bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The endozoan, small-mammal reservoir hypothesis and the life cycle of Coccidioides species
Authors: Taylor John W , Barker Bridget M 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe prevailing hypothesis concerning the ecology of Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii is that these human pathogenic fungi are soil fungi endemic to hot, dry, salty regions of the New World and that humans and the local, small-mammal fauna are only accidental hosts. Here we advance an alternative hypothesis that Coccidioides spp. live in small mammals as endozoans, which are kept inactive but alive in host granulomas and which transform into spore-producing hyphae when the mammal dies. The endozoan hypothesis incorporates results from comparative genomic analyses of Coccidioides spp. and related taxa that have shown a reduction in gene families associated with deconstruction of plant cell walls and an increase in those associated with digestion of animal protein, consistent with an evolutionary shift in substrate from plants to animals. If true, the endozoan hypothesis requires that models of the prevalence of human coccidioidomycosis account not only for direct effects of climate and soil parameters on the growth and reproduction of Coccidioides spp. but also consider indirect effects on these fungi that come from the plants that support the growth and reproduction of the small mammals that, in turn, support these endozoic fungi.
Genetic Susceptibility to Thirdhand-Smoke-Induced Lung Cancer Development
Authors: Hang Bo , Mao Jian-Hua , Snijders Antoine M 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Recently, potential health concerns have been raised about thirdhand smoke (THS), a much less well-understood type of smoke exposure defined as residual tobacco smoke sorbed onto indoor surfaces after active smoking has ceased. THS exposure is derived from the involuntary inhalation, ingestion, or dermal uptake of indoor pollutants. The timescale for exposure to THS pollution is generally much longer than secondhand smoke, and could stretch to days, months, or years (long-term, low-level exposure). Recent studies showed that exposure to THS at early age in mice can affect body weight, immunity, and lung cancer development. However, adverse health effects of THS in human populations remain poorly understood and many questions remain unanswered. One major question is how genetic factors influence susceptibility to THS-induced health effects, especially tumor development and whether there is an age-specific window of susceptibility for these effects. By addressing these questions, we will provide a better understanding of the effects of THS on human health and disease. This information would address critical knowledge gaps that are required for the formulation of policies related to indoor air quality.

