bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcomes After Use of Aortouniiliac Endoprosthesis Versus Modular or Unibody Bifurcated Endoprostheses for Endovascular Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Gupta Prateek K. , Kempe Kelly , Brahmbhatt Reshma , Gupta Himani , Montes Jorge , Forse R. Armour , Stickley Shaun M. , Rohrer Michael J. 
Published: May 2017

Objectives: Outcomes after endovascular repair (EVAR) of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAAs) have been widely published. There is, however, controversy on the role of the use of aortouniiliac endoprosthesis (AUI) versus modular or unibody bifurcated endoprosthesis (MUB) for repair of rAAAs. We study and compare 30-day outcomes after use of AUI and MUB for all rAAAs focusing specifically on patients with instability. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent EVAR for rAAA (n = 425) using AUI (n = 55; 12.9%) and MUB (n = 370; 87.1%) were identified from the American College of Surgeons’ National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (2005-2010) database. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: No significant difference ( P > .5) was seen in comorbidities between patients who underwent EVAR with AUI or MUB; there was also no change in endoprosthesis use from 2005 to 2010 ( P = .7). Patients who underwent EVAR with AUI more commonly had a history of peripheral arterial procedure (10.9% vs 4.6%; P = .053) and preoperative transfusion of >4 U packed red blood cells (18.2% vs 6.8%; P = .004). Use of AUI versus MUB was associated with more 30-day wound complications (16.4% vs 6.2%; P = .01), return to operating room (38.2% vs 20.0%; P = .003), and mortality (34.5% vs 21.4%; P = .03). On multivariable analysis, use of AUI was associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality (odds ratio: 2.4; 95% confidence interval: 1.1-5.3). On subanalysis of the cohort for only the patients with unstable rAAA (n = 159; AUI = 29 and MUB = 130), 30-day mortality for AUI versus MUB was still higher but not statistically significant (44.8% vs 32.3%; P = .2). Conclusion: Endovascular repair for ruptured AAA using aortouniliac endoprosthesis is associated with higher 30-day mortality than using modular or unibody bifurcated endoprosthesis.
Repair of Complete Atrioventricular Septal Defects With Decellularized Extracellular Matrix: Initial and Midterm Outcomes
Authors: Ashfaq Adeel , Brown Tyler , Reemtsen Brian 
Published: May 2017

Objective: Since April 2010, our institution has repaired complete atrioventricular septal defects (CAVSDs) with a two-patch technique utilizing CorMatrix extracellular material. This material is potentially an attractive patch because of its theorized eventual integration with the host tissue. We sought to analyze initial outcomes of CAVSD repair with CorMatrix. Methods: Data were collected on consecutive pediatric (age <18) patients receiving two-patch CAVSD repairs with CorMatrix at a single institution from April 2010 to July 2014. Baseline and perioperative characteristics were evaluated. Echocardiograms were evaluated in both the immediate postoperative period and the most recent postoperative follow-up. Variables analyzed included left AV valve performance, residual shunting, left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient, morbidity, and mortality. Results: Fifteen patients were identified. The average age at operation was 205 days, with mean follow-up time at 1,364 days. Echocardiograms revealed the following: 12 (80%) patients showed either improved or stable left AV valve performance remaining at “mild” or less insufficiency, while two (13%) declined from “none” to mild and one (7%) from mild to “severe,” which required reoperation. There was no residual shunting or LVOT obstruction at follow-up. The single (7%) reoperation was performed after three years due to left AV valve zone of apposition dehiscence. No permanent pacemakers were needed, and no deaths were reported. Conclusion: Our initial experience with CorMatrix in the repair of CAVSD in children has resulted in good initial and midterm outcomes. The CorMatrix patch remained stable through midterm follow-up, thus may be efficacious for use in CAVSD repair.
Proximal Pulmonary Artery Evaluation in Infants With Shunt-Dependent Pulmonary Blood Flow: Computed Tomographic Angiography Versus Transthoracic Echocardiography
Authors: Ehrmann Daniel E. , Browne Lorna P. , Fonseca Brian M. , Younoszai Adel K. , Maria Michael V. Di 
Published: May 2017

