bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experience of Treating Patients With Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis at a Public Health Hospital in Boston
Authors: Nagami Ellen H. , Gardner Adrian , McGowan Katherine , Woo-Roderick Myung S. , Turner Marie T. 
Published: July 2017

Background
Management of patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is challenging and resource intensive. We describe demographic/clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients with MDR-TB in a designated TB unit in a public health hospital located in Boston, Massachusetts.

Methods
Records of 42 patients treated for MDR-TB between 1993 and 2014 were reviewed. Data were extracted from paper/electronic medical records.

Results
Forty-two patients were treated for MDR-TB between 1993 and 2014. The mean age was 41.9 years (17–78 years); 35 patients (83%) were foreign born. Thirty-three patients (78%) were diagnosed as having pulmonary TB, 5 (12%) as having extrapulmonary disease, and 4 (10%) as having both pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB. Thirty-six patients (86%) received an injectable agent; half received injectable therapy for 4 months or less. Fourteen (33%) received inhaled aminoglycosides. Mean time to culture conversion was 3.4 months. Thirty-three patients (79%) required admission to the inpatient unit for respiratory isolation, psychosocial reasons, or management of acute toxicities. Duration of treatment ranged from 10 to 29 months. All patients successfully completed therapy. There were no deaths.

Conclusions
All patients demonstrated clinical improvement and culture conversion, where appropriate, without relapse. Despite variations in treatment regimens, a significant number of individuals were cured with less than the recommended 6 months of injectable therapy. Given the complexity of second-line drugs and associated toxicities, the treatment of MDR-TB should be reserved for those with experience in this area with the support of a strong public health infrastructure to aid in this endeavor.
Relationship of Nonseptal Late Gadolinium Enhancement to Ventricular Tachyarrhythmia in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Amano Yasuo , Yanagisawa Fumi , Kitamura Mitsunobu , Tachi Masaki , Kumita Shinichiro 
Published: July 2017

Objective
This study aimed to determine the relationship between the extent and the location of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and ventricular tachyarrhythmia or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Methods
We enrolled 115 patients with HCM and LGE. The location of LGE was divided into septal and nonseptal segments. Clinical backgrounds and LGE were compared in patients between with and without the arrhythmia or consequent ICD installation.

Results
There were significant differences in the number of risk markers, left ventricular ejection fraction, extent of global LGE, and extent of nonseptal LGE between the groups (P < 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that the number of risk markers and extent of nonseptal LGE contributed to ventricular tachyarrhythmia or ICD installation (P < 0.01).

Conclusions
The nonseptal LGE is related to ventricular tachyarrhythmia or ICD installation. We should be vigilant for nonseptal LGE when applying LGE to risk stratification for HCM.
Investigating the Robustness Neighborhood Gray Tone Difference Matrix and Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix Radiomic Features on Clinical Computed Tomography Systems Using Anthropomorphic Phantoms: Evidence From a Multivendor Study
Authors: Mahmood Usman , Apte Aditya P. , Deasy Joseph O. , Schmidtlein C. Ross , Shukla-Dave Amita 
Published: July 2017

Objective
The aim of this study was to determine if optimized imaging protocols across multiple computed tomography (CT) vendors could result in reproducible radiomic features calculated from an anthropomorphic phantom.

Methods
Materials with varying degrees of heterogeneity were placed throughout the lungs of the phantom. Twenty scans of the phantom were acquired on 3 CT manufacturers with chest CT protocols that had optimized protocol parameters. Scans were reconstructed using vendor-specific standards and lung kernels. The concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) was used to calculate reproducibility between features. For features with high CCC values, Bland-Altman analysis was also used to quantify agreement.

Results
The mean Hounsfield unit (HU) was 32.93 HU (141.7 to −26.5 HU) for the rubber insert and 347.2 HU (−320.9 to −347.7 HU) for the wood insert. Low CCC values of less than 0.9 were calculated for all features across all scans.

