bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydrolysis, setting properties and in vitro characterization of wollastonite/newberyite bone cement mixtures
Authors: Sopcak Tibor , Medvecky Lubomir , Giretova Maria , Stulajterova Radoslava , Durisin Juraj 
Published: December 2017

Bone cements based on magnesium phosphates such as newberyite (N; MgHPO4.3H2O) have been shown as potential bone substitutes due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability and ability to support osteoblast differentiation and proliferation. Newberyite can hydrolyze to hydrated magnesium phosphate compounds (e.g. bobierite (Mg3(PO4)2.8H2O)) at alkaline conditions. In this study, 25 and 50 wt% of crystalline β -wollastonite (woll; CaSiO3) was admixed to newberyite powder in order to both enhance the acid-base hydrolysis of newberyite and to produce a functional bone cement. The setting process of wollastonite/newberyite cement mixtures started with the hydrolysis of the wollastonite with further transformation of newberyite into bobierite and the formation of magnesium silicate phase. The results demonstrated that 25 wollastonite/newberyite and 50 wollastonite/newberyite cement pastes at optimal powder/liquid ratios had final setting times of ∼34 and 25 min and compressive strength values of 18 and 32 MPa after seven days setting, respectively. The tests of cytotoxicity of cement extracts on osteoblastic cells and contact cytotoxicity of the cement substrates showed different results. The osteoblasts cultured in cement extracts readily proliferated which confirmed the non-cytotoxic concentration of ions released from both cements. On the other hand, a strong cytotoxic character of 25 wollastonite/newberyite sample surface in contrary to high (∼80%) proliferation activity of cells on the 50 wollastonite/newberyite cement substrate was observed. The differences in cell proliferation activity was attributed to different surface topographies of cement substrates, where needle-like precipitated microcrystals of magnesium phosphate phase (in 25 wollastonite/newberyite cement) prevented the adhesion and proliferation of osteoblasts contrary to the smoother surface covered by extremely fine nanoparticles in the 50 wollastonite/newberyite cement.
Corticosteroids for the management of immune-related adverse events in patients receiving checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Williams Kiersten J , Grauer Dennis W , Henry David W , Rockey Michelle L 
Published: December 2017

Introduction Due to enhanced T-cell activity, immune checkpoint inhibitors cause immune-related adverse effects. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of immune-related adverse effect management but the optimal strategy has not been determined, putting patients at risk for steroid-related adverse effects and potentially decreased efficacy of immunotherapy. This study aims to characterize the use of corticosteroids for the management of immune-related adverse effect. Methods and materials A retrospective, single-center evaluation of patients receiving checkpoint inhibitors was conducted. The primary objective was to evaluate corticosteroid use for immune-related adverse effects, including starting dose, taper strategy, total duration, and resumption of immunotherapy. Secondary objective was to describe the incidence and significance of hyperglycemia. Results One hundred and three patients met inclusion criteria and experienced 123 immune-related adverse effects. Prednisone was used most commonly (67%) at an average starting dose of 0.88 mg/kg (range 0.07–17.0). On average, steroid tapers began 9.2 days after initiation (range 0–89) and were continued for a total of 84.2 days (range 3–693). In 21.1% of cases, checkpoint inhibitor therapy was not delayed and 68.6% resumed checkpoint inhibitors, while the patient was taking steroids (30.4 mg prednisone on average, range 5–80). On average, checkpoint inhibitor therapy was resumed 18.6 days after detection of immune-related adverse effect (range 0–150). Clinically relevant hyperglycemia occurred in 8.9%. Conclusion Utilization of steroids for immune-related adverse effect at our institution is highly variable. The majority of patients received prolonged courses of steroids and resumed checkpoint inhibitor therapy with concomitant steroids above recommended doses. Additional monitoring for hyperglycemia and other steroid associated adverse effects should be considered.
Treatment of vincristine-induced ileus with metoclopramide: A case report
Authors: Masoumi Hamidreza T , Hadjibabaie Molouk , Zarif-Yeganeh Morvarid , Khajeh Behrouz , Ghavamzadeh Ardeshir 
Published: December 2017

