bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frontobiparietal remodeling with or without a widening bridge for sagittal synostosis: comparison of 2 cohorts for aesthetic and functional outcome
Authors: van Veelen Marie-Lise C. , Mihajlović Dalibor , Dammers Ruben , Lingsma Hester , van Adrichem Leon N. A. , Mathijssen Irene M. J. 
Published: April 2015

OBJECT
Various techniques to correct sagittal synostosis have been described. The authors of this study assess the results of 2 techniques for late complete cranial remodeling and test the hypothesis that adding a widening bridge would improve outcome.

METHODS
In this retrospective study, the authors evaluated patients with nonsyndromic sagittal synostosis—those who underwent frontobiparietal remodeling (FBR) and those who underwent modified FBR (MFBR) involving the introduction of a bony bridge to increase the width of the skull. Outcomes for both groups are described in terms of the aesthetic results assessed on photographs and any changes in the cranial index (CI) and head circumference over time, the presence of papilledema, and complaints of headache. The effect of the surgical technique on CI and head circumference over time was assessed using linear regression analysis, with adjustment for preoperative CI and head circumference.

RESULTS
Sixty-nine patients with isolated sagittal synostosis were included in this study: 35 underwent MFBR and 34 underwent the original technique of FBR. The mean follow-up period was 7 years. In the 1st year after surgery, mean CI improved by 9% in the FBR group and by 12% in the MFBR group. One year after surgery, CI in the MFBR group was on average 4.7% higher than that in the FBR group (p < 0.001). During follow-up, CI decreased in both groups; however, at all time points CI was significantly higher in the MFBR group than in the FBR group. The impact of surgical technique on CI was less important than the impact of preoperative CI (R2= 0.26 vs 0.54), and this applied at all time points during follow-up. Head circumference declined during follow-up in both groups. It was influenced by preoperative head circumference, but not by surgical technique. Aesthetic outcome, prevalence of headache (42%), and papilledema (7%) were comparable in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS
Adding a widening bridge to late complete remodeling significantly improved CI and helped to prevent CI from decreasing in the long term. This addition did not affect the head circumference growth curve. Despite a mean head circumference remaining at +1 SD, patients continued to develop papilledema postoperatively (7%).
A Mobile Based Tigrigna Language Learning Tool
Authors: Teklehaimanot Hailay Kidu 
Published: April 2015

Introduction:
Mobile learning refers to the use of mobile and handheld IT devices such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), mobile telephones, laptops and tablet PC technologies, in teaching and learning. It is a new form of learning, using mobile network and tools, expanding digital learning channel, gaining educational information, educational resources and educational services anytime, anywhere. Learning a language requires explicit learning of vocabulary and language rules. This can be supported by mobile learning. An initial survey of this project showed me most foreigners consider Tigrigna language as a barrier to be involved in different local activities of Tigray Tigrigna speakers and no one is developed Tigrigna language tool before.
Objective:
To develop Mobile based Tigrigna Language Learning Tool.
Methods:
This project develops a Mobile based Tigrigna Language Learning Tool to support Tigrigna Language speaking, listening and writing for foreigners in a Tigrigna’s environment. The main emphasis is to teach beginners, the basic alphabets, words and common conversation they might come across. To achieve this goal, the main effort of this project is based on three aspects: designing and delivering Tigrigna alphabets, words and conversation lessons, by integrating audio and picture for the words, alphabets and common conversations. By giving exercises for each the lessons and allowing the user to keep track of his/her profile.
The Tool contains three modules like Tutorial management module, Exercise Module and User Profile Module each of the modules are contained different components and functionalities it also includes a scenario-based fulfilling activities associated of learners and it encourages users to speak, listen and write in Tigrigna through the mission tasks of the project .This Tool may increase learners’ motivation to continue their Tigrigna learning. Besides, mobile devices provide the opportunity to learn Tigrigna outside the classroom and to interact directly with a genuine living environment.

