bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Continuous Veno-Venous Hemofiltration Protocol with Anticoagulant Citrate Dextrose Formula a and a Calcium-Containing Replacement Fluid
Authors: Ong Song C. , Wille Keith M. , Speer Rajesh , Tolwani Ashita J. 
Published: May 2014

Introduction Regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) is used as an anticoagulant for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). A systemic calcium (Ca2+) infusion is required to replace Ca2+ lost in the effluent. The shortage of intravenous Ca2+ in the United States has limited RCA use. We describe a continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) protocol with RCA using 2.2% anticoagulant citrate dextrose formula-A (ACD-A) and a commercial dialysate containing Ca2+ 1.5 mmol/l (N × Stage) as post-filter replacement fluid (RF), without need for Ca2+ infusion. Methods We prospectively evaluated five patients on CRRT who had at least three episodes of filter clotting within 24 h. Patients were switched to CVVH using ACD-A infused pre-blood pump and titrated to achieve a post-filter ionized calcium (iCa2+) level <0.5 mmol/l. The Ca2+ -containing dialysate was delivered post-filter as RF. Results Steady state mean serum chemistries were: Na+: 140.8 ± 2.3 meq/l, K+: 4.2 ± 0.4 meq/l, HCO3–: 30.9 ± 3.7 meq/l, pH: 7.42 ± 0.07, CO2: 47.9 ± 8.3 mmHg, total Ca2+: 8.08 ± 1.09 mg/dL. Post-filter iCa2+ ranged 0.27-0.36 mmol/l, and patient iCa2+ ranged 0.81-1.24 mmol/l. Mean post-filter RF rate: 3086 ± 164 ml/h, mean ACD-A rate: 298 ± 21 ml/h. Mean blood flow rate: 200 ± 17 ml/min, mean filtration fraction: 39.6 ± 7.2%. Mean effluent flow rate: 38.6 ± 6.7 ml/kg/h (range 28.7-55.8). Mean filter survival was 7 h without anticoagulation, compared to 42.6 h in the ACD-A group (p<0.0001). Conclusions In this pilot study, CVVH using ACD-A for RCA and a Ca2+ -containing RF was safely and effectively used without a continuous Ca2+ infusion. This protocol is a promising solution for maintaining effective CRRT when intravenous calcium is in short supply.
Evolution of Renal Function after Partial and Full Mechanical Support for Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Jacobs Steven , Droogne Walter , Waelbers Valerie , Van den Bossche Klaartje , Bollen Hilde , Geens Jef , Rega Filip , Burkhoff Daniel , Meyns Bart 
Published: May 2014

Purpose Recently a minimal invasive, partial support continuous flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) became available for treatment of chronic heart failure. The aim of this study was to analyze whether partial support is capable of improving kidney function in end-stage heart failure. Methods We performed a single-center retrospective analysis of patients how received a full (n = 43) or partial support LVAD (n = 18) between 2007 and 2013. Patients on dialysis or in INTERMACS class I were excluded. Renal function was assessed until 3 months after the implantation. A calculated GFR less than 60 m/min was considered to be renal failure. Results Creatinine level after LVAD implant decreased 23% in patients on full support (1.3 ± 0.4 mg/dl vs. 1.0 ± 0.3 mg/dl; p<0.001) and 24% in patients on partial support (1.6 ± 0.6 mg/dl vs. 1.2 ± 0.4 mg/dl; p = 0.17) within 3 months. In each group patients with a pre-operative GFR less than 60 ml/min were selected. In this subgroup there was a 35% decrease in creatinine levels for patients on full support (1.7 ± 0.4 mg/dl vs. 1.1 ± 0.5 mg/dl; p<0.01) and a 32% decrease in patients on partial support (2 ± 0.4 mg/dl vs. 1.4 ± 0.3 mg/dl; p<0.05) at 3 months. Conclusions We observed a significant improvement in renal function in patients supported by full or partial support devices, even if the pre-operative renal function was severly impaired. The use of diuretics decreased in both groups. In chronic heart failure patients with impaired renal function, partial support is sufficient to improve renal function significantly.
Intra-operative Graft Blood Flow Measurements for Composite and Sequential Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Forcillo Jessica , Noiseux Nicolas , Dubois Marc-Jacques , Mansour Samer , Prieto Ignacio , Basile Fadi , Stevens Louis-Mathieu 
Published: May 2014

