bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microincision, Aspiration Cutter-Assisted Multifocal Iris Biopsy for Melanoma
Authors: Finger Paul T. , Milman Tatyana 
Published: May 2016

Purpose To describe a minimally invasive method to create multifocal full-thickness surgical iridectomy biopsies. Methods Seven patients suspected to have diffuse iris melanoma underwent multifocal surgical iridectomy biopsy through a single 1.0-mm clear corneal incision. A 25-G inked trocar was used to create one visible corneal portal, through which the anterior chamber was filled with sodium hyaluronate 1%. Then, a 25-G aspiration cutter probe was introduced through the corneal incision such that the aspiration portal was occluded by the iris biopsy sites. Then aspiration (600 mm Hg) cutting (300 cuts per minute) was used to create full- and partial-thickness surgical iridectomy biopsies at multiple locations. After each biopsy the probe was removed, and its contents aspirated into a separate 3-mL syringe (marked by clock hour location). The sodium hyaluronate 1% was removed and wound checked for leakage. Results Diagnostic specimens were obtained in all cases. Five were found to be diffuse iris melanomas and 2 were indeterminate iris melanocytic proliferations. No patients developed a secondary increase in intraocular pressure, hyphema, infection, cataract, or vision loss. No cases of intraocular tumor dissemination were observed. No patient complained of glare or monocular diplopia. Three of 7 corneal wounds were self-sealing. Conclusions Multifocal surgical iridectomy biopsy can be minimally invasive and effective allowing for partial- and full-thickness iris biopsy. Use of a 25-G aspiration cutting probe allowed for small incision surgery, rapid rehabilitation, and no significant complications.
Acetabuloplasty at the Anatomic Centre for Treating Crowe Class III and IV Developmental HIP Dysplasia: A Case Series
Authors: Sen Cengiz , Bilsel Kerem , Elmadag Mehmet , Gunes Taner , Saygi Baransel 
Published: May 2016

Introduction Total hip replacement in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a difficult technical procedure for surgeons to perform because of the potential for these patients to have severe anomalies in their bones and soft tissues. Materials and methods We performed acetabuloplasty in 54 hips from 44 patients by reaming the posterior wall of the native acetabulum and medialising the acetabular component to restore the anatomic centre of hip rotation using a small cup without bone grafting. Median time to post-surgery follow-up was 5 (range 2-14) years. Results Prosthetic survival rates in patients after 2 and 5 years post hip replacement were 93% (50/54) and 89% (48/54), respectively. 4 patients required early revision because of malposition and instability of the acetabular cup. 3 patients with Crowe type IV dislocations had transient sciatic nerve palsy and 3 had deep vein thrombosis. Conclusions Placement of the acetabular shell using posterior bone stock to provide normal hip rotation is a successful alternative technique for acetabuloplasty in patients with DDH.
The Effect of Unilateral Osteoarthritis of the Hip on Postural Balance Disorders
Authors: Truszczyńska Aleksandra , Trzaskoma Zbigniew , Białecki Jerzy , Drzał-Grabiec Justyna , Dadura Emilia , Rąpała Kazimierz , Tarnowski Adam 
Published: May 2016

Background Postural stability is of great importance because imbalances and muscle weakness are significant risk factors for falls experienced by the elderly. Hip arthrosis, which causes pain and gait disorders that affect balance control, is common in the ageing population. Aim The aim of this study was to assess postural stability in patients with unilateral hip arthrosis before total hip arthroplasty. Methods The study population consisted of 52 patients with hip arthrosis (study group) and 47 subjects with no history of clinical symptoms of hip pain. The groups did not differ statistically in terms of age and BMI. Static balance was assessed by conducting a quantitative analysis of balance reaction parameters in a quiet standing position with the eyes open and closed. Results Analysis of the collected data revealed numerous statistically significant differences between patients with unilateral hip arthrosis before total hip arthoplasty and the asymptomatic group for parameters tested with eyes closed (p<0.05). We observed higher values of total length of centre of pressure (COP), sway path (SP), length of COP path in the medial-lateral plane (SPML), maximal amplitude between the 2 most distant points in the medial-lateral plane (MaxML), mean COP velocity (MV), and mean COP velocity in medial-lateral (MVML) in the study group.
