bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of the Usage of Computer-Based Assistive Devices on the Functioning and Quality of Life of Individuals who are Blind or have low Vision
Authors: Rosner Yotam , Perlman Amotz 
Published: December 2018

Introduction The Israel Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services subsidizes computer-based assistive devices for individuals with visual impairments (that is, those who are blind or have low vision) to assist these individuals in their interactions with computers and thus to enhance their independence and quality of life. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of computer usage on the quality of life of computer-based assistive device users, and to evaluate their capacity to carry out computer-based tasks. Methods The study was conducted between the years 2013 and 2015. Questionnaires were provided to 96 randomly sampled individuals with visual impairments. These questionnaires were designed to collect information about the quality of life, types and frequency of computer use, satisfaction with the assistive devices, and the effects of computer-based assistive device usage on the participants’ lives. In addition, the study evaluated participants’ performance in tasks such as e-mail use, Internet surfing, and the use of Microsoft Word; participants performed these tasks on their personal computers. The research sample accounts for about 10% of visually impaired persons in Israel. Results Findings suggest that participants use computer-based assistive devices frequently (four hours a day on average), primarily for leisure (three hours on average). Participants also report high satisfaction with their devices (mean of 3.98 out of the maximum score of 5.00) and indicate that the devices have improved their quality of life (mean 3.67 out of 5.00) and leisure activities (mean 3.68 out of 5.00). Participants display high levels of task performance, especially in the use of Microsoft Word software (mean of 3.47 out of 5.00), and e-mail usage (mean of 3.81 out of 5.00). Discussion The findings suggest that most participants use computer-based assistive devices daily and report a positive influence from them on their quality of life and activity. Implications for practitioners The study suggests that welfare services and assistance organizations would benefit from subsidizing computer assistive devices for individuals with visual impairments.
Using Description to Convey Mathematics Content in Visual Images to Students who Are Visually Impaired
Authors: Emerson Robert Wall , Anderson Dawn L. 
Published: December 2018

Introduction Because of the preponderance of visual images, many mathematics texts are wholly or largely inaccessible to students who are blind. This study investigated how much description is sufficient to communicate math content in different types of images. Methods Representative math textbooks from grades five, eight, and 11, aligned to the Common Core, were selected. Mutually exclusive and exhaustive image categories were identified. Clear examples of each image category were chosen, and digital files were created containing the examples and surrounding textual material. Files replicated the printed page as closely as possible, and all elements (words, math expressions, and descriptions of images) were readable by JAWS. Forty-four students who are visually impaired (that is, those who are blind or had low vision) listened to the math pages and answered questions related to the content contained in the images. Results Students answered content-related questions better with more description, but across four description conditions with varying amounts of description the highest correct rate was low (29%). In looking at individual image categories, students had the most correct answers for number lines (41.0%). Rates of 20% to 33% correct were demonstrated for image categories of shapes, tables, line graphs, bar graphs, and ray diagrams. Correct rates for equations, pie charts, and maps were inconsistent or lower than 15%. Students were positive about math and did not indicate many problems with math texts. Discussion Descriptions of visual images can communicate important math information, but there are images for which no level of description is sufficient. Many students in the study were not aware of how much visual math content to which they were not provided access. Implications for practitioners Math texts need to be more accessible for students who are visually impaired. Although describing visual images can improve access to content, that may not be sufficient. Materials should be provided in several formats simultaneously so students can approach material in the mode that fits their needs in a variety of contexts.
Reference Guide for Integrating Continuous Glucose Monitoring Into Clinical Practice
Authors: Kruger Davida F. , Edelman Steve V. , Hinnen Deborah A. , Parkin Christopher G. 
Published: December 2018

