bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Jarisch–Herxheimer reaction in syphilis: could molecular typing help to understand it better?
Authors: Arando M. , Fernandez‐Naval C. , Mota‐Foix M. , Alvarez A. , Armegol P. , Barberá M.J. , Esperalba J. , Vall‐Mayans M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectivesThe Jarisch–Herxheimer reaction (JHR) is a febrile inflammatory reaction that may occur in patients after treatment of syphilis. The overall rate is estimated to be 10–25% with broad variations over time. It appears to be related to factors like stage of the disease or reagin titres. In this study, we aimed to describe the incidence of and risk factors including strain typing for JHR among patients with syphilis.MethodsFrom January through October 2015, 224 consecutive patients (82 of them with HIV) who were diagnosed with early syphilis were enrolled in this prospective observational study in a referral STI clinic in Barcelona. An appointment was offered to them after 10–14 days of treatment to inquire about the reaction with the use of a standardized form. Treponema pallidum molecular typing was made to detect a possible strain related to reaction.ResultsOverall, 28% of patients developed JHR. This varied from 56% in secondary, 37% in primary to 7% in early latent syphilis. The most frequent types of reaction were fever (57.5%) and worsening of the lesions (31%). The median time to development of JHR was 6 h [IQR 4–10 h] and lasted a median of 9 h [IQR 4–24 h]. The JHR was less probable in early latent compared to primary/secondary syphilis (P = 0.04) and in patients treated with doxycycline compared to those treated with penicillin (P = 0.01). No differences were seen regarding reagin titres or HIV status, and no association with a specific strain was found.ConclusionsIn this study, JHR occurred in a similar frequency as in other contemporary studies. Symptomatic syphilis and treatment with penicillin were associated with an increased risk of JHR, whereas the previous episode of syphilis was associated with a low risk of it. We could not find associations with specific strains of T. pallidum.
Effects of Monetary and Macroprudential Policies—Evidence from Four Inflation Targeting Economies
Authors: KIM SOYOUNG , MEHROTRA AARON 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe examine the effects of monetary and macroprudential policies in the Asia‐Pacific region, where many inflation targeting economies have adopted macroprudential policies in order to safeguard financial stability. Using structural panel vector autoregressions that identify both monetary and macroprudential policy actions, we show that tighter macroprudential policies used to contain credit growth also have a significant negative impact on macroeconomic aggregates such as real GDP and the price level. The similar effects of monetary and macroprudential policies may suggest a complementary use of the two policies at normal times. However, they could also create challenges for policymakers, especially during times when low inflation coincides with buoyant credit growth.
The impact of mitral stenosis on outcomes of aortic valve stenosis patient undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement or transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Al‐khadra Yasser , Darmoch Fahed , Baibars Motaz , Kaki Amir , Fanari Zaher , Alraies M. Chadi 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundThe concomitant presence of mitral stenosis (MS) in the setting of symptomatic aortic stenosis represent a clinical challenge. Little is known regarding the outcome of mitral stenosis (MS) patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Therefore, we sought to study the outcome of MS patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR).MethodUsing weighted data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database between 2011 and 2014, we identified patients who were diagnosed with MS. Patients who had undergone TAVR as a primary procedure were identified and compared to patients who had SAVR. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed for the outcomes of in‐hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), blood transfusion, postprocedural hemorrhage, vascular, cardiac and respiratory complications, permanent pacemaker placement (PPM), postprocedural stroke, acute kidney injury (AKI), and discharge to an outside facility.ResultsA total of 4524 patients were diagnosed with MS, of which 552 (12.2%) had TAVR and 3972 (87.8%) had SAVR. TAVR patients were older (79.9 vs 70.0) with more females (67.4% vs 60.0%) and African American patients (7.7% vs 7.1%) (P < 0.001). In addition, the TAVR group had more comorbidities compared to SAVR in term of coronary artery disease (CAD), congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic lung disease, hypertension (HTN), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) (P < 0.001 for all). Using Multivariate logistic regression, and after adjusting for potential risk factors, TAVR patients had lower in‐hospital mortality (7.9% vs 8.1% adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR], 0.615; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.392–0.964, P = 0.034), shorter LOS. Also, TAVR patients had lower rates of cardiac and respiratory complications, PPM, AKI, and discharge to an outside facility compared with the SAVR group.ConclusionIn patients with severe aortic stenosis and concomitant mitral stenosis, TAVR is a safe and attractive option for patients undergoing AVR with less complications compared with SAVR.