Implications
THS, the residual tobacco smoke remaining in the environment after tobacco has been smoked, represents an underestimated public health hazard. Evidence supports its widespread presence in indoor environments. Vulnerable populations are believed to include infants and children living in a smoking household exposed to THS and/or secondhand smoke, and exposure has been identified as a risk factor for lung cancer later in life. These and future studies will provide novel and important evidence of how early-life exposure to THS affects cancer development and other diseases, which should be useful for framing and enforcing new policies against passive smoking in the world.
Heterogeneity Between States in the Health and Economic Impact of Measles Immunization in the United States
Authors: Paternina-Caicedo Angel , Driessen Julia , Roberts Mark , van Panhuis Willem Gijsbert 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundVaccines have been used successfully for disease elimination programs in many countries. Evidence on the impact of vaccination programs can support decision-making among medical practitioners and policy makers to improve immunization rates. We estimated the health and economic impact of measles vaccination for each of the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia since 1964.MethodsFor each state, we fitted multiple time-series models to prevaccination data and used the best-fitting model to predict counterfactual cases that would have occurred in the absence of vaccination. We then subtracted observed from counterfactual measles cases, deaths, and related costs to estimate the impact of vaccination.ResultsWe estimated that 149 million children were vaccinated against measles in the United States between 1964 and 2014, at a cost of $12.2 billion, and that vaccination prevented 29.8 million cases, 32 000 deaths, and $25.8 billion in societal costs. The impact exceeded the national average in 70% of Western and Northeastern states, compared with only 24% of Southern and Midwestern states.ConclusionsThe significant health and economic benefit of measles vaccination in the United States should encourage continued investments to sustain and expand vaccination programs globally.
Effect of Hepatocellular Carcinoma on Mortality Among Individuals With Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C Infection in New York City, 2001–2012
Authors: Moore Miranda S , Bocour Angelica , Tran Olivia C , Qiao Baozhen , Schymura Maria J , Laraque Fabienne , Winters Ann 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complication of chronic hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) infection. New York City (NYC) has a high prevalence of HBV and HCV, and infected persons likely face increased mortality from HCC and other causes. We describe the mortality profile of NYC residents with HBV or HCV, emphasizing the contributions of HCC and HIV coinfection.Methods Two existing data sets were combined to examine all individuals diagnosed with HBV or HCV in NYC first reported to the Health Department during 2001–2012 and their HCC, HIV, and vital status. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds of HCC diagnosis by viral hepatitis status, whereas Cox proportional hazard regression was used to estimate the hazard of death by HCC/HIV status.ResultsIn total, 120 952 and 127 933 individuals were diagnosed with HBV or HCV, respectively. HCV-infected individuals had 17% higher odds of HCC diagnosis than HBV-infected individuals and 3.2 times higher odds of HIV coinfection. Those with HCV were twice as likely to die during the study period (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.96–2.12). The risk of death increased for those with HIV or HCC and was highest for those with both conditions.ConclusionsHCC and HIV represent substantial risks to survival for both HBV- and HCV-infected individuals. Individuals with HBV need close monitoring and treatment, when indicated, and routine HCC screening. Those with HCV need increased, timely access to curative medications before developing liver disease.
Extended Asymmetrical Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy for Adult Spinal Deformity: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Buell Thomas J , Buchholz Avery L , Quinn John C , Mullin Jeffrey P , Garces Juanita , Mazur Marcus D , Shaffrey Mark E , Yen Chun-Po , Shaffrey Christopher I , Smith Justin S 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) is an effective technique to correct fixed sagittal malalignment. A variation of this technique, the “trans-discal” or “extended” PSO (Schwab grade IV osteotomy), involves extending the posterior wedge resection of the index vertebra to include the superior adjacent disc for radical discectomy. The posterior wedge may be resected in asymmetric fashion to correct concurrent global coronal malalignment.
This video illustrates the technical nuances of an extended asymmetrical lumbar PSO for adult spinal deformity. A 62-yr-old female with multiple prior lumbar fusions presented with worsening back pain and posture. Preoperative scoliosis X-rays demonstrated severe global sagittal and coronal malalignment (sagittal vertical axis [SVA, C7-plumbline] of 13.5 cm, pelvic incidence [PI] of 60°, lumbar lordosis [LL] of 14° [in kyphosis], pelvic tilt [PT] of 61°, thoracic kyphosis [TK] of 18°, and rightward coronal shift of 9.3 cm). The patient gave informed consent to surgery and for use of her imaging for medical publication. Briefly, surgery first involved transpedicular instrumentation from T10 to S1 with bilateral iliac screw fixation, and then T11-12 and T12-L1 Smith-Petersen osteotomies were performed. Next, an extended asymmetrical L4 PSO was performed and a 12° lordotic cage (9 × 14 × 40 mm) was placed at the PSO defect. Rods were placed from T10 to iliac bilaterally, and accessory supplemental rods spanning the PSO were attached. Postoperative scoliosis X-rays demonstrated improved alignment: SVA 5.5 cm, PI 60°, LL 55°, PT 36°, TK 37°, and 3.7 cm of rightward coronal shift. The patient had uneventful recovery.
Effect of forage to concentrate ratio and duration of feeding on growth and feed conversion efficiency of male lambs
Authors: Claffey Noel A , Fahey Alan G , Gkarane Vasiliki , Moloney Aidan P , Monahan Frank J , Diskin Michael G 
Published: June 2018

