bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Copeptin predicts 10-year all-cause mortality in community patients: a 10-year prospective cohort study
Authors: Odermatt Jonas , Bolliger Rebekka , Hersberger Lara , Ottiger Manuel , Christ-Crain Mirjam , Briel Matthias , Bucher Heiner C. , Mueller Beat , Schuetz Philipp 
Published: May 2016

Abstract

Background:
Copeptin, the C-terminal part of the arginine vasopressin (AVP) precursor peptide, is secreted in response to stress and correlates with adverse clinical outcomes in the acute-care hospital setting. There are no comprehensive data regarding its prognostic value in the community. We evaluated associations of copeptin levels with 10-year mortality in patients visiting their general practitioner (GP) for a respiratory infection included in a previous trial.

Methods:
This is a post hoc analysis including data from 359 patients included in the PARTI trial. Copeptin was measured in batch-analysis on admission and after 7 days. We calculated Cox regression models and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to assess an association of copeptin with mortality and adverse outcome. Follow-up data were collected by GP, patient and relative tracing through phone interviews 10 years after trial inclusion.

Results:
After a median follow-up of 10.0 years, mortality was 9.8%. Median admission copeptin levels (pmol/L) were significantly elevated in non-survivors compared to survivors (13.8, IQR 5.9–27.8; vs. 6.3 IQR 4.1–11.5; p<0.001). Admission copeptin levels were associated with 10-year all-cause mortality [age-adjusted hazard ratio 1.7 (95% CI, 1.2–2.5); p<0.001, AUC 0.68]. Results were similar for discharge copeptin levels. Copeptin also predicted adverse outcomes defined as death, pulmonary embolism and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events.

Conclusions:
In a sample of community-dwelling patients visiting their GP for a respiratory infection, copeptin levels were associated with 10-year all-cause mortality. In conjunction with traditional risk factors, this marker may help to better direct preventive measures in this population.
Health care reforms
Authors: Marušič Dorjan , Prevolnik Rupel Valentina 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
In large systems, such as health care, reforms are underway constantly. The article presents a definition of health care reform and factors that influence its success. The factors being discussed range from knowledgeable personnel, the role of involvement of international experts and all stakeholders in the country, the importance of electoral mandate and governmental support, leadership and clear and transparent communication. The goals set need to be clear, and it is helpful to have good data and analytical support in the process. Despite all debates and experiences, it is impossible to clearly define the best approach to tackle health care reform due to a different configuration of governance structure, political will and state of the economy in a country.
Traditional vs. Sport-Specific Vertical Jump Tests: Reliability, Validity, and Relationship With the Legs Strength and Sprint Performance in Adult and Teen Soccer and Basketball Players
Authors: Rodríguez-Rosell David , Mora-Custodio Ricardo , Franco-Márquez Felipe , Yáñez-García Juan M. , González-Badillo Juan J. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Rodríguez-Rosell, D, Mora-Custodio, R, Franco-Márquez, F, Yáñez-García, JM, González-Badillo, JJ. Traditional vs. sport-specific vertical jump tests: reliability, validity, and relationship with the legs strength and sprint performance in adult and teen soccer and basketball players. J Strength Cond Res 31(1): 196–206, 2017—The vertical jump is considered an essential motor skill in many team sports. Many protocols have been used to assess vertical jump ability. However, controversy regarding test selection still exists based on the reliability and specificity of the tests. The main aim of this study was to analyze the reliability and validity of 2 standardized (countermovement jump [CMJ] and Abalakov jump [AJ]) and 2 sport-specific (run-up with 2 [2-LEGS] or 1 leg [1-LEG] take-off jump) vertical jump tests, and their usefulness as predictors of sprint and strength performance for soccer (n = 127) and basketball (n = 59) players in 3 different categories (Under-15, Under-18, and Adults). Three attempts for each of the 4 jump tests were recorded. Twenty-meter sprint time and estimated 1 repetition maximum in full squat were also evaluated. All jump tests showed high intraclass correlation coefficients (0.969–0.995) and low coefficients of variation (1.54–4.82%), although 1-LEG was the jump test with the lowest absolute and relative reliability. All selected jump tests were significantly correlated (r = 0.580–0.983). Factor analysis resulted in the extraction of one principal component, which explained 82.90–95.79% of the variance of all jump tests. The 1-LEG test showed the lowest associations with sprint and strength performance. The results of this study suggest that CMJ and AJ are the most reliable tests for the estimation of explosive force in soccer and basketball players in different age categories.
Coexistence of resistance to thyroid hormone and papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Igata Motoyuki , Tsuruzoe Kaku , Kawashima Junji , Kukidome Daisuke , Kondo Tatsuya , Motoshima Hiroyuki , Shimoda Seiya , Furukawa Noboru , Nishikawa Takeshi , Miyamura Nobuhiro , Araki Eiichi 
Published: May 2016

