bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Vertebrobasilar Stenotic Lesion Rigidity on the Outcome of Angioplasty and Stenting
Authors: Chang Feng-Chi , Luo Chao-Bao , Chung Chih-Ping , Kuo Kuei-Hong , Chen Ting-Yi , Lee Han-Jui , Lin Chung-Jung , Lirng Jiing-Feng , Guo Wan-Yuo 
Published: March 2020

AbstractStenotic lesion rigidity (SLR) has an unclear influence on the outcome of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) for intracranial arterial stenosis. This study evaluated the outcome of PTAS and the relationship of vertebrobasilar SLR to features on vessel wall MRI (VW-MRI) for identifying pathologies of vertebrobasilar stenosis (VBS) and evaluating PTAS outcome. We retrospectively evaluated the results of PTAS in 31 patients with severe VBS. Stenotic lesions were classified as soft (based on predilatation pressure [PP] ≦ 4 atm) in 15 patients or hard (PP >4 atm) in 16 patients. We examined the relationship of SLR to clinical and MR findings. Patients with hard vs soft lesions had atherosclerosis (8/16 [50.0%] vs 2/15 [13.3%]), dissection (0/16 [0.0%] vs 12/15 [80.0%]), and dissection in atherosclerosis (8/16 [50.0%] vs 1/15 [6.7%], P < 0.0001); high intensity signal on the T1WI of VW-MRI (5/16 [31.3%] vs 14/15 [93.3%]) and iso- to low intensity signal (11/16 [68.7%] vs 1/15 [6.7], P = 0.001), and significant in-stent restenosis (>50%) in 5/15 (33.3%) vs 0/15 (0.0%) (P = 0.0421) in the 30 patients who successfully completed PTAS. Vertebrobasilar SLR correlated well with lesion etiology, findings on VW-MRI, and PTAS outcome. Patients with hard stenotic lesions need close follow-up after PTAS.
Neural maturation enhanced by exercise-induced extracellular derivatives
Authors: Moon Hyo Youl , Yoon Kyeong Jin , Lee Won Sang , Cho Hae-Sung , Kim Do-Yeon , Kim Ji-Seok 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPhysical activity has profound effects on neuronal progenitor cell growth, differentiation, and integration, but the mechanism for these effects is still ambiguous. Using a mouse model, we investigated the effects of two weeks of treadmill running on the dynamics of the size distribution and miRNA profiles of serum extracellular derivatives (EDs) using particle-sizing analysis and small RNA sequencing. We found that an increased average diameter of EDs in the running group compared with the sedentary group (p < 0.05), and 16 miRNAs were significantly altered (p < 0.05) in the running group. Furthermore, functional annotation analysis of differentially expressed miRNA-predicted target genes showed that many of these target genes are involved in the PI3K-Akt pathway. Exercise-induced serum EDs increased Neuro2A cell viability and Akt phosphorylation. We also found that expression levels of neuronal maturation markers such as Microtubule-Associated Protein 2 (MAP2ab) and Neuronal nuclei (NeuN) were increased (p < 0.05, respectively), and that inhibition of the PI3K-Akt pathway by LY294002 pre-treatment ameliorated their expression in Neuro2A cells. Finally, the administration of exercise-induced EDs for 3 days increased the Histone 3 phosphorylation and β-III tubulin expression in Ink/Arf null neural stem cells and progenitors (NSPCs) under each proliferation and differentiation condition. These results suggest that exercise-induced circulating EDs may mediate neuronal maturation during exercise.
Chaos in disease outbreaks among prey
Authors: Eilersen Andreas , Jensen Mogens H. , Sneppen Kim 
Published: March 2020

AbstractEpidemics are highly unpredictable, and so are real-world population dynamics. In this paper, we examine a dynamical model of an ecosystem with one predator and two prey species of which one carries a disease. We find that the system behaves chaotically for a wide range of parameters. Using the allometric mass scaling of animal and disease lifetimes, we predict chaos if (a) the disease is infectious enough to persist, and (b) it affects the larger prey species. This provides another example of chaos in a Lotka-Volterra system and a possible explanation for the apparent randomness of epizootic outbreaks.
