bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The utility of the combined use of 123I-FP-CIT SPECT and neuromelanin MRI in differentiating Parkinson's disease from other parkinsonian syndromes
Authors: Matsusue Eiji , Fujihara Yoshio , Tanaka Kenichiro , Aozasa Yuki , Shimoda Manabu , Nakayasu Hiroyuki , Nakamura Kazuhiko , Ogawa Toshihide 
Published: May 2018

Background Neuromelanin magnetic resonance imaging (NmMRI) and 123I-FP-CIT dopamine transporter single photon emission computed tomography (DAT-SPECT) provide specific information that distinguishes Parkinson's disease (PD) from non-degenerative parkinsonian syndrome (NDPS). Purpose To determine whether a multiparametric scoring system (MSS) could improve accuracy compared to each parameter of DAT-SPECT and NmMRI in differentiating PD from NDPS. Material and Methods A total of 49 patients, including 14 with NDPS, 30 with PD, and five with atypical parkinsonian disorder (APD) underwent both NmMRI and DAT-SPECT and were evaluated. The average (Ave) and the asymmetry index (AI) were calculated in the substantia nigra compacta area (SNc-area), SNc midbrain-tegmentum contrast ratio (SNc-CR), and specific binding ratio (SBR). Cut-off values were determined, using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, for the differentiation of PD from NDPS on the statistically significant parameters. All cases were scored as either 1 (PD) or 0 (NDPS) for each parameter according to its threshold. These individual scores were totaled for each case, yielding a combined score for each case to obtain a cut-off value for the MSS. Results The Ave-SNc-area, Ave-SNc-CR, and Ave-SBR in PD were significantly lower than those in NDPS. The AI-SNc-area and AI-SBR in PD were significantly higher than those in NDPS. Of the five parameters, the highest accuracy was 93% for the Ave-SNc-area. For the MSS, a cut-off value of 3 was the accuracy of 96%. Besides, no significant difference was observed between PD and APD on all parameters. Conclusion An MSS has comparable or better accuracy compared to each parameter of DAT-SPECT and NmMRI in distinguishing PD from NDPS.
Histogram analysis of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for differentiating malignant from benign orbital lymphproliferative disorders
Authors: Xu Xiao-Quan , Qian Wen , Hu Hao , Su Guo-Yi , Liu Hu , Shi Hai-Bin , Wu Fei-Yun 
Published: May 2018

Background Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) has been used for assessing orbital lymphoproliferative disorders (OLPDs). However, only the mean values of quantitative parameters were obtained in previous studies and tumor heterogeneity was ignored. Purpose To assess the value of DCE-MRI derived histogram parameters in differentiating malignant from benign OLPDs. Material and Methods Forty-eight OLPDs patients (25 malignant and 23 benign) who had undergone DCE-MRI for pre-treatment evaluation were retrospectively included. Histogram parameters of Ktrans, kep, and ve were calculated and compared between two groups using the independent sample’s t-test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to determine the diagnostic value of each significant parameter. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent predictors of malignant OLPDs. Results Tenth kep, mean kep, median kep, and 90th kep were significantly higher in the malignant OLPD group than in the benign OLPD group. Tenth ve was significantly lower in the malignant OLPD group than in the benign OLPD group. Ninetieth kep was the only independent predictor of malignant OLPDs ( P = 0.019), with an area under ROC curve of 0.828, a sensitivity of 92.00%, and a specificity of 78.26% at a cut-off value of 1.057 min−1. Conclusion Histogram analysis of DCE-MRI derived parameters may help to differentiate malignant from benign OLPDs. The 90th kep hold the potential as an independent predictor for malignant OLPDs.
Impact of CardioMEMS device placement on lifestyle modifications: a “pseudo-placebo” effect beyond the expected?
Authors: Assaad Mahmoud , Singh Robby , Sarsam Sinan , Bowen Abbie , Zughaib Marcel 
Published: May 2018

