bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined transthoracic echocardiography and contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography to trace intravenous leiomyomatosis with intracardiac extension
Authors: Luo Xianghong , Li Rongjuan , Li Zhaojun 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIntravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL) with intracardiac extension is a rare condition, which the benign tumor invades into the right heart through inferior vena cava. We described the findings of ultrasonography in eight patients with this disease. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) can reveal the intracardiac lesion burden and associated compromise. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) can trace the origin of the lesion and extension. Therefore, combining TTE with CEUS is used to better characterize this complex lesion and plays a crucial role in guidance of surgical decision.
First record of the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia for phytophagous hoverflies from genus Merodon (Diptera: Syrphidae)
Authors: ŠAŠIĆ ZORIĆ Ljiljana , STÅHLS Gunilla , ĐAN Mihajla 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Wolbachia is a widespread bacterial endosymbiont among arthropod species. It influences the reproduction of the host species and also mitochondrial DNA diversity. Until now there were only a few studies that detected Wolbachia infections in hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae), and this is the first broader study with the aim of examining the incidence of Wolbachia in the hoverfly genus Merodon. The obtained results indicate an infection rate of 96% and the presence of both Wolbachia supergroup A and B, which are characteristic for most of the infected arthropod species. Additionally, the presence of multiple Wolbachia strains in the Merodon aureus group species was detected and the mitochondrial DNA COI‐based relationships of the group are discussed in the light of infection. Finally, we discuss plant‐mediated horizontal transmission of Wolbachia strains among the studied hoverfly species.
Use of intravenous brivaracetam in status epilepticus: A multicenter registry
Authors: Santamarina Estevo , Parejo Carbonell Beatriz , Sala Jacint , Gutiérrez‐Viedma Álvaro , Miró Júlia , Asensio Montserrat , Abraira Laura , Falip Mercé , Ojeda Joaquín , López‐González Francisco Javier , Rodríguez‐Osorio Xiana , Mauri José Ángel , Aiguabella Maria , García Morales Irene , Toledo Manuel 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe pharmacokinetics of brivaracetam (BRV), added to its effectiveness observed in animal models of status epilepticus (SE), makes this drug attractive for use in emergency situations. Our objective was to evaluate the use of intravenous BRV in a multicenter study.MethodsA retrospective multicenter registry of SE cases treated with BRV was created. These patients were evaluated between January and December 2018 at seven hospitals in Spain. Demographic variables, SE characteristics, concomitant drugs, loading doses, and response to treatment were collected.ResultsForty‐three patients were registered. The mean age was 56 ± 23.1 years, 51.2% were male, 29 had previous epilepsy, 24 (55.8%) had prominent motor symptoms, and 19 had nonconvulsive symptoms. Regarding the etiology, 19 (44.2%) were considered acute symptomatic, 16 (17.2%) remote symptomatic, four (9.3%) progressive symptomatic, and four (9.3%) cryptogenic. Regarding concomitant antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), 17 had previously received levetiracetam (LEV). In 14 patients, BRV was used early (first or second AED). The median loading dose was 100 mg (range = 50‐400), and the weight‐adjusted dose was 1.8 mg/kg (range = 0.4‐7.3). BRV was effective in 54% (n = 23), and a response was observed in <6 hours in 13 patients. We observed a tendency for it to be more effective when administered earlier (P = 0.09), but there were no differences regarding SE type and the concomitant use of LEV. In those with the fastest responses, we observed that both the total administered dose (300 mg vs 100 mg, P = 0.008) and the weight‐adjusted dose (3.85 mg vs 1.43 mg, P = 0.006) were significantly higher. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the best cutoff point for a faster response was 1.82 mg/kg.SignificanceBRV is useful for the treatment of SE, even when patients are already being treated with LEV. The response rate seems higher when it is administered earlier and at higher doses (>1.82 mg/kg).
