bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Operative outcome of liver resections for hepatocellular carcinoma: Retrospective case control study of a twelve-years pioneer experience in the Sudan
Authors: Elsanousi Osama Mohamed , Mohamed Murtada Abdellatief , Fadl Amira Abbas 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Modern liver surgery in the Sudan started at our institution, The National Ribat University Hospital, in 2002. This study aimed to assess the perioperative events of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) resection in our institution during the period January 2002 to December 2013 compared to hepatectomies for benign liver pathologies.

Methods:
The medical records of 114 patients subjected to hepatectomy were divided into the HCC group (cases), and benign group (controls). The characteristics and perioperative events of both groups were assessed and compared.

Results:
The mean age of the HCC patients was 58.6 ± 7.7 years. The majority of liver resections in the HCC group were minor (72.7%). The mean intraoperative blood loss was 918.8 ml in the HCC group and 720 ml in benign resections group and the difference between them was not significant, p = 0.129. The mean operative duration of HCC resection was 4 hours. The major postoperative complications were encountered in 16 patients (36.4%) in the HCC group. HCC group thirty-day postoperative mortality was 9.1%, (n = 4 patients) while no patient of the benign group (n = 60) died within that duration, p = .030. Logistic regression multivariate analysis revealed massive bleeding as an independent predictor for major postoperative morbidity, Odds ratio [OR] = 5.899, 95%, Confidence Interval [95% CI], 1.129–30.830, p = .035.

Discussion:
Our results revealed outcome parameters comparable with the international reports.

Conclusion:
Further improvements in hepatic surgery in general, and HCC in particular is inevitable.

Highlights:
Sleep-Related Painful Erections: A Meta-Analysis on the Pathophysiology and Risks and Benefits of Medical Treatments
Authors: Vreugdenhil Sanne , Weidenaar Alida Cornelia , de Jong Igle Jan , van Driel Mels Frank 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundPatients with sleep-related painful erections (SRPEs) have frequent awakenings from deep penile pain during nocturnal erections. This results in severe sleep deprivation.AimTo review the current literature on SRPEs and discuss the pathophysiologic theories and risks and benefits of medical treatments.MethodsPubMed was searched using the terms sleep-related painful erections, nocturnal priapism, treatment, and sleep-related erections.OutcomeVariables included patient demographics, medical history, diagnostics, hypotheses on pathophysiology, and treatment modalities and their effect on SRPE in the short and long term.ResultsThe search yielded in 66 SRPE cases that were analyzed, including our mono-institutional series of 24 patients. The phenomenon of SRPEs is not well understood. Theories about pathophysiology concerned increased serum testosterone levels, altered autonomic function, compression of the lateral preoptic area, coexistent obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, the existence of a “compartment syndrome,” and psychosomatic factors. Except for polysomnographic findings that showed sleep fragmentation and decreased sleep efficiency in all patients, other diagnostic results varied widely. Multiple agents were tried. Baclofen and, to lesser degree, clonazepam showed noticeable results, most likely due to their influence on the γ-aminobutyric acid system and, hence, suppression of glutamate release. In addition, baclofen relaxes the ischiocavernosus and bulbospongiosus muscles, which are involved in penile erection.Clinical ImplicationsBy providing a critical analysis and complete overview on the limited literature about this overlooked and undermanaged condition, this review contributes to a better understanding of the pathophysiology and provides directions for future research on the treatment of SRPE.Strengths and LimitationsBecause the literature on SRPEs includes only case reports and small case series, the level of evidence of treatment advice is limited.ConclusionThe pathophysiology of SRPEs is not yet clarified. Further diagnostic evaluation, including electromyography of the ischiocavernosus and bulbospongiosus muscles to elucidate the pathophysiology, is recommended. Prospective controlled investigations are warranted to assess the efficacy and safety of long-term use of baclofen and develop evidence-based treatment advice.