Results:
This project is viewed by the institution of Tigrigina language and litrature Addiss Ababa University and they are interested on the tool. I deployed on the actual device it works exactly as expected and different beginner Tigrigna learners are using the tool.
Conclusion:-
I believe that Tigirigina mobile learning are personalization of learning environment, learning Experience outside the classroom, learning by recording, organizing over time, taking advantage of the benefits of an information, be more motivated, no more forced to use PC as the only Objects to have access to materials and knowledge.
Developing a Remote Laboratory for Heat Transfer Studies
Authors: Ennetta Ridha , Nasri Ibrahim 
Published: April 2015

Remote labs that enable students to conduct real-world experiments at a distance using a computer and Web-based tools can be the only realistic method of performing practical experiments in the context of distance learning.
eSience Tempus project "Maghreb Network of remote labs" offers an innovative pedagogical approach which integrates eLearning and is complementary to classroom learning. The main objective of this project is to create an efficient remote labs network in the Maghreb region for the modernization of higher education in technological sciences.
The current paper summarizes the work carried out on a heat exchanger bench to be fully accessed and controlled remotely. Through this new device a student of Mechanical Engineering is introduced to many fundamental aspects of heat transfer.
UC1 Oscillator Remote Lab for Distant Electronics Education
Authors: Latreche Saida , Ziari Zehira , Mouissat Smail 
Published: April 2015

Abstract—In this paper, we are interested in the transformation of a face-to-face active course into a web-based active course. Indeed, distance education has been rapidly become more important around the world due to the development of Information and Communication Technology.
However, the roles of these later must evolve to accommodate these new models, with increased student responsibility and accountability.
First, we reports on the experience of Constantine1 University in the development of ‘Electric oscillator circuit’ on-line course via the Moodle platform. We describe the different stages of the online course and highlights its possibility, which is not available in the face-to-face courses.
Second, we present the remote lab of UC1 University, which is developed under eSience project. It aims to develop remote labs in the Maghreb country and to link them.
Therefore, we focus on the implementation of ‘Wien Bridge Oscillator’ experiment, which is deployed on the interactive version of iLab Shared Architecture (ISA).
Existence of Multiple Solutions for ap-Laplacian System in ℝNwith Sign-changing Weight Functions
Authors: Song Hongxue , Chen Caisheng , Yan Qinglun 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we consider the quasi-linear elliptic problemwhereand the weight H(x); h1(x); h2(x) are continuous functions that change sign in ℝN. We will prove that the problem has at least two positive solutions by using the Nehari manifold and the fibering maps associated with the Euler functional for this problem.
From Trauma Quality Improvement Project to the Geriatric Trauma Institute: Developing an Innovative Care Model for the Coming Storm
Authors: DeLa'O Connie M , Rodriguez Aurelio , Boer Justin , Simunich Thomas , Dumire Russell 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe US geriatric population is projected to steadily increase to approximately 20% by 2030, thereby significantly increasing the burden to trauma services. This study sought to transform the geriatric trauma care model into one more effective, efficient, financially sustainable, and capable of absorbing the anticipated increased demand.Study designThe goals were to improve the geriatric trauma care process—for patient and hospital, detail its evolution, and provide a formative evaluation of the result. A multidisciplinary team, internal and external to the hospital, was assembled including clinical, administrative, and technical staff. Over 18 months, application of Lean Six Sigma tools/concepts produced a novel care model, the Geriatric Trauma Institute (GTI). Retrospectively, formative evaluation was accomplished by comparing pre-GTI data time-matched with that from the first 8 months post-GTI initiation.ResultsThe GTI has achieved 100% involvement of institution orthopedists with 100% of geriatric trauma admissions being converted to the GTI. Eight months post-GTI, geriatric trauma service admissions increased 26.6%, while non-trauma admissions decreased 78.2%. Out-transfers declined by 28.2%. Patients dispositioned to home increased 26.1% alongside decreases to rehabilitation (47.2%), skilled nursing, and transitional care facilities.ConclusionGeriatric trauma institute success is evidenced by the quantifiable benefits to patient and hospital. During development, new work processes, tools, and staff training helped boost the utilization of the trauma service regarding geriatric trauma care via the novel multidisciplinary approach. The GTI has demonstrated sustained quality improvement in geriatric trauma care maintained through the trauma service performance improvement initiative.How to cite this articleDeLa'O CM, Rodriguez A, Boer J, Simunich T, Dumire R. From Trauma Quality Improvement Project to the Geriatric Trauma Institute: Developing an Innovative Care Model for the Coming Storm. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2014;3(3):105-108.
Effect of Inhaled Fluticasone Propionate on Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Asthmatic Children
Authors: Dereci Selim , Pirgon Ozgur , Akcam Mustafa , Turkyilmaz Kemal , Dundar Bumin 
Published: April 2015

