bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the horseshoe conjecture for maximal distance minimizers
Authors: Cherkashin Danila , Teplitskaya Yana 
Published: March 2017

We study the properties of sets Σ having the minimal length (one-dimensional Hausdorff measure) over the class of closed connected sets Σ ⊂ ℝ2 satisfying the inequality maxy∈M dist (y,Σ) ≤ r for a given compact set M ⊂ ℝ2 and some given r > 0. Such sets play the role of shortest possible pipelines arriving at a distance at most r to every point of M, where M is the set of customers of the pipeline. We describe the set of minimizers for M a circumference of radius R > 0 for the case when r < R ∕ 4 .98, thus proving the conjecture of Miranda, Paolini and Stepanov for this particular case. Moreover we show that when M is the boundary of a smooth convex set with minimal radius of curvature R, then every minimizer Σ has similar structure for r < R ∕ 5. Additionaly, we prove a similar statement for local minimizers.
Recent Synthetic Advances on π-Extended Carbon Nanohoops
Authors: Cong Huan , Luan Yi 
Published: March 2017

As a part of the ‘bottom-up’ campaign for the precise preparation of carbon nanotubes, the chemical synthesis of carbon nanohoops is observing rapid progress, with a number of milestone achievements, over the past decade. With simple carbon nanohoops (e.g. cycloparaphenylenes) now no longer elusive targets, this Synpacts article highlights latest synthetic advances to further build up nanohoops’ π-systems. Works reviewed herein include the study explaining the unsuccessful Scholl reaction method, the preparation of a carbon nanohoop consisting solely of hexabenzocoronene units, syntheses of π-extended carbon nanohoops employing the ring-closing metathesis method, and the anthracene photodimerization/cycloreversion method for anthracene-incorporated carbon nanohoop synthesis.1	Introduction2	Some Latest Syntheses of π-Extended Carbon Nanohoops3	Conclusion
Can the Induction of Labor with Misoprostol Increase Maternal Blood Loss?
Authors: Souza Paulo César Praciano , Damasceno Karla Santana Azevedo , Alencar Júnior Carlos Augusto , Feitosa Francisco Edson de Lucena , Araujo Júnior Edward 
Published: March 2017

Purpose To evaluate blood loss during misoprostol-induced vaginal births and during cesarean sections after attempted misoprostol induction.
Methods We conducted a prospective observational study in 101 pregnant women indicated for labor induction; pre- and postpartum hemoglobin levels were measured to estimate blood loss during delivery. Labor was induced by administering 25 µg vaginal misoprostol every 6 hours (with a maximum of 6 doses). The control group included 30 patients who spontaneously entered labor, and 30 patients who underwent elective cesarean section. Pre- and postpartum hemoglobin levels were evaluated using the analysis of variance for repeated measurements, showing the effects of time (pre- and postpartum) and of the group (with and without misoprostol administration).
Results There were significant differences between pre- and postpartum hemoglobin levels (p < 0.0001) with regard to misoprostol-induced vaginal deliveries (1.6 ± 1.4 mg/dL), non-induced vaginal deliveries (1.4 ± 1.0 mg/dL), cesarean sections after attempted misoprostol induction (1.5 ± 1.0 mg/dL), and elective cesarean deliveries (1.8 ± 1.1 mg/dL). However, the differences were proportional between the groups with and without misoprostol administration, for both cesarean (p = 0.6845) and vaginal deliveries (p = 0.2694).
Conclusions Labor induction using misoprostol did not affect blood loss during delivery.
Morphometric Changes of the Lumbar Intervertebral Foramen after Percutaneous Endoscopic Foraminoplasty under Local Anesthesia
Authors: Henmi Tatsuhiko , Terai Tomoya , Nagamachi Akihiro , Sairyo Koichi 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Background Percutaneous endoscopic diskectomy (PED) for the lumbar spine is a relatively new technique that is becoming more common due to its relatively less invasive nature. However, one possible serious complication is an exiting nerve injury when the cannula of the endoscope is inserted into the neural canal through the intervertebral foramen. A technique to enlarge the intervertebral foramen, called foraminoplasty, was recently established to insert the cannula safely into an appropriate position in the neural canal.