Introduction Congestive heart failure is a leading cause of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in the United States and places a significant economic burden on the health care system. The CHAMPION trial showed significant reductions in heart failure hospitalizations and length of stay as well as improvements in quality of life among patients who underwent implantation of the CardioMEMS device (CardioMEMS Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA). While the benefits of the device have been well demonstrated, we explored the “pseudo-placebo” effect of device placement on patients’ lifestyle modifications. Methods Thirty patients with the CardioMEMS device were contacted for a follow-up survey that included questions about lifestyle modifications, symptomatic and dietary improvement, increased physical activity, and changes in their cardiac medication regimen. Results Dyspnea improved in 57% of patients, 70% of patients improved their diet, and 43% increased their physical activity. Only 7% of patients found it difficult to transmit the data. Discussion The CHAMPION trial showed numerous benefits for patients who underwent CardioMEMS device placement. In our study, we found that device placement also resulted in a “pseudo-placebo” effect with most patients making positive lifestyle modifications.
Recovery from anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy with biventricular assist and valve repairs: A case report and literature review
Authors: Takami Yoshiyuki , Hoshino Naoki , Kato Yasuchika , Sakurai Yusuke , Amano Kentaro , Higuchi Yoshiro , Tochii Masato , Ishida Michiko , Ishikawa Hiroshi , Takagi Yasushi , Ozaki Yukio 
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Ventricular assist device is used in the patients with severe heart failure due to cardiotoxicity of anthracyclines, which are widely used chemotherapeutic agents for a wide range of malignant tumors. However, recovery of cardiac function is rare. Methods: We present the clinical course of a 43-year-old woman in remission from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after the chemotherapy including anthracyclines, who presented in cardiogenic shock 8 months after the end of chemotherapy. Results: The patient was initially treated with intra-aortic balloon pumping, followed by conversion to left ventricular assist device with an Abiomed AB5000 (Abiomed, Inc, Danvers, MA) and right ventricular assist device with a centrifugal pump and a membrane oxygenator, in addition to tricuspid annuloplasty, due to rapid deterioration to cardiogenic shock. With intensive medical treatments during biventricular support, her cardiac and respiratory functions gradually improved, although moderate mitral regurgitation persisted despite of left ventricular unloading. At 64 days of biventricular support, she underwent mitral valve annuloplasty to correct regurgitation under cardiopulmonary bypass. She was consequently weaned from biventricular assist successfully 8 days after mitral surgery (72 days of biventricular support). The patient discharged uneventfully from our hospital and survives at home 12 months after weaning from the ventricular assist devices. Conclusion: Our case and the literature review highlight potential usefulness of aggressive mechanical biventricular support for cardiac recovery in patients with anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy. Additional valve surgery and neurohormonal medications may be also promising in such patients with cancer, who are contraindicated for heart transplantation.
Volume status and arterial blood pressures are associated with arterial stiffness in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Erdan Alper , Ozkok Abdullah , Alpay Nadir , Akkaya Vakur , Yildiz Alaattin 
Published: May 2018

Background: Arterial stiffness is a strong predictor of mortality in hemodialysis patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate possible relations of arterial stiffness with volume status determined by bioimpedance analysis and aortic blood pressure parameters. Also, effects of a single hemodialysis session on these parameters were studied. Methods: A total of 75 hemodialysis patients (M/F: 43/32; mean age: 53 ± 17) were enrolled. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, and aortic pulse pressure were measured by applanation tonometry before and after hemodialysis. Extracellular fluid and total body fluid volumes were determined by bioimpedance analysis. Results: Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (9.30 ± 3.30 vs 7.59 ± 2.66 m/s, p < 0.001), augmentation index (24.52 ± 9.42 vs 20.28 ± 10.19, p < 0.001), and aortic pulse pressure (38 ± 14 vs 29 ± 8 mmHg, p < 0.001) significantly decreased after hemodialysis. Pre-dialysis carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity was associated with age (r2 = 0.15, p = 0.01), total cholesterol (r2 = 0.06, p = 0.02), peripheral mean blood pressure (r2 = 0.10, p = 0.005), aortic-mean blood pressure (r2 = 0.06, p = 0.02), aortic pulse pressure (r2 = 0.14, p = 0.001), and extracellular fluid/total body fluid (r2 = 0.30, p < 0.0001). Pre-dialysis augmentation index was associated with total cholesterol (r2 = 0.06, p = 0,02), aortic-mean blood pressure (r2 = 0.16, p < 0.001), and aortic pulse pressure (r2 = 0.22, p < 0.001). Δcarotid-femoral pulse wave velocity was associated with Δaortic-mean blood pressure (r2 = 0.06, p = 0.02) and inversely correlated with baseline carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (r2 = 0.29, p < 0.001). Pre-dialysis Δaugmentation index was significantly associated with Δaortic-mean blood pressure (r2 = 0.09, p = 0.009) and Δaortic pulse pressure (r2 = 0.06, p = 0.03) and inversely associated with baseline augmentation index (r2 = 0.14, p = 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis (adjusted R2 = 0.46, p < 0.001) to determine the factors predicting Log carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, extracellular fluid/total body fluid and peripheral mean blood pressure significantly predicted Log carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (p = 0.001 and p = 0.006, respectively). Conclusion: Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, and aortic pulse pressure significantly decreased after hemodialysis. Arterial stiffness was associated with both peripheral and aortic blood pressure. Furthermore, reduction in arterial stiffness parameters was related to reduction in aortic blood pressure. Pre-dialysis carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity was associated with volume status determined by bioimpedance analysis. Volume control may improve not only the aortic blood pressure measurements but also arterial stiffness in hemodialysis patients.
Less than 7 hours of sleep per night is associated with transitioning to systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Young K A , Munroe M E , Harley J B , Guthridge J M , Kamen D L , Gilkensen G S , Weisman M H , Karp D R , Wallace D J , James J A , Norris J M 
Published: May 2018

