bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Third-Generation Psa: Ultrasensitive or Ultraprecise Assay?
Authors: Mione R. , Barichello M. , Sartorello P. , Leon A. , Barioli P. , Gion M. 
Published: March 2018

The ultrasensitive PSA assay has been recently acknowledged as a useful tool for the monitoring of patients prostatectomized for prostatic cancer. We have evaluated a commercially available ultrasensitive PSA assay (Immulite Third Generation PSA - DPC - Los Angeles CA) in comparison with the routinely used PSA (Immulite PSA - DPC - Los Angeles CA). When evaluated with different approaches, the analytical sensitivity of ultrasensitive PSA ranged between 0.0029 and 0.0038 ng/ml. The biological detection limit was 0.0098 ng/ml. Dilution of samples with low PSA levels showed a good recovery (from 88 to 113%) up to 1:128 dilution factor (final PSA levels ranging from 0.004 to 0.016 ng/ml in different samples). The assay precision was excellent in the low dose range, the highest interassay interadjustment CV among replicates being 5.84% when assaying serum samples with PSA lower than 1.0 ng/ml. Besides its role in the follow-up of prostatectomized patients, the evaluated ultrasensitive PSA could be reliably used for the detection of clinically meaningful PSA variations in the low dose range, and it could therefore be a candidate for the assessment of PSA velocity.
Immunometric Assays of Ras and c-erbB-2/Neu Overexpression in Breast Cancer: A Pilot Study
Authors: Pelizzola D. , Malagutti R. , Giovannini G. , Indelli M. , Carcoforo P. , Piffanelli A. 
Published: March 2018

The expression of the ras and c-erbB2 oncoproteins (p21 and p185, respectively), together with estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PgR) determination, has been retrospectively analyzed in 68 primary breast carcinomas and in 19 normal breast tissue samples. The aims of this study were: a) to explore the association between ras and c-erbB2 expression; b) to evaluate the relationship between ras and c-erbB2 expression and both steroid receptor status and the classical clinical and pathological parameters; and c) to compare two different methods for p185 determination. p185 and p21 were measured by enzyme immunoassay (EIA); p185 was also determined by Western blotting (WB); ER and PgR were assayed by radioligand binding assay. The highest value of p185 in benign breast lesions was used as the threshold to distinguish between positive and negative samples. With this threshold the c-erbB2 oncoprotein was overexpressed in 41.2% (with EIA) and in 50% (with WB) of cancer samples. The concordance rate between the two methods was 79.4. No significant association was found between p21 and p185 levels either in cancer or in normal breast tissue samples. Increasing levels of tumor p21 were associated with a shorter time to recurrence and overall survival. Increasing levels of p185 were associated with a significantly shorter time to recurrence (p185 EIA: p=0.04, p185 WB: p=0.029) and overall survival (p185 EIA: p=0.04, p185 WB: p=0.029).
Short-Term Radiographic Outcome After Distal Chevron Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus Using Intramedullary Plates With an Amended Algorithm for the Surgical Management of Hallux Valgus
Authors: Matsumoto Takumi , Gross Christopher E. , Parekh Selene G. 
Published: March 2018

Distal Chevron osteotomy is a well-established surgical procedure for mild to moderate hallux valgus deformity. Many methods have been described for fixation of osteotomy site; secure fixation, enabling large displacement of the metatarsal head, is one of the essentials of this procedure. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the short-term radiographic outcome of a distal Chevron osteotomy using an intramedullary plate for the correction of hallux valgus deformity. The present study evaluated 37 patients (40 feet) who underwent distal Chevron osteotomy using an intramedullary plate by periodic radiographs obtained preoperatively and at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Correction of the hallux valgus angle averaged 17.8°, intermetatarsal angle 7.4°, distal metatarsal articular angle 2.7°, and sesamoid position 1.4 stages at 3 months postoperatively. The average lateral shift of the capital fragment was 6.5 mm. All patients achieved bone union, and there were no cases of dislocation, displacement, or avascular necrosis of the metatarsal head fragment. In conclusion, a distal Chevron osteotomy using an intramedullary plate was a favorable method for the correction of mild to moderate hallux valgus deformity. Levels of Evidence: Level IV: Case series
Safety of early discharge after primary angioplasty in low-risk patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Gong Wei , Li Aobo , Ai Hui , Shi Han , Wang Xiao , Nie Shaoping 
Published: March 2018

