bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors in language learning after 40: Insights from a longitudinal study
Authors: Kozar Olga , Yates Lynda 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis study seeks to identify differences in language learning progress and experiences among 24 adult migrants, who arrived to Australia after the age of 40. The results suggest that age per se was not a reliable predictor of language learning progress. Instead, the initial English level of participants when they arrived to Australia, opportunities to use English and prior level of education were associated with considerable language learning gains. For example, participants who had a higher initial English level were able to find jobs that required them to perform a range of oral and written tasks across different domain, which further improved their level, while participants who had a low initial level were mostly unemployed. Another common factor we noted among participants with high and reasonable gains but not among those who made little progress was a proactive attitude and the use of a range of language learning strategies beyond the classroom. The study also revealed differences in age construal among participants with high and reasonable gains and those who did not improve.
An image fusion system for estimating the therapeutic effects of radiofrequency ablation on hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Toshikuni Nobuyuki , Matsue Yasuhiro , Ozaki Kazuaki , Yamada Kaho , Hayashi Nobuhiko , Tsuchishima Mutsumi , Tsutsumi Mikihiro 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundDuring ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), high echoic areas due to RFA-induced microbubbles can help calculate the extent of ablation. However, these areas also decrease visualization of target tumors, making it difficult to assess whether they completely cover the tumors. To estimate the effects of RFA more precisely, we used an image fusion system (IFS).Patients and methodsWe enrolled patients with a single HCC who received RFA with or without the IFS. In the IFS group, we drew a spherical marker along the contour of a target tumor on reference images immediately after administering RFA so that the synchronized spherical marker represented the contour of the target tumor on real-time ultrasound images. When the high echoic area completely covered the marker, we considered the ablation to be complete. We compared outcomes between the IFS and control groups.ResultsWe enrolled 25 patients and 20 controls, and the baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. The complete ablation rates during the first RFA session were significantly higher in the IFS group compared with those in the control group (88.0%vs. 60.0%,P= 0.041). The number of RFA sessions was significantly smaller in the IFS group compared with that in the control group (1.1 ± 0.3vs. 1.5 ± 0.7,P= 0.016).ConclusionsThe study suggested that the IFS enables a more precise estimation of the effects of RFA on HCC, contributing to enhanced treatment efficacy and minimized patient burden.
The Second World War in Southeastern Europe. Historiographies and Debates
Authors: Rutar Sabine 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Introducing this special issue on historiographies and debates on the Second World War in Southeastern Europe, the author reflects on the conditionalities of a better balancing of research agendas in terms of the interdependencies between local dynamics and wider scales—be they the regional, national and transnational, or global dimensions of the war. She draws attention to the role the European Union has played in crafting public history, in which processes of ‘internationalizing’ and of ‘nationalizing’ the past have been entangled. She concludes that Southeast Europeanists could greatly enhance international research agendas by taking the lead in fostering a bottom-up, multiscale, and multiperspective history of postimperial, nationalizing societies at war.
Chronic Migraine, Comorbidity, and Socioeconomic Deprivation: Cross-Sectional Analysis of a Large Nationally Representative Primary Care Database
Authors: McLean Gary , Mercer Stewart W. 
Published: July 2017