AbstractRations (DM basis) for spring-born male lambs consisting of concentrates ad libitum (CON), 50:50 (50% concentrate:50% forage), and forage ad libitum (FORG) were evaluated across feeding periods of three durations (36, 54, and 72 d). Lambs on CON diets were offered ad libitum access to concentrate along with 400 g of fresh weight silage (daily), while 50:50 diets were offered 0.9 and 3.0 kg of concentrate and silage, respectively. Lambs on FORG were offered ad libitum access to 25.5% DM silage. These rations were fed to 99 spring-born male Texel cross Scottish Blackface lambs which were assigned to a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. Lambs were slaughtered following completion of their respective treatments. Lambs fed CON diets had greater ADG, FCE, and carcass weight (P &lt; 0.001) and carcasses with greater conformation score (P &lt; 0.001) than lambs fed 50:50 or FORG diets. Duration of feeding had no effect on production variables across all three concentrate inclusion levels. It was concluded that the inclusion of concentrates is needed to adequately finish lambs fed indoors. Feeding lamb’s 50:50 diets resulted in modest responses and may be a viable option for finishing lambs or to maintain growth in lambs when the cost of concentrate feed is high relative to the financial return on the lamb meat.
Treatment of Genital Burn Injuries: Traditional Procedures and New Techniques
Authors: Schulz Alexandra , Ribitsch Benedikt , Fuchs Paul Christian , Lipensky Alexandra , Schiefer Jennifer Lynn 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE:
Because genital burns are rare, only limited information on treatment guidelines is available in the literature. Vital tissue should be preserved to promote spontaneous healing because reconstruction does not always lead to satisfying results. The aim of this report is to present a general overview of current, prevailing treatment for genital burns and compare this to study authors’ experiences. In addition, the article describes an entirely new approach of tissue-preserving bromelain-based enzymatic debridement of genital burn wounds.

METHODS:
This single-center study includes all patients who were treated for severe genital and perineal burn wounds at a burn intensive care unit between December 1995 and December 2016. A review of literature was performed in PubMed covering the years 1990 to 2016.

RESULTS:
A total of 149 patients were admitted with severe burns or scalding of the genitals or the perineum. As in the majority of cases reported in the current literature, most of these patients were treated conservatively. When there was demarcation of necrotic tissue, tangential excision and skin grafting were performed, and since 2015, 3 patients admitted to this facility have been treated with bromelain-based debridement followed by spontaneous healing. Certain small-scale studies in the literature describe a disproportionate number of surgical interventions.

CONCLUSIONS:
Based on this evidence, study authors support a conservative view of genital burn treatment. Enzymatic debridement allows earlier and more selective debridement, which can improve the aesthetic outcome.
Epidural Abscess
Authors: Chaker Anisse N. , Bhimani Abhiraj D. , Esfahani Darian R. , Rosinski Clayton L. , Geever Brett W. , Patel Akash S. , Hobbs Jonathan G. , Burch Taylor G. , Patel Saavan , Mehta Ankit I. 
Published: June 2018

Study Design.
Observational analysis of retrospectively collected data.

Objective.
A retrospective study was performed in order to compare the surgical profile of risk factors and perioperative complications for laminectomy and laminectomy with fusion procedures in the treatment of spinal epidural abscess (SEA).

Summary of Background Data.
SEA is a highly morbid condition typically presenting with back pain, fever, and neurologic deficits. Posterior fusion has been used to supplement traditional laminectomy of SEA to improve spinal stability. At present, the ideal surgical strategy—laminectomy with or without fusion—remains elusive.

Methods.
Thirty-day outcomes such as reoperation and readmission following laminectomy and laminectomy with fusion in patients with SEA were investigated utilizing the American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program database. Demographics and clinical risk factors were collected, and propensity matching was performed to account for differences in risk profiles between the groups.

Results.
Seven hundred thirty-eight patients were studied (608 laminectomy alone, 130 fusion). The fusion population was in worse health. The fusion population experienced significantly greater rate of return to the operating room (odds ratio [OR] 1.892), with the difference primarily accounted for by cervical spine operations. Additionally, fusion patients had significantly greater rates of blood transfusion. Infection was the most common reason for reoperation in both populations.

