bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postoperative seizure control in patients with tumor‐associated epilepsy
Authors: Neal Andrew , Morokoff Andrew , O'Brien Terence John , Kwan Patrick 
Published: September 2016

SummaryObjectiveThe patterns of postoperative seizure control and response to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in tumor‐associated epilepsy (TAE) are poorly understood. We aim to document these characteristics in patients with supratentorial gliomas.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of 186 patients with supratentorial gliomas. Seizure patterns were classified into four groups: A, no postoperative seizure; B, early postoperative seizure control within 6 months; C, fluctuating seizure control; and D, never seizure‐free. Rates and duration of seizure freedom, subsequent seizure relapse, and response to AED were analyzed.ResultsAmong patients included, 49 (26.3%) had grade II, 28 (15.1%) had grade III, and 109 (58.6%) had grade IV glioma. Outcome pattern A was observed in 95 (51.1%), B in 22 (11.8%), C in 45 (24.2%), and D in 24 (12.9%). One hundred nineteen patients had at least one seizure and were classified as having TAE. Compared to pattern A, pattern B was predicted by histologic progression; pattern C by tumor grade, preoperative seizure, and histologic progression, and pattern D by preoperative seizure and gross total resection. Among patients with TAE, 57.5% of grade II, 68.2% of grade III, and 26.3% of grade IV experienced a period of 12‐month seizure freedom. After first 12‐month seizure remission, 39.1%, 60.0%, and 13.3% of grade II, III, and IV gliomas, respectively, experienced subsequent seizure; 22.6% of those with TAE reached terminal seizure freedom of at least 12 months on their first postoperative AED regimen, 6.5% on their second regimen, and 5.4% on subsequent regimens.SignificanceDistinct patterns of postoperative seizure control exist in gliomas; they have specific risk factor profiles, and we hypothesize these correspond to unique pathogenic mechanisms. Twelve‐month seizure freedom with subsequent relapse is frequent in grade II–III gliomas. Response to AEDs is markedly poorer than with non‐TAE, highlighting the complex epileptogenicity of gliomas.
Ghrelin accelerates wound healing in combined radiation and wound injury in mice
Authors: Liu Cong , Hao Yuhui , Huang Jiawei , Li Hong , Yang Zhangyou , Zeng Yiping , Liu Jing , Li Rong 
Published: September 2016

AbstractImpaired wound healing caused by radiation happens frequently in clinical practice, and the exact mechanisms remain partly unclear. Various countermeasures have been taken to tackle with this issue. Ghrelin was considered as a potent endogenous growth hormone‐releasing peptide, and its role in enhancing wound repair and regeneration was firstly investigated in whole‐body irradiated (γ‐ray) mice in this study. Collagen deposition and neovascularization were mostly discussed. The results demonstrated that ghrelin administration promoted cutaneous wound healing in irradiated mice, followed with reduced average wound closure time, increased spleen index (SI) and improved haematopoiesis. After isolation and analysis of granulation tissues in combined radiation and wound injury (CRWI) mice treated with and without ghrelin, a phenomenon of increased DNA, hexosamine, nitrate and nitrite synthesis, elevated collagen content and enhanced neovascularization was observed after ghrelin treatment. Western blotting indicated that ghrelin also increased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), both responsible for wound healing. However, previous administration of growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHS‐R1a) blocker blunted these therapeutic effects of ghrelin on CRWI mice. Our results identify ghrelin as a novel peptide that could be used for radiation‐induced impaired wound healing.
