bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical patterns and management of primary mucosal melanoma: a single centre experience
Authors: Ng Yvonne Y. R. , Tan Grace H. C. , Quek Richard H. H. , Farid Mohamad B. H. R. , Soo Khee Chee , Teo Melissa C. C. 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundPrimary mucosal melanomas (MM) are rare neoplasms arising from melanocytes in mucosal membranes. Delayed diagnosis and aggressive disease biology contribute to a poorer prognosis. The clinical patterns of MMs treated in a large tertiary centre, and the differences between MMs in the head and neck versus other anatomical sites are described.MethodsA retrospective review of 43 patients diagnosed with MM in the head and neck, urogenital, esophageal and anorectal sites from 1993 to 2015 was conducted.ResultsDistribution of head and neck, urogenital and gastrointestinal MM were 42, 30 and 28% respectively. Disease extent was local in 44%, regional in 40% and distal in 12% at diagnosis. Head and neck MMs were more likely to be diagnosed at an earlier stage as compared to other sites (P = 0.04). Surgery was performed with curative intent in 72%, while 2% had palliative surgery for symptom control. Of the remaining patients who did not undergo surgery, four had palliative chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Median disease‐free survival was 13 months (1–179 months). There was a significantly longer time to locoregional recurrence in head and neck MM (16 months) compared to other sites (11 months) (P = 0.03). The 2‐year overall survival was also significantly higher in head and neck MM (P = 0.003).ConclusionMM of the head and neck is diagnosed at an earlier stage and associated with a longer time to locoregional recurrence. Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment and may offer long‐term survival benefit in selected patients.
Nitinol basket‐assisted pars plana vitrectomy for retained lens material removal
Authors: Iannetta Danilo , Engelbrecht Leonore , Mura Marco 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the usefulness of different types of nitinol baskets to capture, lift and hold the lens material, dropped during a complicated phacoemulsification, as an adjunctive surgical tool in vitreoretinal surgery and to evaluate the outcomes and complication of this new surgical technique in a small series of patients.MethodsPatients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for retained lens fragments operated during December 2014 and March 2015 at the Academic Medical Center (AMC), Amsterdam, were included in this study. The PPV was performed using different settings and types of nitinol stone extractors (NSE). Three different stone extractors were used for the above‐mentioned purpose. Preoperative (pre‐op) and postoperative (post‐op) data including best corrected visual acuity at 6 months follow‐up visit, intra‐ and postoperative complications were recorded.ResultsSeven eyes of seven patients with a follow‐up of 6 months were included in this study. All the vitrectomies were performed the same day of the complicated cataract extraction. Mean pre‐op Snellen visual acuity was 20/160; mean post‐op visual acuity was 20/32. No complications were encountered due to the use of the NSE intraocularly. No retinal breaks were observed due to traction of the catheter at the site of insertion or due to his movement in and out the vitreous cavity.ConclusionThe use of the nitinol lens cage seemed feasible and showed no complications in our small group of patients. It made easier the management of dropped nucleus without the need for a larger scleral opening also in case of very hard lens.
Pulmonary safety of ophthalmic beta‐blockers: a nationwide registry‐based cohort study
Authors: Kristensen Mathias L. , Simonsen Jan H. , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Vorum Henrik , Aasbjerg Kristian 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPurposeOphthalmic beta‐blockers, used in the treatment of increased intraocular pressure, are known to cause pulmonary adverse effects. Few, if any, studies have quantified the extent of the problem in a real‐life population. In this nationwide study, we assess the pulmonary safety of patients initiating treatment with ophthalmic beta‐blockers.MethodsUsing the Danish Nationwide Registries from 1995 to 2012, we identified all individuals aged 20–90 years who initiated monotherapy with an intraocular pressure‐lowering drug, with or without concomitant obstructive pulmonary disease. Risks of (i) switching to another drug and (ii) new onset of obstructive pulmonary disease during a 90‐day follow‐up were examined by cumulative risk and logistic regression models adjusted for available covariates.ResultsThe cohort consisted of 97 463 individuals. Odds ratios for drug switch in individuals without concomitant obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 86 568) were as follows: 1.47 for beta‐blockers (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.35–1.61; p < 0.001), 2.68 for parasympathomimetics (95% CI: 2.32–3.10; p < 0.001) and 4.80 for alfa‐2‐agonists (95% CI: 4.17–5.53; p < 0.001). Odds ratios in individuals with concomitant obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 10 895) were as follows: 2.61 for parasympathomimetics (95% CI: 1.83–3.72; p < 0.001), 2.96 for beta‐blockers (95% CI: 2.31–3.78; p < 0.001) and 3.54 for alfa‐2‐agonists (95% CI: 2.56–4.88; p < 0.001). There was no significant association between treatment class and new onset of obstructive pulmonary disease (p = 0.30).ConclusionOphthalmic beta‐blockers were associated with an increased risk of drug switch. However, the absolute risk was very small. No increased risk of new onset of obstructive pulmonary disease was found. Our data suggest that more patients might be eligible for ophthalmic beta‐blockers.
