bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Positive Outcomes and Surgical Strategies for Bilateral Cochlear Implantation in a Child With X-Linked Deafness
Authors: Kim Leslie , Wisely C. Ellis , Lucius Shana , Weingarten Jori , Dodson Edward Eugene 
Published: September 2015

Objectives: To recognize that bilateral cochlear implantation (CI) in X-linked deafness is safe, describe techniques to maximize successful electrode placement and minimize surgical risks, and recognize that normalization of hearing as well as language acquisition is achievable. Methods: A 6-month-old male patient presented with bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss and was confirmed to have X-linked deafness secondary to POU3F4 gene mutation. Due to lack of benefit from amplification, he underwent bilateral CI in a staged fashion at 12 (right) and 15 months (left) of age. A transmastoid-facial recess approach was used bilaterally utilizing perimodiolar electrodes. High-flow gushers were controlled with muscle plugs. C-arm fluoroscopy was used during insertion of electrodes. Results: Follow-up data are available for 12 months. No complications were encountered, including no postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage or facial stimulation. Postoperative audiograms in aided conditions showed hearing thresholds <40 dB. At 11 months following activation of his second CI, he scored in the normal range for his chronological age on standardized language measures. Conclusion: With careful preparation and the assistance of intraoperative fluoroscopy, CI in patients with congenital X-linked deafness can be done safely. Performing bilateral CI followed by dedicated auditory-verbal rehabilitation may allow patients to achieve normal language development.
HIV infection in pregnancy: maternal and perinatal outcomes in a tertiary care hospital in Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Ikpim Ekott Mabel , Edet Udo Atim , Bassey Akpan Ubong , Asuquo Otu Akaninyene , Inyang Ekanem Etim 
Published: September 2015

Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is likely to have untoward effects on pregnancy and its outcome. This study assessed the impact of maternal HIV infection on pregnancy outcomes in a tertiary centre in Calabar, Nigeria. Methods This retrospective study analysed delivery records of 258 HIV-positive and 257 HIV-negative women for pregnancy and delivery complications. Maternal and fetal outcomes of HIV-positive pregnancies were compared with those of HIV-negative controls. Results Adverse pregnancy outcomes significantly associated with HIV status were: anaemia: 33 (8.1%) vs. 8 (3.1%) in controls; puerperal sepsis: 18 (7%) vs. 2 (0.8%); and low birth weight: 56 (21.7%) vs. 37 (14.4%). Caesarean delivery was higher among HIV-positive women than controls: 96 (37.2%) vs. 58 (22.6%). Preterm births were higher in those HIV cohorts who did not receive antiretroviral therapy (ART): 13 (16.9%) vs. 7 (3.9%). Conclusion HIV-positive status increased adverse birth outcome of pregnancy. ART appeared to reduce the risk of preterm births in HIV-positive cohorts.
How Should the Other be Judged?: Justice and Cultural Difference in French Assize Courts
Authors: Bouillier Véronique 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis paper shows how, in the French Assizes Courts, the accusation of foreign defendants (here, mainly Sri Lankans) and the verbal exchanges with them during their trial reveal the implicit codes and presuppositions that govern the French judiciary system. Through an analysis of the part that the language plays in court, and hence the importance of interpreters, this paper will consider the emotions that are revealed during the trial and the role assigned to ‘culture’. It will conclude that the two requirements of equality before the law and of individualization of punishment are often in contradiction.
Curcumin delivered through bovine serum albumin/polysaccharides multilayered microcapsules
Authors: Paşcalău V , Soritau O , Popa F , Pavel C , Coman V , Perhaita I , Borodi G , Dirzu N , Tabaran F , Popa C 
Published: September 2015

