bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
African Philosophy and the Search for an African Philosopher: The Demise of a Conflictual Discourse
Authors: Oyedola DA 
Published: July 2015

There are contending reasons why the rationale, qualification and justification for becoming an African philosopher are still facing the problem of ontology. One reason, as Didier Kaphagawani posits, is premised on the challenges by anthropology and colonialism (1986, 86). Given Oruka, Makinde, Oladipo, Oke, and Hallen’s perception of these challenges, they concede that these challenges gave birth to the postcolonial search for a distinct African identity. On the one hand, D. A. Masolo’s submission that because “Africa cannot be re -subjectivised; hence, an identity which is peculiarly African is impossible” (1997, 283-285) downplays the concession of Kaphagawani, Oruka, et al. Moreover, there tend s to be agreement among certain philosophers who have devoted their time promoting Africana philosophy and culture-oriented discourse in Africa like Outlaw, Cabral, Fanon, Makinde, Oladipo, Oke, Hallen, Horton, etc., that “the Western discourse on Africa and the response to such discourse” (MASOLO 1994, 1) led many African philosophers like Nazombe, Okpewho, Tempels, Nkrumah, Nyerere, Senghor, Cesaire, Awolowo, Mandela, etc., to react using socio-political and academic means to establish a distinct African philosophical paradigm which craves for the re-subjectivisation of Africa. By implication, the response to the Western discourse on Africa, as Outlaw, et al, opine, lend credence to (a) the rationale for the qualification and justification to be an African philosopher; (b) the existence of African philosophy, and (c) the modality of doing philosophy in Africa. Nevertheless, the problem with Outlaw, et al, o n one hand, and D. A. Masolo, on the other, is the failure to recognize that any philosopher need not be of African descent or blood before he can make a meaningful contribution to address the problems facing the development of Africa in all spheres of lif e. This is possible in as much as there is an adequate understanding of the subject under discussion or what it means to do African philosophy. It is this failure or weakness that we shall explore in this essay.Keywords: Africa, African Paradigm, African Philosophy, African Philosopher,Identity
La reconnaissance factuelle : le récit itératif d’un accident pour rétablir un rapport à soi et à autrui
Authors: Dubuis Alexandre 
Published: July 2015

Ce texte s’inspire des notions d’identité narrative et d’ipséité pour analyser les récits d’accidents de grands brûlés de la face. Ces récits modulables et régulièrement énoncés par les personnes concernées sont considérés à travers deux axes: pour soi et pour autrui. Le “récit pour soi” assure principalement le maintien d’une identité fêlée par un traumatisme grave. Il amène pour le grand brûlé une continuité entre une identité ante et post brûlure que les changements drastiques de l’apparence ont bouleversée. Le “récit pour autrui” se donne quant à lui d’autres finalités. Il vise notamment à faciliter l’identification des séquelles et à diminuer ainsi l’inconfort interactionnel. Quelles que soient les formes variées qu’ils peuvent prendre, ces deux types récits deviennent, dans leur ensemble, l’expression d’une lutte pour la reconnaissance menée par le grand brûlé pour rétablir un rapport aussi bien à soi qu’à autrui.
Traduire le passé : enjeux et défis d’une opération historiographique
Authors: Marinescu Paul 
Published: July 2015

Cet article se propose de réfléchir sur les rapports possibles entre l’herméneutique de l’histoire et la théorie de la traduction, tels qu’ils sont développés, esquissés, voire suggérés par Paul Ricœur, en prenant comme point de départ la question de la traduction du passé. Il s’agirait de vérifier de cette manière si ce syntagme de « traduction du passé » – que l’on trouve dans son article de 1998 intitulé “La marque du passé” – peut constituer l’intitulé d’un programme cohérent de l’herméneutique ricœurienne de l’histoire ou s’il reste au niveau des métaphores qui invitent à un vague conceptuel facile.
Retinal Arterial Macroaneurysms: Clinical, Angiographic, and Tomographic Description and Therapeutic Management of a Series of 14 Cases
Authors: Cahuzac Armelle , Scemama Claire , Mauget-Faÿsse Martine , Sahel José-Alain , Wolff Benjamin 
Published: July 2015

