bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pleural tuberculosis: medical thoracoscopy greatly increases the diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Casalini Angelo Gianni , Mori Pier Anselmo , Majori Maria , Anghinolfi Miriam , Silini Enrico Maria , Gnetti Letizia , Motta Federica , Larini Sandra , Montecchini Sara , Pisi Roberta , Calderaro Adriana 
Published: January 2018

Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of a standardised work-up in the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis (TB) that included fibreoptic bronchoscopy and medical thoracoscopy.A consecutive series of 52 pleural TB patients observed during the period 2001–2015 was evaluated retrospectively. 20 females, mean (range) age 39.7 (18–74) years, and 32 males, mean (range) age 45.75 (21–83) years, were included (28 non-EU citizens (53.8%)). The diagnosis of TB infections was established by identification (using stains, culture or molecular tests) ofMycobacterium tuberculosisin the pleura, sputum and/or bronchial specimens, or by evidence of caseous granulomas on pleural biopsies. Patients with and without lung lesions were considered separately.The diagnostic yield of the microbiological tests on pleural fluid was 17.3% (nine out of 52 patients). Among the 18 patients with lung lesions, bronchial samples (washing, lavage or biopsy) were positive in 50% of cases (nine patients). Cultures of pleural biopsies were positive in 63% of cases (29 out of 46 patients); pleural histology was relevant in all patients. Without pleural biopsy, a diagnosis would have been reached in 15 out of 52 patients (28.6%) and in four of them only following culture at 30–40 days.An integrated diagnostic work-up that includes all the diagnostic methods of interventional pulmonology is required for a diagnosis of pleural TB. In the majority of patients, a diagnosis can be reached only with pleural biopsy.
Effects of umeclidinium/vilanterol on exercise endurance in COPD: a randomised study
Authors: Riley John H. , Kalberg Chris J. , Donald Alison , Lipson David A. , Shoaib Muhammad , Tombs Lee 
Published: January 2018

This multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-period crossover study assessed the effect of umeclidinium/vilanterol (UMEC/VI) on exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using the endurance shuttle walk test (ESWT).Patients were randomised 1:1 to one of two treatment sequences: 1) UMEC/VI 62.5/25 µg followed by placebo or 2) placebo followed by UMEC/VI 62.5/25 µg. Each treatment was taken once daily for 12 weeks. The primary end-point was 3-h post-dose exercise endurance time (EET) at week 12. Secondary end-points included trough forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and 3-h post-dose functional residual capacity (FRC), both at week 12. COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score at week 12 was also assessed.UMEC/VI treatment did not result in a statistically significant improvement in EET change from baseline at week 12versusplacebo (p=0.790). However, improvements were observed in trough FEV1(206 mL, 95% CI 167–246), 3-h post-dose FRC (−346 mL, 95% CI −487 to −204) and CAT score (−1.07 units, 95% CI −2.09 to −0.05)versusplacebo at week 12.UMEC/VI did not result in improvements in EET at week 12versusplacebo, despite improvements in measures of lung function, hyperinflation and health status.
A synthetic approach to weathering degree classification of stone relics case study of the Yungang Grottoes
Authors: Meng Tianhua , Lu Yuhe , Zhao Guozhong , Yang Chengquan , Ren Jianguang , Shi Yunlong 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Classification of the weathering degree of large outdoor stone relics has long been a challenge in their protection engineering. An approach to classifying the weathering levels of the Yungang Grottoes is presented in this paper. This approach is based on combined terahertz (THz) spectra and ultrasonic velocity and the use of a least squares support vector machine (LS-SVM). A regression model for prediction of the weathering level was established using the optimal values of parameters determined by the double cross-validation (D-CV) method. This SVM regression prediction model (SVMRPM) predicts the weathering levels of the grottoes with relative errors of 8.16% or less. The SVMRPM can also be used to predict the weathering levels of some areas where ultrasonic testing is extremely difficult; the THz spectra can easily be obtained using approximately 0.2 g of sample material. This method is a highly efficient and economical technique for determining the degree of weathering of large exposed stone relics.
Development and Validation of a Risk Prediction Model for Acute Kidney Injury After the First Course of Cisplatin
Authors: Motwani Shveta S. , McMahon Gearoid M. , Humphreys Benjamin D. , Partridge Ann H. , Waikar Sushrut S. , Curhan Gary C. 
Published: January 2018

