bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term survival after R0 resection of thymoma
Authors: Koçer Bulent , Kaplan Tevfik , Günal Nesimi , Koçer Bilge Gönenli , Akkaş Yucel , Yazkan Rasih , Dural Koray , Kulaçoğlu Sezer , Han Serdar 
Published: June 2018

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of R0 resection of thymoma to identify prognostic factors for long-term outcomes. Methods Data of 62 patients (28 male, 34 female) with a mean age of 47.26 ± 14.42 years, who underwent R0 resection for thymoma and were followed-up between February 2004 and March 2016, were analyzed retrospectively. Results Eight patients had a video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy and 54 had a transsternal extended thymectomy. During a mean follow-up of 128.67 ± 7.95 months, regional recurrence of thymoma was observed in 9 (14.5%) patients. Overall 5- and 10-year survival rates were 85.36% and 78.20%, respectively. The 5- and 10-year survival rates in patients aged < 50 years were significantly better than in those aged ≥ 50 years (92% and 72% vs. 88% and 39%, p < 0.0001). The 10-year overall survival of patients in Masaoka stage I and II was better than those in stage III (88.9%, 78.4%, 69.8%, respectively, log-rank p < 0.001). The 10-year survival of patients with World Health Organization histological type A, AB, and B1 thymomas was better than those with type B2 and B3 (log-rank test p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, age < 50 years ( p = 0.001), Masaoka stage ( p = 0.006), histological type ( p = 0.001), and recurrence ( p = 0.04) were independent prognostic factors for survival. Conclusion Our study indicates that age < 50 years, Masaoka stage, histological type, and recurrence are the determinants of survival in surgically resected cases of thymoma.
Effect of water glass coating of tricalcium phosphate on in vitro cellular proliferation and osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Ryu Seung Min , Kim Suk Young , Song In Hwan , Ahn Myun Whan , Lee Chan Hee , Jeon Jae Hui , Sae Ahn Hyo 
Published: June 2018

Background In this study, the properties of the water glass (WG, sodium-silicate glass) were utilized to control the biodegradability of the beta tricalcium phosphate materials by the WG coating on the tricalcium phosphate disc surface with various coating thickness, chemistry, and heat-treatment. Methods Four types of disc specimens were prepared. A sample group A consisted of pure hydroxyapatite (HA) as a negative resorption control; a sample group B consisted of pure beta tricalcium phosphate as a positive resorption control; a sample group C consisted of beta tricalcium phosphate coated with WG as an early resorption model; and a sample group D consisted beta tricalcium phosphate coated with WG and heat-treated at 500°C as a delayed resorption model. Using human bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells, for the analysis of cellular attachment and proliferative activity, 4–6-Diamidino-2-Phenylindole fluorescence technique was used. For the analysis of osteteogenic differentiation, alkaline phospastase (ALP) activity was measured. Results The mean z-scores of four groups (A, B, C, and D) in cellular attachment at 4 h after seeding were −1.21, −0.15, 0.42, and 0.94, respectively, and statistically significantly different in all groups respectively. Seven days after seeding, the mean z-scores of cellular proliferation were 1.97, 0.71, 1.48, and 1.83 in the four groups, respectively. The mean z-scores of the ALP activity per the mean z-scores of cell numbers of respective groups on the seventh day were 0.40, −1.51, 0.12, and 0.06, respectively, in four groups. Conclusion Initial cellular attachment is better on beta tricalcium phosphate than on HA and is enhanced by WG coating, especially with sintering at the high temperature. Cellular proliferation is considered to be increased by maintaining its attachment site through reduced dissolution of beta tricalcium phosphate by WG coating. Osteogenic differentiation in in-vitro study on the WG-coated beta tricalcium phosphate is thought to be as the result of increased silicon ion release from the WG.
Calcium
Authors: Eich Torsten , Ståhle Magnus , Gustafsson Bengt , Horneland Rune , Lempinen Marko , Lundgren Torbjörn , Rafael Ehab , Tufveson Gunnar , Zur-Mühlen Bengt von , Olerud Johan , Scholz Hanne , Korsgren Olle 
Published: June 2018

