bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Landscape Soil Water Losses from Satellite Observations of Soil Moisture
Authors: Akbar Ruzbeh , Short Gianotti Daniel J. , McColl Kaighin A. , Haghighi Erfan , Salvucci Guido D. , Entekhabi Dara 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
This study presents an observation-driven technique to delineate the dominant boundaries and temporal shifts between different hydrologic regimes over the contiguous United States (CONUS). The energy- and water-limited evapotranspiration regimes as well as percolation to the subsurface are hydrologic processes that dominate the loss of stored water in the soil following precipitation events. Surface soil moisture estimates from the NASA Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission, over three consecutive summer seasons, are used to estimate the soil water loss function. Based on analysis of the rates of soil moisture dry-downs, the loss function is the conditional expectation of negative increments in the soil moisture series conditioned on soil moisture itself. An unsupervised classification scheme (with cross validation) is then implemented to categorize regions according to their dominant hydrological regimes based on their estimated loss functions. An east–west divide in hydrologic regimes over CONUS is observed with large parts of the western United States exhibiting a strong water-limited evapotranspiration regime during most of the times. The U.S. Midwest and Great Plains show transitional behavior with both water- and energy-limited regimes present. Year-to-year shifts in hydrologic regimes are also observed along with regional anomalies due to moderate drought conditions or above-average precipitation. The approach is based on remotely sensed surface soil moisture (approximately top 5 cm) at a resolution of tens of kilometers in the presence of soil texture and land cover heterogeneity. The classification therefore only applies to landscape-scale effective conditions and does not directly account for deeper soil water storage.
Preliminary Assessment of Dynamic Voice CT in Post–Airway Reconstruction Patients
Authors: Bergeron Mathieu , Fleck Robert J. , Middlebrook Caleb , Zacharias Stephanie , Tolson Shea , Oren Liran , Smith David , de Alarcon Alessandro 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesTo compare the ability of the dynamic voice computed tomography (CT) scan to characterize laryngeal function in airway reconstruction patients vs bedside endoscopic nasopharyngolaryngoscopy and videolaryngostroboscopy.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingsPediatric tertiary care center.Subjects and MethodsRetrospective case series of children and young adults with a history of complex airway surgeries with subsequent dysphonia. We analyzed clinical data for all patients who underwent an airway reconstruction procedure between January 1, 2010, and April 30, 2016, and also had a dynamic voice CT and bedside endoscopic exam during the same period.ResultsTwenty‐four patients were analyzed (4 male, 20 female) with a mean age of 15.1 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.9‐17.22). Patients had a mean of 2.2 airway surgeries (95% CI, 1.8‐2.6), with 62.5% of them being open procedures. Laryngotracheoplasty with a cartilage graft was the most common procedure (40.0%). The pattern of laryngeal closure could be detected in all cases with the dynamic CT scan (n = 24/24, 100%) compared to 87.5% (21/24) with the standard endoscopic examination (P =. 04). The location of gap closure could be detected in all cases (24/24) with the dynamic voice CT while 20.8% (5/24 patients) could not be rated with standard endoscopy/stroboscopy (P =. 02). Dynamic voice CT was able to assess the vertical closure pattern of the glottis 100% (24/24) while it could be detected in 83.3% (20/24) cases with endoscopic study (P =. 04).ConclusionDynamic voice CT shows promise as an additional tool for evaluation of patients with a history of complex airway procedures by providing complementary information.
