bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gut Microbiota Alterations can predict Hospitalizations in Cirrhosis Independent of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Bajaj Jasmohan S. , Betrapally Naga S. , Hylemon Phillip B. , Thacker Leroy R. , Daita Kalyani , Kang Dae Joong , White Melanie B. , Unser Ariel B. , Fagan Andrew , Gavis Edith A. , Sikaroodi Masoumeh , Dalmet Swati , Heuman Douglas M. , Gillevet Patrick M. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractDiabetes (DM) is prevalent in cirrhosis and may modulate the risk of hospitalization through gut dysbiosis. We aimed to define the role of gut microbiota on 90-day hospitalizations and of concomitant DM on microbiota. Cirrhotic outpatients with/without DM underwent stool and sigmoid mucosal microbial analysis and were followed for 90 days. Microbial composition was compared between those with/without DM and those who were hospitalized/not. Regression/ROC analyses for hospitalizations were performed using clinical and microbial features. 278 cirrhotics [39% hepatic encephalopathy (HE), 31%DM] underwent stool while 72 underwent mucosal analyses. Ultimately, 94 were hospitalized and they had higher MELD, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and HE without difference in DM. Stool/mucosal microbiota were significantly altered in those who were hospitalized (UNIFRAC p< = 1.0e-02). Specifically, lower stool Bacteroidaceae, Clostridiales XIV, Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcacae and higher Enterococcaceae and Enterobacteriaceae were seen in hospitalized patients. Concomitant DM impacted microbiota UNIFRAC (stool, p = 0.003, mucosa,p = 0.04) with higher stool Bacteroidaceae and lower Ruminococcaeae. Stool Bacteroidaceaeae and Clostridiales XIV predicted 90-day hospitalizations independent of clinical predictors (MELD, HE, PPI). Stool and colonic mucosal microbiome are altered in cirrhotics who get hospitalized with independent prediction using stool Bacteroidaceae and Clostridiales XIV. Concomitant DM distinctly impacts gut microbiota without affecting hospitalizations.
Competitive allele-specific TaqMan PCR (Cast-PCR) is a sensitive, specific and fast method for BRAF V600 mutation detection in Melanoma patients
Authors: Barbano Raffaela , Pasculli Barbara , Coco Michelina , Fontana Andrea , Copetti Massimiliano , Rendina Michelina , Valori Vanna Maria , Graziano Paolo , Maiello Evaristo , Fazio Vito Michele , Parrella Paola 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBRAF codon 600 mutation testing of melanoma patients is mandatory for the choice of the most appropriate therapy in the clinical setting. Competitive allele specific TaqMan PCR (Cast-PCR) technology allows not only the selective amplification of minor alleles, but it also blocks the amplification of non-mutant allele. We genotyped codon 600 of the BRAF gene in 54 patients’ samples by Cast-PCR and bidirectional direct sequence analysis. All the mutations detected by sequencing were also identified by Cast-PCR. In addition, Cast-PCR assay detected four samples carrying mutations and was able to clearly identify two mutations of uncertain interpretation by Sanger sequencing. The limit of detection of Cast-PCR was evaluated by constructing dilution curves of BRAFV600E and BRAFV600K mutated clinical samples mixed with a not-mutated specimens. Both mutations could be detected until a 1:100 mutated/not mutated ratio. Cloning and sequencing of the clones was used to confirm mutations on representative discrepant cases. Cast PCR performances were not affected by intratumour heterogeneity and less affected by melanin content. Our results indicate that Cast-PCR is a reliable diagnostic tool for the identification of melanoma patients as eligible to be treated with TKIs and might be implemented in the clinical setting as elective screening method.
Experimental realization of ultrathin, double-sided metamaterial perfect absorber at terahertz gap through stochastic design process
Authors: Huang Tsung-Yu , Tseng Ching-Wei , Yeh Ting-Tso , Yeh Tien-Tien , Luo Chih-Wei , Akalin Tahsin , Yen Ta-Jen 
Published: December 2015

