bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term results of pars plana vitrectomy as an anti-inflammatory therapy of pediatric intermediate uveitis resistant to standard medical treatment
Authors: Darsová Denisa , Pochop Pavel , Štěpánková Jana , Dotřelová Dagmar 
Published: September 2017

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) as an anti-inflammatory therapy in pediatric recurrent intermediate uveitis. Methods: A retrospective study evaluated the long-term results of PPV indicated for intermediate uveitis with a mean observation period of 10.3 years (range 7-15.6 years) in 6 children (mean age 8 years, range 6-12 years). Pars plana vitrectomy was performed on 10 eyes in the standard manner and was initiated by vitreous sampling for laboratory examination. Data recorded were perioperative or postoperative vitrectomy complications, anatomic and functional results of PPV, and preoperative and postoperative best-corrected Snellen visual acuity. Results: No perioperative or postoperative complications were observed. Bacteriologic, virologic, mycotic, and cytologic analysis of the vitreous was negative in all tested children. Five eyes were subsequently operated on for posterior subcapsular cataracts. An average preoperative visual acuity of 0.32 improved to an average postoperative visual acuity of 0.8. Conclusions: In the case of systemic immunosuppressive treatment failure in pediatric uveitis, particularly in eyes with cystoid macular edema, we recommend PPV relatively early.
Utility of Bruch membrane opening-based optic nerve head parameters in myopic subjects
Authors: Sastre-Ibañez Marina , Martinez-de-la-Casa Jose M. , Rebolleda Gema , Cifuentes-Canorea Pilar , Nieves-Moreno Maria , Morales-Fernandez Laura , Saenz-Frances Federico , Garcia-Feijoo Julian 
Published: September 2017

Purpose: To evaluate whether the new rim analysis software with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) shows advantages over the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in patients with moderate myopia. Methods: In this prospective cross-sectional study, we studied 65 healthy subjects, 37 with spherical refractive errors in the range of -3 to -6 D (moderate, G1) and 28 with less than -3 D (low/non-myopic, G0). All patients were examined with Heidelberg Spectralis SD-OCT, including Glaucoma Premium Module Edition (GPME) software. With GPME, we analyzed the neuroretinal rim (Bruch membrane opening-minimum rim width [BMO-MRW]) and RNFL. Results: The average age of subjects was 30.2 ± 9.3 years for G0 and 29.9 ± 7.1 years for G1 (p = 0.903). Mean sphere was −0.5 ± 0.3 D (-1.25 to 0 D) G0 and -3.9 ± 0.3 D (-6.00 to -3 D) G1 (p<0.001). The RNFL thickness comparison between G0 and G1 showed a significantly lower thickness in G1 (p = 0.018). The BMO-MRW measurements were similar in both groups (p = 0.331). With the BMO-MRW examination, the number of sectors classified as pathologic per subject in G1 were significantly lower compared to RNFL analysis (p = 0.023). Conclusions: Ring analysis based on BMO-MRW measurements shows a lower rate of false-positives compared to RNFL thickness when studying healthy moderate myopic eyes and it would be advisable to take this into consideration when analyzing these patients.
In Vitro Benchmark of Cytokine Removal by Dialyzers with Various Permeability Profiles
Authors: Hulko Michael , Speidel Rose , Gauss Julia , Storr Markus , Krause Bernd 
Published: September 2017

