bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recurrence Rate after Endoscopic vs. Open Approaches for Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Reyes Camilo , Bentley Heather , Gelves J. Alejandro , Solares C. Arturo , Byrd J. Kenneth 
Published: December 2018

Context The effect on recurrence rate between patients with juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA), treated by an endoscopic versus open approach, has not been well established.
Objective A meta-analysis of the available literature concerning recurrence rate in patients who underwent surgery for JNA.
Methods A retrospective meta-analysis of studies analyzing recurrence rate after endoscopic or open surgery for patients with JNA was performed using the DerSimonian–Laird random-effects method. English and non-English articles were reviewed using Embase, Medline, and Cochrane databases.
Results Among nine studies, including 362 patients from 1981 to 2015, with a mean follow-up of 49.4 months, a total of 89 patients (24.5%) had recurrence. Our analysis revealed a total effect size of −0.16 in favor of endoscopic approach (−0.25 to −0.06, CI [confidence interval] 95%). When analyzing tumor by stage (Radkowski's IA–IIIB n = 299), the endoscopic approach proved to be superior independent of tumor stage (2 vs. 17% for tumors stage IA–IIA, and 26 vs. 32% for tumor stage IIB–IIIB for endoscopic and open approaches respectively; p < 0.05). The endoscopic approach has a statistical significant lower recurrence rate in patients without intracranial compromise when compared with the open approach (13 vs. 28%; p < 0.02). No statistical difference was seen in patients with intracranial compromise (p = 0.5)
Conclusion The use of an endoscopic approach to treat JNA has a significantly lower recurrence rate when compared with open approaches. Independent of disease stage, an endoscopic approach should be the standard of care to surgically treat JNA. For cases with intracranial compromise, either approach can be used for surgical resection.
Challenges and Limitations of Clinical Trials on Labor Induction: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Viteri Oscar , Sibai Baha 
Published: December 2018

AbstractInduction of labor is a common obstetric procedure performed in nearly a quarter of all deliveries in the United States. Pharmacological (prostaglandins, oxytocin) and/or mechanical methods (balloon catheters) are commonly used for labor induction; however, there is ongoing debate as to which method is the safest and most effective. This narrative review discusses key limitations of published trials on labor induction, including the lack of well-designed randomized controlled trials directly comparing specific methods of induction, heterogeneous trial populations, and wide variation in the protocols used and outcomes reported. Furthermore, the majority of published trials were underpowered to detect significant differences in the most clinically relevant efficacy and safety outcomes (e.g., cesarean delivery, neonatal mortality). By identifying the limitations of labor induction trials, we hope to highlight the importance of quality published data to better inform guidelines and drive evidence-based treatment decisions.
Diagnostic Errors in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Case Series
Authors: Shafer Grant , Suresh Gautham 
Published: December 2018

AbstractDiagnostic errors remain understudied in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The few available studies are primarily autopsy-based, and do not evaluate diagnostic errors that did not result in the patient's death. This case series presents 10 examples of nonlethal diagnostic errors in the NICU—classified according to the component of the diagnostic process which led to the error. These cases demonstrate the presence of diagnostic error in the NICU and highlight the need for further research on this important topic.
A Novel De Novo Frameshift Mutation in KAT6A Identified by Whole Exome Sequencing
Authors: Alazaizeh Wafa , Alkhateeb Asem 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIntellectual disability is a common condition with multiple etiologies. The number of monogenic causes has increased steadily in recent years due to the implementation of next generation sequencing. Here, we describe a 2-year-old boy with global developmental delay and intellectual disability. The child had feeding difficulties since birth. He had delayed motor skills and muscular hypotonia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse white matter loss and thinning of the corpus callosum. Banded karyotype and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) array were normal. Whole exome sequencing revealed a novel de novo frameshift mutation c.3390delA (p.Lys1130Asnfs*4) in KAT6A gene (NM_006766.4). The heterozygous mutation was confirmed by Sanger sequencing in the patient and its absence in his parents. KAT6A that encodes a histone acetyltransferase has been recently found to be associated with a neurodevelopmental disorder autosomal dominant mental retardation 32 (OMIM: no. 616268). Features of this disorder are nonspecific, which makes it difficult to characterize the condition based on the clinical symptoms alone. Therefore, our findings confirm the utility of whole exome sequencing to quickly and reliably identify the etiology of such conditions.
Resurfacing of Two Separate Digital Defects Using a Single Fascial Free Flap with Neosyndactylization
Authors: Herrera Fernando , Horton Karen , Brennan Ryan , Buncke Gregory , Buntic Rudolph 
Published: December 2018

