bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The PDR-type ABC transporters AtrA and AtrG are involved in azole drug resistance in Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Miura Daisuke , Sugiyama Kohei , Ito Atsushi , Ohba-Tanaka Ayumi , Tanaka Mizuki , Shintani Takahiro , Gomi Katsuya 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACT
For strain improvement of Aspergillus oryzae, development of the transformation system is essential, wherein dominant selectable markers, including drug-resistant genes, are available. However, A. oryzae generally has a relatively high resistance to many antifungal drugs effective against yeasts and other filamentous fungi. In the course of the study, while investigating azole drug resistance in A. oryzae, we isolated a spontaneous mutant that exhibited high resistance to azole fungicides and found that pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR)-type ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter genes were upregulated in the mutant; their overexpression in the wild-type strain increased azole drug resistance. While deletion of the gene designated atrG resulted in increased azole susceptibility, double deletion of atrG and another gene (atrA) resulted in further azole hypersensitivity. Overall, these results indicate that the ABC transporters AtrA and AtrG are involved in azole drug resistance in A. oryzae.
Arrhythmogenic mechanisms of obstructive sleep apnea in heart failure patients
Authors: Chadda Karan R , Fazmin Ibrahim T , Ahmad Shiraz , Valli Haseeb , Edling Charlotte E , Huang Christopher L-H , Jeevaratnam Kamalan 
Published: July 2018

AbstractHeart failure (HF) affects 23 million people worldwide and results in 300000 annual deaths. It is associated with many comorbidities, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and risk factors for both conditions overlap. Eleven percent of HF patients have OSA and 7.7% of OSA patients have left ventricular ejection fraction &lt;50% with arrhythmias being a significant comorbidity in HF and OSA patients. Forty percent of HF patients develop atrial fibrillation (AF) and 30%–50% of deaths from cardiac causes in HF patients are from sudden cardiac death. OSA is prevalent in 32%–49% of patients with AF and there is a dose-dependent relationship between OSA severity and resistance to anti-arrhythmic therapies. HF and OSA lead to various downstream arrhythmogenic mechanisms, including metabolic derangement, remodeling, inflammation, and autonomic imbalance. (1) Metabolic derangement and production of reactive oxidative species increase late Na+ currents, decrease outward K+ currents and downregulate connexin-43 and cell-cell coupling. (2) remodeling also features downregulated K+ currents in addition to decreased Na+/K+ ATPase currents, altered Ca2+ homeostasis, and increased density of If current. (3) Chronic inflammation leads to downregulation of both Nav1.5 channels and K+ channels, altered Ca2+ homeostasis and reduced cellular coupling from alterations of connexin expression. (4) Autonomic imbalance causes arrhythmias by evoking triggered activity through increased Ca2+ transients and reduction of excitation wavefront wavelength. Thus, consideration of these multiple pathophysiological pathways (1–4) will enable the development of novel therapeutic strategies that can be targeted against arrhythmias in the context of complex disease, such as the comorbidities of HF and OSA.
New biologics in the treatment of urticaria
Authors: Kocatürk Emek , Zuberbier Torsten 
Published: July 2018

Purpose of review
Symptomatic management of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) basically depends on second-generation H1 antihistamines and omalizumab. Omalizumab is a game changer in the management, but still there is a need for new targets and new biologics targeting new pathways in the treatment which will provide long-lasting remission, which will be given orally and which will be cheaper. This review will focus on new biologics that are underway of production or are already under use for different disorders but could be beneficial for the treatment of Chronic urticaria.

Recent findings
In this review, the treatment targets are classified according to the cells which are involved in the pathogenesis of CSU. Those are mast cells/basophils, B cells, T cells and eosinophils. The treatments that are under clinical trials for CSU are anti-IgE treatments such as ligelizumab, molecules targeting intracellular signaling pathways such as spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitors, surface inhibitory molecules such as siglec-8, anti-IL-1s such as canakinumab, Bruton kinase (BTK) inhibitors such as GDC-0853 and anti-IL-5s such as benralizumab and mepolizumab.