Purpose Removal of cytokines is relevant for dialysis patients as they are suspected to promote cardiovascular complications. The objective of this study was to benchmark membranes with different permeability profiles under standardized in vitro test conditions using miniaturized devices with respect to their ability to remove cytokines from human serum and to lower cell activating potential. Methods In vitro dialysis was used to dialyze cytokine enriched serum in 3 independent experiments per tested membrane. IL-6 in the serum and dialysate was measured at defined times by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. IL-8, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in dialysate were measured by immunoassay. Dialysate samples were subjected to cultured tubular epithelial cells or human fibroblasts to study cell activation via IL-6 generation. Dialysate samples were added to human whole blood with subsequent analysis of granulocyte and monocyte activation by detection of CD11b. Results IL-6 decreased in serum and increased in dialysate during in vitro dialysis. IL-8, IL-1β, and TNF-α were identified in dialysate. Dialysate added to cell cultures increased IL-6 concentration in culture medium or increased expression of CD11b. High cut-off membranes showed the strongest transfer of cytokines, albumin and total proteins from serum to dialysate and led to strongest cell activation. This effect was lower for medium cutoff membranes and lowest for conventional high-flux membranes. Conclusions This study demonstrated an in vitro test by which membranes were benchmarked with respect to cytokine and cell activation removal capacity. Cell activation levels could be influenced by the choice of membrane by altering cytokine concentration levels.
Kinematic analysis of new and used reciprocating endodontic motors in 2 different modes
Authors: Irmak Özgür , Orhan Ekim O. 
Published: September 2017

Purpose: The actual reciprocating angles of endodontic motors might differ from the manufacturers’ set values. This study analyzed the effect of clinical usage on the kinematics of reciprocating endodontic motors with 2 different reciprocal modes. Methods: 1 new and 3 used reciprocating endodontic motors (X-Smart Plus, Dentsply Maillefer) with 2 different reciprocating modes, WaveOne mode (W-mode) or Reciproc mode (R-mode), were analyzed. An angle measurement disc was inserted into a contra-angle. Reciprocating motions were recorded with a high-speed camera at 1,200 fps and analyzed on a computer. The following kinematic parameters were calculated: duration of each reciprocating motion, engaging and disengaging angles, cycle rotational speeds, engaging and disengaging rotational speeds, net cycle angle, total cycle angle, and number of cycles to complete full rotation. One-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test followed by multiple comparison tests were used for statistical analysis (p = 0.05). Results: In W-mode, the actual engaging angles of all used and new motors were different from the manufacturer’s set values (p<0.0001), whereas there was no difference between actual engaging angles among the motors (p>0.05). In R-mode, the actual engaging angles of all used and new motors were similar to the manufacturers’ set values (p>0.05). There was no difference between the actual engaging angles among motors (p>0.05). Both the W-mode and R-mode showed statistically different values of actual disengaging angles for all used and new motors when compared with the manufacturers’ set value (p<0.0001). Conclusions: This study confirmed that the actual kinematics of reciprocating endodontic motors differ from the manufacturers’ set values. Some kinematic parameters were influenced by the clinical usage of the motors.
Experimental Investigation on the Mechanical Behavior of Polyurethane PICCs after Long-Term Conservation in in Vivo-Like Conditions
Authors: Di Puccio Francesca , Gallone Giuseppe , Baù Andrea , Calabrò Emanuele M. , Mainardi Simona , Poli Paolo , Scocca Antonella 
Published: September 2017

Introduction In a previous paper, the authors investigated the mechanical behavior of several commercial polyurethane peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) in their ‘brand new’ condition. The present study represents a second step of the research activity and aims to investigate possible modifications of the PICC mechanical response, induced by long-term conservation in in vivo-like conditions, particularly when used to introduce oncologic drugs. Methods Eight 5 Fr single-lumen catheters from as many different vendors, were examined. Several specimens were cut from each of them and kept in a bath at 37°C for 1, 2, 3 and 6 months. Two fluids were used to simulate in vivo-like conditions, i.e. ethanol and Ringer-lactate solutions, the first being chosen in order to reproduce a typical chemical environment of oncologic drugs. The test plan included swelling analyses, uniaxial tensile tests and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). Results and conclusions All tested samples were chemically and mechanically stable in the studied conditions, as no significant weight variation was observed even after six months of immersion in ethanol solution. Uniaxial tensile tests confirmed such a response. For each PICC, very similar curves were obtained from samples tested after different immersion durations in the two fluid solutions, particularly for strains lower than 10%.
Reforma Protestante, 500 anos: ensaio de crítica histórica
Authors: Cavalcante Ronaldo 
Published: September 2017

