bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemoradiation Versus Chemotherapy in Uterine Carcinosarcoma
Authors: Odei Bismarck , Boothe Dustin , Suneja Gita , Werner Theresa L. , Gaffney David K. 
Published: January 2017

Objectives:
Uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) is a rare and aggressive cancer with poor survival. Our purpose was to evaluate the patterns-of-care and overall survival (OS) benefit of adjuvant chemoradiation (aCRT) compared with adjuvant chemotherapy (aCT) among UCS patients.

Methods:
A query was made in the National Cancer Database to identify patients with UCS diagnosed between 2004 and 2012. Factors predictive of OS were determined using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, as well as Kaplan-Meier and log-rank analysis. Propensity-score matching was employed to decrease the potential influence of selection bias.

Results:
A total of 3538 patients were identified for analysis, consisting of 1787 patients (50.5%) receiving aCT and 1751 (49.5%) receiving aCRT. The median age of patients was 65 years. The majority of patients in our cohort were white (68.6%), on Medicare insurance (47.9%), with >5 cm tumor size (59.9%), and received a lymph node surgery (87.9%). The following factors were predictive of aCRT use: undergoing lymph node surgery (odds ratio, 1.59, P=0.01), and FIGO stage II (odds ratio, 1.71, P=0.01). Median survival for the aCT and aCRT groups was 24 months and 31.3 months, respectively. When compared with aCT alone, aCRT was associated with a benefit in OS on multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 0.65, P<0.01).

Conclusions:
When compared with aCT alone, the use of aCRT in UCS patients was associated with a significant OS benefit. Multiple demographic and clinical factors significantly influence the choice of adjuvant therapy in this setting.
Suboptimal Compliance With National Comprehensive Cancer Network Melanoma Guidelines
Authors: Blakely Andrew M. , Comissiong Danielle S. , Vezeridis Michael P. , Miner Thomas J. 
Published: January 2017

Background:
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) melanoma treatment guidelines are based on best available literature. We evaluated NCCN excision margin and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) guideline adherence to identify patient populations at risk for suboptimal care.

Methods:
Retrospective review of prospectively maintained database of all patients who underwent operation for invasive melanoma from January 2005 to 2015.

Results:
In total, 865 patients underwent operation for 522 thin (60.3%), 268 intermediate-thickness (31.0%), and 75 thick (8.7%) melanomas. Tumor location was 349 extremity (40.4%), 348 trunk (40.2%), and 168 head/neck (19.4%). SLNB was performed in 422 patients (48.8%); 75 (17.8%) were positive, and 67 (15.9%) underwent therapeutic lymphadenectomy. A total of 154 lesions (17.8%) were ulcerated; 444 had mitotic rate ≥1 (51.3%). In total, 788 patients (91.1%) fulfilled both NCCN guidelines. Recommended surgical margins were achieved in 837 patients (96.8%) and SLNB was performed as appropriate in 806 patients (93.2%); 10 patients (1.2%) were deficient for both. Deficient margins and lack of SLNB were associated with increased invasion depth and head/neck location; deficient SLNB was associated with age 80 and above (P<0.0001). Overall recurrence was 7.1%: 15 local (1.7%), 23 regional (2.7%), and 23 distant (2.7%) failures. Local recurrence was associated with head/neck location (P=0.031); all recurrence types were associated with increased tumor thickness.

Conclusions:
NCCN excision and SLNB guidelines were almost always met. Patients at risk for not meeting criteria included the elderly and those with head/neck tumors. Failure to meet NCCN criteria was not associated with increased disease recurrence. Surgeons must carefully balance the risks of not pursuing NCCN guidelines with treatment goals.
Dried and free flowing granules of Spinacia oleracea accelerate bone regeneration and alleviate postmenopausal osteoporosis
Authors: Adhikary Sulekha , Choudhary Dharmendra , Ahmad Naseer , Kumar Sudhir , Dev Kapil , Mittapelly Naresh , Pandey Gitu , Mishra Prabhat Ranjan , Maurya Rakesh , Trivedi Ritu 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Objective:
The aim of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of extract derived from Spinacia oleracea extract (SOE) in reversing bone loss induced by ovariectomy and bone healing properties in a drill-hole fracture model in rats.