The aim of the paper is to obtain and characterize k-carrageenan–chitosan dual hydrogel multilayers shell BSA gel microcapsules, as a carrier for curcumin, and as a possible antitumoral agent in biological studies. We used the CaCO3 template to synthesize non-toxic CaCO3/BSA particles as microtemplates by coprecipitating a CaCl2 solution that contains dissolved BSA, with an equimolar Na2CO3 solution. The microcapsules shell is assembled through a layer-by-layer deposition technique of calcium cross-linked k-carrageenan hydrogel alternating with polyelectrolite complex hydrogel formed via electrostatic interactions between k-carrageenan and chitosan. After the removal of CaCO3 through Ca2+ complexation with EDTA, and by a slightly treatment with HCl diluted solution, the BSA core is turned into a BSA gel through a thermal treatment. The BSA gel microcapsules were then loaded with curcumin, through a diffusion process from curcumin ethanolic solution. All the synthesized particles and microcapsules were stucturally characterized by: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, UV–Vis Spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, fluorescence spectroscopy, fluorescence optical microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The behavior of curcumin loaded microcapsules in media of different pH (SGF, SIF and PBS) was studied in order to reveal the kinetics and the release profile of curcumin. The in vitro evaluation of the antitumoral activity of encapsulated curcumin microcapsules on HeLa cell line and the primary culture of mesenchymal stem cells is the main reason of the microcapsules synthesis as BSA-based vehicle meant to enhance the biodisponibility of curcumin, whose anti-tumor, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are well known.
Efficiency and safety of endoscopic resection in the management of subepithelial lesions of the stomach
Authors: Godat Sébastien , Robert Maxime , Caillol Fabrice , Bories Erwan , Pesenti Christian , De Cassan Chiara , Ratone Jean Philippe , Poizat Flora , Giovannini Marc 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundGastric subepithelial tumors represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, given their histologic heterogeneity and potential malignant behavior.ObjectiveThe objective of this article is to evaluate the interest, efficiency and safety of endoscopic resection for subepithelial gastric lesions of size <20 mm.MethodsWe conducted a single‐center retrospective study in a tertiary care center.ResultsA total of 33 lesions (10 malignant/23 benign lesions) were studied. Mean histological size was 14.5 mm. Nine EMR, 18 ESD and six hybrid resections were performed. A total of 93.9% lesions were resected in one piece. At six months’ follow‐up, complete and definitive resection was obtained in 96.7% of cases. A vertical resection was insufficient in four cases. One GIST needed a complementary surgical resection, one neuroendocrine tumor was successfully treated by a new ESD session and two pancreatic rests were not additionally treated given the benign character and the absence of residual tissue in endoscopic control after six months. There was only one severe adverse event (2.9%); one pneumoperitoneum with ESD, three bleeding with one ESD and two EMR, always treated conservatively or endoscopically.ConclusionEndoscopic resection is safe and should be the procedure of choice for both diagnosis and definitive resection of subepithelial gastric lesions of size under 20 mm.
Efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection for elderly patients with superficial squamous esophageal neoplasms
Authors: Peng Chunyan , Shen Shanshan , Xu Guifang , Lv Ying , Zhang Xiaoqi , Ling Tingsheng , Wang Lei , Ding Xiwei , Zou Xiaoping 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundLittle is known about the outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection in elderly patients with superficial squamous esophageal neoplasms.ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial squamous esophageal neoplasms in elderly patients (≥65 years) compared with non‐elderly patients.MethodsAll patients with superficial squamous esophageal neoplasms receiving endoscopic submucosal dissection were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 130 were aged 65 or older (group A), and 201 were aged younger than 65 years (group B). Therapeutic efficacy, adverse events, and follow‐up data were evaluated.ResultsGroup A had a higher prevalence of concomitant diseases than group B (52.3% vs. 14.9%, respectively). R0 resection rate was 82.3% in group A and 84.6 % in group B (P = 0.717). The curative resection rate was 80.8% in group A and 83.6% in group B (P = 0.653). The rate of procedure‐related non‐cardiopulmonary adverse events was 20.8% in group A and 16.9% in group B (P = 0.377). The incidence of cardiopulmonary adverse events during or after the procedure was 6.2% in group A and 2.5% in group B (P = 0.094). No procedure‐related mortality was reported in either group.ConclusionEndoscopic submucosal dissection is effective and safe for treating superficial squamous esophageal neoplasms in elderly patients.
Circulating Transcript Analysis (NETest) in GEP-NETs Treated With Somatostatin Analogs Defines Therapy
Authors: Ćwikła Jarosław B. , Bodei Lisa , Kolasinska-Ćwikła Agnieszka , Sankowski Artur , Modlin Irvin M. , Kidd Mark 
Published: September 2015

Context:
Early and precise delineation of therapeutic responses are key issues in neuroendocrine neoplasm/tumor management. Imaging is currently used but exhibits limitations in sensitivity and specificity. The utility of biomarkers is unclear.

