bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the Pediatric NEXUS II Head Computed Tomography Decision Instrument for Selective Imaging of Pediatric Patients with Blunt Head Trauma
Authors: Gupta Malkeet , Mower William R. , Rodriguez Robert M. , Hendey Gregory W. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundData suggest that clinicians, when evaluating pediatric patients with blunt head trauma, may be overordering head computed tomography (CT). Prior decision instruments (DIs) aimed at aiding clinicians in safely forgoing CTs may be paradoxically increasing CT utilization. This study evaluated a novel DI that aims for high sensitivity while also improving specificity over prior instruments.MethodsWe conducted a planned secondary analysis of the NEXUS Head CT DI among patients less than 18 years old. The rule required patients satisfy seven criteria to achieve “low‐risk” classification. Patients were assigned “high‐risk” status if they fail to meet one or more criteria. Our primary outcome was the ability of the rule to identify all patients requiring neurosurgical intervention.ResultsThe study enrolled 1,018 blunt head injury pediatric patients. The DI assigned high‐risk status to 27 of 27 patients requiring neurosurgical intervention (sensitivity = 100.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 87.2%–100%]). The instrument assigned low‐risk status to 330 of 991 patients who did not require neurosurgical intervention (specificity = 33.3%, 95% CI = 30.3%–36.3%). None of the 991 low‐risk patients required neurosurgical intervention (negative predictive value [NPV] = 100%, 95% CI = 99.6%–100%). The DI correctly assigned high‐risk status to 48 of the 49 patients with significant intracranial injuries, yielding a sensitivity of 98.0% (95% CI = 89.1%–99.9%). The instrument assigned low‐risk status to 329 of 969 patients who did not have significant injuries to yield a specificity of 34.0% (95% CI = 31.0%–37.0%). Significant injuries were absent in 329 of the 330 patients assigned low‐risk status to yield a NPV of 99.7% (95% CI = 98.3%–100%).ConclusionsThe Pediatric NEXUS Head CT DI reliably identifies blunt trauma patients who require head CT imaging and could significantly reduce the use of CT imaging.
Developmental stability of foraging behavior: evaluating suitability of captive giant pandas for translocation
Authors: Swaisgood R. R. , Martin‐Wintle M. S. , Owen M. A. , Zhou X. , Zhang H. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe behavioral competence of captive‐bred individuals – an important source population for translocation programs – may differ from that of wild‐born individuals and these differences may influence post‐release survival. Some behaviors will be more robust, or developmentally stable, than others in the face of the environmental novelties of captivity. Here, we investigated developmental stability of foraging behavior by quantifying bamboo feeding behavior in captive‐bred and wild‐born giant pandas, Ailuropoda melanleuca. As an energy‐limited species adapted to a low‐nutrition diet, any reductions in feeding efficiency may compromise post‐release survival. Using video of 22 captive pandas, we measured several components of the panda's elaborate bamboo feeding behavior repertoire. We found that captive‐born and wild‐born pandas displayed the same repertoire of feeding behaviors, suggesting developmental stability in these motor patterns, but that they employed them differently with different parts of the bamboo. Captive‐born pandas devoted less time and effort to handling and chewing leaves while allocating more effort to the consumption of large culms than did wild‐born pandas. Captive‐born pandas also handled small culm and stripped small culms to prepare them for consumption less often than did wild‐born pandas. All of these behavioral differences indicate that wild‐born pandas in captivity behave in a manner more similar to wild pandas, and focus their behavioral effort on more nutritious bamboo. Thus, these aspects of captive‐born panda feeding behavior may be compromised, and were not developmentally stable in the captive environment. These behavioral differences are cause for concern and should be the subject of future study to determine whether they forecast compromised fitness in translocations. Evaluating developmental stability and behavioral competence should be a key component of captive‐release translocation programs, serving to guide pre‐release training and selection of individuals to be released.
