bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is Precipitation a Good Metric for Model Performance?
Authors: Tapiador Francisco J. , Roca Rémy , Del Genio Anthony , Dewitte Boris , Petersen Walt , Zhang Fuqing 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPrecipitation has often been used to gauge the performances of numerical weather and climate models, sometimes together with other variables such as temperature, humidity, geopotential, and clouds. Precipitation, however, is singular in that it can present a high spatial variability and probably the sharpest gradients among all meteorological fields. Moreover, its quantitative measurement is plagued with difficulties, and there are even notable differences among different reference datasets. Several additional issues sometimes lead to questions about its usefulness in model validation. This essay discusses the use of precipitation for model verification and validation and the crucial role of highly precise and reliable satellite estimates, such as those from NASA’s Global Precipitation Mission Core Observatory.
Human brucellosis: Experience from a tertiary care hospital in southern India
Authors: Patra Sudipta , KE Vandana , Tellapragada Chaitanya , Mukhopadhyay Chiranjay 
Published: August 2018

The aim of our study was to examine and compare the clinical presentations, complications, laboratory findings, treatment and outcome of patients with acute, subacute and chronic forms of brucellosis in a tertiary care setting. This hospital-based observational study was undertaken between April 2015 and March 2017. Patients diagnosed with brucellosis, either by blood culture and/or serology, were recruited. A total of 94 cases of brucellosis of acute, subacute and chronic forms were observed in 78.7%, 15.9% and 5.3%, respectively. Blood culture grew Brucella spp. in 70.2% cases. Serological tests showed positivity in 96.8% of the patients. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, fever and upper back pain were significant predictors for both acute and chronic forms of the disease, respectively. There is a need to increase awareness and understand the local sero-epidemiological pattern of brucellosis as it is still little known.
Transient liver dysfunction increases surgical site infections after coronary surgery
Authors: Nazer Rakan I , Alburikan Khalid A , Ullah Anhar , Albarrati Ali M , Hassanain Mazen 
Published: August 2018

Background Surgical site infections can have a significant impact on cardiac surgical outcome. The liver plays an important role in infection prevention. This study aimed to retrospectively determine whether transient postoperative liver dysfunction after coronary bypass surgery increased surgical site infections. Methods A modified version of the Schindl scoring scale for liver dysfunction was adapted to objectively quantify transient liver dysfunction in the first 7 days after on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. A retrospective analysis of clinical outcomes at 30 months postoperatively was performed on data of 575 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass between 2014 and 2016. The patients were categorized into a liver dysfunction group (Schindl score ≥ 4) and a non-liver dysfunction group (Schindl score < 4). Results The liver dysfunction group (47.3%) had significantly more patients who were obese, current smokers, and had diabetes, renal impairment, and peripheral vascular disease. Surgical site infections occurred predominantly in the liver dysfunction group (12.1% vs. 0.3%, p < 0.001). The independent predictors of surgical site infection were liver dysfunction, body mass index > 30 kg m−2, and coronary bypass surgery combined with other cardiac procedures. Conclusions Surgical wound infections can be precipitated by multiple factors before, during, and after coronary bypass surgery. Transient liver dysfunction in the perioperative period is associated with an increased rate of surgical infections even after adjusting for known risk factors. Considering this factor as well as other known risks may help to identify and stratify patients with a potentially higher risk of surgical site infections.
Impact of copper compression stockings on venous insufficiency and lipodermatosclerosis: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Arendsen Linda P , Vig Stella , Thakar Ranee , Sultan Abdul H 
Published: August 2018

Objective Compression stockings are the primary treatment for lipodermatosclerosis secondary to chronic venous disease, but do not improve the skin condition. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of copper on lipodermatosclerosis. Methods A double-blind randomised controlled pilot study was performed including patients with bilateral lipodermatosclerosis. One compression stocking of a pair was impregnated with copper. Symptom score and surface area of lipodermatosclerosis were assessed at baseline, after 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Results Sixteen patients were included. There was no significant difference in mean symptom scores; however, there was a significant reduction of the surface area in the study group 42,637 to 35,739 mm2 versus 41,487 to 43,210 mm2 in the control group (p = 0.04). Conclusion This study demonstrates the beneficial effect of copper on lipodermatosclerosis secondary to chronic venous disease with reduction in surface area but no benefit on symptoms. Trials identification number: NCT03283800
Factors Associated With Social Isolation Among the Older People in India
Authors: Kotian Devaki B. , Mathews Maria , Parsekar Shradha S. , Nair Suma , Binu V. S. , Subba Sonu Hangma 
Published: August 2018

