bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
One-Year Efficacy and Safety of 0.1% Cyclosporine a Cationic Emulsion in the Treatment of Severe Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Baudouin Christophe , de la Maza Maite Sainz , Amrane Mourad , Garrigue Jean-Sébastien , Ismail Dahlia , Figueiredo Francisco C. , Leonardi Andrea 
Published: July 2017

Purpose The SANSIKA study evaluated the efficacy/safety of 0.1% (1 mg/mL) cyclosporine A cationic emulsion (CsA CE) for treating dry eye disease (DED) with severe keratitis. The double-masked phase demonstrated that CsA CE was effective in reducing corneal damage and ocular surface inflammation, and was well-tolerated over 6 months. Here we report efficacy and safety findings of SANSIKA's open-label extension (OLE). Methods In this multicenter, double-masked, phase III study, patients with severe DED (corneal fluorescein staining [CFS] grade 4, modified Oxford scale) were randomized to once-daily CsA CE (Ikervis®) or its vehicle for 6 months, followed by 6-month open-label, once-daily CsA CE (CsA CE/CsA CE and vehicle/CsA CE groups). Results A total of 177 patients completed the OLE. Efficacy results reiterated the double-masked phase: CsA CE reduced CFS score and human leukocyte antigen-antigen D related expression, improved corneal clearing, and produced continuous improvements in global symptom scores (ocular surface disease index [OSDI], visual analogue scale). The CFS-OSDI response rates (≥2 CFS points, ≥30% OSDI improvement vs baseline) at 12 vs 6 months were 39.1% vs 28.6%, respectively, for CsA CE/CsA CE and 38.0% vs 23.1% for vehicle/CsA CE. Cyclosporine A CE's safety profile was similar to the initial 6 months. The most common treatment-related treatment-emergent adverse event was instillation site pain (7.8%, CsA CE/CsA CE group; 19.0%, vehicle/CsA CE group). No unexpected safety signals were observed; systemic CsA levels were undetectable/negligible in all patients except 2 previously treated with systemic CsA. Conclusions In this 12-month study, once-daily CsA CE was well-tolerated and showed reductions in ocular surface inflammation and improvements in signs/symptoms in DED patients with severe keratitis.
Microbial characteristics of post-traumatic infective keratitis
Authors: Lim Blanche X. , Koh Victor T.C. , Ray Manotosh 
Published: July 2017

Purpose: To determine the demographics, risk factors, clinical and microbiological characteristics, and treatment outcome of post-traumatic infective keratitis. Methods: Consecutive patients with post-traumatic infective keratitis presenting to the Ophthalmology Department of a tertiary referral hospital in Singapore between March 2012 and March 2016 were prospectively identified. A standardized data collection form was used to document patient demographics, microbiological diagnosis, antibiotic sensitivity, and pretreatment and posttreatment ocular characteristics. Any contact lens-induced keratitis was excluded from the study. Results: In total, 26 patients were included for analysis. The mean age was 40.0 years (SD ± 19.4) and 84.6% of the patients were male. The majority of the patients (69.2%, n = 18) had sustained work-related injury in their eyes. Gram-negative organisms were predominant isolates (75.0%, n = 12) in culture-positive corneal scrapings (n = 16). Pan-sensitive Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the commonest organism isolated among the culture-positive cases (56.2%, n = 9). Three patients (18.7%) had developed fungal keratitis and Acanthamoeba was isolated in 1 patient (6.2%) with polymicrobial keratitis. Infections resolved with medical treatment in 22 eyes (84.6%) and 4 eyes (15.3%) required therapeutic corneal transplantation. Conclusions: A shift of practice in post-traumatic infective keratitis should be considered in tropical countries to include Gram-negative cover. Work safety practices with vigilance in initiating treatment and education by front-line physicians such as ophthalmology and general practitioners should be reinforced.
Periacetabular Bone Densitometry after Total Hip Arthroplasty with Highly Porous Titanium Cups: A 2-Year Follow-Up Prospective Study
Authors: Massari Leo , Bistolfi Alessandro , Grillo Pier Paolo , Borré Alda , Gigliofiorito Gaetano , Pari Carlotta , Francescotto Andrea , Tosco Piermario , Deledda Davide , Ravera Laura , Causero Araldo 
Published: July 2017

