bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Des citoyens législateurs
Authors: Peretz Pauline 
Published: April 2017

Les années 1970 sont marquées aux États-Unis par un renouveau de l’utilisation des instruments de démocratie directe. En Californie, en particulier, l’initiative populaire est utilisée par des groupes citoyens pour décliner au niveau de l’État des mesures de moralisation de la vie politique déjà adoptées à l’échelon fédéral. Deux conceptions de l’initiative coexistent, portées par des organisations très différentes qui font pourtant alliance en vue de l’adoption du Political Reform Act de 1974 : une conception progressiste selon laquelle l’initiative doit être utilisée en cas de blocage des institutions représentatives, et une conception populiste qui privilégie par principe le recours à cet instrument pour contourner des élus jugés sourds aux attentes citoyennes.
Genesis of diamond dust, ice fog and thick cloud episodes observed and modelled above Dome C, Antarctica
Authors: Ricaud Philippe , Bazile Eric , del Guasta Massimo , Lanconelli Christian , Grigioni Paolo , Mahjoub Achraf 
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Episodes of thick cloud and diamond dust/ice fog were observed during 15 March to 8 April 2011 and 4 to 5 March 2013 in the atmosphere above Dome C (Concordia station, Antarctica; 75°06′ S, 123°21′ E; 3233 m a.m.s.l.). The objectives of the paper are mainly to investigate the processes that cause these episodes based on observations and to verify whether operational models can evaluate them. The measurements were obtained from the following instruments: (1) a ground-based microwave radiometer (HAMSTRAD, H2O Antarctica Microwave Stratospheric and Tropospheric Radiometers) installed at Dome C that provided vertical profiles of tropospheric temperature and absolute humidity every 7 min; (2) daily radiosoundings launched at 12:00 UTC at Dome C; (3) a tropospheric aerosol lidar that provides aerosol depolarization ratio along the vertical at Dome C; (4) down- and upward short- and long-wave radiations as provided by the Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN) facilities; (5) an ICE-CAMERA to detect at an hourly rate the size of the ice crystal grains deposited at the surface of the camera; and (6) space-borne aerosol depolarization ratio from the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) lidar aboard the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) platform along orbits close to the Dome C station. The time evolution of the atmosphere has also been evaluated by considering the outputs from the mesoscale AROME and the global-scale ARPEGE meteorological models. Thick clouds are detected during the warm and wet periods (24–26 March 2011 and 4 March 2013) with high depolarization ratios (greater than 30 %) from the surface to 5–7 km above the ground associated with precipitation of ice particles and the presence of a supercooled liquid water (depolarization less than 10 %) clouds. Diamond dust and/or ice fog are detected during the cold and dry periods (5 April 2011 and 5 March 2013) with high depolarization ratios (greater than 30 %) in the planetary boundary layer to a maximum altitude of 100–300 m above the ground with little trace of precipitation. Considering 5-day back trajectories, we show that the thick cloud episodes are attributed to air masses with an oceanic origin whilst the diamond dust/ice fog episodes are attributed to air masses with continental origins. Although operational models can reproduce thick cloud episodes in the free troposphere, they cannot evaluate the diamond dust/ice fog episodes in the planetary boundary layer because they require to use more sophisticated cloud and aerosol microphysics schemes.
Postoperative Esotropia: Initial Overcorrection or Consecutive Esotropia?
Authors: Jeon Hyeshin , Choi Heeyoung 
Published: April 2017

