bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Colonic Cancer, Ulcerative Colitis and Colonic Adenoma: An Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Gamal el Din Amina A. , Esmail Reham Sh. E. , Hareedy Amal A. 
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Colon cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Colonic adenoma and ulcerative colitis (UC) are important precancerous lesions. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a well-known pro-angiogenic factor plays important role in physiologic and pathologic conditions and in neovascularization in cancer and hence becomes a potential target for anti-angiogenic cancer therapy.AIM: This study investigated VEGF immunohistochemical expression in colon cancer and its precancerous lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS:Â Paraffin blocks from two hospitals were collected in a year: Colon cancer: 20 cases, colonic adenoma: 15 cases, UC: 15 cases and 5 controls from normal mucosa. VEGF was assessed immunohistochemically using a primary anti-VEGF antibody (VG1, Dako, Denemark).RESULTS: Median age was 49 years (range 31-52) in cancer, 40 years (range 31-52) in adenomas and 33 years (range 27-43) in UC. VEGF expression was negative in control, significantly strongly positive in 90% of colonic adenocarcinoma (p= 0.001), significantly positive in adenomas (p= 0.002) - the weak positivity significantly seen in mild dysplasia (p= 0.001) - and significantly positive in 73.3% of UC cases (p=0.022).CONCLUSION: The significant increase in positivity of VEGF in precancerous to cancerous lesions may point to its potential role in the pathogenesis and progression of colonic neoplasia.
Usefulness of Estimation of Glycated Albumin and Glycosylated Haemoglobin in Indian Diabetic Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Ramanathan Kumaresan , Padmanabhan Giri 
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) assay accurately reflects glycemic control in patients withÂ chronic kidney disease (CKD).AIM: To evaluate the usefulness of glycated albumin (GA) in diabetic CKD population with reference to glycemic control in comparison to HbA1c.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Totally 194 Diabetic CKD (Male: 126, Female: 68) patients who attended a private nephrology clinic, were taken for the study. The age ranged between 18 to 87 years. Blood samples were collected in fasting state in all the patients and all biochemical estimations were done using fully automated analyzer.Â RESULTS: The mean estimated GFR levels were 82.47, 44.32, 24.13 and 10 ml/min/1.73 m2 in Group I, II, III & IV respectively. The GA levels were significantly increased when the eGFR levels have been decreased. Also the GA: HbA1c ratio differed significantly when compared between the groups I & II, I & III and group I & IV of CKD patients.CONCLUSION: GA estimation is a useful marker in assessment of short term glycemic control in stage III & IV (< 30 ml/min/1.73m2) diabetic CKD patients. GA: HbA1c ratio if routinely done may also become a useful marker in Diabetic CKD population in future.
Self-Assessment of Final Year Medical Studentsâ€™ Proficiency at Basic Procedures
Authors: Olajide Thomas , Seyi-Olajide Justina , Ugburo Andrew , Oridota Ezekiel 
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Procedural tasks are important in patient management, with varying degrees of proficiency expected at different levels of medical training. Little has been done in this region to assess the medical studentsâ€™ proficiency at performing basic procedures.AIM: The aim of this study is to determine their self-assessed proficiency, degree of participation in performing these procedures and the use of skill-lab training.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is questionnaire-based, amongst final year medical students of University of Lagos, Nigeria.RESULTS: One hundred and forty students participated in the study.Â A significant number (82{58.6%}) self-reported level of proficiency for venepuncture was above average or excellent; for IV line placement it wasÂ a little less than half (65{46.4%}) and for urethral catheterisation 44 (31.7%); however it was quite low for the other procedures. Many students self-reported high level of participation for venepuncture (83{59.2%}); sixty one (43.6%) for IV line placement and 30 (21.7%) for urethral catheterization. The correlations between self-assessed levels of proficiency and participation were significant for all procedures. There was no exposure to the use of mannequins.CONCLUSION: Self-reported proficiency is lacking for basic procedures in a significant proportion of students with a low level of participation.
Physical Growth and Body Composition of Controlled Versus Uncontrolled Type 1 Egyptian Diabetic Children
Authors: Hassan Nayera E. , El-Kahky Ahmed , Hana Mona Atteya , Abu Shady Mones M. , Galal Essam M. , Khalil Aya 
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is one of the most common chronic endocrine disorders of childhood. Data on growth parameters of diabetic children is scarce.AIM: To assess growth and body composition in a group of diabetic children.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 427 T1DM children (age 2-10 years) were recruited from Diabetic Paediatric Unit, outpatients' clinic of Abou El-Rish Hospital. Anthropometric and body composition parameters were taken and HbA1c was measured for all subjects.RESULTS:Â Highly significant difference was detected between controlled and uncontrolled groups as regard to weight/age z-score, height/age z-score, BMI z-score, triceps skin fold thickness, subscapular skin fold thickness, midupper arm circumference, fat mass, fat %, lean mass, and body water (p < 0.001). All values are higher in the controlled group than in the uncontrolled group. Uncontrolled subjects were significantly more at risk of being underweight and short, with odds ratio of 15.131 and 16.877 and 95% confidence interval 1.972-116.130 and 3.973-71.694 respectively. However, controlled subjects were significantly more at risk of being obese than the uncontrolled with an odds ratio 0.116 and 95% confidence interval 0.045-0.302.CONCLUSION: Growth was compromised in uncontrolled T1DM children. This is of utmost importance since most of the clinical features are reversible with better glycemic control and appropriate insulin management.
The Relation between Visceral and Subcutaneous Fat to Bone Mass among Egyptian Children and Adolescents
Authors: El-Masry Sahar A. , Hassan Nayera E. , El-Banna Rokia A. , El Hussieny Mohamed S. 
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: The relation between fat distribution and bone mass is still being debated in children and adolescents.AIM: To verify the influence of both visceral and subcutaneous fat on bone mass among Egyptian children and adolescents.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study involved 78 (38 boys and 40 girls) individuals from children (42) and adolescents (36), aged 8-17 years. They were divided into 2 age groups: children group (20 boys and 22 girls) aged 8-12 years and adolescent group (18 boys and 18 girls) aged 13-17 years. Anthropometric measurements, visceral and subcutaneous fat (measured by ultrasound), body composition, BMD and BMC (Measured by DXA), were attempted.RESULTS: Among children, significant positive correlations between visceral fat; in males; and subcutaneous fat; in females; with total BMC, BMD and its Z-score were revealed. After exclusion of age effect, the association between visceral fat in females with total BMD and its Z-score and lumbar BMD-Z-score became significant.Â For adolescents, no correlation was observed between either visceral or subcutaneous fat with any parameter of bone mass.CONCLUSIONS: Visceral and subcutaneous fat had significant positive association with bone mass in children; males and females respectively. On the contrary such association disappeared during adolescence.
Preoperative Evaluation of Thyroid Epithelial Lesions by DNA Ploidy and Galectin-3 Expression in FNAC
Authors: Elsharkawy Sonia L. , AbdEl-Aal Wafaa E. , Esmal Reham S.E. , Ali Hanan H.M. , Mahfouz Soheir M. , El-Habashi Ahmed 
Published: October 2015