Methods:
SOE was administered orally for 12 weeks in adult ovariectomized Sprague Dawley rats after inducing osteopenic condition. Bone micro-architecture, expressions of osteogenic and resorptive gene markers, biomechanical strength, new bone formation, and bone turnover markers were studied. Uterine histomorphometry was used to assess estrogenicity. Bone regeneration potential of SOE was assessed in a drill-hole fracture model. Fracture healing was assessed by calcein intensity and micro-CT analysis of callus at fracture region.

Results:
SOE prevented ovariectomy-induced bone loss as evident from 122% increase in bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV) and 29% decline in Tb.Sp in femoral trabecular micro-architecture. This was corroborated by the more than twofold stimulation in the expression of osteogenic genes runt-related transcription factor 2, osterix, osteocalcin, bone morphogenetic protein 2, collagen-1. Furthermore in the fracture healing model, we observed a 25% increase in BV/TV and enhancement in calcein intensity at the fractured site. The extract when converted into dried deliverable Spinaceae oleracea granule (SOG) form accelerated bone regeneration at fracture site, which was more efficient as evident by a 39% increase in BV/TV. Transforming SOE into dried granules facilitated prolonged systemic availability, thus providing enhanced activity for a period of 14 days.

Conclusions:
SOE treatment effectively prevents ovariectomy-induced bone loss and stimulated fracture healing in adult rats. The dried granular form of the extract of Spinaceae oleracea was effective in fracture healing at the same dose.
Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of the New Susanna Glaucoma Drainage Device in Refractory Glaucomas: Short-term Results
Authors: Biteli Luis G. , Prata Tiago S. , Gracitelli Carolina P.B. , Kanadani Fábio N. , Villas Boas Flávia , Hatanaka Marcelo , Paranhos Junior Augusto 
Published: January 2017

Purpose:To assess the efficacy and safety of the new Susanna glaucoma drainage device (SGDD) in patients with neovascular and refractory glaucomas.Materials and Methods:In this prospective study, patients with neovascular glaucoma or refractory glaucomas (defined as eyes with previous trabeculectomy failure) were enrolled. All eyes had to have intraocular pressure (IOP) above 21 mm Hg despite maximum tolerated topical medication, or recent documentation of anatomic and/or functional progression. Patients underwent glaucoma surgery with the new SGDD in a standardized manner. Postoperative visits were performed at days 1 and 7; months 1, 3, and 6; and every 6 months thereafter. Preoperative and postoperative IOP, number of antiglaucoma medications, surgical complications, and any subsequent related events were recorded. Success criteria were: (I) IOP≥6 and ≤21 mm Hg; (II) IOP≥6 and ≤18 mm Hg. Each criterion was classified as complete (without medication) or qualified (with medication).Results:A total of 58 patients with a mean age of 64.3±11.5 years were included [19 with neovascular glaucoma (group 1) and 39 with failure of first trabeculectomy (group 2)]. Overall, mean follow-up was 7.1±3.8 months, and mean IOP was reduced from 31.5±1.6 (range, 18 to 68) mm Hg to 12.6±0.7 (range, 2 to 28) mm Hg at the last follow-up visit (P<0.01). The mean number of antiglaucoma medications used was reduced from 3.4±0.9 to 1.4±1.5 (P<0.01). At 6 months postoperatively, qualified success rates for groups 1 and 2 were 73% and 86%, respectively (considering the stricter criterion). Main complications were 2 cases of conjunctival erosion and 2 cases of late hypotony.Conclusions:Our initial findings suggest that the new SGDD is an effective alternative for managing neovascular and refractory glaucomas, with minor postoperative complications in the short-term.
Determinants of Suicidality and of Treatment Modalities in a Community Psychiatry Sample of Asylum Seekers
Authors: Premand Natacha , Baeriswyl-Cottin Rachel , Gex-Fabry Marianne , Hiller Nikol , Framorando David , Eytan Ariel , Giannakopoulos Panteleimon , Bartolomei Javier 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
A high prevalence of mental illness has been reported in asylum seekers. The present cross-sectional study examined suicidal thoughts, treatment modalities (outpatient crisis intervention, inpatient care), and their determinants in asylum seekers (n = 119) and permanent residents (n = 120) attending the same outpatient clinic in Geneva, Switzerland. The most frequent diagnoses were depressive disorders (64.7%) and posttraumatic stress disorder (34.5%) in asylum seekers and psychotic (55.0%) and depressive disorders (33.3%) in permanent residents. The frequency of suicidal thoughts was similar in both groups (>30%). Asylum seekers benefited from outpatient crisis intervention more frequently than residents did (26.9% vs. 5.8%), whereas inpatient care was less frequent (25.2% vs. 44.2%). In asylum seekers, acute suicidal thoughts were associated with increased frequency of outpatient crisis interventions, and, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, or personality disorders were associated with higher rates of hospitalization. Documenting clinical characteristics and service utilization of asylum seekers is a prerequisite to organizing targeted interventions.
Obesity and skin and soft tissue infections: how to optimize antimicrobial usage for prevention and treatment?
Authors: Grupper Mordechai , Nicolau David P. 
Published: January 2017