Incidence of Vestibular Schwannoma over the Past Half‐Century: A Population‐Based Study of Olmsted County, Minnesota
Authors: Marinelli John P. , Lohse Christine M. , Carlson Matthew L. 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveThe absence of a centralized health system has limited epidemiologic research surrounding vestibular schwannoma (VS) in the United States. The Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP) comprises a unique medical consortium that covers a complete population of all ages in a well‐defined geographic region over the past half‐century. The objective of this study was to characterize the incidence of sporadic VS over this extended period.Study DesignPopulation‐based study.SettingOlmsted County, Minnesota.Subjects and MethodsReview of all VSs diagnosed between January 1, 1966, and December 31, 2016, was conducted with the REP medical records linkage system.ResultsA total of 153 incident cases of VS were identified. The incidence of VS significantly increased over the past half‐century from 1.5 per 100,000 person‐years during the first decade to 4.2 in the last decade (P <. 001). Incidence increased with age (P <. 001): those aged ≥70 years exhibited the highest incidence rate at 18.3 per 100,000 person‐years in the last decade. Age at diagnosis significantly increased from a median of 52 years in the first decade to 62 years in the last (P <. 001). Despite presenting with fewer symptoms and smaller tumors, the time delay between symptom onset and diagnosis significantly decreased over the past 5 decades (all P <. 05). Almost 1 in 4 patients was diagnosed incidentally in the last decade.ConclusionThe incidence of VS increased significantly over the past half‐century to a rate greater than previously reported. Patients’ ease of access to medical care in Olmsted County and the comprehensive REP system likely contributed to this elevated detection rate of VS.
Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis of SNOT‐22 Outcomes after Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Le Phong T. , Soler Zachary M. , Jones Rabun , Mattos Jose L. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Schlosser Rodney J. 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveWide variation exists regarding reported outcomes after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). This study seeks to combine data across studies to generate a summary measure and explore factors that might lead to variation.Data SourcesOVID Medline, Scopus, EbscoHost, Database of Abstracts and Reviews of Effects, Health Technology Assessment, and National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database.Review MethodsA search was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. Two independent researchers conducted a search using the mentioned data sources. Studies published before August 29, 2016, that involved ESS to treat CRSwNP were included. Mean changes in Sinonasal Outcome Test–22 (SNOT‐22) scores were determined through metaregression of the following independent variables: publication year, sex, age, allergy status, asthma, tobacco use, prior surgery, follow‐up length, and preoperative SNOT‐22.ResultsFifteen articles with 3048 patients treated with ESS met inclusion criteria. Pooled analyses of SNOT‐22 scores revealed a mean change of 23.0 points (95% CI, 20.2‐25.8; P <. 001). A metaregression of patient factor effects on the mean change of SNOT‐22 scores demonstrated that age (r = 0.71, P =. 01), asthma (r = 0.21, P =. 01), prior ESS (r = 0.29, P =. 01), and preoperative SNOT‐22 score (r = 0.4, P <. 01) correlated with greater improvement in SNOT‐22 scores. Tobacco use (r = −0.91, P =. 01) and longer lengths of follow‐up (r = −0.45, P <. 01) were associated with less improvement in SNOT‐22 scores.ConclusionsQuality‐of‐life outcomes are significantly improved after ESS among patients with CRSwNP. Patient‐specific factors may affect the degree of SNOT‐22 change after surgery.
Disparities in Screening for Head and Neck Cancer: Evidence from the NHANES, 2011‐2014
Authors: Kravietz Adam , Angara Prashant , Le Mina , Sargi Zoukaa 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveTo measure the association between race and head and neck cancer screening and education.Study DesignNationally representative survey.SettingUS National Center for Health Statistics.Subjects and MethodsPooled data from the 2011‐2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used to examine disparities in head and neck cancer education and screening among US citizens aged ≥18 years. We measured the association between race and head and neck cancer education and screening, adjusting for age, sex, education, income, and health insurance. Subtype analyses were performed on ever smokers, a lifetime consumption of ≥100 cigarettes, and nonsmokers, a lifetime consumption of <100 cigarettes.ResultsAmong smokers, only 20.2% were educated about the benefits of giving up cigarette smoking; 27.7% had ever received an oral cancer screening examination in which a doctor or dentist pulls on the tongue; and 24.8% had ever had a screening examination in which a doctor or dentist feels the neck. As compared with white smokers, nonwhite smokers were significantly less likely to receive an oral cancer screening examination in which the tongue was pulled (black smokers: odds ratio, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.31‐0.63). Although 72.2% of screenings of white participants were performed by dentists, black participants were more often screened by a physician (36.4%) as compared with any other race.ConclusionThis study highlights socioeconomic disparities in head and neck cancer screening and education. We advocate increased patient screening and education by primary care physicians, especially for nonwhite patients and patients with relevant risk factors.
