bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discovery of radio emission from the symbiotic X-ray binary system GX 1+4
Authors: van den Eijnden J , Degenaar N , Russell T D , Miller-Jones J C A , Wijnands R , Miller J M , King A L , Rupen M P 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
We report the discovery of radio emission from the accreting X-ray pulsar and symbiotic X-ray binary GX 1+4 with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array. This is the first radio detection of such a system, wherein a strongly magnetized neutron star accretes from the stellar wind of an M-type giant companion. We measure a 9 GHz radio flux density of 105.3 ± 7.3 μJy, but cannot place meaningful constraints on the spectral index due to a limited frequency range. We consider several emission mechanisms that could be responsible for the observed radio source. We conclude that the observed properties are consistent with shocks in the interaction of the accretion flow with the magnetosphere, a synchrotron-emitting jet, or a propeller-driven outflow. The stellar wind from the companion is unlikely to be the origin of the radio emission. If the detected radio emission originates from a jet, it would show that strong magnetic fields (≥1012 G) do not necessarily suppress jet formation.
Bacterial vaginosis
Authors: Bagnall Paulette , Rizzolo Denise 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT
Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection that causes discharge, odor, and irritation. It can predispose women to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV. Recurrent bacterial vaginosis may require prolonged treatment to return the vaginal flora to a normal predominately lactobacilli-dominated environment.
A Comparison of Red Cell Rejuvenation versus Mechanical Washing for the Prevention of Transfusion-associated Organ Injury in Swine
Authors: Woźniak Marcin J. , Qureshi Saqib , Sullo Nikol , Dott William , Cardigan Rebecca , Wiltshire Michael , Nath Mintu , Patel Nishith N. , Kumar Tracy , Goodall Alison H. , Murphy Gavin J. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Background
We evaluated the effects of two interventions that modify the red cell storage lesion on kidney and lung injury in experimental models of transfusion.

Methods
White–landrace pigs (n = 32) were allocated to receive sham transfusion (crystalloid), 14-day stored allogeneic red cells, 14-day red cells washed using the red cells washing/salvage system (CATS; Fresenius, Germany), or 14-day red cells rejuvenated using the inosine solution (Rejuvesol solution; Zimmer Biomet, USA) and washed using the CATS device. Functional, biochemical, and histologic markers of organ injury were assessed for up to 24 h posttransfusion.

Results
Transfusion of 14 day red cells resulted in lung injury (lung injury score vs. sham, mean difference −0.3 (95% CI, −0.6 to −0.1; P = 0.02), pulmonary endothelial dysfunction, and tissue leukocyte sequestration. Mechanical washing reduced red cell–derived microvesicles but increased cell-free hemoglobin in 14-day red cell units. Transfusion of washed red cells reduced leukocyte sequestration but did not reduce the lung injury score (mean difference −0.2; 95% CI, −0.5 to 0.1; P = 0.19) relative to 14-day cells. Transfusion of washed red cells also increased endothelial activation and kidney injury. Rejuvenation restored adenosine triphosphate to that of fresh red cells and reduced microvesicle concentrations without increasing cell-free hemoglobin release. Transfusion of rejuvenated red cells reduced plasma cell-free hemoglobin, leukocyte sequestration, and endothelial dysfunction in recipients and reduced lung and kidney injury relative to 14-day or washed 14-day cells.

Conclusions
Reversal of the red cell storage lesion by rejuvenation reduces transfusion-associated organ injury in swine.
Targeted Genotyping Identifies Susceptibility Locus in Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor Gene for Chronic Postsurgical Pain
Authors: Tian Yuanyuan , Liu Xiaodong , Jia Mingzhong , Yu Hui , Lichtner Peter , Shi Yujian , Meng Zhaoyu , Kou Shanglong , Ho Idy H. T. , Jia Bo , Cheng Benny C. P. , Lam Carmen K. M. , Tsang Sharon , Wong Sunny H. , Yu Jun , Cheng Christopher H. K. , Gin Tony , Wu William K. K. , Chen Zheyu , Chan Matthew T. V. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Background
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms and chronic postsurgical pain.