Background: Effective digestive enzymes are crucial for successful islet isolation. Supplemental proteases are essential because they synergize with collagenase for effective pancreatic digestion. The activity of these enzymes is critically dependent on the presence of Ca2+ ions at a concentration of 5–10 mM. The present study aimed to determine the Ca2+ concentration during human islet isolation and to ascertain whether the addition of supplementary Ca2+ is required to maintain an optimal Ca2+ concentration during the various phases of the islet isolation process. Methods: Human islets were isolated according to standard methods and isolation parameters. Islet quality control and the number of isolations fulfilling standard transplantation criteria were evaluated. Ca2+ was determined by using standard clinical chemistry routines. Islet isolation was performed with or without addition of supplementary Ca2+ to reach a Ca2+ of 5 mM. Results: Ca2+ concentration was markedly reduced in bicarbonate-based buffers, especially if additional bicarbonate was used to adjust the pH as recommended by the Clinical Islet Transplantation Consortium. A major reduction in Ca2+ concentration was also observed during pancreatic enzyme perfusion, digestion, and harvest. Additional Ca2+ supplementation of media used for dissolving the enzymes and during digestion, perfusion, and harvest was necessary in order to obtain the concentration recommended for optimal enzyme activity and efficient liberation of a large number of islets from the human pancreas. Conclusions: Ca2+ is to a large extent consumed during clinical islet isolation, and in the absence of supplementation, the concentration fell below that recommended for optimal enzyme activity. Ca2+ supplementation of the media used during human pancreas digestion is necessary to maintain the concentration recommended for optimal enzyme activity. Addition of Ca2+ to the enzyme blend has been implemented in the standard isolation protocols in the Nordic Network for Clinical Islet Transplantation.
Beyond the Child’s Age at Placement: Risk and Protective Factors in Preadoption Breakdown in Portugal
Authors: Barbosa-Ducharne Maria , Marinho Sylvie 
Published: June 2018

Purpose: The main goals were to determine the incidence of preadoption breakdown in Portugal, describe preadoptive parents’ reasons for ending placement, compare intact/disrupted placements, and identify adoption disruption risk and protective factors. Method: A matched design involving a case file analysis of 71 disrupted and 71 intact preadoptive placements was used. Results: The accumulated incidence of preadoption disruption was 5.8%. Adoptive parents’ motives for requesting removal included the child’s behavior, their own parenting limitations, and dissatisfaction with professional interventions. These three domains were present in the group comparisons and explained 54% of the variance, predicting group membership for 80.8% cases. Conclusion: Besides age at placement, other risk factors related to the child, the adopters, and the professional practices help to gain a more complete understanding of adoption disruption.
Outcomes and Complications of Balloon and Conventional Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Chaaban Mohamad R. , Rana Nikunj , Baillargeon Jacques , Baillargeon Gwen , Resto Vicente , Kuo Yong-Fang 
Published: June 2018

Background Since the Food and Drug Administration approval of balloon sinuplasty (BSP) in 2005, no nationally representative population-based studies have examined the outcomes and adverse events of BSP. Objective To assess the rates of complications and revision surgery in patients who received BSP, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), or a hybrid procedure. Methods Using one of the nation’s largest commercial insurance databases, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of pediatric and adult patients diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis between 2011 and 2014 who underwent BSP, conventional FESS, or a hybrid procedure. The primary outcomes were surgical complication and revision rates within 6 months of initial surgery. Results A total of 16,040 patients who underwent sinus surgery were included. Overall, 2,851 patients underwent BSP, 11,955 underwent conventional FESS, and 1 234 underwent a hybrid procedure. BSP surgery was more likely to have been performed in an office setting (86.53%) compared to FESS (0.74%). The complication rate was 5.26% for BSP and 7.35% for conventional FESS. Revision rates were 7.89% for BSP, 16.85% for FESS, and 15.15% for a hybrid procedure. Conclusion Despite the low overall risk, major complications occur with BSP including cerebrospinal fluid leak, pneumocephalus, orbital complications, and severe bleeding. Otolaryngologists should discuss these risks with their patients. Prospective studies are still needed to compare outcomes of BSP with those of FESS.
Hemoglobin spray as adjunct therapy in complex wounds: Meta-analysis versus standard care alone in pooled data by wound type across three retrospective cohort controlled evaluations
Authors: Elg Fredrik , Hunt Sharon 
Published: June 2018

