bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GCK Gene Screening and Association of GCK Variants With Gestational Diabetes in North Indian Population
Authors: Siddiqui Samreen , Waghdhare Swati , Gopi Sundaramoorthy , Bhargava Amit , Panda Manju , Radha Venkatesan , Mohan Viswanathan , Dubey Shweta , Jha Sujeet 
Published: October 2018

Background: GCK gene variants have been reported to be associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the Caucasian population. There are no reports exploring this association in the Indian population. Methods: This cross-sectional study included subjects from Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, India, over a span of 6 months. Females diagnosed with GDM as per the International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria were enrolled. Direct gene sequencing was performed to screen all 10 exons and promoter region of GCK gene. Results: Out of the total 1000 females screened, 154 subjects had any degree of hyperglycemia. GCK gene screening was done and we observed 11 variants in 80.4% (41/51) of the GDM subset and 89.6% (43/48) of the controls. Allele frequencies of observed variants were not different between the control subjects (12.5%) and those diagnosed with GDM (8.4%). Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report from north India exploring association of GCK variants with GDM and we do not observe any association of GCK variants with GDM in our study population. CTRI Registration No: CTRI/2017/07/008964
Short-term power load forecasting based on support vector machine and particle swarm optimization
Authors: Qiang Song , Pu Yang 
Published: October 2018

In this work, we summarized the characteristics and influencing factors of load forecasting based on its application status. The common methods of the short-term load forecasting were analyzed to derive their advantages and disadvantages. According to the historical load and meteorological data in a certain region of Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, a least squares support vector machine model was used to discuss the influencing factors of forecasting. The regularity of the load change was concluded to correct the “abnormal data” in the historical load data, thus normalizing the relevant factors in load forecasting. The two parameters are as follows Gauss kernel function and Eigen parameter C in LSSVM had a significant impact on the model, which was still solved by empirical methods. Therefore, the particle swarm optimization was used to optimize the model parameters. Taking the error of test set as the basis of judgment, the optimization of model parameters was achieved to improve forecast accuracy. The practical examples showed that the method in the work had good convergence, forecast accuracy, and training speed.
The prevalence and pregnancy outcomes of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: A retrospective clinical audit review
Authors: Gardiner Fergus W , McCuaig Ruth , Arthur Chris , Carins Thomas , Morton Adam , Laurie Josephine , Neeman Teresa , Lim Boon , Peek Michael J 
Published: October 2018

Background To determine the prevalence and outcomes of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Methods A review comparing intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy pregnancies to all other pregnancies in three tertiary care Australian hospitals over a 36-month period. Results There were 43,876 pregnancies. The prevalence of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancies ( n = 319) was 0.7%. There were differences between intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and non-intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy mothers including higher prevalence of South Asian (22.6% versus 3.1%, p < 0.001), Indigenous Australian (3.8% versus 1.8%, p < 0.05), and Asian ethnicity (8.4% versus 5.7%, p < 0.05), mothers with a body mass index >35 kg/m2 (10.6% versus 5.5%, p < 0.001), those with diabetes mellitus (25.7% versus 9.8%, p < 0.001), and those with twin births (8.7% versus 2.2%, p < 0.001). The primary clinical outcomes of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy included a median gestational age at delivery of 36.4 (SE 0.09) weeks compared to 38.6 (SE 0.01) weeks (p < 0.001), a lower birth weight (3.12 (SE 0.03) versus 3.31 kg (SE 0.03), p < 0.001), and an increase in special care nursery admissions (44.5% versus 15.3%, p < 0.001). Conclusion Treated intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy in the population described here had similar mortality outcomes although increased special care nursery admission as compared to the general population.
Once-daily 5 mg tadalafil oral treatment for patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome
Authors: Benelli Andrea , Mariani Simone , Varca Virginia , Gregori Andrea , Barrese Franco , Cappa Manilo 
Published: October 2018

