bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myeloid-related Protein 8/14 Levels in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Marker of Disease Activity and Response to Methotrexate
Authors: Patro Pradeepta Sekhar , Singh Ankita , Misra Ramnath , Aggarwal Amita 
Published: February 2016

Objective.Myeloid-related proteins (MRP) 8/14 belong to a family of calcium-binding proteins produced by myeloid cells. Baseline serum levels of MRP8/14 have been shown to predict response to biologicals in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Because methotrexate (MTX) is the first-line therapy in RA, we studied whether MRP8/14 levels can predict response to MTX.Methods.Patients with active RA disease who were naive to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs were enrolled. All patients were treated with MTX only, to a maximum of 25 mg/week or the maximal tolerated dose. At 4 months, the European League Against Rheumatism response was assessed. All patients who needed rescue therapy after 2 months or who did not respond at 4 months were classified as nonresponders.Results.Ninety patients were enrolled, of whom 3 discontinued MTX within 4–6 weeks, so 87 patients were analyzed [74 women, median (interquartile range; IQR) for the Disease Activity Score at 28 joints (DAS28) was 4.43 (4.1–5.1)]. The median (IQR) serum MRP8/14 level at baseline was 19.95 µg/ml (11.49–39.06). The serum MRP8/14 had good correlation with DAS28-C-reactive protein (CRP; r = 0.35, p = 0.001). The MRP8/14 levels fell significantly after 4 months of treatment (10.28 µg/ml, 5.95–16.05, p < 0.001). Among 87 patients, 69 were responders. The median (IQR) baseline level of MRP8/14 was higher among responders compared with nonresponders: 23.99 µg/ml (15.39–42.75) versus 9.58 µg/ml (6.11–24.93, p = 0.00250). The levels declined in the responders, from 23.99 µg/ml (15.39–42.75) to 10.41 µg/ml (5.83–15.61, p < 0.001), but not in the nonresponders, from 9.58 µg/ml (6.11–24.93) to 9.19 µg/ml (7.74–21.96, p = 0.687). Receiver-operation characteristic analysis showed that MRP8/14 was a better predictor of response than CRP and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, especially with early disease onset (< 1-yr duration).Conclusion.MRP8/14 is a good marker of disease activity in RA, and higher levels predict response to MTX.
Basilic Vein Transposition Used as a Tertiary Vascular Access for Hemodialysis: 15 Years of Experience
Authors: Novotný Róbert , Slavíková Marcela , Hlubocký Jaroslav , Mitáš Petr , Hrubý Jan , Lindner Jaroslav 
Published: February 2016