AbstractWe report a case of a 20-year-old patient who sustained a mutilating crush injury to the left-hand index and ring finger volar surface measuring 5 × 6 cm from the distal end of the proximal phalanx to the fingertips. After thorough debridement and stabilization of the skeletal injury, a radial forearm fascia only free flap measuring 6 × 7 cm was used to resurface the distal soft tissue volar defect of two adjacent fingers. Digital nerve grafting was also required, and this was done using autologous nerve graft from the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve. This thin fascia only flap allows for stable soft tissue coverage and provides a gliding surface for the underlying tendons. The neosyndactylized digits were safely divided at 3-month follow-up, and excellent functional and aesthetic results were achieved. The radial forearm fascia is a thin, durable, and pliable tissue that is based on the radial artery as a vascular pedicle. We consider this free fascial flap as a valuable option for coverage of multiple complex distal digit injuries using a single flap and highly recommend its use.
Variable past-time expression across multiple tasks in Tucumán, Argentina
Authors: Terán Virginia , Kanwit Matthew 
Published: December 2018

AbstractWe examine variable past-time expression in urban Tucumán, Argentina, an understudied region representative of the set of Andean varieties included in Northwestern Argentinean Spanish. We analyze the present perfect (PP) and preterit in two contexts of data collection: a sociolinguistic interview and a contextualized preference task across a range of linguistic and social factors, such as temporal reference and speaker age. Oral results indicate that Tucumán has a higher frequency of use of the PP than has yet been documented in Latin American varieties and even Peninsular Spanish, previously argued to have the highest rate. Preference task results yielded somewhat lower PP rates, confirming that the PP is preferred in speech, whereas the preterit is more viable in written language. The current study documents the highest rate of use of the PP to date across a number of linguistic contexts, contributing to our knowledge of the processes of grammaticalization and task-related differences.
A cytogenetic analysis of male meiosis inAsparagus officinalis
Authors: Yuan Jinhong , Yuan Jiaojiao , Zhou Huihui , Su Qiaoqiao , Ji Shuai , Li Yuqing , Guo Siyi , Li Junhua 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTAsparagus (Asparagus officinalis) has several traits that make it a useful model for cytogenetic studies, however, few studies of the meiosis process have been made in asparagus. Here, we present in detail an atlas of male meiosis in asparagus, from preleptotene to telophase II. The meiosis process in asparagus is largely similar to those of the well-characterized model plants Arabidopsis thaliana, Zea mays, and Oryza sativa. However, most asparagus prophase I meiotic chromosomes show a strongly aggregated morphology, and this phenotype persists through the pachytene stage, highlighting a property in the control of chromosome migration and distribution in asparagus. Further, we observed no obvious banding of autofluorescent dots between divided nuclei of asparagus meiocytes, as one would expect in Arabidopsis. This description of wild-type asparagus meiosis will serve as a reference for the analyses of meiotic mutants, as well as for comparative studies among difference species.Abbreviations: DAPI: 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole; FISH: fluorescence in situ hybridization; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; PMC: pollen mother cell; SEM: Scanning Electron Microscope
Production of prostaglandin F2α by molecular breeding of an oleaginous fungus Mortierella alpina
Authors: Farida Asras Mohd Fazli , Shimada Yoshimi , Nagano Hideaki , Munesato Kei , Takeuchi Michiki , Takemura Miho , Ando Akinori , Ogawa Jun 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT
Cyclooxygenases are responsible for the production of prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) from arachidonic acid. PGH2 can be converted into some bioactive prostaglandins, including prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), a potent chemical messenger used as a biological regulator in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology. The chemical messenger PGF2α has been industrially produced by chemical synthesis. To develop a biotechnological process, in which PGF2α can be produced by a microorganism, we transformed an oleaginous fungus, Mortierella alpina 1S-4, rich in triacylglycerol consisting of arachidonic acid using a cyclooxygenase gene from a red alga, Gracilaria vermiculophylla. PGF2α was accumulated not only in the mycelia of the transformants but also in the extracellular medium. After 12 days of cultivation approximately 860 ng/g and 6421 µg/L of PGF2α were accumulated in mycelia and the extracellular medium, respectively. The results could facilitate the development of novel fermentative methods for the production of prostanoids using an oleaginous fungus.
Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS): Normative Data for Older Adults
Authors: Olaithe Michelle , Weinborn Michael , Lowndes Talitha , Ng Amanda , Hodgson Erica , Fine Lara , Parker Denise , Pushpanathan Maria , Bayliss Donna , Anderson Mike , Bucks Romola S 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Objective
Provide updated older adult (ages 60+) normative data for the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), Form A, using regression techniques, and corrected for education, age, and gender.

