bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of multiple sclerosis and sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Atula S , Sinkkonen ST , Saat R , Sairanen T , Atula T 
Published: June 2016

Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) may affect other cranial nerves besides the optic nerve. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), possibly caused by a deficit in the auditory tract, including the vestibulocochlear nerve, is sometimes associated with MS. Objectives We aimed to assess the incidence of SSHL among MS patients, its frequency as an initial symptom of MS, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings associated with SSHL in MS. Methods We collected retrospectively all patients diagnosed with MS and SSHL at the Helsinki University Hospital between 2004 and 2014. Patients with both diagnoses were re-evaluated using hospital medical records, audiograms and head MRI scans. Results A total of 2736 patients were diagnosed with MS, 1581 patients with SSHL, and 18 patients (0.7% of all MS patients) with both; two patients presented with SSHL as an initial symptom of MS. The annual incidence of SSHL was 59.8/100 000 (95% confidence interval (CI) 37.7–94.9) in MS patients, and 12.4/100 000 (95% CI 11.8–13.0) in the normal population. Conclusion SSHL is a rare symptom of MS and is even less frequent as an initial symptom. Its incidence in MS patients, however, markedly exceeds that in the normal population.
Viral infection in community-acquired pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Burk Michael , El-Kersh Karim , Saad Mohamed , Wiemken Timothy , Ramirez Julio , Cavallazzi Rodrigo 
Published: June 2016

The advent of PCR has improved the identification of viruses in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Several studies have used PCR to establish the importance of viruses in the aetiology of CAP.We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the studies that reported the proportion of viral infection detectedviaPCR in patients with CAP. We excluded studies with paediatric populations. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with viral infection. The secondary outcome was short-term mortality.Our review included 31 studies. Most obtained PCRvianasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab. The pooled proportion of patients with viral infection was 24.5% (95% CI 21.5–27.5%). In studies that obtained lower respiratory samples in >50% of patients, the proportion was 44.2% (95% CI 35.1–53.3%). The odds of death were higher in patients with dual bacterial and viral infection (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.32–3.31).Viral infection is present in a high proportion of patients with CAP. The true proportion of viral infection is probably underestimated because of negative test results from nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab PCR. There is increased mortality in patients with dual bacterial and viral infection.
Body mass index and blood glucose in psychiatric and general practice populations
Authors: McAvoy Sarah , Cordiner Matthew , Kelly Jackie , Chiwanda Laura , Jefferies Christine , Miller Kirsteen , Shajahan Polash 
Published: June 2016

Aims and methodUsing a retrospective observational approach, we aimed to discern whether there was a difference in metabolic parameters between psychiatric and general practice populations in the same locality. Second, we aimed to establish differences in metabolic parameters of patients taking olanzapine, clozapine or aripiprazole.ResultsPatients with psychiatric illness had a body mass index (BMI) comparable to that of the general practice population (28.7 v. 29.7 kg/m2), but blood glucose was significantly lower in the general practice population (4.8 v. 6.1 mmol/L). Olanzapine was associated with the lowest BMI (26.1 kg/m2) and aripiprazole the highest (32.2 kg/m2), with no difference in blood glucose between antipsychotics.Clinical implicationsAwareness of environmental factors and how they affect individuals is important and medications are not the only cause of metabolic effects. There may be a channelling bias present, meaning practitioners are cognisant of potential metabolic effects prior to prescribing. Overall monitoring of physical health is important regardless of potential cause.
Prescribing clozapine and rifampicin: clinical impact of their interaction
Authors: Parker Caroline 
Published: June 2016

