bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A mole rat’s gut microbiota suggests selective influence of diet on microbial niche space and evolution
Authors: Ren Linda , Holzknecht Robert A , Holzknecht Zoie E , Kotzé Sanet H , Bowles Dawn E , Lin Shu S , McKenney Erin A , Parker William 
Published: February 2019

The coevolution of mammals with their gut microbiota is heavily influenced by diet. Here we investigate the evolution of the gut microbiota in an African mole rat, which has a highly fibrous diet that includes underground storage organs of plants. For this purpose, microbial DNA was isolated from the digesta of a Cape dune mole rat gut, and 23 of 62 partial length 16S rRNA sequences were chosen for full length sequence determination. In addition, V4 regions of 16S rRNA were sequenced using Illumina technology. These sequences were then compared to previously identified sequences in the NCBI and Greengenes databases. Treponeme-related sequences within the mole rat showed evidence of a substantial adaptive radiation, with considerable diversity found within the mole rat (81% minimum sequence identity) as well as substantial divergence (87.3% average sequence identity to nearest neighbor) from previously identified organisms. It also appears likely that Desulfovibrio and several other bacterial clades, but not Clostridia-related organisms, have undergone substantial evolutionary changes during the evolution of mole rats and their ancestors. These findings support the intuitive view that some enteric bacteria can be described as “housekeeping,” with a niche defined by the host gut largely independent of diet. This diet-independent niche space and the microbes occupying it appear to be stable despite substantial alteration of diet-dependent niches and adaptive radiation of microbes occupying those niches. Impact statement The composition of the microbiota is of critical importance for health and disease, and is receiving increased scientific and medical scrutiny. Of particular interest is the role of changing diets as a function of agriculture and, perhaps to an even greater extent, modern food processing. To probe the connection between diet and the gut’s microbial community, the microbiota from a mole rat, a rodent with a relatively unusual diet, was analyzed in detail, and the microbes found were compared with previously identified organisms. The results show evidence of an adaptive radiation of some microbial clades, but relative stability in others. This suggests that the microbiota, like the genome, carries with it housekeeping components as well as other components which can evolve rapidly when the environment changes. This study provides a very broad view of the niche space in the gut and how factors such as diet might influence that niche space.
The effect of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation to improve standing balance performance early post-stroke, study protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zandvliet Sarah B , Meskers Carel GM , Nijland Rinske HM , Daffertshofer Andreas , Kwakkel Gert , van Wegen Erwin EH 
Published: February 2019

Rationale Restoration of adequate standing balance after stroke is of major importance for functional recovery. POstural feedback ThErapy combined with Non-invasive TranscranIAL direct current stimulation (tDCS) in patients with stroke (POTENTIAL) aims to establish if cerebellar tDCS has added value in improving standing balance performance early post-stroke. Methods Forty-six patients with a first-ever ischemic stroke will be enrolled in this double-blind controlled trial within five weeks post-stroke. All patients will receive 15 sessions of virtual reality-based postural feedback training (VR-PFT) in addition to usual care. VR-PFT will be given five days per week for 1 h, starting within five weeks post-stroke. During VR-PFT, 23 patients will receive 25 min of cerebellar anodal tDCS (cb_tDCS), and 23 patients will receive sham stimulation. Study outcome Clinical, posturographic, and neurophysiological measurements will be performed at baseline, directly post-intervention, two weeks post-intervention and at 15 weeks post-stroke. The primary outcome measure will be the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) for which a clinical meaningful difference of six points needs to be established between the intervention and control group at 15 weeks post-stroke. Discussion POTENTIAL will be the first proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial to assess the effects of VR-PFT combined with cerebellar tDCS in terms of standing balance performance in patients early post-stroke. Due to the combined clinical, posturographical and neurophysiological measurements, this trial may give more insights in underlying post-stroke recovery processes and whether these can be influenced by tDCS.