Após a Reforma do século XVI, o fenômeno religioso protestante começou a se formar e estava diretamente conectado com a cultura circundante. Nessa formação, buscou primeiramente pautar sua identidade de forma apologética em contraposição ao catolicismo por meio de diatribes, catecismos, declarações e confissões de fé. A luta doutrinária se mesclava com as estratégias políticas com enormes repercussões também na economia e no cotidiano da vida pública e privada. Após a primeira geração, já no século XVII, surgiriam outros desafios e objetivos que ajudaram a forjar um estilo próprio de se vivenciar o cristianismo em diálogo com os novos tempos. A modernidade demandou novos posicionamentos religiosos e éticos. Juntamente com setores progressistas do catolicismo e da sociedade em geral, o ethos protestante participou na fixação de valores que resultaram em conquistas importantes para a gênese das sociedades modernas. As novas possibilidades da teologia protestante, que agora se abria ao diálogo com o mundo das letras e da ciência, produziu um enorme contingente de novos personagens em diversas áreas do conhecimento que foram fundamentais em questões como a nova educação, a superação da escravidão, melhora das condições laborais, ecumenismo etc. O protestantismo, não obstante seus muitos equívocos, tornou-se uma alternativa legítima dentro do cristianismo.
The Effect of Using Online Collaborative Tasks on Incidental Vocabulary Learning of Impulsive vs. Reflective Iranian EFL Learners
Authors: Motallebzadeh Khalil , Samadi Farideh 
Published: September 2017

Incidental vocabulary learning is one of the most significant sources of learning vocabulary for language learners )Laufer & Hulstjin, 2001). This study endeavored to investigate the effect of using online collaborative tasks on incidental vocabulary learning of impulsive vs. reflective Iranian EFL learners. To this end, Nelson vocabulary proficiency test was administered to 100 Iranian EFL learners as the homogeneity test and the pretest. Using random sampling procedure, 75 learners were selected as the main participants for this study. Kember, McKay, Sinclair and Wong (2008) reflective thinking questionnaire was administered to these learners, based on which they were distinguished based on their cognitive thinking styles, i.e., impulsivity and reflectivity. The participants were homogenously distributed into 3 main groups (impulsive experimental group, reflective experimental group, and the control group). All participants went through 4 weeks of treatment. Experimental groups were conducted using Telegram software and the control group was conducted in a classroom. The results of t-test after 4 weeks of treatment revealed that reflective learners benefited from online collaborative groups with regard to incidental vocabulary learning. The findings of the study are discussed in light of previous research.
The Comparative Effect of Collaborative Strategic Reading and Content-Based Instruction on EFL Learners' Reading Comprehension
Authors: Nosratinia Mania , Hooshmand Fateh Negin 
Published: September 2017

The present study was an attempt to compare the effect of teaching Collaborative Strategic Reading (CSR) and Content-Based Instruction (CBI) on the reading comprehension of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. To fullfill this objective, a group of 90 intermediate female EFL learners, within the age range of 17 to 19, took a piloted sample of the PET as a pre-treatment proficiency test. Sixty of them were selected as homogeneous learners and were randomly divided into two experimental groups of CSR and CBI. The CSR group receieved CSR strategy training based on Klingner, Vaughan, and Schumm's model (2001), while the CBI group receieved CBI-based strategy training, using Tsai and Shang's (2010) model. At the end of the training, another piloted PET reading test was administered as the posttest. The pre-treatment reading scores were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test whose results confirmed the pre-treatment homogeneity of the participants. The post-treatment scores were also analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test whose results indicated no significant difference in the reading posttest levels of CBI and CSR groups, U = 423.5, z = -.401, p = .688, r = -.0517. The article concludes with a discussion on the results and presenting some implications.
The Effects of Using Podcast on Listening Comprehension among Iranian Pre-intermediate EFL Learners
Authors: NamazianDost Islam , Bohloulzadeh Ghassem , Rahmatollahi Rezvan 
Published: September 2017