Background: Infants with shunt-dependent pulmonary blood flow are at risk for developing proximal pulmonary artery (PA) stenosis, which may result in morbidity and mortality. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the primary means of surveillance for PA narrowing but has significant limitations and has not been compared to computed tomographic angiography (CTA)–derived measurements of the proximal PA anatomy in this population. Methods: A retrospective chart review identified infants with shunt-dependent pulmonary blood flow who had both TTE and CTA performed <14 days apart during a five-year period. Proximal right pulmonary artery (RPA) and left pulmonary artery (LPA) diameters were measured by TTE and CTA. Pulmonary artery z-score, linear and intraclass correlation (ICC) coefficients, and Bland-Altman plots were computed. Results: Seventeen pairs of studies were analyzed. The TTE and CTA proximal PA diameters had moderate linear correlation and agreement ( R = 0.67, P ≤ .0001, ICC = 0.65); the RPA showed stronger correlation and agreement ( R = 0.76, P = .0004, ICC = 0.72) than the LPA (R = 0.59, P = .01, ICC = 0.59). Computed tomographic angiography detected missed PA stenosis ( Z score < −2) in five (14.7%) cases, four of which were on the LPA. Conclusion: In this study of infants with shunt-dependent pulmonary blood flow, TTE and CTA proximal PA diameters had only moderate correlation and agreement overall, which was worse when comparing LPA measurements. This resulted in missed PA stenosis by TTE. Computed tomographic angiography may be warranted in patients with poorly visualized PAs by TTE or suspicion for deficient pulmonary blood flow.
Pediatric Heart Transplantation Long-Term Survival in Different Age and Diagnostic Groups: Analysis of a National Database
Authors: Alsaied Tarek , Khan Muhammad S. , Rizwan Raheel , Zafar Farhan , Castleberry Chesney D. , Bryant Roosevelt , Wilmot Ivan , Chin Clifford , Jefferies John L. , Morales David L. 
Published: May 2017

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in long-term survival without the influence of early mortality, and to identify factors associated with one-year conditional ten-year survival after heart transplantation (HTx) across different age and diagnostic groups. Methods: Organ Procurement and Transplant Network data from January 1990 to December 2005 were used. Cohort was divided according to age (infants [<1 year], children [>1-10 years], and adolescents [11-18 years]) and diagnosis (cardiomyopathy and congenital heart disease [CHD]). Factors associated with one-year conditional ten-year survival were identified using multivariable logistic regression and using a case–control design. Results: One-year conditional ten-year survivors included 1,790 patients compared to 1,114 patients who died after the first posttransplant year and within ten years of transplant with a median follow-up of 4.8 years. Predictors of one-year conditional ten-year survival for infants were recipient’s Caucasian race (odds ratio [OR]: 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-2.7) and donor–recipient weight ratio (OR: 0.8, 95% CI: 0.6-1); for children: Caucasian race (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.2-2.1), retransplantation (OR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2-0.6), and transplantation after the year 2000 (OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1-2.1); for adolescents only Caucasian race (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.9-2.3). In both CHD and cardiomyopathy, adolescents had worse survival compared to infants and children. There was an era effect with improved survival after 2000. Male gender was a predictor of survival in cardiomyopathy group. Conclusion: Predictors of one-year conditional ten-year survival varied among groups. These data and analyses provide important information that may be useful to clinicians, particularly when counseling patients and families regarding expectations of survival after pediatric HTx.
Virtual Surgery for Conduit Reconstruction of the Right Ventricular Outflow Tract
Authors: Ong Chin Siang , Loke Yue-Hin , Opfermann Justin , Olivieri Laura , Vricella Luca , Krieger Axel , Hibino Narutoshi 
Published: May 2017

Purpose: Virtual surgery involves the planning and simulation of surgical reconstruction using three-dimensional (3D) modeling based upon individual patient data, augmented by simulation of planned surgical alterations including implantation of devices or grafts. Here we describe a case in which virtual cardiac surgery aided us in determining the optimal conduit size to use for the reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract. Description: The patient is a young adolescent male with a history of tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia, requiring right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) conduit replacement. Utilizing preoperative magnetic resonance imaging data, virtual surgery was undertaken to construct his heart in 3D and to simulate the implantation of three different sizes of RV-PA conduit (18, 20, and 22 mm). Evaluation: Virtual cardiac surgery allowed us to predict the ability to implant a conduit of a size that would likely remain adequate in the face of continued somatic growth and also allow for the possibility of transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation at some time in the future. Subsequently, the patient underwent uneventful conduit change surgery with implantation of a 22-mm Hancock valved conduit. As predicted, the intrathoracic space was sufficient to accommodate the relatively large conduit size without geometric distortion or sternal compression. Conclusion: Virtual cardiac surgery gives surgeons the ability to simulate the implantation of prostheses of different sizes in relation to the dimensions of a specific patient’s own heart and thoracic cavity in 3D prior to surgery. This can be very helpful in predicting optimal conduit size, determining appropriate timing of surgery, and patient education.
Optimal Z-Score Use in Surgical Decision-Making in Pulmonary Atresia With Intact Ventricular Septum
Authors: Awori Mark Nelson , Mehta Nikita P. , Mitema Frederick O. , Kebba Naomi 
Published: May 2017

