bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The SLUScore: A Novel Method for Detecting Hazardous Hypotension in Adult Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgical Procedures
Authors: Stapelfeldt Wolf H. , Yuan Hui , Dryden Jefferson K. , Strehl Kristen E. , Cywinski Jacek B. , Ehrenfeld Jesse M. , Bromley Pamela 
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND:
It has been suggested that longer-term postsurgical outcome may be adversely affected by less than severe hypotension under anesthesia. However, evidence-based guidelines are unavailable. The present study was designed to develop a method for identifying patients at increased risk of death within 30 days in association with the severity and duration of intraoperative hypotension.

METHODS:
Intraoperative mean arterial blood pressure recordings of 152,445 adult patients undergoing noncardiac surgery were analyzed for periods of time accumulated below each one of the 31 thresholds between 75 and 45 mm Hg (hypotensive exposure times). In a development cohort of 35,904 patients, the associations were sought between each of these 31 cumulative hypotensive exposure times and 30-day postsurgical mortality. On the basis of covariable-adjusted percentage increases in the odds of mortality per minute elapsed of hypotensive exposure time, certain sets of exposure time limits were calculated that portended certain percentage increases in the odds of mortality. A novel risk-scoring method was conceived by counting the number of exposure time limits that had been exceeded within each respective set, one of them being called the SLUScore. The validity of this new method in identifying patients at increased risk was tested in a multicenter validation cohort consisting of 116,541 patients from Cleveland Clinic, Vanderbilt and Saint Louis Universities. Data were expressed as 95% confidence interval, P < .05 considered significant.

RESULTS:
Progressively greater hypotensive exposures were associated with greater 30-day mortality. In the development cohort, covariable-adjusted (age, Charlson score, case duration, history of hypertension) exposure limits were identified for time accumulated below each of the thresholds that portended certain identical (5%–50%) percentage expected increases in the odds of mortality. These exposure time limit sets were shorter in patients with a history of hypertension. A novel risk score, the SLUScore (range 0–31), was conceived as the number of exposure limits exceeded for one of these sets (20% set). A SLUScore > 0 (average 13.8) was found in 40% of patients who had twice the mortality, adjusted odds increasing by 5% per limit exceeded. When tested in the validation cohort, a SLUScore > 0 (average 14.1) identified 35% of patients who had twice the mortality, each incremental limit exceeded portending a 5% compounding increase in adjusted odds of mortality, independent of age and Charlson score (C = 0.73, 0.72–0.74, P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS:
The SLUScore represents a novel method for identifying nearly 1 in every 3 patients experiencing greater 30-day mortality portended by more severe intraoperative hypotensive exposures.
Cost-effectiveness of using adjunctive porcine small intestine submucosa tri-layer matrix compared with standard care in managing diabetic foot ulcers in the US
Authors: Guest J.F. , Weidlich D. , Singh H. , La Fontaine J. , Garrett A. , Abularrage C.J. , Waycaster C.R. 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To estimate the cost-effectiveness of using tri-layer porcine small intestine submucosa (SIS; Oasis Ultra) as an adjunct to standard care compared with standard care alone in managing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) in the US, from the perspective of Medicare. Method: A Markov model was constructed to simulate the management of diabetic neuropathic lower extremity ulcers over a period of one year in the US. The model was used to estimate the cost-effectiveness of initially using adjunctive SIS compared with standard care alone to treat a DFU in the US at 2016 prices. Results: At 12 months after the start of treatment, the use of adjunctive SIS instead of standard care alone is expected to lead to a 42 % increase in the number of ulcer-free months, 32 % increase in the probability of healing, a 3 % decrease in the probability of developing complicated ulcers and a 1 % decrease in the probability of undergoing an amputation. Health-care resource use is expected to be reduced by 11–14 % among patients who are initially managed with adjunctive SIS compared with those initially managed with standard care alone, with the exception of debridement, which is expected to be reduced by 35 %. Hence, the total health-care cost of starting treatment with adjunctive SIS instead of standard care alone was estimated to reduce payer costs by 1% (i.e. $105 per patient) over 12 months following the start of treatment. Conclusion: Within the study's limitations, the use of adjunctive SIS instead of standard care alone improves outcome for less cost and thereby affords a cost-effective use of Medicare-funded resources in the management of neuropathic foot ulcers among adult patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus in the US.
Negative pressure wound therapy, staged excision and definitive closure with split-thickness skin graft for axillary hidradenitis suppurativa: a retrospective study
Authors: Pearce F.B. , Richardson K.A. 
Published: January 2017

