bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence, Trends, and Predictors of Palliative Care Consultation After Aortic Valve Replacement in the United States
Authors: Ando Tomo , Adegbala Oluwole , Uemura Takeshi , Akintoye Emmanuel , Ashraf Said , Briasoulis Alexandros , Takagi Hisato , Afonso Luis 
Published: December 2018

Aim: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) have become a reasonably safe procedure with acceptable morbidity and mortality rate. However, little is known regarding the incidence, trends, and predictors of palliative care (PC) consult in aortic valve replacement (AVR) patients. The main purpose of this analysis was to assess the incidence, trends, and predictors of PC consultation in AVR recipients using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Materials and Methods: We queried the NIS database from 2005 to September 2015 to identify those who underwent TAVR or SAVR and had PC referral during the index hospitalization. Adjusted odds ratio (aOR) was calculated to identify patient demographic, social and hospital characteristics, and procedural characteristics associated with PC consult using multivariable regression analysis. We also reported the trends of PC referral in AVR recipients. Results: A total of 522 765 admissions (mean age: 75.3 ± 7.8 years, 40.3% female) who had TAVR (1.7% transapical and 9.2% endovascular approach) and SAVR (89.2%) were identified. Inpatient mortality was 3.96%, and 0.5% patients of the total admissions had PC consultation. The PC referral for SAVR increased from 0.90 to 7.2 per 1000 SAVR from 2005 to 2015 ( P = .011), while it remained stable ranging from 9.30 to 13.3 PC consults per 1000 TAVR ( P = .86). Age 80 to 89 (aOR: 1.93), age ≥90 years (aOR: 2.57), female sex (aOR: 1.36), electrolyte derangement (aOR: 1.90), weight loss (aOR: 1.88), and do not resuscitate status (aOR: 44.4) were associated with PC consult. West region (aOR: 1.46) and Medicaid (aOR: 3.05) were independently associated with PC consult. Endovascular (aOR: 1.88) and transapical TAVR (aOR: 2.80) had higher PC referral rates compared with SAVR. Conclusions: There was an increase in trends for utilization of PC service in SAVR admissions while it remained unchanged in TAVR cohort, but the overall PC referral rate was low in AVR recipients during the index hospitalization.
Sport and Physical Activity Level Impacts Health-Related Quality of Life Among Collegiate Students
Authors: Snedden Traci R. , Scerpella John , Kliethermes Stephanie A. , Norman Rocío S. , Blyholder Liga , Sanfilippo Jen , McGuine Timothy A. , Heiderscheit Bryan 
Published: December 2018

Purpose: To examine and compare the role of self-assessed sport and physical activity involvement on the health-related quality of life among undergraduate student-athletes and general undergraduate college students. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Data set was examined for differences in physical and mental health by self-assessed sport and physical activity level. Setting: Large Midwestern University in the fall of 2016. Participants: A combined data set representing undergraduate Division I student athletes (n = 842) and general undergraduate students (n = 1322). Measures: Veterans RAND 12 Item Health Survey (VR-12), as measure of health-related quality of life, comprised of physical component score (PCS) and mental component score (MCS). Self-assessed sport and physical activity level categorized as Division I athlete, club athlete, intramural player, student who works out regularly, or student who is physically inactive. Analysis: Standard univariable statistics described the study population. Two-sample t tests and χ2 tests were conducted, as appropriate, to compare Division I student-athletes to the general undergraduate group. Multivariable linear regression models were then built to assess associations between physical activity level and year in school with VR-12 outcomes, after adjusting for sex. All pairwise interactions were considered for inclusion in the final models. Adjusted least-square means were calculated for all variables in the model; pairwise comparisons were adjusted for multiple comparisons via Tukey-Kramer adjustment criteria. A linear test for trend was also conducted for the association between VR-12 MCS and increasing physical activity. Results: Significant differences in MCS were noted between levels of sport and physical activity; however, such differences were not detected in PCS. After controlling for sex, a positive relationship between increased sport and physical activity level and greater MCS was found. Conclusions: This study represents the first prospective assessment of health-related quality of life among undergraduate athletes and general college students. Higher levels of sport and physical activity were associated with more positive mental health in these populations.
Biologic Agents for the Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps
Authors: Kartush Alison G. , Schumacher Jane K. , Shah Rachna , Patadia Monica O. 
Published: December 2018

