bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optic atrophy in children: Current causes and diagnostic approach
Authors: Jones Rebecca , Al-Hayouti Huda , Oladiwura Dilys , Karim Rushmia , Sawczenko Andrew , Dahlmann-Noor Annegret 
Published: January 2020

Background/aims: Optic atrophy is one of the leading causes of sight impairment in children. It frequently poses a diagnostic challenge, as it can be caused by many ocular and systemic conditions. We aimed to determine the current causes of optic atrophy at our centre and to describe the use of investigations, including molecular genetic testing. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of children with optic atrophy seen at Moorfields Eye Hospital between 2010 and 2015. We recorded demographic data, reason for referral, history, investigations and diagnosis. Results: We studied 143 cases aged below 16 years. A cause could be identified in all cases. Taking a full history was the most important part of the diagnostic workup, identifying a cause in 96 (67%) children. A developmental disorder of the brain and/or optic nerve, sometimes with retinal involvement, was the commonest cause (n = 33, 23%), followed by inheritable optic neuropathies (n = 27, 19%). Other causes included perinatal insults (n = 18, 13%), post-infectious or post-inflammatory conditions (n = 18, 13%), accidental or abusive trauma (n = 14, 10%) and inheritable retinal dystrophies (n = 13, 9%). Rare conditions included neurodegenerative disorders (n = 7, 5%), skeletal developmental disorders such as rickets (n = 4, 3%), tumours (n = 4, 3%), ischaemic events including large optic nerve head drusen (n = 4, 3%) and toxic events/metabolic conditions (n = 1, 0.7%). Conclusion: In this series, an underlying cause could be identified in all cases. Taking a comprehensive antenatal, perinatal, postnatal and family history will indicate a probable diagnosis in two-thirds of children, and targeted ancillary tests may identify the cause in most remaining cases.
Blood transfusion rates and predictors following geriatric hip fracture surgery
Authors: Arshi Armin , Lai Wilson C , Iglesias Brenda C , McPherson Edward J , Zeegen Erik N , Stavrakis Alexandra I , Sassoon Adam A 
Published: January 2020

Background: Postoperative blood product transfusions in elderly hip fracture patients cause concern for morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors and short-term sequelae of postoperative transfusion following geriatric hip fracture surgery. Methods: We queried the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) to identify geriatric (⩾65 years) patients who sustained operative femoral neck, intertrochanteric, and subtrochanteric hip fractures in 2016. Multivariate regression was used to determine risk-adjusted odds ratios (OR) of associated perioperative risk factors and sequelae of postoperative transfusion. Results: In total, 8416 geriatric hip fracture patients were identified of whom 28.3% had documented postoperative transfusion. In multivariate analysis, age (OR 1.03 [1.02–1.04], p < 0.001), preoperative anaemia (OR 4.69 [3.99–5.52], p = 0.001), female sex (OR 1.61 [1.39–1.87], p < 0.001), lower BMI (OR 0.97 [0.96–0.98], p < 0.001), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification (OR 1.14 [1.01–1.27], p = 0.031), COPD (OR 1.30 [1.06–1.59], p = 0.011), hypertension (OR 1.17 [1.01–1.35], p = 0.038), increased OR time (OR 1.02 [1.01–1.03], p < 0.001), and intertrochanteric (OR 2.99 [2.57–3.49], p < 0.001) and subtrochanteric femur fractures (OR 5.07 [3.84–6.69], p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for receiving postoperative blood transfusion. Patients with postoperative transfusion had a significantly higher risk-adjusted 30-day mortality (8.4% vs. 6.4%, OR 1.29 [1.02–1.64], p = 0.035), hospital readmission rate (9.4% vs. 7.7%, OR 1.27 [1.04–1.55], p = 0.018), and total hospital LOS (7.3 vs. 6.3 days, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Postoperative transfusion is a common occurrence in geriatric fragility hip fractures with multiple risk factors. Careful preoperative planning and multidisciplinary management efforts are warranted to reduce use of postoperative transfusions.
Telenephrology and on-site nephrology: Comparable adequate dialysis care to patients living in remote Pacific Islands
Authors: Michel Laurie-Mathilde , Baroux Noémie , Frimat Luc , Quirin Nicolas 
Published: January 2020

