bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association Between the Apolipoprotein E Gene Polymorphism and Atherosclerotic Middle Cerebral Artery Stenosis
Authors: Zhang Zhengsheng , Chen Xiang-yan , Baum Larry , Ng Ho Keung , Mok Vincent , Wong Ka Sing 
Published: February 2018

Objectives:
Stenosis of the intracranial large arteries, especially the middle cerebral artery (MCA), is common in the Chinese population. We conducted a case-control study to investigate clinical and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene polymorphism of MCA atherosclerosis in the Chinese population.

Materials and Methods:
Polymerase chain reaction–based protocols were used to identify the genotypes of polymorphisms in ApoE genes. Clinical parameters and the genotypes of polymorphisms in the ApoE genes were compared in patients with and without MCA stenosis. The ApoE exon ε4 genotypes with risk factors were compared in the patients with and without MCA stenosis.

Results:
In total, 337 ischemic stroke patients were recruited, 156 cases with and 181 without MCA stenosis. Univariate analysis showed that the levels of systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure were higher in the MCA-stenosis group. There were no significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of the ApoE polymorphism observed between patients with and without MCA stenosis. However, there was a trend that the MCA-stenosis group tended to have more of genotype ε4/ε4 (3.8% vs. 0.6%, P=0.052) than the non–MCA-stenosis group. There was no effect of ApoE genotype and genotype-by-environment interactions on ischemic stroke susceptibility.

Conclusions:
This present study indicated that the hypertension (ie, systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure) and the ApoEε4/ε4 genotype may be associated with the occurrence of MCA stenosis in the ischemic stroke Chinese patients.
Admission Systolic Blood Pressure Predicts the Number of Blood Pressure Medications at Discharge in Patients With Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Khawaja Ayaz M. , Shiue Harn , Boehme Amelia K. , Albright Karen C. , Venkatraman Anand , Kumar Gyanendra , Lyerly Michael J. , Hays-Shapshak Angela , Mirza Maira , Gropen Toby I. , Harrigan Mark R. 
Published: February 2018

Background:
Control of systolic blood pressure (SBP) after primary intracerebral hemorrhage improves outcomes. Factors determining the number of blood pressure medications (BPM) required for goal SBP<160 mm Hg at discharge are unknown. We hypothesized that higher admission-SBPs require a greater number of BPM for goal discharge-SBP<160 mm Hg, and investigated factors influencing this goal.

Materials and Methods:
We conducted a retrospective review of 288 patients who presented with primary intracerebral hemorrhage. Admission-SBP was obtained. Primary outcome was the number of BPM at discharge. Comparison was made between patients presenting with and without a history of hypertension, and patients discharged on <3 and ≥3 BPM.

Results:
Patients with hypertension history had a higher median admission-SBP compared with those without (180 vs. 157 mm Hg, P=0.0001). In total, 133 of 288 (46.2%) patients were discharged on <3 BPM; 155/288 (53.8%) were discharged on ≥3 BPM. Hypertension history (P<0.0001) and admission-SBP (P<0.0001) predicted the number of BPM at discharge. In patients without hypertension history, every 10 mm Hg increase in SBP resulted in an absolute increase of 0.5 BPM at discharge (P=0.0011), whereas in those with hypertension, the absolute increase was 1.3 BPM (P=0.0012). In comparison with patients discharged on <3 BPM, patients discharged on ≥3 BPM were more likely to have a higher median admission-SBP, be younger in age, belong to the African-American race, have a history of diabetes, have higher median admission–National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and modified Rankin Scale of 4 to 5 at discharge.

Conclusions:
An understanding of the factors influencing BPM at discharge may help clinicians better optimize blood pressure control both before and after discharge.
Youth Victims of Violence Report Worse Quality of Life Than Youth With Chronic Diseases
Authors: Levas Michael N. , Melzer-Lange Marlene , Tarima Sergey , Beverung Lauren M. , Panepinto Julie 
Published: February 2018

Objectives
Measuring health-related quality of life (HRQOL) provides the patient's perspective of his/her well-being and offers a unique outcome measure to demonstrate the impact of violence on the victim. To date, no study has described HRQOL in youth victims of violence in the United States. The purpose of this study was to describe HRQOL in youth victims of violence as compared with healthy youth and youth with chronic disease.