Purpose Corticosteroids are under suspicion of playing an important role in the development of retinopathy. We aimed to determine peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thinning by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) in children being treated with inhaled fluticasone propionate due to asthma. Methods Thirty-eight children diagnosed with allergic asthma (mean age 9.8 ± 2.8 years, age range 6–13 years) and 40 age-similar controls were enrolled in this study. All children with asthma were taking inhaled fluticasone propionate at a dosage of 250 μg or more per day for at least 1 year. The RNFL thickness measurements were performed using Cirrus HD spectral-domain OCT 400. Central subfield thickness, cube average thickness, and cube volume were also measured. Results Among the 38 children with asthma and 40 healthy subjects who completed follow-up, children with asthma had similar mean peripapillary RNFL thicknesses compared with control children. The mean central subfield thickness was significantly higher than that of controls (248.8 ± 23.4 vs 237.5 ± 23.5, p<0.037). There was a positive linear relationship between cube average thickness and eosinophil count with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.336 (p<0.039) and a negative correlation was found between central subfield thickness and disease duration (r = −0.385, p = 0.017) in children with asthma. Conclusions Asthmatic children have similar peripapillary RNFL measurements compared to controls on spectral -domain OCT. Raised eosinophil counts in asthmatic children were found to be significantly associated with cube average thickness.
Clinical Assessment of Retinal Changes by Spectral-Domain OCT
Authors: Iester Michele , Violanti Sara , Borgia Luigi 
Published: April 2015

Purpose To evaluate optical coherence tomography changes in patients with retinal thinning at the posterior pole. Methods In this cross-sectional and retrospective study, 648 files were reviewed, and 67 patients were selected. Optical coherence tomography images that showed an area with a retinal thickness reduction at the macular region by using the Asymmetry Analysis Map in Heidelberg Spectralis were selected. The presence of hemisphere asymmetry in the same eye and asymmetry between the paired eyes were calculated and used for the analysis. Retinal thickness was measured in 3 different retinal areas (squares): ( 1 ) the area (square) involved by the pathology (IA), ( 2 ) the specular area (square) in the opposite hemifield (SA), and ( 3 ) the corresponding IA in the contralateral eye (CIA) (area used to recruit the patients). Retinal layer morphology was analyzed observing the Spectralis screen. Results The thickness of the IA was 235.54 ± 39.95 μm (mean ± standard deviation), while it was 269.84 ± 36.16 μm and 293.81 ± 37.52 μm for SA and CIA, respectively. Conclusions Different retinal layers could be involved in reduction of the retinal thickness: a reduction of the inner layers was related to disease in which ciliary or retinal arterial vessel flow was involved, while a reduction of the outer retinal layer was related to pathologies related to choroidal flow diseases.
A Case of Acute Exudative Polymorphous Vitelliform Maculopathy: Follow-Up and Wide-Field Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Massaro Domenico , Pece Alfredo , Pichi Francesco , Yannuzzi Lawrence A. , Gilardoni Francesca , Carrai Paola , Bonsignore Francesco , Nucci Paolo 
Published: April 2015

Purpose To present a case of an HIV-positive patient with acute exudative polymorphous vitelliform maculopathy (AEPVM) and evaluate the presence of specific spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) findings. Methods Case report. Results We reviewed the AEPVM cases reported in the literature and compared those to our patient to determine if there is a correspondence between the etiology that leads to the onset of AEPVM and clinical and SD-OCT findings. Conclusions Acute exudative polymorphous vitelliform maculopathy is a disease that involves the outer retinal layers with lipofuscin deposits and serous detachment of the neuroepithelium with or without intraretinal cysts. Not much is known about the etiology and pathogenesis, and not many cases have been described. A review of the few clinical cases reported in the literature does not show a specific correspondence between etiology and SD-OCT findings.
A Novel Technique for Identification of Fractured Ceramic Acetabular Liner in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Case Report
Authors: Shafafy Roozbeh , Foote Julian , Hargrove Richard 
Published: April 2015