Forced normalization: A systematic review
Authors: Calle‐López Yamile , Ladino Lady Diana , Benjumea‐Cuartas Vanessa , Castrillón‐Velilla Diana Marcela , Téllez‐Zenteno José Francisco , Wolf Peter 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectiveForced normalization (FN) is an intriguing phenomenon characterized by the emergence of psychiatric disturbances following the establishment of seizure control or reduction in the epileptic activity in a patient with previous uncontrolled epilepsy. We aim to describe the clinical characteristics of the condition.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Scielo from January 1953 to January 2018. Clinical, electrographic, and imaging data were gathered. We considered all outcomes in children and adults. We performed no meta‐analyses due to the limited available data.ResultsOf 2606 abstracts identified, 36 fulfilled the FN diagnostic criteria; 193 FN episodes were evaluated and 77 of them were analyzed extensively. Sixty percent of cases were female. Mean age ± standard deviation (SD) was 28.3 ± 14.2 years. The majority of patients had focal (80%) symptomatic (44%) epilepsy. Most patients reported a high ictal frequency (58%) and were on polytherapy (51%). Patients presented psychosis (86.4%), mood disorders (25.8%), and dissociation (4.5%) as the main manifestations. In the psychosis group, persecutory (52.6%) and reference (47.3%) delusions were frequent. FN was provoked by an antiepileptic drug (AED) (48.5%) mainly levetiracetam, epilepsy surgery (31.8%), or vagus nerve stimulation (13.6%). Treatment was homogeneous including anticonvulsant withdrawal (47%) or taper (25%); antipsychotics were initiated in the majority of cases (73%). Psychiatric symptoms were partially controlled in 35%, with complete resolution of symptoms in the remaining 65% of cases. The majority of patients (87%) with AED trigger and withdrawal presented complete resolution of symptoms in comparison to 28.5% of patients triggered by surgery.SignificanceForced normalization is an entity whose pathophysiology remains uncertain. Antipsychotic drug use does not predict complete resolution of psychiatric symptoms in comparison with AED withdrawal. Although there is a positive response to treatment in patients with FN triggered by drugs, the prognosis is obscure in patients with surgery triggered FN.
Topically injected adrenocorticotropic hormone induces mechanical hypersensitivity on a full‐thickness cutaneous wound model in rats
Authors: Goto Taichi , Nakagami Gojiro , Minematsu Takeo , Tomida Sanai , Shinoda Masamichi , Iwata Koichi , Sanada Hiromi 
Published: July 2019

AbstractCutaneous wound pain causes physical and psychological stress for patients with wounds. Previous studies reported that stress induces hyperalgesia and deteriorates wound healing. However, the effect of the stress response such as in hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis on local wound area is unclear. We aimed to investigate the effects of a stress response on the mechanical withdrawal threshold in the local wound area and describe the identification of a wound pain exacerbation. We topically injected adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) into the granulation tissue of full‐thickness cutaneous wound model rats on the fifth day postwounding and measured the mechanical withdrawal thresholds, cytochrome P450 2Bs levels and concentration of 5,6‐epoxyeicosatrienoic acid in wound exudate. We found that ACTH induced mechanical hypersensitivity at 4 and 6 hours after injection (P = .004 and .021, respectively), and increased gene expression of cytochrome P450 2B12 expression (P = .046). Concentration of 5,6‐EET in the wound exudate was moderately correlated with the mechanical withdrawal threshold (r = −.630). Finally, the mechanical withdrawal threshold in the 5,6‐EET group was significantly lower than that in the control group at 2 hours after the injection (P = .015). We propose that 5,6‐EET is one of the most promising contributors to the wound pain exacerbation. These findings could guide clinical wound and pain management.
The processes of public megaproject cost estimation: The inaccuracy of reference class forecasting
Authors: Themsen Tim Neerup 
Published: July 2019

AbstractGovernments worldwide are introducing “reference class forecasting” to improve the accuracy of megaproject cost estimation and thus ultimately the ability to deliver megaprojects on budget without altering the project specifications and/or changing the time schedule. In contrast to current findings, which show that reference class forecasting leads to more accurate project cost estimates by counteracting human cognitive and organizational biases, this article indicates the contrary, that reference class forecasting doesnotlead to more accurate cost estimates. The article theorizes that reference class forecasting fails to produce more accurate project cost estimates because estimates are always a relational network effect of human and nonhuman actors’ “biased” efforts to establish them. This finding challenges the existing literature by pointing to a more complex understanding of project cost estimation and biases. The finding is based on a longitudinal case study of a 23.6‐billion‐kroner Danish public megaproject, which failed to meet its objectives despite the application of reference class forecasting.