Methods
We conducted an exploratory cross-sectional study of the HRQOL of victims of violence aged 8 to 18 years. Descriptive statistics were reported for participant and injury demographics. One sample t tests were used to compare the sample population's HRQOL to known HRQOL of healthy populations and specific disease populations.

Results
Fifty-eight victims of violence participated in the study. Youth victims of violence had significantly worse mean HRQOL scores (mean, 71.4) compared with healthy youth in overall functioning (mean, 83.9), P < 0.001. Youth victims of violence reported worse psychosocial (mean, 67.6), emotional (mean, 62.9), and school (mean, 63.8) functioning than youth with obesity (mean, 72.1, 68.6, 75.0, respectively) and cancer (mean, 72.1, 72.2, 68.3, respectively). Mean Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System T scores for youth victims of violence were significantly worse in anxiety (T = 51.9) and depression (T = 52.4) compared with youth with obesity (T = 48.3, 49.2), cancer (T = 47.7, 47.6), and sickle cell disease (T = 43, 44).

Conclusions
Youth victims of violence suffer significant impairment in HRQOL compared with healthy populations and youth with specific disease burdens. Future studies into violence prevention effectiveness should use HRQOL as a comparative outcome measure to better tailor post injury management and interventions.
Sudden Onset of Severe Cervical Pain in an Adolescent Girl
Authors: Ayres Pereira Harry Leite Maria Isabel Bento , Alves Sérgio Azevedo Ferreira , Reinas Rui Paulo Vicente , Rodrigues Marta Gomes , Garrido Ana Sofia Martins das Neves , da Cunha Otília Peixoto , Rodrigues Joana Sofia Oliveira , Santos Poças Maria de Fátima Oliveira , Resende Martins Mário António Leite 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
A previously healthy 13-year-old girl presented with a 9-day history of acute onset severe neck pain associated with limited range of movement. Medical evaluation at day 2 was suggestive of muscle contracture, and she was discharged home with diazepam, antiinflammatory agents, and rest; however, she returned because of progressive clinical worsening with left arm distal paresthesia and paralysis since day 3. There was no history of trauma or other systemic complaints, and her familial medical history was unremarkable.
Physical examination revealed left cervical and paravertebral tenderness on palpation with severe limitation of cervical and trunk movements; neurologic examination revealed left forearm and hand weakness and paralysis (grade II/V) with thenarhypothenar atrophy. Laboratory studies including coagulation profile were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an epidural hematoma from C4-T1 without underlying cause apparent on magnetic resonance angiography. On day 12, she underwent C3–7 laminotomy with laminoplasty and complete drainage of the hematoma. After 5 months of follow-up, she displays no neurological deficits. The spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma is a rare neurosurgical emergency in children. It usually presents acutely with neurologic deficits, but the initial presentation may be atypical or insidious, delaying diagnosis and intervention. Definitive diagnosis is made by magnetic resonance imaging and implies a high index of suspicion. Surgical drainage of the hematoma is the mainstay of treatment with favorable prognosis even in cases with a delayed diagnosis.
Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus in Childhood
Authors: Guarino Stefano , Diplomatico Mario , Marotta Rosaria , Pecoraro Anna , Furlan Daniela , Cerrone Lorenzo , Miraglia del Giudice Emanuele , Polito Cesare , La Manna Angela , Marzuillo Pierluigi 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Patients affected by nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) can present with hypernatremic dehydration, and first-line rehydration schemes are completely different from those largely applied in usual conditions determining a mild to severe hypovolemic dehydration/shock. In reporting the case of a patient affected by NDI and presenting with severe dehydration triggered by acute pharyngotonsillitis and vomiting, we want to underline the difficulties in managing this condition. Restoring the free-water plasma amount in patients affected by NDI may not be easy, but some key points can help in the first line management of these patients: (1) hypernatremic dehydration should always be suspected; (2) even in presence of severe dehydration, skin turgor may be normal and therefore the skinfold recoll should not be considered in the dehydration assessment; (3) decreased thirst is an important red flag for dehydration; (4) if an incontinent patient with NDI appears to be dehydrated, it is important to place the urethral catheter to accurately measure urine output and to be guided in parenteral fluid administration; (5) if the intravenous route is necessary, the more appropriate fluid replenishment is 5% dextrose in water with an infusion rate that should slightly exceed the urine output; (6) the 0.9% NaCl solution (10 mL/kg) should only be used to restore the volemia in a shocked NDI patient; and (7) it could be useful to stop indomethacin administration until complete restoration of hydration status to avoid a possible worsening of a potential prerenal acute renal failure.
Comparison Between Isotropic 3-Dimensional Fat-Suppressed T2-Weighted Fast Spin Echo (FSE) and Conventional 2-Dimensional Fat-Suppressed Proton-Weighted FSE Shoulder Magnetic Resonance Imaging at 3-T in Patients With Shoulder Pain
Authors: Horiuchi Saya , Nozaki Taiki , Tasaki Atsushi , Ohde Sachiko , Deshpande Gautam A. , Starkey Jay , Hara Takeshi , Kitamura Nobuto , Yoshioka Hiroshi 
Published: February 2018