Purpose To describe clinical, angiographic, and tomographic features and the therapeutic management of patients with retinal arterial macroaneurysm (RAM). Methods Retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with RAM between January 2011 and September 2014 in Professor Sahel's Department of Ophthalmology, Rothschild Foundation. Retinal arterial macroaneurysms were classified as hemorrhagic, exudative, or quiescent. Patient demographics and comorbidities were recorded. All patients underwent complete ophthalmologic examination including initial and final visual acuity (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study chart), slit-lamp biomicroscopy, fundus examination, color and autofluorescence fundus imaging, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Treatments were recorded. Results Fourteen RAMs of 14 patients were included: 9 hemorrhagic and 5 exudative. The most severe clinical picture was associated with the hemorrhagic form. Exudative cases had a progressive onset and a better visual prognosis. Direct laser photocoagulation was performed in 4 cases, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) intravitreal injection in 4 cases, combined treatment (YAG laser + argon laser + anti-VEGF intravitreal injection) in 1 case, and 5 cases received no treatment. Conclusions Retinal arterial macroaneurysm management should be specialized and rapid. Multimodal imaging should be performed for classifying it, assessing its prognosis and determining the most suitable treatment.
Artificial Iris Implantation in a 9-Year-Old Boy
Authors: Brandlhuber Ulrich , Nentwich Martin M. , Rudolph Günther , Haritoglou Christos 
Published: July 2015

Purpose To demonstrate the successful surgical treatment of congenital aniridia. Methods Development of sight-impairing cortical cataracts in a young boy with congenital aniridia led to the decision to perform phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation, and artificial iris implantation in each eye. Results Thorough examination showed that aniridia and cataract were the explanation for the patient's symptoms (sensitivity to glare and visual impairment). Combined surgery was performed without complication. A follow-up visit showed an improved corrected distance visual acuity of 8/20 (OU) and correctly centered implants. Conclusions Artificial Iris® implantation combined with cataract surgery was successful in treating this child with congenital aniridia and lens opacification.
Visual Acuity at Presentation in the Second Eye versus First Eye in Patients with Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Chevreaud Olivier , Semoun Oudy , Blanco-Garavito Rocio , Kamami-Levy Cynthia , Merle Benedicte , Jung Camille , Querques Giuseppe , Souied Eric H. 
Published: July 2015

Purpose To assess the difference in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at presentation between the first and second eye in patients with bilateral neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods We reviewed the charts of all patients who had a clinical examination for neovascular AMD at the University Eye Clinic of Creteil in January 2013. We retrospectively analyzed demographic and clinical data for 264 patients. Results In the fellow eye, choroidal neovascularization (CNV) developed in 75/264 patients (28.4%) with a time interval between the 2 events of 30.3 months (range 6-145). Data were available on 65 patients: 14/65 (21.5%) were asymptomatic, 24/65 (36.9%) had BCVA >20/40, whereas at the time of CNV diagnosis in the first eye, no patient was asymptomatic (p<0.0001), and 11/65 (16.9%) eyes had BCVA >20/40 (p<0.0001). The mean BCVA of the first affected eye was 0.68 (±0.41) logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) and the mean BCVA for the second eye was 0.36 (±0.29) logMAR (p<0.0001). Conclusions The BCVA at the time of diagnosis of CNV was higher in the second eye than in the first affected eye. This was possibly due to several factors including systematic bilateral examination in follow-up of unilateral exudative AMD that allowed detection of 20% of cases.
Prognostic Value of Serum IL-17 and VEGF Levels in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Lin Qunying , Xue Lei , Tian Tian , Zhang Bo , Guo Lijing , Lin Guosheng , Chen Zhiwei , Fan Kexing , Gu Xiaobin 
Published: July 2015

Objective To explore the prognostic value of serum interleukin-17 (IL-17) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Materials and Methods IL-17 and VEGF levels were determined by a commercially available ELISA method. Results Serum IL-17 and VEGF levels were higher in the SCLC group than the control group (p<0.001 and p<0.0001, respectively). In addition, there was a significant correlation between IL-17 and VEGF. The level of IL-17 showed significant correlations with tumor stage and tumor metastasis, while serum VEGF levels were significantly associated only with tumor metastasis. Univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that an elevated IL-17 level was an independent prognostic factor for shorter overall survival in SCLC. Conclusions IL-17 may play an important role in tumor dissemination in SCLC patients and measurement of IL-17 could have useful prognostic value for worse overall survival in patients with SCLC.
Expression of ERCC1 and TUBB3 in Locally Advanced Cervical Squamous Cell Cancer and its Correlation with Different Therapeutic Regimens
Authors: Zwenger Ariel O. , Grosman Gabriel , Iturbe Julian , Leone Julieta , Vallejo Carlos T. , Leone José P. , Verdera Palmira Pérez , Pérez Juan E. , Leone Bernardo A. 
Published: July 2015

