bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the 12-gene Predictive Signature for Adjuvant Chemotherapy Response in Lung Cancer
Authors: Xie Yang , Lu Wei , Wang Shidan , Tang Ximing , Tang Hao , Zhou Yunyun , Moran Cesar , Behrens Carmen , Roth Jack A. , Zhou Qinghua , Johnson David H. , Swisher Stephen G. , Heymach John V. , Papadimitrakopoulou Vassiliki A. , Xiao Guanghua , Minna John D. , Wistuba Ignacio I. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPurpose:Response to adjuvant chemotherapy after tumor resection varies widely among patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); therefore, it is of clinical importance to prospectively predict who will benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy before starting the treatment. The goal of this study is to validate a 12-gene adjuvant chemotherapy predictive signature developed from a previous study using a clinical-grade assay.Experimental Design:We developed a clinical-grade assay for formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples using the NanoString nCounter platform to measure the mRNA expression of the previously published 12-gene set. The predictive performance was validated in a cohort of 207 patients with early-stage resected NSCLC with matched propensity score of adjuvant chemotherapy.Results:The effects of adjuvant chemotherapy were significantly different in patients from the predicted adjuvant chemotherapy benefit group and those in the predicted adjuvant chemotherapy nonbenefit group (P = 0.0056 for interaction between predicted risk group and adjuvant chemotherapy). Specifically, in the predicted adjuvant chemotherapy benefit group, the patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy had significant recurrence-free survival (RFS) benefit (HR = 0.34; P = 0.016; adjuvant chemotherapy vs. nonadjuvant chemotherapy), while in the predicted adjuvant chemotherapy nonbenefit group, the patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy actually had worse RFS (HR = 1.86; P = 0.14; adjuvant chemotherapy vs. nonadjuvant chemotherapy) than those who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy.Conclusions:This study validated that the 12-gene signature and the FFPE-based clinical assay predict that patients whose resected lung adenocarcinomas exhibit an adjuvant chemotherapy benefit gene expression pattern and who then receive adjuvant chemotherapy have significant survival advantage compared with patients whose tumors exhibit the benefit pattern but do not receive adjuvant chemotherapy.
Clinical Significance of Extracellular Vesicles in Plasma from Glioblastoma Patients
Authors: Osti Daniela , Del Bene Massimiliano , Rappa Germana , Santos Mark , Matafora Vittoria , Richichi Cristina , Faletti Stefania , Beznoussenko Galina V. , Mironov Alexandre , Bachi Angela , Fornasari Lorenzo , Bongetta Daniele , Gaetani Paolo , DiMeco Francesco , Lorico Aurelio , Pelicci Giuliana 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Purpose:
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor. The identification of blood biomarkers reflecting the tumor status represents a major unmet need for optimal clinical management of patients with GBM. Their high number in body fluids, their stability, and the presence of many tumor-associated proteins and RNAs make extracellular vesicles potentially optimal biomarkers. Here, we investigated the potential role of plasma extracellular vesicles from patients with GBM for diagnosis and follow-up after treatment and as a prognostic tool.

Experimental Design:
Plasma from healthy controls (n = 33), patients with GBM (n = 43), and patients with different central nervous system malignancies (n = 25) were collected. Extracellular vesicles were isolated by ultracentrifugation and characterized in terms of morphology by transmission electron microscopy, concentration, and size by nanoparticle tracking analysis, and protein composition by mass spectrometry. An orthotopic mouse model of human GBM confirmed human plasma extracellular vesicle quantifications. Associations between plasma extracellular vesicle concentration and clinicopathologic features of patients with GBM were analyzed. All statistical tests were two-sided.

Results:
GBM releases heterogeneous extracellular vesicles detectable in plasma. Plasma extracellular vesicle concentration was higher in GBM compared with healthy controls (P &lt; 0.001), brain metastases (P &lt; 0.001), and extra-axial brain tumors (P &lt; 0.001). After surgery, a significant drop in plasma extracellular vesicle concentration was measured (P &lt; 0.001). Plasma extracellular vesicle concentration was also increased in GBM-bearing mice (P &lt; 0.001). Proteomic profiling revealed a GBM-distinctive signature.

