bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of life improves after minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum
Authors: Kuru Pinar , Bostanci Korkut , Ermerak Nezih Onur , Bahadir A Tugba , Afacan Ceyda , Yuksel Mustafa 
Published: October 2014

Background Pectus excavatum is the most common chest wall deformity. This deformity may cause physical limitations and psychosocial problems. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum on the quality of life. Methods This study included 88 patients, aged 18.44 ± 3.93 years (85.2% male), who underwent minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum; 40.9% had an associated anomaly or disease, and 17.0% had scoliosis. The patients and their parents completed the patient and parent forms of the Nuss questionnaire modified for adults preoperatively and 6 months after the operation. Results The patients’ median Nuss score increased from 31 (interquartile range 31–35) preoperatively to 43 (interquartile range 43–46) at 6 months after the operation ( p = 0.000). The parents’ preoperative score of 33 (interquartile range 29–36) increased to 38 (interquartile range 34–41; p = 0.000). Improvements in the physical and psychosocial component scores of the Nuss questionnaire were also significant in the patient ( p = 0.000, p = 0.000, respectively) and parent forms ( p = 0.005, p = 0.000, respectively). Conclusions Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum significantly improved the physical and psychosocial wellbeing of patients. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine the long-term changes related to quality of life.
Inter-reader variability when applying the 2013 Fleischner guidelines for potential solitary subsolid lung nodules
Authors: Penn Alex , Ma Mingming , Chou Benjamin B , Tseng Jeffrey R , Phan Peter 
Published: October 2014

Background In 2013, the Fleischner Society published recommendations for managing subsolid pulmonary nodules. Inter-reader variability has not yet been defined and has potential implications for the ease and reproducibility of applying the guidelines to clinical practice. Purpose To evaluate inter-reader variability when applying the 2013 Fleischner guidelines for potential solitary subsolid lung nodules. Material and Methods Potential nodules were identified through a systematic retrospective review of CT studies that reported a ground-glass lesion. Three radiologists decided whether these lesions fit criteria of a subsolid nodule and thus merit application of the Fleischner Society guidelines, determined if a solid component was present, and measured each component in two dimensions. Final management recommendations were based on these intermediate decisions. Inter-reader variability for management was calculated and Fleiss’ kappa was used to determine significance. Logistic regression and Fisher’s exact test determined whether management was contingent on each intermediate decision. Results Forty-four nodules with mean diameter of 9.4 mm were evaluated by three radiologists. Final management recommendations were in agreement for 93 out of 132 cases (70.4%, kappa = 0.56). Inter-reader variability in management recommendation was contingent on disagreement over whether a pulmonary lesion fit criteria of a subsolid nodule for 24 cases ( P < 0.01), whether there was a solid component for 10 cases ( P = 0.01), and whether the measurement met the threshold of 5 mm for five cases ( P = 0.12). Conclusion There is moderate inter-reader variability when applying the 2013 Fleischner Society management recommendations. Significant contributors of variability include whether the potential lesions fit subsolid nodule criteria and whether a solid component is present. Measurement variability does not significantly affect the final management decisions.
CT angiography in non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage: the importance of arterial attenuation for the detection of intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Ramgren Birgitta , Siemund Roger , Nilsson Ola G , Höglund Peter , Larsson Elna-Marie , Abul-Kasim Kasim , Björkman-Burtscher Isabella M 
Published: October 2014

