bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Possible range decline of Ganges River Dolphin Platanista gangetica (Mammalia: Cetartiodactyla: Platanistidae) in Indian Sundarban
Authors: Mitra Sangita , Chowdhury Mahua Roy 
Published: November 2018

Recent survey reports and observations from rivers in southern West Bengal (India) indicate the extirpation of Ganges River Dolphin (GRD) from the Indian Sundarbans. The present study undertaken during 2011–16 reviews the possible factors accountable for the disappearance of this obligatory freshwater cetacean from the major waterways of the Sundarbans, India and conclude that it is due to reasons of anthropogenic and geo-climatic origin. Sundarbans, the largest contiguous mangrove forest on earth encompassing almost 10,000km2 of India and Bangladesh is located at the head of the Bay of Bengal within 21.533–22.666 0N and 88.083–89.850 0E, of which 62% lies within Bangladesh and 38% in India (Spalding et al. 2010). The landscape is a network of mudflats and islands at the deltaic mouth of the rivers Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna created by accumulated sediments carried by the snow-fed Himalayan rivers and their tributaries along with anastomosing tidal water channels. Historic reports reveal the occurrence of GRD in the Sundarbans waters of both India and Bangladesh (Anderson 1879). Current data, however, confirms the disappearance of Platanista gangetica but there is continued occurrence of Orcaella brevirostris in the Indian part of the estuary. Analysis of causative factors in light of existing evidence validates the potential extirpation of Platanista from the majority of the Sundarbans in India, except for its persistence in only the westernmost segment in the lower reaches of river Hooghly as confirmed by this study. The present study also records the habitat preferences and limiting factors affecting GRD distribution, and maps the decline of its range.
An old collection reveals an additional distribution record of the Greater Long-tongued Fruit Bat Macroglossus sobrinus K. Anderson, 1911 (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) from southern West Bengal, India
Authors: Dar Tauseef Hamid , Kamalakannan M. , Venkatraman C. , Chandra Kailash 
Published: November 2018

Greater Long-tongued Fruit Bat Macroglossus sobrinus K Anderson, 1911 is one of the small fruit bat found in South and Southeast Asia. In India, this species has only been reported from northern West Bengal, Sikkim and Northeast India. Upon detailed examination of the external morphology, skull and dentition of a single bat specimen, which was collected from Narendrapur, South 24- Parganas district in West Bengal (southern West Bengal) during the year 1995 and deposited in the National Zoological Collections of Zoological Survey of India, was identified as Macroglossus sobrinus. It is the first report on the occurrence of the species from southern West Bengal, extended distribution by more than 600 km southward from the known localities in Darjeeling in northern West Bengal.
DNA barcoding and morphological characterization of moth Antoculeora ornatissima (Walker, 1858) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a new range record from western Himalayan region of India
Authors: Sinha Twinkle , Shashank P.R. , Chattopadhyay Pratima Chaudhuri 
Published: November 2018

DNA barcoding of Antoculeora ornatissima (Walker, 1858) was done for the first time from India. Redescriptions of genitalia and diagnoses of genus and species are presented with images and illustrations.
A record after 92 years, and a first report of the moth Mecodina metagrapta Hampson, 1926 (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Aganainae) from the Western Ghats’ part of Maharashtra, India
Authors: Kalawate Aparna Sureshchandra 
Published: November 2018

