bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gender and Age Differences in Lipid Profile Among Chinese Adults in Nanjing: a Retrospective Study of Over 230,000 Individuals from 2009 to 2015
Authors: Gu Tianwei , Zhou Weihong , Sun Jie , Wang Jing , Zhu Dalong , Bi Yan 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Background Previous national survey suggested that dyslipidemia is an increasing burden in China and more severe in urban population. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the gender and age differences in lipids and lipoproteins in a large Chinese urban population in Nanjing city.
Methods A total of 236, 945 adults (age ≥20 years old) who undertook a health check between 2009 and 2015 in our medical examination center were involved in the analysis. Fasting total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) were measured by standard methods.
Results The age-standardized estimates of serum total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride were 4.77 (4.76–4.79), 1.19 (1.18–1.19), 2.53 (2.52–2.54) and 1.74 (1.72–1.76) mmol/L in males (n=130954), and 4.79 (4.78–4.80), 1.46 (1.45–1.46), 2.44 (2.43–2.45) and 1.21 (1.19–1.22) mmol/L in females (n=105991), respectively. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was significantly elevated in females above 50 years old, and the peak prevalence of dyslipidemia in males was in the age group of 40–59 years, earlier as compared to females (peaked at 60–69 years old). In addition, an increasing secular trend was observed in LDL cholesterol levels from 2009 to 2015 in both males and females.
Conclusions Dyslipidemia is an increasing epidemic in China, characterized by a rising trend of LDL cholesterol. The gender and age differences in serum levels of lipid profile as well as prevalence of dyslipidemia suggested that the middle-age men and postmenopausal women should be the prioritized target for better control of dyslipidemia and early prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Neuro-Behcet: The Value of Transcranial Doppler
Authors: Goma Samar , Selim Zahraa , Shehata Ghaydaa , Sayed Doaa , Ahmed Dalia 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Abstract Neurological involvement in Behcet disease (BD) is one of the most serious causes of long term morbidity and mortality and can be found in up to 49% of cases. There are 2 main types of CNS involvement, parenchymal and non-parenchymal. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography provides a relatively inexpensive, noninvasive, evaluation of the haemodynamics within intracranial arteries.
Material and Methods Case control study of 15 patients with NBD all of them fulfilled the criteria of the International Study Group for Behcet’s disease and fifteen apparently healthy volunteers age and sex matched. All patients and healthy controls were examined by TCD. Cranial Magnitic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination was performed to the patients group.
Results Transcranial Doppler showed significant decline in the mean velocity (MV) of all the examined cerebral arteries in all NBD patients with the highest significant decrease in the vertebral artery (VA). On the other hand, a significant increase in the pulsatility index (PI) was detected only in the posterior cerebral artery (PCA). Regarding MRI examinations of our patients, 7 of 15 (46.7%) patients had parenchymal lesions, 13% had vascular lesions coexisting with parenchymal lesions (mixed). The parenchymal were located in the periventricular and superficial cerebral white matter, thalamus and brainstem followed by the cerebellum. Vascular lesions were dural and transverse sinus thrombosis.
Conclusion TCD provides a sensitive and accurate bed-side non-invasive imaging tool for the detection of flow pattern abnormalities in patients with NBD. MRI remains the gold standard for diagnosis.
PHAST, PHASTER and PHASTEST: Tools for finding prophage in bacterial genomes
Authors: Arndt David , Marcu Ana , Liang Yongjie , Wishart David S 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
PHAST (PHAge Search Tool) and its successor PHASTER (PHAge Search Tool – Enhanced Release) have become two of the most widely used web servers for identifying putative prophages in bacterial genomes. Here we review the main capabilities of these web resources, provide some practical guidance regarding their use and discuss possible future improvements. PHAST, which was first described in 2011, made its debut just as whole bacterial genome sequencing and was becoming inexpensive and relatively routine. PHAST quickly gained popularity among bacterial genome researchers because of its web accessibility, its ease of use along with its enhanced accuracy and rapid processing times. PHASTER, which appeared in 2016, provided a number of much-needed enhancements to the PHAST server, including greater processing speed (to cope with very large submission volumes), increased database sizes, a more modern user interface, improved graphical displays and support for metagenomic submissions. Continuing developments in the field, along with increased interest in automated phage and prophage finding, have already led to several improvements to the PHASTER server and will soon lead to the development of a successor to PHASTER (to be called PHASTEST).
MAJIQ-SPEL: web-tool to interrogate classical and complex splicing variations from RNA-Seq data
Authors: Green Christopher J , Gazzara Matthew R , Barash Yoseph 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Summary
Analysis of RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data have highlighted the fact that most genes undergo alternative splicing (AS) and that these patterns are tightly regulated. Many of these events are complex, resulting in numerous possible isoforms that quickly become difficult to visualize, interpret and experimentally validate. To address these challenges we developed MAJIQ-SPEL, a web-tool that takes as input local splicing variations (LSVs) quantified from RNA-Seq data and provides users with visualization and quantification of gene isoforms associated with those. Importantly, MAJIQ-SPEL is able to handle both classical (binary) and complex, non-binary, splicing variations. Using a matching primer design algorithm it also suggests to users possible primers for experimental validation by RT-PCR and displays those, along with the matching protein domains affected by the LSV, on UCSC Genome Browser for further downstream analysis.

