bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative OCT Subanalysis of Eyes With Choroidal Neovascularization Switched From Multiple Injections of Bevacizumab or Ranibizumab to Intravitreal Aflibercept
Authors: Hariri Amirhossein , Diniz Bruno , Fou Lyndsey V. , Lam Linda A. , Nittala Muneeswar Gupta , Sadda SriniVas R. 
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
To assess the early therapeutic response after switching from multiple injections of bevacizumab or ranibizumab to aflibercept in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

SD-OCT scans of patients with neovascular AMD that was suboptimally responsive to multiple injections of bevacizumab or ranibizumab who were switched to aflibercept were analyzed. After segmenting these scans, the relevant volumes were computed and compared at the various time points by Student’s
t
test.

RESULTS:

After switching to aflibercept, converse to the outcome of the last injection of bevacizumab or ranibizumab, statistically significant decreases of 0.32 mm
3
in neurosensory retinal volume, 0.08 mm
3
in subretinal fluid, and 0.56 mm
3
in pigment epithelial detachment were observed
(P
= .01, .04, and .001, respectively). The mean ETDRS visual acuity increased from 62 to 65 letters after switching
(P
= .04). These favorable outcomes were sustained after three monthly injections of the new drug.

CONCLUSION:
Switching to aflibercept therapy in eyes with persistent fluid after multiple intravitreal injections of bevacizumab or ranibizumab was associated with an early reduction in all fluid compartments and improvement in visual acuity.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2015;46:195–200.]
Risk Factors for Respiratory Depression in Patients Undergoing Retrobulbar Block for Vitreoretinal Surgery
Authors: Silva Ruwan A. , Leng Jody C. , He Lisa , Brock-Utne John G. , Drover David R. , Leng Theodore 
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
To determine the risk factors for respiratory depression during retrobulbar block administration before vitreoretinal surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Prospective, observational case series of 113 patients undergoing monitored anesthesia care and retrobulbar block before vitreoretinal surgery at a tertiary medical center.

RESULTS:
Chin lift, jaw thrust, and bag mask ventilation were performed in eight (7.1%), nine (8%), and six (5.3%) patients, respectively. No patients required intubation. Age, sex, body mass index, history of obstructive sleep apnea, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status level, and baseline oxygen saturation were not predictive of airway intervention. Of the four anesthetic agents utilized (midazolam, fentanyl, alfentanil, and propofol), only propofol and fentanyl were associated with an increased risk for clinically significant apnea. Use of three medications for sedation was associated with a 5.4-fold increase in the relative risk of requiring a respiratory rescue intervention.

CONCLUSION:
During preoperative sedation for retrobulbar block administration, the use of propofol, fentanyl, or a combination of three anesthetics is associated with a statistically significant increase in the risk for respiratory depression requiring resuscitation.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2015;46:243–247.]
Endometriosis: 10 Keys Points for MRI
Authors: Manganaro Lucia , Anastasi Emanuela , Vinci Valeria , Saldari Matteo , Bernardo Silvia , Sollazzo Paolo , Ballesio Laura , Fuggetta Eliana , Giancotti Antonella , Porpora Maria Grazia 
Published: February 2015

Endometriosis is a chronic disease and a clinical problem in women of fertile age, with a high impact on quality of life, work productivity and health care management. Two imaging modalities are employed in the diagnosis and evaluation of extent of disease: ultrasound examination with endovaginal approach and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI, thanks to its high contrast and resolution characteristics, offers a high level of accuracy in the study of endometriosis and adenomyosis. We illustrate here 10 key MRI points for the detection and diagnosis of endometriosis.
Neonatal Menstruation Explains Epidemiological Links between Fetomaternal Conditions and Adolescent Endometriosis
Authors: Brosens Ivo , Gargett Caroline , Gordts Stephan , Brosens Jan , Benagiano Giuseppe 
Published: February 2015

