bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monoamine Oxidase and Other Mitochondrial Enzymes in Density Subpopulations of Human Platelets
Authors: Chamberlain K G , Penington D G 
Published: April 2018

SummaryNormal human platelets have been separated according to density on continuous Percoll gradients and the platelet distribution divided into five fractions containing approximately equal numbers of platelets. The mean volumes and protein contents of the platelets in each fraction were found to correlate positively with density while the protein concentration did not differ significantly between the fractions. Four mitochondrial enzymes (monoamine oxidase, glutamate dehydrogenase, cytochrome oxidase and NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase) were assayed and their activities per unit volume were found to increase in a very similar monotonie fashion with platelet density. When MAO and GDH were assayed on the same set of density fractions the correlation between the two activities was very high (r = 0.94–1.00, p <0.001) and a similar close correlation was found between MAO and ICDH. The results support the hypothesis that high density platelets either have a higher concentration of mitochondria or have larger mitochondria than low density platelets.
The Effect of Hypoxia on Platelet Survival and Site of Sequestration in the Newborn Rabbit
Authors: Castle Valerie , Coates Geoffrey , Mitchell Lesley G , O’Brodovich Hugh , Andrew Maureen 
Published: April 2018

SummaryThrombocytopenia occurs frequently in sick neonates that have experienced perinatal asphyxia. This study investigated the effect of one component of asphyxia, hypoxia, on platelet life-span and site of sequestration. 11 indium oxine platelet survivals with scintigraphic imaging were performed in newborn and adult rabbits exposed to room air (normoxia) or following exposure to a 15 minute, severe hypoxic insult (FjOa = 0.05). Platelet survivals in normoxic adults (n = 27) and newborn rabbits (n = 11) were similar (60 ± 3.9 hr vs 64 ± 8.0 hr, m ± SEM). Inhalation of 5% oxygen for 15 minutes was not associated with an acidemia and did not produce thrombocytopenia but significantly shortened the platelet survival to 34 ± 3 hr in the adult (n = 18) and 38 ± 3 hr in the newborn rabbit (n = 7). Postmortem measurement of the sites of mIn-platelet accumulation showed that under normoxic conditions the platelets accumulated in the liver and spleen (23 ±4.3% and 8 ± 1.0% of the total body counts) in the adult with even greater accumulation in the liver (58 ± 6.8%) and spleen (19 ± 4.9%) of the newborn (p <0.001). The latter observation was likely due to the relatively increased size of the liver and spleen in the newborn compared to the adult. Hypoxia did not alter the site of platelet sequestration in adults or newborns. Our results suggest that the newborn has the same platelet survival as the adult and that acute, severe hypoxia significantly shortens the survival of platelets in both groups. Although the sites of sequestration are qualitatively the same in the newborn, there is greater sequestration in the liver and spleen when compared to the adult.
Identity of Saturable Calcium-Binding Sites on Blood Platelets and Their Involvement in Platelet Aggregation
Authors: Johnston Geoffrey I , Heptinstall Stanley 
Published: April 2018

SummaryExtracellular Ca2+ ions are required for platelet aggregation and we show that they enter two platelet pools. One pool is rapidly filled and easily displaced by EGTA. The second is filled more slowly and is not displaced by EGTA. The EGTA-displaceable pool is believed to be surface-located and was found to contain at least one class of saturable binding sites as well as a class of non-saturable binding sites. The saturable sites were found to be highly selective for Ca2+ (dissociation constant, 3.5 × IO−7 M) even in the presence of 1 mM Mg2+ ions, and they took up between 261,000 and 307,000 Ca2+ ions/platelet. Full occupancy of the saturable binding sites appeared to be necessary for platelet aggregation to proceed. We also studied platelets that were unable to aggregate normally, either due to the congenital bleeding disorder Glanzmann’s thrombastenia or due to experimental manipulation. In both cases wc found decreased Ca2+uptake specifically by the saturable Ca2+ binding sites, and that this was associated with decreased number of GP IIb/IIIa molecules expressed on these platelets. We suggest that the Ca2+binding sites involved in platelet aggregation are located on the GP Ilb/IIIa complexes and may be involved in holding the glycoproteins in the complex together, and that the binding sites need to be fully occupied before aggregation can proceed.
Preoperative Identification of Patients at High Risk of Deep Venous Thrombosis Despite Prophylaxis in Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Rocha E , Alfaro M J , Páramo J A , Cañadell J M 
Published: April 2018