Background: Chronic migraine is common but there is limited knowledge on associated comorbidities. Objectives: To examine mental and physical comorbidities in chronic migraine and the influence of socioeconomic status in a large, nationally representative dataset. Design: Analysis of cross-sectional primary healthcare data from 1,468,404 adults in Scotland. Chronic migraine, 31 other physical conditions, and seven mental health conditions we examined. Prevalence rates were standardized by age groups, sex, and socioeconomic deprivation, and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated for those with chronic migraine compared with those without. Results: Chronic migraine patients had more conditions, with the biggest difference found for five or more conditions (chronic migraine 11.7% vs. controls 4.9%; aOR 3.00; 95% CI 2.78–3.22). Twenty-five of the 31 physical conditions were significantly more prevalent in the chronic migraine group. The biggest difference was for chronic pain (aOR 4.33; 95% CI 4.12–4.55). For mental health conditions, the biggest differences were for anxiety (aOR 2.95; 95% CI 2.76–31.5) and depression (aOR 2.94; 95% CI 2.81–3.08). Increasing deprivation was associated with more severe and complex comorbidity (five or more conditions), and with more combined mental and physical comorbidity in the chronic migraine group. Conclusions In a large nationally representative sample in primary care, comorbidity was most common in those with chronic migraine compared with standardized controls, and this was exacerbated by living in areas of higher deprivation.
Pharmacological Monotherapy versus Renal Artery Denervation in Controlled Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Kiuchi Marcio Galindo , Chen Shaojie , Ramalho e Silva Gustavo , Rodrigues Paz Luis Marcelo , De Paula Filho Ary Getulio , Kiuchi Tetsuaki , Hoye Neil Alexander , Lima Souto Gladyston Luiz 
Published: July 2017

<p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of this prospective observational non-inferiority study was to compare the capacity for control of essential hypertension between renal sympathetic denervation (RSD) and either angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB).</p><p><strong>Methods and results</strong>: Seventy-four previously controlled essential hypertensive patients on ACEI/ARB monotherapy were evaluated; eleven patients agreed to proceed with RSD and had their antihypertensive agent withdrawn on the day of the procedure. During the six months of follow-up, there was no significant change in mean 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurements (ABPM) from baseline to three and sixmonths in the ACEI/ARB group (118±8/80±3 <em>vs.</em> 116±8/79±3 and 115±8/79±4 mmHg, respectively). No change was also observed in the RSD group (117±8/81±2 <em>vs.</em> 115±6/80±2 and 114±7/79±3 mmHg, respectively). There were no differences between groups at interval time points. There were also no changes in renal function or echocardiographic parameters, during follow-up.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> For the first time, this study reports possible non-inferiority of RSD when compared to ACEI or ARB monotherapy in the control of essential hypertension. A randomized trial with appropriate concealment of treatment, more patients and an extended follow-up period is needed to evaluate the potential benefits of RSD in comparison to ACEI/ARB use in patients with controlled hypertension.</p>
Body mass index mortality paradox in chronic kidney disease patients with suspected cardiac chest pain
Authors: O'Driscoll Jamie M , Slee Adrian D , Sharma Rajan 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a silent clinical condition associated with adverse comorbidity and high cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. An inverse relationship with body mass index (BMI) and mortality has been demonstrated in hemodialysis patients. However, it is unclear if this risk‐factor paradox is evident in non‐dialysis CKD patients. The aims of this study were to explore the relationship between, nutritional status, markers of inflammation, autonomic and cardiac function with BMI. Longitudinal follow‐up explored the relationship between BMI and all‐cause mortality.Methods211‐consecutive CKD patients referred for dobutamine stress echocardiography to detect or exclude myocardial ischemia were recruited. BMI, albumin, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and haemoglobin (Hb) were recorded as markers of nutritional and inflammatory status. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and heart rate variability (HRV) as an indicator of cardiac function was recorded. All subjects were followed prospectively until November 2014 and study end‐point was all‐cause mortality.ResultsBMI was inversely associated with CKD status. After covariate adjustment, this association remained. During a mean follow‐up period of 3.3±0.9 years there were 35 deaths (17%). BMI was inversely associated with all‐cause mortality (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.71–0.9). Other important independent predictors of mortality were heart rate variability (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.99), myocardial ischemia (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.17–1.81), and albumin (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.81–0.92).ConclusionsThe presence of a BMI paradox exists in non‐dialysis CKD patients. This risk‐factor paradox was an independent predictor of all‐cause mortality and may have significant clinical implications relevant to screening, assessment and treatment and requires further study.
Low alanine transaminase is not associated with increased rate of mortality in patients with advanced lung cancer
Authors: Dagan Amir , Sella Tal , Urban Demian , Onn Amir , Bar Jair , Segal Gad 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundLow alanine transaminase (ALT) has been shown to serve as a marker for sarcopenia and frailty in both healthy populations and in patients with chronic illness. Its yield in cancer patients in general and in particular in lung‐cancer patients was not assessed.MethodsLung cancer patients presenting to an outpatient thoracic oncology clinic in a tertiary hospital were included. ALT plasma levels as well as other potential prognostic factors were collected retrospectively. Associations of those factors with survival were examined by univariate and multivariate analyses.Results203 patients were eligible for analysis, of which 149 (73.4%) were diagnosed to have advanced disease. During median follow‐up period of 15.4 months, 79 (38.9%) died. The mean ALT level of activity was 17.53±7.8 IU/L. The following parameters were found to be associated with increased risk of mortality: histologic type, male gender, advanced disease and low performance status upon diagnosis. Low ALT levels were not found to be associated with increased risk of mortality.ConclusionLow ALT activity levels, associated with sarcopenia, frailty and shortened survival in other patients' populations might not be predictive for shortened survival in lung cancer patients.
Role of axillary reverse mapping in decreasing complications after axillary dissection in breast cancer
Authors: Gaber Ahmed , Fawzy Ahmed , Sabry Ahmed , El sisi Alaa 
Published: July 2017

