bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A hybrid phantom system for patient skin and organ dosimetry in fluoroscopically guided interventions
Authors: Borrego David , Siragusa Daniel A. , Balter Stephen , Bolch Wesley E. 
Published: June 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate calibrations for improved estimates of skin dose and to develop software for computing absorbed organ doses for fluoroscopically guided interventions (FGIs) with the use of radiation dose structured reports (RDSR) and the UF/NCI family of hybrid computational phantoms.Methods and materialsInstitutional review board approval was obtained for this retrospective study in which ten RDSRs were selected for their high cumulative reference air kerma values. Skin doses were computed using the University of Florida's rapid in‐clinic peak skin dose algorithm (or UF‐RIPSA). Kerma‐area product (KAP) meter calibrations and attenuation of the tabletop with pad were incorporated into the UF‐RIPSA. To compute absorbed organ doses the RDSRs were coupled with software to develop Monte Carlo input decks for each irradiation event. The effects of spectrum matching were explored by modeling (a) a polychromatic x‐ray energy beam made to match measured first half‐value layers of aluminum, (b) an unmatched spectrum, (c) and a mono‐energetic beam equivalent to the effective x‐ray energy. The authors also considered the practicality of computing organ doses for each irradiation event within a RDSR.ResultsThe KAP meter is highly dependent on the quality of the x‐ray spectra. Monte Carlo based attenuation coefficients for configurations in which the beam is transmitted through the tabletop with pad reduced the amount by which the software overestimated skin doses. For absorbed organ dose computations, the average ratios of computed organ doses for a non‐fitted to fitted spectrum and effective energy to fitted spectrum were 0.45 and 0.03, respectively. Monte Carlo simulations on average took 38 min per patient. All in‐field organ tallies converged with a relative error of less than 1% and out‐of‐field organs tallies within 10% relative error.ConclusionsThis work details changes to the UF‐RIPSA software that include an expanded library of computational phantoms, attenuation coefficients for tabletop with pad, and calibration curves for the KAP meter. For the computation of absorbed organ dose, it is possible to model each irradiation event separately on a patient‐dependent model that best morphometrically matches the patient, thus providing a full report of internal organ doses for FGI patients.
Effects of electronic device overuse by university students in relation to clinical status and anatomical variations of the median nerve and transverse carpal ligament
Authors: Woo Eugenia Hoi Chi , White Peter , Lai Christopher Wai Keung 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTIntroductionThis study investigates the results of a questionnaire, provocative tests, and ultrasonographic measurements of carpal tunnel morphological parameters in intensive and nonintensive electronic device users.MethodsForty‐eight university students (equal numbers of intensive and nonintensive users, ≥5 h/day and <5 h/day of electronic device usage, respectively) were randomly selected after questionnaire responses were received and evaluated clinically and by ultrasonography. All participants were right‐handed.ResultsIntensive users had significantly more positive results in Phalen's and Durkan's tests and reported more wrist/hand pain compared with nonintensive users (P < 0.05). Intensive users also had significantly larger median nerve cross‐sectional areas, flattening ratios, and perimeters as well as greater bowing of the transverse carpal ligament compared with nonintensive users (P < 0.05).DiscussionOveruse of electronic devices may adversely affect the median nerve within the carpal tunnel and the transverse carpal ligament, resulting in numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand. Caution may be warranted when using handheld electronic devices. Muscle Nerve 56: 873–880, 2017
Experience and psychological impact of anal cancer screening in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men: a qualitative study
Authors: Russo S. , Mccaffery K. , Ellard J. , Poynten M. , Prestage G. , Templeton D.J. , Hillman R. , Law C. , Grulich A.E. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveHuman papillomavirus–related anal cancer rates are increasing and are particularly high in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM/MSM), especially HIV‐positive individuals. Although screening programs for high‐risk populations have been advocated, concerns about possible adverse psychological consequences exist. This study aimed to investigate GBM/MSM's experience, understanding and emotional response to screening techniques for anal cancer to determine how best to minimise psychological distress in future programs.MethodsIn‐depth qualitative face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with 21 GBM/MSM participating in the “Study of the Prevention of Anal Cancer” in Sydney, Australia, between June 2013 and June 2014. Nonrandom, purposive sampling was used to ensure heterogeneity with respect to HIV status and screening test results. Framework analysis method was used to organise the data and identify emerging themes.ResultsKnowledge about anal cancer, human papillomavirus and the link between them was limited. Abnormal screening results affected participants' sense of well‐being and were associated with anxiety and concern about developing anal cancer. HIV‐negative men receiving abnormal results showed higher levels of distress compared to their HIV‐positive counterparts. Consultations with general practitioners about abnormal results had an important role in increasing participants' understanding and in moderating their anxiety.ConclusionAnal cancer screening should be accompanied by health education around anal cancer, its aetiology and the meaning of associated test results. Simple and effective communication strategies should be encouraged. Collaboration with general practitioners could assist the process of education and reporting test results.