Objective
The aims of this study were to compare isotropic 3-dimensional fat-suppressed T2-weighted fast spin echo (FSE) imaging (T2FS) with 2-dimensional fat-suppressed proton-density–weighted FSE imaging (2D-PDFS) and evaluate feasibility of isotropic 3-dimensional FSE shoulder imaging at 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods
Seventy-eight patients who underwent shoulder MRI were evaluated. Three-dimensional T2FS and 2D-PDFS were qualitatively graded for delineation of anatomic structures. In quantitative analysis, mean relative signal intensity and relative signal contrast between each structure of the shoulder were compared.

Results
Three-dimensional T2FS showed significantly higher scores for rotator cuff (P = 0.020), lower scores for bone (P < 0.001), and higher relative contrast of rotator cuff to fluid (P < 0.001) and labrum to fluid (P < 0.001) in comparison with 2D-PDFS. No significant difference in relative signal intensity of the rotator cuff, labrum, joint fluid, cartilage, and bone marrow was demonstrated.

Conclusions
Isotropic 3-dimensional FSE MRI has similar image quality and diagnostic performance to conventional 2-dimensional sequence in evaluation of the rotator cuff.
Short-term Preoperative Diet Decreases Bleeding After Partial Hepatectomy
Authors: Barth Richard J. , Mills Jeannine B. , Suriawinata Arief A. , Putra Juan , Tosteson Tor D. , Axelrod David , Freeman Richard , Whalen Giles F. , LaFemina Jennifer , Tarczewski Susan M. , Kinlaw William B. 
Published: February 2018

Background:
Our previous case series suggested that a 1-week, low-calorie and low-fat diet was associated with decreased intraoperative blood loss in patients undergoing liver surgery.

Objective:
The current study evaluates the effect of this diet in a randomized controlled trial.

Methods:
We randomly assigned 60 patients with a body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 to no special diet or an 800-kcal, 20 g fat, and 70 g protein diet for 1 week before liver resection. Surgeons were blinded to diet assignment. Hepatic glycogen stores were evaluated using periodic acid Schiff (PAS) stains.