Spatial vision in older adults: perceptual changes and neural bases
Authors: McKendrick Allison M. , Chan Yu Man , Nguyen Bao N. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPurposeThe number of older adults is rapidly increasing internationally, leading to a significant increase in research on how healthy ageing impacts vision. Most clinical assessments of spatial vision involve simple detection (letter acuity, grating contrast sensitivity, perimetry). However, most natural visual environments are more spatially complicated, requiring contrast discrimination, and the delineation of object boundaries and contours, which are typically present on non‐uniform backgrounds. In this review we discuss recent research that reports on the effects of normal ageing on these more complex visual functions, specifically in the context of recent neurophysiological studies.Recent findingsRecent research has concentrated on understanding the effects of healthy ageing on neural responses within the visual pathway in animal models. Such neurophysiological research has led to numerous, subsequently tested, hypotheses regarding the likely impact of healthy human ageing on specific aspects of spatial vision.SummaryHealthy normal ageing impacts significantly on spatial visual information processing from the retina through to visual cortex. Some human data validates that obtained from studies of animal physiology, however some findings indicate that rethinking of presumed neural substrates is required. Notably, not all spatial visual processes are altered by age. Healthy normal ageing impacts significantly on some spatial visual processes (in particular centre‐surround tasks), but leaves contrast discrimination, contrast adaptation, and orientation discrimination relatively intact. The study of older adult vision contributes to knowledge of the brain mechanisms altered by the ageing process, can provide practical information regarding visual environments that older adults may find challenging, and may lead to new methods of assessing visual performance in clinical environments.
“I can see fine”: patient knowledge of eye care
Authors: Irving Elizabeth L. , Sivak Alisa M. , Spafford Marlee M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPurposeTo learn more about the perceptions and attitudes toward eye care of members of the public — in particular, their knowledge of the purpose, components and providers of eye examinations, their ability to self‐monitor ocular status and their awareness of major sight threatening eye conditions.MethodsThis study used the qualitative research strategy, grounded theory. Participants were recruited via poster and social media. Two researchers, one with optometric knowledge and one without, moderated seven 60‐ to 90‐min, semi‐structured focus group discussions, which were audiotaped and transcribed. Participants also completed a short demographic questionnaire. Three researchers employed constant comparative coding strategies to identify common themes within the focus group transcripts. The number of participants represented by identified themes were tracked and themes were listed in order of decreasing frequency.ResultsFocus groups included 25 participants (nine male, 16 female), ranging in age from 18 to 71 years (mean: 41.7). Five themes related to eye care awareness were identified: eye examination purpose, test procedure identification, eye care professional roles, asymptomatic eye disease awareness, and significant eye disease awareness. Perceived eye examination purposes were vision/prescription priority with some eye health knowledge, comprehensive evaluation of visual system, and vision/prescription only. Most participants who responded could correctly identify the use of an eye chart and a phoroptor; fewer were able to do the same for a direct ophthalmoscope and slit lamp biomicroscope. Less than a quarter of participants could accurately identify the roles of all three major eye care providers. Trauma was the most commonly mentioned risk for vision loss, followed by diabetes and infection. Participants’ knowledge appeared most often to have been obtained from personal experience rather than as the result of any systematic educational initiative.ConclusionsThis study found notable gaps in knowledge of eye care and sight risks. If these gaps result in fewer eye examinations, they potentially contribute to increased risk of vision loss due to later stage detection. The results provide motivation for further study and development of effective public health education strategies.