Background Several studies in solid tumors have shown that expression of excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1) and class III β-tubulin (TUBB3) can predict response to chemoradiotherapy and might be prognostic factors. We assessed the role of ERCC1 and TUBB3 expressions as predictive and prognostic factors in locally advanced cervical squamous cell carcinoma (LACSCC) patients treated with different neoadjuvant regimens. Methods ERCC1 and TUBB3 were detected in 88 patients with LACSCC by immunohistochemical analysis. Sixty-two patients were included in 3 different prospective trials and grouped as follows: vinorelbine or docetaxel (group A, n = 44) and ifosfamide-vinorelbine-cisplatin (group B, n = 18). Both groups were compared with standard cisplatin chemoradiotherapy (group C, n = 26). Clinical data at baseline, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were also collected. Univariate and multivariate Cox models were used to analyze the risk factors. Results Thirty-five patients (39.8%) and 18 (20.5%) had high ERCC1 and TUBB3 expression, respectively. Both proteins were overexpressed in tumors with unfavorable characteristics. High ERCC1 was associated with advanced FIGO stage (p = 0.034) and progressive disease (49% vs. 28%). Poor DFS (p = 0.021) and OS (p = 0.005) were observed in group C patients with high ERCC1 expression. Multivariate analysis showed that ERCC1 expression, FIGO stage and pretreatment hemoglobin level were significant prognostic factors (p = 0.002, p = 0.008 and p = 0.005, respectively). Conclusions ERCC1 expression could be a predictive and prognostic factor in LACSCC patients who receive cisplatin monotherapy. Conversely, TUBB3 had no impact on survival in patients treated with antimicrotubule agents.
A Prospective Observational Study to Assess the Impact of Operator Seniority on outcome following Arteriovenous Fistula Formation
Authors: Barnes Rachel , Smith George E. , Chetter Ian C. 
Published: July 2015

Purpose Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) surgery affords an excellent opportunity for junior surgeons to learn key vascular techniques. However, implementation of the European Working Time Directive has reduced trainee surgeon's working hours, leading to concerns regarding a possible effect on patient outcomes. Given high early postoperative failure rates and limited AVF sites, it has been proposed that AVF surgery should be performed by Consultants and senior trainees only. This prospective observational study aimed to establish how seniority impacts upon AVF surgery outcomes. Methods All patients referred for AVF formation were considered for inclusion. Demographic data, comorbidities, medications and previous access history were recorded. Surgery was performed by a Consultant Vascular Surgeon or a junior surgeon. Clinical review was undertaken 30 days postoperatively to assess patency and record any complications. Results Seventy-seven patients underwent AVF formation. About 63.6% procedures were carried out by a junior surgeon. The groups were well matched for demographics, comorbidities and medications. There was no difference in anatomical site of formation between groups operated on by consultant versus juniors (p = 0.373). More general anaesthetic procedures were undertaken by Consultant surgeons, for example basilic vein transposition when compared with juniors (p = 0.039). There was no significant difference in terms of early AVF failure (p = 0.710), complication rates (p = 0.139) or requirement for re-intervention (p = 0.256) between the groups. Patency rates were also equivocal between the groups. Conclusions The seniority of the operating surgeon does not appear to impact on outcomes following AVF formation. A greater proportion of general anaesthetic cases were undertaken by a Consultant, which may introduce bias. Junior surgeons with appropriate training and modest experience can perform access surgery without detriment to patients patient detriment.
Percutaneous versus Surgical Insertion of PD Catheters in Dialysis Patients: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Boujelbane Lamya , Fu Ning , Chapla Kevin , Melnick David , Redfield Robert R. , Waheed Sana , Yevzlin Alexander S. , Shin Jung-Im , Astor Brad C. , Chan Micah R. 
Published: July 2015