Conclusions
Radiomic features that are derived from the spatial distribution of voxel intensities should be particularly scrutinized for reproducibility in a multivendor environment.
Development of Correction for Signal-to-Noise Ratio Using a T2* With Improved Phase Method
Authors: Ikemitsu Natsuki , Kanazawa Yuki , Matsumoto Yuki , Sasaki Toshiaki , Hayashi Hiroaki , Miyoshi Mitsuharu , Harada Masafumi 
Published: July 2017

Objective
This study aims to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the phase image focusing T
2
* and to develop an improved phase (iPhase) image acquired high SNR.

Methods
The iPhase images of phantom and brain were acquired with multi-echo spoiled gradient-echo. The phantom component was a gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) solution made of different concentrations (0.1, 0.5, and 1 wt%) and Gd-DTPA (0.1, 0.5, and 1 wt%) with agar (1.0 wt%). We applied the iPhase image to susceptibility weighed image (SWI) and evaluated SNR of SWI.

Results
In phantom study, SNRs of conventional SWI at each sample were 19.8, 15.7, 7.4, 20.0, 17.4, and 27.3, respectively. Signal-to-noise ratios of SWI derived from iPhase method were 29.5, 33.7, 21.7, 28.5, 24.3, and 14.7, respectively. Then, the SNR showed an improvement of 196% at maximum (for the Gd-DTPA 1 wt% sample). In healthy volunteer study, SWI derived from iPhase method had the good contrast between white matter and gray matter.

Conclusions
The iPhase image was able to improve the phase SNR. Moreover, iPhase method makes it possible to obtain a high SNR image when applying to SWI.
Determinants of financial performance of real estate brokerage industry in Iran
Authors: Gholipour Hassan F. , Razali Muhammad Najib 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
The aim of this study is to investigate the factors influencing the financial performance of the real estate brokerage (REB) industry in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors use two surveys concerning REB firms from provinces of Iran which were collected by the Statistical Centre of Iran in 2003 and 2011. The authors apply the pooled ordinary least squares and panel fixed-effects regressions to estimate the relationships between the explanatory variables and performance of REB industry.

Findings
The results indicate that in provinces where REB firms invest more in residential properties, vehicles, computers and business software, REB firms are more active in residential and non-residential property sales, and rent transactions have higher levels of financial performance. In addition, the results show that in provinces where REB firms invest more in non-residential properties and office furniture, REB industry has lower levels of financial performance. The authors also find that Iranian REB industry has significantly benefited from international economic and financial sanctions.

Practical implications
In terms of managerial implications, the authors findings potentially serve as guidance for Iranian REB firms to allocate resources and adjust their strategy to enhance their financial performance.

Originality value
Previous studies have typically been conducted in countries where REB firms mainly operate as intermediaries in transactions between property buyers and sellers, whereas in Iran, REB firms not only provide services to their clients but also are very active speculators in the property market. Furthermore, while there have been many studies that have investigated the various determinants of performance and efficiency of REB industry in developed economies, there is scant literature around this topic for Middle Eastern countries.
Spiritual development – a missing and powerful leverage when building learning organizations
Authors: Rupčić Nataša 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine and discuss the role that spiritual development plays in the development of learning individuals and organizations. Spiritual development has been examined though the lens of various meditative practices (such as transcendental meditation, mindfulness and flow) and religious indoctrinations (such as Hinduism and Islam).

Design/methodology/approach
Possibilities of developing learning individuals and learning organizations have been examined by reviewing the benefits of meditative practices and core beliefs of several religious indoctrinations. The findings have been discussed and put into context of the desired learning organizations characteristics, especially from the perspective offered by Peter Senge.

Findings
The presented discussion points to the conclusion that spiritual development, either by practicing certain meditation practices or by implementing core values of different religious indoctrinations, can be considered as a missing and a powerful leverage when developing learning organizations. Spiritual development of individuals might be the missing link or the Holy Grail which could make the learning organizations, as defined by Senge, not only logical and desirable but also attainable.

Research limitations/implications
In this paper, other religious indoctrinations and their correspondence with the learning organization philosophy, besides Hinduism and Islam, have not been considered.

