bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends in the Management of Patients With Kidney Failure in Alberta, Canada (2004-2013)
Authors: Chong Christy C. , Tam-Tham Helen , Hemmelgarn Brenda R. , Weaver Robert G. , Scott-Douglas Nairne , Tonelli Marcello , Quinn Robert R. , Manns Liam , Manns Braden J. 
Published: March 2017

Background: Based on clinical practice guidelines, specific quality indicators are examined to assess the performance of a health care system for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We examined trends in the proportion of patients with ESRD referred late to nephrology, timing of dialysis initiation in those with chronic kidney disease, and proportion of patients with ESRD treated with pre-emptive kidney transplantation or peritoneal dialysis (PD). Design: This was a retrospective cohort study. Setting: The study was conducted in Alberta, Canada. Patients: Alberta residents aged 18 years or older with incident ESRD requiring renal replacement therapy between 2004 and 2013 were included. Measurements: Descriptive statistics, and log binomial and linear regression models were used for analysis. Methods: We determined the proportion of patients with ESRD who did not see a nephrologist within 90 days prior to starting dialysis (late referrals) and those who were receiving PD 90 days after dialysis initiation. Among those who had been seen by a nephrologist for at least 90 days, we also assessed the proportion who initiated dialysis with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) higher than or equal to 10.5 mL/min/1.73 m2, and underwent a pre-emptive transplant. Results: Our cohort included 5343 patients (mean age 61.8 years, 61.2% male). Over a 10-year period, there was a decrease in the proportion of late referrals (26.4% to 21.1%, P = .001). We also noted a decrease in the proportion of dialysis initiation with eGFR higher than or equal to 10.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 (21.2% to 14.7%, P < .001), with a significant increase in the proportion of patients initiating dialysis as an inpatient (38.8% to 45.2%, P = .001). There was a non-significant decrease in both the proportion of patients treated with a pre-emptive transplant and PD at 90 days over the 10-year period. Limitations: The use of administrative data restricted the availability of clinical data regarding underlying circumstances of each quality indicator, including patient symptoms, indications for dialysis initiation, and PD eligibility. Conclusions: We noted improvement in late referrals and early dialysis initiation over time. However, we also noted low and stable use of pre-emptive kidney transplantation and PD at 90 days, which warrants further exploration. These findings support the need for quality improvement initiatives designed to address these gaps in care and improve outcomes for patients with kidney failure.
Model-Based Comparison of the Normal and Fontan Circulatory Systems—Part III
Authors: Watrous Raymond L. , Chin Alvin J. 
Published: March 2017

Background: For patients with the Fontan circulatory arrangement, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition, guanylate cyclase activation, phosphodiesterase 5 inhibition, and endothelin receptor antagonism have so far resulted in little or no improvement in [Formula: see text] or peak cardiac index (CI), suggesting that our understanding of the factors that most impact the exercise hemodynamics is incomplete. Methods: To facilitate comparisons with clinical reports of the exercise performance of preadolescent Fontan patients, we rescaled our previously reported computational models of a two-year-old normal child and similarly aged Fontan patient, extended our Fontan model to capture the nonlinear relationship between flow and resistance quantified from previous computational fluid dynamic analyses of the total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC), and added respiration as well as skeletal muscle contraction. Results: (1) Without respiration, the computational model for both the normal and the Fontan cannot attain the values for CI at peak exercise reported in the clinical literature, (2) because flow through the TCPC is much greater during inspiration than during expiration, the effect on the CI of the dynamic (flow-related) TCPC resistance is much more dramatic during exercise than it is in breath-hold mode at rest, and (3) coupling breathing with skeletal muscle contraction leads to the highest augmentation of cardiac output, that is, the skeletal muscle pump is most effective when the intrathoracic pressure is at a minimum—at peak inspiration. Conclusions: Novel insights emerge when a Fontan model incorporating dynamic TCPC resistance, full respiration, and skeletal muscle contraction can be compared to the model of the normal.
Nineteen Years of Adult Congenital Heart Surgery in a Single Center
Authors: Perinpanayagam Madurra , Larsen Signe H. , Emmertsen Kristian , Møller Marianne B. , Hjortdal Vibeke E. 
Published: March 2017

