bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant community recovery after herbicide management to remove Phragmites australis in Great Lakes coastal wetlands
Authors: Bonello Jake E. , Judd Kristin E. 
Published: October 2019

Invasive plants, such as Phragmites australis, are a global threat to plant diversity and are commonly controlled using herbicide management. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the plant community response 6–10 years after large‐scale herbicide management to remove Phragmites from Great Lakes coastal wetlands along the shores of western Lake Erie. Vegetation surveys were conducted in nine wetlands undergoing herbicide management and four unmanaged Phragmites‐dominated wetlands. The relative percent cover of Phragmites was dramatically lower in the managed (1.3%) compared to unmanaged wetlands (93.0%; p < 0.001), although relative percent cover of other non‐natives following herbicide management averaged 39.2% (ranging from 6.4 to 67.6%). The cover‐weighted floristic quality index was significantly higher in managed wetlands (p < 0.01), with the highest indices (12.4–17.0) at sites that received prescribed fire after herbicide treatment (p < 0.05). Species richness and diversity were significantly higher in managed wetlands (p < 0.001); however, there was no significant difference between wetlands treated only with herbicide and those treated with herbicide and prescribed fire. Our results indicate that herbicide management is effective in reducing Phragmites and improving floristic quality over timescales of 6–10 years. However, continued spot‐treatment and management of new invasive species may be required, and the return of high‐quality plant communities may be unrealistic in the study region.
Crusted scabies in a pediatric renal transplant recipient on immunosuppressants
Authors: Ede Chioma , Gunduz Ozge , Modi Deepak 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundCrusted scabies (CS) is a rare, severe and highly contagious form of scabies, which has been reported in immunosuppressed patients. A high index of suspicion and awareness of CS is essential to treat this infestation.CaseA 13‐year‐old boy presented with pruritic hyperkeratotic squamous plaques located on both inner wrists, the web spaces of both his hands and his feet, and the genital area of 12 months duration. He was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis at the age of 5 and received a kidney transplant at the age of 9. He has been on a maintenance dose of prednisone (5 mg/d) and mycophenolate mofetil (250 mg/d) for the past 2 years. He had a contact history with a school friend with similar lesions. A skin punch biopsy demonstrated the presence of multiple mites in the stratum corneum confirming the diagnosis of CS. Ivermectin, the recommended drug of choice for crusted scabies, is not available in South Africa. The patient was commenced on topical benzoyl benzoate lotion but discontinued its use because of intolerable irritation. We subsequently prescribed the daily application of topical 5% sulfur in petrolatum to which his pruritus subsided significantly after 2 weeks with resolution of all skin lesions at the end of 8 weeks.ConclusionThis case is the first documented report of CS in a pediatric renal transplant patient. Our management highlights that classic formularies of magistral drugs are still effective treatment options and can be used especially when standard therapies cannot be tolerated or when optimum treatments are not available.
Prospective evaluation of an ultrathin strut biodegradable polymer-coated sirolimus-eluting stent: 12 months’ results from the S-FLEX UK registry
Authors: Choudhury Anirban , Garg Scot , Smith Jamie , Sharp Andrew , Nabais de Araujo Sergio , Chauhan Anoop , Patel Nikhil , Wrigley Benjamin , Chattopadhyay Sudipta , Zaman Azfar G 
Published: October 2019

ObjectiveTo prospectively evaluate safety and efficacy of the ultrathin strut biodegradable polymer-coated Supraflex sirolimus-eluting stent (S-SES) in ‘real world’ patient population requiring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).MethodsNational, prospective, multicentre, single-arm, all-comers, observational registry of 469 patients treated with S-SES from July 2015 and November 2016 in 11 centres in UK. Primary endpoint was target lesion failure (TLF) at 12 months (cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (MI) or clinically driven target lesion revascularisation (TLR)). Secondary endpoints included safety and performance outcomes at 12 months—overall stent thrombosis (ST), all-cause mortality, any MI, target vessel failure (TVF) and major adverse cardiac events (MACE—composite of cardiac death, MI, emergent or repeat revascularisation).ResultsAt 12 months, the primary endpoint occurred in 11 (2.4%) of 466 patients, consisting of 4 (0.9%) cardiac deaths, 3 (0.6%) target vessel MI and 7 (1.5%) TLR. Secondary endpoints findings included all-cause mortality in 6 (1.3%), TVF of 14 (3%), no definite ST, 1 (0.2%) probable ST and 3 (0.6%) possible ST. Overall MACE was observed in 18 (3.9%).ConclusionsThe S-FLEX UK registry showed that the S-SES is safe with a low incidence of TLF in routine clinical practise in patients with coronary artery disease being treated by PCI.