Objective: Bilateral axillary hidradenitis is a chronic, suppurative, and scarring disease that is most effectively treated by complete excision of all hair-bearing tissues. We assessed our staged procedure for excision and placement of a split-thickness skin graft for bilateral axillary hidradenitis in terms of costs, outcomes, and timing of excision. Method: An IRB approved retrospective case analysis was performed on patients that underwent bilateral axillary hidradenitis skin excision with eventual placement of split-thickness skin grafting using the current LSUHSC/University Health hidradenitis surgical treatment protocol. Using ICD-9 codes (705.83) and CPT codes (11041, 11042, 11451, 11600, 11601, 11602, 11603, 11604) we reviewed cases performed at our institution from 1 January 2008 to 24 Febuary 2014 and we selected patients based on bilateral axillary involvement (alone) and >1 year history of active disease. Patients were excluded if resection of tissue encompassed regions outside of the immediately adjacent axillary. Results: A total of seven patients matching criteria for bilateral axillary hidradenitis were selected for analysis. Clinical course, cost and surgical techniques were assessed. Of the seven patients, six required admission throughout their treatment due to lack of funding making use of negative pressure wound therapy at home not possible. These patients stayed an average of 10 days with a mean hospital charge of $35,178 and a mean hospital provider charge of $10,019. No recurrence was demonstrated. All patients attained full range of motion, post grafting. No patient required a further operation due to graft failure. Conclusion: Split-thickness skin grafting without use of bilayer dermal regenerative templates yielded definitive results with acceptable cosmesis and functionality, without the added cost of treatments such as a bilayer dermal regenerative template.
Clinic visit frequency in wound care matters: data from the US wound registry
Authors: Carter M.J. , Fife C.E. 
Published: January 2017

