bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Indirect vs direct assessment of gastric emptying: A randomized crossover trial comparing C‐isotope breath analysis and MRI
Authors: Camps G. , Mars M. , Witteman B. J. M. , de Graaf C. , Smeets P. A. M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundIndirect methods to assess gastric emptying (GE), such as 13C breath tests (BT), are commonly used. However, BT usually use a sampling time of 4+ hours. The current study aims to assess the validity of BT for four liquid meals differing in physicochemical properties. To this aim, we compared them to MRI GE‐measurements.MethodsFifteen healthy males (age 22.6 ± 2.4 years, BMI 22.6 ± 1.8 kg/m2) participated in a randomized 2 × 2 crossover experiment. Test foods were liquid meals, which were either thin/thick and 100/500 kcal, labeled with 100 mg of 13C‐octanoate. GE was measured with MRI and assessed by 13C recovery from breath. Participants were scanned every 10 minutes and at six time points breath samples were collected up to t = 90 minutes. Two curves were fitted to the data to estimate emptying halftime (t50 Ghoos and t50 Bluck). T50 times were ranked per participant and compared between methods.Key ResultsOn average, MRI and BT showed similar t50 rankings for the four liquid meals. In comparison to MRI, t50 Ghoos overestimated, while t50 Bluck underestimated GE time. Moreover, more viscous foods were overestimated. In most participants individual t50 time rankings differed significantly between methods.Conclusions & InferencesBT can assess relative emptying differences on group level and collecting breath data for 90 minutes constitutes a lower burden for participants and the research facility. However, BT has severe shortcomings compared to MRI for individual GE assessment. Notably, food matrix effects should be considered when interpreting the results of BT.
Computed tomography scanning as a tool for linking the skeletal and otolith‐based fossil records of teleost fishes
Authors: Schwarzhans Werner , Beckett Hermione T. , Schein Jason D. , Friedman Matt 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMicro‐computed tomography (μCT) scanning now represents a standard tool for non‐destructive study of internal or concealed structure in fossils. Here we report on otoliths found in situ during routine μCT scanning of three‐dimensionally preserved skulls of Palaeogene and Cretaceous fishes. Comparisons are made with isolated otolith‐based taxa to attempt correlations between the body fossil and otolith fossil records. In situ otoliths previously extracted mechanically from specimens of Apogon macrolepis and Dentex laekeniensis match our μCT models. In some cases, we find a high degree of congruence between previously independent taxonomic placements for otolith and skeletal remains (Rhinocephalus, Osmeroides, Hoplopteryx). Unexpectedly, in situ otoliths of the aulopiform Apateodus match isolated otoliths of Late Cretaceous age previously interpreted as belonging to gempylids, a group of percomorph fishes that do not appear in the body fossil record until the Palaeogene. This striking example of convergence suggests constraints on otolith geometry in pelagic predators. The otoliths of Apateodus show a primitive geometry for aulopiforms and lack the derived features of Alepisauroidea, the lizardfish clade to which the genus is often attributed. In situ otoliths of Early Cretaceous fishes (Apsopelix and an unidentified taxon) are not well preserved, and we are unable to identify clear correlations with isolated otolith morphologies. We conclude that the preservation of otoliths suitable for μCT scanning appears to be intimately connected with the taphonomic history, lithological characteristics of surrounding matrix, and syn‐ and postdepositional diagenetic effects.
GRAPHOS – open‐source software for photogrammetric applications
Authors: Gonzalez‐Aguilera D. , López‐Fernández L. , Rodriguez‐Gonzalvez P. , Hernandez‐Lopez D. , Guerrero D. , Remondino F. , Menna F. , Nocerino E. , Toschi I. , Ballabeni A. , Gaiani M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis paper reports the latest developments for the photogrammetric open‐source tool called GRAPHOS (inteGRAted PHOtogrammetric Suite). GRAPHOS includes some recent innovations in the image‐based 3D reconstruction pipeline, from automatic feature detection/description and network orientation to dense image matching and quality control. GRAPHOS also has a strong educational component beyond its automated processing functions, reinforced with tutorials and didactic explanations about algorithms and performance. The paper highlights recent developments carried out at different levels: graphical user interface (GUI), didactic simulators for image processing, photogrammetric processing with weight parameters, dataset creation and system evaluation.