Positive aspects of having had cancer: A mixed‐methods analysis of responses from the American Cancer Society Study of Cancer Survivors‐II (SCS‐II)
Authors: Adorno Gail , Lopez Ellen , Burg Mary Ann , Loerzel Victoria , Killian Michael , Dailey Amy B. , Iennaco Joanne D. , Wallace Cara , Sharma Dinghy Kristine B. , Stein Kevin 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveThis study focused on understanding positive aspects of cancer among a large, national sample of survivors, 2, 5, and 10 years' postcancer diagnosis, who responded to the American Cancer Society Study of Cancer Survivors ‐ II (SCS‐II) survey “Please tell us about any positive aspects of having cancer.”MethodsA sequential mixed methods approach examined (1) thematic categories of positive aspects from cancer survivors (n = 5149) and (2) variation in themes by sociodemographics, cancer type, stage of disease, and length of survivorship.ResultsThemes comprised 21 positive aspects within Thornton's typology of benefits that cancer survivors attribute to their illness: life perspectives, self, and relationships. New themes pertaining to gratitude and medical support during diagnosis and treatment, health‐related changes, follow‐up/surveillance, and helping others emerged that are not otherwise included in widely used existing benefit finding cancer scales. Gratitude and appreciation for life were the most frequently endorsed themes. Sociodemographics and stage of disease were associated with positive aspect themes. Themes were not associated with survivor cohorts.ConclusionsNo differences in perceived positive aspects across survivor cohorts suggest that positive aspects of cancer may exist long after diagnosis for many survivors. However, variation across sociodemographics and clinical variables suggests cancer survivors differentially experience positive aspects from their cancer diagnosis.Implications for cancer survivorsThis analysis provides new information about cancer survivors' perceptions of positive aspects from their cancer and factors associated with benefit finding and personal growth. This information can be useful in further refining quality‐of‐life measures and interventions for cancer survivors.
Changes in spiritual well‐being and psychological outcomes in ovarian cancer survivors
Authors: Davis Lauren Z. , Cuneo Michaela , Thaker Premal H. , Goodheart Michael J. , Bender David , Lutgendorf Susan K. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveBecause of the poor prognosis of ovarian cancer and concomitant distress, understanding contributors to positive well‐being is critical. This study examines spiritual growth as a domain of posttraumatic growth and its contribution to longitudinal emotional outcomes in ovarian cancer.MethodsOvarian cancer patients (N = 241) completed measures assessing spirituality (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Spiritual Well‐being−12; subscales: faith, meaning, and peace), depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale), cancer‐specific anxiety (Impact of Event Scale), and total mood disturbance (TMD; Profile of Mood States) prior to surgery and 1‐year postsurgery. Stressful life events in the year after diagnosis were measured at 1‐year postsurgery. Regressions examined the association between changes in spirituality and depression, anxiety, and TMD at 1‐year postsurgery. Additionally, spiritual change was examined as a moderator of the effect of recent life events on mood.ResultsIncreases in peace were related to lower depression (β = −.40, P < .001), anxiety (β = −.20, P = .004), and TMD (β = −.41, P < .001) at 1 year. Changes in meaning and faith were unrelated to all outcomes. Additionally, changes in peace moderated the effect of stressful life events on depression (β = −.14, P = .027), anxiety (β = −.16, P = .05), and TMD (β = −.17, P = .01), such that those with a high number of life events paired with a decrease in peace experienced the worst psychological outcomes at 1 year.ConclusionThese findings suggest that the quality of peace may be the most adaptive facet of spiritual growth in cancer patients. Furthermore, changes in peace appear to moderate the effect of life events on psychological well‐being.