The present study reports the moth species Mecodina metagrapta Hampson 1926 after a gap of 92 years from India. Also, this is the first record of this genus and species from Maharashtra.
Fundamental Frequency in Excised Human Larynges after Anterior Glottic Web Formation of Various Extents
Authors: Pinheiro Thais Gonçalves , Ishikawa Camila Cristina , Imamura Rui , Frizzarini Ronaldo , Montagnoli Arlindo Neto , Tsuji Domingos Hiroshi 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of vocal fold anterior web formation on fundamental frequency with a cadaveric excised larynx model.Study DesignExperimental study with excised human larynges.SettingAcademic tertiary care hospital.Subjects and MethodsSixteen freshly excised human larynges were evaluated with high‐speed videoendoscopy and digital kymography during artificially produced vibration. Each larynx was assessed in 4 conditions: preoperative controls and after 25%, 33%, and 50% decreases in the vibratory portion of the vocal folds. The following parameters were evaluated: fundamental frequency, periodicity, vocal fold vibration amplitude, phase symmetry, and glottic closure.ResultsThe mean fundamental frequencies were 208.87, 250.20, 292.37, and 342.67 Hz for preoperative controls and 25%, 33%, and 50% reductions in vibratory length of the vocal folds, respectively. Fundamental frequency increased with each increase in anterior glottic web extent, and the difference among the groups was statistically significant in absolute values in hertz and in semitone elevation. The mathematical models for estimating postoperative fundamental frequency had a statistically significant coefficient. The vibration of the vocal folds remained periodic in all larynges before and after the procedures.ConclusionThere was a significant and progressive increase in the fundamental frequency with each enlargement of anterior glottic web. Based on the control frequency, mathematical models could estimate the value of the fundamental frequency after the procedure.
Health Care Costs and Cost‐effectiveness in Laryngotracheal Stenosis
Authors: Yin Linda X. , Padula William V. , Gadkaree Shekhar , Motz Kevin , Rahman Sabrina , Predmore Zachary , Gelbard Alexander , Hillel Alexander T. 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveLaryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is resource‐intensive disease. The cost‐effectiveness of LTS treatments has not been adequately explored. We aimed to conduct a cost‐effectiveness analysis comparing open reconstruction (cricotracheal/tracheal resection [CTR/TR]) with endoscopic dilation in the treatment of LTS.Study DesignRetrospective cohort.SettingTertiary referral center (2013‐2017).Subjects and MethodsThirty‐four LTS patients were recruited. Annual costs were derived from the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University. Cost‐effectiveness analysis compared CTR/TR versus endoscopic dilation at a willingness‐to‐pay threshold of $50,000 per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) over 5‐ and 10‐year time horizons. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated with deterministic analysis and tested for sensitivity with univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analysis.ResultsMean LTS costs were $4080.09 (SE, $569.29) annually for related health care visits. The major risk factor for increased cost was etiology of stenosis. As compared with idiopathic patients, patients with intubation‐related stenosis had significantly higher annual costs ($5286.56 vs $2873.62, P =. 03). The cost of CTR/TR was $8583.91 (SE, $2263.22). Over a 5‐year time horizon, CTR/TR gained $896 per QALY over serial dilations and was cost‐effective. Over a 10‐year time horizon, CTR/TR dominated dilations with a lower cost and higher QALY.ConclusionThe cost of treatment for LTS is significant. Patients with intubation‐related stenosis have significantly higher annual costs than do idiopathic patients. CTR/TR contributes significantly to cost in LTS but is cost‐effective versus endoscopic dilations for appropriately selected patients over a 5‐ and 10‐year horizon.
Risk factors for acute liver failure among inpatients with anti-tuberculosis drug-induced liver injury
Authors: Wang Shuting , Shangguan Yanwan , Ding Cheng , Li Pengcheng , Ji Zhongkang , Shao Jundan , Fang Hong , Yang Meifang , Shi Pei , Wu Jie , Ren Jingjing , Yang Shigui , Yuan Jing , Shi Yunzhen , Li Jingnan , Li Lanjuan , Xu Kaijin 
Published: November 2018

