bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Individual Trade-Offs Between Possible Benefits and Risks of Cancer Treatments: Results from a Stated Preference Study with Patients with Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Postmus Douwe , Richard Sarah , Bere Nathalie , van Valkenhoef Gert , Galinsky Jayne , Low Eric , Moulon Isabelle , Mavris Maria , Salmonsson Tomas , Flores Beatriz , Hillege Hans , Pignatti Francesco 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Background
The objectives of this study were to elicit the preferences of patients with multiple myeloma regarding the possible benefits and risks of cancer treatments and to illustrate how such data may be used to estimate patients’ acceptance of new treatments.

Patients and Methods
Patients with multiple myeloma from the cancer charity Myeloma UK were invited to participate in an online survey based on multicriteria decision analysis and swing weighting to elicit individual stated preferences for the following attributes: (a) 1-year progression-free survival (PFS, ranging from 50% to 90%), (b) mild or moderate toxicity for 2 months or longer (ranging from 85% to 45%), and (c) severe or life-threatening toxicity (ranging from 80% to 20%).

Results
A total of 560 participants completed the survey. The average weight given to PFS was 0.54, followed by 0.32 for severe or life-threatening toxicity and 0.14 for mild or moderate chronic toxicity. Participants who ranked severe or life-threatening toxicity above mild or moderate chronic toxicity (56%) were more frequently younger, working, and looking after dependent family members and had more frequently experienced severe or life-threatening side effects. The amount of weight given to PFS did not depend on any of the collected covariates. The feasibility of using the collected preference data to estimate the patients’ acceptance of specific multiple myeloma treatments was demonstrated in a subsequent decision analysis example.

Conclusion
Stated preference studies provide a systematic approach to gain knowledge about the distribution of preferences in the population and about what this implies for patients’ acceptance of specific treatments.

Implications for Practice
This study demonstrated how quantitative preference statements from a large group of participants can be collected through an online survey and how such information may be used to explore the acceptability of specific treatments based on the attributes studied. Results from such studies have the potential to become an important new tool for gathering patient views and studying heterogeneity in preferences in a systematic way, along with other methods, such as focus groups and expert opinions.
Study of antibiotic resistance profiling of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from clinical specimens of the patients attending a tertiary teaching hospital from Chhattisgarh
Authors: Wankhade Archana Bhimrao , Panda Sanjibkumar , Hathiwala Riddhi , Keche Yogendra 
Published: October 2017

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogen causing wide spectrum of infections. It has tendency for the development of multidrug resistance thereby exposing the selection of appropriate treatment. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to find out the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from various clinical samples in teaching tertiary hospital.Methods: Total 85 Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from clinical samples (pus, urine, sputum and blood) tested. Identification of Staphylococcus aureus was done by standard conventional microbiological methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done by using disk diffusion method as per CLSI guidelines.Results: Staphylococcus aureus was isolated maximum from pus samples followed by urine samples. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed highest resistance against Penicillin (69%) and Erythromycin (51%) followed by Cotrimoxazole (50%) & Nitrofurantoin (50%). All the strains were sensitive to Vancomycin. Amongst the urine isolates all were sensitive to Norfloxacin. These percentages of sensitivities are characteristically higher in our study than the previous studies in the literature. In addition, out of 85 Staphylococcus aureus isolates, 26 isolates showed sensitivity to all antibiotics.Conclusions: From the present study we conclude that though the Staphylococcus aureus is usually having multidrug resistance pattern. So regular antimicrobial susceptibility surveillance is essential for area‐wise monitoring of the resistance patterns. This will be beneficial to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics and for better patient management.
Association of thyroid status with hemoglobin levels in pregnancy
Authors: Baghel Manisha , Batra Jyoti , K. V. Thimmaraju , Itagappa Maliyanar 
Published: October 2017

Background: The association of hemoglobin levels with thyroid status in pregnancy was not studied in detail. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the levels of hemoglobin, thyroid function and its association with hemoglobin levels in first trimester of pregnancy.Methods: Fifty pregnant women who didn’t start any supplementation were recruited from the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient department. Fifty age matched controls were recruited from the residents and staff of the hospital. Thyroid profile and hemoglobin levels were measured in both the groups. The association was seen between hemoglobin levels and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.Results: The hemoglobin levels are significantly low in first trimester pregnant women. Further, the increased TSH levels are negatively correlated with low hemoglobin levels.Conclusions: Screening of hemoglobin levels in first trimester itself will be beneficial to prevent the complications of pregnancy. Further, hypothyroidism also present and associated with reduced hemoglobin. So, early diagnosis of these deficiencies will be useful to start giving supplements to avoid unwanted effects in pregnancy.
Successful non-surgical management of all degree hemorrhoids
Authors: Mannan Ambreen , Maheshwari Tek Chnad , Soomro Suhail Ahmed 
Published: October 2017