Purpose Large randomized trials have demonstrated the efficacy of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in persons with type 1 diabetes and insulin-treated type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this article is to provide basic knowledge about CGM technology, discuss the use of CGM data in clinical practice, and direct clinicians to online resources that provide comprehensive information and tools relevant to patient selection, education/training, and reimbursement. Conclusions Effective use of CGM requires all members of the health care team to become knowledgeable and skilled in integrating CGM into their practices and in teaching their patients how to safely incorporate CGM use into their daily diabetes self-management.
Expectations of Singaporean patients concerning activities after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Ding Benjamin Tze Keong , Sathappan Sathappan S 
Published: December 2018

Background: There are many factors that affect the experience and satisfaction of a patient undergoing knee replacement surgery. Objective: This study aims to explore the effects of demographic factors, disease severity and several novel parameters on patients’ expectations in a Singaporean population. Methods: Phone interviews were conducted with 69 patients to measure their expectations before total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Information such as demographics, surgical histories, baseline Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lower Extremity Activity Scale (LEAS), kneeling ability, quality of reviews from relatives or friends and histories of any traditional therapies utilised were obtained. Radiological severity of osteoarthritis was graded using the Kellgren–Lawrence scale; discordance with severity of knee pain was recorded. Results: Patients expected TKA to result in pain relief, improved mobility, increased ability to participate in physical activities, and paid employment. On multivariate regression analysis, LEAS, SF-36 physical, KOOS-pain and KOOS-activity of daily living scores remained significant predictors of expectations. Conclusion: The results indicated multiple factors influence patient’s expectations pre-operatively and their satisfaction post-operatively. Better patient outcomes may be achieved by making improvements in understanding and moderating patient expectations. Level of evidence: Diagnostic III
Thoracic Epidural Abscesses: A Systematic Review
Authors: Howie Benjamin A. , Davidson Iyooh U. , Tanenbaum Joseph E. , Pahuta Markian A. , Buchholz Avery L. , Steinmetz Michael P. , Mroz Thomas E. 
Published: December 2018

Study Design: Systematic review. Objectives: Past research has demonstrated increased speed and severity of progression for spinal epidural abscesses (SEAs) of the thoracic level, specifically, when compared with SEAs of other spinal cord levels. Untreated, this infection can result in permanent neurological sequelae with eventual progression to death if inadequately managed. Despite the seriousness of this disease, no articles have focused on the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of SEAs of the thoracic level. For this reason, specific focus on SEAs of the thoracic level occurred when researchers designed and implemented the following systematic review. Methods: A query of Ovid-Medline and EMBASE, Cochrane Central, and additional review sources was conducted. Search criteria focused on articles specific to thoracic epidural abscesses. Results: Twenty-five articles met inclusion criteria. The most commonly reported symptoms present on admission included back pain, paraparesis/paraplegia, fever, and loss of bowel/bladder control. Significant risk factors included diabetes, intravenous drug use, and advanced age ( P = .001). Patients were most often treated surgically with either laminectomy, hemilaminectomy, or radical decompression with debridement. Patients who presented with neurological deficits and had delayed surgical intervention following a failed antibiotic course tended to do worse compared with their immediate surgical management counterparts ( P < .005). Conclusions: For the first time researchers have focused specifically on SEAs of the thoracic level, as opposed to previously published general analysis of SEAs as a whole. Based on the results, investigators recommend early magnetic resonance imaging of the spine, laboratory workup (sedimentation rate/C-reactive protein, complete blood count), abscess culture followed by empiric antibiotics, and immediate surgical decompression when neurological deficits are present.
Surgical Site Infection in Spine Surgery: Who Is at Risk?
Authors: Yao Reina , Zhou Hanbing , Choma Theodore J. , Kwon Brian K. , Street John 
Published: December 2018