Effect of ankle-foot orthoses on gait, balance and gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lintanf Mael , Bourseul Jean-Sébastien , Houx Laetitia , Lempereur Mathieu , Brochard Sylvain , Pons Christelle 
Published: May 2018

Objective:To determine the effects of ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) on gait, balance, gross motor function and activities of daily living in children with cerebral palsy.Data sources:Five databases were searched (Pubmed, Psycinfo, Web of Science, Academic Search Premier and Cochrane Library) before January 2018.Review methods:Studies of the effect of AFOs on gait, balance, gross motor function and activities of daily living in children with cerebral palsy were included. Articles with a modified PEDRO score ≥ 5/9 were selected. Data regarding population, AFO, interventions and outcomes were extracted. When possible, standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated from the outcomes.Results:Thirty-two articles, corresponding to 56 studies (884 children) were included. Fifty-one studies included children with spastic cerebral palsy. AFOs increased stride length (SMD = 0.88, P < 0.001) and gait speed (SMD = 0.28, P < 0.001), and decreased cadence (SMD = –0.72, P < 0.001). Gross motor function scores improved (Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) D (SMD = 0.30, P = 0.004), E (SMD = 0.28, P = 0.02), Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) (SMD = 0.57, P < 0.001)). Data relating to balance and activities of daily living were insufficient to conclude. Posterior AFOs (solid, hinged, supra-malleolar, dynamic) increased ankle dorsiflexion at initial contact (SMD = 1.65, P < 0.001) and during swing (SMD = 1.34, P < 0.001), and decreased ankle power generation in stance (SMD = –0.72, P < 0.001) in children with equinus gait.Conclusion:In children with spastic cerebral palsy, there is strong evidence that AFOs induce small improvements in gait speed and moderate evidence that AFOs have a small to moderate effect on gross motor function. In children with equinus gait, there is strong evidence that posterior AFOs induce large changes in distal kinematics.
Neoliberalism and teacher certification
Authors: Greenblatt Deborah 
Published: May 2018

The dominant discourse of teacher education is framed as the “construction of the problem of teacher education” (Cochran-Smith et al., 2013). From this neoliberal discourse came the push for more accountability, contributing to the promotion of a nationally scored standardized teacher performance assessment (edTPA). This article examines the impact of the assessment on those taking the elementary education edTPA in New York City, teacher educators and the teacher education curriculum. Based on survey and interview data from teacher candidates and faculty, there is a strong concern about the impact of the cost of the edTPA on economically disadvantaged teacher candidates and under-resourced schools of education. In many cases, teacher candidates were not encouraged to fight the neoliberal discourse but rather to “play the game” to pass a test. Because teacher educators felt it was their job to help their teacher candidates get certified, little resistance was found even among those who were not in support of the edTPA. In resistance to the standardization, teacher candidates were encouraged to be strategic, within the Pearson guidelines, in terms of their class size and composition as well as with the lessons that they taught. There were also accommodations made in teacher candidates placements to avoid testing grades or schools with a standardized curriculum; however, this potentially created new consequences with the avoidance of high-needs schools. Additionally, due to the intersection of the specific requirements of the edTPA and the mandated curricula, teacher candidates went outside the guidelines to pass the test. Furthermore, some teacher candidates decided not to take the edTPA and to get certified in another state or not to go into public education.
