bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advanced three-dimensionally engineered simulation model for aortic valve and proximal aorta procedures
Authors: Russo Marco , Koenigshofer Markus , Stoiber Martin , Werner Paul , Gross Christoph , Kocher Alfred , Laufer Guenther , Moscato Francesco , Andreas Martin 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
A 3-dimensionally (3D) engineered model for simulation of aortic valve and proximal aortic procedures is a reliable tool both for training young surgeons and for simulating complex cases. To achieve a realistic simulation, the artificial model should reproduce the angles and orientations of the cardiac structures based on the patient’s anatomical condition, reproduce tissue mechanical characteristics and be easy to obtain and easy to use. The goal of the study was the production and validation of realistic training models, based on the patient’s actual anatomical characteristics, to provide training for aortic valve procedures.

METHODS
An anatomical model was manufactured using 3D printing and silicone casting. The digital anatomical model was obtained by segmenting computed tomography imaging. The segmented geometrical images were processed and a casting mould was designed. The mould was manufactured on a 3D printer. Silicone was cast into the mould; after curing, the finished model was ready. The realistic reproduction was evaluated by mechanical hardness tests and a survey by cardiac surgeons.

RESULTS
Six 3D silicone models were produced that represented the patient’s anatomy including aortic valve leaflets, aortic root with coronary ostia, ascending aorta and proximal arch. Aortic valve replacement was performed, and 100% of the participants evaluated the model in a survey as perfectly reproducing anatomy and surgical handling.

CONCLUSIONS
We produced a realistic, cost-effective simulator for training purposes and for simulation of complex surgical cases. The model reproduced the real angulation and orientation of the aortic structures inside the mediastinum, permitting a real-life simulation of the desired procedure. This model offers opportunities to simulate various surgical procedures.
Less NMDA Receptor Binding in Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex and Anterior Cingulate Cortex Associated With Reported Early-Life Adversity but Not Suicide
Authors: Underwood Mark D , Bakalian Mihran J , Johnson Virginia L , Kassir Suham A , Ellis Steven P , Mann J John , Arango Victoria 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter binding to 3 classes of receptors, including the N-methyl, D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. NMDA receptor binding is lower in major depression disorder and suicide. NMDA receptor blocking with ketamine can have antidepressant and anti-suicide effects. Early-life adversity (ELA) may cause glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity and is more common with major depression disorder and in suicide decedents. We sought to determine whether NMDA-receptor binding is altered with suicide and ELA.

Methods
A total 52 postmortem cases were organized as 13 quadruplets of suicide and non-suicide decedents matched for age, sex, and postmortem interval, with or without reported ELA (≤16 years). Tissue blocks containing dorsal prefrontal (BA8), dorsolateral prefrontal (BA9), or anterior cingulate (BA24) cortex were collected at autopsy. Psychiatrically healthy controls and suicide decedents underwent psychological autopsy to determine psychiatric diagnoses and details of childhood adversity. NMDA receptor binding was determined by quantitative autoradiography of [3H]MK-801 binding (displaced by unlabeled MK-801) in 20-µm-thick sections.

Results
[3H]MK-801 binding was not associated with suicide in BA8, BA9, or BA24. However, [3H]MK-801 binding with ELA was less in BA8, BA9, and BA24 independent of suicide (P &lt; .05). [3H]MK-801 binding was not associated with age or postmortem interval in any brain region or group.

Conclusions
Less NMDA receptor binding with ELA is consistent with the hypothesis that stress can cause excitotoxicity via excessive glutamate, causing either NMDA receptor downregulation or less receptor binding due to neuron loss consequent to the excitotoxicity.
A numerical-analysis-focused comparison of several finite volume schemes for a unipolar degenerate drift-diffusion model
Authors: Cancès Clément , Chainais-Hillairet Claire , Fuhrmann Jürgen , Gaudeul Benoît 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
In this paper we consider a unipolar degenerate drift-diffusion system where the relation between the concentration of the charged species $c$ and the chemical potential $h$ is $h(c)=\log \frac{c}{1-c}$. We design four different finite volume schemes based on four different formulations of the fluxes. We provide a stability analysis and existence results for the four schemes. The convergence proof with respect to the discretization parameters is established for two of them. Numerical experiments illustrate the behaviour of the different schemes.
Novel Variants of Respiratory Syncytial Virus A ON1 Associated With Increased Clinical Severity of Bronchiolitis
Authors: Midulla Fabio , Di Mattia Greta , Nenna Raffaella , Scagnolari Carolina , Viscido Agnese , Oliveto Giuseppe , Petrarca Laura , Frassanito Antonella , Arima Serena , Antonelli Guido , Pierangeli Alessandra 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
A study of respiratory syncytial virus-A (RSV A) genotype ON1 genetic variability and clinical severity in infants hospitalized with bronchiolitis over 6 epidemic seasons (2012–2013 to 2017–2018) was carried out.