Introduction The quality of the life in patients requiring long term hemodialysis is directly proportional to the long-term patency of their vascular access. Basilic vein transposition for vascular access (BAVA) represents a suitable option for creating a tertiary native vascular access for hemodialysis on the upper extremities for patients requiring long term hemodialysis. The purpose of the study is to compare BAVAs with arteriovenous grafts (AVG). Method Data collection was based on selecting all of the patients with BAVA created in the time period in between January 1996 and August 2011. A questionnaire was created and sent to the selected hemodialysis centers. The resulting set of data was statistically analyzed and evaluated. Results In the time period between 1 January 1996 and August 2011, arteriovenous access for hemodialysis was created in 6754 patients (7203 procedures in total). Out of these patients, 175 BAVAs were created. Our patient database of those undergoing the BAVA procedure consisted of 98 females (56%) and 77 males (44%) with an average age of 64.5 years. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 60% (105 patients). Primary patency after 12 months was 68.8%, 24 months 59.7%, 36 months 53.8, 48 months 53.8%, and 60 months 50%. Primary assisted patency after 12 months was 89.9%, 24 months 84.6%, 36 months 77.8%, 48 months 77.9%, 60 months 70.8%. Secondary patency after 12 months was 89.4%, 24 months 86.9%, 36 months 81%, 48 months 78.9%, 60 months 75.7%. Twenty-nine BAVAs (16.5%) were obliterated. Conclusion Patients benefit from this type of procedure due to the longer patency of a native arteriovenous access, as well as a lower incidence of infectious complications.
C0IPG for a Fourth Order Eigenvalue Problem
Authors: Ji Xia , Geng Hongrui , Sun Jiguang , Xu Liwei 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis paper concerns numerical computation of a fourth order eigenvalue problem. We first show the well-posedness of the source problem. An interior penalty discontinuous Galerkin method (C0IPG) using Lagrange elements is proposed and its convergence is studied. The method is then used to compute the eigenvalues. We show that the method is spectrally correct and prove the optimal convergence. Numerical examples are presented to validate the theory.
High Order Numerical Methods for the Dynamic SGS Model of Turbulent Flows with Shocks
Authors: Kotov D. V. , Yee H. C. , Wray A. A. , Hadjadj A. , Sjögreen B. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractSimulation of turbulent flows with shocks employing subgrid-scale (SGS) filtering may encounter a loss of accuracy in the vicinity of a shock. This paper addresses the accuracy improvement of LES of turbulent flows in two ways: (a) from the SGS model standpoint and (b) from the numerical method improvement standpoint. In an internal report, Kotov et al. ( “High Order Numerical Methods for large eddy simulation (LES) of Turbulent Flows with Shocks”, CTR Tech Brief, Oct. 2014, Stanford University), we performed a preliminary comparative study of different approaches to reduce the loss of accuracy within the framework of the dynamic Germano SGS model. The high order low dissipative method of Yee & Sjögreen (2009) using local flow sensors to control the amount of numerical dissipation where needed is used for the LES simulation. The considered improved dynamics model approaches include applying the one-sided SGS test filter of Sagaut & Germano (2005) and/or disabling the SGS terms at the shock location. For Mach 1.5 and 3 canonical shock-turbulence interaction problems, both of these approaches show a similar accuracy improvement to that of the full use of the SGS terms. The present study focuses on a five levels of grid refinement study to obtain the reference direct numerical simulation (DNS) solution for additional LES SGS comparison and approaches. One of the numerical accuracy improvements included here applies Harten's subcell resolution procedure to locate and sharpen the shock, and uses a one-sided test filter at the grid points adjacent to the exact shock location.
Monotone Finite Difference Schemes for Anisotropic Diffusion Problems via Nonnegative Directional Splittings
Authors: Ngo Cuong , Huang Weizhang 
Published: February 2016

AbstractNonnegative directional splittings of anisotropic diffusion operators in the divergence form are investigated. Conditions are established for nonnegative directional splittings to hold in a neighborhood of an arbitrary interior point. The result is used to construct monotone finite difference schemes for the boundary value problem of anisotropic diffusion operators. It is shown that such a monotone scheme can be constructed if the underlying diffusion matrix is continuous on the closure of the physical domain and symmetric and uniformly positive definite on the domain, the mesh spacing is sufficiently small, and the size of finite difference stencil is sufficiently large. An upper bound for the stencil size is obtained, which is determined completely by the diffusion matrix. Loosely speaking, the more anisotropic the diffusion matrix is, the larger stencil is required. An exception is the situation with a strictly diagonally dominant diffusion matrix where a three-by-three stencil is sufficient for the construction of a monotone finite difference scheme. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the theoretical findings.
La explotación intensa de los acuíferos en la cuenca baja del Segura y en la cuenca del Vinalopó
Authors: Sahuquillo Andrés 
Published: February 2016