In the Face of Suffering
Authors: Genuis Katrina 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
For Emmanuel Lévinas, concrete circumstances of human suffering problematize abstract conceptions of God. Lévinas considers the face of the suffering Other to be the locus of ethical action and ethics as the realm of transcendence. This article relates Lévinas’s conception of the Other’s suffering face to pragmatic observations about humans’ capacity to respond to suffering, and explores whether artwork depicting faces, photography specifically, may uniquely provoke empathetic, ethical responses in an observer. I argue, using examples from twentieth-century Japanese photographer Shōmei Tōmatsu’s images of Nagasaki nuclear bomb survivors, that images have the capacity to reveal hidden dimensions of human experience and provoke humility through estrangement. Tōmatsu’s photographs may renew a viewer’s vulnerability to the pain of others and re-orient a viewer’s self towards relational selfhood. Ultimately, if God is present in the fabric of face-to-face encounters, as Lévinas suggests, artwork that fosters empathetic human relations bears transcendent significance.
Problems with parasites: comments on the recently proposed Apicoplast sequences of Calil et al. (2019)
Authors: Harris D. James 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
On a variety of levels, parasites are profoundly important. Somewhat surprisingly therefore, parasites infecting reptiles are often very poorly known, particularly relative to those from mammals and birds. Haemogregarines, apicomplexan intracellular parasites, are some of the most common in reptiles. Recently Calil et al. (2019) presented a molecular assessment of these parasites from snakes from Brazil, including sequences considered to be from a region of the Apicoplast. Unfortunately, close examination of these sequences indicates they are probably all contaminants. This highlights the need for careful consideration of sequences from poorly known groups and the value in publishing negative results – where for example primers do not amplify the expected genes. Such information can still be valuable in ensuring other researchers do not spend time only to reach the same, negative, conclusions.
Assessment of cerebral low-frequency oscillations in patients with retinal vein occlusion: a preliminary functional MRI study
Authors: Gao Qing , Peng Bin , Huang Xin , Qi Chen-Xing , Tong Yan , Deng Qin-Qin , Shen Yin 
Published: October 2019

Background There is increasing evidence that patients with retinal vein occlusion exhibit cerebral vascular changes and are at an increased risk of stroke. However, it remains unknown whether patients with retinal vein occlusion exhibit changes in intrinsic brain activity. Purpose This study investigated intrinsic brain activity changes in patients with retinal vein occlusion by assessing the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations. Material and Methods Forty-five patients with retinal vein occlusion (22 men, 23 women, mean age 56.55 ± 6.97 years) and 43 healthy controls (13 men, 30 women; mean age 53.53 ± 8.19 years) closely matched in age, sex, and education level underwent resting-state MRI scans. The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation method was used to compare intrinsic brain activity between the two groups. Results Compared with healthy controls, patients with retinal vein occlusion exhibited significantly lower amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation values in the left middle occipital gyrus, right middle occipital gyrus, and right calcarine. However, patients with retinal vein occlusion showed significantly higher amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in the bilateral cerebellum 6, right hippocampus, left insula, and left fusiform (voxel-level P < 0.01, Gaussian random field correction, cluster-level P < 0.05). Conclusion Our results demonstrated that patients with retinal vein occlusion showed abnormal spontaneous neural activities in the visual cortices, cerebellum, and Papez circuit, which might indicate impaired vision, cognition, and emotional function in patients with retinal vein occlusion. These findings offer important insights into the neural mechanism of retinal vein occlusion.