Objective: To explore the factors associated with social isolation among older people using the data from Building Knowledge Base on Population Ageing in India (BKPAI) survey. Methods: Multiple logistic regression and classification and regression tree (CART) analysis were used to identify the factors associated with social isolation using data from BKPAI survey. An individual was regarded as socially isolated if the response was “never” to all 4 activities in the last 12 months: (1) attending public meeting, (2) attending any group/club/organizational meeting, (3) attending any religious program, and (4) visiting friends or relatives. Results: Among 9836 older people, 19.7% were observed to be socially isolated. From multiple logistic regression, age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.85 for age 80 to 89 years and OR = 2.67 for age ≥90), religion (OR = 0.54 for Christians compared to Hindus), duration of stay in current home (OR = 0.64 for 6-10 years compared to >10 years of stay), number of activities of daily living (ADLs) for which the assistance was needed (OR = 2.09 for 1 or 2, OR = 3.14 for 3 or 4, and OR = 12.05 for 5 or 6), and Alzheimer's disease (OR = 1.65) were identified as factors associated with social isolation. Number of ADL for which the assistance was needed and self-reported health status were the factors identified through CART analysis. Discussion: Requiring help in performing ADL, advancing age, and Alzheimer's disease were the likely factors for socially isolation among elderly patients in this surveyed population.
Impact of time spent in the trauma bay on mortality outcomes among level 1 trauma patients
Authors: Adams Logan , Tucker Amber , Dennis Jeff A. , Dissanaike Sharmila 
Published: August 2018

Introduction The majority of trauma-related deaths occur within the first 24 h of injury, and time elapsed until intervention for an injury is one of the greatest causes of preventable death in mature trauma centers. This study seeks to determine if there is a correlation between time spent in the trauma bay and mortality outcomes. Methods A retrospective analysis of Level 1 trauma patients from 1 January 2010 to 1 January 2016 in a single center. Results Charts from 1678 Level 1 trauma patients with 1290 (76.9%) blunt and 388 (23.1%) penetrating injuries were analyzed. Of these, 345 patients died and 237 (68.7%) died within the first 24 h. Multivariate analysis yields an inverse correlation between increased times spent in the trauma bay and mortality, with controls for injury severity, age, and race/ethnicity and with deaths in the trauma bay excluded ( p < 0.001). Each additional minute spent in the trauma bay increases odds of surviving by 1%. However, increase in ISS and decrease in TRISS were directly correlated with reduced time in the trauma bay for both blunt and penetrating traumas. Results did not differ based on mechanism of injury or destination after the trauma bay. Conclusion Reduced time spent in trauma bay was not correlated with improved mortality outcomes in Level 1 trauma patients. Findings do not necessarily suggest that increased trauma bay time would reduce mortality, but rather current evaluation procedures may prioritize trauma patients appropriately. Instinctive adjustment by emergency care providers to move more severely injured patients out of the trauma bay quicker and other additional variables could account for the measured phenomena. This is the first study to examine trauma bay times and mortality outcomes.
Development and validation of the taste alteration scale for children receiving chemotherapy
Authors: Bilsin Elif , Bal Yılmaz Hatice 
Published: August 2018

