bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Topiramate Tolerability in Heavy Cannabis–Using Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Gray Joshua C. , Treloar Padovano Hayley , Wemm Stephanie E. , Miranda Robert 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPurpose/BackgroundCannabis is the most commonly abused illicit drug and accounts for the greatest number of adolescent substance abuse treatment admissions. Despite urgent need for effective interventions, the best available psychosocial treatment options yield only modest effects. Topiramate showed promise as an adjunctive pharmacotherapy to a psychosocial intervention for cannabis misuse among adolescents and young adults in a recent clinical trial, but it was not well tolerated. This study investigated associations between clinical characteristics and side effects and dropout among adolescents and young adults randomized to topiramate.MethodsThis study involved secondary data analysis of a randomized placebo-controlled trial of topiramate for treating cannabis misuse (ages, 15–24 years; 50% female). We explored the interaction effects of baseline characteristics and medication condition (topiramate vs placebo) on treatment dropout. We also explored the relationship between side effects and dropout.Findings/ResultsHigher cannabis problems were significantly associated with reduced hazard of dropout in the topiramate group (P= 0.048) and were nonsignificantly associated with increased hazard of dropout in the placebo group (P= 0.062). Results also showed that memory difficulties were an overwhelming predictor of dropout in the topiramate condition; 42% of participants who dropped out experienced memory difficulties, whereas none of those who remained in the study experienced these effects.Implications/ConclusionsBy identifying who may most benefit from and tolerate this medication, treatment for substance use disorders can become more individualized and positive outcomes may be enhanced.
Fecal Microbiota Differences According to the Risk of Advanced Colorectal Neoplasms
Authors: Yang Hyo-Joon , Kwon Min-Jung , Chang Yoosoo , Song Seul-Ki , Ahn Kwang-Sung , Kim Han-Na , Yun Yeojun , Kim Hyung-Lae , Park Dong Il 
Published: February 2018

Goals and Background:
This study aimed to compare differences in the fecal microbiota according to the risk of advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACN) based on a risk-score model in a large Korean cohort.

Study:
Stool samples were collected from 1122 health screening recipients: 404 enrolled in the average risk (AR) group, 514 in the moderate risk (MR) group, and 204 in the high risk (HR) group, in accordance with their risk of ACN. The fecal microbiota was characterized using pyrosequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA genes.

Results:
The overall microbial diversity was significantly reduced with an increased risk of ACN [false discovery rate (FDR), P<0.001], and the composition was significantly different between the risk groups (Bonferroni corrected, P<0.05). On taxonomic comparison, 6 of 11 phyla and 39 of 88 genera were significantly different among the risk groups (all FDR P<0.05). These included under-representation of Bacteroides, Ruminococcus, and Bifidobacterium, and over-representation of Prevotella and Fusobacterium with an increased risk of ACN. In particular, we observed that the unknown genus of Ruminococcaceae were relatively abundant (16.2%) in the AR group and significantly depleted with an increased risk of ACN (13.5% in the HR group; FDR P<0.001).

Conclusions:
These findings support the hypothesis that the fecal microbiota is different according to the risk of ACN. An unknown genus of Ruminococcaceae, as novel potential butyrate producers, might have a possible role in colorectal tumorigenesis in the Korean population.
Allogeneic Matched Related Donor Bone Marrow Transplantation for Pediatric Patients With Severe Aplastic Anemia Using “Low-dose” Cyclophosphamide, ATG Plus Fludarabine
Authors: Takpradit Chayamon , Prockop Susan E. , Kernan Nancy A. , Scaradavou Andromachi , Curran Kevin , Ruggiero Julianne , Zakak Nicole , O’Reilly Richard J. , Boulad Farid 
Published: February 2018

Background:
The combination of cyclophosphamide (CY) and antithymocyte globulin (ATG) has been used as a standard conditioning regimen for matched related donor transplantation in patients with severe aplastic anemia.

Procedure:
To decrease the regimen-related toxicity while maintaining appropriate engraftment and survival rates, fludarabine (FLU) was added to the regimen. Four pediatric patients received matched related donor bone marrow transplantation with CY (50 mg/kg×2) (instead of the 50 mg/kg×4 standard dosing), equine ATG (30 mg/kg×3), with the addition of FLU (30 mg/m2×4). Graft versus host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis included a calcineurin inhibitor and methotrexate.

Results:
No grade 4 acute toxicities occurred during the first 30 days after transplant. All patients engrafted with normalization of peripheral blood counts and transfusion independence. One patient developed grade 1 to 2 acute GvHD, followed by chronic GvHD that resolved. With a median follow-up of 41.7 months, all 4 patients are alive and transfusion free, with complete donor chimerism. This combination of a low-dose CY/ATG+FLU regimen was overall very well tolerated and contributed toward a successful outcome including engraftment, chimerism, and survival.

