bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors and clinical features of ovarian pregnancy: a case–control study
Authors: Zhu Qian , Li Cheng , Zhao Wei-Hong , Yuan Jiang-Jing , Yan Ming-Xing , Qin Guo-Juan , Zhang Jian 
Published: December 2014

ObjectiveTo identify risk factors for ovarian pregnancy (OP) and compare clinical features between OP and tubal pregnancy (TP) patients.DesignCase–control study.SettingUniversity hospital.ParticipantsA case–control study was conducted from January 2005 to May 2014. Women diagnosed with OP were recruited as the case group (n=71), 145 women with TP and 146 with intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) were matched as controls at a ratio of 1:2:2. Women who refused interviews or provided incomplete information were excluded.ResultsOP risk was lower than TP risk in women with serological evidence ofChlamydia trachomatisinfection (adjusted OR10.17, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.52), previous adnexal surgery (adjusted OR10.25, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.95), and current levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive use (adjusted OR10.24, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.78). In vitro fertilisation-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) carried a higher risk of OP (adjusted OR112.18, 95% CI 2.23 to 66.58) than natural conception. When Controlled by IUP women, current users of intrauterine devices (IUDs) carried a higher risk of OP than non-users of any contraceptives (adjusted OR29.60, 95% CI 1.76 to 42.20). β-Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels on the day of surgery were higher in OP patients than in TP patients (p<0.01). Women with OP were less likely to initially present with vaginal bleeding than those with TP (p=0.02). Moreover, shock (p=0.02), rupture (p<0.01), haemoperitoneum (p<0.01) and emergency laparotomy (p<0.01) were more common in the OP group than in the TP group.ConclusionsIVF-ET and IUD use may be risk factors for OP, and OP patients tend to have high β-hCG levels and a poor clinical outcome (shock, rupture, haemoperitoneum and need for emergency laparotomy). Our findings may contribute to the prevention and early diagnosis of OP.
The potential for the use of model fusion techniques in building and developing catastrophe models
Authors: Royse K. R. , Hillier J. K. , Hughes A. , Kingdon A. , Singh A. , Wang L. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Global economic losses related to natural hazards are large and increasing, peaking at US$380 billion in 2011 driven by earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand and flooding in Thailand. Catastrophe models are stochastic event-set based computer models, first created 25 years ago, that are now vital to risk assessment within the insurance and reinsurance industry. They estimate likely losses from extreme events, whether natural or man-made. Most catastrophe models limit the level of user interaction, stereotyped as ‘black boxes’. In this paper we investigate how model fusion techniques could be used to develop ‘plug and play’ catastrophe models and discuss the impact of open access modelling on the insurance industry and other stakeholders (e.g. local government).
Microvascular Complications and Their Associated Risk Factors in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Bansal Dipika , Gudala Kapil , Esam Hari Prasad , Nayakallu Ramya , Vyamusani Raja Vikram , Bhansali Anil 
Published: November 2014

The study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of microvascular complications and associated risk factors in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a public tertiary care hospital. All the recruited patients underwent extensive examination for the presence of microvascular complications like neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy. Prevalence of any complication was 18.04%. Prevalence of neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy was found to be 8.2%, 9.5%, and 2.8%, respectively. Triglycerides (OR, 1.01;P = 0.011) and old age (OR, 1.06;P ≤0.01) were significantly associated with any complication. Triglycerides were significantly associated with neuropathy (OR, 1.01;P = 0.05) and retinopathy (OR, 1.01;P =0.02). Being male posed high risk for nephropathy (OR, 0.06;P =0.01). These results are suggesting need of regular screening for microvascular complications.
Common Coupled Fixed Point Theorems for Two Hybrid Pairs of Mappings under φ-ψ Contraction
Authors: Deshpande Bhavana , Handa Amrish 
Published: November 2014