Background Different fetomaternal conditions may influence the risk of endometriosis during adolescence and in adult life; here we focus on the hormonal maturation of the fetal endometrium in the final stages of pregnancy and on the theory that neonatal menstruation should be considered, similar to cyclic menstruation in the adult, as a risk factor for adolescent endometriosis. Methods The literature on neonatal menstruation and associated factors was systematically searched, and 19 relevant articles, published in different languages between 1950 and 1984, were retrieved. After closer scrutiny, 11 publications were selected as relevant. Results At birth, the neonatal endometrium displays different degrees of progesterone resistance, varying from a complete absence of progesterone responses, to secretory activity, decidualization and menstrual-like shedding. A temporal relationship exists between endometrial maturation and the incidence of neonatal menstruation, supporting the hypothesis that vaginal bleeding at birth is triggered by progesterone withdrawal. Neonatal menstruation occurs rarely in preterm babies, increases in those born at term and is a relatively frequent event in postmature infants. Analysis of archival clinical studies indicates that being born postterm or to a preeclamptic mother increases the risk of neonatal menstruation. Low birthweight may also enhance the likelihood of neonatal menstruation, whereas prematurity could be protective, although the available data are inconclusive. Conclusions The available data suggest that fetomaternal risk factors associated with neonatal menstruation could also potentially be useful in identifying women at risk of endometriosis. However, archival clinical studies have important limitations, including lack of accurate dating of pregnancy, therefore necessitating prospective studies and systematic registration of neonatal menstruation.
A Preliminary Communication: Ongoing Study on HOXA10 Methylation Profile of Endometriosis Patients with Infertility
Authors: Muharam Raden , Harzif Achmad Kemal , Catherine  , Asmarinah  , Wiweko Budi 
Published: February 2015

Background Endometriosis and infertility have been shown to be related to one another. The mechanisms that explain this phenomenon are not fully understood. One of the possible mechanisms of infertility in endometriosis patients is failure of implantation of the embryo in the endometrium. This may be caused by high levels of methylation of HOXA10 gene in patients with endometriosis, resulting a decrease in the expression of genes that play a role in this endometrial receptivity. Objective To determine the methylation profile of HOXA10 gene on eutopic endometrium in endometriosis patients with infertility. Methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital from July 2015 to July 2016. The subjects of research were cystic ovarian endometriosis patients with infertility, confirmed histopathologically and non-endometriosis-fertile patients. The methylation status of HOXA 10 gene in both groups was examined and compared. Statistical analysis is Mann-Whitney U-test, a two-tailed p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results There were six endometriosis patients and six controls. Six samples on endometriosis group showed the following percentage rate of methylation: 63.29%, 55.28%, 33.92%, 43.27%, 77.20% and 65.94%. Meanwhile, four samples in the control group did not undergo methylation at all and two other samples methylated at low levels equal to 15.24% and 16.48%. Methylation status between these two groups is statistically different with p 0.03. Conclusions In patients with endometriosis-associated infertility, HOXA10 gene in eutopic endometrium has a higher methylation level.
Prolonged Response to Aflibercept in Ovarian Cancer Relapse: A Case Report
Authors: Redondo Andrés , Castelo Beatriz , Pinto Alvaro , Zamora Pilar , Espinosa Enrique 
Published: February 2015

VEGF-targeted therapies have shown activity in ovarian cancer, and one of them, bevacizumab, has been recently approved in this disease. Aflibercept is an antiangiogenic soluble fusion protein that inhibits VEGF-mediated signaling. In ovarian cancer, phase II trials with aflibercept have shown a significant benefit in the control of malignant ascites but with a lower response rate than expected. We report the case of a patient with relapsed ovarian cancer treated with aflibercept in fourth line, who experienced a prolonged response during more than two years with good tolerance. The duration of response to aflibercept was longer than that of the three previous lines of therapy (including the initial carboplatin-paclitaxel regimen) and ascites did not reappear. Further clinical research with this drug in ovarian cancer to identify patients who benefit most is warranted.
The Added Value of Bevacizumab Concomitantly Administered with Carboplatin versus Carboplatin Alone in Patients with Recurrent Glioblastomas
Authors: Kaloshi Gentian , Diamandi Pavllo , Cakani Bujar , Brace Gramoz , Rroji Arben , Petrela Mentor 
Published: February 2015

