bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical and molecular characterization of females affected by X‐linked retinoschisis
Authors: Staffieri Sandra E , Rose Loreto , Chang Andrew , De Roach John N , McLaren Terri L , Mackey David A , Hewitt Alex W , Lamey Tina M 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundX‐linked retinoschisis (XLRS) is a leading cause of juvenile macular degeneration associated with mutations in the RS1 gene. XLRS has a variable expressivity in males and shows no clinical phenotype in carrier females.DesignClinical and molecular characterization of male and female individuals affected with XLRS in a consanguineous family.ParticipantsConsanguineous Eastern European‐Australian familyMethodsFour clinically affected and nine unaffected family members were genetically and clinically characterized. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis was conducted by the Australian Inherited Retinal Disease Register and DNA Bank.Main Outcome MeasuresClinical and molecular characterization of the causative mutation in a consanguineous family with XLRS.ResultsBy direct sequencing of the RS1 gene, one pathogenic variant, NM_000330.3: c.304C > T, p. R102W, was identified in all clinically diagnosed individuals analysed. The two females were homozygous for the variant, and the males were hemizygous.ConclusionClinical and genetic characterization of affected homozygous females in XLRS affords the rare opportunity to explore the molecular mechanisms of XLRS and the manifestation of these mutations as disease in humans.
Effect of three calcium hydroxide formulations on fracture resistance of dentin over time
Authors: Hawkins Jeremiah James , Torabinejad Mahmoud , Li Yiming , Retamozo Bonnie 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe long‐term use of calcium hydroxide has been discouraged throughout the recent decade due to a proposed decrease in fracture resistance of dentin. This weakening has grave implications when used on immature teeth with thin dentinal walls in procedures such as apexogenesis.AimThe purpose of this study was to identify the effects of three commercial calcium hydroxide formulations (Vitapex, Ultracal XS and Pulpdent) on the fracture resistance of dentin in relation to time.Materials and MethodsTwo‐hundred and forty deciduous lamb incisors were collected, cleaned and shaped, and filled with one of the three calcium hydroxide formulations and one negative saline control. At one, three, and 6 months, these teeth were fractured on an Instron machine to determine fracture resistance.ResultsNo statistical differences were observed among any of the experimental groups, nor between any of the experimental groups and negative control groups.ConclusionsBased on our findings, there appears insufficient evidence to support that either Vitapex, Ultracal XS, or Pulpdent will cause a decrease in fracture resistance of dentin within a 6‐month period.
Dental trauma in association with maxillofacial fractures: an epidemiological study
Authors: Ruslin Muhammad , Wolff Jan , Boffano Paolo , Brand Henk S. , Forouzanfar Tymour 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to retrospectively investigate the incidence and associated factors of dental trauma in patients with maxillofacial fractures at the VU Medical Center in Amsterdam.Material and methodsData from 707 patients who were treated surgically for maxillofacial fractures were evaluated. The data were collected retrospectively from patient files and other available databases. The data collected included date of fracture, age, gender, type of fracture, and injured teeth.ResultOf the total 707 patients, 164 patients (23.2%) presented dental injuries associated with facial fractures. Mandibular condylar fractures, mandibular parasymphyseal fractures, Le Fort fractures, and mandibular body fractures were found to be significantly more associated with dental injury. Zygomatic arch or zygomatic complex fractures were significantly less associated with dental injury. Women had a significant higher risk of facial fractures with dental injuries than men. The maxilla demonstrated the highest incidence of injured teeth. The most affected teeth were the maxillary incisors (33.1%), followed by mandible incisors (13.6%), mandible molars (12.8%), and maxillary premolars (12.6%).ConclusionOur findings show a higher risk of dental injury among patients with a mandibular condylar fracture and mandibular parasymphyseal fracture but a lower risk of dental injury among patients with a zygomatic arch or zygomatic complex fracture. On average, patients had more than three injured teeth, with most of the injured teeth being in the upper jaw. The maxillary incisors, followed by the mandible incisors, were the most injured teeth.
