bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Icodextrin is Associated with a Lower Mortality Rate in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Yang Ju-Yeh , Chen Likwang , Peng Yu-Sen , Chen Yun-Yi , Huang Jenq-Wen , Hung Kuan-Yu 
Published: March 2019

Background Icodextrin (ICO) improves fluid removal in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. However, whether physiological benefits of ICO translate into patient survival remains unclear. We examine the association of ICO and clinical outcomes. Methods We identified patients who initiated long-term PD from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. We matched ICO users with non-users according to propensity score and survival status when ICO was prescribed. We utilized time-dependent analyses to avoid immortal time bias. Additional competing risk models were utilized for the outcomes except for death. The outcomes of interest were time to death, technique failure, peritonitis, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and hospitalization. Results A total of 4,914 PD patients were enrolled and 2,836 PD patients (57.7%) were identified as ICO users. The ICO users had significantly better overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63 – 0.86), especially among early ICO users (HR 0.64; 95% CI 0.54 – 0.77, p value for interaction: 0.007). The ICO users were associated with higher risk of peritonitis (subdistribution HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.06 – 1.14) and hospitalization (subdistribution HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.05 – 1.24), considering competing risk of death. However, when considering ICO use as a time-varying covariate, ICO users shared similar risks for technique failure, peritonitis, MACE, and hospitalization as non-users. The effect of ICO on mortality was especially prominent among those early users. Conclusions After adjustments for immortal time biases, ICO users were significantly associated with approximately 20% reduction in mortality, especially among early users.
Evidence for the Two-fluid Scenario in Solar Prominences
Authors: Wiehr E. , Stellmacher G. , Bianda M. 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
This paper presents observational evidence of the different dynamical behavior of neutral and ionized species in solar prominences. The analysis of a time-series of Sr ii 4078 Å and Na D spectra in a quiescent prominence yields systematically larger Doppler shifts (line-of-sight velocities) for the ions V
LOS(Sr ii) = 1.22 × V
LOS(Na D). Both lines show a 30 minute oscillation of good coherence. Sixteen hours later the same prominence underwent marked morphological changes (with a rising dome), and the Sr ii velocity excess dropped to V
LOS(Sr ii) = 1.11 ×V
LOS(Na D). The same excess is found for the line pair Fe ii 5018 Å and He i 5015 Å. The widths of the ionic lines, mainly non-thermally broadened, are not related to the macro-velocities. The emission ratio of Na D and Sr ii, a measure of the electron density, yields n
e = 4 × 1010 cm−3, shows no relation with the V
LOS variation or with height above the limb, and seems to be reduced 16 hr later during the active phase. We apply a new wavelength reference from aureola spectra, which is independent of photospheric velocity fields.
Self-consistent Solutions for Line-driven Winds of Hot Massive Stars: The m-CAK Procedure
Authors: Gormaz-Matamala Alex C. , Curé M. , Cidale L. S. , Venero R. O. J. 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Massive stars present strong stellar winds that are described by the radiation driven wind theory. Accurate mass-loss rates are necessary to properly describe the stellar evolution across the Hertzsprung–Russel Diagram. We present a self-consistent procedure that coupled the hydrodynamics with calculations of the line-force, giving as results the line-force parameters, the velocity field, and the mass-loss rate. Our calculations contemplate the contribution to the line-force multiplier from more than ∼900,000 atomic transitions, an NLTE radiation flux from the photosphere and a quasi-LTE approximation for the occupational numbers. A full set of line-force parameters for T
eff ≥ 32,000 K, surface gravities higher than 3.4 dex for two different metallicities are presented, with their corresponding wind parameters (terminal velocities and mass-loss rates). The already known dependence of line-force parameters on effective temperature is enhanced by the dependence on

