bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Silicon Oxycarbide Waveguides for Photonic Applications
Authors: Ahmed Memon Faisal , Morichetti Francesco , Melloni Andrea 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Silicon oxycarbide thin films deposited with rf reactive magnetron sputtering a SiC target are exploited to demonstrate photonic waveguides with a high refractive index of 1.82 yielding an index contrast of 18% with silica glass. The propagation losses of the photonic waveguides are measured at the telecom wavelength of 1.55 μm by cut-back technique. The results demonstrate the potential of silicon oxycarbide for photonic applications.
Cerebral Osmolytes and Plasma Osmolality in Pregnancy and Preeclampsia: A Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Nelander Maria , Wikström Anna-Karin , Weis Jan , Bergman Lina , Larsson Anders , Sundström-Poromaa Inger , Wikström Johan 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Cerebral complications contribute substantially to mortality in preeclampsia. Pregnancy calls for extensive maternal adaptations, some associated with increased propensity for seizures, but the pathophysiology behind the eclamptic seizures is not fully understood. Plasma osmolality and sodium levels are lowered in pregnancy. This could result in extrusion of cerebral organic osmolytes, including the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, but this remains to be determined. The hypothesis of this study was that cerebral levels of organic osmolytes are decreased during pregnancy, and that this decrease is even more pronounced in women with preeclampsia.

METHODS
We used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to compare levels of cerebral organic osmolytes, in women with preeclampsia (n = 30), normal pregnancy (n = 32), and nonpregnant controls (n = 16). Cerebral levels of organic osmolytes were further correlated to plasma osmolality and plasma levels of glutamate and sodium.

