bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling the hematocrit distribution in microcirculatory networks: A quantitative evaluation of a phase separation model
Authors: Rasmussen Peter M. , Secomb Timothy W. , Pries Axel R. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectiveTheoretical models are essential tools for studying microcirculatory function. Recently, the validity of a well‐established phase separation model was questioned and it was claimed that it produces problematically low hematocrit predictions and lack of red cells in small diameter vessels. We conducted a quantitative evaluation of this phase separation model to establish common ground for future research.MethodsModel predictions were validated against a comprehensive database with measurements from 4 mesenteric networks. A Bayesian data analysis framework was used to integrate measurements and network model simulations into a combined analysis and to model uncertainties related to network boundary conditions as well as phase separation model parameters. The model evaluation was conducted within a cross‐validation scheme.ResultsUnlike the recently reported results, our analysis demonstrated good correspondence in global characteristics between measurements and predictions. In particular, predicted hematocrits for vessels with small diameters were consistent with measurements. Incorporating phase separation model parameter uncertainties further reduced the hematocrit validation error by 17% and led to the absence of red‐cell‐free segments. Corresponding model parameters are presented as alternatives to standard parameters.ConclusionsConsistent with earlier studies, our quantitative model evaluation supports the continued use of the established phase separation model.
Comparative virulence of Candida auris with Candida haemulonii, Candida glabrata and Candida albicans in a murine model
Authors: Fakhim Hamed , Vaezi Afsane , Dannaoui Eric , Chowdhary Anuradha , Nasiry Davood , Faeli Leila , Meis Jacques F. , Badali Hamid 
Published: February 2018

SummaryThe incidence of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) caused by uncommon Candida species with diverse virulence and susceptibility profiles has increased in recent years. Due to scarce clinical and experimental data on the pathogenicity of Candida auris, the aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the virulence of two rare clinically relevant species, C. auris and Candida haemulonii with Candida glabrata and Candida albicans in an immunocompetent murine model of disseminated infection. Immunocompetent ICR female mice were infected with three inoculum sizes (1 × 105, 1 × 106 and 1 × 107 CFU/mouse) of two C. auris strains and one isolate of C. haemulonii, C. glabrata and C. albicans. Tissue burden on days 5 and 10 postchallenge and mortality rate were used as virulence markers. A high virulence was found for C. albicans, followed by C. auris, C. glabrata and C. haemulonii, respectively. Candida albicans showed high virulence with a medium survival time of 9.5 days for mice infected with 1 × 107 CFU/mouse. For inocula at 1 × 106 and 1 × 107 CFU/mouse, there were significant differences in fungal burden at day 10 between C. albicans, C. auris and C. glabrata isolates compared with C. haemulonii (P < .0001). Overall, no significant differences between C. albicans with C. auris and C. glabrata were observed in mice infected with three different inocula (P > .05). In general, the highest fungal load of all isolates was detected in kidney followed by spleen, liver and lung tested with three different inocula on the two different experimental days. Histopathological examination revealed the abundant presence of yeast cells with pseudohyphae for C. albicans and only yeast cells for C. auris, C. glabrata and C. haemulonii, in all the kidney tissue samples. In conclusion, C. albicans is a highly virulent opportunistic fungus, as the clinical and experimental data demonstrate, and also our results demonstrate a low virulence of C. haemulonii in immunocompetent animals. Altogether, this study highlights the pathogenic potential of C. auris.