Purpose of review
Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are prevalent in the obese population, with rising trend expected. Although numerous antibiotics are available for the prevention and treatment of SSTIs, their characterization in obese patients is not a regulatory mandate. Consequently, information that carries importance for optimizing the dosing regimen in the obese population may not be readily available. This review focuses on the most recent pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data on this topic with attention to cefazolin for surgical prophylaxis as well as antibiotics that are active against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Moreover, the implications for optimizing SSTIs prevention and treatment in the obese population will also be discussed.

Recent findings
On the basis of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic considerations, most studies found a perioperative prophylactic cefazolin regimen of 2 g to be reasonable in the case of obese patients undergoing cesarean delivery or bariatric surgery. There is general paucity of data regarding the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic characteristics of antimicrobials active against MRSA in obese patients, especially for the target tissue. Therapeutic drug monitoring has been correlated with pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic optimization for vancomycin and teicoplanin, and should be used in these cases. There is more supportive evidence for the use of oxazolidinones (linezolid and tedizolid), daptomycin and lipoglycopeptides (telavancin, dalbavancin and oritavancin) in the management of SSTIs in this population.

Summary
The pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic approach, which can be used as a basis or supplement to clinical trials, provides valuable data and decision-making tools for optimizing regimens used for both prevention and treatment of SSTIs in the obese population. Important pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic characteristics of antibiotics, such as the penetration into the subcutaneous tissue and the probability of reaching the pharmacodynamic, target dictate efficacy, and thus should be taken into account and further investigated.
Ultrasound Tomography Evaluation of Breast Density
Authors: O'Flynn Elizabeth A.M. , Fromageau Jeremie , Ledger Araminta E. , Messa Alessandro , D'Aquino Ashley , Schoemaker Minouk J. , Schmidt Maria , Duric Neb , Swerdlow Anthony J. , Bamber Jeffrey C. 
Published: January 2017

Objectives
Ultrasound tomography (UST) is an emerging whole-breast 3-dimensional imaging technique that obtains quantitative tomograms of speed of sound of the entire breast. The imaged parameter is the speed of sound which is used as a surrogate measure of density at each voxel and holds promise as a method to evaluate breast density without ionizing radiation. This study evaluated the technique of UST and compared whole-breast volume averaged speed of sound (VASS) with MR percent water content from noncontrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials and Methods
Forty-three healthy female volunteers (median age, 40 years; range, 29–59 years) underwent bilateral breast UST and MRI using a 2-point Dixon technique. Reproducibility of VASS was evaluated using Bland-Altman analysis. Volume averaged speed of sound and MR percent water were evaluated and compared using Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results
The mean ± standard deviation VASS measurement was 1463 ± 29 m s−1 (range, 1434–1542 m s−1). There was high similarity between right (1464 ± 30 m s−1) and left (1462 ± 28 m s−1) breasts (P = 0.113) (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.98). Mean MR percent water content was 35.7% ± 14.7% (range, 13.2%–75.3%), with small but significant differences between right and left breasts (36.3% ± 14.9% and 35.1% ± 14.7%, respectively; P = 0.004). There was a very strong correlation between VASS and MR percent water density (r
2 = 0.96, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions
Ultrasound tomography holds promise as a reliable and reproducible 3-dimensional technique to provide a surrogate measure of breast density and correlates strongly with MR percent water content.
The K-Technique: A Novel Technique for Laparoscopic Apical Suspension Using Barbed Sutures
Authors: Khalife Tarek , Hanna Rabbie K. 
Published: January 2017