Methods
Using GoldenGate genotyping assays, we genotyped 638 polymorphisms within 54 pain-related genes in 1,152 surgical patients who were enrolled in our Persistent Pain after Surgery Study. Patients were contacted by phone to determine whether they had chronic postsurgical pain at 12 months. Polymorphisms identified were validated in a matched cohort of 103 patients with chronic postsurgical pain and 103 patients who were pain free. The functions of targeted polymorphisms were tested in an experimental plantar incisional nociception model using knock-in mice.

Results
At 12 months after surgery, 246 (21.4%) patients reported chronic postsurgical pain. Forty-two polymorphisms were found to be associated with chronic postsurgical pain, 19 decreased the risk of pain, and 23 increased the risk of pain. Patients carrying allele A of rs6265 polymorphism in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) had a lower risk of chronic postsurgical pain in the discovery and validation cohorts, with an adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of 0.62 (0.43 to 0.90) and 0.57 (0.39 to 0.85), respectively. Age less than 65 yr, male sex, and prior history of pain syndrome were associated with an increased risk of pain. Genetic polymorphisms had higher population attributable risk (7.36 to 11.7%) compared with clinical risk factors (2.90 to 5.93%). Importantly, rs6265 is a substitution of valine by methionine at amino acid residue 66 (Val66Met) and was associated with less mechanical allodynia in BDNF
Met/Met mice compared with BDNF
Val/Val group after plantar incision.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated that genetic variant of BDNF rs6265G>A is associated with decreased risk of chronic postsurgical pain.
Efavirenz Therapeutic Range in HIV-1 Treatment-Naive Participants
Authors: Bednasz Cindy J. , Venuto Charles S. , Ma Qing , Daar Eric S. , Sax Paul E. , Fischl Margaret A. , Collier Ann C. , Smith Kimberly Y. , Tierney Camlin , Yang Yang , Wilding Gregory E. , Morse Gene D. ,   on behalf of the AIDS Clinical Trials Group Study A5202 Team
Published: November 2017

Background:
Efavirenz is currently suggested as an alternative to recommended antiretroviral (ARV) regimens by the Department of Health and Human Services for the treatment of HIV-1 in ARV-naive patients. A mid-dosing interval therapeutic range between 1000 and 4000 ng/mL for efavirenz has been proposed in the literature, with patients more likely to experience virologic failure below this range and adverse effects above. The current study reports an analysis of virologic outcome between those above, below, or within the reported efavirenz therapeutic range (1000–4000 ng/mL) and within subgroups.

Methods:
This analysis examined efavirenz plasma concentrations obtained from participants enrolled in AIDS Clinical Trials Group Study A5202. This investigation divided subjects into those who experienced virologic failure and those who did not. These subjects were further separated to investigate those who had “high,” “within,” or “low” plasma concentrations, based on the therapeutic range. The association between virologic failure and plasma concentration was statistically examined in addition to the variables: race/ethnicity, sex, assigned nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitor backbone, age at study entry, history of intravenous drug use, weight, and screening HIV-1 RNA stratification level.

Results:
In univariate analyses, a statistically significant difference was found when comparing the efavirenz concentration groups, (22 failures among the “low” concentration group [19%], 65 failures among the “within” concentration group [12%], and 11 failures among the “high” concentration group [9%]) when evaluating virologic failure as an outcome (P = 0.04). In addition, the proportion of participants with virologic failure differed across race/ethnicity groups (P = 0.03) with black non-Hispanic participants observed to have the highest rate (17%). Efavirenz concentration group, race/ethnicity, age, weight, and the interaction between efavirenz concentration group and weight were found to be significantly associated with virologic failure in multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Conclusions:
The proposed efavirenz therapeutic range, combined with the impact of a patient's weight, is associated with virologic failure in HIV-infected ARV-naive individuals in the United States. Additional analysis is recommended to determine the most appropriate concentration value that defines the lower limit of the efavirenz therapeutic range.
Unsuccessful Suicide Attempt With Tiapride
Authors: Couderc Sylvain , Mourou Hervé , Monchaud Caroline , Saint-Marcoux Franck 
Published: November 2017

