bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management and outcomes among patients with mixed hepatocholangiocellular carcinoma: A population‐based analysis
Authors: Spolverato Gaya , Bagante Fabio , Tsilimigras Diamantis , Ejaz Aslam , Cloyd Jordan , Pawlik Timothy M. 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundWe sought to define the management of mixed hepatocellular carcinoma‐intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (HCC‐ICC) as well as characterize short‐ and long‐term outcomes of patients with mixed HCC‐ICC.MethodsPatients diagnosed with HCC‐ICC, HCC, or ICC between 2004 and 2015 were identified from the National Cancer Data Base using the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology codes. Short‐ and long‐term outcomes were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsAmong 174 454 patients, 86.8% had HCC, 12.1% ICC, and 1.1% HCC‐ICC. The incidence of lymphadenectomy was 55.6% among ICC patients vs 15.1% and 34.2% for HCC and HCC‐ICC patients, respectively (P < 0.001). A 90‐day mortality was comparable among patients with HCC (9.1%), ICC (8.8%), and HCC‐ICC (10.5%) (all P > 0.2). While 42.0% of ICC patients received adjuvant chemotherapy, adjuvant chemotherapy among HCC and HCC‐ICC patients was 13.1% and 27.4%, respectively (P < 0.001). A 5‐year survival was 43.5% (95% CI, 42.5‐44.5), 33.3% (95% CI, 31.4‐35.3), 34.4% (95% CI, 29.1‐39.8) for HCC, ICC, and HCC‐ICC patients, respectively.ConclusionPatients who underwent resection of mixed HCC‐ICC had a prognosis that was comparable to ICC, yet worse than HCC. Utilization of lymphadenectomy and adjuvant therapy were low. HCC‐ICC remains a rare disease with a guarded prognosis that should be treated in a multidisciplinary setting.
Is malnutrition associated with postoperative complications in patients with primary bone sarcomas?
Authors: Park Andrew , Lans Jonathan , Raskin Kevin , Hornicek Francis , Schwab Joseph , Lozano Calderon Santiago 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundModifiable risk factors that can be optimized to minimize postoperative complications in patients with bone sarcomas are yet to be identified.MethodsWe retrospectively identified 275 patients aged 18 and older who underwent surgery for primary bone sarcomas who also had albumin values recorded within 4 weeks before surgery. Postoperative complications were defined as infection, hematoma, need for additional surgery, or wound complications.ResultsIn the multivariate analysis, age (P = 0.049) and neoadjuvant radiotherapy (P = 0.008) were independently associated with postoperative complications. We then performed a subanalysis of patients without a pelvic tumor who also did not receive radiotherapy (n = 178). In this population, albumin less than 2.8 g/dL was found to be independently associated with postoperative complications (odds ratio [OR], 4.69. 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.03‐21.97; P = 0.046).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that hypoalbuminemia (albumin < 2.8 g/dL) is associated with postoperative complications in patients with nonpelvic bone sarcomas who do not receive radiation. Future studies are necessary to further elucidate the role of nutrition, and they may show that nutritional status is a modifiable risk factor that can be optimized to improve the outcome of surgery for primary bone sarcomas.
Deficiencies in postoperative surveillance for veterans with gastrointestinal cancer
Authors: Taylor Lauren J. , Xu Kerui , Maloney James D. , Voils Corrine I. , Weber Sharon M. , Funk Luke M. , Abbott Daniel E. 
Published: December 2018

Background and ObjectivesNational guidelines for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers offer surveillance algorithms to facilitate detection of recurrent disease, yet adherence rates are unknown. We sought to characterize postoperative surveillance patterns for veterans with GI cancer at a tertiary care Veterans Affairs Hospital.MethodsA single‐center retrospective cohort study identified patients who underwent surgical resection for colorectal, gastroesophageal or hepatopancreaticobiliary malignancy from 2010‐2016. We calculated the annual rate of cancer‐directed clinic visits and abdominal imaging and used National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines as a benchmark by which to assess adequate surveillance.ResultsNinety‐seven patients met inclusion criteria. Median surveillance time was 1203 days. Overall, 44% of patients had insufficient surveillance. Specifically, 11% received no postoperative imaging and 7% had no cancer‐directed clinic visits. An additional 30% received less than recommended surveillance imaging and 12% attended fewer than recommended clinic visits. By disease site, insufficient imaging was most common for patients with hepatopancreaticobiliary cancer (63%), while inadequate clinic follow‐up was highest for colorectal cancer (24%).ConclusionA significant proportion of veterans with GI cancer received either inadequate postoperative surveillance based on national guidelines. This deficiency represents an opportunity for improvement through targeted efforts, including telemedicine and education of patients and providers.