The role of PhD-prepared, hospital-based nurses: an inter-Nordic study
Authors: Elgaard Sørensen Erik , Hoffmann Kusk Kathrine , Athlin Asa Muntlin , Lode Kirsten , Rustøen Tone , Salmela Susanne , Hølge-Hazelton Bibi 
Published: October 2019

Background Little is known about PhD-prepared nurses employed at Nordic university hospitals, how they are organised, what their practices look like or what career pathway they have chosen. Aims The purpose was to investigate and compare the prevalence of PhD-prepared nurses employed at university hospitals in the Nordic countries, to investigate what functions they fulfil and what research activities they undertake and to document how they describe their ideal work life. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study. An electronic questionnaire was sent to 245 PhD-prepared nurses working at a university hospital in one of six Nordic countries and 166 responses were achieved (response rate 67%). Descriptive analyses were performed using SPSS Statistics. Results The study found notable differences among PhD-prepared nurses employed at university hospitals with respect to work function; organisational structure; satisfaction about time split between research and practice; and the mean scores of time spend on research, clinical practice and teaching, supervision and administration. Conclusions In order to succeed with capacity building among the nursing workforce, collaboration and networking with other researchers and close contact to clinical practice is important. The role of the hospital-based, PhD-prepared nurse needs to be better described and defined to ensure that evidence-based care is provided.
Plasma proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 concentration and recurrent cardiovascular events in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Cao Ye-Xuan , Liu Hui-Hui , Jin Jing-Lu , Sun Di , Guo Yuan-Lin , Wu Na-Qiong , Zhu Cheng-Gang , Xu Rui-Xia , Sun Jing , Santos Raul D , Li Jian-Jun 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Aims
Familial hypercholesterolemia patients are characterized by early onset of coronary artery calcification and atherosclerosis, and high incidence of cardiovascular events. Plasma proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 was reported to be a predictor for cardiovascular risk in the general population. However, its prognostic value for predicting recurrent cardiovascular events in familial hypercholesterolemia patients remains undetermined.

Methods
A total of 249 patients with molecularly and/or clinically (Dutch Lipid Clinic Network score &gt; 6) defined familial hypercholesterolemia who had experienced a first cardiovascular event were consecutively included and plasma proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Coronary artery calcification was measured using Agatston method and coronary severity was assessed by Gensini score, respectively. All patients received standard lipid-lowering therapy and were followed-up for recurrent cardiovascular events. Univariate and multivariate regression and Cox analyses was used to calculate hazard ratios with 95% confidence interval.

Results
Circulating proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 concentrations were positively associated with coronary artery calcification scores and Gensini score by both univariate and multivariate analyses. During a mean follow-up of 43 ± 19 months, 29 (11.51%) recurrent cardiovascular events occurred. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that patients with the highest proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 levels had the lowest event-free survival time. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 was independently associated with recurrent cardiovascular events (hazard ratio: 1.45, 95% confidence interval: 1.11–1.88). The combination of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 to Cox prediction model led to an enhanced predictive value for recurrent cardiovascular events.

Conclusions
Increased level of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 was a significant risk factor of atherosclerosis and independently predicted future recurrent cardiovascular events in familial hypercholesterolemia patients receiving standard lipid-lowering treatment.
Prevalence of Thrombophilia in Women with Spontaneous Pregnancy Loss.
Authors: De Sancho Maria Teresa , Richardson Lamar , Rand Jacob H. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
We retrospectively analyzed the records of 145 female patients ages 18 to 50 who were referred to the Thrombosis and Hemostasis Section of the Hematology-Oncology Division at Mt. Sinai Hospital from January 2000 to June 2004 for evaluation of thrombophilia as the etiology of pregnancy loss (PL).
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) was defined as 2 or more PL in the first trimester of gestation. Women with one or more PL in the second and/or third trimester of gestation or stillbirth, or a combination of above were also analyzed.
The following thrombophilic conditions were evaluated: factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene mutation (G20210), antiphospholipid (APL) antibodies and lupus anticoagulant (LAC), homocysteine and functional levels of protein C, S and antithrombin.
Of the 145 patients, 20 were excluded from analysis for the following reasons: isolated 1 first trimester PL (15 patients), no verification of antiphospholipid antibodies (4 patients) and insuficient data (1 patient).
Of the evaluable patients, 75 (60%) had 2 or more first trimester PL, 14 (11.2%) patients had 1 or more second trimester PL, 2 (1.6%) patients had 1 or more third trimester PL and 24 (19.2%) patients had PL in different trimesters.