Results:
Ninety four percent of the patients complied with the diet. The diet group consumed fewer daily total calories (807 vs 1968 kcal, P < 0.001) and fat (21 vs 86 g, P < 0.001) than the no diet group. Intraoperative blood loss was less in the diet group: mean blood loss 452 vs 863 mL (P = 0.021). There was a trend towards decreased transfusion in the diet group (138 vs 322 mL, P = 0.06). The surgeon judged the liver to be easier to manipulate in the diet group: 1.86 versus 2.90, P = 0.004. Complication rate (20% vs 17%), length of stay (median 5 vs 4 days) and mortality did not differ between groups. There was no difference in hepatic steatosis between groups. There was less glycogen in hepatocytes in the diet group (PAS stain score 1.61 vs 2.46, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:
A short-course, low-fat, and low-calorie diet significantly decreases bleeding and makes the liver easier to manipulate in hepatic surgery.
Information Priorities for Deciding on Treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Authors: Gerjevic Kristen A. , Erekson Elisabeth , Strohbehn Kris , Jacobs Kathryn A. , Hanissian Paul D. , Aarts Johanna W. 
Published: February 2018

Objective
The objective of this study was to elicit information priorities from women considering treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Study Design
This is a cross-sectional study of women before and after treatment of stage II or higher POP. Women were recruited either at the conclusion of their initial evaluation (before treatment) or at postoperative or pessary maintenance visits (after treatment). Women completed a written survey that used a Likert scale to rank potentially frequently asked questions (FAQs) that could be important information to use in decision making for POP.

Results
Among the 100 women surveyed, 32 women wanted to pursue surgical options and 18 women wanted to pursue nonsurgical treatment options in the before treatment group. In the after treatment group, 35 women had undergone surgery and 15 women were using a pessary.
Overall, women ranked FAQs about treatment success (overall Likert score, 1.11±0.35), quality of life after treatment (1.18±0.41), and complications and side effects (1.20±0.57) as the most important information when making a decision. Women were least concerned with FAQs regarding cost (2.39±1.48), impact on sexual function (2.21±1.4), and impact on hormones (2.20±1.27).

Conclusions
Women with POP identified the most important FAQs related to treatment success and complications, quality of life, and understanding how the treatment works. This information will be used to develop a comprehensive decision aid for women considering treatment options for POP.
Same-Day Discharge After Robotic-Assisted Sacrocolpopexy
Authors: Kisby Cassandra K. , Polin Michael R. , Visco Anthony G. , Siddiqui Nazema Y. 
Published: February 2018

Objective
The aim of the study was to compare unplanned postoperative encounters in women discharged same day versus later after robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy (RA-SCP).

Methods
This is a retrospective cohort study of women who underwent RA-SCP at a tertiary care center January 2013 to September 2015. Women were divided into 2 cohorts based on their day of discharge: (1) same day or (2) postoperative day 1 (POD ≥ 1) or later. Our primary outcome was unplanned provider visits (clinic, urgent care, emergency department, or hospital readmission) during the 6 weeks after surgery. Secondary outcomes included unplanned postdischarge nurse or physician phone calls. Logistic regression models were created to control for potential confounders.

Results
Two hundred seventy-two women were included; 80 underwent same-day discharge versus 192 discharged POD 1 or later (187 on POD 1, 5 on POD 2). Women discharged same day were older (61.3 vs 58.5 years, P < 0.05), more likely to have a start time before noon (85% vs 67.6%, P < 0.01), received less intraoperative intravenous fluids (1153 mL vs 1536 mL, P < 0.01), had shorter procedures (237 vs 256 minutes, P < 0.01), and spent more time in the postanesthesia care unit (213 vs 158 minutes, P < 0.01). There were no differences in unplanned provider visits between women discharged same day versus later (18.8% vs 27.6%, P = 0.12). No differences were observed in unplanned clinic visits, emergency department visits, or readmissions. In logistic regression models, unplanned provider visits (odds ratio = 0.35, 95% confidence interval = 0.30–1.54) and phone calls (odds ratio = 0.69, 95% confidence interval = 0.54–2.58) were not significantly different between groups.

