bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation of hyperglycemia with mortality after acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Mi Donghua , Wang Pingli , Yang Bo , Pu Yuehua , Yang Zhonghua , Liu Liping 
Published: October 2017

Background: Hyperglycemia has been considered a predictor of stroke outcomes. In this article we study the correlation between blood glucose levels within the first 24 h after stroke onset and patients’ outcomes in mortality and hemorrhagic transformations. Methods: Ninety-one non-diabetic patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to a neurological intensive unit were recruited. Their blood glucose was measured twice within 6 h (baseline) and at every hour after stroke onset. Patients were collected into four groups as follows: those in which normoglycemia and no hyperglycemia were observed at either baseline or 24 h; those with baseline hyperglycemia and hyperglycemia only at baseline; those with 24 h hyperglycemia and hyperglycemia only at 24 h after stroke; and those with persistent hyperglycemia and hyperglycemia at both baseline and at 24 h. Endpoints were designated as the patient’s death within 30 days and/or hemorrhagic transformation under computerized tomography within the first 7 days after stroke onset. Results: Persistent hyperglycemia was correlated with an increased risk of mortality within 30 days (OR = 24.0; 95% CI = 2.8–199.3) and it was also correlated with hemorrhagic transformation (OR = 13.3; 95% CI = 2.7–66.1). Baseline or delayed hyperglycemia were not correlated with any outcome. Conclusions: Persistent hyperglycemia was correlated with mortality after acute ischemic stroke.
Serum uric acid levels are associated with homeostasis model assessment in obese nondiabetic patients: HOMA and uric acid
Authors: Elizalde-Barrera Cesar I. , Estrada-García Teresa , Lozano-Nuevo Jose J. , Garro-Almendaro Ana K. , López-Saucedo Catalina , Rubio-Guerra Alberto F. 
Published: October 2017

Background: Hyperuricemia leads to insulin resistance, whereas insulin resistance decreases renal excretion of uric acid. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there is a correlation between serum uric acid levels with homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) 1 in nondiabetic patients. Methods: We evaluated 88 nondiabetic patients, in whom uric acid levels were measured, in all of them HOMA of β-cell function (HOMA 1B) and HOMA of insulin resistance (HOMA 1IR) scores were performed. Uric acid and the HOMA 1 values were correlated using the Pearson coefficient. Results: We did not find any correlation between uric acid levels with both HOMA 1B ( r = 0.102, p = 0.343), nor with HOMA 1IR ( r = 0.158, p = 0.117). When patients were analyzed by sex, we found a significant correlation with HOMA 1IR (0.278, p = 0.01), but not with HOMA 1B (0.138, p = 0.257) in women. We found a correlation with HOMA 1B in men ( r = 0.37, p = 0.044), but not with HOMA 1IR: 0.203, p = 0.283. The analysis performed based on body mass index did not show correlation in the patients with normal weight, (HOMA 1B r = 0.08, p = 0.5, HOMA 1IR = 0.034, p = 0.793), nor in the patients who were overweight (HOMA 1B: r = 0.05, p = 0.76, HOMA 1IR r = 0.145, p = 0.43). However, a significant correlation between uricemia with both HOMA 1B (0.559, p < 0.001), and HOMA 1IR (0.326, p < 0.05), was observed in obese patients. Conclusion: Our results suggest that serum uric acid levels seem to be associated with insulin resistance in women, and in obese patients, but not in nonobese men. Uric acid also modifies β-cell function in men and in obese patients.
Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Their Risk Factors among Female Sex Workers in Isfahan, Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nasirian Maryam , Kianersi Sina , Hoseini Shervin Ghaffari , Kassaian Nazila , Yaran Majid , Shoaei Parisa , Ataei Behrooz , Fadaei Reza , Meshkati Marjan , Naeini Alireza Emami , Jalilian Mojtaba Rostami 
Published: October 2017