Aims and Background Carboplatin (CBDCA) and bevacizumab (BEV) are active in glioblastoma (GBM) with different profiles of toxicity. To date, no study has compared the value of the addition of BEV to historical or traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy. We sought to determine the relative value of BEV in combination with CBDCA versus CBDCA alone in patients with recurrent GBM. Methods and Study design Eligible patients with progressive GBM following surgery, radiotherapy and temozolomide received CBDCA either alone (group 1, n = 25) or in combination with BEV (group 2, n = 23) at 5 mg/kg once every 3 weeks between June 2010 and December 2013. Baseline characteristics and outcomes after treatment were recorded. The primary end points of this retrospective analysis were progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate. Secondary end points included safety and overall survival (OS). Results Forty-eight patients were enrolled. The median number of cycles was 4 in group 1 and 6 in group 2. No toxicities or intracerebral bleeding were observed. The objective response rate was higher in group 2 than group 1, 66% vs 24% (p = 0.003). The estimated median PFS and OS were 3.1 vs 6.7 months (p<0.0001) and 6.1 vs 8.6 months (p = 0.09) in group 1 vs group 2, respectively. Conclusions The combination of BEV and CBDCA is associated with improved response rates and survival compared with CBDCA alone. These results highlight the value of BEV in recurrent GBM. However, the clinical benefit of this interesting approach needs validation in a larger patient cohort.
Positive Consequences of Cancer: Exploring Relationships among Posttraumatic Growth, Adult Attachment, and Quality of Life
Authors: Tanyi Zsuzsanna , Szluha Kornélia , Nemes László , Kovács Sándor , Bugán Antal 
Published: February 2015

Aims and Background Cancer can be a life-threatening illness; however, it can also be a source of positive life changes, the posttraumatic growth (PTG) that comes from struggling with this serious illness. This cross-sectional study examines the sociodemographic and cancer-related predictors of PTG following a diagnosis of cancer. In addition, the relationships among adult attachment, health-related quality of life, and PTG are investigated. Measuring adult attachment is important because it can greatly influence the response to a highly distressing event, like facing cancer. Methods and Study Design Immediately before undergoing radiotherapy, 152 patients with breast or prostate cancer (mean = 59.1 years old, SD = 10.7) who had received a positive diagnosis within an average of 3.5 months prior to treatment were tested for measures of PTG, adult attachment, and health-related quality of life. Patients also completed a questionnaire regarding medical and sociodemographic characteristics. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to reveal the significant predictors of PTG total score and PTG subscale scores. Results Younger age was a significant predictor of the PTG total score and New Possibilities subscale score. Subjective severity of cancer was positively associated with the PTG total score and scores on the Appreciation of Life and New Possibilities subscales. Regarding health-related quality of life, analyses indicated that greater social/family well-being significantly predicted greater PTG total score and higher scores on the New Possibilities, Spiritual Change, Appreciation of Life, and Relating to Others subscales. Finally, dismissive attachment style predicted fewer scores on the Personal Strength and Relating to Others subscales. Conclusions These findings suggest that in addition to quality of life and adult attachment, sociodemographic and cancer-related variables may significantly contribute to positive growth.
Small-Bowel Neuroendocrine Tumor and Retroperitoneal Fibrosis: Efficacy of Octreotide and Tamoxifen
Authors: Biasco Elisa , Antonuzzo Andrea , Galli Luca , Baldi Giacomo Giulio , Derosa Lisa , Marconcini Riccardo , Farnesi Azzurra , Ricci Sergio , Falcone Alfredo 
Published: February 2015

Aims and Background Neuroendocrine tumors are uncommon clinical entities and only a few cases of the co-occurrence of neuroendocrine tumors and retroperitoneal fibrosis have been described in the literature. Methods and Study Design: We report the promising results achieved in a case of neuroendocrine tumor complicated by retroperitoneal fibrosis causing right ureteral obstruction treated with long-acting release octreotide and tamoxifen. Results and Conclusions The treatment resulted in a complete response without toxicity.
Risk of death among those awaiting treatment for HIV infection in Zimbabwe: adolescents are at particular risk
Authors: Shroufi Amir , Ndebele Wedu , Nyathi Mary , Gunguwo Hilary , Dixon Mark , Saint‐Sauveur Jean F , Taziwa Fabian , Viñoles Mari C , Ferrand Rashida A 
Published: February 2015

