bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of different dosages of PG-600 on ovulation and pregnancy rates in ewes during the breeding season
Authors: Habeeb Hayder Mohammed Hassan , Hazzard Timothy M , Stormshak Fred , Kutzler Michelle A 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
This study compared the reproductive effects of different dosages of PG-600 (Intervet/Merck Animal Health, Madison, NJ) during the breeding season of ewes. PG-600 is a single-dose injectable product labeled for estrous induction in swine, containing equine chorionic gonadotropin (80 IU/mL) and human chorionic gonadotropin (40 IU/mL). PG-600 is routinely used off-label for out-of-season estrous induction in sheep. However, at the most common dose administered to ewes (5 mL), PG-600 is likely to overstimulate the ovaries, resulting in reduced pregnancy rates. Following estrous synchronization with intravaginal progesterone and cloprostenol, Polypay ewes were treated with 5 mL PG-600 (T1; n = 8), 1.5 mL PG-600 (T2; n = 8), or 5 mL saline (C; n = 8) and then mated to rams. Jugular vein samples were collected prior to the PG-600 injection (0 hr) and at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hr after injection. Serum estradiol-17β was determined by chemiluminescence and among groups using repeated measures analysis of covariance. Ovulation and pregnancy rates were determined by transrectal ultrasonography and compared by one-way ANOVA and chi-square, respectively. Estradiol-17β concentrations were greater in T1 compared to T2 and C (P &lt; 0.001). Ovulation rate was greater (P &lt; 0.001) but pregnancy rate was lower (P &lt; 0.001) in the T1 compared to C and T2. These data confirm that a 5 mL dose of PG-600 administered to ewes during the breeding season overstimulates the ovaries, which may then reduce fertilization or embryo survival. Future research will focus on the effects of different dosages of PG-600 on pregnancy rate of ewes during the nonbreeding season.
Biomechanical Assessment of Torsional Stiffness in a Supracondylar Humerus Fracture Model
Authors: Wallace Melissa , Johnson David B. , Pierce William , Iobst Christopher , Riccio Anthony , Wimberly R. Lane 
Published: October 2018

Background:
We assessed the effect on the torsional stability by different pin diameters and varied pin configurations in a biomechanical supracondylar humerus fracture model.

Methods:
After scanning a model of a pediatric humerus, the image was imported into software. Variable pin trajectories were planned. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic models were 3-dimensionally printed with predetermined pin trajectories. Models were osteotomized and potted with a polyurethane resin. Five-pin configurations were designed to test coronal and sagittal patterns of pin placement. Each included 3 lateral pins and a medial pin. Pin diameters of 1.6, 2.0, and 2.4 mm were tested in all configurations. Three models for each pin diameter/configuration were tested to ensure uniformity. Stability of the construct was tested to determine the torque needed to deflect the osteotomy 10 degrees in internal/external rotation. Each model was tested 3 times.

Results:
In all models/configurations, the 2.4 mm pin diameter was statistically stiffer than 1.6 mm diameter pins; this lost statistical significance in certain patterns when comparing 2.0- and 2.4-mm pins. When comparing a divergent to a parallel configuration in the coronal plane, there was no significant difference in stability when pin diameter or number were controlled. The convergent pin configuration was, in general, the least stable pattern. Use of a medial pin conferred statistically significant stiffness throughout most models as demonstrated with pin deletion. Use of 2 pins was significantly less stiff than most 3-pin models.

Conclusions:
Larger pin diameters confer greater stiffness among all patterns. The use of 3 lateral and 1 medial pin was not statistically different than 2 lateral and 1 medial pin in our models. Both patterns were stiffer than 3 lateral pins only or other fewer pin constructs. The alignment of pins in the sagittal plane did not affect overall construct stiffness.
Tissue-selective estrogen complex for women who experience breast discomfort or vaginal bleeding when on hormone therapy
Authors: Kim Sung Eun , Lee Dong-Yun , Choi DooSeok 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Objective:
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of switching from hormone therapy to tissue-selective estrogen complex (TSEC) in women who experience vaginal bleeding or breast discomfort.

Methods:
This retrospective cohort study included 82 postmenopausal women who received TSEC after switching from another hormone therapy due to adverse events. Changes in symptoms and imaging after switching to TSEC were evaluated.