PurposeCisplatin-associated acute kidney injury (C-AKI) is common. We sought to develop and validate a predictive model for C-AKI after the first course of cisplatin.MethodsClinical and demographic data were collected on patients who received cisplatin between 2000 and 2016 at two cancer centers. C-AKI was defined as a 0.3 mg/dL rise in serum creatinine within 14 days of receiving cisplatin. Using multivariable logistic regression models with C-AKI as the primary outcome, we created a scoring model from the development cohort (DC) and tested it in the validation cohort (VC).ResultsC-AKI occurred in 13.6% of 2,118 patients in the DC and in 11.6% of 2,363 patients in the VC. Factors significantly associated with C-AKI included age 61 to 70 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.64 [95% CI, 1.21 to 2.23]; P = .001) and 71 to 90 years (OR, 2.97 [95% CI, 2.06 to 4.28]; P < .001) compared with ≤ 60 years; cisplatin dose 101 to 150 mg (OR, 1.58 [95% CI, 1.14 to 2.19]; P = .007) and > 150 mg (OR, 3.73 [95% CI, 2.68 to 5.20]; P < .001) compared with ≤ 100 mg; a history of hypertension (OR, 2.10 [95% CI, 1.54 to 2.72]; P < .001) compared with no hypertension; and serum albumin 2.0 to 3.5 g/dL (OR, 2.21 [95% CI, 1.62 to 3.03]; P < .001) compared with > 3.5 g/dL. The baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate was not significantly associated with the risk of C-AKI. The c-statistics of the score-based model in the DC and the VC were 0.72 (95% CI, 0.69 to 0.75) and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.67 to 0.73), respectively. Scores of 0, 3.5, and 8.5 were associated with a probability of C-AKI of 0.03 (95% CI, 0.03 to 0.05), 0.12 (95% CI, 0.11 to 0.14), and 0.51 (95% CI, 0.43 to 0.60), respectively.ConclusionA score-based model created by using the patient’s age, cisplatin dose, hypertension, and serum albumin is predictive of C-AKI.
Relationship Between 12 Adipocytokines and Distinct Components of the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Ebert Thomas , Gebhardt Claudia , Scholz Markus , Wohland Tobias , Schleinitz Dorit , Fasshauer Mathias , Blüher Matthias , Stumvoll Michael , Kovacs Peter , Tönjes Anke 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Objective
Adipose tissue–derived signals potentially link obesity and adipose tissue dysfunction with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Although some adipocytokines have been closely related to metabolic and cardiovascular traits, it is unknown which adipocytokine or adipocytokine clusters serve as meaningful markers of metabolic syndrome (MS) components. Therefore, this study investigated the associations of 12 adipocytokines with components of the MS to identify the most relevant cytokines potentially related to specific metabolic profiles.

Research Design and Methods
Twelve cytokines [adiponectin, adipocyte fatty acid–binding protein (AFABP), angiopoietin-related growth factor, chemerin, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 19, FGF21, FGF23, insulin-like growth factor-1, interleukin 10, irisin, progranulin, and vaspin] were quantified in a cross-sectional cohort of 1046 subjects. Hypothesis-free cluster analysis, multivariate regression analyses with parameters of the MS, and discriminant analysis were performed to assess associations and the relative importance of each cytokine for reflecting MS and its components.

Results
Among the studied adipocytokines, adiponectin, AFABP, chemerin, and FGF21 showed the strongest associations with MS and several MS components in discriminant analyses and multiple regression models. For certain metabolic components, these adipocytokines were better discriminators than routine metabolic markers. Other cytokines investigated in the present cohort are less able to distinguish between metabolically healthy and unhealthy subjects.

Conclusions
Adiponectin, AFABP, chemerin, and FGF21 showed the strongest associations with MS components in a general population, suggesting that adverse adipose tissue function is a major contributor to these metabolic abnormalities. Future prospective studies should address the question whether these adipocytokines can predict the development of metabolic disease states.
A MicroRNA Signature for Evaluation of Risk and Severity of Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases
Authors: Martínez-Hernández Rebeca , Sampedro-Núñez Miguel , Serrano-Somavilla Ana , Ramos-Leví Ana M , de la Fuente Hortensia , Triviño Juan Carlos , Sanz-García Ancor , Sánchez-Madrid Francisco , Marazuela Mónica 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Context
Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as an interesting research area because of their potential role as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Their involvement in autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs) has not been fully explored.

