bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding the gut–kidney axis in nephrolithiasis: an analysis of the gut microbiota composition and functionality of stone formers
Authors: Ticinesi Andrea , Milani Christian , Guerra Angela , Allegri Franca , Lauretani Fulvio , Nouvenne Antonio , Mancabelli Leonardo , Lugli Gabriele Andrea , Turroni Francesca , Duranti Sabrina , Mangifesta Marta , Viappiani Alice , Ferrario Chiara , Dodi Rossella , Dall’Asta Margherita , Del Rio Daniele , Ventura Marco , Meschi Tiziana 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesThe involvement of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of calcium nephrolithiasis has been hypothesised since the discovery of the oxalate-degrading activity of Oxalobacter formigenes, but never comprehensively studied with metagenomics. The aim of this case–control study was to compare the faecal microbiota composition and functionality between recurrent idiopathic calcium stone formers (SFs) and controls.DesignFaecal samples were collected from 52 SFs and 48 controls (mean age 48±11). The microbiota composition was analysed through 16S rRNA microbial profiling approach. Ten samples (five SFs, five controls) were also analysed with deep shotgun metagenomics sequencing, with focus on oxalate-degrading microbial metabolic pathways. Dietary habits, assessed through a food-frequency questionnaire, and 24-hour urinary excretion of prolithogenic and antilithogenic factors, including calcium and oxalate, were compared between SFs and controls, and considered as covariates in the comparison of microbiota profiles.ResultsSFs exhibited lower faecal microbial diversity than controls (Chao1 index 1460±363vs 1658±297, fully adjusted p=0.02 with stepwise backward regression analysis). At multivariate analyses, three taxa (Faecalibacterium, Enterobacter, Dorea) were significantly less represented in faecal samples of SFs. The Oxalobacter abundance was not different between groups. Faecal samples from SFs exhibited a significantly lower bacterial representation of genes involved in oxalate degradation, with inverse correlation with 24-hour oxalate excretion (r=−0.87, p=0.002). The oxalate-degrading genes were represented in several bacterial species, whose cumulative abundance was inversely correlated with oxaluria (r=−0.85, p=0.02).ConclusionsIdiopathic calcium SFs exhibited altered gut microbiota composition and functionality that could contribute to nephrolithiasis physiopathology.
Hypermetabolism in ALS is associated with greater functional decline and shorter survival
Authors: Steyn Frederik J , Ioannides Zara A , van Eijk Ruben P A , Heggie Susan , Thorpe Kathryn A , Ceslis Amelia , Heshmat Saman , Henders Anjali K , Wray Naomi R , van den Berg Leonard H , Henderson Robert D , McCombe Pamela A , Ngo Shyuan T 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of hypermetabolism, relative to body composition, in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and its relationship with clinical features of disease and survival.MethodsFifty-eight patients with clinically definite or probable ALS as defined by El Escorial criteria, and 58 age and sex-matched control participants underwent assessment of energy expenditure. Our primary outcome was the prevalence of hypermetabolism in cases and controls. Longitudinal changes in clinical parameters between hypermetabolic and normometabolic patients with ALS were determined for up to 12 months following metabolic assessment. Survival was monitored over a 30-month period following metabolic assessment.ResultsHypermetabolism was more prevalent in patients with ALS than controls (41% vs 12%, adjusted OR=5.4; p<0.01). Change in body weight, body mass index and fat mass (%) was similar between normometabolic and hypermetabolic patients with ALS. Mean lower motor neuron score (SD) was greater in hypermetabolic patients when compared with normometabolic patients (4 (0.3) vs 3 (0.7); p=0.04). In the 12 months following metabolic assessment, there was a greater change in Revised ALS Functional Rating Scale score in hypermetabolic patients when compared with normometabolic patients (−0.68 points/month vs −0.39 points/month; p=0.01). Hypermetabolism was inversely associated with survival. Overall, hypermetabolism increased the risk of death during follow-up to 220% (HR 3.2, 95% CI 1.1 to 9.4, p=0.03).Conclusions and relevanceHypermetabolic patients with ALS have a greater level of lower motor neuron involvement, faster rate of functional decline and shorter survival. The metabolic index could be important for informing prognosis in ALS.
Angioplasty and stenting for symptomatic extracranial non-tandem internal carotid artery occlusion
Authors: Jadhav Ashutosh , Panczykowski David , Jumaa Mouhammad , Aghaebrahim Amin , Ranginani Manasa , Nguyen Felix , Desai Shashvat M , Grandhi Ramesh , Ducruet Andrew , Gross Bradley A , Jankowitz Brian Thomas , Jovin Tudor G 
Published: April 2018

