bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonparametric Analysis of Bivariate Gap Time With Competing Risks
Authors: Huang Chiung-Yu , Wang Chenguang , Wang Mei-Cheng 
Published: March 2016

Summary
This article considers nonparametric methods for studying recurrent disease and death with competing risks. We first point out that comparisons based on the well-known cumulative incidence function can be confounded by different prevalence rates of the competing events, and that comparisons of the conditional distribution of the survival time given the failure event type are more relevant for investigating the prognosis of different patterns of recurrence disease. We then propose nonparametric estimators for the conditional cumulative incidence function as well as the conditional bivariate cumulative incidence function for the bivariate gap times, that is, the time to disease recurrence and the residual lifetime after recurrence. To quantify the association between the two gap times in the competing risks setting, a modified Kendall's tau statistic is proposed. The proposed estimators for the conditional bivariate cumulative incidence distribution and the association measure account for the induced dependent censoring for the second gap time. Uniform consistency and weak convergence of the proposed estimators are established. Hypothesis testing procedures for two-sample comparisons are discussed. Numerical simulation studies with practical sample sizes are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed nonparametric estimators and tests. An application to data from a pancreatic cancer study is presented to illustrate the methods developed in this article.
Simultaneous Inference on Treatment Effects in Survival Studies with Factorial Designs
Authors: Lin Dan-Yu , Gong Jianjian , Gallo Paul , Bunn Paul H. , Couper David 
Published: March 2016

SummaryA clinical trial with a factorial design involves randomization of subjects to treatment A or and, within each group, further randomization to treatment B or . Under this design, one can assess the effects of treatments A and B on a clinical endpoint using all patients. One may additionally compare treatment A, treatment B, or combination therapy to . With multiple comparisons, however, it may be desirable to control the overall type I error, especially for regulatory purposes. Because the subjects overlap in the comparisons, the test statistics are generally correlated. By accounting for the correlations, one can achieve higher statistical power compared to the conventional Bonferroni correction. Herein, we derive the correlation between any two (stratified or unstratified) log-rank statistics for a factorial design with a survival time endpoint, such that the overall type I error for multiple treatment comparisons can be properly controlled. In addition, we allow for adjustment of prognostic factors in the treatment comparisons and conduct simultaneous inference on the effect sizes. We use simulation studies to show that the proposed methods perform well in realistic situations. We then provide an application to a recently completed randomized controlled clinical trial on alcohol dependence. Finally, we discuss extensions of our approach to other factorial designs and multiple endpoints.
The feminization of school hypothesis called into question among junior and high school students
Authors: Verniers Catherine , Martinot Delphine , Dompnier Benoît 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundThe feminization of school hypothesis suggests that boys underachieve in school compared to girls because school rewards feminine characteristics that are at odds with boys’ masculine features.AimsThe feminization of school hypothesis lacks empirical evidence. The aim of this study was to test this hypothesis by examining the extent to which school demands are actually associated with female more than male students.Sample and methodA large sample of 1,954 students (1,115 girls and 839 boys) from grades seven, nine, 10, and 12 took part in the study. The participants were asked to rate the extent to which various characteristics valued in the school setting were exhibited by girls or boys who succeed in school.ResultsThree sets of characteristics related to school success emerged from the analyses: compliance, assertiveness, and effort/intelligence. Compliance and effort/intelligence were associated with the girls more than with the boys, while assertiveness was associated with the boys more than with the girls.ConclusionThe feminization of school hypothesis received weak support. This study discusses the limits of this hypothesis to explain boys’ underachievement in comparison with girls.
Investigating variables predicting Turkish pre‐service teachers’ integration of ICT into teaching practices
Authors: Aslan Aydın , Zhu Chang 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPre‐service teachers need to acquire information and communications technology (ICT) competency in order to integrate ICT into their teaching practices. This research was conducted to investigate to what extent ICT‐related variables—such as perceived ICT competence, perceived competence in ICT integration, attitudes toward ICT, anxiety around ICT usage, external barriers to ICT integration, ICT‐related courses, pedagogical knowledge, and prior experience concerning the use of ICT—predict the dependent variable “integration of ICT into teaching practices” for pre‐service teachers. Data were gathered from 599 pre‐service teachers from the subject areas of Turkish language, social sciences, elementary mathematics, and science in their fourth year of training programs. The study indicated that pedagogical knowledge, ICT‐related courses, and perceived ICT competence significantly predicted integration of ICT into teaching practice. These three variables predicted and accounted for 17% of the integration of ICT into teaching practices. The findings of this study showed that pre‐service teacher‐training programs, especially pedagogical knowledge and ICT‐related courses, have a significant effect in enabling pre‐service teachers to use ICT in their teaching practices.
Anti‐leukaemic effects induced by APR‐246 are dependent on induction of oxidative stress and the NFE2L2/HMOX1 axis that can be targeted by PI3K and mTOR inhibitors in acute myeloid leukaemia cells
Authors: Ali Dina , Mohammad Dara K. , Mujahed Huthayfa , Jonson‐Videsäter Kerstin , Nore Beston , Paul Christer , Lehmann Sören 
Published: March 2016