Objectives: Female sex workers (FSWs) are at high risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and form a core group to facilitate STI spreading. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of STIs among FSWs who attended Female Harm Reduction Center of Isfahan, Iran, and to determine the association between risky behaviors and STIs. Study Design: In a cross-sectional study, 99 FSWs were recruited and interviewed about demographic characteristics and risky behaviors. A trained midwife examined FSWs for genital ulcer, abnormal vaginal discharge, and cervicitis. Urine and genital specimens were collected and real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to diagnose Neisseria gonorrhoeae, human papilloma virus (HPV), and Trichomonas Vaginalis. Data were analyzed via χ2 test and logistic regression in StataCorp software (version 11) with 95% confidence interval. Results: Totally, 84.9% of FSWs reported STI symptoms, while 12.1% of them were infected with N gonorrhoeae, HPV, or T vaginalis. Human papilloma virus and gonorrhea prevalence rates were 5.7% and 8% in FSWs with STI-associated symptoms. Sexually transmitted infections showed significant association with duration of prostitution (odds ratio [OR]HPV = 1.009 [95% confidence interval [95% CI: 1.004-1.01]; ORgonorrhea = 1.01 [95% CI: 1.00-1.01]) and condom usage (ORHPV = 0.11 [95% CI: 0.012-0.98]; ORgonorrhea = 0.04 [95% CI: 0.005-0.33]). Conclusion: Due to the literature gap on the Iranian FSWs’ sexual health and the intense stigma around this subject, in Iran, our results would be useful for developing an efficient intervention program. The prevalence of STIs in Isfahan FSWs can be controlled with programs such as consistent condom use and STI treatment. In addition, as just one-tenth of FSWs with an STI symptom were positive for an STI, symptomatic diagnosis of STIs might be insufficient.
Accuracy of the Lever Sign Test in the Diagnosis of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
Authors: Jarbo Keith A. , Hartigan David E. , Scott Kelly L. , Patel Karan A. , Chhabra Anikar 
Published: October 2017

Background: The lever sign test is a new physical examination tool to diagnose anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. Preliminary results suggest almost 100% sensitivity and specificity to diagnose acute and chronic complete ACL tears and clinically significant partial tears as compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Purpose: To assess the sensitivity and specificity of the lever sign test for the diagnosis of acute ACL injuries, as compared to MRI. We also aimed to determine the accuracy of the lever sign test compared with 3 other tests (anterior drawer, Lachman, and pivot shift) when performed by providers of various training levels, and with the patient awake or under anesthesia. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: We evaluated patients with a chief concern of acute (≤4 weeks) knee pain seen between October 2014 and January 2015, with a thorough history, physical examination, and standard radiographs. MRI was the reference standard; patients without an MRI evaluation were excluded. The 4 physical examination maneuvers were performed on each symptomatic knee during the initial clinic visit (for nonsurgical patients) or under anesthesia in the operating room (for surgical patients) by a randomly assigned undergraduate student, medical student, orthopaedic resident, or orthopaedic fellow. The senior author trained all staff to perform the lever sign test. Statistical analyses were performed. Results: Of 102 patients, 54 were surgical (28 female, 26 male), and 48 were nonsurgical (16 female, 32 male); the mean patient age was 23 years (range, 15-66 years). The overall accuracy of the lever sign test was 77% (63% sensitivity, 90% specificity); the accuracy was similar between patients under anesthesia and awake (77% vs 76%, respectively). There were no significant differences when comparing the sensitivity and specificity of the lever sign test with patients under anesthesia and awake (sensitivity: under anesthesia, 86%, and awake, 68% [ P = .40]; specificity: under anesthesia, 85%, and awake, 96% [ P = .17]). Furthermore, the accuracy of the lever sign test was similar when performed on female versus male patients (75% vs 79%, respectively) or when performed by undergraduate students and medical students compared with orthopaedic residents and fellows (84% vs 88%, respectively). Conclusion: Our study results challenge the exceptional sensitivity and specificity values (both 100%) of the lever sign test, as reported by the original author of the test.
Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy Secondary to Sclerochoroidal Calcification
Authors: Do Helen Hyun-Jin , Fung Adrian T. , Hunyor Alex P. , Ho I-Van , Liew Gerald 
Published: October 2017