Recent deposition environments in the Chukchi Sea and adjacent areas of the Arctic Ocean: Evidence from Q-cluster analysis of sediment compositions and grain sizes
Authors: Kolesnik A.N. , Astakhov A.S. , Kolesnik O.N. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractDeposition environments in the Chukchi Sea and adjacent areas of the Arctic Ocean are studied by the Q-cluster analysis of compositions, particle sizes, and other properties of surface bottom sediments. Analysis of more than 4700 numeric values allowed mapping fifteen clusters distributed over the seafloor according to deposition environments. Chemical and statistical data confirm the predominance of clastic sedimentation and mainly mechanic sorting of sedimentary material. At the same time, the major-element composition trends correspond to Si decrease and Al increase seaward. Biogenic deposition is of inferior scale and shows up as relative enrichment in total organic carbon, Ca, Mg, Ba, Sr, and some other biogenic and chemogenic components in sediments. Clastic and biogenic deposition, with accumulation of Fe, Mn, V, Ni, Cr, Co, and other elements, as well as precipitation of authigenic phases, occurs within areas of seafloor having particular water chemistry, such as the Herald Canyon, the outer shelf, and the deepwater Arctic Ocean.
Hydrogeochemical earthquake precursor in the southern Baikal region
Authors: Semenov R.M. , Kashkovskii V.V. , Lopatin M.N. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
This paper presents the results of study of seismically induced variations in helium concentration in groundwater in the southern Baikal region. Unlike previous studies, data were obtained not only in Baikal deepwater but also in artesian wells in the southern Baikal region. The correlation coefficients between the data obtained at these observation stations, indicator functions, and an integrated indicator functions were calculated. They provide an objective assessment of time variations in concentrations due to changes in the stress–strain state of the Earth’s crust related to earthquake preparation and hence permit one to predict the time of an earthquake.
Thermomagnetic analysis of native iron from the upper sedimentary horizons of Lake Baikal, section GC-99 (Posolskaya Bank)
Authors: Pechersky D.M. , Kuzina D.M. , Ivanov E.V. , Kuz’min M.I. , Nurgaliev D.K. , Tsel’movich V.A. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
We present results of a thermomagnetic analysis of Late Pleistocene–Holocene bottom sediments from the gravity core GC-99 of the borehole BDP-99 drilled at Posolskaya Bank of Lake Baikal in the framework of the Baikal Drilling Project. The results are compared with the earlier analytical data on the samples from the lower (Miocene) section of the BDP-98 drilled on the Akademichesky Ridge. Native-iron particles were found in only 14 of 61 samples. Their content varies from ~ 10–5 to 10–4%, and their distribution is near-bimodal, with a distinct “zero” mode. The results of the thermomagnetic analysis are confirmed by a probe microanalysis: Only occasional native-iron particles were found. Nickel was detected in only one sample. The samples have a large number of magnetite and titanomagnetite grains. It is shown that the distribution of native-iron particles in the Baikal sediments depends on the rate of sedimentation: The rate increase is accompanied by the increase in the number of the “zero” group samples (free of iron particles). The conclusion is drawn that the native-iron particles in the studied sediments are predominantly of cosmic origin.