Background: To evaluate the patients with primary hemorrhoids after employing mainly the non-surgical treatment in all degree hemorrhoids.Methods: A prospective and descriptive study over three hundred and fifty (350) patients in four-year period. Concomitant anal fissure, anal fistula, secondary hemorrhoids, and recurrent hemorrhoids were excluded from the study.Results: Total 350 patients (age range-18-80 years). Female340 (97.14%) and male10 (2.58%) admitted in surgical OPD of three different hospitals during the period of Feb 2013- Jan 2017. All patients were thoroughly examined abdominally and per rectally and proctoscopied as well to rule out concomitant pelvic and perineal pathologies. All proctoscopic findings and treatment were done by single surgeon. Treatment of hemorrhoids was categorized into three types. Type I, conservative (fiber +oral lubricants + in jeer + micronized purified flavonoid fraction + sitz bath), type II, injection sclerotherapy & type III, surgery (open Hemorrhoidectomy). All degree hemorrhoids were first kept on conservative treatment and followed weekly for bleeding and hemorrhoid swelling. Only 38.57% required Injection sclerotherapy in cases where conservative treatment was failed, large hemorrhoid swelling (> 2cm size) seen on first proctoscopy and in cases where frequent fresh bleeding episodes found either on every 2nd-3rd day or every passage of stool. Strangulated bleeding hemorrhoids dealt with anal strapping, conservative treatment and later with injection sclerotherapy, which was given after resolution of bleeding and strangulation. Open hemorrhoidectomy was done in non-compliant and in patients with exclusive external hemorrhoids.Conclusions: Although conservative oral therapy has been given appreciating results but in adjunct with injection sclerotherapy the optimal results were promising.
Congenital choledochal malformations in children: management strategies
Authors: Rawat Jiledar , Singh Sudhir , Chaubey Digamber 
Published: October 2017

Background: A Congenital Choledochal Malformations (CCM) is common congenital defect of biliary tree in Asian subcontinent. Presentations of CCM are vague from asymptomatic to life threatening cholangitis or pancreatitis. Complete cyst excision and bilioenteric anastomosis is now accepted surgical treatment.Methods: This is a retrospective study of five years duration. In this study the clinical presentation, haematological, biochemical and radiological findings, operative procedure and outcome were studied from case records.Results: Total of 20 patients were studied, with clinical presentation of recurrent abdominal pain in eight cases, previous history of cholangitis in five cases, acute cholangitis two cases, biliary peritonitis in four cases and previous history of pancreatitis in one case. In 13 cases Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ) and in 4 cases hepaticoduodenostomy (HD) done after cyst excision. One case of type II CCM managed with only cyst excision, in two cases Lilly’s procedure, one case requires temporary external drainage and in two cases temporary internal drainage done in view on cholangitis and jaundice.Conclusions: However, the definitive treatment of CCM is complete cyst excision and bilioenteric anastomosis, though lot of other temporary majors are also required at different stages of disease.
Fistula in ano: open method compared to lift method ligation of intersphincteric fistula track
Authors: Potula Vigna Sai 
Published: October 2017

Background: To compare fistula in ano open method with lift method ligation of intersphincteric fistula track.Methods: This is a prospective study which consisted of 70 patients suffering from fistula-in-ano who were admitted to surgery department. All patients above 18 years of age, cases of transsphincteric low anal fistula, maturation of tract were included in the study.Results: In this study, 60 patients were included totally, of which, 10 patients were excluded as 5 patients had tuberculosis, 2 had Crohn’s disease and 3 were excluded as they lost follow up. Hence, 50 patients were included in the study. 40 were males and 10 were females with a male to female ratio of 4:1 in this study. The average age of fistula in ano was 45.34±10.39 years. The incidence of fistula in ano was maximum in the age group of 46-55 years. The minimum incidence was in the age < 30 years. The most common primary fistula is intersphincteric track (46%), followed by transsphincteric track (42%). The most common type of fistula in ano patients was discharge from the tract which was in all patients, in others, perianal pain and bleeding was observed. Fistula in ano can be divided into low and high level of fistula. High level of fistula-in-ano was found in 64 % of patients and low level of fistula-in-ano was found in 36% of patients. Recurrence was seen in 6 patients with high suprasphincteric track who were ligated below the internal opening and 10 patients had a recurrence with transsphincteric track of which 6 were obese which made identifying the fistula track difficult.Conclusions: The LIFT procedure is advantageous as no chance of incontinence prevails as the infective focus is removed without dividing any part of sphincter complex, other advantages are that it is easy to learn, perform, safe, high healing rate, low morbidity and easily treat fistula in ano at primary health care level.
A pharmacokinetic study to examine nicotine delivery from e cigarettes and a conventional cigarette in healthy subjects during a brief period of ad libitum use
Authors: Fearon Ian M. , Nides Mitch , Eldridge Alison , Camacho Oscar M. , Murphy James , Proctor Christopher J. 
Published: October 2017

