bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant water resource partitioning and isotopic fractionation during transpiration in a seasonally dry tropical climate
Authors: De Wispelaere Lien , Bodé Samuel , Hervé-Fernández Pedro , Hemp Andreas , Verschuren Dirk , Boeckx Pascal 
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Lake Chala (3°19′ S, 37°42′ E) is a steep-sided crater lake situated in equatorial East Africa, a tropical semiarid area with a bimodal rainfall pattern. Plants in this region are exposed to a prolonged dry season, and we investigated if (1) these plants show spatial variability and temporal shifts in their water source use; (2) seasonal differences in the isotopic composition of precipitation are reflected in xylem water; and (3) plant family, growth form, leaf phenology, habitat and season influence the xylem-to-leaf water deuterium enrichment. In this study, the δ2H and δ18O of precipitation, lake water, groundwater, plant xylem water and plant leaf water were measured across different plant species, seasons and plant habitats in the vicinity of Lake Chala. We found that plants rely mostly on water from the short rains falling from October to December (northeastern monsoon), as these recharge the soil after the long dry season. This plant-available, static water pool is only slightly replenished by the long rains falling from February to May (southeastern monsoon), in agreement with the two water worlds hypothesis, according to which plants rely on a static water pool while a mobile water pool recharges the groundwater. Spatial variability in water resource use exists in the study region, with plants at the lakeshore relying on a water source admixed with lake water. Leaf phenology does not affect water resource use. According to our results, plant species and their associated leaf phenology are the primary factors influencing the enrichment in deuterium from xylem water to leaf water (εl/x), with deciduous species giving the highest enrichment, while growth form and season have negligible effects. Our observations have important implications for the interpretation of δ2H of plant leaf wax n-alkanes (δ2Hwax) from paleohydrological records in tropical East Africa, given that the temporal variability in the isotopic composition of precipitation is not reflected in xylem water and that leaf water deuterium enrichment is a key factor in shaping δ2Hwax. The large interspecies variability in xylem–leaf enrichment (24 ± 28 ‰) is potentially troublesome, taking into account the likelihood of changes in species assemblage with climate shifts.
Intravitreal Chemotherapy in the Management of Vitreous Disease in Retinoblastoma
Authors: Kiratli Hayyam , Koç İrem , Varan Ali , Akyüz Canan 
Published: January 2017

Purpose To evaluate the therapeutic outcome of intravitreal melphalan injection in the management of vitreous disease in patients with retinoblastoma. We particularly aimed to assess whether higher melphalan dose with lower number of injections was more effective and associated with fewer side effects. Methods This retrospective, interventional, noncomparative, and nonrandomized study included 39 eyes of 37 patients. Vitreous seeds were classified as dust, sphere, and cloud types. Intravitreal injections were performed through pars plana free of any visible tumor using 30-G needle. Response of the seeds (disappearance, conversion into inactive debris, or progression) and enucleation rate were determined as outcome measures. Results All patients previously received systemic or intra-arterial chemotherapy. Vitreous seeding was primary in 54% of eyes and secondary in 46% of eyes. Vitreous seeds were classified as dust in 9 (23.1%) eyes, sphere in 24 (61.5%) eyes, and cloud in 6 (15.4%) eyes. Melphalan dose varied between 20 and 40 µg and 20 (51.3%) eyes received >30 µg. The total number of injections was 70 (range 1-5, mean 1.8 per eye). Various types of regression were obtained in 27 (69.2%) eyes. Sphere-type seeds were the most responsive to melphalan. Nonresponse and disease progression were noted in 12 (30.8%) eyes. After a mean follow-up of 11.8 months, 17 (44%) eyes were enucleated. Vitreous hemorrhage (18%) and retinal pigment epithelial alterations (8%) were the most common side effects. Conclusions Intravitreal melphalan at 30-40 µg in 1 or 2 injections proved effective in 69.2% of eyes with vitreous disease.
Reading and Quality of Life Differences between Tecnis ZCB00 Monofocal and Tecnis ZMB00 Multifocal Intraocular Lenses
Authors: de Asís Bartol-Puyal Francisco , Talavero Paula , Giménez Galadriel , Altemir Irene , Larrosa José M. , Polo Vicente , Pablo Luis E. 
Published: January 2017

