bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distinguishing sporulating and nonsporulating lesions as a method for evaluating the resistance of sugarcane genotypes to orange rust
Authors: Moreira A. S. , Nogueira‐Júnior A. F. , Gonçalves C. R. N. B. , Souza N. A. , Bergamin Filho A. 
Published: June 2018

Sugarcane breeding programmes rank the resistance of genotypes to Puccinia kuehnii, causal agent of orange rust, according to levels of disease severity. However, during the screening stages, this method of assessment can lead to precipitous elimination of genotypes with promising agronomic traits but showing mild symptoms of rust such as flecks or lesions that do not produce spores. This study aimed to propose a new method to classify the resistance of sugarcane genotypes to orange rust by counting sporulating lesions. Five sugarcane varieties with different levels of resistance to P. kuehnii were inoculated with two pathogen populations under controlled conditions. The disease severity (SEV), total number of lesions (TNL), and total number of sporulating lesions (TNSL) were evaluated in a 20 cm leaf fragment from the most diseased leaf. The TNL and TNSL evaluations were performed at 11, 16 and 21 days after inoculation (DAI) and SEV at 21 DAI. The thresholds of 80% and 8% of sporulating lesions (SL) separated susceptible from the intermediate varieties and intermediate from the resistant ones, respectively. It is proposed that the method of counting sporulating lesions be used in screening genotypes for resistance to P. kuehnii in sugarcane breeding programmes.
Tuberculosis patients not covered by treatment in public health services: findings from India's National Family Health Survey 2015–16
Authors: Pardeshi Geeta , Deluca Andrea , Agarwal Sutapa , Kishore Jugal 
Published: June 2018

AbstractObjectiveHalf of the TB patients in India seek care from private providers resulting in incomplete notification, varied quality of care and out‐of‐pocket expenditure. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of TB patients who remain outside the coverage of treatment in public health services.MethodsCross‐sectional data from National Family Health Survey‐4 (2015–16) were analysed using logistic regression analysis. TB treatment was the dependent variable. Sociodemographic factors and place where households generally seek treatment were independent variables.ResultsPrevalence of self‐reported TB was 308.17/100 000 population (95% CI: 309.44–310.55/100 000 population) and 38.8% (95% CI: 36.5–41.1%) of TB patients were outside care of public health services – 3.3% did not seek treatment and 35.3% accessed treatment from private sector. Factors associated with not seeking treatment were age <10 years [OR = 3.43; 95% CI (1.52–7.77); P = 0.00]; no/preschool education [OR = 1.82; 95% CI (1.10–3.34); P = 0.02]; poorest wealth index [OR = 1.86; 95% CI (1.01–3.34); P = 0.04] and household's general rejection of the public sector when seeking health care [OR = 1.69; 95% CI (1.69–2.26); P = 0.00]. Factors associated with seeking treatment from private providers were female sex [OR = 1.29; 95% CI (1.11–1.50); P = 0.001], younger age of the patient [OR = 2.39; 95% CI (1.62–3.53); P = 0.00], higher education [OR = 1.82; 95% CI (1.11–2.98); P = 0.02] and household's general rejection of the public sector when seeking health care [OR = 4.56; 95% CI (3.95–5.27); P = 0.00]. Patients from households reporting ‘poor quality of care’ as the reason for not generally preferring public health services were more likely (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.19–1.65; P = 00) to access private treatment.ConclusionThe study provides insights for efforts to involve the private health sector for accurate surveillance and patient groups requiring targeted interventions for linking them to the national programme.
Knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding copper intrauterine contraceptive devices among doctors in Malaysia
Authors: Chew Kah Teik , Salim Norsaadah , Abu Muhammad Azrai , Abdul Karim Abdul Kadir 
Published: June 2018

