bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Fibrinolytic System in Experimental Prostate Tumor
Authors: Al-Mondhiry Hamid , Drago Joseph , Bartholomew Mary J 
Published: July 2018

SummaryHypofibrinogenemia and disseminated intravascular coagulation are common events in patients with metastatic prostate carcinoma. This study tests the hypothesis that prostate tumor growth and metastasis is associated with sustained activation of fibrinolysis secondary to increased release of plasminogen activator. We implanted an androgen-insensitive prostate tumor into an inbred strain of rats and serially measured plasminogen, plasminogen activator, plasmin and fibrinogen. Control groups included animals without tumor and a group implanted with transitional cell bladder carcinoma, a locally infiltrating tumor not usually associated with hemostatic complications. Our results showed a significant and steady rise in plasma plasminogen activator, plasmin and fibrinogen levels in animals implanted with prostate cancer. This, however, is not specific for prostate tumor. Similar, perhaps more profound changes were noted in animals implanted with the transitional cell carcinoma.
Association of High Blood Homocysteine and Risk of Increased Severity of Ischemic Stroke Events
Authors: Rasyid Al , Kurniawan Mohammad , Mesiano Taufik , Hidayat Rakhmad , Harris Salim 
Published: July 2018

AbstractStroke is the leading cause of death and disability in the world as well as in Indonesia. Initial stroke severity is an important factor that affects short- and long-term stroke outcomes. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital from July 2017 to January 2018 to investigate the factors that affect stroke severity. A total of 77 acute ischemic stroke patients were divided into three groups, which include low blood homocysteine levels (< 9 μmol/L), moderate blood homocysteine levels (9–15 μmol/L), and high blood homocysteine levels (> 15 μmol/L). The acquired data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis test and a significant difference of initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and blood homocysteine levels (H = 13.328, p = 0.001) were seen, with a mean rank of 25.86 for low blood homocysteine levels, 33.69 for moderate blood homocysteine levels, and 48.94 for high blood homocysteine levels. The patients were then divided into two groups based on the NIHSS (≤5 and > 5) to calculate the risk correlation of blood homocysteine levels and NIHSS by using regression. We found that patients with high blood homocysteine levels had 14.4 times higher risk of having NIHSS > 5 compared with those with low blood homocysteine levels (p = 0.002, 95% confidence interval [CI] [2.714–76.407]), and 3.9 times higher risk compared with those with moderate blood homocysteine levels (p = 0.011, 95% CI [1.371–11.246]). We concluded that homocysteine is a risk factor for a higher stroke severity. Future studies to evaluate the usefulness of homocysteine-lowering therapy in stroke patients are recommended.
Supporting teacher responsiveness in assessment for learning through disciplined noticing
Authors: Cowie Bronwen , Harrison Christine , Willis Jill 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAssessment for learning (AfL) practices are commonly recommended as effective classroom strategies for providing teachers with information about student understanding. For teachers, the substantive potential of these AfL practices to inform student learning actions depends on what teachers notice and select as a focus and how they interpret and act on the information they have. This paper suggests research on teacher professional noticing has something to offer in understanding how teacher AfL attention and actions are framed in the moment. It explains noticing as a responsive act that invites action that is an inclusive, dynamic and purposeful response to evidence of student ideas. Noticing is what enables a teacher to act on the fly because it informs and underpins possible actions. Three frames of noticing are introduced to guide noticing and action – curriculum connoisseurship, cultural and community connectedness, and collaborative ways of working. Through consideration of classroom events using these frames, teachers become better prepared to choose to respond in the moment creatively. The three frames provide teachers and researchers with a conceptual language to articulate and sharpen their AfL practices as part of a flexible and rigorous responsiveness to their students’ learning.
Stoicism, then and now
Authors: Inwood Brad 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
‘Stoicism, then and now’ describes how, despite the contrast between the contemporary reception of Stoicism and the study of the ancient school that inspires it, by looking at the history of Stoicism’s influence since its rediscovery in the Renaissance we have seen one way these approaches can be brought into contact with each other: the prominence of Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius (and to a lesser degree Seneca) in the contemporary reception of Stoicism has made it natural to focus primarily on its potential as a source for moral advice and self-improvement. But what about Stoic physics? How does the modern Stoic deal with the now obsolete science of our world?
Stabilization for Schrödinger equation with a distributed time delay in the boundary input
Authors: Cui Haoyue , Xu Genqi , Chen Yunlan 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
In this study, the stabilization problem for Schrödinger equation with distributed input time delay is considered. The main idea of solving the stabilization problem is transformation. The original time delay system is firstly transformed into the undelayed system, and then the feedback control law which can stabilize the undelayed system is found. Finally, we prove that the feedback control law can also exponentially stabilize the time delay system.
Virtual element methods for the obstacle problem
Authors: Wang Fei , Wei Huayi 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
We study virtual element methods (VEMs) for solving the obstacle problem, which is a representative elliptic variational inequality of the first kind. VEMs can be regarded as a generalization of standard finite element methods with the addition of some suitable nonpolynomial functions, and the degrees of freedom are carefully chosen so that the stiffness matrix can be computed without actually computing the nonpolynomial functions. With this special design, VEMS can easily deal with complicated element geometries. In this paper we establish a priori error estimates of VEMs for the obstacle problem. We prove that the lowest-order ($k=1$) VEM achieves the optimal convergence order, and suboptimal order is obtained for the VEM with $k=2$. Two numerical examples are reported to show that VEM can work on very general polygonal elements, and the convergence orders in the $H^1$ norm agree well with the theoretical prediction.
Validity of World Health Organisation prescribing indicators in Namibia’s primary healthcare: findings and implications
Authors: Niaz Q , Godman B , Massele A , Campbell S , Kurdi A , Kagoya H R , Kibuule D 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Objective
World Health Organization/International Network of Rational use of Drugs (WHO/INRUD) indicators are widely used to assess medicine use. However, there is limited evidence on their validity in Namibia’s primary health care (PHC) to assess the quality of prescribing. Consequently, our aim was to address this.