Objectives
Hysterectomy is among the most common gynecologic procedures performed for women, second only to cesarean sections, and the proportion of it performed laparoscopically continues to increase. Addressing apical support at the time of the hysterectomy is crucial to minimizing the risk of posthysterectomy prolapse. Barriers to addressing apical support include the lack of experience in laparoscopic suturing and knot tying that require advanced skills and dexterity. The K-technique is a novel modification of the uterosacral ligament suspension procedure using the knot-less barbed suture technology, rendering suturing easier and quicker to perform.

Method
The vaginal cuff epithelium is closed with 2 unidirectional barbed sutures that are started at the lateral fornices and ran until the midsection. The same sutures will then serially purchase the anterior and posterior vaginal endopelvic fascia and the midsegment of the uterosacral ligament. Two more passes are thrown through the same structures, yet farther laterally, back and forth. A video illustration of the procedure is attached.

Results
Eighteen patients underwent the procedure with no urinary tract injuries documented by cystoscopy and no postoperative morbidity documented during the 6-week postoperative follow-up period. Limited short- and long-term follow-up data are reassuring, but more will be needed to confirm the efficacy of barbed sutures in prolapse repair.

Conclusions
The K-technique combines the conventional uterosacral ligament suspension concept with the ease, effectiveness, and safety of barbed sutures. The technique might aid the surgeon to add the apical vaginal support when indicated.
Feedback traps for virtual potentials
Authors: Gavrilov Momčilo , Bechhoefer John 
Published: January 2017

Feedback traps are tools for trapping and manipulating single charged objects, such as molecules in solution. An alternative to optical tweezers and other single-molecule techniques, they use feedback to counteract the Brownian motion of a molecule of interest. The trap first acquires information about a molecule's position and then applies an electric feedback force to move the molecule. Since electric forces are stronger than optical forces at small scales, feedback traps are the best way to trap single molecules without ‘touching’ them (e.g. by putting them in a small box or attaching them to a tether). Feedback traps can do more than trap molecules: they can also subject a target object to forces that are calculated to be the gradient of a desired potential functionU(x). If the feedback loop is fast enough, it creates avirtual potentialwhose dynamics will be very close to those of a particle in an actual potentialU(x). But because the dynamics are entirely a result of the feedback loop—absent the feedback, there is only an object diffusing in a fluid—we are free to specify and then manipulate in time an arbitrary potentialU(x,t). Here, we review recent applications of feedback traps to studies on the fundamental connections between information and thermodynamics, a topic where feedback plays an even more fundamental role. We discuss how recursive maximum-likelihood techniques allow continuous calibration, to compensate for drifts in experiments that last for days. We consider ways to estimate work and heat, using them to measure fluctuating energies to a precision of ±0.03kTover these long experiments. Finally, we compare work and heat measurements of the costs of information erasure, theLandauer limitofkTln 2 per bit of information erased. We argue that, when you want to know the average heat transferred to a bath in a long protocol, you should measure instead the average work and then infer the heat using the first law of thermodynamics.This article is part of the themed issue ‘Horizons of cybernetical physics’.
Dissipative open systems theory as a foundation for the thermodynamics of linear systems
Authors: Delvenne Jean-Charles , Sandberg Henrik 
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we advocate the use of open dynamical systems, i.e. systems sharing input and output variables with their environment, and the dissipativity theory initiated by Jan Willems as models of thermodynamical systems, at the microscopic and macroscopic level alike. We take linear systems as a study case, where we show how to derive a global Lyapunov function to analyse networks of interconnected systems. We define a suitable notion of dynamic non-equilibrium temperature that allows us to derive a discrete Fourier law ruling the exchange of heat between lumped, discrete-space systems, enriched with the Maxwell–Cattaneo correction. We complete these results by a brief recall of the steps that allow complete derivation of the dissipation and fluctuation in macroscopic systems (i.e. at the level of probability distributions) from lossless and deterministic systems.This article is part of the themed issue ‘Horizons of cybernetical physics’.
Exploring situated ambiguity in students’ entrepreneurial learning
Authors: Kubberød Elin , Pettersen Inger Beate 
Published: January 2017