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the value of DNA ploidy and galectins-3 immunostain in the preoperative evaluation of thyroid epithelial lesions.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty patients presenting with thyroid enlargement were included in this study and referred by clinicians for FNA. Routine cytological evaluation was done on PAPÂ Â stained slides according to the WHO criteria and at least three slides were prepared for routine cytological examinations. The nuclear DNA analysis was performed at the Pathology Department, National Research Center using the Leica Qwin 500 Image Analyzer (LEICA Imaging Systems Ltd, Cambridge, England). Galectin-3 expression was investigated in all tissues using streptavidin-biotin technique.RESULTS: Conventional Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of 60 cases could diagnose malignancy with a sensitivity of 60%, negative predictive value (NPV) 71.4%, and overall diagnostic accuracy of 80%. The aneuploidy was significantly associated with malignancy, with sensitivity 90.9%, specificity 83.3% and accuracy 88.3%. On using galectin-3 immunocytochemichal stain on cell blocks prepared from FNA the values were improved, sensitivity 93.3% specificity 86.7% and overall accuracy 90% and it was noticed that galectin-3 over expression was significantly associated with malignancy.CONCLUSIONS: From the results of this study we can consider that DNA ploidy and Galectin-3 could refine the FNA results andÂ increase its sensitivity as a screening test from sensitivity(60%) to reach sensitivity (93.3%), thus decreasing the false negative cases. From this study, it is concluded that the application of ancillary techniques as galectin-3 immunocytochemical markers may become a reliable indicator for surgical intervention, DNA ploidy measurements on the other hand may be of value in galectin-3 negative cases to determine the behavior of the lesion in such cases & refine the preoperative assessment by out ruling false negative cases.
Hyperleptinemia May Protect From Cardio-Vascular Complications: A Small Georgian Study
Authors: Zerekidze Tamar , Janjgava Shota , Asatiani Ketevan , Giorgadze Elene 
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Leptin was assessed to play a coordinating role in obesity and its cardio-vascular complications, however the findings are conflicting and further clinical investigation is required. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of serum leptin with cardio-vascular risk factors in different body mass index and age groups.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Â One hundred and forty nine female patients were enrolled in the study and divided into groups according to body mass index (BMI) and age. Following measurements were carried out: height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure. Venous blood sample was obtained for plasma leptin, insulin, glucose and lipid profile analysis. Insulin resistance index was calculated for each patient. Body fat distribution was measured using Dual energy X-ray Absorbtiometry.RESULTS: The lowest leptin concentration was observed in overweight patients, the highest concentration was seen in obese patients. The difference between leptin levels were not observed in age groups. Leptin positively correlated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in obese and elder patients.CONCLUSION: Leptin might act as a preventive measure for cardiovascular complications only in the presence of sufficient amount of fat mass. Further studies are warranted in order to support these results.
Intravitreal Lower-Dose (20 µg) Melphalan for Persistent or Recurrent Retinoblastoma Vitreous Seeds
Authors: Tuncer Samuray , Balci Özlem , Tanyildiz Burak , Kebudi Rejin , Shields Carol L. 
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
The major cause of failure in the management of retinoblastoma is the persistence/recurrence of vitreous seeds (VS). This study reports the efficacy and complications of standard lower-dose (20 µg) intravitreal melphalan for VS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Retrospective review of all patients with active VS treated with lower-dose intravitreal melphalan (20 µg/0.1 mL) on a monthly basis until complete VS regression was achieved.