Combined use of compost and wood scraps to increase carbon stock and improve soil quality in intensive farming systems
Authors: Scotti R. , D'Ascoli R. , Gonzalez Caceres M. , Bonanomi G. , Sultana S. , Cozzolino L. , Scelza R. , Zoina A. , Rao M. A. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryIntensive agricultural systems negatively affect soil quality principally because of a reduction in soil organic matter (OM). Sustainable practices providing organic amendments could be useful to maintain or increase OM content in agricultural soils, preserving and improving soil fertility. In this study, biomass with a large C:N ratio was applied to intensively farmed agricultural soils to maximize the increase of soil OM and hence chemical and biochemical fertility. In particular, 30 and 60 t ha−1 of two mixtures of compost and scraps from poplar pruning, A1 and A2, with different C:N ratios (15 and 25, respectively), were applied to soils of two farms (F1 and F2) in a Mediterranean area (southern Italy) on an annual basis for two consecutive years. An effective, long‐lasting increase of soil OM, on average of 60 and 55% in F1 and F2 soils, respectively, was reached at the end of the experiment. As well as a progressive increase in the C:N ratio, total N and available P also increased with organic amendments, with positive effects on soil microbial activity as demonstrated by the enhancement of the seven studied enzymatic activities. Principal component analysis demonstrated different responses to various organic amendments between F1 and F2 soils because of their geopedological diversity. The results indicate that the C:N ratio of the mixture is an important factor, but what is the best rate of addition to use is still not obvious. The use of a smaller amount (30 t ha−1) of the A1 mixture (10:1 compost:wood) appears, in these types of soils, to be the most suitable strategy to produce significant benefits.
An improved method for measurement of soil aggregate stability using laser granulometry applied at regional scale
Authors: Rawlins B. G. , Turner G. , Wragg J. , McLachlan P. , Lark R. M. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryLaboratory‐based aggregate stability (AS) tests should be applied to material wetted to a moisture content comparable with that of a field soil. We have improved our original laser granulometer (LG)‐based AS test published in this journal by including a pre‐wetting stage. Our method estimates disaggregation reduction (DR; µm) for a soil sample (1–2‐mm diameter aggregates). Soils with more stable aggregates have larger DR values. We apply the new technique to soils from 60 cultivated sites across eastern England, with ten samples from each of six different parent material (PM) types encompassing a wide range of soil organic carbon (SOC) concentrations (1.2–7.0%). There are large differences between the median DR values (rescaled to < 500 µm) for soils over the PM types, which when used as a predictor (in combination with SOC concentration) accounted for 53% of the variation in DR. There was no evidence for including an interaction term between PM class and SOC concentration for the prediction of DR. After applying the aggregate stability tests with the 60 regional soil samples, they were stored for 9 months and the tests were repeated, resulting in a small but statistically significant increase in DR for samples from some, but not all, PM types. We show how a palaeosol excavated from a site in southern England can be used as an aggregate reference material (RM) to monitor the reproducibility of our technique. It has been suggested that soil quality, measured by critical soil physical properties, may decline if the organic carbon concentration is less than a critical threshold. Our results show that, for aggregate stability, any such thresholds are specific to the PM.
An extrapolation method to determine the effective notch stress in welded joints
Authors: Pradana M. R. , Qian X. , Swaddiwudhipong S. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis paper presents the development of an extrapolation method to estimate the notch stress in welded steel joints, in line with the effective notch stress concept described in the International Institute of Welding guideline. The proposed approach provides a convenient method to determine the local notch stress at the weld toes without the need to model a finite notch radius as required in engineering guidelines, which creates significant modeling challenges in the numerical procedure, especially for 3‐D joints with a complex topology. An experimental study validates the feasibility of this extrapolation method through strain measurements on cruciform joints. The numerical study then investigates two types of welded connections: (1) cruciform joints with full‐penetration welds and (2) tube‐to‐plate joints. The proposed extrapolation method provides accurate effective notch stress estimations on both joint types, compared with the effective notch stress calculated following the mesh requirement in the existing guidelines.