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most leading causes of cancer deaths in female. Surgical treatment is considered the corner stone in its management. Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is an integral step in most of surgeries done, however it has many morbidities like prolonged seroma and lymphedema. Axillary reverse mapping (ARM) procedure was first described in 2007 in a trial to map the axillary lymphatics of the arm and avoid its injury therefore lymph complications.Methods: A prospective, randomized, controlled study over 72 female patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy (MRM). Patients were divided and randomized into study and control groups, thirty-six patients for each. In study group the ARM procedure was done by injecting 2.5 ml of methylen blue dye intra-dermally and subcutaneously in the upper inner ipsilateral arm along the medial intramuscular groove before ALND. Operative and post-operative results were recorded. Follow up was 6 to 24 months.Results: ARM procedure and successful visualization of arm lymphatics was achieved in 31 patients (86.1%). Statistically there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding patient and tumour characteristics, operative time and number of excised L.Ns. There was significant difference favouring the ARM group in decreasing the incidence of seroma (p= 0.040), lymphedema (p= 0.031) and time passed till remove drains (p <0.001).Conclusions: ARM procedure facilitated arm lymphatics visualization. It is easy non-time-consuming procedure. It resulted in significant reduction in incidence of seroma and lymphedema, with considerable reduction in the overall complications rate.
Study of efficacy of short course peri-operative antibiotics in clean contaminated surgeries
Authors: C. R. Shivakumar , Shoeb Mohammad Fazelul Rahman , Pinate Anil Reddy 
Published: July 2017

Background: Surgical site infection is a one of the most common postoperative complication and causes significant postoperative morbidity and mortality. WHO described Hospital acquired infections as one of the major infectious diseases having huge economic impact. Perioperative antibiotics constitute the bulk of antimicrobial consumption in any hospital. We need to adapt the policies that decrease the incidence of postoperative wound infection.Methods: Patients undergoing elective surgeries for clean contaminated cases for various causes from 15th May 2014 to 15th June 2017 under Surgical 1st Unit of District hospital Gulbarga (Affiliated to Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences, Gulbarga) are included in our study. During this period, a total of 216 patients participated, of which 145 were males and 71 were females. Patients received two doses of perioperative antibiotics, first dose before surgery and second dose after surgery, 12 hours apart during this period.Results: In this study, surgical site infection rate is 2.3% in clean-contaminated surgeries.Conclusions: The findings indicate that a short course of perioperative antibiotics where in first dose is given 30 minutes to one hour before surgery and second dose is given 12 hours after surgery are sufficient and efficacious as infection rate is acceptable (1%-3%).Infection rate in our study was 2.3%. It is cost-effective as well for prevention of surgical site infections in clean-contaminated surgeries in Indian surgical setup.
Chest wall reconstruction using Latismus Dorsi Flap: our experience
Authors: Mittal S. , Singh B. , Uppal M. S. , Mannan R. 
Published: July 2017