Background: Adults with congenital heart disease are a growing population. We describe surgical interventions, short- and long-term mortality and morbidity, and risk factors for adverse events in a population-based cohort. Methods: Patients over or equal to 18 years with congenital heart disease who underwent cardiac surgery at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, from 1994 to 2012 were included in the study. Diagnoses, surgical procedures, postoperative complications, and survival were identified in hospital databases, medical records, and the Danish Civil Registration System. Results: Four hundred seventy-four surgeries were performed in 445 adults (50% men). The median age was 39 years (range 18-83). Thirty-nine percent had previous surgical or catheter-based interventions. Thirty-day and in-hospital mortality were 1.1%. Postoperative complications occurred in 50% of cases, most were minor such as temporary arrhythmias and pneumonia. Major complications included postoperative bleeding necessitating intervention (6%), stroke (2%), and acute temporary renal failure (1%). Multivariate analysis identified RACHS-1 categories over or equal to 3 compared to category 1 (odds ratio (OR) = 2.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.5-3.7), New York Heart Association functional class III and IV compared to class I (OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.3-3.7) and age at surgery (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.04), as risk factors for adverse events. Survival during a median follow-up of 7.8 years (range 0 days-21.4 years) was 85% (95% CI: 80%-89%). Conclusion: Adults with congenital heart disease constitute a growing population with the need for cardiac surgery. Postoperative complications are frequent but early and late mortality are low.
Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Vitreoretinal Surgeries With Deferred First Postoperative Visits at Day 3 or Later
Authors: Ho Vincent Y. , Shah Gaurav K. 
Published: March 2017

Background and Objective: Postoperative (PO) day 1 visits can be challenging for certain patients (eg, satellite office patients). This study analyzes the proportion of eyes requiring changes in management on the first PO visit day ≥3 following vitreoretinal surgery. Study Design/Materials and Methods: A retrospective, consecutive case series of 1 vitreoretinal surgeon was conducted on 246 surgeries of 231 patients with the first PO examination day ≥3 from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2013. Clinical parameters were statistically analyzed to identify eyes with pressure issues or early interventions. Short- and long-term outcomes were assessed at PO weeks 1 to 4 and months 3 to 8. Results: At the first PO visit ≥3 (mean 4.5) days, 3.3% eyes had intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤5, 3.3% IOP ≥30, 0.8% choroidal detachments, 0.4% vitreous hemorrhage, and 0% endophthalmitis. About 2.0% of eyes required intervention (IOP medications). Surgical indications, procedure, and tamponade were not predictive of pressure issues or early intervention ( P > .05). At weeks 1 to 4 and month 3 to 8, 4% to 6% of eyes required additional intervention or surgery. Conclusion: The first PO visit day ≥3 after vitreoretinal surgeries had low intervention rates. Few complications or additional surgeries occurred throughout the study period.
Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Treatment of Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization
Authors: Moroz Daniel R. , Munro Monique , Fielden Michael P. 
Published: March 2017