Cholesterol accumulation by suppression of SMT1 leads to dwarfism and improved drought tolerance in herbaceous plants
Authors: Chen Miao , Chen Jingjing , Luo Na , Qu Rongda , Guo Zhenfei , Lu Shaoyun 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDwarfism and drought tolerance are 2 valuable traits in breeding of many crops. In this study, we report the novel physiological roles of cholesterol in regulation of plant growth and drought tolerance. Compared with the wild type, sterol‐C24‐methyltransferase 1 (SMT1) gene transcript was greatly reduced in a bermudagrass mutant with dwarfism and enhanced drought tolerance, accompanied with cholesterol accumulation, elevated transcript levels of a small group of genes including SAMDC, and increased concentrations of putrescine (Put), spermidine (Spd), and spermine (Spm). Knock‐down of OsSMT1 expression by RNA interference resulted in similar phenotypic changes in transgenic rice. Moreover, exogenously applied cholesterol also led to elevated transcripts of a similar set of genes, higher levels of Put, Spd, and Spm, improved drought tolerance, and reduced plant height in both bermudagrass and rice. We revealed that it is Spm, but not Spd, that is responsible for the height reduction in bermudagrass and rice. In conclusion, we suggest that cholesterol induces expression of SAMDC and leads to dwarfism and elevated drought tolerance in plants as a result of the promoted Spd and Spm synthesis.
Successful management of living donor liver transplantation for biliary atresia with single ventricle physiology—from peri‐transplant through total cavopulmonary connection: A case report
Authors: Yamada Yohei , Hoshino Ken , Oyanagi Takayuki , Gatayama Ryohei , Maeda Jun , Katori Nobuyuki , Fuchimoto Yasushi , Hibi Taizo , Shinoda Masahiro , Matsubara Kentaro , Obara Hideaki , Aeba Ryo , Kitagawa Yuko , Yamagishi Hiroyuki , Kuroda Tatsuo 
Published: February 2018

AbstractChildren with single ventricle physiology have complete mixing of the pulmonary and systemic circulations, requiring staged procedures to achieve a separation of these circulations, or Fontan circulation. The single ventricle physiology significantly increases the risk of mortality in children undergoing non‐cardiac surgery. As liver transplantation for patients with single ventricle physiology is particularly challenging, only a few reports have been published. We herein report a case of successful LDLTx for an 8‐month‐old pediatric patient with biliary atresia, heterotaxy, and complex heart disease of single ventricle physiology. The cardiac anomalies included total anomalous pulmonary venous return type IIb, intermediate atrioventricular septal defect, tricuspid regurgitation grade III, coarctation of aorta, interrupted inferior vena cava, bilateral superior vena cava, and polysplenia syndrome. Following LDLTx, the patient sequentially underwent total cavopulmonary shunt + Damus‐Kaye‐Stansel at 3 years of age and extracardiac total cavopulmonary connection (EC‐TCPC) completion at 5 years of age; 7 years have now passed since LDLTx (2 years post–EC‐TCPC). We describe the details of the management of LTx in the presence of cardiac anomalies and report the long‐term cardiac and liver function, from peri‐LDLTx through EC‐TCPC completion.
Why are males more attractive after brood care? Proximate causes of enhanced sex pheromone emission in a burying beetle
Authors: Chemnitz Johanna , Fujan Ina S. , Winkelmann Carola , Steiger Sandra 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRecent studies demonstrate that pheromones can be costly to produce and emit and, therefore, the types and quantities that they express are likely to covary with individual condition. Previous experiments reveal that, when given the opportunity to breed and care for young, male burying beetles Nicrophorus vespilloides go on to produce a higher amount of their sex pheromone and attract more females than control males that do not exhibit parental care. This finding is surprising because parental care is usually assumed to be energetically costly, reducing the future capacity to invest in sexual signalling. However, burying beetles reproduce on dead vertebrates and the carrion meal might enable males to acquire resources that can subsequently be allocated to pheromone signalling. Alternatively, males might accumulate pheromone precursors because they do not emit their sex pheromone during brood care. To shed light on the mechanisms of enhanced pheromone emission after brood care, in the present study, we test the effect of diet quality, social condition during care (biparental versus uniparental care) and an experimentally enforced calling pause on subsequent male pheromone emission, body weight and energy storage components. The experimentally enforced calling pause and social condition during brood care demonstrate no impact on pheromone quantity. However, the results of the present study suggest that the vertebrate carrion meal during brood care partly explains enhanced pheromone release after care. Unravelling the biosynthetic pathways of the pheromone components and analyzing the impact of potential microbial symbionts on pheromone production represents a fruitful avenue for future research.