Introduction End-stage renal disease is a major public health concern in New Caledonia and in Wallis and Futuna (prevalence value: 2542 per million population in 2017). Spread over the territory, 594 dialysis patients are followed up by nephrologists and partially by telemedicine due to the distance. The aim of our this study was to evaluate the quality of care provided by telemedicine for chronic dialysis patients on Wallis Island, a dialysis unit remote from Noumea (2100 km). Methods We compared two populations of haemodialysis patients, one based in Poindimie in New Caledonia and followed by monthly physical consultation, the other based on Wallis Island and followed by monthly teleconsultation and quarterly on-site consultation. Results From January 2012–December 2017, dialysis adequacy and survival data were recorded for 84 patients: 44 in Poindimie, 40 on Wallis Island. Dialysis adequacy (i.e. clinical, biological parameters) as well as occurrence of vascular access complications were no different regardless of the means of follow-up. During the study, 23 deaths occurred (11 in Poindimie, 12 on Wallis Island; p = 0.464). We did not find any difference in survival at one and six years ( p = 0.46) between the two dialysis units. Evaluation for transplantation was lower for Wallisian patients ( p = 0.042), without impact on the number of patients being transplanted ( p = 0.678). Conclusion Telemedicine is a valuable opportunity for the follow-up of remote chronic haemodialysis patients, allowing them to be treated close to home while ensuring optimal quality of care
Preliminary study on oncogene product immunohistochemistry (c-erbB-2, c-myc, ras p21, EGFR) in breast pathology
Authors: Saccanijotti G. , Fontanesi M. , Bombardieri E. , Gabrielli M. , Veronesi P. , Bianchi M. , Becchi G. , Bogni A. , Tardini A. 
Published: January 2020

The expression of oncogene products related to cell growth (c-erbB-2, c-myc, ras p21, EGFR) was investigated in benign (15 cases) and malignant breast lesions (20 cases) by means of immunohistochemistry using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase technique with polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the staining positivity and various morphological and biological features, such as tumour type, grading, hormone receptor status and cell kinetic parameters. In benign breast lesions, as expected, the kinetic parameters were low, both for Ki-67 and LI. All the specimens showed a diploid condition (the DI being equal to 1) and we found a limited degree of immunoreactivity for all the growth factors and oncogene products. In breast cancer we studied the distribution of immunohistochemical positivity for EGFR, c-erbB-2, c-myc, ras p21 and Ki-67, which was related to age, nodal status, ER and PgR receptor status, LI, DI and histopathological grading. A significant positive correlation was found both between ras p21 espression and nodal status and ERICA positivity. We observed a strong correlation between LI and Ki-67 and an inverse relation between Ki-67 and ER expression. These findings suggest the importance of studying the relationship between prognostic factors which may provide preoperative prediction in the biological behaviour of breast cancer, not only on biopsy specimens, but also on fine needle aspirates.
Pattern and concentration of free and acetylated polyamines in urine of cirrhotic patients
Authors: Cecco L. , Antoniello S. , Auletta M. , Cerra M. , Bonelli P. 
Published: January 2020

The pattern and concentration of urinary, free, monoacetylated and total polyamines were determined in 31 cirrhotic patients, divided into three classes according to Child's classification, and in 28 healthy subjects. Cirrhotic patients had increased levels of free, monoacetylated and total polyamines. They also showed a significant increase in N1-acetylspermidine to N8-acetylspermidine molar ratio. Urinary polyamine excretion was not related to the severity of liver disease nor to the values of laboratory liver function tests. Furthermore, polyamine excretion was not significantly different in cirrhotics with or without diabetes or IGT, while plasma insulin and glucagon levels were increased in all cirrhotic patients. The results suggest that enhanced polyamine biosynthesis and catabolism, particularly N1-acetylation, occur in cirrhotic patients, probably due to hepatic regeneration and/or increased levels of insulin and glucagon.
Review and Analysis of Research Trends in Surgical Treatment of Pediatric Chronic Sinusitis
Authors: Shetty Kunal R. , Soh Helen H. , Kahn Chase , Wang Rita , Shetty Anisha , Brook Chris , Levi Jessica R. 
Published: January 2020