Purpose: To determine whether the presenting clinical features of active myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV), including the presence of fibrosis or atrophy, limit the ultimate visual acuity gains from intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 42 eyes with new-onset subfoveal CNV was performed. Only patients without concurrent age-related macular degeneration and with a spherical equivalent of at least −6.0 diopters were included in the study. All eyes received either intravitreal ranibizumab or bevacizumab injections as the primary treatment on a pro re nata basis for 1 year. Changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were recorded. Results: The mean number of ranibizumab (18 eyes) or bevacizumab (24 eyes) injections was 4.7 ± 0.5 over a mean follow-up time of 12 ± 0.4 months. The mean age of the patients was 62 ± 2.0 years. Based on optical coherence tomography staging at the initiation of treatment for active CNV, 30 had no fibrosis or atrophy (group 1), 5 had fibrotic stage, and 7 had atrophic stage CNV (the latter combined to form group 2). The BCVA for group 1 improved significantly ( P < .02) but worsened for group 2 ( P < .38), a statistically significant difference ( P < .05). The CRT for group 1 also declined significantly more than for group 2 ( P < .014). Conclusion: The presence of fibrosis or atrophy in eyes with active myopic CNV at the initiation of anti-VEGF therapy was associated with limited anatomic outcomes and visual gain.
Outcomes of Pars Plana Vitrectomy in Combination With Penetrating Keratoplasty
Authors: Watson Randee Miller , Dawood Sherif , Cao Dingcai , Mieler William F. , Leiderman Yannek I. 
Published: March 2017

Purpose: To report indications and outcomes of combined pars plana vitrectomy and penetrating keratoplasty (PPV-PKP). Methods: A review of all patients who underwent PPV-PKP at the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary from January 1, 2001 to May 31, 2013, was performed. Ninety eyes of 90 patients were identified. Survival analysis was utilized to assess differences in retinal detachment (RD) and corneal graft failure rates among groups based on clinical and surgical variables. Results: Seventy-nine eyes met the inclusion criteria. Most common indications for vitrectomy and corneal transplantation were RD (65%) and corneal decompensation (43%), respectively. The preoperative and final visual acuity (VA) logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution values were 2.7 (0.31) and 2.5 (0.67) (hand motions; mean [SD]; P = .02); 15% of eyes were ≥20/400 and 15% gained ≥2 lines of vision following surgery. Corneal graft failure occurred in 51% (40 eyes), recurrent RD in 28% (22 eyes), and hypotony in 25% (20 eyes). Silicone oil endotamponade was associated with postoperative RD ( P = .045), and previous ocular trauma was associated with postoperative corneal graft failure ( P = .023). Conclusion: Combined PPV-PKP surgery was likely to achieve stabilization of VA, with a minority of eyes achieving modest gains in VA.
Platelet CD36 promotes thrombosis by activating redox sensor ERK5 in hyperlipidemic conditions
Authors: Yang Moua , Cooley Brian C. , Li Wei , Chen Yiliang , Vasquez-Vivar Jeannette , Scoggins Na’il O. , Cameron Scott J. , Morrell Craig N. , Silverstein Roy L. 
Published: March 2017

Key PointsAtherogenic conditions promote platelet CD36 signaling by generating specific reactive oxygen species. Redox sensor ERK5 MAP kinase activation by reactive oxygen species potentiates thrombus formation in hyperlipidemic conditions.
Lessons from the swamp: developing small molecules that confer salamander muscle cellularization in mammals
Authors: Um JungIn , Jung Da‐Woon , Williams Darren Reece 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe ability of salamanders, such as newts, to regenerate damaged tissues has been studied for centuries. A prominent example of this regenerative power is the ability to re‐grow entire amputated limbs. One important step in this regeneration process is skeletal muscle cellularization, in which the muscle fibers break down into dedifferentiated, mononuclear cells that proliferate and form new muscle in the replacement limb. In contrast, mammalian skeletal muscle does not undergo cellularization after injury. A significant proportion of research about tissue regeneration in salamanders aims to characterize regulatory genes that may have mammalian homologs. A less mainstream approach is to develop small molecule compounds that induce regeneration‐related mechanisms in mammals. In this commentary, we discuss progress in discovering small molecules that induce cellularization in mammalian muscle. New research findings using these compounds has also shed light on cellular processes that regulate cellularization, such as apoptotic signaling. Although formidable technical hurdles remain, this progress increases our understanding of tissue regeneration and provide opportunities for developing small molecules that may enhance tissue repair in humans.
Pembrolizumab for Platinum- and Cetuximab-Refractory Head and Neck Cancer: Results From a Single-Arm, Phase II Study
Authors: Bauml Joshua , Seiwert Tanguy Y. , Pfister David G. , Worden Francis , Liu Stephen V. , Gilbert Jill , Saba Nabil F. , Weiss Jared , Wirth Lori , Sukari Ammar , Kang Hyunseok , Gibson Michael K. , Massarelli Erminia , Powell Steven , Meister Amy , Shu Xinxin , Cheng Jonathan D. , Haddad Robert 
Published: March 2017