We introduce the concept of (EA) property and occasional w-compatibility for hybrid pair F:X×X→2X and f:X→X. We also introduce common (EA) property for two hybrid pairs F, G:X→2X and f, g:X→X. We establish some common coupled fixed point theorems for two hybrid pairs of mappings under φ-ψ contraction on noncomplete metric spaces. An example is also given to validate our results. We improve, extend and generalize several known results. The results of this paper generalize the common fixed point theorems for hybrid pairs of mappings and essentially contain fixed point theorems for hybrid pair of mappings.
Optical Mammography Using Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy for Monitoring Tumor Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Women with Locally Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Schaafsma Boudewijn E. , van de Giessen Martijn , Charehbili Ayoub , Smit Vincent T.H.B.M. , Kroep Judith R. , Lelieveldt Boudewijn P.F. , Liefers Gerrit-Jan , Chan Alan , Löwik Clemens W.G.M. , Dijkstra Jouke , van de Velde Cornelis J.H. , Wasser Martin N.J.M. , Vahrmeijer Alexander L. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Purpose: Diffuse optical spectroscopy (DOS) has the potential to enable monitoring of tumor response during chemotherapy, particularly in the early stages of treatment. This study aims to assess feasibility of DOS for monitoring treatment response in HER2-negative breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and compare DOS with tumor response assessment by MRI.
Experimental Design: Patients received NAC in six cycles of 3 weeks. In addition to standard treatment monitoring by dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), DOS scans were acquired after the first, third, and last cycle of chemotherapy. The primary goal was to assess feasibility of DOS for early assessment of tumor response. The predictive value of DOS and DCE-MRI compared with pathologic response was assessed.
Results: Of the 22 patients, 18 patients had a partial or complete tumor response at pathologic examination, whereas 4 patients were nonresponders. As early as after the first chemotherapy cycle, a significant difference between responders and nonresponders was found using DOS (HbO2 86% ± 25 vs. 136% ± 25, P = 0.023). The differences between responders and nonresponders continued during treatment (halfway treatment, HbO2 68% ± 22 vs. 110% ± 10, P = 0.010). Using DCE-MRI, a difference between responders and nonresponders was found halfway treatment (P = 0.005) using tumor volume measurement calculations.
Conclusions: DOS allows for tumor response assessment and is able to differentiate between responders and nonresponders after the first chemotherapy cycle and halfway treatment. In this study, DOS was equally effective in predicting tumor response halfway treatment compared with DCE-MRI. Therefore, DOS may be used as a novel imaging modality for (early) treatment monitoring of NAC. Clin Cancer Res; 21(3); 577–84. ©2014 AACR.
Manipulating the Tumor Microenvironment Ex Vivo for Enhanced Expansion of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes for Adoptive Cell Therapy
Authors: Chacon Jessica Ann , Sarnaik Amod A. , Chen Jie Qing , Creasy Caitlin , Kale Charuta , Robinson John , Weber Jeffrey , Hwu Patrick , Pilon-Thomas Shari , Radvanyi Laszlo 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Purpose: Cultured tumor fragments from melanoma metastases have been used for years as a source of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) for adoptive cell therapy (ACT). The expansion of tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells with interleukin-2 (IL2) in these early cultures is critical in generating clinically active TIL infusion products, with a population of activated 4-1BB CD8+ T cells recently found to constitute the majority of tumor-specific T cells.
Experimental Design: We used an agonistic anti–4-1BB antibody added during the initial tumor fragment cultures to provide in situ 4-1BB costimulation.
Results: We found that addition of an agonistic anti–4-1BB antibody could activate 4-1BB signaling within early cultured tumor fragments and accelerated the rate of memory CD8+ TIL outgrowth that were highly enriched for melanoma antigen specificity. This was associated with NFκB activation and the induction of T-cell survival and memory genes, as well as enhanced IL2 responsiveness, in the CD8+ T cells in the fragments and emerging from the fragments. Early provision of 4-1BB costimulation also affected the dendritic cells (DC) by activating NFκB in DC and promoting their maturation inside the tumor fragments. Blocking HLA class I prevented the enhanced outgrowth of CD8+ T cells with anti–4-1BB, suggesting that an ongoing HLA class I–mediated antigen presentation in early tumor fragment cultures plays a role in mediating tumor-specific CD8+ TIL outgrowth.
