bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Choroidal Neovascularization in Multifocal Choroiditis after Dabrafenib and Trametinib
Authors: Albertini Giorgia C. , Corbelli Eleonora , Battaglia Parodi Maurizio , Bandello Francesco 
Published: August 2017

Purpose To describe a case of bilateral choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in multifocal choroiditis (MFC) associated with dabrafenib and trametinib chemotherapy for metastatic melanoma. Case We present a case of a 57-year-old man with MFC who underwent combination therapy with dabrafenib plus trametinib for metastatic melanoma. The patient presented to our ophthalmology department complaining of bilateral vision loss of 2 days’ duration. He underwent multimodal imaging showing a MFC reactivation complicated by bilateral CNV. The patient underwent 3 ranibizumab injections in the right eye and 7 ranibizumab injections in the left eye. Anatomical and functional improvement has been observed. Conclusions This report emphasizes the importance of strict ophthalmologic follow-up in patients with metastatic melanoma treated with dabrafenib plus trametinib since rare severe ocular toxicities can occur, especially in patients with a history of uveitis.
3rd Generation Ceramic-On-Ceramic Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Minimum 10-year follow-up Study
Authors: Lau Yeong J. , Sarmah Shashank , Witt Johan D. 
Published: August 2017

Introduction 3rd generation ceramic bearings were introduced in total hip arthroplasty (THA) with the potential to have better mechanical strength and wear properties than their predecessors. At present, there are few studies looking at the long-term results of this latest generation of ceramic bearings. The purpose of our study was to investigate the long-term clinical and radiographic results of 3rd generation ceramic-on-ceramic THA and the incidence of ceramic specific complications such as squeaking and bearing surface fracture. Methods The database of the senior author (J.D.W.) was reviewed. A total of 126 hip replacements performed in 108 patients (average age 39.6 years) with an average follow-up of 12.1 years (10-16 years) was identified. Clinical notes and plain radiographs were reviewed. To measure function, patients were contacted and an Oxford Hip Questionnaire was completed. Patients were also directly questioned about the presence of squeaking or any other sounds from the hip. Radiographs were evaluated for signs of wear, osteolysis, loosening and heterotopic ossification. The abduction angle of the acetabular component was measured. Results The average Oxford Hip Score was 39.8 out of 48. Survivorship at 10 years was 94.6% (95% CI) with revision for any cause as the endpoint. There was 1 femoral head fracture, no osteolysis, no squeaking and no detectable wear. Conclusions The good clinical and radiographic results for this series of patients are similar to other recent long-term studies looking at 3rd generation ceramic-on-ceramic THA. The results compare favourably with other bearing surfaces. The lack of osteolysis associated with this articulation is encouraging and may also make it a good choice for younger patients requiring total hip replacement.
Involvement of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 in Chinese patients with glioma: a potential target for effective patient care
Authors: Ren Jinhong , Jia Peilan , Feng Hongxia , Li Xiuhua , Zhao Jinghui , Sun Yunxia 
Published: August 2017

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the genetic variation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) in the development of gliomas among Chinese individuals. Materials and methods: Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of glioma and healthy individuals with no clinical symptoms of glioma were enrolled at Liaocheng People’s Hospital, China. Genetic polymorphisms were studied in plasma samples by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. Cytokine levels were measured routinely in serum samples by sandwich ELISA technique. Results: A total of 120 Chinese patients with gliomas and 120 healthy Chinese individuals were included. We found that patients with the GG genotype (odds ratio [OR] 2.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.46-4.38, p<0.001) and carriers of the G allele (OR 11.5, 95% CI 6.31-21.3, p<0.0001) were at high risk of developing glioma. A del/ins polymorphism of the NF-κB1 gene (OR 4.27, 95% CI 2.43-7.50, p<0.001) was also found to be associated with glioma. In addition, significantly increased cytokine levels were observed in patients with glioma (p<0.05). Conclusions: Our findings showed that PARP-1 polymorphisms are involved in the development of glioma in Chinese individuals. Also serum cytokine levels can be considered among the potential risk factors for developing glioma.
Outcomes of Three Types of Native Arteriovenous Fistula in a Single Center
Authors: Chisci Emiliano , Harris Linda M. , Menici Francesco , Frosini Pierfrancesco , Romano Eugenio , Troisi Nicola , Ercolini Leonardo , Michelagnoli Stefano 
Published: August 2017