Objectives: Low tissue oxygenation is a predictor of healing outcomes in complex wounds. Adjunct hemoglobin to aid oxygen diffusion has been demonstrated to achieve superior healing outcomes; however, the relative healing benefit across different wound types and evaluations has not yet been estimated. This article does this for the first time. Methods: Data were pooled from previously published real world controlled evaluations, three retrospective cohort controlled studies of a variety of wounds within standard care across hospital and primary care in the North of England in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (n = 40), chronic wounds (n = 100), and sloughy wounds (n = 200). Wounds were equally distributed between adjunct hemoglobin and control and the hemoglobin spray was used as per instructions for use and applied twice weekly, mostly for the duration of the wounds in all three evaluations. Wound healing over 26 weeks was the primary outcome in each of the evaluations, with additional healing and quality of life indicators including pain, wound size, slough coverage, wound exudate levels, adverse events, and dressing regimen used, over time. Each wound type with 10 or more patients in both the standard care alone and adjunctive hemoglobin groups (n = 257/73% of patients) was evaluated. Results: Cox proportional hazards log-rank regressions demonstrated significantly higher weekly chance of healing in each wound type (β, 95% range, sample, p): trauma 1.55 (1.23–1.96, n = 110, p < 0.001), diabetic foot ulcers 2.39 (1.52–3.75, n = 60, p = 0.01), venous leg ulcers 4.98 (1.69–14.7, n = 33, p = 0.04), burns 1.82 (1.11–2.99, n = 30, p = 0.02), and post-surgical wounds 2.75 (1.53–4.96, n = 24, p = 0.001). Results on additional healing indicators were consistent with the main findings. Notably, controlling for ischemia in diabetic foot ulcers resulted in an increased β of 5.68 (2.33–13.86, n = 29, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Adjunct hemoglobin spray, when implemented within standard care, is likely to achieve substantial healing benefits to patients, in particular for diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and post-surgical wounds.
Digital Design and 3D Printing of Aortic Arch Reconstruction in HLHS for Surgical Simulation and Training
Authors: Chen Sarah A. , Ong Chin Siang , Malguria Nagina , Vricella Luca A. , Garcia Juan R. , Hibino Narutoshi 
Published: June 2018

Purpose: Patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) present a diverse spectrum of aortic arch morphology. Suboptimal geometry of the reconstructed aortic arch may result from inappropriate size and shape of an implanted patch and may be associated with poor outcomes. Meanwhile, advances in diagnostic imaging, computer-aided design, and three-dimensional (3D) printing technology have enabled the creation of 3D models. The purpose of this study is to create a surgical simulation and training model for aortic arch reconstruction. Description: Specialized segmentation software was used to isolate aortic arch anatomy from HLHS computed tomography scan images to create digital 3D models. Three-dimensional modeling software was used to modify the exported segmented models and digitally design printable customized patches that were optimally sized for arch reconstruction. Evaluation: Life-sized models of HLHS aortic arch anatomy and a digitally derived customized patch were 3D printed to allow simulation of surgical suturing and reconstruction. The patient-specific customized patch was successfully used for surgical simulation. Conclusions: Feasibility of digital design and 3D printing of patient-specific patches for aortic arch reconstruction has been demonstrated. The technology facilitates surgical simulation. Surgical training that leads to an understanding of optimal aortic patch geometry is one element that may potentially influence outcomes for patients with HLHS.
Midterm outcome of fourth-generation ceramic-on-ceramic bearing surfaces in revision total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Chang Jun-Dong , Kim In-Sung , Mansukhani Sameer Ajit , Sharma Vishwas , Lee Sang-Soo , Yoo Je-Hyun 
Published: June 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiologic outcomes after revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) using fourth-generation ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearing surfaces. Methods: A total of 52 revision THAs (28 men and 19 women) using the fourth-generation CoC bearing surfaces were retrospectively evaluated. Both acetabular cup and femoral stem were revised in all cases. The mean follow-up period was 7.3 years (range, 4.0–9.9 years). The clinical results with Harris hip score (HHS), Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and radiologic outcomes were evaluated. Results: At the final follow-up examination, the average HHS was 90.4 (range, 67–100). The average WOMAC pain and physical function score were 2.8 (range, 0–12) and 16.4 (range, 0–42), respectively. Complications were observed in 10 hips (19.2%). However, there were no bearing surface-related complications, and no cases of dislocation and squeaking. Retroacetabular pelvic osteolysis without cup loosening was observed in one hip at the final follow-up. However, no hip showed radiographic signs of cup loosening, vertical or horizontal acetabular cup migrations, and changes of inclinations during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Our data showed that clinical and radiologic outcomes after revision THA using fourth-generation CoC bearing were favorable. Hence, revision THA with the use of CoC bearing surfaces can be preferentially considered. Further studies with long-term follow-up data are warranted.
Factors Influencing the Changes in Masticatory Performance: The Suita Study
Authors: Kosaka T. , Kida M. , Kikui M. , Hashimoto S. , Fujii K. , Yamamoto M. , Nokubi T. , Maeda Y. , Hasegawa Y. , Kokubo Y. , Watanabe M. , Higashiyama A. , Miyamoto Y. , Ono T. 
Published: June 2018

