bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined Microsurgical, Endovascular, and Endoscopic Approach to the Treatment of a Giant Vertebrobasilar Aneurysm
Authors: Plitt Aaron R , Patel Ankur R , McDougall Cameron M , Halderman Ashleigh A , Barnett Samuel L , Welch Babu G 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Dolichoectasia is defined as elongation and dilatation of a blood vessel. In the intracranial circulation, the basilar artery is affected in 80% of cases. These are challenging lesions with an aggressive natural history, and treatment carries a relatively high rate of morbidity and mortality. We describe a case of multimodal treatment including endovascular, open microsurgical, and endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for management.

OBJECTIVE
To describe the technical nuance of the addition of the EEA for management of posterior circulation dolichoectasia

METHODS
A 44-yr-old Hispanic woman with a 2-mo history of progressive headaches, gait disturbance, and lower cranial nerve dysfunction presented with acute neurologic decline. MRI demonstrated a dolichoectatic vertebrobasilar system with a giant 4.5-cm fusiform basilar aneurysm.

RESULTS
She underwent concomitant endovascular bilateral vertebral artery sacrifice with suction decompression and trapping by clip ligation distal to the lesion. Postoperatively, she developed symptomatic pontine compression. She was then taken for a transclival EEA for intra-aneurysmal thrombectomy. Thereafter, she made a significant functional recovery.

CONCLUSION
The addition of endoscopic reconstruction to the treatment of a dolichoectatic basilar aneurysm is an operative nuance that can be employed in treating these highly morbid lesions. This case describing a multimodal treatment paradigm including EEA reconstruction can serve as an example for the future of treatment select cases of dolichoectasia of the vertebrobasilar complex.
Independent and interactive effects of plant genotype and environment on plant traits and insect herbivore performance: A meta‐analysis with Salicaceae
Authors: Barker Hilary L. , Holeski Liza M. , Lindroth Richard L. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractEcological research has increasingly highlighted the importance of intraspecific variation in shaping the structure and function of communities and ecosystems. Indeed, the effects of intraspecific variation can match or exceed those of interspecific variation. Previous reviews of intraspecific variation in plant traits across heterogeneous environments have focused primarily onmeanphenotypic effects. We propose that a richer and fuller understanding of the ecological causes and consequences of intraspecific variation would be provided by partitioning traitvarianceinto its subcomponents (genetic, environment, genotype by environment interaction).We used a meta‐analysis of 352 sets of genetic, environment and genotype by environment (G×E) variation estimates from 72 studies of Salicaceae to compare these sources of variation across plant traits (growth, foliar nitrogen, defence compounds), insect herbivore performance metrics (e.g., survival, growth, fecundity) and environmental conditions (e.g., soil nutrients, water, defoliation).Our findings revealed that variation in levels of defence compounds (both condensed tannins and salicinoids) and insect herbivore performance were primarily genetically determined, while variation in plant growth and foliar nitrogen was more environmentally determined.Plasticity in plant growth, foliar nitrogen levels and insect herbivore performance varied substantially across different sites (year × location), and nutrient, water and carbon dioxide environments. Plasticity was lowest for chemical defence traits and all traits in contrasting ozone and defoliation environments.Our quantitative review also revealed several gaps in the literature, including a need for surveying more mature plants, a wider variety of insect herbivore species (e.g., leaf‐galling insects, specialist insects) and underrepresented environmental treatments (e.g., competition, defoliation, disease, light and water availability).Findings from this analysis highlight the importance of, and patterns within, intraspecific variation with respect to shaping the evolvability and plasticity of traits and governing the interactions of plants and insects.Aplain language summaryis available for this article.
Impact of emergency department occupancy on waiting times, rates of admission and representation, and length of stay when hospitalised: A data linkage study
Authors: Stephens Alexandre S , Broome Richard A 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the association between ED occupancy and relevant outcomes including ED waiting times, rates of admission and representation and length of stay when hospitalised.MethodsRetrospective study of all ED presentations by New South Wales (NSW), Australia, residents to 15 NSW public, principal referral or paediatric specialist hospitals between 1 January to 31 December 2015 (N = 935 282). ED data were linked longitudinally (to ED data) and cross‐sectionally to hospital admissions data. An ED‐system measure of occupancy was assigned to each ED record. The study outcomes were ED waiting time, admission to hospital, 28 day representation, and length of stay (LOS) when admitted. Outcomes were analysed using univariate analyses and multivariable general linear and binary logistic regression models.ResultsIncreased ED occupancy was associated with increased ED waiting times, particularly at low‐baseline occupancy (e.g. rate ratio = 2.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] [2.10–2.35], for non‐urgent triaged patients). However, results were conditional on triage category, such that estimated effects were smaller or not significant in emergency and resuscitation triaged patients (e.g. rate ratio = 1.59, 95% CI [1.52–1.65], for emergency patients). ED occupancy only showed small or no associations with admission to hospital, 28 day representation and LOS when admitted.ConclusionsHigher ED occupancy was associated with increased waiting times conditional on triage category and baseline occupancy. Collectively, the results show that NSW principal referral EDs are robust, and are currently capable of handling variation in occupancy by prioritising treatment for the most urgent patients.
Eugenics in Late 19th‐Century Feminist Utopias
Authors: Lake Christina 
Published: November 2018