AbstractWe design and demonstrate a flexible, ultrathin and double-sided metamaterial perfect absorber (MPA) at 2.39 terahertz (THz), which enables excellent light absorbance under incidences from two opposite sides. Herein, the MPA is fabricated on a λ0/10.1-thick flexible polyethylene terephthalate substrate of εr = 2.75 × (1 + 0.12i), sandwiched by two identical randomized metallic patterns by our stochastic design process. Such an MPA provides tailored permittivity and permeability to approach the impedance of free space for minimizing reflectance and a great imaginary part of the refractive index for reducing transmittance and finally results in high absorbance. Both experimental measurement and numerical simulation are in a good agreement. The flexible, ultrathin and double-sided MPA significantly differs from traditional quarter-wavelength absorbers and other single-sided perfect absorbers, paving a way toward practical THz applications in thermal emission, sensing and imaging, communications, stealth technique and even energy harvesting.
Natural History of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer with Bone Metastases
Authors: Santini Daniele , Barni Sandro , Intagliata Salvatore , Falcone Alfredo , Ferraù Francesco , Galetta Domenico , Moscetti Luca , La Verde Nicla , Ibrahim Toni , Petrelli Fausto , Vasile Enrico , Ginocchi Laura , Ottaviani Davide , Longo Flavia , Ortega Cinzia , Russo Antonio , Badalamenti Giuseppe , Collovà Elena , Lanzetta Gaetano , Mansueto Giovanni , Adamo Vincenzo , De Marinis Filippo , Satolli Maria Antonietta , Cantile Flavia , Mancuso Andrea , Tanca Francesca Maria , Addeo Raffaele , Russano Marco , Sterpi Michelle , Pantano Francesco , Vincenzi Bruno , Tonini Giuseppe 
Published: December 2015

AbstractWe conducted a large, multicenter, retrospective survey aimed to explore the impact of tumor bone involvement in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.Data on clinical-pathology, skeletal outcomes and bone-directed therapies for 661 deceased patients with evidence of bone metastasis were collected and statistically analyzed. Bone metastases were evident at diagnosis in 57.5% of patients. In the remaining cases median time to bone metastases appearance was 9 months. Biphosphonates were administered in 59.6% of patients. Skeletal-related events were experienced by 57.7% of patients; the most common was the need for radiotherapy. Median time to first skeletal-related event was 6 months. Median survival after bone metastases diagnosis was 9.5 months and after the first skeletal-related event was 7 months. We created a score based on four factors used to predict the overall survival from the diagnosis of bone metastases: age >65 years, non-adenocarcinoma histology, ECOG Performance Status >2, concomitant presence of visceral metastases at the bone metastases diagnosis. The presence of more than two of these factors is associated with a worse prognosis.This study demonstrates that patients affected by Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with bone metastases represent a heterogeneous population in terms of risk of skeletal events and survival.
Early recurrence and ongoing parietal driving during elementary visual processing
Authors: Plomp Gijs , Hervais-Adelman Alexis , Astolfi Laura , Michel Christoph M. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractVisual stimuli quickly activate a broad network of brain areas that often show reciprocal structural connections between them. Activity at short latencies (<100 ms) is thought to represent a feed-forward activation of widespread cortical areas, but fast activation combined with reciprocal connectivity between areas in principle allows for two-way, recurrent interactions to occur at short latencies after stimulus onset. Here we combined EEG source-imaging and Granger-causal modeling with high temporal resolution to investigate whether recurrent and top-down interactions between visual and attentional brain areas can be identified and distinguished at short latencies in humans. We investigated the directed interactions between widespread occipital, parietal and frontal areas that we localized within participants using fMRI. The connectivity results showed two-way interactions between area MT and V1 already at short latencies. In addition, the results suggested a large role for lateral parietal cortex in coordinating visual activity that may be understood as an ongoing top-down allocation of attentional resources. Our results support the notion that indirect pathways allow early, evoked driving from MT to V1 to highlight spatial locations of motion transients, while influence from parietal areas is continuously exerted around stimulus onset, presumably reflecting task-related attentional processes.
Prognostic nomogram integrated systemic inflammation score for patients with esophageal squamouscell carcinoma undergoing radical esophagectomy
Authors: Shao Yingjie , Ning Zhonghua , Chen Jun , Geng Yiting , Gu Wendong , Huang Jin , Pei Honglei , Shen Yueping , Jiang Jingting 
Published: December 2015