Background The role of sleep in the etiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has not been well studied. We examined whether sleep duration was associated with subsequent transitioning to SLE in individuals at risk for SLE. Methods Four hundred and thirty-six relatives of SLE patients who did not have SLE themselves at baseline were evaluated again an average of 6.3 (± 3.9) years later. Fifty-six individuals transitioned to SLE (≥ 4 cumulative American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria). Sleep duration, medication use and medical history were assessed by questionnaire; ACR criteria were confirmed by medical record review. Vitamin D was measured by ELISA. Generalized estimating equations, accounting for correlation within families, assessed associations between baseline sleep and the outcome of transitioning to SLE. Results Reporting sleeping less than 7 hours per night at baseline was more common in those who subsequently transitioned than those who did not transition to SLE (55% versus 32%, p = 0.0005; OR: 2.8, 95% CI 1.6–4.9). Those who transitioned to SLE were more likely to sleep less than 7 hours per night than those who did not transition to SLE adjusting for age, sex and race (OR: 2.8, 95% CI 1.6–5.1). This association remained after individual adjustment for conditions and early symptoms that could affect sleep, including prednisone use, vitamin D deficiency and number of ACR criteria (OR: 2.0, 95% CI 1.1–4.2). Conclusion Lack of sleep may be associated with transitioning to SLE, independent of early clinical manifestations of SLE that may influence sleep duration. Further evaluation of sleeping patterns and biomarkers in at-risk individuals is warranted.
Change in quality of malnutrition surveys between 1986 and 2015
Authors: Grellety Emmanuel , Golden Michael H. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Background
Representative surveys collecting weight, height and MUAC are used to estimate the prevalence of acute malnutrition. The results are then used to assess the scale of malnutrition in a population and type of nutritional intervention required. There have been changes in methodology over recent decades; the objective of this study was to determine if these have resulted in higher quality surveys.

Methods
In order to examine the change in reliability of such surveys we have analysed the statistical distributions of the derived anthropometric parameters from 1843 surveys conducted by 19 agencies between 1986 and 2015.

Results
With the introduction of standardised guidelines and software by 2003 and their more general application from 2007 the mean standard deviation, kurtosis and skewness of the parameters used to assess nutritional status have each moved to now approximate the distribution of the WHO standards when the exclusion of outliers from analysis is based upon SMART flagging procedure. Where WHO flags, that only exclude data incompatible with life, are used the quality of anthropometric surveys has improved and the results now approach those seen with SMART flags and the WHO standards distribution. Agencies vary in their uptake and adherence to standard guidelines. Those agencies that fully implement the guidelines achieve the most consistently reliable results.

