bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toward a better understanding of dental appointment‐keeping behavior
Authors: Lapidos Adrienne , Shaefer H. Luke , Gwozdek Anne 
Published: August 2015

AbstractObjectiveBroken appointments cause adverse outcomes in healthcare systems: They interrupt continuity of care, waste resources, affect workflow, and reduce population‐wide access to care. A better understanding of dental appointment‐keeping behavior would support efforts toward designing novel interventions aimed at reducing rates of broken appointments.MethodsThe authors conducted a conceptual review of quantitative and qualitative research on dental appointment‐keeping in the United States.ResultsResearch in this area is limited. Providers tend to use a blunt instrument to improve appointment‐keeping: a system of reminder calls. There is evidence that patients with higher rates of broken dental appointments are the very ones who are most in need of care. Appointment‐keeping barriers are multifactorial and related to social issues. They can be described as falling into three overlapping categories: psychological barriers, structural barriers, and health literacy barriers.ConclusionsAppointment‐keeping interventions could simultaneously address social factors that exacerbate illness and improve workflow and finances. There arises an opportunity to design innovative patient‐centered interventions tailored to particular barriers.
Improving credibility and transparency of conservation impact evaluations through the partial identification approach
Authors: McConnachie Matthew M. , Romero Claudia , Ferraro Paul J. , van Wilgen Brian W. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe fundamental challenge of evaluating the impact of conservation interventions is that researchers must estimate the difference between the outcome after an intervention occurred and what the outcome would have been without it (counterfactual). Because the counterfactual is unobservable, researchers must make an untestable assumption that some units (e.g., organisms or sites) that were not exposed to the intervention can be used as a surrogate for the counterfactual (control). The conventional approach is to make a point estimate (i.e., single number along with a confidence interval) of impact, using, for example, regression. Point estimates provide powerful conclusions, but in nonexperimental contexts they depend on strong assumptions about the counterfactual that often lack transparency and credibility. An alternative approach, called partial identification (PI), is to first estimate what the counterfactual bounds would be if the weakest possible assumptions were made. Then, one narrows the bounds by using stronger but credible assumptions based on an understanding of why units were selected for the intervention and how they might respond to it. We applied this approach and compared it with conventional approaches by estimating the impact of a conservation program that removed invasive trees in part of the Cape Floristic Region. Even when we used our largest PI impact estimate, the program's control costs were 1.4 times higher than previously estimated. PI holds promise for applications in conservation science because it encourages researchers to better understand and account for treatment selection biases; can offer insights into the plausibility of conventional point‐estimate approaches; could reduce the problem of advocacy in science; might be easier for stakeholders to agree on a bounded estimate than a point estimate where impacts are contentious; and requires only basic arithmetic skills.
Accuracy of preoperative T and N staging in colon cancer – a national population‐based study
Authors: Sjövall A. , Blomqvist L. , Egenvall M. , Johansson H. , Martling A. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimTo select patients for neoadjuvant therapy in colon cancer, there is a need to improve pre‐therapeutic locoregional staging. There are now data showing that the TN stage can be adequately assessed by preoperative CT in dedicated centres. In Sweden the use of preoperative CT of the abdomen for staging of the primary tumour is increasing. The aim of this study was to determine to what extent the preoperatively reported radiological TN stage correlates with the histopathological TN stage in an entire population.MethodData were collected on the preoperative cTN stage according to the radiologist and postoperative pTN stage according to the pathologist on all patients operated on for colon cancer in Sweden 2007–2010. The correlation between cTN stage and pTN stage was calculated using kappa statistics.ResultsT stage was compared in 4373 patients with cT and pT stage. The correlation coefficient was 0.44, indicating fair agreement. The cN and pN correlation coefficient was 0.28, indicating a slight correlation. There was no difference in correlation related to age, gender, tumour location, body mass index or emergent vs elective surgery. A slight difference was seen between different geographical regions.ConclusionPreoperative CT in an unselected population does not result in an accurate cTN staging as previously reported from dedicated centres. To achieve adequate preoperative cTN staging nationally, the education of radiologists and optimization of the radiological method will be necessary.