Results:
The mean age was 56.9 years. The women were switched to TSEC due to vaginal bleeding in 56.1% and breast discomfort in 47.6% (multiple choices were allowed). After the switch, almost all women (97.6%) experienced an improvement in adverse events. However, 27% of the women had worsening of vasomotor symptoms, which was more common when hormone therapy was changed from 2 mg of estradiol (41.7%) compared with 1 mg of estradiol (16.7%), 0.625 mg of conjugated estrogen (30%), or tibolone (12.5%). Images of breast lesions and fibroids before the switch were assessed, showing no change in most women.

Conclusions:
This study suggests that TSEC is a good option for women who have breast discomfort or persistent bleeding during other hormone therapy when taking into account the differences in estrogen dose.
ULTRASOUND IN VITRECTOMY
Authors: Rizzo Stanislao , Fantoni Gualtiero , Mucciolo Dario Pasquale , Giorni Andrea , Volpi Lorenzo , Pierallini Michele , Mazzoni Andrea , Faraldi Francesco 
Published: October 2018

Purpose:
To study a prototype of an ultrasound-based vitrector, and to try to understand the physical phenomena underlying this new technology.

Methods:
We tested the ultrasound-based vitrector prototype (UV) (ultrasonically-driven handpiece obtained from a modified version of the Alcon CONSTELLATION Vision System [Alcon]) using an automatic experimental setup. Balanced saline solution (BSS) and vitreous (from fresh postmortem enucleated porcine eyes) flow rates were analyzed using three different tips.

Results:
In general, BSS solution flow rates increased with increasing aspiration levels and decreased when we used % US power. Vitreous flow rates were influenced by aspiration levels, % US power, and ultrasound-related phenomena: cavitation phenomenon and “jet streaming.”

Conclusion:
Ultrasound-based vitrectomy may represent an important alternative to traditional vitrectomy. Such a tool, capable of liquefying and excising the vitreous body using ultrasound, could overcome all the limits of the guillotine-based technique (GV). Knowledge of the physical phenomena underlying ultrasound-based technology is a necessary prerequisite for further development of this new technology.
CHANGES OF AQUEOUS HUMOR MÜLLER CELLS' BIOMARKERS IN HUMAN PATIENTS AFFECTED BY DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA AFTER SUBTHRESHOLD MICROPULSE LASER TREATMENT
Authors: Midena Edoardo , Bini Silvia , Martini Ferdinando , Enrica Convento , Pilotto Elisabetta , Micera Alessandra , Esposito Graziana , Vujosevic Stela 
Published: October 2018

Purpose:
To evaluate the changes in activity of biomarkers of Müller cells (MC) in aqueous humor of patients with diabetic macular edema after subthreshold micropulse laser, over 1 year.

Methods:
Patients with untreated diabetic macular edema and central retinal thickness ≤ 400 μm were enrolled. Best-corrected visual acuity, full ophthalmic examination, and optical coherence tomography were performed. Subthreshold micropulse laser was applied every 3 months. Glial fibrillary acidic protein and inwardly rectifying potassium channel (Kir 4.1), MC activity markers, and vascular endothelial growth factor were quantified in the aqueous humor collected at baseline and at 1, 3, and 12 months after laser. Changes in the macular thickness and inner nuclear layer thickness, where MC bodies are located, were measured.

Results:
Ten eyes of 10 patients were included. Best-corrected visual acuity improved at 3 months (P = 0.047) and remained stable. Inner nuclear layer thickness significantly reduced at 12 months (P = 0.012). Glial fibrillary acidic protein, Kir 4.1, and vascular endothelial growth factor decreased at 1 and/or 3 and/or 12 months compared with baseline (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
Subthreshold micropulse laser improves visual function in diabetic macular edema. Kir 4.1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein decrease and inner nuclear layer thickness reduction demonstrate that subthreshold micropulse laser may restore MC function. Subthreshold micropulse laser also reduces vascular endothelial growth factor concentration. The effect of subthreshold micropulse laser in diabetic macular edema may in part be due to changes of MC metabolic activity.
PNEUMATIC COMPACTION TREATMENT OF ACUTE SUBFOVEAL HEMORRHAGE AFTER BLUNT TRAUMA IN A PATIENT WITH ANGIOID STREAKS ASSOCIATED WITH PSEUDOXANTHOMA ELASTICUM
Authors: Colucciello Michael 
Published: October 2018

Purpose:
To report a case of photoreceptor restitution and vision improvement with pneumatic compaction treatment of acute subfoveal hemorrhage in a patient with angioid streaks associated with pseudoxanthoma elasticum, observed by sequential fundus photography, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and fundus autofluorescence.