Objectives: In the surgical treatment of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum, the size of the tricuspid valve annulus (as measured by z-scores) has emerged as a significant factor in deciding which repair to perform. Various tricuspid valve annulus z-scores are reported as “cutoffs” for successful biventricular repair. We aimed to determine whether the use of different z-score data sets contributed to the gross variation in “cutoffs” for successful biventricular repair reported in the literature. Methods: A single search was made of PubMed using the “advanced” setting with the following search terms: pulmonary, atresia, intact, septum, z, and score. The filters “title” and “title/abstract” were used for the first four and last two terms, respectively; the instruction “AND” combined all terms. Articles that identified which z-score data set was used in patients with biventricular repairs were included. Results: From 13 articles, 1,392 patients were studied, 410 (29.5%) of which achieved biventricular repair. Three z-score data sets were quoted; mean tricuspid valve annulus z-scores in biventricular repair patients ranged between −0.53 and −5.1. After correcting for discrepancies between z-score data sets, no study reported a mean tricuspid valve annulus z-score <−2.8 in biventricular repair patients and 83.3% reported mean tricuspid valve annuli z-scores >−1.7. Conclusion: The use of varied tricuspid valve annuli z-score data sets may have contributed to gross variations in reported “cutoffs” for successful biventricular repair. This could lead to inappropriate surgical pathway allocation.
A neutralizing anti–G-CSFR antibody blocks G-CSF–induced neutrophilia without inducing neutropenia in nonhuman primates
Authors: Scalzo-Inguanti Karen , Monaghan Katherine , Edwards Kirsten , Herzog Eva , Mirosa Danijela , Hardy Matthew , Sorto Vicki , Huynh Huy , Rakar Steven , Kurtov Daria , Braley Hal , Wilson Nick , Busfield Samantha , Nash Andrew , Andrews Arna 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Neutrophils are the most abundant WBCs and have an essential role in the clearance of pathogens. Tight regulation of neutrophil numbers and their recruitment to sites of inflammation is critical in maintaining a balanced immune response. In various inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, cystic fibrosis, and inflammatory bowel disease, increased serum G-CSF correlates with neutrophilia and enhanced neutrophil infiltration into inflamed tissues. We describe a fully human therapeutic anti–G-CSFR antibody (CSL324) that is safe and well tolerated when administered via i.v. infusion to cynomolgus macaques. CSL324 was effective in controlling G-CSF–mediated neutrophilia when administered either before or after G-CSF. A single ascending-dose study showed CSL324 did not alter steady-state neutrophil numbers, even at doses sufficient to completely prevent G-CSF–mediated neutrophilia. Weekly infusions of CSL324 (≤10 mg/kg) for 3 wk completely neutralized G-CSF–mediated pSTAT3 phosphorylation without neutropenia. Moreover, repeat dosing up to 100 mg/kg for 12 wk did not result in neutropenia at any point, including the 12-wk follow-up after the last infusion. In addition, CSL324 had no observable effect on basic neutrophil functions, such as phagocytosis and oxidative burst. These data suggest that targeting G-CSFR may provide a safe and effective means of controlling G-CSF–mediated neutrophilia as observed in various inflammatory diseases.
Open-Label, Multicenter, Phase II Study of Ceritinib in Patients With Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Harboring ROS1 Rearrangement
Authors: Lim Sun Min , Kim Hye Ryun , Lee Jong-Seok , Lee Ki Hyeong , Lee Yun-Gyoo , Min Young Joo , Cho Eun Kyung , Lee Sung Sook , Kim Bong-Seog , Choi Moon Young , Shim Hyo Sup , Chung Jin-Haeng , La Choi Yoon , Lee Min Jeong , Kim Maria , Kim Joo-Hang , Ali Siraj M. , Ahn Myung-Ju , Cho Byoung Chul 
Published: May 2017

