bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic value of fluorescein-labeled chitinase staining in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues of fungal disease
Authors: Shao Jin , Song Yinggai , Zhou Yabin , Wan Zhe , Li Ruoyu , Yu Jin 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Common histopathologic techniques are used to diagnose fungal infections, but the diagnostic identification of mycoses in tissue specimens is often difficult, particularly when fungi rarely occur in a specimen. The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of fluorescein-labeled chitinase staining to formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. We studied 79 archival FFPE tissues from patients diagnosed with fungal disease, including 38 cases of sporotrichosis and 41 cases of other fungal infections. The tissue sections were subjected to periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, Gomori's methenamine silver (GMS) staining, and fluorescein-labeled chitinase staining to detect fungal elements. Culture- and/or hematoxylin-eosin-positive samples were used to estimate the diagnostic sensitivity of each staining method, with the results showing that PAS, GMS, and fluorescein-labeled chitinase staining had sensitivities of 50.6, 70.9, and 68.4%, respectively. The three staining results were the same for all fungal infections except for sporotrichosis and chromoblastomycosis. Fluorescein-labeled chitinase staining exhibited high sensitivity in cases of sporotrichosis and poor performance in detecting muriform cells of chromoblastomycosis. On the whole, the sensitivity of fluorescein-labeled chitinase staining was greater than that of PAS and similar to that of GMS staining. Therefore, the results of our study suggest that fluorescein-labeled chitinase staining is a potentially useful diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of fungal infections.
The telomeric Cdc13–Stn1–Ten1 complex regulates RNA polymerase II transcription
Authors: Calvo Olga , Grandin Nathalie , Jordán-Pla Antonio , Miñambres Esperanza , González-Polo Noelia , Pérez-Ortín José E , Charbonneau Michel 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSpecialized telomeric proteins have an essential role in maintaining genome stability through chromosome end protection and telomere length regulation. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the evolutionary conserved CST complex, composed of the Cdc13, Stn1 and Ten1 proteins, largely contributes to these functions. Here, we report genetic interactions between TEN1 and several genes coding for transcription regulators. Molecular assays confirmed this novel function of Ten1 and further established that it regulates the occupancies of RNA polymerase II and the Spt5 elongation factor within transcribed genes. Since Ten1, but also Cdc13 and Stn1, were found to physically associate with Spt5, we propose that Spt5 represents the target of CST in transcription regulation. Moreover, CST physically associates with Hmo1, previously shown to mediate the architecture of S-phase transcribed genes. The fact that, genome-wide, the promoters of genes down-regulated in the ten1-31 mutant are prefentially bound by Hmo1, leads us to propose a potential role for CST in synchronizing transcription with replication fork progression following head-on collisions.
Effect of belimumab on proteinuria and anti-phospholipase A2 receptor autoantibody in primary membranous nephropathy
Authors: Barrett Christine , Willcocks Lisa C , Jones Rachel B , Tarzi Ruth M , Henderson Robert B , Cai Gengqian , Gisbert Sophie I , Belson Alexandra S , Savage Caroline O 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundImmunosuppressant drugs reduce proteinuria and anti-phospholipase A2 receptor autoantibodies (PLA2R-Ab) in primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) with varying success and associated toxicities. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of belimumab on proteinuria and PLA2R-Ab in participants with PMN.MethodsIn this prospective, open-label, experimental medicine study, 14 participants with PMN and persistent nephrotic-range proteinuria received up to 2 years belimumab monotherapy (10 mg/kg, every 4 weeks). Changes in proteinuria (urinary protein:creatinine ratio), PLA2R-Ab, albumin, cholesterol, B-cell subsets and pharmacokinetics were analysed during treatment and up to 6 months after treatment.ResultsEleven participants completed to the primary endpoint (Week 28) and nine participants completed the study. In the intention-to-treat population population, baseline proteinuria of 724 mg/mmol [95% confidence interval (CI) 579–906] decreased to 498 mg/mmol (95% CI 383–649) and 130 mg/mmol (95% CI 54–312) at Weeks 28 and 104, respectively, with changes statistically significant from Week 36 (n = 11, P = 0.047). PLA2R-Ab decreased from 174 RU/mL (95% CI 79–384) at baseline to 46 RU/mL (95% CI 16–132) and 4 RU/mL (95% CI 2–6) at Weeks 28 and 104, respectively, becoming statistically significant by Week 12 (n = 13, P = 0.02). Nine participants achieved partial (n = 8) or complete (n = 1) remission. Participants with abnormal albumin and/or cholesterol at baseline gained normal/near normal levels by the last follow-up. Adverse events were consistent with those expected in this population.ConclusionsBelimumab treatment in participants with PMN can reduce PLA2R-Ab and subsequently proteinuria, important preludes to remission induction.
The Pecking Order of Segmentation and Liquidity-Injection Policies in a Model of Contagious Crises
Authors: Guembel Alexander , Sussman Oren 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
We study a two-country setting in which leveraged investors generate fire-sale externalities, leading to financial crises and contagion. Governments can affect the incidence of financial crisis and the degree of contagion by injecting public liquidity and, additionally, by segmenting the countries’ liquidity markets. We show that segmentation allows a country to avoid contagion and fend off mild financial crises caused by a small shock to its liquidity demand, at the cost of exposing it to more severe financial crises caused by a large shock. We derive a “pecking order” result, whereby segmentation is a second-best measure that coordinated governments should use only when tax capacity constrains them from injecting liquidity. Even when segmentation is welfare-enhancing, it should be applied to public liquidity alone, never restricting the free flow of private liquidity across countries. Uncoordinated governments tend to use segmentation excessively.
Duroc boars have lower progeny mortality and lower fertility than Pietrain boars1
Authors: Pedersen Marie Louise M , Velander Ingela H , Nielsen Mai Britt F , Lundeheim Nils , Nielsen Bjarne 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
In pig production, Pietrain and Duroc lines are often used as terminal sire lines to produce crossbred slaughter pigs. The objective of this study was to identify the differences in paternal fertility and mortality during the suckling period of crossbred progeny from Pietrain and Duroc terminal sire lines. In total, 87 purebred Duroc boars and 68 purebred Pietrain boars were used as terminal sires to produce 1,823 crossbred Duroc litters (D-litters) and 1,705 crossbred Pietrain litters (P-litters) in two production herds. The sows were crosses between DanBred Landrace and Yorkshire (F1). All boars were kept at the same artificial insemination (AI) station, and all semen doses were produced in the same laboratory. The experiment was balanced according to herd, boars, and time, with approximately 13 sows from each herd mated to each boar within each breed. The results showed higher fertility expressed as litter size at birth in P-litters compared with D-litters led to 0.5 higher total number born (TNB) for P-litters (P = 0.0076). However, piglet mortality including number of stillborn piglets was lower in D-litters compared with P-litters (P &lt; 0.0001), and 5 d after farrowing, the average litter size in P-litters ranged 0.4 below the litter size in D-litters (P &lt; 0.027). At 21 d after birth, mean litter size in P- and D-litters were 14.5 and 14.9 piglets per litter, respectively (P &lt; 0.015). This indicated that Pietrain progenies were weaker than Duroc progenies, and it was concluded that use of Duroc boars as the terminal sire line led to lower piglet mortality. In the two herds, the mean piglet mortality rate including still born piglets ranged from 19.5% to 23.6% and from 17.6% to 19.1% in P- and D-litters, respectively.
New pieces in the transmission cycle of the hepatitis E virus in South America: first viral detection in wild boars from Argentina
Authors: Pisano María Belén , Winter Marina , Raimondo Natalia , Martínez-Wassaf Maribel G , Abate Sergio D , Ré Viviana E 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes hepatitis worldwide. In Europe, wild boars are known to be viral reservoirs and sources of infection. In South America, there is a lack of information about HEV in these animals.