Purpose To investigate the length of time required for diagnosing consecutive esotropia rather than initial overcorrection and examine risk factors for persistent postoperative esotropia after intermittent exotropia surgery. Methods This is a retrospective case series in a tertiary medical center. Fifty consecutive patients with postoperative esotropia ≥6 prism diopters at 1 week following exotropia surgery, managed with nonsurgical management and followed up for more than 6 months from 2014 to 2015, were included. Patients were allocated to 1 of 2 groups depending on whether the postoperative esotropia was resolved at 1 month after surgery. Patients with ongoing nonsurgical management were reevaluated monthly. Timing that significant resolution occurred was assessed. Clinical characteristics and motor and sensory successes were evaluated at 6 months after surgery. Results Thirty-two patients were allocated to group 1 and 18 to group 2. Significant resolution occurred between 1 week and 1 month after surgery. Patients were older and preoperative deviation at distance was larger in group 2 than in group 1 (p = 0.006 and 0.015). A significantly larger proportion of patients in group 2 showed combined vertical deviation (p = 0.019). Motor and sensory success rates were comparable. Conclusions When initial postoperative esotropia persists for more than 1 month, it should be regarded as consecutive esotropia. Older age, a larger preoperative deviation, and concurrent vertical deviation are risk factors for persistent postoperative esodeviations. Therefore, more postoperative attention should be given to these patients.
Relationship between Corneal Biomechanical Properties and Optic Nerve Head Changes after Deep Sclerectomy
Authors: Díez-Álvarez Laura , Muñoz-Negrete Francisco J. , Casas-Llera Pilar , Oblanca Noelia , de Juan Victoria , Rebolleda Gema 
Published: April 2017

Purpose To evaluate corneal biomechanical properties and optic nerve head (ONH) changes following deep sclerectomy (DS) and the relation to each other. Methods Forty-nine eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma that underwent DS were studied. Corneal biomechanical properties were assessed using the Ocular Response Analyzer and the ONH was evaluated by Spectralis optical coherence tomography with enhanced depth imaging technology before surgery and 3 months postoperatively. Changes in corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), optic nerve cupping, prelaminar tissue thickness, and lamina cribrosa depth and thickness were registered. A correlation matrix and multiple linear regression models were used to determine predictors of ONH changes. Results At 3 months after surgery, mean corneal compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc) significantly decreased by 27.9% (p<00.001) and mean Goldmann-correlated IOP (IOPg) decreased by 30.52% (p<00.001). Mean CH increased and CRF decreased by 18.4% and 10.1%, respectively (p<00.001). There was a significant reversal of ONH cupping mainly due to a prelaminar tissue thickening (p<00.001). Significant associations were found between ONH cupping reversal and prelaminar tissue thickening with preoperative IOPcc (p = 0.046), IOPg (p = 0.02), and CRF (p = 0.002) and with changes in IOP, CH, and CRF (p<00.001, p = 0.004, p = 0.018, respectively) after surgery. Conclusions Corneal hysteresis increased and CRF decreased significantly 3 months after DS. Corneal resistance factor was the single largest preoperative factor influencing cupping reversal changes. Despite the influence of preoperative variables, postoperative IOP reduction was the only independent factor influencing changes observed in the ONH after surgery.
Prewound Assisted Technique for Hydrophobic Foldable Intraocular Lens Implantation
Authors: Shiba Takuya , Tsuneoka Hiroshi 
Published: April 2017

Purpose To describe a technique for intraocular lens (IOL) implantation that lessens the degree of surgical invasiveness by implanting a tightly rolled IOL through a small incision without touching the eye with the cartridge tip. Methods An IOL was inserted through an incision by first allowing the leading haptic to protrude slightly from the cartridge tip. It was then injected through the incision without allowing any part of the cartridge to touch the eye during IOL implantation. In one eye, the entire circumference of the beveled portion of the cartridge tip was inserted into the anterior chamber to implant the IOL, whereas in the other eye, the IOL was inserted through the incision by first allowing the leading haptic to protrude slightly from the cartridge tip. It was then injected through the incision without allowing any part of the cartridge to touch the eye during IOL implantation. We analyzed the incision width before and after IOL implantation and the degree of surgically induced astigmatism on the day after surgery and at 1 and 3 months after surgery. Results Using our technique, both the amount by which the wound was enlarged and the hydration rate were significantly lower compared with conventional IOL implantation. Our method enables IOL implantation to be carried out through a small incision at a width that was only previously possible with forcible insertion. Conclusions Our IOL implantation technique can be performed using both hands with no need to immobilize the eyeball.
Ahmed Valves vs Trabeculectomy Combined with Pans Plana Vitrectomy for Neovascular Glaucoma with Vitreous Hemorrhage
Authors: Wang Menghua H. , Li Qiuming M. , Dong Hongtao T. , Dong Shuqian Q. , Li Yang , Zheng Chunyan Y. 
Published: April 2017

