bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Randomised clinical trial showing the curative effect of bandaging on M2‐stage lesions of digital dermatitis in dairy cows
Authors: Klawitter Marcus , Döpfer Dörte , Braden Theo Broderick , Amene Ermias , Mueller Kerstin Elisabeth 
Published: May 2019

Objectives and designThis trial evaluated the effect of bandaging of acute painful ulcerative bovine digital dermatitis (DD) lesion (stage M2) in dairy cows, tested using two different topical treatments.DesignRandomised clinical trial.SettingThis study was conducted using Holstein‐Friesian cows ranging in age from heifers to fourth lactation in a single dairy herd and diagnosed with acute ulcerative DD lesions (stage M2) on the first examination (week 0). Cows were randomly assigned into either a non‐bandaged or bandaged group across two treatment conditions: topical chlortetracycline spray (CTC) and Intra Hoof‐Fit Gel (IHF). Lesions received standardised bandaging and treatment on a weekly basis. Unhealed lesions could receive up to five repeated treatments, at weekly intervals, within a four‐week period. Both M‐stage and locomotion were also evaluated and scored weekly. Cows with healthily formed skin (stage M0) were deemed healed and subsequently released from the study.ResultsIn total, 163 M2 lesions were diagnosed at week 0. Bandaged M2 lesions had a significantly higher probability of cure than non‐bandaged lesions regardless of treatment type (HR: 4.1; P<0.001; 95 per cent CI: 2.5 to 6.8). Most healing occurred within the first three weeks of trial. Furthermore, bandaged lesions (group 2 and group 4) were significantly less likely to progress into the chronic hyperkeratotic or proliferative stage (M4) than non‐bandaged lesions in group 1 and group 3 (HR: 0.10; P<0.001; 95 per cent CI: 0.04 to 0.22). Out of concern for the cow's wellbeing, this study investigated the effects of bandaging on locomotion. Bandaging had no effect on locomotion for either cows treated with CTC (group 1: median Sprecher score, 2; IQR=1–2; group 2: median Sprecher score, 2; IQR=1–3; P=0.3) or IHF (group 3: median Sprecher score, 2; IQR=1–2; group 4: median Sprecher score, 2; IQR=1–3; P=0.3).
On the Complexity of Non-Segregated Routing in Reconfigurable Data Center Architectures
Authors: Foerster Klaus-Tycho , Pacut Maciej , Schmid Stefan 
Published: May 2019

By enhancing the traditional static network (e.g., based on electric switches) with a dynamic topology (e.g., based on reconfigurable optical switches), emerging reconfigurable data centers introduce unprecedented flexibilities in how networks can be optimized toward the workload they serve. However, such hybrid data centers are currently limited by a restrictive routing policy enforcing artificial segregation: each network flow can only use either the static or the flexible topology, but not a combination of the two.
This paper explores the algorithmic problem of supporting more general routing policies, which are not limited by segregation. While the potential benefits of non-segregated routing have been demonstrated in recent work, the underlying algorithmic complexity is not well-understood.
We present a range of novel results on the algorithmic complexity of non-segregated routing. In particular, we show that in certain specific scenarios, optimal data center topologies with nonsegregated routing policies can be computed in polynomial-time. In many variants of the problem, however, introducing a more flexible routing comes at a price of complexity: we prove several important variants to be NP-hard.
Resistance-exercise training ameliorates LPS-induced cognitive impairment concurrent with molecular signaling changes in the rat dentate gyrus
Authors: Kelty Taylor J. , Schachtman Todd R. , Mao Xuansong , Grigsby Kolter B. , Childs Thomas E. , Olver T. Dylan , Michener Paige N. , Richardson Rachel A. , Roberts Christian K. , Booth Frank W. 
Published: May 2019

