bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Outcomes in Cairo University Hospitals: 6 Years Experience
Authors: Momtaz Mohamed , Fayed Ahmed , Marzouk Khaled , Shaker Amr 
Published: July 2018

AbstractTherapeutic plasma exchange is used in treating different immunological and non‐immunological diseases. We analyzed the outcome of 308 patients treated by 1783 membrane plasma exchange sessions from January 2011 until January 2017 at Cairo University Hospital. Thrombotic microangiopathies were the commonest indication [73 (23.7%) patients] with response in 63/73 patients (86.3%), followed by systemic vasculitis with pulmonary‐renal involvement [40(13%) patients] with recovery in 32/40 patients (80.0%), Guillain‐Barré syndrome [39(12.7%) patients] with recovery in 30/39 patients (76.9%), myasthenia gravis [31(10.1%) patients] with response in 26/31 patients (83.9%), and catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome [28(9.1%) patients] with recovery in only 6/28 patients (21.4%). Complications included hypotension [276/1783 (15.5%) sessions], hypocalcemia [26/308 (8.5%) patients], and 37/308 (12%) patients died. Sepsis caused mortality in 29/37 (78.4%) of patients. In conclusion, our therapeutic plasma exchange experience shows a favorable outcome for thrombotic microangiopathies, systemic vasculitis, myasthenia gravis, and Guillain‐Barré syndrome. Sepsis was the leading mortality cause.
Optimization of double‐stranded RNAi intrathoracic injection method in Aedes aegypti
Authors: Kang Seokyoung , Shin Dongyoung , Noh Mi Young , Peters Jill S. , Smartt Chelsea T. , Han Yeon Soo , Hong Young S. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractRNA interference is widely used to analyze gene functions via phenotypic knockdown of target transcripts in mosquitoes, which transmit numerous mosquito‐borne diseases. Functional analysis of mosquito genes is indispensable to understand and reduce transmission of mosquito‐borne diseases in mosquitoes. Intrathoracic injection of double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) remains the simplest and most customizable method in mosquitoes for functional analysis of the genes of interest. However, achieving consistent and effective knockdown by dsRNAi is often elusive and may require extensive optimization. We tested the effectiveness of gene silencing by intrathoracic injection of four different quantities of dsRNA targeting two Aedes aegypti genes, cysteine desulfurylase (Nfs1) and short‐chain dehydrogenase (SDH). We found that Nfs1 gene has a lower expression level upon silencing than SDH gene. In the case of the gene that is easier to silence, Nfs1 gene expression was significantly silenced by all four tested quantities of dsRNA up to 21 days post infection (d.p.i.), but silencing of SDH, the gene that is difficult to silence, was less effective, with knockdown lasting up to 9 d.p.i. only when 1,000 ng of dsRNA was used. Based on our observation, intrathoracic injection of 500 ng of dsRNAs per mosquito is recommended to achieve effective knockdown for well‐silenced transcripts such as Nfs1 for up to 3 weeks. This includes most in vivo bioassays involving arboviral infections in Ae. aegypti. The estimated quantities of dsRNA described in this study should be applicable to most Ae. aegypti dsRNAi studies and thus provide a guideline to develop efficient dsRNAi in other experimental investigations.
Discussion of “Relating Product Prices to Long‐Run Marginal Cost: Evidence from Solar Photovoltaic Modules”
Authors: Parsons John E. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMy discussion of Reichelstein and Sahoo (2018) is organized into three parts. First, what is the context for this work? That is, what are the energy and climate stakes? Second, what does the paper do? I will re‐work the equation defining the components of long‐run marginal cost to better reflect what is actually estimated and to better highlight some important choices about how the different components are modeled. Third, and most importantly, how do the results inform business decisions and policy choices regarding energy and climate? What more do we need?