Background Chronic sinusitis is a common otolaryngologic complaint with a significant impact on patients’ quality of life. There is current debate and differences in quality of evidence regarding the best surgical management approach to pediatric chronic sinusitis. Objective To investigate changes in publishing trends over time in surgical management of pediatric chronic sinusitis. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted in January 2019 using Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science, of all articles that included surgical treatments for pediatric chronic sinusitis. Publications were grouped into 3 time periods: pre-1998, 1999–2008, and 2009–2018. In addition, a subgroup of publications pertaining to endoscopic sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty, and adenoidectomy were grouped into 2-year periods since 1988 to compare the number of publications on each topic and to examine overall trends. Results A total of 327 abstracts were included in the data collection and analysis. There was an overall significant increase in total number of publications ( P < .0001), total number of authors ( P = .001), and comparison studies ( P = .003) from pre-1989 to 2018. Relative number of prospective studies, systemic review, and case studies/expert opinions have not significantly increased over time when comparing decades ( P > .05). Among the surgery types, functional endoscopic sinus surgery has the most amount of publications regardless of year despite a statistically significant increase in publications pertaining to balloon sinuplasty in the pediatric literature from 1999–2008 to 2009–2018 ( P = .001). Conclusions Studies on pediatric chronic sinusitis have increased significantly during each of the last 2 decades with an increase in the concomitant number of authors and comparison studies. Although most publications are still Level C or D evidence, there has been a nonsignificant increase in Level A evidence in the past decade. Endoscopic sinus surgery still remains the most studied procedure despite the recent increase in publications on balloon sinuplasty.
Comparing Shape Categorization to Circularity Measurement in the Evaluation of Median Nerve Compression Using Sonography
Authors: Yao Buwen , Gan Kayla , Lee Annie , Roll Shawn C. 
Published: January 2020

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a subjective categorization of nerve shape and to examine the relationship of shape categorizations to measurement of nerve circularity. Methods: Wrists were evaluated with sonography in healthy participants. Images of the median nerve were obtained in the transverse plane at the level of pisiform with the fingers resting, gripping, and pinching. Nerves were categorized as ovoid, angular, or irregular, and the cross-sectional area and perimeter were measured to calculate nerve circularity. Results: Across 167 participants, the median nerve shifted from being primarily ovoid at rest to angular shaped when the fingers were in a full fist or pinching. Approximately three-quarters of subjects exhibited a shape change during dynamic movement. Irregular nerves had the lowest circularity values; however, the majority of nerves had similar circularity measures despite having different shapes. Conclusions: Subjective categorization of shape has the potential to be a valid technique for evaluation of the median nerve using sonography, and this evaluation may provide additional information regarding nerve compression that is not fully captured by a circularity measure. Further investigation is needed to determine how these two techniques may be best used individually or together to advance clinical diagnosis, prevention, and rehabilitative interventions.
Resistance Genes and their Interactions with Bacterial Blight/Leaf Streak Pathogens (Xanthomonas oryzae) in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)—an Updated Review
Authors: Jiang Nan , Yan Jun , Liang Yi , Shi Yanlong , He Zhizhou , Wu Yuntian , Zeng Qin , Liu Xionglun , Peng Junhua 
Published: January 2020