<p>Los acuíferos carbonatados de la cuenca del Altiplano de Murcia y Vinalopó, junto con algunos otros acuíferos detríticos están siendo explotados muy por encima de su recarga media desde hace casi medio siglo lo que produjo una reducción continua de los niveles de agua subterránea en la mayoría de la región. Hasta casi 5 m/año en algunos casos y más de 300 metros de su situación inicial en alguna zona, con el consiguiente encarecimiento de su explotación. La caída en los niveles produjo el secado de manantiales y humedales y el aumento de la salinidad en algunas zonas causadas por la presencia de formaciones salinas. En contra de estos problemas está el aumento de la riqueza creada por la disponibilidad de agua desde el comienzo de la explotación intensa de los acuíferos. La Directiva Marco del Agua exigía que los acuíferos estuvieran antes de 2015 en buenas condiciones cuantitativas y cualitativas, cosa que no es posible, y tampoco lo sería retrasando esta fecha varias décadas. Análisis sencillos indican que aún eliminando los bombeos, los acuíferos tardarían entre 100 y 1000 años en recuperarse. Se analizan distintos métodos para determinar la recarga y los modelos matemáticos del comportamiento de los acuíferos que podrían utilizarse como herramientas válidas para su gestión. Se discute el papel que en lo sucesivo pueden jugar en la gestión de los recursos de agua.</p><p> </p>
Size distribution and optical properties of mineral dust aerosols transported in the western Mediterranean
Authors: Denjean C. , Cassola F. , Mazzino A. , Triquet S. , Chevaillier S. , Grand N. , Bourrianne T. , Momboisse G. , Sellegri K. , Schwarzenbock A. , Freney E. , Mallet M. , Formenti P. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract. This study presents in situ aircraft measurements of Saharan mineral dust transported over the western Mediterranean basin in June–July 2013 during the ChArMEx/ADRIMED (the Chemistry-Aerosol Mediterranean Experiment/Aerosol Direct Radiative Impact on the regional climate in the MEDiterranean region) airborne campaign. Dust events differing in terms of source region (Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco), time of transport (1–5 days) and height of transport were sampled. Mineral dust were transported above the marine boundary layer, which conversely was dominated by pollution and marine aerosols. The dust vertical structure was extremely variable and characterized by either a single layer or a more complex and stratified structure with layers originating from different source regions. Mixing of mineral dust with pollution particles was observed depending on the height of transport of the dust layers. Dust layers carried a higher concentration of pollution particles below 3 km above sea level (a.s.l.) than above 3 km a.s.l., resulting in a scattering Ångström exponent up to 2.2 below 3 km a.s.l. However, the optical properties of the dust plumes remained practically unchanged with respect to values previously measured over source regions, regardless of the altitude. Moderate absorption of light by the dust plumes was observed with values of aerosol single scattering albedo at 530 nm ranging from 0.90 to 1.00. Concurrent calculations from the aerosol chemical composition revealed a negligible contribution of pollution particles to the absorption properties of the dust plumes that was due to a low contribution of refractory black carbon in regards to the fraction of dust and sulfate particles. This suggests that, even in the presence of moderate pollution, likely a persistent feature in the Mediterranean, the optical properties of the dust plumes could be assumed similar to those of native dust in radiative transfer simulations, modelling studies and satellite retrievals over the Mediterranean. Measurements also showed that the coarse mode of mineral dust was conserved even after 5 days of transport in the Mediterranean, which contrasts with the gravitational depletion of large particles observed during the transport of dust plumes over the Atlantic. Simulations with the WRF mesoscale meteorological model highlighted a strong vertical turbulence within the dust layers that could prevent deposition of large particles during their atmospheric transport. This has important implications for the dust radiative effects due to surface dimming, atmospheric heating and cloud formation. The results presented here add to the observational data set necessary for evaluating the role of mineral dust on the regional climate and rainfall patterns in the western Mediterranean basin and understanding their atmospheric transport at global scale.
A statistical study over Europe of the relative locations of lightning and associated energetic burst of electrons from the radiation belt
Authors: Bourriez F. , Sauvaud J.-A. , Pinçon J.-L. , Berthelier J.-J. , Parrot M. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract. The DEMETER (Detection of Electro-Magnetic Emissions Transmitted from Earthquake Regions) spacecraft detects short bursts of lightning-induced electron precipitation (LEP) simultaneously with newly injected upgoing whistlers. The LEP occurs within < 1 s of the causative lightning discharge. First in situ observations of the size and location of the region affected by the LEP precipitation are presented on the basis of a statistical study made over Europe using the DEMETER energetic particle detector, wave electric field experiment, and networks of lightning detection (Météorage, the UK Met Office Arrival Time Difference network (ATDnet), and the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN)). The LEP is shown to occur significantly north of the initial lightning and extends over some 1000 km on each side of the longitude of the lightning. In agreement with models of electron interaction with obliquely propagating lightning-generated whistlers, the distance from the LEP to the lightning decreases as lightning proceed to higher latitudes.
Patterns of Pseudophakic Retinal Detachment in a Referral Tertiary Care Center and the Need for Improving Cataract Surgical Training
Authors: Wadhwani Meenakshi , Venkatesh Pradeep , Gogia Varun , Gupta Shikha , Sharma Yograj , Pandey Veena 
Published: February 2016

