bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rekanalisierung von Tränenwegsstenosen mittels Laserdakryoplastik unter Verwendung eines Diodenlasers – Vergleich der Erfolgsraten zum Erbium-YAG-Laser
Authors: Stock Ludwig , Ungerechts Ralf , Emmerich Karl-Heinz 
Published: July 2017

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund In einer retrospektiven Studie wurden die Erfolgsraten der Laserdakryoplastik unter Verwendung eines Diodenlasers bestimmt und mit den Erfolgsraten unter Verwendung eines Erbium-YAG-Lasers verglichen. Die Rekanalisation erfolgt mit dem Diodenlaser bei einer Wellenlänge von 980 nm durch thermische Schädigung des Gewebes; der Erbium-YAG-Laser liegt bei einer Wellenlänge von 2940 nm im Bereich des Absorptionsmaximums von Wasser, eine im geschlossenen System sich entwickelnde Kavitationsblase bewirkt die Öffnung punktförmiger Stenosen.
Material und Methode Retrospektiv wurden 94 Patienten (64 Frauen, 30 Männer, Durchschnittsalter 60,8 Jahre) mit 107 absoluten Tränenwegsstenosen in die Auswertung eingeschlossen, die im Jahr 2010 mit einer Laserdakryoplastik mittels eines Diodenlasers behandelt wurden. In Allgemeinanästhesie wurde zunächst eine Dakryoendoskopie der Tränenwege vorgenommen. Dakryoendoskopisch zeigten sich 40 Canaliculusstenosen und 67 Saccusstenosen, die als punktförmige komplette Stenosen für die Öffnung mit dem Diodenlaser indiziert waren. Im Anschluss erfolgte eine bikanalikuläre Tränenwegsintubation mit einem Silikonschlauch, die im Mittel 95 ± 37 Tage belassen wurde. In 75 Fällen wurde zum Zeitpunkt der Tränenwegsextubation 3 Monate postoperativ bei 65 Patienten eine Tränenwegsspülung vorgenommen, im Mittel 12 Monate postoperativ wurden 61 Patienten nach dem Vorliegen von Epiphora und ihrer Zufriedenheit befragt.
Ergebnisse Nach 3 Monaten waren insgesamt 70,7% der Tränenwege spülbar, nach im Mittel 12 Monaten war die Epiphora subjektiv in 62,9% der Fälle aufgehoben oder gebessert, in 60% der Fälle waren die Patienten mit dem Operationsergebnis zufrieden, es zeigte sich nur eine geringe Komplikationsrate. Nach Saccusstenosen waren die Tränenwege mit 78,7% häufiger spülbar als nach Canaliculusstenosen mit 57,2%. Prognostisch günstig waren insbesondere die Fälle, in denen sich im Spülbefund bei klarem Reflux kein Hinweis auf ein entzündliches Geschehen und eine kurze Dauer der Beschwerden fand.
Schlussfolgerung Die Laserdakryoplastik mittels Diodenlaser stellt bei ähnlichen Erfolgsraten wie die Laserdakryoplastik mittels Erbium-YAG-Laser ein komplikationsarmes minimalinvasives Verfahren zur Therapie absoluter punktueller und umschriebener Stenosen im Bereich der Canaliculi und des Tränensacks dar.
Behandlung des retinalen Venenverschlusses – Welche Rolle spielt die Vitrektomie heute noch?
Authors: Feltgen Nicolas , Hansen Lutz , Agostini Hansjürgen 
Published: July 2017