Methods
From prospectively enrolled term infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis, samples positive for RSV A ON1 (N = 139) were sequenced in the second half of the G gene. Patients’ clinical data were obtained from medical files and each infant was assigned a clinical severity score. ANOVA comparison and adjusted multinomial logistic regression were used to evaluate clinical severity score and clinical parameters.

Results
The phylogenetic analysis of 54 strains showed 3 distinct clades; sequences in the last 2 seasons differed from previous seasons. The most divergent and numerous cluster of 2017–2018 strains was characterized by a novel pattern of amino acid changes, some in antigenic sites. Several amino acid changes altered predicted glycosylation sites, with acquisition of around 10 new O-glycosylation sites. Clinical severity of bronchiolitis increased in 2016–2017 and 2017–2018 and changed according to the epidemic seasons only.

Conclusions
Amino acid changes in the hypervariable part of G protein may have altered functions and/or changed its immunogenicity, leading to an impact on disease severity.
Detection of Variants With Reduced Baloxavir Marboxil Susceptibility After Treatment of Children With Influenza A During the 2018–2019 Influenza Season
Authors: Sato Masatoki , Takashita Emi , Katayose Masahiko , Nemoto Kenji , Sakai Nobuko , Hashimoto Koichi , Hosoya Mitsuaki 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
During the 2018–2019 influenza seasons, we detected reduced baloxavir marboxil (baloxavir) susceptible variants with I38S or I38T amino acid substitutions on the PA subunit of influenza virus ribonucleic acid polymerase in 7 of 18 baloxavi-treated children and found that virus titer rebounded in some of these children with variants. We also found fever durations to be similar between patients with or without the variants, but the patients with variants shed the virus 3 days longer and took longer to improve clinical symptoms than those without variants.
The emergence of these variants should be monitored during future influenza seasons.
NUTRITION AND HEALTH: COMPANION ANIMAL APPLICATIONS: Functional nutrition in livestock and companion animals to modulate the immune response
Authors: Bobeck Elizabeth Ann 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Advances in the understanding of how the immune system functions in response to diet have altered the way we think about feeding livestock and companion animals on both the short (weeks/months) and long-term (years) timelines; however, depth of research in each of these species varies. Work dedicated to understanding how immune function can be altered with diet has revealed additional functions of required nutrients such as vitamins D and E, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and minerals such as zinc, while feed additives such as phytogenics and probiotics add an additional layer of immunomodulating potential to modern diets. For certain nutrients such as vitamin D or omega-3 PUFA, inclusion above currently recommended levels may optimize immune function and reduce inflammation, while for others such as zinc, additional pharmacological supplementation above requirements may inhibit immune function. Also to consider is the potential to over-immunomodulate, where important functions such as clearance of microbial infections may be reduced when supplementation reduces the inflammatory action of the immune system. Continued work in the area of nutritional immunology will further enhance our understanding of the power of nutrition and diet to improve health in both livestock and companion animals. This review collects examples from several species to highlight the work completed to understand how nutrition can be used to alter immune function, intended or not.
Animal welfare in the U.S. slaughter industry—a focus on fed cattle
Authors: Edwards-Callaway Lily N , Calvo-Lorenzo Michelle S 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAnimal welfare within the U.S. slaughter industry continues to prevail as one of the top priorities for livestock producers, businesses, and consumers alike. There are federal regulations that enforce the humane transport, handling, and slaughter of cattle. The journey that cattle must make to the slaughter facility is comprised of many environmental and human factors that can positively or negatively affect animal welfare. Cattle may be exposed to multiple stressors, such as noise, unfamiliar animals and humans, temperature extremes, temporary food/water deprivation, variable transport distances and experiences, and new pen conditions. The animal caretakers involved in these processes attempt to minimize stress and discomfort for the animals, but research is needed to focus on the gaps in knowledge and to support the implementation of strategies known to enhance the human–animal interactions that occur from farm to slaughter. This literature review will provide a summary