Evaluation of glucocorticoid compared with immunoglobulin therapy of severe immune thrombocytopenia during pregnancy: Response rate and complication
Authors: Xu Xue , Liang Mei‐ying , Dou Sha , Wang Jian‐liu , Zhang Xiao‐hui 
Published: July 2018

ProblemEvaluate the response rate of glucocorticoid (GC) and/or immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy in severe thrombocytopenia of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) pregnant patients and the influence on maternal and neonatal outcomes.Method of studyThis is a prospective observational cohort study. Pregnant ITP patients with platelet count less than 30 × 109/L and their newborn infants participated in this research. Over a 3‐year period, 87 patients were allocated to 4 groups: group 1 (n = 18) were treated by oral prednisone, group 2 (n = 20) with IVIg, group 3 (n = 22) with prednisone/methlyprednisone plus IVIg, and group 4 were non‐treatment controls (n = 27). Diagnosis and therapy were based on guideline from the 2011 American Society of Hematology criteria, and the initial dose of prednisone was 1 mg/kg day. Their newborns were followed up to 1 year old.ResultsThe response rate among patients who ever received prednisone therapy was 35.5% (11/31) overall, while the IVIg response rate was 55.9% (19/34). The incidence of pregnancy induced hypertension in GC therapy group was significantly higher than controls (22.2% and 13.6% vs 0%). There was no significant difference in neonatal outcomes in treatment groups in comparison with controls. The rate of Neonatal follow‐up within 1 year old was 63%, and there is no evidence indicated intrauterine GC exposure influence the growth and development.ConclusionGC therapy of 1 mg/kg for ITP patients during pregnancy is less efficiency than non‐pregnant population and increases the incidence of hypertensive disorders. The use of lower starting doses of prednisone may be suggested for use in pregnancy.
New insights into the efficacy of SR‐16234, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, on the growth of murine endometriosis‐like lesions
Authors: Khine Yin Mon , Taniguchi Fuminori , Nagira Kei , Nakamura Kazuomi , Ohbayashi Tetsuya , Osaki Mitsuhiko , Harada Tasuku 
Published: July 2018

ProblemTo evaluate the effects of SR‐16234 (SR), a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), on murine endometriosis‐like lesions.Method of studyBALB/c mice (n = 53) were used to establish the murine endometriosis model. Ovariectomized, estradiol replaced, 6‐week‐old murine endometriosis model were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with or without SR (1 mg/kg/d) or vehicle, over a period of 4 weeks. Upon treatment completion, the endometriosis‐like lesions that developed in the abdominal cavity of mice were counted, measured, and collected. Gene expression of inflammatory cytokines and estrogen receptor (ER) in the lesions was assessed by real‐time RT‐PCR. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to evaluate the effect of SR on cell proliferation, angiogenic activity, inflammation, and NF‐κB phosphorylation.ResultsTreatment with SR significantly reduced the total number and size of lesions per mouse without inducing endometrial growth. In addition, SR downregulated LPS‐enhanced Vegf, Il‐6, Ptgs‐2, and Ccl‐2 and ER mRNA expression in endometriosis‐like lesions. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated a decrease in percentage of positive cells of Ki67, and intensity and rate of positive cells of ERα, CD3, F4/80, PECAM by SR treatment. SR also decreased the expression of NF‐κB p65 and phospho‐NF‐κB p65.ConclusionSR has a regressive effect on the development of murine endometriosis‐like lesions.
Lactobacillus parafarraginis ZH1 producing anti‐yeast substances to improve the aerobic stability of silage
Authors: Liu Qinhua , Lindow Steven E. , Zhang Jianguo 
Published: July 2018

AbstractEnhancing the aerobic stability of silage is very important in silage production. The objective of this study was to compare the roles of a new bacterial strain Lactobacillus parafarraginis ZH1 with Lactobacillus plantarum Chikuso‐1 (LP) and Lactobacillus buchneri NCIMB 40788 (LB) in improving the aerobic stability of oat silage and identify the anti‐yeast substances produced by them. After ensiled for 45 days, either inoculated silages or control silage were of pH values lower than 4.2. The control and LP inoculated silage had poorer aerobic stability than LB and ZH1 inoculated ones (p < 0.05). ZH1 inoculated silage produced more acetic acid, benzoic acid and hexadecanoic acid than LB inoculated one and had the best aerobic stability (p < 0.05). In MRS medium, strain ZH1 produced more hexadecanoic acid than LP and LB strains, more benzoic acid than strain LP (p < 0.05), and the equal amount of benzoic acid to LB (p > 0.05). In addition, benzoic acid and hexadecanoic acid had low minimal inhibitory concentrations to target yeasts in the pure culture. In conclusion, L. parafarraginis ZH1 had stronger anti‐yeast potential and more effectively improved the aerobic stability of silage than other strains used in this study.