Background Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is today the primary method for the detection of intracranial aneurysms. The technique has evolved considerably during the last decade, and it is important to establish criteria for high image quality, especially with regard to improving the diagnosis of small aneurysms. Purpose To evaluate diagnostic accuracy and image quality by arterial attenuation of CTA in patients with non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Material and Methods Between 2005 and 2011, CTA and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were performed in 326 patients with non-traumatic SAH. Sensitivity and specificity for aneurysm detection were evaluated per patient, per aneurysm, and per ruptured aneurysm. The image quality of CTA was evaluated by arterial attenuation measurements (mean Hounsfield units [HU]) in the internal carotid artery (ICA). Results In all, 285 aneurysms in 235 patients were detected by DSA, 19 aneurysms were missed on CTA, and 223 aneurysms were classified as ruptured. In 91 patients, no aneurysm was found. Correct diagnosis with CTA was made in 28 patients with perimesencephalic hemorrhage. Sensitivity and specificity (95% confidence interval) calculated per patient were 91.6% (87.3–94.9) and 87.9% (79.8–93.6), respectively, per aneurysm 93.3% (89.7–95.9) and 88% (79.9–93.6), and per ruptured aneurysm 94.9% (91.3–97.3) and 96.7% (90.7–99.3). Arterial attenuation (in HU) in CTA revealing true positive ruptured aneurysms and true negative aneurysms (mean 535 ± 110 HU) differed significantly ( P = 0.02) from false negative ruptured aneurysms (mean 424 ± 30 HU). Conclusion CTA has high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of ruptured aneurysms. The sensitivity is related to arterial attenuation in the ICA.
Enhanced early sensory outcome after nerve repair as a result of immediate post-operative re-learning: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rosén B. , Vikström P. , Turner S. , McGrouther D. A. , Selles R. W. , Schreuders T. A. R. , Björkman A. 
Published: October 2014

We assessed the use of guided plasticity training to improve the outcome in the first 6 months after nerve repair. In a multicentre randomized controlled trial, 37 adults with median or ulnar nerve repair at the distal forearm were randomized to intervention, starting the first week after surgery with sensory and motor re-learning using mirror visual feedback and observation of touch, or to a control group with re-learning starting when reinnervation could be detected. The primary outcome at 3 and 6 months post-operatively was discriminative touch (shape texture identification test, part of the Rosen score). At 6 months, discriminative touch was significantly better in the early intervention group. Improvement of discriminative touch between 3 and 6 months was also significantly greater in that group. There were no significant differences in motor function, pain or in the total score. We conclude that early re-learning using guided plasticity may have a potential to improve the outcomes after nerve repair. Level of evidence: II
Management of infraclavicular (Chuang Level IV) brachial plexus injuries: A single surgeon experience with 75 cases
Authors: Lam W. L. , Fufa D. , Chang N.-J. , Chuang D.C.-C. 
Published: October 2014

Infraclavicular brachial plexus injuries (Level IV in Chuang’s classification) have special characteristics, including high incidences of associated scapular fractures, glenohumeral dislocations, and vascular injuries. In addition, there are specific difficulties in surgical dissection and nerve repairs, especially if surgery is delayed (>3 months). A total of 153 patients with Level IV brachial plexus injuries underwent surgery between 1987 and 2008 with 75 patients (average age 29 years) available for a minimum of 4 years follow-up. Accompanying fractures/dislocations were suffered by 48 (64%) patients, and 17 (23%) had associated vascular injuries. The most common nerves to be injured were the axillary and musculocutaneous nerves. Nerve grafts to the axillary, musculocutaneous, and radial nerves achieved impressive results, but less reliable outcomes were achieved with the median and ulnar nerves. Decompression and/or external neurolysis were also beneficial for nerve recovery. Some surgical tips are presented, and the use of the C-loop vascularized ulnar nerve graft and functioning muscle transfers are discussed. Level of Evidence: IV
Risk Factors for Early Mortality on Antiretroviral Treatment of Elderly People Infected with HIV in Burkina Faso
Authors: Ouédraogo Dieu-Donné , Sawadogo Lynda Magali , Sagna Yempabou , Sawadogo Adrien B. , Diallo Ismael , Hema Arsène , Poda Armel , Drabo Youssouf Joseph 
Published: October 2014