Soft‐tissue dehiscence coverage at peri‐implant sites
Authors: Mazzotti Claudio , Stefanini Martina , Felice Pietro , Bentivogli Valentina , Mounssif Ilham , Zucchelli Giovanni 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSoft‐tissue dehiscence at the facial aspect of an osteointegrated implant is a common complication which impacts on the final esthetic result. The etiology and ways of diagnosing this condition are still controversial. Many factors seem to influence the position of the peri‐implant soft‐tissue margin, and some of these have been studied more carefully than others. Various surgical and combination surgical‐prosthetic approaches have been described to treat soft‐tissue dehiscence, with the latter appearing to be more predictable. This paper focuses on the factors affecting peri‐implant soft‐tissue margins and describes the different treatment approaches, reported in the literature, to treat buccal soft‐tissue dehiscence, with more focus on the prosthetic–surgical–prosthetic approach.
Follicular fluid stimulates capacitation and acrosome reaction in alpaca sperm (Vicugna pacos)
Authors: Bravo Z , Valdivia M 
Published: February 2018

ContentsThe follicular fluid exerts an effect on the sperm capacitation of several species; however, these effects vary according to species, both in the sperm motility and in the subsequent acrosome reaction. In this study, the effect of alpaca follicular fluid (aFF) on the motility and acrosome reaction of alpaca spermatozoa was observed, using follicular fluid of three follicle sizes: small (<3 mm), medium (3‐6 mm) and large (>6 mm), in a concentration of 30%. Sperm motility at the first hour of incubation with aFF of small follicles was 48.0%, with aFF of medium follicles it was 43.33% and with aFF of large follicles, it was 34.53%, while control averaged 26.00%. At the second hour, control achieved an average of 28.13%, treatment with aFF from small follicles showed an average of 46.53%, with aFF from medium follicles it was 40.00% and with aFF from large follicles it was 35.60%. The acrosome reaction after 4 hours of incubation was 30.06% for control, whereas for aFF of small follicles it was 66.3%, with aFF of medium follicles it was 58.86% and for aFF of large follicles, it was 67.63%. In the case of sperm motility, a significant difference is demonstrated for all treatments in relation to the control at the first hour, whereas only the treatments with aFF of small and medium follicles show a significant difference with respect to the control at the second hour. In the case of the acrosome reaction, all treatments with follicular fluid show a significant difference with respect to the control. It was concluded that alpaca follicular fluid favours sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction in alpaca spermatozoa.
High strain rate out‐of‐plane compression of birch plywood from ambient to cryogenic temperatures
Authors: Caetano L. , Grolleau V. , Galpin B. , Penin A. , Capdeville J.‐D. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAn extensive series of compression tests with birch plywood specimens is conducted in the out‐of‐plane direction. Various experimental conditions are tested with different temperatures and strain rates. To this end, a specially designed Split Hopkinson pressure bar protocol is defined, and the specimen dimensions are validated from quasi‐static EN789 standards experiments. Temperatures are ranging from ambient down to −170°C, while strain rates are increased from 0.004/s up to 700/s. The analysis of the experimental results focuses on the hardening behaviour and the following densification regime at large strains. Evolution with temperature and strain rate of the four coefficients of the stress versus strain curve interpolation is discussed, and models are proposed.