Objective, Setting, and Design:
This prospective cohort study (11 mo) sought to determine whether measurements of circulating neuroendocrine tumor transcripts (NETest) predict responses to somatostatin analogs (SSAs).

Patients:
The test set consisted of 35 SSA-treated gastroenteropancreatic-NETs (RECISTevaluated). The prospective set consisted of 28 SSA-treated Grade 1–Grade 2 GEP-NETs.

Intervention(s):
Whole blood for transcript analysis (NETest) and plasma for Chromogranin A (CgA) (baseline), were collected every 4 weeks (prior to SSA injection). Morphologic (multidetector computed tomography/MRI) and functional imaging (99mTc-[HYNIC, Tyr3]-Octreotide) was undertaken at entry and 6-month intervals until progression (RECIST 1.0).

Main Outcome Measure(s):
Treatment response.

Results:
Test set: NETest (≥80%; scale, 0–100%) differentiated stable (SD) and progressive (PD) disease (P &lt; .0001). Prospective set: 28 patients (26/28 SD) undergoing standard SSA. Grading: 12 G1, 16 G2. SSA Response: progression-free survival: 315 days: 14 (50%) SD, 14 (50%) PD. NETest: Twenty had elevated (≥80%) values; 14 developed PD; six, SD. CgA: Twelve of 28 exhibited elevated baseline values and/or subsequent &gt;25% increase; eight developed PD; four, SD. NETest (P = .002) and grade (P = .054) were the only factors associated with treatment response. Multiple regression analysis established that the NETest could predict disease progression (P = .0002). NETest changes occurred significantly earlier (146 d prior to progression vs 56 d CgA; P &lt; .0001; χ2 = 19) and in more patients (100 vs 57%; P &lt; .02).

Conclusions:
NETest values (80–100%) were more accurate and occurred at a significantly earlier time point than CgA and predicted SSA treatment response.
LPP3 localizes LPA6 signalling to non-contact sites in endothelial cells
Authors: Yukiura Hiroshi , Kano Kuniyuki , Kise Ryoji , Inoue Asuka , Aoki Junken 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is emerging as an angiogenic factor, because knockdown of the enzyme that produces it (autotaxin, also known as ENPP2) and its receptors cause severe developmental vascular defects in both mice and fish. In addition, overexpression of autotaxin in mice causes similar vascular defects, indicating that the extracellular amount of LPA must be tightly regulated. Here, we focused on an LPA-degrading enzyme, lipid phosphate phosphatase 3 (LPP3, also known as PPAP2B), and showed that LPP3 was localized in specific cell–cell contact sites of endothelial cells and suppresses LPA signalling through the LPA6 receptor (also known as LPAR6). In HEK293 cells, overexpression of LPP3 dramatically suppressed activation of LPA6. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), LPA induced actin stress fibre formation through LPA6, which was substantially upregulated by LPP3 knockdown. LPP3 was localized to cell–cell contact sites and was missing in non-contact sites to which LPA-induced actin stress fibre formation mediated by LPA6 was restricted. Interestingly, the expression of LPP3 in HUVECs was dramatically increased after forskolin treatment in a process involving Notch signalling. These results indicate that LPP3 regulates and localizes LPA signalling in endothelial cells, thereby stabilizing vessels through Notch signalling for proper vasculature.
The Spectral Shape of Combustion Noise
Authors: Tam Christopher K.W. 
Published: September 2015