RESULTS
Compared to nonpregnant women, women with normal pregnancy and preeclampsia had lower levels of the cerebral osmolytes, myo-inositol, choline and creatine (P = 0.001 or less), and all these metabolites correlated with each other (P &lt; 0.05). Women with normal pregnancies and preeclampsia had similar levels of osmolytes, except for glutamate, which was significantly lower in preeclampsia. Cerebral and plasma glutamate levels were negatively correlated with each other (P &lt; 0.008), and myo-inositol, choline and creatine levels were all positively correlated with both plasma osmolality and sodium levels (P &lt; 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate that pregnancy is associated with extrusion of cerebral organic osmolytes. This includes the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, which may be involved in the pathophysiology of seizures in preeclampsia.
Longitudinal Associations of Autonomy, Relatedness, and Competence With the Well-being of Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Kloos Noortje , Trompetter Hester R , Bohlmeijer Ernst T , Westerhof Gerben J 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesAs proposed by the self-determination theory, satisfying nursing home residents’ needs for autonomy, relatedness, and competence may improve their well-being. This is the first study to test the longitudinal relations of the satisfaction of these three basic psychological needs to the subjective well-being of nursing home residents and to determine whether a balance among the satisfaction of the three needs is important for well-being.Research Design and MethodsParticipants in this longitudinal survey study included 128 physically frail residents (mean age 85 years) at four Dutch nursing homes. Satisfaction of the three basic psychological needs was measured at baseline, and depressive feelings and life satisfaction 5–8 months later. Absolute differences between the three basic need satisfaction scores were summed to create a score of need satisfaction balance.ResultsAll three needs were related to both well-being measures over time, although autonomy had the strongest relationships. Only autonomy and competence were uniquely associated with depressive feelings, and only autonomy was uniquely associated with life satisfaction. The need satisfaction balance score was related to well-being independent of the autonomy and relatedness scores.Discussion and ImplicationsThese results confirm that all three basic psychological needs are important for nursing home residents’ well-being, with autonomy having the strongest and most consistent relationship to their well-being. Additionally, high satisfaction of one need does not compensate for low satisfaction of another. Supporting residents’ needs for autonomy, relatedness, and competence should, therefore, have a central role in nursing home culture-change interventions.
Probing primordial gravitational waves: Ali CMB Polarization Telescope
Authors: Li Hong , Li Si-Yu , Liu Yang , Li Yong-Ping , Cai Yifu , Li Mingzhe , Zhao Gong-Bo , Liu Cong-Zhan , Li Zheng-Wei , Xu He , Wu Di , Zhang Yong-Jie , Fan Zu-Hui , Yao Yong-Qiang , Kuo Chao-Lin , Lu Fang-Jun , Zhang Xinmin 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
In this paper, we will give a general introduction to the Ali CMB Polarization Telescope (AliCPT) project, which is a Sino–US joint project led by the Institute of High Energy Physics and involves many different institutes in China. It is the first ground-based Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) polarization experiment in China and an integral part of China's Gravitational-wave Program. The main scientific goal of the AliCPT project is to probe the primordial gravitational waves (PGWs) originating from the very early Universe. The AliCPT project includes two stages. The first stage, referred to as AliCPT-1, is to build a telescope in the Ali region of Tibet at an altitude of 5250 meters. Once completed, it will be the highest ground-based CMB observatory in the world and will open a new window for probing PGWs in the northern hemisphere. The AliCPT-1 telescope is designed to have about 7000 transition-edge sensor detectors at 95 GHz and 150 GHz. The second stage is to have a more sensitive telescope (AliCPT-2) with more than 20 000 detectors. Our simulations show that AliCPT will improve the current constraint on the tensor-to-scalar ratio r by one order of magnitude with three years' observation. Besides the PGWs, AliCPT will also enable a precise measurement of the CMB rotation angle and provide a precise test of the CPT symmetry. We show that three years' observation will improve the current limit by two orders of magnitude.
Liver Cirrhosis as a Risk Factor for Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy Failure in Real-Life Hepatitis C Virus/Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfection
Authors: Boesecke Christoph , Ingiliz Patrick , Berger Florian , Lutz Thomas , Schewe Knud , Schulze zur Wiesch Julian , Baumgarten Axel , Christensen Stefan , Rockstroh Jürgen K , Mauss Stefan ,   for the GECCO Study Group
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Current hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment guidelines recommend treating HCV/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-coinfected individuals similar to HCV-monoinfected individuals. Recently inferior response rates to direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy in HCV/HIV coinfection have been reported. Our German hepatitis C cohort (GECCO) cohort data show that coinfected patients with liver cirrhosis are less likely to achieve viral eradication.
Results of an Adaptive Surgical Approach for Managing Late Onset Hypotony After Trabeculectomy With Mitomycin C
Authors: Prokosch-Willing Verena , Lamparter Julia , ul Hassan Shahzada Najam , Toshev Anani P. , Pfeiffer Norbert , Hoffmann Esther M. 
Published: February 2018

Objectives:
The objective of this study is to investigate the results of an adaptive approach of bleb revision surgery for late onset hypotony after trabeculectomy with mitomycin C because of bleb leakage and/or scleral melting.

Methods:
A total of 29 eyes of 27 patients, aged 63.8±11.7 years with hypotony maculopathy [intraocular pressure (IOP), ≤6 mm Hg] because of late onset bleb leakage and/or scleral melting after trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in which minimally invasive transconjunctival suturing of the scleral flap was impossible were enrolled in this retrospective interventional case series. External bleb leakage was seen in 16 eyes, 11 eyes suffered from scleral melting. Because of the intraoperative findings regarding appearance of conjunctiva and sclera 4 different surgical approaches were used: (1) bleb excision (in case of external leakage) and conjunctival reapproximation, (2) bleb excision and free conjunctival autografting, (3) human donor scleral patch grafting (in case of scleral flap defect) with conjunctiva reapproximation and (4) combined conjunctival and scleral patch grafting. Outcome measures were IOP and visual acuity (VA) development over time. Data analysis comparing changes in the parameters (IOP and VA) before and after bleb revision surgery was carried out using the paired t test.