Design, setting, participants and interventions
An analytical cross-sectional survey design was used to examine and validate WHO/INRUD indicators in out-patient units of two PHC facilities and one hospital in Namibia from 1 February 2015 to 31 July 2015. The validity of the indicators was determined using two-by-two tables against compliance to the Namibian standard treatment guidelines (NSTG). The receiver operator characteristics for the WHO/INRUD indicators were plotted to determine their accuracy as predictors of compliance to agreed standards. A multivariate logistic model was constructed to independently determine the prediction of each indicator.

Main outcomes and results
Out of 1243 prescriptions; compliance to NSTG prescribing in ambulatory care was sub-optimal (target was >80%). Three of the four WHO/INRUD indicators did not meet Namibian or WHO targets: antibiotic prescribing, average number of medicines per prescription and generic prescribing. The majority of the indicators had low sensitivity and/or specificity. All WHO/INRUD indicators had poor accuracy in predicting rational prescribing. The antibiotic prescribing indicator was the only covariate that was a significant independent risk factor for compliance to NSTGs.

Conclusion
WHO/INRUD indicators showed poor accuracy in assessing prescribing practices in ambulatory care in Namibia. There is need for appropriate models and/or criteria to optimize medicine use in ambulatory care in the future.
The low-mass population of the Vela OB2 association from Gaia
Authors: Armstrong Joseph J , Wright Nicholas J , Jeffries R D 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACT
The first Gaia Data Release presents an opportunity to characterize the low-mass population of OB associations, providing larger statistical samples and better constraints on the formation and evolution of clusters and associations. Using previously known low-mass members in a small region of Vela OB2, we have designed selection criteria that combine Gaia and 2MASS photometry, independently of any astrometric information, to identify low-mass pre-main-sequence stars over the wider association area. Our method picks out the known clusters of young stars around γ2 Velorum and NGC-2547, but also identifies other overdensities that may represent previously unknown clusters. There are clear differences in the spatial distributions of the low-mass and the high-mass OB populations, suggesting either that the structure and dynamics of these populations has evolved separately or that the initial mass function can vary considerably on small scales within a single association.
Surgical Treatment of Subfibular Ossicle in Children: A Retrospective Study of 36 Patients with Functional Instability
Authors: Moukoko Didier , Henric Nicolas , Gouron Richard , Peyronnet Antoine , Bin Kim 
Published: July 2018

Backgrounds:
To evaluate the surgical management of a symptomatic subfibular ossicle after severe ankle sprain with functional instability and pain sequelae in children.