Method
Participants (aged 60–93 years; N = 415) were recruited through the Healthy Ageing Research Program (HARP), University of Western Australia, and completed Form A of the RBANS as part of a wider neuropsychological test battery. Regression-based techniques were used to generate normative data rather than means-based methods. This methodology allows for the control of demographic variables using continuous data. To develop norms, the data were assessed for: (1) normality; (2) associations between each subtest score and age, education, and gender; (3) the effect of age, education, and gender on subtest scores; and (4) residual scores which were converted to percentile distributions.

Results
Differences were noted between the three samples, some of which were small and may not represent a clinically meaningful difference. Younger age, more years of education, and female gender were associated with better scores on most subtests. Frequency distributions, means, and standard deviations were produced using unstandardized residual scores to remove the effects of age, education, and gender.

Conclusions
These normative data expand upon past work by using regression-based techniques to generate norms, presenting percentiles, as well as means and standard deviations, correcting for the effect of gender, and providing a free-to-use Excel macro to calculate percentiles.
Can snakes use yolk reserves to maximize body size at hatching?
Authors: Qu Yan-Fu , Zhao Shu-Zhan , Jiang Xu-Fei , Lin Long-Hui , Ji Xiang 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
We experimentally miniaturized freshly laid eggs of the Chinese cobra Naja atra (Elapidae) by removing ∼10% and ∼20% of original yolk. We tested if yolk-reduced eggs would produce 1) normal-sized hatchlings with invariant yolk-free body mass (and thus invariant linear size) but dramatically reduced or even completely depleted residual yolk, 2) smaller hatchlings with normal-sized residual yolk but reduced yolk-free body mass, or 3) smaller hatchlings of which both yolk-free body mass and residual yolk are proportionally reduced. Yolk quantity affected hatchling linear size (both snout-vent length and tail length) and body mass. However, changes in yolk quantity did not affect incubation length or any hatchling trait examined after accounting for egg mass at laying (for control and sham-manipulated eggs) or after yolk removal (for manipulated eggs). Specifically, yolk-reduced eggs produced hatchlings of which all major components (carcass, residual yolk, and fat bodies) were scaled down proportionally. We show that snakes cannot use yolk reserves to maximize their body size at hatching. Furthermore, our data also suggest that the partitioning of yolk in embryonic snakes is species-specific.
Residual left ventricular hypertrophy with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with severe aortic stenosis and asymmetric septal hypertrophy after aortic valve replacement
Authors: Xu Haitao , Duan Yabing , Yuan Xin , Wu Hengchao , Song Yunhu , Xu Jianping , Sun Hansong 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study is to describe the temporal pattern of left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) reverse remodelling and to evaluate the impact of residual LV hypertrophy on the prognosis of patients with severe aortic stenosis and asymmetric septal hypertrophy undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR).

METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed 59 consecutive patients who underwent AVR for severe aortic stenosis and asymmetric septal hypertrophy. They were divided into the normal LV mass group and the residual LV hypertrophy group according to the LV mass index (LVMI) 2 years after AVR. Thirty patients were eligible for analysis of the time-dependent changes in LA and LV reverse remodelling.

RESULTS
The interventricular septal thickness and LVMI gradually decreased and reached their lowest points 2 years after operation, whereas the LA dimension rapidly decreased in the early postoperative period and plateaued at 3 months. The multivariable analysis revealed a higher preoperative LVMI [odds ratio 6.36 (1.678–24.11); P = 0.007] as an independent predictor of residual hypertrophy 2 years after operation. The Cox proportional hazards model showed that a higher postoperative peak velocity [hazard ratio 6.715 (1.405–32.104); P = 0.017] was an independent predictor of long-term non-fatal cardiovascular hospitalization. Patients with residual hypertrophy 2 years after AVR had a higher rate of non-fatal cardiovascular hospitalization (P = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS
For patients with severe aortic stenosis and asymmetric septal hypertrophy, maximum LA recovery occurred 3 months after AVR, whereas maximum LV recovery occurred 2 years thereafter. A higher preoperative LVMI may lead to postoperative residual hypertrophy, which is associated with adverse clinical outcomes.
Prominin-like Regulates Longevity and Glucose Metabolism via Insulin Signaling in Drosophila
Authors: Ryu Tae Hoon , Yeom Eunbyul , Subramanian Manivannan , Lee Kyu-Sun , Yu Kweon 
Published: December 2018

AbstractCD133, also called Prominin-1, is a biomarker for mammalian stem cells. It is involved in cell growth, development, and tumor biology. However, the function of CD133 at the organismal level has not been investigated. In this study, we found that prominin-like (promL) loss-of-function mutant flies show an extended life span and metabolic defects such as increased circulating carbohydrates, lipid storage, and starvation resistance. The messenger RNA expression levels of Drosophila insulin-like peptides (Dilps) were reduced in loss-of-function promL mutants. Furthermore, the level of phosphorylated AKT, a downstream component of insulin signaling, was lower in promL loss-of-function mutants than in the w− control flies. Importantly, the PromL protein is predominantly expressed in the pars intercerebralis region with insulin-producing cells of the adult brain. When we inhibited promL in insulin-producing cells, these flies showed an extended life span, metabolic defects, and reduced insulin signaling. These results indicate that the promL gene regulates longevity and glucose metabolism by controlling insulin signaling in Drosophila.
Reproductions of super-orbital X-ray light-curves with the precessing accretion ring model and implications on accretion flows through accretion rings
Authors: Inoue Hajime 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
X-ray light-curves of three X-ray pulsars, SMC X-1, LMC X-4, and Her X-1, folded with their respective super-orbital periods, are shown to be well reproduced by a model in which X-rays from a compact object towards us are periodically obscured by a precessing ring at the outermost part of an accretion disk around the central object. A situation is considered in which matter from a companion star flows into a gravitational field of a compact star carrying a certain amount of specific angular momentum and first forms a geometrically thick ring-tube along the Keplerian circular orbit. For the model to well fit to the observations, it is necessary that the optical depth of the ring-tube for Compton scattering, τ ≃ 1 ∼ 2, the ring matter temperature, T ≃ 105 ∼ 106 K, and the ionization parameter, ξ ≃ 102 erg cm s−1 due to X-ray heating from the central X-ray source.From simple energetics- and perturbation-arguments, we find that a precession of such a ring is rather stable and can be excited in the T and ξ ranges. The time during which matter accumulates in the ring is estimated to be ∼106 s, and is shown to be comparable to the time for an accretion disk to extend from the ring. It is discussed that in the above T and ξ ranges, the ring-tube matter could become thermally unstable. Then, relatively high density regions in the ring-tube further cool down and tend to shrink to the tube center. The flow across the ring circulating flow should excite turbulent motions, and angular momenta of the matter would be effectively transferred across the tube. Finally, a steady flow should be established from the companion star through the accretion ring to the accretion disk towards the central compact star.
Evidence on factors influencing contraceptive use and sexual behavior in South Africa
Authors: Hlongwa Mbuzeleni , Mashamba-Thompson Tivani , Hlongwana Khumbulani 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Background:
Contraceptive use and sexual health behavior remain a prominent public health concern in South Africa. Despite many government interventions, unplanned pregnancies, number of abortions, and maternal mortality remain relatively high. Due to high pregnancy levels and the stigma associated with termination of pregnancy, more women turn to unsafe and illegal abortions despite the risks involved. Risky sexual behavior pose a serious risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. The main objective of this study is to map evidence on factors influencing contraceptive use and sexual behavior in South Africa.