Objective To study the outcomes of three different types of native arteriovenous fistula (AVF), the distal (D: radial-cephalic), middle-arm (MA: radial-cephalic) and proximal (P: brachial-cephalic) AVF access creation for hemodialysis patients in a single center. Methods An 8-year retrospective review, from 2006 to 2014, was conducted at a single institution in which the surgical outcomes for three different types of native AVF creation were reviewed. Preoperative duplex vein mapping was obtained in all patients to choose the best vein and site for access. Results There were 317 patients identified with 41 D-AVFs, 120 MA-AVFs and 156 P-AVFs. Younger patients with a lower Charlson's Index were more frequent in the D-AVF group (p = 0.02). Mean operating room time was 15 minutes longer for the MA-AVF group than the two others (p = 0.018). Early failure (thrombosis at 30-day), one-year patency, one-year primary AVF functional patency for the D-AVF, MA-AVF, and P-AVF groups were 2.4% (n = 1), 8% (n = 1), 3.8% (n = 6), (p = 0.14); 97.6% (n = 39), 99% (n = 117), 89% (n = 129), (p<0.001); 80.5% (n = 33), 75.8% (n = 91), and 61.5% (n = 96) (p<0.001), respectively. Reintervention for fistula maturation was required in 17% (n = 7), 23% (n = 28), and 24% (n = 38) (p<0.01). The one-year venipuncture hematoma and steal syndrome occurrences were 9.7% (n = 4), 6.7% (n = 8), 3.8% (n = 6) (p = 0.06); and 0%, 0% and 3.8% (n = 6) (p = 0.04), respectively. In case of failure of either MA-AVF or D-AVF, a P-AVF was always feasible as a second native AVF hemodialysis access. Conclusions D-AVF is still the gold-standard access for hemodialysis. If D-AVF is not possible, MA-AVF should be always investigated before committing to a P-AVF.
The Sleeve Method for Creation of Radiocephalic Arteriovenous Fistulas in Patients with Calcified Vessels
Authors: Gołębiowski Tomasz , Weyde Wacław , Letachowicz Krzysztof , Kusztal Mariusz , Augustyniak-Bartosik Hanna , Penar Jan , Madziarska Katarzyna , Zmonarski Sławomir , Krajewska Magdalena , Klinger Marian 
Published: August 2017

Introduction Creation of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in patients with advanced atherosclerotic changes of the artery is often a challenge for the physician due to difficulties in suturing the vein to the side of the frangible artery. The sleeve technique relies on advancing the end of the artery into the lumen of the vein and protecting the anastomosis by adventitial sutures. Material and Methods The sleeve technique was performed in 23 patients with chronic kidney disease stage IV and V and included hemodialysis patients. Their mean age was 60.8 ± 14.8 years and hemodialysis treatment time 49.8 ± 40.2 months. The most frequent causes of chronic kidney disease are ischemic nephropathy (43%, n = 10) and type l diabetes (21%, n = 5). Only patients with extremely advanced atherosclerotic were recruited and analyzed. Results The primary patency rate was 67%, 59%, 44% and 28% at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. The secondary patency rate was 67%, 61%, 50% and 37% at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. In three patients the AVF failed directly after the operation. Delayed fistula failure occurred in seven patients. The overall success in the creation of a functioning fistula was achieved in 15 of the 23 patients (65%). No serious complications were observed. Conclusions In patients with calcified atherosclerotic plaques, which constitute a barrier or make it difficult to suture the vein to the side of the artery, the sleeve method may be considered as an alternative before abandoning the creation of a fistula on the forearm. The technique is much simpler than the standard end-to-side or side-to-side anastomosis.
Health-Related Quality of Life of Cancer Patients with Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kang Junren , Chen Wei , Sun Wenyan , Ge Ruibin , Li Hailong , Ma Enling , Su Qingxia , Cheng Fang , Hong Jinhua , Zhang Yuanjuan , Lei Cheng , Wang Xinchuan , Jin Aiyun , Liu Wanli 
Published: August 2017