Effects of a prevention program for internet addiction among middle school students in South Korea
Authors: Yang Sun‐Yi , Kim Hee‐Soon 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectivesThis study explored the effects of a self‐regulatory efficacy improvement program on self‐control, self‐efficacy, internet addiction, and time spent on the internet among middle school students in South Korea. The program was led by school nurses, and it is integrated self‐efficacy and self‐regulation promotion strategies based on Bandura's social cognitive theory.Design and SampleA quasi‐experimental, nonequivalent, control group, pre–posttest design was used. The participants were 79 middle school students.MeasuresMeasurements included the Self‐Control Scale, Self‐Efficacy Scale, Internet Addiction Proneness Scale, and an assessment of internet addiction.ResultsSelf‐control and self‐efficacy significantly increased and internet addiction and time spent on the internet significantly decreased in the intervention group compared with the control group.ConclusionA program led by school nurses that integrated and applied self‐efficacy and self‐regulation intervention strategies proved effective for prevention of students’ internet addiction.
Segmentectomy versus lobectomy in early non‐small cell lung cancer of 2 cm or less in size: A population‐based study
Authors: Moon Mi Hyoung , Moon Young Kyu , Moon Seok Whan 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveStandard surgical management for early stage lung cancer is lobectomy with mediastinal lymph node dissection. The feasibility of limited resection remains controversial; we retrospectively assessed lung cancer‐specific survival (LCSS) and overall survival (OS) in early stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to evaluate whether segmentectomy is comparable to standard lobectomy.MethodsPatients with primary NSCLC of 20 mm or less who were diagnosed from 2000 to 2014 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. To compare the two surgical interventions, a propensity score analysis was performed between lobectomy and segmentectomy.ResultsOf the 15 358 patients analysed, there were 14 549 lobectomies and 809 segmentectomies. The 5‐year OS was 76% for the lobectomy group and 74.4% for the segmentectomy group. There were no significant differences in OS or LCSS among patients who underwent lobectomy versus segmentectomy, as demonstrated by the propensity‐matched hazard ratio (HR) for OS (HR: 1.195, 95% CI: 0.993–1.439) and LCSS (HR: 1.124, 95% CI: 0.860–1.469). The inverse propensity‐weighted analysis also supported these results. Segmentectomy was more likely to be performed in elderly patients. In the subset of patients aged ≥75 years, the segmentectomy group demonstrated comparable OS (HR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.87–1.58, P = 0.31) and LCSS (HR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.59–1.51, P = 0.81), compared with the lobectomy group.ConclusionEquivalent OS and LCSS were demonstrated in patients with primary NSCLC of 20 mm or less without lymph node or distant metastasis.
Macroeconomic Effects of Commodity Price Shocks in a Low‐income Economy: The Case of Tobacco in Malawi
Authors: Bangara Bertha Chipo , Dunne John Paul 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA major concern for developing economies is a dependence on commodities when their prices are volatile as a major change in the international commodity price can have important implications for economic growth. While some cross‐country studies exist, there is lack of country specific studies that take into account the different characteristics of low‐income economies. This paper contributes to the growing literature by considering the case of Malawi and the macroeconomic impact of price shocks in its major export crop of tobacco. Using a structural vector autoregression (SVAR) approach on quarterly Malawian data from 1980:1 to 2012:4, the paper establishes that a positive tobacco price shock has a significant positive impact on the country's gross domestic product, decreasing consumer prices and inducing real exchange rate appreciation. The results are robust to alternative specifications of a SVAR on difference stationary data and cointegrating VAR. The cointegrating VAR confirms the existence of a long run‐relationship among the variables and causality that runs from tobacco prices.
