bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Outcomes of Percutaneous Versus Open Placement of Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters
Authors: Park Young Suk , Min Sang‐Il , Kim Dong Ki , Oh Kook‐Hwan , Min Seung‐Kee , Kim Suh Min , Ha Jongwon 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundPeritoneal dialysis catheters (PDCs) can be inserted by a percutaneous, open surgical, or laparoscopic approach. Considerable controversy surrounds the mode of catheter placement and its impact on technical success. We compared the complications and survival characteristics of PDCs that were inserted by the open approach versus those inserted percutaneously.MethodsWe reviewed the outcomes of 167 patients who received PDCs between September 2009 and February 2012. Of these, 89 were placed percutaneously and 78 were placed by open surgical techniques. The mechanical complication rates, including catheter bleeding, wrapping, migration, leakage, and technical failure of intraperitoneal placement were compared between the two groups. Additionally, peritonitis episodes, exit site infection rates, and tunnel infection rates were compared between groups.ResultsThe incidence of one or more previous intra‐abdominal surgeries was significantly higher in the open group (4.5 percutaneous vs 21.7 % open; P = 0.001). Although the overall number of complications did not differ between the two groups, the incidence of early mechanical complications (11.2 vs 0 %; P = 0.002) and the number of catheter removals due to mechanical complications (7.9 vs 1.3 %; P = 0.047) were higher in the percutaneous group. Of the 15 mechanical complications in the percutaneous group, one third were due to technical failures compared to none in the open group (5.6 vs 0 %; P = 0.034). The 1 year survival rate of the PDCs for the percutaneous and open groups was 89.9 and 93.3 %, respectively (P = 0.249).ConclusionsThe placement modality did not affect catheter survival. However, early mechanical complications, including technical failures, were more frequent in the percutaneous group, despite the proportion of patients with a history of one or more previous intra‐abdominal surgeries being significantly lower in that group. The direct visualized open method of catheter insertion may provide the most reliable and secure access for a PDC.
Morbidity of Chemotherapy Administration and Satisfaction in Breast Cancer Patients: A Comparative Study of Totally Implantable Venous Access Device (TIVAD) Versus Peripheral Venous Access Usage
Authors: Singh Kul Ranjan , Agarwal Gaurav , Nanda Gitika , Chand Gyan , Mishra Anjali , Agarwal Amit , Verma Ashok K. , Mishra Saroj K. , Goyal Puneet 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundThis prospective, non‐randomized, comparative study evaluated morbidity of chemotherapy administration via a totally implantable venous access device (TIVAD) versus peripheral intravenous access (PIVA), and satisfaction in breast cancer patients in a limited‐resource setting.MethodsConsecutive patients receiving chemotherapy via TIVAD (n = 114) or PIVA (n = 159) were studied. Venous access‐related events were recorded. Morbidity and satisfaction with TIVAD or PIVA as perceived by the patients were assessed using a specifically designed questionnaire, which patients filled after 1st cycle of, and after completion of all chemotherapy.ResultsPatients in the two groups were of comparable age, body mass index, and disease stage. Acceptance of TIVAD was higher in literate patients. TIVAD did not interfere with sleep or activities in 90 % of patients. The majority (81.2 %) were satisfied with the cosmetic outcome, 91.5 % would have TIVAD re‐inserted if the need arose, and 89.6 % would recommend it to others. Non‐fatal complications occurred in 16 patients, and TIVAD had to be removed prematurely in five patients. In the PIVA group, 40 % needed multiple needle pricks and 55.8 % developed thrombophlebitis or staining of arms. Drug extravasation and ulceration were suffered by 8.3 and 4.2 %, respectively. However, 78.3 % of patients reported no interference with daily activities and only 26 % would prefer a TIVAD. Those receiving more than six chemotherapy cycles were dissatisfied to a greater extent with PIVA (p < 0.05).ConclusionsBreast cancer chemotherapy via TIVAD is safe and convenient and results in high satisfaction levels, although it involves additional expenditure. Chemotherapy via PIVA is acceptable, albeit with lower satisfaction, more so in those receiving more than six chemotherapy cycles.
