bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential rewarding effects of electrical stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus and parabrachial complex: Functional characterization and the relevance of opioid systems and dopamine
Authors: Simon Maria J , Zafra Maria A , Puerto Amadeo 
Published: July 2019

Background: Since the discovery of rewarding intracranial self-stimulation by Olds and Milner, extensive data have been published on the biological basis of reward. Although participation of the mesolimbic dopaminergic system is well documented, its precise role has not been fully elucidated, and some authors have proposed the involvement of other neural systems in processing specific aspects of reinforced behaviour. Aims and methods: We reviewed published data, including our own findings, on the rewarding effects induced by electrical stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) and of the external lateral parabrachial area (LPBe) – a brainstem region involved in processing the rewarding properties of natural and artificial substances – and compared its functional characteristics as observed in operant and non-operant behavioural procedures. Results: Brain circuits involved in the induction of preferences for stimuli associated with electrical stimulation of the LBPe appear to functionally and neurochemically differ from those activated by electrical stimulation of the LH. Interpretation: We discuss the possible involvement of the LPBe in processing emotional-affective aspects of the brain reward system.
Refractory autoimmune haemolytic anaemia following allogenic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: successful treatment of rituximab
Authors: Li Xiaofan , Huang Jiafu , Zhu Zhijuan , Li Nainong 
Published: July 2019

Objective To investigate the effectiveness and safety of rituximab in treating autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Methods Patients with refractory AIHA following allo-HSCT were treated once-weekly with rituximab 375 mg/m2 for a total of four doses. In an animal study, recipient CB6F1 mice were conditioned with busulfan/fludarabine and transplanted with splenocytes and T-cell-depleted bone marrow from C57Bl/6 mice. In this animal model, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) was evaluated to see if it could prevent graft versus host disease (GVHD). GVHD was monitored by body weight loss, GVHD clinical scores and the survival of each group of mice. Histopathological analyses of the skin, intestine, liver and lung were used to analyse the severity of GVHD. Results After rituximab therapy, refractory AIHA was resolved in all four patients as shown by increased haemoglobin levels. B-cell proportions were reduced with a relative increase of the proportions of T-cells following rituximab treatment. None of the four patients experienced chronic GVHD. In the animal model, anti-CD20 mAb treatment reduced GVHD. Conclusions Rituximab therapy deserves consideration for the treatment of post-HSCT patients with refractory AIHA. Further studies are needed to define the therapeutic role of this anti-CD20 mAb.
Impact of thyroid hormones on asthma in older adults
Authors: Bingyan Zhan , Dong Wei 
Published: July 2019

Objective Thyroid hormones affect airway contraction, but the specific effects of thyroid hormones on airways are controversial. Methods We divided 78 advanced-age men with asthma into 3 groups: type I respiratory failure (RF1), type II respiratory failure (RF2), and no respiratory failure (NRF). Pulmonary function was measured after asthma stabilization. Results The free triiodothyronine (FT3) level was significantly higher in the RF1 than RF2 group, but the free thyroxine (FT4), total thyroxine (TT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were not significantly different. In the RF1, RF2, and NRF groups, the correlation coefficients between FT3 and the forced expiratory volume in1 s (FEV1) were 0.317, 0.627, and 0.213; those between FT3 and the FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio were 0.287, 0.412, and 0.156; those between FT4 and FEV1 were 0.214, 0.231, and 0.167; and those between FT4 and the FEV1/FVC ratio were 0.211, 0.215, and 0.218, respectively. In the RF1 and RF2 groups, the correlation coefficients between the sum activity of peripheral deiodinases (SPINA-GD) and the FEV1/FVC ratio were 0.164 and 0.421, and those between SPINA-GD and FEV1 were 0.284 and 0.491, respectively. Conclusion The correlation between FT3 and pulmonary function is likely caused by changes in thyroid enzymology.
Surgical treatment of intravenous leiomyomatosis involving the right heart: a case series
Authors: Luo Guangze , Pan Hongrui , Bi Jiaxue , Luo Yudong , Zhu Jiechang , Feng Zhou , Fan Hailun , Zhang Yiwei , Dai Xiangchen 
Published: July 2019

