bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Information-Driven 2-Pathway Characterization of Occipitotemporal and Posterior Parietal Visual Object Representations
Authors: Vaziri-Pashkam Maryam , Xu Yaoda 
Published: March 2018

AbstractRecent studies have demonstrated the existence of rich visual representations in both occipitotemporal cortex (OTC) and posterior parietal cortex (PPC). Using fMRI decoding and a bottom-up data-driven approach, we showed that although robust object category representations exist in both OTC and PPC, there is an information-driven 2-pathway separation among these regions in the representational space, with occipitotemporal regions arranging hierarchically along 1 pathway and posterior parietal regions along another pathway. We obtained 10 independent replications of this 2-pathway distinction, accounting for 58–81% of the total variance of the region-wise differences in visual representation. The separation of the PPC regions from higher occipitotemporal regions was not driven by a difference in tolerance to changes in low-level visual features, did not rely on the presence of special object categories, and was present whether or not object category was task relevant. Our information-driven 2-pathway structure differs from the well-known ventral-what and dorsal-where/how characterization of posterior brain regions. Here both pathways contain rich nonspatial visual representations. The separation we see likely reflects a difference in neural coding scheme used by PPC to represent visual information compared with that of OTC.
Parameter estimation in stock assessment modelling: caveats with gradient-based algorithms
Authors: Subbey Sam 
Published: March 2018

AbstractUsing simple illustrative examples, this note highlights some of the caveats with gradient-based algorithms. This class of algorithms underpins the state-of-the-art modelling platform in fisheries science. The goal is to sound a cautionary note about an increasing trend in fisheries science, where blind faith is being invested in results obtained from algorithms that are fast, and proven to have machine precision.
Pre-discovery transits of the exoplanets WASP-18b and WASP-33b from Hipparcos
Authors: McDonald I , Kerins E 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
We recover transits of WASP-18b and WASP-33b from Hipparcos (1989–1993) photometry. Marginal detections of HAT-P-56b and HAT-P-2b may be also present in the data. New ephemerides are fitted to WASP-18b and WASP-33b. A tentative (∼1.3σ) orbital decay is measured for WASP-18b, but the implied tidal quality factor (Q΄ ∼ 5 × 105) is small and survival time (&lt;106 yr) is too short to be likely. No orbital decay is measured for WASP-33b, and a limit of Q΄ &gt; 2 × 105 is placed. For both planets, the uncertainties in published ephemerides appear underestimated: the uncertainty in the period derivative of WASP-18b would be greatly reduced if its current ephemeris could be better determined.
Asymmetric ejecta of cool supergiants and hypergiants in the massive cluster Westerlund 1
Authors: Andrews H , Fenech D , Prinja R K , Clark J S , Hindson L 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
We report new 5.5 GHz radio observations of the massive star cluster Westerlund 1, taken by the Australia Telescope Compact Array, detecting nine of the ten yellow hypergiants (YHGs) and red supergiants (RSGs) within the cluster. Eight of nine sources are spatially resolved. The nebulae associated with the YHGs Wd1-4a, -12a, and -265 demonstrate a cometary morphology – the first time this phenomenon has been observed for such stars. This structure is also echoed in the ejecta of the RSGs Wd1-20 and -26; in each case the cometary tails are directed away from the cluster core. The nebular emission around the RSG Wd1-237 is less collimated than these systems but once again appears more prominent in the hemisphere facing the cluster. Considered as a whole, the nebular morphologies provide compelling evidence for sculpting via a physical agent associated with Westerlund 1, such as a cluster wind.
Low thyroid function is not associated with an accelerated deterioration in renal function
Authors: Meuwese Christiaan L , van Diepen Merel , Cappola Anne R , Sarnak Mark J , Shlipak Michael G , Bauer Douglas C , Fried Linda P , Iacoviello Massimo , Vaes Bert , Degryse Jean , Khaw Kay-Tee , Luben Robert N , Åsvold Bjørn O , Bjøro Trine , Vatten Lars J , de Craen Anton J M , Trompet Stella , Iervasi Giorgio , Molinaro Sabrina , Ceresini Graziano , Ferrucci Luigi , Dullaart Robin P F , Bakker Stephan J L , Jukema J Wouter , Kearney Patricia M , Stott David J , Peeters Robin P , Franco Oscar H , Völzke Henry , Walsh John P , Bremner Alexandra , Sgarbi José A , Maciel Rui M B , Imaizumi Misa , Ohishi Waka , Dekker Friedo W , Rodondi Nicolas , Gussekloo Jacobijn , den Elzen Wendy P J ,   Thyroid Studies Collaboration
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is frequently accompanied by thyroid hormone dysfunction. It is currently unclear whether these alterations are the cause or consequence of CKD. This study aimed at studying the effect of thyroid hormone alterations on renal function in cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses in individuals from all adult age groups.