Modified Laparoscopic Splenic Vessel‐Preserving Distal Pancreatectomy: Matador Assistance and Peel‐Away Technique
Authors: Suzuki Keiichi , Itano Osamu , Oshima Go , Osaku Masayoshi , Asanuma Fumiki , Kitagawa Yuko 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundLaparoscopic splenic vessel‐preserving distal pancreatectomy (lap‐SVPDP) is a popular procedure in pancreatic surgery. However, postoperative complications include false aneurysms of the splenic artery, splenic vein stenosis and thrombosis, pancreatic fistulas, abscess, and perigastric varices.MethodsEight patients (three men, five women, average age 66.1 years) with benign tumors underwent lap‐SVPDP. Lap‐SVPDP was performed in the lithotomy position with the head slightly elevated. The splenic vein was peeled longitudinally toward the pancreatic tail. A vessel‐sealing system was used to detach the pancreatic body from the greater omentum, and the pancreas was transected using a surgical stapler.ResultsMean operation time was 254 min; mean blood loss was 163 ml; and mean post‐surgical hospitalization time was 13 days. No postoperative bleeding from the preserved splenic vessels occurred, and there were no splenic infarcts or splenic abscesses.ConclusionsFor safe performance of lap‐SVPDP, the posterior surface of the pancreas should be completely exposed. The splenic vein should be ‘peeled away’, starting from its central rear, enabling easy detection of its course to avoid inadvertent sealing. With improved operational techniques, lap‐SVPDP can be adopted as a standard procedure in pancreatic surgery.
Low Nutritional Prognostic Index Correlates with Poor Survival in Patients with Stage IV Colorectal Cancer Following Palliative Resection of the Primary Tumor
Authors: Maeda Kiyoshi , Shibutani Masatsune , Otani Hiroshi , Nagahara Hisashi , Sugano Kenji , Ikeya Teturo , Kubo Naoshi , Amano Ryosuke , Kimura Kenjiro , Muguruma Kazuya , Tanaka Hiroaki , Hirakawa Kosei 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundWe retrospectively investigated the prognostic significance of various clinicopathological factors and preoperative nutritional status to select patients with stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) who will have a poor prognosis after palliative resection of the primary tumor.MethodsA total of 100 stage IV CRC patients who underwent palliative resection were enrolled. Various clinicopathological factors and Onodera’s prognostic nutritional index (OPNI) were evaluated to identify any possible relationship with the prognosis.ResultsAt the time of the analysis, 83 patients had died, and the median survival time was 21 months. Of the 100 patients, 24 had primary tumor‐related symptoms such as obstruction or bleeding. No significant correlation was noted between the OPNI and various clinicopathological factors. The multivariate analysis of patients without primary tumor‐related symptoms revealed that the OPNI was an independent prognostic factor. The overall survival of the low‐OPNI group was significantly worse than that of the high‐OPNI group.ConclusionsThis retrospective study suggested that patients with a low OPNI may not be candidates for palliative resection, because it provides no survival benefit to these patients.
Informing Children of Their Newborn Screening Carrier Result for Sickle Cell or Cystic Fibrosis: Qualitative Study of Parents’ Intentions, Views and Support Needs
Authors: Ulph Fiona , Cullinan Tim , Qureshi Nadeem , Kai Joe 
Published: December 2013

AbstractNewborn screening for cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease enables the early identification and treatment of affected children, prolonging and enhancing their quality of life. Screening, however, also identifies carriers. There are minimal or no health concerns for carriers. There are, however, potential implications when carriers reach reproductive age, and thus research attention has been given to how best to convey information about these implications in a meaningful, balanced way which does not raise undue anxieties. Most research focuses on the communication from health professional to parent, yet ultimately this information is of greatest significance to the child. This study examines parents’ intentions to inform their child of newborn screening carrier results. Semi‐structured interviews with 67 family members explored their intentions to inform the child, and related views and support needs. Parents almost unanimously indicated they planned to inform the child themselves. Health professionals were expected, however, to provide guidance on this process either to parents through advice and provision of written materials, or directly to the child. Although parents initially stated that they would convey the result once their child had developed the ability to understand the information, many appeared to focus on discrete life events linked to informed reproductive decision making. The results highlight ways in which health care providers may assist parents, including providing written material suitable for intergenerational communication and ensuring that cascade screening is accessible for those seeking it. Priorities for further research are identified in light of the results.