Background and objectiveIntrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) are an important method to reduce unmet need for family planning and for prevention of unintended pregnancy. However, IUD use in Malaysia is still low. Doctors play a major role in influencing IUD uptake among women. This study was designed to evaluate doctors’ knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards IUDs and factors associated with their current practice.MethodsA questionnaire was mailed to public and private contraceptive providers who practise in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.ResultsA total of 400 doctors were invited and 240 (60%) of them responded to the survey. Of the respondents, 161 (65.9%) were from the public or government sector and 89 (34.1%) were from the private sector. The knowledge score of doctors was classed as ’average', and correlated well with their previous training level, working position, number of patients seen in a week and number of contraceptive methods available in their facilities. The age, gender, working duration, availability of IUDs in the premises and number of IUD insertions in a month were not statistically associated with the providers’ knowledge. The use of IUDs was low, especially among private doctors, and was significantly related to their knowledge of the method. Knowledge scores, perception and practice were significantly lower in the private sector.
Longer stent retrievers enhance thrombectomy performance in acute stroke
Authors: Haussen Diogo C , Al-Bayati Alhamza R , Grossberg Jonathan A , Bouslama Mehdi , Barreira Clara , Bianchi Nicolas , Frankel Michael R , Nogueira Raul G 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundLonger stent retrievers have recently become available and have theoretical advantages over their shorter counterparts. We aim to evaluate whether stent retriever length impacts reperfusion rates in stroke thrombectomy.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected thrombectomy database in which equal diameter (4 mm) stent retrievers were used as the first-line strategy for intracranial internal carotid or middle cerebral artery M1 or M2 occlusions along with a balloon guide catheter from June 2011 to March 2017. The population was dichotomized into long (Trevo 4×30 mm/Solitaire 4×40 mm) or short (Trevo 4×20 mm/Solitaire 4×20 mm) retrievers. The primary outcome was first-pass modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2b/3 reperfusion.ResultsOf 1126 thrombectomies performed within the study period, 420 were included. Age, gender, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, ASPECTS, IV tissue plasminogen activator use, stroke etiology, occlusion site, time from last-known-normal to puncture, distribution of Trevo and Solitaire, and the use of newer generation local thromboaspiration devices were comparable between the long and short retrievers. The short retriever group had more frequent hypertension, dyslipidemia, and atrial fibrillation. First-pass mTICI 2b/3 reperfusion was more common in the long retriever group (62% vs 50%; P=0.01). Parenchymal hematomas type 2, subarachnoid hemorrhage, 90-day modified Rankin Scale score 0–2, and mortality were comparable. Multivariable analysis indicated that long retriever (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.3 to 3.6; P=0.001), radiopaque device (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.2 to 3.4; P=0.003), and adjuvant local aspiration (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.3 to 4.3; P=0.003) were independently associated with first-pass reperfusion.ConclusionsThe use of longer stent retrievers is an independent predictor of first-pass mTICI 2b/3 reperfusion. First-pass reperfusion was also associated with the use of radiopaque devices and adjuvant local aspiration.
Clinically feasible stratification of 1-year to 3-year post-myocardial infarction risk
Authors: Horne Benjamin D , Muhlestein Joseph B , Bhandary Durgesh , Hoetzer Greta L , Khan Naeem D , Bair Tami L , Lappé Donald L 
Published: June 2018

ObjectivePost-myocardial infarction (MI) care is crucial to preventing recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), but can be complicated to personalise. A tool is needed that effectively stratifies risk of cardiovascular (CV) events 1–3 years after MI but is also clinically usable.MethodsPatients surviving ≥1 year after an index MI with ≥1 risk factor for recurrent MI (ie, age ≥65 years, prior MI, multivessel coronary disease, diabetes, glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2) were studied. Cox regression derived sex-specific Intermountain Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (IMACE) risk scores for the composite of 1-year to 3-year MACE (CV death, MI or stroke). Derivation was performed in 70% of subjects (n=1342 women; 3047 men), with validation in the other 30% (n=576 women; 1290 men). Secondary validations were also performed.ResultsIn women, predictors of CV events were glucose, creatinine, haemoglobin, platelet count, red cell distribution width (RDW), age and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP); among men, they were potassium, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, haematocrit, white blood cell count, RDW, mean platelet volume, age and BNP. In the primary validation, in women, IMACE ranged from 0 to 11 (maximum possible: 12) and had HR=1.44 per +1 score (95% CI 1.29 to 1.61; P<0.001); men had IMACE range 0–14 (maximum: 16) and HR=1.29 per +1 score (95% CI 1.20 to 1.38; P<0.001). IMACE ≥5 in women (≥6 in men) showed strikingly higher MACE risk.ConclusionsSex-specific risk scores strongly stratified 1-year to 3-year post-MI MACE risk. IMACE is an inexpensive, dynamic, electronically delivered tool for evaluating and better managing post-MI patient care.
B Cell–Activating Factor Neutralization Aggravates Atherosclerosis
Authors: Tsiantoulas Dimitrios , Sage Andrew P. , Göderle Laura , Ozsvar-Kozma Maria , Murphy Deirdre , Porsch Florentina , Pasterkamp Gerard , Menche Jörg , Schneider Pascal , Mallat Ziad , Binder Christoph J. 
Published: June 2018