Introduction This pilot exploratory study aimed to compare the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among patients diagnosed with different types of cancer receiving peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). Methods A multicenter cross-section study of cancer patients with PICCs was performed from February 1, 2013 to April 24, 2014. The primary objective of this study was to compare HRQOL in different cancer type patients with PICC. HRQOL was examined based on European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Multiple linear regression models were conducted for coping with potential confounding variables. We also examined PICC-related quality of daily life with a self-made questionnaire. Results Three hundred and fifty-seven cancer patients with PICC completed the survey in nine teaching hospitals. Lung cancer patients with PICC reported the worst dyspnea. Digestive tract cancer patients reported the worst appetite loss. Patients with hematologic malignancy reported the worst emotional, social function, fatigue and financial impact. Breast cancer patients reported better HRQOL. Baseline variables were proven not significant predictors of EORTC QLQ-C30 global health status. In self-made survey, pain after PICC insertion was null or a little in 98.6% of cancer patients. Limitation of upper extremity activity was null or a little in 94.1% of patients. Conclusions HRQOL varies in different types of cancer patients with PICC. PICC may have a low impact on cancer patients’ HRQOL. Further large sample studies are needed.
Proximal Ulnar Artery Arteriovenous Fistula Inflow is an Uncommon but useful Vascular access Option
Authors: Jennings William C. , Mallios Alexandros 
Published: August 2017

Introduction A proximal ulnar artery arteriovenous fistula (PUA-AVF) is a logical vascular access option when the distal ulnar artery is occluded or inadequate in addition to other specific vascular anatomic variants. This study reviews a series of patients where the proximal ulnar artery was used for AVF inflow in establishing a reliable autogenous access for these uncommon patients. Materials and methods All new patients referred for vascular access with a PUA-AVF created during an eight-year period were evaluated. In addition to physical and ultrasound examinations, all patients had an Allen's test performed augmented with Doppler evaluation of the palmer arch. Analysis placed these patients into three anatomic groups: 1) A dominant radial artery with distal ulnar artery occlusive disease; 2) No cephalic or basilic vein option with an isolated and intact brachial vein originating from the ulnar vein for later staged transposition; 3) A proximal radial artery ≤2 mm in diameter and a normal Doppler augmented Allen's test. Results PUA-AVFs were created in 32 new patients during an eight-year period. Primary and cumulative patency rates were 80% and 94% at 12 months and 55% and 81% at 36 months. Follow-up was 2-62 months (mean 14 months). No patients developed steal syndrome during the study period. Conclusions A PUA-AVF is a safe and reliable autogenous access. It is particularly important when the radial artery is the only or dominant arterial supply to the hand, in patients with small but patent radial arteries, and in selected individuals requiring a brachial vein transposition.
Produção e colaboração científica da Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre
Authors: Bettio Maiara , Alvarez Gonzalo Rubén , Vanz Samile Andréa de Souza 
Published: August 2017

Introdução: O mapeamento da produção científica das instituições de ensino e pesquisa é fundamental para planejamento de políticas e avaliação de desempenho.Objetivo: Identificar e caracterizar a produção científica da Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA) através de indicadores bibliométricos de produção e de colaboração.Metodologia: Análise bibliométrica de 1.932 documentos indexados na base de dados Web of Science (WoS) de 1961 a 2014, com auxílio dos softwares Bibexcel e Excel 2010.Resultados: A análise revela o crescimento anual significativo das publicações da instituição (33,5% ao ano), destacando-se o período 2008-2014. O artigo foi utilizado em 70,9% das publicações e 91,3% dos documentos foram publicados no idioma inglês. As áreas de conhecimento com maior produtividade foram a Cirurgia e as Neurociências. A autoria múltipla mostra-se predominante (98,6%). Destes, 17,7% apresentam-se em coautoria internacional. Estados Unidos, Reino Unido, Canadá, Espanha, França e Argentina são os principais parceiros. Dos 1.905 documentos com colaboração, 86,8% contam com duas ou mais instituições coautoras, com predomínio das universidades nacionais públicas, além das instituições hospitalares. UFRGS (41,6%) e Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre (31,0%) se destacam como as principais parceiras.Conclusões: Conclui que o aumento dos grupos de pesquisa e docentes pesquisadores contribuiu para o crescimento da produção intelectual da UFCSPA.
A Log-Density Estimation Methodology Applicable to Massive Bivariate Data
Authors: Zareamoghaddam Hossein , B. Provost Serge , Ahmed Ejaz 
Published: August 2017