Objective
To compare the expression profile of miRNAs in thyroid tissue from patients with AITD and controls, using next-generation sequencing, further validated our findings in thyroid and serum samples.

Design
Twenty fresh-frozen thyroid tissues (15 from patients with AITD and 5 from controls) were used for miRNA next-generation sequencing. Thirty-six thyroid samples were recruited for the qRT-PCR validation test and 58 serum samples for further validation in peripheral blood.

Results
Expression of several miRNAs that had been previously associated with relevant immunological functions was significantly dysregulated. Specifically, eight differentially expressed miRNAs (miR-21-5p, miR-142-3p, miR-146a-5p, miR-146b-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-338-5p, miR-342-5p, and miR-766-3p) were confirmed using qRT-PCR in thyroid samples, and three had the same behavior in tissue and serum samples (miR-21-5p, miR-142-3p, and miR-146a-5p). Furthermore, when the expression of these miRNAs was assessed together with five additional ones previously related to AITD in peripheral blood, the expression of five (miR-Let7d-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-96-5p, miR-142-3p, and miR-301a-3p) was significantly expressed in AITD and, in patients with Graves disease (GD), was correlated with a higher severity of disease, including active ophthalmopathy, goiter, higher antibody titers, and/or higher recurrence rates.

Conclusions
The present findings identify a serum five-signature miRNA that could be an independent risk factor for developing AITD and a predisposition of a worse clinical picture in patients with GD.
Improving communication for interdisciplinary teams working on storage of digital information in DNA
Authors: Hesketh Emily E. , Sayir Jossy , Goldman Nick 
Published: January 2018

Close collaboration between specialists from diverse backgrounds and working in different scientific domains is an effective strategy to overcome challenges in areas that interface between biology, chemistry, physics and engineering. Communication in such collaborations can itself be challenging. Even when projects are successfully concluded, resulting publications — necessarily multi-authored — have the potential to be disjointed. Few, both in the field and outside, may be able to fully understand the work as a whole. This needs to be addressed to facilitate efficient working, peer review, accessibility and impact to larger audiences. We are an interdisciplinary team working in a nascent scientific area, the repurposing of DNA as a storage medium for digital information. In this note, we highlight some of the difficulties that arise from such collaborations and outline our efforts to improve communication through a glossary and a controlled vocabulary and accessibility via short plain-language summaries. We hope to stimulate early discussion within this emerging field of how our community might improve the description and presentation of our work to facilitate clear communication within and between research groups and increase accessibility to those not familiar with our respective fields — be it molecular biology, computer science, information theory or others that might become relevant in future. To enable an open and inclusive discussion we have created a glossary and controlled vocabulary as a cloud-based shared document and we invite other scientists to critique our suggestions and contribute their own ideas.
Educating the workforce: improving the education and competencies of healthcare assistants in an acute surgical unit
Authors: Hamer Fiona , Ponto Maria 
Published: January 2018

It is widely recognised that healthcare assistants (HCAs) have taken some registered nurse (RN) roles; however, the importance of competencies, supervision and monitoring of HCAs is not always recognised. The aim of this project was to examine the education needs of HCAs for the tasks delegated to them and to provide an education day relevant to these needs. Methodology involved an audit of knowledge of the participating HCAs. The audit included a short questionnaire, participant observation and focus groups and it provided information on the needs of HCAs. Findings showed that HCAs spent 80% of their time on direct patient care, 5% on cleaning tasks and 15% on documentation. However, no direction was given to them and there was no monitoring from the RNs. Initially, one day of training was planned, but after feedback, two days were offered to maximise learning (see Box 2 ). After the sessions, attendees were given an evaluation form and the feedback from the two-day course was positive.
Patient-specific medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty has a greater protective effect on articular cartilage in the lateral compartment
Authors: Kang K-T. , Son J. , Suh D-S. , Kwon S. K. , Kwon O-R. , Koh Y-G. 
Published: January 2018