Introduction Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is an invasive malignancy which ought to be treated with several cytotoxic medications. Vincristine-based regimen is among the most commonly used regimens for the treatment of adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Peripheral neuropathy caused by vincristine provides a limitation in dose administration and can influence the treatment outcome and patient’s quality of life. Case presentation Ileus and constipation occurred as a result of autonomic neuropathy in a 58-year-old man who underwent vincristine-based regimen for acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment. Despite the administration of several laxative agents for constipation, the complication did not improve. So metoclopramide as a prokinetic agent was administered intravenously, and patient bowel movement and defecation started after 24 h. Conclusions There is no approved protocol for vincristine-induced autonomic neuropathy treatment; thus, prokinetic agents such as metoclopramide can be considered as an option for ileus treatment after ruling out the possibility of bowel obstruction. Prophylactic stool softeners should be administrated in all patients undergoing chemotherapy with vincristine to prevent gastrointestinal motility disorders.
Plasma Cytochrome c Detection Using a Highly Sensitive Electrochemiluminescence Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Authors: Radhakrishnan Jeejabai , Origenes Rovi , Littlejohn Gina , Nikolich Sanja , Choi Eunjung , Smite Sharon , Lamoureux Lorissa , Baetiong Alvin , Shah Manoj , Gazmuri Raúl J 
Published: December 2017

Background: Cytochrome c is an intermembrane mitochondrial protein that is released to the bloodstream following mitochondrial injury. Methods and results: We developed an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay to measure cytochrome c in human and rat plasma, which showed high sensitivity with broad dynamic range (2-1200 ng/mL in humans and 5-500 ng/mL in rat) and high assay reproducibility (inter-assay coefficient <6% in humans and <10% in rat). In patients after blunt trauma, plasma cytochrome c directly correlated with injury severity. In rats after cardiac resuscitation, plasma cytochrome c inversely correlated with survival and responsiveness to mitochondrial protective interventions. Conclusions: The cytochrome c assays herein presented have high sensitivity, wide dynamic range, and high reproducibility well suited for biomarker of mitochondrial injury.
The Effects of Astym Therapy® on a Child With Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Miller Mandi M , Ray Jessica M , Van Zant R Scott 
Published: December 2017

Purpose: Limited research exists regarding use of Astym® therapy with neurologic conditions. The purpose of this case was to describe using Astym therapy in treating spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Case description: A 6-year-old female was treated more than 9 months (36 sessions) for decreased flexibility, muscle weakness, spasticity, and abnormal gait. Examination findings: Gait performed with articulated ankle-foot orthoses (75% of the time) or foot orthosis (25%); lack of active dorsiflexion (DF); lack of heel strike during gait; spasticity in hamstrings, gastrocnemius, hip adductors; hamstring flexibility (90/90 test position) 50° right and 60° left; gastrocnemius flexibility neutral bilaterally; and Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, second edition (PDMS-2) age equivalence (in months) 23 locomotion, 25 object manipulation, and 21 stationary tasks. Therapeutic interventions included Astym therapy, stretching, strengthening, neuromuscular reeducation, and gait training. Outcomes: At 6 months, flexibility improved bilaterally to 10° past neutral in gastrocnemius and 0° in hamstrings. The PDMS-2 age equivalence scores were 27 locomotion, 32 object manipulation, and 28 stationary tasks. At discharge, patient ambulated full-time with foot orthosis, exhibiting improved stride length bilaterally with active ankle DF to initiate heel strike. Spasticity was unchanged. Discussion: Astym therapy was effective in treating a child with spastic diplegic CP, resulting in enhanced strength, flexibility, and gait.
Preoperative assessment of computerized tomography angiography to predict success for crossing long Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus D lesions using the optical coherence tomography catheter
Authors: Kim Ryan J , Smith Jamie B , Vogel Todd R 
Published: December 2017