IL‐36γ has proinflammatory effects on human endothelial cells
Authors: Bridgewood Charlie , Stacey Martin , Alase Adewonuola , Lagos Dimitris , Graham Anne , Wittmann Miriam 
Published: September 2016

AbstractInterleukin‐36 cytokines are predominantly expressed by epithelial cells. Significant upregulation of epidermal IL‐36 is now a recognised characteristic of psoriatic skin inflammation. IL‐36 is known to induce inflammatory responses in dendritic cells, fibroblasts and epithelial cells. Although vascular alterations are a hallmark of psoriatic lesions and dermal endothelial cells are well known to play a critical role in skin inflammation, the effects of IL‐36 on endothelial cells are unexplored.We here show that endothelial cells including dermal microvascular cells express a functionally active IL‐36 receptor. Adhesion molecules VCAM‐1 and ICAM‐1 are upregulated by IL‐36γ stimulation, and this is reversed by the presence of the endogenous IL‐36 receptor antagonist. IL‐36γ‐stimulated endothelial cells secrete the proinflammatory chemokines IL‐8, CCL2 and CCL20. Chemotaxis assays showed increased migration of T‐cells following IL‐36γ stimulation of endothelial cells. These results suggest a role for IL‐36γ in the dermal vascular compartment, and it is likely to enhance psoriatic skin inflammation by activating endothelial cells and promoting leucocyte recruitment.
Inferring spatial structure from population genetics and spatial synchrony in demography of Baltic Sea fishes: implications for management
Authors: Östman Örjan , Olsson Jens , Dannewitz Johan , Palm Stefan , Florin Ann‐Britt 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe spatial structure of species is important for their dynamics and evolution, but also for management and conservation. There are numerous ways of inferring spatial structures, and information from multiple methods is becoming more common to examine how different processes shape the spatial structures of species to improve fish management. Here, we investigate the spatial structure of a suite of Baltic Sea fish species based on the following: (i) spatial (presumably neutral) genetic differentiation, reviewed from the literature, and (ii) spatial synchrony in abundance changes from time series of fishery‐independent surveys, which we currently find to be underused given the amount of data available. For each of these two methods, species were classified as having a distinct, continuous or no/weak spatial structure. In addition, based on each source of information, we estimated the spatial scale of management units for species. The results show that only among species confined to the coastal zone the two sources of information yielded a congruence of the spatial structure (displaying a continuous spatial structure). In contrast, offshore species show weak spatial genetic structure but stronger spatial structure of synchrony in abundance. Based on this, we suggest that population genetic structure and synchrony in abundance should be used as complementary information as they reflect different spatial processes and suggest that management actions should differ with respect to scale depending on the management targets applied. We propose similar analysis should be applied to areas outside the Baltic Sea, and other stock identification methods, to improve management of fish resources.
Alignment of World Language Standards and Assessments: A Multiple Case Study
Authors: Kaplan Carolyn Shemwell 
Published: September 2016

AbstractPrevious research has examined world language classroom‐based assessment practices as well as the impact of the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century (National Standards in Foreign Language Education Project, 1999) on practice. However, the extent to which K–12 teachers’ assessment practices reflect national and state standards has not been made clear. This article presents a multiple case study examining how the classroom‐based assessments used by four secondary world language teachers provided insight into students’ progress toward achieving the competencies that are specified by Ohio's Learning Standards for 9–12 World Language Programs and the five goal areas as they were described in the 1999 version of the nationally accepted standards framework. Qualitative analysis of assessment artifacts and interview transcripts showed that assessments principally targeted presentational writing and interpretive reading and that some assessments did not directly align with any of the goals or standards. Findings provide continuing evidence to support the results of the Standards Impact Survey (ACTFL, 2011) and have implications for world language teachers’ professional development needs and the role of standards in world language education.