Methods In this study we performed foraminoplasty during PED under local anesthesia on 15 patients. Using computed tomography scans before and after surgery, the morphometric changes of the intervertebral foramen were evaluated. Surgery-related complications were reviewed.
Results There were 13 men and 2 women, 21 to 86 years of age (mean: 47.1 years). Disk levels were 13 cases at L4–L5, one case at L3–L4, and one case at L5–S1. In 50% of the cases, the mean foraminal area significantly increased from 58.6 mm2 before surgery to 88.4 mm2 after surgery (p < 0.05 by paired t test). The diameter of the foramen was increased at all three points: the lower end plate of the superior vertebrae, the disk, and the upper end plate of the inferior vertebrae. The area increased ∼ 1.5 times, especially at the upper end plate of the inferior vertebrae. In all cases, no exiting nerve injury was encountered during PED.
Conclusion Foraminoplasty was an effective method for avoiding exiting nerve root injury during transforaminal PED.
Avulsion of the Femoral Attachment of the Medial Collateral Ligament of the Knee Associated to Complete Tear of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament: A Case Report
Authors: Haddad Sleiman , Sallent Andrea , Minguell Joan , Castellet Enric 
Published: March 2017

AbstractMedial collateral ligament (MCL) of the knee is one of the most commonly injured ligaments of the knee. Incidence of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries can vary widely. Conservative treatment has shown good clinical outcomes and relatively rapid return to play in both injuries alone. We present the case of a 38-year-old male who presented a combined MCL avulsion injury and PCL tear treated surgically. The PCL was reconstructed using the double-bundle Achilles allograft technique. Within the same surgery, a medial femoral incision was performed to reinsert the avulsion of the bone fragment rotated and distally retracted together with the MCL with bone anchors and Spike Washer. Two years after surgery, the patient enjoyed a 0/140-degree range of motion for flexion/extension. He had returned to sports and was pain-free. In conclusion, femoral avulsion of the MCL associated to PCL injury is a rare and nondescribed injury that, as opposed to most MCL isolated injuries, might benefit from early surgical reconstruction.
Extent of Decompression of Lumbar Spinal Canal after Endoscopic Surgery
Authors: Dewanngan Naresh , Parihar Vijay , Ratre Shailendra , Kher Yatin , Bhatele Pushpraj , Yadav Yad 
Published: March 2017

Introduction Endoscopic techniques are being used in lumbar disk disease and lumbar canal stenosis to decompress the spinal canal. The present study analyzed pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements of the lumbar canal.
Material and Methods This was a prospective study of 30 lumbar levels. Patients < 18 years of age with unilateral compression, previous surgery at the same level, and spinal instability were excluded. Endoscopic posterior decompression was used. Pre- and postoperative MRIs of all the patients were performed. Anteroposterior (AP), transverse, interfacet diameter, canal surface area, and height and angle of the lateral recess were measured.
Results Mean ages of male and female patients were 42.1 ± 10.3 and 45.0 ± 9.9 years, respectively. Pathologies were at L4–L5, L5–S1, and L2–L3 levels in 16, 13, and 1 patient, respectively. There was significant improvement in AP diameter (4.75 ± 1.75 mm to 10.33 ± 2.11 mm), interfacet distance (12.70 ± 4.86 mm to 18.92 ± 3.53 mm), and canal surface area (76.45 ± 25.36 mm2 to 187.13 ± 41.04 mm2) after decompression. Significant improvement was noted in mean height and angle of lateral recess after surgery of both sides suggesting that effective decompression of the bilateral canal was possible using a unilateral approach. Most of the patients (90%) showed excellent and good improvement after surgery. Postoperative canal surface area and AP diameter in patients who did not have any pain after surgery or had pain requiring occasional medication was higher compared with patients who continued to complain of pain and required continuous pain medication.
Conclusion Although the number of patients was small with a short follow-up, the endoscopic technique was effective in improving AP diameter, interfacet distance, canal surface area, lateral recess height, and lateral recess angle, suggesting that an endoscopic technique using a unilateral approach is effective in bilateral decompression of neural elements.
