bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Cervical Elastography Strain Pattern to Predict Preterm Birth
Authors: Gesthuysen Anna , Hammer Kerstin , Möllers Mareike , Braun Janina , Oelmeier de Murcia Kathrin , Falkenberg Maria Karina , Köster Helen Ann , Möllmann Ute , Fruscalzo Arrigo , Bormann Eike , Klockenbusch Walter , Schmitz Ralf 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Purpose To evaluate cervical elastography strain pattern as a predictive marker for spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD).
Materials and Methods In this case-control study cervical length (CL) and elastographic data (strain ratio, elastography index, strain pattern score) were acquired from 335 pregnant women (20th – 34th week of gestation) by transvaginal ultrasound. Data of 50 preterm deliveries were compared with 285 normal controls. Strain ratio and elastography index were calculated by placing two regions of interest (ROIs) in parallel on the anterior cervical lip. The strain ratio was determined by dividing the higher strain value by the lower one. The elastography index was defined as the maximum of the strain ratio curve. Elastographic images were assigned a new established strain pattern (SP) score between 0 and 2 according to the distribution of strain induced by compression.
Results Elastography index, SP score and CL differed between preterm and normal pregnancies (1.61 vs. 1.27, p < 0.001; SP score value of “2”: n = 31 (62 %) vs. n = 36 (12.6 %), p < 0.001; CL 30.7 vs. 41.0 mm, p < 0.001; respectively). The elastography index and SP score were associated with a higher predictive potential than CL measurement alone (AUC 0.8059 (area under the curve); AUC 0.7716; AUC 0.7631; respectively). A combination of all parameters proved more predictive than any single parameter (AUC 0.8987; respectively).
Conclusion Higher elastography index and SP scores were correlated with an elevated risk of SPTD and are superior to CL measurement as a predictive marker. A combination of these parameters could be used as a “Cervical Index” for the prediction of SPTD.
Expanding the 18F-Radiochemical Space: Synthesis and Applications of 1,1-18F-Difluorinated Alkenes
Authors: Tredwell Matthew 
Published: March 2019

The synthesis of 18F-perfluorinated motifs from [18F]fluoride is a non-trivial undertaking as highlighted by the few methods and range of motifs that are known. In this Synpacts article we highlight our recent work on the synthesis and derivatization of 1,1-18F-difluoroalkenes to expand the accessible radiochemical space with fluorine-18.1	Introduction2	Overview of the Main Strategies to Access 18F-Perfluorinated Motifs with [18F]Fluoride3	1,1-18F-Difluoroalkenes4	Conclusion
Acidose metabólica e o estado nutricional de pacientes em hemodiálise
Authors: Machado Renata , Gomes Isabel , Faria Camila , Navarro Marina , Castro Bárbara , Machado Luiza , Passos Maria , Almeida Alessandra 
Published: March 2019