Conclusion:
This small pilot study shows that this cytoreductive regimen could be considered as the standard of care for transplantation of pediatric patients with aplastic anemia from HLA-matched siblings.
Case Report: Invalidation of the Farnsworth D15 Test in Dichromacy Secondary to Practice
Authors: Ng Jason S. , Morton Warren A. 
Published: February 2018

SIGNIFICANCE
The Farnsworth D15 test can be subverted by patients even with severe red-green color deficiency.

PURPOSE
To describe a case showing that perfect performance on the Farnsworth D15 is possible after practicing the test.

CASE REPORT
A 23-year-old man presented for a comprehensive color vision evaluation. He had only minor complaints with regard to color vision and otherwise normal vision and ocular health. Based on anomaloscope findings, he was diagnosed with protanopia, a form of dichromacy in which the patient does not have any functional L cones, only S and M cones. The patient practiced the Farnsworth D15 test and returned for a follow-up visit in which he performed the test perfectly four times (i.e., twice in the regular order and twice using cap 15 as the pilot cap). In addition, the patient returned a year later and again performed the test perfectly, indicating long-term learning.

CONCLUSIONS
All studies to date have shown that patients with dichromacy fail the Farnsworth D15 test. This case report shows that it is indeed possible for highly motivated patients to subvert the test through practice, and knowledge of this possibility is very important, especially in occupational testing.
Subjective Ratings and Satisfaction in Contact Lens Wear
Authors: Diec Jennie , Naduvilath Thomas , Tilia Daniel 
Published: February 2018

SIGNIFICANCE
This study shows satisfaction in contact lens (CL) wear is influenced by both comfort and vision. Eighty-six percent of participants were willing to continue with trial CL wear if satisfied with both comfort and vision, dropping to 50% if either variable was unsatisfactory and 0% if both were unsatisfactory.

PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to understand the relationship between subjective ratings and satisfaction with CL wear.

METHODS
This was a retrospective analysis of two daily-disposable CL trials (delefilcon A, somofilcon A) on participants 40 years or younger followed over 3 months. Subjective ratings (numerical rating scale 1 to 10, 1-point step) collected at visits following baseline (2 weeks, 1 and 3 months) included comfort (insertion, during day, end of day), vision clarity, and binary response for satisfaction with comfort and vision (yes/no). Willingness to continue with trial CL was obtained at completion.

RESULTS
There was no significant association of comfort on insertion with comfort satisfaction (odds ratio [OR], 1.2; P = .30); however, comfort during day (OR, 2.1; P < .001) and end of day (OR, 3.4; P < .001) was associated with comfort satisfaction. For comfort during day ratings of at least 8/10 and end of day of at least 6/10, 90% of participants were considered satisfied. There was a 14% increase in participants satisfied with comfort for each unit increase on the numerical rating scale from ratings of 3 to 8 for comfort during day and a 20% increase from ratings of 3 to 7 for comfort end of day. The percentage of satisfied participants reached its maximum at a lower end of day rating (8/10) compared with during day (10/10). The percentage of participants satisfied with vision reached its maximum (100%) at a vision rating of 9/10.

CONCLUSIONS
Satisfaction in CL wear is influenced by both comfort and vision. A higher rating for comfort during the day compared with end of day is necessary for participants to attain satisfaction.
Accommodative Function in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Anketell Pamela M. , Saunders Kathryn J. , Gallagher Stephen M. , Bailey Clare , Little Julie-Anne 
Published: February 2018

SIGNIFICANCE
Accommodative responses were significantly poorer in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared with age-matched typically developing control subjects, and hypoaccommodation was associated with reduced near visual acuity (NVA) and convergence.

PURPOSE
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a reported prevalence of 1.1 to 1.5%. Accommodative dysfunction has been noted in other developmental conditions including cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate how accommodative accuracy and near visual function in ASD compared with typically developing control subjects.

METHODS
This study investigated accommodative function in children with ASD, in conjunction with other vision measures with habitual refractive corrections. Accommodative accuracy was assessed using modified Nott dynamic retinoscopy. Individual accommodative demand and response were calculated incorporating residual refractive error (difference between cycloplegic and habitual refractive state). Near visual measures included NVA, near point of convergence, fusional reserves, and stereoacuity. Cycloplegic autorefraction confirmed refractive error.

