bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An easy and efficient approach for testing identifiability
Authors: Kreutz Clemens 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Motivation
The feasibility of uniquely estimating parameters of dynamical systems from observations is a widely discussed aspect of mathematical modelling. Several approaches have been published for analyzing this so-called identifiability of model parameters. However, they are typically computationally demanding, difficult to perform and/or not applicable in many application settings.

Results
Here, an approach is presented which enables quickly testing of parameter identifiability. Numerical optimization with a penalty in radial direction enforcing displacement of the parameters is used to check whether estimated parameters are unique, or whether the parameters can be altered without loss of agreement with the data indicating non-identifiability. This Identifiability-Test by Radial Penalization (ITRP) can be employed for every model where optimization-based parameter estimation like least-squares or maximum likelihood is feasible and is therefore applicable for all typical systems biology models. The approach is illustrated and tested using 11 ordinary differential equation (ODE) models.

Availability and implementation
The presented approach can be implemented without great efforts in any modelling framework. It is available within the free Matlab-based modelling toolbox Data2Dynamics. Source code is available at https://github.com/Data2Dynamics.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Serious Fall Injury History and Adverse Health Outcomes After Initiating Hemodialysis Among Older U.S. Adults
Authors: Bowling C Barrett , Hall Rasheeda K , Khakharia Anjali , Franch Harold A , Plantinga Laura C 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Background
Although older adults with predialysis chronic kidney disease are at higher risk for falls, the prognostic significance of a serious fall injury prior to dialysis initiation has not been well described in the end-stage renal disease population.

Methods
We examined the association between a serious fall injury in the year prior to starting hemodialysis and adverse health outcomes in the year following dialysis initiation using a retrospective cohort study of U.S. Medicare beneficiaries ≥ 67 years old who initiated dialysis in 2010–2012. Serious fall injuries were defined using diagnostic codes for falls plus an injury (fracture, joint dislocation, or head injury). Health outcomes, defined as time-to-event variables within the first year of dialysis, included four outcomes: a subsequent serious fall injury, hospital admission, post-acute skilled nursing facility (SNF) utilization, and mortality.

Results
Among this cohort of 81,653 initiating hemodialysis, 2,958 (3.6%) patients had a serious fall injury in the year prior to hemodialysis initiation. In the first year of dialysis, 7.6% had a subsequent serious fall injury, 67.6% a hospitalization, 30.7% a SNF claim, and 26.1% died. Those with versus without a serious fall injury in the year prior to hemodialysis initiation were at higher risk (hazard ratio, 95% confidence interval) for a subsequent serious fall injury (2.65, 2.41–2.91), hospitalization (1.11, 1.06–1.16), SNF claim (1.40, 1.30–1.50), and death (1.14, 1.06–1.22).

Conclusions
For older adults initiating dialysis, a history of a serious fall injury may provide prognostic information to support decision making and establish expectations for life after dialysis initiation.
On the 16-Rank of Class Groups of ℚ(√-2p) for Primes p ≡ 1 mod 4
Authors: Koymans Peter , Milovic Djordjo 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe use Vinogradov’s method to prove equidistribution of a spin symbol governing the 16-rank of class groups of quadratic number fields $\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{-2p})$, where p ≡ 1 mod 4 is a prime.
Toward a relational sociology of credit: an exploration of the French literature
Authors: Lazarus Jeanne , Lacan Laure 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis article aims to describe the sociological studies of credit developed in France over the past dozen years. These studies propose a specific method and approach to address credit, primarily understanding it as a result of social interactions embedded in organizational and legal structures, with consequences on inequalities, social stratification, and individuals’ life experiences. The article is divided into four parts: after an introduction presenting what can be called the French school of the sociology of credit, we present the ‘different voice’ of the French school of the sociology of credit, which analyses the credit market according to a relational approach. The third section examines the construction of social domination at the moment of credit assessment. We then focus on the demand side: borrowers are not atomized individuals but part of households and other local communities. Finally, the conclusion discusses how this French approach to credit may be useful outside of France.
Analysis of First-Time Unsuccessful Attempts on the Certified Nurse Educator Examination
Authors: Lundeen John D. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

AIM
This retrospective analysis examined first-time unsuccessful attempts on the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) examination from September 2005 through September 2011 (n = 390).