70 of the 125 patients (56%) were found to have a thrombophilic condition: 25 had antiphospholipid antibodies, 21 had factor V Leiden (20 heterozygous and 1 homozygous), 16 had prothrombin gene mutation (all heterozygous), 5 had protein S deficiency, 2 had homocysteine level, and 1 had protein C deficiency. We did not identify any patient with antithrombin deficiency.
Of the 75 patients with first trimester PL, 36 (48%) were found to have a thrombophilic condition: 18 (50%) had antiphospholipid antibodies, 9 (25) had factor V Leiden (1 homozygous and 8 heterozygous) (17%), 5 (13.8) had heterozygous prothrombin gene mutation (8%), 3 (8.3%) had increased homocysteine level and 3 had a low protein S level (8.3%).
In summary, we found a thrombophilic condition associated with PL in 56% in this patient population. The majority of patients had recurrent first trimester PL. The most prevalent thrombophilic disorder was the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, followed by factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene mutation and protein S deficiency and the least common was increased homocysteine level. These results suggest that testing for thrombophilia may be warranted in women with recurrent PL.
Pegfilgrastim Alone Successfully Mobilizes Peripheral CD34+ Cells in Chemotherapy Naive Subjects with Solid Tumors: Initial Results of a Phase 1-2 Study.
Authors: Willis Fenella , Pettengell Ruth , Woll Penella J. , Desborough Claire , Buchanan Karen 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Classic strategies for peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) mobilization include daily administration of a growth factor, such as filgrastim, alone or with marrow suppressive chemotherapy. A single injection of pegfilgrastim has been shown to be comparable to daily injections of filgrastim in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. One of the objectives of this phase 1–2 study was to provide dose-finding information regarding the efficacy and kinetics of cytokine alone PBPC mobilization with pegfilgrastim.
METHODS: Chemotherapy naïve subjects with a variety of solid tumors were randomized to receive a single administration of 6, 12 or 18 mg of pegfilgrastim on day 1 or daily administration of 10 μg/kg filgrastim from day 1 until day 7. Daily blood samples for peripheral CD34+ analysis were collected from days 1 to 7 and then on days 9 and 12. No chemotherapy was administered during this cycle. For each subject, peak CD34+ cell count was defined as the maximum cell count observed between days 3 to 7, inclusive.
RESULTS: Of 61 subjects randomised into the study, all received study drug (15 subjects each in the pegfilgrastim 12mg, 18mg and filgrastim groups and 16 subjects in the pegfilgrastim 6mg group). The treatment groups were balanced in terms of demographics and baseline characteristics. The most common tumor types were non-small cell lung cancer (n= 23 [38%]) and ovarian (n= 19 [31%]). The mean peak CD34+ cell count was similar in the filgrastim and pegfilgrastim 6mg groups (4.51 and 4.24 x 104/mL respectively) whereas the pegfilgrastim 12mg and 18mg groups had higher mean peaks (8.18 and 9.96 x 104/mL respectively). Pegfilgrastim 12mg and 18mg mobilized significantly more peripheral CD34+ cells than filgrastim (p= 0.025 and 0.003 respectively). The subject incidence of SAEs was low and comparable between groups.
Figure Figure
CONCLUSION: In chemotherapy naïve subjects with solid tumor, single day administration of pegfilgrastim is at least as efficacious as repeated daily injections of filgrastim (10 μg/kg) in its ability to successfully mobilize peripheral CD34+ cells. A dose response relationship of CD34+ mobilization is observed. Pegfilgrastim 12mg and 18mg mobilize higher numbers of CD34+ cells than daily administrations of filgrastim. Pegfilgrastim at 6, 12 and 18mg is generally safe and well tolerated in this setting.
Evidence for Safe Exclusion of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) by a Rapid ELISA D-Dimeer Test at Cut-Off Levels of 500 and 1000 Ng/Ml in 1046 Consecutive Outpatients with Suspected DVT.
Authors: Michels Jan Jacques , Hermssen Jan , Trienekens Paul H. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Introduction.A normal compression ultrasonography (CUS) safely excludes proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) with a negative predictive value of 97% indicating the need to repeat CUS testing within one week. In 3 studies, the rapid ELISA D-dimer assay at a cut-off of 500 ng/ml did have a sensitivity of 100% for the exclusion of venographically documented distal and proximal DVT irrespective of clinical score. To test this hypothesis we performed a large prospective study in outpatients with suspected DVT.