IntroductionMortality among HIV‐positive adults awaiting antiretroviral therapy (ART) has previously been found to be high. Here, we compare adolescent pre‐ART mortality to that of adults in a public sector HIV care programme in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we compared adolescent pre‐ART outcomes with those of adults enrolled for HIV care in the same clinic. Adolescents were defined as those aged 10–19 at the time of registration. Comparisons of means and proportions were carried out using two‐tailed sample t‐tests and chi‐square tests respectively, for normally distributed data, and the Mann–Whitney U‐tests for non‐normally distributed data. Loss to follow‐up (LTFU) was defined as missing a scheduled appointment by three or more months.ResultsBetween 2004 and 2010, 1382 of 1628 adolescents and 7557 of 11,106 adults who registered for HIV care met the eligibility criteria for ART. Adolescents registered at a more advanced disease stage than did adults (83% vs. 73% WHO stage III/IV, respectively, p<0.001), and the median time to ART initiation was longer for adolescents than for adults [21 (10–55) days vs. 15 (7–42) days, p<0.001]. Among the 138 adolescents and 942 adults who never commenced ART, 39 (28%) of adolescents and 135 (14%) of adults died, the remainder being LTFU. Mortality among treatment‐eligible adolescents awaiting ART was significantly higher than among adults (3% vs. 1.8%, respectively, p=0.004).ConclusionsAdolescents present to ART services at a later clinical stage than adults and are at an increased risk of death prior to commencing ART. Improved and innovative HIV case‐finding approaches and emphasis on prompt ART initiation in adolescents are urgently needed. Following registration, defaulter tracing should be used, whether or not ART has been commenced.
Red and far red Sun‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence as a measure of plant photosynthesis
Authors: Rossini M. , Nedbal L. , Guanter L. , Ač A. , Alonso L. , Burkart A. , Cogliati S. , Colombo R. , Damm A. , Drusch M. , Hanus J. , Janoutova R. , Julitta T. , Kokkalis P. , Moreno J. , Novotny J. , Panigada C. , Pinto F. , Schickling A. , Schüttemeyer D. , Zemek F. , Rascher U. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractRemote estimation of Sun‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence emitted by terrestrial vegetation can provide an unparalleled opportunity to track spatiotemporal variations of photosynthetic efficiency. Here we provide the first direct experimental evidence that the two peaks of the chlorophyll fluorescence spectrum can be accurately mapped from high‐resolution radiance spectra and that the signal is linked to variations in actual photosynthetic efficiency. Red and far red fluorescence measured using a novel airborne imaging spectrometer over a grass carpet treated with an herbicide known to inhibit photosynthesis was significantly higher than the corresponding signal from an equivalent untreated grass carpet. The reflectance signal of the two grass carpets was indistinguishable, confirming that the fast dynamic changes in fluorescence emission were related to variations in the functional status of actual photosynthesis induced by herbicide application. Our results from a controlled experiment at the local scale illustrate the potential for the global mapping of terrestrial photosynthesis through space‐borne measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence.
Spectral characterization of fine‐scale wind waves using shipboard optical polarimetry
Authors: Laxague Nathan J. M. , Haus Brian K. , Bogucki Darek , Özgökmen Tamay 
Published: February 2015