Background Early discharge after successful primary angioplasty is common, but the evidence supporting the practice is still lacking. We therefore performed a meta-analysis assessing the safety of early discharge after primary angioplasty in low-risk patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods Randomised controlled trials were identified and extracted from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library databases and reference lists of relevant papers. Heterogeneity was analysed using the I2 test. If there was a lack of heterogeneity, fixed effects models would be used for the meta-analysis, otherwise random effects models were used. Statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.3. Results Five randomised controlled trials involving 1575 STEMI patients met the criteria. Meta-analysis showed that the early discharge strategy group had a significantly shortened length of hospital stay compared to the conventional discharge strategy group (standardised mean difference −1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) −2.04 to −0.88; P < 0.0001), and there was no difference in mortality and readmission rates between the two groups (risk ratio 0.78, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.22; P = 0.41). Conclusions The findings of this meta-analysis suggested that the early discharge strategy after successful primary angioplasty is safe among selected low-risk STEMI patients. A shorter hospital stay could benefit both the patients and the healthcare systems.
A Province-wide, Cross-sectional Study of Demographics and Medication Use of Patients in Hemodialysis Units Across Ontario
Authors: Battistella Marisa , Jandoc Racquel , Ng Jeremy Y. , McArthur Eric , Garg Amit X. 
Published: March 2018

Background: Hemodialysis patients are at an increased risk of polypharmacy as they have the highest pill burden of all chronically ill patient populations, with an estimated average of 12 medications per day. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate prescribing patterns of outpatient medications in patients receiving in-center hemodialysis. This was done to identify potential candidate medications for future quality improvement initiations to optimize prescribing. Design: We conducted a descriptive retrospective cross-sectional study in the province of Ontario, Canada, using several linked health care databases housed at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES). Setting: We considered outpatient medications dispensed to patients eligible for the Ontario Drug Benefit program. Patients: Patients were receiving chronic in-center hemodialysis at one of the 69 facilities in the province of Ontario, Canada as of October 1, 2013. Measurements: We assessed whether any of our 28 study medications of interest were recently dispensed (within the prior 120 days), the type of prescribing physician, and the associated medication costs. The 28 included medications of interest (ie, proton pump inhibitors, benzodiazepines) were selected because they may not have a true indication for dialysis patients and/or there are safety concerns with their use in this population. Results are presented as median (25th, 75th percentile). Methods: We conducted this study at ICES according to a prespecified protocol approved by the Research Ethics Board at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (Toronto, Ontario). Results: A total of 3094 patients on chronic in-center hemodialysis received a study drug of interest (age: 76.5 years [SD: 7.3]), 44% women). Patients were dispensed 11 (8, 14) unique medication products with more than two-thirds of patients dispensed 9 or more different medications. The median number of annual health care visits was 7 (3-15) with more than half the cohort receiving prescriptions from 3 or more specialists. The 10 most commonly dispensed study medications cost more than 3 million dollars in direct costs in 1 year. Limitations: Our study was also subjected to some limitations of health care databases. Conclusions: Polypharmacy is frequent in in-center hemodialysis patients. To decrease polypharmacy and its associated negative outcomes, health care providers need to implement tools to optimize medication use and deprescribe medications that lack evidence for efficacy and safety in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, strategies to improve prescribing and discontinue ineffective medications warrant testing for better patient outcomes and reduced health care costs.
High Prevalence of Antibiotic-Resistant Otitis Media–Associated Bacterial Flora of Asymptomatic People Living with HIV at Morogoro Hospital, Tanzania
Authors: Mwambete Kennedy Daniel , Eulambius Mathias 
Published: March 2018