IntroductionSymptomatic internal carotid artery occlusion (ICAO) can lead to neurologic decline, recurrent stroke, and mortality.ObjectiveWe sought to evaluate the safety and feasibility of endovascular revascularization for ICAO without tandem intracranial large vessel occlusion (LVO).Design, setting, and participantsThis is a retrospective cohort analysis of all patients presenting to a single academic center with ischemic stroke and ipsilateral cervical ICAO from November 2003 through April 2016. Patients were excluded if pre-procedural angiography demonstrated tandem LVO or if patients were known to have chronic ICAO.Main outcome(s) and measure(s)Study endpoints included discharge neurologic examination, post-procedural infarct burden, 3-month functional outcomes, and treatment durability.ResultsA total of 107 patients with symptomatic angiographically-confirmed cervical ICAO without tandem LVO were identified. Median admission NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 8 (IQR 11). Baseline radiographic stroke severity was assessed by ASPECT score (median 9; IQR 2), perfusion mismatch (present in 93%), and clinical imaging mismatch (42%). Median time from symptom onset to treatment was 25 hours (IQR 61). Successful revascularization was achieved in 92% of patients. At discharge, 83% had stable/improved NIHSS score, while at 3 months 65% achieved independence (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2). The most common complication was distal embolization (22%) of which 16% required intra-arterial treatment. Rate of significant restenosis (≥70%) was 15% at 1 year.ConclusionsStenting in selected patients at risk of neurologic deterioration due to symptomatic ICAO can be performed with high rates of technical success and good clinical outcomes. Because of significant peri-procedural risks and high rates of restenosis, randomized studies are necessary to understand the benefit of this approach.
Establishment of a simpler method for measuring HDL-microRNAs
Authors: Ishikawa Hiroaki , Yamada Hiroya , Kondo Kanako , Ota Takeru , Yamazaki Mirai , Ando Yoshitaka , Mizuno Genki , Munetsuna Eiji , Suzuki Koji , Teradaira Ryoji , Ohashi Koji 
Published: April 2018

Background MicroRNAs are present not only in exosomes but also in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and have the potential as biomarkers for various diseases. Various purification methods have been developed to quantify HDL-miRNAs; however, they are unsuitable for clinical applications. Therefore, we aimed to establish a simpler analytical method to quantify HDL-miRNAs for clinical applications. Methods We purified HDL fraction from pooled plasma using a three-step protocol consisting of ultracentrifugation, phosphotungstic acid/MgCl2 precipitation and desalting/buffer exchange followed by the quantification of HDL-miRNAs by quantitative real-time PCR. In order to establish a method to quantify HDL-miRNAs by quantitative real-time PCR, we prepared standard curves for miR-223 and miR-92. The HDL-miRNAs of 10 volunteers were assessed. Results Exosomes and LDL were not detected in the purified HDL fraction. Furthermore, we confirmed that only HDL was purified and that the HDL recovery rate of our method was at least approximately 50%. The threshold cycle values of miR-223, miR-92, miR-146a and miR-150 in the same subject were 32.11 ± 0.58, 32.50 ± 0.35, 34.30 ± 0.70 and 34.91 ± 0.77, respectively ( n = 10). The coefficient of variation values for these miRNAs were 1.08–2.21%. In addition, the standard curve for the quantitative analysis of miRNAs showed high linearity (30–30,000 copies/ μL) with a correlation coefficient of >0.99. The concentrations of HDL-miR-223 and HDL-miR-92 in the plasma of 10 subjects were 1.98 ± 0.32 and 0.90 ± 0.14 copies/mL (×104). Conclusions We established a simple method for quantifying HDL-miRNAs and improved the sample processing capacity compared with conventional methods.
Do schizotypy dimensions reflect the symptoms of schizophrenia?
Authors: Thomas Elizabeth HX , Rossell Susan L , Tan Eric J , Neill Erica , Van Rheenen Tamsyn E , Carruthers Sean P , Sumner Philip J , Louise Stephanie , Bozaoglu Kiymet , Gurvich Caroline 
Published: April 2018

