bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endovascular repair of thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms by fenestrated and branched endografts†
Authors: Gallitto Enrico , Faggioli Gianluca , Pini Rodolfo , Mascoli Chiara , Ancetti Stefano , Fenelli Cecilia , Stella Andrea , Gargiulo Mauro 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Our objective was to report the outcomes of fenestrated/branched endovascular aneurysm repair of thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) with endografts.

METHODS
Between January 2010 and April 2018, patients with TAAAs, considered at high surgical risk for open surgery and treated by Cook-Zenith fenestrated/branched endovascular aneurysm repair, were prospectively enrolled and retrospectively analysed. The early end points were 30-day/hospital mortality rate, spinal cord ischaemia and 30-day cardiopulmonary and nephrological morbidity. Follow-up end points were survival, patency of target visceral vessels and freedom from reinterventions.

RESULTS
Eighty-eight patients (male: 77%; mean age: 73 ± 7 years; American Society of Anesthesiologists 3/4: 58/42%) were enrolled. Using Crawford’s classification, 43 (49%) were types I–III and 45 (51%) were type IV TAAAs. The mean aneurysm diameter was 65 ± 15 mm. Custom-made and off-the-shelf endografts were used in 60 (68%) and 28 (32%) cases, respectively. Five (6%) patients had a contained ruptured TAAA. The procedure was performed in multiple steps in 42 (48%) cases. There was 1 (1%) intraoperative death. Five (6%) patients suffered spinal cord ischaemia with permanent paraplegia in 3 (3%) cases. Postoperative cardiac and pulmonary complications occurred in 7 (8%) and 12 (14%) patients, respectively. Worsening of renal function (≥30% of baseline level) was detected in 11 (13%) cases, and 2 (2%) patients required haemodialysis. The 30-day and hospital mortality rates were 5% and 8%, respectively. The mean follow-up was 36 ± 22 months. Survival at 12, 24 and 36 months was 89%, 75% and 70%, respectively. The patency of target visceral vessels at 12, 24 and 36 months was 92%, 92% and 92%, respectively. Freedom from reinterventions at 12, 24 and 36 months was 85%, 85% and 83%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
The endovascular repair of TAAAs with fenestrated/branched endovascular aneurysm repair is feasible and effective with acceptable technical/clinical outcomes at early/midterm follow-up.
Prediction of individualized lifetime benefit from cholesterol lowering, blood pressure lowering, antithrombotic therapy, and smoking cessation in apparently healthy people
Authors: Jaspers Nicole E M , Blaha Michael J , Matsushita Kunihiro , van der Schouw Yvonne T , Wareham Nicholas J , Khaw Kay-Tee , Geisel Marie H , Lehmann Nils , Erbel Raimund , Jöckel Karl-Heinz , van der Graaf Yolanda , Verschuren W M Monique , Boer Jolanda M A , Nambi Vijay , Visseren Frank L J , Dorresteijn Jannick A N 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Aims
The benefit an individual can expect from preventive therapy varies based on risk-factor burden, competing risks, and treatment duration. We developed and validated the LIFEtime-perspective CardioVascular Disease (LIFE-CVD) model for the estimation of individual-level 10 years and lifetime treatment-effects of cholesterol lowering, blood pressure lowering, antithrombotic therapy, and smoking cessation in apparently healthy people.

Methods and results
Model development was conducted in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (n = 6715) using clinical predictors. The model consists of two complementary Fine and Gray competing-risk adjusted left-truncated subdistribution hazard functions: one for hard cardiovascular disease (CVD)-events, and one for non-CVD mortality. Therapy-effects were estimated by combining the functions with hazard ratios from preventive therapy trials. External validation was performed in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (n = 9250), Heinz Nixdorf Recall (n = 4177), and the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Netherlands (n = 25 833), and Norfolk (n = 23 548) studies. Calibration of the LIFE-CVD model was good and c-statistics were 0.67–0.76. The output enables the comparison of short-term vs. long-term therapy-benefit. In two people aged 45 and 70 with otherwise identical risk-factors, the older patient has a greater 10-year absolute risk reduction (11.3% vs. 1.0%) but a smaller gain in life-years free of CVD (3.4 vs. 4.5 years) from the same therapy. The model was developed into an interactive online calculator available via www.U-Prevent.com.