Objective To analyze the clinical and laboratory features and determine the predictors of acute liver failure (ALF) among inpatients with anti-tuberculosis (TB) drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Method Patients diagnosed with anti-TB DILI from 2010 to 2016 at The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University were retrospectively included in this study. Demographic and clinical data were collected by reviewing electronic medical records. Results Among 155 inpatients with anti-TB DILI, 55 (35.48%) developed ALF, with an overall mortality of 9.68%. The median time to DILI onset was significantly longer in the ALF compared with the non-ALF group (51 versus 24 days). Eighty-three patients (53.55%) developed DILI (53.55%) within the first month of anti-TB treatment, and 60% of ALF cases occurred within 2 months. Multivariable models for ALF incorporating aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, platelets, white blood cell count, and pre-existing hepatitis yielded a concordance (C-statistic) of 98.93%. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that approximately half of all cases of DILI occur within the first month, while 60% of ALF cases occur within 2 months. Elevated total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, white blood cell count, pre-existing hepatitis, and low platelet count are independent risk factors for the development of anti-TB drug-induced ALF.
Clinically Meaningful Improvement After Treatment of Cartilage Defects of the Knee With Osteochondral Grafts
Authors: Wang Dean , Chang Brenda , Coxe Francesca R. , Pais Mollyann D. , Wickiewicz Thomas L. , Warren Russell F. , Rodeo Scott A. , Williams Riley J. 
Published: November 2018

Background: Mosaicplasty and fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) are popular cartilage restoration techniques that involve the single-stage implantation of viable, mature hyaline cartilage–bone dowels into chondral lesions of the knee. Recently, there has been greater focus on what represents a clinically relevant change in outcomes reporting, and commonly applied metrics for measuring clinical significance include the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and substantial clinical benefit (SCB). Purpose: To define the MCID and SCB after mosaicplasty or OCA for the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective form and Knee Outcome Survey–Activities of Daily Living (KOS-ADL) and to determine patient factors that are predictive of achieving the MCID and SCB after mosaicplasty or OCA. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. Methods: An institutional cartilage registry was reviewed to identify patients who underwent mosaicplasty or OCA. The decision to perform either mosaicplasty or OCA was generally based on chondral defect size. The IKDC and KOS-ADL were administered preoperatively and at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. Patient responses to the outcome measures were aggregated, and the MCID and SCB of these outcome scores were calculated with anchor-based methods. Multivariate analysis adjusted for age and sex was performed to identify patient factors predictive of achieving the MCID and SCB. Results: Of the 372 eligible patients, 151 (41%) were lost to follow-up, 46 (12%) had incomplete preoperative outcome scores and 2 were treated with OCA of the tibia and therefore excluded. In total, 173 knees were analyzed (n = 173 patients; mean age, 33.0 years; 37% female). Seventy-five (43%) and 98 (57%) knees were treated with mosaicplasty and OCA, respectively. The mean ± SD MCIDs for the IKDC and KOS-ADL were 17 ± 3.9 and 10 ± 3.7, respectively. The SCBs for the IKDC and KOS-ADL were 30 ± 6.9 and 17 ± 3.9, respectively. Univariate analysis demonstrated no association between procedure (mosaicplasty or OCA) and likelihood of achieving the MCID or SCB. In the multivariate analysis, lower preoperative IKDC and KOS-ADL scores, higher preoperative Marx Activity Rating Scale scores, lower preoperative 36-Item Short Form Health Survey pain scores, and a history of ≤1 prior ipsilateral knee surgical procedure were predictive of achieving the MCID and/or SCB. Conclusion: These values can be used to define a clinically meaningful improvement for future outcome studies. For surgeons considering mosaicplasty or OCA for their patients, these results can help guide clinical decision making and manage patient expectations before surgery.
Identifying Imperatives for an Effective Nutrition Surveillance Policy Framework for Maternal and Child Health in Lesotho
Authors: Mugomeri Eltony 
Published: November 2018