AbstractLate 19th‐century feminist utopian fiction provides empowering examples of societies governed by women. However, these imaginary societies only exist through radical changes to women’s reproductive roles. At the same time, these societies also anticipate feminist interest in eugenics through proposals to regulate marriage, eliminate unhealthy members of society, and adopt measures for the moral improvement of the human race. Elizabeth Corbett’sNew Amazonia(1889) argues that a state governed only by women would achieve high moral standards, while eugenics and strict scientific regulation would guarantee improvements in health and longevity. Mary E. Bradley Lane’sMizora(1880–1881) proposes an entirely separatist world where the elimination of men, following the development of an asexual process of reproduction, would lead to a scientifically perfect society. Alice Ilgenfritz Jones and Ella Merchant’sUnveiling a Parallel(1893), on the other hand, questions the idea of the intrinsic immorality of men, showing a utopia wherein women behave as badly as men given the same societal freedom. Instead, eugenic selection has supported evolution to a higher state of morality in which children are no longer conceived through sexual acts.
Writing a Better Ending: How Feminist Utopian Literature Subverts Patriarchy
Authors: Imani Kasai Kirsten 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis article explores the historic role of dystopian and feminist utopian fiction in upholding or supplanting capitalist, patriarchal dominance hierarchies. Here, I will examine the following: the persistence and popularity of dystopias; the political and cultural trends that have influenced them; the reasons why feminist writers have typically excluded men from their utopian visions; the sexual objectification of women in dystopias; and the utopian/dystopian parallax. I will discuss the need for feminist writers to envision inclusive alternate futures that propose realistic, cooperative societies that counter prevailing dystopian models. This can be achieved by dismantling and reconstructing our present reality through the act of changing the stories that we tell ourselves.
Pharmacogenetics of artemether‐lumefantrine influence on nevirapine disposition: Clinically significant drug–drug interaction?
Authors: Abdullahi Sa'ad T. , Olagunju Adeniyi , Soyinka Julius O. , Bolarinwa Rahman A. , Olarewaju Olusola J. , Bakare‐Odunola Moji T. , Owen Andrew , Khoo Saye 
Published: November 2018