Background:
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (heart attacks and strokes) is the major cause of death globally and is caused by the buildup of a plaque in the arterial wall. Genomic data showed that the B cell–activating factor (BAFF) receptor pathway, which is specifically essential for the survival of conventional B lymphocytes (B-2 cells), is a key driver of coronary heart disease. Deletion or antibody-mediated blockade of BAFF receptor ablates B-2 cells and decreases experimental atherosclerosis. Anti-BAFF immunotherapy is approved for treatment of autoimmune systemic lupus erythematosus, and can therefore be expected to limit their associated cardiovascular risk. However, direct effects of anti-BAFF immunotherapy on atherosclerosis remain unknown.

Methods:

To investigate the effect of BAFF neutralization in atherosclerosis, the authors treated
Apoe
−/−
and
Ldlr
−/−
mice with a well-characterized blocking anti-BAFF antibody. Moreover, to investigate the mechanism by which BAFF impacts atherosclerosis, the authors studied atherosclerosis-prone mice that lack the alternative receptor for BAFF: transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor.

Results:
The authors demonstrate here that anti-BAFF antibody treatment increased atherosclerosis in mice, despite efficient depletion of mature B-2 cells, suggesting a unique mechanism of action. Indeed, myeloid cell–specific deletion of transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor also results in increased atherosclerosis, while B cell–specific transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor deletion had no effect. Mechanistically, BAFF–transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor signaling represses macrophage IRF7-dependent (but not NF-κB–dependent) Toll-like receptor 9 responses including proatherogenic CXCL10 production.

Conclusions:
These data identify a novel B cell–independent anti-inflammatory role for BAFF in atherosclerosis and may have important clinical implications.
Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in the Community: Impact of Diagnostic Criteria on the Burden, Correlates, and Prognosis
Authors: Nayor Matthew , Cooper Leroy L. , Enserro Danielle M. , Xanthakis Vanessa , Larson Martin G. , Benjamin Emelia J. , Aragam Jayashri , Mitchell Gary F. , Vasan Ramachandran S. 
Published: June 2018

Background

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (
DD
) is common, particularly in women and older individuals, and it is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. We evaluated the impact of age‐ and sex‐specific diagnostic criteria on the assessment of
DD
in the community‐based Framingham Heart Study.

Methods and Results

We estimated age‐ and sex‐specific reference limits for echocardiographic measures of
DD
in a healthy reference subsample (N=2355, mean age 44 years, 66% women). The prevalence, correlates, and association with future cardiovascular disease were compared for
DD
using age‐ and sex‐specific versus single cut point reference limits in a broad sample (N=6102, mean age 50 years, 56% women). Using age‐ and sex‐specific criteria,
DD
was present in ≈25% to 30% of individuals across age groups, and it was directly associated with a number of modifiable risk factors. In contrast, with single cut point criteria, age was the primary determinant of
DD
. During follow‐up (mean 7.9±2.2 years), incident cardiovascular disease occurred in 213 of 5770 individuals. Using age‐ and sex‐specific criteria, mild and moderate‐severe
DD
were associated with 50% (95% confidence interval, 1.09–2.05) and 65% (95% confidence interval, 1.14–2.38) higher incidences of cardiovascular disease, respectively, in age‐ and sex‐adjusted analyses. With single cut point criteria, moderate‐severe
DD
(hazard ratio, 1.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–2.61), but not mild
DD
(hazard ratio, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.63–1.40), was associated with incident cardiovascular disease.