Background Taste alteration is one of the most common and frequently ignored side effects of chemotherapy. Aims Our aim was to develop the Taste Alteration Scale for Children with Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy (TAS-CrC). Methods This study is a descriptive and cross-sectional type. The study was conducted between May and September 2016 at the child haematology clinics and outpatient clinics of six hospitals. A total of 165 children with cancer who were followed in the clinics and outpatient clinics of the mentioned hospitals between May and September 2016 and received chemotherapy constituted the population of the study. Our sample comprised 95 children with cancer who were followed in the clinic and outpatient clinic between the dates specified and met the study criteria. Results It is observed that the correlation values of the item analysis of the TAS-CrC vary between 0.49 and 0.86. One sub-dimension of the scale was determined by explanatory factor analysis. The Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of the scale was determined to be 0.88. It was determined that there was a statistically significant relationship between the test–retest (first and second application) of the scale ( p < 0.01). Conclusions According to the data obtained from the study, it was determined that the TAS-CrC was a valid and reliable scale.
Long-term outcomes of peginterferon beta-1a in multiple sclerosis: results from the ADVANCE extension study, ATTAIN
Authors: Newsome Scott D. , Scott Thomas F. , Arnold Douglas L. , Nelles Gereon , Hung Serena , Cui Yue , Shang Shulian , Naylor Maria L. , Kremenchutzky Marcelo 
Published: August 2018

Background: ADVANCE was a phase III trial of the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous peginterferon beta-1a 125 µg every 2 or 4 weeks in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). ATTAIN was a 2-year extension study of ADVANCE. The aim was to evaluate the long-term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of peginterferon beta-1a 125 µg every 2 or 4 weeks in ATTAIN. Methods: ADVANCE dosing schedules were maintained in ATTAIN, except that every-4-weeks dosing patients were switched to every-2-weeks dosing after conversion of the study to an open-label protocol. ATTAIN was considered complete when the last patient completed the 96-week extension study. Primary endpoints included adverse event (AE) and serious AE (SAE) incidence. Secondary endpoints included relapse, magnetic resonance imaging, and disability outcomes. Results: Of the 1512 patients randomized in ADVANCE, 1076 (71%) continued treatment in ATTAIN; of these, 842 (78%) completed the open-label extension study. During ATTAIN, 478 patients (87%) in the every-2-weeks group and 471 patients (89%) in the every-4-weeks group experienced an AE; SAEs were reported in 90 patients (16%) in the every-2-weeks group and 113 patients (21%) in the every-4-weeks group. The most frequent AEs reported were injection site reactions and flu-like symptoms, both of which numerically decreased over time. Peginterferon beta-1a every 2 weeks versus every 4 weeks significantly reduced the adjusted annualized relapse rate over 6 years (0.188 versus 0.263, p = 0.0052) and the risk of relapse over 5 years (36% versus 49%, p = 0.0018). Fewer new T1, new/newly enlarging T2, and gadolinium-enhancing magnetic resonance imaging lesions were observed with every-2-weeks dosing than every-4-weeks dosing over 4 years. Conclusions: Results from the ADVANCE extension study, ATTAIN, confirm the favorable long-term safety and tolerability profile of peginterferon beta-1a in patients with RRMS and provide additional evidence for the clinical and radiological benefits associated with this therapy.
Understanding the Propensity for Chronic Sinusitis in Patients on Immunosuppressive Therapy
Authors: Papagiannopoulos Peter , Kuhar Hannah N. , Raman Anish , Ganti Ashwin , Gattuso Paolo , Batra Pete S. , Tajudeen Bobby A. 
Published: August 2018

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a frequently observed condition in patients with immunodeficiency secondary to immunosuppressive medications. The histologic features of CRS among patients undergoing immunosuppressive treatment have yet to be determined and may have important implications on understanding the pathophysiology of the disease process. Methods A structured histopathology report was utilized to analyze sinus tissue removed during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Histopathology variables, Lund–Mackay score (LMS), and sinonasal outcome test 22 scores were compared among patients with CRS on immunosuppressive therapy (CRSi), CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) patients, and CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) patients. Results Fifteen CRSi, 36 CRSwNP, and 56 CRSsNP patients undergoing FESS were analyzed. Compared to CRSsNP, CRSi patients exhibited a trend toward increased moderate–severe inflammation (66.7% vs 42.1%, P < .080), increased neutrophil infiltrate (40.0% vs 24.6%, P < .192), and decreased fibrosis (26.7% vs 43.9%, P < .182). Compared to CRSwNP, CRSi patients demonstrated decreased fibrosis (26.7% vs 66.7%, P < .010), decreased eosinophil aggregates (13.3% vs 44.4%, P < .032), and a trend toward fewer eosinophils per high-power field (46.7% vs 66.7%, P < .154). CRSi cases had significantly lower mean LMS (8.20 ± 4.30 vs 12.78 ± 6.56, P < .017) compared to CRSwNP. Conclusion CRSi patients exhibit histopathology and disease severity more similar to CRSsNP with trends toward increased neutrophilia and reduced fibrosis. In the appropriate clinical context, discontinuing or changing a patient’s immunosuppressive regimen may be a valid treatment option in patients with CRSi. This study provides initial insight into understanding the propensity for chronic sinusitis in patients undergoing immunosuppressive treatment which may have implications on disease management.
Near infrared spectroscopy-guided exercise training for claudication in peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Murrow Jonathan R , Brizendine Jared T , Djire Bill , Young Hui-Ju , Rathbun Stephen , Nilsson Kent R , McCully Kevin K 
Published: August 2018

