bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of Direct Laryngoscopy and Bronchoscopy in Recurrent Croup
Authors: Delany Dennis R. , Johnston Douglas R. 
Published: November 2014

ObjectiveTo determine risk factors in children with recurrent croup that predict moderate/severe findings on direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy and need for further operative interventions.Study DesignRetrospective chart review cohort.SettingTertiary care children's hospital.Subjects and MethodsRetrospective chart review of 103 patients diagnosed with recurrent croup who underwent diagnostic laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy from January 2004 to August 2013. Statistical analysis determined risk factors significantly associated with moderate/severe operative findings. A probability tree was formulated.ResultsOf 103 patients, 30.1% had history of intubation, 6.8% had a history of subglottic stenosis, 6.8% had a history of previous airway procedure, 11.7% consultations were inpatient, 64.1% had asthma, 47.6% had seasonal allergies, 60.2% had gastroesophageal reflux disease, 15.5% were aged ≤12 months, and 51.5% were ≤36 months. Statistically significant risk factors in predicting moderately/severely abnormal operative findings included consultation location (P =. 010), history of intubation (P =. 003), age younger than 36 months (P =. 013), and seasonal allergies (P =. 035). When using location of consultation, history of intubation, and age in a statistical model, diagnostic accuracy equaled 93.5%. Of children without history of intubation but who underwent inpatient otolaryngology consultation, 28.6% had moderate/severe findings. Likewise, 41.2% of children with a history of intubation who were younger than 36 months of age had moderate/severe findings.ConclusionModerate to severe operative findings are encountered in only 8.7% of children with recurrent croup. Using statistical modeling, 2 high‐risk groups are (1) patients without a history of intubation but inpatient consultation and (2) patients with a history of intubation and age younger than 36 months.
Chronic constipation and co‐morbidities: A prospective population‐based nested case‐control study
Authors: Choung Rok S , Rey Enrique , Richard Locke G , Schleck Cathy D , Baum Charles , Zinsmeister Alan R , Talley Nicholas J 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundChronic constipation (CC) is common in the community but surprisingly little is known about relevant gastro‐intestinal (GI) and non‐GI co‐morbidities.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess the epidemiology of CC and in particular provide new insights into the co‐morbidities linked to this condition.MethodsIn a prospective, population‐based nested case‐control study, a cohort of randomly selected community residents (n  = 8006) were mailed a validated self‐report gastrointestinal symptom questionnaire. CC was defined according to Rome III criteria. Medical records of each case and control were abstracted to identify potential CC comorbidities.ResultsAltogether 3831 (48%) subjects returned questionnaires; 307 met criteria for CC. Age‐adjusted prevalence in females was 8.7 (95% confidence interval (CI) 7.1–10.3) and 5.1 (3.6–6.7) in males, per 100 persons. CC was not associated with most GI pathology, but the odds for constipation were increased in subjects with anal surgery relative to those without (odds ratio (OR) = 3.3, 95% CI 1.2–9.1). In those with constipation vs those without, neurological diseases including Parkinson’s disease (OR = 6.5, 95% CI 2.9–14.4) and multiple sclerosis (OR = 5.5, 95% CI 1.9–15.8) showed significantly increased odds for chronic constipation, adjusting for age and gender. In addition, modestly increased odds for chronic constipation in those with angina (OR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.1–1.9) and myocardial infarction (OR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.0–2.4) were observed.ConclusionsNeurological and cardiovascular diseases are linked to constipation but in the community constipation is unlikely to account for most lower GI pathology.
Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage from a neuroimaging perspective
Authors: de Oliveira Manoel Airton Leonardo , Mansur Ann , Murphy Amanda , Turkel-Parrella David , Macdonald Matt , Macdonald R Loch , Montanera Walter , Marotta Thomas R , Bharatha Aditya , Effendi Khaled , Schweizer Tom A 
Published: November 2014