68Ga‐PSMA‐PET/CT staging prior to definitive radiation treatment for prostate cancer
Authors: Hruby George , Eade Thomas , Emmett Louise , Ho Bao , Hsiao Ed , Schembri Geoff , Guo Linxin , Kwong Carolyn , Hunter Julia , Byrne Keelan , Kneebone Andrew 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAimTo explore the utility of prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA)‐positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in addition to conventional imaging prior to definitive external beam radiation treatment (EBRT) for prostate cancer.MethodsAll men undergoing PSMA‐PET/CT prior to definitive EBRT for intermediate and high‐risk prostate cancer were included in our ethics approved prospective database. For each patient, clinical and pathological results, in addition to scan results including site of PSMA positive disease and number of lesions, were recorded. Results of conventional imaging (bone scan, CT and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) were reviewed and included.ResultsOne hundred nine men underwent staging PSMA‐PET/CT between May 2015 and June 2017; all patients had national comprehensive cancer network (NCCN) intermediate or high‐risk prostate cancer and 87% had Gleason score (GS) 4 + 3 or higher. There was positive uptake corresponding to the primary in 108, equivocal in one. All patients with image detected nodal or bony lesions had GS 4 + 3 or more disease. Compared to conventional imaging with bone scan, CT and multiparametric MRI, PSMA‐PET/CT upstaged an additional 7 patients (6.4%) from M0 to M1, 16 from N0M0 to N1M0 (14.7%) and downstaged 3 (2.8%) from M1 to M0 disease.ConclusionPSMA‐PET/CT identified the primary in 99% of patients, and altered staging in 21% of men with intermediate or high‐risk prostate cancer referred for definitive EBRT compared to CT, bone scan and multiparametric MRI. Following this audit, we recommend the routine use of PSMA‐PET/CT prior to EBRT in this patient group.
Ethnic Ties in US Venture Capital Stage Financing
Authors: Ding Na 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis paper examines the effect of ethnic ties on venture capital (VC) stage financing in the US market. After dealing with the endogeneity problem, the paper shows that VC investors who share ethnicity with an entrepreneur tend to finance the company using a smaller number of rounds, longer durations between successive rounds, and a larger amount in each round. The effect is more pronounced when the startup company and the VC firm are not located in the same city or the VCs lack industry‐specific expertise. My findings also suggest that such trust due to co‐ethnicity leads to bad investment performance.
Maternal deaths from hypertensive disorders: lessons learnt
Authors: Nyfløt Lill T. , Ellingsen Liv , Yli Branka M. , Øian Pål , Vangen Siri 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIntroductionHypertensive disorders of pregnancy have been the most frequent cause of maternal death in Norway since 1996 and are strongly associated with substandard care. In the UK, the number of maternal deaths due to hypertensive disorders has decreased drastically due to the implementation of updated guidelines, indicating a potential for reducing the number of deaths in other countries as well. Through audits of maternal deaths, we aim to prevent future deaths from hypertensive disorders in pregnancy by identifying suboptimal factors in treatment.Material and methodsMaternal deaths in Norway from 1996 to 2014 were identified through linked registries. The Norwegian Maternal Mortality Audit Group performed all case assessments included in this study, classified the cause of death, evaluated the treatment, and identified suboptimal factors to care in each case. Emphasis was placed on antihypertensive treatment, timing of delivery, stabilization before delivery, and quality of care. Learning points were prepared to improve the treatment of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.ResultsWe identified 74 maternal deaths. The maternal mortality rate was 6.5 deaths per 100 000 live births. The most common cause of death was hypertensive disorders (n = 16 deaths). In 14 of these deaths (87%), the audit group concluded that improvements to care could have made a difference to the outcome.ConclusionsIn 1996–2014, hypertensive disorders were the most common cause of maternal death in Norway. Our study indicates that such deaths can be prevented by improvements in antihypertensive treatment and the timing of delivery.