AimsIn this study the influence of first‐line antimalarial drug artemether‐lumefantrine on the pharmacokinetics of the antiretroviral drug nevirapine was investigated in the context of selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a cohort of adult HIV‐infected Nigerian patients.MethodsThis was a two‐period, single sequence crossover study. In stage 1, 150 HIV‐infected patients receiving nevirapine‐based antiretroviral regimens were enrolled and genotyped for seven SNPs. Sparse pharmacokinetic sampling was conducted to identify SNPs independently associated with nevirapine plasma concentration. Patients were categorized as poor, intermediate and extensive metabolizers based on the numbers of alleles of significantly associated SNPs. Intensive sampling was conducted in selected patients from each group. In stage 2, patients received standard artemether‐lumefantrine treatment with nevirapine, and intensive pharmacokinetic sampling was conducted on day 3.ResultsNo clinically significant changes were observed in key nevirapine pharmacokinetic parameters, the 90% confidence interval for the measured changes falling completely within the 0.80–1.25 no‐effect boundaries. However, the number of patients with trough plasma nevirapine concentration below the 3400 ng ml−1 minimum effective concentration increased from 10% without artemether‐lumefantrine (all extensive metabolizers) to 21% with artemether‐lumefantrine (14% extensive, 4% intermediate, and 3% poor metabolizers).ConclusionsThis approach highlights additional increase in the already existing risk of suboptimal trough plasma concentration, especially in extensive metabolizers when nevirapine is co‐administered with artemether‐lumefantrine.
Targeted panel sequencing in adult patients with left ventricular non‐compaction reveals a large genetic heterogeneity
Authors: Richard Pascale , Ader Flavie , Roux Maguelonne , Donal Erwan , Eicher Jean‐Christophe , Aoutil Nadia , Huttin Olivier , Selton‐Suty Christine , Coisne Damien , Jondeau Guillaume , Damy Thibaud , Mansencal Nicolas , Casalta Anne‐Claire , Michel Nicolas , Haentjens Julie , Faivre Laurence , Lavoute Cecile , Nguyen Karine , Tregouët David‐Alexandre , Habib Gilbert , Charron Philippe 
Published: November 2018

Left ventricular non‐compaction (LVNC) is a cardiomyopathy that may be of genetic origin; however, few data are available about the yield of mutation, the spectrum of genes and allelic variations. The aim of this study was to better characterize the genetic spectrum of isolated LVNC in a prospective cohort of 95 unrelated adult patients through the molecular investigation of 107 genes involved in cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias.Fifty‐two pathogenic or probably pathogenic variants were identified in 40 patients (42%) including 31 patients (32.5%) with single variant and 9 patients with complex genotypes (9.5%). Mutated patients tended to have younger age at diagnosis than patients with no identified mutation. The most prevalent genes were TTN, then HCN4, MYH7, and RYR2. The distribution includes 13 genes previously reported in LVNC and 10 additional candidate genes.Our results show that LVNC is basically a genetic disease and support genetic counseling and cardiac screening in relatives. There is a large genetic heterogeneity, with predominant TTN null mutations and frequent complex genotypes. The gene spectrum is close to the one observed in dilated cardiomyopathy but with specific genes such as HCN4. We also identified new candidate genes that could be involved in this sub‐phenotype of cardiomyopathy.
Teamwork using strain imaging in the echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular systolic function: A cardiac magnetic resonance imaging correlation study
Authors: Xu Bo , Grimm Richard A. , Jellis Christine L. , Collier Patrick , Desai Milind Y. , Phelan Dermot , Thamilarasan Maran , Rodriguez Luis Leonardo , Flamm Scott D. , Sato Kimi , Harb Serge C. , Popovic Zoran B. 
Published: November 2018

AimThe aim of this study was to investigate whether conventional echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular (RV) systolic function can be improved by the addition of RV strain imaging. Additionally, we also aimed to investigate whether dedicated reading sessions and education can improve echocardiographic interpretation of RV systolic function.MethodsReaders of varying expertise (staff echocardiologists, advanced cardiovascular imaging fellows, sonographers) assessed RV systolic function. In session 1, 20 readers graded RV function of 19 cases, using conventional measures. After dedicated education, in session 2, the same cases were reassessed, with the addition of RV strains. In session 3, 18 readers graded RV function of 20 additional cases, incorporating RV strains. Computer simulations were performed to obtain 230 random teams. RV ejection fraction (RVEF) by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was the reference standard.ResultsCorrelation between RV GLS and CMR‐derived RVEF was moderate: Spearman's rho: 0.70, n = 19, P < 0.001 (first two sessions); 0.55, n = 20, P < 0.05 (third session). Individual readers’ assessment moderately correlated with RVEF (Spearman's rho first session: 0.67 ± 0.2; second session: 0.61 ± 0.2; and third session: 0.68 ± 0.09). Team estimates of RV systolic function showed consistently better correlation with RVEF, which were improved further by averaging across all readers. RV strain parameters influenced echocardiographic interpretation, with a net reclassification index of 8.0 ± 3.6% (P = 0.014).ConclusionsThe RV strain parameters showed moderate correlations with CMR‐derived RVEF and appropriately influenced echocardiographic interpretation of RV systolic function. “Wisdom of the crowd” applied by averaging echocardiographic assessments of RV systolic function across teams of echocardiography readers, further improved echocardiographic assessment of RV systolic function.
Short‐term effect of 915‐MHz microwave treatments on soil physicochemical and biological properties
Authors: Maynaud G. , Baudoin E. , Bourillon J. , Duponnois R. , Cleyet‐Marel J.‐C. , Brunel B. 
Published: November 2018