First, it is shown that a univariate bona fide density approximation can be obtained by assuming that the derivative of the logarithm of the density function under consideration is expressible as a rational function or a polynomial. Then, the density function of a bivariate continuous random vector is approximated by standardizing it and applying a polynomial adjustment to the product of the density approximants of the marginal distributions. As well, it is explained that this approach can easily be extended to the estimation of density functions. For illustrative purposes, the proposed methodology is applied to several datasets. Since this technique is solely based on sample moments, it readily lends itself to the modeling of large datasets.
Entre o político e o sagrado: o homo sacer contemporâneo
Authors: Barsalini Glauco , Geraldo de Carvalho Ricardo 
Published: August 2017

<p>Este artigo tem como objetivo salientar o estado de exceção em caráter permanente, constituinte medular dos regimes democráticos na contemporaneidade, gerador da tensão entre o ressentimento – fomentador do poder soberano – e a elaboração de uma nova ética, com novos princípios humanizadores. A materialização desta incongruência apresenta-se na figura do <em>homo sacer - </em>sujeito que pode ser radicalmente desprezado e, no limite, aniquilado, sem que tal ato seja passível de pena àqueles que a isso tenham dado causa – por ser paradoxal, na medida em que é excluído, lançado em uma zona indeterminada, tornando-se invisível para o biopoder. Em contra partida, sua sobrevivência denuncia a presença do estado de exceção, aflorando a urgência da profanação dos mecanismos que foram sacralizados pela biopolítica. Entre o político e o sagrado depara-se com a politização da morte na medida em que a exceção, vivenciada nos campos de concentração e nos presídios, é transplantada para fora destas realidades. Esta flutuação da morte de zonas sombrias, para contextos teoricamente ordinários, propicia discrepâncias entre técnica e ética, medicina e direito, preservação da vida e dignidade humana. Defronta-se com questões de profundo teor bioético quando a vida nua é exposta em sua extrema vulnerabilidade.</p><p> </p>
Comparative Study for CO2-EOR and Natural Gases Injection-Techniques for Improving Oil Recovery in Unconventional Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Alfarge Dheiaa , Wei Mingzhen , Bai Baojun 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
Shale formations in North America such as Bakken, Niobrara, and Eagle Ford have huge oil in place, 100–900 Billion barrels of oil in Bakken only. However, the predicted primary recovery is still below 10%. Therefore, seeking for techniques to enhance oil recovery in these complex plays is inevitable. Although most of the previous studies in this area recommended that CO2 would be the best EOR-technique to improve oil recovery in these formations, pilot tests showed that natural gases performance clearly exceeds CO2 performance in the field scale. In this paper, two different approaches have been integrated to investigate the feasibility of three different miscible-gases which are CO2, lean gases, and rich gases. Firstly, numerical simulation methods of compositional models have been incorporated with Local Grid Refinement (LGR) of hydraulic fractures to mimic the performance of these miscible gases in shale-reservoirs conditions. Implementation of a molecular diffusion model in the LS-LR-DK (logarithmically spaced, locally refined, and dual permeability) model has been also conducted. Secondly, different molar-diffusivity rates for miscible gases have been simulated to find the diffusivity level in the field scale by matching the performance for some EOR pilot-tests which were conducted in Bakken formation of North Dakota, Montana, and South Saskatchewan.
The simulated shale-reservoirs scenarios confirmed that diffusion is the dominated flow among all flow regimes in these unconventional formations. Furthermore, the incremental oil recovery due to lean gases, rich gases, and CO2 gas injection confirms the predicted flow-regime. The effect of diffusion-implementation has been verified with both of single porosity and dual-permeability model cases. However, some of CO2 pilot-tests showed a good match with the simulated cases which have low molar-diffusivity between the injected CO2 and the formation-oil. Accordingly, the rich and lean gases have shown a better performance to enhance oil recovery in these tight formations. However, rich gases need long soaking periods, and lean gases need large volumes to be injected for more successful results. Furthermore, the number of huff-n-puff cycles has a little effect on the all injected-gases performance; however, the soaking period has a significant effect.
Reference data set of volcanic ash physicochemical and optical properties