Betablockers do not increase efficacy of band ligation in primary prophylaxis but they improve survival in secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding
Authors: Pfisterer N. , Dexheimer C. , Fuchs E.‐M. , Bucsics T. , Schwabl P. , Mandorfer M. , Gessl I. , Sandrieser L. , Baumann L. , Riedl F. , Scheiner B. , Pachofszky T. , Dolak W. , Schrutka‐Kölbl C. , Ferlitsch A. , Schöniger‐Hekele M. , Peck‐Radosavljevic M. , Trauner M. , Madl C. , Reiberger T. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryBackgroundEndoscopic band ligation (EBL) is used for primary (PP) and secondary prophylaxis (SP) of variceal bleeding. Current guidelines recommend combined use of non‐selective beta‐blockers (NSBBs) and EBL for SP, while in PP either NSBB or EBL should be used.AimTo assess (re‐)bleeding rates and mortality in cirrhotic patients receiving EBL for PP or SP for variceal bleeding.Methods(Re‐)bleeding rates and mortality were retrospectively assessed with and without concomitant NSBB therapy after first EBL in PP and SP.ResultsSeven hundred and sixty‐six patients with oesophageal varices underwent EBL from 01/2005 to 06/2015. Among the 284 patients undergoing EBL for PP, n = 101 (35.6%) received EBL only, while n = 180 (63.4%) received EBL + NSBBs. In 482 patients on SP, n = 163 (33.8%) received EBL only, while n = 299 (62%) received EBL + NSBBs. In PP, concomitant NSBB therapy neither decreased bleeding rates (log‐rank: P = 0.353) nor mortality (log‐rank: P = 0.497) as compared to EBL alone. In SP, similar re‐bleeding rates were documented in EBL + NSBB vs EBL alone (log‐rank: P = 0.247). However, EBL + NSBB resulted in a significantly lower mortality rate (log‐rank: P<0.001). A decreased risk of death with EBL + NSBB in SP (hazard ratio, HR: 0.50; P<0.001) but not of rebleeding, transplantation or further decompensation was confirmed by competing risk analysis. Overall NSBB intake reduced 6‐months mortality (HR: 0.53, P = 0.008) in SP, which was most pronounced in patients without severe/refractory ascites (HR: 0.37; P = 0.001) but not observed in patients with severe/refractory ascites (HR: 0.80; P = 0.567).ConclusionsEBL alone seems sufficient for PP of variceal bleeding. In SP, the addition of NSBB to EBL was associated with an improved survival within the first 6 months after EBL.
Primary small intestinal volvulus after laparoscopic rectopexy for rectal prolapse
Authors: Koizumi Michihiro , Yamada Takeshi , Shinji Seiichi , Yokoyama Yasuyuki , Takahashi Goro , Hotta Masahiro , Iwai Takuma , Hara Keisuke , Takeda Kohki , Kan Hayato , Takasaki Hideaki , Ohta Keiichiro , Uchida Eiji 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPrimary small intestinal volvulus is defined as torsion in the absence of congenital malrotation, band, or postoperative adhesions. Its occurrence as an early postoperative complication is rare. A 40‐year‐old woman presented with rectal prolapse, and laparoscopic rectopexy was uneventfully performed. She could not have food on the day after surgery. She started oral intake on postoperative day 3 but developed abdominal pain after the meal. Contrast‐enhanced CT revealed torsion of the small intestinal mesentery. An emergent laparotomy showed small intestinal volvulus, without congenital malformation or intestinal adhesions. We diagnosed it as primary small intestinal volvulus. The strangulated intestine was resected, and reconstruction was performed. The patient recovered uneventfully after the second surgery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of primary small intestinal volvulus occurring after rectopexy for rectal prolapse. Primary small intestinal volvulus could be a postoperative complication after laparoscopy.