Abstract:
To the best of our knowledge, no case has been published in the literature that reports an overdose of tiapride, either alone or in combination with other drugs. We report a self-poisoning case in an 18-year-old girl, with approximately 10 times the usual daily dose (ie, 2.5 g). Although the blood concentration was 20/30-fold higher than usually observed after therapeutic drug intakes (17,300 mcg/L), the patient remained almost asymptomatic.
Acute Intoxications and Fatalities From Illicit Fentanyl and Analogues: An Update
Authors: Pichini Simona , Solimini Renata , Berretta Paolo , Pacifici Roberta , Busardò Francesco Paolo 
Published: November 2017

Abstract:
Illicit fentanyl and its analogues are very dangerous synthetic opioids, with high abuse potential and severe adverse effects including coma and death. They are used as adulterants in street heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, or as heroin substitutes sold to unaware users with a high risk of overdoses. Fentanyl and its analogues have also been identified in counterfeit medicinal products, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and alprazolam tablets, or as components of speedball mixtures together with cocaine or other stimulants. In recent years, a number of epidemics involving acute intoxications and deaths related to illicit fentanyl or its analogues have occurred in the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia, and Japan. In several cases, fatalities involved polysubstance use. A review of the most recent case reports or case series of acute intoxications and fatalities involving illicit fentanyl and its newest analogues is herein provided, together with the available information on intoxication symptoms, eventual death cause, and metabolites detected in different biological fluids and reported concentrations.
Clinical and Physiological Effects of Rollators in Individuals With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Lee Annemarie L. , Beauchamp Marla K. , Goldstein Roger S. , Brooks Dina 
Published: November 2017

Purpose:
To determine the effects of using a rollator in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods:
Studies were systematically identified from literature searches of MEDLINE, CINAHL, PEDro, PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases and the reference lists of included studies. Two reviewers independently selected randomized controlled or crossover studies examining the effects of rollator usage compared with no aid in individuals with COPD. Methodologic quality was assessed by 2 reviewers independently using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Two reviewers also used a customized form to extract characteristics of and outcomes for subjects related to exercise capacity, symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), physiological, and gait parameters. Weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% CI were calculated using a fixed-effects model.

Results:
A total of 7 studies (126 participants) were included. Use of a rollator during a 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) improved distance walked (WMD = 13 m; 95% CI, 5-22) and lowered end-6MWT dyspnea rating (WMD = 0.97; 95% CI, 0.63-1.32). Longer-term use did not appear to impact exercise capacity or HRQOL, although this may be related to the frequency of use.

Conclusions:
When used in the short-term, rollators resulted in a small increase in 6MWT and a reduction in dyspnea. Details on patient adherence are required to accurately evaluate the longer-term effects of rollator usage.
Validity and Reliability of Accelerometers in Patients With COPD
Authors: Gore Shweta , Blackwood Jennifer , Guyette Mary , Alsalaheen Bara 
Published: November 2017

Purpose:
Reduced physical activity is associated with poor prognosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Accelerometers have greatly improved quantification of physical activity by providing information on step counts, body positions, energy expenditure, and magnitude of force. The purpose of this systematic review was to compare the validity and reliability of accelerometers used in patients with COPD.

Methods:
An electronic database search of MEDLINE and CINAHL was performed. Study quality was assessed with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist while methodological quality was assessed using the modified Quality Appraisal Tool for Reliability Studies.

Results:
The search yielded 5392 studies; 25 met inclusion criteria. The SenseWear Pro armband reported high criterion validity under controlled conditions (r = 0.75-0.93) and high reliability (ICC = 0.84-0.86) for step counts. The DynaPort MiniMod demonstrated highest concurrent validity for step count using both video and manual methods.

Discussion:
Validity of the SenseWear Pro armband varied between studies especially in free-living conditions, slower walking speeds, and with addition of weights during gait. A high degree of variability was found in the outcomes used and statistical analyses performed between studies, indicating a need for further studies to measure reliability and validity of accelerometers in COPD.