Availability and implementation
Program and code will be available at http://majiq.biociphers.org/majiq-spel.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Site-Specific Considerations in the Surgical Management of Skull Base Chondrosarcomas
Authors: Raza Shaan M , Gidley Paul W , Kupferman Michael E , Hanna Ehab Y , Su Shirley Y , DeMonte Franco 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Numerous approaches have been reported in the management of skull base chondrosarcomas. Data are lacking for surgical outcomes by the tumor site of origin.

OBJECTIVE
To provide insight into outcomes by site of origin and factors affecting resection in order to aid in surgical approach selection.

METHODS
A retrospective review was conducted of 49 patients with chondrosarcoma treated at our institution. Charts were reviewed for tumor- and treatment-related factors. Extent of resection was the primary outcome, while neurological function and surgical complications were secondary outcomes. Statistical analyses were performed assessing variables for their impact on the primary outcome.

RESULTS
The gross total resection rate for the overall cohort was 67.3%, and 97.8% of patients were either neurologically stable or improved postoperatively. A petroclival site of origin had lower rates of resection vs all other sites (P < .05). Histology and previous surgery did not predict outcome (P > .05), while previous radiotherapy and cavernous sinus invasion correlated with a subtotal resection (P < .05). In the petroclival cohort, clival, jugular tubercle, and soft tissue involvement correlated with a subtotal resection (P < .05). An endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach alone or combined with a transcranial approach yielded the highest resection rates for petroclival tumors (P < .05).

