bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temperature variability analysis using wavelets and multiscale entropy in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, and septic shock
Authors: Papaioannou Vasilios E , Chouvarda Ioanna G , Maglaveras Nikos K , Pneumatikos Ioannis A 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Background
Even though temperature is a continuous quantitative variable, its measurement has been considered a snapshot of a process, indicating whether a patient is febrile or afebrile. Recently, other diagnostic techniques have been proposed for the association between different properties of the temperature curve with severity of illness in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), based on complexity analysis of continuously monitored body temperature. In this study, we tried to assess temperature complexity in patients with systemic inflammation during a suspected ICU-acquired infection, by using wavelets transformation and multiscale entropy of temperature signals, in a cohort of mixed critically ill patients.

Methods
Twenty-two patients were enrolled in the study. In five, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS, group 1) developed, 10 had sepsis (group 2), and seven had septic shock (group 3). All temperature curves were studied during the first 24 hours of an inflammatory state. A wavelet transformation was applied, decomposing the signal in different frequency components (scales) that have been found to reflect neurogenic and metabolic inputs on temperature oscillations. Wavelet energy and entropy per different scales associated with complexity in specific frequency bands and multiscale entropy of the whole signal were calculated. Moreover, a clustering technique and a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were applied for permitting pattern recognition in data sets and assessing diagnostic accuracy of different wavelet features among the three classes of patients.

Results
Statistically significant differences were found in wavelet entropy between patients with SIRS and groups 2 and 3, and in specific ultradian bands between SIRS and group 3, with decreased entropy in sepsis. Cluster analysis using wavelet features in specific bands revealed concrete clusters closely related with the groups in focus. LDA after wrapper-based feature selection was able to classify with an accuracy of more than 80% SIRS from the two sepsis groups, based on multiparametric patterns of entropy values in the very low frequencies and indicating reduced metabolic inputs on local thermoregulation, probably associated with extensive vasodilatation.

Conclusions
We suggest that complexity analysis of temperature signals can assess inherent thermoregulatory dynamics during systemic inflammation and has increased discriminating value in patients with infectious versus noninfectious conditions, probably associated with severity of illness.
Patient-Reported Outcomes After Hepatic Resection of Colorectal Cancer Metastases
Authors: Rees Jonathan R. , Blazeby Jane M. , Fayers Peter , Friend Elizabeth A. , Welsh Fenella K.S. , John Timothy G. , Rees Myrddin 
Published: March 2012

Purpose Hepatic resection of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) liver metastases is increasing, but evidence for the impact of surgery on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is limited. This study aimed to describe comprehensively the impact of liver surgery for CRC hepatic metastases on PROs. Patients and Methods Consecutive patients selected for hepatic resection completed the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire–C30 and Quality of Life Questionnaire–Liver Metastases C21 before and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. For functional scales, mean scores with 95% CIs were calculated at each time point, with differences in scores of at least 10 points considered clinically significant. Responses to symptom scales and items were categorized as minimal or severe. Proportions and 95% CIs for each symptom category were calculated. Results Hepatic surgery was planned in 241 patients but abandoned in nine because of unresectable disease. There were two postoperative deaths, 58 complications (25.2%), and 32 patients (14.9%) with disease recurrence. Questionnaire compliance was excellent (> 95% at all time points). After surgery, most functional aspects of health decreased, and the proportions of patients with severe symptoms increased; role function deteriorated significantly, and 30% of patients reported severe activity/vigor problems. Functional scales recovered by 6 months and were maintained at 1 year. Postoperative symptoms returned to baseline levels at 12 months, but 32.1% of patients reported severe problems with sexual dysfunction and 11.9% with abdominal pain. Conclusion These findings provide new evidence regarding outcomes of liver resection for CRC metastases. It is recommended that patients be reassured that surgery has a minimal and short-lived detrimental impact on health.
Phase II Study of Bevacizumab in Patients With HIV-Associated Kaposi's Sarcoma Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Uldrick Thomas S. , Wyvill Kathleen M. , Kumar Pallavi , O'Mahony Deirdre , Bernstein Wendy , Aleman Karen , Polizzotto Mark N. , Steinberg Seth M. , Pittaluga Stefania , Marshall Vickie , Whitby Denise , Little Richard F. , Yarchoan Robert 
Published: March 2012