Peritoneal Dialysis use within the Context of the Population and Healthcare Systems of Europe -Differences, Trends and Future Challenges
Authors: Machowska Anna , Rutherford Peter 
Published: May 2016

Introduction Peritoneal dialysis (PD) and haemodialysis (HD) are complementary therapies in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Despite survival benefit, PD remains an underused therapy with variable utilisation and a common descriptive framework for this variation is not established. We reviewed the renal literature, general population and healthcare data to examine factors leading to variable PD use in Europe and possible changes in the future. Methods ERA-EDTA data were used to examine PD distribution in Europe. Statistics and descriptive data about population structure and living conditions published by Eurostat, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Observatory were examined. Published literature (Pubmed), health system data (formal internet search approach) and professional body data (internet and personal communication) were examined to describe the factors that may explain PD variation. Results PD usage varies across Europe and analysis of contributing factors enabled the development of a descriptive framework. PD variation cannot be entirely explained by the reimbursement system. It appears that factors specific to countries and centres as well as personalised ones involving patient-physician interaction are the most influential. The current and projected European population demographics and living conditions will lead to more elderly patients who live alone being on dialysis. Discussion Factors relating to the patient-physician interaction are prime determinants around the utilization of PD. Population demographic change will lead to additional challenges to renal services. The descriptive framework postulated should be considered in strategic dialysis service planning and future product design to meet the needs of future dialysis patients and deliver patient choice.
Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer: Long-Term Results in a Series of 85 Patients
Authors: Deantonio Letizia , Cozzi Salvatore , Tunesi Sara , Brambilla Marco , Masini Laura , Pisani Carla , Gambaro Giuseppina , Magnani Corrado , Krengli Marco 
Published: May 2016

Purpose Whole-breast irradiation after conservative surgery is the standard treatment for early breast cancer. The purpose of this study is to report the late toxicity, cosmetic result, and disease control in a group of patients treated with hypofractionated radiotherapy (RT) comparing results with retrospective data of a control group who underwent conventional RT. Methods From 2006 to 2008, 85 patients were treated with hypofractionated schedule to dose of 45 Gy, 2.25 Gy/fr, followed by a boost. We evaluated late toxicity, cosmetic result, and disease control. The data were compared to a control group of 70 patients who underwent conventional RT before 2006. Results At 8 years of follow-up, the cumulative incidence of late skin toxicity was 6.2 in the hypofractionated RT group and 7.5 in the standard RT group (p = 0.94). The cumulative incidence of late subcutaneous tissue toxicity was 11.6 in the hypofractionated RT group and 18.7 in the standard RT group (p = 0.23). Cosmetic outcome was rated as excellent or good in 84/85 patients of the hypofractionated RT group and in 68/70 patients of the conventional RT group (p = 0.7). No statistically significant differences were found in terms of local control (p = 0.05), disease-free survival (p = 0.06), or overall survival (p = 0.17) between the 2 groups. Conclusions The present analysis, focused on long-term effects, disease control, and survival, confirms, in a daily practice setting, the low incidence of skin atrophy and fibrosis, the satisfactory cosmetic outcome, and the high grade of local and distant disease control with hypofractionated schedule.
The influence of changes in activity-based financing on hospital readmissions for the elderly
Authors: Yin Jun , Dahl Fredrik A. , Hagen Terje P. , Lurås Hilde 
Published: May 2016

Activity-based financing of Norwegian hospitals was implemented in 1997. An earlier study shows that when the activity-based component increases, the average length of stay for the elderly is reduced. If this reduction entails premature discharge, an increased activity-based component may have the undesirable side effect of increasing readmission rates. Yearly the Norwegian government decides the size of the activity-based component, and all hospitals face the same size. In this paper, we investigate whether the level of activity-based financing is associated with the readmission rates for acute-care patients above 70 years of age. The sample consisted of 468 010 hospital admissions among elderly patients in the period from 2000 to 2007. Using repeated cross-sectional data extracted from the Norwegian Patient Registry, a Cox regression model was used to estimate factors that may influence the hazard rate of a readmission within 30 days. The overall 30-day readmission rate was 6.6%. The results demonstrate that the activity-based component had no significant effect on the readmission rate. Patient-specific factors such as age, gender, diagnoses, comorbidities, as well as the time trend, were important predictors of readmission rates. We also found a statistically significant random effect of hospitals, although this effect was less substantial than the impact of patient characteristics. Our results show that the effect of the activity-based component on the readmission rate was negligible when it varied between 40% and 60%.Published: Online May 2016. In print August 2016.