Purpose To determine the risk factors associated with development of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in patients undergoing different types of cataract surgery. Methods Records of 200 patients presenting with pseudophakic retinal detachment (PRD) between January 2012 and July 2013 at a tertiary care center were reviewed. Duration and type of cataract surgery (phacoemulsification, extracapsular cataract extraction [ECCE], and small-incision cataract surgery [SICS]) and history of YAG capsulotomy with risk factors were recorded. Presence or absence of these risk factors was analyzed and their association with type of cataract surgery was evaluated. Results Of these 200 patients, 137 were male and 63 were female. The mean age of the patients was 55.19 ± 12.60 years and mean duration of cataract surgery to diagnosis of RRD was 8.64 ± 5.15 months. Most patients underwent phacoemulsification (45%), followed by ECCE (31.5%) and SICS (23.5%). Most of the patients with PRD had complicated cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) in sulcus in 63%, anterior chamber IOL in 3%, and aphakia in 0.5%. There was no difference among the 3 types of surgery performed in mean presenting visual acuity, duration between cataract surgery and YAG capsulotomy, or number of posterior chamber IOLs. Incidence of posterior capsular rent (p = 0.02) and presence of vitreous in anterior chamber (p = 0.01) were significantly higher for patients with retinal detachment (RD) who underwent SICS. Conclusions Many risk factors are associated with RD development after cataract surgery. More stringent efforts at improving the quality of cataract surgical training are likely to help in reducing the risk of PRD.
Patient Perceptions and Experiences of Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Senra Hugo , Joseph Sobha , Balaskas Konstantinos , Horani Mania , Aslam Tariq 
Published: February 2016

Purpose Wet age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a leading cause of visual impairment. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections are the mainstay of treatment but require monthly injections and frequent hospital visits. A novel approach to treatment with the use of stereotactic radiotherapy (Oraya IRay) as an adjunct to ranibizumab injections has shown promising results. We explored patients’ experiences of receiving Oraya therapy for wet ARMD. Methods We present a consecutive case series with objective and detailed reporting of the personal experiences of 5 patients with active wet ARMD treated with Oraya radiotherapy in our unit. We provided all patients who had received one Oraya treatment with a standardized survey composed of 10 questions addressing the experience of receiving this treatment. Results Generally, patients reported positive experiences of receiving Oraya treatment and perceived this treatment as a better option in comparison with anti-VEGF injections. However, the patients’ perceptions of Oraya treatment varied according to patients’ previous experiences of anti-VEGF injections and expectations of treatment. Conclusions Patients mainly justified their decision to receive Oraya treatment by expecting fewer intravitreal injections, but more research on this topic is needed to suggest new evidence-based treatment protocols for patients with wet ARMD.
Fractures of facial bones in benghazi
Authors: Gaballah K.Y. 
Published: February 2016

Four hundred and thirty three patients with various types of fractures of facial bones were studied and analysed together with statistics related to the etiology, site, age and sex. Sixty per cent of the cases were below 30 years of age. The male to female ratio was 5.5:1.
Sixty four per cent had fracture of the mandible alone, with fracture of the body of the mandible accounting for a quarter of the total number of cases. Only twenty per cent had fractures of the middle third of the face.
Injuries from road traffic accidents were the major causes of fractures in 258 patients (59.6%), followed by fights in 99 cases (22.9%) and falls in 69 cases (16%).
Finger ischemia following a jelly fish sting: A surgical approach
Authors: El Khatib H.A. , Al Basti H. B. 
Published: February 2016