Objective This study was performed to investigate the surgical treatment of intravenous leiomyomatosis involving the right heart. Methods The clinical data of five patients with intracardiac leiomyomatosis treated from April 2002 to October 2017 at a single center were retrospectively analyzed. Results All five patients underwent successful intravenous and right atrial tumor removal via abdominal and inferior vena cava incisions. In three patients, these incisions were combined with thoracotomy and a right atrial incision, and in two patients, they were combined with uterine and bilateral fallopian tube and ovarian resection. One patient with advanced disease underwent a one-stage procedure and died thereafter. Of the remaining four patients who underwent follow-up for 1.5 to 12.0 years, one developed recurrence at 1 year postoperatively. The recurrent tumor, which was pathologically confirmed to be an intravenous leiomyoma, was removed via inferior vena cava and internal iliac vein incisions without subsequent recurrence. Conclusions The main treatment goal for inferior vena cava leiomyomas involving the right heart is to first address the severe obstruction of cardiac blood flow and then pursue second-stage surgery. Concurrent thoracotomy appears unnecessary because moderately sized right heart tumors can be gently removed via the inferior vena cava.
Comparative Evaluation of the Force and Load Deflection Rate for Different Loop Springs with Varying Designs, Wire Dimensions, and Materials: A Finite Element Method Study
Authors: Jadhav Bhagyashree S. , Krishnan Ravindranath V. , Patni Vivek J. , Karandikar Girish R. , Karandikar Anita G. , Pardeshi Swapnil D. 
Published: July 2019

Objective: To evaluate and compare the force and load deflection rate generated by differing unit displacement through 1 to 4 mm of springs that vary in design (Double Delta Closing Loop, Double Vertical T Crossed Closing Loop, Double Vertical Helical Closing Loop and Ricketts Maxillary Retractor), constituting wire materials (stainless steel and beta titanium), and wire dimensions (0.017" × 0.025" and 0.019" × 0.025"). Materials and methods: Computer-assisted design (CAD) model of the said loop springs was created and converted to the finite element method (FEM). The boundary conditions assigned were restraining anterior segment of the loops in all the 3 axes and displacement of the posterior segment progressively only along the x-axis in increments of 1, 2, 3, and 4 mm. Force and load deflection rate were calculated for each incremental displacement. Results: For all loop designs, force and load deflection rate increased with incremental displacement. Loop springs of beta titanium and 0.017" × 0.025" dimension showed lesser force and load deflection rate than those of stainless steel and 0.019" × 0.025", respectively. Ricketts Maxillary Retractor showed the least force and load deflection rate. Comparable force and load deflection values were found for 0.017" × 0.025" Double Vertical T Crossed Loop and 0.019" × 0.025" Double Vertical Helical Closing Loop. Conclusions: Variations in wire dimensions, materials, and designs have a profound effect on force and load deflection rate of the different loop springs studied.
Ultrastructural evaluation of urine alkalinization versus hydration on colistin-induced nephrotoxicity
Authors: Korucu B , Unal I , Pekcan M , Inkaya AC , Yeter H , Cetinkaya MA , Kaymaz FF , Unal S , Akova M , Erdem Y 
Published: July 2019

Objectives: Colistin is a vital antibiotic used in multidrug-resistant infections. Its most important side effect is nephrotoxicity. Colistin is a weak acid. This study aims to evaluate whether urine alkalinization is protective in the nephrotoxicity of colistin. Methods: Twenty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into groups. Group I ( n = 4) was injected with intramuscular distilled water twice a day for 7 days. Group II ( n = 8) was injected with 750,000 IU/kg/day colistin for 7 days. Group III ( n = 8) was injected with the same dose of colistin after their urinary pH was ≥7 through the addition of bicarbonate in their drinking water. Group IV ( n = 8) was injected with the same dose of colistin after their urine density fell below 1010 through the addition of NaCl molds in their food and 12.6 mg/L NaCl in their drinking water. Results: According to tubular degenerations (scored 0–5), group I scored 0, group II scored 4.25, group III scored 2, and group IV scored 1.5. In groups III and IV, protection was achieved ( p = 0.001). The bicarbonate group was not superior to the NaCl group ( p = 0.789). In transmission electron microscopy, group III had more microvilli integrity and autophagic vacuoles compared to group IV. Group IV had mitochondrial swelling and cristae lysis. A lower urine density was related to lower tubular scores ( p = 0.001). Conclusions: Colistin was highly nephrotoxic without protection. Light microscopy findings revealed that urinary alkalinization and NaCl hydration were similarly protective. Urine alkalinization further prevents ultrastructural changes as revealed by electron microscopy.
Pacific models of mental health service delivery in New Zealand: Part I: What do we know about Pacific mental health in New Zealand? A narrative review
Authors: Mulder Roger , Sorensen Debbie , Kautoke Staverton , Jensen Seini 
Published: July 2019