Summary
The ongoing clinical trials on new targets of treatment hold new hopes not only for a better care of the disease but also a better understanding of the pathomechanisms lying underneath.
Gastric Residual Volumes Versus Abdominal Girth Measurement in Assessment of Feed Tolerance in Preterm Neonates
Authors: Thomas Shemi , Nesargi Saudamini , Roshan Preena , Raju Renjita , Mathew Shiny , P. Sheeja , Rao Suman 
Published: July 2018

Background:
Preterm neonates often have feed intolerance that needs to be differentiated from necrotizing enterocolitis. Gastric residual volumes (GRV) are used to assess feed tolerance but with little scientific basis.

Purpose:
To compare prefeed aspiration for GRV and prefeed measurement of abdominal girth (AG) in the time taken to reach full feeds in preterm infants.

Methods:
This was a randomized controlled trial. Infants with a gestational age of 27 to 37 weeks and birth weight of 750 to 2000 g, who required gavage feeds for at least 48 hours, were included. Infants were randomized into 2 groups: infants in the AG group had only prefeed AG measured. Those in the GRV group had prefeed gastric aspiration obtained for the assessment of GRV. The primary outcome was time to reach full enteral feeds at 150 mL/kg/d, tolerated for at least 24 hours. Secondary outcomes were duration of hospital stay, need for parenteral nutrition, episodes of feed intolerance, number of feeds withheld, and sepsis.

Results:
Infants in the AG group reached full feeds earlier than infants in the GRV group (6 vs 9.5 days; P = .04). No significant differences were found between the 2 groups with regard to secondary outcomes.

Implications for Practice:
Our research suggests that measurement of AG without assessment of GRV enables preterm neonates to reach full feeds faster than checking for GRV.

Implications for Research:
Abdominal girth measurement as a marker for feed tolerance needs to be studied in infants less than 750 g and less than 26 weeks of gestation.
Reoperation Rate After Microsurgical Uni- or Bilateral Laminotomy for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis With and Without Low-grade Spondylolisthesis
Authors: Schär Ralph T. , Kiebach Stefanie , Raabe Andreas , Ulrich Christian T. 
Published: July 2018

Study Design.
Retrospective single-center cohort study.

Objective.
The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of preoperative radiographic parameters on reoperation rates after microsurgical laminotomy for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

Summary of Background Data.
Decompression for symptomatic LSS has shown to be effective. However, the optimal surgical strategy remains a matter of debate, especially with underlying spondylolisthesis.

Methods.
Adult patients with LSS who underwent primary laminotomy without fusion between January 2012 and September 2013 at our institution were included for analysis. Disc height (in mm), facet joint (FJ) orientation (degrees), and grade of spondylolisthesis of all surgical index levels (SILs) were analyzed from preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Patients were contacted in January 2017 by follow-up phone call (mean follow-up 49 months) regarding lumbar reoperation.

Results.
A total of 161 patients (mean age 68.5 yrs, ±11.3) and 236 SILs were analyzed. Fifty-six patients (34.8%) had low-grade spondylolisthesis involving 60 SILs (25.4%). Twenty-four patients (14.9%) underwent reoperation involving 32 levels. Of latter, 23 SILs (9.7%) had recurrent stenosis (RS) and 9 (3.8%) had adjacent level stenosis. Five patients in total (3.1%) required secondary fusion; all had preexisting spondylolisthesis. SILs with spondylolisthesis had a significantly higher rate of RS requiring reoperation compared with SILs without spondylolisthesis [18.3% (11/60) vs. 6.8% (12/176), P = 0.013]. Disc height and FJ orientation showed no significant difference between patients with and without reoperation, or with and without spondylolisthesis.

Conclusion.
Decompression alone is reasonable for most patients with LSS and stable low-grade spondylolisthesis. The overall reoperation rate and need for secondary fusion were low in our series. However, patients with spondylolisthesis had a higher rate of reoperation for RS after laminotomy without fusion. This must be taken into account for preoperative risk-benefit analysis, tailored surgical decision making and patient counseling.