Conclusion
The model can accurately estimate individual-level prognosis and treatment-effects in terms of improved 10-year risk, lifetime risk, and life-expectancy free of CVD. The model is easily accessible and can be used to facilitate personalized-medicine and doctor–patient communication.
RNA interference in the oleaginous yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides
Authors: Liu Xiangjian , Zhang Yue , Liu Hongdi , Jiao Xiang , Zhang Qi , Zhang Sufang , Zhao Zongbao Kent 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACT
The red yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides is an excellent microbial host for production of carotenoids, neutral lipids and valuable enzymes. In recent years, genetic tools for gene expression and gene disruption have been developed for this red yeast. However, methods remain limited in terms of fine-tuning gene expression. In this study, we first demonstrated successful implementation of RNA interference (RNAi) in R. toruloides NP11, which was applied to down-regulate the expression of autophagy related gene 8 (ATG8), and fatty acid synthase genes (FAS1 and FAS2), respectively. Compared with the control strain, RNAi-engineered strains showed a silencing efficiency ranging from 11% to 92%. The RNAi approach described here ensures selective inhibition of the target gene expression, and should expand our capacity in the genetic manipulation of R. toruloides for both fundamental research and advanced cell factory development.
Risk of Infection and Types of Infection Among Elderly Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Retrospective Database Analysis
Authors: Khan Nabeel , Vallarino Carlos , Lissoos Trevor , Darr Umar , Luo Michelle 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment in the elderly is challenging in part because of increased risk of infections. The aim of our study was to determine the absolute and relative risk of infections among the elderly IBD patient population and to identify factors affecting the risk of infections in the overall IBD patient population.

Methods
A retrospective study of patients with IBD initiating corticosteroids, immunomodulators (IM), or biologic therapy (January 2010–December 2014) was conducted using the Truven Market Scan database. IM and biologic exposure were assessed in a time-dependent manner. ICD-9 codes identified infection during follow-up. A Cox proportional hazards model was fitted to gauge the association between age, other covariates, and infection risk.

Results
We identified 63,759 patients with IBD. We found 2664 infections (incidence rate [IR] = 16.95/100 person-years) among 8788 elderly patients with IBD and 10,515 (IR = 10.49/100 person-years) among the nonelderly group. Pneumonia (39.8%), sepsis (13.2%), and candidiasis (12.9%) were the most common infections in the elderly. Factors associated with a higher risk of infection included being elderly (HR: 1.27, P < 0.0001), anti-TNF therapy (HR: 1.64, P < 0.0001), IM therapy (HR: 1.32, P < 0.0001), and polypharmacy (HR: 1.32, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions
Advanced age, anti-TNF (biologic) therapy, and IM therapy were associated with an increased risk of infection. Pneumonia was the most common infection among the elderly IBD population. Physicians should be mindful of these risks when prescribing medications for elderly patients with IBD, and ensure their patients are adequately vaccinated.
Pilot feasibility trial of the MyPEEPS mobile app to reduce sexual risk among young men in 4 cities
Authors: Ignacio Matt , Garofalo Robert , Pearson Cynthia , Kuhns Lisa M , Bruce Josh , Scott Batey D , Radix Asa , Belkind Uri , Hidalgo Marco A , Hirshfield Sabina , Schnall Rebecca 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Objectives
Our study team adapted the MyPEEPS (Male Youth Pursuing Empowerment, Education, and Prevention around Sexuality) curriculum, an evidence-based human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention intervention, from a face-to-face, group-based intervention to an individual-level mobile responsive web-based intervention to improve HIV risk behaviors in very young men, aged 13–18 years.

Materials and methods
In adapting the MyPEEPS intervention to mobile app, we used a series of methodologies, including expert panel reviews, weekly team meetings with the software development company, and conducted in-depth interviews with very young men. Following the iterative process, we conducted a 6-week pre–post feasibility pilot trial with 40 young men in Birmingham, AL; Chicago, IL; New York City, NY; and Seattle, WA. Primary outcomes of interest were uptake of the app, accessibility and satisfaction.

Results
Across all 4 sites, 62.5% (25/40) of participants completed all modules in the app in an average of 28.85 (SD 21.69) days. Participants who did not attend to the follow-up visit did not complete any of the app modules. Overall participants reported that the app was easy to use, useful and has the potential to improve their sexual health knowledge and behavior and awareness in risky contexts. Participants also highly rated the app, information and interface quality of the app.