Association between asthma and migraine: A cross‐sectional study of over 110 000 adolescents
Authors: Graif Yael , Shohat Tamy , Machluf Yossy , Farkash Rivka , Chaiter Yoram 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundEpidemiological studies have reported an association between asthma and migraine, mainly in adults.ObjectiveTo examine the association between specialist‐diagnosed asthma and migraine among adolescents.MethodsThe electronic database of a recruitment center was retrospectively searched for all 17‐year‐old draftees during the years 1987‐2010. Diagnoses of asthma and migraine were made by certified specialists. The prevalence of migraine was compared among draftees with and without asthma. Covariate data on socio‐demographics and associated medical conditions were recorded.ResultsA total of 113 671 adolescents were available for analysis. Asthma was diagnosed among 4.0% and migraine among 1.9%. Migraine was significantly more prevalent among adolescents with asthma [174 of the 4581 subjects (3.8%)] compared to those without asthma [1946 of the 109 090 (1.8%)] [OR = 2.17 (95% CI 1.86‐2.55; P < 0.001)]. Rates of migraine among subjects with and without allergic rhinitis were 6.3% and 1.7%, respectively [OR = 4.04 (95% CI 3.58‐4.56; P < 0.001)]. On multivariate analysis, there was a significant association between migraine and both asthma [OR = 1.42 (95% CI 1.19‐1.68)] and allergic rhinitis [OR = 3.18 (95% CI 2.80‐3.63)]. Other factors significantly associated with migraine were female gender, urban area of residence, recent immigration to Israel, having three or fewer siblings, and abnormal body mass index.ConclusionClinicians should be aware that asthma and allergic rhinitis are potential risk factors for migraine in adolescents. A combined finding of these conditions and recurrent headache is highly suggestive of migraine and warrants a different diagnosis and treatment approach from sinusitis.
Immediate impact of percutaneous transvenous mitral commisurotomy on right ventricle longitudinal strain in patients of mitral stenosis
Authors: Khanna Roopali , Raghuvanshi Arvind S. , Kumar Sudeep , Garg Naveen , Tewari Satyendra , Kapoor Aditya , Goel Pravin K. 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundRight ventricular (RV) function has prognostic value in terms of survival and symptoms in patients with mitral stenosis (MS). The aim of the study was to assess RV function by strain analysis in the patients of mitral stenosis and the effect of percutaneous transvenous mitral commisurotomy (PTMC) on it.MethodsEighty patients of severe mitral stenosis without overt right heart failure and normal sinus rhythm undergoing PTMC were included. Conventional echocardiography and RV function by TDI‐derived longitudinal strain and strain rate were assessed prior and 24 hours post PTMC and compared with 40 healthy age‐matched controls.ResultsEighty subjects (mean age 31 + 10 years, 70% females) were included. Patients with MS had significantly lower RV strain of basal and mid‐free wall, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and RV fractional area change (FAC) as compared to controls. There was a significant increase in pre‐ and post‐PTMC in TAPSE (19.5 ± 2.7 mm vs 21.4 ± 3.3 mm; P < 0.001), RV basal free wall longitudinal strain (−24.4 + 6.1% vs −27.7 + 5.8%; P < 0.001), and right ventricle mid‐free wall longitudinal strain (−25.6 + 5.5% vs −28.6 + 5.1%; P < 0.001), respectively. There was no significant change in RV Tei index (0.43 + 0.06 vs 0.41 + 0.03; P = 0.06). There was a significant negative correlation between RV longitudinal strain and right ventricle systolic pressure, left atrium diameter, RV Tei index, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, and positive correlation between RV FAC and RV TAPSE.ConclusionPatients with severe MS with normal RV systolic function had decreased RV strain, which was significantly increased after a successful PTMC with reduction in afterload.
A rare echocardiographic image of aortic prosthetic valve endocarditis complicated with paravalvular abscess, pseudoaneurysm and aorto‐right atrial fistula
Authors: Gurbuz Ahmet Seyfeddin , Alsancak Yakup , Ozcelik Abdullah , Ozer Sumeyye Fatma , Duzenli Mehmet Akif 
Published: July 2018

Early infectious endocarditis (IE) occurs in 3% of prosthesis in the first 12 months. Early IE is more aggressive than late prosthetic valve endocarditis. Mortality remains high, despite combined medical and surgical treatment. We present a case of early IE in aortic prosthetic valve complicated with paravalvular abscess, pseudoaneurysm and aorto‐ right atrial fistula.