AbstractGrowing evidence indicates that nomogram combined with the biomarkers of systemic inflammation response could provide more accurate prediction than conventional staging systems in tumors. This study aimed to establish an effective prognostic nomogram for resectable thoracic esophageal squamouscell carcinoma (ESCC) based on the clinicopathological parameters and inflammation-based prognostic scores. We retrospectively investigated 916 ESCC patients who underwent radical esophagectomy. The predictive accuracy and discriminative ability of the nomogram were determined by concordance index (C-index) and calibration curve and compared with the 6th and 7th AJCC TNM classifications. The neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), C-reactive protein albumin (CRP/Alb) ratio, histological grade, T stage and modified N stage were integrated in the nomogram. The C-index of the nomogram for predicting the survival was 0.72, which showed better predictive ability of OS than the 6th or 7th TNM stages in the primary cohort (P < 0.001). The calibration curve showed high consistency between the nomogram and actual observation. The decision curve analysis showed more potential of clinical application of the prediction models compared with TNM staging system. Moreover, our findings were supported by the validation cohort. The proposed nomogram showed more accurate prognostic prediction for patients with ESCC after radical esophagectomy.
Open sets of Axiom A flows with exponentially mixing attractors
Authors: Araújo V. , Butterley O. , Varandas P. 
Published: December 2015

For any dimension

d
≥
3

d\geq 3

we construct

C

1

\mathcal {C}^{1}

-open subsets of the space of

C

3

\mathcal {C}^{3}

vector fields such that the flow associated to each vector field is Axiom A and exhibits a non-trivial attractor which mixes exponentially with respect to the unique SRB measure.
Use of comparative performance indicators in rehabilitation
Authors: Zidarov Diana , Poissant Lise , Sicotte Claude 
Published: December 2015

Background:
The development of performance indicators that enable benchmarking between organizations is an important mechanism for accountability, organizational learning, and performance improvement. In the province of Quebec (Canada), 21 rehabilitation organizations developed a common set of performance indicators through interorganizational collaboration.

Purpose:
The aims of this study were to describe the rehabilitation organizations’ use of a common set of performance indicators and to identify the factors influencing such use.

Approach:
A qualitative survey was performed. Individual semistructured interviews were conducted with executives (n = 18) working at 16 rehabilitation organizations using a common set of performance indicators. A thematic analysis of the factors of use was performed according to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. The use of performance indicators was categorized as purposeful, political, or passive.

Findings:
Our results showed that all organizations used the common set of performance indicators. Four factors were identified as important to all the rehabilitation organizations to explain their interest in comparative performance indicators: the need to develop their own performance indicators, the compatibility of performance information with organizational needs, complexity/simplicity of performance information, and the support offered by their common association. Sixty-three percent of rehabilitation organizations made purposeful or political use of performance indicators. Three main factors contributed to typify those organizations from the others: the perceived quality of the performance indicators, the leadership of decision makers, and the resources available.

Practice Implications:
Our results showed that use of performance indicators can support the initiation of projects for improving the quality of care. Key recommendations are proposed to decision makers that may enhance performance indicators’ use.
SPECTRAL DOMAIN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY DOCUMENTATION OF MACULAR PSEUDOHOLE EVOLUTION AND SPONTANEOUS RESOLUTION
Authors: Walter Scott D. , Flynn Harry W. 
Published: December 2015

Purpose:
To describe the natural history, optical coherence tomography characteristics, and proposed biomechanics of macular pseudohole (MPH) evolution and spontaneous resolution.

Methods:
Clinical case report, with longitudinal follow-up documented by fundus photographs and spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

Results:
A 26-year-old woman presented with visual disturbance secondary to an idiopathic epiretinal membrane. Subsequent formation of an MPH was observed. Spontaneous peeling of the epiretinal membrane occurred in conjunction with posterior vitreous detachment 6.5 years after initial presentation. The MPH resolved, and the patient's vision improved.