of fed cattle welfare topics, research, and industry tools that span across the beef animal’s journey from the farm/feedlot through the slaughter process. In addition, areas that have had little research focus are identified to highlight the need for future work and development of industry tools. Some of these topics include examining trailer design, the use of trailer slats during weather extremes, the welfare aspects of cattle destined for salvage slaughter, multiple preslaughter factors and interactions, abnormal mobility and nonambulatory cattle, lairage environmental conditions, new stunning methods, and the impact of a well-trained, motivated, and stable workforce on cattle and people welfare. The authors conducted a survey at the 2019 North American Meat Institute Animal Care and Handling Conference, which comprised of stakeholders within the meat packing industry, packing plant employees, and food company employees, educators, and auditors. The survey responses identified training/education and communication as areas of need in animal welfare, whereas the majority of survey responses focused on the aspects of the human–animal interaction as the top challenges for the industry. By continuously identifying, measuring, monitoring, and managing animal welfare challenges within the beef cattle slaughter industry, prioritization and execution of programs and training that improve the welfare of cattle can be achieved as animals move through this final stage of the meat production system.
Updating the Bibliography of Interbreeding among Canis in North America
Authors: vonHoldt Bridgett M , Aardema Matthew L 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis bibliography provides a collection of references that documents the evolution of studies evidencing interbreeding among Canis species in North America. Over the past several decades, advances in biology and genomic technology greatly improved our ability to detect and characterize species interbreeding, which has significance for understanding species in a changing landscape as well as for endangered species management. This bibliography includes a discussion within each category of interbreeding, the timeline of developing evidence, and includes a review of past research conducted on experimental crosses. Research conducted in the early 20th century is rich with detailed records and photographs of hybrid offspring development and behavior. With the progression of molecular methods, studies can estimate historical demographic parameters and detect chromosomal patterns of ancestry. As these methods continue to increase in accessibility, the field will gain a deeper and richer understanding of the evolutionary history of North American Canis.
Bone metastasis of limb segments: Is mesometastasis another poor prognostic factor of cancer patients?
Authors: Tani Shoichiro , Morizaki Yutaka , Uehara Kosuke , Sawada Ryoko , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Shinoda Yusuke , Kawano Hirotaka , Tanaka Sakae 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveIn contrast to acrometastasis, defined as bone metastasis to the hand or foot, the frequency and prognosis of bone metastasis of other limb segments remain unclear. To compare prognosis according to sites of bone metastasis, we defined two new terms in this study: ‘mesometastasis’ and ‘rhizometastasis’ as bone metastasis of ‘forearm or lower leg’ and ‘arm or thigh’, respectively.MethodsA total of 539 patients who were registered to the bone metastasis database of The University of Tokyo Hospital from April 2012 to May 2016 were retrospectively surveyed. All patients who were diagnosed to have bone metastases in our hospital are registered to the database. Patients were categorized into four groups according to the most distal site of bone metastases: ‘acrometastasis’, ‘mesometastasis’, ‘rhizometastasis’ and ‘body trunk metastasis’.ResultsThe frequency of rhizometastasis (22.5%) or body trunk metastasis (73.1%) was significantly higher than that of acrometastasis (2.0%) or mesometastasis (2.4%). The median survival time after diagnosis of bone metastases for each group was as follows: 6.5 months in acrometastasis, 4.0 months in mesometastasis, 16 months in rhizometastasis, 17 months in body trunk metastasis and 16 months overall. In survival curve, there was a statistically significant difference between mesometastasis and body trunk metastasis.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that ‘mesometastasis’ could be another poor prognostic factor in cancer patients and that patients with mesometastasis should receive appropriate treatments according to their expected prognosis.
Regulatory changes after the enforcement of the new Clinical Trials Act in Japan
Authors: Nakamura Kenichi , Shibata Taro 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Objective
To describe changes in Japanese clinical trial regulations after the implementation of the Clinical Trials Act in April 2018.