Methods:
Findings on initial and sequential clinical examinations, fundus autofluorescence, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography are presented, before and after pneumatic compaction, demonstrating the course of compaction and resolution of subfoveal hemorrhage and status of the foveal ellipsoid zone and external limiting membrane. Sequential improvements in oxygen and nutrient diffusion are calculated using Fick's law of diffusion. Findings are compared with previous reports regarding the natural history of similar patients.

Results:
Rapid compaction of subfoveal hemorrhage occurred, resulting in an 89% improvement in oxygen diffusion in 15 days. No centrifugal movement of subfoveal hemorrhage occurred, potentially minimizing photoreceptor-shearing injury. Ultimately, resorption of all hemorrhage occurred with reestablishment of the foveal ellipsoid zone and external limiting membrane and minimal juxtafoveal subretinal fibrosis; best-corrected visual acuity improved to 20/40: an advantage over natural history based on published reports.

Conclusion:
Pneumatic compaction in patients with acute subfoveal hemorrhage secondary to angioid streaks associated with pseudoxanthoma elasticum compacts subfoveal hemorrhage, therefore improving oxygen and nutrient diffusion. This potentially spares foveal photoreceptors of ischemic and shearing injury, theoretically reducing subfoveal fibrosis and improving vision prognosis in these patients.
Age Impacts Olanzapine Exposure Differently During Use of Oral Versus Long-Acting Injectable Formulations
Authors: Tveito Marit , Smith Robert L. , Molden Espen , Haslemo Tore , Refsum Helge , Hartberg Cecilie , Correll Christoph U. , Høiseth Gudrun 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Purpose
Olanzapine is a commonly prescribed antipsychotic available as oral and long-acting injectable (LAI) formulations. Data are lacking on the use and safety of olanzapine-LAI in older patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of increasing age on olanzapine exposure during oral versus LAI administration in a real-life setting.

Methods
This observational study was based on routine therapeutic drug monitoring data collected during 2005–2017. As a measure of exposure, absolute concentrations and concentration/dose ratios of olanzapine were defined as outcome variables. Linear mixed-model analyzes were used to allow for inclusion of multiple samples per patient and adjustment for covariate effects.

Results
Olanzapine concentrations and doses from 8,288 patients (21,378 measurements) were included. The number of patients on oral treatment was 7,893 (42%, 50 years or older), while 395 were using olanzapine-LAI (27%, 50 years or older). In contrast to oral use, where the dose-adjusted concentration of olanzapine increased significantly for patients 50 years or older (P < 0.001), increasing age had no effect on olanzapine concentration following LAI administration (P = 0.550). The effects of smoking habits and gender were equal in oral and olanzapine-LAI users.

Conclusion
While the dose-adjusted systemic exposure of olanzapine increases by age after oral administration, these novel findings from a large patient population show that systemic exposure of olanzapine-LAI is unaffected by age, probably due to the lacking influence of age-related changes in gastrointestinal absorption and/or presystemic metabolism. From a pharmacokinetic point of view, it is therefore no reason to restrict the use of olanzapine-LAI in older patients requiring long-term treatment.
Measuring the Impact of Research Using Conventional and Alternative Metrics
Authors: Knowlton Sasha E. , Paganoni Sabrina , Niehaus William , Verduzco-Gutierrez Monica , Sharma Raman , Iaccarino Mary A. , Hayano Todd , Schneider Jeffrey C. , Silver Julie K. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Bibliometrics use statistical methods to measure the scholarly impact of publications. Bibliometrics are categorized as conventional metrics or alternative metrics. Conventional metrics have often been considered the standard to measure the impact of publication-related scholarship. With the growing popularity of social media and ease of instantaneous distribution of information globally, alternative metrics have become an important complementary measure of scholarly activity. Bibliometrics may provide a standard performance measurement that may be used for tenure and/or promotion among academic institutions. The alternative metric industry has shown considerable growth with increasingly improved algorithms working towards standardization. Together, conventional metrics and alternative metrics may synergistically complement each other to provide an accelerated translation from research to clinical care that may lead to tremendous benefits in patients. All physicians and other healthcare professionals should receive training in bibliometrics and understand the potential impact of professional social media use.
Electrical Stimulation in the Treatment of Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain
Authors: Qiu Huaide , Li Jiahui , Zhou Ting , Wang Hongxing , Li Jianan 
Published: October 2018

Objective
The aim of the study was to determine the effect of electrical stimulation in the treatment of hemiplegic shoulder pain.