Electronic medical records in multiple sclerosis research
Authors: Damotte Vincent , Gourraud Pierre‐Antoine 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWith the massive digitalization of many processes involved in human activities, electronic medical records (EMR) are being increasingly deployed in medical centers. EMR have the potential to become a main major real‐life data source for future medical research and evaluation of practice. Multiple sclerosis is a paradigmatic example of a complex disease that can benefit from this new source of information. Today, researchers and clinicians alike have access to tools allowing an en masse identification of multiple sclerosis patients, and extraction of demographics and clinical variables with high accuracy. However no matter how “big” the (EMR) data might be, biases are inherent to EMR data generation. These have to be studied and eventually accounted for in analysis in order to fulfill the promise of personalized medicine for all, and carrying out large clinical and research studies in multiple sclerosis.
Part‐Based Mesh Segmentation: A Survey
Authors: Rodrigues Rui S. V. , Morgado José F. M. , Gomes Abel J. P. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis paper surveys mesh segmentation techniques and algorithms, with a focus on part‐based segmentation, that is, segmentation that divides a mesh (featuring a 3D object) into meaningful parts. Part‐based segmentation applies to a single object and also to a family of objects (i.e. co‐segmentation). However, we shall not address here chart‐based segmentation, though some mesh co‐segmentation methods employ such chart‐based segmentation in the initial step of their pipeline. Finally, the taxonomy proposed in this paper is new in the sense that one classifies each segmentation algorithm regarding the dimension (i.e. 1D, 2D and 3D) of the representation of object parts. The leading idea behind this survey is to identify the properties and limitations of the state‐of‐the‐art algorithms to shed light on the challenges for future work.
Effects of repeated long‐term psychosocial stress and acute cannabinoid exposure on mouse corticostriatal circuitries: Implications for neuropsychiatric disorders
Authors: Tomas‐Roig Jordi , Piscitelli Fabiana , Gil Vanesa , Quintana Ester , Ramió‐Torrentà Lluís l. , del Río Jose Antonio , Moore Timothy Patrick , Agbemenyah Hope , Salinas Gabriela , Pommerenke Claudia , Lorenzen Stephan , Beißbarth Tim , Hoyer‐Fender Sigrid , Di Marzo Vincenzo , Havemann‐Reinecke Ursula 
Published: February 2018

SummaryIntroductionVulnerability to psychiatric manifestations is achieved by the influence of genetic and environment including stress and cannabis consumption. Here, we used a psychosocial stress model based on resident‐intruder confrontations to study the brain corticostriatal‐function, since deregulation of corticostriatal circuitries has been reported in many psychiatric disorders. CB1 receptors are widely expressed in the central nervous system and particularly, in both cortex and striatum brain structures.Aims and methodsThe investigation presented here is addressed to assess the impact of repeated stress following acute cannabinoid exposure on behavior and corticostriatal brain physiology by assessing mice behavior, the concentration of endocannabinoid and endocannabinoid‐like molecules and changes in the transcriptome.ResultsStressed animals urinated frequently; showed exacerbated scratching activity, lower striatal N‐arachidonylethanolamine (AEA) levels and higher cortical expression of cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha 6. The cannabinoid agonist WIN55212.2 diminished locomotor activity while the inverse agonist increased the distance travelled in the center of the open field. Upon CB1 activation, N‐oleoylethanolamide and N‐palmitoylethanolamide, two AEA congeners that do not interact directly with cannabinoid receptors, were enhanced in the striatum. The co‐administration with both cannabinoids induced an up‐regulation of striatal FK506 binding protein 5. The inverse agonist in controls reversed the effects of WIN55212.2 on motor activity. When Rimonabant was injected under stress, the cortical levels of 2‐arachidonoylglycerol were maximum. The agonist and the antagonist influenced the cortical expression of cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha 6 and serotonin transporter neurotransmitter type 4 in opposite directions, while their co‐administration tended to produce a null effect under stress.ConclusionsThe endocannabinoid system had a direct effect on serotoninergic neurotransmission and glucocorticoid signaling. Cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha‐6 was shown to be deregulated in response to stress and following synthetic cannabinoid drugs thus could confer vulnerability to cannabis addiction and psychosis. Targeting the receptors of endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid‐like mediators might be a valuable option for treating stress‐related neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Widespread occurrence of an emerging fungal pathogen in heavily traded Chinese urodelan species