CONCLUSION
Chondrosarcomas pose unique challenges based on the site of origin and pattern of extension. While current surgical strategies appear to yield adequate results at a majority of skull base sites, petroclival tumors represent a particular cohort in which improvement is needed. Based on our analysis, strategies incorporating both endoscopic and transcranial skull base approaches are likely necessary to achieve optimal outcomes.
Morphological evidence for a past minor merger in the Seyfert galaxy NGC 1068
Authors: Tanaka Ichi , Yagi Masafumi , Taniguchi Yoshiaki 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Deep optical imaging with both Hyper Suprime-Cam and Suprime-Cam on the 8.2 m Subaru Telescope reveals a number of outer faint structures around the archetypical Seyfert galaxy NGC 1068 (M 77). We find three ultra diffuse objects (UDOs) around NGC 1068. Since these UDOs are located within the projected distance of 45 kpc from the center of NGC 1068, they appear to be associated with NGC 1068. Hereafter, we call them UDO-SW, UDO-NE, and UDO-SE where UDO = Ultra Diffuse Object, SW = southwest, NE = northwest, and SE = southeast; note that UDO-SE was already found in the SDSS Stripe 82 data. Among them, UDO-NE and UDO-SW appear to be a part of a loop or stream structure around the main body of NGC 1068, providing evidence for the physical connection to NGC 1068. We consider that UDO-SE may be a tidal dwarf galaxy. We also find another UDO-like object that is two magnitudes fainter and smaller by a factor of 3 to 5 than those of the three UDOs. This object may belong to a class of low surface brightness galaxy. Since this object is located along the line connecting UDO-NE and UDO-SW, it is suggested that this object is related to the past interaction event that formed the loop by UDO-NE and UDO-SW, thus implying the physical connection to NGC 1068. Another newly discovered feature is an asymmetric outer one-arm structure emanating from the western edge of the outermost disk of NGC 1068 together with a ripple-like structure at the opposite side. These structures are expected to arise in a late phase of a minor merger, according to published numerical simulations of minor mergers. All these lines of evidence show that NGC 1068 experienced a minor merger several billion years ago. We then discuss the minor-merger driven triggering of nuclear activity in the case of NGC 1068.
A Retrospective Analysis of the Clinical Effectiveness of Supraclavicular, Ultrasound-guided Brachiocephalic Vein Cannulations in Preterm Infants
Authors: Breschan Christian , Graf Gudrun , Jost Robert , Stettner Haro , Feigl Georg , Neuwersch Stefan , Stadik Christian , Koestenberger Markus , Likar Rudolf 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Background
The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the supraclavicular ultrasound-guided cannulation of the brachiocephalic vein in preterm infants.

Methods
The ultrasound probe was placed in the supraclavicular region so as to obtain the optimum sonographic long-axis view of the brachiocephalic vein. By using a strict in-plane approach the brachiocephalic vein was cannulated by advancing a 22- or 24-gauge iv cannula from lateral to medial under the long axis of the ultrasound probe under real-time ultrasound guidance into the vein.

Results
One hundred and forty-two cannulations in infants weighing between 0.59 and 2.5 kg (median: 2.1; CI: 2.0 to 2.2) were included. Ultimate success rate was 94% (134 of 142). One cannulation attempt was required in 100 (70%) patients, two attempts in 21 (15%), and three attempts in 13 (9%). The smaller the weight of the infant the more attempts were needed. More attempts also were needed for the right brachiocephalic vein, which was primarily targeted in 75 (53%) neonates. One (1%) inadvertent arterial puncture was noted.

Conclusions
This supraclavicular, in-plane, real-time, ultrasound-guided cannulation of the brachiocephalic vein seems to be a convenient and effective method to insert central venous catheters in preterm infants.
Impact of Emerging Technologies on Clinical Considerations: Targeted Muscle Reinnervation Surgeries, Pattern Recognition, Implanted Electrodes, Osseointegration, and Three-Dimensional Printed Solutions
Authors: Lipschutz Robert D. 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT
In the recent past, there have been several technological advancements and applications to the field of Upper Limb Prosthetics that warrant attention to clinicians and the healthcare community. Targeted Muscle Reinnervation is a surgical procedure used to enhance the functional capabilities of myoelectric prosthesis users. This procedure has been in practice since 2002 and is no longer considered experimental. The other surgical procedure on the horizon for individuals with upper limb amputations is Osseointegration. Although this procedure that has been around in various forms for decades, refinement of the surgical intervention and minimization of negative outcomes has enabled individuals to benefit from this technology. Two other technologies that have been around for decades are Pattern Recognition and 3-D Printing. However, the application of these two processes, to the field of Upper Limb Prosthetics, is new, exciting and challenging. Integration of these and other technologies can meet opposition at first; as any changes do. The prosthetists will need to educate themselves in these technologies in order to continue seeking ways to improve the lives of individuals with whom they work.
Extrapolation of Emerging Technologies and Their Long-Term Implications for Myoelectric versus Body-Powered Prostheses: An Engineering Perspective
Authors: ff. Weir Richard F. 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTThe field of prosthetic rehabilitation is at the cusp of a revolution in upper-limb prosthetic techniques and treatment options. After 50 years of largely incremental developments in the design of both body-powered and myoelectric upper extremity prostheses, new technologies are coming of age that will provide sensory feedback to the user. This, in turn, will promote embodiment of the prosthesis, allowing users to believe the device is a true extension of themselves. This will facilitate the incorporation of the prosthesis into their body image and allow users to finally begin to think of the prosthesis as a true limb replacement rather than as a tool. This review surveys innovations in upper-limb prosthetic rehabilitation from an engineering perspective.
Impact of Changeover to Newer Endoscopic Systems on Quality and Efficiency of Screening and Surveillance Colonoscopy
Authors: Singh Manpreet , Sacatos Melody , Laine Loren 
Published: September 2017