Chorangiosis of Chorionic Villi: What Does It Really Mean?
Authors: Stanek Jerzy 
Published: May 2016

Chorangiosis has been regarded as a result of low-grade placental hypoxia associated with pregnancy risk factors and abnormal outcomes. It is unknown whether these are a consequence of chorangiosis itself or of associated other placental pathology.Context.—To prove that chorangiosis itself does not portend an increased risk for pregnancy unless associated with other placental pathology.Objective.—This retrospective statistical study analyzes 1231 consecutive placentas with diffuse or focal hypervascularity of chorionic villi: 328 with preuterine pattern of chronic hypoxic placental injury (group 1), 297 with uterine type of chronic hypoxic placental injury (group 2), and 606 cases with chorangiosis (group 3) not fulfilling the inclusion criteria for groups 1 or 2.Design.—Group 2, with 33 cases of chorangiosis (11.1%), featured 10 and 11 statistically significant highest percentages of abnormal clinical and placental variables, respectively; group 3 featured the highest percentages of multiple pregnancy, the heaviest placentas, and the most common acute chorioamnionitis, fetal inflammatory response; and group 1 had the highest proportion of mild erythroblastosis of fetal blood. When comparing groups 1 and 3, 21 of 29 clinical risk factors/outcomes (72.4%) and 30 of 41 placental variables (73.2%) were more common in group 1.Results.—Presence of diffuse hypoxic patterns of placental injury adds prognostically negative significance to increased vascularity of chorionic villi. Chorangiosis without those patterns portends minimal risk for the pregnancy, and is associated with significantly fewer pregnancy risk factors, abnormal outcomes, and other placental abnormalities.Conclusions.—
College of American Pathologists Cancer Protocols: Optimizing Format for Accuracy and Efficiency
Authors: Strickland-Marmol Leah B. , Muro-Cacho Carlos A. , Barnett Scott D. , Banas Matthew R. , Foulis Philip R. 
Published: May 2016

The data in College of American Pathologists cancer protocols have to be presented effectively to health care providers. There is no consensus on the format of those protocols, resulting in various designs among pathologists. Cancer protocols are independently created by site-specific experts, so there is inconsistent wording and repetition of data. This lack of standardization can be confusing and may lead to interpretation errors.Context.—To define a synopsis format that is effective in delivering essential pathologic information and to evaluate the aesthetic appeal and the impact of varying format styles on the speed and accuracy of data extraction.Objective.—We queried individuals from several health care backgrounds using varying formats of the fallopian tube protocol of the College of American Pathologists without content modification to investigate their aesthetic appeal, accuracy, efficiency, and readability/complexity. Descriptive statistics, an item difficulty index, and 3 tests of readability were used.Design.—Columned formats were aesthetically more appealing than justified formats (P &lt; .001) and were associated with greater accuracy and efficiency. Incorrect assumptions were made about items not included in the protocol. Uniform wording and short sentences were associated with better performance by participants.Results.—Based on these data, we propose standardized protocol formats for cancer resections of the fallopian tube and the more-familiar colon, employing headers, short phrases, and uniform terminology. This template can be easily and minimally modified for other sites, standardizing format and verbiage and increasing user accuracy and efficiency. Principles of human factors engineering should be considered in the display of patient data.Conclusions.—
Status of HIV and hepatitis C virus infections among prisoners in the Middle East and North Africa: review and synthesis
Authors: Heijnen Marieke , Mumtaz Ghina R , Abu‐Raddad Laith J 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionThe status of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among incarcerated populations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and the links between prisons and the HIV epidemic are poorly understood. This review synthesized available HIV and HCV data in prisons in MENA and highlighted opportunities for action.MethodsThe review was based on data generated through the systematic searches of the MENA HIV/AIDS Epidemiology Synthesis Project (2003 to December 15, 2015) and the MENA HCV Epidemiology Synthesis Project (2011 to December 15, 2015). Sources of data included peer‐reviewed publications and country‐level reports and databases.Results and discussionWe estimated a population of 496,000 prisoners in MENA, with drug‐related offences being a major cause for incarceration. Twenty