SummaryThe predictable pharmacokinetic drug interaction between clozapine and rifampicin is listed in most standard reference texts but little detail is given or emphasis on its clinical significance. The interaction is based on theoretical knowledge of both drugs; to date just two case reports have been published. This article describes a third case demonstrating the significance of this interaction. This was potentially devastating for the patient who required an extended psychiatric admission. The enzyme induction was so potent that the dose of clozapine had to be increased approximately sixfold. Careful management of this significant interaction is essential for effective patient care.
Examination of Broad Symptom Improvement Resulting From Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lengacher Cecile A. , Reich Richard R. , Paterson Carly L. , Ramesar Sophia , Park Jong Y. , Alinat Carissa , Johnson-Mallard Versie , Moscoso Manolete , Budhrani-Shani Pinky , Miladinovic Branko , Jacobsen Paul B. , Cox Charles E. , Goodman Matthew , Kip Kevin E. 
Published: June 2016

Purpose The purpose of this randomized trial was to evaluate the efficacy of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Breast Cancer (MBSR[BC]) program in improving psychological and physical symptoms and quality of life among breast cancer survivors (BCSs) who completed treatment. Outcomes were assessed immediately after 6 weeks of MBSR(BC) training and 6 weeks later to test efficacy over an extended timeframe. Patients and Methods A total of 322 BCSs were randomly assigned to either a 6-week MBSR(BC) program (n = 155) or a usual care group (n = 167). Psychological (depression, anxiety, stress, and fear of recurrence) and physical symptoms (fatigue and pain) and quality of life (as related to health) were assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks. Linear mixed models were used to assess MBSR(BC) effects over time, and participant characteristics at baseline were also tested as moderators of MBSR(BC) effects. Results Results demonstrated extended improvement for the MBSR(BC) group compared with usual care in both psychological symptoms of anxiety, fear of recurrence overall, and fear of recurrence problems and physical symptoms of fatigue severity and fatigue interference (P < .01). Overall effect sizes were largest for fear of recurrence problems (d = 0.35) and fatigue severity (d = 0.27). Moderation effects showed BCSs with the highest levels of stress at baseline experienced the greatest benefit from MBSR(BC). Conclusion The MBSR(BC) program significantly improved a broad range of symptoms among BCSs up to 6 weeks after MBSR(BC) training, with generally small to moderate overall effect sizes.
Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline
Authors: Sohal Davendra P.S. , Mangu Pamela B. , Khorana Alok A. , Shah Manish A. , Philip Philip A. , O’Reilly Eileen M. , Uronis Hope E. , Ramanathan Ramesh K. , Crane Christopher H. , Engebretson Anitra , Ruggiero Joseph T. , Copur Mehmet S. , Lau Michelle , Urba Susan , Laheru Daniel 
Published: June 2016