Conclusions
Standard methods should be universally used to produce reliable data and tests of data quality and SMART type flagging procedures should be applied and reported to ensure that the data are credible and therefore inform appropriate intervention. Use of SMART guidelines has coincided with reliable anthropometric data since 2007.
ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF AGASTACHE AURANTIACA ESSENTIAL OILS
Authors: Коваленко (Kovalenko) Наталья (Natal'ja) Александровна (Aleksandrovna) , Супиченко (Supichenko) Галина (Galina) Николаевна (Nikolaevna) , Ахрамович (Ahramovich) Татьяна (Tat'jana) Игоревна (Igorevna) , Шутова (Shutova) Анна (Anna) Геннадьевна (Gennad'evna) , Леонтьев (Leontiev) Виктор (Viktor) Николаевич (Nikolaevich) 
Published: May 2018

The essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation method from plants of three varieties Agastache aurantiaca, cultivated on the Republic of Belarus were investigated. Some morphobiometric parameters of plants 'Tango', 'Apricot Sprite' and 'Fragrant Delight' and oil yields were determined. Using the technique of gas-liquid chromatography essential oil components were identified and determined. The main components of the essential oil from 'Tango' and 'Fragrant Delight' plants were menton (~ 53 and ~ 65 v/v % respectively) and pulegon (~ 36 and ~ 25 v/v % respectively). The samples of 'Apricot' Sprite' essential oil were rich in isomentone (~ 46 v/v %) and pulegon (~ 41 v/v %). All tested essential oils contained (+)-menton and (+)-pulegon enantiomeric forms only. The antibacterial activity of dimethylsulfoxide and ethanolic essential oil solutions against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella alony, Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium sp., Escherichia coli Hfr H, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was proved. Ethanol solutions of essential oils at the concentrations 0.001–0.1 v/v % had significant bactericidal activity. A correlation between the composition of the essential oil and their antibacterial properties was established.
An investigation of university students’ family evaluations, loneliness and hopelessness<p>Üniversite öğrencilerinin ailelerini değerlendirme, yalnızlık ve umutsuzluklarının incelenmesi
Authors: Sezer Özcan 
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this study is to reveal the power of the family environment, the loneliness and despair experienced by university students.Participants in the survey are students who continue to the Inönü University Faculty of Education.The study was conducted with a total of 833 students, 487 female and 346 male.The Family Assessment Scale, Loneliness Scale and Hopelessness Scale were used to collect the research data. Pearson Moments Multiplication Correlation Coefficient and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis were used in the analysis of the data in the study.According to the findings obtained, there was no significant difference in the loneliness level of the students compared to the genders but it was found that the hopelessness levels of the male students were significantly higher than the female students. In the students, the role and behavioral control of family environments predicted loneliness in a meaningful level;problem-solving, communication, emotional response, required attention, and general functions are not predicter of them. In addition, problem solving, roles and general functions in students lead to a meaningful level of hopelessness; communication, emotional response, necessary attention and behavioral control are not sought at a meaningful level. Extended English summary is in the end of Full Text PDF (TURKISH) file. ÖzetBu çalışmanın amacı üniversite öğrencilerinin geldiği aile ortamlarının, yaşadığı yalnızlık ve umutsuzluğunu yordama gücünü ortaya koymaktır. Araştırmaya katılanlar İnönü Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesine devam eden öğrencilerdir. Araştırma 487’si kız, 346’sı erkek olmak üzere toplam 833 öğrenci ile yürütülmüştür. Araştırma verilerini toplamak için Aile Değerlendirme Ölçeği, Yalnızlık Ölçeği ve Umutsuzluk Ölçeği kullanılmıştır. Araştırmada verilerin analizinde Pearson Momentler Çarpımı Korelasyon Katsayısı ve Çoklu Doğrusal Regresyon Analizi kullanılmıştır. Elde edilen bulgulara göre öğrencilerin yalnızlık düzeylerinde cinsiyetlerine göre anlamlı bir fark olmadığı, ancak erkek öğrencilerin umutsuzluk düzeylerinin kız öğrencilere göre anlamlı düzeyde daha yüksek olduğu görülmüştür. Öğrencilerde aile ortamları ile ilgili roller ve davranış kontrolü yalnızlığı anlamlı bir düzede yordarken; problem çözme, iletişim, duygusal tepki verebilme, gereken ilgiyi gösterme ve genel işlevler anlamlı düzeyde yordamamaktadır. Ayrıca öğrencilerde problem çözme, roller ve genel işlevler umutsuzluğu anlamlı bir düzeyde yordarken; iletişim, duygusal tepki verebilme, gereken ilgiyi gösterme ve davranış kontrolü umutsuzluğu anlamlı bir düzeyde yordamamaktadır.