Conclusions
Same-day discharge after RA-SCP is safe and does not result in increased health care utilization (provider visits or postoperative phone calls).
Microbiomes of North American Triatominae: the grounds for Chagas disease epidemiology
Authors: Rodríguez-Ruano Sonia M. , Škochová Veronika , Rego Ryan O. M. , Schmidt Justin O. , Roachell Walter , Hypša Václav , Nováková Eva 
Published: February 2018

AbstarctInsect microbiomes influence many fundamental host traits, including functions of practical significance such as their capacity as vectors to transmit parasites and pathogens. The knowledge on the diversity and development of the gut microbiomes in various blood feeding insects is thus crucial not only for theoretical purposes, but also for the development of better disease control strategies. In Triatominae (Heteroptera: Reduviidae), the blood feeding vectors of Chagas disease in South America and parts of North America, the investigation of the microbiomes is in its infancy. The few studies done on microbiomes of South American Triatominae species indicate a relatively low taxonomic diversity and a high host specificity. We designed a comparative survey to serve several purposes: I) to obtain a better insight into the overall microbiome diversity in different species, II) to check the long term stability of the interspecific differences, III) to describe the ontogenetic changes of the microbiome, and IV) to determine the potential correlation between microbiome composition and presence in the vector gut ofTrypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. Using 16S amplicons of two abundant species from the southern US, and four laboratory reared colonies, we showed that the microbiome composition is determined by host species, rather than locality or environment. The OTUs (Operational Taxonomic Units) determination confirms a low microbiome diversity, with 12-17 main OTUs detected in wild populations ofT. sanguisugaandT. protracta. Among the dominant bacterial taxa areAcinetobacterandProteiniphilumbut also the symbiotic bacteriumArsenophonus triatominarum, previously believed to only live intracellularly. The possibility of ontogenic microbiome changes was evaluated in all six developmental stages and faeces of the laboratory reared modelRhodnius prolixus. We detected considerable changes along the host’s ontogeny, including clear trends in the abundance variation of the three dominant bacteria, namelyEnterococcus,AcinetobacterandArsenophonus. Finally, we screened the samples for the presence ofT. cruzi. Comparing the parasite presence with the microbiome composition, we assessed the possible significance of the latter in the epidemiology of the disease. Particularly, we found a trend towards more diverse microbiomes inT. cruzipositiveT. protractaspecimens.
Optimized real time QPCR assays for detection and quantification of Fusarium and Microdochium species involved in wheat head blight as defined by MIQE guidelines
Authors: Sonia Elbelt , Dorothée Siou , Sandrine Gelisse , Corinne Cruaud , Christian Lannou , Marc Henri Lebrun , Valérie Laval 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn order to better understand the Fusarium head blight disease, reliable real-time PCR assays for detection and quantification of fungal species belonging to the Fusarium and Microdochium genus are needed. Specific qPCR assays were developed for nine of those species. All criteria required for reproducing the assays are presented. The assays were species specific and allow quantification of at least 5 pg of fungal DNA and detection of 0.5 pg of fungal DNA per PCR reaction. Moreover we showed that the quantification performances of the tests were not altered in the presence of DNA of closely related species in the sample. The assays were tested on field samples and have been already used in greenhouse experiments.
Pervasive transcription-dependent chromatin remodeling influences the replication initiation program
Authors: Soudet Julien , Kaur Jatinder , Stutz Françoise 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTIn Eukaryotic organisms, replication initiation follows a temporal program. Among the parameters that regulate this program in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, chromatin structure has been at the center of attention without considering the contribution of transcription. Here, we revisit the replication initiation program in the light of pervasive transcription. We find that noncoding RNA transcription termination in the vicinity of replication origins or ARS (Autonomously Replicating Sequences) maximizes replication initiation by restricting transcriptional readthrough into ARS. Consistently, high natural nascent transcription correlates with low ARS efficiency and late replication timing. High readthrough transcription is also linked to chromatin features such as high levels of H3K36me3 and deacetylated nucleosomes. Moreover, forcing ARS readthrough transcription promotes these histone modifications. Finally, replication initiation defects induced by increased transcriptional readthrough are partially rescued in the absence of H3K36 methylation. Altogether, these observations indicate that natural pervasive transcription into ARS influences replication initiation through chromatin remodeling.