bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence and Risk Factors for Leukopenia in Kidney Transplant Recipients Receiving Valganciclovir for Cytomegalovirus Prophylaxis
Authors: Liang Xinyun , Famure Olusegun , Li Yanhong , Kim S. Joseph 
Published: March 2018

Context: Valganciclovir is used not only for cytomegalovirus prophylaxis after kidney transplantation but can also induce leukopenia, thereby making patients more susceptible to other infections. The epidemiology of leukopenia in patients on valganciclovir remains poorly understood. Objective: To determine the incidence and risk factors for leukopenia in patients receiving valganciclovir for cytomegalovirus prophylaxis after kidney transplantation. Methods: In this single-center, retrospective, cohort study, we included kidney recipients transplanted from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2010, to determine the incidence and risk factors for leukopenia in patients who received valganciclovir for cytomegalovirus prophylaxis. The Kaplan-Meier product limit method was used to graphically assess time to leukopenia, and risk factors were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models. Results: A total of 542 kidney transplant recipients were included in the study cohort. The cumulative incidence of leukopenia at 6 months posttransplant was 39.3% (11.0% for neutropenia). Low baseline white blood cell count (hazard ratio [HR] 2.34 [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.37-4.00]) and high baseline body mass index (HR 1.05 [95% CI, 1.02-1.09]) were independently associated with an increased risk of leukopenia, while higher Cockcroft-Gault creatinine clearance (HR 0.87 [95% CI, 0.78-0.97]) was significantly associated with a decreased risk of leukopenia. Conclusions: These data suggest that recipient baseline white blood cell count, baseline body mass index, and kidney function are clinical predictors of new-onset leukopenia after kidney transplantation. Our results may inform the approach to cytomegalovirus prophylaxis to reduce the risk of valganciclovir-induced leukopenia in kidney transplant recipients.
The Impact of Share 35 Policy on Patient Survival in Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation With Gender- and Race-Mismatched Donors
Authors: Zhang Yefei , Boktour Maha R. 
Published: March 2018

Introduction: The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) instituted the Share 35 policy in June 2013 in order to reduce death on liver transplant waitlist. The effect of this policy on patient survival among patients with gender- and race-mismatched donors has not been examined. Research Question: To assess the impact of Share 35 policy on posttransplantation patient survival among patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) transplanted with gender- and race-mismatched donors. Design: A total of 16 467 adult patients with ESLD who underwent liver transplantation between 2012 and 2015 were identified from UNOS. An overall Cox proportional hazards model adjusting for demographic, clinical, and geographic factors and separate models with a dummy variable of pre- and post-Share 35 periods as well as its interaction with other factors were performed to model the effect of gender and race mismatch on posttransplantation patient survival and to compare the patient survival differences between the first 18 months of Share 35 policy to an equivalent time period before. Results: Comparison of the pre- and post-Share 35 periods did not show significant changes in the numbers of gender- and race-mismatched transplants, or the risk of death for gender-mismatched recipients. However, black recipients with Hispanic donors (hazard ratio: 0.51, 95% confidence interval, 0.29-0.90) had significantly increased patient survival after Share 35 policy took effect. Conclusion: The Share 35 policy had a moderate impact on posttransplantation patient survival among recipients with racially mismatched donors according to the first 18-month experience. Future research is recommended to explore long-term transplantation.
Expression of NK Cell Surface Receptors in Breast Cancer Tissue as Predictors of Resistance to Antineoplastic Treatment
Authors: Garcia-Chagollan Mariel , Carranza-Torres Irma Edith , Carranza-Rosales Pilar , Guzmán-Delgado Nancy Elena , Ramírez-Montoya Humberto , Martínez-Silva María Guadalupe , Mariscal-Ramirez Ignacio , Barrón-Gallardo Carlos Alfredo , Pereira-Suárez Ana Laura , Aguilar-Lemarroy Adriana , Jave-Suárez Luis Felipe 
Published: March 2018