Determinants of tree survival at local scale in a sub‐tropical forest
Authors: Ma Lei , Chen Can , Shen Yong , Wu Lin‐Fang , Huang Zhong‐Liang , Cao Hong‐Lin 
Published: December 2013

AbstractTree survival is a critical driver of stand dynamics, influencing forest structure and composition. Many local‐scale drivers (tree size, abiotic and biotic factors) have been proposed as being important in explaining patterns of tree survival, but their contributions are still unknown. We examined the relative importance of these local drivers on tree survival using generalized linear mixed models in an old‐growth sub‐tropical forest in south China at three levels (community, guild, and species). Among the variables tested, tree size was typically the most important driver of tree survival, followed by abiotic and then biotic variables. Tree size has a strongly positive effect on tree survival for small trees (10–30 cm dbh) and shade‐tolerant tree species. Of the abiotic factors tested, elevation tended to be more important in affecting tree survival than other topographic variables. Abiotic factors generally influenced survival of species with relatively high abundances, for individuals in smaller size classes and for mid‐tolerant species. Among biotic factors, we found that the mortality of tree species was not driven by density‐ and frequency‐dependent effects in this sub‐tropical forest, as indicated by the results of both total basal area of neighbors and the proportion of conspecific neighbors in our study. We conclude that the relative importance of variables driving patterns of tree survival varied greatly among tree size classes, species guilds, shade tolerance, density, and abundance classes in this sub‐tropical forest. These results also provide critical information for future studies of forest dynamics and offer insight into forest management in this region.
Ca2+/H+ exchange, lumenal Ca2+ release and Ca2+/ATP coupling ratios in the sarcoplasmic reticulum ATPase
Authors: Inesi Giuseppe , Tadini‐Buoninsegni Francesco 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe Ca2+ transport ATPase (SERCA) of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) plays an important role in muscle cytosolic signaling, as it stores Ca2+ in intracellular membrane bound compartments, thereby lowering cytosolic Ca2+ to induce relaxation. The stored Ca2+ is in turn released upon membrane excitation to trigger muscle contraction. SERCA is activated by high affinity binding of cytosolic Ca2+, whereupon ATP is utilized by formation of a phosphoenzyme intermediate, which undergoes protein conformational transitions yielding reduced affinity and vectorial translocation of bound Ca2+. We review here biochemical and biophysical evidence demonstrating that release of bound Ca2+ into the lumen of SR requires Ca2+/H+ exchange at the low affinity Ca2+ sites. Rise of lumenal Ca2+ above its dissociation constant from low affinity sites, or reduction of the H+ concentration by high pH, prevent Ca2+/H+ exchange. Under these conditions Ca2+ release into the lumen of SR is bypassed, and hydrolytic cleavage of phosphoenzyme may yield uncoupled ATPase cycles. We clarify how such Ca2+pump slippage does not occur within the time length of muscle twitches, but under special conditions and in special cells may contribute to thermogenesis.
MicroRNA-519a demonstrates significant tumour suppressive activity in laryngeal squamous cells by targeting anti-carcinoma HuR gene
Authors: Shen Z , Zhan G , Deng H , Ren Y , Ye D , Xiao B , Guo J 
Published: December 2013

AbstractObjective:This study investigated the expression and functional effects, and related molecular mechanisms, of microRNA-519a in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.Methods:MicroRNA-519a and HuR messenger RNA in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma were measured using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. MicroRNA-519a effects on the growth of human epithelial type 2 cells were tested using an MTT assay. The influence of microRNA-519a on the expression levels of HuR and other related genes in protein was tested by Western blotting. Cell cycle analyses were performed using flow cytometry. Associations between expression levels and patients' clinical parameters were analysed with Pearson correlation analysis.Results:Expression of microRNA-519a in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma tissues was significantly lower than in adjacent non-cancerous tissues. The expression of microRNA-519a was negatively associated with histological differentiation, tumour–node–metastasis stage, lymphatic metastasis and disease-free survival time. After increasing the level of microRNA-519a in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma human epithelial type 2 cells, cell growth was inhibited and cell cycle was arrested in the G2/M phase. MicroRNA-519a down-regulated HuR gene expression in protein levels without affecting messenger RNA levels.Conclusion:MicroRNA-519a may function as a tumour suppressor by inhibiting HuR expression, and may serve as a therapeutic target for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.