Generic velpatasvir plus sofosbuvir for hepatitis C virus infection in patients with or without human immunodeficiency virus coinfection
Authors: Liu C.‐H. , Sun H.‐Y. , Liu C.‐J. , Sheng W.‐H. , Hsieh S.‐M. , Lo Y.‐C. , Liu W.‐C. , Su T.‐H. , Yang H.‐C. , Hong C.‐M. , Tseng T.‐C. , Chen P.‐J. , Chen D.‐S. , Hung C.‐C. , Kao J.‐H. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryBackgroundData are limited regarding the effectiveness and safety of generic velpatasvir plus sofosbuvir (VEL/SOF) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in patients with or without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection.AimTo evaluate the effectiveness and safety of generic VEL/SOF‐based therapy for HCV infection in patients with or without HIV coinfection in Taiwan.MethodsSixty‐nine HIV/HCV‐coinfected and 159 HCV‐monoinfected patients receiving 12 weeks of generic VEL/SOF with or without ribavirin (RBV) for HCV were prospectively enrolled. The anti‐viral responses and the adverse events (AEs) were compared between the two groups. The characteristics potentially related to sustained virological response 12 weeks off therapy (SVR12) were analysed.ResultsThe SVR12 was achieved in 67 HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients (97.1%; 95% CI: 90.0%‐99.2%) and in 156 HCV‐monoinfected patients (98.1%; 95% CI: 94.6%‐99.4%) receiving VEL/SOF‐based therapy, respectively. The SVR12 rates were comparable between HIV/HCV‐coinfected and HCV‐monoinfected patients, regardless of pre‐specified baseline characteristics. One hundred twenty‐two (53.5%) and seven (3.1%) patients had baseline resistance‐associated substitutions (RASs) in HCV NS5A and NS5B regions, but the SVR12 rates were not affected by the presence or absence of RASs. One (1.4%) and five (3.1%) patients in the HIV/HCV‐coinfected and HCV‐monoinfected groups had serious AEs. No patient died or discontinued treatment due to AEs. The eGFR remained stable throughout the course of treatment in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients receiving anti‐retroviral therapy containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF).ConclusionsGeneric VEL/SOF‐based therapy is well‐tolerated and provides comparably high SVR12 rates for HCV infection in patients with and without HIV coinfection.
Discovery, characterization and clinical utility of prostaglandin agonists for the treatment of glaucoma
Authors: Klimko Peter G , Sharif Najam A 
Published: April 2018

Topical ophthalmic formulations of analogues of the endogenous arachidonic acid cyclooxygenase metabolite, PGF2α, are the standard of care treatment for the blinding disease glaucoma. These are the most potent and efficacious medical therapies for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP), the most important risk factor identified for disease progression. They have few side effects and offer the convenience of once‐a‐day dosing. It was initially believed that endogenous PGs raised IOP and caused substantial ocular surface adverse effects. However, carefully designed experiments demonstrated that esterification of the carboxylic acid afforded potent and efficacious topical ocular hypotensive activity. The final hurdle to be overcome was improvement of the side effect profile. A hypothesis was advanced that the IOP‐lowering effect of PGF2α isopropyl ester was due to activation of its cognate PG‐FP receptor, while side effects were largely due to promiscuous interaction with other PG receptors. This hypothesis was validated by modification of the ω chain (carbons 13–20) to a phenyl group. This provided the first marketed FP‐class PG agonist analogue (FP‐PGA) ocular hypotensive agent, latanoprost. Since the introduction of latanoprost into clinical medicine to lower and control IOP, a number of additional FP‐PGAs have been discovered, characterized and marketed, including travoprost, tafluprost, unoprostone isopropyl ester and bimatoprost (an amide).Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Eicosanoids 35 years from the 1982 Nobel: where are we now? To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.8/issuetoc
Analogue synthesis reveals decoupling of antibiofilm and β‐lactam potentiation activities of a lead 2‐aminoimidazole adjuvant against Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Martin Sara E. , Nguyen Catherine M. , Basaraba Randall J. , Melander Christian 
Published: April 2018

Biofilm formation is one of the many mechanisms bacteria utilize to survive antibiotic treatment. It has been demonstrated that when Mycobacterium tuberculosis exists in a biofilm in vitro, it expresses phenotypic resistance to antimicrobial drugs. As the in vivo survival of M. tuberculosis following drug treatment is potentially linked to a biofilm‐like expression of drug tolerance, it is hypothesized that biofilm dispersion should increase antibiotic susceptibility and reduce the duration of the current antibiotic treatment regimen. Previously, we have identified a 2‐aminoimidazole (2‐AI) compound capable of dispersing and inhibiting M. tuberculosis and M. smegmatis biofilms in vitro. Additionally, this compound potentiated the activity of carbenicillin against M. tuberculosis and, to a lesser degree, M. smegmatis. Here, we describe a SAR study on this compound evaluating each derivative for biofilm dispersion and β‐lactam potentiation capabilities against M. smegmatis. This study identified a compound that improved upon the biofilm dispersion capabilities of the lead compound. Interestingly, a different compound was identified with an increased ability to potentiate a subset of β‐lactam antibiotics. These compounds indicate that biofilm dispersion and potentiation capabilities may not be associated.