. The terminal velocities present a stepper scaling relation with respect to the escape velocity, this might explain the scatter values observed in the hot side of the bistability jump. Moreover, a comparison of self-consistent mass-loss rates with empirical values shows a good agreement. Self-consistent wind solutions are used as input in FASTWIND to calculate synthetic spectra. We show, comparing with the observed spectra for three stars, that varying the clumping factor, the synthetic spectra rapidly converge into the neighborhood region of the solution. It is important to stress that our self-consistent procedure significantly reduces the number of free parameters needed to obtain a synthetic spectrum.
Peginterferon Alfa-2a (40 kD) Stopping Rules in Chronic Hepatitis B: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Individual Participant Data
Authors: Pavlovic Vedran , Yang Lei , Chan Henry Lik-Yuen , Hou Jinlin , Janssen Harry L , Kao Jia-Horng , Lampertico Pietro , Peng Cheng-Yuan , Piratvisuth Teerha , Thompson Alexander J , Wedemeyer Heiner , Wei Lai , Wat Cynthia 
Published: March 2019

Background Peginterferon alfa-2a (PEG-IFN) treatment stopping rules in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are clinically desirable. Previous studies exploring this topic contained important limitations resulting in inconsistent recommendations within the current treatment guidelines. We undertook a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis to identify the most appropriate PEG-IFN treatment stopping rules. Methods Roche's internal database, PubMed and conference abstracts were searched for studies that enrolled >50 treatment-naive patients with CHB who received PEG-IFN treatment for 48 weeks. Stopping rules were identified using receiver-operating characteristic curve analyses and pre-specified biomarker cutoff target performance characteristics (sensitivity >95%, specificity >10%, negative predictive value >90%). Robustness of proposed stopping rules was assessed using internal/external validation analyses. Results Eight study datasets were included in the meta-analysis ( n=1,423; 765 hepatitis B e antigen [HBeAg]-positive, 658 HBeAg-negative patients). In general, performance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV DNA cutoffs at weeks 12 and 24 was similar, and common biomarker cutoffs that met target performance criteria were identified across multiple patient subgroups. For HBeAg-positive genotype B/C and HBeAg-negative genotype D patients the proposed stopping rule is HBsAg >20,000 IU/ml at week 12. Alternatively, HBV DNA level cutoffs of >8 log10 and >6.5 log10 IU/ml, respectively, can be used instead. The proposed stopping rules accurately identify up to 26% of non-responders. Conclusions The meta-analysis demonstrates that early PEG-IFN discontinuation should be considered in HBeAg-positive genotype B/C and HBeAg-negative genotype D patients at week 12 of treatment based on HBsAg or HBV DNA levels.
Essential Role of NADPH Oxidase–Dependent Production of Reactive Oxygen Species in Maintenance of Sustained B Cell Receptor Signaling and B Cell Proliferation
Authors: Feng Yang-Yang , Tang Miao , Suzuki Mitsuhiro , Gunasekara Chinthika , Anbe Yuki , Hiraoka Yuichi , Liu Jun , Grasberger Helmut , Ohkita Mamoru , Matsumura Yasuo , Wang Ji-Yang , Tsubata Takeshi 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are not only toxic substances inducing oxidative stress but also play a role as a second messenger in signal transduction through various receptors. Previously, B cell activation was shown to involve prolonged ROS production induced by ligation of BCR. However, the mechanisms for ROS production and ROS-mediated activation in B cells are still poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that BCR ligation induces biphasic ROS production in both mouse spleen B cells and the mouse B cell line BAL17; transient and modest ROS production is followed by sustained and robust ROS production at 2–6 h after BCR ligation. ROS production in the late phase but not in the early phase augments activation of signaling pathways, such as the NF-κB and PI3K pathways, and is essential for B cell proliferation. ROS production in the late phase appears to be mediated by NADPH oxidases (NOXes) because prolonged ROS production is inhibited by various NOX inhibitors, including the specific inhibitor VAS2870. BCR ligation–induced ROS production is also inhibited by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of either the Cyba gene encoding p22phox, the regulator of NOX1-4 required for their activation, or NOX3, whereas ROS production is not affected by double deficiency of the DUOXA1 and DUOXA2 genes essential for the activation of the NOX isoforms DUOX1 and DUOX2. These results indicate that NOXes play a crucial role in sustained but not early BCR signaling and suggest an essential role of NOX-dependent sustained BCR signaling in B cell activation.
Bacteremia caused by Comamonas testosteroni an unusual pathogen