Purpose Vitreous hemorrhage is common in advanced neovascular glaucoma (NVG), which has poor visual prognosis. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of 23-G pars planar vitrectomy (PPV) combined with either Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation or trabeculectomy after intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) treatment for NVG with vitreous hemorrhage. Methods This retrospective, nonrandomized study included 33 eyes of 33 patients with NVG with vitreous hemorrhage. After IVR treatment for 3-7 days, 18 eyes underwent PPV + AGV (AGV group) and 15 underwent PPV + trabeculectomy (trabeculectomy group). The success criterion was a postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) of 6-21 mm Hg, with or without antiglaucoma medication. Results Postoperative IOP decreased significantly in both groups, but the mean IOP after 12 months was significantly lower in the AGV group (16.92 ± 2.75 mm Hg) than the trabeculectomy group (21.50 ± 5.79 mm Hg; p = 0.018). The AGV group required fewer glaucoma medications than the trabeculectomy group. The cumulative probabilities of surgical success rates for the AGV and trabeculectomy groups at 12 months were 71.3% and 46.7%, respectively. No significant differences in postoperative complications were observed between the groups. Conclusions For NVG with vitreous hemorrhage, PPV with AGV implantation may reduce IOP more effectively than PPV with trabeculectomy.
Long-Term Visual Outcomes in Children with Primary Congenital Glaucoma
Authors: Yassin Sanaa A. 
Published: April 2017

Purpose To determine the long-term visual outcomes and risk factors for visual loss in children with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) who underwent angle surgery over a 21-year period. Methods This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent trabeculotomy, trabeculectomy, or combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy for PCG. Visual acuity (VA), surgeries, and underlying cause of visual impairment were recorded and compared. Main outcome measures were final best-corrected good VA (20/20 to 20/50), moderate VA (<20/50 to 20/200), or poor VA (<20/200); age at surgery, sex, laterality, type of initial glaucoma surgery, and number of surgeries were recorded. Results Fifty-three eyes were eligible to be included in the study. The mean logMAR VA was 0.61 ± 0.57. A good VA was attained in 51%, moderate VA in 30%, and poor VA in 19%. The main cause of visual impairment with VA <20/50 was deprivation amblyopia (64%). There was no association between VA level and status of success (controlled with or without medications) (p = 0.202). The mean spherical equivalent of refraction was -4.47 ± 5.66; myopia was the predominant refractive error (74%) and astigmatism >2 D (40%). A statistically significant high myopic shift was more frequent in the visually impaired group. None of the studied factors was statistically associated with moderate to poor visual outcome (all p>0.05). Conclusions A favorable VA outcome was achieved. Topical antiglaucoma medication has an adjuvant role in maintaining the success rate of surgery without risking the visual outcome. Corneal opacification and anisometropia were the cause of amblyopia.
Towards a Bioengineered Kidney: Recellularization Strategies for Decellularized Native Kidney Scaffolds
Authors: Fedecostante Michele , Onciu Oana G. , Westphal Koen G.C. , Masereeuw Rosalinde 
Published: April 2017

Patients with end-stage renal disease often undergo dialysis as a partial substitute for kidney function while waiting for their only treatment option: a kidney transplant. Several research directions emerged for alternatives in support of the ever-growing numbers of patients. Recent years brought big steps forward in the field, with researchers questioning and improving the current dialysis devices as well as moving towards the design of a bioengineered kidney. Whole-organ engineering is also being explored as a possibility, making use of animal or human kidney scaffolds for engineering a transplantable organ. While this is not a new strategy, having been applied so far for thin tissues, it is a novel approach for complex organs such as the kidneys. Kidneys can be decellularized and the remaining scaffold consisting of an extracellular matrix can be repopulated with (autologous) cells, aiming at growing ex vivo a fully transplantable organ. In a broader view, such organs might also be used for a better understanding of fundamental biological concepts and disease mechanisms, drug screening and toxicological investigations, opening new pathways in the treatment of kidney disease. Decellularization of whole organs has been widely explored and described; therefore, this manuscript only briefly reviews some important considerations with an emphasis on scaffold decontamination, but focuses further on recellularization strategies. Critical aspects, including cell types and sources that can be used for recellularization, seeding strategies and possible applications beyond renal replacement are discussed.
Effect of Body Mass Index on the Outcome of Surgical Patients Receiving Extracorporeal Devices (VV ECMO, pECLA) for Respiratory Failure
Authors: Swol Justyna , Buchwald Dirk , Strauch Justus T. , Schildhauer Thomas A. , Ull Christopher 
Published: April 2017