Goals:
The goal of this study is to assess whether changeover to newer endoscopic systems impacts quality or efficiency, and quantify the relation between increased withdrawal time and detection rates of sessile serrated polyps (SSPDR) and adenomas (ADR) in real-world practice.

Study:
Beginning 2 months after new endoscopic systems were implemented at 2 endoscopy units, we included all outpatients undergoing screening/surveillance colonoscopy for 4 months. Outpatients during the same 4-month period 1 year earlier comprised the control group. Quality endpoints included ADR, advanced ADR, SSPDR, polyp detection rate (PDR), and withdrawal time. The efficiency endpoint was procedure time. Statistical adjustment for potential confounding factors was performed with multivariable analysis.

Results:
Significant increases occurred in postchangeover (N=1122) versus prechangeover (N=1131) procedure time (difference=2.6 minutes; 1.6 to 3.6) and withdrawal time (difference=1.6 minutes; 0.8 to 2.5). Significant increases also occurred in ADR [435 (39%) vs. 380 (34%)], advanced ADR [82 (7%) vs. 50 (4%)], and PDR [664 (59%) vs. 611 (54%)], but these differences lost significance when withdrawal time was added to the multivariable model. For every minute increase in withdrawal time a significant increase was seen in ADR (OR=1.09; 1.08 to 1.11), advanced ADR (OR=1.10; 1.08 to 1.13), SSPDR (OR=1.07; 1.06 to 1.09), and PDR (OR=1.16; 1.14 to 1.18).