Mixing laws and causality in high frequency induction log applications
Authors: Tabarovsky L. , Forgang S. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
High frequency electromagnetic technologies for subsurface formation evaluation provide high spatial resolution and new opportunities for petrophysical interpretation of data. Dispersion of rock properties and up-scaling from pore to reservoir scale (homogenization) represent the two most challenging problems. In electrodynamics of porous media, various mixing and dispersion laws are used to homogenize rock properties and describe their frequency behavior. Mixing laws and dispersion have a close link to the fundamental physical principle of causality and therefore cannot be introduced arbitrarily. For any mixing/dispersion law, we need to prove that causality holds. For testing causality, we use Titchmarsh’s theorem and, particularly, one of its modifications—Kramers–Kronig relations. Causality is discussed for Debye, Cole–Cole, Havriliak–Negami, and CRIM models. Dispersion is closely related to wave propagation. Evaluation of phase and group velocities shed new light on the physics of phase and amplitude measurements in lossy media. We evaluated various definitions of both velocities and their dependence on spatial spectra or, in other words, on the arrangement of transmitting and receiving elements. To illustrate theoretical findings, we use dielectric logging as an exemplary technology. Usually, in modern dielectric tools, amplitude and phase data are acquired, for various frequencies and sensor positions. The measured phase is discontinuous at high frequencies and requires detection of discontinuity as well as unwrapping. Remarkably, one can determine formation attenuation and loss angle based on multifrequency/multisensor amplitude data and transform them into dielectric permittivity, resistivity, and true continuous phase. Transformations of exemplary tool data used in this paper are suitable for a conceptual study and are specific for a uniform formation. We intentionally do not address the accuracy of measurements and propagation of errors in the inversion process, since they are tool- and processing-specific. Different tools require joint analysis of all available data and special noise reduction techniques associated with the structure of the acquisition system.
Glacier inventory and recent glacier variations in the Andes of Chile, South America
Authors: Barcaza Gonzalo , Nussbaumer Samuel U. , Tapia Guillermo , Valdés Javier , García Juan-Luis , Videla Yohan , Albornoz Amapola , Arias Víctor 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTThe first satellite-derived inventory of glaciers and rock glaciers in Chile, created from Landsat TM/ETM+ images spanning between 2000 and 2003 using a semi-automated procedure, is presented in a single standardized format. Large glacierized areas in the Altiplano, Palena Province and the periphery of the Patagonian icefields are inventoried. The Chilean glacierized area is 23 708 ± 1185 km2, including ~3200 km2 of both debris-covered glaciers and rock glaciers. Glacier distribution varies as a result of climatic gradients with latitude and elevation, with 0.8% occurring in the Desert Andes (17°30′–32° S); 3.6% in the Central Andes (32–36° S), 6.2% in the Lakes District and Palena Province (36–46° S), and 89.3% in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego (46–56° S). Glacier outlines, across all glacierized regions and size classes, updated to 2015 using Landsat 8 images for 98 complexes indicate a decline in areal extent affecting mostly clean-ice glaciers (−92.3 ± 4.6 km2), whereas debris-covered glaciers and rock glaciers in the Desert and Central Andes appear nearly unchanged in their extent. Glacier attributes estimated from this new inventory provide valuable insights into spatial patterns of glacier shrinkage for assessing future glacier changes in response to climate change.
Tracing Individuals under the EU Regime on Serious, Cross-border Health Threats: An Appraisal of the System of Personal Data Protection
Authors: DĄBROWSKA-KŁOSIŃSKA Patrycja 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe article tackles the issue of personal data protection in case of tracing (looking for) individual persons who have been exposed to health risks pursuant to the EU Decision 1082/2013 on Serious, Cross-border Health Threats. This problem exemplifies just one among many challenges of the health-security nexus in the EU. That is, it regards a certain trade-off between the limitation of individual rights and securing populations’ safety. The text appraises the safeguards for the (lawful) limitation of the right to data protection after an in-depth examination of the provisions of the Health Threats Decision, its implementing measures, the reports on its operation, and in light of the general EU data protection laws. In conclusion, it claims that a number of improvements are needed because of the incompleteness, and the insufficient coherence and transparency of the EU regime for health threats. The established shortcomings are, at least in part, caused by the new EU “integrated approach” to health and security. In effect, an overall philosophy of reforms of public health policy in the name of “all-hazards security” applied in the Health Threats Decision can result in a reduction of the adequate level of protection of individuals’ personal data.