Objective: A previous study suggested that the frequency with which patients visit wound care clinics influences the rate of chronic wound healing but high bias was present with regard to wound care centre selection. The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to confirm this finding by using a very large sample size of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) from the US Wound Registry. Method: Patients who visited the clinic more than once for a new DFU were eligible for study inclusion. No exclusion was made with regard to Wagner grade, wound severity, or patient comorbidity. A Cox regression was conducted to analyse time to heal within 1 year using covariates known or suspected to influence wound healing, including visit frequency. Results: In terms of relative effect size, covariates that impeded wound healing the most were wound age and visit frequency with lower visit frequencies associated with lower probabilities of wound healing. Compared with DFUs (n=39,750) seen at a frequency of 7.5 times or more per 4 weeks, wounds seen at intervals of 2 weeks or less had a hazard ratio of 0.098 [(95% confidence interval: 0.09-0.11]. Using a separate breakpoint of ≥2 versus < 2 per 4 weeks specifically for the estimate of overall effect size, Cohen's w was 0.14—a small-to-medium effect size. Conclusion: Our findings confirm previous work and have implications for clinical practice and analysis of uncontrolled studies.
Cytochemical and Ultrastructural Studies on the Cell Walls of Tllrallsfocllyfrillm spp.
Authors: Chamberlain A. H. L. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe structure of the wall at various stages in the life cycle of three species of Thraustochytrium. marine coccoid fungi. has been examined. The cell walls are composed of two elements; thin organic Golgi·derived scales and a fibrillar inter-scale matrix. Cytochemical procedures have established the presence of protein and sulphated polysaccharide in the walls together with associated calcium. The presence of sulphur and calcium has been confirmed by energy dispersive E.M. X-ray analysis. These new features have been considered from the taxonomic viewpoint and appear to strengthen the concept that some affinities exist between the Thraustochytriales and the algal protists.
Distribution and Ecology of Marine Fungi in Sierra Leone (Tropical West Africa)
Authors: Aleem A. A. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe distribution of marine fungi in Sierra Leone is studied in the light of hydrographic and climatic factors.Altogether 27 spp. have been identified to species level, comprising 3 Phycomycetes 14 Ascomycetes and 10 Deuteromycetes. All these spp. are considered as new records to the country and about 50 % of them are inhabitants of mangrove swamps under tidal influence.The climate of Sierra Leone is characterized by two main seasons: a wet season (May - November) and a dry season (December-April).Mangrove mycota display a seasonal periodicity, increasing in number of spp. and growth intensity in the wet . season. Degradation of wood was also active during this season, apparently more by members of Deuteromycetes such as Cirrenalia spp., Periconia prolifica and Zalerion spp. than by Ascomycetes.Sea foam was also richer in fungal ascospores (including 6 spp. of Corollospora) and conidia of Deuteromycetes in the wet than in the dry season.Estuarine foam. however. comprises several Hyphomycetes of freshwater or terrestrial origin brought in by runoff during the rainy season (e.g. Alternaria, Curvularia, Drechslera, A cro sporidium , etc.)No distinct vertical zonation was displayed by the lignicolous fungi inhabiting the mangrove.The geographical distribution of the higher marine fungi under consideration has been compared with those on the opposite side of the Atlantic as well as in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Out of 24 spp. found in Sierra Leone, 21 spp. (88 %) occur on the opposite side of the Atlantic. while an equal number is known in the Pacific. Only 15 spp. (63 %) are recorded in the Indian Ocean. The last figure is due to our limited knowledge of Indian Ocean fungi and is expected to increase in future.The distribution of mangrove fungi encountered in Sierra Leone is considered as a "community" comprising host specific forms such as Leptosphaeria avicenniae and Cytospora rhizophorae, as well as facultative forms. Out of 14 such spp. in Sierra Leone, 13 (93 %) occur in the Western Atlantic. 12(86 %) in the Pacific and 10(72 %) in the Indian Ocean so far. The close affinities of mangrove fungi in the 3 oceans, paralleled with similar affinities of mangrove floras lend support to the theory of a common center in the West-Indo Pacific for the mangrove flora and associated mycota from which a drift took place in various directions into the 3 oceans in question. The theory was postulated by Ekman (1953) for the distribution of tropical fauna and found support by Macnae (1968) for the distribution of the mangrove flora and fauna. It also allows for an endemic element as the drift deviates from the center.The closer affinities between Eastern and Western Atlantic mycota could be explained by the current gyres to the north and south of the equator and their role in transporting mangrove seeds. wood and associated fungi between the African arid American coastlines.
Distribution and Seasonality of Macroalgae on Oyster Communities of Central Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Connor Judith L. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractField studies of the benthic macroalgae of fifteen selected Chesapeake Bay oyster communities were conducted over a period of a year (March 1977 to February 1978). Algal distribu tion and seasonal occurrence were studied in relation to changes in the physical environment. Salinity, temperature, and light availability were important factors in the spatial and temporal distributions of algae in these subtidal habitats.Seventeen species of Chlorophyta, Phaeophyta, and Rhodophyta were recorded from the fifteen study sites distributed over 130 kilometers within the Maryland portion of Chesapeake Bay. Species of Chlorophyta were associated with oyster communities throughout the year of study with maximum numbers of species and maximum biomass occurring in spring. Only once was a member of the Phaeophyta encountered; a single filamentous species, Ectocarpus, was collected during winter. Species of Rhodophyta were present throughout the year at the study sites.Most of the algae collected reproduced asexually by spores and/or vegetative fragments. Sexual reproduction occurred in some of the red algal species. The presence of tetrasporic and cystocarpic plants of Dasya baillouviana and Polysiphonia harveyi var. olneyi may indicate that the usual triphasic Florideophycean life history occurs in this estuary.
Activity of the liver enzyme ornithine carbamoyltransferase (OTC) in blood: LC-MS/MS assay for non-invasive diagnosis of ornithine carbamoyltransferase deficiency
Authors: Krijt Jakub , Sokolová Jitka , Ješina Pavel , Dvořáková Lenka , Řeboun Martin , Brennerová Katarína , Mistrík Martin , Zeman Jiří , Honzík Tomáš , Kožich Viktor 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Background:
Liver enzymes are released from hepatocytes into circulation and their activity can be measured in the blood. We examined whether the plasma activity of the liver enzyme ornithine carbamoyltransferase, determined by a novel liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay, could be utilized for the detection of OTC deficiency (OTCD), an X-linked inborn error of the urea cycle.