Methods
First, how to apply multiple regulations after the enforcement of Clinical Trials Act was described. Second, the changes in the number of clinical trials in the National Cancer Center Hospital under each regulation were compared before and after the implementation of Clinical Trials Act. Third, new requirements imposed by Clinical Trials Act and their influences were discussed.

Results
In April 2018, Clinical Trials Act was enacted and academic clinical trials were classified into the following three categories: (i) investigator-initiated registration-directed trial under the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act; (ii) clinical trial under Clinical Trials Act; and (iii) clinical trial under the Ethical Guidelines. While 90% (205/227) of interventional studies were conducted under the Ethical Guidelines before the implementation of Clinical Trials Act in 2018, 46% (94/204) were subject to Clinical Trials Act in 2019 at the National Cancer Center Hospital. Under the Clinical Trials Act, investigators receive a scientific/ethical review by a certified review board (CRB). The identification of investigators in charge is mandated and they are required to submit the conflict of interest management plan to CRB. After the CRB review, the principal investigator must submit the trial plan to the government, and the content is uploaded to the newly established clinical trial registry site, the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials.

Conclusions
The enforcement of the new Clinical Trials Act was supposed to improve the reliability of academic clinical trials in Japan; however, the financial and administrative burden may reduce clinical trial activity in the years to come.
Fabry Disease With Concomitant Lewy Body Disease
Authors: Del Tredici Kelly , Ludolph Albert C , Feldengut Simone , Jacob Christian , Reichmann Heinz , Bohl Jürgen R , Braak Heiko 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Although Gaucher disease can be accompanied by Lewy pathology (LP) and extrapyramidal symptoms, it is unknown if LP exists in Fabry disease (FD), another progressive multisystem lysosomal storage disorder. We aimed to elucidate the distribution patterns of FD-related inclusions and LP in the brain of a 58-year-old cognitively unimpaired male FD patient suffering from predominant hypokinesia. Immunohistochemistry (CD77, α-synuclein, collagen IV) and neuropathological staging were performed on 100-µm sections. Tissue from the enteric or peripheral nervous system was unavailable. As controls, a second cognitively unimpaired 50-year-old male FD patient without LP or motor symptoms and 3 age-matched individuals were examined. Inclusion body pathology was semiquantitatively evaluated. Although Lewy neurites/bodies were not present in the 50-year-old individual or in controls, severe neuronal loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta and LP corresponding to neuropathological stage 4 of Parkinson disease was seen in the 58-year-old FD patient. Major cerebrovascular lesions and/or additional pathologies were absent in this individual. We conclude that Lewy body disease with parkinsonism can occur within the context of FD. Further studies determining the frequencies of both inclusion pathologies in large autopsy-controlled FD cohorts could help clarify the implications of both lesions for disease pathogenesis, potential spreading mechanisms, and therapeutic interventions.
A unique case of a double common bile duct with ectopic drainage into the gastric antrum: a case report and review of the literature on double duct variants
Authors: Kuan Li Lian , Isherwood John , Pollard Cristina , Dennison Ashley 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Variants of hepatic duct anomalies are widely discussed in the literature. Duplication producing a double and/or aberrant extrahepatic bile duct is one of the rarest congenital variants that have been sparingly reported. A 71-year-old female presented with right-sided abdominal pain. Computerized tomography demonstrated an enhancing soft tissue thickening in the gastric pylorus with extension into the left lobe of the liver and invasion of the left intrahepatic bile ducts and dilatation of the left intra- and extrahepatic biliary tract. Further examination led to a diagnosis of a double common bile duct with ectopic drainage into the gastric antrum. Recognition of this rare anomaly is of great importance because of the implications in respect of concomitant pathology, the potential short- and long-term sequelae and crucially for operative planning. Failing to appreciate the extent of anomalies may result in significant complications with the attendant morbidity.
The plant MBF1 protein family: a bridge between stress and transcription
Authors: Jaimes-Miranda Fabiola , Chávez Montes Ricardo A 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe Multiprotein Bridging Factor 1 (MBF1) proteins are transcription co-factors whose molecular function is to form a bridge between transcription factors and the basal machinery of transcription. MBF1s are present in most archaea and all eukaryotes, and numerous reports show that they are involved in developmental processes and in stress responses. In this review we summarize almost three decades of research on the plant MBF1 family, which has mainly focused on their role in abiotic stress responses, in particular the heat stress response. However, despite the amount of information available, there are still many questions that remain about how plant MBF1 genes, transcripts, and proteins respond to stress, and how they in turn modulate stress response transcriptional pathways.
Use of Lean Six Sigma to Improve Access to Care in a Surgical Subspecialty Clinic
Authors: Flanary James T , Rocco Nicholas R , Dougherty Timothy , Christman Matthew S 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Introduction
At the Naval Medical Center San Diego urology clinic, patients reported waiting for greater than 1 month for an initial consult. A Lean Six Sigma approach was used to improve access to care (ATC) and decrease variation in access by improving scheduling.

Methods
A Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control approach was used. Delay to new patient visits was identified as the focus of intervention. The scheduling template was changed from a fixed stream to a modified wave based on simulation software analysis of appointment cycle times. Appointment length was adjusted based on cycle time analysis, and two rooms per clinician were used instead of one. The ratio of initial consults relative to established follow-ups and procedures was adjusted upward to better balance with the historic demand.

Results
Statistically significant improvement was seen in ATC and compliance with the Defense Health Agency (DHA) standard that new consults be seen within 28 days. Average days for a new consult to be seen were reduced by 7.2 days in the pediatric urology clinic (P &lt; 0.0001) and 6.4 days in the adult urology clinic (P &lt; 0.0001). Compliance with the Defense Health Agency 28-day ATC standard increased from a baseline of 69.2% to 88.9% and 61.7% to 84.4%, respectively, in the pediatric and adult clinics (P &lt; 0.001 for both). Patient satisfaction was maintained at or above the goal threshold throughout the project.

Conclusions
An Lean Six Sigma model was used to improve timeliness of care for our patients, improving the overall quality of their healthcare experience. Simulation software can be used to model the clinic throughput and test alternative scheduling templates. ATC was significantly improved and patient satisfaction was maintained at or above goal thresholds.