Clinical Course of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis and the Effectiveness of Cyclophosphamide Treatment
Authors: Pavone Piero , Falsaperla Raffaele , Ruggieri Martino , Verrotti Alberto , Lubrano Riccardo , Rizzo Renata , Salomone Salomone , Praticò Andrea D. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe describe the cases of two unrelated girls, aged 5 and 7, respectively, affected by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAr) encephalitis. The clinical records of both patients were reviewed retrospectively including family and personal history, clinical findings, laboratory, and neuroradiological examinations, electroencephalogram, and treatment performed during admissions to the unit. In both patients, the clinical course was slow and progressive. Both showed anti-NMDAr antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and methylprednisolone was not efficacious in the long term, with several relapses occurring in both patients. Second-line treatment with cyclophosphamide (1 g/m2 once a month) resulted in improvement of symptoms and disappearance of clinical signs that were sustained at 24 months follow-up. Side effects included neutropenia in one patient.
Is the Relationship between Short Interpregnancy Interval and Preterm Birth Related to a Short Cervix?
Authors: Zork N. , Merriam A. , Gyamfi-Bannerman C. , Govindappagari S. 
Published: March 2017

Objective Our objective was to determine if the relationship between interpregnancy interval (IPI) and preterm delivery was related to cervical shortening.
Methods This is a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study designed to assess the relationship between cervical length (CL) and preterm delivery. Multiparous patients, who had transvaginal CLs obtained at 22 to 24 weeks and complete pregnancy outcome data available were included. The women were divided into two groups: Group 1 with an IPI of ≤ 1 year and Group 2 with an IPI of > 1 year. The primary outcome was short cervix (CL < 2.5 cm) at 24 weeks. The secondary outcome was the incidence of preterm delivery < 37 weeks. Interaction between short cervix and IPI was examined in a regression model.
Results There were 155 women in Group 1 and 328 women in Group 2. There was no difference in the incidence of short cervix between groups (10.0% in Group 1 and 12.9% in Group 2, p = 0.35). In a logistic regression model, short IPI and short cervix were independently associated with preterm birth.
Conclusion The relationship between short IPI and preterm birth is not explained by a short cervix. They remain independent risk factors for preterm birth.
sRAGE Is Elevated in the Lungs of Premature Infants Receiving Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Bradley Jennifer , Karam Simon , Rozycki Henry 
Published: March 2017

Background Soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE), a soluble isoform of the RAGE receptor, is elevated in lungs from patients with acute conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome and bronchiolitis. This study investigated whether sRAGE is present in ventilated infants.
Methods Tracheal aspirates from the first week or the fifth week of life were obtained from intubated very low birth weight subjects and analyzed by Western blot. Immunohistochemistry analysis for sRAGE was performed on paraffin-embedded lung autopsy slides from 19 other infants.
Results The sRAGE band densities were similar among the seven infants who fully recovered, eight who developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and 5 who died (analysis of variance p = 0.797) but was higher at 4 weeks, p = 0.0324. There was minimal sRAGE staining in the autopsied lungs from previable infants (20–21 weeks) or from those who were not ventilated or had mild lung disease. In contrast, substantial staining was present in two of three with BPD, and those who received high ventilatory support.
Conclusion sRAGE is present in ventilated infants. Levels are generally higher in those who receive prolonged or vigorous mechanical ventilation. Since sRAGE may have roles in inflammation and cell adherence, its role in the development of BPD may warrant study.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Long-Stay Patients in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Sng Qian , Zhang Lu , Ming Wong Judith , Puthucheary Janil , Lee Jan , Ping Kirk Angela 
Published: March 2017

AbstractLong-stay patients in the PICU have a higher risk of mortality as compared with non–long-stay patients. We aim to describe mortality and characteristics of long-stay patients and to determine the risk factors for mortality in these children. Total 241 (4.8%) long-stay admissions were identified. Mortality of long-stayers was 48/241 (20%). Higher severity-of-illness score at admission, need for organ support therapies, number of nosocomial infections, and bloodstream nosocomial infection were associated with a higher mortality in long-stay patients in the PICU. Based on multivariate analysis, oncologic diagnosis as a preexisting comorbidity is a strong independent predictor of mortality for long-stay patients.