PurposeBuilding on entrepreneurial learning research, the purpose of this paper is to argue that the students participating in foreign entrepreneurial education programmes can have realistic entrepreneurial learning experiences. This research addresses two specific questions: how situated ambiguity induced by a foreign culture may contribute to contextual entrepreneurial learning in education, and whether ambiguity induced by cross-cultural situated experience can stimulate critical reflection and important learning outcomes in entrepreneurship and increase entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE).Design/methodology/approachThe authors adopted a phenomenological perspective in the research, and used focus group interviews and the critical incident technique to investigate Norwegian master’s students’ experiences of entrepreneurial learning in a long-term practice in an American startup.FindingsThe empirical findings reveal that the students perceived the foreign cultural learning setting as imbued with ambiguity and uncertainty. However, as the students enhanced their understanding of the culture and entrepreneurial milieu through observations and co-participating, they managed to adapt and develop new strategies and methods to cope with the new environment. Eventually, the students became more entrepreneurial and developed their ESE.Practical implicationsThe research demonstrates how educators can design educational programmes that approach real entrepreneurial learning contexts. Nevertheless, the research also displays several ethical dilemmas that educators need to address.Originality/valueThe study delineates a new concept for educational designs called situated ambiguity, which reinforces the essence of situated entrepreneurial learning with cross-cultural learning. This concept offers a promising avenue for educators to approach real entrepreneurial learning in both theory and practice.
An Islamic microfinance business model in Bangladesh
Authors: Hassan Abul , Saleem Shamim 
Published: January 2017

PurposeThe main purpose of this study is two-fold: first, it aims to confirm or disapprove a positive relationship between Islamic microfinance and the socio-economic welfare of women and, second, it aims to explore the perspective in which Islamic microfinance packages function in Bangladesh and the system of their performance can be enhanced.Design/methodology/approachBased on structured questionnaires’ survey, this study addressed two research questions: What should be anticipated from the programmes of Islamic microfinance on the well-being of beneficiaries and under what circumstances would such programmes be more useful?FindingsThe main result of this study shows that growth in women’s revenue and resources played an important role in improving women’s financial freedom and sense of self-possession. A significant policy endorsement in this study is that it is essential to redirect Islamic microfinance to spread in the developmental activities which will drive to contribute towards the well-being of the recipients in the long run.Originality/valueExamination of the Rural Development Scheme of Islami Bank Bangladesh is undertaken, aiming to critically review their Islamic microfinance programme in the matter of fighting poverty in Bangladesh and to suggest to diversify the Islamic microfinance scheme to spread in the developmental activities which will drive to contribute towards the well-being of the recipients in the long run.
Corporate governance, product market competition and firm performance: evidence from Iran
Authors: Moradi Mahdi , Bagherpour Velashani Mohammad Ali , Omidfar Mahdi 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of product market competition and corporate governance on firm’s management performance in the Tehran Stock Exchange market. According to the research literature, the governance mechanisms used in this study consist of ownership structure, structure of the board of directors and capital structure. In addition, Herfindahl–Hirschman Index and market size were used to measure the product market competition.

Design/methodology/approach
This study used one selected sample among the firms in the capital market of Iran from 2004 to 2012.

Findings
The results of this study indicated that there is a significant relation among the major governance mechanisms (including ownership concentration, independence of the board of directors and debt ratio) and product market competition and management performance. The findings of this study also showed that product market competition is effective on the relation between corporate governance and the performance, and this is what has been ignored in most of the conducted studies.

Originality/value
In general, the results of this study supported the idea that product market competition is effective on implementation and efficiency of governance mechanisms.