Purpose To provide evidence-based recommendations to oncologists and others for the treatment of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Methods American Society of Clinical Oncology convened an Expert Panel of medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, gastroenterology, palliative care, and advocacy experts to conduct a systematic review of the literature from April 2004 to June 2015. Outcomes were overall survival, disease-free survival, progression-free survival, and adverse events. Results Twenty-four randomized controlled trials met the systematic review criteria. Recommendations A multiphase computed tomography scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis should be performed. Baseline performance status and comorbidity profile should be evaluated. Goals of care, patient preferences, treatment response, psychological status, support systems, and symptom burden should guide decisions for treatments. A palliative care referral should occur at first visit. FOLFIRINOX (leucovorin, fluorouracil, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin; favorable comorbidity profile) or gemcitabine plus nanoparticle albumin-bound (NAB) -paclitaxel (adequate comorbidity profile) should be offered to patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) 0 to 1 based on patient preference and support system available. Gemcitabine alone is recommended for patients with ECOG PS 2 or with a comorbidity profile that precludes other regimens; the addition of capecitabine or erlotinib may be offered. Patients with an ECOG PS ≥ 3 and poorly controlled comorbid conditions should be offered cancer-directed therapy only on a case-by-case basis; supportive care should be emphasized. For second-line therapy, gemcitabine plus NAB-paclitaxel should be offered to patients with first-line treatment with FOLFIRINOX, an ECOG PS 0 to 1, and a favorable comorbidity profile; fluorouracil plus oxaliplatin, irinotecan, or nanoliposomal irinotecan should be offered to patients with first-line treatment with gemcitabine plus NAB-paclitaxel, ECOG PS 0 to 1, and favorable comorbidity profile, and gemcitabine or fluorouracil should be offered to patients with either an ECOG PS 2 or a comorbidity profile that precludes other regimens. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/guidelines/MetPC and www.asco.org/guidelineswiki .
Exosomes secreted by mesenchymal stem cells promote endothelial cell angiogenesis by transferring miR-125a
Authors: Liang Xiaolei , Zhang Lina , Wang Shihua , Han Qin , Zhao Robert Chunhua 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACT
Angiogenesis plays crucial roles in various physiological processes including wound healing and tissue repair. It requires a tight interaction between endothelial cells and their surrounding environment. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), one of the non-endothelial cell types present in the perivascular environment, have been shown to secret exosomes to modulate intercellular communications between MSCs and their target cells. In this study, we initially isolated exosomes secreted by human adipose-derived MSCs (adMSC-Exo) and examined their roles in angiogenesis. We found that adMSC-Exo could be taken up by endothelial cells and significantly promote angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Further study showed that miR-125a was enriched in adMSC-Exo, and repressed the expression of the angiogenic inhibitor delta-like 4 (DLL4) by targeting its 3′ untranslated region. Additionally, adMSC-Exo and its exosomal transferred miR-125a could repress DLL4 expression and modulate endothelial cell angiogenesis through promoting formation of endothelial tip cells. In conclusion, our study indicates that adMSC-Exo can transfer miR-125a to endothelial cells and promote angiogenesis by repressing DLL4. adMSC-Exo, as a pro-angiogenic factor, might be a promising candidate for therapeutical tissue repair.
Increasing both the public health potential of basic research and the scientist satisfaction. An international survey of bio-scientists
Authors: Sorrentino Carmen , Boggio Andrea , Confalonieri Stefano , Hemenway David , Scita Giorgio , Ballabeni Andrea 
Published: June 2016

Basic scientific research generates knowledge that has intrinsic value which is independent of future applications. Basic research may also lead to practical benefits, such as a new drug or diagnostic method. Building on our previous study of basic biomedical and biological researchers at Harvard, we present findings from a new survey of similar scientists from three countries. The goal of this study was to design policies to enhance both the public health potential and the work satisfaction and test scientists’ attitudes towards these factors. The present survey asked about the scientists’ motivations, goals and perspectives along with their attitudes concerning policies designed to increase both the practical (i.e. public health) benefits of basic research as well as their own personal satisfaction. Close to 900 basic investigators responded to the survey; results corroborate the main findings from the previous survey of Harvard scientists. In addition, we find that most bioscientists disfavor present policies that require a discussion of the public health potential of their proposals in grants but generally favor softer policies aimed at increasing the quality of work and the potential practical benefits of basic research. In particular, bioscientists are generally supportive of those policies entailing the organization of more meetings between scientists and the general public, the organization of more academic discussion about the role of scientists in the society, and the implementation of a “basic bibliography” for each new approved drug.
Treatment of pathological fractures of the long bones
Authors: Willeumier Julie J. , van der Linden Yvette M. , van de Sande Michiel A.J. , Dijkstra P.D. Sander 
Published: June 2016

Bone metastases of the long bones often lead to pain and pathological fractures. Local treatment consists of radiotherapy or surgery. Treatment strategies are strongly based on the risk of the fracture and expected survival. Diagnostic work-up consists of CT and biopsy for diagnosis of the primary tumour, bone scan or PET-CT for dissemination status, patient history and blood test for evaluation of general health, and biplanar radiograph or CT for evaluation of the involved bone. A bone lesion with an axial cortical involvement of >30 mm has a high risk of fracturing and should be stabilised surgically. Expected survival should be based on primary tumour type, performance score, and presence of visceral and cerebral metastases. Radiotherapy is the primary treatment for symptomatic lesions without risk of fracturing. The role of post-operative radiotherapy remains unclear. Main surgical treatment options consist of plate fixation, intramedullary nails and (endo) prosthesis. The choice of modality depends on the localisation, extent of involved bone, and expected survival. Adjuvant cement should be considered in large lesions for better stabilisation.Cite this article: Willeumier JJ, van der Linden YM, van de Sande MAJ, Dijkstra PDS. Treatment of pathological fractures of the long bones. EFORT Open Rev 2016;1:136–145. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.1.000008.
Evaluating physical function and activity in the elderly patient using wearable motion sensors
Authors: Grimm Bernd , Bolink Stijn 
Published: June 2016