In this paper, it is proposed that the spectral shape of combustion noise is the same as the similarity spectrum of the noise from the large turbulence structures of high-speed jets. This is true regardless of the turbulence level in the combustion process, the equivalence ratio of the fuel or whether the fuel is a gas or a liquid as long as it is hydrocarbon. At the present time, the mechanism by which combustion noise is generated is still not known. So, it is not possible to prove the correctness of the proposal theoretically or computationally. Here, an empirical approach is followed. Comparisons between the similarity spectrum and many sets of combustion noise spectra are made. The spectra are from open flames, low speed jets, can-type combustor, auxiliary power units and turbofan engines noise measurements. Good agreements are found offering favorable support for the proposal. This paper is written in honor of Dr. Marvin E. Goldstein, a world-class aero-acoustician, an accomplished applied mathematician and a much-respected long time friend.
Contribution of the Leg Club model of care to the well-being of people living with chronic wounds
Authors: Upton D. , Upton P. , Alexander R. 
Published: September 2015

Objective: Social support impacts well-being. Higher levels of social support encourage treatment adherence and aid healing in people living with chronic wounds. The Leg Club model of care harnesses social support mechanisms to improve patient outcomes. This study investigated whether social support mechanisms available through a Leg Club environment influenced well-being. Method: Participants were community Leg Club members. Socio-demographic data was collected, and the Well-being in Wounds Inventory (WOWI) administered to assess ‘wound worries,’ ‘personal resources,’ and ‘well-being’. Participants' perceived social situation, length of time attending a Leg Club, wound duration, and feelings about their physical appearance were also measured. Results: The subjects recruited (n=49) were aged between 50 and 94 years (mean=75.34, standard deviation=10.31). Membership of a Leg Club did impact well-being factors. Time spent at a Leg Club improved ‘personal resources’ over time. ‘Perceived social situation’ predicted key aspects of well-being, as did ‘time spent attending a Leg Club’ and ‘feelings about physical appearance.’ Social support and relief from social isolation were important aspects of Leg Club membership for participants. Conclusion: Attending a Leg Club enhances well-being in people living with a chronic wound; social support has an important role to play in this relationship. Future research should consider the specific interplay of social support mechanisms of Leg Club, and other relevant wound-related variables to optimise patient well-being and treatment outcomes. Declaration of interest: The Urgo Foundation funded this project. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
A review of patient and skin characteristics associated with skin tears
Authors: Rayner R. , Carville K. , Leslie G. , Roberts P. 
Published: September 2015

Objective:Skin tears are the most common wound among the elderly and have the potential to cause infection, form chronic wounds, reduce quality of life and increase health-care costs. Our aim was to identify studies that reviewed patient and skin characteristics associated with skin tears.Method:A review of skin tear studies reported in the English literature between 1980 and 2013 was undertaken using the following electronic databases: PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Evidence Based and Medicine Reviews (EBM). Search terms included aged, skin, tears or lacerations, skin tearing, geri tear, epidermal tear and prevalence.Results:There were 343 articles found with using the search terms. After abstract review nine were found to be relevant to the search. The principle findings from these eight published articles and one unpublished study revealed that the most common patient characteristics were a history of skin tears, impaired mobility and impaired cognition. Skin characteristics associated with skin tears included senile purpura, ecchymosis and oedema.Conclusion:This review provides an overview of identified patient and skin characteristics that predispose the elderly to skin tears and exposes the lack of research within this domain.Declaration of interest:R. Rayner is a recipient of a 2013 Australian Postgraduate Award, Curtin University Postgraduate Scholarship and a Wound Management Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) PhD stipend. The School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Curtin University and the Silver Chain Group, Western Australia are participants in the Wound Management Innovation CRC. No conflict of interest exists among the authors.
Diabetic neuropathic forefoot and heel ulcers: management, clinical presentation and outcomes
Authors: Yosuf M. K. , Mahadi S. I. , Mahmoud S. M. , Widatalla A. H. , Ahmed M. E. 
Published: September 2015