RationaleSupervised treadmill exercise for claudication in peripheral arterial disease is effective but poorly tolerated because of ischemic leg pain. Near infrared spectroscopy allows non-invasive detection of muscle ischemia during exercise, allowing for characterization of tissue perfusion and oxygen utilization during training.ObjectiveWe evaluated walking time, muscle blood flow, and muscle mitochondrial capacity in patients with peripheral artery disease after a traditional pain-based walking program and after a muscle oxygen-guided walking program.Method and resultsPatients with peripheral artery disease trained thrice weekly in 40-minute-long sessions for 12 weeks, randomized to oxygen-guided training ( n = 8, age 72 ± 9.7 years, 25% female) versus traditional pain-based training ( n = 10, age 71.6 ± 8.8 years, 20% female). Oxygen-guided training intensity was determined by maintaining a 15% reduction in skeletal muscle oxygenation by near infrared spectroscopy rather than relying on symptoms of pain to determine exercise effort. Pain free and maximal walking times were measured with a 12-minute Gardner treadmill test. Gastrocnemius mitochondrial capacity and blood flow were measured using near infrared spectroscopy. Baseline pain-free walking time was similar on a Gardner treadmill test (2.5 ± 0.9 vs. 3.6 ± 1.0 min, p = 0.5). After training, oxygen-guided cohorts improved similar to pain-guided cohorts (pain-free walking time 6.7 ± 0.9 vs. 6.9 ± 1.1 min, p < 0.01 for change from baseline and p = 0.97 between cohorts). Mitochondrial capacity improved in both groups but more so in the pain-guided cohort than in the oxygen-guided cohort (38.8 ± 8.3 vs. 14.0 ± 9.3, p = 0.018). Resting muscle blood flow did not improve significantly in either group with training.ConclusionsOxygen-guided exercise training improves claudication comparable to pain-based training regimens. Adaptations in mitochondrial function rather than increases in limb perfusion may account for functional improvement. Increases in mitochondrial oxidative capacity may be proportional to the degree of tissue hypoxia during exercise.
First report of nodular skin lesions caused by Mycobacterium nebraskense in a 9-year-old cat
Authors: Niederhäuser Simone , Klauser Luzia , Bolliger Jürg , Friedel Ute , Schmitt Sarah , Ruetten Maja , Greene Craig E , Ghielmetti Giovanni 
Published: August 2018