Level of Evidence: 4
Risk factors for sexual dysfunction in BRCA mutation carriers after risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy
Authors: Chan Jessica L. , Senapati Suneeta , Johnson Lauren N.C. , DiGiovanni Laura , Voong Chan , Butts Samantha F. , Domchek Susan M. 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Objective:
The aim of the study was to identify risk factors for sexual dysfunction in BRCA mutation carriers who have undergone risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO).

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was performed. BRCA1/2 mutation carriers with and without RRSO were surveyed to determine sexual function (Female Sex Function Index [FSFI]), demographics, medical history, sleep quality, depression, and anxiety scores. Characteristics of patients with the lowest quartile of FSFI scores (<14 ± 8.8) were analyzed to identify risk factors for the most severe phenotype.

Results:
In the 804 women surveyed, 764 underwent RRSO. Of the 529 (69%) carriers with completed FSFI questionnaires in the RRSO cohort, sexual dysfunction was reported in 77.3%. Poor sleep (P = 0.002), hot flashes (P = 0.002), lack of current systemic hormone therapy (HT) use (P = 0.002), depression (P < 0.001), and anxiety (P = 0.001) were associated with sexual dysfunction. In adjusted analyses, depression (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.4, 95% CI, 1.4-4.1) and hot flashes (aOR 1.9, 95% CI, 1.2-3.0) remained significantly associated with sexual dysfunction. Depression was also a significant risk factor for the most severe degree of sexual dysfunction (OR 2.1, 95% CI, 1.3-3.5) and had the greatest impact on Arousal and Satisfaction domain scores of the FSFI. Current systemic HT use seemed to decrease the risk for sexual dysfunction (aOR 0.6, 95% CI, 0.4-1.0).

Conclusions:
Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent in BRCA mutation carriers after RRSO. Depression seems to be a significant risk factor for sexual dysfunction in this patient population and may be under-recognized and undertreated. Patient and provider education on sexual side effects after surgery and risk factors for sexual dysfunction is necessary to decrease postoperative sexual distress. HT may be associated with improved sexual function after surgery.
Decreasing sleep-related symptoms through increasing physical activity among Asian American midlife women
Authors: Chee Wonshik , Kim Sangmi , Tsai Hsiu-Min , Im Eun-Ok 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Objective:
The beneficial effects of physical activities on sleep-related symptoms have been reported in the literature, and physical activity has been suggested as an efficient strategy to reduce sleep-related symptoms among midlife women. The effect of Web-based physical activity promotion programs on sleep-related symptoms have, however, rarely been explored, especially among midlife racial/ethnic minority women. The purpose of this pilot study was to test the preliminary efficacy of a WPAPP on self-reported sleep-related symptoms and physical activity of Asian American midlife women.

Methods:
This pilot study was a randomized repeated measures pretest/posttest control group study (14 in an intervention group and 12 in a control group). Multiple instruments were used to measure background characteristics (eg, sociodemographic and health status), sleep-related symptoms and physical activity experiences at pretest, post 1 month, and post 3 months. The data were analyzed using an intent-to-treat linear mixed-model growth curve analysis.

Results:
After adjusting for covariates and random intercept, the intervention group showed a significant decrease in the total numbers of psychological (P = 0.0956) and total sleep-related symptoms (P = 0.0733) at post 1 month. Also, both groups showed a significant increase in physical activity (active living habits) at post 3 months (P = 0.0353).

Conclusions:
The WPAPP is potentially beneficial in decreasing Asian American midlife women's sleep-related symptoms and promoting their lifestyle physical activity.
Successful Pregnancy and Delivery after Autologous Abdominal Wall Reconstruction using Anterolateral-Thigh and Iliotibial-Tract Flap
Authors: Kagaya Yu , Arikawa Masaki , Kobayashi Eisuke , Kawai Akira , Miyamoto Shimpei 
Published: July 2018