Circulating tumor DNA as prognostic markers for late stage NSCLC with bone metastasis
Authors: Jia Jiguang , Huang Bin , Zhuang Zhengling , Chen Sen 
Published: May 2018

Purpose: Bone metastases from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are common, and current prognostic stratification methods are challenging to predict outcomes. The aim of the study is to examine circulating tumor DNA as a potential biomarker to gauge overall survival. Methods: Late stage NSCLC patients associated with bone metastasis were recruited for the study. Circulating tumor DNA was quantified using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction, a sensitive assay that is capable to pick up low mutant DNA frequencies. KRAS and EGFR genes were serially profiled at monthly intervals to ascertain their variations in different patients during monitoring. These were correlated to overall survival as an endpoint measure. Results: Analysis of circulating tumor DNA and tumor tissues samples yielded a 94.7% overall agreement for KRAS and EGFR mutations. Higher circulating tumor DNA quantities of more than 1.4-fold were also detected in patients with bone metastases. To gauge the prognostic utility of circulating tumor DNA for these patient groups, circulating tumor DNA quantities as well as the patients’ genotypes were used to stratify patients in the survival analysis. Hazard ratios for patient groups with and without bone metastasis was 1.63. Patients groups separated by circulating tumor DNA quantity and molecular profile were 1.51 and 1.58, respectively. The results showed that circulating tumor DNA was a useful marker to identify patients with better survival outcomes. Conclusion: The good overall concordance in genetic profiling and circulating tumor DNA measurements associated with NSCLC patients with bone metastases supports plasma-based testing. This study presents exploratory evidence of the prognostic role of circulating tumor DNA that can be of value in the management of the disease.
A retrospective review of treatment patterns of antiemetic agents for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
Authors: Alamri Abdulrahman , Alawlah Yousef A , Qiao Yanru , Wang Junling 
Published: May 2018

Objectives: To evaluate the treatment pattern of antiemetic agents used for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia. Methods: Over a period of 7 weeks, all new chemotherapy order sheets were collected and evaluated for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting management. We compared each antiemetic regimen used for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting prophylaxis with three international antiemetic guidelines by the following organizations: the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network for the clinician. Results: A total of 152 cancer patients were included in the study, for whom 289 chemotherapy physician orders included antiemetic regimens. Approximately 17.3% of the chemotherapy protocols had total minimal emetogenicity risk, 22.5% had low risk, 37.02% had moderate risk, and 23.18% had high risk. For acute emesis, 27.57% of the antiemetic regimens followed at least one of the three reference guidelines. For delayed emesis, only 20.16% of the antiemetic regimens adhered to at least one of the three reference guidelines. Conclusion: Adherence to treatment recommendations and antiemetics prescribing for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting was suboptimal at this hospital. However, institutional antiemetic guidelines and oncology pharmacists could play an important role in better assessment and management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Diabetes hospitalizations and deaths in a cohort of treatment-seeking illicit drug users
Authors: Aregbesola Alex , Onyeka Ifeoma N , Olubamwo Olubunmi , Ronkainen Kimmo , Tiihonen Jari , Föhr Jaana , Kauhanen Jussi 
Published: May 2018

Background: Studies on diabetes among illicit drug users are scarce in Finland. This study aimed to describe hospitalization and death due to diabetes among treatment-seeking illicit drug users. Methods: Information of 4817 treatment-seeking drug users (3365 men and 1452 women) aged 11–65 years (mean 24.5 years) was linked to the Finnish national hospital discharge register and the national death registry to identify those clients who were hospitalized or died from diabetes mellitus during 1997–2013. Results: Fifty-three persons (42 men and 11 women) had primary diagnoses of diabetes, with a total of 146 hospitalizations (121 among men and 25 among women). The total length of stay among men (1183 days) far exceeded those of women (138 days). Overall, type 1 diabetes was the main contributor to hospitalizations (67%, n = 98/146). The proportion of Type 1 diabetes with complications was 31% in men (n = 37/121) and 44% in women (n = 11/25). All cases of deaths due to diabetes (n = 7) occurred in men. Conclusion: Diabetes hospitalizations were mainly due to Type 1 diabetes. Longer length of hospital stay was observed in men, and all diabetes deaths occurred among men. Male drug users and drug users in general would require more support to reduce morbidity and mortality due to diabetes.