Methods
A total of 102 wild boar serum samples from Argentina (2014–2017) were studied for serological and molecular HEV detection.

Results
We obtained a seroprevalence of 19.6%, similar to that recently described in Uruguay (the only antecedent in South America). HEV ribonucleic acid (RNA) was amplified in two anti-HEV-positive samples.

Conclusions
This is the first report of HEV circulation in wild boars from Argentina, adding evidence to the findings obtained in Uruguay indicating that wild boars could be viral reservoirs in South America.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Total Neoadjuvant Therapy Followed by Radical Resection Versus Conventional Therapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Authors: Wright Moriah E. , Beaty Jennifer S. , Thorson Alan G. , Rojas Ruben , Ternent Charles A. 
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND:
Definitive surgery with total mesorectal excision is the mainstay of treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer. Multimodality therapy improves long-term survival. Current standards advise neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by radical surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. Nationally, compliance with adjuvant chemotherapy is only 32%. New research evaluates the effectiveness of total neoadjuvant therapy: complete chemotherapy and chemoradiation before surgery.

OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this study is to determine the favored treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer by comparing the cost-effectiveness of total neoadjuvant therapy and the current standard of care.

DESIGN:
Decision analytical modeling using long-term costs and 5-year disease-free survival was performed to determine the cost-effectiveness after total neoadjuvant therapy and the current standard of care. Sensitivity analysis was used to investigate the effect of uncertainty in model parameters.

SETTINGS:
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services billing data perspective was adopted and outcomes modeled according to local and national databases and literature consensus.

PATIENTS:
Adult patients with stage II or III rectal cancer were selected.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Cost-effectiveness in disease-free life-years, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, and net monetary benefit were determined over a 5-year posttreatment period. The favored strategy was determined based on cost-effectiveness and sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS:
Cost-effectiveness for total neoadjuvant therapy was 40,708 $/life-year, and, for conventional therapy, cost-effectiveness was 44,248 $/life-year. Sensitivity analysis showed that, for an estimated total neoadjuvant therapy completion rate of 90%, total neoadjuvant therapy would remain the dominant strategy for any adjuvant chemotherapy completion rate of less than 93%.

LIMITATIONS:
The samples used to calculate completion rates are small, and survival probabilities are based on existing literature, local database values, and consensus estimates. The model encompasses a 5-year time period from diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS:
Cost-effectiveness analysis shows that a strategy of total neoadjuvant therapy followed by radical surgery is favored over the current standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer. Sensitivity analysis shows that a low rate of adjuvant chemotherapy administration plays a key role in decreasing the cost-effectiveness of the current standard of care. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A942.
Would Stronger Seat Belt Laws Reduce Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths?
Authors: Harper Sam 
Published: April 2019

Background:For policy questions where substantial empirical background information exists, conventional frequentist policy analysis is hard to justify. Bayesian analysis quantitatively incorporates prior knowledge, but is not often used in applied policy analysis.Methods:We combined 2000–2016 data from the Fatal Analysis Reporting System with priors based on past empirical studies and policy documents to study the impact of mandatory seat belt laws on traffic fatalities. We used a Bayesian data augmentation approach to combine information from prior studies with difference-in-differences analyses of recent law changes to provide updated evidence on the impact that upgrading to primary enforcement of seat belt laws has on fatalities.Results:After incorporating the evidence from past studies, we find limited evidence to support the hypothesis that recent policy upgrades affect fatality rates. We estimate that upgrading to primary enforcement reduced fatality rates by 0.37 deaths per billion vehicle miles traveled (95% posterior interval -0.90, 0.16), or a rate ratio of 0.96 (95% posterior interval 0.91, 1.02), and increased the proportion of decedents reported as wearing seat belts by 7 percentage points (95% posterior interval 5, 8), or a risk ratio of 1.18 (95% posterior interval 1.13, 1.24).Conclusions:Bayesian methods can provide credible estimates of future policy impacts, especially for policy questions that occur in dynamic environments, such as traffic safety.
Factors Affecting Corneal Organ Culture Contamination: A 6-year Study at the New South Wales Tissue Bank
Authors: Ling Melvin L. H. , Wells Matthew , Petsoglou Constantinos , Luo Kehui , Georges Pierre , Devasahayam Raj , Hodge Christopher , Treloggen Jane , Sutton Gerard , Zhu Meidong 
Published: April 2019

Purpose:
To report the rate of microbial contamination and analyze possible risk factors for contamination of banked corneas stored using the organ culture method.