SummaryThe small molecule APR‐246 (PRIMA‐1MET) is a novel drug that restores the activity of mutated and unfolded TP53 protein. However, the mechanisms of action and potential off‐target effects are not fully understood. Gene expression profiling in TP53 mutant KMB3 acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cells showed that genes which protected cells from oxidative stress to be the most up‐regulated. APR‐246 exposure also induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and depleted glutathione in AML cells. The genes most up‐regulated by APR‐246, confirmed by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, were heme oxygenase‐1 (HMOX1, also termed HO‐1), SLC7A11 and RIT1. Up‐regulation of HMOX1, a key regulator of cellular response to ROS, was independent of TP53 mutational status. NFE2L2 (also termed Nrf2), a master regulator of HMOX1 expression, showed transcriptional up‐regulation and nuclear translocation by APR‐246. Down‐regulation of NFE2L2 by siRNA in AML cells significantly increased the antitumoural effects of APR‐246. The PI3K inhibitor wortmannin and the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin inhibited APR‐246‐induced nuclear translocation of NFE2L2 and counteracted the protective cellular responses to APR‐246, resulting in synergistic cell killing together with APR‐246. In conclusion, ROS induction is important for antileukaemic activities of APR‐246 and inhibiting the protective response of the Nrf‐2/HMOX1 axis using PI3K inhibitors, enhances the antileukaemic effects.
Allogeneic transplantation provides durable remission in a subset of DLBCL patients relapsing after autologous transplantation
Authors: Fenske Timothy S. , Ahn Kwang W. , Graff Tara M. , DiGilio Alyssa , Bashir Qaiser , Kamble Rammurti T. , Ayala Ernesto , Bacher Ulrike , Brammer Jonathan E. , Cairo Mitchell , Chen Andy , Chen Yi‐Bin , Chhabra Saurabh , D'Souza Anita , Farooq Umar , Freytes Cesar , Ganguly Siddhartha , Hertzberg Mark , Inwards David , Jaglowski Samantha , Kharfan‐Dabaja Mohamed A. , Lazarus Hillard M. , Nathan Sunita , Pawarode Attaphol , Perales Miguel‐Angel , Reddy Nishitha , Seo Sachiko , Sureda Anna , Smith Sonali M. , Hamadani Mehdi 
Published: March 2016

SummaryFor diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients progressing after autologous haematopoietic cell transplantation (autoHCT), allogeneic HCT (alloHCT) is often considered, although limited information is available to guide patient selection. Using the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) database, we identified 503 patients who underwent alloHCT after disease progression/relapse following a prior autoHCT. The 3‐year probabilities of non‐relapse mortality, progression/relapse, progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 30, 38, 31 and 37% respectively. Factors associated with inferior PFS on multivariate analysis included Karnofsky performance status (KPS) <80, chemoresistance, autoHCT to alloHCT interval <1‐year and myeloablative conditioning. Factors associated with worse OS on multivariate analysis included KPS<80, chemoresistance and myeloablative conditioning. Three adverse prognostic factors were used to construct a prognostic model for PFS, including KPS<80 (4 points), autoHCT to alloHCT interval <1‐year (2 points) and chemoresistant disease at alloHCT (5 points). This CIBMTR prognostic model classified patients into four groups: low‐risk (0 points), intermediate‐risk (2‐5 points), high‐risk (6‐9 points) or very high‐risk (11 points), predicting 3‐year PFS of 40, 32, 11 and 6%, respectively, with 3‐year OS probabilities of 43, 39, 19 and 11% respectively. In conclusion, the CIBMTR prognostic model identifies a subgroup of DLBCL patients experiencing long‐term survival with alloHCT after a failed prior autoHCT.
A qualitative investigation into the experiences of having a parent with a learning disability
Authors: Hewitt Olivia , Clarke Angela 
Published: March 2016

Accessible Summary

More people with a learning disability are becoming parents.

We wanted to find out what it was like to have a parent with a learning disability.

People told us about the good things about their parents. They also told us some difficult things about their childhood.

We have ideas about how services can help families when a parent has a learning disability.