Purpose Alternatives to cytotoxic agents are desirable for patients with HIV-associated Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) contributes to KS pathogenesis. We evaluated the humanized anti–VEGF-A monoclonal antibody, bevacizumab, in patients with HIV-KS. Patients and Methods Patients with HIV-KS who either experienced progression while receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for at least 1 month or did not regress despite HAART for at least 4 months were administered bevacizumab 15 mg/kg intravenously on days 1 and 8 and then every 3 weeks. The primary objective was assessment of antitumor activity using modified AIDS Clinical Trial Group (ACTG) criteria for HIV-KS. HIV-uninfected patients were also eligible and observed separately. Results Seventeen HIV-infected patients were enrolled. Fourteen patients had been receiving effective HAART for at least 6 months (median, 1 year). Thirteen patients had advanced disease (ACTG T1), 13 patients had received prior chemotherapy for KS, and seven patients had CD4 count less than 200 cells/μL. Median number of cycles was 10 (range, 1 to 37 cycles); median follow-up was 8.3 months (range, 3 to 36 months). Of 16 assessable patients, best tumor responses observed were complete response (CR) in three patients (19%), partial response (PR) in two patients (12%), stable disease in nine patients (56%), and progressive disease in two patients (12%). Overall response rate (CR + PR) was 31% (95% CI, 11% to 58.7%). Four of five responders had received prior chemotherapy for KS. Over 202 cycles, grade 3 to 4 adverse events at least possibly attributed to therapy included hypertension (n = 7), neutropenia (n = 5), cellulitis (n = 3), and headache (n = 2). Conclusion Bevacizumab is tolerated in patients with HIV-KS and has activity in a subset of patients.
Intraosseous Venous Malformations of the Facial Bone: A Retrospective Study in 11 Patients
Authors: Zhu C , Zhu H G , Zhang Z Y , Wang L Z , Zheng J W , Ye W M , He Y , Wang Y A 
Published: March 2012

Objectives: To investigate the clinical symptoms, computed tomography (CT) features and treatments of intraosseous venous malformations (IVM) that occur in the facial bone. Methods and Results: Eleven patients with facial IVM were treated with two surgical techniques, excision ( n = 4) or curettage ( n = 7). No recurrence was encountered at follow-up (45.8 ± 16.0 months). Postoperative deformities were left in two paediatric patients who were treated with excision. Conclusions: The diagnosis of IVM can be difficult and is mainly based on clinical symptoms and CT features. IVM should be differentiated from other lesions, including ameloblastoma, odontogenic cysts, osteosarcoma, aneurysmal bone cysts and arteriovenous malformations, among others. Conventional block biopsy should be replaced by fine needle aspiration cytology for further diagnosis. Curettage is a more appropriate method for IVM compared with excessive en-bloc osteotomy, while transosseous embolo-sclerotherapy may be a promising alternative method. Finally, the terminological confusion between ‘intraosseous haemangioma’ and ‘intraosseous venous malformation’ should be avoided according to the binary classification.
Modern military surgery
Authors: Brown K. V. , Guthrie H. C. , Ramasamy A. , Kendrew J. M. , Clasper J. 
Published: March 2012

The types of explosive devices used in warfare and the pattern of war wounds have changed in recent years. There has, for instance, been a considerable increase in high amputation of the lower limb and unsalvageable leg injuries combined with pelvic trauma. The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan prompted the Department of Military Surgery and Trauma in the United Kingdom to establish working groups to promote the development of best practice and act as a focus for research. In this review, we present lessons learnt in the initial care of military personnel sustaining major orthopaedic trauma in the Middle East.
The Promise of Angiogenic Markers for the Early Diagnosis and Prediction of Preeclampsia
Authors: Hagmann Henning , Thadhani Ravi , Benzing Thomas , Karumanchi S Ananth , Stepan Holger 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

BACKGROUND
An imbalance in circulating factors that regulate blood vessel formation and health, referred to as angiogenic factors, plays a central role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

CONTENT
Several studies have demonstrated a strong association between altered circulating angiogenic factors and preeclampsia. These factors include circulating antiangiogenic proteins such as soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 and soluble endoglin and proangiogenic protein such as placental growth factor. Abnormalities in these circulating angiogenic factors are not only present during clinical disease, but also antedate clinical signs and symptoms by several weeks. These alterations are particularly prominent in patients who present with preeclamptic signs and symptoms prematurely and/or in patients with severe preeclampsia. The availability of automated platforms for the rapid measurement of circulating angiogenic proteins in blood samples has now allowed researchers and clinicians to evaluate the utility of these assays in the diagnosis of the disease, in the stratification of patients in clinical trials, or in the monitoring of therapies. In this review we highlight the various studies that have been performed, with a focus on large validation studies.

SUMMARY
Measurement of circulating angiogenic proteins for the diagnosis and prediction of preeclampsia is still at an early stage but is rapidly evolving. Standardization across the various automated platforms and prospective studies that demonstrate clinical utility are needed.
Increased Cardiac Troponin I As Measured by a High-Sensitivity Assay Is Associated with High Odds of Cardiovascular Death: The Minnesota Heart Survey
Authors: Apple Fred S , Steffen Lyn M , Pearce Lesly A , Murakami MaryAnn M , Luepker Russell V 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

BACKGROUND
We examined several novel biomarkers of different pathophysiologic pathways as predictors of cardiovascular mortality in participants enrolled in the Minnesota Heart Survey (MHS), a population-based study of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.