RESULTS:
A total of 14 injections were delivered to seven eyes of seven patients (range: 1–4; median: 2). At a median follow-up of 20 months (range: 12–32 months), complete regression of VS was achieved in all cases (100%), and globe salvage was achieved in six cases (86%). One eye required enucleation for solid tumor recurrence. Side effects of retinal pigment epithelium mottling at the site of injection was noted in two eyes (29%).

CONCLUSION:
The 2-year results of this study suggest that standard lower-dose (20 µg) intravitreal melphalan is safe and highly effective for the management of viable VS from retinoblastoma.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:942–948.]
Short-Term Outcomes of Aflibercept Therapy for Diabetic Macular Edema in Patients With Incomplete Response to Ranibizumab and/or Bevacizumab
Authors: Wood Edward H. , Karth Peter A. , Moshfeghi Darius M. , Leng Theodore 
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Aflibercept is a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). Currently, the effect of switching to aflibercept from other anti-VEGF agents for DME is unknown.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
In this prospective, interventional case series, DME patients with persistent retinal fluid despite regular (every 4 to 6 weeks) intravitreal injection (IVI) with ranibizumab 0.3 mg, and/or bevacizumab 1.25 mg were switched to IVI aflibercept 2 mg. Collected data included visual acuity, central subfield foveal thickness (CSFT), and the area of thickest edema on registered spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

RESULTS:

At 1 month after the first aflibercept IVI, 79% (11 of 14 eyes) showed anatomic improvement with a 23% decrease in average CSFT from 421 µm to 325 µm (
P
< .0132).