Purpose To compare the NEI-RQL-42 quality of life questionnaire and the Radner Vissum reading test outcomes after bilateral cataract surgery with implantation of Tecnis ZCB00 monofocal and Tecnis ZMB00 multifocal intraocular lens (IOL). Methods Forty-two eyes of 21 patients who had phacoemulsification were implanted with Tecnis ZCB00 IOL and 82 eyes of 41 patients were implanted with Tecnis ZMB00 IOL. They answered the NEI-RQL-42 questionnaire before cataract surgery and 3 months after it. The Radner Vissum test was performed 3 months after the surgery with optical correction for near vision in patients with monofocal IOL, but without it in patients with multifocal IOL. Results Regarding the NEI-RQL-42 test, the multifocal group obtained better results in items 2, 7, 8, 11, 13, 31, and 40, and in the following categories: near vision, dependence on correction, and suboptimal correction (p<0.05). The monofocal group only showed better results in item 17. As for the Radner Vissum test, the multifocal group obtained significantly better results in phrases 1, 3, 4, and 5, and in the number of incorrect syllables (p<0.05). Conclusions Patients with Tecnis ZMB00 multifocal IOL report a higher quality of life regarding the lack of need for optical correction for near vision in their daily activities, but halos in vision at night. Additionally, patients with multifocal IOL achieve similar or better reading quality at near vision and under photopic lighting conditions than patients with monofocal IOL with near vision optical correction.
International Coordinator Survey Results on the Outpatient Management of Patients with the Heartware® Ventricular Assist System
Authors: Schlöglhofer Thomas , Robson Desiree , Bancroft Jayne , Sørensen Gro , Kaufmann Friedrich , Sweet Leslie , Wrightson Neil 
Published: January 2017

Purpose While the HeartWare® Ventricular Assist System (HVAS) is a successful therapy for end-stage heart failure, outpatient management methods can vary significantly and require further investigation. Methods A survey to assess the long-term HVAS patient management and monitoring strategies was completed by 36 international heart centers that currently have over 1,450 patients on VAD support either at home or in the hospital. Multiple choice questions examined VAD program characteristics, anticoagulation management, driveline exit-site dressing and showering recommendations, blood pressure and pump parameter monitoring, and patient discharge protocols. Results Outpatient international normalized ratio (INR) was most frequently measured every 3–4 days (28.6%), and the most frequent schedule for changing driveline exit site dressings was 3 times per week (30.6%). Only 25.7% of centers required their patients to measure blood pressure at home. A subgroup analysis was performed to assess the influence of center experience and larger centers generally had more frequent monitoring compared to smaller centers. Conclusions This survey showed specific differences in outpatient management strategies that were previously unreported. However, further studies with correlations to patient outcomes are necessary to determine optimal patient management recommendations.
Correlation between Chromosome 9p21 Locus Deletion and Prognosis in Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer
Authors: de Barros Érika Aparecida Felix , Pontes-Junior José , Reis Sabrina Thalita , Lima Amanda Eunice Ramos , Souza Isida C. , Salgueiro Jose Lucas , Fontes Douglas , Dellê Humberto , Coelho Rafael Ferreira , Viana Nayara Izabel , Leite Kátia Ramos Moreira , Nahas William C. , Srougi Miguel 
Published: January 2017