Methods
Individual participant data (IPD) from 16 independent cohorts having measured thyroid stimulating hormone, free thyroxine levels and creatinine levels were included. Thyroid hormone status was defined using clinical cut-off values. Estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) were calculated by means of the four-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula. For this IPD meta-analysis, eGFR at baseline and eGFR change during follow-up were computed by fitting linear regression models and linear mixed models in each cohort separately. Effect estimates were pooled using random effects models.

Results
A total of 72 856 individuals from 16 different cohorts were included. At baseline, individuals with overt hypothyroidism (n = 704) and subclinical hypothyroidism (n = 3356) had a average (95% confidence interval) −4.07 (−6.37 to −1.78) and −2.40 (−3.78 to −1.02) mL/min/1.73 m2 lower eGFR as compared with euthyroid subjects (n = 66 542). In (subclinical) hyperthyroid subjects (n = 2254), average eGFR was 3.01 (1.50–4.52) mL/min/1.73 m2 higher. During 329 713 patient years of follow-up, eGFR did not decline more rapidly in individuals with low thyroid function compared with individuals with normal thyroid function.

Conclusions
Low thyroid function is not associated with a deterioration of renal function. The cross-sectional association may be explained by renal dysfunction causing thyroid hormone alterations.
How Cervical Reconstruction Surgery Affects Global Spinal Alignment
Authors: Mizutani Jun , Strom Russell , Abumi Kuniyoshi , Endo Kenji , Ishii Ken , Yagi Mitsuru , Tay Bobby , Deviren Vedat , Ames Christopher 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND
There have been no reports describing how cervical reconstruction surgery affects global spinal alignment (GSA).

OBJECTIVE
To elucidate the effects of cervical reconstruction for GSA through a retrospective multicenter study.

METHODS
Seventy-eight patients who underwent cervical reconstruction surgery for cervical kyphosis were divided into a Head-balanced group (n = 42) and a Trunk-balanced group (n = 36) according to the values of the C7 plumb line (PL). We also divided the patients into a cervical sagittal balanced group (CSB group, n = 18) and a cervical sagittal imbalanced group (CSI group, n = 60) based on the C2 PL-C7 PL distance. Various sagittal Cobb angles and the sagittal vertical axes were measured before and after surgery.

RESULTS
Cervical alignment was improved to achieve occiput-trunk concordance (the distance between the center of gravity [COG] PL, which is considered the virtual gravity line of the entire body, and C7 PL < 30 mm) despite the location of COG PL and C7PL. A subsequent significant change in thoracolumbar alignment was observed in Head-balanced and CSI groups. However, no such significant change was observed in Trunk-balanced and CSB groups. We observed 1 case of transient and 1 case of residual neurological worsening.

CONCLUSION
The primary goal of cervical reconstruction surgery is to achieve occiput-trunk concordance. Once it is achieved, subsequent thoracolumbar alignment changes occur as needed to harmonize GSA. Cervical reconstruction can restore both cervical deformity and GSA. However, surgeons must consider the risks and benefits in such challenging cases.
Validation of the Healthy Foot Screen: A Novel Assessment Tool for Common Clinical Abnormalities
Authors: Persaud Reneeka , Coutts Patricia M. , Brandon Alisa , Verma Luvneet , Elliott James A. , Sibbald R. Gary 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

GENERAL PURPOSE:
The purpose of this learning activity is to provide information about the Healthy Foot Screen, a new tool for assessment of common foot abnormalities.