Proteomic analysis of serum and sputum analytes distinguishes controlled and poorly controlled asthmatics
Authors: Kasaian M. T. , Lee J. , Brennan A. , Danto S. I. , Black K. E. , Fitz L. , Dixon A. E. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryBackgroundA major goal of asthma therapy is to achieve disease control, with maintenance of lung function, reduced need for rescue medication, and prevention of exacerbation. Despite current standard of care, up to 70% of patients with asthma remain poorly controlled. Analysis of serum and sputum biomarkers could offer insights into parameters associated with poor asthma control.ObjectiveTo identify signatures as determinants of asthma disease control, we performed proteomics using Olink proximity extension analysis.MethodsUp to 3 longitudinal serum samples were collected from 23 controlled and 25 poorly controlled asthmatics. Nine of the controlled and 8 of the poorly controlled subjects also provided 2 longitudinal sputum samples. The study included an additional cohort of 9 subjects whose serum was collected within 48 hours of asthma exacerbation. Two separate pre‐defined Proseek Multiplex panels (INF and CVDIII) were run to quantify 181 separate protein analytes in serum and sputum.ResultsPanels consisting of 9 markers in serum (CCL19, CCL25, CDCP1, CCL11, FGF21, FGF23, Flt3L, IL‐10Rβ, IL‐6) and 16 markers in sputum (tPA, KLK6, RETN, ADA, MMP9, Chit1, GRN, PGLYRP1, MPO, HGF, PRTN3, DNER, PI3, Chi3L1, AZU1, and OPG) distinguished controlled and poorly controlled asthmatics. The sputum analytes were consistent with a pattern of neutrophil activation associated with poor asthma control. The serum analyte profile of the exacerbation cohort resembled that of the controlled group rather than that of the poorly controlled asthmatics, possibly reflecting a therapeutic response to systemic corticosteroids.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceProteomic profiles in serum and sputum distinguished controlled and poorly controlled asthmatics, and were maintained over time. Findings support a link between sputum neutrophil markers and loss of asthma control.
Transmedia Storytelling and Its Natural Application in Museums. The Case of the Bosch Project at the Museo Nacional del Prado
Authors: Mateos‐Rusillo Santos M. , Gifreu‐Castells Arnau 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn the last decade, transmedia storytelling has burst into the fiction and nonfiction worlds. Stories are now told and expanded through different media and platforms, both analogue and digital. Although museums do not as yet use the adjective ‘transmedia’ to describe their stories, they have been applying the concept naturally for decades. Here we reflect on the traditional modus operandis of museums and determine how close it is to the dictates of transmedia storytelling by analysing the Bosch project of the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid (Spain).
Human periodontal fibroblasts viability stored in Custodiol®, coconut water, and propolis. An ex vivo study
Authors: Awawdeh Lama , Haimour Rana Naman , Al‐Jundi Suhad Hussein , Al‐Qaoud Khaled 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackground/AimsSuccessful replantation of an avulsed tooth depends on the regeneration of periodontal ligament (PDL) attachment which is affected by the transport medium, dry time, and storage time. Various storage media have been studied but the search for the optimum storage medium is still needed to determine the ideal material and storage time to maintainPDLcells. The aim of this study was to determine the ability of Custodiol®, coconut water (CW) from different stages of maturity, and propolis as storage media for avulsed teeth by evaluating the viability ofPDLcells for different time intervals.Materials and MethodsPDLcultures were subjected to Cutodiol®, immature, half mature, and mature coconut water, and different concentrations of propolis in Dulbecco's Modified Eagles Medium (DMEM). Culture plates with the tested media were incubated for 1, 2, 6, 24, 48, 72, and 168 hour.PDLfibroblast cell viability was assessed byMTTassay.ResultsCW showed significantly higher viability of cells than other groups at 6 hour with half mature CW being superior. Propolis at 6.25 mg/mLinDMEMresulted in 138% viablePDLand it was able to preservePDLcells for up to 168 hour.ConclusionsHalf mature and mature CW are superior storage media if replantation of avulsed teeth is within 6 hour. Propolis inDMEMcould be a potential storage media for prolonged storage intervals up to 48 hour.