Objectives Optical coherence tomography chronic total occlusion catheter, the Ocelot (Avinger Inc., Redwood City, CA), has been utilized to cross Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus D lesions. This study evaluated the preoperative computerized tomography angiography of chronic total occlusions in the superficial femoral artery to predict clinical success. Methods We reviewed all patients who underwent lower extremity procedures with the Ocelot catheter from June 2014 to August 2016. Patients who had a preoperative computerized tomography angiography were evaluated. Final outcomes, plaque morphology, lesion length, calcium surface area, lesion location, and patient characteristics were analyzed. Results A total of 107 patients underwent lower extremity interventions with the Ocelot catheter. Seventy patients had a preoperative computerized tomography angiography scan prior to lower extremity intervention and 77% (54) had Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus D lesions that were crossed. Mean age was 62.8 years and 68.6% were male. Mean chronic total occlusion length was 182.7 mm (170.8 mm crossed vs. 222.6 mm uncrossed, p = 0.03). Calcium distribution differed significantly ( p<.01): circumferential (14.8 vs. 12.5%); eccentric (85 vs. 62.5%); and complete calcium occlusion (0 vs. 25%) for lesions that were crossed and uncrossed, respectively. Significant differences ( p<.0001) were found when calcium occlusion was less than 50% (87 vs. 31%), 51–75% (9.3 vs. 31.2%), and 76–100% (3.7 vs. 37.5%). Total calcium length in crossed lesion was 51.6 mm, and 92.8 mm in uncrossed lesions ( p = 0.10). No significant differences were noted for patient gender, occlusion location (proximal, middle, and distal superficial femoral artery), and kidney function. Conclusion The Ocelot catheter is an effective method to cross long Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus D lesions. Superficial femoral artery lesions longer than 17 cm and focal plaque morphology, specifically a total cross-sectional area of calcium and a calcium surface area greater than 50% were most predictive of failure to cross Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus D superficial femoral artery lesions. Computerized tomography angiography is an effective tool to predict success for crossing chronic total occlusions using optical coherence tomography technology and a critical consideration for patient selection.
Improving Staff Communication: The Role of the Cardiac Theatre Liaison Nurse
Authors: Davidson Kenny 
Published: December 2017

‘One of the greatest fears is the fear of the unknown and a few words of explanation from a thoughtful nurse are worth much more than sedation from a doctor.’ (Campbell and Spence 1983). Kenneth Davidson, a 3M/NATN Award prize winner for 1999, suggests ways in which communication between ward staff and theatre nurses can be improved.
The Effectiveness and Safety of Single-Use Disposable Instruments in Cataract Surgery – a Clinical Study Using a Surgeon-Based Survey
Authors: Gupta A , Mercieca K , Fahad B , Biswas S 
Published: December 2017

Aim To compare ease of use, handling, defects and complication rates between single use and reusable instruments in cataract surgery. Methods Prospective questionnaire-based study involving ophthalmic surgeons operating during a one-year period. Results Results showed better scores in relation to questions regarding ease of use and handling for permanent instruments (p<0.0001). Two complications out of 93 procedures were reported in the reusable group (2.2%) compared to six out of 157 in the disposable group (3.8%) (p = 0.4681). Conclusions Disposable instruments in cataract surgery are an acceptable and safe alternative to reusable ones.
Magnetic resonance imaging based coracoid morphology and its associations with subscapularis tears: a new index
Authors: Watson Adam C. , Jamieson Richard P. , Mattin Andrew C. , Page Richard S. 
Published: December 2017