The role of robotic aortic lymphadenectomy in gynecological cancer: surgical and oncological outcome in a single institution experience
Authors: Gallotta Valerio , Federico Alex , Gaballa Khaled , D’Indinosante Marco , Conte Carmine , Giudice Maria Teresa , Naldini Angelica , Lodoli Claudio , Rotolo Stefano , Gallucci Valeria , Tortorella Lucia , Romanò Bruno , Scambia Giovanni , Ferrandina Gabriella 
Published: December 2018

Background and ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the surgical outcomes observed in robotic transperitoneal aortic lymphadenectomy (AL) in gynecological cancer patients.MethodsRetrospective data were collected and analyzed on 71 patients undergoing robotic surgical procedures for gynecological cancers, including transperitoneal AL, between December 2014 and February 2018 at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.ResultsMedian age of the sample population was 50 years (range, 26‐76 years). The median operative time was 210 minutes (range, 75‐480 minutes), the median estimated blood loss was 50 ml (range, 20‐300 ml). The number of para‐aortic nodes removed was 12 (range, 7‐43). In the whole series, 13 patients (18.3%) had at least one metastatic node. Overall, 10 patients (14.1%) experienced any grade early postoperative complications. Three patients experienced more than one complication. Three intraoperative complications occurred with two cases of vascular injury. Conversion to laparotomy was necessary for one patient (1.4%).ConclusionsThe present study shows the safety and adequacy of robotic transperitoneal AL as surgical staging step for gynecological cancers in terms of perioperative and postoperative outcomes.
Completion surgery of residual disease after primary inadequate surgery of retroperitoneal sarcomas can salvage a selected subgroup of patients—A propensity score analysis
Authors: Nizri Eran , Fiore Marco , Colombo Chiara , Radaelli Stefano , Callegaro Dario , Sanfilippo Roberta , Sangalli Claudia , Collini Paola , Morosi Carlo , Stacchiotti Silvia , Casali Paolo G. , Gronchi Alessandro 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundPatients with retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPSs) who undergo primary inadequate surgery before referral to specialized sarcoma centers may be considered for completion surgery (CS). We wanted to compare the outcome of these patients to those who underwent primary adequate surgery (PAS) at a single referral institution.MethodsWe identified 34 patients who were referred for CS after primary inadequate surgery. Using a propensity score based on validated RPS outcome risk factors, we managed to match 28 patients to patients with PAS.ResultsMedian time lag between the first and second operation in CS patients was 5 months (2‐15). Surgical extent was similar among groups (median number of organs resected = 3; P = 0.08), and macroscopically complete excision was achieved in all patients. The rate of severe complications did not differ between the groups (1 of 28 vs 3 of 28, respectively; P = 0.35) and no perioperative mortality was documented. Median follow‐up was 43.5 months. Patients in the CS group had similar local recurrence‐free survival (mean, 92.1 ± 9.7 vs 99.8 ± 12.4; P = 0.85) and relapse‐free survival (mean, 88.7 ± 9.8 vs 80.9 ± 12.3; P = 0.3) to those with PAS.ConclusionsCS has short‐ and long‐term outcomes comparable to PAS. While primary surgery should always be carried out at a referral institution, some of the patients who undergo an initial incomplete resection at a non specialist center can still be offered a salvage procedure at a referral institution with comparable results.