Objective: The personality characteristics and symptoms observed in schizophrenia are postulated to lie on a continuum, with non-clinical manifestations referred to as schizotypy. High schizotypy behaviours are argued to correspond with the three main clusters of symptoms in schizophrenia: positive, negative and cognitive/disorganised symptoms, yet there is limited empirical evidence to support this. This study aimed to investigate whether schizotypy dimensions significantly correlate with their respective schizophrenia symptomatology in the largest sample to date. Methods: A total of 361 adults (103 patients with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder and 258 healthy controls) were assessed for schizotypy using the Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences. The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery supplemented by the Stroop task and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test was administered to all participants to obtain objective measurements of cognition. Schizophrenia symptomatology was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale in patients only. Results: The results demonstrated significant correlations between the Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences positive and negative subscales and their respective Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale subscales only, indicating that positive and negative schizotypy dimensions across patients and controls accurately reflect the respective schizophrenia symptomatology observed in patients. Cognitive performance did not correlate with cognitive/disorganised symptom dimensions of the Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences or the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, indicating that cognitive impairment is an independent symptom dimension that requires objective cognitive testing. Conclusion: Collectively, the findings provide empirical evidence for the continuum theory and support the use of schizotypy as a model for investigating schizophrenia.
Disease severity of proliferative lupus nephritis in Maghrebians
Authors: Tamirou F , Costedoat-Chalumeau N , Medkouri G , Daugas E , Hachulla E , Jourde-Chiche N , Karras A , le Guern V , Gnemmi V , Jadoul M , Houssiau F A 
Published: April 2018

Objective To study the influence of Maghrebian ethnicity on lupus nephritis. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the files of a cohort of 194 patients with proliferative lupus nephritis followed in seven lupus centres belonging to three groups: Europeans living in Belgium/France (E; n = 111); Maghrebians living in Europe, in casu Belgium/France (ME; n = 43); and Maghrebians living in Morocco (MM; n = 40). Baseline presentation was compared between these three groups but complete long-term outcome data were available only for E and ME patients. Results At presentation, the clinical and pathological characteristics of lupus nephritis did not differ between E, ME and MM patients. Renal relapses were more common in ME patients (54%) than in E patients (29%) ( P < 0.01). Time to renal flare and to end-stage renal disease was shorter in ME patients compared to E patients ( P < 0.0001 and P < 0.05, respectively). While proteinuria measured at month 12 accurately predicted a serum creatinine value of less than 1 mg/dl at 7 years in E patients, this was not the case in the ME group, in whom serum creatinine at month 12 performed better. Conclusion Despite a similar disease profile at onset, the prognosis of lupus nephritis is more severe in Maghrebians living in Europe compared to native Europeans, with a higher relapse rate.
Rigor in Gaming for Design: Conditions for Transfer Between Game and Reality
Authors: Raghothama Jayanth , Meijer Sebastiaan 
Published: April 2018

Background. The increasing cognizance of complexity in systems has brought into focus important questions about the methods and tools we use to address them. Games for design, where games and computer simulations are used together to create concrete and tangible designs in a pluralistic way, with multiple stakeholders within the game is a new area for simulation gaming. Aim. In this article about gaming for design, embedded in the design science approach towards game science, we raise important philosophical questions about this new area, as well as attempt to address practical questions at the application level. We attempt to bridge the analytical science and design science approaches to games, and analyze them through meta-constructs of games such as fidelity, abstraction and resolution. Results. Results from two applications, through analysis of game play and debriefing of game sessions from two applications, COMPLEX and ProtoWorld are gathered and analyzed to understand the respresentational requirements for simulations and games. Conclusion. Results point to the need for rigor in gaming, particularly when modeling reference systems and rigor in assessing effects, both during game play and while debriefing. Results also point to expanded definitions of meta-constructs of games, as well as to their linked nature.
Evaluation of a modified Cheatham-Platinum stent for the treatment of aortic coarctation by finite element modelling
Authors: Burkhardt Barbara EU , Byrne Nicholas , Velasco Forte Marí Nieves , Iannaccone Francesco , De Beule Matthieu , Morgan Gareth J , Hussain Tarique 
Published: April 2018