Comparison of stratum corneum thickness between two proposed methods of calculation using Raman spectroscopic depth profiling of skin water content
Authors: Lee M. , Won K. , Kim E. J. , Hwang J. S. , Lee H. K. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackground/purposeThe stratum corneum (SC) is the most important layer for the barrier function of skin, so investigation of the SC is very important in cosmetic and medical research. Here, we calculated the SC thickness using the depth profile of the skin's water concentration based on previously described methods, and then compared the results.MethodsSeven Korean women in their 30s participated in this study. Raman spectroscopy was used to measure the in vivo depth profile of skin water concentration. A total of 21 areas were measured at forearm. Microsoft Excel 2007 was used to calculate SC thickness based on the slope and intersection methods.ResultsThe slope method and the intersection method gave a forearm SC thickness calculated at 21.3 ± 2.6 μm and 17.6 ± 2.8 μm, respectively. There was a significant difference between the two calculation methods but the two methods showed strong correlation of SC thickness results (r = .899).ConclusionAlthough there was a difference in calculated SC thickness of about 20% between the two methods, these results reveal that the two SC thickness calculation methods using Raman spectroscopy were suitable for measuring SC thickness, a finding consistent with other published results.
Acute haemolysis, DIC and renal failure after transfusion of uncross‐matched blood during trauma resuscitation: illustrative case and literature review
Authors: Fiorellino J. , Elahie A. L. , Warkentin T. E. 
Published: February 2018

SUMMARYAims/ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to report a patient with acute haemolytic transfusion reaction (HTR) after transfusing uncross‐matched red blood cell (RBC) units and to identify the frequency of this complication.BackgroundUncross‐matched RBC units are commonly transfused in emergencies, but the frequency of acute HTR is unknown.MethodsWe describe a male stabbing victim who received three units of uncross‐matched RBC units complicated by acute intravascular HTR, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and renal failure. We identified 14 studies evaluating the frequency of acute HTR post‐emergency transfusion of uncross‐matched RBC units.ResultsAcute HTR was shown by haemoglobinuria, free‐plasma haemoglobin and methemalbumin, with anti‐K and anti‐Fya eluted from recipient red cells; acute DIC featured severe hypofibrinogenemia, thrombocytopenia, elevated fibrin D‐dimer and multiple bilateral renal infarcts. Two of the three transfused units reacted with pre‐existing RBC alloantibodies [anti‐K (titre, 128), anti‐Fya (titre, 512)], explained by transfusion 25 years earlier. Our literature review found the frequency of acute HTR following emergency transfusion of uncross‐matched RBC units to be 2/3998 [0·06% (95% CI, 0·01–0·21%)].ConclusionsAlthough emergency transfusion of uncross‐matched blood is commonly practiced at trauma centres worldwide, with low risk of acute HTR (<1/1000), our well‐documented patient case demonstrates the potential for acute HTR with severe complications.
Blood donation history and eligibility assessment in a community‐based sample of men who have sex with men
Authors: Custer Brian , Murcia Karla , Robinson William T. , McFarland Willi , Raymond Henry Fisher 
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUNDIn 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration changed the regulation from a permanent deferral from donation for men who have sex with men (MSM) to a 1‐year deferral since last sexual contact. It is unknown what proportions of MSM try to donate and if they would be willing to answer individual risk‐based questions to assess their current eligibility.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThe National HIV Behavioral Surveillance surveys periodically measure human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence and risk behaviors among MSM using a venue‐based, time‐location sampling method. In the 2014 cycle, that is, before the policy change, investigators in San Francisco and New Orleans added questions about blood donation. Questions inquired into three domains: donation history, policy awareness, and knowledge about HIV testing of donations.RESULTSThere were 404 and 557 respondents in San Francisco and New Orleans, respectively. Nearly one in three MSM in San Francisco (27.4%) and New Orleans (31.4%) tried to donate after their first MSM contact. A majority (63.1% in San Francisco, 58.8% in New Orleans) somewhat or strongly agreed that they would be willing to be asked detailed questions for donation eligibility assessment.CONCLUSIONSThe proportion of MSM who reported trying to donate was similar in the two cities. However, a substantial proportion did not agree to be asked more detailed risk behavior questions to assess eligibility. In these two geographic locations, prominent regional differences were not evident.