Case summary A 9-year-old cat was referred with multiple, raised, ulcerative skin nodules in the region of the neck and dorsal head. Histopathological findings of a biopsied nodule were granulomatous dermatitis and panniculitis without multinucleated giant cells or caseous necrosis. In addition, by Ziehl–Neelsen staining numerous acid-fast intracellular bacilli were observed within the lesions. Mycobacterial culture showed growth of rough scotochromogenic colonies after 3 weeks of incubation. Molecular characterisation of the isolate identified Mycobacterium nebraskense as the cause of the infection. No phenotypic resistance was detected for the antimycobacterial agents tested. The cat was successfully treated with a combination of surgical excision and a 12 week course of antimicrobial therapy, including rifampicin combined with clarithromycin. Relevance and novel information To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of mycobacterial granulomatous dermatitis and panniculitis due to M nebraskense infection in a cat. The successful surgical and antimycobacterial treatment regimen is described.
Update on mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Maddocks Kami 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is most commonly treated with combination chemo-immunotherapy at diagnosis because of the poor prognosis. More indolent presentations have been described including patients who can defer initial therapy without adverse impact on survival. The 2016 World Health Organization updated classification describes 2 major subtypes, classical and leukemic nonnodal MCL, each with unique molecular features and clinical presentations. Although there is no standard of care for MCL, aggressive chemo-immunotherapy regimens containing rituximab and cytarabine, followed by consolidation with autologous stem cell transplantation and maintenance rituximab, are the most used approach in young fit patients, and chemo-immunotherapy, followed by rituximab maintenance, is most commonly used in older patients. Despite the improvement in response durations with currently available therapies, patients will inevitably relapse. A number of targeted therapies are approved in the relapsed setting and are now under evaluation in combination with standard frontline therapy. Although the approval of ibrutinib changed the landscape of therapy for relapsed MCL, prognosis remains poor after progression on ibrutinib supporting the development of ibrutinib combinations to prolong response duration as well as the development of other novel agents for ibrutinib refractory disease. With ibrutinib being incorporated into initial therapy regimens, new options will be needed at relapse. Prognostic markers, such as minimal residual disease, have been shown to correlate independently with outcomes along with predicting relapse, with the potential to guide therapeutic decisions. The future treatment of MCL therapy will need to incorporate therapy based on risk-stratification and nonchemotherapeutic approaches.
Charcot-Leyden crystal formation is closely associated with eosinophil extracellular trap cell death
Authors: Ueki Shigeharu , Tokunaga Takahiro , Melo Rossana C. N. , Saito Hidekazu , Honda Kohei , Fukuchi Mineyo , Konno Yasunori , Takeda Masahide , Yamamoto Yohei , Hirokawa Makoto , Fujieda Shigeharu , Spencer Lisa A. , Weller Peter F. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Protein crystallization in human tissue rarely occurs. Charcot-Leyden crystals (CLCs) were described in various eosinophilic diseases &gt;150 years ago, but our understanding of CLC formation still remains limited. In this study, we demonstrate that CLCs observed in varied inflamed human tissues are closely associated with eosinophil cell-free granules and nuclear envelope/plasma membrane disintegration with release of filamentous chromatin (extracellular traps), typical morphologies of a regulated pathway of extracellular trap cell death (ETosis). During the process of eosinophil ETosis, eccentrically localized cytoplasmic and perinuclear CLC protein (galectin-10) is homogeneously redistributed in the cytoplasm. Rapid (1-2 minutes) formation of intracytoplasmic CLCs was observed using time-lapse imaging. Plasma membrane rupture enabled the release of both intracellularly formed CLCs and soluble galectin-10 that further contributed to formation of CLCs extracellularly, in parallel with the expulsion of free intact granules and extracellular traps. CLC formation and galectin-10 release were dependent on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activation. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of natural formation of CLCs in association with an active physiological process (ie, ETosis). These results indicate that dynamic changes in intracellular localization and release of galectin-10 contribute to CLC formation in vivo and suggest that CLC/galectin-10 might serve as an indicator of ETosis.
Identification of axolotl BH3-only proteins and expression in axolotl organs and apoptotic limb regeneration tissue
Authors: Bucan Vesna , Peck Claas-Tido , Nasser Inas , Liebsch Christina , Vogt Peter M. , Strauß Sarah 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTLike other urodela amphibians, axolotls are able to regenerate lost appendages, even as adults, rendering them unique among higher vertebrates. In reaction to the severe trauma of a lost limb, apoptosis seems to be primarily implicated in the removal of injured cells and tissue homeostasis. Little, however, is known about apoptotic pathways and control mechanisms. Therefore, here we provide additional information regarding the mechanisms of tissue degradation. Expression patterns of Bcl-2 family members were analyzed using reverse transcriptase-PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence. In our study, we identified ten putative axolotl orthologs of the Bcl-2 family. We demonstrated that BH3-only proteins are differentially expressed in some axolotl organs, while they are expressed broadly in tail composite tissue and limb regeneration blastema. The importance of Bcl-2 family members is also indicated by detecting the expression of proapoptotic protein Bak in spatial congruence to apoptosis in the early stages of limb regeneration, while Bcl-2 expression was slightly modified. In conclusion, we demonstrate that Bcl-2 family members are conserved in the axolotl and might be involved in the tissue degradation processes that occur during limb regeneration.