Conclusion:
Spontaneous epiretinal membrane peeling represents a potential mechanism for visual and anatomical improvement in eyes with MPH. This is the first published observation of MPH resolution documented by spectral domain optical coherence tomography.
The Self-care Educational Intervention for Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Boyde Mary , Peters Robyn , Hwang Rita , Korczyk Dariusz , Ha Tina , New Nicole 
Published: December 2015

Background:
A variety of educational interventions have been implemented to assist patients with heart failure (HF) to maintain their own health, develop self-care behaviors, and decrease readmissions. The most effective approach to education has yet to be established.

Objective:
The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a multimedia educational intervention for patients with HF in reducing hospital readmissions. Secondary outcomes include changes in knowledge and self-care behaviors.

Methods:
A randomized controlled trial in a large tertiary referral hospital in Australia has recruited 200 patients and will follow them for 12 months. Patients diagnosed with HF have been randomly allocated 1:1 to either usual education or a multimedia educational intervention. Framed by the principles of adult learning, this individualized intervention was delivered face to face by a specialized HF nurse, with a targeted educational assessment and subsequent development of an educational plan. The multimedia approach combined viewing a DVD and verbal discussion supported by a written manual. The teach-back strategy at the conclusion of the intervention evaluated the patient’s learning through 5 key questions about self-management of HF. Readmissions are assessed at 28 days, 3 months, and 12 months. Knowledge and self-care behavior are assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months.

Conclusions:
This study evaluates the effectiveness of a targeted multimedia educational intervention. Study results may inform the design of in-hospital education for HF patients.
Psychometric Analysis of the Heart Failure Somatic Perception Scale as a Measure of Patient Symptom Perception
Authors: Jurgens Corrine Y. , Lee Christopher S. , Riegel Barbara 
Published: December 2015

Background:
Symptoms are known to predict survival among patients with heart failure (HF), but discrepancies exist between patients’ and health providers’ perceptions of HF symptom burden.

Objective:
The purpose of this study is to quantify the internal consistency, validity, and prognostic value of patient perception of a broad range of HF symptoms using an HF-specific physical symptom measure, the 18-item HF Somatic Perception Scale v. 3.

Methods:
Factor analysis of the HF Somatic Perception Scale was conducted in a convenience sample of 378 patients with chronic HF. Convergent validity was examined using the Physical Limitation subscale of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire. Divergent validity was examined using the Self-care of HF Index self-care management score. One-year survival based on HF Somatic Perception Scale scores was quantified using Cox regression controlling for Seattle HF Model scores to account for clinical status, therapeutics, and lab values.

Results:
The sample was 63% male, 85% white, 67% functionally compromised (New York Heart Association class III–IV) with a mean (SD) age of 63 (12.8) years. Internal consistency of the HF Somatic Perception Scale was α = .90. Convergent (r = −0.54, P < .0001) and divergent (r = 0.18, P > .05) validities were supported. Controlling for Seattle HF scores, HF Somatic Perception Scale was a significant predictor of 1-year survival, with those most symptomatic having worse survival (hazard ratio, 1.012; 95% confidence interval, 1.001–1.024; P = .038).

