bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carcinosarcoma of the prostate: case report with molecular and histological characterization
Authors: Salvi Samanta , Casadio Valentina , Martignano Filippo , Gurioli Giorgia , Tumedei Maria Maddalena , Calistri Daniele , Gunelli Roberta , Costantini Matteo 
Published: August 2018

Background: We report a case of prostatic carcinosarcoma, a rare variant of prostatic cancer, which is composed of a mixture of epithelial and mesenchymal components with a generally poor outcome. Aims and methods: We aim to identify molecular alterations, in particular copy number variations of AR and c -MYC genes, methylation and expression of glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1), programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), AR, and phosphorylated AR expression. Results: We found a distinct molecular pattern between adenocarcinoma and carcinosarcoma, which was characterized by high AR copy number variation gain; positive expression of PD-L1, AR, and phosphorylated AR; low espression of GSTP1 in epithelial component. The sarcomatoid component had a lower gain of the AR gene, and no expression of PD-L1, AR, phosphorylated AR, or GSTP1. Both components had a gain of c-MYC copy number variation. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that carcinosarcoma has specific molecular characteristics that could be indicative for early diagnosis and treatment selection.
Assessment of the nursing practice environment in Greek Hospitals: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Brofidi Kalliopi , Vlasiadis Konstantinos , Philalithis Anastas 
Published: August 2018

Background The organisational characteristics of the nursing practice environment play a crucial role in nurses’ job satisfaction, job retention, quality-of-care service provision and patient outcomes. The widely used Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index assesses the favourability of these traits, showing the grade of magnetism of these factors in the workplace. Aims and methods This study aims to assess the nurse working environment at five public hospitals in Greece, and to compare these data with those of Magnet and non-Magnet hospitals. The Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index was completed by 532 nurses. Results Findings have shown that all five hospitals were assessed by nurses as unfavourable working environments. Four of five subscales were identified as unfavourable by the participants and only Collegial Nurse-Physician Relations were evaluated as a positive organisational trait. The mean scores in all five subscales of favourability were significantly lower than the corresponding scores of non-Magnet hospitals in the US. Conclusions The present study shows the favourability grade of Greek hospitals. When compared with Magnet and non-Magnet hospitals in the US, Greek hospitals were perceived as more unfavourable than non-Magnet hospitals. Action to improve the current situation must be taken by hospital management, supporting nurse involvement, continuous education, changing human resources management and adopting evaluation procedures.
Strong relations of elbow excursion and grip strength with post-stroke arm function and activities: Should we aim for this in technology-supported training?
Authors: Nijenhuis Sharon M , Prange-Lasonder Gerdienke B , Fleuren Judith FM , Wagenaar Jan , Buurke Jaap H , Rietman Johan S 
Published: August 2018

Objective To investigate the relationships between an extensive set of objective movement execution kinematics of the upper extremity and clinical outcome measures in chronic stroke patients: at baseline and after technology-supported training at home. Methods Twenty mildly to severely affected chronic stroke patients participated in the baseline evaluation, 15 were re-evaluated after six weeks of intensive technology-supported or conventional arm/hand training at home. Grip strength, 3D motion analysis of a reach and grasp task, and clinical scales (Fugl-Meyer assessment (FM), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and Motor Activity Log (MAL)) were assessed pre- and post-training. Results Most movement execution parameters showed moderate-to-strong relationships with FM and ARAT, and to a smaller degree with MAL. Elbow excursion explained the largest amount of variance in FM and ARAT, together with grip strength. The only strong association after training was found between changes in ARAT and improvements in hand opening (conventional) or grip strength (technology-supported). Conclusions Elbow excursion and grip strength showed strongest association with post-stroke arm function and activities. Improved functional ability after training at home was associated with increased hand function. Addressing both reaching and hand function are indicated as valuable targets for (technological) treatment applications to stimulate functional improvements after stroke.
Outcomes and Complications After Spinal Fusion in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Lin Charles C. , Lu Young , Patel Nilay A. , Kiester P. Douglas , Rosen Charles D. , Bhatia Nitin N. , Lee Yu-Po 
Published: August 2018