Conclusion.
Both laminectomy and laminectomy with fusion effectively treat SEA, but addition of fusion is associated with significantly higher rates of transfusion and perioperative return to the operating room. In operative situations where either procedure is reasonable, surgeons should consider that fusion nearly doubles the odds of reoperation in the short-term, and weigh this risk against the benefit of added stability.

Level of Evidence: 3
Photometric Evaluation of Long-term Changes in Breast Shape after Breast Augmentation and Vertical Mammaplasty
Authors: Swanson Eric 
Published: June 2018

Background:
Little information is presently available regarding the long-term effects of breast augmentation and mammaplasties on breast shape. Existing studies typically use 1-dimensional measurements and mean follow-up times seldom exceed 1 year.

Methods:
Twenty women were studied: breast augmentation (n = 5), mastopexy (n = 5), augmentation/mastopexy (n = 5), and breast reduction (n = 5). For mammaplasties, a vertical method using a medial pedicle and intraoperative nipple siting was used in all cases. A 2-dimensional measurement system was used, with computer-assisted matching of lateral photographs of the right and left breasts. Measurements were evaluated at 3 times: before surgery, 1 year after surgery, and 10 years after surgery.

Results:
Breast implants significantly increased breast projection and upper pole projection. The nipple level was unchanged. The lower pole level dropped. These changes were preserved at 10 years. Vertical mastopexy provided a modest increment in breast projection and upper pole projection. The nipple level and lower pole level were raised significantly. Augmentation/mastopexy boosted breast projection and upper pole projection, and also elevated the nipple and lower pole level. Breast reduction changes were similar to mastopexy, but with greater elevation of nipple level and lower pole level, which were usually lower to start with. Implants increased upper pole convexity. Nipple overelevation was avoided by intraoperative nipple siting just below the breast apex.

Conclusions:
These measurements provide new information regarding the long-term effects of breast augmentation and vertical mammaplasties. This information may be used by plastic surgeons in procedure selection and patient counseling.
Improved Outcomes for Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation Through Optimized Treatment Parameters
Authors: Quigley Harry A. 
Published: June 2018

Purpose:
To compare outcomes of transscleral diode cyclophotocoagulation with the treatment parameters used.

Patients and Methods:
This was a retrospective chart review of a random, 50% sample of diode procedures using the G-probe over 10 years for uncontrolled glaucoma. The main outcome measure was intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction by 20% and final IOP≤21 mm Hg.

Results:
In 236 eyes (persons) treated by 5 glaucoma specialists, most eyes had severe glaucoma, with 75% having <20/200 acuity. Median follow-up was 2.7 years. In eyes receiving only 1 treatment, IOP success criterion was met in 72% (129/180). Success was significantly related to power per delivery and median total joules per treatment (successes=135 J, failures=98 J; P=0.0009), but not to number of deliveries, nor to extent of circumference treated. Greater success was associated with 3 or 4 second duration per delivery, power level based on audible cues, and firm pressure on the sclera. Using a standard 2000 mW, 2 seconds, 20 deliveries in each eye had the lowest success (49%). Of those with no preoperative pain, 40 persons (57%) had no postoperative pain, whereas 20 reported pain of 1-3/10 (29%). Phthisis occurred in 7 eyes (3%), 5 of which had severe secondary eye disease. Nine eyes had no light perception preoperatively, whereas 50 eyes were no light perception at last follow-up, many after additional surgeries for other conditions.

Conclusions:
Diode cyclophotocoagulation achieved reasonable IOP lowering, often without severe postoperative pain or complication. Greater success was achieved when audible effects were used to tailor the power settings to individual responses. Diode treatments with no intraoperative effect adjustment or using standardized protocols may not achieve optimal success.
Pancreas transplantation in type 2 diabetes: expanding the criteria
Authors: Al-Qaoud Talal M. , Odorico Jon S. , Redfield Robert R. 
Published: June 2018

Purpose of review
Pancreas transplantation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) candidates remains disproportionately lower than in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM); however, outcomes in carefully selected patients mirrors that of T1DM. Despite the 2014 United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) eligibility criteria for simultaneous pancreas/kidney transplant (SPK) transplantation in T2DM patients, an expected increase in the number of transplants was not observed.