Clinical efficacy of Bone Cement-injectable Cannulated Pedicle Screw Short Segment Fixation for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis with Osteoporosise
Authors: Liu Yao-yao , Xiao Jun , Yin Xiang , Liu Ming-yong , Zhao Jian-hua , Liu Peng , Dai Fei 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMany clinical studies have shown a satisfactory clinical efficacy using bone cement-augmented pedicle screw in osteoporotic spine, however, few studies have involved the application of this type of screw in lumbar spondylolisthesis. This study aims to investigate the mid-term clinical outcome of bone cement-injectable cannulated pedicle screw (CICPS) in lumbar spondylolisthesis with osteoporosis. From 2011 to 2015, twenty-three patients with transforminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) using CICPS for lumbar spondylolisthesis were enrolled in the study. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to evaluate faunctional recovery and physical pain; and operation time, blood loss and hospitalization time were recorded, respectively. Radiograph and computed tomography of lumbar spine was performed to assess loss of the intervertebral disc space height, fixation loosening, and the rate of bony fusion. The average follow-up time of 23 patients was 22.5 ± 10.2 months (range, 6–36 months). According to VAS and ODI scores, postoperative pain sensation and activity function were significantly improved (p < 0.05). The height of the intervertebral disc space was reduced by 0.4 ± 1.1 mm, and the bone graft fusion rate was 100%. No cases of internal fixation loosening or screw pullout was observed. CICPS using cement augmentation may suggest as a feasible surgical technique in osteoporotic patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis.
Improved soil biological health increases corn grain yield in N fertilized systems across the Corn Belt
Authors: Wade Jordon , Culman Steve W. , Logan Jessica A. R. , Poffenbarger Hanna , Demyan M. Scott , Grove John H. , Mallarino Antonio P. , McGrath Joshua M. , Ruark Matthew , West Jaimie R. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractNitrogenous fertilizers have nearly doubled global grain yields, but have also increased losses of reactive N to the environment. Current public investments to improve soil health seek to balance productivity and environmental considerations. However, data integrating soil biological health and crop N response to date is insufficient to reliably drive conservation policy and inform management. Here we used multilevel structural equation modeling and N fertilizer rate trials to show that biologically healthier soils produce greater corn yields per unit of fertilizer. We found the effect of soil biological health on corn yield was 18% the magnitude of N fertilization, Moreover, we found this effect was consistent for edaphic and climatic conditions representative of 52% of the rainfed acreage in the Corn Belt (as determined using technological extrapolation domains). While N fertilization also plays a role in building or maintaining soil biological health, soil biological health metrics offer limited a priori information on a site’s responsiveness to N fertilizer applications. Thus, increases in soil biological health can increase corn yields for a given unit of N fertilizer, but cannot completely replace mineral N fertilization in these systems. Our results illustrate the potential for gains in productivity through investment in soil biological health, independent of increases in mineral N fertilizer use.
High resolution metagenomic characterization of complex infectomes in paediatric acute respiratory infection
Authors: Li Ci-Xiu , Li Wei , Zhou Jun , Zhang Bing , Feng Yan , Xu Chang-Ping , Lu Yi-Yu , Holmes Edward C. , Shi Mang 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe diversity of pathogens associated with acute respiratory infection (ARI) makes diagnosis challenging. Traditional pathogen screening tests have a limited detection range and provide little additional information. We used total RNA sequencing (“meta-transcriptomics”) to reveal the full spectrum of microbes associated with paediatric ARI. Throat swabs were collected from 48 paediatric ARI patients and 7 healthy controls. Samples were subjected to meta-transcriptomics to determine the presence and abundance of viral, bacterial, and eukaryotic pathogens, and to reveal mixed infections, pathogen genotypes/subtypes, evolutionary origins, epidemiological history, and antimicrobial resistance. We identified 11 RNA viruses, 4 DNA viruses, 4 species of bacteria, and 1 fungus. While most are known to cause ARIs, others, such as echovirus 6, are rarely associated with respiratory disease. Co-infection of viruses and bacteria and of multiple viruses were commonplace (9/48), with one patient harboring 5 different pathogens, and genome sequence data revealed large intra-species diversity. Expressed resistance against eight classes of antibiotic was detected, with those for MLS, Bla, Tet, Phe at relatively high abundance. In summary, we used a simple total RNA sequencing approach to reveal the complex polymicrobial infectome in ARI. This provided comprehensive and clinically informative information relevant to understanding respiratory disease.