Osa‐miR164a targets OsNAC60 and negatively regulates rice immunity against the blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Wang Zhaoyun , Xia Yeqiang , Lin Siyuan , Wang Yanru , Guo Baohuan , Song Xiaoning , Ding Shaochen , Zheng Liyu , Feng Ruiying , Chen Shulin , Bao Yalin , Sheng Cong , Zhang Xin , Wu Jianguo , Niu Dongdong , Jin Hailing , Zhao Hongwei 
Published: May 2018

SummaryExploring the regulatory mechanism played by endogenous rice miRNAs in defense responses against the blast disease is of great significance in both resistant variety breeding and disease control management. We identified rice defense‐related miRNAs by comparing rice miRNA expression patterns before and after Magnaporthe oryzae strain Guy11 infection. We discovered that osa‐miR164a expression reduced upon Guy11 infection at both early and late stages, which was perfectly associated with the induced expression of its target gene, OsNAC60. OsNAC60 encodes a transcription factor, over‐expression of which enhanced defense responses, such as increased programmed cell death, greater ion leakage, more reactive oxygen species accumulation and callose deposition, and upregulation of defense‐related genes. By using transgenic rice over‐expressing osa‐miR164a, and a transposon insertion mutant of OsNAC60, we showed that when the miR164a/OsNAC60 regulatory module was dysfunctional, rice developed significant susceptibility to Guy11 infection. The co‐expression of OsNAC60 and osa‐miR164a abolished the OsNAC60 activity, but not its synonymous mutant. We further validated that this regulatory module is conserved in plant resistance to multiple plant diseases, such as the rice sheath blight, tomato late blight, and soybean root and stem rot diseases. Our results demonstrate that the miR164a/OsNAC60 regulatory module manipulates rice defense responses to M. oryzae infection. This discovery is of great potential for resistant variety breeding and disease control to a broad spectrum of pathogens in the future.
Influence of caudal epidural analgesia on cortisol concentrations and pain‐related behavioral responses in mares during and after ovariectomy via colpotomy
Authors: Rowland Aileen L. , Glass Kati G. , Grady Sicilia T. , Cummings Kevin J. , Hinrichs Katrin , Watts Ashlee E. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the influence of epidural detomidine and morphine on serum corticosteroid concentrations and pain‐related behavioral responses in mares during and after ovariectomy via colpotomy.Study designBlinded prospective study.AnimalsNine university‐owned mares.MethodsFive of 9 horses received caudal epidural detomidine hydrochloride (0.01 mg/kg) and morphine sulfate (0.1 mg/kg) prior to surgery. All horses received local anesthetic around the ovarian pedicle, 0.02 mg/kg butorphanol IV at the start of the procedure and after first ovary removal, were sedated as required throughout the procedure, and were monitored for leg lifting, grunting, and abdominal tensing. Horses were monitored hourly for pain postoperatively. Heart rate was recorded every 4 hours, and photographs were taken to assess pain according to the horse grimace scale (HGS). Control group horses (n = 4) were treated with butorphanol (0.02 mg/kg IV) every 4 hours for 24 hours postoperatively. All horses received oral phenylbutazone 18 hours postoperatively. Serum cortisol was measured prior to the procedure, after first and second ovary removal, and 8 and 24 hours postoperatively.ResultsNo differences were detected between horses receiving caudal epidural detomidine and morphine and those that received systemic opioids. A decrease in HGS score occurred after phenylbutazone administration.ConclusionAdministration of caudal epidural detomidine and morphine resulted in similar pain‐related behavior and corticosteroid concentrations as did administration of systemic butorphanol every 4 hours for 24 hours postoperatively.Clinical significanceCaudal epidural detomidine and morphine may mitigate the requirement for frequent systemic opioid administration after a potentially painful procedure.
On Følner sets in topological groups
Authors: Schneider Friedrich Martin , Thom Andreas 
Published: May 2018

We extend Følner’s amenability criterion to the realm of general topological groups. Building on this, we show that a topological group $G$ is amenable if and only if its left-translation action can be approximated in a uniform manner by amenable actions on the set $G$. As applications we obtain a topological version of Whyte’s geometric solution to the von Neumann problem and give an affirmative answer to a question posed by Rosendal.