The power(s) of observation: theoretical perspectives on surveillance technologies and older people
Authors: MORTENSON W. BEN , SIXSMITH ANDREW , WOOLRYCH RYAN 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTThere is a long history of surveillance of older adults in institutional settings and it is becoming an increasingly common feature of modern society. New surveillance technologies that include activity monitoring, and ubiquitous computing, which are described as ambient assisted living (AAL), are being developed to provide unobtrusive monitoring and support of activities of daily living and to extend the quality and length of time older people can live in their homes. However, concerns have been raised with how these kinds of technologies may affect user's privacy and autonomy. The objectives of this paper are (a) to describe the development of home-based surveillance technologies; (b) to examine how surveillance is being restructured with the use of this technology; and (c) to explore the potential outcomes associated with the adoption of AAL as a means of surveillance by drawing upon the theoretical work of Foucault and Goffman. The discussion suggests that future research needs to consider two key areas beyond the current discourse on technology and ageing, specifically: (a) how the new technology will encroach upon the private lived space of the individual, and (b) how it will affect formal and informal caring relationships. This is critical to ensure that the introduction of AAL does not contribute to the disempowerment of residents who receive this technology.
Living arrangements and loneliness of South Asian immigrant seniors in Edmonton, Canada
Authors: NG CHEUK FAN , NORTHCOTT HERBERT C. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the relationships between self-reported loneliness and living arrangements. A structured questionnaire with some open-ended questions was administered face-to-face in English, Hindi or Punjabi to a sample of 161 elderly South Asian immigrants 60 or more years of age living in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 2003. The majority of respondents said that they never felt lonely. More than one in three (37.3%) respondents indicated that they felt lonely occasionally, frequently or all of the time. Those living alone were significantly more likely to report feeling lonely at least occasionally than were those living with others, especially those living with their spouse in an extended family. The fact that South Asian immigrant seniors typically lived with others, often in an extended family with or without their spouse, and rarely lived alone protected them to some extent from loneliness. However, our findings showed that among those living with others, it was the amount of waking time spent alone at home and the quality of family relationships rather than living arrangementper sethat significantly predicted self-reported loneliness. Nevertheless, living in a larger household was associated with spending less time alone. We discuss plausible influences of culture on expectations regarding family and social relationships and on the meaning of being alone, as well as practical implications for addressing loneliness in a multi-cultural society.
Homogenization of the spectral problem on the Riemannian manifold consisting of two domains connected by many tubes
Authors: Khrabustovskyi Andrii 
Published: December 2013

The paper deals with the asymptotic behaviour as ε → 0 of the spectrum of the Laplace–Beltrami operator Δε on the Riemannian manifold Mε (dim Mε = N ≥ 2) depending on a small parameter ε > 0. Mε consists of two perforated domains, which are connected by an array of tubes of length qε. Each perforated domain is obtained by removing from the fixed domain Ω ⊂ ℝN the system of ε-periodically distributed balls of radius dε = ō(ε). We obtain a variety of homogenized spectral problems in Ω; their type depends on some relations between ε, dε and qε. In particular, if the limitsare positive, then the homogenized spectral problem contains the spectral parameter in a nonlinear manner, and its spectrum has a sequence of accumulation points.
