bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and Prognosis of Patients With Moderate Aortic Stenosis and Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Delesalle Geraud , Bohbot Yohann , Rusinaru Dan , Delpierre Quentin , Maréchaux Sylvestre , Tribouilloy Christophe 
Published: March 2019

Background

Moderate aortic stenosis (
MAS
) has not been extensively studied and characterized, as no published study has been specifically devoted to this condition.

Methods and Results

We aimed to describe the characteristics of patients with
MAS
and to evaluate their long‐term survival compared with that of the general population. This study included 508 patients (mean±SD age, 75±11 years) with
MAS
(aortic valve area between 1 and 1.5 cm
2
; mean±SD aortic valve area, 1.2±0.15 cm
2
) and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. Patients were mostly (86.4%) asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic, 78.3% had hypertension, 36.2% were diabetics, and 48.3% had dyslipidemia. Each patient with MAS was matched for the average survival (per year) of all patients of the same age and same sex from our region (Somme department, north of France). During follow‐up (median 47 months), 113 patients (22.2%) underwent aortic valve replacement for severe AS. The mean±SD time between inclusion and surgery was 37±22 months. During follow‐up, 255 patients (50.2%) died. The 6‐year survival of patients with
MAS
was lower than the expected survival (53±2% versus 65%). In multivariate analysis, age (hazard ratio, 1.04 [95% CI, 1.02–1.05];
P
<0.001), prior atrial fibrillation (hazard ratio, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.05–1.73];
P
=0.019), and Charlson comorbidity index (hazard ratio, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.05–1.18];
P
=0.002) were associated with increased mortality. Aortic valve replacement was associated with better survival (hazard ratio, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.27–0.54];
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

The results of this study show that patients with
MAS
present many cardiovascular risk factors, a high rate of surgery during follow‐up, and increased mortality compared with the general population mainly related to associated comorbidities. Patients with
MAS
should, therefore, be managed for their cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities. They require close follow‐up, especially when the aortic valve area is close to 1 cm
2
, as aortic valve replacement performed when patients transition to severe
AS
and develop indications for surgery during follow‐up is associated with better survival.
Validation of High Ocean Surface Winds from Satellites Using Oil Platform Anemometers
Authors: Manaster Andrew , Ricciardulli Lucrezia , Meissner Thomas 
Published: March 2019

AbstractReliable sources for validating wind observations made by spaceborne microwave radiometer and scatterometer sensors above 15 m s−1 are scarce. Anemometers mounted on oil platforms provide usable wind speed measurements that can help fill this gap. In our study we compare wind speed observations from six microwave satellites (WindSat, AMSR-E, AMSR2, SMAP, QuikSCAT, and ASCAT) with wind speed records from 10 oil platform anemometers in the North and Norwegian Seas that were provided by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute. We study various forms of the vertical wind profile, which is required to convert anemometer winds to a reference height of 10 m above sea level. We create and analyze matchups between satellite and anemometer winds and find good agreement up to wind speeds of 30 m s−1 within the margin of errors. We also evaluate wind speeds from several analyses [ECMWF, NCEP, and Cross-Calibrated Multi-Platform (CCMP)]. We find them to be significantly lower than the anemometer winds with their biases increasing systematically with increasing wind speed. Important components of our analysis include a detailed discussion on the quality control of the anemometer winds and a quantitative analysis of the uncertainties in creating the matchups.
Stimulus-Response and Response-Effect Compatibility With Touchless Gestures and Moving Action Effects
Authors: Janczyk Markus , Xiong Aiping , Proctor Robert W. 
Published: March 2019