Conclusions: Our results highlight a previously unrecognized concept in TIL ACT that the tumor microenvironment can be dynamically regulated in the initial tumor fragment cultures to regulate the types of T cells expanded and their functional characteristics. Clin Cancer Res; 21(3); 611–21. ©2014 AACR.
The Forcing of Southwestern Asia Teleconnections by Low-Frequency Sea Surface Temperature Variability during Boreal Winter
Authors: Hoell Andrew , Funk Chris , Barlow Mathew 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Southwestern Asia, defined here as the domain bounded by 20°–40°N and 40°–70°E, which includes the nations of Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, is a water-stressed and semiarid region that receives roughly 75% of its annual rainfall during November–April. The November–April climate of southwestern Asia is strongly influenced by tropical Indo-Pacific variability on intraseasonal and interannual time scales, much of which can be attributed to sea surface temperature (SST) variations. The influences of lower-frequency SST variability on southwestern Asia climate during November–April Pacific decadal SST (PDSST) variability and the long-term trend in SST (LTSST) is examined. The U.S. Climate Variability and Predictability Program (CLIVAR) Drought Working Group forced global atmospheric climate models with PDSST and LTSST patterns, identified using empirical orthogonal functions, to show the steady atmospheric response to these modes of decadal to multidecadal SST variability. During November–April, LTSST forces an anticyclone over southwestern Asia, which results in reduced precipitation and increases in surface temperature. The precipitation and tropospheric circulation influences of LTSST are corroborated by independent observed precipitation and circulation datasets during 1901–2004. The decadal variations of southwestern Asia precipitation may be forced by PDSST variability, with two of the three models indicating that the cold phase of PDSST forces an anticyclone and precipitation reductions. However, there are intermodel circulation variations to PDSST that influence subregional precipitation patterns over the Middle East, southwestern Asia, and subtropical Asia. Changes in wintertime temperature and precipitation over southwestern Asia forced by LTSST and PDSST imply important changes to the land surface hydrology during the spring and summer.
A new computational decoding complexity measure of convolutional codes
Authors: Benchimol Isaac B , Pimentel Cecilio , Souza Richard Demo , Uchôa-Filho Bartolomeu F 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
This paper presents a computational complexity measure of convolutional codes well suitable for software implementations of the Viterbi algorithm (VA) operating with hard decision. We investigate the number of arithmetic operations performed by the decoding process over the conventional and minimal trellis modules. A relation between the complexity measure defined in this work and the one defined by McEliece and Lin is investigated. We also conduct a refined computer search for good convolutional codes (in terms of distance spectrum) with respect to two minimal trellis complexity measures. Finally, the computational cost of implementation of each arithmetic operation is determined in terms of machine cycles taken by its execution using a typical digital signal processor widely used for low-power telecommunications applications.
Effects of massage therapy and occlusal splint therapy on electromyographic activity and the intensity of signs and symptoms in individuals with temporomandibular disorder and sleep bruxism: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: de Paula Gomes Cid André Fidelis , El Hage Yasmin , Amaral Ana Paula , Politti Fabiano , Biasotto-Gonzalez Daniela Aparecida 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Temporomandibular disorder (TDM) is the most common source of orofacial pain of a non-dental origin. Sleep bruxism is characterized by clenching and/or grinding the teeth during sleep and is involved in the perpetuation of TMD. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of massage therapy, conventional occlusal splint therapy and silicone occlusal splint therapy on electromyographic activity in the masseter and anterior temporal muscles and the intensity of signs and symptoms in individuals with severe TMD and sleep bruxism.