Discussion
Lessons learned from the pilot included the need for reminder systems and providing anticipatory guidance about Internet connectivity when using the app. These changes will be incorporated into study procedures for our multisite trial.

Conclusion
Overall, participants found the app to be highly usable and have the potential to positively improve their sexual risk behavior.
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae–Lawsonia intracellularis dual challenge modulates intestinal integrity and function1
Authors: Helm Emma T , Curry Shelby M , Schwartz Kent J , Lonergan Steven M , Gabler Nicholas K 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Lawsonia intracellularis (LI) and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mh) are 2 globally distributed pathogens that cause significant morbidity and mortality in grow-finish pigs. However, mechanisms that reduce growth and feed efficiency during LI and Mh infection are poorly defined. We hypothesized that reductions in performance are partially due to declines in intestinal function and integrity; thus, this study aimed to evaluate intestinal function and integrity of pigs during a 21-d Mh and LI dual challenge (MhLI). Littermate pairs of barrows (48.1 ± 6.7 kg BW) were selected; 1 pig from each pair was assigned to either MhLI challenge or nonchallenge treatments (n = 12). Pigs were individually housed, fed a corn-soybean diet, and allowed to acclimate for 21 d prior to inoculation. On days postinoculation (dpi) 0, MhLI pigs were dual inoculated with LI and Mh. On dpi 21, all pigs were euthanized for ileal and colon tissue collection. Formalin-fixed tissues were clinically scored and morphology analyzed, frozen tissues assayed for digestive enzyme activities, and fresh tissues mounted into modified Ussing Chambers to assess active nutrient transport, barrier integrity, and bacterial translocation. Data were analyzed using the Mixed Procedure of SAS with treatment as a fixed effect, age and start BW as covariates, and litter as a random effect. Compared with controls, MhLI pigs had decreased ADG (38%, P &lt; 0.001), ADFI (25%, P &lt; 0.001), and G:F (19%, P = 0.012). The MhLI dual challenge did not alter ileum morphology or transepithelial resistance (P &gt; 0.10); however, ex vivo mucosal to serosal translocation of S. Typhimurium in the colon was increased (60%, P = 0.003) in MhLI pigs compared with controls. Additionally, MhLI pigs had increased ileal glucose transport (30%, P = 0.05) and decreased sucrase activity (30%, P = 0.049) compared with controls. This MhLI challenge antagonized intestinal function and integrity, and this may be a contributing factor to reduced pig performance.
Breast Cancer Screening in High-Risk Patients during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Zha Nanxi , Alabousi Mostafa , Abdullah Peri , Freitas Vivianne , Linthorst Rhys , Muhn Narry , Alabousi Abdullah 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
There are currently no clear guidelines for high-risk breast cancer screening during the pregnancy and breastfeeding periods. The objective of this systematic review (SR) was to assess the available evidence pertaining to breast cancer screening recommendations in this population with the aim of supporting future guidelines. We performed a SR of the literature using the electronic databases MEDLINE and Embase. Predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria were used during the abstract screening and full-text data extraction phases. We retrieved 2,274 abstracts after removal of duplicates, from which 16 studies were included based on predetermined eligibility criteria. Most of the studies found were narrative reviews and expert opinions. Clinical breast exam (CBE) was recommended by 12 studies during pregnancy and by 6 studies in the breastfeeding period. Mammography was recommended in the breastfeeding period by 2 studies. Magnetic resonance imaging was recommended in the breastfeeding period by 2 studies. Ultrasound was considered not appropriate for screening in this population. The information extracted from this SR is based primarily on expert opinion and anecdotal evidence, which explains the lack of standardized guidelines for high-risk breast cancer screening in this population. However, expert opinion may be a surrogate outcome for high-risk breast cancer screening recommendations in this subset of patients, and as such, may justify the clinical management to be tailored accordingly. This SR summarizes the evidence pertaining to high-risk breast cancer screening during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which could serve as a catalyst for future research on the topic.
Evaluation of Leaf Consumption and Determination of Economic Injury Level Caused by Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) in Brassica oleracea var. acephala (Brassicales: Brassicaceae)
Authors: Massarolli Angélica , Bersani Bruna Camila Gualda , Roza Fernando Henrique Dalla , Butnariu Alessandra Regina , Pereira Mônica Josene Barbosa , Foerster Luís Amilton 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPlutella xylostella (L.) is a microlepidopteran found in all brassica-producing regions of the world. However, no economic injury level (EIL) has been established for this pest in collard greens. Therefore, studies evaluating the EIL of P. xylostella in this crop based on the number of caterpillars per plant can assist pest monitoring and the most effective time for pest control, ensuring profits and the use of pesticides only when required. The present study assessed leaf consumption of caterpillars at different levels of infestation and determinined the EIL for P. xylostella in collard greens. Based on the yield reduction index of collard greens for P. xylostella, EIL was estimated for different scenarios of pest control costs, setting the market value of the bunch of collard greens, and, alternatively, with prices varying and the control cost fixed. In simulated scenarios for 7 d after infestation, the number of caterpillars per plant was always below 1.38, whereas for 10 d, the maximum number was 1.25 caterpillars per plant. When simulating scenarios with different market values for the bunch of collard greens the lower the price of the collard greens bunch, the higher the mean number of caterpillars per plant to compensate the application cost. The mean number of caterpillars per plant ranged from 4.59 to 0.38 in the evaluation for 7 d, and from 4.17 to 0.35 caterpillars per plant for 10 d according to the price of the bunch of collard greens.
Political Contributions and Public Procurement: Evidence from Lithuania
Authors: Baltrunaite Audinga 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
This paper studies whether firms trade political contributions for public procurement contracts. Combining data on Lithuanian government tenders, corporate donors, and firm characteristics, I examine how a ban on corporate contributions affects the awarding of procurement contracts to companies that donated in the past. Consistent with political favoritism, donors’ probability of winning falls by five percentage points as compared to that of nondonor firms after the ban. Evidence on bidding and victory margins suggests that corporate donors may receive auction-relevant information affecting procurement outcomes in their favor.
Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy combined with intracavitary brachytherapy achieved the equivalent survival compared with concurrent chemoradiotherapy in cervical cancer patients with intermediate-risk
Authors: Yu Hao , Zhang Linlin , Li Dapeng , Liu Naifu , Yin Yueju , Zhang Lu , Yuan Lingqin , Liu Ming , Sheng Xiugui 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Objectives
The current study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) combined with intracavitary brachytherapy (ICRT) in cervical cancer patients with intermediate-risk.