Mapping the global state of invasive alien species: patterns of invasion and policy responses
Authors: Turbelin Anna J. , Malamud Bruce D. , Francis Robert A. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAimTo use global databases to (1) provide a visualization of global geographical patterns of species invasions, origins and pathways and (2) depict the international uptake of legislative and policy responses to invasive alien species (IAS).LocationGlobal.MethodsPatterns of recorded species invasions and pathways of introduction were mapped and visualized using data from the Global Invasive Species Database (GISD) and the CABI Invasive Species Compendium (CABI ISC), along with associated legal instruments relevant to IAS compiled from the ECOLEX database. A novel indicator of the asymmetry between each country's ‘ingress/egress’ of IAS (kappa, Κ), was developed to further explore spatial patterns.ResultsSubstantial variation in the spatial patterns of invasion was determined, with the Global North, some newly industrialized countries and small tropical islands being the main recipients of IAS and asymmetry (Κ) being highest in New World countries and small islands. Of the 1517 recorded IAS, 39% were introduced only intentionally and 26% only unintentionally, 22% both intentionally and unintentionally, while 13% had no information available. The dominant pathway for species invasions was horticulture and the nursery trade, with 31% of the species introduced outside of their natural geographical range. Large increases in legislation on IAS have occurred since the 1990s, particularly for those countries that have high numbers of species invasions.Main conclusionsClear global patterns in the distributions of IAS are determined, supporting arguments emphasizing the role of colonial history, economic development and trade in driving the human‐mediated movement of species. Dominant pathways for species invasions are similar across different regions. Policy responses towards IAS show an increasing desire from the international community to act on species invasions. Current patterns suggest that Africa and Central Asia are priority areas for future IAS research and control.
Method Development and Optimisation of Sodium Peroxide Sintering for Geological Samples
Authors: Bokhari Syed Nadeem Hussain , Meisel Thomas C. 
Published: September 2016

This work provides a measurement procedure for the complete digestion of rock samples containing refractory minerals such as zircon and chromite. Their dissolution by wet acid digestion is often incomplete but, although providing complete digestions, alkali fusion techniques can result in solutions with a high blank and total dissolved solid content. It was established by the systematic study with reference material trachyandesite MTA‐1 that a 1:6 sample to sodium peroxide (Na2O2) ratio is conservative for the complete digestion and recovery of all the analytes especially those contained in zircon. The sample decomposition time was 120 min for the zircon‐bearing rhyolite reference material MRH‐1. Complete digestion of chromite was obtained in the harzburgite RM MUH‐1. The sample solutions were stable for at least 1 year. Accurate measurements of SiO2, Al2O3, TiO2, P2O5 and K2O could be made with ICP‐MS by not discarding the supernatant of the sinter solution and by using geological reference materials for external calibration. HF digestions are slow, not universal, and may form new mineral/phases that are insoluble under high temperature conditions. The validated sample decomposition procedure combined with ICP‐MS presents an alternative to the use of HF in routine analysis of difficult to digest geological materials.
The CLOCK trial, a double‐blinded randomized controlled trial: Trisodium citrate 30% and minocycline 3 mg/mL plus EDTA 30 mg/mL are effective and safe for catheter patency maintenance among CKD 5D patients on hemodialysis
Authors: Luiz Marcus V. S. João , Scavone Cristoforo , Tzanno Carmen 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIntroduction: Poor blood flow rate (PF) is highly prevalent among CKD 5D patients with long‐term central venous catheters. Heparin catheter lock solutions are commonly used to maintain catheter patency, however the incidence of PF remains high. The purpose of the CLOCK Trial was to evaluate two catheter lock solutions on reduction of PF incidence.Methods: Seventy‐five CKD 5D patients on high‐efficiency hemodialysis at the Integrated Centre of Nephrology (Guarulhos, Brazil) were randomized 1:1:1 to receive a lock solution combining minocycline 3 mg/mL with the anticoagulant/chelation agent EDTA 30 mg/mL (M‐EDTA) or heparin 1000 IU/mL (H) or trisodium citrate 30% (TSC) vs. Hfor 15 weeks. A total of 68 patients completed the trial in which both investigators and patients were blinded to treatment allocation. The primary end‐point was the occurrence of hydraulic resistance and secondary safety end‐point was adverse drug reactions related to the lock solutions.Findings: At the beginning of the trial, 7 patients were excluded from this trial due to their poor catheter care. The incidence of hydraulic resistance was significantly higher among patients on H (18/23) compared to TSC (4/22) and M‐EDTA (2/23) lock solutions, (P < 0.001).Discussion: The CLOCK Trial suggests TSC and M‐EDTA may preserve catheter patency better than H. TSC may be a better option due the lack of association with long‐term antimicrobial resistance.