METHODS
In a nested case-control study within MHS, 7 biomarkers were assayed in serum samples from 211 patients identified after 8–15 years of follow-up who died of cardiovascular causes (cardiovascular heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure) and 253 controls matched on age, sex, and study year. Logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age, race, sex, education, study year, smoking, abdominal obesity, diabetes, serum total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, previous hospitalization for a CVD event, and other significant biomarkers, was used to evaluate the relations of biomarkers relative to the odds of CVD mortality.

RESULTS
Cases survived a median of 7.2 years after enrollment. Increased N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (19% vs 4.3%), increased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (71% vs 51%), and increased high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) (8.7% vs 1.0%) were more common among cases than among controls (all P &lt; 0.001 in unadjusted analyses). The adjusted odds of death were greater among cases compared to controls for increased NT-proBNP [odds ratio (OR) 5.67, 95% CI 2.17–15], hs-CRP (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.03–2.89), and hs-cTnI (OR 8.53, 95% CI 1.68–43), and decreased ST2 (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.05–3.48).

CONCLUSIONS
When measured by an hs-cTnI assay, cTnI is a key biomarker associated with increased cardiovascular death in a community sample when evaluated in a multiple biomarker analysis.
The effect of cancer procoagulant on expression of metastatic and angiogenic markers in breast cancer and embryonic stem cell lines
Authors: Kee Nalise Low Ah , Naudé Ryno J. , Blatch Gregory L. , Frost Carminita L. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Cancer procoagulant is present only in malignant tumours and the undifferentiated tissues of human placenta. Its possible role in angiogenesis and metastasis was investigated. Cancer procoagulant increased the steady-state mRNA level of L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and E14 mouse embryonic stem cells (MESCs), while an increase in angiogenin mRNA was observed in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Furthermore, production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and E14 MESCs, but decreased in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. We conclude that cancer procoagulant could potentially play a part in angiogenesis in cancer and vascular development during embryonic development.
Prenatal and Passive Smoke Exposure and Incidence of Asthma and Wheeze: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Burke Hannah , Leonardi-Bee Jo , Hashim Ahmed , Pine-Abata Hembadoon , Chen Yilu , Cook Derek G. , Britton John R. , McKeever Tricia M. 
Published: March 2012

OBJECTIVES:Exposure to passive smoke is a common and avoidable risk factor for wheeze and asthma in children. Substantial growth in the prospective cohort study evidence base provides an opportunity to generate new and more detailed estimates of the magnitude of the effect. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to provide estimates of the prospective effect of smoking by parents or household members on the risk of wheeze and asthma at different stages of childhood.METHODS:We systematically searched Medline, Embase, and conference abstracts to identify cohort studies of the incidence of asthma or wheeze in relation to exposure to prenatal or postnatal maternal, paternal, or household smoking in subjects aged up to 18 years old. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by using random effects model.RESULTS:We identified 79 prospective studies. Exposure to pre- or postnatal passive smoke exposure was associated with a 30% to 70% increased risk of incident wheezing (strongest effect from postnatal maternal smoking on wheeze in children aged ≤2 years, OR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.24–2.35, 4 studies) and a 21% to 85% increase in incident asthma (strongest effect from prenatal maternal smoking on asthma in children aged ≤2 years, OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.35–2.53, 5 studies).CONCLUSIONS:Building upon previous findings, exposure to passive smoking increases the incidence of wheeze and asthma in children and young people by at least 20%. Preventing parental smoking is crucially important to the prevention of asthma.
Implications of Childhood Autism for Parental Employment and Earnings
Authors: Cidav Zuleyha , Marcus Steven C. , Mandell David S. 
Published: March 2012

OBJECTIVE:
To examine changes in parental labor force participation, hours of work, and annual earnings associated with childhood autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

METHODS:
We used the 2002–2008 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to examine parental labor market outcomes of children with ASD relative to children with another health limitation and children without health limitations. A logit model was used to estimate parental labor force participation. A tobit model was used to estimate parental hours of work and earnings.

RESULTS:
On average, mothers of children with ASD earn 35% ($7189) less than the mothers of children with another health limitation and 56% ($14 755) less than the mothers of children with no health limitation. They are 6% less likely to be employed and work 7 hours less per week, on average, than mothers of children with no health limitation. There were no statistically significant differences in fathers’ labor market outcomes across 3 groups. On average, children with ASD are 9% less likely to have both parents working. Family earnings of children with ASD are 21% ($10 416) less than those of children with another health limitation and 28% ($17 763) less than those of children with no health limitation. Family weekly hours of work are an average of 5 hours less than those of children with no health limitation.