Objectives: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of otitis media (OM)-associated bacterial flora of asymptomatic people living with HIV (PLH) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and assess antibiotic resistance profiles of the bacteria. Methodology: Ear secretion specimens were collected by syringe or cotton swabs. Isolated bacteria were subjected to antibiotic sensitivity tests. Results: Of 290 recruited PLH, 81.7% were females and 18.3% males; their CD4+ counts ranged from 0 to 1770. Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Escherichia coli were the predominant bacteria. High antibiotic resistance was detected on Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The prevalence rate of OM-associated bacteria (OAB) was 93.4%, and majority of the bacteria were resistant to multiple antibiotics. Linear association between the prevalence of OAB with both duration of ART and CD4+ counts was observed. Conclusion: High prevalence rates of OAB and antibiotic resistance were observed. Negative correlation between CD4+ counts and prevalence of OAB was revealed.
Esterified lignins from Pinus caribaea as bentonite-dispersing agents
Authors: Delgado Nacarid , Ysambertt Fredy , Ochoa Raúl , Chávez Gerson , Bravo Bélgica , Santos Jorge , García Danny E. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTChemical modification of kraft lignin from Pinus caribaea (Sénécl.) W.H.G. was performed with cyclic anhydrides (succinic, maleic and glutaric) assisted by microwave radiation. Esterification of the lignin was proven by the mass increase and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Aqueous suspensions of bentonite were prepared using unmodified lignin and the corresponding derivatives as dispersants. Suspensions were evaluated in term of stability, viscosity and dispersibility. The esterified derivatives showed better dispersing properties than the neat lignin because the derivatives-based suspensions were less viscous. The dispersing properties of lignin and the esterified derivatives were compared with those of a high-molecular-weight lignin fraction obtained by ultrafiltration. In addition, two commercial lignosulfonate dispersants commonly used for drilling muds were used as references. The high-molecular-weight esterified derivatives proved to be better dispersants than their unfractionated counterparts. In general, the esterified derivatives showed similar properties to those obtained with the commercial dispersants. Modified lignin based on succinic-, maleic- and glutaric-anhydride is expected to play a key role in the design of novel bio-based dispersants for drilling-mud applications.
Acute Complications After High-Dose Chemotherapy and Stem-Cell Rescue in Pediatric Patients With High-Risk Neuroblastoma Treated in Countries With Different Resources
Authors: Elzembely Mahmoud M. , Park Julie R. , Riad Khaled F. , Sayed Heba A. , Pinto Navin , Carpenter Paul A. , Baker K. Scott , El-Haddad Alaa 
Published: March 2018

Purpose High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem-cell rescue (SCR) is a key component of high-risk neuroblastoma (HRNB) therapy. Carboplatin, etoposide, and melphalan (CEM) or busulfan and melphalan (Bu/Mel) are the most evaluated, effective high-dose chemotherapy for HRNB on the basis of results from major cooperative group studies. Toxicity profiles vary between these regimens, and practice variation exists regarding the preferred high-dose therapy (HDT). We sought to evaluate the safety of HDT and autologous SCR for HRNB in a resource-limited country (Egypt) compared with the resource-rich United States. Patients and Methods We performed a retrospective comparative review of single CEM-based HDT/SCR outcomes through day 100 for HRNB at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FH) in the United States (2005 to 2015) versus Bu/Mel-based HDT at El-Sheikh Zayed Specialized Hospital (SZ) in Egypt (2009 to 2015). Results Forty-four patients at FH and 77 patients at SZ were reviewed. Pretransplant hepatic comorbidities were significantly higher at SZ (29 of 77 v nine of 44; P = .05), with 19 of 77 patients at SZ having hepatitis infection. Engraftment was delayed after SZ-Bu/Mel therapy compared with FH-CEM therapy for neutrophils (median 12 days v 10 days, respectively; P < .001) and platelets (median 20 days v 18 days, respectively; P < .001). Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome occurred later, after SZ-Bu/Mel therapy (median 19 days v 7 days; P = .033), and four of eight cases were fatal (six of eight patients had underlying hepatitis infection), whereas three of three cases after FH-CEM therapy were moderately severe. Resource utilization associated with the number of days with fever, antibiotic use, and the number of transfusions administered was significantly higher after FH-CEM therapy than after SZ-Bu/Mel therapy. Conclusion Use of autologous stem-cell transplantation is feasible in the context of a resource-limited country.
Formation of COPI-coated vesicles at a glance
Authors: Arakel Eric C. , Schwappach Blanche 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT
The coat protein complex I (COPI) allows the precise sorting of lipids and proteins between Golgi cisternae and retrieval from the Golgi to the ER. This essential role maintains the identity of the early secretory pathway and impinges on key cellular processes, such as protein quality control. In this Cell Science at a Glance and accompanying poster, we illustrate the different stages of COPI-coated vesicle formation and revisit decades of research in the context of recent advances in the elucidation of COPI coat structure. By calling attention to an array of questions that have remained unresolved, this review attempts to refocus the perspectives of the field.
Patient predictors of poor drug sensitive tuberculosis treatment outcomes in Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine
Authors: Aibana Omowunmi , Slavuckij Andrej , Bachmaha Mariya , Krasiuk Viatcheslav , Rybak Natasha , Flanigan Timothy P. , Petrenko Vasyl , Murray Megan B. 
Published: March 2018