Background: Currently, one of the most used strategies for the treatment of newly diagnosed patients with breast cancer is neoadjuvant chemotherapy based on the application of taxanes and anthracyclines. However, despite the high number of patients who develop a complete pathological clinical response, resistance and relapse following this therapy continue to be a clinical challenge. As a component of the innate immune system, the cytotoxic function of Natural Killer (NK) cells plays an important role in the elimination of tumor cells. However, the role of NK cells in resistance to systemic therapy in breast cancer remains unclear. The present project aims to evaluate the gene expression profile of human NK cells in breast cancer tissue resistant to treatment with taxanes–anthracyclines. Methods: Biopsies from tumor tissues were obtained from patients with breast cancer without prior treatment. Histopathological analysis and ex vivo exposure to antineoplastic chemotherapeutics were carried out. Alamar blue and lactate dehydrogenase release assays were performed for quantitative analysis of tumor viability. Gene expression profiles from tumor tissues without prior exposure to therapeutic drugs were analyzed by gene expression microarrays and verified by polymerase chain reaction. Results: A significant decrease in gene expression of cell-surface receptors related to NK cells was observed in tumor samples resistant to antineoplastic treatment compared with those that were sensitive to treatment. Conclusion: A decrease in NK cell infiltration into tumor tissue might be a predictive marker for failure of chemotherapeutic treatment in breast cancer.
Teaching nursing homes: the Norwegian experience 20 years on
Authors: Kirkevold Marit 
Published: March 2018

Background The Norwegian teaching nursing home (TNH) programme was launched in 1997 to address the continued challenges and threats to quality in long-term care. They included high turnover, inadequate recruitment of qualified staff, poor image and inadequate learning opportunities in long-term care for students, and lack of opportunities for knowledge and skill development for staff. Research into the particular challenges and needs in long-term care was very limited. The aim of the programmes was to establish partnerships between selected nursing homes, universities and university colleges. Together the institutions would address the challenges by developing quality development programmes, initiating research and improving teaching in collaboration. During the first project period (1997–2003), the TNHs proved to be efficient in launching quality-improvement programmes, improving teaching of students and staff and supporting relevant research. Following a formal evaluation, the programme was established on a permanent basis in 2004. Since then the programme has gone through a number of changes, including growing in numbers, being widened to include home care services, and changing focus from local developments to also being vehicles for national quality initiatives. Aim This paper describes the current programme of teaching nursing homes in relation to its goals, organisation and responsibilities. Results The strong learning network among the institutions contributes to the robustness of the programme which focuses on developing and implementing evidence-based care and creative learning environments for students and staff. Conclusions The programme has altered since its inception to ensure it remains a sustainable innovation for improving the care of older people.
Microbial counts in hands with and without nail varnish after surgical skin preparation: a randomized control trial
Authors: Kulkarni Vinay , Murray Anthony , Mittal Rajat , Spence David , O’Kane Gabrielle , Incoll Ian 
Published: March 2018

Nail varnish is commonly removed from fingernails prior to surgical procedures. We report the results of a randomized controlled trial comparing the microbial counts in hands with and without nail varnish applied, following surgical skin preparation. Forty-three patients were randomized; three patients were lost to follow-up. Each patient had one hand painted with nail varnish and had both hands tested 1 week later. There was no significant difference in terms of positive microbial growth between the nail plates or hyponichia with or without nail varnish applied. Our results demonstrate that the presence of nail varnish does not have an effect on the microbial counts of hands following surgical skin preparation. Level of evidence: I
Recommendations for active correction of hypernatremia in volume-resuscitated shock or sepsis patients should be taken with a grain of salt: A systematic review
Authors: Quinn Joseph W , Sewell Kerry , Simmons Dell E 
Published: March 2018