Molecular Analysis of a
bla
IMP-1
-Harboring Class 3 Integron in Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas fulva
Authors: Yamamoto Masaki , Matsumura Yasufumi , Gomi Ryota , Matsuda Tomonari , Nakano Satoshi , Nagao Miki , Tanaka Michio , Ichiyama Satoshi 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

A multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Pseudomonas fulva
strain was isolated in 2006 from a urine sample. The isolate harbored the
bla
IMP-1
gene, which was located in a chromosomal Tn
402
-like class 3 integron as a gene cassette array of
aacA31-fosE-bla
IMP-1
. Two mutations in
gyrA
and one mutation in
parC
were detected in quinolone-resistance-determining regions (QRDRs). We report a full-length, novel,
bla
IMP-1
-carrying class 3 integron. This integron, together with mutations in QRDRs, could have influenced the MDR phenotype.
Behaviour modification interventions to optimise red blood cell transfusion practices: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Soril Lesley J J , Noseworthy Thomas W , Dowsett Laura E , Memedovich Katherine , Holitzki Hannah M , Lorenzetti Diane L , Stelfox Henry Thomas , Zygun David A , Clement Fiona M 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of behaviour modification interventions to promote restrictive red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practices.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Setting, participants, interventionsSeven electronic databases were searched to January 2018. Published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or non-randomised studies examining an intervention to modify healthcare providers’ RBC transfusion practice in any healthcare setting were included.Primary and secondary outcomesThe primary outcome was the proportion of patients transfused. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of inappropriate transfusions, RBC units transfused per patient, in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), pretransfusion haemoglobin and healthcare costs. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model and meta-regression was performed in cases of heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed by Begg’s funnel plot.ResultsEighty-four low to moderate quality studies were included: 3 were RCTs and 81 were non-randomised studies. Thirty-one studies evaluated a single intervention, 44 examined a multimodal intervention. The comparator in all studies was standard of care or historical control. In 33 non-randomised studies, use of an intervention was associated with reduced odds of transfusion (OR 0.63 (95% CI 0.56 to 0.71)), odds of inappropriate transfusion (OR 0.46 (95% CI 0.36 to 0.59)), RBC units/patient weighted mean difference (WMD: −0.50 units (95% CI −0.85 to −0.16)), LOS (WMD: −1.14 days (95% CI −2.12 to −0.16)) and pretransfusion haemoglobin (−0.28 g/dL (95% CI −0.48 to −0.08)). There was no difference in odds of mortality (OR 0.90 (95% CI 0.80 to 1.02)). Protocol/algorithm and multimodal interventions were associated with the greatest decreases in the primary outcome. There was high heterogeneity among estimates and evidence for publication bias.ConclusionsThe literature examining the impact of interventions on RBC transfusions is extensive, although most studies are non-randomised. Despite this, pooled analysis of 33 studies revealed improvement in the primary outcome. Future work needs to shift from asking, ‘does it work?’ to ‘what works best and at what cost?’PROSPERO registration numberCRD42015024757.
Rates of infection after colonoscopy and osophagogastroduodenoscopy in ambulatory surgery centres in the USA
Authors: Wang Peiqi , Xu Tim , Ngamruengphong Saowanee , Makary Martin A , Kalloo Anthony , Hutfless Susan 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveOver 15 million colonoscopies and 7 million osophagogastroduodenoscopies (OGDs) are performed annually in the USA. We aimed to estimate the rates of infections after colonoscopy and OGD performed in ambulatory surgery centres (ASCs).DesignWe identified colonoscopy and OGD procedures performed at ASCs in 2014 all-payer claims data from six states in the USA. Screening mammography, prostate cancer screening, bronchoscopy and cystoscopy procedures were comparators. We tracked infection-related emergency department visits and unplanned in-patient admissions within 7 and 30 days after the procedures, examined infection sites and organisms and analysed predictors of infections. We investigated case-mix adjusted variation in infection rates by ASC.ResultsThe rates of postendoscopic infection per 1000 procedures within 7 days were 1.1 for screening colonoscopy, 1.6 for non-screening colonoscopy and 3.0 for OGD; all higher than screening mammography (0.6) but lower than bronchoscopy (15.6) and cystoscopy (4.4) (p<0.0001). Predictors of postendoscopic infection included recent history of hospitalisation or endoscopic procedure; concurrence with another endoscopic procedure; low procedure volume or non-freestanding ASC; younger or older age; black or Native American race and male sex. Rates of 7-day postendoscopic infections varied widely by ASC, ranging from 0 to 115 per 1000 procedures for screening colonoscopy, 0 to 132 for non-screening colonoscopy and 0 to 62 for OGD.ConclusionWe found that postendoscopic infections are more common than previously thought and vary widely by facility. Although screening colonoscopy is not without risk, the risk is lower than diagnostic endoscopic procedures.