Objective: To update measures of mental disorders and service use in Pacific people living in New Zealand. Method: A narrative review was conducted of available data on the prevalence of mental disorder, psychotropic drug prescribing and service use by Pacific people. Results: The 12-month prevalence of mental disorders in Pacific people was similar to European/Other in 2004. Currently Pacific people report high rates of psychological distress but lower levels of psychiatric disorders. Pacific adults have low rates of drinking but many who drink have a hazardous pattern. While Pacific people previously accessed services less than half the rate of European access, access rates in secondary care are now similar. Pacific people have relatively low rates of psychotropic drug use but these are increasing. Conclusion: There is limited evidence about Pacific people’s mental health in New Zealand. Patterns of psychopathology and service use may be different from other ethnic groups. Protective factors in Pacific culture should not be undermined when delivering mental health services.
A case report of acute zonal occult outer retinopathy
Authors: Kaye Rebecca , De Salvo Gabriella 
Published: July 2019

Purpose: To describe the diagnostic complexities of a patient with acute zonal occult outer retinopathy. Case report: A healthy female presented with acute bilateral visual field loss and photopsia. On initial examination, her visual acuity, colour vision, fundus examination and fluorescein angiography were normal. Fundus autofluorescence, however, revealed scattered hyperautofluorescence in both eyes and electrodiagnostic tests were abnormal. A differential diagnosis including acute zonal occult outer retinopathy was postulated and serology requested. The patient’s past medical history included both breast and endometrial cancer and raised the possibility of cancer-associated retinopathy. A normal full-body positron emission tomography scan, negative antibodies for cancer-associated retinopathy and abnormal electroretinogram led to a diagnosis of acute zonal occult outer retinopathy. Conclusion: It has been more than 20 years since Gass first described the syndrome of acute zonal occult outer retinopathy. Typically affecting young, healthy females, acute zonal occult outer retinopathy is characterised by photopsia, minimal fundoscopic changes and electroretinographic abnormalities. Visual field loss is permanent and often associated with slow-progressing degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelial cells. Retinal photoreceptor dysfunction is an uncommon and unrecognised cause of acute visual loss. Acute zonal occult outer retinopathy should be considered as a differential diagnosis in those patients with deceptively normal fundal examinations, abnormal electroretinograms and visual field loss.
Prediction of femoral head avascular necrosis following femoral neck fracture: “pin-tract sign” of 99mTc-HDP pinhole bone scan after metallic fixation
Authors: Noh Jong Ho , Lee Jae Young , Hwang Sunwook , Lee Kee Haeng 
Published: July 2019

Objective: To evaluate the predicting value of 99mTc-hydroxydiphosphonate (HDP) pinhole bone scan in development of osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) in patients with femoral neck fracture after cannulated screw fixation. Methods: Pinhole bone scan of patients with metallically fixed femoral neck fracture from 2001 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Initial pinhole bone scan was obtained within 2–3 weeks after surgery. Findings of initial pinhole bone scan were divided in to 4 groups. Group CU included cold defect in affected femoral head, group HU with no cold defect. Group PP with increased uptake along the inserted screws and group PN with no increased uptake along the inserted screws. More than 6 months of follow-up with pinhole bone scan and clinico-radiological evidence for ONFH was reviewed. Results: 72 patients (mean age 54.01 years, male 22, female 50) were included. 19 patients were in group CU, 53 in group HU. 60 patients were in group PP, 12 in group PN. During the follow-up, 13 patients were diagnosed as ONFH. 9 (47.36%) patients in group CU developed ONFH and 4 (7.5%) in group HU. 4 (6.66%) patients in group PP developed ONFH and 9 (75%) in group PN. Conclusions: To predict ONFH of femoral head followed by neck fracture, many imaging techniques with variable results were known. In this study, cold defect in early postoperative pinhole bone scans could predict ONFH, and loss of increased uptake along screw inserted site could be a strong indicative sign of ONFH. Further evaluation with a larger population is necessary.
Early assessment of recurrent glioblastoma response to bevacizumab treatment by diffusional kurtosis imaging: a preliminary report
Authors: Lee Chu-Yu , Kalra Amandeep , Spampinato Maria V , Tabesh Ali , Jensen Jens H , Helpern Joseph A , de Fatima Falangola Maria , Van Horn Mark H , Giglio Pierre 
Published: July 2019

Purpose The purpose of this preliminary study is to apply diffusional kurtosis imaging to assess the early response of recurrent glioblastoma to bevacizumab treatment. Methods This prospective cohort study included 10 patients who had been diagnosed with recurrent glioblastoma and scheduled to receive bevacizumab treatment. Diffusional kurtosis images were obtained from all the patients 0–7 days before (pre-bevacizumab) and 28 days after (post-bevacizumab) initiating bevacizumab treatment. The mean, 10th, and 90th percentile values were derived from the histogram of diffusional kurtosis imaging metrics in enhancing and non-enhancing lesions, selected on post-contrast T1-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images. Correlations of imaging measures with progression-free survival and overall survival were evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. Results Higher pre-bevacizumab non-enhancing lesion volume was correlated with poor overall survival ( r = −0.65, P = 0.049). Higher post-bevacizumab mean diffusivity and axial diffusivity (D∥, D∥10% and D∥90%) in non-enhancing lesions were correlated with poor progression-free survival ( r = −0.73, −0.83, −0.71 and −0.85; P < 0.05). Lower post-bevacizumab axial kurtosis (K∥10%) in non-enhancing lesions was correlated with poor progression-free survival ( r = 0.81, P = 0.008). Conclusions This preliminary study demonstrates that diffusional kurtosis imaging metrics allow the detection of tissue changes 28 days after initiating bevacizumab treatment and that they may provide information about tumor progression.
A systematic review of the efficacy of direct hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B–immobilized fibre column to treat rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia
Authors: Kamiya Hiroyuki , Panlaqui Ogee Mer 
Published: July 2019