Background: Healthcare-acquired hypernatremia (serum sodium >145 mEq/dL) is common among critically ill and other hospitalized patients and is usually treated with hypotonic fluid and/or diuretics to correct a “free water deficit.” However, many hypernatremic patients are eu- or hypervolemic, and an evolving body of literature emphasizes the importance of rapidly returning critically ill patients to a neutral fluid balance after resuscitation. Objective: We searched for any randomized- or observational-controlled studies evaluating the impact of active interventions intended to correct hypernatremia to eunatremia on any outcome in volume-resuscitated patients with shock and/or sepsis. Data sources: We performed a systematic literature search with studies identified by searching MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, ClinicalTrials.gov , Index-Catalogue of the Library of the Surgeon General’s Office, DARE (Database of Reviews of Effects), and CINAHL and scanning reference lists of relevant articles with abstracts published in English. Data synthesis: We found no randomized- or observational-controlled trials measuring the impact of active correction of hypernatremia on any outcome in resuscitated patients. Conclusion: Recommendations for active correction of hypernatremia in resuscitated patients with sepsis or shock are unsupported by clinical research acceptable by modern evidence standards.
Usefulness of small bowel reexamination in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding patients with negative capsule endoscopy findings: Comparison of repeat capsule endoscopy and double‐balloon enteroscopy
Authors: Otani Koji , Watanabe Toshio , Shimada Sunao , Nadatani Yuji , Hosomi Shuhei , Nagami Yasuaki , Tanaka Fumio , Kamata Noriko , Taira Koichi , Yamagami Hirokazu , Tanigawa Tetsuya , Shiba Masatsugu , Fujiwara Yasuhiro 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundAlthough capsule endoscopy (CE) is a noninvasive diagnostic tool for patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB), bleeding lesions are often not detected. No strategies have been established to determine whether CE or double‐balloon enteroscopy (DBE) should be performed after negative CE.MethodsAmong 652 patients who underwent CE for OGIB, a total of 359 patients had negative findings. Of these, 41 and 48 patients underwent repeat CE and DBE for small bowel reexamination, respectively. We compared the rate of positive findings between the two groups. The findings were considered positive if mucosal break, vascular lesion, tumor, or active bleeding was observed.ResultsThe rate of positive findings in the repeat CE group was significantly higher than that in the DBE group (73.2% vs. 39.6%; p = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that the repeat CE group was significantly associated with positive findings (odds ratio (OR), 4.2; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.7–10.2; p = 0.002). Inverse probability of treatment‐weighted analysis revealed that repeat CE was significantly associated with positive findings (OR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.6–12.2; p = 0.004).ConclusionsReexamination via CE appears to have more diagnostic value than DBE for OGIB patients with negative CE findings.
Uptake of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose in initial positron-emission tomography predicts survival in MALT lymphoma
Authors: Qi Shunan , Huang May Y. , Yang Yong , Schöder Heiko , Teckie Sewit , Noy Ariela , Chau Karen , Yahalom Joachim 
Published: March 2018