Introdução A prevalência de desnutrição em hemodiálise (HD) é elevada, sendo um marcador de mau prognóstico na doença renal crônica. A acidose metabólica é frequente na diálise e tem sido associada com mortalidade.
Objetivos Avaliar a acidose metabólica e o estado nutricional dos pacientes em HD.
Métodos Estudo transversal realizado em um único centro de HD. Coletou-se informações em prontuários e verificou-se a presença de acidose metabólica e o estado nutricional por indicadores antropométricos e bioquímicos.
Resultados A amostra total de 63 pacientes, 54% do sexo masculino e 46% do sexo feminino, com 58,7% entre 45 e 64 anos. O tempo médio de diálise foi de 5,4 anos. O valor médio do índice de massa corporal (IMC) foi 24,9kg/m2, e o de albumina foi de 3,9g/dL. A prevalência de acidose metabólica foi de 77,8%. Foi observada uma correlação linear negativa entre bicarbonato e creatinina, sem correlação com indicadores antropométricos e albumina. Pacientes desnutridos pelo IMC corresponderam a 55,5% do total e ganharam mais peso interdialítico. Do total de pacientes, 14,2% foram classificados como desnutridos pelo índice de circunferência muscular do braço (CMB), e albumina < 4,0 g/dL foi observada em 49,2%. A creatinina sérica foi maior em pacientes com idades entre 45 e 64 anos e de sexo masculino. Não foi observada diferença por tempo em HD em relação à idade, ao ganho de peso interdialítico, ou às medidas laboratoriais e antropométricas.
Conclusão A prevalência de acidose metabólica foi elevada, e não houve correlação com o estado nutricional. Níveis de bicarbonato < 22 mEq/L correlacionaram-se com valores maiores de creatinina, sem relação com o estado nutricional. A avaliação nutricional pelo IMC esteve de acordo com o observado na literatura brasileira, e a albumina apontou desnutrição elevada.
Flow Devices to Assess Platelet Function: Historical Evolution and Current Choices
Authors: Silva Raisa , Grabowski Eric 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPlatelet function testing, which began more than a hundred years ago, is a time-consuming and uncertain process. Simulating hemostasis and the blood vessel microenvironment in vitro is challenging, which poses a difficulty for diagnosing platelet dysfunction and mild von Willebrand disease (VWD). In an effort to simulate the rheological microenvironment within blood vessels, several blood flow devices have been introduced since the 1980s. These devices are capable of reproducing the shear rates found in arterioles and venules, and of incorporating endothelial cell monolayers and surfaces with adsorbed platelet-adhesive proteins. The authors will describe and review here the presently most well-known blood flow devices. The technologies inherent in these devices offer a combination of physiologic accuracy and small blood volume requirements in the evaluation of platelet disorders and mild VWD (or “symptomatic low von Willebrand factor”) in flowing whole blood, with the potential to individualize therapeutic options for and to achieve greater diagnostic accuracy in mild platelet disorders and VWD.
Radiologist Identification of Occult Dorsal Wrist Ganglion Cysts on MRI
Authors: Versteeg Gregory , Goyal Kanu 
Published: March 2019