Effective treatments preventing brain neuroinflammatory diseases are lacking. Resistance-exercise training (RT) ameliorates mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a forerunner to neuroinflammatory diseases. However, few studies have addressed the molecular basis by which RT abates MCI. Thus experiments were performed to identify some molecular changes occurring in response to RT in young, female Wistar rats. To induce MCI, intraventricular lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injections were used to increase dentate gyrus inflammation, reflected by significantly increased TNF-α (~400%) and IL-1β (~1,500%) mRNA ( P < 0.0001) after 6 wk. Five days after LPS injections, half of LPS-injected rats performed RT by ladder climbing for 6 wk, 3 days/wk, whereas half remained without ladders. RT for 6 wk increased lean body mass percentage ( P < 0.05), individual muscle masses (gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior) ( P < 0.05), and maximum lifting capacity ( P < 0.001). The RT group, compared with sedentary controls, had 1) ameliorated spatial learning deficits ( P < 0.05), 2) increased dentate gyrus phosphorylation of IGF-1R, protein kinase B, and GSK-3β proteins ( P < 0.05), components of downstream IGF-1 signaling, and 3) increased dentate gyrus synaptic plasticity marker synapsin protein ( P < 0.05). Two follow-up experiments (without LPS) characterized dentate gyrus signaling during short-term RT. Twenty-four hours following the third workout in a 1-wk training duration, phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and GSK-3β proteins, as well as proliferation marker protein, PCNA, were significantly increased ( P < 0.05). Similar changes did not occur in a separate group of rats following a single RT workout. Taken together, these data indicate that RT ameliorates LPS-induced MCI after RT, possibly mediated by increased IGF-1 signaling pathway components within the dentate gyrus.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The data suggest that resistance-exercise training restores cognitive deficits induced by lipopolysaccharides and can activate associated IGF-1 signaling in the dentate gyrus. Our data show, for the first time, that as few as three resistance-exercise workouts (spread over 1 wk) can activate IGF-1 downstream signaling and increase proliferation marker PCNA in the dentate gyrus.
Two-Year Follow-Up after Treatment with the Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy versus Supportive Psychotherapy for Early-Onset Chronic Depression
Authors: Schramm Elisabeth , Kriston Levente , Elsaesser Moritz , Fangmeier Thomas , Meister Ramona , Bausch Paul , Zobel Ingo , Bailer Josef , Wambach Katrin , Backenstrass Matthias , Klein Jan Philipp , Schoepf Dieter , Schnell Knut , Gumz Antje , Löwe Bernd , Walter Henrik , Wolf Markus , Domschke Katharina , Berger Mathias , Hautzinger Martin , Härter Martin 
Published: May 2019

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Evidence on the long-term efficacy of psychotherapeutic approaches for chronic depression is scarce. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> To evaluate the effects of the Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP) compared to Supportive Psychotherapy (SP) 1 year and 2 years after treatment termination. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In this study, we present 1- and 2-year follow-up assessments of a prospective, multicenter, evaluator-blinded, randomized clinical trial of outpatients with early-onset chronic major depression (<i>n</i> = 268). The initial treatment included 32 sessions of CBASP or SP over 48 weeks. The primary outcome was the rate of “well weeks” (Longitudinal Interval Follow-Up Evaluation; no/minimal symptoms) after 1 year and 2 years. The secondary outcomes were, among others, clinician- and self-rated depressive symptoms, response/remission rates, and quality of life. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of the 268 randomized patients, 207 (77%) participated in the follow-up. In the intention-to-treat analysis, there was no statistically significant difference between CBASP and SP patients in experiencing well weeks (CBASP: mean [SD] of 48.6 [36.9] weeks; SP: 39.0 [34.8]; rate ratio 1.26, 95% CI 0.99–1.59, <i>p</i> = 0.057, <i>d</i> = 0.18) and in remission rates (CBASP: 1 year 40%, 2 years 40.2%; SP: 1 year 28.9%, 2 years 33%) in the 2 years after treatment. Statistically significant effects were found in favor of CBASP 1 year after treatment termination regarding the rate of well weeks, self-rated depressive symptoms, and depression-related quality of life. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> CBASP lost its superiority over SP at some point between the first and the second year. This suggests the necessity of maintenance treatment for early-onset chronically depressed patients remitted with CBASP during the acute therapy phase, as well as the sequential integration of other treatment strategies, including medication for those who did not reach remission.
Oral Bacterial Signatures in Cerebral Thrombi of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke Treated With Thrombectomy
Authors: Patrakka Olli , Pienimäki Juha‐Pekka , Tuomisto Sari , Ollikainen Jyrki , Lehtimäki Terho , Karhunen Pekka J. , Martiskainen Mika 
Published: May 2019