Objectives Intraoperative assessment of coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG) anastomotic quality can be performed using transit-time flowmetry (TTF). The aim of this study was to compare on- versus off-pump coronary graft TTF and early postoperative outcomes. Materials and methods Between January 2009 and January 2010, 521 distal graft flows were assessed using TTF measurements in 253 consecutive patients undergoing primary isolated CABG surgery. Data were analyzed using multilevel models accounting for clustering among surgeons and grafts performed in the same patient. Results Mean age was 66 ± 10 years and 22% were female (n = 55) with 34% diabetics (n = 86) and 40% pre-operative myocardial infarction (MI) (n = 101). The surgeries were performed off-pump in 67% (n = 170) with sequential vein grafts in 57% (n = 144) of patients. Off-pump patients had higher pre-operative left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEF), fewer urgent surgeries, fewer distal anastomoses, and fewer sequential vein grafts (all p<0.001). Intra-operative coronary graft TTF measurements were lower in sequential vein grafts performed off-pump versus on-pump. More patients in the on-pump group needed milrinone or dobutamine 24-48 h postoperatively (p = 0.005). Independent predictors of lower TTF included female gender and off-pump surgery, whereas predictors of better TTF were pre-operative MI, larger coronary diameter at the site of the distal anastomosis, and sequential vein grafting. Conclusions Lower intra-operative TTF measurements were found in sequential vein grafts in offpump CABG. However, off-pump patients experienced similar short-term outcomes compared to on-pump patients.
Relationship between Sun Exposure and Kidney Cancer: Preliminary Experience with the Evaluation of Recreational UV Exposure
Authors: Chiara Grasso Angelica Anna , Blanco Salvatore , Fantini Gemma , Torelli Fabrizio , Grasso Marco 
Published: May 2014

Introduction Recent findings reported an inverse relationship between solar ultraviolet-B (UV-B) exposure and mortality from various types of cancers, including renal cancer. Methods We reviewed the literature concerning the relationship between sun exposure and incidence of kidney cancer. We performed a case-control study, evaluating recreational sun exposure in 50 kidney cancer patients and 50 controls. A questionnaire concerning sun exposure habits during childhood, adult life and in the previous 2 years was filled in by every patient. The questionnaire focused on: hours/day spent in the sun during summer; hours/day spent sunbathing (considering as well which kind of UV protection was used); sunburns; holidays in tropical countries. Results We found and analyzed few articles concerning the relationship between kidney cancer and sunlight exposure. The two cohorts of patients we evaluated were homogeneous for age, phototype, origin and living area. We found no statistically significant differences between sun exposure in patients affected by kidney cancer and controls, both during childhood and adult life; no differences were found in the use of sunscreens either. Conclusions Recreational sunlight exposure does not differ in our cohorts of patients and controls; studies on greater cohorts are needed to evaluate the effect of recreational sun exposure in the development of kidney cancer.
Short-Term Morbidity following No-Scalpel Vasectomy: An Assessment of Clients’ Perceptions by Novel Postcard System
Authors: Garg Manish , Dalela Deepansh , Dalela Divakar , Goel Apul , Kumar Manoj , Paul Sagarika , Patil Sachin , Sankhwar Satya Narayan 
Published: May 2014

Objective Data on short-term (within a week) morbidity of No-Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV) is lacking. We studied clients’ perceptions of early post-vasectomy morbidity by self innovated postcard pictorial questionnaire. Methods Between March 2011 and April 2012, 821 men underwent NSV and provided pre-printed revalidated pictorial postcards depicting various grades of severity of local pain, swelling, and bleeding. Clients were asked to tick mark their problems and post them on the third day after NSV. Data were compiled and statistically analyzed. Results Completed postcards were returned by 702 clients (85.5%). 25 postcards were excluded due to illegitimate filling of card. About 80.8% of clients complained of pain and minimal, moderate and severe pain was experienced by 77.69%, 18.09% and 4.20%, respectively. 16.24% of clients observed local swelling, which was minimal in 90.9%, moderate and severe in 7.27% and 1.81% of cases. 2.95% of clients noted mild bloody discharge. Most of clients managed their problems by following the instructions given in postcards; level 1 and 2 morbidity did not affect their daily activity. Conclusion Early morbidity after NSV is usually mild in severity and easily manageable. The postcard system is a feasible, effective, and economical way of collecting data and managing short-term post NSV problems.
Bladder Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Tumor (PEComa): A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Sarti Alessandra , Rubilotta Emanuele , Balzarro Matteo , Cerruto Maria Angela , Brunelli Matteo , Artibani Walter 
Published: May 2014