Authors: Yuan Zhiyong , Martel An , Wu Jun , Van Praet Sarah , Canessa Stefano , Pasmans Frank 
Published: February 2018

AbstractUnderstanding introduction routes for wildlife pathogens is vital for the development of threat abatement plans. The chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) has recently emerged in Europe, where it is considered to be a serious threat for urodelan conservation. If the highly diverse Chinese urodelans were to constitute a Bsal reservoir, then the significant international trade in these species may vector Bsal into naïve urodelan communities. Here, we analyzed a total of 1,143 samples, representing 36 Chinese salamander species from 51 localities across southern China for the presence of Bsal. We found Bsal was present across a wide taxonomic, geographical, and environmental range. In particular, Bsal DNA was detected in 33 samples from the genera Cynops, Pachytriton, Paramesotriton, Tylototriton, and Andrias, including the heavily traded species Paramesotriton hongkongensis and Cynops orientalis. The true Bsal prevalence across our data set was estimated between 2% and 4%, with a maximum of 50% in a population of P. hongkongensis. Even at this overall relatively low Bsal prevalence, the exportation of millions of animals renders Bsal introduction in naïve, importing countries a near certainty, which calls for the urgent implementation of proper biosecurity in the international wildlife trade.
Development of microsatellite markers for Thekopsora areolata, the causal agent of cherry spruce rust
Authors: Capador H. , Samils B. , Olson Å. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryCherry spruce rust is a fungal disease of Norway spruce cones caused by Thekopsora areolata and responsible for significant losses in seed production in Sweden and Finland. Here, we report the first set of nine microsatellites, which will allow an effective genetic fingerprinting of T. areolata. The markers were isolated using the FIASCO method and were characterized using DNA from 49 single aecia sampled from spruce cones in three different seed orchards in Sweden. Eight of the nine markers were shown to be polymorphic among the aecia. The markers were unlinked and are therefore suitable for future population genetic studies.
A prospective surveillance study of inhibitor development in haemophilia A patients following a population switch to a third‐generation B‐domain‐deleted recombinant factor VIII
Authors: Dubé E. , Bonnefoy A. , Merlen C. , Castilloux J.‐F. , Cloutier S. , Demers C. , Sabapathy C. A. , St‐Louis J. , Vezina C. , Warner M. , Rivard G.‐É. 
Published: February 2018

IntroductionFollowing a provincial tender, most subjects with haemophilia A in Quebec switched their treatment to a third‐generation recombinant B‐domain‐deleted factor VIII (FVIII).AimOur objective was to evaluate the incidence of inhibitor development and FVIII recovery in patients following the switch of factor replacement therapy.MethodsOne hundred and thirty‐five subjects were enrolled and tested for FVIII activity and inhibitors every 6 months during 1 year. Subjects with mild haemophilia A or current inhibitors were excluded. Data on demographics, bleeds and FVIII usage were collected.ResultsA total of 125 switchers and 10 non‐switchers were enrolled. Most subjects had severe haemophilia A (95.6%) and were on prophylaxis (89.6%). Mean FVIII recovery was similar at 0, 6 and 12 months postswitch. Two switchers developed de novo inhibitors in the 6 months postswitch, one of which was transient. No recurrent inhibitor was observed. A small but significant increase in FVIII usage was observed for adult switchers and the whole cohort of switchers and non‐switchers. There was an increase in the annualized bleeding rate (ABR) for non‐joint bleeds for the whole cohort of switchers. However, no significant differences were observed in ABR for joint bleeds.ConclusionOur surveillance study shows comparable inhibitor development to similar published studies. A significant increase in FVIII utilization was noted for the whole cohort, switchers and non‐switchers. Lastly, no clinically significant changes were observed in ABR for joint bleeds, but a difference for non‐joint bleed ABRs was observed in switchers.