BACKGROUND
There are few studies examining certification within the academic nurse educator role. There is also a lack of evidence to assist nurse educators in understanding those factors that best support success on the CNE exam.

METHOD
Nonexperimental, descriptive, retrospective correlational design using chi-square test of independence and factorial analyses of variance.

RESULTS
A statistically significant relationship was found between first-time failure and highest degree obtained and institutional affiliation on the CNE exam. There was no statistically significant effect on mean scores in any of the six content areas measured by the CNE exam as related to highest degree or institutional affiliation.

CONCLUSION
The findings from this study support a previous recommendation for faculty development, experience in the role, and doctoral preparation prior to seeking certification.
Why We Became Nurse Educators: Findings From a Nationwide Survey of Current Nurse Educators
Authors: Evans Jane D. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

AIM
The aim of the study was to identify what a national sample of nurse faculty believe will help build the faculty population.

BACKGROUND
The aging population contributes to the need for new nurses while reducing the number of experienced faculty. Retaining faculty and attracting younger faculty are essential.

METHOD
This descriptive study used an online survey. Nurse educators teaching at all levels (n = 940) were asked to rate the effectiveness of attraction, recruitment, and retention strategies. This article reports on responses to one of the survey’s open-ended question; a content analysis was conducted to develop a narrative description about why respondents chose nursing education.

RESULTS
Respondents wanted to teach in a stimulating yet flexible work environment, hoped to influence the profession, had been influenced by educators, and sought change and challenge in their careers.

CONCLUSION
Faculty find nursing academia satisfying and rewarding, but noncompetitive compensation and unsatisfactory work environments can eclipse satisfiers.
Efficacy and Safety of Sodium Picosulfate/Magnesium Citrate for Bowel Preparation in a Physically Disabled Outpatient Population: A Randomized, Endoscopist-Blinded Comparison With Ascorbic Acid-Enriched Polyethylene Glycol Solution Plus Bisacodyl (The PICO-MOVI Study)
Authors: Mathus-Vliegen Elisabeth M.H. , van der Vliet Karin , Wignand-van der Storm Inge J. , Stadwijk John S. 
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND:
Because of its volume, adequate bowel preparation remains problematic in physically unfit patients.

OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to compare a small-volume sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate preparation with a 2-L ascorbic acid-enriched polyethylene glycol solution plus bisacodyl.

DESIGN:
This study has a noninferiority design, assuming that ascorbic acid-enriched polyethylene glycol solution plus bisacodyl is 70% efficacious in achieving an Ottawa score ≤7 and accepting a difference in success rate of <15% with a target enrollment of 146 patients per group.

SETTING:
This study was conducted in an outpatient department.

PATIENTS:
Patients referred for diagnostic colonoscopy were randomly assigned. Key exclusion criteria were severe kidney disease, ASA class ≥III, and hospital admission.

INTERVENTION:
Patients were randomly assigned to receive sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate or ascorbic acid-enriched polyethylene glycol solution plus bisacodyl according to a split-dose regimen. Patients in the sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate group received advice on the recommended 4-L fluid intake. Patients in the ascorbic acid-enriched polyethylene glycol solution plus bisacodyl group received 2 bisacodyl tablets 2 days before and advice on the additionally recommended 2-L fluid intake.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
To assess bowel-cleansing adequacy, the Ottawa, Aronchick, and Boston scores were used. Colonoscopy quality measures were obtained. Safety was assessed for a 30-day follow-up period.

RESULTS:
Overall, 341 patients (169 men, mean age 57.0 years; BMI 26.2 kg/m2) were included. Comorbidities were present in 76.2% of patients, and 75.4% of patients used medication. An adequate Ottawa score was obtained in 81.4% and 75.8% of patients receiving ascorbic acid-enriched polyethylene glycol solution plus bisacodyl and sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate (difference of 5.6% (95% CI, −3.5 to −14.6; p = 0.023)), showing noninferiority of the sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate therapy. Ottawa segmental scores were lower for sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate in the right and transverse colon. In both groups, successful ileocecal intubation was achieved in 95%. No medication-related adverse events were reported.