AbstractFine‐scale sea surface waves are of profound importance to a number of air‐sea interaction processes. Due to a number of reasons, there exists a great degree of difficulty in obtaining quality in situ observations of these waves. This paper presents the application of a shipboard wave‐sensing method toward the following quantifications: regime‐specific contribution to sea surface slope and sensitivity to wind speed increases. Measurements were made via polarimetric camera, resolving waves with wavelengths ranging from 0.21 to 0.003 m (30 rad/m < k < 1750 rad/m). The gravity‐capillary regime was found to contribute the bulk of mean square slope during stationary wind conditions and supply the majority of mean square slope growth during periods of increasing wind speed. Capillary waves were found to contribute approximately 5% of the overall surface roughness. Furthermore, capillary waves were found to be the least sensitive to increases in wind speed. This implies that such waves saturate at low wind speeds (
3 m/s) and slow wind speed increases (
0.02
). The slight roughness contribution from capillary waves and significant contribution from gravity‐capillary waves offers insight for scientists in the remote sensing field and important information for the formation of new wave models.
Sulfur dioxide vertical column DOAS retrievals from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument: Global observations and comparison to ground‐based and satellite data
Authors: Theys N. , De Smedt I. , van Gent J. , Danckaert T. , Wang T. , Hendrick F. , Stavrakou T. , Bauduin S. , Clarisse L. , Li C. , Krotkov N. , Yu H. , Brenot H. , Van Roozendael M. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractWe present a new data set of sulfur dioxide (SO2) vertical columns from observations of the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI)/AURA instrument between 2004 and 2013. The retrieval algorithm used is an advanced Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) scheme combined with radiative transfer calculation. It is developed in preparation for the operational processing of SO2 data product for the upcoming TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument/Sentinel 5 Precursor mission. We evaluate the SO2 column results with those inferred from other satellite retrievals such as Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer and OMI (Linear Fit and Principal Component Analysis algorithms). A general good agreement between the different data sets is found for both volcanic and anthropogenic SO2 emission scenarios. We show that our algorithm produces SO2 columns with low noise and is able to provide accurate estimates of SO2. This conclusion is supported by important validation results over the heavily polluted site of Xianghe (China). Nearly 4 years of OMI and ground‐based multiaxis DOAS SO2 columns are compared, and an excellent match is found. We also highlight the improved performance of the algorithm in capturing weak SO2 sources by detecting shipping SO2 emissions in long‐term averaged data, an unreported measurement from space.
Thermal and near‐infrared analyses of central peaks of Martian impact craters: Evidence for a heterogeneous Martian crust
Authors: Pan C. , Rogers A. D. , Michalski J. R. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractCentral peaks of impact craters contain materials exhumed from depth, and therefore, investigation of these materials provides clues to subsurface geology and mineralogy. A global spectral survey of central peaks of Martian impact craters between 10 and 200 km diameter was completed using Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) data. Twenty‐six central peaks with distinctive spectral signatures from surrounding plains were identified and characterized with thermal infrared and visible/near‐infrared data. The distribution of spectrally distinct central peaks (SDCPs) shows some degree of regional clustering, with most craters found in western Noachis Terra, Tyrrhena Terra, within the northern rim of Hellas Basin, and fewer in the northern lowlands. With the exception of four craters in western Noachis Terra, SDCPs contain only one spectrally distinct unit at THEMIS resolution (100 m/pixel). The maximum number of spectrally distinct units observed was three, in Jones and Ostrov craters. The western Noachis Terra SDCPs may expose crustal stratigraphies of multiple igneous compositions or impact materials from Argyre. In the highlands, most SDCP units are consistent with enrichments in olivine or pyroxene relative to surrounding plains, suggesting olivine and pyroxene basaltic lithologies; few are olivine and pyroxene poor. No spatial trend in spectrally derived compositions of SDCPs was observed. Three SDCPs contain THEMIS signatures consistent with high abundances of phyllosilicates, which may contain the most phyllosilicate‐rich lithologies found in central peak‐associated materials globally.
Pacific sea surface temperature and the winter of 2014
Authors: Hartmann Dennis L. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIt is shown from historical data and from modeling experiments that a proximate cause of the cold winter in North America in 2013–2014 was the pattern of sea surface temperature (SST) in the Pacific Ocean. Each of the three dominant modes of SST variability in the Pacific is connected to the tropics and has a strong expression in extratropical SST and weather patterns. Beginning in the middle of 2013, the third mode of SST variability was two standard deviations positive and has remained so through January 2015. This pattern is associated with high pressure in the northeast Pacific and low pressure and low surface temperatures over central North America. A large ensemble of model experiments with observed SSTs confirms that SST anomalies contributed to the anomalous winter of 2014.