ZusammenfassungChirurgische Verfahren zur Behandlung des retinalen Venenverschlusses hatten ihre Hochzeit Ende des letzten und Anfang dieses Jahrhunderts. Die zu Beginn berichteten und überschwänglich beurteilten Ergebnisse konnten in prospektiven und randomisierten Studien nicht bestätigt werden. Auch reichte der damals beschriebene funktionelle Effekt nicht an den Effekt der heutzutage üblichen Injektionstherapie heran, weshalb die Verfahren mittlerweile zu Recht keine Rolle mehr im klinischen Alltag spielen. Die Verfahren, die theoretischen Überlegungen und die Kritikpunkte an der Vitrektomie, der radiären Optikoneurotomie (RON), der retinalen endovasalen Fibrinolyse (REVL) und der arteriovenösen Dissektion (AVD) sollen in diesem Beitrag besprochen werden.
Language shift or maintenance
Authors: David Maya Khemlani , Ali Mumtaz , Baloch Gul Muhammad 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPakistan is a multilingual country with six major and over 59 minor languages. However, the languages used by the domains of power, (government, corporate sector, media and education), are English and Urdu. Compared to the other regional languages in Pakistan, the Sindhi language has a more emancipated position in the state-run schools and some other domains. The present study seeks to explore the extent to which the use of Sindhi language has been shifted or maintained, and to survey the patterns of language use in certain domains through Fishman’s domain concept for the determination of language shift within the community concerned. A mixed method data collection including questionnaires and in-depth interviews was conducted to find out whether Sindhis in the Sind province of Pakistan maintain their heritage language in specific domains and to ascertain the impact of Pakistan’s language policy on Sindhi language. The results show that Sindhis in Sindh province fully maintain their language and behold sentimental affiliation with it as part of their cultural identity. The Sindhis have successfully uplifted and maintained their language in education and other vital domains. The Sindhi community enjoys a higher ethno-linguistic vitality than the other ethnic groups in Pakistan.
State contestations in constructions of 1Malaysia
Authors: Varghese Mary , Ghazali Kamila 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
This article seeks to contribute to the existing body of knowledge about the
relationship between political discourse and national identity. 1Malaysia,
introduced in 2009 by Malaysia’s then newly appointed 6th Prime Minister Najib
Razak, was greeted with expectation and concern by various segments of the
Malaysian population. For some, it signalled a new inclusiveness that was to
change the discourse on belonging. For others, it raised concerns about changes
to the status quo of ethnic issues. Given the varying responses of society to
the concept of 1Malaysia, an examination of different texts through the critical
paradigm of CDA provide useful insights into how the public sphere has attempted
to construct this notion. Therefore, this paper critically examines the Prime
Minister’s early speeches as well as relevant chapters of the socioeconomic
agenda, the 10th Malaysia Plan, to identify the referential and predicational
strategies employed in characterising 1Malaysia. The findings suggest a notion
of unity that appears to address varying issues.
Ethnolinguistic dilemma and static maintenance syndrome
Authors: Manan Syed Abdul , David Maya Khemlani , Dumanig Francisco Perlas 
Published: July 2017

AbstractOnly two out of over 70 indigenous mother tongues are recognized in schools in Pakistan. This study examines orientations of the governments’ language-in-education policies, and scrutinizes the influence the policies exert on vitality of indigenous mother tongues, and the perceptions of their speakers. Using undergraduate students as samples, the study employed mixed-method for data collection. Linguistic diversity and multilingualism have been looked upon as problem than asset in successive government policies. We find that although indigenous mother tongues enjoy strong roots and oral presence in informal private domains; however, they suffer from acute shrinkage in more literate domains such as schools and different media as majority of respondents passively assimilate towards Urdu and English languages. Language policies and current linguistic hierarchy appear to have exerted appreciable effect on respondents’ attitudinal and cultural orientations. Although, respondents demonstrate sentimental attachment towards their languages as cultural and identity signifiers; however, they overwhelmingly support English and Urdu as their desired languages-in-education leaving their own mother-tongues marginalized. Respondents’ approach is marked by ‘static maintenance syndrome, an attitudinal conundrum, in which they rationalize the ‘supposed inferiority of their languages’ vis-à-vis English (the official) and Urdu (the national) languages. Top-down and bottom-up orientations are characterized by neglect towards linguistic diversity.
An investigation of the blocking and development of empathy in discussions between Muslim and Christian believers
Authors: Richardson Peter 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
This article investigates examples of the blocking or development of empathy in videoed discussions between three pairs of conservative Muslim and Christian believers. The analysis focusses on the use of figurative language in the discussions with the aim of identifying examples of metaphor appropriation, and reveals three types of shared metaphor usage. The first is shared language based on the overlapping semantic fields that Christians and Muslims draw on in order to describe their experience. The second consists of appropriation that appears to contribute to the blocking of empathy through the imposition of narratives with specific assumptions. The third involves discourse convergence and empathy development, demonstrating the potential of this type of discourse format to promote bridge building between particular individuals at specific moments in a discourse.
“Truth is like a vast tree”
Authors: Neary Clara 
Published: July 2017