Systematic review of strategies to increase access to health services among children over five in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Bright Tess , Felix Lambert , Kuper Hannah , Polack Sarah 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe populations of many low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC) are young. Despite progress made towards achieving Universal Health Coverage and remarkable health gains, evidence suggests that many children in LMIC are still not accessing needed healthcare services. Delayed or lack of access to health services can lead to a worsening of health and can in turn negatively impact a child's ability to attend school, and future employment opportunities.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review to assess the effectiveness of interventions aimed at increasing access to health services for children over 5 years in LMIC settings. Four electronic databases were searched in March 2017. Studies were included if they evaluated interventions that aimed to increase: healthcare utilisation, immunisation uptake and compliance with medication/referral. Randomised controlled trials and non‐randomised study designs were included in the review. Data extraction included study characteristics, intervention type and measures of access to health services for children above 5 years of age. Study outcomes were classified as positive, negative, mixed or null in terms of their impact on access outcomes.ResultsTen studies met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Interventions were evaluated in Nicaragua (1), Brazil (1), Turkey (1), India (1), China (1), Uganda (1), Ghana (1), Nigeria (1), South Africa (1) and Swaziland (1). Intervention types included education (2), incentives (1), outreach (1), SMS/phone call reminders (2) and multicomponent interventions (4). All evaluations reported positive findings on measured health access outcomes; however, the quality and strength of evidence were mixed.ConclusionThis review provides evidence of the range of interventions that were used to increase healthcare access for children above 5 years old in LMIC. Nevertheless, further research is needed to examine each of the identified intervention types and the influence of contextual factors, with robust study designs. There is also a need to assess the cost‐effectiveness of the interventions to inform decision‐makers on which are suitable for scale‐up in their particular contexts.
A unique major histocompatibility complex Class II–binding register correlates with HLA‐DR11–associated immunogenicity of the major K blood group antigen
Authors: Gunasekera Devi , Zimring James C. , Pratt Kathleen P. 
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUNDKell is a glycoprotein expressed on red blood cells (RBCs). Its K and k variants contain either Met (K antigen) or Thr (k antigen) at Position 193, respectively. Development of anti‐K after K‐mismatched antigen exposure via blood transfusions or pregnancy can destroy RBCs, leading to hemolytic transfusion reactions and hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. The immunogenicity of overlapping 15‐mer Kell peptides with M193 or T193 at every possible position was investigated previously. Interestingly, Peptide W179 to M193, with the polymorphic M193T residue at the peptide's C‐terminus, was the most effective at stimulating CD4 T cells from a series of K‐immunized women.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThis study investigates the basis for HLA restriction of anti‐K immune responses. Major histocompatibility complex Class II (MHCII)‐binding prediction algorithms and quantitative peptide–MHCII‐binding assays were employed to determine the binding registers; anchor residues; and affinities of wild‐type, truncated, and sequence‐modified K and k peptides. Predictions were generated using Immune Epitope Database and ProPred algorithms. Competitive peptide–MHCII‐binding assays utilized 12 recombinant HLA‐DR proteins, K and k peptides, and high‐affinity MHCII‐restricted reference peptides.RESULTSThe peptide–MHCII‐binding assays identified a unique K peptide–binding register (W179‐S187) restricted to HLA‐DRB1*11:01, in addition to partially overlapping binding registers that included the K/k M193T polymorphic site and that bound promiscuously to multiple HLA‐DR proteins.CONCLUSIONThree partially overlapping MHCII‐binding motifs for HLA‐DRB1*11:01 result in high‐avidity K‐peptide binding, which may contribute to HLA‐DR11‐restricted immunogenicity associated with the K allele.
Ceftriaxone‐induced drug reaction mimicking acute splenic sequestration crisis in a child with hemoglobin SC disease
Authors: Van Buren Nancy L. , Gorlin Jed B. , Reed Robyn C. , Gottschall Jerome L. , Nelson Stephen C. 