A review of the Carboniferous lungfish genusCtenodusAgassiz, 1838 from the United Kingdom, with new data from an articulated specimen ofCtenodus interruptusBarkas, 1869
Authors: Sharp E. L. , Clack J. A. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTA revision of the Carboniferous lungfish genusCtenodusis undertaken.Ctenodusis the longest-surviving genus of lungfish from the Carboniferous, and is the only one to cross the Lower–Upper Carboniferous boundary. Five species span the period, with species correlated to stage. Species are distinguished by differences in tooth plate morphology. Ridge number increases from the Tournaisian to the Moscovian, and the length to width ratio decreases. A new, almost complete articulated individual ofC. interruptusallows identification of this species from pterygoid tooth plates and other characteristics. These, and new features of the postcranial skeleton, are described for the first time.Ctenodusretains primitive features of the skull roof, such as a pair of C-bones and retention of a D-bone; its contemporariesConchopoma,SagenodusandStraitoniashow the derived condition of these features.Ctenodusretains primitive features of the lepidotrichia, which are distally segmented and bifurcated. However, it also shows the derived condition of the tail region in having a combined first and second dorsal fin: whether there was a separate caudal fin remains unknown.
A band notch UWB bandpass filter using dual-stub-loaded multimode resonator with embedded spiral resonator
Authors: Sarkar Pankaj , Rakshit Ishita , Adhikari Sharmili , Pal Manimala , Ghatak Rowdra 
Published: December 2013

This paper presents a band-notched ultra-wideband bandpass filter by loading a short stub and an asymmetric step impedance stub in a uniform impedance resonator. The passband extends from 3.04 to 10.8 GHz frequency. The multimode resonator provides a sharp band edge with measured transmission zeros at 2.59 and 13 GHz. The later one is due to source load coupling. The passband insertion loss is within 1.5 dB. The embedded spiral resonator introduces a notch at 5.25 GHz with attenuation of 15 dB. The filter exhibits a wide stop band till 15 GHz. The in band and out of band performance obtained from full-wave electromagnetic simulation and measurement are in close agreement.
Ultra-compact high-performance filters based on TM dual-mode dielectric-loaded cavities
Authors: Pelliccia Luca , Cacciamani Fabrizio , Tomassoni Cristiano , Sorrentino Roberto 
Published: December 2013

Ultra-compact band-pass filters with Nth-order pseudoelliptic response are presented allowing dramatic volume and mass savings (up to about 90%) compared to conventional filters at the price of a modest Q-factor reduction. TM dual-mode cavities loaded with high-permittivity (εr > 30) ceramic cylinders are employed, while non-resonating modes are used to create N transmission zeros symmetrically or non-symmetrically located in the pass-band. A single cavity behaves as a generalized doublet generating two transmission poles and two transmission zeros and is used as a basic building block for N-pole and N-zero filters with symmetric or asymmetric response. To prove the effectiveness of the approach, a very compact fourth-order filter with 4.35 GHz center frequency, four transmission zeros has been designed, fabricated, and tested showing an unloaded Q close to 2000. It is finally shown that the filter response can be shifted in frequency by simply replacing the dielectric material with another having different εr, so that the same metal enclosure can be used to realize various filters operating at different frequency bands.
Corporations, international crimes and national courts: a Norwegian view
Authors: O'Connor Simon 
Published: December 2013

AbstractFor a number of reasons, questions regarding the accountability of corporations for actions that might be complicit in the commission of international crimes have gained prominence in recent times. Though initiatives regarding what is more broadly described as business and human rights are to be welcomed, this sometimes distracts from existing systems of accountability, especially when those acts, which may be discussed as human rights violations, equally constitute crimes. Whilst not all criminal jurisdictions extend to legal persons, the Norwegian Penal Code does. This article analyses the Norwegian Penal Code's provisions, in light of amendments made to it in 2008 to include international crimes in it, with the effect of extending those crimes to corporations. The article first addresses the personal, material, temporal, and geographical scope of the penal code. It then addresses the potential consequence of the exercise of jurisdiction in light of the only case in recent times in Norway that deals explicitly with a corporation's potential criminal liability for war crimes. The article then addresses three additional issues with respect to provisions on complicity, intent, and defences under the Norwegian Penal Code, before concluding with some reflections on the possible future effects of this legislation and the possibility that it will inspire developments elsewhere.