Results:
Changes in IOP and VA were analyzed over 9.3±8.3 months (range, 1.1 to 36.5 mo). IOP increased from 4.0±1.8 mm Hg, (P<0.001) before revision surgery to 13.1±4.1 mm Hg at 3 months after revision and 12.6±3.8 mm Hg at last follow-up visit, showing no significant difference in IOP between 3 months post revision and at the last documented patients’ follow-up visit (P=0.28). The VA before revision surgery (0.42±0.28 logMAR) significantly increased (P=0.05) 3 months after revision (0.32±0.23 logMAR) and remained stable (P=0.65) until the last follow-up visit (9.3±8.3 mo; range, 1.1 to 36.5) (0.35±0.32 logMAR).

Conclusions:
In patients with hypotony an adaptive approach of bleb management shows good results both in terms of IOP control and improvement in VA.
Visual Disability Among Juvenile Open-angle Glaucoma Patients
Authors: Gupta Viney , Ganesan Vaitheeswaran L. , Kumar Sandip , Chaurasia Abadh K. , Malhotra Sumit , Gupta Shikha 
Published: February 2018

Aim:
Juvenile onset primary open-angle glaucoma (JOAG) unlike adult onset primary open-angle glaucoma presents with high intraocular pressure and diffuse visual field loss, which if left untreated leads to severe visual disability. The study aimed to evaluate the extent of visual disability among JOAG patients presenting to a tertiary eye care facility.

Methods:
Visual acuity and perimetry records of unrelated JOAG patients presenting to our Glaucoma facility were analyzed. Low vision and blindness was categorized by the WHO criteria and percentage impairment was calculated as per the guidelines provided by the American Medical Association (AMA).

Results:
Fifty-two (15%) of the 348 JOAG patients were bilaterally blind at presentation and 32 (9%) had low vision according to WHO criteria. Ninety JOAG patients (26%) had a visual impairment of 75% or more.

Conclusions:
Visual disability at presentation among JOAG patients is high. This entails a huge economic burden, given their young age and associated social responsibilities.
Structural and Functional Associations of Macular Microcirculation in the Ganglion Cell-Inner Plexiform Layer in Glaucoma Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Richter Grace M. , Madi Ingy , Chu Zhongdi , Burkemper Bruce , Chang Ryuna , Zaman Arman , Sylvester Beau , Reznik Alena , Kashani Amir , Wang Ruikang K. , Varma Rohit 
Published: February 2018

Purpose:
To quantify retinal microvasculature within the macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and normal eyes, determine association of vessel parameters with structural and functional measures, and report diagnostic accuracy of vessel parameters.

Methods:
POAG and normal patients underwent 6×6 mm macula scans [Angioplex optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA); Cirrus HD-OCT 5000]; and Humphrey Field Analyzer II-i 24-2 visual field (VF). Prototype software performed semiautomatic segmentation to create GCIPL en face images, and quantified vessel area density (VAD), vessel skeleton density (VSD), and vessel complexity index (VCI) for the macula (globally, hemifields, and 6 focal sectors). Linear regression assessed association of OCTA parameters with VF mean deviation (MD) and GCIPL thickness globally and focally.

Results:
A total of 34 POAG and 21 normal eyes were studied. VAD, VSD, and VCI were reduced in POAG versus normal (0.463 vs. 0.486, P=0.00029; 0.230 vs. 0.219, P=0.0014; 1.15 vs. 1.09, P=0.0044, respectively), with a trend of worsening with increased POAG severity. Reduced global VF MD was associated with reduced VAD and VCI, controlling for age and intereye correlation (P=0.0060, 0.0080; R
2=0.205, 0.211). Both superior and inferior hemifield MD were associated with corresponding VAD, VSD, and VCI (all P<0.007; R
2 ranged from 0.12 to 0.29). Global GCIPL thickness was not associated with global OCTA parameters, and only inferior sector GCIPL thickness was associated with corresponding VAD, VSD, and VCI (P<0.05; R
2 ranged from 0.15 to 0.16). Area under curves for VAD, VSD, and VCI were fair to good (0.83, 0.79, 0.82; respectively; P<0.0001).