Purpose: To present a case of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy secondary to sclerochoroidal calcification. Method: A single patient case report with multimodal imaging including color fundus, red free and autofluorescence photography, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography, and optical coherence tomography. Results: Sclerochoroidal calcification was diagnosed clinically from bilateral retinal elevations and underlying subretinal yellow deposits. The presence of retinal hemorrhages was confirmed to be secondary to underlying polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy by optical coherence tomography and fundus angiography. Conclusion: Sclerochoroidal calcification may be complicated by polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.
A re-examination of water in agate and its bearing on the agate genesis enigma
Authors: Moxon Terry 
Published: October 2017

AbstractDehydration of silanol and molecular water in 60 agates from 12 hosts with ages between 23 to 2717 Ma has been investigated using desiccators and high-temperature furnace heating. There are wide differences in the water data obtained under uncontrolled and fixed atmospheric water vapour pressure conditions. After agate acclimatization at 20°C and 46% relative humidity, the total water (silanol and molecular) was determined in powders and mini-cuboids by heating samples at 1200°C. Agates from hosts < 180 Ma all showed a greater mass loss using powders and demonstrate that after prolonged high-temperature heating, silanol water is partially-retained by the mini-cuboids. Desiccator dehydration of powders and slabs shows that powder preparation can produce water losses; this is particularly relevant in agates from hosts < 180 Ma. The identified problems have consequences for water quantification in agate and chalcedony using infrared or thermogravimetric techniques. Mobile and total water in agate is considered in relation to host-rock age, mogánite content and crystallite size. Links are observed between the various identified water contents allowing comment on quartz development and agate genesis. The water data also supports previous claims that agates from New Zealand and Brazil were formed long after their host.
The orphan nuclear receptor TR4 regulates erythroid cell proliferation and maturation
Authors: Lee Mary P. , Tanabe Osamu , Shi Lihong , Jearawiriyapaisarn Natee , Lucas Daniel , Engel James Douglas 
Published: October 2017

Key PointsTR4 and TR2 execute distinct functions during embryogenesis and erythroid differentiation. TR4 promotes erythroid proliferation and maturation.
Pak2 regulates myeloid-derived suppressor cell development in mice
Authors: Zeng Yi , Hahn Seongmin , Stokes Jessica , Hoffman Emely A. , Schmelz Monika , Proytcheva Maria , Chernoff Jonathan , Katsanis Emmanuel 
Published: October 2017

Key PointsPak2 negatively regulates CD11bhighGr1high MDSC development in mice via both cell-intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms. Pak2 disruption activates STAT5 while downregulating the expression of IRF8, a well-described myeloid transcription factor.
The severe phenotype of Diamond-Blackfan anemia is modulated by heat shock protein 70
Authors: Gastou Marc , Rio Sarah , Dussiot Michaël , Karboul Narjesse , Moniz Hélène , Leblanc Thierry , Sevin Margaux , Gonin Patrick , Larghéro Jérome , Garrido Carmen , Narla Anupama , Mohandas Narla , Vainchenker William , Hermine Olivier , Solary Eric , Da Costa Lydie 
Published: October 2017

Key PointsProteasomal HSP70 degradation results in cleavage of GATA1, decrease in erythroid progenitors, and apoptosis in severe DBA phenotype. HSP70 plays a role not only during terminal erythroid differentiation, but also in the earlier proliferation of erythroid progenitor cells.
Adolescent and young adult lymphoma: collaborative efforts toward optimizing care and improving outcomes
Authors: Kahn Justine M. , Ozuah Nmazuo W. , Dunleavy Kieron , Henderson Tara O. , Kelly Kara , LaCasce Ann 
Published: October 2017

AbstractLymphomas are responsible for approximately 20% to 25% of annual cancer diagnoses in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) population. In 2006, the National Cancer Institute and the Lance Armstrong Foundation developed a joint Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Progress Review Group (AYAO-PRG) to formally address the unique cancer burden of patients age 15 to 39 years. As part of their recommendations, the AYAO-PRG identified 5 imperatives for improving outcomes of AYAs with cancer. Broadly, the recommended areas of focus included research, awareness and education, investigational infrastructure, care delivery, and advocacy. In response to the challenges highlighted by the AYAO-PRG, the Lymphoma Research Foundation held the first AYA Lymphoma Research Foundation Symposium on 2 October 2015. At this symposium, clinicians and basic scientists from both pediatric and adult disciplines gave presentations describing the state of the science and proposed a collaborative research agenda built on the imperatives proposed by the AYAO-PRG. The following review presents an in-depth discussion of lymphoma management across pediatric and adult oncologic disciplines, focusing on Hodgkin lymphoma, mature B-cell lymphomas, and anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
Improving the interactive genetic algorithm for customer-centric product design by automatically scoring the unfavorable designs
Authors: Sheikhi Darani Zahra , Kaedi Marjan 
Published: October 2017