SummaryClinical and laboratory variables were measured on the day before operation in 111 patients who underwent total hip replacement prophylactically treated with acetylsalicilic acid or heparin-dihydroergotamine. Postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was deteced in 16 patients by ascending venography. Stepwise logistic discriminant analysis was used to identify DVT predicting factors. Three such factors, fibrinogen degradation products (FDP), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PA-inhibitor) and tissue type plasminogen activator (t-PA), were found to be significantly associated with DVT and were used to construct a predictive index. The predictive index, I = —2.09 + 0.46 (FDP) +1.39 (PA-inhibitor)-0.24 (t-PA), was 100% sensitive and 95% specific in the prediction of DVT. This index would allow for identification of those patients in whom routine prophylaxis would be sufficient and for selecting those in whom more effective prophylactic regimens would be necessary.
Mild Haemostatic Problems Associated with Congenital Heterozygous α2-Antiplasmin Deficiency
Authors: Leebeek F W G , Stibbe J , Knot E A R , Kluft C , Gomes M J , Beudeker M 
Published: April 2018

SummaryA Dutch family, of which 13 members are heterozygotes, deficient for α2-antiplasmin (α2-AP) is reported. Clinical studies showed that 2 heterozygotes had a mild bleeding tendency, which presented as bleeding episodes after tooth extraction and after surgery and, in one patient, also as excessive menstruation. Laboratory investigations revealed an α2-AP activity of 62% (51-71) (median and range) and an antigen level of 60% (60-66). The plasminogen binding as well as the fibrin binding properties of α2-AP were normal. Plasminogen concentrations were significantly higher in the heterozygotes compared to the other family members. However, free plasminogen not bound to histidine-rich glycoprotein was not significantly different between these two groups. We propose that in this family the deficiency of α2-AP is due to a decreased synthesis of a normal α2-AP molecule. This present study brings the frequency of heterozygous α2-AP deficient patients with a bleeding tendency to 13 out of 59 heterozygotes reported in the literature.
Evaluation of a new stent for EUS-guided pancreatic duct drainage: long-term follow-up outcome
Authors: Matsunami Yukitoshi , Itoi Takao , Sofuni Atsushi , Tsuchiya Takayoshi , Kamada Kentaro , Tanaka Reina , Tonozuka Ryosuke , Honjo Mitsuyoshi , Mukai Shuntaro , Fujita Mitsuru , Yamamoto Kenjiro , Asai Yasutsugu , Kurosawa Takashi , Tachibana Shingo , Nagakawa Yuichi 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background and study aims Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided pancreatic duct drainage (EUS-PD) has been reported as an alternative for failed conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, there are few dedicated devices for EUS-PD. Recently, we have developed a new plastic stent dedicated to EUS-PD and have conducted a feasibility study to evaluate its efficacy. In the current study, we evaluated the long-term efficacy of this new plastic stent.
Patients and methods Thirty patients (61 ± 14.3 years old, 14 men) with acute recurrent pancreatitis caused by a stricture in the main pancreatic duct (MPD) or stenotic pancreatoenterostomy were treated at our institution using our recently developed 7Fr plastic stent between August 2013 and April 2017.
Results The stent was placed successfully in all patients (30/30) and early clinical success was achieved in all of them. Early adverse events (AEs) occurred in seven patients (23.3 %), namely, self-limited abdominal pain (n = 5), mild pancreatitis (n = 1), and bleeding which required transcatheter arterial embolization (n = 1). Two patients died of primary disease and three were lost to follow-up. The remaining 25 patients were followed up after initial EUS-PD for a median of 23 months (range, 6 – 44 months). Twenty patients required regular stent exchange (3 times; range, 1 – 12 times). Spontaneous stent dislodgement was observed in six patients. Four patients wanted their stents removed 1 year after the initial intervention. Twelve patients (48 %) had regular stent exchange 1 year after the initial intervention. Three patients converted to standard transpapillary pancreatic duct stenting by conventional ERCP. Finally, nine patients (36 %) had complete stent removal either intentionally or by spontaneous dislodgement without any symptoms.
Conclusion The new plastic stent for EUS-PD was associated with not only short-term technical success but also long-term clinical success in the majority of patients evaluated in this study.
12-Year Outcomes of Microkeratome-Assisted Anterior Lamellar Therapeutic Keratoplasty (ALTK) for Disorders of the Anterior Part of the Corneal Stroma – A Comparative Review of Adult and Children
Authors: Guber Ivo , Bergin Ciara , Othenin-Girard Philippe , Munier Francis , Majo François 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Purpose To report the visual outcomes and complications of automated anterior lamellar therapeutic keratoplasty (ALTK) in adults and children, and to examine these outcomes as a function of age and etiology.
Methods A consecutive series of cases undergoing automated ALTK procedures performed at the Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital Lausanne, Switzerland, between June 2003 and January 2015. Only patients with at least 3 months of follow-up were included.
Results There were 53 eyes (24 right) of 51 patients (17 female, 16 juvenile), with a mean age of 34.8 years (range from 3 months to 88 years), analyzed. The mean follow-up was 35 (± 26) months. Diagnosis in the adult (n = 37) vs. juvenile (n = 16) eyes was different: opacity following surgical complication 8 vs. 0, congenital 1 vs. 1, dystrophy 5 vs. 2, infection 12 vs. 5, keratectasia 3 vs. 0, trauma 7 vs. 0, tumor 1 vs. 3, and allergy 0 vs. 5. Visual impairment as a consequence of corneal scarring was the principle indication for surgery in both adult (70%; 26) and juvenile eyes (63%; 10); other indications were choristoma, dermoid, other tumors, astigmatism, and congenital opacity. In adult vs. juvenile eyes, the mean visual acuity (spectacle and contact lenses) was, at last visit, 0.55 vs. 0.45 LogMAR (p = 0.78), with a range of 100% to hand movements. Failure occurred in 6 (16%) vs. 2 (13%) cases and complications were observed in 14 (38%) vs. 9 (56%) cases, however, more surgical revision was required in juvenile eyes, 4 (11%) vs. 7 (43%) (p = 0.01, Fisher test).
Conclusions This study shows that anterior lamellar keratoplasty in children retains good visual function when combined with adequate amblyopic therapy. However, the rate of complications is higher in juveniles and requires more intensive interdisciplinary follow-up.
Partisan follow-ups
Authors: Fukushima Tatsuya 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
This study examines patterns of demand statement distribution in newspaper editorials during the 2013 Japanese House of Councillors (i.e., Upper House) election in anticipation that their ideological slant will become salient in the skewed patterns of certain linguistic forms. Distribution patterns in this study contradict the predictions inferable from the ideological slant of newspapers. In particular, this study finds that a conservative newspaper distributes its demands equally at both sides of the political spectrum. However, this study finds that this newspaper frequently – and exclusively – employs partisan follow-ups (wherein a demand statement directed at all parties or candidates is followed by an example of concrete action/inaction by a certain party) in an implicit attempt to express its view in favor of the ruling coalition of conservative parties.
Urine Antigen Detection as an Aid to Diagnose Invasive Aspergillosis
Authors: Marr Kieren A , Datta Kausik , Mehta Seema , Ostrander Darin B , Rock Michelle , Francis Jesse , Feldmesser Marta 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Background
Establishing rapid diagnoses of invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a priority tests that detect galactomannan and β-d-glucan are available, but are technically cumbersome and rely on invasive sampling (blood or bronchoalveolar lavage).