Background: Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (IIIB CP/CPPS) is a condition of unclear aetiology. Many approaches have been used without satisfactory results. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of once-daily 5 mg tadalafil in pain control and improving quality of life in patients affected by CP/CPPS. Methods: Twenty patients affected by chronic prostatitis according EAU (European Association of Urology) guidelines were evaluated for once-daily 5 mg tadalafil; 14 patients were eligible for the study. The validated Italian version of the NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) and the International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaires were submitted to all the patients. Every patient underwent uroflowmetry and ultrasound prostatic volume at the beginning and at the end of the study. Results: All 14 patients eligible for the study reported an improvement of symptoms during therapy: statistically significant differences were reported in terms of NIH-CPSI ( p < 0.000002) and IPSS ( p < 0.0001) during follow-up evaluations. No statistically significant improvement of uroflowmetry parameters was reported during the treatment. Conclusions: In our study the daily use of 5 mg tadalafil improves symptoms and quality of life in patients affected by CP/CPPS after 4 weeks of therapy. A larger population of patients is needed to confirm the efficacy of this therapy in CP/CPPS.
Rhinosinusitis in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: Analysis of 4562 Transplanted Patients
Authors: Tzelnick Sharon , Soudry Ethan 
Published: October 2018

Introduction Survival rates of solid organ transplant recipients are steadily increasing. Chronic immunosuppression is a key to sustain the transplanted organ. Thus, these patients are at a higher risk for fulminant disease and severe complications of rhinosinusitis (RS). Surprisingly, this has been scarcely discussed in the literature. Objective To analyze the characteristics and disease course of RS in solid organ transplant recipients. Materials and Methods Retrospective study. Medical records of all solid organ transplant recipients with a diagnosis RS treated at a national transplant center between the years 2001 and 2016 were reviewed. Results Of 4562 solid organ transplant recipients, a documented diagnosis of RS was identified only in 61 (1.3%) patients. Sixty-four patients presented with posttransplantation RS; of them, 54.5% had chronic RS (CRS) and the remaining 45.5% patients were diagnosed with acute RS. Microbial cultures grew almost exclusively bacterial pathogens. A documented invasive fungal infection was noted in only 2 patients. A total of 24 (40%) patients underwent endoscopic sinus surgery, the majority (22) for CRS. On subgroup analysis, surgical intervention was more frequent in lung transplant recipients ( P = .005). Neither specific disease nor surgical complications were found. Conclusions Interestingly, acute fulminant infection or sinusitis complications in solid organ transplant patients were much lower than expected. CRS in this patient group was less frequent than expected as well. Whether chronic immunosuppression minimizes the likelihood for CRS deserves further investigation. A more surgically oriented approach in CRS patients may be favored early in the management course of medically refractory patients in light of patients excellent outcomes.
Isolated Posterior Cruciate Reconstruction Results in Improved Functional Outcome but Low Rates of Return to Preinjury Level of Sport: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Devitt Brian M. , Dissanayake Ruchith , Clair Joseph , Napier Richard J. , Porter Tabitha J. , Feller Julian A. , Webster Kate E. 
Published: October 2018