CONCLUSION:
A majority of patients with DME with persistent fluid on SD-OCT despite regular ranibizumab 0.3 mg and/or bevacizumab 1.25 mg IVIs showed a positive anatomic response to IVI aflibercept 2 mg.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:950–954.]
Post-Market Experience With Ocriplasmin Including Chronic Electrophysiologic Changes
Authors: Small Kent W. , Shaya Fadi S. , La Fontaine Maribel 
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Intravitreal ocriplasmin has recently been used to treat vitreomacular traction, including macular holes. Recent safety concerns have arisen.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
A retrospective chart review was conducted of the authors’ first nine patients (eight with macular holes) who were treated with intravitreal ocriplasmin. Standard clinical data were collected before and after injection, including electroretinography.

RESULTS:
Three of the nine patients had significant electroretinogram (ERG) depression; two of these had successful closure of the macular hole. Significant ERG depression, lasting up to 15 months, occurred in one patient. The third patient had moderate ERG depression but without macular hole closure. The six remaining patients experienced no change in visual acuity or ERG.

CONCLUSION:
This is one of the first reports of ocriplasmin for the treatment of macular hole including ERGs showing long-term loss of rod and cone function. Ocriplasmin successfully closed the macular hole in two of the eight patients (25%), and it was these same two patients who also experienced marked ERG depression.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:956–962.]
Intraoperative OCT-Assisted Subretinal Perfluorocarbon Liquid Removal in the DISCOVER Study
Authors: Smith Adiel G. , Cost Brian M. , Ehlers Justis P. 
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
To assess the role for intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) during subretinal perfluoro-n-octane (PFO) removal and evaluate it as an assistive technique during surgical maneuvers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
DISCOVER is a prospective study examining microscope-integrated iOCT systems in ophthalmic surgery. The authors report a technique utilizing iOCT guidance and feedback for surgical removal of chronic subretinal PFO.

RESULTS:
In this technique, real-time iOCT feedback successfully guided surgical maneuvers to facilitate removal of PFO. Due to the chronicity of the PFO, it was loculated and resistant to multiple maneuvers. Utilizing real-time feedback, additional maneuvers were attempted with feedback to the surgeon regarding the success of removal. Postoperatively, visual acuity improved with anatomic normalization.