Introduction Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComa) are a very uncommon mesenchymal cancer with uncertain malignant potential. Materials and Methods A computerized research on Pub Med was performed regarding bladder PEComa. We evaluated the literature cases and described a case of bladder PEComa. Results PEComa of the bladder is a very rare neoplasm and only 15 cases have been reported so far. Conclusions Bladder PEComa involves young subjects of both genders, mostly under 40 years of age. Surgical treatment (partial or radical cystectomy) is the most common management. A long-term follow-up and larger series are required to better understand the best clinical approach to bladder PEComa.
Rare cases of bladder stones
Authors: Sampalmieri Gregorio , Moretti Antonello , Sampalmieri Matteo 
Published: May 2014

We present here two special cases of urolithiasis. The first one shows a giant bladder lithiasis resulting in severe renal insufficiency in a 63-year-old patient, who had previously had nicturia (2-3 times), occasional episodes of urinary frequency and burning micturition, in the absence of renal colic, hematuria or interrupted urination. The second case referes to an 85-year-old man suffering from prostatic enlargement and bladder stones, hospitalized to undergo intervention of trans-vesical prostatic adenomectomy, during which two star-shaped stones were found without obvious symptoms.
Prediction without Pigment: a decision algorithm for non-pigmented skin malignancy
Authors: Rosendahl Cliff , Cameron Alan , Tschandl Philipp , Bulinska Agata , Kittler Harald , Zalaudek Iris 
Published: May 2014

While there are several published comprehensive stepwise algorithmic methods for diagnosing pigmented skin malignancy, only limited material has been published for the stepwise assessment of non-pigmented lesions. We present a method based on pattern analysis, with a stepwise assessment, first, for ulceration, second, for white clues (defined as white lines, or in the case of a raised lesion any of the keratin clues: dermatoscopic white circles, dermatoscopic white structureless areas or surface keratin), and third, if no ulceration or white clues are present, proceed to vessel pattern analysis.
This is a novel method, and apart from the assessment of white clues in raised lesions, it has not been formally tested. The priority of keratin clues in raised lesions over vessel pattern analysis has, however, been verified.
It is conceded that this method is less specific than methods which have clues of pigmented structures, and accepting these limitations, Prediction without Pigment is a decision algorithm intended to guide the clinician in the decision as to whether to perform a biopsy rather than consistently leading to a specific diagnosis. Reaching a more specific diagnosis at the end of our flowchart can be achieved by weighing of clues both clinical and dermatoscopic, and that ability can be expected to improve with both knowledge and experience, but no diagnostic method, including this one, can be 100% sensitive in diagnosing malignancy, in particular, melanoma. Taking these limitations into account, any non-pigmented lesion, regardless of pattern analysis, which is raised and firm (nodular) and for which a confident, specific benign diagnosis cannot be made, should be excised to exclude the nodular variant of amelanotic melanoma.
Dermatoscopic features of cutaneous non-facial and non-acral lentiginous growth pattern melanomas
Authors: Keir Jeff 
Published: May 2014

Background: The dermatoscopic features of facial lentigo maligna (LM), facial lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) and acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) have been well described. This is the first description of the dermatoscopic appearance of a clinical series of cutaneous non-facial non-acral lentiginous growth pattern melanomas.
Objective: To describe the dermatoscopic features of a series of cutaneous non-facial non-acral lentiginous growth pattern melanomas in an Australian skin cancer practice.
Method: Single observer retrospective analysis of dermatoscopic images of a one-year series of cutaneous non-facial, non-acral melanomas reported as having a lentiginous growth pattern detected in an open access primary care skin cancer clinic in Australia. Lesions were scored for presence of classical criteria for facial LM; modified pattern analysis (“Chaos and Clues”) criteria; and the presence of two novel criteria: a lentigo-like pigment pattern lacking a lentigo-like border, and large polygons.
Results: 20 melanomas occurring in 14 female and 6 male patients were included. Average patient age was 64 years (range: 44-83). Lesion distribution was: trunk 35%; upper limb 40%; and lower limb 25%. The incidences of criteria identified were: asymmetry of color or pattern (100%); lentigo-like pigment pattern lacking a lentigo-like border (90%); asymmetrically pigmented follicular openings (APFO’s) (70%); grey blue structures (70%); large polygons (45%); eccentric structureless area (15%); bright white lines (5%). 20% of the lesions had only the novel criteria and/or APFO’s.
Limitations: Single observer, single center retrospective study.
Conclusions: Cutaneous non-facial non-acral melanomas with a lentiginous growth pattern may have none or very few traditional criteria for the diagnosis of melanoma. Criteria that are logically expected in lesions with a lentiginous growth pattern (lentigo-like pigment pattern lacking a lentigo-like border, APFO’s) and the novel criterion of large polygons may be useful in increasing sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis of these lesions. Further study is required to establish the significance of these observations.
Anticancer Activity of Five Traditionally Used Medicinal Plants' Extracts
Authors: Ghazala H. Rizwani  , De-Shen Wang  , Mansoor Ahmed  , Amir Hassan  , Zheng-Rong Lai  , Affnan Zahid  , Najia Mansoor  , Huma Sharif  , Zhe-Sheng Chen  , Zhi Shi  
Published: May 2014

Natural products play a critical role in cancer prevention and therapy today. There are numbers of anticancer agents from natural products used in the clinic.Fighting cancers with novel natural products, especially those extracted from plants, is a potential strategy to develop new anticancer drugs..In the following study, various extracts of well known medicinal plants named Holoptelea integrifolia (F), Operculina turpethum (R), Cardiospermem halicacabum L (S), Dilonix regia (F), Sesbania grandifora seed have been studied for evaluating their anticancer activity. Our data showed that the cytotoxic activity of Operculina turpethum (R) ethanolic extractwas relative high for all 6 cancer cell lines as compared to other extracts. The active compound and anticancer mechanism of these extracts are worth investigating in the future.
L’action collective protestataire dans le Japon contemporain : analyse spatiale d’une tradition cachée
Authors: Malinas David-Antoine 
Published: May 2014

Depuis la crise des années 1990, une des transformations les plus importantes du Japon concerne le rôle de la société civile. Si de nombreuses études ont été réalisées pour analyser et réfléchir à la montée du bénévolat, peu de recherches ont analysé la dimension proprement politique de ce renouveau. Plus exactement, les travaux qui traitent de la dynamique des mouvements sociaux au Japon insistent surtout sur son déclin continu. Comment rendre compte alors du mouvement des sans-abri des années 1990, du très médiatique « haken mura (village des intérimaires) » de 2008, ou plus récemment encore d’actions de protestations localisées, mais intégrées au mouvement international des « indignés » ?
Le recours à l’analyse spatiale permet de mettre en évidence que, même en période de faible activisme, certains sites peuvent être particulièrement politisés et assurer le maintien et le renouvellement de l’engagement. La mobilisation autour de la question de la pauvreté, si elle semble débuter au début des années 1990, possède ainsi toute une histoire, celle d’une fraction de la nouvelle gauche jusqu’alors oubliée.
Occurrences of the Land Planarian Rhynchodemus sylvaticus in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Authors: Glasgow Benny , Pierce Paula 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Six land planarians collected in Great Smoky Mountains National Park from 2006 to 2012 are identified as Rhynchodemus sylvaticus (Leidy, 1851). External and internal characteristics of reported specimens are described using photographs. A discussion of the species' taxonomy, distribution, conservation concerns, and possible means of introduction is given.
A New Anti-VEGF Inhibitor, Aflibercept: Treatment Outcomes Of Neovascular Macular Degeneration Refractory To Other Anti-VEGF Agents
Authors: Turaka Kiran 
Published: May 2014

Purpose:
To evaluate the treatment outcomes of aflibercept in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) resistant to other anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) medications (bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and combination with or without dexamethasone and laser photocoagulation).

Materials and Methods:
A retrospective chart review of 56 patients (112 eyes) of persistent and recurrent exudative AMD treated prior with bevacizumab, ranibizumab, bevacizumab+dexamethasone intravitreal injections with or without combination of laser treatment was performed. Data analysis included demographics and treatment modalities to evaluate the visual acuity (VA) outcome, stabilization of AMD (central foveal thickness, CFT) and drug side effects (elevated intraocular pressure, IOP).