Background: Ukraine has high rates of poor treatment outcomes among drug sensitive tuberculosis (DSTB) patients, while global treatment success rates for DSTB remain high. We evaluated baseline patient factors as predictors of poor DSTB treatment outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of new drug sensitive pulmonary TB patients treated in Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine between November 2012 and October 2014. We defined good treatment outcomes as cure or completion and poor outcomes as death, default (lost to follow up) or treatment failure. We performed logistic regression analyses, using routine program data, to identify baseline patient factors associated with poor outcomes. Results: Among 302 patients, 193 (63.9%) experienced good treatment outcomes while 39 (12.9%) failed treatment, 34 (11.3%) died, and 30 (9.9%) were lost to follow up. In the multivariate analysis, HIV positive patients on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) [OR 3.50; 95% CI 1.46 – 8.42; p 0.005] or without ART (OR 4.12; 95% CI 1.36 – 12.43; p 0.01) were at increased risk of poor outcomes. Frequent alcohol use (OR 1.81; 95% CI 0.93 - 3.55; p 0.08) and smear positivity (OR 1.75; 95% CI 1.03 - 2.97; p 0.04) were also associated with poor treatment outcomes. Conclusions: High rates of poor outcomes among patients with newly diagnosed drug sensitive TB in Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine highlight the urgent need for programmatic interventions, especially aimed at patients with the highest risk of poor outcomes.
Repeated sessions of bilateral transcranial direct current stimulation on intractable tinnitus: a study protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bayat Arash , Mayo Miguel , Rashidi Samaneh , Saki Nader , Yadollahpour Ali 
Published: March 2018

Background: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is reportedly a potential treatment option for chronic tinnitus. The main drawbacks of previous studies are short term follow up and focusing on the efficacy of single session tDCS. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic efficacy, adverse effects (AEs) and tolerability of repeated sessions of bilateral tDCS over auditory cortex (AC) on tinnitus symptoms Methods: This will be a double-blinded randomized placebo controlled parallel trial on patients (n=90) with intractable chronic tinnitus (> 2 years) randomly divided into three groups of anodal, cathodal, and sham tDCS. In the sham treatment, after 30 sec the device will be turned OFF without informing the patients. The tDCS protocol consists of 10 sessions (daily 20 min session; 2 mA current for 5 consecutive days per week and 2 consecutive weeks) applied through 35 cm2 electrodes. The primary outcome is tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) which will be assessed pre- and post-intervention and at one month follow-up. The secondary outcomes are tinnitus loudness and distress to be assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) pre-intervention, and immediately, one hour, one week, and one month after last stimulation. The AEs and tolerability of patients will be evaluated after each session using a customized questionnaire. Possible interactions between the disease features and treatment response will be evaluated. Discussion: To our knowledge this is the first study to investigate the effects of repeated sessions of tDCS on chronic tinnitus symptoms with one month follow-up. In addition, the AEs, and tolerability of patients will be studied. In addition, the possible interactions between the disease specific features including the hearing loss, laterality, type of tinnitus, and treatment response will be evaluated. Trial registration: The study has been registered as a clinical trial in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trial (IRCT2016110124635N6) on the 01/06/2017.
Haematology of N’Dama and West African Short Horn cattle herds under natural Trypanosoma vivax challenge in Ghana
Authors: Ganyo Ebenezer Yaw , Boampong Johnson N , Masiga Daniel K , Villinger Jandouwe , Turkson Paa Kobina 
Published: March 2018