AbstractNeuroimaging is a key element in the management of patients suffering from subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). In this article, we review the current literature to provide a summary of the existing neuroimaging methods available in clinical practice. Noncontrast computed tomography is highly sensitive in detecting subarachnoid blood, especially within 6 hours of haemorrhage. However, lumbar puncture should follow a negative noncontrast computed tomography scan in patients with symptoms suspicious of SAH. Computed tomography angiography is slowly replacing digital subtraction angiography as the first-line technique for the diagnosis and treatment planning of cerebral aneurysms, but digital subtraction angiography is still required in patients with diffuse SAH and negative initial computed tomography angiography. Delayed cerebral ischaemia is a common and serious complication after SAH. The modern concept of delayed cerebral ischaemia monitoring is shifting from modalities that measure vessel diameter to techniques focusing on brain perfusion. Lastly, evolving modalities applied to assess cerebral physiological, functional and cognitive sequelae after SAH, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging or positron emission tomography, are discussed. These new techniques may have the advantage over structural modalities due to their ability to assess brain physiology and function in real time. However, their use remains mainly experimental and the literature supporting their practice is still scarce.
Olfactomedin-4 autoantibodies give unusual c-ANCA staining patterns with reactivity to a subpopulation of neutrophils
Authors: Amirbeagi Firoozeh , Thulin Pontus , Pullerits Rille , Pedersen Bo , Andersson Bengt A , Dahlgren Claes , Welin Amanda , Bylund Johan 
Published: November 2014

AbstractTesting for the presence of ANCAs in circulation is part of the clinical examinations routinely performed upon suspected autoimmune disorders, mainly vasculitis. The autoantibodies are typically directed toward neutrophil MPO or PR3. These are major granule-localized proteins, and similar to all hitherto-described ANCA antigens, they are expressed by all neutrophils, and ANCA-containing sera thus give rise to uniform reactivity toward all neutrophils in a sample. In this paper, we describe sera from 2 unrelated patients with diffuse inflammatory symptoms that gave rise to peculiar c-ANCA patterns, only reacting with a subpopulation (roughly 30%) of human neutrophils. By immunoblotting, both sera reacted to the same antigen, which was expressed in intracellular granules. The antigen could be released to the extracellular milieu through secretion but also through the formation of NETs. Neutrophils have long been considered a homogenous cell population, but it is becoming increasingly clear that distinct subpopulations, defined by the presence or absence of certain proteins, exist. One such marker that defines a neutrophil subset is the granule protein OLFM4. The unusual, subset-restricted c-ANCA sera reacted only with OLFM4-positive neutrophils, and MS analysis revealed that the autoantigen was, in fact, OLFM4. These data describe for the first time a c-ANCA pattern reactive to only a subpopulation of neutrophils and identify the granule protein OLFM4 as a novel autoantigen.
An audit of Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALS)
Authors: Farboud Amir , Seyan Gurdeep S , Benjamin Elliot 
Published: November 2014

Objectives: To audit referrals from the Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALS) across the trust (5 hospital sites) and recommend interventions to promote changes and thereby improve overall patient experience. Setting: ENT departments, Imperial College NHS Healthcare Trust, London, UK. Methods: A retrospective audit of PALS referrals received from April 2009 to February 2011. Recommendations were implemented to improve patient care. A second cycle of the audit was performed, assessing referrals from March 2011 to June 2011, completing the loop. ENT department performance was also compared to other specialties. Results: Five categories of referrals had no complaints following the second audit. However, referrals regarding outpatient appointments and overall clinical care remained high, and the average number of referrals received per month increased. Conclusion: Following recommendations there were some improvements in the referrals received, but for improvements in other categories such as outpatient appointments, further recommendations and training may be required.
Evaluation of digital and skinfold caliper measurements of the Achilles tendon width
Authors: Kalichman Leonid , Magram Irina , Reitblat Tatiana , Kearney Rebecca 
Published: November 2014