Conclusions

Age‐ and sex‐specific reference limits may result in
DD
assessments that are less dependent on age, more robustly related to modifiable risk factors, and are more closely associated with incident cardiovascular disease.
Stroke in Adults With Coarctation of the Aorta: A National Population‐Based Study
Authors: Pickard Sarah S. , Gauvreau Kimberlee , Gurvitz Michelle , Gagne Joshua J. , Opotowsky Alexander R. , Jenkins Kathy J. , Prakash Ashwin 
Published: June 2018

Background
Adults with repaired coarctation of the aorta (CoA) have reduced long‐term survival compared with the general population. This study aimed to determine whether CoA is independently associated with premature ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in the contemporary era.

Methods and Results

This was a cross‐sectional study utilizing the National Inpatient Sample database from 2005 to 2014. We hypothesized that patients with CoA are hospitalized with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke at a younger age compared with the general population. To test this hypothesis, we compared the age at stroke in patients with and without a diagnosis of CoA using simple and multivariable weighted linear regression. Among 4 894 582 stroke discharges, 207 had a diagnosis of CoA. Patients with CoA had strokes at significantly younger age compared with patients without CoA: 18.9 years younger for all‐cause stroke (
P
<0.001), 15.9 years younger for ischemic stroke (
P
<0.001), and 28.5 years younger for hemorrhagic stroke (
P
<0.001), after adjusting for potential confounders. There was no significant difference in the proportion of ischemic strokes between those with and without CoA (79.2% versus 83.0%,
P
=0.50). However, CoA patients had a higher proportion of subarachnoid hemorrhage (11.8% versus 4.8%,
P
=0.039) than those without CoA. Among patients who had a hemorrhagic stroke, the prevalence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms was higher in patients with CoA compared with those without CoA (23.3% versus 2.5%,
P
=0.002).

Conclusions
Patients with CoA have both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes at significantly younger ages compared with the general population.
Between Myth-Making and Shiite Exegesis: Nasnās and Qurʾān 2:30
Authors: Vilozny Roy 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
This paper explores the role that the myth of the Nasnās, a pre-Adamic humanlike creature, plays in the Shiite exegesis of Qurʾān 2:30. It aims to shed light on the blurry line between myth-making, fiction and Quranic commentary. Of a cosmological nature, this verse has long provoked speculation by Muslim exegetes about universal history. Nevertheless, the Shiite evocation of the Nasnās in this context is unique and reflects a somewhat different cosmological perception. Whether this perception is the result of commentators’ endeavors to tackle some of the theological difficulties posed by this verse or a mere reflection of their heretofore existing cosmological notions, is an additional tension to be addressed.
Resilience for family carers of advanced cancer patients—how can health care providers contribute? A qualitative interview study with carers
Authors: Røen Ingebrigt , Stifoss-Hanssen Hans , Grande Gunn , Brenne Anne-Tove , Kaasa Stein , Sand Kari , Knudsen Anne Kari 
Published: June 2018

Background: Caring for advanced cancer patients affects carers’ psychological and physical health. Resilience has been defined as “the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or even significant sources of threat.” Aim: The aim of this study was to explore factors promoting carer resilience, based on carers’ experiences with and preferences for health care provider support. Design: Qualitative, semi-structured, individual interviews with family carers of advanced cancer patients were performed until data saturation. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using systematic text condensation. Setting/participants: Carers ( n = 14) of advanced cancer patients, not receiving curative treatment, admitted to an integrated curative and palliative care cancer outpatient clinic or to a university hospital cancer clinic, were included. Results: 14 carers of advanced cancer patients were included; 7 men, 7 women, and mean age of 59 years; 3 were bereaved; 12 were partners; 5 had young and teenage children. Four main resilience factors were identified: (1) being seen and known by health care providers—a personal relation; (2) availability of palliative care; (3) information and communication about illness, prognosis, and death; and (4) facilitating a good carer–patient relation. Conclusion: Health care providers may enhance carers’ resilience by a series of simple interventions. Education should address carers’ support needs and resilience. Systematic assessment of carers’ support needs is recommended. Further investigation is needed into how health care providers can help carers and patients communicate about death.
Bcl-2 and Bax: Prognostic Factors in the Interstitial Brachytherapy of Prostatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Casetta G. , Vaccino D. , DE Libero A. , Zitella A. , Greco A. , Bernardi D. , Tizzani A. 
Published: June 2018