TARGET AUDIENCE:
This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES:
After completing this continuing education activity, you should be able to:
1. Recognize prevalence, causes, risk factors, signs, and types of common foot problems.
2. Identify the results of this study about the new foot screening tool and its implications in primary care.

BACKGROUND:
Foot health is a key component of general health and well-being. Nevertheless, feet are often overlooked by healthcare providers and patients. Common foot problems include infections or inflammatory conditions, abnormal nail disorders (eg, onychomycosis), structural bony abnormalities, circulation disorders, and other conditions. The development of an easy-to-use, rapid, clinical tool to assess foot health can facilitate primary care provider recognition and treatment of common foot problems. This study ascertained interrater item reliability and validity from the preliminary version of one such tool called the Healthy Foot Screen.

METHODS:
A total of 18 patients from a community dermatology clinic were individually screened by 11 interprofessional healthcare assessors using the preliminary tool. The assessors included a dermatologist/internist, family physicians, nurses, and podiatrists. The initial draft of the Healthy Foot Screen was created through an extensive literature review, complemented by the clinical judgment of the study team. Cronbach α was calculated for each item to determine interrater reliability. A minimum value of 0.6 was set for an item to be included in the final tool. Where applicable, scores for each item on the screen were calculated for right and left lower limbs and then averaged. Assessors were asked to complete a short survey.

RESULTS:
Interrater reliability scores for items on the screen were as follows: diabetes and smoking, 1.0; neuropathy, 0.988; palpable foot pulse, 0.916; abnormal fourth to fifth toe web space, 0.905; previous ulcer/amputation, 0.869; pitting edema, 0.872; bony abnormality, 0.804; dry bottom of foot, 0.799; toenail infection, 0.793; other spots/lesions,0.688; and red areas/blisters/pustules, 0.659. Generally, assessors found the tool easy to use, although some areas for improvement were noted.

CONCLUSIONS:
The Healthy Foot Screen can facilitate primary care provider diagnosis and treatment of common foot problems.
Exploring the Use of C-Reactive Protein to Estimate the Pharmacodynamics of Vancomycin
Authors: Rawson Timothy M. , Charani Esmita , Moore Luke S. P. , Gilchrist Mark , Georgiou Pantelis , Hope William , Holmes Alison H. 
Published: March 2018

Background:
C-reactive protein (CRP) pharmacodynamic (PD) models have the potential to provide adjunctive methods for predicting the individual exposure response to antimicrobial therapy. We investigated CRP PD linked to a vancomycin pharmacokinetic (PK) model using routinely collected data from noncritical care adults in secondary care.

Methods:
Patients receiving intermittent intravenous vancomycin therapy in secondary care were identified. A 2-compartment vancomycin PK model was linked to a previously described PD model describing CRP response. PK and PD parameters were estimated using a Non-Parametric Adaptive Grid technique. Exposure–response relationships were explored with vancomycin area-under-the-concentration-time-curve (AUC) and EC50 (concentration of drug that causes a half maximal effect) using the index, AUC:EC50, fitted to CRP data using a sigmoidal Emax model.

Results:
Twenty-nine individuals were included. Median age was 62 (21–97) years. Fifteen (52%) patients were microbiology confirmed. PK and PD models were adequately fitted (r2 0.83 and 0.82, respectively). There was a wide variation observed in individual Bayesian posterior EC50 estimates (6.95–48.55 mg/L), with mean (SD) AUC:EC50 of 31.46 (29.22). AUC:EC50 was fitted to terminal CRP with AUC:EC50 >19 associated with lower CRP value at 96–120 hours of therapy (100 mg/L versus 44 mg/L; P < 0.01).