When calculative practices are no more: On the de‐accountingization of the operational level of a public sector agency
Authors: Holmgren Caicedo Mikael , Höglund Linda , Mårtensson Maria 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis study reports on an attempt to remove management accounting's calculative practices at the operational level of a Swedish Public Agency. Using a Habermasian perspective, the study shows how the agency has attempted to replace the previous accounting practice, which involved target setting, performance management and measurement with a new leadership philosophy, and accounting practices that aim at generalizing the individual's private interest toward organizational interests. The result is interpreted as an attempt to make the individual responsible for the welfare of the collective in which, in its absence, the kind of validity that accounting's calculative practices enable is very much present as a longing to soothe the anxiety and uncertainty brought about by the responsibility to lead oneself.
Burkholderia pseudomallei d‐alanine‐d‐alanine ligase; detailed characterisation and assessment of a potential antibiotic drug target
Authors: Díaz‐Sáez Laura , Torrie Leah S. , McElroy Stuart P. , Gray David , Hunter William N. 
Published: July 2019

Burkholderia pseudomallei is a serious, difficult to treat Gram‐negative pathogen and an increase in the occurrence of drug‐resistant strains has been detected. We have directed efforts to identify and to evaluate potential drug targets relevant to treatment of infection by B. pseudomallei. We have selected and characterised the essential enzyme d‐alanine‐d‐alanine ligase (BpDdl), required for the ATP‐assisted biosynthesis of a peptidoglycan precursor. A recombinant supply of protein supported high‐resolution crystallographic and biophysical studies with ligands (AMP and AMP+d‐Ala‐d‐Ala), and comparisons with orthologues enzymes suggest a ligand‐induced conformational change occurring that might be relevant to the catalytic cycle. The detailed biochemical characterisation of the enzyme, development and optimisation of ligand binding assays supported the search for novel inhibitors by screening of selected compound libraries. In a similar manner to that observed previously in other studies, we note a paucity of hits that are worth follow‐up and then in combination with a computational analysis of the active site, we conclude that this ligase represents a difficult target for drug discovery. Nevertheless, our reagents, protocols and data can underpin future efforts exploiting more diverse chemical libraries and structure‐based approaches.
Interactions between fisheries and cetaceans in the Thracian sea (Greece) and management proposals
Authors: Milani Cristina B. , Vella Adriana , Vidoris Pavlos , Christidis Aristidis , Kamidis Nikolaos , Leykaditou Eygenia 
Published: July 2019

AbstractGreek fisheries (purse seine, trawling and small‐scale coastal, by order of importance) mostly operate in the Thracian Sea, which despite its relatively small size relative to the Aegean Sea (≈4.4%) is the most productive region in Greek waters due to its elevated nutrient concentration. The Thracian Sea is also vital to several species of cetaceans, mainly bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus (Montagu), and common dolphin, Delphinus delphis L. The area has been proposed as a potential cetacean conservation hotspot. For this reason, the interactions between fishing activities and local cetacean populations have been investigated through reports of stranded dolphins, interviews with fishers, surveys and detailed dolphin stomach content analysis. Reports of stranded cetaceans and interviews with fishers revealed cases of cetacean entanglement in fishing nets, as well as frequent dolphin damage to fishing nets. Necropsy stomach analysis of stranded dolphins revealed a preference for fish and cephalopods of low commercial value, indicating a low trophic overlap between cetaceans and commercial fisheries. Recommendations for the management of fisheries–cetacean interactions in the Thracian Sea are provided.