Topical Silymarin Administration for Prevention of Capecitabine‐Induced Hand–Foot Syndrome: A Randomized, Double‐Blinded, Placebo‐Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Elyasi Sepideh , Shojaee Farzaneh Sadat Rezazadeh , Allahyari Abolghasem , Karimi Gholamreza 
Published: June 2017

Hand–foot syndrome (HFS) is a frequent dose‐limiting adverse reaction of capecitabine in patient with gastrointestinal cancers. Silymarin is a polyphenolic flavonoid extracted from the Silybum marianum that exhibits strong antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities. In this study, we evaluated silymarin efficacy in prevention of capecitabine‐induced HFS in patients with gastrointestinal cancers, as the first human study. During this pilot, randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled clinical trial, the effect of silymarin gel 1%, which is applied on the palms and soles twice daily starting at the first day of chemotherapy for 9 weeks, on HFS occurrence was assessed. Forty patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria assigned to the silymarin or placebo group. World Health Organization HFS grading scale scores were recorded at baseline and every 3 weeks during these 9 weeks. The median WHO HFS scores were significantly lower in silymarin group at the end of the 9th week (p < 0.05). The scores increased significantly in both placebo and silymarin groups during chemotherapy, but there was a delay for HFS development and progression in silymarin group. Prophylactic administration of silymarin topical formulation could significantly reduce the severity of capecitabine‐induced HFS and delays its occurrence in patients with gastrointestinal cancer after 9 weeks of application. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
After 12 consecutive miscarriages, a patient received immunosuppressive treatment and delivered an intact baby
Authors: Nakagawa Koji , Kuroda Keiji , Sugiyama Rikikazu , Yamaguchi Koushi 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimAn immune etiology for idiopathic recurrent miscarriage is an important issue because a fetus is allogenetically different from the mother. Type 1 T helper (Th1) and Type 2 (Th2) cells have important functions in immune responses and there is a general agreement that pregnancy is associated with Th2 cell dominance. The purpose of this case report is to establish the effectiveness of an immunosuppressive treatment for a patient who had 11 consecutive miscarriages despite several treatments, such as anticoagulation, that showed elevated Th1/Th2 cell ratios.MethodsThis patient visited our clinic following 11 consecutive miscarriages between 2009 and 2014 that occurred between 5 and 8 weeks’ gestation. The Th1/Th2 cell ratio was evaluated after the 12th conception and she received an immunosuppressive treatment (tacrolimus; 1 mg/d).ResultsThe Th1/Th2 cell ratio was elevated after the 12th conception, but the patient miscarried, with a normal karyotype of chorionic villi despite the immunosuppressive treatment. After the 13th conception, she began receiving treatment with 2 mg/d of tacrolimus at 4 weeks’ gestation, which was continued until delivery.ConclusionFor recurrent miscarriage cases that show an elevated Th1/Th2 cell ratio after achieving pregnancy, immunosuppressive treatment with tacrolimus could be effective.