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUNDAcute splenic sequestration crisis is a complication of sickle cell disease (SCD) occurring when intrasplenic red blood cell (RBC) sickling prevents blood from leaving the spleen, causing acute splenic enlargement. Although typically seen in young children, it has been reported in older children with hemoglobin (Hb)SC disease, eventually resulting in functional asplenia. Ceftriaxone is a frequently used antibiotic of choice for children with SCD, because of its efficacy against invasive pneumococcal disease.CASE REPORTWe report a case of a 9‐year‐old female with HbSC disease, who had a fatal reaction after receiving a dose of ceftriaxone in the outpatient clinic for fever. Her Hb level decreased abruptly from 9.3 to 2.3 mg/dL. RBC clumps with no visible hemolysis were observed in the postreaction sample. Autopsy examination revealed marked splenomegaly with acute congestion and sickled cells in the spleen and liver. Serologic testing revealed a positive direct antiglobulin test with polyspecific antibody, anti‐C3, and anti‐C3d, but negative with anti‐immunoglobulin G. Ceftriaxone‐dependent RBC antibodies were detected in her serum and RBC eluate when tested in the presence of the drug.CONCLUSIONWe report a new presentation of ceftriaxone‐induced drug reaction in a patient with SCD mimicking an acute splenic sequestration crisis. Review of the literature for cases of ceftriaxone‐induced drug reactions in pediatric patients revealed nine previously reported cases of ceftriaxone‐induced immune hemolytic anemia in children with SCD since 1995, but none with an initial presentation suggestive of acute splenic sequestration crisis.
Treatment with Atorvastatin Provides Additional Benefits to Imipenem in a Model of Gram-Negative Pneumonia Induced by Klebsiella pneumoniae in Mice
Authors: de Paula Talles Prosperi , Santos Patrícia Campi , Arifa Raquel Duque do Nascimento , Vieira Angélica T. , Baltazar Ludmila de Matos , Ávila Thiago Vinícius , Fagundes Caio Tavares , Garcia Zélia Menezes , Lima Renata Lacerda , Teixeira Mauro Martins , Souza Danielle G. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTThe clinical pathogenKlebsiella pneumoniaeis a relevant cause of nosocomial infections, and resistance to current treatment with carbapenem antibiotics is becoming a significant problem. Statins are inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) used for controlling plasma cholesterol levels. There is clinical evidence showing other effects of statins, including decrease of lung inflammation. In the current study, we show that pretreatment with atorvastatin markedly attenuated lung injury, which was correlated with a reduction in the cellular influx into the alveolar space and lungs and downmodulation of the production of proinflammatory mediators in the initial phase of infection in C57BL/6 mice withK. pneumoniae. However, atorvastatin did not alter the number of bacteria in the lungs and blood of infected mice, despite decreasing local inflammatory response. Interestingly, mice that received combined treatment with atorvastatin and imipenem displayed better survival than mice treated with vehicle, atorvastatin, or imipenem alone. These findings suggest that atorvastatin could be an adjuvant in host-directed therapies for multidrug-resistantK. pneumoniae, based on its powerful pleiotropic immunomodulatory effects. Together with antimicrobial approaches, combination therapy with anti-inflammatory compounds could improve the efficiency of therapy during acute lung infections.
Protocol for the health economic evaluation of increasing the weekend specialist to patient ratio in hospitals in England
Authors: Watson Samuel I , Chen Yen-Fu , Bion Julian F , Aldridge Cassie P , Girling Alan , Lilford Richard J 
Published: February 2018

IntroductionThis protocol concerns the evaluation of increased specialist staffing at weekends in hospitals in England. Seven-day health services are a key policy for the UK government and other health systems trying to improve use of infrastructure and resources. A particular motivation for the 7-day policy has been the observed increase in the risk of death associated with weekend admission, which has been attributed to fewer hospital specialists being available at weekends. However, the causes of the weekend effect have not been adequately characterised; many of the excess deaths associated with the ‘weekend effect’ may not be preventable, and the presumed benefits of improved specialist cover might be offset by the cost of implementation.Methods/designThe Bayesian-founded method we propose will consist of four major steps. First, the development of a qualitative causal model. Specialist presence can affect multiple, interacting causal processes. One or more models will be developed from the results of an expert elicitation workshop and probabilities elicited for each model and relevant model parameters. Second, systematic review of the literature. The model from the first step will provide search limits for a review to identify relevant studies. Third, a statistical model for the effects of specialist presence on care quality and patient outcomes. Fourth, valuation of outcomes. The expected net benefits of different levels of specialist intensity will then be evaluated with respect to the posterior distributions of the parameters.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the Review Subcommittee of the South West Wales REC on 11 November 2013. Informed consent was not required for accessing anonymised patient case records from which patient identifiers had been removed. The findings of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals; the outputs from this research will also form part of the project report to the HS&DR Programme Board.