Study Design: Retrospective database study. Objective: To investigate the impact obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has on perioperative complications, inpatient mortality, and costs in patients undergoing spinal fusions. Methods: Hospitalizations for spinal fusion surgery between the years 2009 and 2011 were identified using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample and grouped into patients with and without OSA. Patient demographic data, comorbidities, hospital characteristics, hospitalization outcomes, and costs were extracted and compared. Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to compare the in-hospital outcomes of patients undergoing spinal fusion with and without OSA. Results: A total of 107 451 (7.7%) OSA patients who underwent spinal fusions were identified from 2009 to 2011. Compared with patients without OSA, OSA patients were significantly older, more likely to be male, and have significantly greater comorbidity burden. Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that OSA had a significant independent association with slightly increased respiratory (odds ratio [OR] = 1.13, confidence interval [CI] = 1.09-1.16; P < .001), urinary and renal (OR = 1.11, CI = 1.07-1.16; P < .001) or overall inpatient complications (OR = 1.05, CI = 1.02-1.05; P < .001). OSA was also independently associated with significantly lower inpatient mortality (OR = 0.39, CI = 0.33-0.45; P < .001). Conclusions: While OSA confers greater comorbidity burden and is associated with slightly higher inpatient complication rates following spinal fusions, diagnosed OSA was not an independent predictor of inpatient mortality. A cautious interpretation of this finding is that on a national level, the current methods of preoperative medical optimization and inpatient management of OSA are satisfactory.
Mini-plate fixation via sinus tarsi approach is superior to cannulated screw in intra-articular calcaneal fractures: A prospective randomized study
Authors: Kir Mustafa C , Ayanoglu Semih , Cabuk Haluk , Dedeoglu Suleyman S , Imren Yunus , Karslioglu Bulent , Yuce Ali , Gurbuz Hakan 
Published: August 2018

Objective: Intra-articular displaced calcaneal fractures are common fractures and are often treated with surgical interventions. Sinüs tarsi approach provides secure access to lateral wall and joint facets. The aim of the study is to compare cannulated screw (CS) fixation and mini-plate (MP) fixation via sinus tarsi approach with Sanders types 2 and 3 fracture of calcaneus. Methods: Sixty patients with Sanders types 2 and 3 calcaneal fracture underwent surgical intervention were randomly allocated into two groups as group MP fixation and group CS fixation regarding osteosynthesis method for 5-year period. Open reduction via sinüs tarsi approach was performed in both groups. Demographic variables, time to surgery (TS), operation duration (OD), length of hospital stay (LOS), surgical complications, and reoperations were recorded. Pre- and postoperative Gissane and Böhler angles; calcaneal length, height, and width; ankle anterior-posterior (AP) and lateral X-rays; and computed tomography were also recorded for radiological evaluation and fracture characteristics. Maryland Foot Score (MFS) was used to evaluate functional outcomes. Results: Preoperative age, type of fracture, calcaneal length, height, and Gissane and Böhler angles, TS, LOS, and OD were not different between the groups. The postoperative calcaneal widening was significantly better restored in group MP compared with that of group CS. The incidence of reoperation and algoneurodystrophy was statistically higher in group CS than group MP. MFS in group MP was also higher than group CS at final visit. Conclusion: MP fixation via sinus tarsi approach is superior to CS fixation in Sanders types 2 and 3 calcaneal fractures.
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Early Healing Process After Achilles Tendon Repair
Authors: Hiramatsu Kunihiko , Tsujii Akira , Nakamura Norimasa , Mitsuoka Tomoki 
Published: August 2018

Background: Little is known about early healing of repaired Achilles tendons on imaging, particularly up to 6 months postoperatively, when patients generally return to participation in sports. Purpose: To examine changes in repaired Achilles tendon healing with ultrasonography for up to 12 months after surgery. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Ultrasonographic images of 26 ruptured Achilles tendons were analyzed at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12 months after primary repair. The cross-sectional areas (CSAs) and intratendinous morphology of the repaired tendons were evaluated using the authors’ own grading system (tendon repair scores), which assessed the anechoic tendon defect area, intratendinous hyperechoic area, continuity of intratendinous fibrillar appearance, and paratendinous edema. Results: The mean ratios (%) of the CSA for the affected versus unaffected side of repaired Achilles tendons gradually increased postoperatively, reached a maximum (632%) at 6 months, and then decreased at 12 months. The mean tendon repair scores increased over time and reached a plateau at 6 months. Conclusion: Ultrasonography is useful to observe the intratendinous morphology of repaired Achilles tendons and to provide useful information for patients who wish to return to sports. Clinical parameters such as strength, functional performance, and quality of healed repaired tendons should also be assessed before allowing patients to return to sports.
A nested randomised trial of the effect of tranexamic acid on intracranial haemorrhage and infarction in traumatic brain injury (CRASH-3 trial intracranial bleeding mechanistic study): Statistical analysis plan
Authors: Mahmood Abda , Roberts Ian , Shakur-Still Haleema 
Published: August 2018

