bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polarimetric Radar Relations for Estimation of Visibility in Aggregated Snow
Authors: Bukovčić Petar , Ryzhkov Alexander V. , Carlin Jacob T. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe intrinsic uncertainty of radar-based retrievals in snow originates from a large diversity of snow growth habits, densities, and particle size distributions, all of which can make interpreting radar measurements of snow very challenging. The application of polarimetric radar for snow measurements can mitigate some of these issues. In this study, a novel polarimetric method for quantification of the extinction coefficient and visibility in snow, based on the joint use of radar reflectivity at horizontal polarization Z and specific differential phase KDP, is introduced. A large 2D-video-disdrometer snow dataset from central Oklahoma is used to derive a polarimetric bivariate power-law relation for the extinction coefficient, . The relation is derived for particle aspect ratios ranging from 0.5 to 0.8 and the width of the canting angle distribution ranging from 0° to 40°, values typical of aggregated snow, and validated via theoretical and analytical derivations/simulations. The multiplier of the relation is sensitive to variations in particles’ densities, the width of the canting angle distribution, and particles’ aspect ratios, whereas the relation’s exponents are practically invariant to changes in the latter two parameters. This novel approach is applied to polarimetric S-band WSR-88D data and verified against previous studies and in situ measurements of the extinction coefficient for four snow events in the eastern United States. The polarimetric radar estimates of the extinction coefficient exhibit smaller biases in comparison to previous studies concerning the ground measurements. The results indicate that there is good potential for reliable radar estimates of visibility from polarimetric weather radars, a parameter inversely proportional to the extinction coefficient.
Postoperative Mortality in Patients With Cirrhosis: Reconsidering Expectations
Authors: Klein John , Spigel Zachary , Kalil Jennifer , Friedman Lindsay , Chan Edie 
Published: January 2021

Background A diagnosis of cirrhosis increases a patient’s risk of postoperative mortality. Surgeons are reticent to operate when cirrhosis is known unless no option is available. This study aimed to identify the modern perioperative risk in cirrhotic patients undergoing intervention under general anesthesia for non-transplant operations. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted utilizing the Rush Medical Center electronic medical record. All patients over 18 years of age with a diagnosis of cirrhosis undergoing intervention between 2009 and 2019 were reviewed. 90-day mortality rates in patients grouped by Child’s score, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD), and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease with sodium incorporated (MELDNa) were compared to previously accepted rates. Results 93 patients (46% women) aged 22-72 years of all Child-Turcot-Pugh (CTP) (40% A, 36% B, and 25% C) classifications and MELD/MELDNa ranging 6-40 were analyzed. 90-day mortality of the entire population was 16%, significantly lower than expected based on CTP score (16% vs. 32%; P = .0005), MELD (16% vs. 41%; P < .0001), and MELDNa (16% vs. 46.8%; P < .0001). This was also true for CTP-B patients (12% vs. 30%; P = .025), CTP-C patients (35% vs. 70%; P = .0002), patients with MELD >14 (27% vs. 70%; P < .001), and patients with MELDNa >14 (23% vs. 70%; P < .0001). Conclusion Data indicate that perioperative mortality is lower than widely accepted. This suggests the need for a national database study using a representative population to determine the risk of mortality for patients with cirrhosis having surgery in recent times. Accurate estimation of this risk allows for meaningful discussion between physicians and patients when deciding to proceed with elective, necessary operations.
Retrieval of Bard Simon Nitinol inferior vena cava filters: Approaches, technical successes, complications, and clinical outcomes
Authors: Bundy Jacob J , Chick Jeffrey Forris Beecham , Srinivasa Ravi N , Cooper Kyle J , Gemmete Joseph J , Wadhwa Vibhor , Moriarty John M 
Published: January 2021