Background: A critical review of the literature shows that very few objective methods for clinically evaluating Achilles tendinopathy have been described. Aim: To evaluate the validity and reliability of common digital and skinfold calipers in measuring the Achilles tendon width. Methods: Reliability study of ten healthy adult volunteers (five males and five females) was performed at the Rheumatology Unit of Barzilai Medical Center, Ashkelon, Israel. Achilles tendon width was measured by ultrasound at two points of both legs (the tendon attachment and 5 cm proximally). Using regular and skinfold calipers, two further measurements were made, three hours apart, at the same sites. Results: Test-retest reliability was high for the skinfold caliper at both the upper (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)=0.863, p<0.001) and lower (ICC=0.931, p<0.001) points, and moderate for the regular caliper at upper (ICC=0.730, p<0.001) and lower (ICC=0.641, p<0.001) points. Moderate association was found between ultrasound and caliper measurements at the lower point (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rho)=0.721, p=0.019 for regular calipers; rho=0.646, p=0.043 for skinfold calipers). At the upper point, the associations were high (rho=0.778, p=0.008 for regular calipers; rho=0.960, p<0.001 for skinfold calipers). Conclusions: The skinfold caliper showed a higher correlation with ultrasound measurements and higher intraobserver reliability than the regular caliper. Therefore, the skinfold caliper can be recommended in clinics and trials when repeated measurements need to be performed.
Demarcating Aristotelian Rhetoric: Rhetoric, the Subalternate Sciences, and Boundary Crossing
Authors: Adams Marcus P. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe ways in which the Aristotelian sciences are related to each other has been discussed in the literature, with some focus on the subalternate sciences. While it is acknowledged that Aristotle, and Plato as well, was concerned as well with how the arts were related to one another, less attention has been paid to Aristotle’s views on relationships among the arts. In this paper, I argue that Aristotle’s account of the subalternate sciences helps shed light on how Aristotle saw the art of rhetoric relating to dialectic and politics. Initial motivation for comparing rhetoric with the subalternate sciences is Aristotle’s use of the language of boundary transgression, germane to the
Engaging College Students and Cadets in Training Tomorrow’s Leaders of Character
Authors: Clark Shelby , Seider Scott 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn this article, the authors describe the experiences of five cadets and college students serving as camp leaders for the United States Air Force Academy’s (USAFA) Leaders of Character Camp (LoCC). Additionally, they describe the work in which three other universities are engaged to adapt the LoCC model to their own university contexts. In so doing, the authors seek to offer insights into how such camp experiences foster college students’ leadership and character and to highlight some of the efforts to expand the reach of such experiences across the nation.
The Miaoyao Fanggan Sachets regulate humoral immunity and cellular immunity in mice
Authors: Zhang Quan , Wang Hui , Cheng Ming Liang , Jin Mingchang , Meng Qing Zhi , Duan Liang , Chen Yun 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

Background: Although some studies in the southeast part of Guizhou Province have suggested that Miaoyao Fanggan Sachets (MFS) prevent influenza, little is known about its influence on immune systems. Influenza virus mainly infects immune-compromised individuals. The effects of MFS have mainly been recognized in clinical practice. However, there have been relatively few studies on its biological mechanism. Here we investigated whether MFS was able to affect the mucosal immunization and the activation of alveolar macrophages (AM), CD4+and CD8+ T-cells in vivo.

Methods: Eighty Kunming male mice were treated with MFS continuously or intermittently with Yu-Ping-Feng powder (YPF-P) (positive control group) or with normal saline (NS) (control group) for 4 weeks, respectively. Mice treated with MFS were further divided into the continuous inhalation group (12 h daily/4 weeks) and the discontinuous inhalation group (1 h, three times a day for 4 weeks). Mice in both groups were placed under 0.5 m3 masks which had four ventilation holes (10×15 cm) containing 40 g MFS. Positive control mice were orally treated with YPF-P 0.2 mg/10 g/day once a day for 4 weeks. Control mice were orally treated with equal volumes of NS once a day for 4 weeks. MFS was replaced every 6 days. Administration of YPF-P was used as a positive control since it has been used as an established Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment before. After 4 weeks, mice in all experimental groups were sacrificed. IgA and IgG1 in lung and blood serum were detected by Western blot and enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of alveolar macrophages (AM) in mice was analyzed by immunochemistry test based on CD68+staining. Blood samples were collected in which CD4+and CD8+T-cells were analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results: Mice continuously and intermittently inhaling MFS showed a moderate increase in IgA and IgG1 protein levels compared with mice in the control groups. There was also a slightly significant increase in the number of AM in the continuous inhalation group compared with mice in the control groups (p<0.05). Furthermore, compared with controls, there was also a slightly significant increase in the number and percentage of CD4+and CD8+T-cells in both the continuous inhalation group and the discontinuous inhalation group (p<0.05).