Background: Age is a key determinant of mortality due to diseases including HIV infection. Methods: A retrospective and descriptive cohort study used a computerized database to compare HIV-infected patients diagnosed in late adulthood to a group of patients diagnosed before their 49 years of age, without matching the characteristics of HIV infection. The study included patients who visited the day hospital (outpatient clinic) of the Sanou Souro Teaching Hospital of Bobo-Dioulasso, in Burkina Faso, from January 2007 to December 2011. Older adults were defined as those aged 50 years and more. Results: Participants in the study consisted of 2572 patients (265 older adults and 2307 young patients living with HIV. Based on Markov chain method, 32.1% of the older adults living with HIV were found to be seroconvert at 50 years or older. The median follow-up time on antiretroviral treatment (ART) was 32.7 months (range 0.03-65.4 months). Two hundred and ninety-five (11.5%) patients died, including 21.1% of older adults and 10.4% of young ( P < .01). World Health Organization stage 3 or 4 and the lowest CD4 count reached <200 cells/mm3 were the factors associated with early mortality of older adults on ART. Conclusion: Mortality rate of older adult patients living with HIV in Burkina Faso is high. Early diagnosis, early treatment, and primary prevention of HIV infection in the older adults are the main keys that could help reduce such mortality.
Hip Morphology Characterization
Authors: Barrientos Cristián , Diaz Jorge , Brañes Julian , Chaparro Felipe , Barahona Maximiliano , Salazar Alfonso , Hinzpeter Jaime 
Published: October 2014

Background: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is the result of a mechanical conflict in the hip joint, and its diagnosis is based on clinical and radiological parameters. To our knowledge, there are no published studies describing the radiologic characteristics of FAI in Latin American populations. Purpose: To describe the radiological features associated with FAI in an asymptomatic Chilean population. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We prospectively recruited asymptomatic patients with no history or symptoms of hip pathology who underwent abdomen-pelvis computed tomography (CT) for a nonorthopaedic indication. The acetabular and femoral parameters related to FAI were measured. Results: We studied 101 subjects (202 hips) with a mean age of 36.8 ± 14.4 years. The mean center-edge angle was 39.4° ± 7.2°. The crossover sign was present in 34 cases (33.7%). The mean alpha angle was 49.7° ± 8.3°. Depending on the cut points chosen for FAI-related parameters, between 39.6% and 69.3% of an asymptomatic Chilean population were found to have morphological features related to FAI. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the proposed pathological threshold values in the literature cannot be extrapolated to a Chilean population, and this must be taken into consideration when evaluating Latin American patients with hip pain.
Exploiting the kinetic interplay between GPIbα–VWF binding interfaces to regulate hemostasis and thrombosis
Authors: Chen Jianchung , Zhou Hairu , Diacovo Alexander , Zheng X. Long , Emsley Jonas , Diacovo Thomas G. 
Published: October 2014

Key PointsGPIbα–VWF-A1 bond kinetics regulates platelet–VWF interactions and can be altered to correct defects in hemostasis or prevent thrombosis. Targeting a distinct GPIbα−VWF-A1 binding interface may offer a unique therapeutic approach to reducing platelet-driven thrombosis.
PARP-14 combines with tristetraprolin in the selective posttranscriptional control of macrophage tissue factor expression
Authors: Iqbal M. Bilal , Johns Michael , Cao Jun , Liu Yu , Yu Sheng-Chun , Hyde Gareth D. , Laffan Michael A. , Marchese Francesco P. , Cho Sung Hoon , Clark Andrew R. , Gavins Felicity N. , Woollard Kevin J. , Blackshear Perry J. , Mackman Nigel , Dean Jonathan L. , Boothby Mark , Haskard Dorian O. 
Published: October 2014

Key PointsThis study has identified a novel mechanism by which TF expression is posttranscriptionally regulated in macrophages. The mechanism involves the control of mRNA stability by a cooperation between PARP-14 and TTP.
Functional variants at the 21q22.3 locus involved in breast cancer progression identified by screening of genome-wide estrogen response elements
Authors: Hsiung Chia-Ni , Chu Hou-Wei , Huang Yuan-Ling , Chou Wen-Cheng , Hu Ling-Yueh , Hsu Huan-Ming , Wu Pei-Ei , Hou Ming-Feng , Yu Jyh-Cherng , Shen Chen-Yang 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Estrogen forms a complex with the estrogen receptor (ER) that binds to estrogen response elements (EREs) in the regulatory region of estrogen-responsive genes and regulates their transcription. Sequence variants in the regulatory regions have the potential to affect the transcription factor–regulatory sequence interaction, resulting in altered expression of target genes. This study explored the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the ERE-associated sequences and breast cancer progression.