AbstractOne of the effective factors in increasing sales is the consistency of products with the preference of the customers. Designing the products consistent with customer needs requires the engagement of customers in the product design process. One way to achieve this goal is the use of interactive evolutionary algorithms. During the running of such algorithms, the customer acts as a fitness function and imparts his/her opinion directly to the design process. Since these algorithms are usually iterated frequently, the user fatigue problem during interaction with them is a major challenge. The present study develops a method to tackle the user fatigue problem in the interactive genetic algorithm using the candidate elimination algorithm. In this method, customer preferences are gradually learned by applying the candidate elimination algorithm on the designs evaluated by the user in the early stages of algorithm. Using the learned preferences, designs which may not meet the customer preferences are discovered and automatically receive a predefined low score from the algorithm. The proposed method has been evaluated on the customer-centric design of book covers and its results have been compared with those of the two simple interactive genetic algorithm and multi-stage interactive genetic algorithm. The results are indicative of a considerable reduction of the number of algorithm generations, the number of chromosomes being evaluated by user, and the evaluating time in comparison with the two aforementioned methods. Reduction of these criteria leads to decrease of user fatigue. In addition, the proposed method has increased the user satisfaction.
The impact of technological innovation on building a sustainable city
Authors: Goi Chai-Lee 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBy 2050, the population living in major cities, especially in developing countries, will have increased twofold. With the increasing majority of the population occurring in urban areas, it is crucial to focus on how technological innovation can help to deliver a sustainable future. A sustainable city strives to create a sustainable living environment through the use of technology. Thus, the main objective of this paper is to review the impact of technological innovation on building a more sustainable city. Technological innovation has changed the overall effectiveness and benevolence over time and with regard to sustainability. A sustainable city involves development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development encompasses all aspects of environmental stewardship, social development, and economic progress.
A rare case of failed healing in previously burned skin after a secondary burns
Authors: Goldie Stephen J. , Parsons Shaun , Menezes Hana , Ives Andrew , Cleland Heather 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Background
Patients presenting with large surface area burns are common in our practice; however, patients with a secondary large burn on pre-existing burn scars and grafts are rare and not reported.

Case presentation
We report on an unusual case of a patient sustaining a secondary large burn to areas previously injured by a burn from a different mechanism. We discuss the potential implications when managing a case like this and suggest potential biological reasons why the skin may behave differently. Our patient was a 33-year-old man who presented with a 5% TBSA burn on skin scarred by a previous 40% total body surface area (TBSA) burn and skin grafts. Initially assessed as superficial partial thickness in depth, the wounds were treated conservatively with dressings; however, they failed to heal and became infected requiring surgical management.