AbstractBackground: More people with a learning disability are becoming parents. Little is known about the lived experiences of the children who have a parent with a learning disability.Methods: This study uses interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to understand the lived experiences of people who have a parent with a learning disability. Five people who have a parent with a learning disability were asked about their experiences of being parented and their childhood more generally.Results: Four themes emerged from the interviews: 1) ‘Fitting in’ within the wider family system, 2) The parental relationship and the impact of disability, 3) A difficult childhood and 4) Resilience.Conclusions: These findings are compared with the existing literature, and similarities and emerging findings are noted. Implications for services when supporting families with a parent who has a learning disability are discussed. Additional ideas about areas that require additional research are identified.
Pathologic aerophagia: a rare but important medical condition in people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Wong Wendy , Sajith Sreedharan Geetha 
Published: March 2016

Accessible Summary

Pathologic aerophagia is a rare but important medical condition that occur more frequently in people with intellectual disabilities.

It is characterised by repeated air swallowing resulting in progressive abdominal distension and flatulence, and sometimes it can cause serious and life‐threatening complications.

Here, we present a literature on diagnosis and management of pathologic aerophagia and describe presentation of this condition in a 23‐year‐old male diagnosed with severe intellectual disability and autism.

AbstractBackground: Pathologic aerophagia (PA) is characterised by excessive swallowing of air resulting in significant abdominal distension or belching. This is a relatively rare condition in general population but has been reported in up to 8.8% of institutionalised patients with intellectual disability. In severe cases, this can cause volvulus and ileus, and even intestinal perforation. Currently, there is limited information on this potentially life‐threatening condition, particularly for people with intellectual disability. In this study, we aim to present a literature of diagnosis and management of PA and describe a case of PA in an adult with intellectual disability and autism.Methods: A literature search of electronic database was performed using specific keywords.Results: Apart from a few small controlled trials on pharmacotherapy, most of the studies were case series or uncontrolled studies. The understanding on pathophysiology is incomplete but is thought to involve a reflex‐induced movement of upper oesophageal sphincter and may be associated with anxiety or stress. A comprehensive history and physical examination as well as an abdominal radiograph may be helpful in diagnosis. Medications that are helpful include antacids, anti‐reflux drugs and benzodiazepines. Surgical treatment may be required in severe cases. A case of an adult patient with intellectual disability and PA is discussed to highlight the challenges in diagnosis and management.Conclusions: PA is not uncommon in people with intellectual disability and can pose challenges in the assessment and management. Further studies are necessary to provide evidence‐based treatment guidelines for the management of this condition particularly in patients with intellectual disability.
The role of collaboration in the cognitive development of young children: a systematic review
Authors: Sills J. , Rowse G. , Emerson L.‐M. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundCollaboration is a key facilitator of cognitive development in early childhood; this review evaluates which factors mediate the impact of collaborative interactions on cognitive development in children aged 4–7 years.MethodsA systematic search strategy identified relevant studies (n = 21), which assessed the role of ability on the relationship between collaboration and cognitive development. Other factors that interact with ability were also assessed: gender, sociability/friendship, discussion, age, feedback and structure.ResultsImmediate benefits of collaboration on cognitive development are highlighted for same‐age peers. Collaborative interactions are beneficial for tasks measuring visual perception, problem‐solving and rule‐based thinking, but not for word‐reading and spatial perspective‐taking. Collaboration is particularly beneficial for lower‐ability children when there is an ability asymmetry. High‐ability children either regressed or did not benefit when paired with lower‐ability participants.ConclusionsOverall, the studies included within this review indicate that brief one‐off interactions can have a significant, positive effect on short‐term cognitive development in children of infant school age. The longer‐term advantages of collaboration are still unclear. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
The international migration of dentists: directions for research and policy
Authors: Balasubramanian Madhan , Brennan David Simon , Spencer A. John , Short Stephanie Doris 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn 2010, the World Health Organization Global Code of Practice for International Recruitment of Health Personnel (the WHO Code) was adopted by the 193 Member States of the WHO. The WHO Code is a tool for global diplomacy, providing a policy framework to address the challenges involved in managing dentist migration, as well as improving the retention of dental personnel in source countries. The WHO Code recognizes the importance of migrant dentist data to support migration polices; minimum data on the inflows, outflows and stock of dentists are vital. Data on reasons for dentist migration, job satisfaction, cultural adaptation issues, geographic distribution and practice patterns in the destination country are important for any policy analysis on dentist migration. Key challenges in the implementation of the WHO Code include the necessity to coordinate with multiple stakeholders and the lack of integrated data on dentist migration and the lack of shared understanding of the interrelatedness of workforce migration, needs and planning. The profession of dentistry also requires coordination with a number of private and nongovernmental organizations. Many migrant dentist source countries, in African and the South‐Asian WHO Regions, are in the early stages of building capacity in dentist migration data collection and research systems. Due to these shortcomings, it is prudent that developed countries take the initiative to pursue further research into the migration issue and respond to this global challenge.
Ocular myasthenia gravis with anti‐muscle‐specific tyrosine kinase antibodies: Two new cases and a systematic literature review
Authors: Kamada Masaki , Nakane Shunya , Matsui Naoko , Higuchi Osamu , Sakai Waka , Fujita Koji , Izumi Yuishin , Matsuo Hidenori , Kaji Ryuji 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectiveMany myasthenia gravis (MG) patients with anti‐muscle‐specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibodies have prominent oculobulbar symptoms or weaknesses of the neck and respiratory muscles. An ocular form of MG having anti‐MuSK antibodies (MuSK‐OMG) is very rare. We review the clinical features of two such cases.MethodsWe reviewed cases of patients with an ocular form of MG having anti‐MuSK antibodies, including two new cases.ResultsWe found seven published cases, plus two cases described in this report. The mean age at onset of these nine patients was 37.0 ± 17.7 years, and the mean disease duration (from ocular MG onset to report) was 47.0 ± 43.1 months. The clinical courses appeared benign, but heterogeneous. Five of the patients responded to pyridstigmine. Four patients received immunotherapy, which resulted in improvement. Our two patients had mild ocular symptoms. One patient was stable with no immunosuppressive treatment, and the other patient was treated with prednisolone and tacrolimus.ConclusionsCases of an ocular form of MG having anti‐MuSK antibodies do exist. The benign clinical courses and pharmacological responses to cholinesterase inhibitors imply that the antibodies might have different pathogenicities and specificities from those of MuSK‐generalized MG. The presence of anti‐MuSK antibodies should therefore be determined in ocular MG patients negative for anti‐acetylcholine receptor antibodies.
Influence of reconstruction algorithms on image quality in SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging
Authors: Davidsson Anette , Olsson Eva , Engvall Jan , Gustafsson Agnetha 
Published: March 2016