Cost-utility analysis of mechanical thrombectomy between 6 and 24 hours in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Pizzo Elena , Dumba Maureen , Lobotesis Kyriakos 
Published: February 2019

Background Recently, two randomized controlled trials demonstrated the benefit of mechanical thrombectomy performed between 6 and 24 h in acute ischemic stroke. The current economic evidence is supporting the intervention only within 6 h, but extended thrombectomy treatment times may result in better long-term outcomes for a larger cohort of patients. Aims We compared the cost-utility of mechanical thrombectomy in addition to medical treatment versus medical treatment alone performed beyond 6 h from stroke onset in the UK National Health Service (NHS). Methods A cost-utility analysis of mechanical thrombectomy compared to medical treatment was performed using a Markov model that estimates expected costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) over a 20-year time horizon. We present the results of three models using the data from the DEFUSE 3 and DAWN trials and evidence from published sources. Results Over a 20-year period, the incremental cost per QALY of mechanical thrombectomy was $1564 (£1219) when performed after 12 h from onset, $5253 (£4096) after 16 h and $3712 (£2894) after 24 h. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis demonstrated that thrombectomy had a 99.9% probability of being cost-effective at the minimum willingness to pay for a QALY commonly used in the UK. Conclusions The results of this study demonstrate that performing mechanical thrombectomy up to 24 h from acute ischemic stroke symptom onset is still cost-effective, suggesting that this intervention should be implemented by the NHS on the basis of improvement in quality of life as well as economic grounds.
Spontaneous cholecystopleural fistula leading to biliothorax and sepsis in a cat
Authors: VanDeventer Gretchen M , Cuq Benoît Y 
Published: February 2019

Case summary A 13-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat presented with pleural effusion and suspected triaditis. Intake vitals and leukocytosis were consistent with a diagnosis of systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Biochemical analysis confirmed a pleural fluid-to-serum bile ratio consistent with a diagnosis of biliothorax. Abdominal ultrasound failed to identify a definitive gall bladder but noted a hypoechoic tubular structure ventral to the liver and contacting the diaphragm. Thoracic ultrasound identified a hyperechoic structure contacting the diaphragm at the same location. Thoracoabdominal CT scan identified a fluid-dense tubular structure extending from ventral to the liver, through a diaphragmatic defect and directly communicating with the pleural space, suspected to be an abnormal gall bladder. The cat was humanely euthanized, and post-mortem analysis confirmed a cholecystopleural fistula arising from the gall bladder with multifocal abscesses, mixed inflammatory hepatic infiltrates and small-cell gastrointestinal lymphoma. Culture of the abscess isolated Parabacteroides merdae, meeting the reported feline criteria for sepsis. Relevance and novel information To our knowledge, spontaneous cholecystopleural fistula formation leading to biliothorax and sepsis has not been previously reported in the cat. This case highlights a novel sequela of gall bladder disease in this species, and biliothorax should be a differential diagnosis for pleural effusion in cats with evidence of cholecystitis or triaditis.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Perceived Stress, Mindfulness, Emotional Self-Regulation, and Self-Care Habits in Registered Nurses at a Tertiary Care Medical Center
Authors: Vivian Elaina , Oduor Hellen , Arceneaux Sharina R. , Flores Jasmine A. , Vo Allison , Madson Madden Barbara 
Published: February 2019

Introduction Workplace stress and burnout may influence nurses’ physical and emotional well-being, which can impact the quality of care patients receive and their overall satisfaction with their hospitalization. Objectives The objectives of the study were to evaluate whether there are significant statistical relationships between nurses’ perceived stress, frequency of stressors, mindfulness, emotional self-regulation, self-care habits, and patient satisfaction scores. Methods The study took place over the course of 4 weeks. In this study, 340 nurse participants were surveyed using cross-sectional voluntary sampling design. The survey included previously developed and validated instruments. SAS v. 9.4 was used for statistical analysis. Results Significant differences were noted in average patient satisfaction scores by perceived stress; major nursing units in the Death and Dying, Conflict with Physicians, Lack of Support, and Work Load subscales of the Nursing Stress Scale; and major nursing units and dispositional mindfulness. Conclusions Hospital administrators can use this information in their organizations and set priorities and tailor mindfulness-based stress-reduction interventions for nursing professionals.