Methods. CUS and a rapid ELISA D-Dimer test (VIDAS, BioMérieux L’Etoile, France) were performed in patients with suspected DVT. A negative CUS with a D-Dimer result of <500 ng/ml exclude DVT, and with a D-Dimer result of >500 ng/ml was followed by a second CUS within one week.
Results. The prevalence of DVT 1046 consecutive out patients with suspected DVT was 23,4%. The first CUS was positive in 228 with a rapid ELISA D-Dimer of >500 ng/ml in 227 and of <500 ng/ml in one case, indicating a sensitivity of 99,6% irrespective of clinical score. The first CUS was negative in 818. The rapid ELISA D-dimer test Was <500 ng/ml in 297 of which 296 had a negative first CUS indicating a negative predictive value of 99.7% at a specificity of 37% irrespective of the clinicl score. The negative predictive value of a negative CUS plus a rapid ELISA D-Dimer result of less than 1000 ng/ml is 99.5% at a specificity of 67,9% irrespective of clinical score. The prevalence of DVT in patients with negative first CUS and a ELISA D-Dimer of >1000 ng/ml was 5.6% as documented by CUS repeat within on week.
Conclusion.A normal rapid ELISA D-dimer test, <500 ng/ml, in outpatients with suspected DVT safely excludes DVT irrespective of clinical score. After a negative rapid ELISA result (<500 ng/ml), CUS is still indicated for safety reasons in patients with suspected DVT and persistent symptoms in search for an alternative diagnosis, or for a rare case of DVT. A negative CUS plus and ELISA D-Dimer result of <1000 ng/ml safely exclude DVT without the need to repeat CUS in 2/3 of patients with a negative first CUS.
Common Polymorphisms of the Interleukin-6 and Chitotriosidase Genes Are Associated with the Risk for Infection with Gram-Negative Bacteria in Children Undergoing Therapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Authors: Lehrnbecher Thomas , Bernig Toralf , Hanisch Mitra , Koehl Ulrike , Reinhardt Dirk , Creutzig Ursula , Chanock Stephen J. , Klingebiel Thomas , Schwabe Dirk 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Purpose: Infectious complications remain a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Candidate gene studies have identified common polymorphisms in genes of molecules of innate immunity as risk factors for susceptibility and/or outcome to a spectrum of pathogens in various populations. This study was performed to investigate whether common polymorphism in genes of innate immunity might influence the risk for serious infection during therapy for pediatric AML.
Patients and Methods: Genotype analysis was performed in 168 children treated on clinical trial AML-BFM 93. Infectious events were categorized as microbiologically or clinically documented infections and as fever without an identifiable source. Candidate gene polymorphisms included tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 6 and 8 (IL6 and IL8), myeloperoxidase, chitotriosidase (CHIT), the low affinity Fc receptor 2A, and the toll like-receptors 2 and 4.
Results: The 168 children treated according to clinical trial AML-BFM 93 experienced a total of 508 infectious episodes. Only three patients escaped significant infectious complication. One-hundred-and-ten patients had a least one microbiologically documented infection. Gram-positive bacteria were isolated in the bloodstream of 84 children, whereas Gram-negative bacteria were recovered from the bloodstream of 24 patients. There was an association between Gram-negative bacterial infection and each of the IL6 and CHIT genetic variants. The risk of bacteremia with Gram-negative organisms was significantly higher in patients with the G allele in the IL6 promoter at 174bp [22/123 (17.9%) vs 0/25 (0%); P=.022 (OR 11.31, 95% CI 1.41–90.6)] and in patients with the H allele (24-bp duplication in exon 10) of CHIT [13/56 (23.25) vs 11/112 (9.8%); P=.020 (OR 2.78; 95% CI 1.18–6.54)]. No significant association of the other variant genotypes with any of the clinical endpoints analyzed was observed.
Conclusion: The data suggest that variant alleles of both IL6 and CHIT influence susceptibility to infection with Gram-negative bacteria in children undergoing therapy for AML. Further studies are warranted to confirm our findings and to investigate underlying mechanisms.