Background: Covering a big chest wall defect is the main clinical issue in cancer resection whether it is due to locally advanced breast cancer or any other carcinomas extending to chest wall or injuries leading to chest wall defect. The main aim of the study was to discuss the role of latissmus dorsi flap in chest wall reconstruction.Methods: Study reviewed 15 patients with chest wall defect within a period of two years January 2015 - December 2016, who underwent chest wall reconstruction after tumor resection or burns.Results: Among 15 patients, 12 patients were having locally advanced breast tumors, only one patient with recurrent desmoids tumor of abdominal tumor of abdominal wall extending to chest wall and 2 cases were of electrical burn injuries. The age range varied from 40-60 years. Among these patients 13 were females and 2 were males. The defect size varied from 12x15 cm to 26 x 20 cm. There were no major complications except for partial graft loss in two patients.Conclusions: Lattissmus Dorsi flap is safe and very good flap for chest wall reconstruction.
MVD for trigeminal neuralgia; neuralgia revisited with review of literature
Authors: Melkundi Renuka S. , Melkundi Sateesh 
Published: July 2017

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) s an uncommon facial pain syndrome. It is commonly characterized by sudden onset of an attack of intense electric shock like facial pain localized along the sensory distribution of the ninth cranial nerve. Although many patients respond to the medical line of treatment but when PTS symptoms become intractable and could not tolerate the medications have to go for surgical decompression. Our study aims to review about micro vascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia and its outcome along with the review of literature. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">It is a retrospective study conducted on 40 cases who were diagnosed with TN. between the period of July 2009 to July 2015. MVD has been performed on all the patients. Demographic data, clinical presentation, surgical findings, complications and long term follow-up were reviewed. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">The median age of onset of TN is 50.4 years divided into five age groups ranging from 24 to 89 years with female preponderance showing 65.5% as compared to males. The distribution of location was in the ratio of right to left is 1.5:1. There was no mortality is seen in the study. 3 patients among them study population had complications 3 patients had facial hyposthesia, 1 patient had V3 paresis and 1 patient had CSF otorrhoea which got settled with drainage LP. All the patients had satisfactory improvement except one patient who had persistent pain. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">To conclude micro vascular decompression (MVD) is the surgical procedure of choice for the treatment of medically refractory TN who is fit for surgery. Of all the currently available surgical methods MVD provides the highest rate of long term satisfaction for the patients and offers the lowest rate of pain recurrence.</span></p>
STUDY ON NUTRITIONAL AND ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF THE SEAWEEDS OF NORTHERN SAMAR, PHILIPINES
Authors: R. Cui-Lim Karina Milagros , P. Ambida Perth Kennesa , C. Alvarez Ma. Lourdes , M. Bangco Nancy , E. Cortez Franklin , U. Flores Abel Alejandro , O. Perez Blenah , M. Somoray Maria Judy , Unay Olga DG. 
Published: July 2017

The purpose of the study: In this work, the nutritional and elemental analysis of seaweeds in Northern Samar is analyzed.
Methodology: The seaweeds of Northern Samar are collected from the intertidal zone, and it was brought back to the College of Science for taxonomic identity. The nutritional and elemental content of the seaweeds were determined.
Main findings: Based on the results obtained a total of 39 species belonging to eighteen (18) families of seaweeds were recorded from different coastal towns in Northern Samar, Philippines. The results revealed that for seaweeds with the economic value the nutritional and elemental content is comparable to the unknown seaweeds with no economic value.
Implications: The results of the bioavailability of nutrients of this study might be the basis that unknown seaweeds with no economic value can be used directly in the diet and promote health advantage.
Originality/Novelty of study: The seaweeds of Northern Samar are not properly documented in comparison with other marine flora. The results demonstrated that some species of seaweeds collected in Northern Samar with no economic value could also accumulate non-essential elements. Further studies would surely be a great contribution to our local food and pharmaceutical industries.
Pisando na própria sombra - Trajetórias e identidades camponesas de assentamentos rurais no sudeste do Pará
Authors: Bringel Fabiano De Oliveira 
Published: July 2017