Background Some studies have reported that deletions at chromosome arm 9p occur frequently and represent a critical step in carcinogenesis of some neoplasms. Our aim was to evaluate the deletion of locus 9p21 and chromosomes 3, 7 and 17 in localized prostate cancer (PC) and correlate these alterations with prognostic factors and biochemical recurrence after surgery. Methods We retrospectively evaluated surgical specimens from 111 patients with localized PC who underwent radical prostatectomy. Biochemical recurrence was defined as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) >0.2 ng/mL and the mean postoperative follow-up was 123 months. The deletions were evaluated using fluorescence in situ hybridization with centromeric and locus-specific probes in a tissue microarray containing 2 samples from each patient. We correlated the occurrence of any deletion with pathological stage, Gleason score, ISUP grade group, PSA and biochemical recurrence. Results We observed a loss of any probe in only 8 patients (7.2%). The most common deletion was the loss of locus 9p21, which occurred in 6.4% of cases. Deletions of chromosomes 3, 7 and 17 were observed in 2.3%, 1.2% and 1.8% patients, respectively. There was no correlation between chromosome loss and Gleason score, ISUP, PSA or stage. Biochemical recurrence occurred in 83% cases involving 9p21 deletions. Loss of 9p21 locus was significantly associated with time to recurrence (p = 0.038). Conclusions We found low rates of deletion in chromosomes 3, 7 and 17 and 9p21 locus. We observed that 9p21 locus deletion was associated with worse prognosis in localized PC treated by radical prostatectomy.
Evaluation of Dienogest Treatment Efficacy in Patients with Endometriosis
Authors: Dobrokhotova Julia E. , Ilyina Irina J. , Grishin Igor I. , Ibragimova Djamilya M. , Kalimatova Donna M. , Narimanova Metanat R. , Bondarenko Karina R. , Ilchenko Vera J. 
Published: January 2017

Background The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of postoperative dienogest treatment in endometriosis patients. Materials and methods A total of 53 patients suffering from endometriosis were enrolled. All participants underwent laparoscopic operative treatment. Afterwards, all patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (control group) and Group 2 (receiving dienogest 2 mg/day after surgery). Comparative analysis was performed evaluating patients’ condition and complaints in the postoperative period, the disease dynamics at 3 and 6 months after the surgery, pain assessment (visual analogue scale) and severity of metrorrhagia in both groups. Results Postoperative dienogest treatment reduces the severity of symptoms and improves treatment outcomes in endometriosis patients, leading to the improvement of the quality of life in these patients. Conclusions Dienogest (2 mg/day) is a highly effective drug for postoperative treatment of patients with endometriosis. Dienogest (2 mg/day) significantly decreases the severity of pelvic pain and metrorrhagia after surgery. The medication is safe and side effects are rare.
The Comparability of Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue Scores between Cancer and Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Coroiu Adina , Kwakkenbos Linda , Levis Brooke , Hudson Marie , Baron Murray , Cella David , Thombs Brett D. ,   Canadian Scleroderma Research Group*
Published: January 2017

Purpose The functional assessment of chronic illness therapy-fatigue (FACIT-F) is commonly used to assess fatigue across diseases. The degree to which the FACIT-F demonstrates measurement equivalence across disease groups, however, is not known. The purpose of this study was to assess differential item functioning (DIF) of FACIT-F items between patients with cancer and systemic sclerosis (SSc or scleroderma). Methods Secondary analysis of FACIT-F data from cancer and SSc patients. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the factor structure of the FACIT-F in cancer and SSc patients. The multiple-indicator, multiple-cause model was utilized to assess DIF, comparing responses from cancer and SSc patients. Results A unidimensional factor structure for the FACIT-F was demonstrated with the cancer (n = 1141), SSc (n = 1186), and combined samples. Statistically significant, but small-magnitude, DIF was found for four items. Compared to cancer patients with the same level of fatigue, SSc patients had lower scores (more fatigue) for item 2 ( bodily weakness), 7 ( energy), and 8 ( ability to perform daily activities); and higher scores (less fatigue) for item 9 ( need to sleep throughout the day). For the entire scale, SSc patients had 0.47 SD lower FACIT-F latent factor scores (more fatigue) than cancer patients. After correcting for DIF, there was a change of only 0.03 SD in this difference (0.44 SD lower). Conclusions Although statistically significant DIF was detected for four FACIT-F items, the magnitude was small and the effect on fatigue latent scores was minimal. Thus, FACIT-F scores can be used equivalently in cancer and SSc.
Body Mass Index Based Evaluation of 6-Year Outcomes after Transobturator Tension-Free Vaginal Tape for Female Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Salvarcı Ahmet , Gurbuz Recai 
Published: January 2017