Definitions and reliability assessment of elementary ultrasound lesions in giant cell arteritis: a study from the OMERACT Large Vessel Vasculitis Ultrasound Working Group
Authors: Chrysidis Stavros , Duftner Christina , Dejaco Christian , Schäfer Valentin S , Ramiro Sofia , Carrara Greta , Scirè Carlo Alberto , Hocevar Alojzija , Diamantopoulos Andreas P , Iagnocco Annamaria , Mukhtyar Chetan , Ponte Cristina , Naredo Esperanza , De Miguel Eugenio , Bruyn George A , Warrington Kenneth J , Terslev Lene , Milchert Marcin , D’Agostino Maria Antonietta , Koster Mattew J , Rastalsky Naina , Hanova Petra , Macchioni Pierluigi , Kermani Tanaz A , Lorenzen Tove , Døhn Uffe Møller , Fredberg Ulrich , Hartung Wolfgang , Dasgupta Bhaskar , Schmidt Wolfgang A 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesTo define the elementary ultrasound (US) lesions in giant cell arteritis (GCA) and to evaluate the reliability of the assessment of US lesions according to these definitions in a web-based reliability exercise.MethodsPotential definitions of normal and abnormal US findings of temporal and extracranial large arteries were retrieved by a systematic literature review. As a subsequent step, a structured Delphi exercise was conducted involving an expert panel of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) US Large Vessel Vasculitis Group to agree definitions of normal US appearance and key elementary US lesions of vasculitis of temporal and extracranial large arteries. The reliability of these definitions on normal and abnormal blood vessels was tested on 150 still images and videos in a web-based reliability exercise.ResultsTwenty-four experts participated in both Delphi rounds. From originally 25 statements, nine definitions were obtained for normal appearance, vasculitis and arteriosclerosis of cranial and extracranial vessels. The ‘halo’ and ‘compression’ signs were the key US lesions in GCA. The reliability of the definitions for normal temporal and axillary arteries, the ‘halo’ sign and the ‘compression’ sign was excellent with inter-rater agreements of 91–99% and mean kappa values of 0.83–0.98 for both inter-rater and intra-rater reliabilities of all 25 experts.ConclusionsThe ‘halo’ and the ‘compression’ signs are regarded as the most important US abnormalities for GCA. The inter-rater and intra-rater agreement of the new OMERACT definitions for US lesions in GCA was excellent.
History of the oil and gas industry in Romania
Authors: Tulucan Alina Dana , Soveja-Iacob Lucia-Elena , Krezsek Csaba 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Oil and gas activities in Romania cover a long time interval from antiquity until the present day. Most importantly, the year 1857 represents the starting point for industrial production in Romania when three world oil firsts were achieved:

the first country with a crude oil production formally recorded in domestic and international statistics (275 tons);

the first petroleum industrial refinery, located in Ploiești, with a processing capacity of 7.5 tons/day;

Bucharest became the first city in the world to have public illumination, using lamp oils.

After 1857, the evolution of the oil and gas industry in Romania was controlled by important historical events: World Wars I and II, the communist regime (1945–89), and the post-communist period (1990–today).