Background: The CRASH-3 trial is a randomised trial on the effect of tranexamic acid (TXA) on death and disability in traumatic brain injury (TBI). The CRASH-3 intracranial bleeding mechanistic study (IBMS) is a randomised trial nested within the CRASH-3 trial to examine the effect of TXA on intracranial bleeding and infarction. Methods: Patients eligible for the CRASH-3 trial, with a GCS of 12 or less or intracranial bleeding on a pre-randomisation CT scan are eligible for the IBMS. The occurrence of intracranial bleeding, infarction, haemorrhagic oedematous lesions, mass effect and haemorrhage evacuation is examined within 28 days of randomisation using routinely collected brain scans. The primary outcome is the volume of intracranial bleeding in patients randomised within three hours of injury (adjusted for prognostic covariates). Secondary outcomes include progressive and new intracranial bleeding, intracranial bleeding after neurosurgery and new cerebral infarcts up to 28 days post-randomisation. All outcomes will be compared between treatment groups. Statistical analyses: The primary outcome will be analysed using absolute measures (ANCOVA) and relative measures (ratios). The same analysis will be done separately for patients who undergo haemorrhage evacuation post-randomisation. We will express the effect of TXA on new and progressive bleeding using relative risks and 95% CIs, and on cerebral infarcts using hazard ratios and 95% CIs. If any missing post-randomisation scans appear to be missing not at random, we will conduct sensitivity analyses to explore the implications. Conclusion: The IBMS will provide information on the mechanism of action of TXA in TBI. This pre-specified statistical analysis plan is a technical extension of the published protocol. Trial registration: The CRASH-3 trial was prospectively registered at the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials registry (19 July 2011) and ClinicalTrials.gov (25 July 2011). The registries were updated with details for the IBMS on 20 December 2016.
Clinical outcomes and cost analysis of frontalis sling suspension for congenital ptosis
Authors: Rufai Sohaib R , Zukhurova Khushnuda , Menon Dipen K , Menon V Jayshree 
Published: August 2018

Purpose: Frontalis sling suspension is the treatment of choice for drooping eyelids (congenital ptosis) which are associated with poor levator function. The materials used include autologous fascia lata (muscle grafts), palmaris longus (a small muscle visible as a tendon) and artificial materials. However, harvesting autologous material is often not possible in young children. A retrospective case series analysis to elucidate the clinical outcomes using 3-0 Ethilon, autologous fascia lata and palmaris longus tendon was performed. Additionally, a cost analysis of the various methods was performed. Methods: A consecutive case series of patients who underwent frontalis sling procedures for congenital ptosis between October 2010 and May 2017 was retrospectively analysed. The cost analysis was conducted using NHS Tariffs. Results: The outcomes of 23 procedures from 15 patients were also analysed. Median age at first frontalis sling surgery was 9.2 years (interquartile range: 14.8). Median follow-up before discharge was 26.6 months (interquartile range: 25.5). Materials included Ethilon (n=19 procedures), autologous fascia lata (n=1) and palmaris longus (n=3). Satisfactory cosmetic correction was achieved in all patients at 12-month review after initial surgery. Five frontalis sling suspension slips occurred in Ethilon cases following trauma, each requiring frontalis sling redo, one of which slipped again following trauma. Cost analysis revealed that operations using synthetic materials cost less as a single operation but more overall if one or more repeat operation is required. Conclusions: Ethilon, autologous fascia lata, and palmaris longus are safe and effective materials for use in frontalis sling suspension in the correction of congenital ptosis. Synthetic material costs less as a single operation but cost effectiveness suffers when repeat operations are required. Treatment should be individually tailored to the patient.
Evaluation of the Bio-Rad BioPlex 2200 Toxoplasma gondii IgM Multiplex Flow Immunoassay
Authors: Theel Elitza S , Yarbrough Melanie L , Hilgart Heather , Gronowski Ann M 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Background
Toxoplasmosis is routinely diagnosed through detection of Toxoplasma gondii–specific antibodies. However, the imperfect specificity of T. gondii serologic assays is a well-recognized limitation. The new BioPlex 2200 (Bio-Rad Laboratories) T. gondii, rubella, and cytomegalovirus (ToRC) IgM multiplex flow immunoassay (MFI) received FDA clearance in May 2017. We evaluated the clinical performance of the new T. gondii IgM and existing IgG portion of this MFI.