Background Occult dorsal ganglion cysts (ODGC) require imaging or an operation for detection. It is currently unknown how often a radiologist identifies an ODGC on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and whether surgeon indication for MRI aids the radiologist in detection.
Questions/Purposes The aim of the study was to investigate the following questions: how accurately do radiologists identify ODGC on MRIs? What factors may be associated with missed ODGCs?
Patients and Methods We retrospectively studied patients who underwent an operation for an ODGC and had a preoperative wrist MRI. Radiology report and surgeon's notes were evaluated to determine whether identification of the ODGC was noted and whether the surgeon indicated that the MRI was to evaluate for an ODGC. MRIs were reviewed, dimensions of cysts measured and volume of cyst calculated.
Results Twenty-four patients and 25 MRIs were analyzed. The radiologist identified the ODGC in 19 cases (76%). Fifteen of the 25 MRIs (60%) ordered had ODGC listed in the requisition comment by the ordering surgeon. Thirteen of these 15 (87%) ODGCs were seen by the radiologist. Ten of the 25 MRIs (40%) ordered did not mention ODGC in the requisition. Six of these 10 (60%) ODGCs were seen by the radiologist. The volume of the ODGCs missed by radiologists was smaller (mean, 0.049 cm3) than those the radiologists identified (mean, 0.31 cm3; p = 0.004).
Conclusions Radiologists will not always identify the ODGC on an MRI, but they were more likely to if the surgeon was concerned for one. Hand surgeons should report suspicion of an ODGC on MRI requisition and review all imaging independently.
Level of Evidence This is a Level III, prognostic study.
Evaluation of Kienböck's Disease Treated by Camembert Osteotomy at Seven Years
Authors: Camus Emmanuel J. , Van Overstraeten Luc 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn Kienböck's disease, radius shortening osteotomy is the most common treatment. The Camembert procedure is a wedge osteotomy that shortens only the radius facing the lunate. Its aim is to offload the lunate by redirecting the compression stress of the grip forces toward the scaphoid. The purpose of this study was to determine if the Camembert osteotomy is effective in improving clinical symptoms and limits lunate collapse. The series include 10 patients who underwent a Camembert osteotomy for Kienböck's disease between 2002 and 2012 (one bilaterally). They are six men and four women, aged 40.6 years. Five patients had an additional ulnar shortening osteotomy if ulnar variance was neutral or positive. The mean follow-up is 7 years. Preoperatively, range of motion, grip strength, pain, and functional scores were poor. All osteotomies healed within 3 months. Extension, ulnar deviation, grip, functional scores improved significantly. In 10 cases, there were improvement in the T1 and T2 signals on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). There was no lunate collapse. This series shows good results with no worsening of the lunate shape. There was no ulnocarpal impingement. The Camembert osteotomy proposes to offload the lunate and redirect strains toward the scaphoid. The supposed interest is to protect the lunate from collapse. In this small series, the Camembert osteotomy improved function in patients with early stage Kienböck's disease. MRI aspects improve in most cases and no patients collapsed. Camembert can be used in combination with a Sennwald's ulnar shortening when ulnar variance is neutral or positive. Authors propose this procedure for Lichtman's stages 1–2–3A if there are no cartilage or ligament lesions. This is a Level IV, case series study.
Solega defenestration
Authors: Si Aung , Spronck Stef 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBased on original fieldwork, this paper discusses reported speech and thought constructions in Solega (Dravidian). FollowingMcGregor (1994)we claim that reported speech can only be comprehensively characterised if it is identified as a syntactic construction in its own right, a construction we label a framing construction. In natural discourse, elements of the framing construction, particularly clauses referring to the reporting event, may be left unexpressed. We term framing constructions without a matrix clause ‘defenestrated clauses’. While defenestrated clauses in Solega leave perspective shifts underspecified, they include several distinctive strategies that allow us to reconsider the role of morpho-syntactic marking in the expression of perspective shifts.
Characterization of nucleolar localization and exclusion signals in terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase interacting factor 2/estrogen receptor α-binding protein
Authors: Fukada Takashi , Shibata Shun , Ueda Toshihiro , Sasaki Katsuhiko , Shimoida Yukiko , Senda-Murata Kaori , Sugimoto Kenji 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACT
Terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase interacting factor 2/estrogen receptor α-binding protein (TdIF2/ERBP) is a multifunctional nucleolar protein. The nucleolar localization of TdIF2/ERBP is important for its functions because it promotes ribosomal RNA transcription. However, signal sequences that direct TdIF2/ERBP to the nucleolus are not well characterized. We examined the TdIF2/ERBP sequence using truncation and mutation analyses to determine whether the nucleosome binding and C-terminal domains of TdIF2/ERBP possess nucleolar localization signals (NoLSs). In these domains, four NoLSs that could direct the mCherry protein to the nucleolus were detected. In addition, a short stretch of hydrophobic residues (VLLVL) in the center of TdIF2/ERBP acted as a nucleolar exclusion signal, which reduced the nucleolar accumulation of mCherry–NoLS fusion proteins. These results would contribute to improving the prediction of NoLSs from protein sequences. The short, transferrable localization signals would be valuable tools for understanding the association between localization and functions of nucleolar proteins.
Abbreviations TdIF2: terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase interacting factor 2; ERBP: estrogen receptor α-binding protein; EGFP: enhanced green fluorescent protein; NLS: nuclear localization signal; NoLS: nucleolar localization signal; NoES: nucleolar exclusion signal; DAPI: 4ʹ,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole
Detuning dependent Rabi oscillations of a single molecule
Authors: Rezai Mohammad , Wrachtrup Jörg , Gerhardt Ilja 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