Purpose There are no approved treatments for recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma refractory to platinum and cetuximab. In the single-arm, phase II KEYNOTE-055 study, we evaluated pembrolizumab, an anti–programmed death 1 receptor antibody, in this platinum- and cetuximab-pretreated population with poor prognosis. Methods Eligibility stipulated disease progression within 6 months of platinum and cetuximab treatment. Patients received pembrolizumab 200 mg every 3 weeks. Imaging was performed every 6 to 9 weeks. Primary end points: overall response rate (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1, central review) and safety. Efficacy was assessed in all dosed patients and in subgroups on the basis of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and human papillomavirus (HPV) status. Results Among 171 patients treated, 75% received two or more prior lines of therapy for metastatic disease, 82% were PD-L1 positive, and 22% were HPV positive. At the time of analysis, 109 patients (64%) experienced a treatment-related adverse event; 26 patients (15%) experienced a grade ≥ 3 event. Seven patients (4%) discontinued treatment, and one died of treatment-related adverse events. Overall response rate was 16% (95% CI, 11% to 23%), with a median duration of response of 8 months (range, 2+ to 12+ months); 75% of responses were ongoing at the time of analysis. Response rates were similar in all HPV and PD-L1 subgroups. Median progression-free survival was 2.1 months, and median overall survival was 8 months. Conclusion Pembrolizumab exhibited clinically meaningful antitumor activity and an acceptable safety profile in recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma previously treated with platinum and cetuximab.
Dimensões da constitucionalização das políticas públicas
Authors: Dimoulis Dimitri , Lunardi Soraya Gasparetto 
Published: March 2017

As políticas públicas que visam implementar direitos sociais apresentam peculiaridades nos sistemas jurídicos que constitucionalizam direitos e programas de ação social. A constitucionalização modifica o desenho institucional da separação dos Poderes, pois o Judiciário passa a ter papel ativo na execução de políticas públicas. O presente trabalho examina a definição e as formas de avaliação de políticas públicas e analisa criticamente a bibliografia sobre a judicialização dessas políticas. Examinase o papel de cada Poder na execução de políticas públicas, apresentando experiências de vários países e indicando as diferenças na atuação dos Poderes em razão de suas especificidades funcionais. Public policies aiming to implement social rights have peculiarities in legal systems that constitutionalize social rights and action programs. The constitutionalization modifies the institutional design of the separation of powers and the Judiciary assumes an active role in the implementation of public policies. This paper analyzes the methods for elaboration and evaluation methods of public policies and critically reviews the literature about the judicialization of such policies. We describe the role of each Branch in the implementation of public policies, relating experiences from various countries and indicating the differences in the performance of the state powers due to its functional characteristics.
Responsabilidade civil e penal de agente público nos casos de delegação do ato de ordenação de despesas
Authors: Oliveira Luciano Moreira de 
Published: March 2017