SummaryIntroductionWe investigated if image‐ and diagnostic quality in SPECT MPI could be maintained despite a reduced acquisition time adding Depth Dependent Resolution Recovery (DDRR) for image reconstruction. Images were compared with filtered back projection (FBP) and iterative reconstruction using Ordered Subsets Expectation Maximization with (IRAC) and without (IRNC) attenuation correction (AC).Materials and methodsStress‐ and rest imaging for 15 min was performed on 21 subjects with a dual head gamma camera (Infinia Hawkeye; GE Healthcare), ECG‐gating with 8 frames/cardiac cycle and a low‐dose CT‐scan. A 9 min acquisition was generated using five instead of eight gated frames and was reconstructed with DDRR, with (IRACRR) and without AC (IRNCRR) as well as with FBP. Three experienced nuclear medicine specialists visually assessed anonymized images according to eight criteria on a four point scale, three related to image quality and five to diagnostic confidence. Statistical analysis was performed using Visual Grading Regression (VGR).ResultsObserver confidence in statements on image quality was highest for the images that were reconstructed using DDRR (P<0·01 compared to FBP). Iterative reconstruction without DDRR was not superior to FBP. Interobserver variability was significant for statements on image quality (P<0·05) but lower in the diagnostic statements on ischemia and scar. The confidence in assessing ischemia and scar was not different between the reconstruction techniques (P = n.s.).ConclusionSPECT MPI collected in 9 min, reconstructed with DDRR and AC, produced better image quality than the standard procedure. The observers expressed the highest diagnostic confidence in the DDRR reconstruction.
Patients on state organ donor registries receive similar levels of intensive care compared to those who are not: an opportunity to increase public intent to donate
Authors: Patel Madhukar S. , Raza Shariq S. , Bhakta Akash , Ewing Tyler , Bukur Marko , Vagefi Parsia A. , Salim Ali , Malinoski Darren J. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe intent to donate organs is affected by the public perception that patients on state registries receive less aggressive life‐saving care in order to allow organ donation to proceed. However, the association between first person authorization to donate organs and the actual care received by eventual organ donors in hospitals is unknown. From August 2010 to April 2011, all eight organ procurement organizations in United Network for Organ Sharing Region 5 prospectively recorded demographic data and organ utilization rates on all donors after neurologic determination of death (DNDDs). Critical care and physiologic parameters were also recorded at referral for imminent neurologic death and prior to authorization for donation to reflect the aggressiveness of provided care. There were 586 DNDDs and 23% were on a state registry. Compared to non‐registered DNDDs, those on state registries were older but were noted to have similar critical care parameters at both referral and authorization. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in organs procured per donor or organs transplanted per donor between registered and non‐registered DNDDs. Thus, DNDDs who are on state donor registries receive similar levels of intensive care compared to non‐registered donors. The association noted in this study may therefore help to dispel a common misperception that decreases the intent to donate.