Methods
Sixty individuals with severe TMD and sleep bruxism were randomly distributed into four treatment groups: 1) massage group, 2) conventional occlusal splint group, 3) massage + conventional occlusal splint group and 4) silicone occlusal splint group. Block randomization was employed and sealed opaque envelopes were used to conceal the allocation. Groups 2, 3 and 4 wore an occlusal splint for four weeks. Groups 1 and 3 received three weekly massage sessions for four weeks. All groups were evaluated before and after treatment through electromyographic analysis of the masseter and anterior temporal muscles and the Fonseca Patient History Index. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the effects of the different treatments and repeated-measures ANOVA was used to determine the intensity of TMD.

Results
The inter-group analysis of variance revealed no statistically significant differences in median frequency among the groups prior to treatment. In the intra-group analysis, no statistically significant differences were found between pre-treatment and post-treatment evaluations in any of the groups. Group 3 demonstrated a greater improvement in the intensity of TMD in comparison to the other groups.

Conclusion
Massage therapy and the use of an occlusal splint had no significant influence on electromyographic activity of the masseter or anterior temporal muscles. However, the combination of therapies led to a reduction in the intensity of signs and symptoms among individuals with severe TMD and sleep bruxism.

Trial registration
This study is registered in August, 2014 in the ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01874041).
The early antibiotic therapy in septic patients - milestone or sticking point?
Authors: Bernhard Michael , Lichtenstern Christoph , Eckmann Christian , Weigand Markus A 
Published: November 2014

AbstractSepsis is one of the oldest and most elusive syndromes in medicine. Every effort should be made to treat these patients with the best available evidence. As a milestone, empiric antimicrobial therapy is essential in order to reduce morbidity and mortality of septic patients. As a sticking point, the use of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents may be associated with induction of resistance among common pathogens.
Combination of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and continuous renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients: a systematic review
Authors: Chen Han , Yu Rong-Guo , Yin Ning-Ning , Zhou Jian-Xin 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used in critically ill patients presenting acute cardiac and/or pulmonary dysfunctions, who are at high risk of developing acute kidney injury and fluid overload. Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is commonly used in intensive care units (ICU) to provide renal replacement and fluid management. We conducted a review to assess the feasibility, efficacy and safety of the combination of ECMO and CRRT and to illustrate the indications and methodology of providing renal replacement therapy during the ECMO procedure.

Method
We searched for all published reports of a randomized controlled trial (RCT), quasi-RCT, or other comparative study design, conducted in patients undergoing ECMO plus CRRT. Two reviewers independently selected potential studies and extracted data. We used the modified Jadad scale and the Newcastle-Ottawa for quality assessment of RCTs and non-RCTs, respectively. Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan 5.2.

Results
We identified 19 studies meeting the eligibility criteria (seven cohort, six case control, one historically controlled trial and five studies of technical aspects). There are three major methods for performing CRRT during ECMO: ‘independent CRRT access’, ‘introduction of a hemofiltration filter into the ECMO circuit (in-line hemofilter)’ and ‘introduction of a CRRT device into the ECMO circuit’. We conducted a review with limited data synthesis rather than a formal meta-analysis because there could be greater heterogeneity in a systematic review of non-randomized studies than that of randomized trials. For ECMO survivors receiving CRRT, overall fluid balance was less than that in non-CRRT survivors. There was a higher mortality and a longer ECMO duration when CRRT was added, which may reflect a relatively higher severity of illness in patients who received ECMO plus CRRT.

Conclusions
The combination of ECMO and CRRT in a variety of methods appears to be a safe and effective technique that improves fluid balance and electrolyte disturbances. Prospective studies would be beneficial in determining the potential of this technique to improve the outcome in critically ill patients.
Assessment of respiratory system compliance with electrical impedance tomography using a positive end-expiratory pressure wave maneuver during pressure support ventilation: a pilot clinical study
Authors: Becher Tobias H , Bui Simon , Zick Günther , Bläser Daniel , Schädler Dirk , Weiler Norbert , Frerichs Inéz 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Assessment of respiratory system compliance (Crs) can be used for individual optimization of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). However, in patients with spontaneous breathing activity, the conventional methods for Crs measurement are inaccurate because of the variable muscular pressure of the patient. We hypothesized that a PEEP wave maneuver, analyzed with electrical impedance tomography (EIT), might be suitable for global and regional assessment of Crs during assisted spontaneous breathing.