AbstractRice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple food crop, feeding more than 50% of the world’s population. Diseases caused by bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens constantly threaten the rice production and lead to enormous yield losses. Bacterial blight (BB) and bacterial leaf streak (BLS), caused respectively by gram-negative bacteria Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc), are two important diseases affecting rice production worldwide. Due to the economic importance, extensive genetic and genomic studies have been conducted to elucidate the molecular mechanism of rice response to Xoo and Xoc in the last two decades. A series of resistance (R) genes and their cognate avirulence and virulence effector genes have been characterized. Here, we summarize the recent advances in studies on interactions between rice and the two pathogens through these R genes or their products and effectors. Breeding strategies to develop varieties with durable and broad-spectrum resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae based on the published studies are also discussed.
Genome-wide comparative analysis of the BAHD superfamily in seven Rosaceae species and expression analysis in pear (Pyrus bretschneideri)
Authors: Liu Chunxin , Qiao Xin , Li Qionghou , Zeng Weiwei , Wei Shuwei , Wang Xin , Chen Yangyang , Wu Xiao , Wu Jun , Yin Hao , Zhang Shaoling 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundTheBAHDacyltransferase superfamily exhibits various biological roles in plants, including regulating fruit quality, catalytic synthesizing of terpene, phenolics and esters, and improving stress resistance. However, the copy numbers, expression characteristics and associations with fruit aroma formation of theBAHDgenes remain unclear.ResultsIn total, 717BAHDgenes were obtained from the genomes of seven Rosaceae, (Pyrus bretschneideri,Malus domestica,Prunus avium,Prunus persica,Fragaria vesca,Pyrus communisandRubus occidentalis). Based on the detailed phylogenetic analysis and classifications in model plants, we divided theBAHDfamily genes into seven groups, I-a, I-b, II-a, II-b, III-a, IV and V. An inter-species synteny analysis revealed the ancient origin ofBAHDsuperfamily with 78 syntenic gene pairs were detected among the seven Rosaceae species. Different types of gene duplication events jointly drive the expansion ofBAHDsuperfamily, and purifying selection dominates the evolution ofBAHDgenes supported by the small Ka/Ks ratios. Based on the correlation analysis between the ester content and expression levels ofBAHDgenes at different developmental stages, four candidate genes were selected for verification as assessed by qRT-PCR. The result implied thatPbr020016.1,Pbr019034.1,Pbr014028.1andPbr029551.1are important candidate genes involved in aroma formation during pear fruit development.ConclusionWe have thoroughly identified theBAHDsuperfamily genes and performed a comprehensive comparative analysis of their phylogenetic relationships, expansion patterns, and expression characteristics in seven Rosaceae species, and we also obtained four candidate genes involved in aroma synthesis in pear fruit. These results provide a theoretical basis for future studies of the specific biological functions ofBAHDsuperfamily members and the improvement of pear fruit quality.
Mepivacaine reduces calcium transients in isolated murine ventricular cardiomyocytes
Authors: Mosqueira Matias , Aykut Güçlü , Fink Rainer H. A. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe potential mechanism of mepivacaine’s myocardial depressant effect observed in papillary muscle has not yet been investigated at cellular level. Therefore, we evaluated mepivacaine’s effects on Ca2+transient in isolated adult mouse cardiomyocytes.MethodsSingle ventricular myocytes were enzymatically isolated from wild-type C57Bl/6 mice and loaded with 10 μM fluorescent Ca2+indicator Fluo-4-AM to record intracellular Ca2+transients upon electrical stimulation. The mepivacaine effects at half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was determined on calibrated cardiomyocytes’ Ca2+transients by non-parametric statistical analyses on biophysical parameters. Combination of mepivacaine with NCX blockers ORM-10103 or NiCl2were used to test a possible mechanism to explain mepivacaine-induced Ca2+transients’ reduction.ResultsA significant inhibition at mepivacaine’s IC50(50 μM) on Ca2+transients was measured in biophysical parameters such as peak (control: 528.6 ± 73.61 nM vs mepivacaine: 130.9 ± 15.63 nM;p < 0.05), peak area (control: 401.7 ± 63.09 nM*s vs mepivacaine: 72.14 ± 10.46 nM*s;p < 0.05), slope (control: 7699 ± 1110 nM/s vs mepivacaine: 1686 ± 226.6 nM/s;p < 0.05), time to peak (control: 107.9 ± 8.967 ms vs mepivacaine: 83.61 ± 7.650 ms; p < 0.05) and D50(control: 457.1 ± 47.16 ms vs mepivacaine: 284.5 ± 22.71 ms; p < 0.05). Combination of mepivacaine with NCX blockers ORM-10103 or NiCl2showed a significant increase in the baseline of [Ca2+] and arrhythmic activity upon electrical stimulation.ConclusionAt cellular level, mepivacaine blocks Na+channels, enhancing the reverse mode activity of NCX, leading to a significant reduction of Ca2+transients. These results suggest a new mechanism for the mepivacaine-reduction contractility effect.
Progression of endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and arterial stiffness in stable kidney transplant patients: a pilot study
Authors: Junarta Joey , Hojs Nina , Ramphul Robin , Lowe-Jones Racquel , Kaski Juan C. , Banerjee Debasish 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundKidney transplant patients suffer from vascular abnormalities and high cardiovascular event rates, despite initial improvements post-transplantation. The nature of the progression of vascular abnormalities in the longer term is unknown. This pilot study investigated changes in vascular abnormalities over time in stable kidney transplant patients long after transplantation.MethodsBrachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), nitroglycerin-mediated dilation, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), ankle-brachial pressure index, and common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT) were assessed in 18 kidney transplant patients and 17 controls at baseline and 3–6 months after.ResultsThere was no difference in age (51 ± 13 vs. 46 ± 11;P = 0.19), body mass index (26 ± 5 vs. 25 ± 3;P = 0.49), serum cholesterol (4.54 ± 0.96 vs. 5.14 ± 1.13;P = 0.10), systolic blood pressure (BP) (132 ± 12 vs. 126 ± 12;P = 0.13), diastolic BP (82 ± 9 vs. 77 ± 8;P = 0.10), or diabetes status (3 vs. 0;P = 0.08) between transplant patients and controls. No difference existed in vascular markers between patients and controls at baseline. In transplant patients, FMD decreased (− 1.52 ± 2.74;P = 0.03), cf-PWV increased (0.62 ± 1.06;P = 0.03), and CCA-IMT increased (0.35 ± 0.53;P = 0.02). No changes were observed in controls.ConclusionMarkers of vascular structure and function worsen in the post-transplant period on long-term follow-up, which may explain the continued high cardiovascular event rates in this population.
The evolution of left ventricular pseudoaneurysm from the rupture of left ventricular free wall following acute myocardial infarction: a case report
Authors: Li Xin , Wang Yu , Wang Dong , Lai Chaohui , Wang Chenxin 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm is a very rare complication following acute myocardial infarction, which results from a free wall rupture. Hemopericardium and cardiac tamponade caused by rupture of the free wall after acute myocardial infarction are often fatal. It is difficult to fully document the evolution of left ventricular pseudoaneurysm resulted from acute myocardial infarction with conservative treatment.