LIMITATIONS:
These results in a physically disabled ambulant population cannot be extrapolated to immobile, hospitalized patients.

CONCLUSIONS:
Sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate proved to be noninferior to ascorbic acid-enriched polyethylene glycol solution plus bisacodyl in efficacy and safety. Timing of the colonoscopy and addition of bisacodyl to sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate warrants further consideration. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A461.
Outcomes of Closed Versus Open Defects After Local Excision of Rectal Neoplasms: A Multi-institutional Matched Analysis
Authors: Lee Lawrence , Althoff Ashley , Edwards Kimberley , Albert Matthew R. , Atallah Sam B. , Hunter Iain A. , Hill James , Monson John R.T. 
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND:The management of the rectal wall defect after local excision of rectal neoplasms remains controversial, and the existing data are equivocal.OBJECTIVE:This study aimed to determine the effect of open versus closed defects on postoperative outcomes after local excision of rectal neoplasms.DESIGN:Data from 3 institutions were analyzed. Propensity score matching was performed in one-to-one fashion to create a balanced cohort comparing open and closed defects.SETTINGS:This study was conducted at high-volume specialist referral hospitals.PATIENTS:Adult patients undergoing local excision via transanal endoscopic surgery from 2004 to 2016 were included. Patients were assigned to open- and closed-defect groups, and further stratified by full- or partial-thickness excision.INTERVENTION:Closure of the rectal wall defect was performed at the surgeon’s discretion.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:The primary outcome measured was the incidence of 30-day complications.RESULTS:A total of 991 patients were eligible (593 full-thickness excision with 114 open and 479 closed, and 398 partial-thickness excision with 263 open and 135 closed). After matching, balanced cohorts consisting of 220 patients with full-thickness excision and 210 patients with partial-thickness excision were created. Operative time was similar for open and closed defects for both full-and partial-thickness excision. The incidence of 30-day complications was similar for open and closed defects after full- (15% vs. 12%,p= 0.432) and partial-thickness excision (7% vs 5%,p= 0.552). The total number of complications was also similar after full- or partial-thickness excision. Patients undergoing full-thickness excision with open defects had a higher incidence of clinically significant bleeding complications (9% vs 3%,p= 0.045).LIMITATIONS:Data were obtained from 3 institutions with different equipment and perioperative management over a long time period.CONCLUSIONS:There was no difference in overall complications between open and closed defects for patients undergoing local excision of rectal neoplasms, but there may be more bleeding complications in open defects after full-thickness excision. A selective approach to defect closure may be appropriate. SeeVideo Abstractat http://links.lww.com/DCR/A470.
Rescue Diverting Loop Ileostomy: An Alternative to Emergent Colectomy in the Setting of Severe Acute Refractory IBD-Colitis
Authors: Russell Tara A. , Dawes Aaron J. , Graham Danielle S. , Angarita Stephanie A.K. , Ha Christina , Sack Jonathan 
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND:
Severe acute refractory colitis has traditionally been an indication for emergent colectomy in IBD, yet under these circumstances patients are at elevated risk for complications because of their heightened inflammatory state, nutritional deficiencies, and immunocompromised state.

OBJECTIVE:
We hypothesized that rescue diverting loop ileostomy may be a viable alternative to emergent colectomy, providing the opportunity for colonic healing and patient optimization before more definitive surgery.

DESIGN:
This was a retrospective case series.

SETTINGS:
The study was conducted at a single academic center.

PATIENTS:
Patients with severe acute medically refractory IBD-related colitis were included.

INTERVENTION:
Rescue diverting loop ileostomy was the intervening procedure.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
The primary outcome was avoidance of urgent/emergent colectomy. The secondary outcome was efficacy, defined by 3 clinical aims: 1) reduced steroid dependence or opportunity for bridge to medical rescue, 2) improved nutritional status, and 3) ability to undergo an elective laparoscopic definitive procedure or ileostomy reversal with colon salvage.