Methods
The ERE-associated sequences throughout the whole genome that have been demonstrated to bind ERα in vivo were blasted against online information from SNP data sets and 54 SNPs located adjacent to estrogen-responsive genes were selected for genotyping in two independent cohorts of breast cancer patients: 779 patients in the initial screening stage and another 888 in the validation stage. Deaths due to breast cancer or recurrence of breast cancer were defined as the respective events of interest, and the hazard ratios of individual SNPs were estimated based on the Cox proportional hazards model. Furthermore, functional assays were performed, and information from publicly available genomic data and bioinformatics platforms were used to provide additional evidence for the associations identified in the association analyses.

Results
The SNPs at 21q22.3 ERE were significantly associated with overall survival and disease-free survival of patients. Furthermore, these 21q22.3 SNPs (rs2839494 and rs1078272) could affect the binding of this ERE-associated sequence to ERα or Rad21 (an ERα coactivator), respectively, which resulted in a difference in ERα-activated expression of the reporter gene.

Conclusion
These findings support the idea that functional variants in the ERα-regulating sequence at 21q22.3 are important in determining breast cancer progression.
Erratum to: Biological activity and microscopic characterization of Lythrum salicaria L
Authors: Manayi Azadeh , Khanavi Mahnaz , Saeidnia Soodabeh , Azizi Ebrahim , Mahmoodpour Mohammad Reza , Vafi Fatemeh , Malmir Maryam , Siavashi Farideh , Hadjiakhoondi Abbas 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
No abstract.
3D marine magnetotelluric modeling and inversion with the finite-difference time-domain method
Authors: de la Kethulle de Ryhove Sébastien , Mittet Rune 
Published: October 2014

Frequency-domain methods, which are typically applied to 3D magnetotelluric (MT) modeling, require solving a system of linear equations for every frequency of interest. This is memory and computationally intensive. We developed a finite-difference time-domain algorithm to perform 3D MT modeling in a marine environment in which Maxwell’s equations are solved in a so-called fictitious-wave domain. Boundary conditions are efficiently treated via convolutional perfectly matched layers, for which we evaluated optimized parameter values obtained by testing over a large number of models. In comparison to the typically applied frequency-domain methods, two advantages of the finite-difference time-domain method are (1) that it is an explicit, low-memory method that entirely avoids the solution of systems of linear equations and (2) that it allows the computation of the electromagnetic field unknowns at all frequencies of interest in a single simulation. We derive a design criterion for vertical node spacing in a nonuniform grid using dispersion analysis as a starting point. Modeling results obtained using our finite-difference time-domain algorithm are compared with results obtained using an integral equation method. The agreement was found to be very good. We also discuss a real data inversion example in which MT modeling was done with our algorithm.
Non-compliance in dermatology and its implications
Authors: Chella Corri 
Published: October 2014

Non-compliance in treatments costs the NHS over £100 million a year (NICE 2009a). This article examines the reasons for non-compliance in dermatological treatments, with note made of the division in factors between developed and under-developed countries in contributing to compliance rates. Significant barriers to compliance rates include the patient's perception of a ‘lack of empathy’ between themselves and their doctors and the absence of clear communication and comprehension of the reasons for non-compliance. A case study is included to highlight the proposal that Western healthcare's reliance on the biomedical model can be counterproductive in viewing the patient as simply a presenting diagnosis—rather than a person who has complex, intertwining mechanisms that all contribute to their present condition. HCAs and APs are in a privileged position of being privy to a patient's most vulnerable moments and often hear and see the most intimate aspects of a patient's life, which the medics may not. As such, the role of HCA/AP can truly prove invaluable in establishing trust and advising prescribing doctors of factors that may affect greatly the outcome for the patient. The conclusion supports the proposal that for successful treatment and good compliance rates, the healthcare professional needs to be aware of the patient within their social context and have an understanding of their emotional needs, in conjunction with their physical requirements.
Who's responsible and who's accountable? You are!
Authors: Stonehouse David 
Published: October 2014