Methods
We optimized a lateral flow dipstick assay using the galactofuranose-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb476), which recognizes urine antigens after Aspergillus fumigatus pulmonary infection in animals. Urine samples were obtained from a cohort of 78 subjects undergoing evaluation for suspected invasive fungal infections, and stored frozen until testing. Urine was processed by centrifugation through desalting columns and exposed to dipsticks. Reviewers blinded to clinical diagnoses graded results. Western blots were performed on urine samples from 2 subjects to characterize mAb476-reactive antigens.

Results
Per-patient sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of proven or probable IA in the overall cohort was 80% (95% confidence interval [CI], 61.4%–92.3%) and 92% (95% CI, 74%–99%), respectively. In the subgroup with cancer, sensitivity was 89.5% (95% CI, 66.7%–98.7%) and specificity was 90.9% (95% CI, 58.7%–99.8%); among all others, sensitivity and specificity were 63.6% (95% CI, 30.8%–89.1%) and 92.9% (95% CI, 66.1%–99.8%), respectively. Eliminating lung transplant recipients with airway disease increased sensitivity in the noncancer cohort (85.7% [95% CI, 42.1%–99.6%]). Semiquantitative urine assay results correlated with serum galactomannan indices. Western blots demonstrated mAb476-reactive antigens in urine from cases, ranging between 26 kDa and 35 kDa in size.