Methods:
The plasma ornithine carbamoyltransferase (OTC) activity was assayed in the reverse reaction using isotopically labeled citrulline-d4 as a substrate and by determination of the product, ornithine-d4, by LC-MS/MS analysis.

Results:
The plasma OTC activity in the controls was in the range of 111–658 pkat/L (n=49, median 272 pkat/L), and the activity increased linearly with serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities in patients with hepatopathy. The OTC activity was subsequently determined in 32 individuals carrying mutations in the OTC gene, and OTC/ALT and OTC/AST ratios were calculated to account for the degree of hepatopathy, which is a common finding in OTCD. The OTC/ALT ratio enabled clear differentiation of OTCD hemizygotes (n=11, range 0–69×10−6) from controls (504–3440×10−6). This ratio also enabled the detection of 11 of 12 symptomatic heterozygotes (range 38–794×10−6), while this marker did not allow for reliable differentiation of asymptomatic heterozygotes (n=9) from controls.

Conclusions:
LC-MS/MS assay of plasma OTC activity enabled the detection of all hemizygous and the majority of symptomatic heterozygous OTCD patients in the tested cohort. This study demonstrates that non-invasive assay of enzymes expressed predominantly in the liver could be used as an alternative approach for diagnosing inborn errors of metabolism.
Genetic diagnosis of α1-antitrypsin deficiency using DNA from buccal swab and serum samples
Authors: Belmonte Irene , Barrecheguren Miriam , Esquinas Cristina , Rodríguez Esther , Miravitlles Marc , Rodríguez-Frías Francisco 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackground:αMethods:Sixteen buccal swab samples from previously characterized AATD patients were analyzed using an allele-specific genotyping assay and sequencing method. In addition, 19 patients were characterized by quantification, phenotyping and genotyping using only serum samples.Results:The 16 buccal swab samples were correctly characterized by genotyping. Definitive results were obtained in the 19 serum samples analyzed by quantification, phenotyping and genotyping, thereby performing the complete AATD diagnostic algorithm.Conclusions:Buccal swab samples may be useful to expand AATD screening programs and family studies. Genotyping using DNA from serum samples permits the application of the complete diagnostic algorithm without delay. These two methods will be useful for obtaining more in depth knowledge of the real prevalence of patients with AATD.
Gas separation properties of Troeger’s base-bridged polyamides
Authors: Bisoi Soumendu , Mandal Arun Kumar , Singh Asheesh , Banerjee Susanta 
Published: January 2017

AbstractA series of new polyamides (PAs) has been prepared from a Troeger base-bridged diamine (TB), 2,8- diamino-4,10-dimethyl-6H,12H-5,11-methanodibenzo[1,5]-diazocine and different commercially available diacid monomers via the conventional polycondensation method. Dense membranes were prepared from the PAs by solution casting and solvent evaporation techniques. The synthesized PAs showed high glass transition temperature (283–290°C), 10% weight loss up to temperature 431°C in air, and tensile strength up to 91 MPa. The PA membranes showed higher permeability than some commercially used glassy polymers (PCO2 up to 109 and PO2 up to 21 Barrer) and permselectivity (PCO2/PCH4 up to 53.7 and PO2/PN2 up to 7.52) in comparison to many other PAs published in the literature.
Maritime Spatial Planning in Cyprus
Authors: Hadjimitsis Diofantos , Agapiou Athos , Themistocleous Kyriakos , Mettas Christodoulos , Evagorou Evagoras , Soulis Giorgos , Xagoraris Zafeiris , Pilikou Maria , Aliouris Kyriakos , Ioannou Nicolas 
Published: January 2017