Methods
After approval of the local ethics committee, we performed a pilot clinical study in 18 mechanically ventilated patients (61 ± 16 years (mean ± standard deviation)) who were suitable for weaning with pressure support ventilation (PSV). For the PEEP wave, PEEP was elevated by 1 cmH2O after every fifth breath during PSV. This was repeated five times, until a total PEEP increase of 5 cmH2O was reached. Subsequently, PEEP was reduced in steps of 1 cmH2O in the same manner until the original PEEP level was reached. Crs was calculated using EIT from the global, ventral and dorsal lung regions of interest. For reference measurements, all patients were also examined during controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) with a low-flow pressure-volume maneuver. Global and regional Crs(low-flow) was calculated as the slope of the pressure-volume loop between the pressure that corresponded to the selected PEEP and PEEP +5 cmH2O. For additional reference, Crs during CMV (Crs(CMV)) was calculated as expired tidal volume divided by the difference between airway plateau pressure and PEEP.

Results
Respiratory system compliance calculated from the PEEP wave (Crs(PEEP wave)) correlated closely with both reference measurements (r = 0.79 for Crs(low-flow) and r = 0.71 for Crs(CMV)). No significant difference was observed between the mean Crs(PEEP wave) and the mean Crs(low-flow). However, a significant bias of +17.1 ml/cmH2O was observed between Crs(PEEP wave) and Crs(CMV).

Conclusion
Analyzing a PEEP wave maneuver with EIT allows calculation of global and regional Crs during assisted spontaneous breathing. In mechanically ventilated patients with spontaneous breathing activity, this method might be used for assessment of the global and regional mechanical properties of the respiratory system.
Adenosine, lidocaine and Mg2+improves cardiac and pulmonary function, induces reversible hypotension and exerts anti-inflammatory effects in an endotoxemic porcine model
Authors: Granfeldt Asger , Letson Hayley L , Dobson Geoffrey P , Shi Wei , Vinten-Johansen Jakob , Tønnesen Else 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Introduction
The combination of Adenosine (A), lidocaine (L) and Mg2+ (M) (ALM) has demonstrated cardioprotective and resuscitative properties in models of cardiac arrest and hemorrhagic shock. This study evaluates whether ALM also demonstrates organ protective properties in an endotoxemic porcine model.

Methods
Pigs (37 to 42 kg) were randomized into: 1) Control (n = 8) or 2) ALM (n = 8) followed by lipopolysaccharide infusion (1 μg∙kg-1∙h-1) for five hours. ALM treatment consisted of 1) a high dose bolus (A (0.82 mg/kg), L (1.76 mg/kg), M (0.92 mg/kg)), 2) one hour continuous infusion (A (300 μg∙kg-1 ∙min-1), L (600 μg∙kg-1 ∙min-1), M (336 μg∙kg-1 ∙min-1)) and three hours at a lower dose (A (240∙kg-1∙min-1), L (480 μg∙kg-1∙min-1), M (268 μg∙kg-1 ∙min-1)); controls received normal saline. Hemodynamic, cardiac, pulmonary, metabolic and renal functions were evaluated.

Results
ALM lowered mean arterial pressure (Mean value during infusion period: ALM: 47 (95% confidence interval (CI): 44 to 50) mmHg versus control: 79 (95% CI: 75 to 85) mmHg, P <0.0001). After cessation of ALM, mean arterial pressure immediately increased (end of study: ALM: 88 (95% CI: 81 to 96) mmHg versus control: 86 (95% CI: 79 to 94) mmHg, P = 0.72). Whole body oxygen consumption was significantly reduced during ALM infusion (ALM: 205 (95% CI: 192 to 217) ml oxygen/min versus control: 231 (95% CI: 219 to 243) ml oxygen/min, P = 0.016). ALM treatment reduced pulmonary injury evaluated by PaO2/FiO2 ratio (ALM: 388 (95% CI: 349 to 427) versus control: 260 (95% CI: 221 to 299), P = 0.0005). ALM infusion led to an increase in heart rate while preserving preload recruitable stroke work. Creatinine clearance was significantly lower during ALM infusion but reversed after cessation of infusion. ALM reduced tumor necrosis factor-α peak levels (ALM 7121 (95% CI: 5069 to 10004) pg/ml versus control 11596 (95% CI: 9083 to 14805) pg/ml, P = 0.02).

Conclusion
ALM infusion induces a reversible hypotensive and hypometabolic state, attenuates tumor necrosis factor-α levels and improves cardiac and pulmonary function, and led to a transient drop in renal function that was reversed after the treatment was stopped.