Conclusions: MFS was able to up-regulate the protein levels of sIgA and IgG1. Meanwhile, MFS could activate AM, CD4+and CD8+T-cells in mice. Our data have, for the first time, demonstrated that the protection against influenza by MFS is partly through activation of the innate and adaptive cell-mediated immune responses, indicating MFS as a potential new immune-modulatory agent for respiratory tract infectious disease.
‘It’s pretty simple and in Greek …’: Global and local languages in the Greek corporate setting
Authors: Mahili Ifigenia 
Published: November 2014

AbstractToday’s corporate world is in a state of flux. The globalisation of business activity and the escalating economic crises force even small/medium enterprises to become international. This impacts on the competitiveness, profitability and survival of organisations, and as a result the companies’ recruitment strategies and language policies, including the choice between global and local languages, acquire greater significance. Previous research has shown that official language policies and unofficial individual practices diverge in multifaceted ways that merit investigation. Although companies often adopt a ‘one language’ policy, language choice is negotiated between employees in a range of contexts. Using a mixed method approach this article aims to investigate the interplay between global and local languages in the largely unexplored Greek workplace setting. In the analysis two major factors are identified which influence the choice between Greek as a local first language (L1) and English as a Lingua Franca (ELF): the official and unofficial responsibilities of employees’ posts and the enactment of their professional expertise inclusive of their language competence. The analysis aims to unpack the different aspects of these themes and special attention is paid to the relevance of the current economic crisis. The paper suggests that post duties and expertise are negotiated locally and are constructed strategically to adapt to specific organisational contexts and specifically to the fallout from the economic crisis.
Synthesis and characterization of silver cluster particles in hydrogels
Authors: Deo Aman , Ghani Syed Sauban 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
A chitosan-based hydrogel network was crosslinked with genipin; the crosslinked and uncrosslinked hydrogels were prepared and studied. Uniformly distributed silver cluster particles (AgCPs) were prepared using these hydrogel networks as a carrier via in situ reduction of silver nitrate (AgNO3) in the presence of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as a reducing agent; UV irradiation reduction was also done. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy studies of the hydrogels gave results on the decree of crosslinking and some indication on the presence of the AgCPs. The spectrophotometric analysis indicated the presence of AgCPs, as a peak appeared around 400 nm. The microscopy analysis gave images of the presence of AgCPs and their size; it showed that the crosslinked hydrogels have uniformly distributed AgCPs and as the crosslinking increased, the AgCPs size decreased. The studies on the increasing concentration of AgNO3 solution gave an increase AgCPs size; the maximum size of AgCPs clusters was ∼0.2 micron in uncrosslinked chitosan. It was demonstrated, by using Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacterium, that the AgCPs hydrogel can be effectively employed as antibacterial material.
A new hydrogen-containing whitlockite-type phosphate Ca9(Fe0.63Mg0.37)H0.37(PO4)7: hydrothermal synthesis and structure
Authors: Deyneko Dina V. , Aksenov Sergey M. , Morozov Vladimir A. , Stefanovich Sergey Yu. , Dimitrova Olga V. , Barishnikova Oksana V. , Lazoryak Bogdan I. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
A new hydrogen-containing Ca9(Fe0.63Mg0.37)H0.37(PO4)7 phosphate with the whitlockite-type structure has been synthesized by a hydrothermal method and its structure has been studied by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the trigonal space group R3c (traditional for compounds with the whitlockite-type structure) with unit-cell parameters: a=10.3533(1) Å, c=37.1097(4) Å. The structure has been determined using the “charge flipping” method. Ca9(Fe0.63Mg0.37)H0.37(PO4)7 structure is similar to that of other members of the whitlockite-type family. The presence of hydrogen in the structure leads to the formation of OH-group with one of the oxygen of PO4-tetrahedra. Based on an analysis of the bond valence sums (BVS) a conclusion has been made about localization of H atoms in the structure. Smaller values of BVS for O1 and O10 atoms than ones for other oxygen atoms indicate localization of H atoms between them in a position with site symmetry 18b.
The influence of root-end filling materials on bone healing – an experimental study
Authors: Gulie Kui Andreea , Berar Antonela , Lascu Liana , Bolfa Pompei , Bosca Bianca , Mihu Carmen , Baciut Mihaela , Avram Ramona , Badea Mândra 
Published: November 2014