Authors: Tiwari Shreekant , Nanda Monalisah 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Comamonas species are rare isolates in microbiology laboratories and have been infrequently reported as an infectious agent in routine clinical practice. They have a wide range of natural habitats including water, soil, and plants as well as from some hospital devices, such as intravenous lines and the reservoir water in the humidifiers of respiratory therapy equipment. Comamonas testosteroni is rarely recognized as a human pathogen. In spite of its uncommon human pathogenesis, there are few reports where it was reported as an aggressive opportunistic pathogen, and that was mostly related to Testosterone species. Herewith, we are reporting this pathogen from the blood of an immunocompetent female. The aim of this case report is to alert clinicians and laboratory physicians for the potential diagnosis and clinical approach of bloodstream infections caused by such unusual pathogens. This is the first documented case of bacteremia caused by C. testosteroni from India.
Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter septicemia in neonates: A study from a teaching hospital of Northern India
Authors: Nazir Asifa 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Acinetobacter species are typical nosocomial pathogens causing infections and high mortality, almost exclusively in compromised hospitalized patients. Acinetobacter sp. are intrinsically less susceptible to antibiotics and have propensity to acquire resistance. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter sp. blood infection in the neonatal intensive care unit patients create a great problem in hospital settings.
AIMS: A prospective data analysis was performed over a one year period of all neonates admitted with sepsis who developed Acinetobacter infection and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern was carried out.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood samples of infected neonates were collected aseptically and cases of Acinetobacter septicemia were identified. Speciation of Acinetobacter species was done. Various risk factors were identified and their drug-sensitivity test was performed.
RESULTS: The incidence of neonatal septicemia due to Acinetobacter species was 13.7% (49/357). Predominant species isolated was Acinetobacter baumannii (98%). The major symptoms were lethargy and poor feeding. The major signs were tachypnea, intercostal retraction, and respiratory distress. The major fetal risk factors were low birth weight and prematurity. High degree of resistance was observed to the various antibiotics used. Majority of the isolates (95.9%) were MDR while 93.68% were resistant to carbapenems as well as extensively drug resistant. However, all the strains were sensitive to colistin.
CONCLUSION: MDR Acinetobacter septicemia in neonatal patients is becoming alarmingly frequent and is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Therefore, rational antibiotic use is mandatory along with an effective infection control policy in neonatal intensive care areas of each hospital to control Acinetobacter infection and improve outcome.
Correlation of vascular endothelial growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 levels in serum and thyroid nodules with histopathological and radiological variables
Authors: Haytaoglu Gurkan , Kuzu Fatih , Arpaci Dilek , Altas Ayfer , Can Murat , Barut Figen , Kokturk Furuzan , Ilikhan Sevil Uygun , Bayraktaroglu Taner 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major cytokine in angiogenesis and has a role on aggressivity of various tumors. The expression of VEGF has been shown to increase in differential thyroid cancer. The aim of the study was to evaluate serum and intranodular VEGF (nVEGF) and VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) levels in patients with thyroid nodules and their relevance to ultrasonographic and pathological results.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of eighty patients were included in the study. Thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsies were performed, and the levels of serum and nVEGF and VEGFR-1 were measured. Any possible correlations between serum and nVEGF, VEGFR-1, and biochemical/radiological variables were investigated.
RESULTS: There were no significant differences between serum VEGF (sVEGF), nVEGF, sVEGFR-1, nVEGFR-1 levels, number of nodules, size of nodules, and benign and malignant ultrasonographic features. sVEGF and nVEGF were higher in malignant or suspicious nodules than that in benign nodules, but did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05). sVEGFR-1 and nVEGFR-1 levels were higher in hyperthyroid patients than that in euthyroid patients (P < 0.05 and P = 0.003, respectively). nVEGFR-1 level was higher in hypothyroid patients than that in euthyroid patients (P = 0.016). sVEGF level was found to be higher in hyperactive nodules than that in others. Both sVEGFR-1 (P = 0.008) and nVEGF levels (P = 0.01) significantly increased with increasing age. nVEGFR-1 decreased with increasing body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.004).
CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed the relationships of sVEGF, nVEGF, sVEGFR-1, and nVEGFR-1 levels with age, gender, BMI, and hyperthyroidism. To determine the role of VEGF/VEGFR-1 in thyroid nodules, further studies are required with a large number of patients.
A 5-year surveillance on antimicrobial resistance of Acinetobacter isolates at a level-I trauma centre of India
Authors: Kumari Minu , Batra Priyam , Malhotra Rajesh , Mathur Purva 
Published: March 2019