Methods
Three hundred prospectively collected consecutive, residual sera, submitted for T. gondii serologic testing as part of routine clinical care, and an archived set of 52 residual sera previously positive for anti–T. gondii IgM and IgG with the predicate ADVIA Centaur Toxoplasma IgM and IgG assays (Siemens) were evaluated. Performance of the BioPlex 2200 T. gondii IgM and IgG MFIs was assessed by calculating positive (PPA) and negative percent agreement (NPA) compared to the Centaur tests.

Results
Among prospective specimens, the BioPlex 2200 T. gondii IgM and IgG MFIs demonstrated a PPA of 0% (0/7) and 82.3% (28/34) and NPA of 99.3% (288/290) and 95.8% (251/262), respectively, with the Centaur assays. Chart review of the 7 Centaur T. gondii IgM-positive samples revealed that these were likely falsely positive. Among archived samples, the BioPlex 2200 T. gondii IgM and IgG MFIs showed PPAs of 90.4% (47/52) and 100% (52/52), respectively.

Conclusions
The BioPlex 2200 T. gondii IgM and IgG MFIs demonstrated excellent concordance with the Centaur assays. The T. gondii IgM MFI may provide higher specificity in low-prevalence populations.
STABILITY ASSESSMENT OF ADJACENT ROCK MASS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF COALBED OUTLETS
Authors: Bessimbaeva Olga G. , Khmyrova Elena N. , Nizametdinov Farit K. , Oleinikova Elena A. 
Published: August 2018

The problems of stability assessment of the quarry’s southern side during the development of the coal seam D6 are considered. To assess the stability of the quarry’s southern side in the development of coalbed outlets, modern research methods are applied: study of the geological structure and analysis of the adjacent rock mass state, the creation of an observation station and the production of observations, calculation of stability of adjacent rock mass of the quarry’s south side and the research results analysis. Quarry’s south side consists of clayey sediments up to 5 m, then siltstones and mudstones up to 10-20 m and a coal seam with a capacity of up to 5 m. The substantiation of the calculated strength characteristics of rocks composing the slopes of the quarry ledges, which determine the stress state of the slopes arising under the influence of internal and external forces, is done. Instrumental observations of the laid station and the survey of cracks on the quarry’s side allowed to determine the contours of the deformation zone and the landslide prism size. A geomechanical model of adjacent rock mass was created and the stability assessment was carried out for the geological section along the line of the maximum development depth. After additional loading on the quarry’s southern side slopes, the safety factor of stability is nу = 1.69−173, which means active phase termination of quarry’s side deformation and sustainable condition.
USE OF ECONOMIC INDICATORS IN METHODOLOGY OF MEDIUM- TERM PLANNING OF MOUNTAIN WORKS IN THE MICROMINE MINING-GEOLOGICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM
Authors: Protsenko A. V. , Byyrov J. B. , Fedotov G. S. , Zartenova L. Z. 
Published: August 2018

The use of mining and geology information system is becoming more common in modern mining companies; therefore, the competent use of the functionality of software packages and development of appropriated methodologies is a very important and urgent problem. In this paper described method of middle-term planning in mining and geology information system Micromine for underground mining on an example of copper ore deposit with pillar- and-room system. Particular attention was paid to the consideration of economic indicators in determining the sequence of mining. A list of the necessary data for the implementation of this methodologies in the scheduling of underground mining in the software product Micromine is presented. Using of this method allow on planning stage to determine main technical and economic indicators, as well as to estimate efficiency of selected direction of mining. In this paper is provided example of reports and illustrations of results of working of this method in mining and geology information system Micromine.
KAMU BÜYÜKLÜĞÜ DIŞA AÇIKLIK İLİŞKİSİNİN ANALİZİ: TÜRKİYE ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: Yılmaz Şahin Burcu , Ceylan Servet 
Published: August 2018