This article focuses on Gandhi’s use of biblical metaphor in the English translation of his autobiography “The Story of My Experiments with Truth” (1940). The aim of the analysis is to show how Gandhi appropriated Christian ideology to his own life story when presenting it to an English-speaking audience. Given that metaphor use is “seldom neutral” (Semino, 2008, p. 32), underlying conceptual mappings can be revealing, particularly when the same conceptual frame is employed systematically across a text or discourse situation. Analysis of the English translation reveals a use of biblical metaphor which may constitute a deliberate appropriation of Christian ideology. This article suggests potential motivations for this appropriation, linking the text’s metaphor use to Gandhi’s desire to reform Hinduism and intention to counter the rising tide of Hindu-Christian conversion that threatened the success of his campaign for Indian political and spiritual independence.
Immune Cross-Opsonization Withinemm Clusters Following Group AStreptococcus Skin Infection: Broadening the Scope of Type-Specific Immunity
Authors: Frost Hannah R , Laho Delphine , Sanderson-Smith Martina L , Licciardi Paul , Donath Susan , Curtis Nigel , Kado Joseph , Dale James B , Steer Andrew C , Smeesters Pierre R 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundGroup AStreptococcus (GAS) skin infections are particularly prevalent in developing nations. The GAS M protein, by which strains are differentiated into &gt;220 differentemm types, is immunogenic and elicits protective antibodies. A major obstacle for vaccine development has been the traditional understanding that immunity following infection is restricted to a singleemm type. However, recent evidence has led to the hypothesis of immune cross-reactivity betweenemm types.MethodsWe investigated the human serological response to GAS impetigo in Fijian schoolchildren, focusing on 3 majoremm clusters (E4, E6, and D4). Pre- and postinfection sera were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with N-terminal M peptides and bactericidal assays using the infecting-type strain,emm cluster–related strains, and nonrelated strains.ResultsTwenty of the 53 paired sera demonstrated a ≥4-fold increase in antibody titer against the infecting type. When tested against all cluster-related M peptides, we found that 9 of 17 (53%) paired sera had a ≥4-fold increase in antibody titer to cluster-related strains as well. When grouped by cluster, the mean change to cluster-relatedemm types in E4 and E6 was &gt;4-fold (5.9-fold and 19.5-fold, respectively) but for D4 was 3.8-fold. The 17 paired sera were tested in bactericidal assays against selected cluster-related and nonrelated strains. While the responses were highly variable, numerous instances of cross-reactive killing were observed.ConclusionsThese data demonstrate that M type–specific and cross-reactive immune responses occur following skin infection. The cross-reactive immune responses frequently align withemm clusters, raising new opportunities to design multivalent vaccines with broad coverage.
An Upper Limit on the Functional Fraction of the Human Genome
Authors: Graur Dan 
Published: July 2017

AbstractFor the human population to maintain a constant size from generation to generation, an increase in fertility must compensate for the reduction in the mean fitness of the population caused, among others, by deleterious mutations. The required increase in fertility due to this mutational load depends on the number of sites in the genome that are functional, the mutation rate, and the fraction of deleterious mutations among all mutations in functional regions. These dependencies and the fact that there exists a maximum tolerable replacement level fertility can be used to put an upper limit on the fraction of the human genome that can be functional. Mutational load considerations lead to the conclusion that the functional fraction within the human genome cannot exceed 15%.
Similar oyster reproduction across estuarine regions differing in carbonate chemistry
Authors: Ruesink J L , Sarich A , Trimble A C 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
In laboratory studies, shellfish larvae often respond negatively to augmented [CO2], but no prior tests have related wild bivalve larval performance and carbonate chemistry spatiotemporally. The geography of Willapa Bay (Washington, USA) naturally generates two distinct regions of carbonate chemistry where non-native Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) dominate the intertidal fauna and successfully reproduce. On the river-influenced east side, pCO2 is higher and alkalinity lower, which both contribute to reduced aragonite saturation state (Ωaragonite 1.3–1.5) relative to the west side receiving low watershed inputs (Ωaragonite 1.8–1.9). pHsws is also &gt;0.1 lower on the east vs. west sides. Despite this difference in field conditions, no biological signal related to carbonate chemistry was apparent in oyster reproduction based on coupled chemical–biological comparisons over three summers. Instead, survival was equal between the two sides of the bay, and settlement was equal or higher on the low-Ωaragonite, low-pH east side. In a temporal comparison of four larval cohorts, settlement differed by two orders of magnitude and increased with water temperature. These field data on oyster reproduction illustrate that population-level effects may not emerge in higher mean [CO2] conditions, with possible decoupling due to local adaptation, spatio-temporal heterogeneity, or higher sensitivity to other axes of environmental variability such as temperature.
Are participants concerned about privacy and security when using short message service to report product adherence in a rectal microbicide trial?
Authors: Giguere Rebecca , Brown III William , Balán Ivan C , Dolezal Curtis , Ho Titcha , Sheinfil Alan , Ibitoye Mobolaji , Lama Javier R , McGowan Ian , Cranston Ross D , Carballo-Diéguez Alex 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