The effectiveness of non‐surgical interventions for common plantar digital compressive neuropathy (Morton's neuroma): a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Matthews Barry G. , Hurn Sheree E. , Harding Michael P. , Henry Rachel A. , Ware Robert S. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundMorton's neuroma (MN) is a compressive neuropathy of the common plantar digital nerve. It is a common compressive neuropathy often causing significant pain which limits footwear choices and weight bearing activities. This paper aims to review non‐surgical interventions for MN, to evaluate the evidence base for the clinical management of MN.MethodsElectronic biomedical databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and Cochrane) were searched to January 2018 for studies evaluating the effectiveness of non‐surgical interventions for Morton's neuroma. Outcome measures of interest were treatment success rate (SR) (binary) and pain as measured using 100‐point visual analogue scale (VAS) (continuous). Studies with and without control groups were included and were evaluated for methodological quality using the Downs and Black Quality Index. Results from randomised controlled trials (RCT) were compared between‐groups, and case series were compared pre‐ versus post‐treatment. Effect estimates are presented as odds ratios (OR) for binary data or mean differences (MD) for continuous data. Random effects models were used to pool effect estimates across studies where similar treatments were used. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic.ResultsA total of 25 studies met the inclusion criteria, seven RCTs and 18 pre/post case series. Eight different interventions were identified, with corticosteroid or sclerosing injections being the most often reported (seven studies each). Results from a meta‐analysis of two RCTs found corticosteroid injection decreased pain more than control on VAS (WMD: ‐5.3, 95%CI: ‐7.5 to − 3.2). Other RCTs reported efficacy of: manipulation/mobilisation versus control (MD: ‐15.3, 95%CI: ‐29.6 to − 1.0); extracorporeal shockwave therapy versus control (MD: ‐5.9, 95%CI: ‐21.9 to 10.1). Treatment success was assessed for extracorporeal shockwave therapy versus control (OR: 0.3, 95%CI: 0.0 to 7.1); and corticosteroid injection vs footwear/padding (OR: 6.0, 95%CI: 1.9 to 19.2). Sclerosing and Botox injections, radiofrequency ablation and cryoneurolysis have been investigated by case series studies, however these were of limited methodological quality.ConclusionsCorticosteroid injections and manipulation/mobilisation are the two interventions with the strongest evidence for pain reduction, however high‐quality evidence for a gold standard intervention was not found. Although the evidence base is expanding, further high quality RCTs are needed.
The CORE service improvement programme for mental health crisis resolution teams: results from a cluster-randomised trial
Authors: Lloyd-Evans Brynmor , Osborn David , Marston Louise , Lamb Danielle , Ambler Gareth , Hunter Rachael , Mason Oliver , Sullivan Sarah , Henderson Claire , Onyett Steve , Johnston Elaine , Morant Nicola , Nolan Fiona , Kelly Kathleen , Christoforou Marina , Fullarton Kate , Forsyth Rebecca , Davidson Mike , Piotrowski Jonathan , Mundy Edward , Bond Gary , Johnson Sonia 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundCrisis resolution teams (CRTs) offer brief, intensive home treatment for people experiencing mental health crisis. CRT implementation is highly variable; positive trial outcomes have not been reproduced in scaled-up CRT care.AimsTo evaluate a 1-year programme to improve CRTs’ model fidelity in a non-masked, cluster-randomised trial (part of the Crisis team Optimisation and RElapse prevention (CORE) research programme, trial registration number: ISRCTN47185233).MethodFifteen CRTs in England received an intervention, informed by the US Implementing Evidence-Based Practice project, involving support from a CRT facilitator, online implementation resources and regular team fidelity reviews. Ten control CRTs received no additional support. The primary outcome was patient satisfaction, measured by the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8), completed by 15 patients per team at CRT discharge (n = 375). Secondary outcomes: CRT model fidelity, continuity of care, staff well-being, in-patient admissions and bed use and CRT readmissions were also evaluated.ResultsAll CRTs were retained in the trial. Median follow-up CSQ-8 score was 28 in each group: the adjusted average in the intervention group was higher than in the control group by 0.97 (95% CI −1.02 to 2.97) but this was not significant (P = 0.34). There were fewer in-patient admissions, lower in-patient bed use and better staff psychological health in intervention teams. Model fidelity rose in most intervention teams and was significantly higher than in control teams at follow-up. There were no significant effects for other outcomes.ConclusionsThe CRT service improvement programme did not achieve its primary aim of improving patient satisfaction. It showed some promise in improving CRT model fidelity and reducing acute in-patient admissions.