Key PointsSUV on PET imaging is a predictive factor of OS for patients with MALT lymphoma. Large cell transformation and worse OS are more common in patients with SUV ≥10 on their initial PET scan.
Connexin hemichannels mediate glutathione transport and protect lens fiber cells from oxidative stress
Authors: Shi Wen , Riquelme Manuel A. , Gu Sumin , Jiang Jean X. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT
Elevated oxidized stress contributes to lens cataracts, and gap junctions play important roles in maintaining lens transparency. As well as forming gap junctions, connexin (Cx) proteins also form hemichannels. Here, we report a new mechanism whereby hemichannels mediate transport of reductant glutathione into lens fiber cells and protect cells against oxidative stress. We found that Cx50 (also known as GJA8) hemichannels opened in response to H2O2 in lens fiber cells but that transport through the channels was inhibited by two dominant-negative mutants in Cx50, Cx50P88S, which inhibits transport through both gap junctions and hemichannels, and Cx50H156N, which only inhibits transport through hemichannels and not gap junctions. Treatment with H2O2 increased the number of fiber cells undergoing apoptosis, and this increase was augmented with dominant-negative mutants that disrupted both hemichannels formed from Cx46 (also known as GJA3) and Cx50, while Cx50E48K, which only impairs gap junctions, did not have such an effect. Moreover, hemichannels mediate uptake of glutathione, and this uptake protected lens fiber cells against oxidative stress, while hemichannels with impaired transport had less protective benefit from glutathione. Taken together, these results show that oxidative stress activates connexin hemichannels in the lens fiber cells and that hemichannels likely protect lens cell against oxidative damage through transporting extracellular reductants.
The Usage of the Dental Operating Microscope among Young Dentists in Tîrgu Mureș: A Questionnaire Survey
Authors: Kovács-Ivácson Andrea-Csinszka , Kovács Mónika , Monea Monica , Pop Mihai 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Introduction: In the last 15 years, the most important revolution in dentistry has been the introduction and then the widespread adoption of the dental operating microscope. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usage of the dental operating microscope among young specialized and general practitioner dentists in Tîrgu Mureș.

Material and Methods: A 9-point questionnaire about dental microscope usage was distributed among endodontists, practitioners of other specialties, and general practitioners with less than 10 years of experience.

Results: According to our results, the dental operating microscope is used mainly during root canal therapy by endodontists. Practitioners of other specialties (prosthetists, alveolar dental surgeons, and orthodontists) use the microscope in a small percentage during coronal restoration, prosthetics, or periodontal surgery. Most general practitioners are not interested in using magnification in their practice.