Background: Although isolated posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (PCLR) has become a more frequently performed procedure, reports of functional outcomes and return-to-sport (RTS) rates to support its use are still limited. Purpose: To systematically review the literature to determine the rates of RTS and the functional outcomes of patients after isolated PCLR. Study Design: Systematic review: Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Two reviewers independently searched 5 databases for patient-based clinical studies with a minimum 2-year follow-up that analyzed functional outcome and RTS following isolated PCLR. Studies with multiligament knee reconstruction were excluded. Risk of bias was performed with a modified Downs and Black checklist. The primary outcomes were Tegner and Lysholm scores, rates of RTS, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective scores. Secondary outcomes were IKDC objective scores, instrumented knee laxity assessment, and Telos radiographic analysis. Where feasible, these data were pooled via a random effects meta-analysis model. Results: Of the 240 titles identified, 14 studies were included. The median time from injury to surgery was 10.6 months (range, 6 weeks–21 years). The pooled mean postoperative Tegner and Lysholm scores were 5.7 (95% CI, 5.4-6.0) and 87.8 (95% CI, 85.6-90.0), respectively, following isolated PCLR; the pooled effect size between pre- and postoperative values was 2.8 (95% CI, 1.6-4.0) and 3.7 (95% CI, 2.6-4.9), respectively. An RTS rate of 44% (95% CI, 23%-66%) was identified. IKDC subjective scores improved to a pooled mean of 73.5 (95% CI, 62.8-84.1), with an effect size of 3.0 (95% CI, 0.4-5.6). The proportion of patients with postoperative IKDC objective scores of grade A/B was 82%. The pooled postoperative KT-1000/KT-2000 side-to-side difference was 3.4 mm (95% CI, 2.5-4.3 mm), with an effect size of 2.8 (95% CI, 1.1-4.5). The pooled postoperative Telos side-to-side difference measurement was 3.5 mm (95% CI, 2.8-4.3 mm), with an effect size of 3.9 (95% CI, 3.3-4.5). Conclusion: The results of this review demonstrate that while isolated PCLR results in a significant improvement in functional outcome scores and improved knee laxity, there is a low rate of return to preinjury level of sport. The prolonged period from injury to surgery might reduce functional improvement and RTS following reconstruction. Therefore, comparison of the outcomes of isolated PCLR and nonoperative treatment is impracticable owing to the potential for selection bias.
Clinical Trial of Herbal Treatment Gene-Eden-VIR/Novirin in Oral Herpes
Authors: Polansky Hanan , Javaherian Adrian , Itzkovitz Edan 
Published: October 2018

Background. Our previous articles showed that suppressive or preventive treatment with the herbal Gene-Eden-VIR/Novirin reduced the number and duration of genital herpes outbreaks with no adverse effects. These studies also revealed that the herbal Gene-Eden-VIR/Novirin is mostly superior to acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir drugs in genital herpes. This study tested the effect of Gene-Eden-VIR/Novirin in oral herpes (also called cold sores and fever blisters). Methods. The framework of the study was a retrospective chart review. The study included 68 participants. The participants took 1 to 4 capsules per day over a period of 2 to 36 months. The study included 2 Food and Drug Administration–recommended controls: baseline and a no-treatment. Results. Gene-Eden-VIR/Novirin was effective in 89.3% of participants. The treatment reduced the mean number of outbreaks per year from 6.0 and 3.6 in the control groups to 2.0 in the treatment group ( P < .0001 and P = .07, respectively). Gene-Eden-VIR/Novirin reduced the mean duration of outbreaks from 9.8 and 5.8 days in the control groups to 3.2 days in the treatment group ( P < .0001 and P = .02, respectively). There were no reports of adverse experiences. Gene-Eden-VIR/Novirin was compared to acyclovir and valacyclovir in 6 tests. In all tests, Gene-Eden-VIR/Novirin showed higher efficacy. Gene-Eden-VIR/Novirin also showed superior safety. Conclusions. This clinical study showed that suppressive or preventive treatment with the herbal Gene-Eden-VIR/Novirin reduced the number and duration of outbreaks in oral herpes without any adverse effects. The study also showed that the herbal Gene-Eden-VIR/Novirin had better clinical effects than acyclovir and valacyclovir, the leading drugs in the category. Based on these results, we recommend using the herbal Gene-Eden-VIR/Novirin as preventive treatment for oral herpes and, specifically, as an alternative to the acyclovir and valacyclovir drugs.
Venetoclax combined with decitabine or azacitidine in treatment-naive, elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: DiNardo Courtney D. , Pratz Keith , Pullarkat Vinod , Jonas Brian A. , Arellano Martha , Becker Pamela S. , Frankfurt Olga , Konopleva Marina , Wei Andrew H. , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Xu Tu , Hong Wan-Jen , Chyla Brenda , Potluri Jalaja , Pollyea Daniel A. , Letai Anthony 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) respond poorly to standard induction therapy. B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) overexpression is implicated in survival of AML cells and treatment resistance. We report safety and efficacy of venetoclax with decitabine or azacitidine from a large, multicenter, phase 1b dose-escalation and expansion study. Patients (N = 145) were at least 65 years old with treatment-naive AML and were ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. During dose escalation, oral venetoclax was administered at 400, 800, or 1200 mg daily in combination with either decitabine (20 mg/m2, days 1-5, intravenously [IV]) or azacitidine (75 mg/m2, days 1-7, IV or subcutaneously). In the expansion, 400 or 800 mg venetoclax with either hypomethylating agent (HMA) was given. Median age was 74 years, with poor-risk cytogenetics in 49% of patients. Common adverse events (&gt;30%) included nausea, diarrhea, constipation, febrile neutropenia, fatigue, hypokalemia, decreased appetite, and decreased white blood cell count. No tumor lysis syndrome was observed. With a median time on study of 8.9 months, 67% of patients (all doses) achieved complete remission (CR) + CR with incomplete count recovery (CRi), with a CR + CRi rate of 73% in the venetoclax 400 mg + HMA cohort. Patients with poor-risk cytogenetics and those at least 75 years old had CR + CRi rates of 60% and 65%, respectively. The median duration of CR + CRi (all patients) was 11.3 months, and median overall survival (mOS) was 17.5 months; mOS has not been reached for the 400-mg venetoclax cohort. The novel combination of venetoclax with decitabine or azacitidine was effective and well tolerated in elderly patients with AML (This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02203773).
Tunnel detection at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, USA — Part 2: 3D full-waveform inversion experiments
Authors: Smith James A. , Borisov Dmitry , Cudney Harley , Miller Richard D. , Modrak Ryan , Moran Mark , Peterie Shelby L. , Sloan Steven D. , Tromp Jeroen , Wang Yao 
Published: October 2018