RESULTS:
Among 33 patients, 14 had Crohn’s disease and 19 had ulcerative colitis. Three patients required urgent/emergent colectomy, 2 with ulcerative colitis and 1 with Crohn’s disease. Across both disease cohorts, >80% of patients achieved each clinical aim for efficacy: 88% reduced their steroid dependence or were able to bridge to medical rescue, 87% improved their nutritional status, and 82% underwent an elective laparoscopic definitive procedure or ileostomy reversal. A total of 4 patients (11.7%) experienced a postoperative complication following diversion, including 3 surgical site infections and 1 episode of acute kidney injury.

LIMITATIONS:
The study was limited by being a single-center, retrospective series.

CONCLUSIONS:
Rescue diverting loop ileostomy in the setting of severe, refractory IBD–colitis is a safe and effective alternative to emergent colectomy. This procedure has acceptably low complication rates and affords patients time for medical and nutritional optimization before definitive surgical intervention. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A520.
Pathogen Clearance and New Respiratory Tract Infections Among Febrile Children in Zanzibar Investigated With Multitargeting Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction on Paired Nasopharyngeal Swab Samples
Authors: Elfving Kristina , Shakely Deler , Andersson Maria , Baltzell Kimberly , Msellem Mwinyi I. , Björkman Anders , Mårtensson Andreas , Petzold Max , Trollfors Birger , Lindh Magnus 
Published: January 2018

Background:
New molecular methods have revealed frequent and often polymicrobial respiratory infections in children in low-income settings. It is not known whether presence of multiple pathogens is due to prolonged infections or to frequent exposure. The aim of this study was to analyze short-term pathogen clearance from nasopharynx and the rate of new respiratory tract infections in febrile preschool children.

Methods:
Children (n = 207) with uncomplicated acute febrile illness 2–59 months of age presenting to a health center in Zanzibar, Tanzania, April–July 2011, were included. Paired nasopharyngeal swab samples, collected at enrolment and after 14 days, were analyzed by multiple real-time polymerase chain reaction for Adenovirus, bocavirus, Bordetella pertussis, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Coronaviruses, Enterovirus, influenza A and B virus, metapneumovirus, measles virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, parainfluenza virus, Parechovirus, respiratory syncytial virus and Rhinovirus. An age-matched and geographically matched healthy control group (n = 166) underwent nasopharyngeal sampling on 1 occasion.

Results:
At baseline, 157/207 (76%) patients had at least 1 pathogen detected, in total 199 infections. At follow-up (day 14), 162/199 (81%) of these infections were not detected, including >95% of the previously detected infections with Enterovirus, influenza A virus, influenza B virus, metapneumovirus or parainfluenza virus. Still 115 (56%) children were positive for at least 1 pathogen at follow-up, of which 95/115 (83%) were not found at baseline. Detection of influenza B on day 14 was significantly associated with fever during follow-up.

Conclusion:
The results suggest that children with acute febrile illness in Zanzibar rapidly clear respiratory tract infections but frequently acquire new infections within 14 days.
Update on the Role of Actovegin in Musculoskeletal Medicine: A Review of the Past 10 Years
Authors: Brock James , Golding David , Smith Paul M. , Nokes Len , Kwan Alvin , Lee Paul Y. F. 
Published: January 2018

Background:
Actovegin is a biological drug with a controversial history of use in the treatment of sports injuries during the past 60 years. Particular concerns have been raised about its ergogenic potential to enhance performance, but some of these have been based on little more than anecdote.

Objectives:
In this article, we review the most recent scientific evidence to determine the clinical efficacy, safety profile, and legal status of Actovegin.

Methods:
We considered all studies directly commenting on experience with Actovegin use as the primary intervention within the past 10 years. Outcomes included mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy in enhancing muscle repair, any report of safety issues, and any evidence for ergogenic effect.