To control the soil seed bank of invasive plants with microwaves represents an alternative method to chemical treatments, but it could alter soil quality. Microwave effects were investigated on 17 soil physicochemical and biological properties. Four 915‐MHz microwave treatments combining power and duration of exposure were applied on alluvial soil from a grassland usingFestucaseeds as an internal standard to evaluate the efficiency of sterilization. Two treatments, 2 kW‐8 and 4 kW‐4 min, completely inhibitedFestucaseed germination and caused the soil temperature to reach at least 80°C. Conversely, the other treatments, 2 kW‐4 and 4 kW‐2 min, failed to affect seed germination while raising the temperature to 50–60°C. Microbial biomass, the density of culturable heterotrophic bacteria and fluorescent Pseudomonads as well as fluorescein di‐acetate hydrolysis decreased significantly by 2.7‐, 1.1‐, 1.4‐ and 5.1‐fold compared with the control, respectively, following the 2 kW‐8 and 4 kW‐4 min treatments. These treatments also increased dissolved organic carbon and inorganic phosphorus contents by 1.6‐ and 1.2‐fold, respectively. In contrast, nitrate increased only (about 140%) in the soils under the 2 kW‐4 and 4 kW‐2 min conditions. Furthermore, the growth ofMedicago truncatulaGaertn. seedlings transplanted in microwave‐treated soils under the 2 kW‐8 and 4 kW‐4 min conditions was not impaired despite the reduction in total nitrogen and the microbial population and smaller numbers of nodules. These results suggest that soil seed bank sterilization by microwaves that is 100% effective alters soil microbial indicators more strongly than chemical treatments without compromising the early growth stages of transplantedMedicagoplants.HighlightsEffects of microwave seed sterilization on soil physicochemical and biological properties.Microbial properties were more sensitive than chemical ones.Microbial biomass, bacterial density, hydrolase activity and root nodulation were reduced.Soluble carbon, nitrate and phosphorus increased depending on treatment effectiveness.
The anatomy of uncertainty for soil pH measurements and predictions: Implications for modellers and practitioners
Authors: Libohova Z. , Seybold C. , Adhikari K. , Wills S. , Beaudette D. , Peaslee S. , Lindbo D. , Owens P. R. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryStatistical validation of spatial predictions of soil properties requires assessment of errors against measured values. The objective of this study was to assess the size of errors in the measurement of soil pH from different sources in the United States of America national databases and implications of the size of errors for prediction, validation and management decision making under uncertain conditions. Error sources included measurement methods, laboratory conditions, pedotransfer functions, database manipulations, location accuracy, and spatial and polygon methods of interpolation. The databases consisted of measured soil pH values from the US National Cooperative Soil Survey Characterization Database (NCSS–SCDB) and estimated values from US Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) and State Soil Geographic (STATSGO2) databases. The degree of agreement between measurement methods ranged from poor to substantial, with Lin's concordance correlation coefficients (ρc) varying from 0.83 (pH 1:1W against 1:5CaCl2) to 0.95 (pH 1:1W against pH 1:5W) and root mean square error (RMSE) varying from 0.27 to 0.43. The degree of agreement between pH 1:1W, 1:2CaCl2 and mid‐infrared spectroscopy (MIR) ranged from poor to moderate. The RMSE for MIR was 0.40 for pH 1:1W and 0.32 for soil pH 1:2CaCl2. The RMSE for between‐laboratory reproducibility varied from 0.50 (pH 1:1W) to 0.68 (pH 1:2CaCl2) and was greater than within‐laboratory reproducibility (pH 1:1W, 0.34; pH 1:2 CaCl2, 0.22) and repeatability (pH 1:1W, 0.19; pH 1:2CaCl2, 0.04). The RMSE for the relations for profile depth slicing (weighted mean against equal‐area spline) was 0.36. The RMSE for the relation between soil pH 1:1W for the Global Positioning System and Public Land Survey System was 0.57. Predictions based on polygon or spatial interpolation had the largest RMSEs, 0.78 and 0.62, respectively. Soil liming recommendations based on 0.1 pH increments do not reflect error measurements or the uncertainty of spatial prediction. Although it was not possible to establish consistent trends in the size of error (progressively increasing from measurement to aggregation), its assessment can improve modelling and management at various scales.Highlights
We assessed sources of errors and uncertainty for measured and spatial predictions of soil pH.
The smallest error was reported for measured pH (0.06).
Polygon or spatial interpolation resulted in the largest error (0.68).
Differences in error size influenced rates of liming and cost.
N‐acetylcysteine prevents glutathione decrease and does not interfere with paracetamol antinociceptive effect at therapeutic dosage: a randomized double‐blind controlled trial in healthy subjects
Authors: Pickering Gisèle , Macian Nicolas , Papet Isabelle , Dualé Christian , Coudert Catherine , Pereira Bruno 
Published: November 2018