Conclusions:
Perception of HF symptom burden as measured by the HF Somatic Perception Scale is a significant predictor of survival, contributing additional prognostic value over and above objective Seattle HF Risk Model scores. This analysis suggests that assessment of a broad range of HF symptoms, or those related to dyspnea or early and subtle symptoms, may be useful in evaluating therapeutic outcomes and predicting event-free survival.
A Community‐based Healthy Living Promotion Program Improved Self‐esteem Among Minority Children
Authors: Wong William W. , Ortiz Christina L. , Stuff Janice E. , Mikhail Carmen , Lathan Debra , Moore Louis A. , Alejandro Mercedes E. , Butte Nancy F. , Smith Elliot O’Brian 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTObjectives:Improving self‐esteem, dietary habits, and physical activity is essential for long‐term success in childhood obesity prevention. The aim is to evaluate the effects of a healthy living promotion program, Healthy Kids‐Houston, on BMI, dietary habits, self‐esteem, and physical activity among minority children.Methods:The after‐school program was implemented at community centers in low‐income neighborhoods with close proximity to public schools. The program consisted of 3 6‐week sessions. Each week, children attended 2 2‐hour sessions. Each 2‐hour session in the intervention included 90 minutes of structured physical activities and 30 minutes of nutrition and healthy habit lessons. The control group received typical enrichment programs. Outcomes were measured before the intervention and at the end of each 6‐week session.Results:We enrolled 877 children (age 10.2 ± 0.1 years (mean ± SE); body mass index z score: 1.49 ± 0.1; 52.0% boys; 72.6% Hispanic) in the program with 524 children received the intervention at 14 community centers and 353 children served as control at 10 community centers. The intervention led to no improvements in BMI z score (P = 0.78) and dietary habits (P = 0.46). Significant improvements (P ≤ 0.02) were detected in the amount of exercise that a child perceived to be required to offset a large meal and in several key self‐esteem scores. No improvements were detected in physical activities (P ≥ 0.21).Conclusions:The improvement in some key self‐esteem scores and nutrition knowledge may act as a mediator to motivate these children to adopt a healthier lifestyle in the future.
Real World Experience With Natalizumab at a Tertiary Care Pediatric IBD Center
Authors: Singh Namita , Deshpande Rasika , Rabizadeh Shervin , Dubinsky Marla 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTObjectives:Natalizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody inhibiting lymphocyte migration and prescribed in patients with Crohn disease (CD) failing anti‐tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapies. Because of the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in patients with John Cunningham virus (JCV) positive, natalizumab is not widely used in clinical practice. Published experience of the use of natalizumab in pediatric patients is lacking. We aimed to describe the experience of natalizumab in patients with CD, including those who are JCV positive, at a tertiary care pediatric inflammatory bowel disease center.Methods:A retrospective chart review was performed in patients with CD <21 years receiving natalizumab therapy before March 2014. Patient and disease information, prior treatments and response to natalizumab, including Harvey Bradshaw Index (HBI), were recorded. Descriptive statistics were computed.Results:Nine patients received natalizumab with a median age at diagnosis of 10 (range 7–16) years and median disease duration 72 (range 13–156) months. All of the patients had failed at least 1 anti‐TNF agent. At baseline, the median HBI was 8 (IQR 6.5–11). By week 10, the median HBI was 4.5 (IQR 2–6), with 4 of 8 (50%) patients with CD being in remission. Forty‐four percent (4/9) of patients were JCV antibody positive at baseline and had anti‐JCV antibody index >0.9 (median 3.36). There were no serious adverse events, including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. All of the patients were transitioned to vedolizumab.Conclusions:In our experience, natalizumab is a safe and efficacious medication in pediatric in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Given the favorable results with natalizumab, pediatric studies with the more gut targeted anti‐integrin agent vedolizumab are warranted.
Between Neoliberal Governance and the Right to the City: Participatory politics in Berlin and Tel Aviv
Authors: Kemp Adriana , Lebuhn Henrik , Rattner Galia 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBased on a comparison of Berlin and Tel Aviv, this article investigates the ways in which ensembles of participatory instruments mediate between neoliberal urban regimes and political agency shaping differentially the meaning of participation and the types of claims that can be advanced. The article gives an overview of the recent history of both cities through the lens of participatory politics. Two in‐depth case studies further examine the relationship between participatory politics and claim making in each setting: the recent conflict over a social center in the district of Friedrichshain‐Kreuzberg in Berlin and the Levinsky tent city of 2011 in Tel Aviv. In the concluding section, the article suggests that, rather than assuming that participatory tools either co‐opt movements or can be appropriated by them, we need to rethink the relationship between participatory tools, rights and recognition, and ask how participatory structures and political agency constitute each other in interwoven dynamics.
Homicidal Snake Bite in Children
Authors: Paulis Melad G. , Faheem Ayman L. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractSnake bites are common in many regions of the world. Snake envenomation is relatively uncommon in Egypt; such unfortunate events usually attract much publicity. Snake bite is almost only accidental, occurring in urban areas and desert. Few cases were reported to commit suicide by snake. Homicidal snake poisoning is so rare. It was known in ancient world by executing capital punishment by throwing the victim into a pit full of snakes. Another way was to ask the victim to put his hand inside a small basket harboring a deadly snake. Killing a victim by direct snake bite is so rare. There was one reported case where an old couple was killed by snake bite. Here is the first reported case of killing three children by snake bite. It appeared that the diagnosis of such cases is so difficult and depended mainly on the circumstantial evidences.