Design
Eight databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials with a treatment duration of at least 2 wks comparing electrical stimulation with sham stimulation or no stimulation for patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain. Shoulder pain on the hemiplegic side after stroke at baseline was required at study selection. The overall effects of electrical stimulation were calculated using a meta-analytic method.

Results
Six studies were included. The pooled data indicated that electrical stimulation may have a positive effect for patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain on pain reduction (n = 193, standardized mean difference = −1.89, 95% confidence interval = −3.05 to −0.74) and pain-free external rotation (n = 164, weighted mean difference = 18.92, 95% confidence interval = 7.00 to 30.84). Meta-analysis also showed better recovery of activities of daily living independence in patient groups receiving electrical stimulation (n = 167, weighted mean difference = 8.96, 95% confidence interval = 5.26 to 12.66).

Conclusions
Electrical stimulation may be an effective pain management methodology for hemiplegic shoulders and may contribute to pain-free range of external rotation as well as activities of daily living recovery. However, these results should be interpreted with caution, given the low number of selected studies and risk of potential bias.
Computerized Exposure Therapy for Spider Phobia: Effects of Cardiac Timing and Interoceptive Ability on Subjective and Behavioral Outcomes
Authors: Watson David R. , Garfinkel Sarah N. , Gould van Praag Cassandra , Willmott Daniel , Wong Katherine , Meeten Frances , Critchley Hugo D. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTObjectiveSpider phobia is a common form of anxiety disorder for which exposure therapy is an effective first-line treatment. Motivated by the observed modulation of threat processing by afferent cardiac signals, we tested the hypothesis that interoceptive information concerning cardiovascular arousal can influence the outcomes of computerized exposure therapy for spider phobia.MethodFifty-three normal healthy participants with high spider phobia scores underwent one of the following three modified computerized exposure protocols, defined by the timing of exposure to brief spider stimuli within the cardiac cycle: systole (during afferent baroreceptor firing); diastole (during baroreceptor-quiescent interbeat interval); random (noncontingent on cardiac cycle). Outcomes were judged on phobic and anxiety measures and physiological data (skin conductance). Individuals were also rated on interoceptive accuracy.ResultsMANCOVA analysis showed that timing group affected the outcome measures (F(10,80) = 2.405,p= .015) and there was a group interaction with interoception ability (F(15,110) = 1.808,p= .045). Subjective symptom reduction was greatest in the systolic group relative to the other two groups (diastolic (t= 3.115,ptukey= .009); random (t= 2.438,ptukey= .048)), with greatest reductions in those participants with lower interoceptive accuracy. Behavioral aversion reduced more in cardiac-contingent groups than the noncontingent (random) group (diastolic (t= 3.295,ptukey= .005); systolic (t= 2.602,ptukey= .032)). Physiological (skin conductance response) responses remained strongest for spider stimuli presented at cardiac systole.ConclusionsInteroceptive information influences exposure benefit. The reduction in the subjective expression of fear/phobia is facilitated by “bottom-up” afferent signals, whereas improvement in the behavioral expression is further dependent on “top-down” representation of self-related physiology (heart rhythm). Individual interoceptive differences moderate these effects, suggesting means to personalize therapy.
Splenosis of the Liver Capsule
Authors: Budak Emine , Oral Aylin , Yazici Bulent , Guler Ezgi , Omur Ozgur 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Splenosis, a form of ectopic splenic tissue, is generally caused by heterotopic autotransplantation of splenic tissues after traumatic splenic rupture or splenectomy. The implants are often localized intraperitoneally, mostly in the left upper quadrant and splenic region. Hepatic foci are seen only on rare occasions. The differential diagnosis of splenosis foci from malignant masses can be challenging by conventional imaging and lead to unnecessary invasive procedures. This manuscript presents radiological and scintigraphic images of splenosis foci located in the peritoneal cavity and liver capsule of a 46-year-old man who underwent splenectomy due to traumatic splenic rupture 30 years ago.
Occult Giant Cell Arteritis Concurrent With Pancreatic Carcinoma Revealed by 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Fu Zhanli , Chen Xueqi , Yang Xing , Li Qian 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
An 18F-FDG PET/CT was performed on a 74-year-old woman with pancreatic carcinoma and liver metastases. Occult giant cell arteritis, involving the aorta, truncus brachiocephalicus, subclavian arteries, axillaries, external carotid arteries, vertebral arteries, and superficial temporal arteries, was accidentally revealed.
Individual Treatment of Delayed Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture
Authors: Yao Chenglun , Weng Weidong , Zhou Xijie , Poonit Keshav , Yang Jingquan , Lin Damu , Sun Chao , Yan Hede 
Published: October 2018