Practical implications
Implications for practitioners, especially managers, have been identified regarding recommendations for designing working environments that would enable space and time for practicing meditative practices. Implications for raising the level of consciousness have been identified for individuals striving to enliven their state of being and hence improve their creativity and motivation, as well as the inner sense of serenity and well-being. Suggestions have been provided for practitioners in the academic environment regarding the need to introduce the benefits of raising the level of consciousness to their students.

Social implications
Raising the level of consciousness and developing spirituality can have tremendous positive social implications in terms of improved health, ethical and moral conduct, social relations, creativity, productivity and general welfare.

Originality/value
By comparing the benefits of raising the level of consciousness by practicing meditation and reflecting on religious core values and beliefs with the desired learning organization characteristics, it becomes clear that individual spiritual development is the missing link when building learning organizations.
A genome‐wide association study reveals candidate genes for the supernumerary nipple phenotype in sheep (Ovis aries)
Authors: Peng W.‐F. , Xu S.‐S. , Ren X. , Lv F.‐H. , Xie X.‐L. , Zhao Y.‐X. , Zhang M. , Shen Z.‐Q. , Ren Y.‐L. , Gao L. , Shen M. , Kantanen J. , Li M.‐H. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryGenome‐wide association studies (GWASs) have been widely applied in livestock to identify genes associated with traits of economic interest. Here, we conducted the first GWAS of the supernumerary nipple phenotype in Wadi sheep, a native Chinese sheep breed, based on Ovine Infinium HD SNP BeadChip genotypes in a total of 144 ewes (75 cases with four teats, including two normal and two supernumerary teats, and 69 control cases with two teats). We detected 63 significant SNPs at the chromosome‐wise threshold. Additionally, one candidate region (chr1: 170.723–170.734 Mb) was identified by haplotype‐based association tests, with one SNP (rs413490006) surrounding functional genes BBX and CD47 on chromosome 1 being commonly identified as significant by the two mentioned analyses. Moreover, Gene Ontology enrichment for the significant SNPs identified by the GWAS analysis was functionally clustered into the categories of receptor activity and synaptic membrane. In addition, pathway mapping revealed four promising pathways (Wnt, oxytocin, MAPK and axon guidance) involved in the development of the supernumerary nipple phenotype. Our results provide novel and important insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying the phenotype of supernumerary nipples in mammals, including humans. These findings may be useful for future breeding and genetics in sheep and other livestock.
Laparoscopic surgery to remove a cage that migrated to the retroperitoneal space during posterior lumbar interbody fusion: A case report
Authors: Okuyama Takashi , Tagaya Nobumi , Sugamata Yoshitake , Hirano Kousuke , Saito Kazuyuki , Yamagata Yukinori , Sameshima Shinichi , Noie Tamaki , Oya Masatoshi 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIntroductionCage migration into the retroperitoneal space during posterior lumbar interbody fusion rarely occurs. Here, we report a patient who underwent laparoscopic surgery to remove a migrated cage from the retroperitoneal space.Case PresentationA 76‐year‐old woman had a cage that had migrated into the retroperitoneal space during posterior lumbar interbody fusion. On abdominal CT, the migrated cage appeared at the front of the promontorium, just below the aortic and vena caval bifurcations. One day later, the patient underwent laparoscopic surgery using intraoperative fluoroscopy to extract the migrated cage. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and she was discharged on the fifth postoperative day.DiscussionA cage that migrates during posterior lumbar interbody fusion can have serious consequences. In cases where the patient remains in stable condition, laparoscopic surgery is a useful and suitable method for removing the cage from the retroperitoneal space.
Using indocyanine green fluorescent imaging to successfully resect metachronous regional lymph node recurrence of rectosigmoid cancer
Authors: Tamura Koichi , Hotta Tsukasa , Yokoyama Shozo , Matsuda Kenji , Iwamoto Hiromitsu , Yamaue Hiroki 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA 39‐year‐old female patient underwent anterior resection with locoregional lymph node dissection for rectosigmoid cancer at another hospital. The procedure involved transection of the superior rectal artery just below the origin of the left colic artery. Postoperative diagnosis was stage III B. The patient received adjuvant chemotherapy with oxaliplatin plus capecitabine for 6 months. Sixteen months after the operation, PET‐CT scans revealed regional lymph node metastases around the root of the inferior mesenteric artery. The patient was referred to our hospital with a recurrence of rectosigmoid cancer. We performed laparoscopic lymph node dissection with real‐time indocyanine green fluorescent images superimposed on color images to prevent intraoperative vascular insufficiency. We were able to successfully observe the sufficient blood flow in the descending colon. Postoperative pathological findings showed lymph node recurrence after initial surgery. She was discharged 7 days after the operation. In the 8 months since the second operation, the patient has not had any indication of further recurrence.
A cost analysis of a long‐term prospective study of patients treated with immediately loaded implant‐supported mandibular overdentures
Authors: Alfadda Sara A. , Attard Nikolai J. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe economic burden for patients seeking treatment with implant‐supported prostheses has not been given adequate attention.PurposeTo document long‐term costs from a prospective trial on edentulous patients treated with mandibular implant‐supported overdentures and 2 loading protocols.Materials and methodsThe direct clinical and time costs for 35 patients receiving an immediate‐loading protocol (ILP) and 40 patients with a conventional‐loading protocol, over 14 years of observation, were analyzed in 2016 Canadian dollars as a base year. Quality of life (QoL) for the ILP was measured using the OHIP‐20 questionnaire.ResultsThe ILP was associated with higher complication costs ($870.77 ± 692.24 vs $85.73 ± 133.14) with resultant higher maintenance costs ($1746.37 ± 892.68 vs $853.04 ± 276.21) (P < .05). OHIP results showed a sustained improvement in QoL through the first 5 year of follow‐up. A worsening of QoL, specifically the functional‐related OHIP scores, was noted at 14 years. Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios indicated that the accrued maintenance costs for the ILP made the treatment less cost‐effective over time.ConclusionsThis long‐term study confirmed that ILP is associated with higher maintenance costs and varying subjective QoL measurements. Clinical treatment protocols should be evaluated over a long period and address different perspectives.
Producing the Middle Class: Domestic Tourism, Ethnic Roots, and Class Routes in Brazil
Authors: Ricke Audrey 
Published: July 2017