Background

Chronic infections have been reported to be risk factors for both coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke.
DNA
of oral bacteria, mainly from the viridans streptococci group, has been detected in coronary thrombus aspirates of myocardial infarction and cerebral aneurysms. Viridans streptococci are known to cause infective endocarditis and possess thrombogenic properties. We studied the presence of oral bacterial
DNA
in thrombus aspirates of patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with mechanical thrombectomy.

Methods and Results

Thrombus aspirates and arterial blood were taken from 75 patients (69% men; mean age, 67 years) with acute ischemic stroke. The presence of
Streptococcus
species, mainly the
Streptococcus mitis
group, belonging to viridans streptococci as well as
Porphyromonas gingivalis
and
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
in samples were determined using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction with specific primers and probes. The relative amount of bacterial
DNA
in a sample was determined with the comparative threshold cycle method. Bacterial
DNA
was detected in 84% (n=63) of aspired thrombi, and 16% (n=12) of samples were considered bacterial
DNA
negative.
DNA
of
Streptococcus
species, mainly the
S mitis
group, was found in 79% (n=59) of samples. The median relative amount of
Streptococcus
species
DNA
was 5.10‐fold higher compared with the control blood samples from the same patients. All thrombi were negative for both
P gingivalis
and
A actinomycetemcomitans
.

Conclusions

This is the first study showing the common presence of bacterial
DNA
from viridans streptococci in aspired thrombi of patients with acute ischemic stroke. Streptococcal bacteria, mostly of oral origin, may contribute to the progression and thrombotic events of cerebrovascular diseases.
Satellite Estimation of Falling Snow: A Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory Perspective
Authors: Skofronick-Jackson Gail , Kulie Mark , Milani Lisa , Munchak Stephen J. , Wood Norman B. , Levizzani Vincenzo 
Published: May 2019

AbstractRetrievals of falling snow from space-based observations represent key inputs for understanding and linking Earth’s atmospheric, hydrological, and energy cycles. This work quantifies and investigates causes of differences among the first stable falling snow retrieval products from the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory satellite and CloudSat’s Cloud Profiling Radar (CPR) falling snow product. An important part of this analysis details the challenges associated with comparing the various GPM and CloudSat snow estimates arising from different snow–rain classification methods, orbits, resolutions, sampling, instrument specifications, and algorithm assumptions. After equalizing snow–rain classification methodologies and limiting latitudinal extent, CPR observes nearly 10 (3) times the occurrence (accumulation) of falling snow as GPM’s Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR). The occurrence disparity is substantially reduced if CloudSat pixels are averaged to simulate DPR radar pixels and CPR observations are truncated below the 8-dBZ reflectivity threshold. However, even though the truncated CPR- and DPR-based data have similar falling snow occurrences, average snowfall rate from the truncated CPR record remains significantly higher (43%) than the DPR, indicating that retrieval assumptions (microphysics and snow scattering properties) are quite different. Diagnostic reflectivity (Z)–snow rate (S) relationships were therefore developed at Ku and W band using the same snow scattering properties and particle size distributions in a final effort to minimize algorithm differences. CPR–DPR snowfall amount differences were reduced to ~16% after adopting this diagnostic Z–S approach.
Interdecadal Variations in the Frequency of Persistent Hot Events in Boreal Summer over Midlatitude Eurasia
Authors: Shi Ning , Wang Yicheng , Wang Xiaoqiong , Tian Pinyu 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACT
Based on the daily Japanese 55-year Reanalysis (JRA-55) dataset, this study reveals that southern Europe/western Asia (SEWA) and northern China are two large-scale regions that have exhibited consistent interdecadal variations in the frequency of persistent hot events (PHEs). Over the past 58 summers, the period approximately from 1973 to 1996 represents an inactive period for the occurrence of PHEs over the two regions, whereas the antecedent and subsequent periods are active periods. At the subseasonal time scale, the regional PHEs over SEWA are characterized by quasi-stationary wave train anomalies aloft from the northwest Atlantic to Europe, while the regional PHEs over northern China are characterized by quasi-stationary wave train anomalies over the Eurasian continent. The persistence of the quasi-stationary anomalies is associated with the Rossby wave propagation. Moreover, the energy extraction from the basic flow is also favorable for their persistence. Our study reveals that the above typical circulation anomalies for the PHEs over both SEWA and northern China are in phase with the background circulation changes during the two active periods. Thus, the interdecadal changes in background circulation can modulate the frequency of PHEs over the two regions simultaneously. Further analysis reveals that the background circulation changes are closely related to the interdecadal variation in the Silk Road pattern based on their similarities in both spatial pattern and temporal variation. The sea surface temperature over four particular regions seems to facilitate the phase shifts in the Silk Road pattern on the interdecadal time scale.
Predictive value of the serum RASSF10 promoter methylation status in gastric cancer
Authors: Hu Yilin , Ma Peng , Feng Ying , Li Peng , Wang Hua , Guo Yibing , Mao Qinsheng , Xue Wanjiang 
Published: May 2019