Long-term incidence trends of HPV-related cancers, and cases preventable by HPV vaccination: a registry-based study in Norway
Authors: Hansen Bo T , Campbell Suzanne , Nygård Mari 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesExamine long-term incidence trends of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancer in Norway, and estimate the number of cancer cases preventable by vaccines against HPV 16/18 or HPV 16/18/31/33/45/52/58.DesignObservational registry-based study. We extracted incident cases of HPV-related cancer during 1953–2015 from the Cancer Registry of Norway. Tumour HPV prevalence estimates from large international meta-analyses or from Norway were used to estimate the protective potential of HPV vaccines.Participants and settingThe Norwegian population.Primary outcome measuresIncidence trend analyses during 1953–2015 for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the cervix, vulva, vagina, oropharynx, anus and penis, and adenocarcinoma of the cervix. Additionally, the number of cancer cases preventable by HPV vaccination.ResultsAmong women, incidences of SCC of the anus, oropharynx, vulva and cervical adenocarcinoma increased, while vaginal SCC showed no trend. For these cancers combined, the average annual percentage change (AAPC) during 1953–2015 was 1.2 (95% CI 0.7 to 1.6). The incidence of cervical SCC generally decreased during 1976–2004 and remained stable thereafter. Among men, incidences of SCC of the anus, oropharynx and penis increased. The AAPC during 1953–2015 combined for all male HPV-related cancer was 1.9 (95% CI 1.3 to 2.5). A vaccine against HPV 16/18 might yearly prevent 402 (95% CI 382 to 420) cancers. A vaccine against HPV 16/18/31/33/45/52/58 might yearly prevent 478 (95% CI 464 to 490) cancers, of which 206 (95% CI 202 to 209) occur in non-cervical organs, and 113 (95% CI 110 to 115) occur among men.ConclusionsThe incidences of HPV-related cancers that are not effectively prevented by screening have generally increased during 1953–2015. HPV vaccination can prevent a substantial number of cancers in Norway, in cervical and non-cervical organs, among women and men.
Attitudes and perceptions of health professionals towards management of hypothyroidism in general practice: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Dew Rosie , King Kathryn , Okosieme Onyebuchi E , Pearce Simon H , Donovan Gemma , Taylor Peter N , Hickey Janis , Dayan Colin M , Leese Graham , Razvi Salman , Wilkes Scott 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo explore the attitudes and perceptions of health professionals towards management of hypothyroidism that contributes to the suboptimal treatment of hypothyroidism in general practice.DesignA qualitative interview study using semistructured interviews.ParticipantsSixteen participants were interviewed between March and August 2016 comprising nine general practitioners (GPs), four pharmacists, two practice nurses and one nurse practitioner.SettingGeneral practice and community pharmacies in the counties of Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, Stockton-on-Tees and North Cumbria, North of England, UK.MethodA grounded-theory approach was used to generate themes from interviews, which were underpinned by the theory of planned behaviour to give explanation to the data.ResultsAlthough health professionals felt that hypothyroidism was easy to manage, GPs and nurses generally revealed inadequate knowledge of medication interactions and levothyroxine pharmacokinetics. Pharmacists felt limited in the advice that they provide to patients due to lack of access to patient records. Most GPs and nurses followed local guidelines, and relied on blood tests over clinical symptoms to adjust levothyroxine dose. The information exchanged between professional and patient was usually restricted by time and often centred on symptoms rather than patient education. Health professionals felt that incorrect levothyroxine adherence was the main reason behind suboptimal treatment, although other factors such as comorbidity and concomitant medication were mentioned. Enablers perceived by health professionals to improve the management of hypothyroidism included continuity of care, blood test reminders, system alerts for interfering medications and prescription renewal, and accessible blood tests and levothyroxine prescriptions for patients.ConclusionThere is a significant health professional behavioural component to the management of hypothyroidism. Addressing the differences in patient and professional knowledge and perceptions could reduce the barriers to optimal treatment, while continuity of care and increased involvement of pharmacists and practice nurses would help to promote optimal thyroid replacement.