Introduction: Although previous studies have identified various factors related to masticatory performance, which factors affect longitudinal changes in masticatory performance have not been clarified. Objectives: We aimed to clarify factors involved in changes to masticatory performance and construct models from factors related to masticatory performance in a longitudinal study of a general urban population in Japan. Methods: A total of 1,005 Japanese subjects (411 men, 594 women; mean age at baseline, 65.7 ± 7.7 years; mean follow-up period, 5.0 ± 0.9 years) were included in the Suita study. These subjects participated in dental checkups both at baseline (June 2008–December 2011) and at follow-up (June 2013–January 2017). The number of functional teeth and occlusal support areas was recorded and the latter assessed using the Eichner index. Subjects’ periodontal status was evaluated based on the Community Periodontal Index. Masticatory performance was determined using test gummy jelly. Factors affecting masticatory performance at follow-up and the degree of their effect were investigated by multiple linear regression analysis. Results: In multiple linear regression analysis with masticatory performance at follow-up as the dependent variable, baseline age, masticatory performance, number of functional teeth, and maximum bite force were significant independent variables. The results of multiple linear regression analyses by occlusal support at baseline identified only maximum bite force at baseline in subjects who were Eichner A and baseline age, masticatory performance, and number of functional teeth in subjects who were Eichner B as significant independent variables concerning masticatory performance at follow-up. Conclusion: Our study showed a relationship between longitudinal changes in masticatory performance and age, number of functional teeth, and maximum bite force and furthermore showed that the effects of these factors vary according to the residual number of occlusal support areas. Knowledge Transfer Statement: Patients and clinicians should recognize the importance of objective and quantitative assessment for chewing efficiency and understand that various factors are related to longitudinal changes in masticatory performance. The results of this study can provide basic data for preventing or improving the decline in masticatory performance for elderly people with varying numbers of occlusal support areas.
Predictors of Renal Function and Calcifications in Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Ejlsmark-Svensson Henriette , Bislev Lise Sofie , Rolighed Lars , Sikjaer Tanja , Rejnmark Lars 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Context
Some patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) develop renal calcifications. Investigation of urinary and nonurinary risk factors are essential.

Objective
We aimed to study the prevalence and potential biochemical predictors of renal calcifications.

Design
Nested case-control study.

Setting
University hospital.

Participants
We identified 792 patients with PHPT from 2005 to 2015. We used biochemical data to validate the diagnosis of PHPT.

Main Outcome Measures
The prevalence of renal calcifications defined as nephrolithiasis or nephrocalcinosis assessed by a routine CT scan at the time of diagnosis.