Recent findings
In an updated International Pancreas and Transplant Registry (IPTR) analysis, 1514 primary deceased donor pancreas transplants were performed in T2DM recipients [1995–2015, SPK 88%, pancreas after kidney (PAK) 9%, pancreas transplant alone (PTA) 3%]. In contrast to the declining number of SPK transplants for T1DM, the number of primary SPK transplants in T2DM patients is increasing over time in the USA. Improvement over time was noted for T2DM SPK patient and graft survival, and the rate of technical failures decreased, paralleling similar overall trends for pancreas transplants in general. Long-term follow-up data of pancreas outcomes in C-peptide positive vs. negative demonstrate noninferior outcomes. BMI does not appear to impact outcomes in carefully selected T2DM candidates.

Summary
The current UNOS regulations that currently limit access of T2DM to pancreas transplantation based on strict BMI criteria and C-peptide levels need to be liberated.
Bioimpedance Spectroscopy Imprecisely Assesses Lean Body Mass in Pediatric Dialysis Patients
Authors: Milani Gregorio P. , Groothoff Jaap W. , Vianello Federica A. , Fossali Emilio F. , Paglialonga Fabio , Consolo Sivia , Edefonti Alberto , Consonni Dario , van Harskamp Dewi , van Goudoever Johannes B. , Schierbeek Henk , Agostoni Carlo , Oosterveld Michiel J.S. 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTObjectives:Alterations in body compositions are strongly associated with poor outcomes in end‐stage renal disease patients. Hence, assessment of lean body mass is crucial for clinically monitoring these patients. The use of multifrequency bioimpedance spectroscopy measurements has also been advocated, but their usefulness in children is questioned. We investigated whether their application is appropriate for lean body mass measurement in pediatric patients receiving chronic dialysis.Methods:Lean body mass estimates as assessed by multifrequency bioimpedance spectroscopy and by deuterium dilution were obtained for 15 patients (mean age 10.9 ± 3.6 years).Results:Lean body mass (mean ± standard deviation) determined by bioimpedance was 24.2 ± 10.7 and 24.4 ± 10.3 kg by deuterium technique. Bland‐Altman analysis showed a mean (±standard deviation) difference between the 2 methods of −0.25 ± 2.30 kg with 95% limits of agreement of −4.80 to 4.25 kg. In a multiple linear regression model, the hydration status was associated with measurement bias after adjusting for age, sex, weight, and body surface area.Conclusions:Our results show a high level of agreement between measurements by bioimpedance and deuterium technique, but the limits of agreement were wide. These findings do not support the use of bioimpedance to individually assess lean body mass in pediatric dialysis patients with and without overhydration.
Obesity Does Not Affect Early Outcomes in Children With Newly Diagnosed Crohn Disease
Authors: Jain Animesh , Bricker Josh , Kappelman Michael D. , Dotson Jennifer L. 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTThe impact of obesity on pediatric Crohn disease (CD) remains poorly characterized. We aimed to evaluate disease‐related outcomes in overweight and obese children with CD, compared to normal‐weight children. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children with newly diagnosed CD enrolled in the ImproveCareNow Network. Patients were stratified into normal weight, overweight, and obese groups using standardized weight percentiles. A total of 898 children were included, with 87 children (10%) being overweight and 43 children (5%) being obese; baseline characteristics were similar between groups. There was no significant difference in number of visits in remission during 1 year between normal weight, overweight, and obese children. At 1‐year follow‐up, nutritional status, growth status, or medication use also did not differ between groups. Hence, obesity does not appear to adversely affect CD outcomes in children with newly diagnosed CD in the first year after diagnosis.