bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of on‐slide fixation on the cell quality of cytocentrifuged equine bronchioalveolar lavage fluid
Authors: Bertram Christof A. , Dietert Kristina , Pieper Laura , Erickson Nancy A. , Barton Ann K. , Klopfleisch Robert 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundDuring bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) sample preparation in horses, several technical aspects can affect sample variability. To date, the effects of different fixatives on prepared equine BALF films have been insufficiently investigated.ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the effect of various on‐slide fixation methods on cell quality, including spray fixation of wet films, and acetone and methanol fixation of air‐dried samples in comparison with unfixed, air‐dried films.MethodsCytocentrifuged BALF samples from 5 horses were fixed in a wet state using a commercially available fixation spray. They were also fixed with acetone or methanol after air‐drying using standard protocols or were air‐dried with no fixation. After different postfixation storage durations and temperatures, the samples were stained with May‐Grünwald Giemsa or immunocytochemistry stains. Subsequently, differential cell counts (DCCs) were performed, cell areas were measured, and cell morphologies and immunocytochemical staining intensities were assessed semiquantitatively.ResultsOptimal cell morphology results were achieved with the wet‐spray fixation method. Acetone and methanol fixation, especially when performed at −20°C, caused reduced cell morphology quality, thereby significantly altering DCCs. For storage of unstained samples for 1 week at room temperature, no significant changes in cell morphology were observed for either fixation method. Wet‐spray fixation resulted in enhanced preservation of macrophage, granulocyte, and mast cell sizes compared with air‐drying techniques. Immunocytochemical staining of unfixed and acetone‐fixed samples was the most intense.ConclusionsWet‐spray fixation resulted in the best preservation of cellular morphology and less cell shrinkage compared with unfixed specimens and is, therefore, recommended for BALF cytology.
Comprehensive phylogeny of the laughingthrushes and allies (Aves, Leiothrichidae) and a proposal for a revised taxonomy
Authors: Cibois Alice , Gelang Magnus , Alström Per , Pasquet Eric , Fjeldså Jon , Ericson Per G. P. , Olsson Urban 
Published: June 2018

AbstractDNA phylogenies have gradually shed light on the phylogenetic relationships of the large babbler group. We focus in this study on the family Leiothrichidae (laughingthrushes and “song babblers”), which represents the largest clade of babblers in terms of species diversity. Our phylogeny includes all genera and 82% of the recognized species, using mitochondrial and nuclear loci. The sister group to Leiothrichidae is composed of the Pellorneidae (“jungle babblers”) plus the genus Alcippe. Within Leiothrichidae, four strongly supported primary clades (A–D) are recovered. Clade A includes Grammatoptila, Laniellus and Cutia. Clade B includes a large group of laughingthrushes, all of them classified in Trochalopteron. In Clade C, the two laughingthrushes endemic to southern India, T. fairbanki and T. cachinnans, which have recently been proposed to be placed in the newly erected genus Montecincla, form a sister clade to the group comprising the “song babblers” (Lioptila, Leiothrix, Heterophasia, Minla, Liocichla, Actinodura, Chrysominla, Siva, and Sibia). Clade D includes the African babblers (Turdoides, Phyllanthus, Kupeornis), Asian relatives (Argya, Acanthoptila, Chatarrhaea) and all remaining laughingthrushes (Garrulax). The time estimates suggest that the early diversification of the Leiothrichidae occurred in the mid‐Miocene, a period that corresponds to the diversification of many passerine groups in Asia. A revised taxonomic classification of the family is proposed in the light of these results.
SMS-based intervention in type 2 diabetes: clinical trial in Senegal
Authors: Wargny Matthieu , Kleinebreil Line , Diop Said Norou , Ndour-Mbaye Maïmouna , Ba Mady , Balkau Beverley , Simon Dominique 
Published: June 2018