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Smoking is a leading cause of numerous human disorders including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Nicotine is primarily responsible for the addictive properties of cigarette smoking whereas other chemical constituents of the cigarette smoke are considered responsible for disease development. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) deliver a vapour containing nicotine and which is considered to contain significantly less chemical toxicants compared to cigarette smoke. This study will investigate nicotine delivery from a novel e-cigarette device and compare it to that from both a commercially-available e-cigarette and a combustible cigarette.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This study will examine nicotine pharmacokinetics in subjects while either smoking a cigarette or using one of 5 different e-cigarettes for up to 5 minutes ad libitum. The study is a single-centre, randomised controlled clinical study with a crossover design. Subjects of either gender will be aged 22–55 years (minimum legal smoking age in CA plus 1 year) and a verified smoking status (assessed by exhaled breath CO and urinary cotinine levels). Subjects will be judged to be healthy by medical history, physical examination, vital signs, ECG and clinical biochemistry tests. The primary objectives are to characterize the kinetics of nicotine absorption into the blood of subjects using different e-cigarettes or smoking a cigarette; and to compare nicotine delivery from different e-cigarettes with one another and with that from a conventional cigarette. </p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Data from this study will advance our scientific understanding of the pharmacokinetics of nicotine in smokers who use different types of e-cigarettes.</p>
Educational needs assessment of faculty members in Ardabil University of Medical Sciences
Authors: Y. Shafaei-Khanghah , A. Enteshari-Moghaddam , F. Nasl Seraji , F. Amani , H. Ghobadi , E. Farzaneh 
Published: October 2017

Background: Identifying the educational needs is an essential step in planning faculty development programs and plays an important role in promoting the quality of education and can help educational planners to be able to design effective strategies based on available resources and provide effective training. The aim of this study was to determine the educational needs of faculty members in medical school of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study that has been done on 88 faculty academic members in two clinical and basic groups Data collected by a questionnaire and collected data were analyzed using statistical methods in SPSS.20. Results: 53.4% of cases were in group clinical and rests of them were in basic group. 75% of cases were male and rest of them were female. 57% had more than 10 years of work experience. There was a significant difference between two groups in the field of research in the area ethics in research and in the field of information technology in the area of using electronic resources between two groups. Based on the prioritization of the needs within the clinical and basic academic members, the greatest need in both groups was related to the writing of scientific texts in English. Also, the lowest priorities within the clinical and basic members were the familiarity with English journals (26.8%) and the use of electronic resources (27.7%). Conclusions: Results showed that the level and type of needs among university faculty members fits with the needs of the faculty members in other universities that is required to response the needs of clinical and basic professors, necessary educational and research actions based on the priorities in 6 areas will happen in future.
Preferences of pregnant women regarding mode of delivery: a questionnaire based study
Authors: Dogra Poojan , Sharma Reena 
Published: October 2017

<p><strong>Background: </strong>The rising rate of caesarean section is the subject of concern worldwide. The aim of our study was to know the knowledge, attitude and preferences of pregnant women towards the mode of delivery in a tertiary care centre and hence to see weather this is a contributing factor towards rinsing trend of caesarean delivery or not. </p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a prospective questionnaire study conducted on 100 antenatal women in third trimester who attended the antenatal clinic in SLBS GMC Mandi at Nerchowk from 1<sup>st</sup> June, 2017 to 1<sup>st</sup> September 2017.The information regarding socio-demographic profile, obstetric history, knowledge and attitude statements towards vaginal delivery and caesarean section was collected and analysed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Total of 100 women was interviewed in our study. Out of these, majority (85%) had received education up to High school and above. Majority of the women (90%) had the positive attitude towards vaginal delivery. The most frequently mentioned source of information about the mode of delivery was relatives and friends. Almost half of women agreed to the statement that vaginal delivery creates a more affectionate mother and baby relationship. Majority of women co-relate that caesarean section was associated with more complications and not good in long term outcome. Economic factors did not play an important role in deciding caesarean birth.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Majority of pregnant women interviewed were interested to deliver vaginally, while some women were indecisive due to lack of knowledge and some due to apprehension of labor pains during vaginal delivery wanted to undergo a caesarean section. Appropriate counselling of pregnant women and their partners will help in changing their outlook and make them a better judge while choosing their preferences.</p>
Complications following comminuted femoral shaft fractures treated with interlocking nail with or without inter fragmentary screw fixation for butterfly fragment: case series
Authors: Kaliamurthy Muthukumar , Elumalai Rajarajan , Subramaniyan Vijay Krishnan Arcot 
Published: October 2017