RESULTS
Accommodative responses were measured from 124 participants with ASD (6 to 17 years old) and 204 age-matched control subjects. There was no significant difference in the magnitude of residual refractive error between groups (P = .10). The prevalence of a clinically significant lag of accommodation was greater in the ASD group compared with control subjects (ASD = 17.4%, control subjects = 4.9%, χ2 = 13.04, P < .0001). Near visual acuity was significantly reduced in the ASD group with a clinically significant lag of accommodation (P < .01). A few participants (n = 24 control subjects, n = 14 ASD) had uncorrected or undercorrected refractive errors (spherical equivalent refractive error ≥+2.00 D, >1.00 DC), and when these were removed from analysis, there was still an increased prevalence of hypoaccommodation in ASD (14.7%).

CONCLUSIONS
Children with ASD were significantly more likely to have accommodative deficits (and associated near visual deficits) in their presenting refractive state than typically developing children. Appraisal of refractive error, accommodation, and NVA should be considered in visual assessment of children with ASD.
Emotional Modulation of Pain and Spinal Nociception in Sexual Assault Survivors
Authors: Hellman Natalie , Kuhn Bethany L. , Lannon Edward W. , Payne Michael F. , Sturycz Cassandra A. , Palit Shreela , Shadlow Joanna O. , Rhudy Jamie L. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTObjectiveSexual assault (SA) is associated with an increased risk for chronic pain and affective distress. Given that emotional processes modulate pain (e.g., negative emotions enhance pain, positive emotions inhibit pain), increased pain risk in SA survivors could stem from a disruption of emotional modulation processes.MethodsA well-validated affective picture-viewing paradigm was used to study emotional modulation of pain in 33 healthy, pain-free SA survivors and a control group of 33 healthy, pain-free individuals with no reported history of SA (matched on age, sex, race, and number of non-SA traumas). Unpleasant (mutilation), neutral, and pleasant (erotic) pictures were presented, while painful electrocutaneous stimulations were delivered at the ankle. Pain intensity ratings and nociceptive flexion reflex (NFR) magnitudes (a physiologic measure of spinal nociception) were recorded in response to electric stimuli. Multilevel models were used to analyze the data with group (SA versus non-SA) and content (mutilation, neutral, erotic) as independent variables.ResultsBoth groups demonstrated similar emotional modulation of pain (FGroupbyContent(2,646.52) = 0.44,p= .65), but a main effect of group (FGroup(1,65.42) = 4.24,p= .043) indicated the SA group experienced more overall pain from electric stimuli (hyperalgesia). A significant group by content interaction for NFR (p= .035) indicated that emotional modulation of NFR was present for the non-SA group (FContentSimpleEffect(2,684.55) = 12.43,p< .001), but not the SA group (FContentSimpleEffect(2,683.38) = 1.71,p= .18).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that SA survivors have difficulty emotionally engaging brain-to-spinal cord mechanisms to modulate spinal nociception. A disruption of descending inhibition plus hyperalgesia could contribute to comorbidity between sexual trauma and chronic pain.
Activation of Sigma-1 Receptor by Cutamesine Attenuates Neuronal Apoptosis by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Asphyxia Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Qin Jiahong , Wang Peng , Li Yi , Yao Lan , Liu Yuanshan , Yu Tao , Lin Jiali , Fang Xiangshao , Huang Zitong 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

Background:
Global cerebral ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury after cardiac arrest (CA) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in survivors of resuscitation. We utilized a rat model of asphyxia CA to explore the functional effects and mechanisms of Sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1R) activation in cerebral protection using the Sig-1R agonist cutamesine (SA-4503).

Methods:
After resuscitation, the surviving rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 18 each): the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) group (0.9% saline at 1 mL/kg); the SA4503 low-dose group (1 mg/kg SA4503); and the SA4503 high-dose group (2.5 mg/kg SA4503). The neurological deficit scores were recorded, and the cerebral cortex was harvested for western blotting. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentrations, calcium homeostasis, and mitochondrial ultrastructure were also studied.

Results:
The SA4503 treatment groups exhibited improved neurological outcomes compared with the CPR group. The protein levels of caspase-3 and the endoplasmic reticulum stress markers C/EBP homologous protein and caspase-12 were lower in the SA4503 treatment groups compared with the CPR group. SA4503 treatment also normalized mitochondrial membrane potential, tissue ATP concentrations, intracellular Ca2+ overload, and upregulated Sig-1R protein level compared with the CPR group. The SA4503 high dose treatment showed significant cerebral protective effects compared with the SA4503 low dose treatment. The therapeutic effect of SA4503 was dose-dependent.

Conclusions:
CA downregulated Sig-1R protein expression. Activating Sig-1R using SA4503 protected against global cerebral I/R injury in a rat model of asphyxia CA by alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction and eventually inhibiting neuronal apoptosis.
Exploratory study of academic excellence associated with persistence in ODL setting
Authors: Sembiring Maximus Gorky 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
This study observes that academic excellence associated with satisfaction leads to persistence, loyalty and future careers as perceived by students in an open distance learning framework. The purpose of this paper is to scrutinize the influences of academic excellence as the origin of satisfaction, and how and in which routines those associated factors were interconnected.