AbstractParacetamol (APAP) may lead to hepatic changes even at therapeutic dosages. Glutathione (GSH) plays a pivotal role in APAP metabolism as it allows the detoxification of a toxic metabolite. N‐Acetylcysteine (NAC) is APAP antidote, is also largely used as a mucoactive drug and is often associated with APAP. This study aims at evaluating if 1‐ NAC modifies APAP pain efficacy and 2‐ NAC prevents glutathione depletion with APAP at therapeutic doses. This double‐blind randomized controlled study (NCT02206178) was carried out in 24 healthy volunteers. APAP was given for 4 days (1 g ×4 daily) with NAC or with placebo. Thermal pain tests, whole blood GSH, and hepatic enzymes (ASAT, ALAT) were measured before (D0) and after (D4) oral APAP‐NAC or APAP‐placebo intake. anova for repeated measures adapted to cross‐overdesign was performed and a two‐tailed type I error was fixed at 5%. The primary endpoint was the area under the curve (0–240 min) of pain intensity (Numerical Scale) after thermal pain stimulation using Pathway‐Medoc®. APAP antinociceptive effect was similar in both groups. GSH was maintained to its baseline value in the APAP/NAC group but diminished in the APAP/placebo group (P = 0.033). This study shows for the first time that APAP antinociceptive effectiveness is not influenced by NAC. It also shows that the effect of APAP at therapeutic dosage on GSH may be counteracted by NAC. These issues are particularly important for patients as APAP is often prescribed for years as a first‐line pain treatment and further trials in patients are now warranted.
Changes in serum levels of leucine‐rich α2‐glycoprotein predict prognosis in primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Hayashi Manabu , Abe Kazumichi , Fujita Masashi , Okai Ken , Takahashi Atsushi , Ohira Hiromasa 
Published: November 2018

AimsA non‐invasive biomarker for patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is needed. The association between leucine‐rich α2 glycoprotein (LRG) and PBC has not been investigated. We aimed to assess the predictive value of LRG for the development of cirrhosis‐related conditions in PBC.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed clinical data of 129 individuals with biopsy‐confirmed PBC. Leucine‐rich α2 glycoprotein was analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays using stored sera at biopsy (n = 129) and after treatment (n = 80).ResultsLevels of LRG decreased significantly after treatment (55.8 μg/mL vs. 39.8 μg/mL, P < 0.001). Neither LRG nor delta‐LRG was associated with transaminase or histological findings. Delta‐LRG >0 (hazard ratio [HR] 4.61, P = 0.013), delta‐LRG >0 and an aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index (APRI) >0.76 (HR 458, P < 0.001) were associated with the development of a cirrhosis‐related condition. Patients with a delta‐LRG >0 and an APRI >0.76 had a significantly increased rate of developing cirrhosis‐related conditions (P < 0.001).ConclusionsChanges in LRG levels after treatment predicted PBC prognosis but were not associated with histological stage. Changes in LRG in addition to the APRI could be a useful combination of tools for clinicians as a non‐invasive biomarker.