Conclusions:
After changeover to newer endoscopy systems withdrawal times lengthened, resulting in increased procedure time, ADR, and advanced ADR. Regardless of endoscopic system, lengthening withdrawal time increased SSPDR, ADR, and advanced ADR: odds of detection increased 7% to 10% with every additional minute of withdrawal time. Greater attention to withdrawal time and endoscopist examination may be more productive than upgrading endoscopic systems.
Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli Subclinical Infection and Coinfections and Impaired Child Growth in the MAL‐ED Cohort Study
Authors: Lima Aldo A.M. , Soares Alberto M. , Filho José Q.S. , Havt Alexandre , Lima Ila F.N. , Lima Noélia L. , Abreu Cláudia B. , Junior Francisco S. , Mota Rosa M.S. , Pan William K.‐Y. , Troeger Christopher , Medeiros Pedro H.Q.S. , Veras Herlice N. , Prata Mara A. , McCormick Ben J.J. , McGrath Monica , Rogawski Elizabeth T. , Houpt Eric R. , Platts‐Mills James A. , Gratz Jean , Samie Amidou , Bessong Pascal , Babji Sudhir , Kang Gangadeep , Qureshi Shahida , Shakoor Sadia , Bhutta Zulfigar A. , Haque Rashidul , Ahmed Tahmeed , Mduma Estomih R. , Svensen Erling , Kosek Margaret , Yori Pablo P. , Bodhidatta Ladaporn , Jasmin Shrestha , Mason Carl J. , Lang Dennis , Gottlieb Michael , Guerrant Richard L. 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTObjective:We evaluated the impact of subclinical enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) infection alone and in combination with other pathogens in the first 6 months of life on child growth.Methods:Nondiarrheal samples from 1684 children across 8 Multisite Birth Cohort Study, Malnutrition and Enteric Diseases (MAL‐ED) sites in Asia, Africa, and Latin America were tested monthly; more than 90% of children were followed‐up twice weekly for the first 6 months of life.Results:Children with subclinical EAEC infection did not show altered growth between enrollment and 6 months. Conversely, EAEC coinfection with any other pathogen was negatively associated with delta weight‐for‐length (P < 0.05) and weight‐for‐age (P > 0.05) z scores between 0 and 6 months. The presence of 2 or more pathogens without EAEC was not significantly associated with delta weight‐for‐length and weight‐for‐age. The most frequent EAEC coinfections included Campylobacter spp, heat‐labile toxin‐producing enterotoxigenic E coli, Cryptosporidium spp, and atypical enteropathogenic E coli. Myeloperoxidase levels were increased with EAEC coinfection (P < 0.05). EAEC pathogen codetection was associated with lower neopterin levels compared to those of no‐pathogen control children (P < 0.05). Mothers of children with EAEC coinfections had lower levels of education, poorer hygiene and sanitation, lower socioeconomic status, and lower breast‐feeding rates compared to mothers of children in whom no pathogen was detected (P < 0.05).Conclusions:These data emphasize the public health importance of subclinical EAEC infection in early infancy in association with other pathogens and the need for improved maternal and child care, hygiene, sanitation, and socioeconomic factors.
Economic and Clinical Outcomes Resulting From the Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease Case Management Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Everett Beverly , Castel Liana D. , McGinnis Matthew , Beresky Amy , Cane Rudolph C. , Cooper Tasha , Davda Rajesh K. , Farmer Donna , John Stella M. , Sollars Denise L. , Rausch John F. 
Published: September 2017

Purpose of Study:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a costly and burdensome public health concern. The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact on outcomes and utilization of a pilot program to identify and engage beneficiaries with CKD at risk for progression from Stage 4 to Stage 5.

Primary Practice Settings:
A quality improvement initiative was conducted to assess the impact of case management on costs and outcomes among 7,720 Cigna commercial medical beneficiaries with Stage 4 CKD enrolled in the United States between January 2012 and October 2012.

Methodology and Sample:
Claims data were analyzed to compare 3,861 beneficiaries randomized to receive condition-focused case management with 3,859 controls, with follow-up through July 2013. After using an algorithm to identify beneficiaries at highest risk of progression, a case management team implemented, among those assigned to the intervention, an evidence-based assessment tool, provided education and follow-up, engaged nephrologists and other providers, and conducted weekly rounds. Primary outcome measures were hospital admissions, emergency department visits, nephrologist visits, dialysis, arteriovenous (AV) fistula creation, and total medical costs. Analysis of variance techniques were used to test group differences.

Results:
As compared with controls, intervention beneficiaries were 12% more likely to have fistula creation (p = .004). Intervention beneficiaries were observed to have savings of $199 per member per month (PMPM), F = 23.05, p = .04. This difference equated to 6% lower total medical costs in the intervention group. Savings observed were derived half from improved in-network utilization and half from reduced hospital costs.

Implications for Case Management Practice:

The observed 12% increased rate of creation of AV fistulas and $199 (6%) decrease in PMPM cost between the intervention and control groups corresponded to a savings of more than $18 million in 2015 U.S. dollars (USD).On the basis of observation of substantial improvements in outcomes and cost savings, health plan administrators could better serve those at highest risk of progression by implementing focused case management.Our findings support the value of care coordination between nephrologists, providers, and health plan case managers in improving outcomes and reducing total medical costs among beneficiaries at risk for CKD progression from Stage 4 to Stage 5.