Role of protein oxidation in the nutritional loss and texture changes in ready‐to‐eat chicken patties
Authors: Ferreira Valquíria C. S. , Morcuende David , Madruga Marta S. , Silva Fábio A. P. , Estévez Mario 
Published: February 2018

SummaryThe oxidative damage to proteins during processing of ready‐to‐eat chicken patties and its impact on the nutritional value and texture properties of the product were assessed. The effect of cooking techniques (boiling, roasting and grilling) and microwave reheating (600 mW per 1 min) after 7 and 14 days of cold storage (+4 °C) were studied. Cooking methods had an effect (P < 0.05) on most protein oxidation parameters, including protein depletion of tryptophan, thiols, protein carbonylation and formation of cross‐links. Overall, the succeeding chilled storage led to an aggravation of the oxidative damage which occurred along with hardness increase and impaired digestibility. Microwave reheating had contradictory effects on protein oxidation parameters. An increase in protein carbonylation occurred along with a cleavage of disulphide bonds that would explain a decrease in hardness. This study illustrates to which extent the oxidative damage to meat proteins affects protein quality and nutritional value of a severely processed meat product. The impact of assorted cooked procedures on these events is also discussed.
Prevalence of piscine orthoreovirus and salmonid alphavirus in sea‐caught returning adult Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in northern Norway
Authors: Madhun A S , Isachsen C H , Omdal L M , Einen A C B , Mæhle S , Wennevik V , Niemelä E , Svåsand T , Karlsbakk E 
Published: February 2018

AbstractHeart and skeletal muscle inflammation (HSMI) caused by piscine orthoreovirus (PRV) and pancreas disease (PD) caused by salmonid alphavirus (SAV) are among the most prevalent viral diseases of Atlantic salmon farmed in Norway. There are limited data about the impact of disease in farmed salmon on wild salmon populations. Therefore, the prevalence of PRV and SAV in returning salmon caught in six sea sites was determined using real‐time RT‐PCR analyses. Of 419 salmon tested, 15.8% tested positive for PRV, while none were positive for SAV. However, scale reading revealed that 10% of the salmon had escaped from farms. The prevalence of PRV in wild salmon (8%) was significantly lower than in farm escapees (86%), and increased with fish length (proxy for age). Sequencing of the S1 gene of PRV from 39 infected fish revealed a mix of genotypes. The observed increase in PRV prevalence with fish age and the lack of phylogeographic structure of the virus could be explained by virus transmission in the feeding areas. Our results highlight the need for studies about the prevalence of PRV and other pathogens in Atlantic salmon in its oceanic phase.
Targeted Tuition Delivered by Personal Videoconferencing for Students with Mathematical Learning Difficulties
Authors: Kestel Eugénie , Forgasz Helen 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe effectiveness of an individual, conceptual instruction‐based tuition program delivered by personal videoconferencing (PVC), compared to face‐to‐face (FtF) delivery for 30 upper primary and middle school students with mathematical learning difficulties (MLD), is described in this article. The experimental intervention targeted number sense, conceptual understandings of mathematical operations, and fluency with basic number facts. Results showed that significant improvements were achieved in accuracy on basic number fact tasks and standardized test results for both experimental groups. Implications for students with MLD living regionally and remotely are discussed.
The influence of genetics, defensive chemistry and the fungal microbiome on disease outcome in whitebark pine trees
Authors: Bullington Lorinda S. , Lekberg Ylva , Sniezko Richard , Larkin Beau 
Published: February 2018

SummaryThe invasive fungal pathogenCronartium ribicolainfects and kills whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) throughout western North America. Whitebark pine has been proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act in the USA, and the loss of this species is predicted to have severe impacts on ecosystem composition and function in high‐elevation forests. Numerous fungal endophytes live inside whitebark pine tissues and may influence the severity ofC. ribicolainfection, either directly by inhibition of pathogen growth or indirectly by the induction of chemical defensive pathways in the tree. Terpenes, a form of chemical defence in pine trees, can also influence disease. In this study, we characterized fungal endophyte communities in whitebark pine seedlings before and after experimental inoculation withC. ribicola, monitored disease progression and compared fungal community composition in susceptible vs. resistant seedlings in a common garden. We analysed the terpene composition of these same seedlings. Seed family identity or maternal genetics influenced both terpenes and endophyte communities. Terpene and endophyte composition correlated with disease severity, and terpene concentrations differed in resistant vs. susceptible seedlings. These results suggest that the resistance toC. ribicolaobserved in natural whitebark pine populations is caused by the combined effects of genetics, endophytes and terpenes within needle tissue, in which initial interactions between microbes and hosts take place. Tree genotype, terpene and microbiome combinations associated with healthy trees could help to predict or reduce disease severity and improve outcomes of future tree breeding programmes.