Wearable sensors, in particular inertial measurement units (IMUs) allow the objective, valid, discriminative and responsive assessment of physical function during functional tests such as gait, stair climbing or sit-to-stand. Applied to various body segments, precise capture of time-to-task achievement, spatiotemporal gait and kinematic parameters of demanding tests or specific to an affected limb are the most used measures. In activity monitoring (AM), accelerometry has mainly been used to derive energy expenditure or general health related parameters such as total step counts. In orthopaedics and the elderly, counting specific events such as stairs or high intensity activities were clinimetrically most powerful; as were qualitative parameters at the ‘micro-level’ of activity such as step frequency or sit-stand duration. Low cost and ease of use allow routine clinical application but with many options for sensors, algorithms, test and parameter definitions, choice and comparability remain difficult, calling for consensus or standardisation.Cite this article: Grimm B, Bolink S. Evaluating physical function and activity in the elderly patient using wearable motion sensors. EFORT Open Rev 2016;1:112–120. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.1.160022.
Communicative and cultural memory as a micro-meso-macro relation
Authors: Heinrich Horst-Alfred , Weyland Verena 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
The model of fluid transition of memory from the individual to the collective level and vice versa as proposed by Jan and Aleida Assmann can be considered a great progress in social theory. However, the ways in which both memory dimensions reciprocally influence each other have not been theorized sufficiently yet. In this article we propose a theoretical process through which collective memory at the macro level influences the individual’s memory and through which memory at the individual micro level may become a part of the collective memories. This process can be considered as an exchange taking place at the meso level and can be exemplified by the public discourse within the Web 2.0. It is assumed that the Web 2.0 provides a forum that aggregates individuals’ perceptions and interpretations of the past on the one hand (bottom‑up) and disseminates the meaning of a society’s dominant commemoration figures on the other hand (top‑down). Here, Wikipedia with its articles about history together with its discussion function is seen as a crucial example of collective memory presented by the Web 2.0. Therefore, within this paper, Wikipedia is theoretically integrated as an intermediary institution located at the meso level.
Political memory and symbolic boundaries: Czech presidential speeches after 1989
Authors: Kalenda Jan , Karger Tomáš 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
In general terms, this study is concerned with the use of political memory in the processes of creating, maintaining and transforming symbolic boundaries and the role political memory plays with regard to legitimization of state policies. The aim of the study is to show on both theoretical and empirical levels how the concept of political memory could be fruitfully combined with that of symbolic boundaries. To achieve this, the study draws on analysis of various types of material related to a historical event that in the Czech context bears special relevance – World War I and the establishment of the independent Czechoslovak state after its end. The focal point for analysis was presidential speeches from the period 1990 to 2013, but the analysis also included their media coverage to indicate contextual information. The study identifies basic oppositions present in political memory related to the war events and shows how these oppositions serve as basis for drawing symbolic boundaries, which eventually translate to particular state policies.
The child witness and cultural memory in European war cinema
Authors: Keene Judith 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Historians and cultural theorists have recognized the power of cinema to provide narratives that give shape and coherence to the past. The trope of the child witness has had a particular provenance in European cinema that has chronicled war and trauma. This article tracks the ways in which the device has been employed and re-employed since World War II, chronicling the social and psychological legacies of war violence: in Europe and in Italy after World War II; in Spain during the early years of the Franco dictatorship; and in Spanish cinema after three decades of democracy.
EFFECTS OF LYSINE SUPPLEMENTATION ON PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS AND MINERAL RETENTION OF BROILER CHICKENS FED RAW BENNE SEED BASED DIETS
Authors: Akanji A. M. , Fasina O. E. 
Published: June 2016