Methods
We analyzed the medical records of 558 patients who were submitted to radical surgery for Stage IB-IIA cervical cancer. A total of 172 of those 558 patients were considered intermediate-risk according to the GOG criteria. Among those 172 patients, 102 were subjected to CT combined with ICRT (CT+ICRT) and the remaining 70 patients were treated with concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT). The 3-year disease free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and complications of each group were evaluated and analyzed.

Results
No significant difference was observed in 3-year DFS or OS of the patients submitted to CT+ICRT and CCRT. Importantly, the frequencies of grade III to IV acute complications were significantly higher in patients submitted to CCRT than in those treated with CT+ICRT (Hematologic, P = 0.016; Gastrointestinal, P = 0.041; Genitourinary, P = 0.019). Moreover, the frequencies of grade III–IV late complications in patients treated with CCRT were significantly higher compared with CT+ICRT-treated patients (Gastrointestinal, P = 0.026; Genitourinary, P = 0.026; Lower extremity edema, P = 0.008).

Conclusions
Postoperative adjuvant CT+ICRT treatment achieved equivalent 3-year DFS and OS but low complication rate compared to CCRT treatment in early stage cervical cancer patients with intermediate-risk.
Phase II trial of S-1 plus cisplatin combined with bevacizumab for advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (TCOG LC-1202)
Authors: Miyanaga Akihiko , Kubota Kaoru , Hosomi Yukio , Okuma Yusuke , Minato Koichi , Fujimoto Sakae , Okamoto Hiroaki , Satouchi Miyako , Isobe Hiroshi , Aono Hiromi , Takiguchi Yuichi , Gemma Akihiko ,   for The Tokyo Cooperative Oncology Group
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background
S-1 plus cisplatin is a standard chemotherapy regimen for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The addition of bevacizumab has been shown to significantly improve overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced non-squamous (NSq) NSCLC who received carboplatin plus paclitaxel, however, failed to show an OS advantage in patients who received cisplatin plus gemcitabine.