Objectives Patient-specific (PS) implantation surgical technology has been introduced in recent years and a gradual increase in the associated number of surgical cases has been observed. PS technology uses a patient’s own geometry in designing a medical device to provide minimal bone resection with improvement in the prosthetic bone coverage. However, whether PS unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) provides a better biomechanical effect than standard off-the-shelf prostheses for UKA has not yet been determined, and still remains controversial in both biomechanical and clinical fields. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical effect between PS and standard off-the-shelf prostheses for UKA. Methods The contact stresses on the polyethylene (PE) insert, articular cartilage and lateral meniscus were evaluated in PS and standard off-the-shelf prostheses for UKA using a validated finite element model. Gait cycle loading was applied to evaluate the biomechanical effect in the PS and standard UKAs. Results The contact stresses on the PE insert were similar for both the PS and standard UKAs. Compared with the standard UKA, the PS UKA did not show any biomechanical effect on the medial PE insert. However, the contact stresses on the articular cartilage and the meniscus in the lateral compartment following the PS UKA exhibited closer values to the healthy knee joint compared with the standard UKA. Conclusion The PS UKA provided mechanics closer to those of the normal knee joint. The decreased contact stress on the opposite compartment may reduce the overall risk of progressive osteoarthritis. Cite this article: K-T. Kang, J. Son, D-S. Suh, S. K. Kwon, O-R. Kwon, Y-G. Koh. Patient-specific medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty has a greater protective effect on articular cartilage in the lateral compartment: A Finite Element Analysis. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:20–27. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.71.BJR-2017-0115.R2.
The sensus communis, synesthesia and the soul
Authors: McLuhan Eric 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
This article is a keynote speech given in 2017 at the Media Ecology Association’s convention at St. Mary’s College. It includes the footnotes and a couple of pages that had to be cut at the last minute. The remarks are largely based on McLuhan’s recent The Sensus Communis, Synesthesia, and the Soul – An Odyssey (2016).
Book Reviews
Authors: Liñán Lauren Trujillon , Lunceford Brett , Kelly Janice , Linton David , Shalforoosh Soraya , Shalforoosh Soraya 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Misbehavior in Cyber Places: The Regulation of Online Conduct in Virtual Communities on the Internet, Janet Sternberg (2012)
United States: University Press of America, 212 pp.,
ISBN: 9780761860112, p/bk, $34.91

Sex, Ethics and Communication: A Humanistic Approach to Conversations on Intimacy, 2nd ed., Valerie V. Peterson (2013)
San Diego, CA: Cognella, 160 pp., ISBN: 9781621314974, p/bk, $26.95

A Womb with a View: America’s Growing Public Interest in Pregnancy, 1st ed., Laura Tropp (2013)
Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger, 193 pp., ISBN-13: 978-1440828096, h/bk, $19.72, Kindle, $30.94

Valerie Solanas: The Defiant Life of the Woman Who Wrote SCUM (and Shot Andy Warhol), Breanne Fahs (2014)
New York: The Feminist Press, 382 pp., ISBN: 9781558618480, p/bk, $22.95

The Medium is the Muse: Channeling Marshall McLuhan, Lance Strate and Adeena Karasick (eds) (2014)
Seattle, WA: NeoPoiesis Press, 144 pp., ISBN: 9780989201858, h/bk, $24.95 USD, ISBN: 9780985557751, p/bk, $16.95

Thunder at Darwin Station, Lance Strate (2015)
Seattle, WA: NeoPoiesis Press, 82 pp., ISBN: 9780989201872, p/bk, $14.95
Book Reviews
Authors: McHugh Siobhan , Loviglio Jason 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Reality Radio: Telling True Stories in Sound, John Biewen and Alexa Dilworth (eds) (2017) 2nd ed., Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina Press and Center for Documentary Studies, Duke University, 272 pp., ISBN: 9781469633138, p/bk, $30.00
Lost Sound: The Forgotten Art of Radio Storytelling, Jeff Porter (2016) Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina Press, 296 pp., ISBN: 9781469627779, p/bk, $29.95, e/bk, $19.99
Polytopal approximation of elongated convex bodies
Authors: Bonnet Gilles 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
This paper presents bounds for the best approximation, with respect to the Hausdorff metric, of a convex body K by a circumscribed polytope P with a given number of facets. These bounds are of particular interest if K is elongated. To measure the elongation of the convex set, its isoperimetric ratio Vj
(K)1/j