Conclusions
Urine testing using mAb476 may be used as an aid to diagnose IA in high-risk patients.
The ups and downs of S. aureus nasal carriage
Authors: Jarrett Angela M , Cogan Nicholas G 
Published: April 2018

AbstractStaphylococcus aureus infections are a growing concern worldwide due to the increasing number of strains that exhibit antibiotic resistance. Recent studies have indicated that some percentage of people carry the bacteria in the nasal cavity and therefore are at a higher risk of subsequent, and more serious, infections in other parts of the body. However, individuals carrying the infection can be classified as only intermittent carriers versus persistent carriers, being able to eliminate the bacteria and later colonized again. Using a model of bacterial colonization of the anterior nares, we investigate oscillatory patterns related to intermittent carriage of S. aureus. Following several studies using global sensitivity analysis techniques, various insights into the model’s behaviour were made including interacting effects of the bacteria’s growth rate and movement in the mucus, suggesting parameter connections associated with biofilm-like behaviour. Here the bacterial growth rate and bacterial movement are explicitly connected, leading to expanded oscillatory behaviour in the model. We suggest possible implications that this oscillatory behaviour can have on the definition of intermittent carriage and discuss differences in the bacterial virulence dependent upon individual host health. Furthermore, we show that connecting the bacterial growth and movement also expands the region of the parameter space for which the bacteria are able to survive and persist.
Tire Tracks and Integrable Curve Evolution
Authors: Bor Gil , Levi Mark , Perline Ron , Tabachnikov Sergei 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
We study a simple model of bicycle motion: a segment of fixed length in multi-dimensional Euclidean space, moving so that the velocity of the rear end is always aligned with the segment. If the front track is prescribed, the trajectory of the rear wheel is uniquely determined via a certain first order differential equation—the bicycle equation. The same model, in dimension two, describes another mechanical device, the hatchet planimeter. Here is a sampler of our results. We express the linearized flow of the bicycle equation in terms of the geometry of the rear track; in dimension three, for closed front and rear tracks, this is a version of the Berry phase formula. We show that in all dimensions a sufficiently long bicycle also serves as a planimeter: it measures, approximately, the area bivector defined by the closed front track. We prove that the bicycle equation also describes rolling, without slipping and twisting, of hyperbolic space along Euclidean space. We relate the bicycle problem with two completely integrable systems: the Ablowitz, Kaup, Newell, and Segur (AKNS) system and the vortex filament equation. We show that “bicycle correspondence” of space curves (front tracks sharing a common back track) is a special case of a Darboux transformation associated with the AKNS system. We show that the filament hierarchy, encoded as a single generating equation, describes a three-dimensional bike of imaginary length. We show that a series of examples of “ambiguous” closed bicycle curves (front tracks admitting self bicycle correspondence), found recently F. Wegner, are buckled rings, or solitons of the planar filament equation. As a case study, we give a detailed analysis of such curves, arising from bicycle correspondence with multiply traversed circles.
BRAF V600 Mutation and BRAF Kinase Inhibitors in Conjunction With Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Intracranial Melanoma Metastases: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Mastorakos Panagiotis , Xu Zhiyuan , Yu James , Hess Judith , Qian Jack , Chatrath Ajay , Taylor Davis G , Kondziolka Douglas , Warnick Ronald , Chiang Veronica , Sheehan Jason 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The BRAF mutation has been identified as a potent target for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) have demonstrated promising results against melanoma brain metastases (BM).

OBJECTIVE
To further investigate the effectiveness of this combined treatment regimen.

METHODS
In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, 198 patients with known BRAF mutation status and treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) between 2011 and 2015 were identified. Kaplan–Meier methodology and multivariate regression analysis was then used to compare survival based on each parameter.

RESULTS
The median survival after the diagnosis of BM in patients with BRAF mutation who received BRAFi was increased compared to survival in patients with wild-type BRAF (BRAF wt). In multivariate analysis, the BRAF mutation was an independent, positive prognostic factor with a hazard ratio of 0.59. BRAF mutated Patients who received BRAFi following SRS had improved survival compared to patients who received it before (P < .001) or concurrently (P = .007). PD-1 inhibitors improved survival, with more pronounced effect in patients not carrying the BRAF mutation. Among the patients who were treated with BRAFi, 10.4% developed intracerebral hematoma (ICH), in comparison to 3% of patients who were not treated with BRAFi (P = .03).