Surveillance of Enterococcus spp. reveals distinct species and antimicrobial resistance diversity across a One-Health continuum
Authors: Zaheer Rahat , Cook Shaun R. , Barbieri Ruth , Goji Noriko , Cameron Andrew , Petkau Aaron , Polo Rodrigo Ortega , Tymensen Lisa , Stamm Courtney , Song Jiming , Hannon Sherry , Jones Tineke , Church Deirdre , Booker Calvin W. , Amoako Kingsley , Van Domselaar Gary , Read Ron R. , McAllister Tim A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractFor a One-Health investigation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) inEnterococcusspp., isolates from humans and beef cattle along with abattoirs, manured fields, natural streams, and wastewater from both urban and cattle feedlot sources were collected over two years. Species identification ofEnterococcusrevealed distinct associations across the continuum. Of the 8430 isolates collected,Enterococcus faeciumandEnterococcus faecaliswere the main species in urban wastewater (90%) and clinical human isolates (99%);Enterococcus hiraepredominated in cattle (92%) and feedlot catch-basins (60%), whereas natural streams harbored environmentalEnterococcusspp. Whole-genome sequencing ofE. faecalis(n = 366 isolates) andE. faecium(n = 342 isolates), revealed source clustering of isolates, indicative of distinct adaptation to their respective environments. Phenotypic resistance to tetracyclines and macrolides encoded bytet(M)anderm(B)respectively, was prevalent amongEnterococcusspp. regardless of source. ForE. faeciumfrom cattle, resistance to β-lactams and quinolones was observed among 3% and 8% of isolates respectively, compared to 76% and 70% of human clinical isolates. Clinical vancomycin-resistantE. faeciumexhibited high rates of multi-drug resistance, with resistance to all β-lactam, macrolides, and quinolones tested. Differences in the AMR profiles among isolates reflected antimicrobial use practices in each sector of the One-Health continuum.
Evolution of etiology, presentation, management and prognostic tool in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ho Shu-Yein , Liu Po-Hong , Hsu Chia-Yang , Hsia Cheng-Yuan , Huang Yi-Hsiang , Lei Hao-Jan , Su Chien-Wei , Lee Rheun-Chuan , Hou Ming-Chih , Huo Teh-Ia 
Published: March 2020

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, but its current status is unclear. We aimed to investigate the evolution of etiology, presentation, management and prognostic tool in HCC over the past 12 years. A total of 3349 newly diagnosed HCC patients were enrolled and retrospectively analyzed. The comparison of survival was performed by the Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test. Hepatitis B and C virus infection in HCC were continuously declining over the three time periods (2004–2007, 2008–2011, 2012–2015; p < 0.001). At diagnosis, single tumor detection rate increased to 73% (p < 0.001), whereas vascular invasion gradually decreased to 20% in 2012–2015 (p < 0.001). Early stage HCC gradually increased from 2004–2007 to 2012–2015 (p < 0.001). The probability of patients receiving curative treatment and long-term survival increased from 2004–2007 to 2012–2015 (p < 0.001). The Cancer of Liver Italian Program (CLIP) and Taipei Integrated Scoring (TIS) system were two more accurate staging systems among all. In conclusion, the clinical presentations of HCC have significantly changed over the past 12 years. Hepatitis B and C virus-associated HCC became less common, and more patients were diagnosed at early cancer stage. Patient survival increased due to early cancer detection that results in increased probability to undergo curative therapies.