Background We aimed to assess the validity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in assessing the subcorocoid space and determine the validity of novel sagittal plane subcorocoid space measurements. Methods We assessed 33 arthroscopically proven subscapularis tears with MRIs compared to 33 (instability) controls with normal subscapularis tendons. Three examiners analyzed MRIs for seven static indices of corocoid morphology, in axial and sagittal planes. We explored reviewer variation using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and differences between the two groups was explored using t-tests. Results Groups were similar in characteristics but different in age (cases = 53, controls = 23). ICC showed good (2/7) or excellent (5/7) reliability. Small differences(<1.6 mm) were identified between subscapularis tears and controls in coraco–humeral distance, in axial ( p = 0.092) and sagittal planes ( p = 0.045). There were statistically significant differences between groups when analyzing the angular projection of the coracoid from the glenoid, in both sagittal ( p < 0.0001) and axial planes ( p = 0.045). Conclusions Acute inferior angulation of the corocoid in the sagittal plane may be associated with subscapularis tears. Static indices are measured within the scapula and not affected by arm position. MRI reliably provided a platform to assess the coracoid. Based on this, we currently consider corocoplasty in patients with subscapularis tears and a sagittal coroco–glenoid angle <60o to reduce potential impingement.
Contemporary utilization of antithrombotic therapy for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation: an audit in an Australian hospital setting
Authors: Pandya Ekta Yogeshkumar , Anderson Elizabeth , Chow Clara , Wang Yishen , Bajorek Beata 
Published: December 2017

Background: To document antithrombotic utilization in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), particularly, recently approved NOACs (nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants) and warfarin; and identify factors predicting the use of NOACs versus warfarin. Methods: A retrospective audit was conducted in an Australian hospital. Data pertaining to inpatients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) admitted between January and December 2014 were extracted. This included patient demographics, risk factors (stroke, bleeding), social history, medical conditions, medication history, medication safety issues, medication adherence, and antithrombotic prescribed at admission and discharge. Results: Among 199 patients reviewed, 84.0% were discharged on antithrombotics. Anticoagulants (± antiplatelets) were most frequently (52.0%) prescribed (two-thirds were prescribed warfarin, the remainder NOACs), followed by antiplatelets (33.0%). Among 41 patients receiving NOACs, 59.0% were prescribed rivaroxaban, 24.0% dabigatran, and 17.0% apixaban. Among patients aged 75 years and over, antiplatelets were most frequently used (37.0%), followed by warfarin (33.0%), then NOACs (14.0%). Compared with their younger counterparts, patients aged 75 years and over were significantly less likely to receive NOACs (14.0% versus 28.0%, p = 0.01). Among the ‘most eligible’ patients (Congestive Cardiac Failure, Hypertension (, Age ⩾ 75 years, Age= 65-74 years, Diabetes Mellitus, Stroke/ Transient Ischaemic Attack/ Thromboembolism, Vascular disease, Sex female[CHA2DS2-VASc] score ⩾2 and no bleeding risk factors), 46.0% were not anticoagulated on discharge. Patients with anaemia (68.0% versus 86.0%, p = 0.04) or a history of bleeding (65.0% versus 87.0%, p = 0.01) were less likely to receive antithrombotics compared with those without these risk factors. Warfarin therapy was less frequently prescribed among patients with cognitive impairment compared with patients with no cognitive issues (12.0% versus 23.0%, p = 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression modelling identified that patients with renal impairment were 3.6 times more likely to receive warfarin compared with NOACs (odds ratio = 3.6, 95% confidence interval = 0.08–0.90, p = 0.03, 60.0% correctly predicted; Cox and Snell R2 = 0.51, Nagelkerke R2 = 0.69). Conclusion: Despite the availability of NOACs, warfarin remains a preferred treatment option, particularly among patients with renal impairment. The high proportion of eligible patients still being prescribed antiplatelet therapy or ‘no therapy’ needs to be addressed.
One patient with schizophrenia showed reduced drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms as a result of an alternative regimen of treatment with paliperidone 3 and 6 mg every other day
Authors: Suzuki Hidenobu , Hibino Hiroyuki , Inoue Yuichi , Matsumoto Hideo , Mikami Katsunaka 
Published: December 2017

Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic disease that requires long-term management with antipsychotics. Antipsychotic drugs are given by tapering their dose, extending the dosing interval, and so on, as part of a treatment strategy to minimize the adverse effects while at the same time maintaining efficacy. Methods: We report the case of one patient with schizophrenia in whom the clinical symptoms were alleviated after treatment with 6 mg paliperidone. However, the patient developed extrapyramidal syndrome, for which 3 and 6 mg paliperidone were administered alternately every other day. Extrapyramidal syndrome was assessed using the Drug-Induced Extrapyramidal Symptoms Scale, Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale, or Barnes Akathisia Scale. Results: There was improvement in Drug-Induced Extrapyramidal Symptoms Scale score and Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale score. However, there was almost no change in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total score, positive score, negative score, or general score. Conclusion: The results indicate the possibility of lessened adverse effects as a result of an alternative regimen of treatment with paliperidone 3 and 6 mg every other day in the maintenance phase.
Impact of total fascia preservation on early recovery of urinary continence after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Nishimura Masanori , Utsugi Ryu 
Published: December 2017

The objective was to investigate the effect of preserving the total fascia surrounding the prostate (lateral pelvic fascia (LPF) and posterior musculofascial plate) on the early return of urinary continence after three-dimensional laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (3D-LRP). Data from 70 consecutive patients who underwent 3D-LRP from April 2015 to February 2017 were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. Patients were categorized into two groups: with or without LPF preservation; each group consisted of 35 consecutive patients. The rates of urinary continence within 12 weeks (no pad and no urinary leakage) were compared between groups using a 24-hour pad test and questionnaires of the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC). Immediately after Foley catheter removal, accumulated recovery rates of continence with the Kaplan–Meier method were 65.7% (23/35) and 14.3% (5/35) for LPF preservation and non-preservation groups, respectively. Four weeks after surgery, continence rates increased to 80% (28/35) and 20% (7/35), respectively. A log-rank test showed a statistical difference between groups ( p < 0.001). The hazard ratio (HR) was 3.341 (95% confidence interval, 1.772–6.301). Our results demonstrated the effectiveness of total fascia preservation for the early recovery of urinary continence after radical prostatectomy. Level of evidence: Not applicable for this multicenter audit.
Hydroxynorketamine: Implications for the NMDA Receptor Hypothesis of Ketamine’s Antidepressant Action
Authors: Aleksandrova Lily R. , Wang Yu Tian , Phillips Anthony G. 
Published: December 2017

The prevailing hypothesis of ketamine’s unique antidepressant effects implicates N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) inhibition-dependent enhancement of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor-mediated transmission, activation of intracellular signalling pathways and increased synaptogenesis. Recently, however, a seminal study by Zanos et al. directly challenged the NMDAR hypothesis of ketamine with the claim that an active ketamine metabolite, (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine, devoid of NMDAR binding properties or key side effects of its parent compound, is both necessary and sufficient for ketamine’s antidepressant effects in rodents. However, following these encouraging initial findings, one preclinical study failed to replicate the antidepressant effects of (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK), while others have questioned the metabolite’s contribution to ketamine’s therapeutic effects or argued against rejecting the NMDAR hypothesis of ketamine action. In light of these potentially paradigm-shifting, but highly controversial, findings, this review will summarise and critically evaluate the evidence for and against the NMDA receptor hypothesis of ketamine action, with a particular focus on (2R,6R)-HNK and the implications of its discovery for understanding ketamine’s mechanism of action in depression. Ultimately, uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of ketamine and possibly (2R,6R)-HNK, will aid the development of novel and more efficacious antidepressant agents so urgently needed to address a major public health concern, and could hold potential for the treatment of other stress-related psychopathologies, including bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidality.
High-quality draft genome sequence of Effusibacillus lacus strain skLN1T, facultative anaerobic spore-former isolated from freshwater lake sediment
Authors: Watanabe Miho , Tokizawa Riho , Kojima Hisaya , Fukui Manabu 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Effusibacillus lacus
strain skLN1T is the type strain of the type species in the genus
Effusibacillus
which is the one of the genera in the family
Alicyclobacillaceae
within the phylum
Firmicutes
.
Effusibacillus lacus
strain skLN1T is a Gram-positive, spore-forming thermophilic neutrophile isolated from freshwater lake sediment. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of strain skLN1T, which consists of 3,902,380 bp with a G + C content of 50.38%.