Complex intuitionistic fuzzy power aggregation operators and their applications in multicriteria decision‐making
Authors: Rani Dimple , Garg Harish 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe objective of this manuscript is to present some aggregation operators for aggregating the different complex intuitionistic fuzzy (CIF) sets by considering the dependency between the pairs of its membership degrees. In the existing studies of fuzzy and its extensions, the uncertainties present in the data are handled with the help of degrees of membership that are the subset of real numbers, which may lose some useful information and hence consequently affect the decision results. A modification to these, complex intuitionistic fuzzy set handles the uncertainties with the degrees whose ranges are extended from real subset to the complex subset with unit disc and hence handle the two‐dimensional information in a single set. Thus, motivated by this, we developed some new power aggregation operators, namely, CIF power averaging, CIF weighted power averaging, CIF ordered weighted power averaging, CIF power geometric, CIF weighted power geometric, and CIF ordered weighted power geometric. Also, some of the desirable properties of these are investigated. Further, based on these operators, a multicriteria decision‐making approach is presented under the CIF set environment. An illustrative example related to the selection of the best alternative(s) is considered to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed approach and is validated it by comparing their results with the several existing approaches results.
A method to evaluate ductile fracture toughness based on load separation principle
Authors: Bao Chen , Cai Li‐xun , He Guang‐wei , Wu Yuan‐jun 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn combination with load separation principle, the P‐V curves of blunt‐notched specimens with different stationary cracks can be explicitly expressed as a unified formula. Further, a load separation‐based direct calibration (LSDC) method to predict instantaneous crack size andJ‐resistance curve of growing cracked specimen has been developed. Two specimen configurations, compact tension and single edge‐notched bending, which are made of Cr2Ni2MoV and Q345B, respectively, are employed to verify the validity of LSDC method. The results show that the estimatedJ‐resistance curves are more reasonable in comparison with those obtained by unloading compliance and normalization method.
TNFRSF1A polymorphisms and their role in multiple sclerosis susceptibility and severity in the Slovak population
Authors: Javor Juraj , Shawkatová Ivana , Ďurmanová Vladimíra , Párnická Zuzana , Čierny Daniel , Michalik Jozef , Čopíková‐Cudráková Daniela , Smahová Barbora , Gmitterová Karin , Peterajová Ľubica , Bucová Mária 
Published: July 2018

AbstractTumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐mediated signalling plays a key role in inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes leading to the development of multiple sclerosis (MS). Recent studies have highlighted the role of tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 1A (TNFRSF1A) gene encoding the type 1 TNF receptor in the genetic predisposition to MS. This study aimed to validate the association of TNFRSF1A rs1800693 and rs4149584 polymorphisms with susceptibility to MS in the Slovak population and analyse their influence on age at disease onset, severity, and disability progression. Polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method was used to genotype both TNFRSF1A polymorphisms in 541 MS patients and 724 healthy controls. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significantly increased risk of developing MS for the carriers of rs1800693 C allele (TC + CC vs. TT: pcorr = 0.005; OR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.23–2.12), irrespective of sex and carriage of the major MS risk allele HLA‐DRB1*15:01. On the other hand, no association could be found between rs4149584 and MS risk (GA + AA vs. GG: pcorr = 1.00; OR = 1.25; 95% CI = 0.71–2.21). Moreover, neither polymorphism was significantly associated with age at disease onset, MS Severity Score (MSSS) or MS Progression Index (PI) in any of the inheritance models. In conclusion, our results provide support for a sex‐ and HLA‐DRB1*15:01‐independent association of TNFRSF1A rs1800693 SNP with MS susceptibility, but not with age at disease onset, severity or rate of disability accumulation.