The effect of different concentrations of gold nanoparticles on growth performance, toxicopathological and immunological parameters of broiler chickens
Authors: Hassanen Eman I. , Morsy Eman A. , Hussien Ahmed M. , Ibrahim Marwa A. , Farroh Khaled Y. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate what dosage of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) would improve growth performance, antioxidant levels and immune defense in broiler chickens. The experiment was carried out on 90 one-day-old mixbred Cobb chicks. The birds were allocated into three groups with three replicates. Group (1) kept as a negative control. Groups (2) and (3) received 5, 15 ppm GNPs via drinking water weekly for 35 days of chicks’ life. Blood samples were collected at 8, 15, 22 and 36 days for oxidative stress evaluations and immunological studies. The birds were slaughtered at the ages of 36 days and thymus, spleen, busa of Fabricius and liver were collected for histopathological description, RT-PCR analysis and DNA fragmentation assay. Our results confirmed that adding of 15ppm GNPs in drinking water were induced remarkable blood oxidative stress damage, histopathological alterations, up-regulation of IL-6, Nrf2 gene expression, and DNA fragmentation in the examined immune organs of the broiler chickens as well as a significant reduction in the antibody titer against Newcastle (ND) and avian influenza (AI) viruses were noticed. On the other hand, the group received 5 ppm GNPs noticed better growth performance with the enhancement of the final food conversion ratio (FCR) without any significant difference in the previous toxicological and immunological parameters compared with the control groups. We suggest that feeding of 5ppm GNPs could improve the antioxidant capacity, immunity and performance in poultry but further food quality assurance tests are required in the future to confirm its safety for people.
Epidemiological, Clinical, and Microbiological Characteristics of Serotype-3 Streptoccocus pneumoniae Infection after a Partial Introduction of the 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Solé-Ribalta Anna , de Sevilla Maria F. , Moraga-Llop Fernando , Conradi Alvaro D. , Hernández Sergi , Martínez-Osorio Johanna , González-Peris Sebastià , Izquierdo Conchita , Esteva Cristina , Codina Gemma , Planes Ana M. , Uriona Sonia , Campins Magda , Ciruela Pilar , Salleras Luis , Domínguez Ángela , Muñoz-Almagro Carmen , García-Garcia Juan J. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Objective After the introduction of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), a decrease of serotype-3 invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) has not been homogenously observed around Europe. The aim of the study is to analyze the incidence of serotype-3 IPD in our area (Catalonia, Spain) and describe what microbiological and clinical characteristics distinguish serotype-3 IPD from nonserotype-3 IPD.
Methods This study is a prospective observational study performed in three hospitals of Barcelona (Spain), from January 2012 to June 2016. Patients younger than 18 years with a diagnosis of IPD were included. Epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological data were collected.
Results A total of 253 cases of IPD were included; of these, 53 were caused by serotype 3. The incidence rate of serotype-3 IPD remained stable over the study years (risk ratio [RR] = 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.3–1.38). In 92.5% (49/53) of the cases of serotype-3 IPD, the diagnosis was pneumonia and 89.8% (44/49) of them reported a complicated pneumonia. Also, 98.1% (52/53) were detected by positive real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in blood or pleural effusion. Seventeen patients were properly vaccinated with PCV13 before the infection.
Conclusion After the introduction of PCV13 a global decline of invasive pneumococcal disease has been reported, specially, due to a decrease of serotypes 1 and 19A cases. Serotype-3 Streptococcus pneumoniae IPD remained stable throughout the years of study, being currently the main serotype causing IPD in our area. Serotype 3 causes mostly pneumonia and physicians must be aware of possible complications. Real-time PCR have a significantly higher diagnostic yield for serotype 3 compared with culture. Some vaccination failures were observed.
Choanal Atresia- A Clinical Study and Review of Literature
Authors: Bhandary Satheesh Kumar , Bhat Vadisha , M. Shwetha Shenoy 
Published: March 2020

AbstractChoanal atresia is a developmental anomaly where there is failure of communication of the nasal cavity to the nasopharynx. The atresia can be membranous or bony in nature, but may be mixed as is seen in most of the cases. Bilateral choanal atresia is an emergency condition and newborns can have severe respiratory distress and cyanosis at birth. Failure to pass an 8 F catherter through the nasal cavity more than 5.5 cm from the alar rim points to the presence of choanal atresia. In emergency, bilateral choanal atresia is managed with an oropharyngeal airway. Flexible nasal endoscopy and CT scan can confirm the diagnosis of choanal atresia. Surgery is the definitive treatment which can be done either by transnasal or transpalatal approach. The transnasal endoscopic route is currently the preferred procedure and can be performed as a minimally invasive procedure. This has less complications and a high success rate. We studied four cases of unilateral choanal atresia presented to our hospital, with respect to the etiological factors, clinical features and management.