Are EBV-related and EBV-unrelated Hodgkin lymphomas different with regard to susceptibility to checkpoint blockade?
Authors: Carbone Antonino , Gloghini Annunziata , Carlo-Stella Carmelo 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)–related and EBV-unrelated classical Hodgkin lymphomas (cHLs) are morphologically and phenotypically indistinguishable. However, the tumor microenvironment of EBV-related cHLs contains higher numbers of macrophages and higher expression levels of PD-L1 than that of EBV-unrelated cHLs. Moreover, viral oncoprotein LMP1 may sustain an immunosuppressive microenvironment by inducing/enhancing production of immunosuppressive cytokines and the expression of PD-1. The presence of enhanced immunosuppressive features in EBV-related cHL should make EBV-related cHL patients more susceptible to checkpoint blockade.
Year 1 in the Molecular Era of Pediatric Brain Tumor Diagnosis: Application of Universal Clinical Targeted Sequencing in an Unselected Cohort of Children
Authors: Cole Bonnie L. , Lockwood Christina M. , Stasi Shannon , Stevens Jeffrey , Lee Amy , Ojemann Jeffrey G. , Ellenbogen Richard G. , Leary Sarah E.S. 
Published: May 2018

Purpose Next-generation sequencing is gaining acceptance as a clinical tool to aid diagnosis and guide treatment of pediatric cancer. Prior pilot studies have evaluated the feasibility and utility of clinical genomic profiling in a subset of selected patients with brain tumors. Here, we report an unselected prospective cohort study to evaluate the clinical use of universal targeted sequencing in pediatric patients with brain tumors. Methods We applied a universal sequencing protocol for all tumors of the CNS undergoing diagnostic workup at Seattle Children’s Hospital during the study period of November 2015 to November 2016. All tumors were sequenced using the UW-OncoPlex platform, which is a multiplexed targeted deep gene sequencing panel that detects genetic alterations in 262 cancer-related genes performed in a College of American Pathologists–accredited Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments–certified laboratory. Results Eighty-eight patients underwent diagnostic evaluation during the study period, of which 85 tumors (95%) yielded sufficient DNA for sequencing, including 59 newly diagnosed and 26 relapsed. Clinically relevant genetic alterations were identified in 68 of 85 patients (80%). Of these, 57 (67%) had disease-defining or disease-modifying mutations, 44 (52%) had potentially targetable mutations, and 31 (36%) had mutations requiring germline follow-up. As of the last follow-up, seven patients had been prescribed targeted agents on the basis of sequencing results, and nine had confirmed deleterious germline mutations. Conclusion Clinically validated molecular profiling of pediatric brain tumors aids diagnosis and treatment of patients with a variety of high- and low-grade primary and relapsed pediatric brain tumors.
Galectins at a glance
Authors: Johannes Ludger , Jacob Ralf , Leffler Hakon 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT
Galectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins that are involved in many physiological functions, such as inflammation, immune responses, cell migration, autophagy and signalling. They are also linked to diseases such as fibrosis, cancer and heart disease. How such a small family of only 15 members can have such widespread effects remains a conundrum. In this Cell Science at a Glance article, we summarise recent literature on the many cellular activities that have been ascribed to galectins. As shown on the accompanying poster, these include carbohydrate-independent interactions with cytosolic or nuclear targets and carbohydrate-dependent interactions with extracellular glycoconjugates. We discuss how these intra- and extracellular activities might be linked and point out the importance of unravelling molecular mechanisms of galectin function to gain a true understanding of their contributions to the physiology of the cell. We close with a short outlook on the organismal functions of galectins and a perspective on the major challenges in the field.