Objective The Simon Nitinol filter is a bi-level filtration device designed for permanent implantation that is no longer commercially available, but may result in similar complications to current commercially available long term indwelling temporary or permanent filters. Complications related to indwelling inferior vena cava filters include inferior vena cava thrombosis, inferior vena cava penetration, filter migration, and filter fracture. There is a paucity of reports describing the technical aspects related to retrieval of Simon Nitinol filters. Materials and methods This study consisted of five patients with Simon Nitinol filters and describes the indication for retrieval, the retrieval techniques used to remove the filters, technical success, complications, and clinical course. Results The indications for retrieval included: abdominal pain ( n = 2; 40%), iliocaval thrombosis ( n = 1; 20%), identification of an intracardiac filter fragment ( n = 1; 20%), and recurrent venous thromboembolic events ( n = 1; 20%). Retrieval techniques included: biopsy forceps ( n = 3; 60%), excimer laser extraction sheaths ( n = 3; 60%), hangman modified loop snares ( n = 3; 60%), rigid endobronchial forceps ( n = 2; 40%), and balloon deflection ( n = 2; 40%). All filters were successfully retrieved. One patient developed a post-procedural intramuscular hematoma near the site of right internal jugular sheath placement. Conclusions Simon Nitinol filters may be retrieved safely and effectively using advanced inferior vena cava filter retrieval techniques.
The Effect of Varied Positioning of Mini-screw, Anterior Retraction Hook, and Resultant Force Vector on Efficient En-Masse Retraction Using Finite Element Method: A Systematic Review
Authors: Agrawal Ashish , Subash P 
Published: January 2021

Objective: The objective of this systematic review was to assess the available evidence to evaluate the effectiveness of en-masse retraction design with mini-screw with respect to the retraction hook and mini-implant position and height. Methods: The following electronic databases were searched till July 31, 2020: Pro-Quest Dissertation Abstracts and Thesis database Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, Google Scholar, US National Library of Medicine, and National Research Register. En-masse retractions with anterior retraction hooks assisted by mini-implant three-dimensional finite element method (3D FEM) models were included in the study. The selected studies were assessed for the risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. The “traffic plot” and “weighted plot” risk of bias distribution were designed using the ROBVIS tool. The authors extracted and analyzed the data. Results: Twelve studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The risks of biases were low for 9 studies and high for 3 studies. Data on mini-implant, retraction hook, and the center of resistance/force vectors were extracted. The outcomes of the included studies were heterogeneous. Conclusions: According to the currently available literature review for successful bodily en-masse tooth movement, the force vector should pass through the center of resistance, which can be achieved by the clinical judgment of placing a mini-screw and an anterior retraction hook. The force from an implant placed at a higher level from the anterior retraction hook will cause intrusion; an implant placed at the medium level shows bodily movement; and an implant placed at a lower level shows tipping forces in consolidated arches.
Urinary leucine aminopeptidase 3 in population environmentally exposed to airborne arsenic
Authors: Skoczynska Anna , Skoczynska Marta , Wojakowska Anna , Turczyn Barbara , Gruszczynski Leszek , Scieszka Marek 
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Environmental arsenic contamination is a major toxicological problem worldwide due to its carcinogenic and nephrotoxic potential. Aim: The purpose of this observational study was to determine the suspected association between urinary arsenic (uAs) and urinary leucine (or leucyl) aminopeptidase 3 (uLAP3) to evaluate uLAP3 as a candidate biomarker of exposure to airborne arsenic. Materials and Methods: A total of 918 adults occupationally and/or environmentally exposed to airborne arsenic were enrolled in the study. Baseline information (age; sex; history of smoking; alcohol, fish and seafood consumption) was gathered. Total uAs concentrations [μg/L] of 918 subjects, as well as the sum of arsenic species (ΣiAs) in 259 subjects, were obtained. Urinary LAP3 was measured by an immune-enzymatic assay using an ELISA kit. Urinary creatinine concentration was assessed with the IB/lAB/1289 research protocol (version II, 2015-09-17). The values of uAs and uLAP3 were recalculated per unit of creatinine. The association between uAs and uLAP3 was assessed using a logistic regression model adjusted for confounders. Results: The study identified a positive correlation between the logarithm of uAs and the logarithm of uLAP3 in the study population (r = 0.1737, p < 0.0000) and between urinary creatinine and uLAP3 concentration not adjusted for creatinine level (r = 0.1871, p < 0.001). In the logistic regression model, there was also an association between increased (≥15 µg/L) uAs and decreased (below the 25th quartile) uLAP3 [OR uLAP3 = 1.22 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.44, p < 0.02)]. Conclusions: These data suggest that urinary LAP3 may be a potential biomarker of arsenic exposure, which warrants further study.
Systematic Literature Searching in Social Work: A Practical Guide With Database Appraisal
Authors: Pascoe Katheryn Margaret , Waterhouse-Bradley Bethany , McGinn Tony 
Published: January 2021