Design/methodology/approach
The inquiry employed the mixed-methods (exploratory design) approach. It was qualitatively identified first that academic excellence included student orientation, academic counseling, learning materials, tutorial supports, evaluation systems, feedback mechanisms and referral schemes. These seven factors had repercussions on students’ persistence, loyalty and future careers. Quantitatively, seven factors of academic excellence and the latter are independent and dependent variables, respectively. Respondents were randomly selected to accumulate data through a survey from the overseas students of Universitas Terbuka Indonesia. Importance-performance analysis and customer-satisfaction index were concurrently applied to measure the excellence level and its importance degree. Ten hypotheses were established and then examined using structural equation modeling to encapsulate the interrelations intensity among the engaged factors.

Findings
Eight out of ten hypotheses were statistically validated by the analysis excluding tutorial supports and feedback mechanisms factors. It was inferred that evaluation systems were the most critical factor and orderly followed by referral schemes, academic counseling, learning materials and student orientation. Academic excellence had an impact on persistence and loyalty, followed by career advancement.

Originality/value
The study identified minor disparity of qualitative and quantitative results. Further query with wider perspectives was needed by also enlarging the sample to minimize the gaps.
Persuading student involvement via peripheral services offered
Authors: Dassanayake Hansani Chathurika , Nishantha Busige , Senevirathne Asanka 
Published: February 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of peripheral services offered by distance education (DE) institutes on student involvement in DE and, examine whether this impact is mediated by student experience quality.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative research approach based on cross-sectional survey design was used where data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Sample consisted of 400 undergraduates of the Open University of Sri Lanka, drawn using simple random sampling technique. Collected data were analyzed using the structural equation model.FindingsData analysis revealed that there is a significant direct impact of peripheral services offered by DE institutes on student involvement in the Sri Lankan context. Furthermore, it is validated that this impact is mediated by student experience quality.Research limitations/implicationsFocus of the study is only on the impact of contextual elements rather than personal or demographic factors of students which can have an important impact on their experience quality as well as involvement.Practical implicationsFindings are useful in designing and redesigning service offering and policy development by DE institutes to make their services more appealing.Originality/valueEven though previous studies have identified student dropout and lower academic excellence as issues in DE, how service offering can be used to overcome them via student involvement has not received considerable attention. Hence, the tested conceptual model developed on multiple theories is a novel contribution to the existing knowledge base.
Conceptions of learning in technology-enhanced learning environments
Authors: Tsai Chin-Chung 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this papers is to provide an overview of how students and teachers in Taiwan conceptualize learning, especially in technology-enhanced learning environments. Their conceptions of learning reveal the extent to which the prevalence of technological use in education has facilitated students to cultivate a more advanced conception of learning and develop a deeper learning approach.

Design/methodology/approach
It reviews a total of nine relevant case studies, covering the contexts of conventional schools (from elementary schools to college, and cram schools) as well as technology-enhanced environments (internet-assisted learning and mobile learning); and participants from Grade 2 students to adult learners as well as teachers. Their conceptions of learning and preferred learning approaches are summarized.

Findings
Results of the studies show the Taiwanese students’ and teachers’ conceptions of learning in general and of technology-enhanced learning in particular. The students tended to be passive learners to receive instructions and considered examinations as a short-term goal for their study, with surface learning approaches commonly adopted. Despite technology may help to promote their cultivation of a more sophisticated conception of learning, many of them still opted for rote memorization and practice as the major ways to study. The potentials of technology in enhancing learning thus have not been fully realized.

Originality/value
The results shed light on an Asian-specific educational culture which is exam oriented. They reveal the challenges regarding the use of technology in education, which hinder the promotion of students’ advanced conceptions of learning. They also highlight the directions of future work to create a more accessible and gratifying technology-enhanced environment.
Going public in Mexico
Authors: Adamúz María de las Mercedes , Rivas José Luis 
Published: February 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that affect the likelihood of being public using a comprehensive database of private and public companies in Mexico, from all sectors, during 2006-2014.Design/methodology/approachThe authors estimate a longitudinal probit model to identify theex antecharacteristics of public Mexican firms that differentiate them from those Mexican firms that continue to remain private.FindingsThe authors find that larger, younger and less levered Mexican firms are more likely to be public in Mexico. They additionally test the influence of market conditions and location on the probability of being public. They find that location matters but they find no evidence that initial public offerings (IPOs) are driven by favorable Mexican market conditions.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the Mexican and international literature on IPOs because it uses an original database built from information of private and public Mexican firms. The study contributes to a better understanding of the determinants of the decision of going public in Mexico.