Genetic variant in DICER gene is associated with prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in a Chinese cohort
Authors: Wang Zhao , Wang Jiaxiang , Wang Qun , Wang Jiachen , Yuan Jiaxiang , Si Yaqing 
Published: September 2016

AimMicroRNAs (miRNAs) function as gene regulators and play crucial roles in the pathogenesis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Genetic variants in miRNA processing genes may affect miRNA expression and contribute to HCC risk and survival. We hypothesized that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNA processing genes may be associated with HCC susceptibility and prognosis. The study aims to verify whether this hypothesis is right or not.MethodsWe first genotyped the selected three SNPs in miRNA processing genes (RAN rs3803012 A>G, HIWI rs10773771 T>C, and DICER rs1057035 T>C) in 312 HCC patients and 320 cancer‐free controls using the TaqMan assay, and evaluated the associations of the three SNPs with HCC risk. We also investigated the effect of the three SNPs on the overall survival of 312 HCC patients.ResultsThere were no significant associations between the three SNPs (RAN rs3803012 A>G, HIWI rs10773771 T>C, and DICER rs1057035 T>C) and HCC risk. However, HCC patients carrying DICER rs1057035 CT + CC genotypes had significantly longer median survival time (log–rank, P = 0.018) and decreased death risk (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.49–0.95; P = 0.022) than patients with rs1057035 TT genotypes. The DICER rs1057035 genotype was an independent protective factor for HCC survival (CT + CC vs. TT: hazard ratio = 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.55–0.96; P = 0.031).ConclusionThis study provides evidence that DICER rs1057035 T>C polymorphism may be a prognostic biomarker for HCC patients.
How best to use and evaluate Patient Information Leaflets given during a consultation: a systematic review of literature reviews
Authors: Sustersic Mélanie , Gauchet Aurélie , Foote Alison , Bosson Jean‐Luc 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundIn the past, several authors have attempted to review randomized clinical trials (RCT) evaluating the impact of Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) used during a consultation and draw some general conclusions. However, this proved difficult because the clinical situations, size and quality of RCTs were too heterogeneous to pool relevant data.ObjectiveTo overcome this 30‐year stalemate, we performed a review of reviews and propose general recommendations and suggestions for improving the quality of PILs, how to use them and methods for evaluating them.MethodologyWe searched five databases for reviews, systematic reviews and meta‐analyses describing PILs. We drew general and condition‐linked conclusions concerning the impact of PILs. Checklists summarize criteria for quality PILs, and ways of using and evaluating them.ResultsOf 986 articles found, 24 reviews were pertinent; the five oldest considered the impact of PILs irrespective of the condition the patient consulted for; the 19 more recent ones mostly addressed precise clinical situations.DiscussionWhatever the clinical situation, PILs improve patients' knowledge and satisfaction. For acute conditions, in the short‐term PILs also improve adherence to treatment. For chronic diseases, invasive procedures or screening situations, their impact on adherence varies depending on the context, how the PILs are given and the invasiveness of the intervention.ConclusionPILs are considered to be very useful, especially for acute conditions where the patient is the first to suffer from lack of information. We propose checklists for writing, designing, using and evaluating PILs in RCTs to enable comparisons between different studies.
Les droits des travailleurs migrants, un problème politique, économique et éthique
Authors: RUHS Martin 
Published: September 2016

RésuméEn matière de migrations de main‐d'œuvre, le nombre des travailleurs admis par un pays dépend souvent de l'étendue des droits qui leur sont octroyés. Cette constatation est au cœur de l'ouvrage publié par l'auteur en 2013 sous le titre The price of rights. Ici, celui‐ci revient sur ses principaux arguments et ses grandes conclusions, et il répond à une lecture critique de son ouvrage publiée dans la Revue internationale du Travail en 2015, tout en renouvelant son plaidoyer en faveur d'un débat sans a priori sur les liens entre migrations, droits et développement aux échelons national et international.