Summary
Resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH) is a syndrome of reduced tissue responsiveness to thyroid hormones. RTH is majorly caused by mutations in the thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRB) gene. Recent studies indicated a close association of THRB mutations with human cancers, but the role of THRB mutation in carcinogenesis is still unclear. Here, we report a rare case of RTH with a papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). A 26-year-old woman was referred to our hospital due to a thyroid tumor and hormonal abnormality. She had elevated serum thyroid hormones and non-suppressed TSH levels. Genetic analysis of THRB identified a missense mutation, P452L, leading to a diagnosis of RTH. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the tumor and lymph nodes enabled the cytological diagnosis of PTC with lymph node metastases. Total thyroidectomy and neck lymph nodes dissection were performed. Following surgery, thyroxine replacement (≥500 μg) was necessary to avoid the symptoms of hypothyroidism and to maintain her TSH levels within the same range as before the operation. During the follow-up, basal thyroglobulin (Tg) levels were around 6 ng/ml and TSH-stimulated Tg levels were between 12 and 20 ng/ml. Up to present, the patient has had no recurrence of PTC. This indicates that these Tg values are consistent with a biochemical incomplete response or an indeterminate response. There is no consensus regarding the management of thyroid carcinoma in patients with RTH, but aggressive treatments such as total thyroidectomy followed by radioiodine (RAI) and TSH suppression therapy are recommended.

Learning points

There are only a few cases reporting the coexistence of RTH and thyroid carcinoma. Moreover, our case would be the first case presenting one with lymph node metastases.

Recent studies indicated a close association of THRB mutations with human cancers, but the role of THRB mutation in carcinogenesis is still unclear.

When total thyroidectomy is performed in patients with RTH, a large amount of thyroxine is needed to maintain their thyroid function.

There is no consensus regarding the management of thyroid carcinoma in patient with RTH, but effective treatments such as total thyroidectomy followed by RAI and TSH suppression therapy are recommended.
Clinical utility of speckle-tracking echocardiography in cardiac resynchronisation therapy
Authors: GKhan Sitara , Klettas Dimitris , Kapetanakis Stam , Monaghan Mark J. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) can profoundly improve outcome in selected patients with heart failure; however, response is difficult to predict and can be absent in up to one in three patients. There has been a substantial amount of interest in the echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular dyssynchrony, with the ultimate aim of reliably identifying patients who will respond to CRT. The measurement of myocardial deformation (strain) has conventionally been assessed using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), which is limited by its angle dependence and ability to measure in a single plane. Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography is a technique that provides measurements of strain in three planes, by tracking patterns of ultrasound interference (‘sspeckles’s) in the myocardial wall throughout the cardiac cycle. Since its initial use over 15 years ago, it has emerged as a tool that provides more robust, reproducible and sensitive markers of dyssynchrony than TDI. This article reviews the use of two-dimensional and three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography in the assessment of dyssynchrony, including the identification of echocardiographic parameters that may hold predictive potential for the response to CRT. It also reviews the application of these techniques in guiding optimal LV lead placement pre-implant,with promising results in clinical improvement post-CRT.
Корелятивна характеристика кадмію у ґрунтах степового Придніпров’я
Authors: Tsvetkova N. M. , Gunko S. O. 
Published: May 2016