Objective:The two most common sites for diabetic neuropathic foot ulcers are the forefoot and the heel. Each site has special characteristics that determines its course. The aim of this study is to compare clinical presentation, management and outcome of diabetic neuropathic forefoot ulcers to diabetic neuropathic heel ulcers.Method:This was a prospective cross-sectional comparative study carried in Jabir Abu Eliz Diabetic Centre (JADC), Khartoum, Sudan. A hundred patients with neuropathic diabetic ulcer were included, half were forefoot ulcers and the other half were hindfoot ulcers, two patients were lost on follow-up from each group. Neuropathy was graded using 10g monofilament nylon. Patients with vascular ischaemia, ankle brachial index pressure (ABPI) <0.9 and >1.1 were excluded. Other patient's data included demographic, foot and ulcer characteristics, comorbidities and outcomes. Foot ulcers were categorised according to Wagner classification, site and size of ulcer and presence of infection. Comorbidities evaluated included hypertension, ischaemic heart disease and renal impairment. All patients received standard wound care and regular follow-up.Results:The age of the studied patients was 54.3 ± 11 years (mean ± standard deviation (SD 11)) and 52.9 ± 11 years for forefoot and heel ulcer respectively. The mean duration of diabetes was 12.4 ± 6 years for forefoot ulcers and 13.3 ± 7 years for heel ulcer. The mean duration of foot ulcer was 21 and 26 days for forefoot and heel respectively. Forefoot ulcers healed within 12 week in 45% of patients and by 20 weeks in 63%, while 35% of heel ulcers healed by 12 weeks and 54% healed by 20 weeks (p=0.058). Based on Wagner classification, healing was best in class 1 among both forefoot and heel ulcers, 22.4% and 12.2% respectively (p=0.003 for forefoot and 0.002 for heel). First and second metatarsal heads were the common site of forefoot ulcer. Heel ulcers >3cm dimension had longer duration of healing compared to forefoot ulcers at both 12 and 20 weeks (p<0.02).Conclusion:Healing in diabetic neuropathic forefoot ulcer was better than heel ulcer, though not reaching statistically significant value. Wagner class 1 had the best healing among both ulcers and a heel ulcer >3cm had a significantly longer healing time.Declaration of interest:The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
Prediction of Compressibility Data for Highly Plastic Clays Using Diffuse Double-Layer Theory
Authors: Bharat Tadikonda Venkata , Sridharan Asuri 
Published: September 2015

AbstractMontmorillonite-rich clays are important in many engineering applications. The compressibility of such plastic clays at high consolidation pressures is important for predicting routine settlement and for applications in nuclear-waste repositories. Laboratory measurement of compressibility data at high consolidation pressures is not only time consuming but very expensive also. Theoretical predictions can help to determine the compressibility of plastic clays at high consolidation pressures. A linear relationship between e/eNvs. 1/√P (eN is the normalization void ratio at normalization pressure N and P is the consolidation pressure) was derived using diffuse double-layer theory. The compressibility data of several plastic clays in published studies were found to support the derived relationship. A generalized theoretical equation was proposed to predict the compressibility data over a wide range of consolidation pressures using an experimentally measured void ratio at low consolidation pressure. The compressibility data for different plastic clays were predicted accurately up to maximum consolidation pressures that ranged from 0.7 to 30 MPa using an experimentally measured void ratio near the pre-consolidation pressure. The preconsolidation pressures for different clays considered here ranged from 25 to 133 kPa. The proposed predictive model is supported by experimental data, is simple, and does not require knowledge of clay-surface and pore-fluid parameters.
‘Black Box’ in flux: Locating the literary work between media
Authors: Andersen Tore Rye 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Traditionally, the printed book has been the preferred mode of delivery for literature, to such an extent that the book’s status as a medium has been practically invisible. However, recent studies have demonstrated that the mediality of the book affects the way we read. The interpretation of literature is not just a matter of scrutinizing the text itself but of analysing the complex interplay between form, content and medium. In 2012 Jennifer Egan published the story ‘Black Box’ via Twitter. The story has subsequently been published in various other media, such as magazines, printed books and as an audiobook. This multimodal publication history necessitates new analytical strategies that can investigate what happens to our notions of a literary work when the literary text appears in several media at once. Taking off from an analysis of ‘Black Box’ and its various embodiments and drawing on John Bryant’s concept of ‘the fluid text’ the article discusses what happens to the literary work when it is dispersed between various media.