Methods:
We analyzed 36 patients complaining of functional instability without laxity, 1 year after an ankle inversion trauma associated with the observation of a subfibular ossicle. We systematically suggested the open excision of the residual ossicles, followed by 6 weeks of immobilization and proprioceptive physiotherapy. Seventeen of them, constituting the “resection” group accepted this surgical approach. The remaining 19 patients, the “control” group, received only rehabilitative care. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle pain and function score was evaluated in both groups.

Results:
The mean latest follow-up was 4 years and 4 months (range, 1 y 8 mo to 14 y 7 mo). A significant improvement of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was observed and was significantly higher in the resection group with a mean gain of 31 points (SD=31.8), versus 7 points (SD=7) in the control group (P<0.001).

Conclusions:
We conclude that in the absence of objective laxity, excision of the os subfibulare appears as a simple and effective technique in the treatment of posttraumatic functional instability and ankle pain.

Level of Evidence:
Level IV—retrospective case-control study.
Clinical Outcomes After Implantation of 320°-Arc Length Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments in Keratoconus
Authors: Torquetti Leonardo , Cunha Priscila , Luz Allan , Kwitko Sérgio , Carrion Márcio , Rocha Guilherme , Signorelli Armando , Coscarelli Sandro , Ferrara Guilherme , Bicalho Frederico , Neves Renato , Ferrara Paulo 
Published: July 2018

Purpose:To evaluate the clinical outcomes after implantation of a new 320°-arc length Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segment (320-ICRS) in eyes of patients with keratoconus.Methods:A multicentric nonrandomized study was conducted in which a new 320-ICRS was placed in 138 eyes of 130 patients with keratoconus. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), keratometry, corneal volume, asphericity, lines of vision gain/loss, and vectorial analysis were assessed preoperatively and at the final follow-up visit after the procedure.Results:The mean follow-up time was 6.2 ± 3.3 (SD) months (range 3–12 months). Mean UDVA improved from 20/250 to 20/60. Mean CDVA improved from 20/100 to 20/40. Mean Q improved from −1.12 ± 0.49 preoperatively to −0.28 ± 0.51 postoperatively (P< 0.001). Mean corneal volume increased from 56.2 ± 4.28 mm3preoperatively to 57.6 ± 4.74 postoperatively (P< 0.001). Mean Km reduced from 53.3 ± 5.5 D preoperatively to 47.8 ± 4.6 D postoperatively (P< 0.001). The change in UDVA, CDVA, and topographic astigmatism was statistically significant (P< 0.0001).Conclusions:The 320-ICRS can efficiently and safely improve visual acuity in keratoconus, modifying the corneal shape to a more physiologic, aspheric shape.
Yield of Malignant Pleural Effusion for Detection of Oncogenic Driver Mutations in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: DeMaio Andrew , Clarke Jeffrey M. , Dash Rajesh , Sebastian Siby , Wahidi Momen M. , Shofer Scott L. , Cheng George Z. , Li Xuechan , Wang Xiaofei , Mahmood Kamran 
Published: July 2018

Background:
Pleural fluid can be used to assess targetable mutations in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. The primary objective of this study was to assess the yield of pleural fluid cytology for targetable oncogenic mutations (EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, ALK, and ROS1 gene rearrangements). We also assessed pleural fluid volume necessary for molecular testing.

Methods:
Retrospective review was performed of 134 consecutive patients with lung adenocarcinoma associated malignant pleural effusions. EGFR and KRAS testing was done using PCR amplification followed by DNA sequencing, or next generation sequencing in more recent cases that included BRAF assessment. Fluorescence in situ hybridization employing break-apart probes was used to test for ALK and ROS1 rearrangements.