Проведено теоретичне узагальнення особливостей розподілу елемента першого класу небезпеки кадмію в ґрунтах. Надано екологічну оцінку ґрунтам за вмістом і розповсюдженням кадмію в м. Дніпродзержинськ – промисловому центрі степового Придніпров’я. З’ясовано, що за ступенем виразності антропогенного впливу досліджувані ґрунти належать до таких типів: власне урбаноземи, плантоземи, природно-антропогенні поверхнево перетворені та ристоземи. Отримано інформацію щодо геохімії кадмію у валовій та рухомій формах в едафотопах урбоекосистем. Виявлено розподіл кадмію по ґрунтовому профілю глибиною 150 см усіх досліджуваних екологічних профілів насипних та природних ґрунтів. В урбаноземах, плантоземах, природних порушених ґрунтах і ристоземах міста вміст валової форми кадмію варіює в межах 0,6–7,5 мг/кг, рухомої – 0,1–3,4 мг/кг ґрунту. Коефіцієнт варіації вмісту кадмію валової форми перебуває в межах 2–18%, рухомої – 5–20%. Установлено поведінку кадмію в едафотопах обраних екологічних профілів, мінімальний вміст відмічено у верхніх точках міста, що вказує на вплив рельєфу місцевості. Досліджено фізико-хімічні властивості ґрунтів у міських едафотопах, установлено кореляційний зв’язок між вмістом кадмію та загальною лужністю, органо-мінеральною частиною ґрунту та кислотністю.
Newly Identified Gait Patterns in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis May Be Related to Push-off Quality
Authors: Kempen Jiska C.E. , Doorenbosch Caroline A.M. , Knol Dirk L. , de Groot Vincent , Beckerman Heleen 
Published: May 2016

Abstract

Background
Limited walking ability is an important problem for patients with multiple sclerosis. A better understanding of how gait impairments lead to limited walking ability may help to develop more targeted interventions. Although gait classifications are available in cerebral palsy and stroke, relevant knowledge in MS is scarce.

Objective
The aims of this study were: (1) to identify distinctive gait patterns in patients with MS based on a combined evaluation of kinematics, gait features, and muscle activity during walking and (2) to determine the clinical relevance of these gait patterns.

Design
This was a cross-sectional study of 81 patients with MS of mild-to-moderate severity (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] median score=3.0, range=1.0–7.0) and an age range of 28 to 69 years.

Method
The patients participated in 2-dimensional video gait analysis, with concurrent measurement of surface electromyography and ground reaction forces. A score chart of 73 gait items was used to rate each gait analysis. A single rater performed the scoring. Latent class analysis was used to identify gait classes.

Results
Analysis of the 73 gait variables revealed that 9 variables could distinguish 3 clinically meaningful gait classes. The 9 variables were: (1) heel-rise in terminal stance, (2) push-off, (3) clearance in initial swing, (4) plantar-flexion position in mid-swing, (5) pelvic rotation, (6) arm-trunk movement, (7) activity of the gastrocnemius muscle in pre-swing, (8) M-wave, and (9) propulsive force. The EDSS score and gait speed worsened in ascending classes.

Limitations
Most participants had mild-to-moderate limitations in walking ability based on their EDSS scores, and the number of walkers who were severely limited was small.

Conclusions
Based on a small set of 9 variables measured with 2-dimensional clinical gait analysis, patients with MS could be divided into 3 different gait classes. The gait variables are suggestive of insufficient ankle push-off.
Editorial Vol.XI
Authors: Sharma Om 
Published: May 2016

<p>Editorial board has pleasure to release this issue of <strong><em>Economic Literature</em></strong>, an annual Journal of Department of Economics, Prithvi Narayan Campus, Tribhuvan University, Pokhara (Volume XI, No. 1, June 2013). Through the publication of this journal Department of Economics has been making efforts to promote the general advancement of economic knowledge, information and techniques of analysis since 1981. Our aim is to continue this tradition by publishing highly academic and policy oriented research papers and to provide platforms for enthusiastic scholars who like to publish their scholarly and analytical paper based on fresh research on the issues of interest around the discipline of economics. This issue incorporates analytical articles of contemporary issues of economy ranging from impact of public expenditure, natural resource use, micro-insurance, tourism trends, food security, recreational demand to impact of global recession.</p><p>Editorial board strongly believe that University Departments should engage in research and disseminate the ideas and findings to the scientific community for the enlightenment of knowledge, not just to deliver the existing knowledge in class rooms; it will not only enrich field of knowledge but also inspire the fresh graduates towards the culture of scientific research and thoughtful writings. If this publication contributed something to strengthen the culture, we will feel great satisfaction. It is, however, up to the reader to evaluate our endeavour.</p><p> It was not possible to offer this volume to the esteemed readers without the contributions of the authors of articles included in this issue. The board, therefore, reverentially acknowledge the authors who have contributed to the journal. We would also like to thank to those who have assisted us in the course of this publication. Special thanks go to the campus administration for encouragement and support in various ways. The editorial board welcomes all the noble thoughts, constructive comments an</p>
State of Remittance and Balance of Payment in Nepal
Authors: Ojha Gorakh Raj 
Published: May 2016