Conclusions:
The use of AUC:EC50 has the potential to provide in vivo organism and host response data as an adjunct for in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration data, which is currently used as the gold standard PD index for vancomycin therapy. This index can be estimated using routinely collected clinical data. Future work must investigate the role of AUC:EC50 in a prospective cohort and explore linkage with direct patient outcomes.
Quantifying Soft Tissue Shape and Symmetry: Patients with Cleft Lip/Palate and Facial Paralysis
Authors: Trotman Carroll Ann , Faraway Julian , Hadlock Tessa , Banks Caroline , Jowett Nathan , Regan Daniel 
Published: March 2018

Background:
The objective of this study was to demonstrate simple three-dimensional analyses of facial soft tissue shape and asymmetry.

Methods:
There were 2 study samples: one retrospective comprised patients with repaired cleft lip and palate (CL/P) and control subjects; and the other prospective comprised patients with unilateral facial paralysis (FP) and control subjects. The data collected were digitized three-dimensional facial landmarks. Scores for shape and asymmetry of subjects’ faces and for different facial regions were generated using Procrustes methods. Pivotal bootstrap methods and analysis of variance were used to test for significant differences in the scores between the patients and controls, and plots of the scores were generated to compare differences among the subjects.

Results:
(1) Shape scores: The CL/P patients demonstrated significant overall and regional facial differences (P ≤ 0.01). The patients were further from the control mean, especially those with unilateral CL/P. Patients with FP demonstrated significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) for the lower face only. (2) Asymmetry scores: CL/P and FP patients demonstrated significant overall and regional facial differences (CL/P, P ≤ 0.0001; FP, P ≤ 0.01). CL/P and FP patients were more asymmetric and were further from the control mean, and patients with unilateral CL/P were more asymmetric than the bilateral CL/P patients.

Conclusion:
Clinicians can use the analyses to isolate differences and/or changes in the face due to shape or asymmetry, or a combination of both; based on the score plots, the extent of the shape and asymmetry differences can be compared among subjects and the extent of changes due to surgery measured.
SENSITIVITY AND SPECIFICITY OF DETECTING POLYPOIDAL CHOROIDAL VASCULOPATHY WITH EN FACE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY AND OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY
Authors: de Carlo Talisa E. , Kokame Gregg T. , Kaneko Kyle N. , Lian Rebecca , Lai James C. , Wee Raymond 
Published: March 2018

Purpose:
Determine sensitivity and specificity of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) diagnosis with structural en face optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA).

Methods:
Retrospective review of the medical records of eyes diagnosed with PCV by indocyanine green angiography with review of diagnostic testing with structural en face OCT and OCTA by a trained reader. Structural en face OCT, cross-sectional OCT angiograms alone, and OCTA in its entirety were reviewed blinded to the findings of indocyanine green angiography and each other to determine if they could demonstrate the PCV complex. Sensitivity and specificity of PCV diagnosis was determined for each imaging technique using indocyanine green angiography as the ground truth.

Results:
Sensitivity and specificity of structural en face OCT were 30.0% and 85.7%, of OCT angiograms alone were 26.8% and 96.8%, and of the entire OCTA were 43.9% and 87.1%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity were improved for OCT angiograms and OCTA when looking at images taken within 1 month of PCV diagnosis.

Conclusion:
Sensitivity of detecting PCV was low using structural en face OCT and OCTA but specificity was high. Indocyanine green angiography remains the gold standard for PCV detection.
Sulfur Hexafluoride 20% Versus Air 100% for Anterior Chamber Tamponade in DMEK: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Marques Raquel Esteves , Guerra Paulo Silva , Sousa David Cordeiro , Ferreira Nuno Pinto , Gonçalves Ana Inês , Quintas Ana Miguel , Rodrigues Walter 
Published: March 2018

Purpose:
To compare intracameral 20% sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) versus 100% air as tamponade for graft attachment in Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).

Methods:
Using an electronic database search on MEDLINE and CENTRAL from inception to December 2017, we performed a literature review and meta-analysis including all comparative studies of SF6 at a 20% concentration (20% SF6) versus pure air (100% air) for anterior chamber tamponade in DMEK. The primary outcome was the rebubbling rate at the final observation. The secondary outcomes were 1) the graft detachment rate, 2) mean difference (MD) in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), 3) manifest refraction spherical equivalent, 4) central corneal thickness (CCT), 5) percentage of endothelial cell loss (ECL), and 6) rate of pupillary block by the final observation. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan5.3 software.