Background: Animal trypanosomosis is a major cause of economic loss in livestock production in Africa. A suggested control measure is to use breeds with traits of trypanotolerance. The study examines the effect of natural Trypanosoma vivax challenge on haematological parameters in two trypanotolerant cattle [N’Dama and West African Short Horn (WASH)] herds. Methods: T. vivax-specific primers were used to diagnose T. vivax infection in an N’Dama herd at Cape Coast in southern Ghana and a WASH herd at Chegbani in northern Ghana from May to July 2011 in a cross-sectional study. Levels of haematological parameters comprising packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and total red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts; differential WBC counts (neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes and basophils); and RBC indices of mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were determined in blood samples and then compared between infected and uninfected cattle. Results: We found that haematological indices for infected and uninfected animals in both breeds were within the normal range. However, the mean PCV values for T. vivax-infected WASH and N’Dama were lower in infected compared to uninfected animals. The difference was significant (p< 0.05) in N’Dama but not in WASH. The RBC indices were higher in infected N’Dama compared to infected WASH with a significant difference in total RBC (p < 0.05). Conclusion: We conclude from our findings that despite the presence of infection by T. vivax, N’Dama and WASH cattle maintained their haematological parameters within acceptable normal ranges, and this underscores the need for routine diagnosis and treatment so that such trypanotolerant cattle do not serve as potential reservoirs of trypanosome parasites.
Investigation of Subgrade Particles Acceleration Due To Dynamic Loading
Authors: Kusumawardani Rini 
Published: March 2018

Detail investigation on flexible pavement due to of vehicles traversed was presented in this paper. The behaviour of subgrade particles acceleration on flexible pavement are investigated and is explained in order to obtain the comprehensive understanding about pavement. Investigation were conducted in the highway which have a yearly higway construction problems. The data collected represented three axis main principal direction (x, y and z axis) movements. The main objectives of this work is to evaluating the effects of vehicle traverse on the pavement to several parameter, such as acceleration, thickness of pavement and natural frequency of subgrade. The results are useful as a new approach of pavement design as well as flexible or concrete pavement by considering some parameters analyzed.
Hausaufgaben im DaF/DaZ-Unterricht
Authors: Würffel Nicola 
Published: March 2018

ZusammenfassungHausaufgaben erscheinen im Fremdsprachenunterricht weiterhin als zwar stetig eingesetztes, aber eher ungeliebtes Anhängsel, um das sich keiner wirklich kümmert. Der Artikel fasst – vor allem auf der Grundlage allgemeinpädagogischer und -didaktischer Literatur – wichtige Ergebnisse zum Phänomen Hausaufgaben zusammen und formuliert Forschungsfragen und -desiderate für den Fremdsprachenunterricht. Anhand von drei Schwerpunktbereichen des DaF-/DaZ-Unterrichts zeigt er, wie veränderte Formen von Hausaufgaben in einem sich verändernden DaF-/DaZ-Unterricht aussehen bzw. aussehen könnten. Indem er Konzepte aus anderen Bereichen betrachtet (und etwas gegen den Strich denkt), zeigt er schließlich Perspektiven auf, wie die Zukunft der Hausaufgabenpraxis aussehen und wie (digital basierte) Hausaufgabenkonzepte den DaF/DaZ-Unterricht insgesamt verändern könnten.
Household Classification Using Smart Meter Data
Authors: Carroll Paula , Murphy Tadhg , Hanley Michael , Dempsey Daniel , Dunne John 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
This article describes a project conducted in conjunction with the Central Statistics Office of Ireland in response to a planned national rollout of smart electricity metering in Ireland. We investigate how this new data source might be used for the purpose of official statistics production. This study specifically looks at the question of determining household composition from electricity smart meter data using both Neural Networks (a supervised machine learning approach) and Elastic Net Logistic regression. An overview of both classification techniques is given. Results for both approaches are presented with analysis. We find that the smart meter data alone is limited in its capability to distinguish between household categories but that it does provide some useful insights.