ResumoEste artigo analisa o papel que o turismo étnico tem na construção da classe média e a interação entre as classes médias rurais e urbanas neste processo. Baseando‐se em dados etnográficos da Festa Pomerana, uma festa alemã em Pomerode, Brasil, este artigo mostra que a manutenção da etnicidade é parte de um amplo processo de construção da classe média no Brasil. Este artigo usa a metáfora roots/routes para analisar a formação e manutenção de certos segmentos da classe média na América Latina. Este artigo ilustra que a classe média no Brasil ajuda a perpetuar tradições étnicas alemães no Brasil e ao mesmo tempo este turismo étnico contribui para a formação da classe média no país. O artigo salienta o papel que turismo doméstico tem na construção da identidade de classe média nas regiões rurais da América Latina e a interação com a classe média urbana. [Brasil, classe media, etnicidade, identidade, turismo]
Chronic kidney disease in Australian Human Immunodeficiency Virus‐infected patients: Analysis of the Australian HIV Observational Database
Authors: Cheung Jason , Puhr Rainer , Petoumenos Kathy , Cooper David A , Woolley Ian , Gunathilake Manoji , Raymond Nigel , Varma Rick , O'Connor Catherine C , Gracey David M 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to examine data from the Australian HIV Observational Database (AHOD), and firstly, to describe the incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the rate of loss of renal function in HIV‐infected individuals living in Australia, and then to examine the risk factors contributing to CKD in this population.MethodsAHOD patients over 18 years of age were eligible if they had at least two serum creatinine measurements from 1 April 2008 until 31 March 2016 and an initial estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) greater than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m3. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess risk factors for CKD, which included key patient demographic data and antiretroviral therapy (ART) exposure.ResultsOf 1924 patients included in the analysis between April 2008 and March 2016, 81 (4.2%) developed CKD (confirmed eGFR of less than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m3 through two consecutive eGFR measurements at least 3 months apart). Of the examined risk factors, baseline age, baseline eGFR, and the route of HIV acquisition were statistically significant predictors of development of CKD. ART exposure, viral hepatitis co‐infection, high viral load and low CD4 lymphocyte count were not found to be significant risk factors for CKD.ConclusionThis is the first study to investigate the risk factors for development of CKD among Australian HIV‐infected patients using cohort data. It highlights the need for awareness of renal risk factors, particularly among older patients or in those with pre‐existing renal dysfunction. Further research is required to explore the discrepancy between patients who have acquired HIV through different means of exposure.
Duration of action of mepivacaine and lidocaine in equine palmar digital perineural blocks in an experimental lameness model
Authors: Hoerdemann Mona , Smith Rachael L. , Hosgood Giselle 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo establish and compare the onset and duration of action of 2 local anesthetics based on objective lameness and skin sensitivity assessment.Study designInterventional crossover experimental trial with balanced randomization.AnimalsEight horses.MethodsReversible forelimb lameness was induced in 8 horses. A palmar digital nerve block (PDNB) was applied with mepivacaine or lidocaine (both 2%). Quantitative lameness and skin sensitivity data were collected with an inertial sensor system and a force gauge, respectively. The times to lameness resolution/skin desensitization (T1), consistent lameness detection/partial return of skin sensitivity (T2), and complete return of lameness/skin sensitivity (T3) were determined and compared between treatments and assessment methods.ResultsMepivacaine blocks resolved lameness in 8/8 horses, compared to 3/8 horses with lidocaine blocks. Both agents led to skin desensitization in 8/8 horses. Skin desensitization occurred sooner than lameness resolution after mepivacaine (P = .047). Duration of action was longer with mepivacaine than lidocaine (mean T3_lameness mepivacaine 366 minutes, lidocaine 113 minutes (P = .038); T3_skin mepivacaine 195 minutes, lidocaine 63 minutes [P ≤ .001]). Skin sensitivity returned sooner than lameness after lidocaine block at T3 (P = .015).ConclusionThe use of lidocaine in PDNBs for the purpose of lameness diagnosis should be reassessed, as it may not resolve lameness despite loss of skin sensation. Mepivacaine is superior, with a reliable onset and longer duration of action. Skin desensitization as an indicator for the onset of action or effectiveness of PDNBs for mepivacaine and lidocaine, or as a measure of the duration of action of lidocaine PDNBs should be interpreted with caution.
Experiences of compassion fatigue in direct care nurses: a qualitative systematic review protocol
Authors: Salmond Erin , Ames Margaret , Kamienski Mary , Watkins Ann V. , Holly Cheryl 
Published: July 2017