In total hip arthroplasty ceramic bearings are liable to fracture. We present the case of an 82-year-old male with groin pain and an audible squeak 6 months post ceramic on ceramic hip arthroplasty. Initial plain radiography and examination under anaesthetic (EUA) were normal. Fluoroscopy with normal image exposure was also unremarkable. Over penetration of the image intensifier film demonstrated a fracture of the ceramic acetabular liner. The patient subsequently underwent a revision of both acetabular and femoral bearing surfaces. Displaced ceramic liner fractures are easy to identify with plain radiographs. We recommend the use of over penetration using image intensification as a technique to help identify subtle ceramic liner fractures. To our knowledge this has not been previously reported in the literature.
Endocarditis and Spondylodiscitis Associated with Tunneled Cuffed Hemodialysis Catheters: Hospitalizations with Poor Outcomes
Authors: Rocha Ana , Castro Rui , Santos Josefina 
Published: April 2015

Introduction Patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis using tunneled cuffed catheters (TCCs) are at increased risk of metastatic infections, namely endocarditis and spondydodiscitis, and mortality is high in this group. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical features, causative organisms, its susceptibility and outcomes in patients hospitalized with these infections from a single center. Methods All consecutive patients with TCC and endocarditis and/or spondylodiscitis treated at the authors’ institution between 2005 and 2011 were selected retrospectively. Results A total of 7 cases of endocarditis and 7 cases of spondylodiscitis were diagnosed. Concurrent infection was present in 1 patient. The mean age was 63.4 years, 53.8% were male, 23% had diabetes and 31% had previous immunosuppression. The average time on hemodialysis was 24 months. Those patients with endocarditis presented with fever, and 43% had previous valvular disease; mitral valve involvement was the most common. Early surgery was performed in 2 patients. Concerning spondylodiscitis, the median time from first symptom to diagnosis was 48 days. The first manifestation was back pain in 86% percent of patients, and 71% had an epidural or paraspinous abscess demonstrated by neuroimaging. One patient underwent surgical drainage of the abscess. Regarding both infections, staphylococcus aureus was the most common causative agent with a lower rate of negative blood cultures. All patients received intravenous antibiotics for a mean duration of six weeks. The mortality rate was 46%. Conclusions A high index of suspicion is critical in the early recognition and management of both of these infections.
Serum Interleukin 17 as An Early Prognostic Biomarker of Severe Acute Pancreatitis Receiving Continuous Blood Purification
Authors: Dai Shu R. , Li Zhen , Zhang Jian B. 
Published: April 2015

Background Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is associated with systemic inflammation, immunoparalysis, and sepsis, and may lead to vital organ failure and death. We evaluated the efficacy of serum interleukin 17 (IL-17) concentration for predicting eventual SAP severity and the clinical benefits of removing IL-17 by continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH). Methods Patients were divided into 2 groups according to severity: Grade 1 (n = 18, SAP without organ dysfunction) and Grade 2 (n = 18, SAP with organ dysfunction). 20 healthy volunteers served as controls. All patients underwent 24-h CVVH and blood samples were taken at 0, 6, 12, and 24 h for measurement of bacterial load and serum IL-17, IL-6, and endotoxin. Clinical condition was graded by the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score. Results Baseline IL-17, IL-6, endotoxin, and bacterial load were higher in Grade 2 patients. SOFA scores improved significantly, and serum IL-17, IL-6, endotoxin, and bacterial load decreased significantly in all patients after CVVH. Serum IL-17 was significantly and positively correlated with IL-6, bacterial load, and endotoxin during CVVH treatment. In addition, post-CVVH serum IL-17 was directly correlated with SOFA scores on days 1 and 7, and with duration of hospital stay. Non-survivors showed both higher SOFA scores on day 1 and higher baseline IL-17 than survivors. Conclusions Earlier and higher serum IL-17 elevation predicted prolonged hospitalization, organ failure, and death, possibly by disrupting gut barrier function. CVVH can remove inflammatory cytokines from serum, including IL-17 and IL-6, thereby attenuating the inflammatory response and diminishing associated systemic complications.
HOGG1 C1245G Gene Polymorphism Associated with Prostate Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Yang , Li Jie , Li Tianyu , Mo Zengnan 
Published: April 2015