Results:
Five retrospective studies were included, assessing 1195 eyes (SF6 277; air 918). The main indication for surgery was Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (SF6 85.2%; air 86.2%) and bullous keratopathy (SF6 10.8%; air 10.0%). Overall, studies were of moderate to good methodological quality. Patients in the SF6 group required 58% less rebubbling procedures (risk ratio 0.42, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.31–0.56, P < 0.0001). No differences were found regarding BCVA improvement (MD 0.03, 95% CI, −0.05 to 0.11, P = 0.49). SF6 was associated with a minor hyperopic shift (MD 0.37 D, 95% CI, −0.95 to −0.21, P = 0.21). No differences were found regarding CCT, ECL, and rate of pupillary block (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:
In DMEK, 20% SF6 tamponade and longer postoperative time supine were associated with 58% fewer rebubbling procedures, and an ECL not statistically different from using 100% air.
Is Patient Knowledge of Glaucoma Improved by Using a Glaucoma Logbook?
Authors: Daly Rebecca , Agarwal Pankaj Kumar 
Published: March 2018

Aims:
Patient-held records are becoming more commonly used in health care, particularly in chronic diseases like glaucoma. There is a lack of evidence to support their use, however. This study examines the change in knowledge scores within a group following the introduction of a newly designed glaucoma logbook.

Methods:
This analysis uses a test and retest method where patients undergoing treatment for glaucoma or ocular hypertension were assessed using a validated knowledge questionnaire. They were then given a personalized glaucoma logbook and their knowledge scores retested after 4 to 8 weeks. The change in knowledge score was examined using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results:
A total of 56 patients were recruited and 35 completed both questionnaires equating to a 62.5% retention rate. The analysis showed a significant increase in the knowledge score attained following introduction of the questionnaire (Z=−4.176, P<0.001).

Conclusions:
In this format, the glaucoma logbook has a positive impact on patient knowledge. Further research will be necessary to show if this result is maintained in a larger sample group and to investigate whether this improvement in knowledge is associated with any improvement in long-term structural and functional outcomes.
The Impact of Clinical Pathways on Antibiotic Prescribing for Acute Otitis Media and Pharyngitis in the Emergency Department
Authors: Dona Daniele , Baraldi Maura , Brigadoi Giulia , Lundin Rebecca , Perilongo Giorgio , Hamdy Rana F. , Zaoutis Theoklis , Da Dalt Liviana , Giaquinto Carlo 
Published: March 2018

Background:
Although Italian pediatric antimicrobial prescription rates are among the highest in Europe, little action has been taken to improve the appropriateness of antimicrobial prescriptions. The primary aim of this study was to assess changes in antibiotic prescription before and after acute otitis media (AOM) and group A streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis Clinical Pathway (CP) implementation; secondary aims were to compare treatment failures and to assess change in the total antibiotics costs before and after CP implementation.

Methods:
Pre-post quasi-experimental study comparing the 6-month period before CP implementation (baseline period: October 15, 2014, through April 15, 2015) to the 6 months after intervention (postintervention: October 15, 2015, through April 15, 2016).

Results:
Two hundred ninety-five pre- and 278 postintervention emergency department visits were associated with AOM. After CP implementation, there was an increase in “wait and see” approach and a decrease in overall prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics from 53.2% to 32.4% (P < 0.001). One hundred fifty-one pre- and 166 postimplementation clinic visits were associated with GAS pharyngitis, with a decrease in broad-spectrum prescription after CP implementation (46.4% vs. 6.6%; P < 0.001). For both conditions, no difference was found in treatment failure, and total antibiotics cost was significantly reduced after CP implementation, with a decrease especially in broad-spectrum antibiotics costs.

Conclusions:
A reduction in broad-spectrum antibiotic prescriptions and a reduction in the total cost of antibiotics for AOM and GAS pharyngitis along with an increase in “wait and see” prescribing for AOM indicate effectiveness of CP for antimicrobial stewardship in this setting.