Taxonomic sufficiency and indicator taxa reduce sampling costs and increase monitoring effectiveness for ants
Authors: Souza Jorge Luiz Pereira , Baccaro Fabricio Beggiato , Landeiro Victor Lemes , Franklin Elizabeth , Magnusson William Ernest , Pequeno Pedro Aurélio Costa Lima , Fernandes Itanna Oliveira 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimDespite the accelerating loss of biodiversity and the increased number of methods for conservation planning, the availability of information about the spatial distribution of biodiversity remains limited. One way to overcome this problem is to focus on surrogate resolutions that are able to represent species‐level data and can be efficiently measured. Surrogates are only useful if the ecological patterns detected at the species‐level still hold when based on coarser taxonomic identification, and if these responses are consistent across regions. We present a comprehensive analysis using data from a large‐scale evaluation of ground‐dwelling ants, to evaluate the use of surrogates.LocationAmazon basin.MethodsThe sampling design covered 13 sites in eight phytophysiognomies, which in conjunction with other environmental characteristics (altitude, soil granulometry and slope) were used to validate the ecological patterns (ability of the surrogates to reproduce the ecological responses identified for species) of coarser surrogate taxa (indicator taxa, mixed‐level approach, genus and subfamily). The surrogates were evaluated for their capacity to predict variation in total species richness and composition. We also estimated the monetary and time costs, in order to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of using different surrogate levels.ResultsGenus was the most cost‐effective surrogate: it predicted 81% of site variation in species richness, was highly correlated (r2 = 0.76) with species composition, very highly correlated (r2 = 0.97) with ecological patterns detected at species level and saved ~40% of total project costs. The mixed‐level approach, indicator taxa and subfamily were not effective in representing the species‐level data.Main conclusionsGenus can be used as a surrogate for species, due to its high predictive value, independent of environmental heterogeneity. Genus may be useful as a surrogate for species in other megadiverse regions, especially where savings in project costs can be applied to increase sampling effort.
Genetic causal attribution of epilepsy and its implications for felt stigma
Authors: Sabatello Maya , Phelan Jo C. , Hesdorffer Dale C. , Shostak Sara , Goldsmith Jeff , Sorge Shawn T. , Winawer Melodie R. , Chung Wendy K. , Ottman Ruth 
Published: August 2015

SummaryObjectiveResearch in other disorders suggests that genetic causal attribution of epilepsy might be associated with increased stigma. We investigated this hypothesis in a unique sample of families containing multiple individuals with epilepsy.MethodsOne hundred eighty‐one people with epilepsy and 178 biologic relatives without epilepsy completed a self‐administered survey. In people with epilepsy, felt stigma was assessed through the Epilepsy Stigma Scale (ESS), scored 1–7, with higher scores indicating more stigma and >4 indicating some felt stigma. Felt stigma related to having epilepsy in the family was assessed through the Family Epilepsy Stigma Scale (FESS), created by replacing “epilepsy” with “epilepsy in my family” in each ESS item. Genetic attribution was assessed through participants' perceptions of the (1) role of genetics in causing epilepsy in the family, (2) chance they had an epilepsy‐related mutation, and (3) (in people with epilepsy) influence of genetics in causing their epilepsy.ResultsAmong people with epilepsy, 22% met criteria for felt stigma (ESS score >4). Scores were increased among individuals who were aged ≥60 years, were unemployed, reported epilepsy‐related discrimination, or had seizures within the last year or >100 seizures in their lifetime. Adjusting for other variables, ESS scores in people with epilepsy were significantly higher among those who perceived genetics played a “medium” or “big” role in causing epilepsy in the family than in others (3.4 vs. 2.7, p = 0.025). Only 4% of relatives without epilepsy had felt stigma. Scores in relatives were unrelated to genetic attribution.SignificanceIn these unusual families, predictors of felt stigma in individuals with epilepsy are similar to those in other studies, and stigma levels are low in relatives without epilepsy. Felt stigma may be increased in people with epilepsy who believe epilepsy in the family has a genetic cause, emphasizing the need for sensitive communication about genetics.
Treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma in a horse by surgical debulking followed by metronomic chemotherapy
Authors: Tornago R. , Sabattini S. , De Simoi A. , Bettini G. , Furlanello T. , Baldassarre V. , Cornali M. , Mazzucato M. , Carlin S. , Gentilini F. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryA 19‐year‐old Quarter Horse gelding presented with a 6‐week history of hypersalivation, halitosis and dysmasesis. Oral examination revealed retention of food and saliva and the presence of a raised, nodular, 6 × 7 cm, ulcerated mass on the dorsal surface of the tongue base. The mass was confirmed histologically as squamous cell carcinoma. Complete resection of the mass was not possible and surgical laser debulking was followed 15 days later by chemotherapy with a combination of meloxicam and cyclophosphamide in metronomic regimen. After one week, there was a significant improvement in clinical signs and food consumption returned to normal. Therapy was well tolerated with no alteration in haematological or urinalysis parameters. After 5 months of excellent life quality, the horse showed progressive difficulties in mastication and swallowing. Endoscopic examination showed extension of the tumour to all the aboral aspect of the tongue and, with the owner's consent, the patient was subjected to euthanasia. This is believed to be the first report on the combined use of meloxicam and cyclophosphamide in a metronomic fashion for management of an oral squamous cell carcinoma in a horse. Since metronomic therapy is less expensive than conventional chemotherapy, easily administrable and well tolerated, it should be considered as a possible treatment option for nonresectable equine malignant tumours.
Ageing effects on the diameter, nanomechanical properties and tactile perception of human hair
Authors: Tang W. , Zhang S.G. , Zhang J.K. , Chen S. , Zhu H. , Ge S.R. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe typical changes to hair associated with ageing are greying, thinning, dryness and brittleness. Research on the influence of ageing on hair properties will enable a detailed understanding of the natural ageing process.MethodsThe studies were carried out using an SEM (scanning electron microscope), a TriboIndenter and an artificial finger. Three characteristic features of tactile perception that could reflect the perceptual dimensions of the fineness, roughness and slipperiness of hair were extracted. The influences of ageing on the diameter, surface topography, nanomechanical properties and tactile perception of hair were determined.ResultsIn the three age group hair samples, the children's group hair samples have the smallest diameter. The hair cuticles in the children and young adult groups were relatively complete and less damaged than in the elderly group. The hardness and elastic modulus of the young adult group's hair samples were higher than those in the elderly and children's groups. For all groups, loss modulus E” was smaller than storage modulus E'. Vertical deviations (R) and coefficient of friction (μ) increased, and spectral centroid (SC) decreased, with the increase in age. Ageing decreased the tactile perception of hair.ConclusionAgeing influences the diameter, surface topography, hardness, loss modulus, storage modulus and tactile perception of human hair.
Clinical characteristics of patients with lower limb cellulitis and antibiotic usage in Hospital Kuala Lumpur: a 7‐year retrospective study
Authors: Ch'ng Chin Chwen , Johar Asmah 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundCellulitis commonly involved lower limbs. This study was carried out to determine the demography, clinical characteristics, risk factors, microbiological aspects, and antibiotics usage in this group of patients in Hospital Kuala Lumpur.MethodsA total of one hundred and twenty four patients with lower limb cellulitis treated in the Department of Dermatology, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, between January 2008 and May 2013 were included in this study.ResultsThere were 70 male and 54 female patients, aged between 13 and 87 years (mean 57.23±12.854). Thirty‐one of them (25%) had recurrent cellulitis. Fifty‐seven (46%) had fever at presentation, 55 (44.4%) had bullous cellulitis. The top risk factors identified were toe web intertrigo (n = 79, 63.7%), hypertension (n=76, 61.3%), obesity (n = 55, 44.4%), and diabetes (n = 55, 44.4%). However, only toe web intertrigo (p = 0.003), peripheral vascular disease (p = 0.01), and varicose veins (p = 0.02) were significantly higher in recurrent cellulitis. Thirty patients (24.2%) were complicated with lipodermatosclerosis, and six (4.8%) had lymphostasis verrucosa cutis. Skin swab cultures were positive in 54 (43.5%) patients, and Pseudomonas sp. was the most frequently identified organism. Mean number of antibiotics given for one episode of cellulitis was 1.7±1. The antibiotics most given were cloxacillin (n=57, 46%) and other penicillins (n = 71, 57%), followed by cephalosporins (n = 40, 32%).ConclusionIdentifying clinical characteristics of those at risk may help to prevent recurrence of cellulitis and long‐term complications.