L'attitude des employeurs à l'égard des réfugiés: les résultats d'une enquête suédoise
Authors: LUNDBORG Per , SKEDINGER Per 
Published: September 2016

RésuméEn se fondant sur une enquête auprès des entreprises, menée à grande échelle en Suède, les auteurs concluent à une hétérogénéité importante des attitudes par rapport à la main‐d'œuvre immigrée d'origine réfugiée, au comportement professionnel de ces travailleurs, à leur niveau de salaire et à la discrimination à leur égard, même si une expérience préalable en la matière limite les attitudes négatives. Pour la majorité des entreprises, les salaires minima conventionnels ne constituent pas un obstacle majeur au recrutement de réfugiés. Cependant, celles qui emploient beaucoup de réfugiés estiment que la réduction de ces seuils serait très bénéfique à l'emploi.
Have we significantly underestimated the capacity in the Australian health system to treat chronic hepatitis C infection in an interferon‐free era?
Authors: Kaan I. A. , Jones T. , McCaughan G. W. 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundNew antiviral therapies for hepatitis C infection may lead to an increase in capacity to treat because of their simplicity and safety.AimsTo determine the likely current capacity of accredited treatment centres in treating hepatitis C (HCV) patients with interferon (IFN)‐free direct acting antiviral (DAA) agents in Australia.MethodData were collected from 22 centres before the introduction of DAA therapy – 11 sites from the Study 1 survey and an additional 11 sites from the Study 2 survey. The sites were selected based on consensus by viral hepatitis experts, in consultation with the NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation. The services were selected as they were experienced in the delivery of IFN‐based treatments and/or had knowledge about IFN‐free regimens. The sites selected offered a mix of metropolitan and regional clinics, opioid substitution clinics, Aboriginal services, general practitioner‐initiated, criminal justice and nurse‐led services. Following the survey, the first 3 months of actual treatment uptake, since listing in March and May 2016, became available for a comparison and were subsequently analysed.ResultsThe survey indicated that an average of 27 h would be required to treat patients with IFN‐based regimens. This was reduced to an average of 9 h if IFN‐free regimens were used. The average number of patients on IFN‐based treatment regimens per site was 87 per year compared to 493 per site if IFN‐free therapy was freely available. There is capacity in the current health system to treat five times the numbers of patients with chronic HCV in Australia. When applying a weighted ratio; the results for all centres show a 3.6‐fold increase in the capacity to treat with IFN‐free regimens. However, these numbers may be an underestimate based on the first 3 months of actual treatment uptake since Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme listing in March and May 2016.ConclusionAlthough current sites have a significant capacity to increase rapidly HCV treatment numbers, expansion of treatment settings and new models of care and training may be required to deliver HCV treatment to all HCV‐infected individuals.
Re‐experiencing Evangelism in the City
Authors: Williams Andrew 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe paper reflects on some of the exposure visits/city walks that were organized as part of the recent workshop on life‐giving evangelism in the city, held in Sydney, Australia. These exposure visits were designed to engage participants in reflection on evangelism and stimulate their own expressions of contextually relevant evangelistic practice. I suggest that the visits remind us of at least five key themes in evangelism – invitation, invaded space, serving the least and lost, the importance of the local, and the need for celebration in the midst of our multicultural world. In the second part of the paper, I reflect on the discussion that took place with my class at United Theological College, Sydney, on the theme of evangelism, particularly from the perspective of the three recent global statements on mission. Finally, I join in the call for joy to be the hallmark of our engagement in evangelism. We are to “glow with fervour” as people who have first received the joy of Christ.
Evangelism as Life‐affirming Activity in the City
Authors: Jackson Darrell 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIn this article I will reflect on my role as a theological educator as I seek to engage students with the missiological context and challenge of the city, particularly Sydney, Australia. The article assumes that life‐affirming evangelism in the city requires adoption of the posture of a resident stranger in the city; an appreciation for the biblical narratives of creation, fall, redemption, restoration, and the contribution these make to an understanding of God's life‐affirming mission in the city; an openness to the likelihood of multiple and diverse responses to the city; and a commitment to developing life‐affirming practices that are potentially evangelistic. Finally, I reflect on urban and suburban aspiration and consider how this is best engaged by the practice and witness of life‐affirming evangelism.