This article examines what it means for the support worker to be responsible for the care they deliver and to be accountable for their actions and omissions. Both terms will be defined and discussed, before moving on to identify the five different arenas that the support worker may find themselves accountable to. The support worker's role is ever-expanding, with fresh tasks and roles being undertaken that even only five years ago would have been the sole domain of other health and social care professionals. Assistant practitioners (APs) are now becoming firmly embedded within organisations. These new roles and jobs mean increased responsibility and ultimately increased issues of accountability for the support worker.
Where is the humor in verbal irony?
Authors: Gibbs Raymond W. , Bryant Gregory A. , Colston Herbert L. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIrony is often related to humor, both in spoken and written language. One possibility is that humor arises once people reconcile the incongruity between what speakers say and imply when using irony. Humor automatically emerges in these cases given the release of tension following a momentary sense of disparity. Our claim is that this proposal does not capture many of the dynamic complexities in real-world ironic discourse. We describe psychological research on irony understanding showing that ironic meanings are not always understood via a process of drawing conversational implicatures. Studies on people's spontaneous laughter when using irony suggest that the recognition of incongruity between what is said and implied is not necessary for eliciting humor. Laughter occurs at various places in conversation, and not necessarily at the end of speakers' utterances. People also laugh for reasons other than humor, such as to signal affiliation. Overall, finding the humor in irony is not the same as seen in simple jokes, and demands examination of a complex host of contextual factors not always considered in linguistic theories of humor.
Reflecting on a Conversation with Coase
Authors: Terjesen Siri 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
This is a personal reflection from my experience meeting Ronald H. Coase in October 2012 for a 2-day interview together with Ning Wang. Our interview was one of the world’s last glimpses of Coase’s life and contributions, and one that conveys Coase’s contributions as both a true scholar and a gentleman. In addition to the published interview (S. Terjesen & N. Wang, 2013. Coase on entrepreneurship. Small Business Economics, 40(2), 173–184), I kept personal journal notes reflecting on eight life lessons which Coase embodied: being kind, honest, and humble, cherishing friendships, learning continuously, finding humor, serving and teaching others, and accepting chance circumstances. I was initially inspired to record these reflections for my three young children, but have often shared them with my colleagues and students. I am delighted to share Coase’s life lessons more broadly with the world of readers through Coase’s journal.
Problematizando a “decadência” paulista: a complexa inserção de São Paulo nas redes mercantis do Império português (1765-1808)
Authors: De Mattos Renato 
Published: October 2014

A partir da análise de textos historiográficos pretendemos discutir no presente artigo as imagens de “decadência” e “pobreza” da capitania de São Paulo na segunda metade do século XVIII. Com essa perspectiva, ao examinarmos de que modo tais expressões serviram de argumento para o discurso das autoridades locais, procuramos evidenciar a complexidade econômica e social paulista no período. Palavras-chave: São Paulo, grupos mercantis, relações coloniais, Império português, decadência econômica, historiografia. Discutiéndose la “decadencia” paulista: la compleja inserción de São Paulo en las redes mercantiles del Imperio portugués (1765-1808)ResumenA partir del análisis de textos historiográficos pretendemos discutir en el presente artículo las imágenes de “decadencia” y “pobreza” de la capitanía de São Paulo en la segunda mitad del siglo XVIII. Desde este punto de vista, al examinar de qué manera tales expresiones sirvieron de argumento para el discurso de las autoridades locales, buscamos destacar la complejidad económica y social paulista en el periodo. Palabras clave: Sao Paulo, comercio colonial, grupos mercantiles, Imperio Portugués, decadencia económica, historiografia. Discussing the “Decadence” of São Paulo: the Complex Insertion of Sao Paulo into Merchant Networks of the Portuguese Empire (1765-1808)AbstractAs a result of analysis of historiographical texts in this paper we intend to discuss the images of “decadence” and “poverty” regarding the capitania of São Paulo in the second half of the 18th century. In this perspective, we examine how such expressions were used as arguments to the discourse of local authorities, focusing on the demonstration of the complexity of social and economic systems in São Paulo at the time. Keywords: São Paulo, Merchant groups, colonial relations, Portuguese Empire, economic decay, historiography.