Purpose ROS1 rearrangement is a distinct molecular subset of non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We investigated the efficacy and safety of ceritinib in patients with ROS1-rearranged NSCLC. Patients and Methods We enrolled 32 patients with advanced NSCLC who tested positive for ROS1 rearrangement by fluorescent in situ hybridization. Ceritinib 750 mg was administered once daily. The primary end point was objective response rate. The secondary end points were disease control rate; duration of response; progression-free survival; overall survival; toxicity; and concordance among fluorescent in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and next-generation sequencing. Results Between June 7, 2013, and February 1, 2016, 404 patients underwent ROS1 prescreening, and 32 patients with ROS1 rearrangement were enrolled. All patients except two were crizotinib-naïve. At the time of data cutoff, the median follow-up was 14.0 months, and 18 patients (56%) had discontinued treatment. Of the 32 patients enrolled, 28 were evaluable for response by independent radiologic review. Objective response rate was 62% (95% CI, 45% to 77%), with one complete response and 19 partial responses; duration of response was 21.0 months (95% CI, 17 to 25 months); and disease control rate was 81% (95% CI, 65% to 91%). The median progression-free survival was 9.3 months (95% CI, 0 to 22 months) for all patients and 19.3 months (95% CI, 1 to 37 months) for crizotinib-naïve patients. The median overall survival was 24 months (95% CI, 5 to 43 months). Of the eight patients with brain metastases, intracranial disease control was reported in five (63%; 95% CI, 31% to 86%). The most common adverse events (majority, grade 1 or 2) for all treated patients were diarrhea (78%), nausea (59%), and anorexia (56%). Conclusion Ceritinib demonstrated potent clinical activity in patients with ROS1-rearranged NSCLC who were heavily treated previously with multiple lines of chemotherapy.
Harmonization of Serum Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Measurements Paves the Way for the Adoption of a More Uniform Reference Interval
Authors: Thienpont Linda M , Van Uytfanghe Katleen , De Grande Linde A C , Reynders Dries , Das Barnali , Faix James D , MacKenzie Finlay , Decallonne Brigitte , Hishinuma Akira , Lapauw Bruno , Taelman Paul , Van Crombrugge Paul , Van den Bruel Annick , Velkeniers Brigitte , Williams Paul 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The IFCC Committee for Standardization of Thyroid Function Tests developed a global harmonization approach for thyroid-stimulating hormone measurements. It is based on a multiassay method comparison study with clinical serum samples and target setting with a robust factor analysis method. Here we describe the Phase IV method comparison and reference interval (RI) studies conducted with the objective to recalibrate the participating assays and demonstrate the proof-of-concept.

METHODS
Fourteen manufacturers measured the harmonization and RI panel; 4 of them quantified the harmonization and first follow-up panel in parallel. All recalibrated their assays to the statistically inferred targets. For validation, we used desirable specifications from the biological variation for the bias and total error (TE). The RI measurements were done with the assays' current calibrators, but data were also reported after transformation to the new calibration status. We estimated the pre- and postrecalibration RIs with a nonparametric bootstrap procedure.

RESULTS
After recalibration, 14 of 15 assays met the bias specification with 95% confidence; 8 assays complied with the TE specification. The CV of the assay means for the harmonization panel was reduced from 9.5% to 4.2%. The RI study showed improved uniformity after recalibration: the ranges (i.e., maximum differences) exhibited by the assay-specific 2.5th, 50th, and 97.5th percentile estimates were reduced from 0.27, 0.89, and 2.13 mIU/L to 0.12, 0.29, and 0.77 mIU/L.

CONCLUSIONS
We showed that harmonization increased the agreement of results from the participating immunoassays, and may allow them to adopt a more uniform RI in the future.
Der VfGH als politischer Akteur. Konsequenzen eines Judikaturwandels
Authors: Ehs Tamara 
Published: May 2017