Authors: Vogel A. , Diplas S. , Durant A. J. , Azar A. S. , Sunding M. F. , Rose W. I. , Sytchkova A. , Bonadonna C. , Krüger K. , Stohl A. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractUncertainty in the physicochemical and optical properties of volcanic ash particles creates errors in the detection and modeling of volcanic ash clouds and in quantification of their potential impacts. In this study, we provide a data set that describes the physicochemical and optical properties of a representative selection of volcanic ash samples from nine different volcanic eruptions covering a wide range of silica contents (50–80 wt % SiO2). We measured and calculated parameters describing the physical (size distribution, complex shape, and dense‐rock equivalent mass density), chemical (bulk and surface composition), and optical (complex refractive index from ultraviolet to near‐infrared wavelengths) properties of the volcanic ash and classified the samples according to their SiO2 and total alkali contents into the common igneous rock types basalt to rhyolite. We found that the mass density ranges between ρ = 2.49 and 2.98 g/cm3 for rhyolitic to basaltic ash types and that the particle shape varies with changing particle size (d < 100 μm). The complex refractive indices in the wavelength range between λ = 300 nm and 1500 nm depend systematically on the composition of the samples. The real part values vary from n = 1.38 to 1.66 depending on ash type and wavelength and the imaginary part values from k = 0.00027 to 0.00268. We place our results into the context of existing data and thus provide a comprehensive data set that can be used for future and historic eruptions, when only basic information about the magma type producing the ash is known.
Characterizing the source properties of terrestrial gamma ray flashes
Authors: Dwyer Joseph R. , Liu Ningyu , Eric Grove J. , Rassoul Hamid , Smith David M. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMonte Carlo simulations are used to determine source properties of terrestrial gamma ray flashes (TGFs) as a function of atmospheric column depth and beaming geometry. The total mass per unit area traversed by all the runaway electrons (i.e., the total grammage) during a TGF, Ξ, is introduced, defined to be the total distance traveled by all the runaway electrons along the electric field lines multiplied by the local air mass density along their paths. It is shown that key properties of TGFs may be directly calculated from Ξ and its time derivative, including the gamma ray emission rate, the current moment, and the optical power of the TGF. For the calculations presented in this paper, a standard TGF gamma ray fluence, F0 = 0.1 cm−2 above 100 keV for a spacecraft altitude of 500 km, and a standard total grammage, Ξ0 = 1018 g/cm2, are introduced, and results are presented in terms of these values. In particular, the current moments caused by the runaway electrons and their accompanying ionization are found for a standard TGF fluence, as a function of source altitude and beaming geometry, allowing a direct comparison between the gamma rays measured in low‐Earth orbit and the VLF‐LF radio frequency emissions recorded on the ground. Such comparisons should help test and constrain TGF models and help identify the roles of lightning leaders and streamers in the production of TGFs.
Interplanetary magnetic field properties and variability near Mercury's orbit
Authors: James Matthew K. , Imber Suzanne M. , Bunce Emma J. , Yeoman Timothy K. , Lockwood Mike , Owens Mathew J. , Slavin James A. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe first extensive study of interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) characteristics and stability at Mercury is undertaken using MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) magnetometer data. Variations in IMF and solar wind conditions have a direct and rapid effect upon Mercury's highly dynamic magnetosphere; hence, understanding of the time scales over which these variations occur is crucial because they determine the duration of magnetospheric states. We characterize typical distributions of IMF field strength, clock angle, and cone angle throughout the duration of MESSENGER's mission. Clock and cone angle distributions collected during the first Earth year of the mission indicate that there was a significant north‐south asymmetry in the location of the heliospheric current sheet during this period. The stability of IMF magnitude, clock angle, cone angle, and IMF Bz polarity is quantified for the entire mission. Changes in IMF Bz polarity and magnitude are found to be less likely for higher initial field magnitudes. Stability in IMF conditions is also found to be higher at aphelion (heliocentric distance r ∼ 0.31 AU) than at perihelion (r ∼ 0.47 AU).