Context: In response to the growth of evidence-based practice in social work, systematic literature reviews offer significant value to social work but are often met with concerns of time scarcity. Purpose: Through a case study search strategy addressing the research question “What are practicing frontline social workers’ experiences of bureaucracy?,” this article seeks to promote efficiency by providing a practical guide for conducting systematic literature searches and an appraisal of database performance in qualitative social work research. Method: The total citations, unique hits, sensitivity, and precision for each database were calculated before conducting a cross-study comparison with three previously published social work systematic searches to identify emerging performance trends. Results/Conclusion: Relying on a single database is subject to bias and will not provide comprehensive or sensitive findings; however, due to consistent high performance across four systematic searches, Applied Social Science Index and Abstracts, Social Services Abstracts, and Social Science Citation Index are recommended for future literature searching in social work.
Heart to Heart Cards: A Novel, Culturally Tailored, Community-Based Advance Care Planning Tool for Chinese Americans
Authors: Jia Zhimeng , Stokes Sandy C. , Pan Shirley Y. , Leiter Richard E. , Lum Hillary D. , Pan Cynthia X. 
Published: January 2021

Context: A paucity of literature describes the growing Chinese American community’s end-of-life (EOL) priorities and preferences. Objective: Develop a culturally-tailored advance care planning (ACP) tool to understand the EOL preferences of this underserved minority group. Methods: Informed by the Cultural Appropriateness Theory, the Chinese American Coalition for Compassionate Care (CACCC) developed Heart to Heart (HTH) Cards using a 3-step approach. First, CACCC created and refined a list of bilingual, culturally relevant EOL issues. Next, CACCC organized the EOL issues into a card deck. Finally, CACCC developed a unique playstyle of the cards—the HTH Café. From 2014-2019, CACCC recruited Chinese American volunteers and participants for HTH Cafés. Following each Café, participants completed an anonymous survey describing their sociodemographics, top 3 cards, and café evaluation. Results: The 54 HTH Cards were organized into 4 suits (spiritual, physical, financial/legal, and social). Each card displayed a culturally-tailored EOL issue in English and Chinese. Playstyles included one-on-one and group formats (ie. HTH Café). CACCC volunteers conducted 316 HTH Cafés for 2,267 Chinese American adults. Most participants were female (61.6%), between 18-50 years old (56.7%), lived in California (80.2%) and born in Asia (74.3%). The top priority (25.5%) was “If I’m going to die anyway, I don’t want to be kept alive by machines.” Participants thought the session was pleasant (99.5%) and expressed intent to complete advance directives (86.5%). Conclusion: HTH Cards represents the first, theory-driven, culturally-tailored ACP tool for Chinese Americans. More research is needed to establish its impact on ACP conversations and outcomes.
Extemporaneous compounding and administration of tretinoin slurry for acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Przybylski Daniel J , Jared Jason R , Fallon Michael J 
Published: January 2021