Background: Surveillance of nutrition indicators is critical for informing nutrition policies and programs. The failure by many sub-Saharan countries to maintain functional surveillance systems for maternal and child health (MCH) hampers their capacity to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals relevant for MCH. The nutrition surveillance system (NSS) for MCH in the southern African country of Lesotho is no exception to this problem despite the country having some of the highest maternal and child mortality ratios globally. Objective: The study reviewed Lesotho’s quantitative nutrition surveillance data and qualitatively analyzed the structure and functionality of Lesotho’s NSS to identify imperatives for an effective nutrition surveillance policy framework for MCH in the country. Methods: Descriptive quantitative analyses were based on NSS data and nationally representative Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS) data while qualitative analysis on data obtained through interviews with purposefully selected key informants working in the NSS of Lesotho was based on grounded theory. Results: Nutrition surveillance system data were inconsistently compiled across Lesotho’s 10 districts, while LDHS data suggested that stunting, maternal anemia, child overweight, and low birth weight remain high. Challenges with the NSS were linked to poor coordination of the NSS due to an indistinct organogram of nutrition offices and poor cooperation among stakeholders in the NSS. Conclusions: To improve the NSS in Lesotho, the most critical imperative is to capacitate the Food & Nutrition Coordinating Office which in turn should create distinct nutrition offices yet with adequate cooperation and clear benchmarks for monitoring and evaluation of the NSS.
Sentinel vascular access monitoring after endovascular intervention predicts access outcome
Authors: Kumbar Lalathaksha , Peterson Ed , Zaborowicz Matthew , Besarab Anatole , Yee Jerry , Zasuwa Gerard 
Published: November 2018

Background and objectives: The vascular access pressure ratio test identifies dialysis vascular access dysfunction when three consecutive vascular access pressure ratios are >0.55. We tested whether the magnitude of the decline in vascular access pressure ratio 1-week post-intervention could alert of subsequent access failure. Design, setting, participants, and measurements: The retrospective study included all vascular access procedures at one institution from March 2014 to June 2016. Data included demographics, comorbidities, vascular access features, %ΔVAPR = ((Pre-Post)/Pre] × 100% assessed within the first 2 weeks post-percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty, time-to-next procedure, and patency. The log-rank test compared the area under the curve, receiver operating curve, Kaplan–Meier arteriovenous graft and arteriovenous fistula survival curves. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard (CP) model was used to determine the association of %ΔVAPR with access patency. Results: Analysis of 138 subjects (females 51%; Black 87%) included 64 arteriovenous fistulas with 104 angioplasties and 74 arteriovenous grafts with 134 angioplasties. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for fistula failure at 3 months was 0.59, with optimal screening characteristics of 33.3%, sensitivity of 56.1%, and specificity of 63.2%. Arteriovenous fistula with <33.3% decline compared to >33.3% required earlier subsequent procedure (136 vs 231 days), lower survival on Kaplan–Meier analysis (P = 0.01), and twofold greater risk of failure (P = .006). Area under the receiver operating characteristic for arteriovenous graft failure at 3 months had a sensitivity of 52.3% and specificity of 67.4%. Arteriovenous graft with a post-intervention vascular access pressure ratio decline of <28.8% also required earlier subsequent procedure (144 vs 189 days), lower survival on Kaplan–Meier (P = 0.04), and a 59% higher risk for failure. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for combined access failure (arteriovenous fistula + arteriovenous graft) at 3 months had an optimal cut-point value of 31.2%, a sensitivity of 54.6%, and a specificity of 63.1%. Access with a <31.2% drop had a 62% increase in the risk of failure (hazard ratio 1.62; confidence interval 1.16, 2.27; P = 0.005). Conclusion: The magnitude of post-intervention reduction in vascular access pressure ratio provides a novel predictive measure of access outcomes.
Impact of Choice of Test for Latent Tuberculosis Infection on Treatment Acceptance and Completion
Authors: Lambert Lauren A , Katz Dolly , Feng Pei-Jean , Djojonegoro Baby M , Fair Elizabeth , Jasuja Supriya , Marantz Susan , Horsburgh C Robert , Ho Christine 
Published: November 2018