Introduction To determine whether obese surgical patients are at a significant disadvantage in terms of outcomes after extracorporeal device (ECD) support, such as veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) or pumpless extracorporeal lung assist (pECLA), for respiratory failure, the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and hospital outcomes was analyzed. Methods This retrospective study included data on patients who were supported with an ECD between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2014. The analysis included 89 patients (74 male). Results The median BMI was 30 kg/m2 (19–88.5). The median duration of the ECD support was 9.0 days, with a maximum of 37.1 days. The median LOS (length of stay) in the intensive care unit (ICU) was 21 days (range 0.06–197.6). The median hospital LOS was 34.9 days (range 0.1–213.8). VV ECMO was performed 72 times, and pECLA was performed 18 times. The number of patients successfully weaned off the ECD was 54 (60.6%). Survival at the discharge from the hospital was 48.3%. Conclusions 54 (60.6%) patients were successfully weaned off the ECD; 43 (48.3%) patients survived and were discharged from the hospital. The analysis of correlations between BMI and outcomes of surgical patients treated with ECD showed no association between BMI and mortality. Complications (especially oxygenator clotting) were not more frequent in obese and extremely obese patients. We hypothesized that patients with higher or morbid BMIs would have increased mortality after ECD support. A BMI of 30.66 kg/m2 corresponded to the desired sensitivity and specificity to predict mortality. This finding applied only to the study group. Treatment with ECD in obese patients presents unique challenges, including percutaneous cannulation and increased staff requirements. However, based on these data, obesity should not be an exclusion criterion for ECD therapy.
Stopping Conventional Showering Decreases Pseudomonas Infections in left Ventricular Assist Device Patients
Authors: Aburjania Nana , Sherazi Saadia , Tchantchaleishvili Vakhtang , Alexis Jeffrey D. , Hay Christine M. 
Published: April 2017

Background Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) exit-site infections represent a major challenge in the era of modern LVADs. Infections caused by Pseudomonas are particularly difficult to treat due to limited antibiotic susceptibility. We hypothesized that keeping the LVAD exit site dry while bathing could result in reduced incidence of Pseudomonas infections. Methods Starting in April 2013, all patients who underwent placement of HeartMate II (HM II) LVAD were instructed not to take conventional showers and to keep the exit site dry while bathing. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent HeartMate II LVAD implantation at our institution. Overall and Pseudomonas exit-site infections were compared between two groups: Group 1 was implanted with an LVAD prior to intervention (4/1/2013) and Group 2 after the intervention. Both groups were subjected to cumulative hazard analysis and compared using log-rank test. Results From November 2006 to September 2015, 283 patients underwent HM II LVAD placement at a single institution (Group 1, 163 patients; Group 2, 120 patients). Median age was 59 years (interquartile range [IQR] 50–65), and 57 (20%) were female. Overall, driveline infection was noted in 86 (30%) patients. Pseudomonas was the causative or coexisting organism in 16 (6%) patients. Median days to infection were 347 (IQR, 162–568). Driveline infection was identified in 69 (42%) patients in Group 1 and 17 (14 %) in Group 2. Pseudomonas was an infectious organism in 15 (9%) patients of Group 1 and one (1%) patient of Group 2. The incidence of Pseudomonas exit-site infections (p = 0.077) decreased substantially after the intervention. Conclusions Stopping conventional showering may reduce the rate of Pseudomonas LVAD exit-site infections. Additional, multi-institutional data are needed to further evaluate these findings.
Characterization of a Rare Nonpathogenic Sequence Variant (c.1905C>T) of the Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase Gene (DPYD)
Authors: Palmirotta Raffaele , Lovero Domenica , Silvestris Erica , Carella Claudia , Felici Claudia , Quaresmini Davide , Cafforio Paola , Silvestris Franco 
Published: April 2017