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of raw benne seed (RBS, Sesamum indicum) with or without lysine supplementation on the performance characteristics and mineral retention of broiler chickens. The feeding trial lasted for 56 days. One hundred and forty unsexed day old broiler chicks (Marshall strain) were used for the study. RBS was incorporated into the diets at 15% and 30% levels and supplemented with 0%, 0.25% and 0.5% of lysine, respectively. Average weekly feed intake in birds fed the control diet and 15% RBS based diet supplemented with 0.25 % and 0.5% lysine were not significantly different, but significantly (P
Detection of Sentence Boundaries in Polish Based on Acoustic Cues
Authors: Igras Magdalena , Ziółko Bartosz 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
In this article the authors investigated and presented the experiments on the sentence boundaries annotation from Polish speech using acoustic cues as a source of information. The main result of the investigation is an algorithm for detection of the syntactic boundaries appearing in the places of punctuation marks. In the first stage, the algorithm detects pauses and divides a speech signal into segments. In the second stage, it verifies the configuration of acoustic features and puts hypotheses of the positions of punctuation marks. Classification is performed with parameters describing phone duration and energy, speaking rate, fundamental frequency contours and frequency bands. The best results were achieved for Naive Bayes classifier. The efficiency of the algorithm is 52% precision and 98% recall. Another significant outcome of the research is statistical models of acoustic cues correlated with punctuation in spoken Polish.
Speech Recognition in an Enclosure with a Long Reverberation Time
Authors: Kociński Jędrzej , Ozimek Edward 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
The aim of this work was to measure subjective speech intelligibility in an enclosure with a long reverberation time and comparison of these results with objective parameters. Impulse Responses (IRs) were first determined with a dummy head in different measurement points of the enclosure. The following objective parameters were calculated with Dirac 4.1 software: Reverberation Time (RT), Early Decay Time (EDT), weighted Clarity (C50) and Speech Transmission Index (STI). For the chosen measurement points, a convolution of the IRs with the Polish Sentence Test (PST) and logatome tests was made. PST was presented at a background of a babble noise and speech reception threshold - SRT (i.e. SNR yielding 50% speech intelligibility) for those points were evaluated. A relationship of the sentence and logatome recognition vs. STI was determined. It was found that the final SRT data are well correlated with speech transmission index (STI), and can be expressed by a psychometric function. The difference between SRT determined in condition without reverberation and in reverberation conditions appeared to be a good measure of the effect of reverberation on speech intelligibility in a room. In addition, speech intelligibility, with and without use of the sound amplification system installed in the enclosure, was compared.
Study on Descriptors of Acoustic Emission Signals Generated by Partial Discharges under Laboratory Conditions and in On-Site Electrical Power Transformer
Authors: Kunicki Michał , Cichoń Andrzej , Borucki Sebastian 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
An acoustic emission method (AE) is widespread and often applied for partial discharge (PD) diagnostics, mainly due to its ease of application as well as noninvasiveness and relatively high sensitivity. This paper presents comparative analysis of AE signals measurement results archived under laboratory conditions as well as on-site actual AE signals generated by inside PDs in electrical power transformer during its normal service. Three different PD model sources are applied for laboratory research: point to point, multipoint to plate and surface type. A typical measuring set up commonly used for on-site transformer PD diagnostics is provided for the laboratory tasks: piezoelectric joint transducer, preamplifier, amplifier and measuring PC interface. During the on-site research there are three measuring tracks applied simultaneously. Time domain, time-frequency domain and statistical tools are used for registered AE signals analysis. A number of descriptors are proposed as a result of the analysis. In the paper, at- tempt of AE signals descriptors, archived under laboratory condition application possibilities for on-site PD diagnostics of power transformers during normal service is made.