Dışa açıklığın makroekonomik
değişkenlere ve ekonomik büyümeye etkisi yıllardır tartışılmaktadır. Dışa
açıklık yeni ekonomik faaliyetlere ve uzun dönemde üretimin sektörel
bileşiminde değişikliğe neden olabilmektedir. Bunlar, üretim yapısında ve kamu
harcamalarının toplam harcamalar içindeki payında bir değişiklik olabilir.
Küreselleşme ve serbest ticaret, kamu harcamaları ve büyümesini etkilemekte
fakat bu etkinin yönü tartışılmaktadır. Kamu büyüklüğü ve dışa açıklık
arasındaki ilişkiye ilişkin literatürde üç temel hipotez vardır. Bu hipotezler
telafi hipotezi, etkinlik hipotezi ve sanayisizleşme (deindustrialization)
hipotezidir. Telafi hipotezine göre, kamu büyüklüğü ve dışa açıklık arasında
pozitif bir ilişki, etkinlik hipotezine göre negatif bir ilişki vardır.
Sanayisizleşme hipotezine göre ise kamu büyüklüğü ve dışa açıklık arasında
nedensellik ilişkisi yoktur. Bu
çalışmada, kamu büyüklüğü ve dışa açıklık ilişkisi, 1998:1-2016:4 dönemini
kapsayan üç aylık verilerle Türkiye ekonomisi için tahmin edilmiştir.
Değişkenler arasındaki ilişkiler Engle-Granger Koentegrasyon ve Hata Düzeltme
Modeli kullanılarak araştırılmıştır. Ekonometrik analizler, Türkiye
ekonomisinde, kamu büyüklüğü ile dışa açıklık arasında uzun dönemli ilişki ve
kısa dönemde de çift yönlü bir nedensellik ilişkisi olduğunu göstermiştir.
INFECTIOUS ENDOCARDITIS CAUSED BY A RARE AGENT BURKHOLDERIA CEPACIAN
Authors: Chipigina N. S. , Karpova N. Yu. , Leontieva N. P. , Evdokimov V. I. , Dubinin N. M. , Dubrovina A. S. 
Published: August 2018

Introduction. Infectious endocarditis (IE) caused by microorganisms Burkholderia cepacia is a very rare and poorly characterized form of endocarditis.Material and methods. We observed a case of late prosthetic mitral valve IE caused by Burkholderia cepacia in a 34-year-old patient.Results. A patient with a congenital ventricular septum defect underwent surgery on the heart three times in past, including the resection of mitral valve vegetations due to IE at age 17 and mitral valve replacement plus ventricular septum defect plastic reconstruction at 33 years old. The last was complicated by postoperative purulent sterno-mediastenitis treated by thoracoplasty. 10 months later the fever with chills appeared again, a large vegetation on a mitral valve prosthesis was revealed, and Burkholderia cepacia bacteremia with multidrug resistance to antibiotics was find. After the start of treatment with trimethoprim / sulfamethoxazole, normal temperature was observed, but the course of IE was complicated by thromboembolism with a fatal outcome.Conclusions. Multidrug resistance of the pathogen to antibiotics, including those empirically prescribed for IE, is the main risk factor for the adverse outcome of IE caused by Burkholderia cepacia. The lack of generally accepted recommendations determining the doses of antibiotics prescribed in accordance with the microorganism sensitivity is the problem still present in Burkholderia cepacia IE treatment.
Parameter Estimation of a Mixed Production Function Model Based on Improved Firefly Algorithm and Model Application
Authors: Cheng Maolin , Han Yun 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
In the analysis on economic growth factors, researchers usually use the production function model to calculate and measure influencing factors’ contribution rates to economic growth. Common production functions include the CD (Cobb-Douglas) production function, the CES (Constant Elasticity of Substitution) production function, the VES (Variable Elasticity of Substitution) production function, and so on. In consideration of the diversity and complementarity of models, the paper combines the CD production function with the CES production function and then proposes a mixed production function. With regard to the parameter estimation of model, the paper gives an improved firefly algorithm with the high precision and a fast rate of convergence. With regard to the calculation of factors’ contribution rates, traditional methods generally have big errors and are not applicable to complicated models, so the paper offers a new method which can calculate contribution rates scientifically. Finally, the paper calculates the contribution rates of factors affecting Chinese economic growth and gets a good result.