Summary:
The surgical management of abdominal wall tumor in women with childbearing potential is a thorny issue. A synthetic mesh is widely used for abdominal wall reconstruction but not necessarily applicable in case of women of childbearing potential because it has been reported to cause severe pain during pregnancy. Autologous reconstruction is usually considered a feasible option for such cases; however, there is no consensus on this approach and almost no evidence to support it. In the present 2 cases, 2 female patients (age, 17 years and 35 years) with abdominal wall desmoid tumor underwent primary radical resection and autologous reconstruction of an abdominal wall defect in the lateral oblique muscle area (defect size, 13 × 5 cm and 8 × 6 cm) using an anterolateral thigh and iliotibial tract flap. The postoperative course was uneventful. Both patients achieved pregnancy and a full-term delivery without complications with the exception of a feeling of mild stretching in the area of the operation. Magnetic resonance imaging and a clinical examination after the delivery revealed no signs of abdominal wall hernia or bulging. Normal pregnancy and full-term delivery could be obtained after abdominal wall resection and autologous reconstruction using an anterolateral thigh + iliotibial tract flap. This reconstructive method is considered to be a versatile option for the management of abdominal wall tumor in women with childbearing potential; however, further evidence should be accumulated on the reconstruction of wider and central abdominal wall defects.
MULTIMODAL IMAGING OF MACULAR CHOROIDAL MACROVESSEL: A REPORT OF TWO CASES
Authors: Dalvin Lauren A. , Pennington Justin D. , Mashayekhi Arman , Shields Carol L. 
Published: July 2018

Purpose:
To report two cases of macular choroidal macrovessel with description of multimodal imaging and review of published cases.

Methods:
Medical and imaging records were retrospectively reviewed. A literature review was performed to identify other cases of macular choroidal macrovessel published between 1990 and 2018.

Results:
There were 2 patients referred for evaluation of a potential choroidal tumor, including a 55-year-old white woman with no visual symptoms and a 68-year-old white woman with blurred vision. Funduscopic examination in each case revealed a focal area of choroidal elevation in the temporal foveal area with a single, dilated, slightly tortuous choroidal vessel, estimated to measure 250 μm and 300 μm, respectively, at widest girth, and extending temporally toward the equator with a tapering width. Optical coherence tomography showed an optically hollow choroidal lesion elevating the retinal pigment epithelium with overlying ellipsoid zone mottling. Both cases demonstrate shallow subretinal fluid, sparing the foveola. Fluorescein angiography showed faint staining along the course of the vessel in both cases. Indocyanine green angiography demonstrated clear visualization of the ectatic vessel with early filling and late staining without leakage. Both patients retained visual acuity of 20/25 in the affected eye and did not require treatment.

Conclusion:
Macular choroidal macrovessel is a rare vascular anomaly presenting as a single, dilated, tortuous choroidal vessel, originating in the temporal foveal region and extending temporally to the equator. This finding can simulate a choroidal neoplasm or parasitic track. Optical coherence tomography and indocyanine green angiography have diagnostic value demonstrating the vascular nature of this lesion and delineating the vascular course.
PARACENTRAL ACUTE MIDDLE MACULOPATHY AFTER ENDOVASCULAR COIL EMBOLIZATION
Authors: Nakamura Masaki , Katagiri Satoshi , Hayashi Takaaki , Yoshioka Mayumi , Nakano Tadashi 
Published: July 2018

Purpose:
To describe two cases of paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) that occurred unilaterally after endovascular coil embolization.

Methods:
Medical records including ophthalmic examinations of two PAMM cases were retrospectively reviewed.

Results:
The first case was a 64-year-old woman with hyperlipidemia and chronic sinusitis. The second case was a 49-year-old man with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, tension headache, and vertigo. Both cases exhibited paracentral scotomas just after endovascular coil embolization. Ophthalmoscopy showed multiple faint white-yellow lesions in each affected eye. Optical coherence tomography showed hyper-reflective bands that were mainly observed in the inner nuclear layer and corresponded to the PAMM lesions. Optical coherence tomography angiography revealed variable degrees of abnormal vasculature from slight dilation, decreased visualization, to nonvisualization in the superficial capillary plexuses and similar capillary changes in deep capillary plexuses.