Traditional Yangsaeng oriental health promotion in patients with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Shin S. , Kim J.H. , Jung D. 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundA traditional Korean health behavior regimen, ‘Yangsaeng’ is an ancient Chinese concept that incorporates health promoting behaviours.AimThe purpose of this study was to test a hypothesized model that identified the effects of activity status, internal health locus of control, and resilience on Yangsaeng among patients with cardiovascular disease.MethodsSecondary data were utilized in this study. Originally, 543 Korean patients with cardio‐vascular disease were recruited from general hospitals, although only 532 were included in this study. Path analysis was performed using AMOS 17.0.ResultsResilience was significantly associated with and accounted for 37% of the variance in Yangsaeng. Activity status and internal health locus of control were significantly associated with and accounted for 4% of the variance in resilience.LimitationsGiven the cross‐sectional data used, the sequencing and/or direction of the relationships found remains uncertain. There may be complex interactions that were not considered.ConclusionsThese results suggest that enhancing resilience is essential to foster a health‐promoting lifestyle that helps prevent the recurrence of cardio‐vascular disease.Implications for nursing and health policyNurse development of a Yangsaeng program for patients with cardiovascular disease may be a useful means of enhancing resilience in western as well as eastern cultures. This will help such patients to recognize the health benefits of improving their resilience through heightened activity levels and adopting an internal health locus of control.
Nursing curriculum development in remote southwest Uganda
Authors: Wallace L.R. 
Published: April 2015

Purpose/AimTo describe an intercollaborative outreach between the USA and a school of nursing in Uganda.IntroductionUgandan nurses are essential providers of health care in remote regions. High vacancy rates in health centers impacts care in rural areas.BackgroundA 112‐bed health center in southwest Uganda supports village health teams that visit remote villages and provides medical, surgical, and maternal‐child services to a population of 250,000. A new Ugandan school of nursing has aligned with the hospital to prepare graduates to provide primary care in remote villages. A team from the USA visited the school and hospital to assess the curriculum and offer educational strategies and support to the school's leadership.EvidenceProvision of primary health care in the developing world is a longstanding global priority. Nurses are at the center of primary care in remote regions. Educational support for advanced nursing and strategic international relationships can positively impact nursing education in both high and low‐income countries.DiscussionThe USA team took part in assessments, teaching, simulation, and remote village outreach. Educational strategies and modalities were shared.ConclusionsThe Ugandan nursing school is established and affiliated with another Ugandan university. Standardized curriculum is in place, however continued collaboration is needed for program adaptation to accommodate the unique border region environment.Implications for Health Policy and NursingIntercollaborative sharing of information and resources between schools of nursing can have a direct impact on global health initiatives in both high‐income and low‐income countries.
Young women with a disorder of sex development: learning to share information with health professionals, friends and intimate partners about bodily differences and infertility
Authors: Sanders Caroline , Carter Bernie , Lwin Rebekah 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimTo understand the experiences of young women with a disorder of sex development when sharing information about their body with healthcare professionals, friends and intimate partners.BackgroundDisorders of sex development are lifelong conditions that create bodily difference such as absence of reproductive organs which can impact on young women's fertility and sexual experiences.DesignInterpretive phenomenological analysis with thirteen young women (14‐19 years old) with a disorder of sex development.MethodsThe young women chose to participate in either a face‐to‐face semi‐structured interview or to complete a paper diary between 2011–2012.ResultsA superordinate theme focusing on the meaning bodily differences held for these young women is presented through three themes: self‐awareness and communicating this to others; actualizing intimacy; and expressing meaning of altered fertility to self or professionals or partners. During early adolescence, the young women were guarded and reticent about sharing personal information about their disorder of sex development but as they moved towards adulthood, some of the young women learnt to engage in conversations with more confidence. Frustrations about their bodily differences and the limitations of their bodies were talked about as factors which limited physical spontaneity, impacted on their perceived sexual fulfilment and challenged the development or sustainability of close friendships or intimate partnerships. The young women wanted empathic, sensitive support from knowledgeable health professionals to help them understand their bodies.ConclusionAttachment and a ‘sense of being’ were the concepts that were closely linked to the young women's development of a secure identity.