Objective
During a Phase 2 rectal microbicide trial, men who have sex with men and transgender women (n = 187) in 4 countries (Peru, South Africa, Thailand, United States) reported product use daily via short message service (SMS). To prevent disclosure of study participation, the SMS system program included privacy and security features. We evaluated participants’ perceptions of privacy while using the system and acceptability of privacy/security features.

Materials and Methods
To protect privacy, the SMS system: (1) confirmed participant availability before sending the study questions, (2) required a password, and (3) did not reveal product name or study participation. To ensure security, the system reminded participants to lock phone/delete messages. A computer-assisted self-interview (CASI), administered at the final visit, measured burden of privacy and security features and SMS privacy concerns. A subsample of 33 participants underwent an in-depth interview (IDI).

Results
Based on CASI, 85% had no privacy concerns; only 5% were very concerned. Most were not bothered by the need for a password (73%) or instructions to delete messages (82%). Based on IDI, reasons for low privacy concerns included sending SMS in private or feeling that texting would not draw attention. A few IDI participants found the password unnecessary and more than half did not delete messages.

Discussion
Most participants were not concerned that the SMS system would compromise their confidentiality. SMS privacy and security features were effective and not burdensome.

Conclusion
Short ID-related passwords, ambiguous language, and reminders to implement privacy and security-enhancing behaviors are recommended for SMS systems.
Quality of life of irradiated brain tumor survivors treated with donepezil or placebo: Results of the WFU CCOP research base protocol 91105
Authors: Naughton Michelle J , Case L Douglas , Peiffer Ann , Chan Michael , Stieber Volker , Moore Dennis , Falchuk Steven , Piephoff James , Edenfield William , Giguere Jeffrey , Loghin Monica , Shaw Edward G , Rapp Stephen R 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

Background
The health-related quality of life (HRQL) and fatigue of brain cancer survivors treated with donepezil or placebo for cognitive symptoms after radiation therapy were examined.

Methods
One hundred ninety-eight patients who completed >30 Gy fractionated whole or partial brain irradiation at least 6 months prior to enrollment were randomized to either placebo or donepezil (5 mg for 6 weeks followed by 10 mg for 18 weeks) in a phase 3 trial. A neurocognitive battery, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain (FACT-Br) and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)-fatigue, was administered at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks.

Results
At 12 weeks, donepezil resulted in improvements in only emotional functioning (P = .04), with no significant effects at week 24. Associations by level of baseline cognitive symptoms (above or below the median score of the baseline FACT-Br “additional concerns/brain” subscale), indicated that participants with more baseline symptoms who received donepezil versus placebo, showed improvements in social (P = .02) and emotional well-being (P = .038), other concerns/brain (P = .003) and the FACT-Br total score (P = .004) at 12 weeks, but not 24 weeks. However, participants with fewer baseline symptoms randomized to donepezil versus placebo reported lower functional well-being at both 12 (P = .015) and 24 weeks (P = .009), and greater fatigue (P = .02) at 24 weeks.

Conclusions
The positive impact of donepezil on HRQL was greater in survivors reporting more baseline cognitive symptoms. Donepezil had significantly worse effects on fatigue and functional well-being among participants with fewer baseline symptoms. Future interventions with donepezil should target participants with more baseline cognitive complaints to achieve greater therapeutic impact and lessen potential side effects of treatment.
A Novel 4-Rod Technique Offers Potential to Reduce Rod Breakage and Pseudarthrosis in Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomies for Adult Spinal Deformity Correction
Authors: Gupta Sachin , Eksi Murat Sakir , Ames Christopher P , Deviren Vedat , Durbin-Johnson Blythe , Smith Justin S , Gupta Munish C 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) can be used to treat rigid sagittal plane deformities. Nonunions and rod breakages are known complications of PSO.