CONCLUSION:
Microscope-integrated iOCT with real-time feedback provided important information to the surgeon that helped facilitate subretinal PFO removal and guided surgical maneuvers.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:964–966.]
Dynamics and Transcriptomics of Skin Dendritic Cells and Macrophages in an Imiquimod-Induced, Biphasic Mouse Model of Psoriasis
Authors: Terhorst Dorothea , Chelbi Rabie , Wohn Christian , Malosse Camille , Tamoutounour Samira , Jorquera Audrey , Bajenoff Marc , Dalod Marc , Malissen Bernard , Henri Sandrine 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease of unknown etiology. Previous studies showed that short-term, 5–7 d-long application of imiquimod (IMQ), a TLR7 agonist, to the skin of mice triggers a psoriasis-like inflammation. In the current study, by applying IMQ for 14 consecutive d, we established an improved mouse psoriasis-like model in that it recapitulated many of the clinical and cellular hallmarks observed in human patients during both the early-onset and the late-stable phase of psoriasis. Although macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) have been proposed to drive the psoriatic cascade, their largely overlapping phenotype hampered studying their respective role. Based on our ability to discriminate Langerhans cells (LCs), conventional DCs, monocytes, monocyte-derived DCs, macrophages, and plasmacytoid DCs in the skin, we addressed their dynamics during both phases of our biphasic psoriasis-like model. Plasmacytoid DCs were not detectable during the whole course of IMQ treatment. During the early phase, neutrophils infiltrated the epidermis, whereas monocytes and monocyte-derived DCs were predominant in the dermis. During the late phase, LCs and macrophage numbers transiently increased in the epidermis and dermis, respectively. LC expansion resulted from local proliferation, a conclusion supported by global transcriptional analysis. Genetic depletion of LCs permitted to evaluate their function during both phases of the biphasic psoriasis-like model and demonstrated that their absence resulted in a late phase that is associated with enhanced neutrophil infiltration. Therefore, our data support an anti-inflammatory role of LCs during the course of psoriasis-like inflammation.
Simulation of Incompressible Free Surface Flow Using the Volume Preserving Level Set Method
Authors: Yu Ching-Hao , Sheu Tony Wen-Hann 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis study aims to develop a numerical scheme in collocated Cartesian grids to solve the level set equation together with the incompressible two-phase flow equations. A seventh-order accurate upwinding combined compact difference (UCCD7) scheme has been developed for the approximation of the first-order spatial derivative terms shown in the level set equation. Developed scheme has a higher accuracy with a three-point grid stencil to minimize phase error. To preserve the mass of each phase all the time, the temporal derivative term in the level set equation is approximated by the sixth-order accurate symplectic Runge-Kutta (SRK6) scheme. All the simulated results for the dam-break, Rayleigh-Taylor instability, bubble rising, two-bubble merging, and milkcrown problems in two and three dimensions agree well with the available numerical or experimental results.
Construction, Analysis and Application of Coupled Compact Difference Scheme in Computational Acoustics and Fluid Flow Problems
Authors: Pradhan Jitenjaya , Amit  , Mahato Bikash , Dhandole Satish D. , Bhumkar Yogesh G. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn the present work, a new type of coupled compact difference scheme has been proposed for the solution of computational acoustics and flow problems. The proposed scheme evaluates the first, the second and the fourth derivative terms simultaneously. Derived compact difference scheme has a significant spectral resolution and a physical dispersion relation preserving (DRP) ability over a considerable wavenumber range when a fourth order four stage Runge-Kutta scheme is used for the time integration. Central stencil has been used for the present numerical scheme to evaluate spatial derivative terms. Derived scheme has the capability of adding numerical diffusion adaptively to attenuate spurious high wavenumber oscillations responsible for numerical instabilities. The DRP nature of the proposed scheme across a wider wavenumber range provides accurate results for the model wave equations as well as computational acoustic problems. In addition to the attractive feature of adaptive diffusion, present scheme also helps to control spurious reflections from the domain boundaries and is projected as an alternative to the perfectly matched layer (PML) technique.
Export Behaviour of Micro Firms in the Swedish Computer and Business Service Industries
Authors: Falk Martin , Hagsten Eva 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The export participation of SMEs in the Swedish computer and business service industries has increased rapidly over the last decade. Despite this, export participation rates—including those of micro enterprises—remained low at 13 per cent in computer services and 8 per cent in business services in 2010. Based on uniquely linked firm-level datasets with full coverage of micro enterprises, this study investigates the determinants of the export participation of Swedish SMEs in the computer and business service industries. Exports include both goods and services. Estimates based on the conditional fixed-effects logit model show a significantly positive relationship between initial labour productivity and the decision to export. One new and interesting finding is that the magnitude of the relationship between the probability to export and initial labour productivity is low when controlling for firm effects. Surprisingly, the impact of labour productivity on exporting in computer services does not differ between micro enterprises and other SMEs (10–249 employees). In business services, the relationship between export probability and labour productivity on the one hand and skill intensity on the other is significant for micro enterprises, but not for other SMEs (10–249 employees).