Objective: To determine whether response-effect (R-E) compatibility or stimulus-response (S-R) compatibility is more critical for touchless gesture responses. Background: Content on displays can be moved in the same direction (S-R incompatible but R-E compatible) or opposite direction (S-R compatible but R-E incompatible) as the touchless gesture that produces the movement. Previous studies suggested that it is easier to produce a button-press response when it is R-E compatible (and S-R incompatible). However, whether this R-E compatibility effect also occurs for touchless gesture responses is unknown. Method: Experiments 1 and 2 employed an R-E compatibility manipulation in which participants made responses with an upward or downward touchless gesture that resulted in the display content moving in the same (compatible) or opposite (incompatible) direction. Experiment 3 employed an S-R compatibility manipulation in which the stimulus occurred at the upper or lower location on the screen. Results: Overall, only negligible influences of R-E compatibility on performing the touchless gestures were observed (in contrast to button-press responses), whereas S-R compatibility heavily affected the gestural responses. Conclusion: The R-E compatibility obtained in many previous studies with various types of responses appears not to hold for touchless gestures as responses. Application: The results suggest that in the design of touchless interfaces, unique factors may contribute to determining which mappings of gesture and display movements are preferred by users.
Informal mental health interventions for people with severe mental illness in low and lower middle-income countries: A systematic review of effectiveness
Authors: Nguyen Trang , Holton Sara , Tran Thach , Fisher Jane 
Published: March 2019

Background: The effectiveness of interventions for people with severe mental illness delivered by informal community care providers in low and lower middle-income countries is not known. The aim was to conduct a systematic review of the impact of community-based interventions implemented by the informal sector for people with severe mental illness in these settings. Methods: Five electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched for English-language publications using both keywords and MeSH terms. All study designs were included. Results: Five papers, reporting data from five studies conducted in four low and lower middle-income countries in 2017, met the inclusion criteria for the review. Of the five included studies, three had a before and after design, one was a randomized controlled trial, and one a qualitative investigation. Most interventions with a low-moderate quality of evidence used informal community care providers to deliver either self-help groups, traditional healing treatments, and/or a rehabilitation program. The investigators reported data about improvements in the outcomes of intervention participants (psychosocial functioning, psychotic symptoms, and social inclusion) and positive impacts on their families (family’s knowledge and skills of mental illness management, caregiving burden, social exclusion/stigma against people with severe mental illness, and financial burden). Cost-effectiveness of the intervention (in one study) found that it had a higher financial cost but greater effectiveness than the usual standard of care. Conclusion: Although only a small number of studies were identified, the review provides promising evidence of the professionally developed interventions for people with severe mental illness, delivered by the informal community workforce in low and lower middle-income settings. Training and supportive supervision for informal community care providers are crucial components of effective interventions.
Plantar Medial Avulsion Fragment Associated With Tongue-Type Calcaneus Fractures
Authors: Adams Mark R. , Koury Kenneth L. , Mistry Jaydev B. , Braaksma William , Hwang John S. , Firoozabadi Reza 
Published: March 2019

Background: The plantar fascia attaches to the tuberosity of the calcaneus, which produces a distinct plantar medial avulsion (PMA) fracture fragment in certain calcaneal fractures. We hypothesized that tongue-type fractures, as described by the Essex-Lopresti classification, were more likely to be associated with this PMA fracture than joint depression fractures. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed at 2 distinct Level I trauma centers to identify patients sustaining calcaneal fractures. Radiographs were then reviewed to determine the Essex-Lopresti classification, OTA classification, and presence of a PMA fracture. Results: The review yielded 271 total patients with 121 (44.6%) tongue-type (TT), 110 (40.6%) joint depression (JD), and 40 (14.8%) fractures not classifiable by the Essex-Lopresti classification. In the TT group, 73.6% of the patients had the PMA fracture whereas only 8.2% of JD and 15.0% of nonclassifiable fractures demonstrated a PMA fragment ( P < .001). Conclusion: Plantar medial avulsion fractures occurred in 38.4% of the calcaneal fractures reviewed with a significantly greater proportion occurring in TT (73.6%) as opposed to JD (8.2%). Given the plantar fascia attachment to the PMA fragment, there may be clinical significance to identifying this fracture and changing treatment management; however, this requires further investigation. Level of Evidence: Level III, comparative study.
Correlation analysis of fundus autofluorescence, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and visual function in patients with diabetic macular oedema treated with intravitreal ziv-aflibercept
Authors: Hernandez-Da Mota Sergio E , Melo-Granados Enrique A Roig , Fromow-Guerra Jans , Bejar-Cornejo Francisco , Gallego-Pinazo Roberto , Rodríguez-Ayala Ernesto 
Published: March 2019

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlations between fundus autofluorescence and morphologic parameters as well as visual function in patients with diabetic macular oedema treated with intravitreal ziv-aflibercept. Methods: A total of 34 eyes of 20 patients with untreated diabetic macular oedema received an intravitreal injection of ziv-aflibercept at baseline, and 1 and 2 months later. The baseline, 1-month, and two-month best corrected visual acuity determination, contrast sensitivity, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, mean central macular thickness, mean macular cube volume, mean macular cube average thickness, and fundus autofluorescence (decreased, normal, or increased; and single or multiple spots) were measured. Correlation analysis with a determination of Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, regression analysis, agreement between investigators, and Friedman’s test were used for statistical analyses. Results: A direct correlation was observed between baseline fundus autofluorescence and macular cube average thickness at 1 month (r = 0.51, p = 0.020) and between fundus autofluorescence at 1 month and baseline macular cube average thickness (r = 0.50, p = 0.021). Regression analysis showed a coefficient of determination of 0.29 (p = 0.016) between baseline fundus autofluorescence and macular cube average thickness at 1 month. Conclusion: In patients with diabetic macular oedema, the pretreatment baseline degree of foveal fundus autofluorescence might be helpful in predicting macular cube average thickness in patients undergoing treatment with intravitreal ziv-aflibercept in the short term.
Comparison of incidence of repositioning surgery to correct misalignment with three toric intraocular lenses
Authors: Oshika Tetsuro , Fujita Yoshifumi , Hirota Atsushi , Inamura Mikio , Inoue Yasushi , Miyata Kazunori , Miyoshi Teruyuki , Nakano Shinichiro , Nishimura Tomohisa , Sugita Toru 
Published: March 2019

Purpose: To compare the incidence of re-orientating surgery to improve misalignment of three models of acrylic toric intraocular lenses: AcrySof toric intraocular lens (Alcon Laboratories, Inc.), TECNIS toric intraocular lens (Johnson & Johnson Vision, Inc.) and HOYA 355 toric intraocular lens (HOYA). Methods: In this retrospective, multicenter case series, medical charts were reviewed for collecting data on realignment surgery of toric intraocular lenses at 10 ophthalmic surgical sites in Japan. Results: Over all, intraocular lens repositioning surgery was conducted in 89 of 9430 eyes (0.944%) at an average of 10.5 ± 9.7 days after the initial cataract surgery. The incidence was 0.213% (11/5155), 1.797% (62/3451) and 1.942% (16/824) with AcrySof, TECNIS and HOYA toric intraocular lenses, respectively. The incidence was significantly lower with AcrySof than with other two brands of toric intraocular lenses ( p < 0.0001). In those eyes which underwent reorientation surgery, the amount of misalignment was 26.4 ± 21.9°, 29.7 ± 15.4° and 28.1 ± 20.7° with AcrySof, TECNIS and HOYA toric intraocular lenses, respectively; there was no significant difference among groups ( p = 0.821). The repositioning surgery significantly reduced misalignment in all three groups. Conclusion: The rotational stability was considerably different among toric intraocular lenses of different manufacturers. The incidence of repositioning surgery was significantly lower with AcrySof than with TECNIS and HOYA toric intraocular lenses.
Aortic Valve Replacement in Elderly Patients With Small Aortic Annulus: Results With Three Different Bioprostheses
Authors: Chiariello Giovanni A. , Bruno Piergiorgio , Villa Emmanuel , Pasquini Annalisa , Pavone Natalia , Cammertoni Federico , Mazza Andrea , Colizzi Christian , Nesta Marialisa , Iafrancesco Mauro , Perri Gianluigi , Messina Antonio , Troise Giovanni , Massetti Massimo 
Published: March 2019

Objectives Aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with small aortic annulus (diameter ≤21 mm) is considered a challenging scenario because of technical aspects and the high risk of patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM). The choice of the appropriate prosthesis is crucial, and at the moment, an ideal device has yet to be identified. We compare clinical and hemodynamic results after AVR with three bioprostheses with different design and characteristics. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 76 consecutive patients from two cardiac surgery centers who underwent AVR (Trifecta = 24; Edwards INTUITY Elite valve system = 26, and Perceval = 26) for severe aortic stenosis between 2013 and 2017. Patients selected were older than 75 years and with an annulus diameter ≤21 mm at preoperative echocardiogram. Reinterventions and combined procedures were excluded. Minimally invasive AVR was performed in 44 (57.8%) patients. Telephonic interview was obtained at 2.9 ± 0.5 years and echocardiographic follow-up at 2.2 ± 0.8 years. Results Clinical outcome was similar in the three groups. At follow-up, Trifecta patients presented significantly higher peak and mean transprosthetic pressure gradients ( P = 0.04 and 0.01). Effective orifice area and left ventricular mass regression were comparable, although an advantage was observed in Perceval patients without reaching the statistical significance. Incidence of moderate ( P = 0.2) and severe PPM ( P = 0.7) was comparable. Conclusions Despite higher postoperative pressure gradients observed with the Trifecta valve, all three prostheses (Trifecta, Edwards INTUITY Elite, and Perceval) have proven to be reliable when implanted in small aortic annuli, with good clinical outcome and favorable left ventricular mass regression.
The monoclonal antibody GNbAC1: targeting human endogenous retroviruses in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Diebold Martin , Derfuss Tobias 
Published: March 2019

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). Despite improvements of immunomodulatory therapies in relapsing–remitting MS, the pathomechanisms of progressive disease are poorly understood and therapeutically addressed to date. A pathophysiological role for proteins encoded by human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) has been proposed. GNbAC1 is a monoclonal antibody directed against the envelope protein of a HERV with postulated involvement in MS. Methods: This review addresses the treatment concept of GNbAC1, the design, preclinical and clinical development of the antibody, as published by November 2018. All four in-human trials (of which two addressed MS) are discussed. Conclusion: The treatment concept of GNbAC1 is appealing but remains controversial due to conflicting results regarding the hypothesized underlying pathomechanism. Anticipated immunomodulatory effects were not observed in clinical or pharmacodynamic analyses of the currently available data. However, a magnetic resonance imaging sign compatible with the remyelinating potential of GNbAC1 encouraged further development of this antibody in progressive MS. No relevant issues with tolerability or safety have been described to date.
High efficacy of interferon‐free therapy for acute hepatitis C in HIV‐positive patients
Authors: Chromy David , Mandorfer Mattias , Bucsics Theresa , Schwabl Philipp , Scheiner Bernhard , Schmidbauer Caroline , Aichelburg MC , Ferenci Peter , Trauner Michael , Peck-Radosavljevic Markus , Reiberger Thomas 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundThe treatment of acute hepatitis C (AHC) with direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs) is considered a cornerstone of hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination strategies, especially in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected individuals at high risk of onward transmission.ObjectiveOptimal treatment regimens and duration for AHC in HIV‐coinfected patients remain to be established. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DAA treatment regimens in the setting of AHC.MethodsAll HIV‐positive patients with a diagnosis of AHC according to the European AIDS Treatment Network (NEAT) consensus attending our clinic after 2014 were included. DAA treatment regimens and duration were based on current recommendations for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) at treatment initiation.ResultsThirty‐eight HIV/AHC patients (median age 42.0 years), mostly men who have sex with men (92%), were started on interferon‐free regimens. HCV‐genotype (GT) was predominately GT‐1a (65%). The following DAA regimens were prescribed: ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir/dasabuvir (42%; 16/38), glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (29%; 11/38), sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (13%; 5/38), ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (5%; 2/38), grazoprevir/elbasvir (5%; 2/38) and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (5%; 2/38). All HIV/AHC patients achieved sustained virologic response 12 weeks after end of treatment (SVR12) (100%; 38/38). DAA‐related adverse events were rare.ConclusionInterferon‐free DAA regimens (including 34% pan‐genotypic regimens) yielded 100% SVR12 in HIV/AHC individuals if treatment durations similar to CHC are applied.
Single Ventricle Palliation in a Developing Sub-Saharan African Country: What Should be Improved?
Authors: Manuel Valdano , Morais Humberto , Turquetto Aida L. R. , Miguel Gade , Miana Leonardo A. , Pedro Albino , Nunes Maria A. S. , Leon Gilberto , Magalhães Manuel Pedro , Martins Telmo , Júnior António P. F. 
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Single ventricle physiology management is challenging, especially in low-income countries. Objective: To report the palliation outcomes of single ventricle patients in a developing African country. Methods: We retrospectively studied 83 consecutive patients subjected to single ventricle palliation in a single center between March 2011 and December 2017. Preoperative data, surgical factors, postoperative results, and survival outcomes were analyzed. The patients were divided by palliation stage: I (pulmonary artery banding [PAB] or Blalock–Taussig shunt [BTS]), II (Glenn procedure), or III (Fontan procedure). Results: Of the 83 patients who underwent palliation (stages I-III), 38 deaths were observed (31 after stage I, six after stage II, and one after stage III) for an overall mortality of 45.7%. The main causes of operative mortality were multiple organ dysfunction due to sepsis, shunt occlusion, and cardiogenic shock. Twenty-eight survivors were lost to follow-up (22 after stage I, six after stage II). Thirteen stage II survivors are still waiting for stage III. The mean follow-up was 366 ± 369 days. Five-year survival was 28.4 % for PAB and 30.1% for BTS, while that for stage II and III was 49.8% and 57.1%, respectively. Age (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval: 0.47-0.7; P = .000) and weight at surgery (hazard ratio, 0.45; 95% confidence interval: 0.31-0.64; P = .002) impacted survival. Conclusion: A high-mortality rate was observed in this initial experience, mainly in stage I patients. A large number of patients were lost to follow-up. A task force to improve outcomes is urgently required.
Hepatitis B Infection: A Mixed Methods of Disclosure Pattern and Social Problems in the Nigerian Family
Authors: Adekanle Olusegun , Komolafe Akinwumi Oluwole , Olowookere Samuel A , Ijarotimi Oluwasegun , Ndububa Dennis Amajuoyi 
Published: March 2019

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has a high prevalence rate in Nigeria. Disclosure of infection status to close partner and the public attracts support for infected people. This study looks at disclosure and social challenges of infected persons. Methods: Mixed methods of patients’ administered questionnaire and an in-depth interview conducted on HBV-infected respondents in a hospital in Nigeria were used. The study recruited all participants who satisfied the inclusion criteria. Data were entered into SPSS version 20 and analyzed using simple and inferential statistics and content analysis for the in-depth interview. Results: A total of 205 participants completed the questionnaire study. Mean (standard deviation) age was 35.3 (±11.0) years. There were 121 married, 37 singles with noncohabiting partners and 47 singles without partners with disclosure rates being 96.7% versus 97.9% versus 89.2%, respectively. Singles disclosed infection more to their parents while married respondents disclosed infection more to their spouses. Singles had high rate of denial of sexual relationship (22.6%), emotional trauma (34.5%), broken relationships (11.4%), and surreptitious use of contraception for protection (67.6%). Married respondents had the highest rate of HBV vaccination of their family members (40.1%). Infection prevention and allaying fears of family members were their counseling needs. In-depth interview revealed that infected respondents usually expressed shock and depression at a positive test leading to fear and deception that put close associates at risk. Conclusion: Hepatitis B virus–infected respondents have high rate of disclosure. Family problems of these people can therefore be solved through public enlightenment and individual counseling.