Aims. The aim of this experimental study is to assess the bone healing phenomenon produced in the presence of several dental materials: a polycarboxylate cement, a glass-ionomer cement, a composite resin and MTA (mineral trioxide aggregate) based cement. Methods. The biocompatibility of four root-end fillings materials, used in periapical surgery was investigated after intra-osseous implantation of the materials in rats’ calvaria. Tissue reaction was studied at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks after implantation. We took into consideration the presence of inflammatory cells (polymorphonuclear leukocytes, macrophages, plasma cells, lymphocytes and giant cells) and classified the aspects of the histological samples according to the following scale: 0 - no inflammation, 1 – mild, isolated inflammation, 2 - moderate, localized inflammatory reaction, 3 - severe, diffuse and intense inflammatory reaction.Results. The inflammatory reaction was present at the six intervals for all the tested materials, but at 12 week interval, the reaction was minimal in all cases. Also, a dissolution reaction was observed for all the materials, less intense for glass-ionomer cement and polycarboxilate cement.Conclusions. At the end of the experimental period, glass-ionomer cement and polycarboxilate cement suffered a lesser dissolution reaction as compared to the second group of tested materials.
Helen Bonny as a Musician
Authors: Vaux Diane Ritchey 
Published: November 2014

This article discusses Helen Bonny’s role as a musician, focusing on her early musical history, her choice of the violin, her musical training, her expression as a musician over the years, the quality of her playing, and the way that playing music was foundational to her life and work. The information in the article is based on written sources that describe her life as a musician, including an autobiographical statement written by Helen herself, as well as interviews and personal communications with musicians who have had the privilege of playing music with her.
Having another look at cerebral palsy: Current definitions and classification systems
Authors: Rainey Perry Mary 
Published: November 2014

Although many music therapists work with clients with cerebral palsy, this diagnostic term has a low profile in current music therapy literature. This is especially the case when the focus of intervention is not in the realm of physical functioning. The frequently co-occurring disorders in sensation, cognition, communication, perception, and behaviour are often the focus of music therapy intervention, particularly with children and adults with severe and multiple disability. Current perspectives on the care and participation of children and adults with cerebral palsy, including motor classification scales, can be useful for research and clinical reporting. These scales are explained and examined, as is the effect of the motor impairments of cerebral palsy on active music therapy methods. Clinical vignettes illustrate the effect of different levels of functional fine motor skills as assessed by the Manual Ability Classification System (Eliasson, A.C., et al, 2006) on musical interaction. Including the term “cerebral palsy” in clinical reports and research also has implications for awareness of music therapy in the wider community.
The Timelessness of Arts-Based Research: Looking Back Upon A Heuristic Self-Study and the Arts-Based Reflexivity Data Analysis Method
Authors: Schenstead Amanda Rose 
Published: November 2014

This theoretical article explores the author's experience of a heuristic, arts-based self-study with focus on the data analysis method that was utilized in this project and its continual development. The author refers to this method as arts-based reflexivity. A historical review of arts-based and heuristic research will be provided to give context and theoretical background to support the development and use of arts-based reflexivity. This systematic method of analysing artistic data encourages the researcher to ask various questions to him/herself and interact with the data by creating intuitive art forms as responses to internal dialogue and feelings. A template will be offered for researchers to explore and utilize for their own projects and processes. The components of arts-based reflexivity will be explored using examples from the author's graduate research project as well as recent reflections upon the topic: "What is My Artistic Centre?", an adapted short form performance piece which illustrates the steps and potential self-knowledge which can be gain through the arts-based reflexivity method.