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> This case series is to highlight the complications following interfragmentary compression screw fixation for butterfly fragment while treating femoral shaft fractures with interlocking nail.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Twelve cases have been included in this study conducted in institute of orthopaedics and traumatology, MMC &amp; RGGGH, Chennai. All patients had shaft of femur fracture with butterfly fragment for which open reduction and interlocking nailing done. For 6 patients we applied interfragmentary screws for the butterfly fragment and in rest of the patients (6) patients we left the butterfly fragment in situ without disturbing the soft tissue attachment and bone grafting for the bone gap where ever necessary. We followed up the patient at 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 12 weeks, 6 months and 12 months.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> All the six patients fixed with inter fragmentary screws had wound infection and went for infected nonunion for which appropriate management was done including revision nailing or LRS application. Union was achieved in 12 to 16 months after various surgical interventions. Remaining six patients in whom interfragmentary screws were not applied and primary bone grafting when and where necessary was done, showed radiological union by three months.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Blood supply to large butterfly fragment is the main key for the healing process not the near normal anatomical reduction using interfragmentary screw for the butterfly fragment. Relative stability is enough for fracture union. In bone defects arising out of comminution primary bone grafting is essential for the bone healing. </p>
Respuesta: Los antioxidantes en el proceso de patologías oculares: revisión
Authors: Tur Elena , Volchegorskii I.A. 
Published: October 2017

Hemos podido leer con gran interés la revisión sistemática de Fernández-Araque A et al en la revista que ustedes dirigen (Ana Fernández-Araque, Andrea Giaquinta Aranda, Consuelo Laudo Pardos y Abel A. Rojo Aragüs Los antioxidantes en el proceso de patologías oculares: revisión. Nutrición Hospitalaria, 2017, Volume 34, Issue 2, Pages 469-478). Podemos decir que nos ha impresionado y causado gran respeto el planteamiento analítico de este trabajo y de su metodología.
Optimization of the Horizontal-Well Hydraulic-Fracture Geometry From Caprock-Integrity Point of View Using Fully Coupled 3D Cohesive Elements
Authors: Saberhosseini Seyed Erfan , Mohammadrezaei Hossein , Saeidi Omid , Zadeh Nadia Shafie , Senobar Ali 
Published: October 2017

Summary
Pre-analysis of the geometry of a hydraulically induced fracture, including fracture width, length, and height, plays a crucial role in a successful hydraulic-fracturing (HF) operation. Besides the geometry of the fracture, the injection rate should be optimal for obtaining desired results such as maintaining sufficient aperture for proppant placement, avoiding screenouts or proppant bridging, and also preventing caprock-integrity failure as a result of an extensively uncontrolled fracture in reservoirs. A sophisticated numerical model derived from the cohesive-elements method has been developed and validated using field data to obtain an insight on the optimal fracture geometry and injection rate that can lead to a safe and efficient operation. The HF operation has been conducted in an oil field in the Persian Gulf with the aim of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) from a limestone reservoir with low matrix permeability in a horizontal wellbore. The concept of the cohesive-elements method with pore pressure as an additional degree of freedom has been applied to a 3D fully coupled HF model to estimate fracture geometry, specifically fracture height as a function of the optimal injection rate in a reservoir porous medium. It was observed that by increasing injection rate, all the fracture-geometry parameters steeply increased, but the fracture height must be controlled to be in the reservoir domain and not surpass the caprock and sublayer. For the reservoir under study with the maximum height of 100 m, length of 250 m, width of 100 m, permeability of 2 md, and porosity of 10%, the optimal fracture height is 73.4 m; the average fracture width and half-length are 12.8 mm and 55.4 m, respectively. Therefore, the optimal injection rate derived from the fracture height and geometry is in this case 4.5 bbl/min. The computed fracture pressure (49.55 MPa = 7,283.85 psi) has been compared with the field fracture pressure (51.02 MPa = 7,500 psi), and the error obtained for these two values is 2.88%, which showed a very good agreement.