An investigation of effort distribution among development phases: A four‐stage progressive software cost estimation model
Authors: Papatheocharous Efi , Bibi Stamatia , Stamelos Ioannis , Andreou Andreas S. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSoftware cost estimation is a key process in project management. Estimations in the initial project phases are made with a lot of uncertainty that influences estimation accuracy which typically increases as the project progresses in time. Project data collected during the various project phases can be used in a progressive time‐dependent fashion to train software cost estimation models. Our motivation is to reduce uncertainty and increase confidence based on the understanding of patterns of effort distributions in development phases of real‐world projects. In this work, we study effort distributions and suggest a four‐stage progressive software cost estimation model, adjusting the initial effort estimates during the development life‐cycle based on newly available data. Initial estimates are reviewed on the basis of the experience gained as development progresses and as new information becomes available. The proposed model provides an early, a post‐planning, a post‐specifications, and a post‐design estimate, while it uses industrial data from the ISBSG (R10) dataset. The results reveal emerging patterns of effort distributions and indicate that the model provides effective estimations and exhibits high explanatory value. Contributions in lessons learned and practical implications are also provided.
An area‐based intensity measure for incremental dynamic analysis under two‐dimensional ground motion input
Authors: Zhou Ying , Ge Pinglan , Li Mengjie , Han Jianping 
Published: June 2017

SummaryIncremental dynamic analysis (IDA) is a useful method in performance‐based earthquake engineering. IDA curves combine the intensity measure (IM) of ground motions with structural responses (as measured by engineering demand parameter) from nonlinear dynamic analysis. However, the curves display large record‐to‐record variability. And various IMs can lead to different results. Therefore, it is important to find a desirable IM to reduce the discreteness of the IDA results. So far, the studies on IM for IDA have been carried out by many scholars from scalar‐valued to vector‐valued, but few were based on 2‐dimensional ground motion input. To make the analysis more reasonable and practical as well as investigate the desirable IM under 2‐dimensional ground motion input, incremental dynamic analyses when ground motions are inputted in 2 directions should be investigated. In this paper, 2 combinational types of area‐based IM incorporating the influence of ground motion record components in secondary directions were proposed. To investigate the applicability, efficiency and desirable combinational form of the area‐based IM under 2‐dimensional ground motion input, incremental dynamic analysis were carried out using 2 reinforced concrete frames. Then the efficiency of the IMs was measured by the residual sum of squares and R2. It is concluded that the area‐based IM with a combination by the square root of the sum of the squares (SRSS) method is the most efficient for IDA under 2‐dimensional ground motion input. The methods and conclusions will provide significant reference for studying IMs under 2‐dimensional ground motion input. Further research will focus on the applicability of the area‐based IM for tall buildings whose higher modes need to be considered.
The Hair in the Sinus: Sharp‐Ended Rootless Head Hair Fragments can be Found in Large Amounts in Pilonidal Sinus Nests
Authors: Bosche Friederike , Luedi Markus M. , van der Zypen Dominic , Moersdorf Philipp , Krapohl Bjoern , Doll Dietrich 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPurposeHair has been identified as the causative agent of Pilonidal Sinus Disease (PSD). Stiffer, dark hair as well as hairiness has been postulated as causative factors. Astonishingly, despite the early clinical significance of this condition (Hodges in Boston Med Surg J 2:485–486, 1880), macroscopic and microscopic examinations of hair inside pilonidal sinus cavities have been scarce. The purpose of this study was to study the morphological aspects of the hair found in PSD in order to determine the origin of the hair.MethodsHair from inside pilonidal sinus cavities was collected intraoperatively from 20 PSD patients. Additionally, occipital, lumbar and intergluteal hair was harvested from the same patients and compared to the hair of volunteer‐matched pair patients admitted to the hospital at the same time for non‐PSD surgery. Intra‐ and intergroup variations of hair length were characterized with analysis of variance. Numbers and lengths of pilonidal sinus nest hair were recorded. Hair was examined clinically and with light and scanning electron microscopy using surface enhancing gold and carbon dust coating techniques.ResultsAnalysis of 624 pilonidal sinus nest hair samples from 20 independent sinus cavities revealed that hair within pilonidal sinus nests is rootless in 74%. Shorter hair was found inside the pilonidal sinus compared to other sites (length 0.9 ± 0.7 cm p < 0.0001). Furthermore, hair found inside of the sinus was significantly shorter than hair protruding from pores (p < 0.000). Hair samples show razor sharp but no broken or split ends. On electron microscopy, these spiky hair ends resemble cut hair ends. Pilonidal hair nests contained between 1 and over 400 hair fragments.ConclusionShort hair fragments with rootless sharp cut ends were found within pilonidal sinus cavities. Morphologically, these fragments resemble short cut rather than intact body hair. Since short cut hair, e.g., derived from the head potentially enters the pilonidal cavity more easily than longer hair, the source of these cut hair fragments needs to be eliminated when aiming to prevent Pilonidal Sinus Disease.