Purpose Several small studies have suggested that the percutaneous method of peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter insertion is effective and has a lower complication rate than surgical techniques (open, laparoscopic or peritoneoscopic), although no randomized, controlled study has compared these methods. Our objective was to compare percutaneous PD catheter insertion vs surgical placement in terms of 1-year catheter survival, catheter dysfunction, fluid leak and incidence of peritonitis. Methods We searched Medline for English-language literature from 1966 through June 2014, along with national conference proceedings and reference lists of all included publications to identify relevant studies. Inclusion criteria were having a measure of catheter survival at 1 year, catheter dysfunction, peritonitis rate per patient-month or fluid leak as outcomes. Studies were excluded if they were not in English or if they included pediatric patients. Random effects models were used to derive the pooled risk ratios, differences in patency and their variations. Results Thirteen studies with a total of 2,681 subjects met the inclusion criteria. There was no significant difference in 1-year catheter survival in percutaneous vs surgical PD catheter placement (relative risk [RR] = 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59-1.11, p = 0.19). Catheter dysfunction also did not differ significantly between the groups (pooled odds ratio [OR] = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.57-1.29, p = 0.46). The prevalence of peritoneal fluid leak also was similar for percutaneous and surgical groups (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 0.58-2.09, p = 0.77). However, there was a significant lower incidence of peritonitis among those with percutaneous placement (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.62-0.96, p = 0.02). Significant heterogeneity was detected across studies ( I2 = 78.4%, p<0.0001). Conclusions Our results suggest that there is no significant difference in catheter survival between percutaneous and surgical placement of PD catheters. Whether there are significant benefits from percutaneous placement in terms of peritonitis rates requires further robust studies. These findings have significant implications for future design of clinical trials in the placement of PD catheters and the delivery of dialysis-related services.
Echographic Landmark of Cephalic and Collateral Accessory vein at Forearm in Preoperative Evaluation for Hemodialysis Angioaccess
Authors: Pirozzi Nicola , Giuliani Anna , Scrivano Jacopo , Pettorini Laura , Fazzari Loredana , Punzo Giorgio , Menè Paolo 
Published: July 2015

Introduction Superficial veins in the upper arm differ according to their relationship to the superficial fascia. We investigated the echographic landmark of the cephalic vein (CV) to correctly distinguish it from the collateral accessory vein (CAV) before hemodialysis angioaccess creation. Materials and Method Twenty consecutive patients were evaluated by ultrasonographic scan. The echographic features of CV and CAV together with their relationship were described. Results Ninety-five percent of patients presented both CV and CAV (75% CAV laterally located, 25% medially located). CV and CAV diameters were 2.9 (±0.65) and 2.0 (±0.70), respectively. Conclusions CV differs from CAV for its anatomic location at forearm. Such a difference is clearly evident under ultrasound examination, despite any recommendation in ultrasound guidelines. Whether the exclusive use of CV for angioaccess creation can lead to a better outcome will be ascertained by further studies.
Thickness and Diameter in Melanoma: Is There a Relation?
Authors: Crocetti Emanuele , Fancelli Laura , Caldarella Adele , Buzzoni Carlotta 
Published: July 2015

Objective To evaluate the relationship between diameter and Breslow's thickness in skin melanoma. Methods 2,071 skin melanomas incident in the area of activity of the Tuscany Cancer Registry (central Italy) were analyzed. Pearson's linear correlation coefficient r was computed between diameter and Breslow's thickness. Results There was a statistically significant, but rather small, correlation between diameter and Breslow (r = 0.39). The same was true for men and women, for older and younger patients, and for skin subsites. 22.3% of the examined skin melanomas had a diameter ≤6 mm. Conclusions There was a statistically significant, but small, correlation between Breslow's thickness and diameter in skin melanomas. Moreover, a non-negligible proportion of small lesions were thick and/or nodular.
Nasal Cavity Reirradiation: A Challenging Case for Comparison between Proton Therapy and Volumetric Modulated arc Therapy
Authors: Ruggieri Ruggero , Dionisi Francesco , Mazzola Rosario , Fellin Francesco , Fiorentino Alba , Schwarz Marco , Ricchetti Francesco , Amichetti Maurizio , Alongi Filippo 
Published: July 2015