Vaccines for Pandemic and Epidemic Diseases: Towards Defining the Space of EU Public Health between Security Policy and a Transnational Market
Authors: RIZZI Marco 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe EU is continuously developing strategies, policies and regulations to confront pandemic and epidemic diseases. The actions of the EU in this field do not happen in a vacuum but are instead embedded in a complex international and transnational network. This article suggests the existence of a tension between public health policy and a twofold set of competing considerations: growing security concerns and market pressures. To structure the argument the article examines three distinct but related aspects: first, it clarifies the different levels of decision-making impacting on the EU’s policy and regulation of vaccines for PEDs: these levels are described as international, transnational and domestic, and the key players involved at each level are also identified; second, it analyses levels of responsiveness to and preparedness for outbreaks and analyses how past experiences have oriented the policy debate; third, it discusses issues of accountability of vaccine developers, authorising authorities and rule-makers involved in preparedness and response to emerging PEDs.
Estimating Local Costs Associated WithClostridium difficileInfection Using Machine Learning and Electronic Medical Records
Authors: Pak Theodore R. , Chacko Kieran I. , O’Donnell Timothy , Huprikar Shirish S. , van Bakel Harm , Kasarskis Andrew , Scott Erick R. 
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUNDReported per-patient costs ofClostridium difficileinfection (CDI) vary by 2 orders of magnitude among different hospitals, implying that infection control officers need precise, local analyses to guide rational decision making between interventions.OBJECTIVEWe sought to comprehensively estimate changes in length of stay (LOS) attributable to CDI at a single urban tertiary-care facility using only data automatically extractable from the electronic medical record (EMR).METHODSWe performed a retrospective cohort study of 171,938 visits spanning a 7-year period. In total, 23,968 variables were extracted from EMR data recorded within 24 hours of admission to train elastic-net regularized logistic regression models for propensity score matching. To address time-dependent bias (reverse causation), we separately stratified comparisons by time of infection, and we fit multistate models.RESULTSThe estimated difference in median LOS for propensity-matched cohorts varied from 3.1 days (95% CI, 2.2–3.9) to 10.1 days (95% CI, 7.3–12.2) depending on the case definition; however, dependency of the estimate on time to infection was observed. Stratification by time to first positive toxin assay, excluding probable community-acquired infections, showed a minimum excess LOS of 3.1 days (95% CI, 1.7–4.4). Under the same case definition, the multistate model averaged an excess LOS of 3.3 days (95% CI, 2.6–4.0).CONCLUSIONSIn this study, 2 independent time-to-infection adjusted methods converged on similar excess LOS estimates. Changes in LOS can be extrapolated to marginal dollar costs by multiplying by average costs of an inpatient day. Infection control officers can leverage automatically extractable EMR data to estimate costs of CDI at their own institutions.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol.2017;38:1478–1486
Importation, Mitigation, and Genomic Epidemiology of Candida auris at a Large Teaching Hospital
Authors: Lesho Emil P. , Bronstein Melissa Z. , McGann Patrick , Stam Jason , Kwak Yoon , Maybank Rosslyn , McNamara Jodi , Callahan Megan , Campbell Jean , Hinkle Mary K. , Walsh Edward E. 