Conclusions:
Glaucomatous eyes had reduced GCIPL microcirculation. OCTA parameters had stronger associations with functional rather than structural measures of glaucoma. This observation deserves further study.
Intestinal-type adenocarcinoma of the sinonasal tract: an update
Authors: Rampinelli Vittorio , Ferrari Marco , Nicolai Piero 
Published: February 2018

Purpose of reviewIntestinal-type adenocarcinoma (ITAC) is one of the most frequent sinonasal tumors, especially in European countries. The purpose of this article is to review the most recent literature, with special emphasis on biological and genetic profile and treatment guidelines.Recent findingsResults on large series support transnasal endoscopic surgery as the technique of choice in the large majority of patients with ITAC. Adjuvant radiotherapy is recommended in advanced-stage and high-grade lesions. More robust data are required to confirm that early-stage, low-grade lesions can be treated with exclusive surgery. The efficacy of new chemotherapy and biotherapy regimens and the added value of heavy particle radiotherapy are currently under evaluation. With a 5-year overall survival ranging between 53 and 83%, which is mainly impacted by local recurrences, ITAC requires a more detailed understanding of its biology. Genetic and biological studies have identified alterations in the molecular pathways of EGFR, MET, and H-RAS which might be considered as potential targets for biotherapy.SummarySurgery still plays a key role in the treatment of ITAC, but multidisciplinary management is mandatory. Although further validation is needed, the role of nonsurgical treatment strategies is rising, in agreement with the progresses made in the biological profiling of the disease.
Progression of chronic kidney disease in children – role of glomerular hemodynamics and interstitial fibrosis
Authors: Oliveira Eduardo A. , Mak Robert H. 
Published: February 2018

Purpose of review
The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current advances in the understanding of the mechanisms involved in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with emphasis on the role of glomerular hemodynamics and tubulointerstitial fibrosis.

Recent findings
Despite the varied causes of CKD, the progressive destruction of renal tissue processes through a complex common pathway. Current studies have highlighted both the role of the abnormal intrarenal hemodynamics and of the activation of fibrogenic biochemical pathway in the replacement of normal renal structure by extracellular matrix and ultimately by fibrosis. Molecular markers with the potential to contribute to the detection of tubular cell damage and tubulointerstitial fibrosis in the kidney has been identified.

Summary
There is a clear need to understand and elucidate the mechanisms of progression of CKD to develop efficient therapeutic strategies to halt decline of renal function in children.
Artificial Intelligence in Surgery: Promises and Perils
Authors: Hashimoto Daniel A. , Rosman Guy , Rus Daniela , Meireles Ozanan R. 
Published: February 2018

Objective:
The aim of this review was to summarize major topics in artificial intelligence (AI), including their applications and limitations in surgery. This paper reviews the key capabilities of AI to help surgeons understand and critically evaluate new AI applications and to contribute to new developments.

Summary Background Data:
AI is composed of various subfields that each provide potential solutions to clinical problems. Each of the core subfields of AI reviewed in this piece has also been used in other industries such as the autonomous car, social networks, and deep learning computers.

Methods:
A review of AI papers across computer science, statistics, and medical sources was conducted to identify key concepts and techniques within AI that are driving innovation across industries, including surgery. Limitations and challenges of working with AI were also reviewed.

Results:
Four main subfields of AI were defined: (1) machine learning, (2) artificial neural networks, (3) natural language processing, and (4) computer vision. Their current and future applications to surgical practice were introduced, including big data analytics and clinical decision support systems. The implications of AI for surgeons and the role of surgeons in advancing the technology to optimize clinical effectiveness were discussed.

Conclusions:
Surgeons are well positioned to help integrate AI into modern practice. Surgeons should partner with data scientists to capture data across phases of care and to provide clinical context, for AI has the potential to revolutionize the way surgery is taught and practiced with the promise of a future optimized for the highest quality patient care.
Orally Administered Combination of Hyaluronic Acid, Chondroitin Sulfate, Curcumin, and Quercetin in the Prevention of Postcoital Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections: Analysis of 98 Women in Reproductive Age After 6 Months of Treatment
Authors: Schiavi Michele Carlo , Porpora Maria Grazia , Vena Flaminia , Prata Giovanni , Sciuga Valentina , D’Oria Ottavia , Di Tucci Chiara , Savone Delia , Aleksa Natalia , Giannini Andrea , Nusiner Maria Paola , Zullo Marzio Angelo , Muzii Ludovico , Benedetti Panici Pierluigi 
Published: February 2018

Objective
The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of orally administered combination of hyaluronic acid (HA), chondroitin sulfate (CS), curcumin, and quercetin for the prevention of postcoital recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) in reproductive age women.