Objectives Stent implantation for the treatment of aortic coarctation has become a standard approach for the management of older children and adults. Criteria for optimal stent design and construction remain undefined. This study used computational modelling to compare the performance of two generations of the Cheatham-Platinum stent (NuMED, Hopkinton, NY, USA) deployed in aortic coarctation using finite element analysis. Design Three-dimensional models of both stents, reverse engineered from microCT scans, were implanted in the aortic model of one representative patient. They were virtually expanded in the vessel with a 16 mm balloon and a pressure of 2 atm. Results The conventional stent foreshortened to 96.5% of its initial length, whereas the new stent to 99.2% of its initial length. Diameters in 15 slices across the conventional stent were 11.6–15 mm (median 14.2 mm) and slightly higher across the new stent: 10.7–15.3 mm (median 14.5 mm) (p= 0.021). Apposition to the vessel wall was similar: conventional stent 31.1% and new stent 28.6% of total stent area. Conclusions The new design Cheatham-Platinum stent showed similar deployment results compared to the conventional design. The new stent design showed slightly higher expansion, using the same delivery balloon. Patient-specific computational models can be used for virtual implantation of new aortic stents and promise to inform subsequent in vivo trials.
Addressing palliative and end-of-life care needs with Native American elders
Authors: Isaacson Mary J 
Published: April 2018

Background: Life-limiting illness plagues Native Americans, yet access to palliative and end-of-life care, including hospice care, is severely limited. Aim: This study aimed to explore palliative and hospice care with Native American elders and tribal health educators on a Northern Plains reservation in the US. Methods: Using a community-based participatory approach, participants discussed the cultural acceptability of palliative and hospice care in their tribal community. Monthly talking circles were held over a 5-month period. Results: Opportunities were present for improving cultural awareness and advance directive education to elders. Challenges raised were related to infrastructure, tribal government and the Indian Health Service. Needs identified included cultural awareness and language education for health-care providers and advance directive education. Conclusion: Community-based participatory research is useful when working with indigenous populations. Health professionals providing services to Native American communities must embrace cultural differences, seeking to learn from the culture itself how to best meet its people's needs.
Family members' experiences of care of the dying in residential care homes where the Liverpool Care Pathway was used
Authors: Andersson Sofia , Lindqvist Olav , Fürst Carl-Johan , Brännström Margareta 
Published: April 2018

Background: Residential care homes (RCHs) are increasingly becoming a common place of death for older people. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe family members' experiences of care of the dying in RCHs where the Liverpool care pathway for the dying patient was used. Methods: This study had a descriptive qualitative study design. Fifteen (n=15) individual interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The analysis resulted in three themes: being confident in a familiar and warm atmosphere, being involved vs not being involved in end-of-life (EoL) care, and being consoled by witnessing the health professional's endeavour to relieve suffering. Significance of results: The results indicated that taking part in a care plan seems to increase family members' feelings of involvement in EoL care. This study also highlights the family members' needs for increased possibilities for EoL discussions with the GP.
Instante y situación. Problematización de la relación entre instante y situación en torno a Ser y tiempo de Martin Heidegger
Authors: Garrido Maturano Ángel Enrique 
Published: April 2018

El artículo problematiza el concepto de instante en la obra temprana de M. Heidegger, particularmente Ser y tiempo. La problematización se propone, en primer lugar, mostrar en qué medida no es el instante como mirada quien abre la situación, sino la situación, como espacio de concernencia, quien posibilita el instante. En segundo, elucida el instante como un fenómeno responsivo y lo vincula a un acontecimiento repentino, decisivo y alterador que configura la situación a la que responde. En tercero, muestra cómo el instante repercute en la eclosión de la situación. Finalmente, determina el carácter esencialmente espacio-temporal del fenómeno.
SPECIAL ASPECTS OF IMPLANTATION OF A HEART PUMP SUPPORT SYSTEM AVK-N AS A «BRIDGE» TO HEART TRANSPLANTATION
Authors: Khalilulin T. A. , Zacharevich V. M. , Poptsov V. N. , Itkin G. P. , Shevchenko A. O. , Saitgareev R. Sh. , Goltz A. M. , Zakiryanov A. R. , Koloskova N. N. , Abramova N. N. , Zacharevich N. Y. , Nikitina E. A. , Danilina M. A. , Gautier S. V. 
Published: April 2018