VEGFR2 survival and mitotic signaling depends on joint activation of associated C3ar1/C5ar1 and IL-6R–gp130
Authors: Hwang Ming-Shih , Strainic Michael G. , Pohlmann Elliot , Kim Haesuk , Pluskota Elzbieta , Ramirez-Bergeron Diana L. , Plow Edward F. , Medof M. Edward 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACT
Purified vascular endothelial cell (EC) growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) auto-phosphorylates upon VEGF-A occupation in vitro, arguing that VEGR2 confers its mitotic and viability signaling in and of itself. Herein, we show that, in ECs, VEGFR2 function requires concurrent C3a/C5a receptor (C3ar1/C5ar1) and IL-6 receptor (IL-6R)–gp130 co-signaling. C3ar1/C5ar1 or IL-6R blockade totally abolished VEGFR2 auto-phosphorylation, downstream Src, ERK, AKT, mTOR and STAT3 activation, and EC cell cycle entry. VEGF-A augmented production of C3a/C5a/IL-6 and their receptors via a two-step p-Tyk2/p-STAT3 process. Co-immunoprecipitation analyses, confocal microscopy, ligand pulldown and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assays all indicated that the four receptors are physically interactive. Angiogenesis in murine day 5 retinas and in adult tissues was accelerated when C3ar1/C5ar1 signaling was potentiated, but repressed when it was disabled. Thus, C3ar1/C5ar1 and IL-6R–gp130 joint activation is needed to enable physiological VEGFR2 function.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of trainee- versus consultant surgeon-performed elective total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Singh Prashant , Madanipour Suroosh , Fontalis Andreas , Bhamra Jagmeet Singh , Abdul-Jabar Hani B. 
Published: February 2019

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most commonly performed orthopaedic procedures. Some concern exists that trainee-performed THA may adversely affect patient outcomes. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare outcomes following THA performed by surgical trainees and consultant surgeons. A systematic search was performed to identify articles comparing outcomes following trainee- versus consultant-performed THA. Outcomes assessed included rate of revision surgery, dislocation, deep infection, mean operation time, length of hospital stay and Harris Hip Score (HHS) up to one year. A meta-analysis was conducted using odds ratios (ORs) and weighted mean differences (WMDs). A subgroup analysis for supervised trainees versus consultants was also performed. The final analysis included seven non-randomized studies of 40 810 THAs, of which 6393 (15.7%) were performed by trainees and 34 417 (84.3%) were performed by consultants. In total, 5651 (88.4%) THAs in the trainee group were performed under supervision. There was no significant difference in revision rate between the trainee and consultant groups (OR 1.09; p = 0.51). Trainees took significantly longer to perform THA compared with consultants (WMD 12.9; p < 0.01). The trainee group was associated with a lower HHS at one year compared with consultants (WMD -1.26; p < 0.01). There was no difference in rate of dislocation, deep infection or length of hospital stay between the two groups. The present study suggests that supervised trainees can achieve similar clinical outcomes to consultant surgeons, with a slightly longer operation time. In selected patients, trainee-performed THA is safe and effective. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2019;4:44-55. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.180034.
Narrow Grass Hedge Effects on Microbial Transport Following Variable Applications of Beef Cattle Manure
Authors: Durso Lisa A. , Gilley John E. , Marx David B. , Woodbury Bryan L. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract. The effectiveness of a 1.4 m wide grass hedge in reducing microbial transport following manure application was examined in this study. Beef cattle manure was applied to 0.75 m wide by 4.0 m long plots established on an Aksarben silty clay loam located in southeast Nebraska. Manure was added at rates required to meet none or the 1-, 2-, or 4-year nitrogen requirements for corn. The transport of phages, total coliforms, , and enterococci was measured for three 30 min simulated rainfall events, which were separated by approximately 24 h intervals. The narrow grass hedge reduced total counts of phages, , and enterococci from 10.8 to 9.01 log PFU ha-1, from 12.4 to 11.9 log CFU ha-1, and from 11.8 to 11.2 log CFU ha-1, respectively. For the plots that received manure, no significant differences in transport of phages or enterococci were found among the three manure application rates. Rainfall simulation run significantly affected measurements of phages, total coliforms, and enterococci, with measurements during the three runs varying from 8.91 to 10.5 log PFU ha-1, from 12.7 to 13.3 log CFU ha-1, and from 11.2 to 11.7 log CFU ha-1, respectively. Counts for phages, total coliforms, and enterococci were significantly less for the first than the second and third rainfall simulation runs. All four of the microbial constituents were significantly correlated to dissolved P, particulate P, total P, and total N. A narrow grass hedge placed on the contour significantly reduced microbial transport following variable applications of beef cattle manure. Keywords: Bacteria, Cattle manure, E. coli, Filter strips, Land application, Manure management, Manure runoff, Microbial, Microorganisms, Runoff.