Results:
Mutation analysis on pleural fluid cell-block was performed on 56 patients. It was adequate for complete analysis ordered including EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, ALK, and ROS1 rearrangements on 40 (71.4%) samples. For individual mutations, EGFR testing was possible in 38 of 49 (77.6%); KRAS 22 of 28 (78.6%); BRAF 10 of 13 (76.9%), ALK gene rearrangement 42 of 51 (82.4%) and ROS1 gene rearrangement in 21 of 28 (75%) pleural fluid specimens. The analysis was satisfactory in 13 of 19 (68.4%) samples with ≤100 mL versus 27 of 37 (72.9%) with >100 mL of fluid tested (P-value=0.7).

Conclusion:
Genetic mutation analysis can be performed on malignant pleural effusions secondary to lung adenocarcinoma, independent of fluid volume.
Food cravings and body weight: a conditioning response
Authors: Myers Candice A. , Martin Corby K. , Apolzan John W. 
Published: July 2018

Purpose of review
To provide current information on interventions that alter food cravings. Specifically, dietary, physical activity, pharmacologic, and bariatric surgery interventions are examined. Lastly, the effects of social determinants and current controversies on food cravings are outlined.

Recent findings
Dietary, pharmacologic, and bariatric surgery weight loss interventions decrease food cravings. Physical activity interventions also decrease cravings. There is potential to see differential responses in food cravings in different demographic and socioeconomic groups, but more research is needed.

Summary
Food cravings influence body weight. Food craving reductions are because of reductions in the frequency of consuming craved foods, independent of energy content, but further research is warranted. Most findings continue to support the conditioning model of food cravings.
Approach and Safety of Esophageal Dilation for Treatment of Strictures in Children With Epidermolysis Bullosa
Authors: Anderson Bradley T. , Feinstein James A. , Kramer Robert E. , Narkewicz Michael R. , Bruckner Anna L. , Brumbaugh David E. 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTObjective:The aim of the study is to analyze a large series of esophageal balloon dilations in patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) to determine procedural approach and frequency of post‐endoscopic adverse events (AEs).Methods:Retrospective chart review for AE occurrence and clinical outcomes in children and adolescents with EB, age 1 to 19, who underwent esophageal dilation for esophageal stricture(s) from January 2003 to April 2016 at an academic, tertiary care, free‐standing children's hospital. The primary outcome measure was occurrence of procedural AEs (defined as events occurring within 72 hours after endoscopic dilation procedure).Results:A total of 231 fluoroscopy‐guided esophageal balloon dilation procedures (209 anterograde, 20 retrograde, 2 both) were performed in 24 patients. Strictures were more common in the proximal portion of the esophagus with median stricture location 13 cm from the lips. From 2003 to 2012, 4.1% of dilations were retrograde. From 2013 to 2016, 20.2% of dilations were retrograde. AEs attributable to dilation occurred after 10.0% of procedures, and the most common AEs were vomiting, pain, and fever. No esophageal perforations, serious bleeding events, or deaths occurred secondary to dilation. The rate of post‐dilation hospitalization was 6.9%. Dilation approach (anterograde vs retrograde) did not impact the likelihood of AEs.Conclusions:The characteristic esophageal lesion in EB is a single, proximal esophageal stricture. EB patients can safely undergo repeat pneumatic esophageal balloon dilations with minimal risk for severe complication. We observed a trend towards increased use of retrograde esophageal dilation.
Can We Estimate Quality of Life in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients? An Asian Multicenter Study
Authors: Kim Seung , Park Sowon , Kang Yunkoo , Kim Jung Eun , Kang Ben , Choe Byung‐Ho , Lee Yeoun Joo , Park Jae Hong , Yang Hye Ran , Lee Sung Hee , Kim Kyung Mo , Ryoo Eell , Tchah Hann , Shim Jung Ok , Koh Hong 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTObjectives:Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic lifelong condition and is related to poor quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the QoL of Asian pediatric patients with IBD and to determine the clinical factors that can influence QoL.Methods:Children and adolescents aged 9 to 18 years diagnosed with IBD were enrolled from 7 hospitals. The patients completed the IMPACT‐III questionnaire, and clinical data were collected. The results of the questionnaire and the correlation with clinical data were analyzed.Results:A total of 208 patients (Crohn disease: n = 166; ulcerative colitis: n = 42) were enrolled. There was no definite QoL difference according to the Paris classification. Female sex (−5.92 ± 2.97, P = 0.0347) and active disease status (−10.79 ± 3.11, P = 0.0006) were significantly associated with poor QoL. Extreme body weight z score and older age at diagnosis were also associated with worse QoL.Conclusions:Various clinical factors may affect the QoL in patients with IBD, but determining the overall QoL of patients using only these clinical factors is difficult. Therefore, regular direct measurements of QoL are necessary to better understand patients with IBD.
Cholera: recent updates
Authors: Weil Ana A. , Ryan Edward T. 
Published: July 2018