We have applied time-domain 3D elastic full-waveform inversion (FWI) to a known tunnel constructed 10 m below the surface with no distinguishing surface expressions. Multicomponent inversion experiments that use an initial model estimated from surface wave methods suggest that the vertical sources and the combination of vertical and longitudinal receivers result in the clearest image of the tunnel. We obtain an approximate 3D image of the tunnel using 24 vertical sources and 720 vertical and 720 longitudinal receivers. We find that increasing the number of vertical sources to 216 does not significantly improve the details of the tunnel. Further experimentation indicates that we can detect the tunnel using a reduced data set of 6–10 vertical sources and 216 vertical sensors. In addition, calculating the [Formula: see text] ratio helps remove artifacts from the inverted model and highlights the location of the tunnel. We compare the 3D inversion results with the 2D FWI results for the same tunnel that we previously evaluated. The variety of successful inversion experiments suggest that FWI is capable of imaging shallow tunnels in desert geologies.
A Novel Somatostatin-Dopamine Chimera (BIM23B065) Reduced GH Secretion in a First-in-Human Clinical Trial
Authors: de Boon Wadim M I , van Esdonk Michiel J , Stuurman Frederik E , Biermasz Nienke R , Pons Laurent , Paty Isabelle , Burggraaf Jacobus 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Context
A somatostatin-dopamine chimera (BIM23B065) was under investigation to reduce GH secretion for the treatment of pituitary adenomas.

Objective
To determine pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability and to monitor hormonal changes after single and multiple subcutaneous BIM23B065 administrations.

Design
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group design with five single and three 13-day multiple ascending-dose cohorts.

Patients
A total of 63 healthy male white volunteers were enrolled (47 active, 16 placebo).

Main Outcome Measures
Pharmacokinetics, GH, prolactin (PRL), IGF-1, GH after GHRH administration, and general clinical safety criteria.

Results
The maximum dosage of BIM23B065 administered in this study was 1.5 mg. BIM23B065 reduced the mean GH concentrations after 8 and 13 days of treatment. A decrease in GH release after GHRH administration indicated inhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary-somatotropic axis. IGF-1 was not altered after single doses but showed a significant change from baseline after multiple dosing. PRL secretion was reduced in all subjects who were treated. Orthostatic hypotension and injection site reactions were commonly observed at high dosages. A 6-day uptitration period was included to successfully lower the cardiovascular effects in the multiple ascending dose part of the study.