Study Design: Retrospective literature review of spine surgical site infection (SSI). Objective: To perform a review of SSI risk factors and more specifically, categorize them into patient and surgical factors. Methods: A review of published literature on SSI risk factors in adult spine surgery was performed. We included studies that reported risk factors for SSI in adult spinal surgery. Excluded are pediatric patient populations, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Overall, we identified 72 cohort studies, 1 controlled-cohort study, 1 matched-cohort study, 1 matched-paired cohort study, 12 case-controlled studies (CCS), 6 case series, and 1 cross-sectional study. Results: Patient-associated risk factors—diabetes mellitus, obesity (body mass index >35 kg/m2), subcutaneous fat thickness, multiple medical comorbidities, current smoker, and malnutrition were associated with SSI. Surgical associated factors—preoperative radiation/postoperative blood transfusion, combined anterior/posterior approach, surgical invasiveness, or levels of instrumentation were associated with increased SSI. There is mixed evidence of age, duration of surgery, surgical team, intraoperative blood loss, dural tear, and urinary tract infection/urinary catheter in association with SSI. Conclusion: SSIs are associated with many risk factors that can be patient or surgically related. Our review was able to identify important modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors that can be essential in surgical planning and discussion with patients.
Antimicrobial susceptibility among gram-positive and gram-negative blood-borne pathogens collected between 2012-2016 as part of the Tigecycline Evaluation and Surveillance Trial
Authors: Zhang Zhijie , Chen Meng , Yu Ying , Pan Sisi , Liu Yong 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Background
Antimicrobial activity of tigecycline and comparator agents was assessedin vitroagainst 27857 isolates source from blood samples collected between 2012 and 2016 as part of the Tigecycline Evaluation and Surveillance Trial (TEST).

Methods
The broth microdilution methods was used to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of blood-borne isolates according to guildlines of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Antimicrobial susceptibility breakpoints from CLSI guidelines were used as standards to determine susceptibility against comparator agents, whereas tigecycline breakpoints were provided by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Results
More than 91% Enterobacteriaceae isolates, belonging to Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacaeandSerratia marcescens, were susceptible to amikacin, meropenem, and tigecycline. Meropenem resistance was observed in 8% ofK.pneumoniae isolates worldwide. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) was produced in 15.9 and 20.9%E.coli and K.pneumoniaeisolates, respectively. MIC90 of tigecycline against Acinetobacter baumannii was 2 μg/ml. The highest proportion of susceptible A.baumanniiisolates was 70.8% for minocycline. Among P.aeruginose isolates worldwide, 71.1–94.9% were susceptible to six antibiotics. Almost all Staphylococcus aureusisolates were susceptible to linezolid(100%), vancomycin(100%), and tigecycline (99.9%). The proportion of methicillin-resistant S.aureus (MRSA) was 33.0% among S.aureusisolates worldwide; it was highest in Asia with 46.6%, followed by North America and Latin America with 37.7 and 34.2%, respectively. Vancomycin-resistant (VR) isolates represented 1.4% ofEnterococcus faecalis (VR.E.faecalis) and 27.6% of Enterococcus faecium(VR.E.faecium). Highest percentages of VR.E.faeciumwere found in North America and Latin America, with 61.6 and 58.1% of the isolates, respectively. Production of penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae(PRSP) represented 9.0% of S. pneumoniae isolates worldwide; the PRSP proportion was 25.8% in Asia, 13.0% in Africa, and 11.8% in Latin America.

Conclusions
In our study, tigecycline was the only antibiotic that was active against over 90% of all major blood-borne pathogens. A global comparison revealed that antimicrobial resistance was higher in Africa, Asia and Latin America than in Europe and North America.
Role of Adverse Events in Unscheduled Hospitalizations Among Patients With Solid Tumors Who Receive Medical Oncology Treatment
Authors: Wong Chris I. , Zerillo Jessica A. , Stuver Sherri O. , Siegel Jocelyn H. , Jacobson Joseph O. , McNiff Kristen K. 
Published: December 2018