Purpose of review
In this review, we will examine updates in cholera epidemiology, advances in our understanding of pathogenesis and protective immunity, and changes to prevention strategies.

Recent findings
New modeling techniques and molecular epidemiology have led to advancements in our understanding of how Vibrio cholerae has persisted and re-emerged in new areas during the seventh pandemic. Use of next-generation sequencing has shed new light on immune responses to disease and vaccination, and the role of the gut microbiome in cholera. Increased efficacy and availability of vaccines have made long-term goals of global control of cholera more achievable.

Summary
Advancements in our understanding of immunity and susceptibility to V. cholerae, in addition to an increased global commitment to disease prevention, have led to optimism for the future of cholera prevention.
Prognostic Value of Tissue Oxygen Saturation Using a Vascular Occlusion Test in Patients in the Early Phase of Multiorgan Dysfunction Syndrome
Authors: Haertel Franz , Reisberg Diana , Peters Martin , Nuding Sebastian , Schroeder Jochen , Werdan Karl , Ebelt Henning 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACT

Background:
Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is a common disease pattern in intensive care units which is associated with an increased mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-based noninvasive ischemia–reperfusion test (vascular occlusion test) using the parameter of tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) contains prognostic information for patients in the early phase of MODS.

Methods:
Within a period of 18 months between 2010 and 2012, 56 patients who newly developed MODS (≤24 h after diagnosis, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation [APACHE] II score ≥20, subgroups: cardiogenic MODS [cMODS] and septic MODS [sMODS]) were included into the study. The StO2 was determined non-invasively in the area of the thenar muscles using a bedside NIRS device, InSpectra Tissue Spectrometer Model 650 (Hutchinson Technology Inc., Hutchinson, MN). The VOT was carried out by inflating a blood pressure cuff on the upper arm 30 mmHg above systolic blood pressure for 5 min. The parameters occlusion slope (OS) and recovery slope (RS) were recorded.

Results:
Fifteen patients with cMODS and 41 patients with sMODS were included in the study (age: 62.5 ± 14.4 years, 40 men and 16 women, APACHE II score: 34.6 ± 6.4). Twenty-eight-day-mortality was 55.4% (cMODS: 7 out of 15 patients, sMODS: 24 out of 41 patients). The measurement of StO2 while applying the VOT at baseline showed an OS of −11.7 ± 3.7%/min and an RS of 2.2 ± 1.5%/s. Survivors had significantly better values compared with non-survivors at baseline regarding OS (−12.8 ± 3.5%/min vs. −9.8 ± 3.4%/min; P = 0.016) and RS (2.6 ± 1.7%/s vs. 1.6 ± 1.0%/s; P = 0.022). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves show that the area under the curve (AUC) for OS was found to be significantly related to 28-day mortality (AUC: 0.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56–0.85; P = 0.01). However, using both univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression models, RS was significantly associated with increased 28-day mortality (OR [univariate model]: 1.21 [95% CI: 1.1–1.8]; OR [multivariate model]: 1.23 [95% CI: 1.1–1.3]).

Conclusions:
Impaired values of the VOT-parameters OS and RS are associated with an increased 28-day mortality in patients in the early phase of MODS.