Ökonomische Potentiale der Delegation mit und ohne Telemedizin bei Menschen mit Diabetes Mellitus –
Ergebnisse einer Subgruppenanalyse eines Scoping Reviews
Authors: Geelvink T. , Mirhoseiny S. , Vollmar H. C. , Stock S. , Redaèlli M. 
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung
Zielsetzung Seit einiger Zeit wird über die Delegation von ärztlichen Tätigkeiten in der Versorgung chronisch erkrankter
Menschen diskutiert, wobei aufgrund der hohen Prävalenz und den damit verbundenen Kosten Menschen mit Diabetes mellitus besonders
im Fokus der Diskussion stehen. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, mögliche Einsparungspotentiale der Delegation zu identifizieren.
Methodik Eine systematische Literaturrecherche wurde mit definierten Schlagwörtern durchgeführt. Eine Subgruppenanalyse aus
dem aufgestellten Scoping Review betrachtete zuvor festgelegte Items zu Design, Outcome und Kosten.
Ergebnisse Es konnten 20 Studien mit 8567 Patienten in die Subgruppenanalyse eingeschlossen werden, wobei randomisiert
kontrollierte Studien überwiegen. 81,25 % weisen eine Verbesserung des HbA1c auf. Die Mehrheit der Studien (60 %) untersucht eine
Delegation mit Pflegefachkräften. In 65 % der Fälle zeigen sich Kosteneinsparungen.
Schlussfolgerung Trotz Heterogenität der Studien zeigen die durchgeführten Kostenanalysen finanzielle Einsparungen, sodass
die Delegation als ein kosteneffektives Versorgungsmodell erscheint.
Mitochondria as a Target for the Cardioprotective Effects of Cydonia oblonga Mill. and Ficus carica L. in Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Gholami Saman , Hosseini Mir-Jamal , Jafari Leila , Omidvar Fatemeh , Kamalinejad Mohammad , Mashayekhi Vida , Hosseini Seyed , Kardan Azin , Pourahmad Jalal , Eskandari Mohammad 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) and fig (Ficus carica L.) exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. Regarding the cardiotoxic effect of doxorubicin (DOX) is mediated mainly through mitochondrial oxidative stress and dysfunction; the present study evaluated the cardioprotective effects of the aqueous extracts of Cydonia oblonga Mill. fruit (ACO) and Ficus carica L. fruit (AFC) against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.
Cardiomyocytes toxicity was induced in male Sprague Dawley rats by intraperitoneal (ip) injections of 2.5 mg/kg DOX 3 times per week for a period of 2 weeks. After heart failure was induced in the rats, the animals were decapitated and their hearts were immediately removed. Then, the cardiac mitochondria were isolated by differential ultracentrifugation, and the protective effects of each particular extract on mitochondrial oxidative stress and dysfunction were determined.
ACO and AFC ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction in the isolated mitochondria and prevented mitochondrial reactive oxygen species formation, membrane lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial swelling, mitochondrial membrane potential collapse (%ΔΨm), and cytochrome c release. Also, the extracts significantly increased reduced glutathione levels and succinate dehydrogenase activity.
These results indicated that ACO and AFC have beneficial effects against DOX cardiotoxicity which mediated by attenuating mitochondrial dysfunction. Therefore, it can be suggested that quince and fig may increase the therapeutic index of DOX.
Prevention of Iron Overload and Long Term Maintenance of Normal Iron Stores in Thalassaemia Major Patients using Deferiprone or Deferiprone Deferoxamine Combination
Authors: Kolnagou Annita , Kontoghiorghe Christina , Kontoghiorghes George 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Decrease in mortality and morbidity is observed in thalassaemia major patients with reduced iron load in comparison to heavy iron loaded patients. Effective and complete treatment of transfusional iron overload can be achieved by chelation protocols that can eliminate excess iron and maintain normal iron stores (NIS).
The maintenance of NIS, i. e., serum ferritin (350 μg/L >), MRI T2* cardiac (>20 ms) and liver (>6.3 ms) relaxation time levels was monitored in 16 thalassaemia major patients (32–53 years, 12 splenectomized, 10 male, erythrocyte transfusions 120–323 ml/kg/year) for about 90 patient years. The patients were treated with individualised tailor-made deferiprone or deferiprone/deferoxamine combination protocols.