Introduction Trabecular Titanium is an advanced cellular solid structure, composed of regular multiplanar hexagonal interconnected cells that mimic the morphology of the trabecular bone. This biomaterial demonstrated improved mechanical properties and enhanced osteoinduction and osteoconduction in several in vitro and in vivo studies. The aim of this study was to assess Trabecular Titanium osseointegration by measuring periacetabular changes in bone mineral density (BMD) with dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Methods 89 patients (91 hips) underwent primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) with acetabular Trabecular Titanium cups. Clinical (Harris Hip Score (HHS), SF-36) and radiographic assessment were performed preoperatively, and postoperatively at 7 days and at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. DEXA analysis was performed only postoperatively, using the BMD values measured at 7 days as baselines. Results After an initial decrease from baseline to 6 months, BMD increased and progressively stabilised in all 3 regions of interest (ROIs). Median (IQR) HHS and SF-36 increased from 48 (39-62) and 49 (37-62) preoperatively to 99 (96-100) and 86 (79-92) at 24 months, indicating a considerable improvement in terms of pain relief, functional recovery and quality of life. BMD patterns and radiographic evaluation showed evident signs of periacetabular bone remodelling and osseointegration; all cups were stable at the final follow-up without radiolucent lines, loosening or osteolysis. No revisions were performed. Conclusions After an initial reduction in periacetabular BMD, all 3 ROIs exhibited stabilisation or slight recovery. Although clinical outcomes and functional recovery proved satisfactory, longer follow-ups are necessary to assess this cup long-term survivorship.
Changes in the Levels of Beta-thromboglobulin and Inflammatory Mediators during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support
Authors: Chung Jae H. , Yeo Hye J. , Kim Dohyung , Lee Sun M. , Han Junhee , Kim Minseok , Cho Woo H. 
Published: July 2017

Background Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been associated with platelet dysfunction, but no markers of platelet dysfunction during ECMO have been identified. Methods We investigated the potential uses of beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG) and platelet factor 4 (PF4) as markers of platelet activation induced by ECMO in vivo. Results 13 patients who received ECMO for acute respiratory failure were included. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the associations between days on ECMO and the plasma levels of beta-TG and PF4 and of proinflammatory markers. Analyses were performed before ECMO (baseline) and 24, 48, 72 and 168 hours after the commencement of ECMO. The plasma levels of biomolecules were measured by ELISA and Luminex assay. Percentages of platelets varied widely without statistical significance (p = 0.17). Beta-TG levels significantly decreased over the first 72 hours (p<0.001), but PF4 levels decreased nonsignificantly (p = 0.17). Inflammatory markers, that is, plasma IL-6 (p = 0.03), IL-18 (p<0.001), and MMP-8 (p<0.01) levels stabilized during an early period of ECMO support. Conclusions Our data suggest that ECMO use may not affect platelet activation during the first 3 days of ECMO. Plasma beta-TG levels may allow assessment of the time-dependent extent of ECMO-induced platelet dysfunction in patients with acute respiratory failure.
Novel Use of Low-dose Thalidomide in Refractory Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Left Ventricular Assist Device Patients
Authors: Seng Benjamin J.J. , Teo Louis L.Y. , Chan Laura L. , Sim David K.L. , Kerk Ka L. , Soon Jia L. , Tan Teing E. , Sivathasan Cumaraswamy , Lim Choon P. 
Published: July 2017