Conclusions: Endodontists use the dental operating microscope when they face complicated cases and have access to it. Working under magnification is awakening the interest of doctors of other specialties also. Private practices should invest in acquiring a microscope, and young general practitioners should be motivated in using it during dental treatments.
Effectiveness of Bronchoalveolar Lavage in Diagnosis and Evolution of Coal Worker’s Pneumoconiosis — Case Report
Authors: Szász Zsuzsánna Ágnes , Horváth Gyopár , Székely-Vass Enikő , Hozoi Mădălina 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIntroduction:Our article offers a deeper insight into an important occupational disease — coal workers' pneumoconiosis, with all its diagnosis difficulties, treatment steps, and strategies.Case presentation:A 33-year-old male patient, smoker, with 16 years of outside exposure to coal dust, presents shortness of breath and cough, which existed 4 months prior to presentation and progressed in time. The first chest X-ray has raised differential diagnosis difficulties with miliary tuberculosis, despite the patient’s exposure history. All the investigation procedures performed afterwards (clinical examination, fibrobronchoscopy with microlavage and cytological examination, chest computed tomography, and routine laboratory investigations) were not enough to provide a certain and final diagnosis. Exploratory thoracotomy with lung biopsy was needed, and its findings started to sustain the professional disease diagnosis that had already taken shape. To exclude a disease which can evolve hand in hand, but also as a therapeutic application, we decided that a whole lung lavage was needed.Conclusion:Although whole lung lavage could not be accomplished completely, the performed right middle lobe bronchoalveolar lavage had a huge impact, not only on the patient’s symptomatology, but also on the paraclinical results.
Epicardial Fat, Paracrine-mediated Inflammation and Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Rat Nora , Mitre Adriana , Korodi Szilamér , Benedek István , Lázár Erzsébet , Kéri Johanna , Pakucs Annamária , Benedek István 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent arrhythmia in adults, becoming more frequent with age. Recent clinical studies demonstrated that epicardial fat is linked with atrial fibrillation induction and recurrence. The arrhythmogenic mechanism consists in the fact that the epicardial adipose tissue is metabolically active, inducing local inflammation and enhancing the oxidative stress, which lead to atrial fibrillation as well as atherosclerosis. Having metabolic activity and secreting various anti- and pro-inflammatory biomarkers, the fat surrounding the heart has been linked to the complex process of coronary plaque vulnerabilization. This clinical update aims to summarize the role of epicardial adipose tissue in the pathogenesis, persistence, and severity of atrial fibrillation.
Bayesian statistics and Monte Carlo methods
Authors: Koch K. R. 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
The Bayesian approach allows an intuitive way to derive the methods of statistics. Probability is defined as a measure of the plausibility of statements or propositions. Three rules are sufficient to obtain the laws of probability. If the statements refer to the numerical values of variables, the so-called random variables, univariate and multivariate distributions follow. They lead to the point estimation by which unknown quantities, i.e. unknown parameters, are computed from measurements. The unknown parameters are random variables, they are fixed quantities in traditional statistics which is not founded on Bayes’ theorem. Bayesian statistics therefore recommends itself for Monte Carlo methods, which generate random variates from given distributions. Monte Carlo methods, of course, can also be applied in traditional statistics. The unknown parameters, are introduced as functions of the measurements, and the Monte Carlo methods give the covariance matrix and the expectation of these functions. A confidence region is derived where the unknown parameters are situated with a given probability. Following a method of traditional statistics, hypotheses are tested by determining whether a value for an unknown parameter lies inside or outside the confidence region. The error propagation of a random vector by the Monte Carlo methods is presented as an application. If the random vector results from a nonlinearly transformed vector, its covariance matrix and its expectation follow from the Monte Carlo estimate. This saves a considerable amount of derivatives to be computed, and errors of the linearization are avoided. The Monte Carlo method is therefore efficient. If the functions of the measurements are given by a sum of two or more random vectors with different multivariate distributions, the resulting distribution is generally not known. TheMonte Carlo methods are then needed to obtain the covariance matrix and the expectation of the sum.
On algebraic characterization of SSC of the Jahangir’s graph 𝓙
n,m
Authors: Raza Zahid , Kashif Agha , Anwar Imran 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
In this paper, some algebraic and combinatorial characterizations of the spanning simplicial complex Δs
(𝓙
n,m
) of the Jahangir’s graph 𝓙
n,m
are explored. We show that Δs
(𝓙
n,m
) is pure, present the formula for f-vectors associated to it and hence deduce a recipe for computing the Hilbert series of the Face ring k[Δs
(𝓙
n,m
)]. Finally, we show that the face ring of Δs
(𝓙
n,m
) is Cohen-Macaulay and give some open scopes of the current work.
FESEM, XRD and DRS studies of electrochemically deposited boron doped ZnO films
Authors: Caglar Yasemin , Ilican Saliha , Caglar Mujdat 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn this study, the effect of boron (B) incorporation into zinc oxide (ZnO) has been investigated. The undoped, 2 at.%. and 4 at.% B doped ZnO films were deposited on p-type silicon (Si) substrates by electrodeposition method using chronoamperometry technique. Electrochemical depositions were performed by applying a constant potentiostatic voltage of 1.1 V for 180 min at 90 °C bath temperature. To analyze the surface morphology, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was used and the results revealed that while a small amount of boron resulted in smoother surface, a little more incorporation of boron changed the surface morphology to dandelion-like shaped rods on the whole surface. By using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, the crystal structures of the films were detected and the preferred orientation of the ZnO, which exhibited polycrystalline and hexagonal wurtzite structure, changed with B doping. For the estimation of the optical band gap of obtained films, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) of the films were taken at room temperature and these data were applied to the Kubelka-Munk function. The optical band gap of ZnO narrowed due to incorporation of B, which was confirmed by red-shift.
Optical properties of ZnCoO layers obtained by PLD method
Authors: Potera P. , Virt I. , Wisz G. , Cebulski J. 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Optical properties of the zinc-cobalt oxide (ZnCoO) layers manufactured at different process conditions have been investigated. ZnCoO layers were grown on sapphire and glass substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. The influence of growth conditions as well as post-growth annealing on the films transmission and gap energy was analyzed.