Published: December 2017

OBJECTIVECandida auris (CA) is an emerging multidrug-resistant pathogen associated with increased mortality. The environment may play a role, but transmission dynamics remain poorly understood. We sought to limit environmental and patient CA contamination following a sustained unsuspected exposure.DESIGNQuasi-experimental observation.SETTINGA 528-bed teaching hospital.PATIENTSThe index case patient and 17 collocated ward mates.INTERVENTIONImmediately after confirmation of CA in the bloodstream and urine of a patient admitted 6 days previously, active surveillance, enhanced transmission-based precautions, environmental cleaning with peracetic acid-hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet light, and patient relocation were undertaken. Pre-existing agreements and foundational relationships among internal multidisciplinary teams and external partners were leveraged to bolster detection and mitigation efforts and to provide genomic epidemiology.RESULTSCandida auris was isolated from 3 of 132 surface samples on days 8, 9, and 15 of ward occupancy, and from no patient samples (0 of 48). Environmental and patient isolates were genetically identical (4–8 single-nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs]) and most closely related to the 2013 India CA-6684 strain (~200 SNPs), supporting the epidemiological hypothesis that the source of environmental contamination was the index case patient, who probably acquired the South Asian strain from another New York hospital. All isolates contained a mutation associated with azole resistance (K163R) found in the India 2105 VPCI strain but not in CA-6684. The index patient remained colonized until death. No surfaces were CA-positive 1 month later.CONCLUSIONCompared to previous descriptions, CA dissemination was minimal. Immediate access to rapid CA diagnostics facilitates early containment strategies and outbreak investigations.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:53–57
A randomised controlled trial of the monoaminergic stabiliser (−)-OSU6162 in treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Nilsson Marie Karin Lena , Zachrisson Olof , Gottfries Carl-Gerhard , Matousek Michael , Peilot Birgitta , Forsmark Sara , Schuit Robert Christiaan , Carlsson Maria Lizzie , Kloberg Angelica , Carlsson Arvid 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveThe monoaminergic stabiliser (−)-OSU6162 has in previous studies shown promising effects on mental fatigue after stroke and traumatic brain injury. This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of (−)-OSU6162 in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.MethodsA total of 62 patients were randomly assigned to placebo or (−)-OSU6162. Primary outcomes were assessment on the mental fatigue scale (MFS) and the clinical global impression of change (CGI-C) scale. Secondary outcomes were results on the FibroFatigue scale (FF), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the pain visual analogue scale and neuropsychological tests. Assessments were performed at baseline, after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment and at follow-up after 6 weeks.ResultsMFS and CGI-C showed significant improvements for both treatment groups after treatment but not at follow-up; a similar pattern was seen for FF and BDI. However, significant differences between groups could not be demonstrated. On the other hand, correlation analyses showed a significant correlation between (−)-OSU6162 concentration and change in MFS, FF, and BDI score within the concentration interval 0.1–0.7 µM. Exploratory subgroup analyses showed a larger treatment effect with (−)-OSU6162 in improving MFS and FF symptoms in patients on antidepressant therapy compared to those without antidepressant treatment.Conclusion(−)-OSU6162 was found to be safe and well tolerated. When analysing the entire material (−)-OSU6162 was not found to differ significantly from placebo in alleviating fatigue in ME patients but was superior to placebo in counteracting fatigue in a subgroup of ME patients who received concomitant pharmacological treatment for depression.
Tabulated Neutron Star Equations of State Modelled within the Chiral Mean Field Model
Authors: Dexheimer V. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn this special issue article, I review some of the accomplishments of the chiral mean field (CMF) model, which contains nucleon, hyperon, and quark degrees of freedom, and its applications to proto-neutron and neutron stars. I also present a set of equation of state and particle population tables built using the CMF model subject to physical constraints necessary to reproduce different environments, such as those present in cold neutron stars, core-collapse supernova explosions, and different stages of compact star mergers.
Time averaging and late Quaternary ecological replacement in Don’s Gooseberry Pit, South Dakota, USA
Authors: Pardi Melissa I. , Graham Russell W. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractLate Quaternary small mammal faunas document ecological change and biotic responses to past climates but are especially rare in some geographic regions such as the North American Great Plains. Don’s Gooseberry Pit (DGP), a cave in the southeastern Black Hills of South Dakota, USA, contains a fauna documenting small mammal community composition shifts and environmental change over the last 18,000 yr in this data-depauperate region. Although the stratigraphy of the cave appears to be primary, disparate radiocarbon dates indicate that there is mixing of the fauna throughout. A paleoenvironmental signal consistent with regional reconstructions still emerges from an analysis of the stratigraphically ordered fauna. Dated taxa from DGP record the ecological replacement of Dicrostonyx by Myodes and later Microtus in response to late Quaternary warming. Individually dated specimens of Dicrostonyx richardsoni confirm late survival of this cold-adapted taxon in the Black Hills (17,083 cal yr BP). Our results indicate that a coarse paleoecological signal is present in DGP, and that the Black Hills served as a “high-altitude” refugium for cold-adapted species following the end of the last glacial period.