Review question/objectives:
: The objective of this qualitative systematic review is to examine available evidence on the experiences of direct care nurses of compassion fatigue (CF) within any nursing specialty or care setting. Specifically, this review will identify evidence on the following:Direct care nurses’ perceptions of factors that contribute to or mediate CF.Direct care nurses’ ability to recognize CF and care for themselves when experiencing the phenomenon.Direct care nurses’ experiences of strategies that have assisted them to cope with CF.
Prenatal diagnosis of the fetal common arterial trunk. A case series
Authors: Marginean Claudiu , Gozar Liliana , Mărginean Cristina Oana , Suciu Horațiu , Togănel Rodica , Muntean Iolanda , Mureșan Maria Cezara 
Published: July 2017

Fetal common arterial trunk is an anomaly represented by a unique arterial trunk that arouses from the base of the heart, and gives birth to systemic branches, both pulmonary and coronary, frequently associated with a ventricular septal defect (VSD) and has a poor prognosis. We present a series of 17 cases diagnosed in our tertiary center with different types of fetal common arterial trunk, its associated disorders, the evolution of the pregnancies, and of the neonates. We concluded that our cases support the fact that a complete intrauterine evaluation of each case of the common arterial trunk is impossible. The postnatal prognosis of the cases from our center was fatal, similar to most reports of the literature.