Conclusions:
Higher extracellular vesicle plasma levels may assist in GBM clinical diagnosis: their reduction after GBM resection, their rise at recurrence, and their protein cargo might provide indications about tumor, therapy response, and monitoring.
Prevalence and Predictors of Sepsis Death in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure and Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Walker Andrew M. N. , Drozd Michael , Hall Marlous , Patel Peysh A. , Paton Maria , Lowry Judith , Gierula John , Byrom Rowenna , Kearney Lorraine , Sapsford Robert J. , Witte Klaus K. , Kearney Mark T. , Cubbon Richard M. 
Published: October 2018

Background

Noncardiovascular death is increasingly common in people with chronic heart failure (
CHF
), yet its causes remain poorly characterized. We aimed to define the prevalence of sepsis death in people with
CHF
and to ascertain its risk marker profile.

Methods and Results

We conducted a prospective cohort study of 1802 patients with
CHF
and left ventricular ejection fraction ≤45% attending
CHF
clinics in 4 United Kingdom hospitals between 2006 and 2014. Mode of death was defined over a 10.3‐year follow‐up period (mean 4 years). Competing risk regression defined mode‐specific hazard ratios for sepsis, other noncardiovascular, progressive heart failure, and sudden cardiac death in relation to established heart failure prognostic markers. Of 737 deaths, 173 (23.5%) were due to sepsis; respiratory tract infections accounted for 69.9% (n=121) of these events. Those who died from sepsis were older, had higher platelet counts, and had a higher prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease than those who died from other causes. Sepsis death was independently associated with older age (hazard ratio=1.05; 95% confidence interval 1.03‐1.07), greater prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (2.43; 1.74‐3.40), male sex (1.73; 1.16‐2.60), lower log serum vitamin D (0.68; 0.49‐0.95), and higher platelet count (1.002; 1.000‐1.005) than nonsepsis death. Established heart failure prognostic markers exhibited different patterns of association with sepsis death, other noncardiovascular death, progressive heart failure death, and sudden cardiac death.

Conclusions

Sepsis is a major contributor to death in people with
CHF
and has a different risk marker profile from other modes of death, suggesting that it may be amenable to targeted preventative strategies.
Blight Abatement of Vacant Land and Crime in New Orleans
Authors: Kondo Michelle C. , Morrison Christopher , Jacoby Sara F. , Elliott Liana , Poche Albert , Theall Katherine P. , Branas Charles C. 
Published: October 2018

Objectives: In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused damage in New Orleans, Louisiana, and much of the land in low-resource neighborhoods became vacant and blighted. In 2014, New Orleans launched a program, Fight the Blight, which remediated properties in 6 neighborhoods. Our objective was to examine changes in crime rates near lots that were remediated (ie, debris removed and vegetation mowed). Methods: We used a quasi-experimental design to test whether crime rates changed from preremediation (January 2013–October 2014) to postremediation (July 2016–March 2017) near 204 vacant lots that were remediated compared with 560 control vacant lots that were not remediated between October 2014 and July 2016. We also examined differences between remediated lots that received 1 treatment (n = 64) and those that received ≥2 treatments (n = 140). Results: We found no significant differences between remediated and control lots in levels of violent, property, and domestic crimes from preremediation to postremediation. However, the number of drug crimes per square mile decreased significantly near all remediated lots (5.7% lower; P < .001) compared with control lots, largely driven by the significant decrease (6.4% lower; P < .001) in drug crimes found near lots that received ≥2 treatments. Conclusions: Investing in programs that improve neighborhood environments affected by high rates of physical disorder and vacancy may be a way to decrease violence. However, routine remediation may be needed to increase the public health impact of blight abatement programs in warmer climates, where weeds and vegetation grow rapidly.
Dietary factors and their association with childhood obesity in the Middle East: A systematic review
Authors: Albataineh Samah R , Badran Eman F , Tayyem Reema F 
Published: October 2018