The purpose of the present study was to explore the effects of using podcast on listening comprehension among Iranian pre-intermediate EFL learners. To fulfill the objectives of the study a Homogeneity test (Oxford Quick Placement Test) was administered among 90 students at the pre-intermediate level of Poyesh language Institute and finally 60 participants were selected. Then, they were non-randomly divided into two sub­groups, namely control and experimental groups. Before starting the treatment, a validated teacher-made listening comprehension test was administered to students as pre-test to assess the participants' listening comprehension at the beginning of the course. Then, the experimental group received the treatment, which was teaching listening comprehension through using podcasts while the control group was taught using traditional methods of teaching listening with no multimedia source. After 20 sessions of treatment, the two groups were administered the same teacher-made listening test as post-test. Data were analyzed by Paired and Independent Samples t-­test. The findings showed that the experimental group significantly performed better than the control group. Generally, the experimental groups outperformed the control groups. The results suggest that podcasts can be used in English classes to develop listening ability among Iranian EFL learners.
TESL Trainee Practitioners’ Self Perception of their Personality Traits and Verbal Communication Skills
Authors: Abdul Sitra Abdul Rashid , Nadzimah Abdullah Ain 
Published: September 2017

The teaching and learning of English as a second language involve many different skills. This study investigates the relationship between Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) trainee practitioners’ (TPs) personality traits and their verbal communication skills. The personality traits investigated are the Big Five, while the verbal communication skills investigated include interpersonal skills, verbal-linguistic skills, motivation, altruism, and self-regulation. This study involved 277 TESL TPs from four different teacher training institutes in Malaysia. This quantitative study used questionnaires to investigate both the variables. The findings show that out of the Big Five personality traits, only openness showed positive relationship to verbal communication. This trait deserves greater attention if students are to maximise the use of effective communication skills. This study profiles personality traits to examine the relationship of each trait in relation to communication skills. The findings of this study would be significant for the Higher Education Ministry of Malaysia and education regulators, apart from the teaching community.
Student pharmacists' social distancing toward people with mental illness
Authors: Seaton Victoria , Piel Michelle 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Introduction:
Findings from previous studies indicated patients with mental illness feel pharmacists do not provide appropriate care. In addition, many patients with mental illness report not having a strong relationship with their pharmacist. The objective of this study was to determine the level of social distance of student pharmacists toward patients with mental illness.

Methods:
Student pharmacists completed an anonymous survey. Data were collected using the Bogardus Social Distance Scale (SDS). Level and correlates of social distancing were examined.

Results:
Incomplete surveys were excluded, resulting in 334 completed surveys. A total of 276 students (83%) had an SDS score ≥14, indicating social distancing. There was no statistical difference noted in social distancing between students and year of training (P = .482). The greatest social distancing was in relation to trusting someone with mental illness to “care for their child,” where less than 1 in 5 students (17%) were willing to do this. Most students (88%) were willing to work or be neighbors with someone with mental illness, indicating less social distancing in these domains. Regression analysis indicated a significant change in sum score with knowing someone or having a first-degree relative with mental illness.