Methods
Chemotherapy-naive patients with Stage IIIB, IV or recurrent non-SQ NSCLC were treated with a 3-week cycle of S-1 80 mg/m2 on days 1–14, cisplatin 60 mg/m2 on day 8 and bevacizumab 15 mg/kg on day 8 for 4–6 cycles. Patients without progressive disease (PD) received maintenance bevacizumab 15 mg/kg on day 1 with a 3-week cycle and S-1 80 mg/m2 every other day. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR), OS, toxicity profile and Quality of life (QOL).

Results
From June 2013 to January 2015, 39 eligible patients were enrolled from eight institutions. Thirty-one patients (79%) completed four cycles of induction chemotherapy, and maintenance chemotherapy was initiated in 23 patients (59%). Median PFS, OS and ORR were 7.3 months (95% CI: 5.9–8.7), 21.4 months (95% CI: 14.7—not reached) and 64%, respectively. The most common grade 3/4 toxicities were leukopenia (12.8%), neutropenia (23.0%) and hypertension (28.2%). QOL analyses showed detrimental effects after initiation of the regimen.

Conclusions
S-1 plus cisplatin in combination with bevacizumab met the primary endpoint in patients with advanced NSq-NSCLC. RR was anticipated to be high with acceptable toxicities.
A New Perspective on the Syriac Hwayt Qāṭēl in a Non-Past Context
Authors: Napiórkowska Lidia 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
This article presents a new perspective on the meaning and function of the Syriac construction hwayt qāṭēl used with a non-past reference. Beginning with the traditional method of cross-linguistic comparison, the author contextualizes the construction in question within a pragmatic- cognitive framework of general linguistics, an approach that has so far been largely overlooked in Syriac studies. The language used here for comparison is the literary Christian of Urmi, a modern dialect of Aramaic, whose verbal system presents itself as a valid typological parallel for Syriac. Thus, through analysing the renditions of hwayt qāṭēl in Christian Urmi Neo-Aramaic within the corpus of the New Testament, the semantics and function of the Syriac hwayt qāṭēl receive precise characteristics, followed by an attempt to explain the use of the past tense form hwayt (perfect) for the present-future reference. An additional brief treatment of other command-related forms in Syriac, such as the imperative and imperative-derived constructions, contributes further, more detailed observations on the Syriac verbal system.
Seroprevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis and Evaluation of Universal Screening in Kidney Transplant Candidates: A Single-Center Experience in Houston (2012–2017)
Authors: Al-Obaidi Mohanad , Hasbun Rodrigo , Vigil Karen J , Edwards Angelina R , Chavez Violeta , Hall David R , Dar Wasim A , De Golovine Aleksandra , Ostrosky-Zeichner Luis , Bynon John S , Nigo Masayuki 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background
Disseminated strongyloidiasis in solid organ transplant recipients is a rare but devastating infection. In our center, we implemented a universal screening of all candidates for kidney transplantation. We assessed the seroprevalence and utility of universal screening for strongyloidiasis in our center.

Methods
Patients were identified from our transplant referral list (from July 2012 to June 2017). Demographics, pretransplant laboratory, and serological screenings were retrospectively collected. For Strongyloides-seropositive (SSp) patients, data on travel history, symptoms, treatment, and stool ova and parasite examinations were extracted. Logistic regression and multiple imputation for missing data were performed.

Results
A total of 1689 patients underwent serological screening, of whom 168 (9.9%) were SSp. Univariate analysis revealed that SSp patients had higher rates of eosinophilia, diabetes mellitus, latent tuberculosis and were likely to be either Hispanic or Asian (P &lt; .05). In multivariate analysis, eosinophilia (P = .01), diabetes mellitus (P = .02), and Asian race (P = .03) were associated with being SSp, but 45 (27%) of the SSp patients did not have any of these 3 factors, and 18 SSp patients (11%) had no epidemiological risk factors. All patients received ivermectin, and none developed disseminated strongyloidiasis. Of patients who underwent serological screening on multiple occasions, 6.8% seroconverted while waiting for kidney transplantation.

Conclusions
We found a high rate of Strongyloides seropositivity among our kidney transplantation candidates. No epidemiological risk factors effectively predicted SSp status in our population, and universal screening identified a large number of patients without such factors. Serial screening should be considered when a long wait time is expected before transplantation.