AbstractINTRODUCTION: Acinetobacter spp. has emerged as a major cause of nosocomial outbreaks. Multiple antibiotic resistance is an important problem in Acinetobacter isolates in recent years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of antimicrobial resistance and changes in resistance pattern over a period of 5 years (2012–2016) in Acinetobacter spp. isolated from trauma patients.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Acinetobacter spp. was identified by VITEK 2 and antibiotic susceptibility of isolates was investigated by disc-diffusion method and VITEK 2 automated system. Interpretation of susceptibility results was based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines.RESULTS: Out of the total 16,210 isolates obtained throughout the period of 5 years, Acinetobacter spp. accounted for 3744 (28.9%). Out of which, the species which was maximally isolated was Acinetobacter baumannii (98.5%), followed by Acinetobacter lwoffii (1.4%) and Acinetobacter hemolyticus (0.1%). The highest number of clinical isolates of Acinetobacter were recovered from neurosurgical ward (n = 1210), followed by the neurosurgical intensive care unit (ICU) (n = 1000) and surgical ICU (n = 948) and the most common sample of Acinetobacter isolation was from tracheal aspirate (37.1%), followed by wound swab (18.8%). The highest level of resistance was observed against ciprofloxacin (96%), followed by cefepime (95%), ceftazidime (95%), piperacillin (95%), and amikacin (92%). The trend of antibiotic resistance was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001) for most of the antibiotics being tested such as amikacin and carbapenems.CONCLUSION: The high rate of antibiotic resistance of the Acinetobacter strains indicated that there is an urgent need for controlled antibiotic usage and appliance of hospital infection control measures.
Re-building the first year experience, one block at a time
Authors: McCluskey Trish , Weldon John , Smallridge Andrew 
Published: March 2019

For many years, universities around the world have been developing and enhancing the First Year Experience (FYE), with a view to improving retention, performance and student satisfaction. This feature practice report outlines a strategic initiative, launched in 2018 at Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia that aims to transform the experience of Victoria University’s first-year students on an unprecedented scale. This unique model reconceptualises the design, structure and delivery of first year units of study in order to deliver a program that deliberately focuses on students’ pedagogical, transition and work/life balance needs. This initiative required the disruption and redevelopment of all university systems to ensure students experience a supportive and seamless transition into, and journey through, their first year of study at university.
Editorial Volume 10 Issue 1 2019
Authors: Nelson Karen , Creagh Tracy 
Published: March 2019

Welcome to the first issue for 2019. In previous editorials we have stressed the role of the Journal as continuing the dissemination of current research and innovative good practice about students’ tertiary learning experiences, which are supported by evidence. As well we have highlighted the international scope of the Journal and encouraged submissions from outside of Australia. It is pleasing that in our tenth volume we present a large number of international submissions, particularly as practice reports, which offer transferrable themes and principles of practice that can be utilised more broadly.
Biological Faithfulness is Unnecessary for Machine Learning
Authors: Wiederman Meagan 
Published: March 2019