Structural Validity of the World Assumption Scale
Authors: van Bruggen Vincent , ten Klooster Peter M. , van der Aa Niels , Smith Annemarie J.M. , Westerhof Gerben J. , Glas Gerrit 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe World Assumption Scale (WAS) is a frequently used measure in trauma research. The 32 items of the WAS are intended to represent eight assumptions about the benevolence of the world, the meaningfulness of events, and the worthiness of the self. Debate about the validity of the WAS is ongoing, particularly in terms of its empirical factor structure; some studies have confirmed a model of eight correlated factors whereas several other studies have not. The WAS items were administered to a clinical sample of patients who sought professional help because of posttraumatic complaints (n = 1,791) as well as a sample of healthcare professionals (n = 236). We split the clinical sample into three subsamples, then performed exploratory factor analysis using data from one subsample and tested the factor structure with confirmatory factor analysis using the other two subsamples. A consistent model of eight correlated factors was demonstrated, with almost all factors showing acceptable reliability, Cronbach's αs = .68–.84. We tested this factor model against data from the sample of healthcare professionals with increasingly stringent levels of invariance and found it to be scalar invariant (same structure, loadings, and thresholds). In a regression analysis, five factors showed significant associations with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and two factors had unique associations with PTSD symptoms after we controlled for traumatic events: Self‐Worth, β = −.31; and Luck, β = −.15. Future research should aim to distinguish between different assumptions and their individual influences on posttraumatic complaints.
A multi‐model framework to estimate perfusion parameters using contrast‐enhanced ultrasound imaging
Authors: Akhbardeh Alireza , Sagreiya Hersh , El Kaffas Ahmed , Willmann Jürgen K. , Rubin Daniel L. 
Published: December 2018

PurposeContrast‐enhanced ultrasound imaging has expanded the diagnostic potential of ultrasound by enabling real‐time imaging and quantification of tissue perfusion. Several perfusion models and curve fitting methods have been developed to quantify the temporal behavior of tracer signal and standardize perfusion quantification. While the least‐squares approach has traditionally been applied for curve fitting, it can be inadequate for noisy and complex data. Moreover, previous research suggests that certain perfusion models may be more relevant depending on the organ or tissue imaged. We propose a multi‐model framework to select the most appropriate perfusion model and curve fitting method for each diagnostic application.MethodsOur multi‐model approach uses a system identification method, which estimates perfusion parameters from the model with the best fit to a given time–intensity curve. We compared current perfusion quantification methods that use a single perfusion model and curve fitting method and our proposed multi‐model framework on bolus 3D dynamic contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (DCE‐US) in vivo images obtained in mice implanted with a colon cancer, as well as on simulation data. The quality of fit in estimating perfusion parameters was evaluated using the Spearman correlation coefficient, the coefficient of determination (R2), and the normalized root‐mean‐square error (NRMSE) to ensure that the multi‐model framework finds the best perfusion model and curve fitting algorithm.ResultsOur multi‐model framework outperforms conventional single perfusion model approaches with least‐squares optimization, providing more robust perfusion parameter estimation. R2 and NRMSE are 0.98 and 0.18, respectively, for our proposed method. By comparison, the performance of the traditional approach is much more dependent upon the selection of the appropriate model. The R2 and NRMSE are 0.91 and 0.31, respectively.ConclusionsThe proposed multi‐model framework for perfusion modeling outperforms the current approach of single perfusion modeling using least‐squares optimization and more robustly estimates perfusion parameters when using empiric data labeled by an expert as the gold standard. Our technique is minimally sensitive to issues affecting the accuracy of perfusion parameter estimation, including rise time, noise, region of interest size, and frame rate. This framework could be of key utility in modeling different perfusion systems in different tissues and organs.
A comparison of the shielding effectiveness of silicone oil vitreous substitutes when used with Palladium‐103 and Iodine‐125 eye plaques
Authors: Yang You M. , Chow Phillip E. , McCannel Tara A. , Lamb James M. 