Results:
The mean age of the patients was 77 (range: 55-89) years. The mean central foveal thickness on optical coherence tomography (OCT) was 294 µ (range: 80-585). Intravitreal aflibercept injections were given in both eyes in 10 patients and in 1 eye in 46 patients. The mean interval between aflibercept injections to the last follow-up (FU) visit was 1.7months (range: 0-7). F There was no statistically significant difference in visual acuity (p=0.6) after aflibercept injection, however VA was stable (median 20/60). The central foveal thickness had decreased significantly (p=0.005). Complete response to treatment was noted in 21 patients (41%). AMD was stable in 26 (50%) and persistent with no response in five patients (9%).

Conclusions:
Monthly intravitreal Aflibercept injections stabilized the exudative AMD in approximately half of the patients who had prior resistance to other anti-VEGF medications.
Sewing Machine Technique For Iridodialysis Repair
Authors: Kumar Karamsetty Venkata Ravi 
Published: May 2014

Aim:
To report a novel, safe, effective, easy, economical technique of iridodialysis repair with very short learning curve.

Methods:
The technique is demonstrated in 3 patients of post traumatic iridodialysis and one patient of post surgical iridodialysis. All patients underwent iridodialysis repair based on sewing machine principle using 26 G one and half inch needle, 10/0 prolene suture in a closed chamber technique And additional procedures required.

Results:
All patients did well post operatively with good visual recovery along from good cosmoses and minimal morbidity

Conclusions:
This technique shows novel, easy, simple, economical way of minimally invasive iridodialysis repair which even an average cataract surgeon can perform safely when require and is also repeatable in needed.
The character of polar tidal signatures in the extended Canadian Middle Atmosphere Model
Authors: Du J. , Ward W. E. , Cooper F. C. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe characteristics of the diurnal, semidiurnal, and terdiurnal tides (zonal wave numbers −5 to +5 in temperature and zonal wind) in the polar mesosphere and lower thermosphere region as simulated by the extended Canadian Middle Atmosphere Model are examined. The most significant diurnal, semidiurnal, and terdiurnal tides in the polar regions are Ds0, Dw1, and De1; Sw3, Sw2, Sw1, Ss0, Se1, and Se2; and Tw3, Ts0, and Tw1, respectively, and their latitudinal structures, seasonal variations, and hemispheric asymmetries noted. Of these components, Ds0, Tw1, Ts0, and Tw3 exhibit a seasonally symmetric variation with both hemispheres strengthening simultaneously. On the other hand, Dw1 strengthens asymmetrically so that when one hemisphere is strong, the other is weak. The remainder show no seasonal tendency but vacillate on shorter than seasonal time scales in a symmetric or antisymmetric manner at different times of the year. Global‐scale correlations of the amplitudes of the migrating tides Dw1/Sw2 and the stationary planetary wave 1 and the assumed “child” nonmigrating tides are also examined. The results indicate that the correlations are highly time scale‐dependent and the significant correlations seen with the original time series are mainly due to longer‐term variations (>18 days). There are no consistent global correlations associated with the short‐term variations (<18 days) among these waves.
Dietary variation and food hardness in sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys): Implications for fallback foods and dental adaptation
Authors: McGraw W. Scott , Vick Anna E. , Daegling David J. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTWe present information on food hardness and monthly dietary changes in female sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys) in Tai Forest, Ivory Coast to reassess the hypothesis that thick molar enamel is parsimoniously interpreted as a response to consumption of hard foods during fallback periods. We demonstrate that the diet of sooty mangabeys varies seasonally, but that one food—Sacoglottis gabonensis—is the most frequently consumed food every month and year round. This food is the hardest item in the sooty diet. Given that this species has among the thickest enamel within the primate order, a plausible conclusion is that thick enamel in this taxon evolved not in response to seasonally critical function or fallback foods, but rather to the habitual, year round processing of a mechanically protected foodstuff. These data serve as a caution against de rigueur interpretations that reliance on fallback foods during lean periods primarily explains the evolution of thick enamel in primates. Am J Phys Anthropol 154:413–423, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.