Background: Childhood obesity is a global epidemic that is related to environmental and genetic factors and has adverse consequences throughout life, being obese is a serious health problem in childhood and increases the risk of many co-morbidities. Aim: The purpose of this systematic review is to illustrate that dietary factors correlate with obesity among children studied in the Middle East area. Methods: Studies were screened by searching two databases in August 2017 and considered as eligible for inclusion if they: (a) are observational studies, (b) define at least one dietary factor for obese children aged 6–12 years, (c) are undertaken in the Middle East area, and (d) are written in English. The search dependent words and terms used are: diet, nutrition, pediatric obesity, physical activity, Middle East, overweight, children, excess weight, childhood, obesity and dietary factors. Papers were initially evaluated for eligibility based on title and abstract. The full text of articles of studies that met, or appeared to meet, the inclusion criteria, were saved. Quality assessment was conducted using the NIH tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies. Out of 730 studies, 4 papers met the inclusion criteria and rated as good quality. These studies were from Iran ( n=2), Saudi Arabia ( n=1) and Lebanon ( n=1) during 2008 and 2016. Results: Dietary factors identified were breakfast intake, junk-food consumption, energy intake and micronutrient intake. The present systematic review shows that several dietary behaviors such as missing breakfast, excessive fat and refined carbohydrate intake with low micronutrient intake due to low consumption of fruits, vegetables and milk/diary, are associated with obesity in children in the Middle East. Conclusions: A healthy diet during childhood to control weight and prevent obesity is recommended for a healthy, lifelong adulthood.
Thrombophilic risk factors are laterally associated with Apolipoprotein E gene polymorphisms in deep vein thrombosis patients: An Indian study
Authors: Rastogi Pulkit , Kumar Narender , Ahluwalia Jasmina , Das Reena , Varma Neelam , Suri Vikas , Senee Harikishan 
Published: October 2018

Introduction Deep vein thrombosis is a multifactorial disease with many acquired and genetic risk factors. Polymorphism in the APOE gene is an upcoming potential pathogenic factor whose role is unclear in deep vein thrombosis. Methods An equal number of deep vein thrombosis cases and controls (N = 100, each) were investigated for APOE gene polymorphisms along with known acquired and hereditable thrombophilic risk factors. APOE genotyping was done by polymerase chain reaction. Results The ε3/ε4 and ε2/ε3 APOE genotypes were commoner in deep vein thrombosis cases than controls but not statistically significant ( ε3/ε4 → 18% versus 11%, OR = 1.776, CI = 0.792–3.984, p = 0.16; ε2/ε3 →10% versus 9%, OR = 1.123, CI = 0.436–2.895, p = 0.809). However, the following risk factors were found to be laterally associated with APOE genotypes in cases of deep vein thrombosis: pregnancy with ε2/ε3 genotype positivity (N = 29; p = 0.019), recurrent pregnancy loss with ε3/ε3 genotype (N = 29; p = 0.016), normal antithrombin levels with ε3/ε3 genotype (N = 62; p = 0.03) and non-O blood group with ε3/ε4 genotype (N = 100; p = 0.023). Conclusion APOE genotypes have shown only a modest association with deep vein thrombosis and were not statistically significant. A lateral association of these genotypes with thrombophilic risk factors was observed which may be investigated further for the possible pathogenetic mechanisms and their therapeutic implications.
Advance care planning in community dwellers: A constructivist grounded theory study of values, preferences and conflicts
Authors: Taneja Ravi , Faden Lisa Y , Schulz Valerie , Rawal Asha , Miller Kristina , Bishop Kristen A. , Lingard Lorelei 
Published: October 2018

Background: Most laypeople have not engaged in any advance care planning. Yet they are expected to articulate choices for life-sustaining interventions when they need admission to an acute care hospital in Canada. Aim: To describe how laypeople understand and make decisions for life-sustaining interventions when engaging in advance care planning. Design: Semi-structured interviews using constructivist grounded theory methodology and purposive sampling. Setting: Mid-size Canadian urban community Participants: In total, 20 healthy laypeople, 55 years and older, participated in in-depth semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Theoretical sampling was used to explore findings from the first round of interviews. Ten participants were invited for repeat interviews. Results: Four major themes were identified. Most participants claimed at the outset that they had engaged in advance care planning, but they were unfamiliar with contemporary life-sustaining interventions and had not factored these into their decisions. Participants’ confidence in their substitute decision makers precluded them from having explicit discussions with these individuals. Participants expressed their values and preferences in terms of unacceptable functional outcomes from serious illness, rather than desired interventions. The process of articulating their preferences within the interviews was subject to decision conflicts, which in turn helped them re-evaluate and refine their decisions. Conclusion: Advance care planning for the healthy older adult is challenging. Meaningful engagement may lead to conflicts in decision-making. Efforts to improve engagement must reflect what patients know and understand, their focus on unacceptable negative outcomes rather than interventions, and the need for iterative discussions with health-care providers.
Effectiveness of the Community–Academia Student Tutoring (CAST) program in enhancing students’ practice placement readiness
Authors: Tal-Saban Miri , Weintraub Naomi 
Published: October 2018