Background Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a complication reported in patients post left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation that is associated with high mortality rates. Thalidomide is an anti-angiogenic compound that may offer a potential option for management of refractory LVAD-related GIB. Methods A single-center, retrospective review was conducted from January 2009 to October 2016 at a tertiary cardiology center. It included LVAD patients initiated on thalidomide for refractory GIB. Results All patients (n = 11) were started on thalidomide 50 mg nocte and there was resolution of GIB in all patients except one (90.9%) during initial thalidomide treatment. The median duration of thalidomide therapy was 98 days (interquartile range: 34–215). The dose of thalidomide was reduced for 2 patients due to adverse effects. Thalidomide therapy was discontinued in 6 patients due to cessation of GIB (n = 4) and adverse effects (n = 2). Reported adverse effects included LVAD thrombosis (n = 2), somnolence (n = 1), neuropathy (n = 1), constipation (n = 1), and transaminitis (n = 1). Recurrent GIB occurred in 4 patients (45.4%) post-discontinuation of thalidomide therapy, which led to the re-initiation of therapy. Conclusions Thalidomide appears to be a safe and effective option for management of refractory LVAD-related GIB. Monitoring for recurrent GIB should be performed closely following cessation of thalidomide therapy.
Albumin-corrected Total/Ionized Calcium Ratio is not Superior to Total/Ionized Calcium Ratio as an Indicator of Citrate Accumulation
Authors: Zheng Yin , Zhuang Feng , Zhu Qiuyu , Ma Shuai , Xu Yao , Lu Jianxin , Hao Guihua , Gu Yong , Hao Chuanming , Zhu Mingli , Ding Feng 
Published: July 2017

Background Total/ionized calcium ratio has been used as an indirect index of increased plasma citrate concentration during citrate anticoagulation. However, they were obtained without any adjustment of total calcium for albumin. Herein, we investigated whether the albumin-corrected total/ionized calcium ratio performed better than total/ionized calcium ratio. Methods 20 critically ill patients were treated with continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) using citrate anticoagulation. The systemic total, ionized calcium and albumin levels were dynamically measured, and correlations between different calcium parameters and plasma citrate levels were analyzed. Results The highest correlation was found between plasma citrate level and total/ionized calcium ratio at the third hour (R = 0.88, p<0.001). The albumin-corrected total/ionized calcium ratio was not superior to total/ionized calcium ratio. Conclusions The total/ionized calcium ratio at the third hour after the start of citrate-CVVH is an early and simple indicator to reflect increased plasma citrate level. Adjustment of systemic total calcium for serum albumin is not necessary.
Variations in Transrenal DNA and Comparison with Plasma DNA as a Diagnostic Marker for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Tian Fang , Liao Yuanfang , Zhang Yanfang 
Published: July 2017

Background Transrenal DNA can potentially be useful in the disease management of colorectal cancer (CRC) and has potential diagnostic utility. Our study aimed to conduct preoperative and postoperative analysis of KRAS-positive patients, using transrenal DNA compared with plasma DNA. This is critically needed for disease diagnostics and treatment response monitoring. Methods CRC patients at different stages of the disease and with different molecular profiles were recruited for serial time-point analysis. Preoperative and postoperative urine specimens were extracted and compared with tumor tissues and plasma DNA. Results Our analysis demonstrated that transrenal DNA offered comparable sensitivity and specificity to plasma DNA analysis. Collection of transrenal DNA, being noninvasive, is an attractive assay and easily allows serial monitoring of the disease. Results from preoperative detection showed a close correlation to tumor tissue profiling and demonstrated close associations to the disease. We also observed significant decreases in mutant KRAS DNA concentration after surgery, which confirmed transrenal DNA's sensitivity to treatment response. Conclusions The use of transrenal DNA offers a possible alternative method of disease profiling, detection and tracking. Our study is one of the first to systematically analyze a relatively large number of different CRC patients using transrenal DNA. The positive correlation with disease demonstrates the assay's viability in the clinical setting, and our method further opens up the possibility to use transrenal DNA for clinical intervention investigations.
Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy (Gemcitabine-based) in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: The Pisa University Experience
Authors: Sainato Aldo , Montrone Sabrina , Pasqualetti Francesco , Coppola Marianna , Cernusco Nunzia L.V. , Panichi Marco , Gonnelli Alessandra , Vasile Enrico , Morganti Riccardo , Falcone Alfredo , Boggi Ugo , Paiar Fabiola 
Published: July 2017