Background Prostate cancer (Pca) is one of the most frequently encountered multifactorial malignant diseases worldwide. The human oxoguanine glycosylase 1 ( hOGG1) C1245G polymorphism (rs1052133) has been found to be associated with Pca. However, the conclusions have been controversial. Methods Based on the PubMed, Embase, HuGENet and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases, this meta-analysis was conducted with 4 models. Eleven qualified studies were included. Results Although no positive relation was discovered in the pooled analysis, significant associations between rs1052133 and Pca were found in the Asian population (recessive: odds ratio [OR] = 1.580, 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.189-2.098; GG vs. GC: OR = 1.504, 95% CI, 1.114-2.030; GG vs. CC: OR = 1.677, 95% CI, 1.201-2.342; allele analysis: OR = 1.249, 95% CI, 1.077-1.449), whites (dominant: OR = 2.138, 95% CI, 1.483-3.083; recessive: OR = 3.143, 95% CI, 1.171-8.437; GG vs. CC: OR = 3.992, 95% CI, 1.891-8.431; allele analysis: OR = 1.947, 95% CI, 1.467-2.586) and mixed populations (recessive: OR = 0.636, 95% CI, 0.484-0.834; GG vs. GC: OR = 0.654, 95% CI, 0.492-0.871; GG vs. CC: OR = 0.624, 95% CI, 0.473-0.823; allele analysis: OR = 0.857, 95% CI, 0.771-0.954). After excluding studies deviating from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, a significant association was also found in the same ethnic groups. In addition, a new positive relation was identified in the “other country” subgroup (with China, South Korea and Australia included) (dominant: OR = 1.622, 95% CI, 1.163-2.261; recessive: OR = 1.773, 95% CI, 1.308-2.404; GG vs. GC: OR = 1.614, 95% CI, 1.169-2.230; GG vs. CC: OR = 2.108, 95% CI, 1.456-3.051; allele analysis: OR = 1.494, 95% CI, 1.235-1.808) and among the Chinese-Korean population. Conclusions In conclusion, we suggest that the hOGG1 C1245G polymorphism might be potentially associated with Pca risk in different ethnicities and countries, especially among Asians. Further studies are needed to confirm these relations.
BDE-99 (2,2′,4,4′,5-pentabromodiphenyl Ether) Triggers Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition in Colorectal Cancer Cells via PI3K/Akt/Snail Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Fei , Ruan Xin-Jian , Zhang Hong-Yan 
Published: April 2015

Purpose The gut is in direct contact with BDE-99 (2,2′,4,4′,5-pentabromodiphenyl ether), one of the most abundant PBDE congeners in the environment and in human tissues. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of BDE-99 on colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Methods The effects of BDE-99 on cell proliferation were measured by CCK-8 assay in the CRC cell line HCT-116. Wound healing and transwell migration/invasion assays were used to test the migration and invasion of CRC cells. Factors related to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were measured by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis for mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Results BDE-99 was found to increase migration and invasion and trigger EMT in HCT-116 cells; EMT was characterized by cells acquiring mesenchymal spindle-like morphology and by increased expression of N-cadherin with a concomitant decrease in E-cadherin. BDE-99 treatment also increased the protein and mRNA levels of the transcription factor Snail, but not Slug, Twist, and ZEB1. Knockdown of Snail by siRNA significantly attenuated BDE-99-induced EMT in HCT-116 cells, suggesting that Snail plays a crucial role in BDE-99-induced EMT. The PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002 completely blocked BDE-99-induced Snail and invasion of HCT-116 cells. Conclusions Our results revealed that BDE-99 can trigger the EMT of colon cancer cells via the PI3K/AKT/Snail signaling pathway. This study provides new insight into the tumorigenesis and metastasis of CRC stimulated by BDE-99 and possibly other PBDE congeners.