Introduction The long-term results will be presented according to the body mass index (BMI) rates for transobturator tension-free vaginal. Methods Three hundred nineteen female patients were evaluated (2008-2014). Their incontinence was classified according to the Stamey classification. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short form was filled in before and after surgery. The Pelvic Organ Prolapse quantification system was utilized. The Female Sexual Function Index and the International Index of Erectile Functions were asked to be filled in. Their satisfaction level was assessed in the sixth year with the modified Clavien classification system. BMI cut-off points for public health action for the Asian population were adopted in the present study as follows: 18.5-23.0 kg/m2 (normal), 23.1-27.4 kg/m2 (high) and at least 27.5 kg/m2 (obese), respectively. Results The median success rate on the 12th month was calculated as 81.25% in the follow-ups after TOT; it was observed that the median success rate after 72 months decreased to 79.15%. Significant improvements were observed in the Female Sexual Function Index and the Index of Erectile Dysfunction. The objective cure rates detected according to normal, high and obese BMI rates, respectively, were 93.1%, 75.9% and 81.4%, while the patient satisfaction rates were 83.3%, 81.3% and 83.1%, respectively. Conclusions It was observed that the objective and subjective patient satisfaction rates were very good in the long term in all BMI groups. No statistically significant differences were observed in perioperative complication rate, 6-year success rates and patient satisfaction among the three different BMI groups in the long term.
A Phytotherapic Approach to Reduce Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Patients with Male Infertility
Authors: Capece Marco , Romeo Giuseppe , Ruffo Antonio , Romis Leo , Mordente Salvatore , Di Lauro Giovanni 
Published: January 2017

Introduction Infertility affects 50 to 80 million (between 8 and 12% of couples). Male factor is a cause of infertility in almost half of the cases, mainly due to oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. DNA fragmentation is now considered an important factor in the aetiology of male infertility. We studied the effects on semen analysis and on DNA fragmentation of in vivo admnistration of Myo-Inositol and Tribulus Terrestris plus Alga Ecklonia plus Biovis (Tradafertil; Tradapharma Sagl, Swizerland) in men with previously diagnosed male infertility. Materials and Methods Sixty patients were enrolled in the present study and were randomized into two subgroups: the group A who received Myo-inositol 1000 mg, Tribulus Terrestris 300 mg, Alga Ecklonia Bicyclis 200 mg and Biovis one tablet a day for 90 days, and the group B (placebo group) who received one placebo tablet a day for 90 days. The primary efficacy outcome was the improvement of semen characteristics after 3 months’ therapy and the secondary outcome was the reduction of the DNA fragmentation after treatment. Results The groups were homogenous for age, hormonal levels, sperm concentration and all parameters of sperm analysis. Sperm concentration and progressive motility improved after treatment with Tradafertil (3.82 Mil/ml vs. 1.71 Mil/ml; p<0.05; 4.86% vs. 1.00%; p<0.05) as well as the DNA fragmentation (-1.64% vs -0.39%, p<0.001). No side effects were revealed. Conclusions In conclusion, we can affirm that Tradafertil is safe and tolerable. It is a new phytotherapic approach to Oligoasthenoteratospermia (OAT) syndrome that could lead to good results without interacting with hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis.
Long-Term follow-up of Trigonoplasty Antireflux Operation
Authors: Sharifiaghdas Farzaneh , Mahmoudnejad Nastaran , Kashi Amir H. , Ramezani Mehdi H. , Narouie Behzad 
Published: January 2017

Background Open trigonoplasty antireflux operation has been associated with promising results. However, its success in controlling reflux has not been evaluated in the long term. Methods All patients who underwent trigonoplasty for vesicoureteral reflux by one surgeon from 2004 to 2014 were included. Pre-Operative evaluations included direct radionuclide cystography (DRNC) or voiding cystourethrography, urine analysis and culture and abdominal sonography. Urodynamic study and cystoscopy was performed in selected patients. Trigonoplasty was done by a modified Gil-Verent method. The latest available patients’ DRNCs were used to judge for reflux relapse. Results Ninety-one patients, 142 refluxing units; median (range) age, 10.5 (1-45) years; M/F, (11/80) were followed for 18 to 135 months. Reflux resolution rate was 73.6% for patients and 75.4% for refluxing units. Relapse was associated with reflux grade (67% in grade V), ureteral orifice appearance (40% in golf hole/stadium), and patients with a history of pyelonephritis. Multivariable model based on the above variables had less than 10% sensitivity in predicting relapse. Conclusions Trigonoplasty success rate can decrease with long-term follow-up.
An audit of referral and treatment patterns of high-risk prostate cancer patients in Alberta
Authors: Alghamdi Majed , Taggar Amandeep , Tilley Derek , Kerba Marc , Kostaras Xanthoula , Gotto Geoffrey , Sia Michael 
Published: January 2017

