk B4C showed a large conical crack and significant fractures; the conical crack in the laminated samples was smaller than that of the bulk B4C. However, the conical cracks of the laminated B4C with the joining ratio 45 to 96% were of the same size, irrespective of the joining ratios. The total load and induced pressure area on the rear side of laminated samples were smaller than that observed for bulk B4C, and total load and induced pressure area were similar for laminated samples with high and low joining ratios. The maximum pressure on the rear face of laminated B4C samples was higher than that observed for bulk B4C and increased with decreasing joining ratio of laminate interlayer.