OBJECTIVE
To assess outcomes of 2 methods of posterior instrumentation for PSO, traditional 2 rods vs a novel 4-rod technique in which 2 additional rods span only the osteotomy level.

METHODS
This study was a retrospective, radiographic review of consecutive PSOs performed at 2 centers. The primary difference in technique between the centers was the use of 4 rods including 2 independent rods attached only to the vertebral levels immediately adjacent to the PSO (group 1, n = 29 patients) vs the traditional 2-rod technique (group 2, n = 20 patients).

RESULTS
Demographics and preoperative to postoperative radiographic measurements were similar between the study groups, including the PSO wedge resection angle (P = .56). The rod breakage rate was 25% with 2 rods and 0% with 4 rods (P = .008), and the pseudarthrosis rate with 2 rods was 25% and with 4 rods was 3.4% (P = .035). The patient with pseudarthrosis from group 1 had an infection and developed pseudarthrosis only after instrumentation removal. Rates of other complications did not differ significantly between the study groups.

CONCLUSION
This study provides a comparison between 2 techniques for rod placement across a PSO and suggests that the described novel 4-rod technique may help to reduce the rates of pseudarthrosis and rod failure. It will be important to confirm these findings in a prospectively designed study with multiple institutions in order to better control for potentially confounding factors.
Clans, Guilds, and Markets: Apprenticeship Institutions and Growth in the Preindustrial Economy*
Authors: de la Croix David , Doepke Matthias , Mokyr Joel 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn the centuries leading up to the Industrial Revolution, Western Europe gradually pulled ahead of other world regions in terms of technological creativity, population growth, and income per capita. We argue that superior institutions for the creation and dissemination of productive knowledge help explain the European advantage. We build a model of technological progress in a preindustrial economy that emphasizes the person-to-person transmission of tacit knowledge. The young learn as apprentices from the old. Institutions such as the family, the clan, the guild, and the market organize who learns from whom. We argue that medieval European institutions such as guilds, and specific features such as journeymanship, can explain the rise of Europe relative to regions that relied on the transmission of knowledge within closed kinship systems (extended families or clans).
Quality Improvement Initiatives in Sepsis in an Emerging Country: Does the Institution’s Main Source of Income Influence the Results? An Analysis of 21,103 Patients*
Authors: Machado Flavia R. , Ferreira Elaine M. , Sousa Juliana Lubarino , Silva Carla , Schippers Pierre , Pereira Adriano , Cardoso Ilusca M. , Salomão Reinaldo , Japiassu Andre , Akamine Nelson , Mazza Bruno F. , Assunção Murillo S. C. , Fernandes Haggeas S. , Bossa Aline , Monteiro Mariana B. , Caixeita Noemi , Azevedo Luciano C. P. , Silva Eliezer 
Published: July 2017

Objective:We aimed to assess the results of a quality improvement initiative in sepsis in an emerging setting and to analyze it according to the institutions’ main source of income (public or private).Design:Retrospective analysis of the Latin American Sepsis Institute database from 2005 to 2014.Settings:Brazilian public and private institutions.Patients:Patients with sepsis admitted in the participant institutions.Interventions:The quality improvement initiative was based on a multifaceted intervention. The institutions were instructed to collect data on 6-hour bundle compliance and outcomes in patients with sepsis in all hospital settings. Outcomes and compliance was measured for eight periods of 6 months each, starting at the time of the enrollment in the intervention. The primary outcomes were hospital mortality and compliance with 6-hour bundle.Measurements and Main Results:We included 21,103 patients; 9,032 from public institutions and 12,071 from private institutions. Comparing the first period with the eigth period, compliance with the 6-hour bundle increased from 13.5% to 58.2% in the private institutions (p< 0.0001) and from 7.4% to 15.7% in the public institutions (p< 0.0001). Mortality rates significantly decreased throughout the program in private institutions, from 47.6% to 27.2% in the eighth period (adjusted odds ratio, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.32–0.64). However, in the public hospitals, mortality diminished significantly only in the first two periods.Conclusion:This quality improvement initiative in sepsis in an emerging country was associated with a reduction in mortality and with improved compliance with quality indicators. However, this reduction was sustained only in private institutions.