Conclusion:
We described two cases with PAMM that occurred after endovascular coil embolization, which was a new precursor cause of PAMM. Our results demonstrate that optical coherence tomography angiography is especially useful for not only diagnosis, but also for follow-up evaluations in patients with PAMM.
ATYPICAL HEALING IN A CASE WITH RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM APERTURES
Authors: Molina-Pallete Rodrigo , Andreu-Fenoll Maria , Gallego-Pinazo Roberto , Dolz-Marco Rosa 
Published: July 2018

Purpose:
To analyze the multimodal imaging features in a case showing resolution of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) apertures in association with an avascular pigment epithelium detachment secondary to nonneovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Methods:
Report of a case diagnosed with aperture of the RPE with multimodal imaging long-term follow-up. Color fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence, eye-tracked spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCT angiography findings are discussed.

Results:
A 71-year-old man diagnosed with nonneovascular age-related macular degeneration presented with three different areas of RPE aperture in his right eye. At baseline, best-corrected visual acuity was 20/100 in his right eye. Dilated fundus examination showed three round areas of RPE atrophy, and fundus autofluorescence demonstrated marked hypoautofluorescence in the corresponding areas. The OCT scans showed discontinuities of the RPE band with no evidence of RPE tear. The OCT angiography showed no evidence of abnormal blood flow within the sub-RPE space. Over time, fundus autofluorescence and eye-tracked spectral domain OCT scans demonstrated spontaneous resolution of two of the RPE defects and reduction of the size of the third one, with complete flattening of the pigment epithelium detachment.

Conclusion:
Distinction between RPE tears and apertures is important due to their different etiopathogenic mechanism and prognosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a case of complete closure of an RPE aperture. The mechanism of the observed RPE closure remains unknown, and further studies are warranted to better understand the mechanisms of RPE restoration and remodeling.
Cardiovascular disease in Down syndrome
Authors: Versacci Paolo , Di Carlo Duccio , Digilio Maria C. , Marino Bruno 
Published: July 2018

Purpose of review
In the last 40 years, with a better understanding of cardiac defects, and with the improved results of cardiac surgery, the life expectancy of persons with Down syndrome has significantly increased. This review article reports on advances in knowledge of cardiac defects and cardiovascular system of persons with trisomy 21.

Recent findings
New insights into the genetics of this syndrome have improved our understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms of cardiac defects. Recent changes in neonatal prevalence of Down syndrome suggest a growing number of children with cardiac malformations, in particular with simple types of defects. Ethnic and sex differences of the prevalence of specific types of congenital heart disease (CHD) have also been underlined. A recent study confirmed that subclinical morphologic anomalies are present in children with trisomy 21, also in the absence of cardiac defects, representing an internal stigma of Down syndrome. The results of cardiac surgery are significantly improved in terms of immediate and long-term outcomes, but specific treatments are indicated in relation to pulmonary hypertension. Particular aspects of the cardiovascular system have been described, clarifying a reduced sympathetic response to stress but also a ‘protection’ from atherosclerosis and arterial hypertension in these patients.

Summary
Continuing dedication to clinical and basic research studies is essential to further improve survival and the quality of life from childhood to adulthood of patients with trisomy 21.
Button battery and magnet ingestions in the pediatric patient
Authors: Bolton Scott M. , Saker Martha , Bass Lee M. 
Published: July 2018

Purpose of review
Pediatric foreign body ingestion is a common occurrence that presents a challenge both to pediatric gastroenterologists and primary care providers. Increasing prevalence of smaller, more technologically advanced toys in the household has resulted in an increased exposure to higher voltage batteries and powerful magnets that carry a high incidence of morbidity and mortality. This review highlights the latest findings regarding the patients at risk for button battery and magnet ingestions, the symptoms of presentation, and complications of these objects in contributing to long-standing gastrointestinal injury.

Recent findings
Button batteries may lead to esophageal injury within a few hours. Batteries retained in the esophagus are larger in diameter on average and size is associated with esophageal impaction as well as higher grade esophageal injury. Magnet ingestions, when multiple or with another metallic object, are often initially asymptomatic but may have acute worsening, and therefore warrant close monitoring.

Summary
Button battery and magnet ingestions have increased in incidence over the past two decades. Recent literature demonstrates that higher voltage, larger lithium button batteries, and prevalence of high-powered magnets can lead to significant morbidity. High suspicion, early referral, and removal may lead to improved outcomes.