Introduction Occupational therapy programs include practice education, which is a vital aspect of professional practice preparation. We evaluated the effectiveness of the Community–Academia Student Tutoring program for enhancing occupational therapy students’ perceived readiness for their practice placement, thus reducing their feelings of anxiety. Method The study included 84 first-year undergraduate occupational therapy students aged 21–35 years, of whom 43 participated in the Community–Academia Student Tutoring group program and the rest comprised the control group. Participants completed the Student Self-Competency and Readiness for Fieldwork questionnaire prior to their first practice placement. Findings Anxiety was related to the Student Self-Competency and Readiness for Fieldwork’s components and total score. The Community–Academia Student Tutoring group scored significantly higher ( p < .05) than the controls in the Evaluation and Communication with Patients components of the questionnaire, after controlling for anxiety level. Implications It appears that it is possible to enhance students’ readiness for their practice placement through a structured and intensive community-based mentoring program that is guided by faculty and includes activities of briefing and debriefing, such as the Community–Academia Student Tutoring program.
Evaluation of Advanced Combined Cycle Power Plants
Authors: Kail C 
Published: October 2018

This report will analyse and evaluate the most recent and significant trends in combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant configurations. The various enhancements will be compared with the ‘simple’ gas turbine. The first trend, a gas turbine with reheat, cannot convert its better efficiency and higher output into a lower cost of electrical power. The additional investments required as well as increased maintenance costs will neutralize all the thermodynamic performance advantages. The second concept of cooling the turbine blades with steam puts very stringent requirements on the blade materials, the steam quality and the steam cooling system design. Closed-loop steam cooling of turbine blades offers cost advantages only if all its technical problems can be solved and the potential risks associated with the process can be eliminated through long demonstration programmes in the field. The third configuration, a gas turbine with a closed-loop combustion chamber cooling system, appears to be less problematic than the previous, steam-cooled turbine blades. In comparison with an open combustion chamber cooling system, this solution is more attractive due to better thermal performance and lower emissions. Either air or steam can be used as the cooling fluid.
Clinical Outcomes Following Minimally Invasive Dorsal Cheilectomy for Hallux Rigidus
Authors: Teoh Kar Hao , Tan Wei Teen , Atiyah Zeid , Ahmad Aziz , Tanaka Hiro , Hariharan Kartik 
Published: October 2018

Background: Following failure of conservative treatment, a dorsal cheilectomy can be performed for patients in early stages of hallux rigidus by a traditional open approach or by a minimally invasive technique. We report our clinical outcomes following minimally invasive dorsal cheilectomy (MIDC). Methods: Eighty-nine patients (98 feet) with symptomatic hallux rigidus treated between 2011 and 2016 were included in this study. The average age was 54 years. Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOxFQ) scores and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were collected. The mean follow-up was 50 months. Results: The average VAS score improved from 8.0 preoperatively to 3 postoperatively. The mean MOxFQ summary index score decreased from 58.6 preoperatively to 30.5 postoperatively. All 3 MOxFQ domains also improved. Swelling took an average of 5.3 weeks to settle. There were 2 wound infections and 2 delayed wound healings. Two patients had transient nerve paraesthesia, while 2 patients had permanent numbness in the dorsomedial cutaneous nerve distribution. Twelve patients (12%) underwent reoperation, of which 7 had a first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis for ongoing pain, 4 had repeat cheilectomy for residual impingement, and 1 had an open removal of loose bone. Conclusion: Our results suggest that MIDC resulted in improvement in patient-reported outcome measures and was a safe technique with minimal complications. The complications were similar to open cheilectomy. There was an associated learning curve as 5 of our reoperations were due to incomplete cheilectomy. Coughlin grade 1 did well with MIDC as with open cheilectomy as none went onto an arthrodesis. However, 10% (7/65) of our grade 2 and 3 cases went on to an arthrodesis. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Refractive predictability and visual outcomes of an extended range of vision intraocular lens in eyes with previous myopic laser in situ keratomileusis
Authors: Palomino-Bautista Carlos , Carmona-González David , Sánchez-Jean Rubén , Castillo-Gómez Alfredo , Romero-Domínguez Marta , Elías de Tejada Macarena , Piñero David P 
Published: October 2018