Methods
Ninety-eight consecutive patients in reproductive age affected by UTI were considered for the study. All 98 patients received a combination of HA, CS, curcumin, and quercetin two tablets per diem for the first month and one tablet every day for the next 5 months. We investigate recurrence of UTI with the Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms Assessment and the Pelvic Pain and Urinary Urgency Frequency. The quality of life and sexual function were valued using 36-Item Short Form Survey, Female Sexual Function Index, and the Female Sexual Distress Scale questionnaires. The same investigations were performed at the first visit and after 6 months of treatment.

Results
The symptoms associated with UTI significantly decreased after 6 months of treatment, in particular dysuria episodes diminished and number of voiding decreased (P < 0.0001). During the treatment period, only seven patients (7.1%) experienced a UTI recurrence, confirmed by positive urine culture with bacteriuria of greater than 105 colony forming units/mL. The Pelvic Pain and Urinary Urgency Frequency, Female Sexual Function Index, Female Sexual Distress Scale, and 36-Item Short Form Survey showed a statistically significant improvement after 6 months.

Conclusions
Oral administration of a combination of HA, CS, curcumin, and quercetin is a valid and well-tolerated nonantibiotic treatment for prevention of postcoital UTI in reproductive age women.
Clinical trials in autism spectrum disorder: evidence, challenges and future directions
Authors: Anagnostou Evdokia 
Published: February 2018

Purpose of review
The purpose of this manuscript is to review the evidence generated by clinical trials of pharmaceuticals in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), describe challenges in the conduct of such trials, and discuss future directions

Recent findings
Clinical trials in ASD have produced several compounds to adequately support the pharmacological treatment of associated symptom domains: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (methylphenidate, atomoxetine, and alpha agonists), irritability/aggression (risperidone and aripiprazole), sleep (melatonin), and weight gain associated with atypical antipsychotic use (metformin). However, there is no evidence yet to support the routine use of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of core symptom domains. Challenges in the field include biological heterogeneity within ASD, lack of biomarkers that clarify biological heterogeneity or predict response to treatment, lack of data across the lifespan, and suboptimal outcome measures.

Summary
Several compounds have evidence for the treatment of co-occurring symptoms in children and youth with ASD, although pharmacological interventions for core symptoms are still lacking. Identifying the various biologies underling ASD and developing biomarkers that stratify biologically homogeneous populations are both necessary to realize the promise of precision medicine in ASD.
Transmission of and susceptibility to seasonal influenza in Switzerland from 2003–2015
Authors: Brugger Jon , Althaus Christian L. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractUnderstanding the seasonal patterns of influenza transmission is critical to help plan public health measures for the management and control of epidemics. Mathematical models of infectious disease transmission have been widely used to quantify the transmissibility of and susceptibility to past influenza seasons in many countries. The objective of this study was to obtain a detailed picture of the transmission dynamics of seasonal influenza in Switzerland from 2003-2015. To this end, we developed a compartmental influenza transmission model taking into account social mixing between different age groups and seasonal forcing. We applied a Bayesian approach using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods to fit the model to the reported incidence of influenza-like-illness (ILI) and virological data from Sentinella, the Swiss Sentinel Surveillance Network. The maximal basic reproduction number, R0, ranged from 1.46 to 1.81 (median). Median estimates of susceptibility to influenza ranged from 29% to 98% for different age groups, and typically decreased with age. We also found a decline in ascertainability of influenza cases with age. Our study illustrates how influenza surveillance data from Switzerland can be integrated into a Bayesian modeling framework in order to assess age-specific transmission of and susceptibility to influenza.