Vi
(K)−1/i
is used.
A dual rigidity of the sphere and the hyperbolic plane
Authors: Caballero Magdalena , Rubio Rafael M. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
There are several well-known characterizations of the sphere as a regular surface in the Euclidean space. By means of a purely synthetic technique, we get a rigidity result for the sphere without any curvature conditions, completeness or compactness, as well as a dual result for the hyperbolic plane, the spacelike sphere in the Minkowski space.
Sustainable Garden Tourism in the United Kingdom or What’s Behind the Fence?
Authors: Čakovská Barbora 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
As the garden visiting is rapidly taking place in the character and role of the leisure in the UK there is the need to gain more knowledge on motivation of garden opening and to complete the previous researches aimed mostly at visitors. Although the significance of charity openings, in many cases with personal and local interests, is undoubtedly a manifestation of the success of the National Garden Scheme (NGS), there are many other reasons why the owners decided to share their gardens with the public. The study has captured the owners’ motivation and divided it into six categories revealing different motivations why people took part in The National Garden Scheme. Such an approach uncovers connections between the garden and the owner and the garden opening can be therefore understood in a variety of ways and plays a different role for each owner.
Estimation of Reverberation Time in Classrooms Using the Residual Minimization Method
Authors: Nowoświat Artur , Olechowska Marcelina 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The objective of the residual minimization method is to determine a coefficient correcting the Sabine’s model. The Sabine’s equation is the most commonly applied formula in the designing process of room acoustics with the use of analytical methods. The correction of this model is indispensable for its application in rooms having non-diffusive acoustic field. The authors of the present paper will be using the residual minimization method to work out a suitable correction to be applied for classrooms. For this purpose, five different poorly dampened classrooms were selected, in which the measurements of reverberation time were carried out, and for which reverberation time was calculated with the use of theoretical methods. Three of the selected classrooms had the cubic volume of 258.5 m3 and the remaining two had the cubic volume of 190.8 m3. It was sufficient to estimate the correction for the Sabine’s equation. To verify the results, three other classrooms were selected, in which also the measurements of reverberation time were carried out. The results were verified by means of real measurements of reverberation time and by means of computer simulations in the program ODEON.
Self-Predication and Productive Metonymy
Authors: Rosenthal Saul 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWhat does Plato mean in saying that, for all forms, “F-ness is F”? In such claims, I argue, ‘F’ is being used metonymically to refer to the property of being productive of F-ness rather than to the property of being F, in a way consistent with univocity and the rejection of a genuine Self-Predication Assumption. I explain and defend this productive metonymy reading and show how it can resolve the troubling argument atPhaedo74b7-c6.
Response Surface Optimization of Lyoprotectant from Amino Acids and Salts for Bifidobacterium Bifidum During Vacuum Freeze-Drying
Authors: Qi Kangru , Chen He , Wan Hongchang , Hu Man , Wu Yuxi 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
High quality probiotic powder can lay the foundation for the commercial production of functional dairy products. The freeze-drying method was used for the preservation of microorganisms, having a deleterious effect on the microorganisms viability. In order to reduce the damage to probiotics and to improve the survival rate of probiotics during freeze-drying, the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was adopted in this research to optimize lyoprotectant composed of amino acids (glycine, arginine) and salts (NaHCO3 and ascorbic acid). Probiotic used was Bifidobacterium bifidum BB01. The regression model (p<0.05) was obtained by Box–Behnken experiment design, indicating this model can evaluate the freeze-drying survival rate of B. bifidum BB01 under different lyoprotectants. The results indicated these concentrations as optimal (in W/V): glycine 4.5%, arginine 5.5%, NaHCO3 0.8% and ascorbic acid 2.3%, respectively. Under these optimal conditions, the survival rate of lyophilized powder of B. bifidum BB01 was significantly increased by 80.9% compared to the control group (6.9±0.62%), the results were agreement with the model prediction value (88.7%).