Neste artigo, discutimos as estratégias sociais e econômicas de camponeses do Assentamento Palmares II, em Parauapebas - Pa. Centramos nossa análise sobre dois aspectos: história da família e trabalho. Assim pretendemos estabelecer diferenciações entre os contextos políticos, econômicos, sociais e culturais vivenciados na trajetória dos assentados e com isso tentamos desvendar as estratégias de expropriação baseadas na desqualificação social e econômica do sujeito camponês por atores com interesse no agronegócio. Mais do que isso, pretendemos mostrar que essa desqualificação é portadora da negação do saber dos assentados, saber esse capaz e garantir a autonomia dos meios de produção e, portanto, ameaçador das possibilidades de acumulação e de consolidação de atividades econômicas do agronegócio. Por outro lado, há uma resistência à desqualificação/requalificação pelos assentados que encontra sustentáculo na matriz camponesa mantida ao longo de gerações, em signos como posse e trabalho na terra, mão-de-obra familiar, autonomia dos meios de produção e relação mais direta com a natureza.
Oferta de serviços ambientais a partir de diferentes agroecossistemas de base familiar no sul do Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Martinez Ernesto Alvaro , Casalinho Hélvio Debli , Lima Ana Cláudia Rodrigues de , Schwengber José Ernani 
Published: July 2017

Atualmente a humanidade tem buscado processos mais harmoniosos de reprodução social,ambiental e econômica para a produção de bens e serviços. Neste contexto, a agricultura de base familiar tem papel fundamental, apresentando-se como uma categoria capaz de prover importante contribuição para este desafio. Este trabalho teve por objetivo verificar a oferta de Serviços Ambientais ofertados por este segmento no sul do RS. A estratégia metodológica a partir do MESMIS – Marco de Evaluación de Sistemas de Manejo de Recursos Naturales, incorporou indicadores de sustentabilidade, adaptando a metodologia à realidade deste trabalho. Através da mensuração destes indicadores de qualidade ambiental, pôde-se constatar que agroecossistemas de diferentes modelos agrícolas, apresentaram uma boa oferta de serviços ambientais, como conservação do solo, manutenção e convívio com a biodiversidade,fornecimento de alimentos e medicamentos, além da preservação sociocultural vinculada ao meio ambiente.
Sustentabilidade de agroecossistemas familiares em comunidade de várzea localizada no município de Cametá, estado do Pará
Authors: Resque Antonio Gabriel Lima , Silva Luís Mauro Santos 
Published: July 2017

A sustentabilidade das práticas agrícolas é um tema cada vez mais em evidência no contexto atual de aumento na degradação socioambiental em diversas regiões do globo. Objetivou-se, neste estudo, identificar e avaliar processos de modificação em agroecossistemas familiares na região do Baixo Tocantins, município de Cametá,PA a partir da influência de intervenções externas, abordando, principalmente, asustentabilidade multidimensional. A metodologia utilizada se baseou no Marco para aAvaliação de Sistemas de Manejo de Recursos Naturais Incorporando Indicadores deSustentabilidade (MESMIS). Foram avaliados 11 indicadores de sustentabilidade, adaptados à realidade local e contemplando as dimensões ambiental, social e técnico-econômica em 11 agroecossistemas, com diferentes graus de intervenção externa, localizados em umacomunidade de várzea do município de Cametá, PA. As ferramentas de coleta de dados utilizadas foram: questionários, roteiros semiestruturados, caderno de campo e observação participante. A sustentabilidade ampla dos agroecossistemas avaliados foi considerada satisfatória, sendo que apenas 1 agroecossistema apresentou nota inferior ao nível crítico, o valor correspondente à metade do valor total da escala de avaliação. Observou-se diferença nos valores obtidos entre os agroecossistemas que sofreram maior intervenção externa, em comparação aos que não sofreram. Concluiu-se que uma intervenção em nível de agroecossistema afetou mais diretamente os elementos constituintes das dimensões técnico-econômica e ambiental, enquanto os elementos da dimensão social sofreram maior influência de intervenções que ocorreram numa escala maior da realidade (nível comunitário, por exemplo).