Objectives: Rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia is a fatal disease with no established therapeutic options. The aim of this systematic review is to clarify the efficacy of interstitial pneumonia treatment utilizing direct hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B–immobilized fibre column. Methods: All patients with adult-onset rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia including acute exacerbation of underlying chronic interstitial pneumonia were eligible. Primary studies of any design, which compared outcomes of direct hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B–immobilized fibre column treatment such as oxygenation and all-cause mortality with those of conventional therapy, were included. Electronic databases such as Medline and EMBASE were searched through October 7, 2018, and ICHUSHI, the largest database for medical articles in Japan, was also searched. Two reviewers independently extracted the relevant data and assessed the risk of bias in individual studies. The results were reported qualitatively due to substantial heterogeneity between studies. Results: Out of 775 records retrieved, 10 reports were eligible and 8 of them were included for further analysis. They were all retrospective studies including a total of 327 patients and contained some risk of bias. There was variation in the administration method of direct hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B–immobilized fibre column treatment such as the timing, frequency, duration and interval. Multivariate analyses of only two studies with historical controls demonstrated beneficial effects of direct hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B–immobilized fibre column treatment over conventional therapy with all-cause mortality hazard ratios of 0.345 (95% confidence interval: 0.127–0.936) and 0.505 (95% confidence interval: 0.270–0.904), respectively. A significant difference of an improvement in the ratio of partial arterial oxygen pressure to the fraction of inspired oxygen in-between two treatment groups was also reported in two studies utilizing historical controls with mean differences of 56.8 and 57.5 mmHg, respectively. Conclusions: There is currently insufficient data to support the use of direct hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B–immobilized fibre column treatment for rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia. It should be instituted for research purposes only until new evidence is available.
Infrared imaging of lymphatic function in the upper extremity of normal controls and hand transplant recipients via subcutaneous indocyanine green injection
Authors: Farias-Cisneros Efrain , Chilton Paula M , Palazzo Michelle D , Ozyurekoglu Tuna , Hoying Jay B , Williams Stuart K , Baughman Carter , Jones Christopher M , Kaufman Christina L 
Published: July 2019

Objectives: The goal of this study was to define the parameters of movement of indocyanine green in the upper extremity of normal control and hand transplant recipients. The purpose was to establish a non-invasive method of determining the level of lymphatic function in hand transplant recipients. In hand transplantation (and replantation), the deep lymphatic vessels are rarely repaired, resulting in altered lymphatic connections. In most cases, the relatively rapid inosculation of superficial lymphatic networks and drainage via the venous systems results in sufficient interstitial fluid and lymph drainage of the graft to prevent edema. However, our group and others have determined that some transplant recipients demonstrate chronic edema which is associated with lymphatic stasis. In one case, a patient with chronic edema has developed chronic rejection characterized by thinning of the skin, loss of adnexal structures, and fibrosis and contracture of the hand. Methods: Lymphatic function was evaluated by intradermal administration of near-infrared fluorescent dye, indocyanine green, and dynamic imaging with an infrared camera system (LUNA). To date, the assessment of lymphatic drainage in the upper extremity by clearance of indocyanine green dye has been studied primarily in oncology patients with abnormal lymphatic function, making assessment of normal drainage problematic. To establish normal parameters, indocyanine green lymphatic clearance functional tests were performed in a series of normal controls, and subsequently compared with indocyanine green clearance in hand transplant recipients. Results: The results demonstrate varied patterns of lymphatic drainage in the hand transplant patients that partially mimic normal hand lymphatic drainage, but also share characteristics of lymphedema patients defined in other studies. The study revealed significant deceleration of the dye drainage in the allograft of a patient with suspected chronic rejection and edema of the graft. Analysis of other hand transplant recipients revealed differing levels of dye deceleration, often localized at the level of surgical anastomosis. Conclusion: These studies suggest intradermal injection of indocyanine green and near-infrared imaging may be a useful clinical tool to assess adequacy of lymphatic function in hand transplant recipients.