Purpose: To evaluate the refractive predictability obtained with an extended range of vision intraocular lens in eyes with previous myopic laser in situ keratomileusis, confirming which intraocular lens power formula provides the most accurate calculation. Methods: The study enrolled 71 eyes with previous successful myopic laser in situ keratomileusis surgery of 43 patients undergoing cataract surgery with implantation of the extended range of vision intraocular lens TECNIS Symfony (Johnson and Johnson Vision). Intraocular lens power was calculated using all American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons formulas, and their average value was selected for implantation. Refractive outcomes were evaluated at 3 months postoperatively. Results: Postoperative spherical equivalent within ±0.50 and ±1.00 D was found in 61.6% and 86.3% of eyes, respectively. In eyes with pre-laser in situ keratomileusis data available, no significant correlation was found between pre-laser in situ keratomileusis spherical equivalent and post-cataract surgery spherical equivalent (r = 0.237, p = 0.114). A postoperative spherical equivalent within ±0.50 D was found in 65.2% and 55.6% of eyes in the subgroups with and without pre-laser in situ keratomileusis data available, respectively (p = 0.480). Statistically significantly higher differences between the intraocular lens power implanted and the calculation provided by the Potvin–Hill (p = 0.028) and Barrett True K No History formulas (p = 0.022) were found in those eyes with postoperative spherical equivalent > 0.50 D. Conclusion: The extended range of vision intraocular lens evaluated can provide a predictable refractive correction in eyes with previous laser in situ keratomileusis surgery. The Potvin–Hill and Barrett True K No History are the most adequate formulas to perform intraocular lens power calculations in these cases.
Effects of results-based financing of maternal and child health services on patient satisfaction in Afghanistan
Authors: Tawfiq Essa , Desai Jaikishan , Hyslop Dean 
Published: October 2018

Objective To examine the impact of a results-based financing programme on patient satisfaction in Afghanistan. Methods We analysed data collected from over 3000 patients from a stratified sample of 112 health facilities (56 results-based financing and 56 non-results-based financing) in 11 out of the 34 provinces of Afghanistan over a three-year period. The 112 facilities were part of 442 primary care facilities that were stratified on facility type and randomly assigned to the results-based financing (intervention) and non-results-based financing (control) groups in the 11 provinces. Data were obtained from the National Health Service Performance Assessment, a baseline survey of patients conducted in 2010, and two follow-up surveys in 2011 and 2012. Measurement of patient satisfaction used a questionnaire comprising 11 questions concerning overall satisfaction, and satisfaction with specific aspects of care, from provider behaviour (e.g. respectfulness, communication) to cleanliness, opening hours and waiting times of facilities. We used a regression adjusted difference-in-differences estimator to investigate the treatment effect on patient satisfaction at facility level. Results There were some improvements in patient satisfaction in results-based financing facilities but these were not statistically significant. In 2011, 2 out of 11 aspects of satisfaction showed 5% improvement: satisfaction with the way health care providers explained the patient’s condition and treatment. In 2012, patient satisfaction was higher for almost all aspects of care in results-based financing facilities, including the two aspects on health care provider respectfulness and facility opening hours, which had been 5% lower in results-based financing facilities than in non-results-based financing facilities in 2011. Overall satisfaction was almost 10% higher in results-based financing facilities than in non-results-based financing facilities in 2012. Conclusion Even if not statistically significant, observed trends suggest some positive impacts of the results-based financing programme on patient satisfaction.