Introduction
Complicated elbow injuries (elbow injuries with bone and soft tissue injury) with distal biceps tendon ruptures (DBTRs) are not uncommon. There are several treatment modalities in different situations of injuries. In this article, we reported 3 successful individual treatments of delayed DBTR with complicated elbow injuries.

Materials and Methods
Three cases of complicated elbow injuries treated between 2010 and 2016 were reviewed. The delayed DBTR cases were summarized and treated. Mayo Elbow Performance Score value, range of motion, and visual analog scale score were used to assess outcomes after a minimum follow-up of 12 months.

Results
All 3 patients were male, aged 47 to 54 years (mean, 49.6 years). Patients received surgical treatments. After a mean follow-up of 13.7 months, in cases 1 and 2, Mayo Elbow Performance Score values improved by 50% and 100%, elbow flexion-extension arc were 115 degrees and 110 degrees, pronation-supination arc were 130 degrees and 120 degrees. Arthrodesis case reported pain relief; visual analog scale score for pain was 0 to 1. No postoperative complications were observed, and all patients were satisfied with the results.

Conclusions
Individual treatment is advised in DBTR with complicated elbow injuries. Secondary treatment of DBTR can achieve satisfactory results using individual strategies depending on patients' overall condition.
Effect of Long-Term Polytrauma on Ventilator-Induced Diaphragmatic Dysfunction in a Piglet Model
Authors: Breuer Thomas , Bruells Christian S. , Horst Klemens , Thiele Christoph , Hildebrand Frank , Linnartz Stephan , Siegberg Tom , Frank Nadine , Gayan-Ramirez Ghislaine , Martin Lukas , Ostareck Dirk H. , Marx Gernot , Simon Tim-Philipp 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Mechanical ventilation is known to activate oxidative stress and proteolytic pathways in the diaphragm. Trauma by inducing inflammation and activating proteolytic pathways may potentiate the effects of mechanical ventilation on the diaphragm. In a blunt chest trauma with concomitant injuries we tested the hypothesis that trauma via inflammation further activates the proteolytic pathways and worsens atrophy in the diaphragm.

Material and Methods:
Piglets were separated into two groups and underwent 72 h of mechanical ventilation. One group received a polytrauma (PT) by unilateral femur fracture, blunt chest trauma with lung contusion, laparotomy with standardized liver incision, and a predefined hemorrhagic shock. The second mechanically ventilated group (MV) did not receive any trauma. A non-ventilated group (Con) served as control.
Diaphragmatic fiber dimensions, Western Blot analyses of proteolytic pathways, and lipid peroxidation and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels of cytokines and nuclear factor kappa b subunit p65 were measured.

Results:
Active Caspase-3 was significantly increased in MV (P = 0.019), and in PT (P = 0.02) compared with Con. Nuclear factor kappa b subunit p65, was upregulated in PT (P = 0.010) compared with Con. IL-6 mRNA increased significantly in PT compared with Con (P = 0.0024) but did not differ between Con and MV.

Conclusion:
Trauma and mechanical ventilation induced proteolysis and atrophy in the diaphragm, but only polytrauma induced an inflammatory response in the diaphragm. The additional traumatic inflammatory stimulus did not increase the levels of the prementioned variables. These data underline that inflammation is not a major contributor to ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction.

Trial registry number:
AZ 84–02.04.2014.A265 (Landesamt für Natur-, Umwelt- und Verbraucherschutz, LANUV NRW, Germany).