Lipodermatosclerosis: a clinicopathologic correlation
Authors: Choonhakarn Charoen , Chaowattanapanit Suteeraporn , Julanon Narachai 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundLipodermatosclerosis (LDS) is a chronic fibrosing panniculitis associated with venous insufficiency. Although LDS is often a clinical diagnosis, it can be confused with other panniculitides. Microscopic examination is therefore essential to support the diagnosis in this condition. Histopathologic changes, however, have not been extensively defined. The purpose of this study was to characterize the histopathologic spectrum of this condition correlated with clinical manifestation.MethodsA total of 25 cases were collected retrospectively, and the clinical information and histopathologic findings were reviewed.ResultsOf 25 patients, the female to male ratio was 4 : 1. The mean age was 54 years (range, 31–74 years). Clinical features were acute in eight (32%), subacute in 12 (48%), and chronic in five (20%). The microscopic study mostly demonstrated vascular stasis changes of varying degrees depending on the age of the lesion. Adipocyte necrosis with thickened septa, extravasation of erythrocytes, and lymphocytic infiltration were major findings in the early lesions. In the chronic lesion, lipomembranous fat necrosis with microcyst formation, vascular stasis changes in subcutaneous tissue, and septal fibrosis were predominant features. Iron deposition or hemosiderin extending to the subcutaneous layer was always seen in all specimens at the subacute and chronic stages.ConclusionThe diagnosis of LDS still needs clinicopathologic correlation. The constellation of findings including septal fibrosis, lipomembranous fat necrosis, prominent vascular changes of stasis, and erythrocytic extravasation can be used to define LDS histopathologically. Interestingly, iron deposition in the subcutaneous tissue is a useful finding for this chronic condition.
How stress triggers itch: a preliminary study of the mechanism of stress‐induced pruritus using fMRI
Authors: Kim Hee Joo , Park Jae Beom , Lee Jong Hwan , Kim Il‐Hwan 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundItch is one of the most prevalent and familiar nociceptions in humans and can result in impaired quality of life. The central processing of itch is known to be important in perceptions of itch and strategies for coping with it, and various triggers have been reported to be associated with patterns of brain activation in pruritus. Stress is known to be an important aggravating factor in itch, but the precise mechanism by which brain activation results in stress‐induced pruritus remains elusive.MethodsUsing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we attempted to evaluate if stress‐induced pruritus is associated with the activation of certain areas of the brain. Furthermore, we investigated whether sedating antihistamines are more effective than non‐sedating antihistamines in decreasing stress‐induced pruritus. Memories of stressful events followed by visual stimuli using a series of pictures depicting fearful and stressful conditions, mixed with neutralizing pictures, were used to evoke pruritus.ResultsThe hippocampus and subcortical structures were found to be involved in stress‐associated pruritus. Interestingly, sedating antihistamines were involved in the deactivation of brain regions associated with the relief of itch by active scratching, which suggests that sedating antihistamines may mitigate pruritus by instigating patterns of brain activity similar to those induced by scratching behavior.ConclusionsItch scratching reflects a complicated pattern of brain activity. Activation of the hippocampus appears to be involved in stress‐associated pruritus, and sedating antihistamines may work in a manner similar to that of scratching behavior. To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate brain functioning in relation to stress‐induced pruritus.
Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis arising in a patient with immunoglobulin G4‐related disease
Authors: Takao Mariko , Hamada Toshihisa , Kaji Tatsuya , Ikeda‐Mizuno Kazuko , Takehara‐Yasuhara Chinatsu , Ichimura Kouichi , Yanai Hiroyuki , Yshino Tadashi , Iwatsuki Keiji 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundHypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis (HUV) has been defined as a syndrome associated with urticarial lesions caused by leukocytoclastic vasculitis. It has been observed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and related conditions. Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)‐related disease is a lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by sclerosing pancreatitis, retroperitoneal fibrosis, sclerotic cholangitis, acute interstitial nephritis, and Mikulicz's disease, and associated with elevated levels of IgG4 and hypocomplementemia. Various cutaneous lesions may occur in IgG4‐related disease.MethodsWe report a 74‐year‐old woman with HUV, followed by systemic organ involvement suggestive of IgG4‐related disease. Symptoms included submandibular gland swelling, lymphadenopathy, interstitial nephritis, and a thyroid nodule. Laboratory examinations revealed an elevated serum IgG4 level of 637 mg/dl in a total IgG level of 2176 mg/dl, and the production of autoantibodies such as rheumatoid factor and antiphospholipid antibodies. In the swollen lymph node, neither clonal proliferation of T or B cells nor Epstein–Barr virus infection was detected, although the structure had been destroyed by the infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells. Among total IgG‐producing cells, approximately 40% were positive for IgG4.ResultsAll symptoms and abnormal laboratory findings improved in response to oral prednisolone.ConclusionsHypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis may represent a clinical symptom of IgG4‐related disease.
Actinic keratosis: a cross‐sectional study of disease characteristics and treatment patterns in Danish dermatology clinics
Authors: Erlendsson Andrés M. , Egekvist Henrik , Lorentzen Henrik F. , Philipsen Peter A. , Stausbøl‐Grøn Birgitte , Stender Ida M. , Haedersdal Merete 
Published: August 2015

AbstractObjectivesThe incidence of actinic keratosis (AK) is increasing, and several treatment options are available. The aim of this study was to describe clinical characteristics and treatment patterns in patients with AK treated by Danish dermatologists.MethodsA multicenter, non‐interventional, cross‐sectional study was conducted. Three dermatology hospital departments and seven private dermatology clinics enrolled eligible AK patients consecutively during one week.ResultsA total of 312 patients were included. Non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) was previously reported in 51.0% of patients and currently suspected in 9.4% of AK‐affected anatomical regions. Lesions of AK were located primarily on the face (38.6%), scalp (12.8%), and hands (11.2%). Actinic keratosis commonly presented with multiple AK lesions (38.6%) and field cancerization (38.5%). The treatments used most frequently were cryotherapy (57.7%) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) with methyl aminolevulinate (17.1%) and imiquimod (11.2%). The likelihood of receiving cryotherapy was higher for men (odds ratio [OR] 1.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10–2.47) and increased with age (2.2% per year, 0.4–4.0%). PDT represented the most frequently applied treatment for severe actinic damage and was more likely to be prescribed to women (OR 4.08, 95% CI 2.22–7.47) and young patients (OR 0.97 per year, 95% CI 0.95–0.99). The prevalence of severe actinic damage (17.3% versus 9.6%) and intake of immunosuppressive medication (29.0 versus 2.0) were higher among hospital patients compared with those treated in private practices (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsThe majority of AK patients in Danish dermatology clinics have a history of skin cancer, and NMSC is suspected in almost 10% of AK‐affected regions. Cryotherapy is the most frequently used treatment overall, except in instances of severe actinic damage, in which PDT is the first‐choice treatment.
Measures of satisfaction for providers and patients using same day teledermoscopy consultation
Authors: Kenney Angela S. , Yiannias James A. , Raghu T. S. , David Paru S. , Chang Yu‐Hui H. , Greig Hope E. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to determine whether patients and providers were satisfied with teledermoscopy consultation for skin lesions.MethodsFrom 2010 to 2011, patients with clinically suspicious lesions were referred for teledermoscopy by internal medicine physicians. Lesions were digitally photographed using a dermatoscope accessory lens. Images were interpreted by an on‐call dermatologist. We conducted same day surveys of providers and patients after the evaluations.ResultsThe survey response rate was 100%. Of the 20 patients surveyed, all agreed that a teledermoscopic consult was convenient and helpful. Nineteen patients (95%) strongly agreed that teledermoscopy potentially was a cost‐saving tool. All providers thought the evaluations were helpful. Ninety‐five percent of providers and patients reported satisfaction with the ease of use of this technology.ConclusionsTeledermoscopy may give primary care providers the ability to consult with dermatologists when seeing patients in remote or medically underserved areas. This can streamline the referral process and decrease the number of referrals for benign lesions.