Conclusions
Proof of pharmacology of BIM23B065 was shown by a reduction in GH, IGF-1, and PRL concentrations in healthy male volunteers, supporting activity of the somatostatin analog and dopamine agonist moieties. The safety and tolerability of the higher dosing regions was limited mainly by orthostatic hypotension.
Changes in Body Fat Distribution in Antiretroviral-Naive HIV-Positive Individuals Initiating Current ART Regimens
Authors: Tiraboschi Juan , Navarro-Alcaraz Antonio , Giralt Dolors , Gomez-Vaquero Carmen , Saumoy Maria , Imaz Arkaitz , Podzamczer Daniel 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo describe the changes in body fat distribution (BFD) occurring over 60 months in a group of antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive individuals starting different antiretroviral regimens.MethodsA prospective ongoing fat change assessment including clinical evaluation and dual X-ray absorptiometry scan is being conducted in all consecutive patients initiating ART from January 2008. Arm, leg, trunk, and total fat as well as fat mass ratio were determined.ResultsA total of 146 patients were included (80% male, 40% MSM). Mean age was 44 years, HIV-1 RNA was 4.98 log10 copies/mL, and CD4 count was 254 cells/μL. The most common initial antiretroviral combination included non-nucleoside reverse transcription inhibitor (NNRTI) drugs followed by protease inhibitor (PI) and integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-based regimens. At month 36, an increase was seen in the body mass index (BMI), total fat, trunk fat, and limb fat. The fat mass ratio (FMR) also showed a significant increase in both men and women (P = 0.001). In patients receiving NNRTI- or INSTI-based regimens (but not PIs), there was a marginal but statistically significant increase in the FMR (0.10 and 0.07, respectively; P = 0.01). Sixty-two subjects completed 60 months of follow-up. FMR showed a significant increase even in the PI group at this time point (P &lt; 0.03).ConclusionsWe observed a significant increase in the fat and lean body mass in all compartments and treatment groups over 36 and 60 months. Clinically irrelevant differences were found in fat distribution regardless of the treatment group and baseline characteristics. The data suggest that current antiretroviral regimens have little impact on BFD during the first years of treatment.
INTERVAL TRAINING FOR CARDIOMETABOLIC AND BRAIN HEALTH
Authors: Gibala Martin J. , Heisz Jennifer J. , Nelson Aimee J. 
Published: October 2018

Apply It!
1. Engaging in interval exercise can boost fitness and improve your mood in a time-efficient manner.
2. Short exercise breaks like climbing the stairs can refocus attention and help maintain productivity in the workplace.
3. Combining interval exercises with motor skill training in a clinical setting can augment the recovery of function.
International Comparisons: ACSM’s Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends
Authors: Kercher Vanessa M. 
Published: October 2018

Summary StatementPulled Text:
Through the translation and utilization of the ACSM fitness trend survey, both China and Spain were able to investigate similarities and differences as well as identify local fitness industry trends. We encourage Spain, China, and other countries to continue to study the ACSM fitness trends annually and look forward to learning about trends in years to come.
High-intensity interval training was identified as the #2 trend in United States and Spain, but not for China where it ranked #39.
Exercise programs focused on youth and childhood obesity were ranked highly as a trend in both Spain (#15) and China (#14) compared with the U.S. survey, which ranked this trend as #31.
Educated, certified, and experienced fitness professionals seem to be an important trend as it was ranked in the top 10 for Spain (#1), United States (#6), and China (#9).
Body weight training ranked #5 for United States and #4 for both China and Spain, suggesting this trend to be strongly associated in the fitness sector in these countries.
Interestingly, walking and jogging were identified as trend #10 for China but were not found to be a trend in either of the other surveys.

Apply It!
From this article, the reader should understand the following concepts: