bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using randomization tests to assess treatment effects in multiple‐group interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Linden Ariel 
Published: July 2018

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesInterrupted time series analysis (ITSA) is a popular evaluation methodology in which a single treatment unit's outcome is studied over time and the intervention is expected to “interrupt” the level and/or trend of the outcome, subsequent to its introduction. The internal validity of this analysis is strengthened considerably if the treated unit is contrasted with a comparable control group. However, multiple‐group ITSA typically has small sample sizes, and parametric methods for multiple‐group ITSA require strong assumptions that are unlikely to be met, possibly resulting in misleading P values. In this paper, randomization tests are introduced as a non‐parametric, distribution‐free option for computing exact P values.MethodThe effect of California's Proposition 99 (passed in 1988) for reducing cigarette sales is evaluated by comparing California (CA) to Montana (MT) and Idaho (ID)—the two best matched control states not exposed to any smoking reduction initiatives. Results from randomization tests are contrasted to those of interrupted time series analysis regression (ITSAREG)—a commonly used parametric approach for evaluating treatment effects in ITSA studies.ResultsBoth approaches found ID and MT to be comparable to CA on their preintervention time series, and both approaches equally found CA to have statistically lower cigarette sales in the postintervention period (P < 0.01).ConclusionsIn these data, randomization tests computed P values comparable with ITSAREG, bolstering confidence in the intervention effect. Routinely including randomization tests as a complement, or alternative, to parametric methods is therefore beneficial because randomization tests are free of assumptions regarding sample size and distribution and are extremely flexible in the choice of test statistic.
Assessing the population transmission dynamics of tilapia lake virus in farmed tilapia
Authors: Yang Ying‐Fei , Lu Tien‐Hsuan , Lin Hsing‐Chieh , Chen Chi‐Yun , Liao Chung‐Min 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA novel virus, tilapia lake virus (TiLV), has been identified as a key pathogen responsible for disease outbreak and mass mortality of farmed tilapia. We used a deterministic susceptible‐infectious‐mortality (SIM) model to derive key disease information appraised with published TiLV‐induced cumulative mortality data. The relationship between tilapia mortality and TiLVexposure dosages was described by the Hill model. Furthermore, a disease control model was proposed to determine the status of controlled TiLVinfection using a parsimonious control reproduction number (RC)‐control line criterion. Results showed that the key disease determinants of transmission rate and basic reproduction number (R0) could be derived. The medianR0estimate was 2.59 in a cohabitation setting with 2.6 × 105 TCID50 fish−1TiLV. The presentRC‐control model can be employed to determine whether TiLVcontainment is feasible in an outbreak farm by quantifying the current level of transmission. TheSIMmodel can then be applied to predict what additional control is required to manageRC < 1. We offer valuable tools for aquaculture engineers and public health scientists the mechanistic‐based assessment that allows a more rigorous evaluation of different control strategies to reduce waterborne diseases in aquaculture farming systems.
Low levels of progesterone and derivatives in cerebrospinal fluid of patients affected by status epilepticus
Authors: Meletti Stefano , Lucchi Chiara , Monti Giulia , Giovannini Giada , Bedin Roberta , Trenti Tommaso , Rustichelli Cecilia , Biagini Giuseppe 
Published: July 2018

AbstractNeurosteroids such as allopregnanolone may play a role in epilepsy as positive modulators of inhibitory currents mediated by γ‐aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor. Indeed, these molecules have been consistently shown to be anticonvulsants in animal models, but their role is still unclear in patients. For this reason, we investigated neurosteroids in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with status epilepticus (SE) by liquid chromatography tandem‐mass spectrometry. Patients were retrospectively identified within subjects who received a lumbar puncture in the 2007–2017 period. Seventy‐three patients (median age 65, ranging from 13 to 94 years; 67% women) with SE were evaluated. Controls (n = 52, median age 53, ranging from 16 to 93 years; 65% women) were patients presenting with symptoms for which a lumbar puncture was required by clinical guidelines, and who were negative at the end of the diagnostic work‐up. Progesterone was 64% lower in patients with SE (p < 0.001). With respect to progesterone, upstream pregnenolone sulfate and pregnenolone did not change. Instead, downstream 5α‐dihydroprogesterone, pregnanolone and allopregnanolone were, respectively, 49% (p < 0.001), 21% (p < 0.01) and 37% (p < 0.001) lower than in controls. Duration or type of SE, age and sex did not consistently affect CSF neurosteroid levels in the SE cohort. Instead, pregnenolone sulfate (Spearman's ρ = 0.4335, p < 0.01), allopregnanolone (ρ = 0.4121, p < 0.05) and pregnanolone (ρ = 0.592, p < 0.001) levels significantly increased by aging in controls. We conclude that neurosteroidogenesis is defective in patients with SE.
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Factors associated with successful pregnancy in women of late reproductive age with uterine fibroids who undergo embryo cryopreservation before surgery
Authors: Takahashi Nozomi , Harada Miyuki , Tanabe Ryosuke , Takayanagi Akane , Izumi Gentaro , Oi Nagisa , Hirata Tetsuya , Wada‐Hiraike Osamu , Fujii Tomoyuki , Osuga Yutaka 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAimThe objective of this study is to determine the factors associated with successful pregnancy in women of late reproductive age with uterine fibroids who undergo embryo cryopreservation before surgery (ECBS).MethodsPatients who underwent in vitro fertilization treatment with controlled ovarian stimulation from November 2010 to January 2017 in our university hospital were included. Twenty‐two patients older than 35 years of age at the first visit with cavity‐distorting uterine fibroids underwent ECBS, a three‐step therapeutic approach consisting of oocyte pick‐up, myomectomy and embryo transfer (ET), which are performed in this order. We retrospectively calculated the pregnancy rate and determined the factors associated with successful pregnancy.ResultsThe mean age at ET of the patients who underwent ECBS was 40.9 years, with a pregnancy rate per ET of 36.8% (21/57). Of 22 patients, 10 (45.5%) successfully continued pregnancy beyond 12 weeks of gestation (ongoing pregnancy). An ongoing pregnancy was observed only among the patients with more than three frozen embryos. The ongoing pregnancy rates of patients with ≤five fibroids and ≤5 cm in the maximal diameter were significantly higher compared to the respective remaining group (90.0% vs 14.3% and 87.5% vs 33.3%).ConclusionECBS is an effective strategy for infertile women of late reproductive age with cavity‐distorting uterine fibroids, especially when it is applied to the patients who can freeze at least three embryos before myomectomy, with five or less fibroids smaller than 5 cm in the maximal diameter.
Antimicrobial discovery from natural and unusual sources
Authors: Ali Salwa Mansur , Siddiqui Ruqaiyyah , Khan Naveed Ahmed 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Objectives
Whether vertebrates/invertebrates living in polluted environments are an additional source of antimicrobials.

Key findings
Majority of antimicrobials have been discovered from prokaryotes and those which are of eukaryotic origin are derived mainly from fungal and plant sources. With this in mind, it is important to note that pests, such as cockroaches come across pathogenic bacteria routinely, yet thrive in polluted environments. Other animals, such as snakes thrive from feeding on germ-infested rodents. Logically, such species must have developed an approach to protect themselves from these pathogens, yet they have largely been ignored as a potential source of antimicrobials despite their remarkable capability to fight disease-causing organisms.

Summary
Animals living in polluted environments are an underutilized source for potential antimicrobials, hence it is believed that several novel bioactive molecule(s) will be identified from these sources to counter increasingly resistant bacterial infections. Further research will be necessary in the development of novel antimicrobial(s) from these unusual sources which will have huge clinical impact worldwide.
Clinical efficiency and safety of Hsp90 inhibitor Novobiocin in avian tibial dyschondroplasia
Authors: Nabi Fazul , Iqbal Muhammad K. , Zhang Hui , Rehman Mujeeb Ur , Shahzad Muhammad , Huang Shucheng , Han Zhaoqing , Mehmood Khalid , Ahmed Nisar , Chachar Bahram , Arain Muhammad A. , Li Jiakui 
Published: July 2018

AbstractTibial dyschondroplasia (TD) is a bone defect of broilers and other poultry birds that disturbs growth plate and it causes lameness. Previously we evaluated differential expression of multiple genes involved in growth plate angiogenesis and reported the safety and efficacious of medicinal plant root extracted for controlling TD. In this study, clinical and protective effect of an antibiotic Novobiocin (Hsp90 inhibitor) and expression of Hsp90 and proteoglycan aggrecan was examined. The chicks were divided into three groups; Control, thiram‐induced TD, and Novobiocin injected TD. After the induction of TD, the Novobiocin was administered through intraperitoneal route to TD‐affected birds until the end of the experiment. The expressions and localization of Hsp90 were evaluated by qRT‐PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blot, respectively. Morphological, histological examinations, and serum biomarker levels were evaluated to assess specificity and protective effects of Novobiocin. The results showed that TD causing retarded growth, enlarged growth plate, distended chondrocytes, irregular columns of cells, decreased antioxidant capacity, reduced protein levels of proteoglycan aggrecan, and upregulated in Hsp90 expression (p < 0.05) in dyschondroplastic birds as compared with control. Novobiocin treatment restored growth plate morphology, reducing width, stimulated chondrocyte differentiation, sprouting blood vessels, corrected oxidative imbalance, decreased Hsp90 expressions and increased aggrecan level. Novobiocin treatment controlled lameness and improved growth in broiler chicken induced by thiram. In conclusion, the accumulation of the cartilage and up‐regulated Hsp90 are associated with TD pathogenesis and irregular chondrocyte morphology in TD is along with reduced aggrecan levels in the growth plate. Our results indicate that Novobiocin treatment has potential to reduce TD by controlling the expression of Hsp90 in addition to improve growth and hepatic toxicity in broiler chicken.
Asymmetric assortative mating and queen polyandry are linked to a supergene controlling ant social organization
Authors: Avril Amaury , Purcell Jessica , Brelsford Alan , Chapuisat Michel 
Published: July 2018

AbstractNonrecombining genomic variants underlie spectacular social polymorphisms, from bird mating systems to ant social organization. Because these “social supergenes” affect multiple phenotypic traits linked to survival and reproduction, explaining their persistence remains a substantial challenge. Here, we investigate how large nonrecombining genomic variants relate to colony social organization, mating system and dispersal in the Alpine silver ant,Formica selysi. The species has colonies headed by a single queen (monogynous) and colonies headed by multiple queens (polygynous). We confirmed that a supergene with alternate haplotypes—Sm and Sp—underlies this polymorphism in social structure: Females from mature monogynous colonies had the Sm/Sm genotype, while those from polygynous colonies were Sm/Sp and Sp/Sp. Queens heading monogynous colonies were exclusively mated with Sm males. In contrast, queens heading polygynous colonies were mated with Sp males and Sm males. Sm males, which are only produced by monogynous colonies, accounted for 22.9% of the matings with queens from mature polygynous colonies. This asymmetry between social forms in the degree of assortative mating generates unidirectional male‐mediated gene flow from the monogynous to the polygynous social form. Biased gene flow was confirmed by a significantly higher number of private alleles in the polygynous social form. Moreover, heterozygous queens were three times as likely as homozygous queens to be multiply mated. This study reveals that the supergene variants jointly affect social organization and multiple components of the mating system that alter the transmission of the variants and thus influence the dynamics of the system.
The role of the microbiome in nonhealing diabetic wounds
Authors: Kalan Lindsay R. , Brennan Meghan B. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWound healing is a highly coordinated and complex process, and there can be devastating consequences if it is interrupted. It is believed that, in combination with host factors, microorganisms in a wound bed can not only impair wound healing but can lead to stalled, chronic wounds. It is hypothesized that the wound microbiota persists in chronic wounds as a biofilm, recalcitrant to antibiotic and mechanical intervention. Cultivation‐based methods are the gold standard for identification of pathogens residing in wounds. However, these methods are biased against fastidious organisms, and do not capture the full extent of microbial diversity in chronic wounds. Thus, the link between specific microbes and impaired healing remains tenuous. This is partially because local infection and, more specifically, the formation of a biofilm, is difficult to diagnose. This has led to research efforts aimed at understanding if biofilm formation delays healing and leads to persistent and chronic infection. Circumventing challenges associated with culture‐based estimations, advances in high‐throughput sequencing analysis has revealed that chronic wounds are host to complex, diverse microbiomes comprising multiple species of bacteria and fungi. Here, we discuss how the use of genomic methodologies to study wound microbiomes has advanced the current understanding of infection and biofilm formation in chronic wounds.
Effects of remifentanil maintenance during recovery on emergence delirium in children with sevoflurane anesthesia
Authors: Choi Eun Kyung , Lee Shiback , Kim Won Jae , Park Sang‐Jin 
Published: July 2018

SummaryBackgroundEmergence delirium is a common complication of sevoflurane anesthesia in children.AimsWe examined the effects of maintaining remifentanil infusion during the recovery period on the incidence of emergence delirium in preschool‐age children undergoing strabismus surgery under sevoflurane anesthesia.MethodsEighty children (aged 3‐7 years) were randomly assigned to either the control group (group C; intraoperative remifentanil infusion) or the intervention group (group R; intraoperative remifentanil infusion followed by remifentanil maintenance during the recovery phase). Intraoperative remifentanil infusion (0.2 μg/kg/min) was discontinued upon surgery completion in the group C, and was maintained until the discharge criteria were met at a dose of 0.05 μg/kg/min in the group R. The incidence of emergence delirium was assessed using a five‐point agitation scale and the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale after arrival in the postanesthesia care unit. Postoperative pain was assessed using the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale.ResultsThe incidence of emergence delirium according to the five‐point agitation scale (scores ≥ 4) was lower in the group R (33.3%) compared to the group C (68.3%) (odds ratio 0.206; 95% CI 0.080 to 0.531; P = 0.002). Similar results were obtained using the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale (scores > 12), with an incidence of 5.1% in the group R and 34.0% in the control group (odds ratio 0.104; 95% CI 0.022 to 0.497; P = 0.001). The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale scores and occurrence of postoperative adverse events including laryngospasm, desaturation, nausea, and vomiting were similar between the two groups.ConclusionMaintaining a low dose of remifentanil (0.05 μg/kg/min) throughout the recovery phase attenuated the incidence of emergence delirium in children undergoing strabismus surgery under sevoflurane anesthesia.
Delivery of sevoflurane using a neonatal ventilator
Authors: Burstal Richard J , Threlfo Steven J 
Published: July 2018

SummaryBackgroundMost anesthetic ventilators are designed to cope with a wide range of patient sizes and may lack precision at the lowest end of the minute volume scale. Neonatal intensive care ventilators on the other hand are designed specifically for this patient group, but are not able to deliver volatile anesthesia.AimsWe aimed to adapt the neonatal ventilator currently in use in our institution to deliver sevoflurane by incorporating a vaporizer and a scavenging system.MethodsWe used a Diamedica draw‐over vaporizer incorporated into the ventilator circuit and a custom designed open interface scavenging system. A number of safety measures are described to ensure that this equipment is correctly inserted into the circuit.ResultsBench testing revealed that the vaporizer output is linear and stable within the circuit flow range 4‐8 L/min in all modes except high frequency oscillation where concentrations are not predictable. The scavenging system was found to be effective and did not affect volumes, pressures or waveforms when ventilating a test lung over a wide range of flows and pressures. This remained the case over the full range of scavenger flow adjustment.ConclusionThe addition of a Diamedica vaporizer to a Fabian neonatal ventilator was shown in bench testing to provide stable, linear vapor concentrations without compromise of ventilator function. The system should not be used in high frequency oscillation mode because concentrations will exceed those expected and will not maintain a linear relationship with the vaporizer setting.
Mood instability contributes to impulsivity, non‐suicidal self‐injury, and binge eating/purging in people with anxiety disorders
Authors: Peters Evyn M. , Bowen Rudy , Balbuena Lloyd 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine whether mood instability in people with anxiety disorders contributes to trait impulsivity, non‐suicidal self‐injury, and binge eating/purging.MethodsData were analysed from a general population sample of 7,221 adults (Mage = 51.0 years; 56.9% female). Logistic regression analyses with effect decompositions were used to establish the associations of five anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, panic disorder, agoraphobia, and obsessive–compulsive disorder) with impulsivity, non‐suicidal self‐injury, and binge eating/purging, and then to determine the extent that adding mood instability to each model reduced these relationships.ResultsParticipants with an anxiety disorder were more likely to report impulsivity compared to participants without an anxiety disorder (ORs = 2.40–3.92, all p < .001), but these relationships reduced by 59–78% and became non‐significant when mood instability was added to the models. Participants with an anxiety disorder were also more likely to report non‐suicidal self‐injury (ORs = 3.86–18.9, all p < .001) and binge eating/purging (ORs = 4.05–14.9, all p < .01); adding mood instability to the models reduced these relationships by at least 30%.ConclusionsMood instability and impulsivity are common in people with anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders are associated with impulsivity largely because of the association between mood instability and impulsivity. Mood instability may contribute to non‐suicidal self‐injury and binge eating/purging in people with anxiety disorders. Treatments for mood instability in addition to standard anxiety disorder treatment may reduce impulsivity, non‐suicidal self‐injury, and binge eating/purging in people with anxiety disorders.Practitioner points

Many patients with anxiety disorders experience mood instability, which is associated with impulsivity, non‐suicidal self‐injury, and binge eating/purging.

Treating mood instability alongside anxiety may help reduce impulsivity, non‐suicidal self‐injury, and binge eating/purging in people with anxiety disorders.
Recurrent oral ulcerations following heart transplant in a pediatric patient: A diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Asmar Namir , Geerlinks Ashley V. , Laxer Ronald M. , Tse Shirley M. L. , Dipchand Anne , Punnett Angela 
Published: July 2018

AbstractOral ulceration is a non‐specific clinical finding with many potential causes. The persistence of oral ulcers in the context of a patient post–SOT is concerning for PTLD. There is growing evidence that SOT recipients may also be at higher risk of autoimmune diseases. This case report describes a pediatric patient with persistent oral ulcers after heart transplant, who underwent an extensive workup for PTLD, including repeat investigations, with a subsequent diagnosis of Behçet's disease.
Ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation with cardiopulmonary bypass for hepatoblastoma in children: A case report
Authors: Shi Shu‐Jun , Wang Deng‐Liang , Hu Wei , Peng Fei , Kang Quan 
Published: July 2018

AbstractSome primary and secondary liver carcinomas cannot be resected using a conventional approach due to their size, location, or major vascular invasion. The aim of this study was to explore the application of ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation for complicated HB in children. A 1.5‐year‐old girl with HB after repeated chemotherapy was analyzed. In this patient, tumor invasion includes the IV, V, and VIII liver segments, and thrombosis formed in the inferior vena cava and right atrium. It is difficult to obtain complete tumor resection using conventional hepatectomy. The patient was treated via ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation, and tumor thrombus in the inferior vena cava and right atrium was removed via cardiopulmonary bypass. Operative methods and precautions were analyzed during and after the operation. The operation was completed successfully within 8 hours, and the liver's cold ischemia time was 190 minutes. The patient recuperated successfully, and the liver's function and AFP levels gradually tended to normalize 2 weeks after the operation. Ultrasonic examination revealed that the blood flow velocity of the hepatic vein, portal vein, and hepatic artery was good. The patient recovered and was discharged 3 weeks after the operation. Ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation have great application value for complicated HB in children that is not suitable for conventional hepatic lobectomy.