Introduction The role of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA) is controversial. In this study we aimed to assess the feasibility, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (gemcitabine based) in patients with resected PA and their correlation with prognostic factors. Methods 122 resected patients (stage ≥IIa) treated between February 1999 and December 2013 were analyzed. Two cycles of gemcitabine (1,000 mg/m2 on days 1, 8 and 15 every 28 days) were administered before concomitant radiotherapy (45 Gy/25 fractions) and chemotherapy (gemcitabine 300 mg/m2 weekly). Results Median follow-up was 22.7 months (range 4-109). Gastrointestinal toxicity (G3), neutropenia (G3-G4) and cardiac toxicity (G2-G3) were observed in 2.4%, 10.6% and 1.6% of patients, respectively. OS at 12, 24 and 60 months was 79%, 55% and 31%, respectively (median 25 months). Two-year OS in patients with postoperative Karnofsky performance status (KPS) ≤70 and ≥80 was 37.1% and 62.3%, respectively (p<0.0001). OS was better in the group of patients with a postoperative CA 19-9 level ≤100 U/mL (p = 0.014). Median DFS was 17 months. Conclusions The combination of concomitant gemcitabine and radiotherapy in patients with radically resected PA was well tolerated and associated with a low incidence of local recurrences. Five-year OS was significantly influenced by postoperative KPS and CA 19-9 values.
The Prioress's Prologue: Dante, Liturgy, and Ineffability
Authors: Murton Megan 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
This article offers a new interpretation of the Prioress's Prologue by examining previously unrecognized source material from Dante and the liturgy. The Prioress's opening prayer has often been read as an expression of her own personal faith, which is typically seen as infantile and anti-intellectual. Proposing that the prologue can and should be detached from this narrative voice and read against its sources, this article shows that it engages in sophisticated thinking about both the potential and the limitations of language as a medium of prayer and praise. Chaucer combines the linguistic self-consciousness he found in Dante's Paradiso 33 with a striking confidence, grounded in the model of the liturgy, in the capacity of human language to articulate transcendent truth. Once distanced from debates about the Prioress herself, the prologue can therefore shed new light on Chaucer's critical engagement with language.
AVALIAÇÃO DO CRESCIMENTO DO LENHO DE Araucaria angustifolia NO PLANALTO NORTE DE SANTA CATARINA
Authors: Oliveira Joanna Rebelo de , Adenesky Filho Eduardo , Quadros Karin Esemann de 
Published: July 2017

O presente trabalho apresenta resultados sobre a análise do crescimento de Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) O.Kuntze (Araucariaceae) no planalto norte de Santa Catarina, relativos à estimativa da idade, incremento do lenho, cronologias e correlações com temperatura e precipitação. Foram coletadas amostras de madeira de 74 árvores de duas áreas, uma em São Bento do Sul (SB) e outra em Campo Alegre (CA), com auxílio de trado de incremento de 5 mm de diâmetro, que foram secas ao ar livre e polidas. As camadas de crescimento foram contadas e mensuradas no Image ProPlus, codatados com o auxílio do software COFECHA e as séries temporais foram utilizadas para produzir cronologias no software ARSTAN. A idade das árvores variou de (19) 38 (65) anos em SB e de (34) 62 (123) anos, em CA. O incremento médio foi de (0,03) 3,86 (16,46) mm com desvio padrão de ±2,16 mm em SB e de (0,08) 2,56 (12,79) mm e desvio padrão de ±1,67 mm em CA. A correlação com variáveis meteorológicas indicou que o incremento do lenho de A. angustifolia no planalto norte de Santa Catarina é inversamente proporcional à temperatura média no inverno e primavera do ano corrente, antes e durante a fase de crescimento, e diretamente proporcional à precipitação média no verão anterior à fase de crescimento.
Application of Mobile Phases Containing Ionic Liquid for HPLC Analysis of Selected Isoquinoline Alkaloids
Authors: Petruczynik Anna , Misiurek Justyna , Tuzimski Tomasz , Waksmundzka-Hajnos Monika 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
An HPLC procedure on a polar reversed-phase column with mobile phases containing ionic liquid (IL) was developed for the analysis of selected alkaloids from different chemical groups. We aimed to obtain optimal conditions for the separation of alkaloids because widely used silica-based stationary phases exhibit a silanol effect, rendering analysis of basic analytes extremely difficult. Retention, separation selectivity, peak symmetry, and system efficiency were examined in various eluent systems containing different concentrations of IL and acetonitrile. The obtained results revealed substantial influence from the concentrations of IL, the organic modifier, and temperature on the retention behavior of the investigated alkaloids. The most selective and efficient chromatographic systems were applied for the analysis of several alkaloids in a plant extract.
How High Pressure Unifies Solvation Processes in Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Bocian Szymon , Škrinjar Tea , Bolanca Tomislav , Buszewski Bogusław 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
A series of core–shell-based stationary phases of varying surface chemistry were subjected to solvent adsorption investigation under ultra-HPLC conditions. Acetonitrile and water excess isotherms were measured using a minor disturbance method. It was observed that adsorption of organic solvent is unified under high pressure. Preferential solvation due to specific interactions between the stationary phases and solvent molecules was limited. The obtained results showed that the solvation process is almost independent of surface chemistry, in contrast to HPLC conditions in which specific interactions differentiate solvation processes.
Redaktionelt forord
Authors: Passage Passage 
Published: July 2017