Use of negative pressure wound therapy in three horses with open, infected olecranon bursitis
Authors: Elce Y. A. , Ruzickova P. , Almeida da Silveira E. , Laverty S. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryThis article describes the clinical use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in three horses with an open and infected subcutaneous olecranon bursa, in which prior surgical excision followed by primary closure was unsuccessful. The wounds filled in rapidly with granulation tissue and contracted during therapy. All wounds subsequently went on to heal without complications. The use of NPWT was well tolerated in all three horses and facilitated healing in a difficult area.
Contracting for care – the construction of the farrier role in supporting horse owners to prevent laminitis
Authors: Lynden J. , Ogden J. , Hollands T. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryBackgroundEmerging research highlights how, due to demographic changes in horse owner populations in Western societies, complex owner–horse relationships are leading to inappropriate horse care, including overnutrition, which in turn can lead to laminitis. Farriers, due to their regular visits, may be in a position to support owners in dealing with this problem.ObjectivesThis study explored whether UK farriers have a role in working with horse owners to support horse welfare and prevent laminitis.Study designGrounded theory analysis, a qualitative methodology.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 12 farriers and 11 horse owners. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and systematically analysed, using an inductive coding approach.ResultsThe analysis of the farrier and horse owner interview data revealed farriers and horse owners undertake a contracting process leading to either a task‐focussed or holistic care‐focussed approach. Either approach can be satisfactory, but the evidence from this study suggests that when horses are at risk of laminitis, a task‐focussed approach misses important opportunities to prevent it.Main limitationsThis analysis, based on a small sample of participants, was not able to identify the frequency of farriers or horse owners orientating towards different approaches in a way that can be generalised to a wider population. However, the power of grounded theory lies in its inductive design to develop new theory, which can be subsequently tested.ConclusionsFarriers are in a perfect position to support horse owners to prevent laminitis through providing feedback, guidance and advice. However, not all farriers adopt this role and it is not necessary in all contexts. The evidence presented in this study has implications for equine veterinarians and welfare officers in educating horse owners about the value of holistic care‐focussed farriery.
Longitudinal Model Predicting Self‐Concept in Pediatric Chronic Illness
Authors: Emerson Natacha D. , Morrell Holly E. R. , Neece Cameron , Tapanes Daniel , Distelberg Brian 
Published: April 2018

Although self‐concept has been identified as salient to the psychosocial adjustment of adolescents dealing with a chronic illness (CI), little research has focused on its predictors it. Given that depression and parent–child attachment have been linked to self‐concept in the population at large, the goal of this study was to evaluate these relationships longitudinally in a sample of adolescents with CI. Using participant data from the Mastering Each New Direction (MEND) program, a 3‐month psychosocial, family based intensive outpatient program for adolescents with CI, we employed multilevel modeling to test longitudinal changes in self‐concept, as predicted by depressive symptoms and parent–child attachment, in a sample of 50 youths (Mage = 14.56, SDage = 1.82) participating in MEND. Both “time spent in the program” and decreases in depressive symptoms were associated with increases in self‐concept over time. Higher baseline levels of avoidant attachment to both mother and father were also associated with greater initial levels of self‐concept. Targeting depressive symptoms and supporting adaptive changes in attachment may be key to promoting a healthy self‐concept in pediatric CI populations. The association between avoidant attachment and higher baseline self‐concept scores may reflect differences in participants’ autonomy, self‐confidence, or depression. Limitations of the study include variability in the amount of time spent in the program, attrition in final time point measures, and the inability to fully examine and model all potential covariates due to a small sample size (e.g. power).