Introduction Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a potentially curable malignancy with 4-year overall survival rates >90%. Early complications from the disease or its treatment may result in a loss of oral access and require alternative administration of medications. Tretinoin has been the backbone of APL therapy since the late 1990s and is only available as a liquid filled capsule. Case report Two patients with high-risk APL were unable to safely swallow tretinoin capsules due to complications of their disease. Management & outcome We prepared a tretinoin slurry using tretinoin 10 mg capsules, sterile water, and mineral oil at a ratio of 1 capsule to 2.75 mL sterile water to 1.25 mL mineral oil. This was successfully administered to both patients and no doses of tretinoin slurry were missed by either patient. In the patient who has long-term follow up available, a complete remission was achieved. Discussion Due to tretinoin’s known teratogenicity, this capsule should not be crushed, cut, or open, which limits its use in patients without oral access. Alternative routes of administration, such as via a nasogastric tube or sublingually, have not been safe and effective. By preparing a tretinoin slurry in our hazardous extemporaneous compounding area, we were able to safely and effectively prepare a tretinoin slurry that was successfully administered to two patients. This alternative preparation did not alter long-term outcomes and represents a viable option for patients who do not have oral access.
The significance of ultrasound biomicroscopy in the objective assessment of post-trabeculectomy bleb success
Authors: Özen Bediz , Yüce Berna , Öztürk Hakan 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To compare clinical characteristics and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) measurements of cases with functional and non-functional blebs, and to identify potential risk factors capable of affecting UBM parameters. Methods: Thirty-one patients aged 40–79 were included. Following trabeculectomy, cases were divided into two groups as those with functional bleb (Group 1, n = 20) and those with non-functional bleb (Group 2, n = 11). UBM was performed. Results: In Group 1 compared to Group 2, lower postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) (12.1 ± 1.7 vs 27.2 ± 3.2 mmHg, p < 0.001), greater bleb height (1.0 ± 0.2 vs 0.5 ± 0.3 mm, p < 0.001), greater scleral route visibility [16/20 (80%) vs 4/11 (36.4%), p = 0.023] and lower bleb reflectivity (1.8 ± 0.2 vs 2.4 ± 0.4, p = 0.015) were observed. In Group 1, as postoperative IOP decreased, bleb height and scleral route visibility increased ( r = −0.387, p = 0.029 for bleb height; r = −0.374, p = 0.033 for scleral route), and bleb reflectivity decreased ( r = 0.359, p = 0.042). In Group 1, as duration of preoperative antiglaucoma drug use increased, bleb reflectivity increased ( r = 0.348, p = 0.046). Preoperative IOP and number of preoperative antiglaucoma drug use had no effect on UBM parameters in groups ( p > 0.05). Conclusion: UBM is useful in assessing bleb success. Lower bleb reflectivity, greater bleb height and greater scleral route visibility indicate that the bleb is functional. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating effects of preoperative IOP, number and duration of preoperative antiglaucoma drug use on UBM parameters. In cases with functional bleb, duration of preoperative drug use affects only bleb reflectivity, while postoperative IOP affects bleb height, scleral route visibility and bleb reflectivity.
Technical success and safety of peripherally inserted central catheters in the great saphenous and anterior accessory great saphenous veins
Authors: Jin Mauricio F , Thompson Scott M , Comstock Ann C , Levy Emily R , Reisenauer Christopher J , McPhail Ian R , Takahashi Edwin A 
Published: January 2021

Background: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are occasionally placed in the great saphenous vein (GSV) and anterior accessory great saphenous vein (AAGSV) in patients with inadequate upper extremity veins or contraindications to upper extremity placement. Outcomes on the placement of PICCs in these veins are limited. Objectives: This study aimed to determine technical success and safety of GSV/AAGSV PICCs. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study that reviewed all GSV/AAGSV PICC placements between January 2011 and December 2019. A total of 29 PICC placements procedures were identified. The electronic medical record was queried for demographic, procedural, and complication data. Technical success was defined by whether the vein could be accessed and a PICC could be placed. Catheter-associated infections, dislodgement or migration, malfunction, and PICC-associated thrombosis were recorded. Results: Technical success of placement was 100%. Twenty-one (72%) catheters were placed in the GSV in the mid to upper thigh and eight (28%) were placed in the AAGSV. The median PICC dwell time was 13 days with a range of 3–155 days. PICC-associated complications occurred after 11 (37.9%) placements. Line associated infection was the most common complication (17.2%). Conclusion: Due to a high complication rate, GSV/AAGSV PICC placement should be considered only when upper extremity or cervical PICC placement is not feasible or contraindicated.
MYBPC2 and MYL1 as Significant Gene Markers for Rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Chen Zihang , Li Xing-yu , Guo Peng , Wang Dong-lai 
Published: January 2021