Aggressive Monophasic Sarcomatoid Carcinoma of Small Intestine - A Rare Case Report With Review of Literature
Authors: Padma Shetty K. , Permi Harish S. , Patil C.N. , Mathias Michelle 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSarcomatoid carcinoma occurring in the small intestine is very rare. They can be monophasic or biphasic. We report a rare case of monophasic Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the small intestine in a 60 year old male patient. The tumor was an ulceronodular mass involving the ileum circumferentially. The tumor infiltrated the full thickness of the intestinal wall and the serosa of an adjacent loop of ileum. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of sheets of malignant spindle cells. The carcinomatous nature of the tumor was evident only after Immunohistochemistry. The diagnosis of sarcomatoid carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of malignant spindle cell tumor of small intestine and immunohistochemical stains are required for the correct diagnosis.
Concepts of Arrangement of Artifical Teeth, Selective Grinding and Balanced Occlusion in Complete Denture Prosthodontics
Authors: D. Krishna Prasad , Prasad B. Rajendra , D. Anupama Prasad , Jason Lobo Nikhil 
Published: March 2020

AbstractProsthodontic rehabilitation aims at restoring the patient to a state of normal function, health and optimum esthetics.Numerous factors come together during various phases of complete denture construction. One such factor, the position of artificial teeth, is dependent to a large extent on the state, morphology and position of the denture area existing in the patient's mouth.Artificial teeth must be placed in a position which will be esthetically acceptable to the patient and the clinician, functionally sound and in harmony with the other structures of the masticatory system.Factors governing artificial tooth position include maxillo-mandibular relationships, changes in the residual ridge, dislodging forces, presence of para-functional activity and the esthetic requirements of the patient.While the importance of occlusion in ensuring success of dental therapy cannot be undersated, that seems to be the only point of agreement between authors on this topic. Over the years numerous concepts of occlusion have been proposed which may be indicated and contraindicated based on their benefits and limitations in restoring an edentulous patient. This article explores concepts related to occlusion and esthetics in provision of a complete denture prosthesis.
Radiation Therapy for Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Sittenfeld Sarah M.C. , Broughman James R. , Campbell Shauna R. , Stephans Kevin L. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCholangiocarcinoma (CC) is a rare disease representing only 3% of the primary gastrointestinal malignancies. CC is classified based on anatomical location (intrahepatic, perihilar, and extrahepatic) and surgery is the preferred definitive treatment, regardless of location. However, a minority of patients is able to undergo complete surgical resection, and thus, nonsurgical locoregional therapy is imperative for tumor control. With the significant evolution of external beam radiation therapy, higher doses can be more precisely delivered, with adequate sparing of surrounding normal tissues, which appear to be associated with improved outcomes. In this review, we discuss the role of radiation therapy for each anatomical subsite of CC including the postoperative setting, neoadjuvant setting prior to liver transplantation, as well as definitive treatment with dose-escalated radiation and stereotactic body radiation therapy. Although there has been substantial improvement in radiation therapy techniques, randomized data are limited given CC remains both a rare and heterogenous disease. A multidisciplinary approach to treatment is essential in order to achieve optimal outcomes, and further investigation into novel therapies remains ongoing.
The Role of Liver Transplantation for Liver Metastasis from Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Tomiyama Koji , Dokus M. Katherine , Errigo Jennie , Laryea Marie , Hernandez-Alejandro Roberto 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAs chemotherapy for colorectal cancer becomes effective for extending long-term survival, its liver metastases (colorectal cancer liver metastases [CRCLM]) are considered as the progression that best defines patient survival. Surgical resection is the most effective and only curative treatment for CRCLM. Although advancement in liver surgery to increase resectability of CRCLM has borne fruit, there are still limitations, namely tumor burden, remnant liver volume, and chemotherapy-related liver damage. CRCLM used to be considered a contraindication for liver transplantation (LTx) based on preliminary experience in the early era of LTx. Recent advancement in chemotherapy and surgical resection for CRCLM as well as improved outcome of LTx have attracted interest in revisiting this old dogma of LTx for CRCLM. Preliminary experience from Norway has shown promising results and potential for long-term survival with LTx. In this article, we review the history of LTx for CRCLM, rationale for revisiting the concept, early experience from Norway and discuss the issues around and future perspectives on LTx for CRCLM.