Conclusion:
The SenseWear Pro armband is the most commonly used accelerometer in COPD, but measurement properties are limited by gait speed variability and assistive device use. DynaPort MiniMod and Stepwatch accelerometers demonstrated high validity in patients with COPD but lack reliability data.
EXIT STRATEGY IN A TREAT-AND-EXTEND REGIMEN FOR EXUDATIVE AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION
Authors: Arendt Petra , Yu Siqing , Munk Marion R. , Ebneter Andreas , Wolf Sebastian , Zinkernagel Martin S. 
Published: November 2017

Purpose:
To evaluate the outcome of an exit strategy in a treat-and-extend regimen for neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Methods:
Five hundred and ninety-eight eyes of 488 patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration receiving intravitreal anti–vascular endothelial growth factor injections according to a treat-and-extend regimen were included in this retrospective study. A treat-and-extend regimen with either interval extension by 2 weeks or shortening by 1 week was used. “Exit criteria” were defined as 3 consecutive injections 16 weeks apart with stable findings after which the patient was exited from treatment and followed up at 3 to 4 monthly intervals without therapy. Best-corrected visual acuity, central retinal thickness at treatment initiation and termination, incidence of recurrence after treatment termination, presence of characteristics in the optical coherence tomography, duration of therapy, number and intervals of injections were analyzed.

Results:
Seventeen percent of all included eyes met the exit criteria. The mean number of anti–vascular endothelial growth factor injections was 23.7 ± 14.7 with a mean treatment duration of 4.5 ± 2.5 years. Twelve percent reached exit with the minimal number of injections. Thirteen percent had recurrent disease after a mean of 37 ± 16 weeks. In the subgroup with recurrent disease, rate of pigment epithelial detachment at treatment termination was significantly higher than without recurrence (77% vs. 30%, P = 0.0018) with a significant higher proportion of serous pigment epithelial detachment (31% vs. 7%, P = 0.0247).

Conclusion:
The high percentage of patients meeting the exit criteria and the relatively low incidence of recurrences underline the usefulness of a predefined exit strategy. However, in a subgroup of patients, continuation of therapy may be advisable.
COMPARISON OF RESOLUTION OF VITREOMACULAR TRACTION AFTER OCRIPLASMIN TREATMENT OR VITRECTOMY
Authors: Scholz Paula , Sitnilska Vasilena , Hess Jelka , Becker Matthias , Michels Stephan , Fauser Sascha 
Published: November 2017

Purpose:
To compare the functional and morphologic outcome of patients with vitreomacular traction (VMT) treated with either ocriplasmin treatment or vitrectomy.

Methods:
Retrospective case series of patients treated with ocriplasmin or vitrectomy for VMT. Outcome measures: resolution of VMT, change in outer retinal thickness, integrity of ellipsoid zone, subretinal fluid formation, and best-corrected visual acuity 2 weeks and 4 months after treatment.

Results:
Fourteen eyes received ocriplasmin (Group 1). Vitreomacular traction resolved in 50% (Group 1a), and in 50%, it did not (Group 1b). Ten eyes underwent vitrectomy (Group 2). Vitreomacular traction resolved in 100%. Outer retinal thickness decreased significantly 2 weeks after treatment in Group 1 (P = 0.003) and in 1a (P = 0.018). Two weeks after treatment, Group 1a showed a disruption of the ellipsoid zone (P = 0.001) and subretinal fluid formation (P = 0.01) more often than 1b. Neither was observed 4 months after treatment. Best-corrected visual acuity decreased significantly in Groups 1 (P = 0.034) and 1a (P = 0.026).