A single organic dye molecule at cryogenic conditions is resonantly excited in a confocal microscope. Under strong laser illumination it undergoes Rabi oscillations. Mathematically, this was well described and had been experimentally implemented. These oscillations can be measured as side-bands on their resonance fluorescence, e.g. in the Mollow-Triplet. An alternative method is to research this effect by an analysis of the single molecule anti-bunched photon statistics. This has been performed in this work. Here we research on the detuning dependence of this signal—it is experimentally demanding since the utilized laser might drift or single emitters are not necessarily spectrally stable enough, such that the spectrum can be measured indefinitely. We therefore apply a measurement technique in which the photon correlation signal is acquired in detuning dependent steps. This is performed by continuous laser sweeps over the single molecule excitation spectrum. A single recording of the anti-bunched photons takes 20–50 ms. After approx. 1 h of repetitive laser detunings a full anti-bunching curve is reconstructed for each spectral position. An alternative technique with 100 ns laser pulses allows us to acquire a set of comparable data. Our study is derived from a single dibenzanthanthrene molecule with a natural linewidth of 2π×16 MHz. It emits under resonant excitation more than 380.000 photons per second. Under spectral detuning, Rabi-oscillations are observed up to Ω
Rabi = 2π×160 MHz.
Balancing hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions in thermosensitive polyplexes for nucleic acid delivery
Authors: Fliervoet Lies A L , van Nostrum Cornelus F , Hennink Wim E , Vermonden Tina 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
For the design of new polymeric-based drug delivery systems, understanding how multiple functionalities in the polymer structure are influencing each other in particle formation is important. Therefore in this study, the balance between hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions has been investigated for thermosensitive plasmid DNA (pDNA)-loaded polyplexes. NPD triblock copolymers consisting of a thermosensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM, N), a hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG, P) and a cationic poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA, D) block with different block lengths were prepared using a hetero-functional PEG macroinitiator. Cloud points of the thermosensitive polymers in HBS buffer (20 mM HEPES, 150 mM NaCl, pH 7.4) were determined by light scattering and ranged between 33 °C and 34 °C for the different polymers. The binding and condensation properties of these thermosensitive polymers and pDNA were studied taking non-thermosensitive PD polymers as controls. The size, surface charge, and stability of the formed colloidal particles (‘polyplexes’) were studied as a function of polymer block lengths, N/P charge ratio, and temperature. The NPD polymers were able to self-assemble into polyplex nanostructures with hydrodynamic sizes ranging between 150 and 205 nm at room temperature in HBS buffer as determined by dynamic light scattering. Polyplexes prepared with a low N/P charge ratio of 1 aggregated upon heating to 37 °C, which was not observed at higher N/P charge ratios. When the length of the cationic D block was relatively long compared to the thermosensitive N block, stable polyplexes were formed at all N/P ratios and elevated temperatures. 1H-NMR studies, static light scattering and ζ-potential measurements further supported the stability of these polyplexes at 37 °C. Finally, the presence of thermosensitive blocks in NPD-based polyplexes resulted in better cytocompatibility compared to PD-based polyplexes with similar efficiencies of delivering its cargo into HeLa cells.
Association of Scrub Typhus With the Risk of Autoimmune Diseases: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Chu Kuo-An , Chen Weishan , Hsu Chung Y , Hung Yao-Min , Wei James Cheng-Chung 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Infection plays a major role in the development of autoimmune diseases. In this study, we investigated the relationship between scrub typhus and systemic autoimmune diseases. We enrolled 6,928 hospitalized patients with scrub typhus between 2000 and 2012 from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, and we compared them with 27,712 selected inpatients who had never been diagnosed with scrub typhus (1:4 ratio, matched by age, sex, and index year) in relation to the risk of developing autoimmune diseases. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to analyze the risk of autoimmune diseases by sex, age, and comorbidities, with hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals. The adjusted hazard ratio for autoimmune diseases for the scrub typhus group was 2.4 (95% confidence interval: 1.66, 3.48, P < 0.0001) compared with the control group. Subgroup analysis showed that women aged <40 years had a significant higher risk of autoimmune diseases. The risk was significantly higher within 3 years after scrub typhus infection. In conclusion, a higher risk of autoimmune diseases was found among the scrub typhus group, especially for female patients, those aged <40 years, and within the first 3 years after getting scrub typhus.
A Reply
Authors: Fluck Winfried 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
My essay on “The Limits of Critique and the Affordances of Form” had its origin in a study group at the University of Freiburg in Germany in which we tried to get a sense of the current state of literary studies. Rita Felski’s The Limits of Critique (2015) and Caroline Levine’s Forms (2015) were the two books that impressed us the most, so much so, in fact, that I decided to have a second look at their arguments and their underlying premises. My subsequent readings confirmed a first impression that these books offered original and constructive contributions to current critical debates. Despite my critical comments on a number of issues, I still hold this view. My own essay has therefore been written with the purpose of clarification, not dismissal or rejection. That is why I am glad about the generous responses Felski and Levine have provided. As Leonard Cassuto puts it in his response, “[w]e can be grateful for their books.”
Intra-procedural monitoring protocol using routine transthoracic echocardiography with backup trans-oesophageal probe in transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a single centre experience
Authors: Stella S , Melillo F , Capogrosso C , Fisicaro A , Ancona F , Latib A , Montorfano M , Colombo A , Alfieri O , Castiglioni A , Margonato A , Agricola E 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Aim
The aim of this study is to describe our 9-year experience in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) as a routine intra-procedural imaging modality with trans-oesophageal echocardiography (TEE) as a backup.