Background: Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft tissue tumor in children. Rhabdomyosarcoma commonly results in pain and bleeding caused by tumor compression and is prone to early metastasis and recurrence, which can seriously affect the therapeutic outcomes and long-term prognosis. Up to 37.7% of rhabdomyosarcomas may metastasize. Therefore, the molecular mechanisms underlying rhabdomyosarcoma must be explored to identify an effective target for its early diagnosis and specific treatment. Methods: A dataset of 18 rhabdomyosarcoma tissue samples and 6 healthy skeletal muscle samples was downloaded. Differentially expressed genes between rhabdomyosarcoma and healthy tissue samples were identified by GEO2R. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and gene ontology pathway enrichment analyses were performed. A protein–protein interaction network was constructed, and hub genes were identified. Expression and survival analyses of hub genes were performed. Additionally, 30 patients with rhabdomyosarcoma were recruited, and overall survival information and samples were collected. Reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays were performed to verify the expression of MYBPC2 and MYL1 in rhabdomyosarcoma tumor tissues. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to explore overall survival based on our clinical data. Results: In total, 164 genes were up-regulated and 394 were down-regulated in rhabdomyosarcoma tumor tissues. Gene ontology analysis revealed that variations were predominantly enriched in the cell cycle, muscle contraction, muscle system processes, cytoskeleton, nucleotide binding, and cytoskeletal protein binding. The protein–protein interaction network revealed 3274 edges, and 441 nodes were constructed. Ten hub genes were identified; of these, MYBPC2 and MYL1 were significantly up-regulated in rhabdomyosarcoma. Compared with the healthy group, patients with rhabdomyosarcoma exhibiting high expression of MYBPC2 and MYL1 exhibited significantly worse overall survival. Conclusions: We found differentially expressed genes between rhabdomyosarcoma and healthy tissue samples. MYBPC2 and MYL1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of rhabdomyosarcoma and therefore deserve further exploration.
Knockdown of 91 H Suppresses the Tumorigenesis of Osteosarcoma via Inducing Methylation of CDK4 Promoter
Authors: Cheng Suoli , Zheng Jianping , Liu Xueqin , Shi Jiandang , Gong Fan , Zhang Xu , Liu Changhao , Liu Cuiyun 
Published: January 2021

Background: Osteosarcoma is the most leading primary malignancy of the bone in adolescents all over the world. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) 91 H has been reported to participated in multiple cancers. Meanwhile, lncRNA 91 H has been proved to be upregulated in osteosarcoma. However, the function of 91 H in osteosarcoma remains unclear. Methods: Gene and protein expressions in osteosarcoma cells were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. Cell viability was tested by CCK-8 assay. Ki67 staining was used to measure cell proliferation. Cell apoptosis and cycle were assessed by flow cytometry. In addition, transwell assay was used to detect cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) was performed to test the methylation of CDK4 promoter. Finally, xenograft mice model was established to explore the role of 91 H in osteosarcoma in vivo. Results: Knockdown of 91 H significantly inhibited the growth of osteosarcoma cells via inducing the cell apoptosis. In addition, 91 H siRNA notably suppressed the migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. Meanwhile, knockdown of 91 H inhibited the progression of osteosarcoma via inducing methylation of CDK4 promoter. Furthermore, 91 H knockdown obviously induced G1 arrest in osteosarcoma cells via inhibition of PCNA and Cyclin D1. Finally, knockdown of 91 H notably inhibited the tumor growth of osteosarcoma in vivo. Conclusion: knockdown of 91 H suppressed the tumorigenesis of osteosarcoma via inducing methylation of CDK4 promoter in vitro and in vivo. Thus, 91 H may serve as a new target for the treatment of osteosarcoma.