A robust DEA‐centric location‐based decision support system for expanding Recreovía hubs in the city of Bogotá (Colombia)
Authors: Abolghasem Sepideh , Solano Felipe , Bedoya Claudia D. , Navas Lina P. , Ríos Ana Paola , Pinzón Edwin A. , Medaglia Andrés L. , Sarmiento Olga L. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMultisectorial community programs to promote healthy living in public spaces are crucial for building a “culture of health” and could contribute to achieving the specific 2030 agendas of sustainable development goals, including reduction of inequalities; provision of inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities; and promotion of just, peaceful, and inclusive societies. In this context, the Recreovía program of Bogotá (Colombia) provides physical activity classes in parks mainly for vulnerable communities. We address the challenge of efficiently locating new Recreovía hubs through a novel robust data envelopment analysis (DEA) centric location‐based decision support system (DSS) that helps the District Institute of Sports and Recreation of Bogotá (IDRD) to locate the best hubs to expand the Recreovía program throughout the city. The tool is applied to analyze different scenarios including one that was implemented in Bogotá and yielded an improvement of 28% in compound monthly growth rate of the average attendance to the hubs.
Platelet inhibitory effects of the Phase 3 anticancer and normal tissue cytoprotective agent, RRx‐001
Authors: Oronsky Bryan , Oronsky Neil , Cabrales Pedro 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe platelet inhibitory effects of the Phase 3 anticancer agent and nitric oxide (NO) donor, RRx‐001, (1‐bromoacetyl‐3,3‐dinitroazetidine) were examined ex vivo and compared with the diazeniumdiolate NO donor, diethylenetriamine NONOate (DETA‐NONOate), which spontaneously releases nitric oxide in aqueous solution. In the absence of red blood cells and in a dose‐dependent manner, DETA‐NONOate strongly inhibited platelet aggregation induced by several stimuli (ADP, epinephrine and collagen) whereas RRx‐001 only slightly inhibited platelet aggregation under the same conditions in a dose‐dependent manner; these antiaggregant effects were blocked when both DETA‐NONOate and RRx‐001 were co‐incubated with carboxy‐PTIO (CPTIO 0.01‐100 micromol), a widely accepted NO scavenger. However, in the presence of red blood cells from healthy human donors, RRx‐001, which binds covalently to haemoglobin (Hb) and catalyses the production of NO from endogenous nitrite, more strongly inhibited the aggregation of platelets than DETA‐NONOate in a dose‐dependent manner likely because haemoglobin avidly scavenges nitric oxide and reduces its half‐life; the RRx‐001‐mediated platelet inhibitory effect was increased in the presence of nitrite. The results of this study suggest that RRx‐001‐bound Hb (within RBCs) plays an important role in the bioconversion of to NO., which makes RRx‐001 a more physiologically relevant inhibitor of platelet aggregation than other nitric oxide donors, whose effects are attenuated in the presence of red blood cells. Therefore, RRx‐001‐mediated platelet inhibition is a potentially useful therapeutic property, especially in hypercoagulable cancer patients that are at an increased risk of thrombotic complications.
Australasian bronchiolitis guideline
Authors: O'Brien Sharon , Borland Meredith L , Cotterell Elizabeth , Armstrong David , Babl Franz , Bauert Paul , Brabyn Christine , Garside Lydia , Haskell Libby , Levitt David , McKay Nicola , Neutze Jocelyn , Schibler Andreas , Sinn Kam , Spencer Janine , Stevens Helen , Thomas David , Zhang Michael , Oakley Ed , Dalziel Stuart R ,   on behalf of the Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) Network, Australasia
Published: July 2018

AimBronchiolitis is the most common lower respiratory tract disorder in infants aged less than 12 months, and research has demonstrated that there is substantial variation in practice patterns despite treatment being well defined. In order to align and improve the consistency of the management of bronchiolitis, an evidence‐based guideline was developed for the Australasian population.MethodsThe guideline development committee included representation from emergency and paediatric specialty medical and nursing personnel in addition to geographical representation across Australia and New Zealand – rural, remote and metropolitan. Formulation of the guideline included identification of population, intervention, comparator, outcomes and time questions and was associated with an extensive literature search from 2000 to 2015. Evidence was summarised and graded using the National Health and Medical Research Council and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology, and consensus within the guideline group was sought using nominal group technique principles to formulate the clinical practice recommendations. The guideline was reviewed and endorsed by key paediatric health bodies.ResultsThe guideline consists of a usable clinical interface for bedside functionality supported by evidence summary and tables. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation and National Health and Medical Research Council processes provided a systematic and transparent process to review and assess the literature, resulting in a guideline that is relevant to the management of bronchiolitis in the Australasian setting.ConclusionThis is the first robust Australasian acute paediatric guideline and provides clear guidance for the management of the vast majority of patients seen in Australasian emergency departments and general paediatric wards with bronchiolitis.