Conclusions
Burns sustained in areas of previous burn scars and grafts may behave differently to normal patterns of healing, requiring more aggressive management and surgical intervention at an early stage.
The calcineurin-NFAT axis contributes to host defense during Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection
Authors: Pang Zheng , Junkins Robert D , MacNeil Adam J , McCormick Craig , Cheng Zhenyu , Chen Wei-Min , Lin Tong-Jun 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Infection with the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is effectively controlled through tightly coordinated inflammation in healthy individuals. Dysregulated inflammation in cystic fibrosis greatly increases susceptibility to P. aeruginosa and lung damage. Recently, we identified regulator of calcineurin-1, a small, conserved protein that suppresses the NFAT pathway by inhibition of calcineurin and functions as a central negative regulator of multiple inflammatory transcription factors after P. aeruginosa lung infection, implying a role for the canonical NFAT pathway in P. aeruginosa infection. Calcineurin is a calcium-calmodulin–responsive phosphatase that dephosphorylates NFAT and promotes NFAT nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity. The contribution of the NFAT pathway to host defense against P. aeruginosa remains poorly characterized. In this study, we found that NFAT was rapidly and transiently activated after P. aeruginosa infection both in vitro and in vivo. Deficiency of calcineurin Aβ caused impaired activation of NFAT and decreased inflammatory cytokine production in vivo. Finally, we demonstrated that the cross-talk between the NFAT and NFкB pathways coordinately transactivate host response genes during P. aeruginosa infection. Together, these results demonstrate for the first time that NFAT is activated through calcineurin and interacts with NFкB after P. aeruginosa lung infection, and contributes to the host inflammatory response.
Suppression of CYP1 members of the AHR response by pathogen-associated molecular patterns
Authors: Peres Adam G , Zamboni Robert , King Irah L , Madrenas Joaquín 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that triggers a broad response, which includes the regulation of proinflammatory cytokine production by monocytes and macrophages. AHR is negatively regulated by a set of genes that it transcriptionally activates, including the AHR repressor (Ahrr) and the cytochrome P450 1 (Cyp1) family, which are critical for preventing exacerbated AHR activity. An imbalance in these regulatory mechanisms has been shown to cause severe defects in lymphoid cells. Therefore, we wanted to assess how AHR activation is regulated in monocytes and macrophages in the context of innate immune responses induced by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). We found that concomitant stimulation of primary human monocytes with PAMPs and the AHR agonist 6-formylindolo(3,2-b)carbazole (FICZ) led to a selective dose-dependent inhibition of Cyp1 family members induction. Two other AHR-dependent genes [Ahrr and NADPH quinone dehydrogenase 1 (Nqo1)] were not affected under these conditions, suggesting a split in the AHR regulation by PAMPs. This down-regulation of Cyp1 family members did not require de novo protein production nor signaling through p38, ERK, or PI3K-Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways. Furthermore, such a split regulation of the AHR response was more apparent in GM-CSF-derived macrophages, a finding corroborated at the functional level by decreased CYP1 activity and decreased proinflammatory cytokine production in response to FICZ and LPS. Collectively, our findings identify a role for pattern recognition receptor (PRR) signaling in regulating the AHR response through selective down-regulation of Cyp1 expression in human monocytes and macrophages.
Children’s Oxygen Administration Strategies Trial (COAST): A randomised controlled trial of high flow versus oxygen versus control in African children with severe pneumonia
Authors: Maitland Kathryn , Kiguli Sarah , Opoka Robert O. , Olupot-Olupot Peter , Engoru Charles , Njuguna Patricia , Bandika Victor , Mpoya Ayub , Bush Andrew , Williams Thomas N. , Grieve Richard , Sadique Zia , Harrison David , Rowan Kathy 
Published: October 2017

Background: In Africa, the clinical syndrome of pneumonia remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children in the post-neonatal period. This represents a significant burden on in-patient services. The targeted use of oxygen and simple, non-invasive methods of respiratory support may be a highly cost-effective means of improving outcome, but the optimal oxygen saturation threshold that results in benefit and the best strategy for delivery are yet to be tested in adequately powered randomised controlled trials. There is, however, an accumulating literature about the harms of oxygen therapy across a range of acute and emergency situations that have stimulated a number of trials investigating permissive hypoxia. Methods: In 4200 African children, aged 2 months to 12 years, presenting to 5 hospitals in East Africa with respiratory distress and hypoxia (oxygen saturation < 92%), the COAST trial will simultaneously evaluate two related interventions (targeted use of oxygen with respect to the optimal oxygen saturation threshold for treatment and mode of delivery) to reduce shorter-term mortality at 48-hours (primary endpoint), and longer-term morbidity and mortality to 28 days in a fractional factorial design, that compares: Liberal oxygenation (recommended care) compared with a strategy that permits hypoxia to SpO2 > or = 80% (permissive hypoxia); andHigh flow using AIrVO2TM compared with low flow delivery (routine care). Discussion: The overarching objective is to address the key research gaps in the therapeutic use of oxygen in resource-limited setting in order to provide a better evidence base for future management guidelines. The trial has been designed to address the poor outcomes of children in sub-Saharan Africa, which are associated with high rates of in-hospital mortality, 9-10% (for those with oxygen saturations of 80-92%) and 26-30% case fatality for those with oxygen saturations <80%. Clinical trial registration: ISRCTN15622505 Trial status: Recruiting