<p>Foreign employment of Nepali workers is viewed as a potential source of foreign exchange and a way to reduce poverty. This article , on the basis of time series trend of remittance inflow to Nepal , aims at shedding light on the relative importance and contribution of remittance to the BOP of Nepal. It is also tried to spell out problems and remedial measures relating to foreign employment of Nepali workers. </p><p><strong>Economic Literature,</strong> Vol. XI (15-19), June 2013 </p>
Mainstreaming Micro-Insurance Schemes: Role of Insurance Companies in Nepal
Authors: Sharma Pushpa Raj 
Published: May 2016

<p>Micro-insurance refers to the relatively short term insurances meant for health, accident, crop and livestock policies. The beneficiaries are the rural people who are mostly involved in agriculture which is subject to different external shocks. Along with agro insurance, the regulator is also encouraging insurance companies to insure micro enterprises such as water mills, tea shops, rickshaws and vending carts. The poor households currently need to incur huge amounts of health expenses which are over and above their current income(s) and savings and therefore, need to resort to multiple sources of financing, of which a major source is borrowing. At present, there are 25 registered insurance companies in Nepal. Of these, 8 are private commercial life insurers, 16 are private commercial non-life insurers and 1 is composite insurer. There is no scientific calculation of the crop’s yield and of livestock, which will create ambiguity in the valuation of the property being insured. </p><p><strong>Economic Literature,</strong> Vol. XI (40-46), June 2013 </p>
Glimpse of Medical Support and Healthcare in Peacekeeping Mission: Experience from United Nations Mission in Liberia
Authors: Kunwar Mandeep 
Published: May 2016

Nepal has been actively participating in different United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions for a long time. Medical care in peacekeeping and humanitarian mission consists of different approach than what is seen in regular clinical and hospital setting. This article shares some of the healthcare aspects and medical activities carried out during deployment of Nepalese peacekeepers to such UN mission.
Amphiphile/Water/Decanol Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline System: Study of Thermal States of Anisometric Micelles in Nematic-Calamitic and Nematic-Discotic Mesophases
Authors: Nesrullajev Arif 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Structural peculiarities of the rod-like micelles in the nematic-calamitic (NC) and disc-like micelles in the nematic-discotic (ND) lyotropic mesophases have been investigated. Hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide/water/1-decanol ternary lyotropic system was used. Temperature changes of the shapes and anisometricity of the rod-like and disc-like micelles have been estimated. The method of the electrical conductivity anisotropy in the orientational shear flow has been used for these estimations. Sign of the diamagnetic anisotropy of the NC and ND mesophases has been also determined. The rod-like micelles of the NC mesophase were considered as the prolate ellipsoids and the disc-like micelles of the ND mesophase were considered as the oblate ellipsoids.
Interdiffusion in bcc_B2 Ni–Al–Cu alloys at 1 173 K
Authors: Kuang Dongyang , Liu Dandan , Chen Weimin , Lu Zhao , Zhang Lijun , Du Yong , Jin Zhanpeng , Tang Chengying 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The interdiffusion behavior of bcc_B2 Ni–Al–Cu alloys at 1173 K was experimentally investigated on the basis of six groups of bulk diffusion couples. With the electron probe microanalysis technique and the Matano–Kirkaldy method, the composition-dependent mole-fraction interdiffusion coefficients and the interdiffusion fluxes in bcc_B2 Ni–Al–Cu alloys at 1173 K were determined. The reliability of the presently obtained interdiffusivities was verified by the thermodynamic stability constraints, comparison with the interdiffusion coefficients in boundary binary bcc_B2 Ni–Al alloys as well as numerical simulations based on Fick's second law.
COMET 322P/SOHO 1: AN ASTEROID WITH THE SMALLEST PERIHELION DISTANCE?*
Authors: Knight Matthew M. , Fitzsimmons Alan , Kelley Michael S. P. , Snodgrass Colin 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT
We observed comet 322P/SOHO 1 (P/1999 R1) from the ground and with the Spitzer Space Telescope when it was between 2.2 and 1.2 au from the Sun. These are the first observations of any Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO)-discovered periodic comet by a non-solar observatory and allow us to investigate its behavior under typical cometary circumstances. 322P appeared inactive in all images. Its light curve suggests a rotation period of 2.8 ± 0.3 hr and has an amplitude ≳0.3 mag, implying a density of at least 1000 kg m−3, considerably higher than that of any known comet. It has average colors of