Results
A total of 792 patients with PHPT were identified among whom 617 patients (78%) had a CT scan preformed. We found a prevalence of renal calcifications of 23%, equally frequent between sexes. A total of 76 patients (12%) had nephrolithiasis and 75 patients (12%) had nephrocalcinosis where 7 patients (1%) had both nephrolithiasis and nephrocalcinosis. Compared with patients without renal calcifications, patients with renal calcifications had significantly higher levels of ionized calcium, parathyroid hormone, and 24-hour calcium excretion (Pall &lt; 0.01). Patients with nephrocalcinosis had higher plasma levels of phosphate and a higher calcium-phosphate product compared with patients with nephrolithiasis (Pall &lt; 0.05). Impaired renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate &lt;60 mL/min) was observed in 12% of patients. However, no differences in renal function were observed between those with and without renal calcifications.

Conclusion
Renal calcifications are frequent in patients with PHPT and are associated with the severity of the disease. Impaired renal function is also common in PHPT, but renal function was not associated with renal calcifications.
Effective Artificial Co-enzyme Based on Single-Electron Reduced Form of 2,2′-Bipyridinium Salt Derivatives for Formate Dehydrogenase in the Catalytic Conversion of CO2 to Formic Acid
Authors: Ikeyama Shusaku , Abe Ryutaro , Shiotani Sachina , Amao Yutaka 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Formate dehydrogenase (FDH) is a useful biocatalyst for CO2 reduction to formic acid in a photoredox system consisting of a photosensitizer and an electron carrier. The electron carrier, single-electron reduced 2,2′-bipyridinium salts (2,2′-BP2+s) act as the co-enzyme for FDH in the reaction of CO2 to formic acid. An advantage of 2,2′-BP2+s is the easy change of structural geometry and the various single-electron reduction potentials. For further improvement of CO2 reduction catalytic activity of FDH, various 2,2′-BP2+s were synthesized as effective artificial co-enzymes for FDH. The effect of the structural geometry and the single-electron reduction potential in the single-electron reduced form of 2,2′-BP2+s on the CO2 reduction catalytic activity of FDH was studied by enzymatic kinetic analysis in detail for the first time. Especially, the catalytic efficiency, kcat/Km value of the single-electron reduced 1,1′-ethylene-2,2′-bipyridinium salt was c.a. 126 times larger than that of native co-enzyme, NADH. These results showed that catalytic activity of FDH can be manipulated with complete control by using 2,2′-BP2+ without changing the structure of FDH and has opened a new avenue for the approach of NAD+/NADH redox free system with FDH using an inexpensive small electron carrier molecule.
Design Features and Bruise Evaluation of an Apple Harvest and In-Field Presorting Machine
Authors: Pothula Anand Kumar , Zhang Zhao , Lu Renfu 
Published: June 2018

Abstract. In-field presorting of apples, in combination with the harvest aid function, would have advantages of cost savings in postharvest handling and storage, reduced postharvest pest and disease problems, and better inventory management, while also enhancing harvest productivity. A new apple harvest and in-field presorting prototype was developed to help apple growers achieve these potential benefits. The prototype sorts and grades fruit based on color and size, using a machine vision-based sorting system with an innovative fruit singulating and rotating design (SRD), and it handles the graded fruit in the bins using newly designed automatic bin fillers. Bruise damage by impact is a critical factor in the development of the apple harvest and in-field presorting prototype. This article reports on the major design features of the prototype and experimental evaluation of the prototype for potential bruise damage. Experiments were conducted on ‘Gala’ and ‘Fuji’ apples to evaluate bruise damage potential under both empty and partially filled bin conditions. An impact recording device (IRD) was used to measure the impact magnitude in terms of peak acceleration (G) at all critical points of the machine, including harvest conveyors, main conveyor, flat conveyor, SRD, cup conveyor, bin filler, and bins. It was found that bruise damage mainly occurred during bin filling. The number of impacts recorded for the partially filled bin was reduced by 60%, compared to that for the empty bin, indicating that the impact between apples and the wooden bin’s floor was a major cause of bruising. The maximum G value for the partially filled bin was measured at 34.5, while the measured G values were less than 20 from start to the point just before the bin filler, indicating no bruise damage. Bruise evaluation showed that no more than 9% of the test apples would be downgraded from ‘Extra Fancy’ grade for the partially filled bin condition. Higher G values for the empty bin condition suggested the need for further improvement to the discharge of apples from the bin filler to the bin to further reduce bruise damage. Keywords: Apples, Bruising, Fruit, Grading, Harvesting, Sorting, Machine vision.