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis is a complex inflammatory disorder, which is often recalcitrant to medical and surgical management. Recently, biologic agents have been studied as an adjunct treatment for this patient population. Objective The purpose of this study is to examine the role of biologic agents for chronic rhinosinusitis patients by reviewing literature and clinical trials. Methods A comprehensive review of literature and clinical trials—both recently completed and ongoing—was undertaken to examine up-to-date evidence of current biologic therapy and its role in chronic rhinosinusitis patients—including anti-IgE, anti-IL-4, anti-IL-5, anti-IL-13, and GATA-3 DNAzyme. Results Specific biologic agents discussed include omalizumab, reslizumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab, dupilumab, and Hgd40/SB010. Risks, side effects, and administration information are also reviewed. An algorithm for the use of biologics in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis is proposed. Conclusion These treatments have promising results and may prove to be an important adjunct for patients with recalcitrant sinus disease.
Pros and cons of frontline autologous transplant in multiple myeloma: the debate over timing
Authors: Kumar Shaji K. , Buadi Francis K. , Rajkumar S. Vincent 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
The treatment landscape for multiple myeloma has dramatically changed over the past decade with the introduction of several new classes of drugs, which are very effective at controlling the disease for prolonged periods of time, especially when used in multidrug combinations. Prior to the advent of these new agents, peripheral blood autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) was the mainstay of therapy for patients who were eligible to undergo the procedure, with deep and durable responses in the majority of patients. Despite the introduction of more effective therapies, ASCT continues to play an important role in overall management of younger patients, where it has been integrated with the other therapeutic approaches to provide maximum benefit. Recent phase 3 trials have once again confirmed the survival benefit associated with ASCT in myeloma. Retrospective studies have also demonstrated the feasibility of using ASCT at the time of first relapse rather than as a component of the initial treatment. Significant geographical variations exist in the use of ASCT, especially between the United States and Europe in terms of its use as part of upfront therapy. Much of these differences are driven by the availability of drugs and drug combinations for initial therapy of myeloma as well as maintenance approaches post-ASCT. It is amply clear from these trials that ASCT will continue to play an important role in management of myeloma and is likely to be used as a platform for enhancing the efficacy of other treatment modalities that are currently in development.
Hepatocellular carcinoma-derived exosomal miRNA-21 contributes to tumor progression by converting hepatocyte stellate cells to cancer-associated fibroblasts
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Ren Haozhen , Dai Bo , Li Jun , Shang Longcheng , Huang Jianfei , Shi Xiaolei 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a global challenge due to its high morbidity and mortality rates as well as poor response to treatment. The communication between tumor-derived elements and stroma plays a critical role in facilitating cancer progression of HCC. Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are released from the cells upon fusion of multivesicular bodies with the plasma membrane. There is emerging evidence indicating that exosomes play a central role in cell-to-cell communication. Much attention has been paid to exosomes since they are found to transport bioactive proteins, messenger RNA (mRNAs) and microRNA (miRNAs) that can be transferred in active form to adjacent cells or to distant organs. However, the mechanisms underlying such cancer progression remain largely unexplored.MethodsExosomes were isolated by differential ultracentrifugation from conditioned medium of HCC cells and identified by electron microscopy and Western blotting analysis. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were treated with different concentrations of exosomes, and the activation of HSCs was analyzed by Western blotting analysis, wound healing, migration assay, Edu assay, CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. Moreover, the different miRNA levels of exosomes were tested by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR). The angiogenic ability of activated HSCs was analyzed by qRT-PCR, CCK-8 assay and tube formation assay. In addition, the abnormal lipid metabolism of activated HSCs was analyzed by Western blotting analysis and Oil Red staining. Finally, the relationship between serum exosomal miRNA-21 and prognosis of HCC patients was evaluated.ResultsWe showed that HCC cells exhibited a great capacity to convert normal HSCs to cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Moreover, our data revealed that HCC cells secreted exosomal miRNA-21 that directly targeted PTEN, leading to activation of PDK1/AKT signaling in HSCs. Activated CAFs further promoted cancer progression by secreting angiogenic cytokines, including VEGF, MMP2, MMP9, bFGF and TGF-β. Clinical data indicated that high level of serum exosomal miRNA-21 was correlated with greater activation of CAFs and higher vessel density in HCC patients.ConclusionsIntercellular crosstalk between tumor cells and HSCs was mediated by tumor-derived exosomes that controlled progression of HCC. Our findings provided potential targets for prevention and treatment of live cancer.
Incidence of infections due to third generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae - a prospective multicentre cohort study in six German university hospitals
Authors: Rohde Anna M. , Zweigner Janine , Wiese-Posselt Miriam , Schwab Frank , Behnke Michael , Kola Axel , Obermann Birgit , Knobloch Johannes K.-M. , Feihl Susanne , Querbach Christiane , Gebhardt Friedemann , Mischnik Alexander , Ihle Vera , Schröder Wiebke , Armean Sabina , Peter Silke , Tacconelli Evelina , Hamprecht Axel , Seifert Harald , Vehreschild Maria J. G. T. , Kern Winfried V. , Gastmeier Petra ,   on behalf of the DZIF-ATHOS study group, Buhl Michael , Busch Dirk , Eisenbeis Simone , Först Gesche , Foschi Federico , Gillis Meyke , Hansen Dorothea , Häcker Georg , Heim Markus , Hug Martin , Kaier Klaus , Küpper Fabian , Langebartels Georg , Liekweg Andrea , Lipp Hans-Peter , Märtin Nayana , Nordmann Mathias , Pelzer Andrea , Peña-Diaz Luis-Alberto , Rupp Jan , Schröder Christin , Spohn Katrin , Steib-Bauert Michaela , Vehreschild Jörg J. , vor dem Esche Ulrich , Wolke Solvy 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Background
Infections caused by third generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (3GCREB) are an increasing healthcare problem. We aim to describe the 3GCREB infection incidence and compare it to prevalence upon admission. In addition, we aim to describe infections caused by 3GCREB, which are also carbapenem resistant (CRE).