In 8 patients deferiprone (50–100 mg/kg/day) was sufficient for maintaining NIS and withdrawal of deferiprone for 28 months in total was necessary in 4 patients for preventing iron deficiency. In 3 other patients intermittent deferoxamine (50–75 mg/kg/8–30 h, 1–4 days/week) in combination with deferiprone (75–100 mg/kg/day) was sufficient for maintaining NIS. In the remaining 5 patients deferiprone (75–100 mg/kg/day) and deferoxamine (50–60 mg/kg/8–15 h, 1–7 days/week) combination was used for maintaining NIS, as a result of increased transfusions which were caused mainly by splenomegaly and infections. No toxic side effects were detected during the study. Lower chelation doses were used for the maintenance of NIS in comparison to iron loaded categories of patients.
The safe maintenance of NIS using deferiprone and deferiprone/deferoxamine combinations should be considered as an optimum therapy for the complete treatment of iron overload in the majority of thalassaemia patients.
Expression of a MORN repeat protein from Euplotes octocarinatus requires a +1 programmed ribosomal frameshifting
Authors: Wei Lili , Zhao Xuemei , Wang Ruanlin , Fu Yuejun , Chai Baofeng , Liang Aihua 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Analysis of transcriptome revealed that a membrane occupation and recognition nexus (MORN) repeat protein-encoding gene of Euplotes octocarinatus (Eo-morn-9-31) was a candidate for programmed +1 ribosomal frameshifting (+1 PRF). In this study, a dual-luciferase assay was performed to detect its expression. The result showed that the MORN repeat protein (Eo-MORN-9-31) could be produced by the +1 PRF event during the process of translation in yeast and the frameshifting efficiency was about 4–5%. We further confirmed its reality by western blot and mass spectrometry. This study provided experimental evidence indicating that the expression of the Eo-MORN-9-31 of E. octocarinatus required the +1 PRF.
Physiological Stress and Ethanol Accumulation in Tree Stems and Woody Tissues at Sublethal Temperatures from Fire
Authors: Kelsey Rick G. , Westlind Douglas J. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe lethal temperature limit is 60 degrees Celsius (°C) for plant tissues, including trees, with lower temperatures causing heat stress. As fire injury increases on tree stems, there is an accompanying rise in tissue ethanol concentrations, physiologically linked to impaired mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation energy production. We theorize that sublethal tissue temperatures of 30°C to 60°C cause physiological changes to (a) oxygen supply, (b) membrane function, or (c) enzyme activity that individually or simultaneously create stress by impairing aerobic respiration and inducing ethanol synthesis. Accumulating ethanol dissipates via diffusion, sapflow, and metabolism, but the ability of these processes to decrease ethanol depends on what temperatures and physiological stress mechanism(s) the tissues and whole trees experience. The synthesis and dissipation interactions determine postfire tissue ethanol concentrations. Wildfire trends positively with temperature and drought, and all are projected to increase in western US forests and elsewhere globally, increasing the importance of understanding tree sublethal heat stress from fire.
Cheating on cheaters dramatically affects social interactions inPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Özkaya Özhan , Balbontín Roberto , Gordo Isabel , Xavier Karina B. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBacterial cooperation can be disrupted by non-producers, which can profit from public goods without paying their production cost. A cheater can increase in frequency, exhausting the public good and causing a population collapse. Here we investigate how interactions among two cheaters for distinct social traits influence the short and long-term dynamics of polymorphic populations. Using as a modelPseudomonas aeruginosaand its extensively studied social traits, production of the siderophore pyoverdine and the quorum sensing regulated elastase, we analyzed the social dynamics of polymorphic populations under conditions where the two traits are required for optimal growth. We show that cheaters for either trait compete with both the wild type and each other, and that mutants for pyoverdine production can prevent a drastic population collapse caused by quorum sensing cheaters. A simple mathematical model suggests that the observed social dynamics are determined by the ratio of the costs of each social trait, such that the mutant which avoids paying the highest cost dominates the population. Finally, we demonstrate how quorum sensing regulation can avoid the full loss of cooperation.