Discussion:
Results indicate social distancing is prominent among pharmacy students. Results may be used in the future to help identify solutions for improving social distancing and increasing pharmacy student interaction to patients with mental illness. Further training related to mental illness may assist with decreasing social distancing among pharmacy students.
Review of cariprazine in management of psychiatric illness
Authors: Campbell Rebecca H. , Diduch Michael , Gardner Kristen N. , Thomas Christopher 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are severe and debilitating psychiatric disorders. Despite the availability of numerous antipsychotic drugs, many patients still experience poor outcomes and treatment-limiting adverse side effects. Cariprazine is a novel antipsychotic with unique pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties. It is both a dopamine type 2 and dopamine type 3 partial agonist with 2 equipotent metabolites, desmethyl cariprazine and didesmethyl cariprazine, of which didesmethyl cariprazine has a half-life of 1 to 3 weeks. The objective of this article is to review the literature regarding efficacy and tolerability of cariprazine in the management of psychiatric disorders to determine its current place in therapy.
Future Reef Growth Can Mitigate Physical Impacts of Sea‐Level Rise on Atoll Islands
Authors: Beetham Edward , Kench Paul S. , Popinet Stéphane 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe present new detail on how future sea‐level rise (SLR) will modify nonlinear wave transformation processes, shoreline wave energy, and wave driven flooding on atoll islands. Frequent and destructive wave inundation is a primary climate‐change hazard that may render atoll islands uninhabitable in the near future. However, limited research has examined the physical vulnerability of atoll islands to future SLR and sparse information are available to implement process‐based coastal management on coral reef environments. We utilize a field‐verified numerical model capable of resolving all nonlinear wave transformation processes to simulate how future SLR will modify wave dissipation and overtopping on Funafuti Atoll, Tuvalu, accounting for static and accretionary reef adjustment morphologies. Results show that future SLR coupled with a static reef morphology will not only increase shoreline wave energy and overtopping but will fundamentally alter the spectral composition of shoreline energy by decreasing the contemporary influence of low‐frequency infragravity waves. “Business‐as‐usual” emissions (RCP 8.5) will result in annual wave overtopping on Funafuti Atoll by 2030, with overtopping at high tide under mean wave conditions occurring from 2090. Comparatively, vertical reef accretion in response to SLR will prevent any significant increase in shoreline wave energy and mitigate wave driven flooding volume by 72%. Our results provide the first quantitative assessment of how effective future reef accretion can be at mitigating SLR‐associated flooding on atoll islands and endorse active reef conservation and restoration for future coastal protection.
Large Eddy Simulation of Flow and Turbulence at the Steep Topography of Luzon Strait
Authors: Jalali M. , Sarkar S. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSteep generation sites for topographic internal gravity waves can also be sites of turbulence. The present work uses turbulence‐resolving Large Eddy Simulation (LES) for tidal flow over multiscale, steep bathymetry patterned after a portion of the west ridge of Luzon Strait at 20.6∘N. Oceanic values of the slope criticality, Froude number, excursion number, and aspect ratio are matched. The amplitude and phasing of velocity, overturns, and dissipation are similar to observations made at a deep mooring. However a tidal phase is noted in which there is a discrepancy that could arise from the resonant interaction with waves generated at the east ridge that is not included in the model. Turbulent dissipation originates from several mechanisms including breaking lee waves during flow reversal, downslope jets, critical‐slope boundary layer, high‐mode internal wave beams, off‐slope lee wave breaking and wave breaking in a valley between subridges. The model baroclinic energy budget is closed with negligible residual and the local turbulence loss of 23.5% is large.
Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy in Identification of Pharmaceutical Raw Materials
Authors: Miró Vera Aira Y. , Alcalà Bernàrdez Manel 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe development, validation, and maintenance of spectral libraries for raw materials identification based on near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) are presented in this article. A pharmaceutical example is used to describe concepts and general criteria about the whole lifecycle of these classification methods. The process is sequentially presented in two parts. The first one involves the development and validation of a first version of a library, using an initial number of raw materials and samples. This section exposes the preparation of the data sets, the selection of the discrimination method, the configuration of the data pretreatment, and the evaluation of the acceptance criteria along with internal and external validation processes.The second part describes the sequential updating and revalidation of the library. It is based on a second and a third versions of the method, which are generated after the introduction of new raw materials and new samples of original materials over two different periods. This part of the article includes further considerations that must be taken into account to complete a proper maintenance of the library. In this section, the qualification through the construction of cascading libraries and the renewal of the model by means of calibration sets update are presented. A final scheme of the general strategy attempts to summarize the main steps during the calculation, validation, and maintenance of this qualitative method. Current recommendations of the European Medicine Agency (EMA) and the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) about this topic are considered throughout the entire article.