Methods:
Data from the New South Wales Tissue Banks incorporating the Lions NSW Eye Bank, between September 1, 2011, and November 30, 2017, were reviewed retrospectively. All corneas collected during this period and stored in organ culture storage media were tested for microbial contamination. The influence of potential factors on the rate of contamination was analyzed using the χ2 test and logistic regression using generalized estimating equations.

Results:
A total of 4410 corneas were included in this study, of which 110 were medium culture positive, representing a microbial contamination rate of 2.5%. The main contaminants were Candida species followed by Staphylococcus species. Corneal tissue collected in summer and autumn had a significantly higher contamination rate (P = 0.006). All other factors studied were not shown to have a statistically significant association with contamination after accounting for within-pair correlation and confounders.

Conclusions:
A relatively low contamination rate of 2.5% observed in our study reflects the stringent laboratory protocols, strict donor selection criteria, and high level of experience among staff at the Lions NSW Eye Bank. Our study demonstrated that the season of collection had a strong association with the rate of organ culture contamination. Because Candida species contributed the largest percentage of contamination, specific measures to reduce and eliminate fungal proliferation should be considered by eye banks particularly in warm seasons.
Corneal Edema Associated With Systemic Dopaminergic Agents
Authors: Mancera Norberto , Wadia Hormuz P. 
Published: April 2019

Purpose:
To describe the development and resolution of corneal edema in 3 patients who were exposed to compounds that stimulate dopaminergic pathways.

Methods:
We conducted a review of the literature on bilateral corneal edema secondary to amantadine use and report a case series of corneal edema seen in an outpatient ophthalmology specialty clinic, shortly after exposure to agents that enhance dopamine transmission.

Results:
Cases 1 and 2 report a 25-year-old man with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and a 73-year-old man with Parkinson disease who were placed on dopaminergic medications to treat their conditions. The former was administered methylphenidate and the latter patient was administered ropinirole. Both patients developed corneal edema soon afterward. Case 3 is a 67-year-old man with a recent exposure to resin from Euphorbia resinifera, a cactus in his garden. After cessation of the offending medications and treatment for exposure to resiniferatoxin, the corneal edema progressively resolved and visual acuity returned to baseline in all 3 cases.

Conclusions:
Methylphenidate, ropinirole, and resiniferatoxin have different mechanisms of actions but have a common end point leading to increased dopamine. We believe that these agents are linked with the reversible corneal edema seen in our 3 patients. This strongly correlates with previous studies that have linked amantadine, a drug that blocks dopamine reuptake, to reversible corneal edema.
Relationship between pre-sarcopenia and quality of life in patients with chronic liver disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ohashi Kazuki , Ishikawa Toru , Imai Michitaka , Suzuki Mitsuyuki , Hoshii Asami , Abe Hiroko , Koyama Fujiko , Nakano Tomomi , Ueki Aya , Noguchi Hirohito , Hasegawa Erina , Hirosawa Shiori , Kobayashi Miki , Hirosawa Hiroshi , Sato Kaede , Munakata Miyu , Yoshida Toshiaki 
Published: April 2019

Aim
This study aimed to clarify the relationship between pre-sarcopenia (PS) and quality of life (QOL) in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD).

Patients and methods
This cross-sectional study evaluated 335 patients with CLD. PS was diagnosed on the basis of the assessment criteria by the Japan Society of Hepatology. QOL was evaluated using the short form-36.

Results
Patients’ mean age was 69.52 ± 10.17 years, and 169 (50.4%) participants were men. The prevalence of PS was 53.7%. Patients were divided into the PS and non-pre-sarcopenia (NPS) groups. Patients in the PS group were older (71.84 ± 9.78 vs. 66.81 ± 9.97, P < 0.01) and mostly women (65.2 vs. 37.8%, P < 0.01) compared with those in the NPS group. QOL, physical function (38.30 ± 17.63 vs. 44.02 ± 14.76, P < 0.01), physical role functioning (RP) (40.63 ± 15.38 vs. 44.88 ± 13.89, P < 0.01), and bodily pain (BP) (48.42 ± 11.45 vs. 51.24 ± 10.19, P = 0.02) were significantly lower in the PS group than in the NPS group. Logistic regression analyses identified that the independent predictive factors for PS were female sex (odds ratio: 3.16, 95% confidence interval: 2.01–4.98; P < 0.01) and RP (odds ratio: 1.97, 95% confidence interval: 1.24–3.12; P < 0.01).