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of any device to take an input, like that of its environment, and work to achieve a desired output. Some advancements in AI have focused n replicating the human brain in machinery. This is being made possible by the human connectome project: an initiative to map all the connections between neurons within the brain. A full replication of the thinking brain would inherently create something that could be argued to be a thinking machine. However, it is more interesting to question whether a non-biologically faithful AI could be considered as a thinking machine. Under Turing’s definition of ‘thinking’, a machine which can be mistaken as human when responding in writing from a “black box,” where they can not be viewed, can be said to pass for thinking. Backpropagation is an error minimizing algorithm to program AI for feature detection with no biological counterpart which is prevalent in AI. The recent success of backpropagation demonstrates that biological faithfulness is not required for deep learning or ‘thought’ in a machine. Backpropagation has been used in medical imaging compression algorithms and in pharmacological modelling.
Comparing the Efficacy of Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide With Verapamil in Treatment of Keloids: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Saki Nasrin , Mokhtari Raya , Nozari Farnoosh 
Published: March 2019

Background: Keloid management remains a challenging clinical problem despite numerous therapies reported until now. The efficacy of corticosteroids in the treatment of keloids has been well established. The most commonly used corticosteroid is intralesional triamcinolone. Sporadic reports on the use of intralesional verapamil suggest its efficacy.
Aim: Since there is not sufficient evidence to support the role of intralesional verapamil as an effective alternative modality, it was decided to undertake a randomized study to determine its efficacy as a treatment for keloids.
Methods: A randomized, single-blind, single-group comparison with 15 patients (30 scars) was carried out to compare the effects of intralesional triamcinolone with verapamil injections. Injections were scheduled every 3 weeks accompanied by cryotherapy until complete flattening of the scar or maximum 8 sessions, whichever came earlier. Scar evaluation at each stage was done by serial photographic records as well as by Vancouver scar scale. Statistical analysis was done by Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U tests using SPSS version 19.
Results: In both study groups there was a reduction in height and pliability at the end of the study. Better improvement in height and pliability was seen with triamcinolone in comparison with verapamil. However, a desired change in vascularity and pigmentation was not seen with either of the drugs.
Conclusion: Verapamilis not as effective as triamcinolonein the treatment of keloids.
Essential Updates in Grading, Morphotyping, Reporting, and Staging of Prostate Carcinoma for General Surgical Pathologists
Authors: Paner Gladell P. , Gandhi Jatin , Choy Bonnie , Amin Mahul B. 
Published: March 2019

Context.—Within this decade, several important updates in prostate cancer have been presented through expert international consensus conferences and influential publications of tumor classification and staging.Objective.—To present key updates in prostate carcinoma.Data Sources.—The study comprised a review of literature and our experience from routine and consultation practices.Conclusions.—Grade groups, a compression of the Gleason system into clinically meaningful groups relevant in this era of active surveillance and multidisciplinary care management for prostate cancer, have been introduced. Refinements in the Gleason patterns notably result in the contemporarily defined Gleason score 6 cancers having a virtually indolent behavior. Grading of tertiary and minor higher-grade patterns in radical prostatectomy has been clarified. A new classification for prostatic neuroendocrine tumors has been promulgated, and intraductal, microcystic, and pleomorphic giant cell carcinomas have been officially recognized. Reporting the percentage of Gleason pattern 4 in Gleason score 7 cancers has been recommended, and data on the enhanced risk for worse prognosis of cribriform pattern are emerging. In reporting biopsies for active surveillance criteria–based protocols, we outline approaches in special situations, including variances in sampling or submission. The 8th American Joint Commission on Cancer TNM staging for prostate cancer has eliminated pT2 subcategorization and stresses the importance of nonanatomic factors in stage groupings and outcome prediction. As the clinical and pathology practices for prostate cancer continue to evolve, it is of utmost importance that surgical pathologists become fully aware of the new changes and challenges that impact their evaluation of prostatic specimens.
How Is Academic Culture Influenced by Internationalization?
Authors: Benitez Milena 
Published: March 2019

Internationalization processes have an impact on higher education systems and institutions. The mechanisms of these processes—rankings, cooperation, academic mobility, and curriculum reforms—influence teaching and learning, research, and service practice. In turn, academic culture is also impacted: the institutions’ own sets of beliefs, norms, habits, and values. Internationalization processes generate new challenges, tensions, and conflicts, and allow higher education institutions to reevaluate institutional strategies in a global context.