Performance of Small-Scale Technology in Planting and Cutback Operations of Short-Rotation Willow Crops
Authors: Borz Stelian  Alexandru , Nita Mihai  Daniel , Talagai Nicolae , Scriba Cezar , Grigolato Stefano , Proto Andrea R. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Modern bioenergy crops have potential to play a crucial role in the global energy mix, especially under policies to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The management of short-rotation willow crops involves several operations that deliver biomass for different uses. In commercial-scale operations, high-performance, mostly automated equipment is frequently used; however, in small-scale operations, smallholder farmers adapt traditional agricultural equipment to fit their needs. This study evaluated the field performance of planting and cutback operations in small-scale willow crops using equipment that was characterized by a low level of technological integration. Following the implementation of both operations, the planting work rates ranged from 0.216 to 0.300 ha h-1, depending on the soil preparation and planting density. Delays significantly reduced the field performance, resulting in gross work rates of 0.149 to 0.230 ha h-1. By comparison, cutback operations had higher work rates of 2.31 and 2.35 ha h-1 for gross and net production, respectively. These rates dropped to approximately 1.77 and 2.00 ha h-1, respectively, due to time spent in headland turns and other delays. Possibilities to improve the field performance depend on good preparation of the soil prior to planting, which includes removal of agricultural residue. In the case of cutback operations, avoiding backward movement of the equipment when additional headland space is available and an improved field layout may shorten the time spent in headland turns. The results indicate that small-scale energy crop plantations can be sustainable in terms of efficiency when unspecialized technologies are used. Therefore, small-scale agriculture can make a positive contribution to climate change mitigation targets. Keywords: Bioenergy, Biomass, Cutting, Plantation, Mechanization, Short-rotation coppice, SRC.
Assessment of the Effect of Al2O3 and TiO2 Nanoparticles on Orange Peel Biomass and its Application for Cd (II) and Ni (II) Uptake
Authors: Herrera-Barros Adriana , Tejada-Tovar Candelaria , Villabona-Ortíz Angel , González-Delgado Ángel , Mejía-Meza Rodolfo José 
Published: February 2019

Abstract. In recent years, nanotechnology has been used to synthesize novel materials with several applications, such as wastewater treatment, medicine, and packaging. In this study, titanium dioxide (TiO2) and alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticles were synthesized and used to modify orange peel (OP) biomass. The resulting materials (OP-TiO2 and OP-Al2O3) were applied as biosorbents for removing nickel and cadmium from an aqueous solution. FT-IR, SEM-EDS, and XRD analyses were carried out to determine functional groups of biomass, morphology and elemental composition of the biosorbent, and average particle size, respectively. The presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amine groups in the biomass spectra contributed to the adsorption process. Successful synthesis of the biosorbents due to the presence of aluminum and titanium elements was confirmed by energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The average particle size was calculated as 19.13 ±4.1 nm and 58.56 ±12.64 nm for TiO2 and Al2O3, respectively. The solution pH significantly affected the adsorption process, and pH of 4 to 6 was selected as a suitable range. The highest removal yields of 87.85% and 95.6% were achieved using OP-Al2O3 for nickel and cadmium uptake, respectively. These results revealed an improvement in adsorption properties after loading the orange peel biomass with nanoparticles. Keywords: Biosorbent, Heavy metals, Nanomaterials, Wastewater treatment.