Conservation of Ephestia kuehniella eggs as hosts for Trichogramma ostriniae
Authors: St‐Onge M. , Cormier D. , Todorova S. , Lucas É. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractMass rearing of numerous biological control agents depends on large amounts of factitious hosts like Ephestia kuehniella eggs. Moreover, production of some parasitoids, such as Trichogramma, requires hosts of high quality. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal conservation method that allows E. kuehniella eggs to remain suitable for parasitism and development of Trichogramma ostriniae for the longest period of time. Fifteen sterilization–conservation treatments were compared: nine consisting of submersion of the eggs in liquid nitrogen as a conservation mode, two consisting of sterilization of the eggs with UV and four consisting of sterilization with freezing at −15°C. Liquid nitrogen submersion of E. kuehniella eggs did not allow the production of T. ostriniae. The sterilization by exposition to UV light followed by conservation using vacuum packing and refrigeration at 4°C provided the longest conservation of E. kuehniella eggs for T. ostriniae rearing. It was the only treatment (75.4 ± 4.62%) for which the parasitism rate remained over 70% after 2 weeks.
Independent Associations Between Nocturia and Nighttime Blood Pressure/Dipping in Elderly Individuals: The HEIJO‐KYO Cohort
Authors: Obayashi Kenji , Saeki Keigo , Kurumatani Norio 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesTo evaluate the association between nocturnal void frequency and ambulatory blood pressure (BP).DesignCross‐sectional.SettingNara, Japan.ParticipantsCommunity‐based elderly individuals (mean age 72.1, N = 867).MeasurementsNocturnal void frequency and ambulatory BP.ResultsTwo hundred twenty‐four participants had no nocturnal void, 384 had one nocturnal void, and 259 had two or more nocturnal voids. Univariate comparisons showed that more‐frequent nocturnal voiding was significantly associated with higher nighttime systolic BP (SBP) and lower dipping (nocturnal voids: ≥2, nighttime SBP 121.1 mmHg, dipping 11.8% vs 0, nighttime SBP 111.5 mmHg, dipping 15.8%, P < .001). Multivariate models revealed that two or more nocturnal voids was significantly associated with higher nighttime SBP and lower dipping than no nocturnal voids (adjusted mean difference for nighttime SBP (nocturnal voids ≥2 minus 0): 6.3 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.6 to 10.1 mmHg, P < .001; adjusted mean difference for dipping (nocturnal voids ≥2 minus 0): −2.8%, 95% CI = −4.9% to −0.7%, P = .005) and that the associations were independent of potential confounding factors such as age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, antihypertensive use, diabetes mellitus, renal function, asymmetric dimethylarginine, bedtime, length of time in bed, daytime and nighttime physical activity, endogenous melatonin levels, and bedroom light levels. In contrast, one void per night was not significantly associated with nighttime SBP and dipping.ConclusionNocturia is significantly associated with nighttime SBP and dipping in the general elderly population, independent of several confounding factors such as age, sex, metabolic abnormalities, physical activity, and circadian rhythm parameters.