Background The aim of this case report is to report on a dosimetric comparison between volumetric modulated arc therapy (RapidArc technique and active scanning proton therapy (single-field (SFO) and multifield (MFO) techniques) in a case of nasal cavity cancer recurrence. Case Report A 72-year-old man, who received adjuvant radiotherapy for a carcinoma of the nasal cavity, experienced an unresectable local recurrence in the previous surgical bed. Hence, the patient was evaluated for reirradiation by comparing different modalities, with a total prescribed dose of 50 Gy in standard fractionation. RA plan was revealed to be equivalent to the MFO plan in terms of target dose coverage and conformity index. SFO plan was not able to respect a maximum dose of 9 Gy to nervous structures, in contrast to RA and MFO plans. Conclusions In this challenging scenario, although a clear preference would be given to the MFO proton plan, the RA plan was revealed to be adequate for the clinical goal of target coverage and sparing of organs at risk.
Metastatic Choriocarcinoma as Initial Presentation of Small Bowel Perforation in Absence of Primary Uterine Lesion: A Case Report
Authors: Cho En Bee , Byun Jung Mi , Jeong Dae Hoon , Yoon Hye Kyoung , Kim Young Nam , Sung Moon Su , Lee Kyung Bok , Kim Ki Tae 
Published: July 2015

Background Choriocarcinoma is a highly malignant tumor of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia that characteristically spreads via the bloodstream. Small bowel metastasis is very rare, and a small number of cases of choriocarcinoma metastasis to small bowel have been reported. Methods We report a case of a 40-year-old woman presenting with acute abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding due to small bowel perforation secondary to jejunal metastasis. In our case, metastatic choriocarcinoma was present in the small bowel, lung, and liver, but no primary lesion was apparent. Results After resection and anastomosis of the perforated small bowel, chemotherapy was performed. The patient began chemotherapy with etoposide, methotrexate, actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide, and vincristine (EMA-CO) for 9 cycles. When the 4th cycle of chemotherapy was finished, β-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level was normalized and follow-up computed tomography scans showed regression of the liver metastasis and small bowel lesion and significantly decreased lung metastasis. After 9 cycles of chemotherapy were completed, the patient showed complete response. Conclusions If patients have high β-hCG of unknown origin and suspected panperitonitis, which are suspicious of choriocarcinoma metastasis to small bowel, the pathologic findings are important. It is essential to confirm the histopathologic diagnosis postoperatively. Choriocarcinoma can spread to various organs and show aggressive manifestations. Therefore, we should be aware of possible metastatic sites and remain alert to its diagnosis.
Management of Patients with Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC): Results of an Italian Survey Using the Delphi Method
Authors: Terrone Carlo , Berruti Alfredo , Papotti Mauro , Vavassori Vittorio , Sciarra Alessandro 
Published: July 2015

Purpose To assess the opinions of urologists, oncologists and radiation oncologists on the indication for androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and the definition and management of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Methods In this study using the Delphi method, a list of 15 statements (66 items overall) addressing key issues in ADT and CRPC was sent to 255 participants (urologists, oncologists and radiation oncologists). Responses were rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1=strong disagreement; 5=strong agreement). Disagreement was defined as ≥66% responses with scores 1-2 and agreement as ≥66% responses with scores 3-5. No consensus was absence of agreement/disagreement. Results Overall, there was agreement and disagreement in 50% and 15% of the items, respectively. In 71.2% of the items the panelists agreed with each other. The highest concordance rate was observed between urologists and oncologists (87.8%). There were no items with 3 different opinions between the specialists. All panelists agreed on the definition of CRPC. Urologists and oncologists agreed on the recommendation to continue ADT in CRPC. In both nonmetastatic and metastatic asymptomatic CRPC patients with biochemical progression, treatment should be based on PSA kinetics. The panelists agreed on the use of chemotherapy in symptomatic and asymptomatic metastatic CRPC patients but not in those with nonmetastatic CRPC. There was agreement on the timing of initiation of abiraterone and enzalutamide either before or after chemotherapy. Conclusions With few exceptions there was agreement among urologists, oncologists and radiation oncologists about the management of CRPC, although the indications were not always in line with international guidelines.