Published: December 2018

PurposeEpiscleral eye plaques provide excellent local control of ocular melanoma, but vision sparing remains a significant problem with 30% or more of patients experiencing significant visual acuity degradation. The use of silicone oil shielding with Iodine‐125 plaques has previously been reported to improve critical structure sparing. We hypothesized that the use of Palladium‐103 would improve the shielding effectiveness of silicone oil due to the strong energy dependence of the photoelectric effect. This Monte Carlo simulation study reports a comparison of the shielding effects of silicone oil when used in conjunction with Pd‐103 and with I‐125 plaques.Materials and methodsGEANT4 was used to simulate eye plaque treatments to an eye with either water‐equivalent vitreous humor, or silicone oil in place of the vitreous humor. Two solid gold plaques, 15 and 23 mm, were simulated loaded with I‐125 and with Pd‐103 source seeds. Seed activity was normalized such that 85 Gy was delivered to the tumor apex in the water‐equivalent cases. Tumor apex dose, central axis dose, and inner sclera dose reductions with silicone oil were evaluated.ResultsSilicone oil resulted in an underdosing to the tumor apex of 6.1% and 7.5% in the 15 mm plaque for I‐125 and Pd‐103, respectively, and 3.4% and 4.3% in the 23 mm plaque for I‐125 and Pd‐103, respectively. When renormalized to 85 Gy to the tumor apex in all scenarios, silicone oil reduced the dose to the inner sclera 90° from the plaque by 19–32% for the 15 and 23 mm plaques using I‐125, and by 33–65% for the 15 and 23 mm plaques using Pd‐103.ConclusionsThe combination of silicone oil and Pd‐103 eye plaques offers the potential for greatly improved sparing to normal structures compared to Pd‐103 plaques alone or I‐125 plaques with or without silicone oil.
In Situ Reduction of Graphene Oxide in Waterborne Polyurethane Matrix and the Healing Behavior of Nanocomposites by Multiple Ways
Authors: Wan Ting , Chen Dajun 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTSmart polymers are advanced materials that continue to attract scientific community. In this work, self‐healing waterborne polyurethane/reduced graphene oxide (SHWPU/rGO) nanocomposites were prepared by in situ chemical reduction of graphene oxide in a waterborne polyurethane matrix. The chemical structure, morphology, thermal stability, mechanical property, and electrical conductivity of the SHWPU/rGO nanocomposites were characterized. The prepared SHWPU/rGO nanocomposites were further treated under heating, microwave radiating, and electrifying conditions to investigate their healing property. The results showed that chemical reduction of graphene oxide was achieved using hydrazine hydrate as a reducing agent and the rGO was well dispersed in the SHWPU matrix. The thermal stability and mechanical properties of SHWPU/rGO nanocomposites were significantly increased. The SHWPU/rGO nanocomposites can be healed via different methods including heating, microwave radiating, and electrifying. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 202–209
Algorithms and experiments on routing of unmanned aerial vehicles with mobile recharging stations
Authors: Yu Kevin , Budhiraja Ashish Kumar , Buebel Spencer , Tokekar Pratap 
Published: December 2018

AbstractWe study the problem of planning a tour for an energy‐limited Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to visit a set of sites in the least amount of time. We envision scenarios where the UAV can be recharged at a site or along an edge either by landing on stationary recharging stations or on Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) acting as mobile recharging stations. This leads to a new variant of the Traveling Salesperson Problem (TSP) with mobile recharging stations. We present an algorithm that finds not only the order in which to visit the sites but also when and where to land on the charging stations to recharge. Our algorithm plans tours for the UGVs as well as determines the best locations to place stationary charging stations. We study three variants for charging: Multiple stationary charging stations, single mobile charging station, and multiple mobile charging stations. As the problems we study are nondeterministic polynomial time (NP)‐Hard, we present a practical solution using Generalized TSP that finds the optimal solution that minimizes the total time, subject to the discretization of battery levels. If the UGVs are slower than the UAVs, then the algorithm also finds the minimum number of UGVs required to support the UAV mission such that the UAV is not required to wait for the UGV. Our simulation results show that the running time is acceptable for reasonably sized instances in practice. We evaluate the performance of our algorithm through simulations and proof‐of‐concept field experiments with a fully autonomous system of one UAV and UGV.
Generating and working with Drosophila cell cultures: Current challenges and opportunities
Authors: Luhur Arthur , Klueg Kristin M. , Zelhof Andrew C. 