Colon Cancer Screening in U.S. Adults Aged 65 and Older According to Life Expectancy and Age
Authors: Schonberg Mara A. , Breslau Erica S. , Hamel Mary Beth , Bellizzi Keith M. , McCarthy Ellen P. 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesTo examine receipt of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening according to age and life expectancy (LE) in adults aged 65 and older.DesignPopulation‐based survey.SettingUnited States.ParticipantsCommunity dwelling adults aged 65 and older who participated in the 2008 or 2010 National Health Interview Survey (N = 7,747).MeasurementsReceipt of CRC screening (e.g., colonoscopy within 10 years) was examined according to age and LE (≥10 and <10 years), adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and survey year. Frequency of CRC screening was also examined according to age and LE at time of screening (e.g., age at colonoscopy rather than at interview). Participants screened when they were aged 75 and older or had less than a 10‐year LE were considered to have received screening inconsistent with guidelines.ResultsOverall, 38.5% of participants had less than a 10‐year LE; 40.2% were aged 75 and older, and 56.3% had received recent CRC screening (90.1% by colonoscopy). CRC screening was higher in 2010 (58.9%) than 2008 (53.7%, P <.001) and was associated with longer LE and younger age, although 51.1% of adults aged 75 and older reported receiving CRC screening, as did 50.9% of adults with less than a 10‐year LE. Based on age and LE at time of screening (rather than at interview), 28.4% of CRC screening of adults aged 65 and older was targeted to those aged 75 and older and those with less than a 10‐year LE. Of adults aged 65 to 75 with a 10‐year LE or more (adults recommended for screening by guidelines), 39.2% had not recently been screened.ConclusionOlder adults with little chance of benefit because of limited LE commonly undergo CRC screening, whereas many adults aged 65 to 75 with a 10‐year LE or greater are not screened.
Derivation and Validation of the Detection of Indicators and Vulnerabilities for Emergency Room Trips Scale for Classifying the Risk of Emergency Department Use in Frail Community‐Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Costa Andrew P. , Hirdes John P. , Bell Chaim M. , Bronskill Susan E. , Heckman George A. , Mitchell Lori , Poss Jeffery W. , Sinha Samir K. , Stolee Paul 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesTo develop and validate a prognostic case finding tool that classifies the risk of emergency department (ED) use in an older home care population.DesignPopulation‐based retrospective cohort study using routinely collected data from home care clinical assessments linked prospectively to ED records.SettingOntario and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Canada.ParticipantsOlder adults living at home and expected to receive in‐home services for at least 60 days (N = 361,942).MeasurementsOne or more ED visits within 6 months after an in‐home clinical assessment was used as the main dependent measure. Ninety‐five person‐level risk measures from a clinical assessment instrument were selected as potential independent variables. The Detection of Indicators and Vulnerabilities for Emergency Room Trips (DIVERT) Scale was derived using recursive partitioning analyses informed by a multinational clinical panel.ResultsOverall, 41.2% had one or more ED visits within 6 months of their in‐home assessment. Previous ED use and cardiorespiratory symptoms, cardiac conditions, and specific geriatric syndromes were predictors within the six‐level DIVERT Scale. The scale provided adequate risk differentiation for case finding, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.62 (95% confidence interval = 0.61–0.62) and distinct risk gradients between risk scores. The multilevel validation demonstrated consistent performance across geographic and participant clusters.ConclusionThe DIVERT Scale is a valid case‐finding tool for ED use in older home care clients. It may be suitable for preemptively and systematically risk‐stratifying individuals or groups for additional assessment, case management, and preventative interventions. It may also be suitable for the stratification and adjustment of performance metrics.
Interactive Voice Response Version of the Late‐Life Function and Disability Instrument
Authors: Chang Feng‐Hang , Latham Nancy K. , Friedman Robert H. , Jette Alan M. 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesTo develop an interactive voice response (IVR) version of the Late‐Life Function and Disability Instrument Computer Adaptive Test (LLFDI‐CAT) and to evaluate its reliability and acceptability in older adults.DesignThe IVR system was embedded within the LLFDI‐CAT program. To test the test–retest reliability and concordance of the IVR version of LLFDI‐CAT with the telephone interviewer form (TIF), participants received the two versions of the LLFDI at baseline and at 1‐week follow‐up.SettingCommunity.ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling adults aged 65 and older (N = 50).MeasurementsThe LLFDI is a self‐reported outcome measure developed to assess function and disability in older adults.ResultsThe IVR version of the LLFDI‐CAT showed acceptable overall test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.79–0.80) and concordance (ICC = 0.74–0.97) with the TIF. Although most participants preferred the TIF, the majority did not find the IVR version more difficult to use.ConclusionThe IVR version of the LLFDI‐CAT achieved reliability levels that were comparable with those of the TIF version. Future work is needed to improve the IVR design to better fit older adults’ needs and preferences.