Conclusion
QOL characteristics of PS patients with CLD were low physical function, RP, and BP in short form-36. In addition, social role functioning was low in the PS patients aged 65–74 years, whereas RP and BP were low in those aged at least 75 years. Female sex and RP were independent predictors of PS according to the multivariate analysis. Maintaining and increasing muscle mass in patients with CLD may contribute toward improving physical QOL.
Lung donation after circulatory death
Authors: Ceulemans Laurens J. , Inci Ilhan , Van Raemdonck Dirk 
Published: April 2019

Purpose of review
The current review presents a concise update on published literature on donation after circulatory death (DCD) and lung transplantation (LTx). Worldwide an increasing need for lungs is evident, however the utilization rate of DCD lung donors is still considerably low. In this summary article, we reviewed both the experimental background and international clinical experience.

Recent findings
Our analysis confirmed satisfactory results for LTx from DCD donors, which equals the results from donation after brain death. Although most studies reported on short-term results, some confirmed these results on the long-term and development of chronic lung allograft dysfunction. Our review summarizes the different DCD categories and underlines the potential of the DCD V category. We analyze the barriers to implement a DCD program, discuss the more recent advances like ex-vivo lung perfusion and describe the future challenges.

Summary
Based on the current short-term and long-term clinical results, we believe that barriers for DCD utilization should be overcome, resulting in a safe implementation of more DCD LTx programs worldwide.

Video abstract

http://links.lww.com/MOT/A23
Immersive Virtual Reality Mirror Therapy for Upper Limb Recovery After Stroke
Authors: Weber Lynne M. , Nilsen Dawn M. , Gillen Glen , Yoon Jin , Stein Joel 
Published: April 2019

Objective
This study was designed to examine the feasibility of immersive virtual reality mirror therapy for upper limb paresis after stroke using a head-mounted display and provide preliminary evidence of efficacy.

Design
Ten outpatients with chronic stroke, upper limb hemiparesis, and a low predisposition for motion sickness completed a 12-session program of 30 mins each of immersive virtual reality mirror therapy. The virtual reality system provided the illusion of movement in the hemiparetic upper limb while suppressing the visual representation of the nonparetic side. Feasibility was assessed via patient compliance, adverse event tracking, the System Usability Scale, and the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire. Preliminary efficacy was evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity and Action Research Arm Test.

Results
Immersive virtual reality mirror therapy for patients with chronic stroke was safe, well-tolerated, and without adverse events, such as simulator sickness. Motor outcomes revealed a small improvement for the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity from 21.7 (SD = 8.68) to 22.8 (SD = 9.19) that did not achieve statistical significance (P = 0.084).

Conclusions
Four weeks of immersive virtual reality mirror therapy was well-tolerated by chronic stroke patients. Our findings support further clinical trials of immersive virtual reality technologies and visually enhanced mirror therapies for stroke survivors.
Renal Lymphangiectasia in the Transplanted Kidney: Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Dawidek Mark T. , Aquil Shahid , Alogaili Rafid , Gabril Manal , Moussa Madeleine , Sener Alp , Luke Patrick P. 
Published: April 2019

Background.
Renal lymphangiectasia is a rare and poorly understood lymphatic disease associated with lymphatic dilation and leakage. To our knowledge, no cases have been described in the context of a transplanted kidney.

Methods.
We describe 2 cases of renal lymphangiectasia in transplanted kidneys, both from pediatric donors.

Results.
The cases of allograft lymphangiectasia are characterized by severe, symptomatic ascites refractory to attempts at medical and surgical management, and ultimately requiring allograft nephrectomy.

Conclusions.
While lymphatic complications, particularly lymphoceles, are not uncommon in renal transplantation, lymphangiectasia is a distinct condition which should be considered in renal transplant patients with ascites, after all other sources have been ruled out.