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess whether choice of test for tuberculosis (TB) infection affects decisions to accept and complete treatment among contacts to TB cases. Methods: Retrospective study is conducted in which TB contacts, ⩾15 years old during 2005 and 2009, were tested for infection with either a tuberculin skin test (TST) or an interferon-gamma release assay test, the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT). Results: Of 658 persons with valid test results, 185 (28%) had positive results, including 128 of 406 (32%) who had TST and 57 of 252 (23%) who received QFT-GIT. Treatment acceptance was 43 of 57 (75%) among QFT-GIT-positive and 97 of 128 (76%) among TST-positive persons (risk ratio [RR] = 1.0, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83-1.2). Treatment completion was 56% among QFT-GIT-positive (32 of 57) and 59% (75 of 128) among TST-positive persons (RR = 0.96, 95% CI, 0.73-1.26). Discussion: Our study showed no difference in proportions of TB contacts ⩾15 years old with positive TST results who accepted or completed LTBI treatment compared with those with positive QFT-GIT results. Future studies should include high-risk persons with no known TB exposure, who constitute the main reservoir for TB cases in the United States.
Long-term exposure to air pollution raises circulating levels of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 in obese individuals
Authors: Macchi Chiara , Ferri Nicola , Favero Chiara , Cantone Laura , Vigna Luisella , Pesatori Angela C , Lupo Maria G , Sirtori Cesare R , Corsini Alberto , Bollati Valentina , Ruscica Massimiliano 
Published: November 2018

Aims Exposure to airborne particulate matter has been consistently associated with early death and increased morbidity, particularly raising the risk of cardiovascular disease. Obesity, one of the leading cardiovascular disease risk factors, increases susceptibility to the adverse effects of particulate matter exposure. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 has been related to a large number of cardiovascular risk factors, e.g. atherogenic lipoproteins, arterial stiffness and platelet activation. Thus, the present study was aimed at evaluating, in a series of obese individuals, the effects of particulate matter less than 10 µm in diameter (PM10) on proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 circulating levels. Methods and results In 500 obese subjects, participating in the cross-sectional Susceptibility to Particle Health Effects, miRNAs and Exosomes (SPHERE) study, we evaluated the effects of long- and short-term PM10 exposure on circulating proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 levels. In the studied individuals (body mass index: 33.3 ± 5.2 kg/m2) with an annual average PM10 exposure of 40.12 ± 4.71 µg/m3, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 levels were 248.7 ± 78.6 ng/mL. In univariate analysis, PM10 exposure (annual average) was associated with proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 levels (β=1.83, standard error = 0.75, p = 0.014). Interestingly, in a multivariable linear regression model, this association was observed only for carriers of lower concentrations of interferon-γ, whereas it was lost in the presence of higher interferon-γ levels. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 levels were positively associated with the Framingham Risk Score, which was raised by 15.8% for each 100 ng/ml rise of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9. Conclusions In obese individuals, more sensitive to the damaging effects of environmental air pollution, PM10 exposure positively associates with proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 plasma levels especially in those with low levels of interferon-γ.
Obstacles in prostate cancer screening: Current issues and future solutions
Authors: Patel Benjamin , Sriprasad Seshadri , Cadeddu Jeffrey , Thind Arron , Rane Abhay 
Published: November 2018

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and is associated with unacceptably high mortality rates, yet an accurate and acceptable screening programme that detects clinically significant prostate cancer remains elusive. Although there is good evidence that prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based screening lowers prostate cancer-specific mortality, especially when conducted at high intensity, the harm caused by overinvestigation, overdiagnosis and overtreatment of clinically insignificant cases arguably outweighs these benefits. Several attempts have therefore been made to improve screening, enhancing the diagnostic value of PSA and identifying novel modalities for screening. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the benefits and harms, and analyse which of these novel screening methods show most promise. Level of evidence: 5, expert opinion