Increased frequency of MEFV genes in patients with epigastric pain syndrome
Authors: Coskun BD , Kiraz A , Sevinc E , Baspinar O , Cakmak E 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Atypical clinical forms of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) can be misdiagnosed as therapy-resistant epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) for they share many of the same clinical features, such as abdominal pain. Thus, we aimed to determined the frequency of FMF in patients who were followed with a diagnosis of therapy-resistant EPS. Seventy-five patients with therapy-resistant EPS and 20 controls were involved in the study. To detect the FMF in patients with therapy-resistant EPS, Tel-Hashomer criteria, family history of FMF were researched and recorded. We performed performed MEFV gene analysis on all patients. Forty-three patients with EPS (57.3%) had MEFV gene mutations and the carrier rate was 30.0%. The most common MEFV gene alteration was R202Q (55.8%), followed by E148Q (16.2%), R761H (16.2%), V726A (9.3%), M680I (9.3%) and M694V (4.6%). Rarely seen mutations in the Turkish population were also identified: K695R (2.3%), L110P (2.3%) and G304R (2.3%). Eight patients with EPS were diagnosed with FMF and started on colchicine therapy. Three patients with compound heterozygosities for three mutations, two patients with compound heterozygosities for two mutations (K695R/ V726A and R202Q/ R761H), one patient with homozygous R202Q, one patient with heterozygous R202Q mutation and one patient with non- R202Q heterozygous mutation (G304R/–) had clinical FMF symptoms and were started on colchicine therapy. Patients who have therapy-resistant EPS should also be questioned about FMF, especially in high risk populations.
Association between Osteoprotegerin gene polymorphisms and risk of coronary artery disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jia P , Wu N , Jia D , Sun Y 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Osteoprotegerin (OPG) has been demonstrated to be a novel biomarker for predicting prevalence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Furthermore, recent studies have shown that OPG gene polymorphisms are associated with a susceptibility to CAD. However, published studies showed inconsistent results. Therefore, a meta-analysis of eligible studies reporting the association between OPG gene polymorphisms and CAD was carried out. A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Chinese Wan Fang databases. Odds ratio (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated. Overall, six eligible studies were included and four OPG gene polymorphisms (G209A, T245G, T950C and G1181C) were further evaluated for the association with susceptibility to CAD in this meta-analysis. Meta-analysis showed that G1181C and T950C polymorphisms were strongly associated with the risk of CAD, but no association existed between G209A and T245G polymorphisms and the risk of CAD. In conclusion, our meta-analysis is the first report to estimate the association between OPG gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to CAD. Further large scale case-control studies with rigorous design should be conducted to confirm the above conclusions in the future.
Association of placenta previa with a history of previous Cesarian deliveries and indications for a possible role of a genetic component
Authors: Matalliotakis M , Velegrakis A , Goulielmos GN , Niraki E , Patelarou AE , Matalliotakis I 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
A prior Cesaria section (C-section) is an important risk factor that leads to endometrial damage and abnormal implantation of the placenta. Our retrospective study aims to correlate the frequency of placenta previa to previous C-sections, to determine the effect of male gender in this condition and to evaluate further the maternal outcome. Seventy-six cases with placenta previa were selected out of 5200 live births. Diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasound and in the operating theater. In the 76 women examined, we found 50 cases with a history of a previous C-section (66.0%) and 49 male offspring (65.0%) (p <0.001), with a mean birth weight of 2635 ± 740 g. Of all these patients, six (8.0%) cases developed placenta percreta, seven (9.0%) were transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU), 14 (18.0%) women needed blood transfusion and eight (11.0%) underwent hysterectomy. The results of our series show a strong correlation of placenta previa to a history of previous C-sections and a predominance of male fetuses. Early recognition and proper monitoring could minimize the possibility of a poor outcome.