Både dansk og international børne- og ungdomslitteratur søger i disse år ud i grænseområderne mellem skrift, lyd og billeder, mellem medier, mellem nære og fjerne konflikter, mellem litteratur for små børn og voksne og mellem underholdning, leg, vidensformidling og kunst.Passage 75 sætter derfor fokus på nye tilgange til børne- og ungdomslitteratur, peger på forandringer og brudflader på det børne- og ungdomslitterære område og tilgrænsende felter, og ønsker således at bidrage til at kvalificere diskussioner omkring disse tekster i den offentlige debat og i undervisningssammenhænge.
Piger på nettet. Repræsentationer af unge kvinders seksualitet i den digitale tidsalder
Authors: Flanagan Victoria 
Published: July 2017

“Girls Online. Representations of Adolescent Female Sexuality in the Digital Age”Media representations of social media and cyberspace often emphasise their negative social impact for adolescent girls. There is the potential, however, for virtual reality to function as a pro-feminist space that enables young women to form supportive, networked communities. A number of YA fictions published post-2005 adopt this type of representational paradigm and explicitly seek to construct a positive relationship between feminine subjectivity and digital technology. This article will focus particularly on how three YA narratives – L8r, g8r (2007) by Lauren Myracle, Fangirl (2013) by Rainbow Rowell and the short story “Tumbling” (2014) by Susie Day – comment on the manner in which social media has affected the expression of female sexual desire in the digital age. These YA fictions provide young readers with progressive representations of adolescent female sexuality that acknowledge and validate female desire and also showcase the positive role that online social networks can play in nurturing unconventional and empowered expressions of female sexuality.
Pedagogikk, betydningstap og selvrefleksjonens grunnlag
Authors: Straume Ingerid S. 
Published: July 2017

The thesis explored in this essay is that contemporary educational thought has suﬀered a loss of signiﬁcance,
manifested when our language and concepts fail to be experienced as signiﬁers of commitment. A certain reluctance can be observed, among academics and others, against the notion of defending any cause or idea – with notable exceptions such as “respect for diﬀerence”. One may of course contest that a special kind of commitment is needed in education; but problems emerge when the educational values in place are no longer experienced as very signiﬁcant for education itself, because the lack of investment in turn reduces the need to criticize and question these values. The problem concerns the lack of reﬂexive creativity, not the lack of ideals per se. The idea of a loss of signiﬁcation is elaborated in two examples: “dannelse” and “kritikk”. In a further step, the loss of signification is discussed in relation to the lack of a larger, social (or societal) project, where the discussion of the Anthropocene is one example of how such a project might be formulated today.