Methods and results
From January 2008 to December 2017, 1218 patients underwent transfemoral TAVR at our Institution. Except the first 20 cases, all procedures have been performed under conscious sedation, with fluoroscopic guidance and TTE imaging monitoring. Once the TTE resulted suboptimal for final result assessment or a complication was either suspected or identified on TTE, TEE evaluation was promptly performed under general anaesthesia. Only 24 (1.9%) cases required a switch to TEE: 6 cases for suboptimal TTE prosthetic valve leak (PVL) quantification; 12 cases for haemodynamic instability; 2 cases for pericardial effusion without haemodynamic instability; 4 cases for urgent TAVR. The 30-days and 1-year all-cause mortality were 2.1% and 10.2%, respectively. Cardiac mortality at 30-days and 1-year follow-up were 0.6% and 4.1%, respectively. Intra-procedural and pre-discharge TT evaluation showed good agreement for PVL quantification (k agreement: 0.827, P = 0.005).

Conclusion
TTE monitoring seems a reasonable imaging tool for TAVR intra-procedural monitoring without delay in diagnosis of complications and a reliable paravalvular leak assessment. However, TEE is undoubtedly essential in identifying the exact mechanism in most of the complications.
Pulsatile sterile abscess in the left breast following transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a case report
Authors: Khan Habib R , Ansari Mohammad I , Varcoe Richard W , Henderson Robert A 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Background
Over the last decade, transcatheter treatment of degenerative aortic valve stenosis has been established as an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement. Late complications of transcatheter treatment of aortic stenosis (AS) are infrequent.

Case summary
We report an 87-year-old woman treated successfully with 23 mm Sapien 3 transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation for severe AS. She presented 4 months later with a pulsatile mass in the left breast. After exclusion of other diagnoses, the mass was attributed to a sterile abscess communicating with the pericardial cavity due to post-operative chest infection and pleural effusion. Multimodality imaging helped to define the anatomy of the abscess and the mechanism of the pulsation.

Discussion
This is the first report of a pulsatile sterile abscess occurring as a complication of transapical aortic valve implantation. Multimodality imaging confirmed that the pulsation was due to extension of the abscess into the pericardial cavity, excluded direct communication with the left ventricle, and facilitated successful non-surgical management.
Long-term results of atrial maze surgery in patients with congenital heart disease
Authors: Gonzalez Corcia M Cecilia , Walsh Edward P , Emani Sitaram 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Aims
Recurrent atrial tachycardia is common after repair of many types of congenital heart disease, and surgical ablation with a maze procedure represents a potential treatment strategy. The objective of this study is to report a single-centre 19 years’ experience with maze surgery in congenital heart patients.

Methods and results
Patients undergoing maze procedure concomitantly with cardiac surgical procedures were retrospectively analysed. The maze procedure was classified as therapeutic if the patient demonstrated preoperative atrial arrhythmias, or as prophylactic if done because the patient was considered high risk for post-operative arrhythmias. Acute outcomes and longer-term freedom from atrial arrhythmias were analysed. Maze surgery was performed in 166 patients: 137 in the therapeutic group, and 29 in the prophylactic group. The most common congenital heart lesion was single ventricle for the therapeutic group (27%) and Ebstein’s anomaly for the prophylactic group (76%). Surgery consisted of a right atrial maze in 63%, left atrial maze in 4%, and bilateral maze in 33%. There were no direct complications or mortality related to the maze procedure itself. For the therapeutic group, freedom from arrhythmias was 82% and 67% at 1 and 5 years post-maze. Younger age at the time of surgery correlated with a lower long-term recurrence risk.

Conclusion
Maze procedure at the time of an elective anatomic surgery is reasonably effective to prevent and treat atrial arrhythmias in patients with congenital heart disease at short- and mid-term, with low morbidity and mortality.