Conclusion:
Most patients treated with ocriplasmin for VMT showed a transient reduction of best-corrected visual acuity, accumulation of subretinal fluid, and a loss of the ellipsoid zone after the resolution of VMT. Patients with surgical resolution of VMT did not show these findings. The advantage of a less-invasive intravitreal injection of ocriplasmin must be weighed against the lower success rate, the (transient) morphologic changes, and the uncertain visual benefit.
Novel Method to Detect Corneal Lymphatic Vessels In Vivo by Intrastromal Injection of Fluorescein
Authors: Le Viet Nhat Hung , Hou Yanhong , Horstmann Jens , Bock Felix , Cursiefen Claus 
Published: November 2017

Purpose:
Corneal lymphatic vessels are clinically invisible because of their thin walls and clear lymph fluid. There is no easy and established method for in vivo imaging of corneal lymphatic vessels so far. In this study, we present a novel approach to visualize corneal lymphatic vessels in vivo by injecting intrastromal fluorescein sodium.

Methods:
Six- to eight-week-old female BALB/c mice were used in the mouse model of suture-induced corneal neovascularization. Two weeks after the suture placement, fluorescein sodium was injected intrastromally. The fluorescein, taken up by the presumed lymphatic vessels, was then tracked using a clinically used Spectralis HRA + OCT device. Immunohistochemistry staining with specific lymphatic marker LYVE-1 and pan-endothelial marker CD31 was used to confirm the indirect lymphangiography findings.

Results:
By injecting fluorescein intrastromally, both corneal blood and lymphatic vessels were detected. While the lymphatic vessels were visible as bright vessel-like structures using HRA, the blood vessels appeared as dark networks. Fluorescein-labeled lymphatic vessels were colocalized with LYVE-1 in immunohistochemically stained sections of the same specimen.

Conclusions:
Corneal lymphatic vessels can be easily imaged in vivo in the murine model using intrastromal fluorescein injection.
Role of Hemidivisional Corneal Topographic Astigmatisms (CorTs) in the Regularization and Reduction of Irregular Astigmatism
Authors: Alpins Noel , Ong James K. Y. , Stamatelatos George 
Published: November 2017

Purpose:
To demonstrate how the concept of hemidivisional corneal topographic astigmatism (hemiCorT) enables the planning of hemidivisional corneal treatments to reduce irregularity and overall astigmatism.

Methods:
Whole-of-cornea corneal topographic astigmatism (CorT) is calculated from topography data derived from a corneal topographer or tomographer. The cornea is conceptually divided into 2 hemidivisions along the flat meridian of the CorT. For each hemidivision, hemiCorTs are calculated. The regularization treatment for each hemidivision is the treatment required to target the whole-of-cornea CorT, which is a symmetrical orthogonal corneal astigmatism. The regularization is then combined with astigmatism reduction treatment, which could be a conventional refractive treatment or a vector-planned treatment. For each hemidivision, the combined astigmatic effect of the regularization treatment and reduction treatment can be determined through double-angle vector summation. The 2 hemidivisional treatments together regularize and reduce corneal astigmatism.

Results:
A theoretical pair of hemidivisional treatments is derived from an actual example of a cornea displaying idiopathic asymmetric nonorthogonal astigmatism.

Conclusions:
HemiCorTs allow for the design of hemidivisional corneal treatments of asymmetric nonorthogonal astigmatism. Such treatments should be suitable in the routine treatment of commonly occurring irregular astigmatism, while also allowing the spherical refractive error to be treated concurrently.
Plesiomonas shigelloides Gastroenteritis from Freshwater Ingestion in Western Pennsylvania
Authors: Peyko Vincent 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Plesiomonas shigelloides is a rare etiologic agent of bacterial gastroenteritis. Since the year 2000, there is only one published case report of P. shigelloides gastroenteritis. Presented here is a case reporting the typical presentation and successful oral antibiotic treatment of a rarely reported cause of gastroenteritis in the United States, after ingestion of freshwater from a stream in western Pennsylvania.
Candida krusei Emphysematous Pyelonephritis Possibly Due to Dapagliflozin Therapy
Authors: Fox Lanae , Nelson A. Christie , Ghanem Ghazi 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Dapagliflozin is a new oral antidiabetic medication from the sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor class. Sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors work by preventing reabsorption of glucose in the kidney, thereby wasting it through urine. This unique mechanism increases the risk of urinary tract infections and genital mycotic infections. We present a rare case of fungal emphysematous pyelonephritis in a patient on dapagliflozin.