Methods
In 2014–2015, we performed prospective 3GCREB surveillance in clinically relevant patient specimens (screening specimens excluded). Infections counted as hospital-acquired (HAI) when the 3GCREB was detected after the third day following admission, otherwise as community-acquired infection (CAI).

Results
Of 578,420 hospitalized patients under surveillance, 3367 had a 3GCREB infection (0.58%). We observed a similar 3GCREB CAI and HAI incidence (0.28 and 0.31 per 100 patients, respectively). The most frequent pathogen was 3GCR E. coli, in CAI and HAI (0.15 and 0.12 per 100 patients). We observed a CRE CAI incidence of 0.006 and a HAI incidence of 0.008 per 100 patients (0.014 per 1000 patient days).

Conclusions
Comparing the known 3GCREB admission prevalence of the participating hospitals (9.5%) with the percentage of patients with a 3GCREB infection (0.58%), we conclude the prevalence of 3GCREB in university hospitals to be about 16 times higher than suggested when only patients with 3GCREB infections are considered. Moreover, we find the HAI and CAI incidence caused by CRE in Germany to be relatively low.
Estimating 3D human shape under clothing from a single RGB image
Authors: Shigeki Yui , Okura Fumio , Mitsugami Ikuhisa , Yagi Yasushi 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Estimation of naked human shape is essential in several applications such as virtual try-on. We propose an approach that estimates naked human 3D pose and shape, including non-skeletal shape information such as musculature and fat distribution, from a single RGB image. The proposed approach optimizes a parametric 3D human model using person silhouettes with clothing category, and statistical displacement models between clothed and naked body shapes associated with each clothing category. Experiments demonstrate that our approach estimates human shape more accurately than a prior method.
Implementing design thinking in organizations: an exploratory study
Authors: Dunne David 
Published: December 2018

AbstractDesign thinking has been adopted by organizations in all sectors of the economy. In this qualitative study, I explore organizations’ goals in adopting design thinking, the challenges such programs encounter, and the approaches they have taken to deal with these challenges. I find that unclear goals, the need to build legitimacy, cultural resistance, and leadership turnover can compromise the work of design programs. Possible antidotes include technological and collaborative platforms, and extending design thinking into the implementation process.
Validity of Field and Laboratory Three-Compartment Models in Healthy Adults
Authors: NICKERSON BRETT S. , TINSLEY GRANT M. , ESCO MICHAEL R. 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT
Modified laboratory- and field-based multicompartment models have been found valid for estimating body composition. However, the comparability between these models is unknown.