Introduction: We aimed to determine the impact of clinical practice guidelines (CPG) on rates of radiation oncologist (RO) referral, androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT), radiation therapy (RT), and radical prostatectomy (RP) in patients with high-risk prostate cancer (HR-PCa).Methods: All men >18 years, diagnosed with PCa in 2005 and 2012 were identified from the Alberta Cancer Registry. Patient age, aggregated clinical risk group (ACRG) score, Gleason score (GS), pre-treatment prostate-specific antigen (PSA), RO referral, and treatment received were extracted from electronic medical records. Logistic regression modelling was used to examine associations between RO referral rates and relevant factors.Results: HR-PCa was diagnosed in 261 of 1792 patients in 2005 and 435 of 2148 in 2012. Median age and ACRG scores were similar in both years (p>0.05). The rate of patients with PSA >20 were 67% and 57% in 2005 and 2012, respectively (p=0.004). GS ≤6 was found in 13% vs. 5% of patients, GS 7 in 27% vs. 24%, and GS ≥8 in 59% vs. 71% in 2005 and 2012, respectively (p<0.001). In 2005, RO referral rate was 68% compared to 56% in 2012 (p=0.001), use of RT + ADT was 53% compared to 32% (p<0.001), and RP rate was 9% vs. 17% (p=0.002). On regression analysis, older age, 2012 year of diagnosis and higher PSA were associated with decreased RO referral rates (odds ratios [OR] 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39–0.61; OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.34–0.76; and OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.39–0.61), respectively [p<0.001]).Conclusions: Since CPG creation in 2005, RO referral rates and ADT + RT use declined and RP rates increased, which demonstrates a need to improve adherence to CPG in the HR-PCa population.
Defining ‘Better’
Authors: Pedersen Morten Jarlbæk 
Published: January 2017

Defining ‘Better’: Investigating a New Framework to Understand Quality of Regulation
Better regulation is a political and scholarly theme, which has gained in both relevance and salience throughout the last two decades or so. Regulatory quality is the epicentre of these discussions. Despite this, quality is seldom conceptualized in its own right. Thus, beyond loose principles, we are rarely aware of what we mean by ‘better’ regulation, and academic discussions hereof usually centre themselves on other topics such as meta-regulation and processes. This leaves the notion of quality hard to asses especially from a comparative perspective. In this article, a core concept of quality is suggested. This concept is founded on an acknowledgement of the importance of the legal texts when it comes to achieving regulatory aims and objectives. The concept and methodology proposed has components from both law and political science and is sought to be of relevance to scholars and practitioners alike.
The Quality of Regulation in the Service of Preventing Corruption
Authors: Di Donato Luca 
Published: January 2017

The Quality of Regulation in the Service of Preventing Corruption: Corruption Impact Assessment (CIA)
This article describes the Corruption Impact Assessment (CIA), which is a better regulation tool suggested by the OECD, with the fundamental purpose to enhance the regulatory quality.The first part explains some risk-corruption factors of the legal framework. The first factor is represented by the number and complexity of rules, which can be a negative incentive to corruption as well as to produce negative consequences for the proper functioning of the market. The second factor is intrinsically linked to the ambiguity in legal drafting, which does not encourage the right interpretation of norms; therefore, there is the question of the rule of law. The third factor refers to the lack of regulation concerning pressure group participation in the regulatory process and, as a result, the lack of transparency in identifying both benefits from norms and the relevant beneficiaries.The second part focuses on CIA, which is considered a sub-category of traditional Regulatory Impact Assessment. It detects the factors in regulations that cause corruption, and its main potential is to prevent future corruption facilitated by bad regulation. Then, this part illustrates the implementation of CIA by Korean governments: the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) carries out the CIA, realizes its guidelines – which are based on three fundamental criteria, i.e., compliance, discretionality and transparency – and supports the application of the tool in the regulatory cycle.Finally, the third part discusses the results given by CIA. This new anti-corruption strategy needs that regulators take into account the results, providing for their publication to inform stakeholders; otherwise there is the possibility of the CIA use being formal, rather than substantial.