Published: December 2018

The use of Drosophila cell cultures has positively impacted both fundamental and biomedical research. The most widely used cell lines: Schneider, Kc, the CNS and imaginal disc lines continue to be the choice for many applications. Drosophila cell lines provide a homogenous source of cells suitable for biochemical experimentations, transcriptomics, functional genomics, and biomedical applications. They are amenable to RNA interference and serve as a platform for high‐throughput screens to identify relevant candidate genes or drugs for any biological process. Currently, CRISPR‐based functional genomics are also being developed for Drosophila cell lines. Even though many uniquely derived cell lines exist, cell genetic techniques such the transgenic UAS‐GAL4‐based RasV12 oncogene expression, CRISPR‐Cas9 editing and recombination mediated cassette exchange are likely to drive the establishment of many more lines from specific tissues, cells, or genotypes. However, the pace of creating new lines is hindered by several factors inherent to working with Drosophila cell cultures: single cell cloning, optimal media formulations and culture conditions capable of supporting lines from novel tissue sources or genotypes. Moreover, even though many Drosophila cell lines are morphologically and transcriptionally distinct it may be necessary to implement a standard for Drosophila cell line authentication, ensuring the identity and purity of each cell line. Altogether, recent advances and a standardized authentication effort should improve the utility of Drosophila cell cultures as a relevant model for fundamental and biomedical research.This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Analysis of Cell, Tissue, and Animal Phenotypes
Impact of excessive sedimentation caused by anthropogenic activities on benthic suspension feeders in the Sea of Marmara
Authors: Topçu Nur Eda , Turgay Emre , Yardımcı Remziye Eda , Topaloğlu Bülent , Yüksek Ahsen , Steinum Terje M. , Karataş Süheyla , Öztürk Bayram 
Published: December 2018

AbstractA massive die-off of benthic suspension feeders (BSF) covered by large amounts of sediments was observed along Prince Islands coasts (north-eastern Sea of Marmara) in August 2015. Alcyonarians, pennatulaceans, bivalves and sponges were severely affected. Many BSF probably died from burial and clogging of their feeding and respiratory apparatus. Of the gorgonian colonies, 66 ± 34% (mean ± SD) were dead, while 15 ± 16% (mean ± SD) displayed recent necrosis on the colony surface. In addition, histopathological and microbial examinations of the affected gorgonians and gold corals (Savalia savaglia) suggest that stress caused by sedimentation made them vulnerable to exploitation by consistently isolated opportunistic microorganisms. We isolatedVibrio splendidusandVibrio neptuniusfrom diseased gold coral colonies, but the bacterial isolates obtained from gorgonians could only be identified to genusVibriolevel. The presumably artificially introduced fungusMucor circinelloideswas common on both gold coral and gorgonians. This mould and opportunistic bacteria may have colonized BSF by taking advantage of low oxygen levels leading to impaired coral immune responses and thereby exacerbated the BSF mortality. Construction and landfill operations at Yassıada seem to be the greatest contributor to the observed sedimentation, as shown by silicate concentrations in nearby waters. These observations imply that preventive measures are necessary when construction operations take place in the vicinity of sensitive marine habitats.
The Emerging Welfare Mix for Syrian Refugees in Turkey: The Interplay between Humanitarian Assistance Programmes and the Turkish Welfare System
Authors: YILMAZ VOLKAN 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis paper explores the key features of the emerging welfare mix for Syrian refugees in Turkey and identifies the modes of interaction between humanitarian assistance programmes, domestic policy responses and the Turkish welfare system. The welfare mix for Syrian refugees is a joint product of humanitarian assistance programmes implemented by international and domestic non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and domestic social policy programmes. Three policy domains are considered: social assistance schemes, employment and health care services. The paper suggests that granting of temporary protection status to Syrian migrants in Turkey and the agreement between Turkey and the EU shaped the welfare mix by empowering the public sector mandate vis-à-vis the humanitarian actors. As a result, the role of the public sector increases at the expense of NGOs, especially in social assistance and health care, while NGOs are increasingly specialised in protection work (especially in mental health support), where the Turkish welfare system has been weak. Employment has been essentially disregarded, in both humanitarian and social policy programmes, which casts doubt on the prospect of successful economic integration. Finally, this paper argues that the convergence of the rights of immigrants and citizens may well occur in mature components of less comprehensive welfare systems.