Purpose
This study determined the validity of field and laboratory three-compartment (3C) models in healthy adults.

Methods
One hundred twenty participants (63 men and 57 women; age, 22 ± 5 yr; BMI, 24.9 ± 3.9 kg·m−2) participated in this study. A criterion four-compartment model (4C-Criterion) was determined with underwater weighing for body volume (BV), bioimpedance spectroscopy for total body water (TBW), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for bone mineral content. Modified laboratory-based 3C models were determined using bioimpedance spectroscopy for TBW and two separate DXA BV equations (3C-DXASR and 3C-DXAW) whereas a field-based 3C model (3C-Field) was obtained using single-frequency bioimpedance analysis for TBW and skinfold-derived BV. In addition, a stand-alone DXA assessment was evaluated.

Results
The effect size of the mean differences when compared to the 4C-Criterion were trivial to small for all modified 3C models and DXA when estimating fat mass, fat-free mass, and body fat percentage. The standard error of estimate and 95% limits of agreement for all modified 3C models and DXA were similar and considered acceptable. However, 3C-Field produced the lowest total error values and 3C-DXASR produced slightly lower total error values than 3C-DXAW and DXA.

Conclusions
The present study found that all modified 3C models and DXA exhibited acceptable errors. When performed by expert personnel, a field-based 3C model appears to be a viable alternative to laboratory-derived models in healthy adults.
Seroprevalence of Human Brucellosis in Wadi Al Dawaser region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Rahamathulla Mohamudha Parveen 
Published: December 2018

Background and Objective: Brucellosis is an important zoonotic disease and a major public health problem in the Middle East countries including Saudi Arabia. This study has evaluated the seroprevalence of human brucellosis in Wadi Al Dawaser region of Central Saudi Arabia.
Methods: The study was conducted for three years (2015-2018) at Wadi Al Dawaser general hospital. A total of 6721 clinically suspected serum samples were collected over three years and tested by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), Serum Agglutination Test (SAT), IgM and IgG ELISA. A standard questionnaire to determine the risk factors were used among patients.
Results: Of the total 6721 samples tested, 576 (8.6%) were seropositive for brucellosis. RBPT identified 427 (74.1%), SAT titers 493 (85.6%) cases. IgM ELISA and IgG ELISA were positive for 501 (86.9%) and 558 (96.8%) cases respectively. Among the positive cases, 77.3% were male with the male to female ratio of 3.3:1. Nearly, 82% were Saudi Nationals. Direct contact with domestic animals and consumption of raw milk were the risk factors identified. No seasonal variation was seen. Diagnostic yield of IgM ELISA showed 86.9% sensitivity and 100% specificity; IgG ELISA showed 96.8% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Both IgG and IgM ELISAs showed 100% Positive predictive value, 98.9% and 95.6% Negative predictive value respectively.
Conclusion: A seroprevalence of 8.6% of human brucellosis was documented from this rural region. This is the first report from Wadi Al Dawaser. Frequent surveillance among risk group, vaccination of livestock, creating awareness and health education among the public and school children are recommended.
How to cite this:Rahamathulla MP. Seroprevalence of Human Brucellosis in Wadi Al Dawaser region of Saudi Arabia. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(1):129-135. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.1.55
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Thermal Behavior and Kinetic Study of the Effects of Zinc-Modified Biochar Catalyst on Lignin and Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Co-Pyrolysis
Authors: Bu Quan , Chen Kun , Morgan Hervan Marion , Liang Jianghui , Zhang Xiaodong , Yan Lishi , Mao Hanping 
Published: December 2018