countries had data on HIV among incarcerated populations with a median prevalence of 0.6% in Afghanistan, 6.1% in Djibouti, 0.01% in Egypt, 2.5% in Iran, 0% in Iraq, 0.1% in Jordan, 0.05% in Kuwait, 0.7% in Lebanon, 18.0% in Libya, 0.7% in Morocco, 0.3% in Oman, 1.1% in Pakistan, 0% in Palestine, 1.2% in Saudi Arabia, 0% in Somalia, 5.3% in Sudan and South Sudan, 0.04% in Syria, 0.05% in Tunisia, and 3.5% in Yemen. Seven countries had data on HCV, with a median prevalence of 1.7% in Afghanistan, 23.6% in Egypt, 28.1% in Lebanon, 15.6% in Pakistan, and 37.8% in Iran. Syria and Libya had only one HCV prevalence measure each at 1.5% and 23.7%, respectively. There was strong evidence for injecting drug use and the use of non‐sterile injecting‐equipment in prisons. Incarceration and injecting drugs, use of non‐sterile injecting‐equipment, and tattooing in prisons were found to be independent risk factors for HIV or HCV infections. High levels of sexual risk behaviour, tattooing and use of non‐sterile razors among prisoners were documented.ConclusionsPrisons play an important role in HIV and HCV dynamics in MENA and have facilitated the emergence of large HIV epidemics in at least two countries, Iran and Pakistan. There is evidence for substantial but variable HIV and HCV prevalence, as well as risk behaviour including injecting drug use and unprotected sex among prisoners across countries. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive harm‐reduction strategies in prisons.
Interface characterization of nanometer scale CdS buffer layer in chalcopyrite solar cell
Authors: Lin Shih-Hung , Cheng Tzu-Huan 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The buffer layer of a chalcopyrite solar cell plays an important role in optical responses of open circuit voltage (V
oc) and short circuit current (J
sc). A CdS buffer layer is applicable on the nanometer scale owing to its high carrier concentration and n-type semiconductor behavior in chalcopyrite solar cells. The thin buffer layer also contributes to the passivation of the absorber surface to reduce defect recombination loss. Non-destructive metrological parameters such as photoluminescence (PL) intensity, external quantum efficiency (EQE), and depth-resolved photovoltage are used to characterize the interface quality of CdS/chalcopyrite. The defects and dangling bonds at the absorber surface will cause interface recombination and reduce the cell performance in build-in voltage distribution. Post annealing can improve Cd ion diffusion from the buffer layer to the absorber surface and reduce the density of defects and dangling bonds. After thermal annealing, the EQE, PL intensity, and minority carrier lifetime are improved.
Benthic marine calcifiers coexist with CaCO3‐undersaturated seawater worldwide
Authors: Lebrato M. , Andersson A. J. , Ries J. B. , Aronson R. B. , Lamare M. D. , Koeve W. , Oschlies A. , Iglesias‐Rodriguez M. D. , Thatje S. , Amsler M. , Vos S. C. , Jones D. O. B. , Ruhl H. A. , Gates A. R. , McClintock J. B. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractOcean acidification and decreasing seawater saturation state with respect to calcium carbonate (CaCO3) minerals have raised concerns about the consequences to marine organisms that build CaCO3 structures. A large proportion of benthic marine calcifiers incorporate Mg2+ into their skeletons (Mg‐calcite), which, in general, reduces mineral stability. The relative vulnerability of some marine calcifiers to ocean acidification appears linked to the relative solubility of their shell or skeletal mineralogy, although some organisms have sophisticated mechanisms for constructing and maintaining their CaCO3 structures causing deviation from this dependence. Nevertheless, few studies consider seawater saturation state with respect to the actual Mg‐calcite mineralogy (ΩMg‐x) of a species when evaluating the effect of ocean acidification on that species. Here, a global dataset of skeletal mole % MgCO3 of benthic calcifiers and in situ environmental conditions spanning a depth range of 0 m (subtidal/neritic) to 5600 m (abyssal) was assembled to calculate in situ ΩMg‐x. This analysis shows that 24% of the studied benthic calcifiers currently experience seawater mineral undersaturation (ΩMg‐x < 1). As a result of ongoing anthropogenic ocean acidification over the next 200 to 3000 years, the predicted decrease in seawater mineral saturation will expose approximately 57% of all studied benthic calcifying species to seawater undersaturation. These observations reveal a surprisingly high proportion of benthic marine calcifiers exposed to seawater that is undersaturated with respect to their skeletal mineralogy, underscoring the importance of using species‐specific seawater mineral saturation states when investigating the impact of CO2‐induced ocean acidification on benthic marine calcification.