Social determinants of the association among cerebrovascular disease, hearing loss and cognitive impairment in a middle‐aged or older population: Recurrent neural network analysis of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2014–2016)
Authors: Lee Kwang‐Sig , Park Kun Woo 
Published: July 2019

AimThe present study used a deep learning model (recurrent neural network) for testing: (i) whether social determinants are major determinants of the association among cerebrovascular disease, hearing loss and cognitive impairment in a middle‐aged or older population (hypothesis 1); and (ii) whether the association among the three diseases is very strong in the middle‐aged or older population (hypothesis 2).MethodsData came from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2014–2016), with 6060 participants aged ≥53 years. The association among the three diseases was divided into eight categories: one category for having no disease, three categories for having one disease, three categories for having two diseases and one category for having three diseases. Variable importance, the effect of a variable on model performance, was used for evaluating the two hypotheses. Hypothesis 1 was based on whether family support, socioeconomic status and social activity in the year 2014 were the top 10 determinants of the association in the year 2016. Hypothesis 2 was based on whether cerebrovascular disease, hearing loss and cognitive impairment in the year 2014 were the top five determinants of the association in the year 2016.ResultsBased on variable importance from the recurrent neural network, cerebrovascular disease (0.0386), cognitive impairment (0.0151) and hearing loss (0.0092) in 2014 were the top three determinants of the association in 2016. Children alive (0.0072), education (0.0049), income (0.0075), friendship activity (0.0042) and marriage (0.0036) in 2014 were the top 10 determinants of the association in 2016.ConclusionsThe findings of the present study support the two hypotheses, highlighting the importance of preventive measures, family support, socioeconomic status and friendship activity for managing the three diseases. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 711–716.
Comparison of non‐invasive liver reserve and fibrosis models: Implications for surgery and prognosis for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sonohara Fuminori , Yamada Suguru , Tanaka Nobutake , Tashiro Mitsuru , Sunagawa Yuki , Morimoto Daishi , Tanaka Haruyoshi , Takami Hideki , Hayashi Masamichi , Kanda Mitsuro , Tanaka Chie , Kobayashi Daisuke , Nakayama Goro , Koike Masahiko , Fujiwara Michitaka , Kodera Yasuhiro 
Published: July 2019

AimThis study aimed to assess the clinical utility of preoperative evaluation of liver fibrosis using platelet–albumin–bilirubin (PALBI) grade, Fibrosis‐4 index (FIB‐4), and aspartate transaminase‐to‐platelet ratio index (APRI) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and explore the clinical impact of these models with regard to perioperative risks and HCC prognosis.MethodsBetween January 2003 and December 2018, 305 consecutive patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC were enrolled.ResultsThe APRI showed the most robust diagnostic performance through each fibrosis stage among three models (PALBI, FIB‐4, and APRI): fibrosis stage 3 (f3), area under the curve [AUC] = 0.55, 0.72, and 0.76; and f4, AUC = 0.51, 0.71, and 0.76, respectively). In addition, survival analysis revealed that all three models were significantly associated with HCC prognosis. PALBI (grade 1 vs. 2, 3): recurrence‐free survival (RFS): median survival time (MST), 34 vs. 17 months, 0.007; overall survival (OS): MST, 115 vs. 68, 0.02. FIB‐4 (grade 1, 2 vs. 3): RFS: MST, 34 vs. 22, 0.004, OS: MST, 120 vs. 63, 0.0001. APRI (grade 1, 2 vs. 3), RFS: MST, 30 vs. 20, 0.0005; OS: MST, 107 vs. 55, 0.0003. Among three scoring systems, only PALBI grade was significantly associated with both operative time (median, 303 vs. 340 min, 0.01) and intraoperative blood loss (median, 581 vs. 859 mL, 0.03).ConclusionsThis study showed robust performances of selected liver reserve and fibrosis models to predict HCC prognosis. Of them, PALBI might be used for assessing perioperative risks for hepatectomy for HCC.
Rituximab as an adjuvant therapy for pemphigus: experience in 61 patients from a single center with long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Sharma Vinod K. , Gupta Vishal , Bhari Neetu , Singh Vishwajeet 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundRituximab is increasingly being used as an adjuvant treatment for recalcitrant or relapsed pemphigus, but information on its use as a first‐line agent is limited. We describe the long‐term effectiveness and safety of rituximab in the treatment of pemphigus and compare the treatment outcomes when rituximab is used as first‐line treatment vis‐à‐vis after treatment failure or relapse.MethodsThis was a retrospective review of 61 patients with pemphigus treated with rituximab at our center from March 2012 to October 2018.ResultsOf the 61 patients, 51 achieved complete remission (on or off treatment) and 10 had partial remission. Forty‐nine (80.33%) patients achieved complete remission off prednisolone over a mean period of 8.08 ± 4.45 (range 3–20) months. Seventeen (27.9%) patients relapsed after a mean period of 23.94 ± 13.15 months after first rituximab cycle and 15.97 + 13.7 months after stopping prednisolone. Treatment‐related serious adverse effects were noted in six (9.8%) patients. Eighteen (29.5%) patients were administered rituximab as the first‐line adjuvant, while 43 (70.5%) patients received it after treatment failure or relapse. In both groups, remission rates on prednisolone (88.9%, 81.4%) and off prednisolone (88.9%, 76.7%) were comparable (P > 0.05). Relapse rates in the group which received rituximab as first‐line treatment were about half of those who received rituximab after relapse or treatment failure (16.7% vs. 32.6%, P = 0.348). No statistically significant difference was seen in the times to different treatment endpoints (disease control, complete remission on and off prednisolone, and relapse) between the two groups.ConclusionsRituximab is a safe and effective adjuvant in the treatment of pemphigus. Treatment outcomes were better for patients who received rituximab as first‐line treatment, but the difference was not statistically significant.