Background This study aimed to investigate whether the detection of methylation in the promoter of the Ras association domain family 10 gene ( RASSF10) in the serum of patients with gastric cancer (GC) by methylation-specific PCR (MSP) can be used as a diagnostic and prognostic indicator of GC. Methods We used MSP to examine RASSF10 methylation levels in the serum and/or tumor samples from 100 GC patients, 50 patients with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), and 45 healthy controls (HC). We also analyzed clinicopathological and follow-up data. Results Our results showed that the rate of serum RASFF10 promoter methylation among patients with GC (49/100) was higher than in those with CAG (1/50) or HC (0/45). Moreover, the RASSF10 methylation status was consistent between serum and tumor tissues. GC patients with serum RASSF10 promoter methylation had significantly shorter overall survival and disease-free survival times than GC patients without serum RASSF10 promoter methylation. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that serum RASSF10 promoter methylation and lymph node metastasis both correlated with reduced survival in GC patients. Conclusions Detection of the serum RASSF10 methylation status by MSP is feasible as a diagnostic and prognostic indicator of GC.
MicroRNA-486-5p improves nonsmall-cell lung cancer chemotherapy sensitivity and inhibits epithelial–mesenchymal transition by targeting twinfilin actin binding protein 1
Authors: Jin Xiaoyan , Pang Wenyang , Zhang Qiang , Huang Haitao 
Published: May 2019

Objective To investigate the role of microRNA-486-5p (miR-486-5p) in nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) resistance to cisplatin. Methods This retrospective study examined tumours and normal lung tissues from patients with NSCLC. The levels of miR-486-5p in NSCLC and normal tissues were determined using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. The binding site of miR-486-5p on twinfilin actin binding protein 1 (TWF1) mRNA was predicted using TargetScan and investigated using a luciferase reporter gene assay. Cytotoxicity assays were used to measure the sensitivity of A549 cells to cisplatin. Western blotting was used to measure the levels of specific proteins. The role of miR-486-5p in the resistance of A549 to cisplatin was verified in vivo using a nude mouse tumorigenicity assay. Results MiR-486-5p levels were downregulated in NSCLC tissues compared with normal lung tissues. Lower levels of miR-486-5p were associated with reduced overall survival of patients with NSCLC. The cisplatin-resistant NSCLC cell line, A549/DDP, had lower miR-486-5p levels compared with A549 cells. Luciferase reporter gene assays confirmed that miR-486-5p bound to the 3ʹ untranslated region of TWF1 mRNA. In vivo experiments demonstrated the inhibitory effect of miR-486-5p on chemotherapy resistance. Conclusion MiR-486-5p appears to play an important role in improving chemotherapy sensitivity to cisplatin.
Life Story Themes: A Qualitative Analysis of Recordings From Patients Approaching the End of Life
Authors: Skinner Shannon , Bonnet Kemberlee , Schlundt David , Karlekar Mohana 
Published: May 2019