Clinical findings and normative ocular data for free‐living Anna's (Calypte anna) and Black‐chinned (Archilochus alexandri) Hummingbirds
Authors: Moore Bret A. , Maggs David J. , Kim Soohyun , Motta Monica J. , Bandivadekar Ruta , Tell Lisa A. , Murphy Christopher J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of ocular disease and obtain normative ocular data for free‐living hummingbirds.Animals studiedTwo hundred and sixty‐three free‐living, adult Hummingbirds from coastal and inland central California were studied, including Anna's (Calypte anna, n = 186) and Black‐chinned (Archilochus alexandri; n = 77) hummingbirds.ProceduresSlit lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy were performed on all individuals. Rebound tonometry, measurement of horizontal palpebral fissure length, and streak retinoscopy were performed on select individuals. Five conscious Anna's Hummingbirds underwent ocular imaging including fundus photography, digital slit lamp photography, and anterior segment and retinal optical coherence tomography.ResultsThe prevalence of ocular disease in this population was 2.28%. Ocular imaging revealed a thin cornea, shallow anterior chamber, large lens, and a single central, deep convexiclivate fovea. Mean ± SD intraocular pressure was 11.21 ± 2.23 mm Hg. Mean ± SD eyelid length was 2.59 ± 0.19 mm. All eyes were emmetropic or mildly hyperopic with a mean (range) ± SD refractive error of +0.32 (−0.25 to +1) ± 0.33 diopters.ConclusionsConsistent with previous reports, these data suggest that hummingbirds have visual characteristics found in predatory and prey species, as well as a low prevalence of spontaneous ocular disease. This work provides a set of reference values and clinical findings that can be used in the future research on hummingbird vision and ocular disease. It also provides representative diagnostic images of normal birds and demonstrates that advanced ocular imaging can be performed on manually restrained hummingbirds without pharmacologic dilation.
Effects of hyaluronate‐carboxymethylcellulose membranes on the clinical outcome of horses undergoing emergency exploratory celiotomy
Authors: Troy Jarrod R. , Holcombe Susan J. , Fogle Callie A. , Epstein Kira L. , Woodie J. Brett 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the influence of hyaluronate‐carboxymethylcellulose (HA‐CMC) membranes applied to intestinal anastomoses or enterotomies on postoperative complications after emergency exploratory celiotomy.Study designMulticenter retrospective case‐controlled series.AnimalsAdult horses (59 in the HA‐CMC group and 91 controls).MethodsMedical records from 4 referral hospitals were searched for horses ≥1 year of age, treated between 2008 and 2014 with emergency exploratory celiotomy, and surviving at least 24 hours postoperatively. Horses receiving repeat celiotomy during the same hospitalization were excluded. Horses who received HA‐CMC were matched with controls who did not receive HA‐CMC but had similar intestinal lesions and procedures at the same referral hospital. Postoperative complications (colic, nasogastric reflux, fever, incisional infection, and septic peritonitis), duration of hospitalization, and survival were compared between groups. Data were compared between horses by t test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, and χ2 test.ResultsThe volume of nasogastric reflux at admission (P = .02) and the duration of administration of lidocaine after surgery (P = .02) were greater in horses with HA‐CMC membranes than in controls. No difference in postoperative complications or survival was detected between groups: 48 of 59 (81%) horses treated with HA‐CMC survived until discharge from the hospital compared with 80 of 91 (88%) horses in the control group (P = .27). Fifteen of 21 horses treated with HA‐CMC and 30 of 43 horses in the control group survived >12 months after hospital discharge.ConclusionApplication of HA‐CMC membranes to anastomoses or intestinal incisions did not influence postoperative complications or survival after emergency celiotomy compared with controls.Clinical significanceThe safety and efficacy of HA‐CMC membrane application to intestinal sites during colic surgery in horses is equivocal.