We examined the potential use as predictive factor for therapeutical response to interstitial brachytherapy of bcl-2 and bax histochemical staining in prostatic biopsy of patients with organ-confined prostatic adenocarcinoma. Materials and Methods We evaluated the results on 24 patients treated in our Department with transperineal and transrectal ultrasound-guided permanent implantation of I-125 radioactive seeds. The average follow-up was 15.2 ± 5.6 months (range: 10–24) and we considered the biochemical control of the disease as primary end-point. We performed immunohistochemical analysis on tissue samples of prostatic biopsy using specific monoclonal antibodies anti-human bcl-2 and bax proteins. Results 5 patients (20.8%) were classified as non-responders and 19 as responders. Bcl-2 positive patients (26.1%) showed a superior rate of biochemical recurrence (50%) than negative ones (11.76%). Nevertheless this correlation was not statistically significant. Moreover immunohistochemical analysis of bax was not evaluable in all the examined samples because for technical reason. Conclusions So far on the basis of our results bcl-2 and bax immunohistochemical staining of prostatic biopsy samples cannot be used on a routine basis as prognostic factors in patients with localized prostatic adenocarcinoma treated with interstitial brachytherapy.
Five Year Results after Radical Prostatectomy in Patients with pT3a Patological Stage and Positive Surgical Margins
Authors: Parma P. , Dall'Oglio B. , Schiavon L. , Luciano M. , Guatelli S. , Galletta V. , Bondavalli C. 
Published: June 2018

Five year results in men with pT3a disease and positive surgical margins after radical retropubic prostatectomy were evaluated. Materials and Methods Between 1/90 and 12/98, 250 men underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy for prostate cancer. In 63 cases (25%) we found positive surgical margin. In these group 32 patients presented pathological stage T3a N0 with a Gleason score between 5 and 8. In 21 patients no adiuvant therapy was made while 11 patients underwent an adiuvant therapy (in 2 patients ormonal therapy, in 9 radiotherapy). Results The actuarial 5 years post prostatectomy biochemical, local and distant recurrence rates were 9%, 3% e 3 % respectively. For 21 men who didn't receive adiuvant therapy, 17 were biochemical recurrence free, in 3 cases a biochemical recurrence occurred, 1man underwent a radiotherapy of salvatage for a local recurrence. For 9 patients who received adiuvant radiation therapy, 8 are biochemical free while 1 presents metastatic desease at 5 years of follow-up. The 2 patients who received adiuvant hormonal therapy are biochemical recurrence free at 5 years. Conclusions The role of positive surgical margins on local recurrence of desease is still under debate. In our experience isolated local recurrence is rare during long term follow up of men with pT3a No stage and positive surgical margins at radica prostatectomy. The adiuvant radiotherapy seems to give a good local desease control at 5 years of follow-up.
Laparoscopic renal tumour ablation by means of the Tissuelink floating-ball radiofrequency device
Authors: Alfano V. , Maganja C. , Tallarigo C. 
Published: June 2018

The Tissuelink floating ball, a new radiofrequency monopolar device, allows us to remove small renal parenchimal tumours during a laparoscopic procedure in a safe, simple way. It applies radiofrequency energy with low volume saline irrigation for simultaneous blunt dissection of the renal mass and haemostatic sealing and coagulation of the renal parenchyma without the need of a preventive occlusion of the major renal vessels. Materials and Methods. From November 2001 to November 2003, we performed 5 laparoscopic enucleoresections of renal parenchimal tumours using the Tissuelink technology. Four were in the right kidney, 1 was in the left kidney. The patients were male in 3 and female in 2 cases. Mean patient's age was 61.2 years (range 33–71). All the tumors were small in size (range 10–40 mm) and had a peripheral location. None of them was in close proximity to the collecting system. This was the reason why we never inserted a stent in the urinary tract before the laparoscopic procedure. No patients required blood transfusion. The histology revealed a renal clear cell carcinoma in 4 cases (grade 1 in two, grade 2 in two) while the remaining was an old haematoma. Overall we had 2 complications. The haematoma broke during the procedure, because of its softness. Another patient suffered of a burning of the skin, just on the place of an ECG electrode. Conclusions. The laparoscopic enucleoresection of small, peripheral renal tumours by mean of the Tissuelink floating ball devise seems to be, even in an initial experience, simple and effective, even without the need of the preventive occlusion of the renal artery and vein. No relapse occurred after 12 months follow-up.