A 15-year-old girl sustained a jelly fish sting to her left hand and subsequently developed acute vascular insuffi-ciency of the left index and middle fingers with a threat of distal gangrene.
Jelly fish venoms are complex mixtures of polypeptides and enzymes pathogenic to man by means of their anti-genic properties. Fatal reactions can be caused by hy-persensitivity of the toxins on the heart, respiratory center or kidneys. Local or generalized skin eruption, exagger-ated local oedema, local fat atrophy and pigmentary changes are also features of the jelly fish sting. A direct neurotoxic effect of the jelly fish venom on big nerves as radial, median and ulnar nerve palsies has been reported by Peel.
One stage pull through for hirschsprung's disease
Authors: Ismail A. 
Published: February 2016

In order to compare one-stage versus multiple-stage pull-through for Hirschsprung disease (HD) and comment on transanal pull-through without laparotomy, we reviewed 35 patients operated on for HD in the last six years. Ages ranged from 1 week to 14 years with 16 patients presenting neonatally. Sixteen patients had multiple-stage and 19 single-stage pull-through. Twenty-one patients had the Swenson procedure, five the Duhamel, seven the Soave pull-through and two the Lister Martin procedure for total colonic aganglionosis.
We conclude that the one stage pull-through is effec-tive, saves the patient multiple operations, recurring costs and long hospital stays, and also saves both the patient and family the psychological trauma of colostomy.
Prevalence of Hepatitis Virus Infection and Immunogenicity of HBV Vaccine in Children with Down's Syndrome
Authors: Al Rawi F. , Al Marri A. , Al Musailhy S. , Jaber M. , Al Dabbagh  , Tawfiq F. A. 
Published: February 2016

The prevalence of Hepatitis A, B and C infection was assessed in sixty children with Down's syndrome (DS) and compared with sixty children with normal mentality by screening for HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBe, anti-HBc, anti-HBs and anti-HCVand HAV-Ig. Both groups had received three doses of recombinant DNA hepatitis vaccine at 0,1 and 6 months of age.
None of the children in either group were found to have any hepatitis viral antiginaemia, hepatitis marker or to have chronic viral hepatitis.
Hepatitis B vaccine protective efficacy which was es-tablished by the presence of anti-HBs >10 mil], was sig-nificantly lower in the DS than the control group (28.3% Vs 85%,p < 0.001).
None of the children in the DS group, after the age of seven years, had protective anti-HBs level as compared to 79% of the children in the control group.
Booster doses are not recommended for normal chil-dren even if they lose their antibody to HBV vaccine be-cause of the presence of immune memory. However, in children with DS, because of their immune deficiency, low vaccination response, and their predisposition to chronic hepatitis infection especially at school age, we recommend booster HBV vaccination for them at school entry.
Factors Influencing Job Satisfaction Among Primary Health Care Physicians in Qatar
Authors: Al Marri S. A. , Al Taweel A. A. , Elgar F. 
Published: February 2016

Occupational stressors associated with compromised job satisfaction amongst general practitioners (e.g. time constraints, burdensome patient loads and interruptions in personal life) have been found to adversely affect the quality of primary health care services.
A cross-sectional survey of 128 physicians in 22 pri-mary health care centers in Qatar used a self-administered questionnaire on factors associated with job satisfaction. Most physicians reported time pressures attributable to large patient loads that appeared to affect the quality of work and personal life. Younger and female physicians reported frustration at not having time to read about new research and advances.
Methods of addressing these problems, such as an appointment system, were favorably received by most physicians. Strategies to reduce occupational stress on most of the physicians may involve allowing them greater control over their work environment and providing time for Continuing Medical Education and postgraduate studies. This, in turn, should lead to improved primary health care.
Professional Stress During Medical Internship
Authors: Al Sultan A. I. , Parashar S. K. , Wahass S. H. , Al Soweilem L. S. 
Published: February 2016

One hundred and one interns who completed internship during the year 2000 were surveyed by questionnaire to study the factors, manifestations and management strategies of stresses affecting them. Factors considered included personal and family, work and working conditions, training and interpersonal matters.
Approximately one out of three interns reported significant stress from not having enough time for family, insecurity about future and career; long working hours, frequent duties, lack of encouragement and supervision, lack of feedback, no one caring, and discriminations in gender and evaluations. Marriage did not seem to add significant stress during training.
It is concluded that medical internship is a stressful training period and it is suggested that support groups or advisory committees are needed to help and counsel interns about professional stress and provide psychological assistance when necessary.