High‐salt diet promotes crystal deposition through hypertension in Dahl salt‐sensitive rat model
Authors: Nakazawa Yusuke , Inoue Shinya , Nakamura Yuka , Iida Yasuo , Ishigaki Yasuhito , Miyazawa Katsuhito 
Published: July 2019

ObjectivesTo study the promotive effect of salt‐induced hypertension on crystal deposition and urolithiasis using a salt‐sensitive rat hypertension model.MethodsHyperoxaluria and hypercalciuria were induced in male Dahl salt‐sensitive rats with administration of ethylene glycol and alfacalcidol. Hypertension was induced by a high‐salt diet. Eplerenone, a selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, was given. Blood and urine were collected to evaluate renal function, electrolytes and the blood renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. Renal calcium content was also evaluated. Histological examination, transcriptome analysis with DNA microarray and semiquantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction were carried out.ResultsA high‐salt diet increased crystal deposition in Dahl salt‐sensitive rats with hypertension, and eplerenone administration significantly suppressed it. The mRNA expression profile was associated with crystal formation, growth, adhesion and cellular injury, and it was regulated in the group exposed to a high‐salt diet and ethylene glycol.ConclusionsA high‐salt diet has a promotive effect on salt‐sensitive hypertension and urolithiasis. This promotive effect can be prevented by eplerenone administration. Hence, salt‐sensitive hypertension has promotive effects on crystal deposition in Dahl salt‐sensitive rats.
Robot‐assisted single‐port radical prostatectomy: A phase 1 clinical study
Authors: Ng Chi‐Fai , Teoh Jeremy Yuen‐Chun , Chiu Peter Ka‐Fung , Yee Chi‐Hang , Chan Chi‐Kwok , Hou Simon See‐Ming , Kaouk Jihad , Chan Eddie Shu‐Yin 
Published: July 2019

ObjectiveTo investigate the safety and feasibility of robot‐assisted single‐port radical prostatectomy using the da Vinci single‐port surgical system.MethodsThis was a prospective phase 1 clinical study of prostate cancer patients undergoing robot‐assisted single‐port radical prostatectomy using the da Vinci single‐port surgical system. Primary outcome measures included the conversion rate and 30‐day complications after surgery. Secondary outcome measures included operative time, blood loss, hospital stay, duration of catheterization, final pathological outcomes and number of lymph nodes yielded at pelvic lymphadenectomy.ResultsFrom February to August 2017, 20 patients were included in the present study. The mean age was 67.7 ± 6.0 years. The mean preoperative prostate‐specific antigen level was 15.3 ± 11.3 ng/mL, and the mean prostate size was 36.6 ± 15.5 mL. Preoperatively, 12 (60%) patients had a Gleason score of 6, four (20%) had a Gleason score of 7 and four (20%) had a Gleason score of 8–10. The mean operative time was 208.9 ± 35.2 min, and the mean blood loss was 296.3 ± 220.7 mL. None of the patients required conversion. The mean hospital stay was 5.0 ± 1.7 days. Among the patients, six (15%) had T2a disease, one (5%) had T2b disease, seven (35%) had T2c disease and nine (45%) had T3a disease on final pathology. A mean number of 8.3 ± 7.1 lymph nodes were yielded at pelvic lymphadenectomy. There were no intraoperative complications. The observed postoperative complications were Clavien grade I–II, and all resolved with conservative management.ConclusionRobot‐assisted single‐port radical prostatectomy using the da Vinci surgical system is safe and technically feasible.