g

′

−

r

′

=
0.52
±
0.04

and

r

′

−

i

′

=
0.03
±
0.06

. We converted these to Johnson colors and found that the V − R color is consistent with average cometary colors, but R − I is somewhat bluer; these colors are most similar to V- and Q-type asteroids. Modeling of the optical and IR photometry suggests it has a diameter of 150–320 m and a geometric albedo of 0.09–0.42, with diameter and albedo inversely related. Our upper limits to any undetected coma are still consistent with a sublimation lifetime shorter than the typical dynamical lifetimes for Jupiter-family comets. These results suggest that 322P may be of asteroidal origin and only active in the SOHO fields of view via processes different from the volatile-driven activity of traditional comets. If so, it has the smallest perihelion distance of any known asteroid.
ON THE DETECTION OF NON-TRANSITING HOT JUPITERS IN MULTIPLE-PLANET SYSTEMS
Authors: Millholland Sarah , Wang Songhu , Laughlin Gregory 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT
We outline a photometric method for detecting the presence of a non-transiting short-period giant planet in a planetary system harboring one or more longer-period transiting planets. Within a prospective system of the type that we consider, a hot Jupiter on an interior orbit inclined to the line of sight signals its presence through approximately sinusoidal full-phase photometric variations in the stellar light curve, correlated with astrometrically induced transit timing variations for exterior transiting planets. Systems containing a hot Jupiter along with a low-mass outer planet or planets on inclined orbits are a predicted hallmark of in situ accretion for hot Jupiters, and their presence can thus be used to test planetary formation theories. We outline the prospects for detecting non-transiting hot Jupiters using photometric data from typical Kepler objects of interest (KOIs). As a demonstration of the technique, we perform a brief assessment of Kepler candidates and identify a potential non-transiting hot Jupiter in the KOI-1822 system. Candidate non-transiting hot Jupiters can be readily confirmed with a small number of Doppler velocity observations, even for stars with V ≳ 14.
Corps publics, paroles publiques
Authors: Majdouli Zineb 
Published: May 2016

L’enquête, dont je présente les résultats, porte sur les manifestations du 20 février marocain et s’étend sur la période de février 2012 à mars 2013. Elle a la particularité de considérer ce mouvement social dans une période où « la voix » des contestataires est plus faible, médiatiquement comme dans l’espace urbain. Celui-ci traverse en effet une crise après l’effervescence remarquable de février 2011, date du début des contestations. Toutefois, les rues sont toujours investies à un rythme régulier par les manifestants. Je cherche à mettre en lumière les moyens verbaux et non verbaux ayant pour but de « rester dans la rue », de signifier une présence maintenue dans l’espace public. Et j’analyse cette expérience de la présence manifestante par le corps et la voix au moment de son déclin. Mamfakinch, un des slogans les plus importants du mouvement veut précisément dire « nous ne céderons pas ».
L’enseignement professionnel au cœur des innovations
Authors: Rage Michel 
Published: May 2016

L’enseignement technique et professionnel se caractérise en France par sa complexité. Puisant ses racines dans l’histoire politique et sociale, il exprime les tensions entre les différents acteurs impliqués : État, patronat et syndicats. L’entreprise est omniprésente dans le paysage de la formation professionnelle et les branches sont les acteurs principaux de la construction des diplômes : elles conçoivent, délivrent et financent leurs propres certifications. La création du baccalauréat professionnel et sa durée de formation réduite à trois ans ont permis la recomposition territoriale de l’offre diplômante, enrayé la chute des effectifs et donné une image plus positive de la voie professionnelle, en permettant un meilleur accès à la poursuite d’études, principalement en section de technicien supérieur. La création des lycées polyvalents, porteurs de mixité sociale, est un signe de l’inscription de la formation professionnelle dans l’environnement scolaire.