PURPOSE: The development of strategies to prevent or mitigate cancer treatment–related adverse events (AEs) is necessary to improve patient experience, safety, and cost containment. To develop a strategy to easily identify and mitigate AEs, we sought to understand the frequency and severity of those that resulted in hospitalizations. METHODS: We retrospectively characterized hospitalizations of ambulatory adult patients with solid tumor cancers within 30 days of chemotherapy administration using medical record data abstraction. Hospitalizations were categorized as caused by cancer symptoms, a noncancer medical condition, or a medical oncology treatment-related AE. Severity of the treatment-related AE hospitalization was rated using the National Patient Safety Agency risk assessment matrix scale. RESULTS: Between May and October 2016, 116 patients experienced 197 hospitalizations (per-patient mean, 1.7 AEs; range, 1 to 7 AEs). Sixty-six percent (n = 130) of hospitalizations were related to cancer symptoms, whereas 19.3% (n = 38) were treatment-related AE hospitalizations. The median length of stay of hospitalizations that resulted from an AE was 6 days (interquartile range, 3 to 9 days), and 36.8% had more than 1 AE. GI symptoms accounted for 48.1% of AEs, and neutropenic fever accounted for 11.1%. Sixty-one percent of treatment-related AE hospitalizations were characterized as moderate severity. CONCLUSION: Hospitalizations in patients with solid tumors as a direct result of their medical oncology care treatment are not uncommon. These findings argue for novel approaches, such as automated trigger tools, to identify and manage complications of medical oncology treatment before hospitalization is needed. Improved outpatient management of cancer symptoms may have a dramatic impact on hospitalizations for patients with cancer.
Dynamic microtubules drive fibroblast spreading
Authors: Tvorogova Anna , Saidova Aleena , Smirnova Tatiana , Vorobjev Ivan 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTWhen cells with a mesenchymal type of motility come into contact with an adhesive substrate they adhere and start spreading by the formation of lamellipodia. Using a label-free approach and virtual synchronization approach we analyzed spreading in fibroblasts and cancer cells. In all cell lines spreading is a non-linear process undergoing isotropic or anisotropic modes with first fast (5–20 min) and then slow (30–120 min) phases. In the first 10 min cell area increases 2–4 times, while the absolute rate of initial spreading decreases 2–8 times. Fast spreading depends on actin polymerization and dynamic microtubules. Inhibition of microtubule growth was sufficient for a slowdown of initial spreading. Inhibition of myosin II in the presence of stable microtubules restored fast spreading. Inhibition of actin polymerization or complete depolymerization of microtubules slowed down fast spreading. However, in these cases inhibition of myosin II only partially restored spreading kinetics. We conclude that rapid growth of microtubules towards cell margins at the first stage of cell spreading temporarily inhibits phosphorylation of myosin II and is essential for the fast isotropic spreading. Comparison of the fibroblasts with cancer cells shows that fast spreading in different cell types shares similar kinetics and mechanisms, and strongly depends on dynamic microtubules.
Identifying mouse developmental essential genes using machine learning
Authors: Tian David , Wenlock Stephanie , Kabir Mitra , Tzotzos George , Doig Andrew J. , Hentges Kathryn E. 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT
The genes that are required for organismal survival are annotated as ‘essential genes’. Identifying all the essential genes of an animal species can reveal critical functions that are needed during the development of the organism. To inform studies on mouse development, we developed a supervised machine learning classifier based on phenotype data from mouse knockout experiments. We used this classifier to predict the essentiality of mouse genes lacking experimental data. Validation of our predictions against a blind test set of recent mouse knockout experimental data indicated a high level of accuracy (&gt;80%). We also validated our predictions for other mouse mutagenesis methodologies, demonstrating that the predictions are accurate for lethal phenotypes isolated in random chemical mutagenesis screens and embryonic stem cell screens. The biological functions that are enriched in essential and non-essential genes have been identified, showing that essential genes tend to encode intracellular proteins that interact with nucleic acids. The genome distribution of predicted essential and non-essential genes was analysed, demonstrating that the density of essential genes varies throughout the genome. A comparison with human essential and non-essential genes was performed, revealing conservation between human and mouse gene essentiality status. Our genome-wide predictions of mouse essential genes will be of value for the planning of mouse knockout experiments and phenotyping assays, for understanding the functional processes required during mouse development, and for the prioritisation of disease candidate genes identified in human genome and exome sequence datasets.
E-cadherin expression pattern during zebrafish embryonic epidermis development
Authors: Sampedro María Florencia , Izaguirre María Fernanda , Sigot Valeria 
Published: December 2018