Constraining depth range of S wave velocity decrease after large earthquakes near Parkfield, California
Authors: Wu Chunquan , Delorey Andrew , Brenguier Florent , Hadziioannou Celine , Daub Eric G , Johnson Paul 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe use noise correlation and surface wave inversion to measure the S wave velocity changes at different depths near Parkfield, California, after the 2003 San Simeon and 2004 Parkfield earthquakes. We process continuous seismic recordings from 13 stations to obtain the noise cross‐correlation functions and measure the Rayleigh wave phase velocity changes over six frequency bands. We then invert the Rayleigh wave phase velocity changes using a series of sensitivity kernels to obtain the S wave velocity changes at different depths. Our results indicate that the S wave velocity decreases caused by the San Simeon earthquake are relatively small (~0.02%) and access depths of at least 2.3 km. The S wave velocity decreases caused by the Parkfield earthquake are larger (~0.2%), and access depths of at least 1.2 km. Our observations can be best explained by material damage and healing resulting mainly from the dynamic stress perturbations of the two large earthquakes.
Plasma and convection reversal boundary motions in the high‐latitude ionosphere
Authors: Chen Y.‐J. , Heelis R. A. , Cumnock J. A. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIn this paper we present a statistical study of the high‐latitude ionospheric plasma motion at the convection reversal boundary (CRB) and its dependence on the location of the CRB and the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) orientation by using the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) F13 and F15 measurements over the period from 2000 to 2007. During periods of stable southward IMF, we find a smaller variability in plasma drifts across the CRB over a 4 h segment in magnetic local time (MLT) around dawn and dusk compared to that for variable IMF. Across these segments, the plasma motion at the CRB is directed poleward at local times closer to local noon and equatorward at local times closer to midnight on both the dawn and dusk sides with a total potential drop ~10 kV, suggesting that the CRB behaves much like an adiaroic line. For variable IMF with no stability constraint, we see a relatively narrow distribution of plasma drifts across the CRB only in the 6–7 h and 17–18 h MLT and equatorward/poleward motions of the CRB when the CRB is located at the highest/lowest latitudes. The smaller local time extent of the adiaroic line for variable IMF (~1 h) may be associated with rotation of the dayside merging gap in local time or local contractions and expansions of the polar cap boundary.
Association Between Absolute Neutrophil Count and Variation at TCIRG1: The NHLBI Exome Sequencing Project
Authors: Rosenthal Elisabeth A. , Makaryan Vahagn , Burt Amber A. , Crosslin David R. , Kim Daniel Seung , Smith Joshua D. , Nickerson Deborah A. , Reiner Alex P. , Rich Stephen S. , Jackson Rebecca D. , Ganesh Santhi K. , Polfus Linda M. , Qi Lihong , Dale David C. ,   University of Washington, Center for Mendelian Genomics, Jarvik Gail P. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTNeutrophils are a key component of innate immunity. Individuals with low neutrophil count are susceptible to frequent infections. Linkage and association between congenital neutropenia and a single rare missense variant in TCIRG1 have been reported in a single family. Here, we report on nine rare missense variants at evolutionarily conserved sites in TCIRG1 that are associated with lower absolute neutrophil count (ANC; p = 0.005) in 1,058 participants from three cohorts: Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC), Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA), and Jackson Heart Study (JHS) of the NHLBI Grand Opportunity Exome Sequencing Project (GO ESP). These results validate the effects of TCIRG1 coding variation on ANC and suggest that this gene may be associated with a spectrum of mild to severe effects on ANC.