Central Hepatectomy Still Plays an Important Role in Treatment of Early‐Stage Centrally Located Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Chun‐Han , Huang Tzu‐Hao , Chang Cheng‐Chih , Li Wei‐Feng , Lin Ting‐Lung , Wang Chih‐Chi 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundSurgical management of centrally located hepatocellular carcinoma (CL‐HCC) poses a great challenge. Major hepatectomy (MH) might compromise future remnant liver volume (FRLV), while the long‐term benefits of central hepatectomy (CH) had not been well demonstrated.MethodsConsecutive patients with early‐stage CL‐HCC who underwent liver resection were enrolled. Fifteen patients underwent CH, while thirty‐three were subjected to MH. All relevant clinicopathological variables were analyzed. Disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of both groups were compared.ResultsThere were no differences between CH and MH in terms of predisposing liver disease, tumor size, blood loss, complication rate and vascular invasion. Mean FRLV increased from 40.9 to 69.2% by using CH resection lines. The parenchymal transection time is longer in CH. There were no differences of DFS between two groups. The 5‐year OS rates of CH and MH were 93.3 and 62.6%, respectively. MH was a poor prognostic factor.ConclusionsCH is a relatively time‐consuming and technique‐demanding procedure, but excellent long‐term survival could be achieved. CH could increase liver volume preservation without compromising intra‐hepatic recurrence. In an endemic area of hepatitis and cirrhosis, CH should still play an important role in surgical treatment of CL‐HCC.
Maternal SSRI exposure increases the risk of autistic offspring: A meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Andalib S. , Emamhadi M.R. , Yousefzadeh-Chabok S. , Shakouri S.K. , Høilund-Carlsen P.F. , Vafaee M.S. , Michel T.M. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackground:Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most common antidepressants used to preclude maternal pregnancy depression. There is a growing body of literature assessing the association of prenatal exposure to SSRIs with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The present systematic review and meta-analysis reviewed the medical literature and pooled the results of the association of prenatal exposure to SSRIs with ASD.Methods:Published investigations in English by June 2016 with keywords of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SSRI, autism spectrum disorder, ASD, pregnancy, childhood, children, neurodevelopment were identified using databases PubMed and PMC, MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar. Cochran's Q statistic-value (Q), degree of freedom (df), and I2 indices (variation in odds ratio [OR] attributable to heterogeneity) were calculated to analyze the risk of heterogeneity of the within- and between-study variability. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported by a Mantel–Haenszel test.Results:There was a non-significant heterogeneity for the included studies ([Q = 3.61, df = 6, P = 0.730], I2 = 0%). The pooled results showed a significant association between prenatal SSRI exposure and ASD (OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.59–2.10, Z = 8.49, P = 0.00).Conclusion:The evidence from the present study suggests that prenatal exposure to SSRIs is associated with a higher risk of ASD.