Objective: To identify common themes and topics that patients nearing the end of life want to discuss when sharing their life stories. Methods: Twenty audio-recorded transcripts of open-ended interviews of patients cared for by a palliative care team when approaching the end of life were analyzed using a qualitative analysis. Results: Qualitative analysis revealed that the primary contextual factors that patients drew upon to generate his or her life story are life events (including upbringing, job, education, travel, trauma, hardships, special events, military history, and hobbies), family and support system, and values and beliefs. Participants used their current medical condition, which included mortality, morbidity, and prognosis, to frame their life story. Conclusion: Patients facing serious illness incorporate four major themes when reflecting upon their lives to create their personal life story: life events, family and support system, values and beliefs, and current medical condition.
Design, manufacture, and fatigue analysis of lightweight hip implants
Authors: Delikanli Yunus E , Kayacan Mehmet C 
Published: May 2019

Background: This study aims to design, analyze and manufacture lightweight hip implants which have sufficient fatigue performance to enable use in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods: The lattice structure was applied on an implant geometry, which is frequently used in THA, to provide a reduction in mass and increase flexibility. The implant surfaces were roughened using semispherical pores to improve the osseointegration. The specimens were manufactured by means of direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) and fatigue tests were performed according to ISO 7206-4:2010. Moreover, fatigue analyses of the designed implants were numerically carried out using the finite element method. Results: The applied lattice structure on implant geometry leads to 15–17% reduction in the masses of implants compared to a solid one. It has also been determined that the lightweight implants show more flexible behavior with increasing pore diameter used on the implant surfaces while keeping the lattice structure geometry constant. The fatigue test and finite element analysis (FEA) results are in reasonable agreement. In addition, additively manufactured solid implants have exhibited similar fatigue performance with one produced by conventional methods. Conclusions: This paper presents design, analysis, manufacturing and fatigue test processes of lightweight hip implants. The lattice structure and the semispherical pores were applied on a reference implant geometry and they were manufactured by DMLS. The fatigue tests and FEA were performed to evaluate newly designed implant performance. All the implants successfully completed the fatigue tests without any damage.
Save the meniscus – Clinical outcomes of meniscectomy versus meniscal repair
Authors: Lee Wen Qiang , Gan Jonathan Zhi-Wei , Lie Denny Tjiauw Tjoen 
Published: May 2019

Purpose: This study was designed to compare the clinical outcomes of meniscectomy versus repair and to study the effects of (1) duration of follow-up and (2) concomitant anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction on clinical outcomes. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted, involving 112 knees of 106 patients who underwent meniscus surgery, either partial meniscectomy or meniscal repair between 2008 and 2016. There were 42 meniscectomies and 70 meniscal repairs. Patients were graded pre- and post-operatively using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score and Tegner Activity Level Scale through case notes review. Statistical analysis was done using the paired Student’s t-test (two-tailed) or Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired scores. The two-sample Student’s t-test (two-tailed) or Mann–Whitney U test was used for independent scores. Multiple variable linear regression analysis was used to assess the importance of the variables on outcomes. A statistical significance is taken as p < 0.05. Results: Meniscectomy and repair had good outcomes. IKDC scores improved from 46.6 to 81.7 after meniscectomy and from 45.9 to 84.4 after repair ( p < 0.001). Meniscectomy fared worse in late follow-up (>18 months), decreasing from 88.2 in early follow-up (≤18 months) to 72.1 ( p < 0.05). The post-operative scores in meniscal repair were maintained in the late follow-up group (82.9 compared to 87.1, p > 0.05). Concomitant ACL reconstruction improved the outcomes of meniscectomy (IKDC and Tegner: p < 0.05) and repair (IKDC and Tegner: p < 0.05). Conclusion: Both meniscectomy and meniscal repair are viable surgical techniques for meniscal injury and have good outcomes. Meniscal repair has a better prognosis in the long run.