Background In the era of precision medicine, the suitability of fluoropyrimidine therapies in clinical oncology can be checked by pharmacogenetic investigations of single patients, thus optimizing resources and indicating the appropriate drugs to personalize their chemotherapy. For example, the presence of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase gene ( DPYD) polymorphisms in cancer patients may lead to adverse effects when adopting fluoropyrimidine-based therapies. Methods We detected in a cancer patient a rare germline synonymous heterozygous variant of DPYD (c.1905C>T) in proximity to the exon 14 splice donor site. Because in silico analyses hypothesized potential deleterious effects of the splice site, we performed both quantitative and qualitative mRNA analyses to investigate the possible pathogenic nature of the variant. Results We did not detect any alterations in mRNA expression or in the cDNA sequence of DPYD gene transcript. Conclusions Our observations suggest that the c.1905C>T variant of DPYD does not have a pathogenic effect. Therefore, assessment of the clinical significance of rare sequence variants could emphasize the predictive value of DPYD gene alterations in identifying patients at potential risk for fluoropyrimidine-related toxicity.
Circulating Neuregulin-1 and Galectin-3 can be Prognostic Markers in Breast Cancer
Authors: De luliis Francesca , Salerno Gerardo , Taglieri Ludovica , Lanza Rosina , Cardelli Patrizia , Scarpa Susanna 
Published: April 2017

Background It is important to identify novel plasmatic biomarkers that can contribute to assessing the prognosis and outcome of breast cancer patients. Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) and galectin-3 (Gal-3) are proteins that are involved in breast cancer development and patient survival; therefore, we studied whether the serum concentration of these 2 proteins can be correlated to breast cancer progression. Methods Plasmatic NRG1 and Gal-3 were evaluated in 25 healthy controls and 50 breast cancer patients at baseline and at 3 and 6 months after treatment with anthracyclines and taxanes, with or without trastuzumab. Results NRG1 and Gal-3 were significantly more elevated in cancer patients than in healthy controls; furthermore, NRG1 and Gal-3 were significantly increased after chemotherapy and were predictive of mortality at 1 year. Conclusions Circulating NRG1 and Gal-3 can be additional biomarkers indicative of prognosis and outcomes for breast cancer patients.
Facile Synthesis of Reduced Graphene Oxide/Fe3O4 Nanocomposite Film
Authors: Ma Cunqing , Yang Kaiyu , Wang Lili , Wang Xin 
Published: April 2017

Background This study aims at proposing a facile method to prepare rGO/Fe3O4 composite film with adjusted magnetic properties and electronic conductivity. Methods Colloidal solution of graphene oxide (GO)/Fe3O4 nanoparticles (F-NPs) with a size in the range of 20-80 nm were prepared by a solution-blending method and heated step-by-step from room temperature to 60°C, 120°C and 160°C for 12 hours, respectively, to obtain a reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/F-NP composite film. The structure, morphology, components, magnetic properties and electrical conductivity of the composite films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, superconducting quantum interference devices and 4-probe instrument. Results The results indicated that the F-NPs were uniformly distributed on the graphene film, and the composite exhibited good ferromagnetic properties and conductivity, which could be adjusted easily via different loadings of F-NPs. A high content of F-NPs (200 mg) led to a strong saturation magnetization of 63.6 emu·g−1, with a coercivity of about 104.9 oersted (Oe). Whereas a high conductivity of 6.5 S·m−1was obtained at low amounts of F-NPs (40 mg). Notably, rGO/Fe3O4 composite film fabricated by this simple method is widely used in various fields including magnetoelectronics, electrochemical energy conversion and storage, and magnetic nanodevices and others. Conclusions A graphene-based film deposited by Fe3O4 nanoparticles with controllable loadings has been fabricated by a step-by-step heating treatment of GO/Fe3O4 colloidal solution.