Aim:to develop an optimal surgical tactic for implantation of “AVK-N” system as a “bridge” to heart transplantation.Materials and methods.17 patients were included. They were operated in the period from 2012 to October 2017 in Federal State Budgetary Institution «V.I. Shumakov National Medical Research Center of Transplantology and Artifi cial Organs». A tiny implantable system «Portable device for assisting cardiac circulation» (AVK-N; Russia) was used for replacing the pumping function of the left ventricle. All patients were examined according to the program of potential recipients for heart transplantation, before the applying of prolonged mechanical circulatory support. Among the operated patients there were 16 (94.1%) men and 1 (5.9%) woman, the average age was 52.64 ± 10.56 (from 33 to 67 years). All patients had congestive heart failure III–IV functional class according to NYHA, refractory to optimal drug therapy. Heart failure was triggered by dilated cardiomyopathy in 12 (70,58%) cases, and by postinfarction systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle in 5 (29,42%). Implantation of «AVK-N» system was performed to potential recipients of the donor heart with terminal stage of CHF with a decrease in LV ejection fraction up to 10%.Results.As a result of this study there were developed several technological aspects facilitating the subsequent heart transplantation.Conclusion.Our experience in optimizing the surgical tactics of the “AVK-N” system implantation as a bridge to heart transplantation, demonstrated the possibility and safety of its active use in both patients with terminal heart failure on the waiting list of heart transplantation and patients having temporary contraindications to HTX.
10-YEAR HEART TRANSPLANTATION EXPERIENCE IN NOVOSIBIRSK
Authors: Chernyavskiy A. M. , Doronin D. V. , Fomichev A. V. , Osipov D. E. , Shmyrev V. A. , Karaskov A. M. 
Published: April 2018

Aim:to show the analysis of 10-year heart transplantation experience, the main complications and problems of the heart transplantation evaluation. Materials and methods.66 orthotopic heart transplantations were performed in patients with terminal chronic heart failure in our clinic since 2008. The heart failure causes were dilated cardiomyopathy in 46 cases (70%), postinfarction cardiosclerosis in 20 cases (30%). The recipients were 59 men (89%) and 7 women (11%), the average age was 46 ± 10 years. All patients had a severe left heart dilatation and critical left ventricular systolic dysfunction (left ventricular EDV 283 ± 58 ml, left ventricular ejection fraction 17 ± 5%, cardiac index 1.5 ± 0.3 l/min/m2). In some recipients, heart transplantation is performed in the second stage after preliminary implantation of mechanical circulatory support systems (LVAD, BVAD). The fi rst heart transplantations were performed using the biatrial technique (8 cases (12%)), the others were performed using the bicaval technique (58 cases (88%)). After the operation, patients received a three-component immunosuppressive therapy: the inhibitors of calcineurin, mycophenolate and corticosteroids.Results.54 patients (82%) were discharged from the clinic after heart transplantation. The hospital mortality was 12 recipients (18%). The mortality in the long-term period was 10 recipients (15%). The hospital mortality cases were acute graft dysfunction in 5 cases (42%), infectious-septic complications in 4 cases (33%), massive intraoperative bleeding in 2 cases (17%), and total thrombosis of pulmonary artery in 1 case (8%). The death causes in the long-term period were acute transplant rejection in 4 cases (40%), coronary artery disease of the transplanted heart in 3 cases (30%), Kaposi’s sarcoma in 1 case (10%), lung cancer in 1 case (10%), and viral pneumonia in 1 case (10%).Conclusion.Over a 10-year period, we have gained a lot of experience in heart transplantation; the procedures complications have been studied; the stages of preservation, harvesting and transportation of the donor heart, operative technique and postoperative treatment of patients have been improved to avoid complications in the early and long-term postoperative period.