Wie Verfassungsgerichte grundsätzlich, so erfüllt auch der österreichische Verfassungsgerichtshof (VfGH) eine politische Funktion. Deshalb kann die Beschäftigung mit seiner Judikatur nicht nur den Rechtswissenschaften überlassen sein, sondern verlangt einen stärker politikwissenschaftlichen Beitrag. Alltagsbefunde etwa zur „Macht der obersten Richter“ oder zu den „stillen Herrschern“ bedürfen der politologischen Auseinandersetzung. Gerade der seit den 1980ern erfolgte Judikaturwandel im Bereich der Grundrechte trug zu seiner politischen Akzentuierung im Institutionengefüge bei und bewirkte zahlreiche parteipolitische Kontroversen. Denn mit der Grundrechtsprechung greift er offensiver und über die Einzelfallentscheidung hinausgehend – damit einflussreicher – ins politische Geschehen ein.
Regulation of WNT Signaling at the Neuromuscular Junction by the Immunoglobulin Superfamily Protein RIG-3 inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Pandey Pratima , Bhardwaj Ashwani , Babu Kavita 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPerturbations in synaptic function could affect the normal behavior of an animal, making it important to understand the regulatory mechanisms of synaptic signaling. Previous work has shown that in Caenorhabditis elegans an immunoglobulin superfamily protein, RIG-3, functions in presynaptic neurons to maintain normal acetylcholine receptor levels at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). In this study, we elucidate the molecular and functional mechanism of RIG-3. We demonstrate by genetic and BiFC (Bi-molecular Fluorescence Complementation) assays that presynaptic RIG-3 functions by directly interacting with the immunoglobulin domain of the nonconventional Wnt receptor, ROR receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), CAM-1, which functions in postsynaptic body-wall muscles. This interaction in turn inhibits Wnt/LIN-44 signaling through the ROR/CAM-1 receptor, and allows for maintenance of normal acetylcholine receptor, AChR/ACR-16, levels at the neuromuscular synapse. Further, this work reveals that RIG-3 and ROR/CAM-1 function through the β-catenin/HMP-2 at the NMJ. Taken together, our results demonstrate that RIG-3 functions as an inhibitory molecule of the Wnt/LIN-44 signaling pathway through the RTK, CAM-1.
Estabilidad de sistemas por medio de polinomios Hurwitz
Authors: Aguirre-Hernández Baltazar , Loredo-Villalobos Carlos Arturo , Díaz-González Edgar Cristian , Campos-Cantón Erick 
Published: May 2017

Para analizar la estabilidad de un sistema de ecuaciones diferenciales lineales ẋ = Ax podemos estudiar la localización de las raíces del polinomio característico pA(t) asociado a la matriz A. En este artículo presentamos diversos criterios —algebraicos y geométricos— que nos ayudan a determinar el lugar donde se encuentran las raíces sin necesidad de calcularlas en forma directa.
AMINO ACID COMPOSITION AS PRECURSOR FLAVORS CHANGES IN TEA LEAVES (CAMELLIA SINENSIS) DURING ORTHODOX BLACK TEA MANUFACTURING
Authors: Tuan Hoang Quoc , Thinh Nguyen Duy , Minh Tu Nguyen Thi 
Published: May 2017

The content of amino acids in tea leaves at different stages of OTD black tea manufacture was measured. Considerable changes of amino acids were observed in all stages but in each stage, total free amino acids was found to be increase both in withering fermentation stages and was dramatically decrease at frying stages. The results showed that the some of free a-amino acid contents which was defined as flavour precursor like phenylalnine, methionine and isoleucine in tea leaves were significantly increase during withering whereas they was found to be an decreasing trend during fermentation but others a-amino acid contents like alanine, methionine and glycine was found to be trend increase in both stage of processing. The zero-order, first-order and quadratic models were used to explain the a-amino acid included alanine, valine, isoleucine, leucine and phenylalanine changes kinetics during processing and it was observed that the linear, growth, compounds and quadratic model could be used for explaning the changes of flavour compounds during OTD black tea manufature.
DEVELOPMENT OF SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF CEFTAZIDIME WITH THE BRATTON–MARSHALL REAGENT IN PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATION
Authors: Dung Nguyen Trung , Dao Doan Thi , Hoat Giap Dang , Son Nguyen Anh 
Published: May 2017

Phương pháp đơn giản, nhanh, nhạy và chính xác đã được xây dựng để xác định ceftazidim trong các chế phẩm dược bằng phương pháp trắc quang. Cơ sở của phương pháp dựa trên phản ứng tổng hợp chất màu azo qua ba bước: tạo muối diazoni của ceftazidim với hỗn hợp HCl và NaNO2 tại 0-5oC, loại bỏ nitrit dư bằng axit sunphamic và liên hợp muối điazoni với thuốc thử N-(1-naphthyl) etylendiamin ( NEDA). Hợp chất azo tạo thành có màu tím, cực đại hấp thụ tại 575nm và bền trong 5 giờ. Khoảng nồng độ tuân theo định luật Bia là 1,0- 50,0 µg/ml với hệ số tương quan tuyên tính R2 = 0,997. Hệ số hấp thụ mol, độ nhạy Sandell, giới hạn phát hiện và giới hạn định lượng tương ứng là 1,04x104 L.mol-1.cm-1, 0,053 µg.cm-2, 0,278 µg.mL-1 và 0,835 µg.mL-1. Độ thu hồi của ceftazidim khi có mặt các tá dược từ 97,4-104,5%. Các tá dược trong thành phần thuốc không gây cản đến phép xác định ceftazidim. Phương pháp đã được áp dụng thành công để xác định ceftazidim trong các thuốc bột pha tiêm (Biocetum, Codzidime và Kabi).