Case presentation
Herein, we followed a 75-year-old female patient for 3 years. Recorded the evolution of the disease: acute lateral myocardial infarction - emergency reperfusion therapy - cardiac rupture - positive successful rescue - the pseudoaneurysm formation - maintaining conservative treatment - gradual enlargement of the pseudoaneurysm - thrombosis in pseudoaneurysm - thrombus filling with pseudoaneurysm - finally stabilized condition - the treatment of coronary revascularization.

Conclusions
This case is reported here because of its scarcity, which provides provides us with a complete record of the entire evolution and an astonishing indication of the long-term prognosis of non-surgical treatment for pseudoventricular.
The challenging diagnosis and treatment of duodenal diverticulum perforation: a report of two cases
Authors: Moysidis Moysis , Paramythiotis Daniel , Karakatsanis Anestis , Amanatidou Evropi , Psoma Elisavet , Mavropoulou Xanthippi , Michalopoulos Antonios 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
The duodenum is a common site for diverticulum formation. Most of the duodenal diverticula are asymptomatic, incidental findings. Perforation is a rare but potentially lethal complication of duodenal diverticular disease. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment for perforated duodenal diverticula. In recent years, a few cases were successfully managed either conservatively or with endoscopy.

Case presentation
We present two cases of female patients treated in our department for duodenal diverticulum perforation. The first case was treated surgically with a diverticulectomy. The second case was managed conservatively with bowel rest and intravenous antibiotics. Both patients had an uncomplicated postoperative course and were discharged home.

Conclusions
Both surgical and conservative treatments are viable options for a perforated duodenal diverticulum in selected patients. Patients with a contained duodenal diverticular perforation can be managed conservatively at the outset. Possibly, the introduction of a classification system for duodenal diverticulum perforation may help clinicians in making essential therapeutic decisions.