CONCLUSION
In the setting of widespread use of BRAFi, the presence of a BRAF mutation is an independent predictor of better prognosis in patients with melanoma BM that underwent SRS. The effect of BRAFi is optimal when treatment is initiated at least 1 wk following SRS. BRAFi may increase the frequency of asymptomatic ICH.
Pediatric Pituitary Adenomas: Early and Long-Term Surgical Outcome in a Series of 85 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Barzaghi Lina Raffaella , Losa Marco , Capitanio Jody Filippo , Albano Luigi , Weber Giovanna , Mortini Pietro 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Young age has been reported as a negative prognostic factor for pituitary adenomas (PAs). They are very uncommon in children and adolescents; therefore, surgical outcomes are poorly described.

OBJECTIVE
To report results of microsurgical transsphenoidal approach (MTSA) in pediatric PAs.

METHODS
The study retrospectively analyzed 3040 PAs treated in our institute, according to the adenoma subtype and then divided into pediatric (≤18 yr) and adult groups (>18 yr). The average follow-up after surgery was 58 mo (n = 2906).

RESULTS
In the pediatric group, the majority of adenomas were hormone-secreting (89.5%) with a female sex prevalence (78%) in prolactinomas and nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs); the maximum diameter of growth hormone (GH)-secreting adenomas was greater (28.1 ± 4.1 mm) than in adults (18 ± 0.3 mm, P = .002). Surgical remission rate at 6 mo was similar in both groups for all adenoma subtypes: 72.1% and 76% in pediatric and adult Cushing's disease, 69.3% and 59.3% in prolactinomas, 55.6% and 61% in gigantism or acromegaly, 55.6% and 61.5% in NFPAs. Recurrences after remission occurred more frequently in pediatric GH-secreting adenomas compared to adults (40.0% vs 5.3%, P = .028) despite similar follow-up (38 ± 17 and 48.1 ± 2.2 mo, P = .7). Mortality was zero in the pediatric and 0.2% in the adult group (P = .7); major morbidity was 2.4% and 2.2%, respectively (P = .8).

CONCLUSION
MTSA was safe and effective in children and adolescents as in adults, with the only exception of higher recurrence rate in pediatric GH-secreting adenomas. No complications related to young age appeared.
Multicenter Investigation of Channel-Based Subcortical Trans-Sulcal Exoscopic Resection of Metastatic Brain Tumors: A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Bakhsheshian Joshua , Strickland Ben A , Jackson Christina , Chaichana Kaisorn L , Young Ronald , Pradilla Gustavo , Chen Jefferson W , Bailes Julian , Zada Gabriel 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Recent advancements have aimed to optimize visualization and minimize insult to healthy cortical and subcortical tissue through the use of tubular-based retractors.

OBJECTIVE
To investigate outcomes following resection of cerebral metastases using an integrated tubular retraction system with an exoscope and neuronavigation.

METHODS
A multicenter retrospective analysis of surgical outcomes in consecutive patients who underwent resection of a brain metastasis using a tubular retraction system and exoscope was performed.

RESULTS
Twenty-five patients were included, with a mean age of 61 yr (24-81 yr). Primary sources included lung (n = 13), breast (n = 3), renal cell (n = 3), and other (n = 6). Locations were frontal (n = 5), parietal (n = 8), cerebellar (n = 8), occipital (n = 3), and splenium (n = 1). Most lesions had a maximum diameter > 3.0 cm (n = 20) and a tumor depth > 4 cm (n = 14). Conversion to open (microscopic) craniotomy was not required in any case. Gross total resection was achieved in 20 cases (80.0%) and subtotal resection in 5 cases (20.0%). Median hospital stay was 2 d (1-12 d). All patients underwent postoperative radiation therapy. Perioperative complications developed in 1 patient (4.0%; hemiparesis and subsequent deep vein thrombosis). At 3-mo follow-up, no mortalities were observed, 19 patients (76.0%) demonstrated neurological improvements, 5 patients (20.0%) had a stable neurological exam, and 1 patient (4.0%) had a neurological decline.

CONCLUSION
Utilization of a channel-based, navigable retractor and exoscope is a feasible option for surgical resection of metastatic brain lesions.