AbstractSpatial Planning is a critical tool for land management and is extensively used in all developed nations. The Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), at the European Union (EU) level, is based on Directive 2014/89/EU of the European Parliament and Council of 23
Digital mapping of corrosion risk in coastal urban areas using remote sensing and structural condition assessment: case study in cyprus
Authors: Neocleous Kyriacos , Christofe Andreas , Agapiou Athos , Evagorou Evagoras , Themistocleous Kyriacos , Hadjimitsis Diofantos 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAtmospheric corrosion is one of the main factors leading to performance deterioration of reinforced concrete buildings; and, hence, periodic structural condition monitoring is required to assess and repair the adverse effects of corrosion. However, this can become a cumbersome and expensive task to undertake for large populations of buildings, scattered in large urban areas. To optimize the use of available resources, appropriate tools are required for the assessment of corrosion risk of reinforced concrete construction. This paper proposes a framework for the production of digital corrosion risk maps for urban areas; Cyprus was used as a case study. This framework explored multi-temporal satellite remote sensing data from the Landsat sensors as well as corrosion risk factors derived from the results of a recently completed research project, entitled “STEELCOR”. This framework was used to develop two corrosion risk scenarios within Geographical Information Systems, and to produce corrosion risk maps for three coastal cities of Cyprus. The thematic maps indicated that, for slight corrosion damage, the distance of reinforced concrete buildings from the coast was more influential than the building age. While, for significant corrosion damage, the maps indicated that the age of RC buildings was more influential than the distance from the coast.
Detection of olive oil mill waste (OOMW) disposal areas using high resolution GeoEye’s OrbView-3 and Google Earth images
Authors: Agapiou Athos , Papadopoulos Nikos , Sarris Apostolos 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe olive oil industry is considered to be as one of the driving sectors of the agricultural economy of the Mediterranean basin. The extraction of olive oil generates huge quantities of wastes that may have a great impact on land and water environments due to high concentrations in phenolic compounds that could cause ophytotoxicity. This paper aims to examine the potential use of freely distributed satellite images for the detection of olive oil mil waste (OOMW) areas in the island of Crete through the use of two cases studies. In the first case study an archive GeoEye OrbView-3 image was used to detect OOMW areas using the Spectral Angle Mapper detection algorithm and other geometric and topographic parameters. In the second case study, Google Earth images were examined through different classification algorithms at different scales. The overall results demonstrate that remote sensing techniques can be used as an alternative to field observations so as to detect and monitor OOMW areas Furthermore, freely distributed RGB images from digital globes (such as Google Earth) can be sufficiently and effectively used for this purpose.
FLIRE DSS: A web tool for the management of floods and wildfires in urban and periurban areas
Authors: Kochilakis Giorgos , Poursanidis Dimitris , Chrysoulakis Nektarios , Varella Vassiliki , Kotroni Vassiliki , Eftychidis Giorgos , Lagouvardos Kostas , Papathanasiou Chrysoula , Karavokyros George , Aivazoglou Maria , Makropoulos Christos , Mimikou Maria 
Published: January 2017

AbstractA web-based Decision Support System, named FLIRE DSS, for combined forest fire control and planning as well as flood risk management, has been developed and is presented in this paper. State of the art tools and models have been used in order to enable Civil Protection agencies and local stakeholders to take advantage of the web based DSS without the need of local installation of complex software and their maintenance. Civil protection agencies can predict the behavior of a fire event using real time data and in such a way plan its efficient elimination. Also, during dry periods, agencies can implement “
Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of new piperazine-based heterocyclic compounds
Authors: Basoglu Ozdemir Serap , Uygun Cebeci Yıldız , Bayrak Hacer , Mermer Arif , Ceylan Sule , Demirbas Ahmet , Alpay Karaoglu Sengul , Demirbas Neslihan 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The hydrazide 5, that was obtained from 1-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazine (1), was converted to the corresponding carbothioamides 6a–c by the reaction with alkyl(aryl) isothiocyanates. The synthesis of conazole analogs 10a–f was performed via the intermediary of triazoles 7a–c. The condensation of triazoles 7a–c with several heterocyclic amines in the presence of formaldehyde afforded the corresponding N-aminoalkylated triazoles 11–14. The effect of different catalysts and solvents on conventional and microwave (MW)-prompted reactions was examined. The synthesized compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activities.