Results:
Our database search returned 212 articles, abstracts were screened, and after inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied, 25 articles were considered: Publications included 11 primary research articles (7 in vitro studies and 4 clinical trials), 8 review articles, 5 editorials, and a single case report.

Conclusions:
Current literature is still yet to define the active compound(s) of Actovegin, but suggests that it shows antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties, and may also upregulate macrophage responses central to muscle repair. Clinical efficacy was supported by one new original research article, and the use of Actovegin to treat muscle injuries remains safe and supported. Two articles argued the ergogenic effect of Actovegin, but in vitro findings did not to translate to the outcomes of a clinical trial. An adequate and meaningful scientific approach remains difficult in a field where there is immense pressure to deliver cutting-edge therapies.
Impact of Computed Tomography Evaluation Before Colonoscopy for the Management of Colonic Diverticular Hemorrhage
Authors: Ichiba Toshihisa , Hara Masahiko , Miyahara Koji , Urashima Masaki , Shintani Ayumi , Naitou Hiroshi , Higashi Reiji 
Published: January 2018

Goals:
The purpose of this study was to investigate and summarize our experience of a standardized strategy using computed tomography (CT) followed by colonoscopy for the assessment of colonic diverticular hemorrhage with focus on a comparison of CT and colonoscopy findings in patients with colonic diverticular hemorrhage.

Background:
Colonic diverticular hemorrhage is usually diagnosed by colonoscopy, but it is difficult to identify the responsible bleeding point among many diverticula.

Study:
We retrospectively included 257 consecutive patients with colonic diverticular hemorrhage. All patients underwent a CT examination before colonoscopy. All-cause mortality and rebleeding-free rate after discharge were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier analysis and compared using the log-rank test.

Results:
In CT examinations, 184 patients (71.6%) had definite diverticular hemorrhage with 31.9% showing intraluminal high-density fluid on plain CT, 39.7% showing extravasation, and 31.1% showing arteriovenous increase of extravasation on enhanced CT. In colonoscopy, 130 patients (50.6%) showed endoscopic stigmata of bleeding with 12.1% showing active bleeding, 17.1% showing a nonbleeding visible vessel, and 21.4% showing an adherent clot. A comparison of the locations of bleeding in CT and colonoscopy showed that the agreement rate was 67.3%, and the disagreement rate was 0.8% when the lesion was identified by both modalities patients with definite diverticular hemorrhage identified by CT had a longer hospital stay, higher incidences of hemodynamic instability and rebleeding events than did patients with presumptive diverticular hemorrhage.

Conclusion:
CT evaluation before colonoscopy can be a good option for managing patients with colonic diverticular hemorrhage.
How to Reliably Assess Nodal Status in Distal Pancreatectomy for Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Faron Matthieu , Vuarnesson Hélène , Boher Jean-Marie , Bachellier Philippe , Sauvanet Alain , Sa Cunha Antonio , Le Treut Yves-Patrice , Mabrut Jean-Yves , Delpero Jean-Robert , Paye François 
Published: January 2018

Objectives
The optimal number of lymph nodes that need to be analyzed to reliably assess nodal status in distal pancreatectomy for adenocarcinoma is still unknown.

Methods
Two hundred seventy-eight patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy for adenocarcinoma were retrieved from a retrospective French nationwide database. The relations between the number of analyzed lymph nodes and the nodal status of the tumor were studied. The beta-binomial law was used to estimate the probability of being truly node negative depending on the number of analyzed lymph nodes. Cox proportional hazard model was used for the survival analysis.

Results
The median number of analyzed lymph nodes was 15. There was a positive correlation between the number of positive lymph nodes and the number of lymph nodes analyzed. The curve reached a plateau at approximately 25 lymph nodes. The beta binomial model demonstrated that an analysis of 21 negative lymph nodes shows a probability to be truly N0 at 95%. N+ status was associated with survival, but the number of lymph node analyzed was not.

Conclusion
At least 21 lymph nodes should be analyzed to ensure a reliable assessment of the nodal status, but this number may be hard to reach in distal pancreatectomy.