Background: E-cadherin is the major adhesion receptor in epithelial adherens junctions (AJs). On established epidermis, E-cadherin performs fine-tuned cell-cell contact remodeling to maintain tissue integrity, which is characterized by modulation of cell shape, size and packing density. In zebrafish, the organization and distribution of E-cadherin in AJs during embryonic epidermis development remain scarcely described.Methods:Combining classical immunofluorescence, deconvolution microscopy and 3D-segmentation of AJs in epithelial cells, a quantitative approach was implemented to assess the spatial and temporal distribution of E-cadherin across zebrafish epidermis between 24 and 72 hpf.Results:increasing levels of E-cadh protein parallel higher cell density and the appearance of hexagonal cells in the enveloping layer (EVL) as well as the establishments of new cell-cell contacts in the epidermal basal layer (EBL), being significantly between 31 and 48 hpf.Conclusions:Increasing levels of E-cadherin in AJs correlates with extensive changes in cell morphology towards hexagonal packing during the epidermis morphogenesis.
Control de nuestros datos personales en la era del big data: El caso del rastreo web de terceros
Authors: Gonzalez Laura Daniela 
Published: December 2018

Cientos de corredores de datos instalan tecnologías de rastreo en la web para monitorear la navegación de las personas, lo que se conoce como rastreo web de terceros. Este artículo estudia el rastreo web en el contexto de la gran industria de datos que recoge información de millones de fuentes para perfilar a las personas según sus condiciones demográficas, sus prácticas de consumo, sus intereses políticos, entre otros. El artículo revisa diferentes soluciones que buscan dar control a las personas sobre los datos recolectados con tecnologías de rastreo. En particular, evalúa la efectividad del modelo de consentimiento informado, para lo cual se examinaron las políticas de privacidad de las 10 páginas de noticias más visitadas desde Colombia. El estudio reveló un bajo cumplimiento de los estándares mínimos de información y de libertad necesarios para que las personas controlen el uso de los datos recolectados por medio de tecnologías de rastreo.
Atitudes dos enfermeiros frente ao Processo de Enfermagem de um hospital público: estudo descritivo
Authors: Dias Leticia Bottcher , Duran Erika Christiane Marocco 
Published: December 2018

Objetivos: descrever as atitudes dos enfermeiros de um hospital público frente ao Processo de Enfermagem (PE). Método: trata-se de um estudo descritivo. Participaram do estudo 35 enfermeiros e utilizaram-se quatro instrumentos: caracterização do sujeito, Percepções dos Enfermeiros frente ao PE, grau de conhecimento e grau de contato com o PE. Os dados foram coletados no primeiro semestre de 2016 e analisados por meio de estatística descritiva. Resultados: O adjetivo menos pontuado pelos enfermeiros foi a dupla rotineiro/criativo e o mais pontuado negativo/positivo. Obteve-se também que os enfermeiros tem um baixo contato com o PE após a formação, mas avaliam ter um bom conhecimento. Conclusão: O grau de contato dos enfermeiros com o PE precisa ser ampliado para que a prática clínica possa ser aprimorada.
Publicación científica y metadatos
Authors: Tur-Viñes Victoria 
Published: December 2018

En este primer número de enero de 2019 alcanzamos el décimo volumen anual de la revista. Este último año la revista ha conseguido logros antaño impensables: la revista tiene el sello de calidad FECYT, está en Emerging Source Citation Index (ESCI) de Clarivate donde el estudio de Revista Comunicar (2018) le otorga la 6ª posición en España (42/102 en el mundo, Q2, IF: 0,241, percentil 57), 3ª en España en el ranking REDIB (CSIC) y 8ª de 41 en Google Scholar Metric en el campo de Comunicación. Se presenta el contenido de este número tan especial compuesto por dos monográficos y la habitual Miscelánea (con 6 textos cada sección) junto con 5 reseñas de novedades editoriales ineludibles.