CONCLUSIONS:
Families of children with ASD face significant economic burden. Given the substantial health care expenses associated with ASD, the economic impact of having lower income in addition to these expenses is substantial. It is essential to design universal health care and workplace policies that recognize the full impact of autism.
A Phonetic Investigation of Single Word versus Connected Speech Production in Children with Persisting Speech Difficulties Relating to Cleft Palate
Authors: Howard Sara 
Published: March 2012

Objective To investigate the phonetic and phonological parameters of speech production associated with cleft palate in single words and in sentence repetition in order to explore the impact of connected speech processes, prosody, and word juncture on word production across contexts. Participants Two boys (aged 9 years 5 months and 11 years 0 months) with persisting speech impairments related to a history of unilateral cleft lip and palate formed the main focus of the study; three typical adult male speakers provided control data. Method Audio, video, and electropalatographic recordings were made of the participants producing single words and repeating two sets of sentences. The data were transcribed and the electropalatographic recordings were analyzed to explore lingual-palatal contact patterns across the different speech conditions. Acoustic analysis was used to further inform the perceptual analysis and to make specific durational measurements. Results The two boys’ speech production differed across the speech conditions. Both boys showed typical and atypical phonetic features in their connected speech production. One boy, although often unintelligible, resembled the adult speakers more closely prosodically and in his specific connected speech behaviors at word boundaries. The second boy produced developmentally atypical phonetic adjustments at word boundaries that appeared to promote intelligibility at the expense of naturalness. Conclusion For older children with persisting speech impairments, it is particularly important to examine specific features of connected speech production, including word juncture and prosody. Sentence repetition data provide useful information to this end, but further investigations encompassing detailed perceptual and instrumental analysis of real conversational data are warranted.
Effects of Pore Structure to Electrical Properties in Tight Gas Reservoirs: An Experimental Study
Authors: Liu Xiao-Peng , Hu Xiao-Xin , Xiao Liang 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The Archie’s equation lost its role in tight gas sands due to the complicated pore structure and strong heterogeneity. It’s a challenge to determine the input parameters in the Archie’s equation. In this paper, 36 core samples, which were drilled from tight gas sands in China, are chosen for resistivity and NMR laboratory measurements. Based on the experimental study of these core samples, the influence factors to electrical properties are concluded to reservoir porosity and the proportion of small pore components. When the porosity is higher than 25%, the relationship between the porosity and the formation factor illustrares a power function, this is coherent with the classical Archie’s equation. When the porosity is low, the statistic line of the porosity and the formation factor bend to the left. The relationship between the porosity and the formation factor is not a simple power function, the parameter of m is various and relevant to porosity. The relationship between the water saturation and the resistivity index is divergent, the saturation exponent n varies from 1.63 to 3.48. After analyzing the corresponding NMR laboratory measurement for the same core samples, an observation can be found that the saturation exponent is relevant to the proportion of small pore components. When core samples are dominant by the small core components, the corresponding saturation exponent is high, vice versa. To estimate reservoir initial water saturation accurately, the pore structure information must be considered.
Lessons from History - Unlocking a New UK Shale Oil Play
Authors: Roche Ian 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The paper highlights how key results from historical exploration for conventional hydrocarbons, dating back over 70 years, led to the discovery of a new shale oil resource play in the UK.
Early conventional exploration in the West Lancashire sub-basin, conducted by D’Arcy Exploration, a forerunner of BP, was focussed on areas of surface seepage, and resulted in the discovery of the shallow Formby oilfield in 1939. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, a number of deeper wells were drilled, without success, targeting a proposed large Carboniferous conventional trap, leakage from which was thought to be source of the shallow accumulation.
Exploration of the offshore East Irish Sea Basin, in the 1970s to 1990s, resulted in numerous oil & gas discoveries in Triassic reservoirs, sourced directly from Visean-to Namurian-age pro-delta shale source rocks (including the Brigantian-to Pendleian-age Bowland Shale Formation) precluding the requirement for secondary migration from Carboniferous traps. Regional studies highlighting poor poroperm preservation in Carboniferous clastic reservoirs led to the further downgrading of Carboniferous prospectivity.
The recent identification of an unconventional shale gas play in the West Lancashire sub-basin by Cuadrilla Resources, within the Bowland Shale Formation, has led to a re-evaluation of the Formby area.
New palynological and geochemical analyses of the early wells, presented in this paper, confirm the presence of a thick, prospective, Bowland Shale in the south of the West Lancashire sub-basin. Evidence that, locally, the Bowland Shale has generated liquid hydrocarbons is proven by the presence of the Formby shallow oilfield and the numerous oil seeps and relict hydrocarbon columns in the area; opening up a new shale oil resource play.
The cumulative results from decades of exploration has revealed the true, unconventional, nature of the Carboniferous "mother lode" sought initially by D’Arcy, thereby heralding a new chapter in the hydrocarbon exploration of the basin.