A execução da despesa pública é um procedimento de grande importância para o desempenho da função administrativa e que merece especial atenção, pois implica o desembolso de recursos do erário. Com a crescente complexidade da atividade administrativa, a ordenação da despesa pública tem sido alvo de delegação de competência no serviço público. Assim, identificada a prática de ato ilícito decorrente da ordenação de despesas por agente público no exercício de competência delegada, faz-se necessário analisar os casos e os requisitos para a caracterização da responsabilidade civil e penal do agente público delegante. O presente artigo relata uma análise dogmática sobre o tema. The implementation of public expenditure is an important procedure for the performance of administrative functions and it deserves special attention because it involves the disbursement of treasury resources. With the increasing complexity of administrative activity, the expenses commanding act has been delegated in the public service. Thus, identified the practice of tort or crime arising from the ordination of expenditure by public official in the delegated powers of exercise, it is necessary to examine the cases and requirements for the characterization of civil and criminal liability of the public official who delegator. This article reports a dogmatic analysis of the topic.
Variation of leaflet shape from several soybean genotypes and its relation to morphological characters
Authors: KRISNAWATI AYDA , ADIE M. MUCHLISH 
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Krisnawati A, Adie MM. 2017. The leaflet shape variation from several soybean genotypes in Indonesia. Biodiversitas 18: 359-364. Leaves are part of the plant organs which are of importance to sustain the plantâ€™s life. Generally, each plant has a varied leaflet shape depending on many factors. Soybean, as one of an important source of protein vegetable, has a diverse plant shape among its genotypes. The objective of the research was to evaluate the variation of leaflet shape of 150 soybean (Glycine max L.) genotypes and its relation to another growth and morphological characters. The leaflet shape of 150 soybean genotypes was intensively in Kendalpayak Research Station, Malang (Indonesia) from February to May 2016. This field experiment was conducted in randomized block design with two replicates. The leaf characterization of 150 soybean genotypes using LSI (Leaf Shape Index) method. Analysis of variance of observed soybean genotypes in terms of maturity traits and morphological attributes showed a significantly different among soybean genotypes, except for harvest index (HI) parameter. This indicates that there was variability in morphological characters among of 150 soybean genotypes. The LSI value ranged from 1.40 to 3.05, in average of 2.04. Of all observed soybean genotypes, most of their morphological performance was an intermediate size (110 genotypes), while another 17 genotypes was a broad leaflet, and the rest (23 genotypes) had a narrow leaflet. Genotypes with an intermediate leaflet apparently possessed the different morphological characters of seed in terms of size, weight/plant and yield compared to those leaflet shape of other genotypes. Among the broad leaflet group, accession No. 92 could be prospectively used as a gene donor for improving soybean yield potential in Indonesia due to its high yield production (3.05 t/ha), early maturity, and large seed size. In the group of intermediate leaflet, accession No. 18 could also be used as a potential gene donor showed in its high yield production (3.07 t/ha), early maturity, and large seed size. Meanwhile, the potential gene donor in narrow leaflet group, which could be further used were two genotypes (accession No. 20 and No. 22).
Keywords: Glycine max, LSI, morphological characters, gene donor
Short Communication: Sex types in flowering of Jatropha curcas
Authors: DASUMIATI DASUMIATI , MIFTAHUDIN MIFTAHUDIN , TRIADIATI TRIADIATI , HARTANA ALEX 
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Dasumiati, Miftahudin, Triadiati T, Hartana A. 2017. Short Communication: Sex types in flowering of Jatropha curcas. Biodiversitas 18: 275-279. Commonly, Jatropha curcas ( jatropha) produces male and female flowers in the different flower. But, the other jatropha have male and hermaphrodite flowers in the different flower. The combination of those flowers in one plant causes sex differentiation in jatropha. This study aimed to identify the sex types of flowers and plant in jatropha, as well as to know the stability of sex types after stem cuttings propagation. The survey was conducted to the population of jatropha in Cikampek, Karawang and Pakuwon, Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia. We found three sex types in both plantations: monoecious that have male and female flowers, andromonoecious that have male and hermaphrodite flowers, trimonoecious that have male, female, and hermaphrodite flowers in the same plant. Andromonoecious and monoecious jatropha have stable sex type, but trimonoecious jatropha has unstable sex type. The stability of sex type is related to the number of primary branch and distance between nodes.
Keywords: Andromonoecious, Jatropha curcas, monoecious, trimonoecious