Abstract. The effects of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and a zinc-modified biochar catalyst on lignin pyrolysis were analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Thermal decomposition analysis disclosed that lignin and LDPE co-pyrolysis was more complicated than pyrolysis of lignin alone, addition of the catalyst caused a decrease in reaction temperature and a slight increase in the conversion rate, and most of the compounds decomposed at 260°C for lignin alone and at about 450°C for the lignin/LDPE blend. The synergistic effect between lignin and LDPE in co-pyrolysis with the catalyst was also analyzed. The kinetic parameters indicated that lignin pyrolysis was a third-order reaction, while lignin/LDPE co-pyrolysis was a second-order reaction. Addition of LDPE to lignin during pyrolysis lowered the activation energy from 49.10 to 30.26 kJ mol-1. Analysis of the reaction kinetics revealed that the reaction rate improved with addition of the catalyst. Keywords: Biochar catalyst, LDPE, Lignin co-pyrolysis/pyrolysis, Reaction kinetics, Thermal decomposition.
Effect of Moisture Content and Inoculum Size on Cell Wall Composition and Ethanol Yield from Switchgrass after Solid-State Pleurotus ostreatus Treatment
Authors: Li Mengxing , Marek Stephen M. , Peng Jiaqi , Liu Zhongdong , Wilkins Mark R. 
Published: December 2018

Abstract. The white-rot fungus is capable of selectively degrading lignin over polymeric sugars. Solid-state cultivation and subsequent simultaneous saccharification and fermentation for ethanol production were performed. Effects of moisture content (MC) and fungus inoculum on biomass degradation, ligninolytic enzyme, and ethanol production were evaluated. First, fungal pretreatment was performed with varied MC and inoculum levels and sampled every 20 days. The highest xylose yield observed was 15.6% for samples with 75% MC and 5 mL inoculum at fungal pretreatment of 40 days. The highest lignin degradation of 52% and highest ethanol yield of 31% (based on the glucan present in the raw switchgrass) were achieved for 80-day fungal-treated samples with 75% MC and 5 mL inoculum. Keywords: KLywords. Bioenergy, Fungal pretreatment, Oyster mushroom, Perennial grass.
Fading Activities of Herbicidal Droplets Amended with Emulsifiable Spray Adjuvants on Cucurbitaceous Leaves
Authors: Lin Jeng-Liang , Zhu Heping 
Published: December 2018

Abstract. Understanding reactions of surfactant-amended droplets on difficult-to-wet weed surfaces could help develop application strategies to increase herbicide efficacy. Behaviors of herbicidal droplets containing different emulsifiable anti-evaporation spray adjuvants were investigated by characterizing 250 and 450 µm herbicidal droplet dispersion and fading time on cucurbitaceous leaves placed inside a 20°C chamber at 30% and 60% relative humidity (RH). Droplet maximum coverage area increased with droplet size but not with RH, while droplet fading time increased with both droplet size and RH. Despite 450 µm droplets having greater maximum coverage area than 250 µm droplets, the larger droplets had higher fading rates and lower ratios of maximum coverage area to droplet volume. Droplet maximum coverage area and fading time on leaves were affected by adding spray adjuvants to the herbicide-only solution. The Uptake surfactant was more effective than the other two surfactants (AntiEvap+BS1000 and Enhance) in increasing droplet maximum coverage area and fading time. Compared to the herbicide-only solution, addition of Uptake surfactant to the herbicide solution could increase maximum coverage area by 68% and 52% for 250 and 450 µm droplets, respectively, but addition of AntiEvap+BS1000 or Enhance surfactants did not show significant increase. Similarly, addition of Uptake surfactant to the herbicide-only solution increased droplet fading times by 11.1% and 13.2% at 30% and 60% RH, respectively, for 250 µm droplets and by 34.7% and 2.8% at 30% and 60% RH, respectively, for 450 µm droplets. In contrast, addition of AntiEvap+BS1000 surfactant reduced fading time, and addition of Enhance surfactant did not significantly affect fading time. Therefore, appropriate selection of spray adjuvants for herbicide applications could significantly influence droplet deposit behaviors on cucurbitaceous leaves, leading to improved effectiveness of weed control. Keywords: Herbicide application, Spray deposition, Spray droplet, Surfactant, Weed control.