Methods:
We will conduct a scoping review guided by framework by Arksey and O’Malley. This study will search for eligible literature from peer-reviewed articles and grey literature. Databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, American Doctoral Dissertations via EBSCO host, Union Catalogue of Theses and Dissertations (UCTD) and SA ePublications via SABINET Online and World Cat Dissertations, Theses via OCLC, and Google Scholar will be searched. Websites such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and governmental websites and statistics institutions will be explored for policies and guidelines on contraceptive use and sexual behavior. The review will be conducted on studies that were published from January 1990 to 2018. The PCC framework will be employed in this study to determine the eligibility of research question. The PRISMA chart will be utilized to report the screening of results. The MMAT Tool version 11 will be used to determine the quality of the included primary studies.

Results:
We anticipate finding a considerable number of published articles presenting evidence on contraceptive use and sexual health behavior in South Africa. Findings of this scoping review will be disseminated electronically, in print, and through peer presentation, conferences, and congresses.
Association between indication for therapy by nutrition support team and nutritional status
Authors: Shin Byung Chul , Chun In Ae , Ryu So Yeon , Oh Ji Eun , Choi Pahn Kyu , Kang Hyun Goo 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
The nutrition support team is a multidisciplinary team composed of medical doctors, registered nurses, pharmacists, and nutritionists, who evaluate the nutritional status of patients. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between indications for nutrition support team therapy and the nutritional status of patients hospitalized in local major hospitals.
Patients who were referred to a nutrition support team from January to December 2016 were enrolled. Patients were classified into 4 age groups, and the weight categories were determined using body mass index (BMI). Four of 6 indications were used for referral to a nutrition support team. The required calories were estimated, and the nutritional status was classified into malnutrition or eutrophia, based on the estimation.
The proportion of elderly patients (37.0%) was higher than that of younger ones (28.3%). Patients with higher BMI had a relatively lower proportion of malnutrition. Patients receiving enteral nutrition had greater risk of malnutrition (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.71–5.24). Patients receiving parenteral nutrition (aOR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.30–0.47) and treated in the intensive care unit (aOR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.54–0.91) had lower risk of malnutrition. Patients with >3 indications for nutrition support team therapy had a lower risk of malnutrition than those with only 1 indication (aOR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.37–0.77).
Parenteral nutrition was the most common indication for referral to nutrition support team therapy; however, enteral nutrition had the poorest nutritional status. Patients receiving enteral nutrition who are referred to a nutrition support team need an intensive nutrition support strategy.