ObjectiveSince 2014 Senegal has benefited from regular awareness-raising Short Message Service (SMS) campaigns (Be He@lthy, Be Mobile initiative) directed at people who have signed up, for free, to the ‘mDiabète’ programme. We report on an evaluation of its impact on diabetes control.DesignThe clinical trial was designed to send daily SMS during 3 months to people with type 2 diabetes. Due to centre randomisation, SMS were sent from inclusion (M0) to month 3 (M3) to people in centre S and from M3 to month 6 (M6) to people in centre P.SettingMedical centre S in the northwestern suburbs of Dakar; centre P in Popenguine, 70 km south of Dakar.ParticipantsIn February 2017, people with type 2 diabetes were consecutively recruited in the two centres. Complete data were available from 186 of these people.Main outcome measuresHbA1c was measured in the two centres with the same assay throughout the study. The primary end point was the difference between centres for the change in HbA1c from M0 to M3. Secondary end points were the evolution of HbA1c in centres S and P between M3 and M6.ResultsThe HbA1c change from M0 to M3 in centre S was better than in centre P, with a median difference of −0.4%, quartiles (−1.0; 0.3) versus 0.2% (-0.5; 0.8), respectively (p=0.0038). HbA1c decreased over the 3 months after having stopped SMS in centre S and was confirmed in centre P. The campaign cost was €2.5 (US$3.1) per person.ConclusionsIn Senegal, SMS sending was associated with an improved glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes. As SMS has a high penetration in low-income, middle-income countries where medical resources are scarce, health interventions using mobile telephones should be developed to facilitate exchanges between people with diabetes and medical teams; this may reduce diabetes-related complications.
Epidemiology of overweight and obesity in early childhood in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Nahhas Mahmoud A , Asamoah Felix , Mullen Stephen , Nwaru Bright I , Nurmatov Ulugbek 
Published: June 2018

IntroductionThere has been a notable increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in school-aged children in many industrialised regions. The worldwide prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity increased from 4.2% in 1990 to 6.7% in 2010. Although many studies have been published, the epidemiological burden of overweight and obesity in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) is unclear. There is a need to bring together and appraise relevant studies in order to estimate the epidemiological burden (including incidence, prevalence, risk factors, trend over time) of overweight and obesity in this region and thus help to inform national and regional policies.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the epidemiology of overweight and obesity in early childhood including incidence, prevalence, risk factors and trends over time in the GCC countries. We will search international electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, CINAHL, Google Scholar, AMED, Psych INFO, CAB International and WHO Global Health Library for published, unpublished and in-progress epidemiological studies of interest published from inception to 2017. In addition, we will contact an international panel of experts on the topic. There will be no restriction on the language of publication of studies. We will use the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) to appraise the methodological quality of included studies. Meta-analysis will be undertaken using random effects models.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required. The outcome of the review will be disseminated through conference presentations and peer-reviewed journal publication.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017073189.
Evaluation of different infant vaccination schedules incorporating pneumococcal vaccination (The Vietnam Pneumococcal Project): protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Temple Beth , Toan Nguyen Trong , Uyen Doan Y , Balloch Anne , Bright Kathryn , Cheung Yin Bun , Licciardi Paul , Nguyen Cattram Duong , Phuong Nguyen Thi Minh , Satzke Catherine , Smith-Vaughan Heidi , Vu Thi Que Huong , Huu Tran Ngoc , Mulholland Edward Kim 
Published: June 2018

IntroductionWHO recommends the use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) as a priority. However, there are many countries yet to introduce PCV, especially in Asia. This trial aims to evaluate different PCV schedules and to provide a head-to-head comparison of PCV10 and PCV13 in order to generate evidence to assist with decisions regarding PCV introduction. Schedules will be compared in relation to their immunogenicity and impact on nasopharyngeal carriage ofStreptococcus pneumoniaeandHaemophilus influenzae.Methods and analysisThis randomised, single-blind controlled trial involves 1200 infants recruited at 2 months of age to one of six infant PCV schedules: PCV10 in a 3+1, 3+0, 2+1 or two-dose schedule; PCV13 in a 2+1 schedule; and controls that receive two doses of PCV10 and 18 and 24 months. An additional control group of 200 children is recruited at 18 months that receive one dose of PCV10 at 24 months. All participants are followed up until 24 months of age. The primary outcome is the post-primary series immunogenicity, expressed as the proportions of participants with serotype-specific antibody levels ≥0.35 µg/mL for each serotype in PCV10.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained from the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Northern Territory Department of Health and Menzies School of Health Research (EC00153) and the Vietnam Ministry of Health Ethics Committee. The results, interpretation and conclusions will be presented to parents and guardians, at national and international conferences, and published in peer-reviewed open access journals.Trial registration numberNCT01953510; Pre-results.
Subtypes of Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma based on genome-wide methylation analysis
Authors: Yu Ming , Maden Sean K , Stachler Matthew , Kaz Andrew M , Ayers Jessica , Guo Yuna , Carter Kelly T , Willbanks Amber , Heinzerling Tai J , O’Leary Rachele M , Xu Xinsen , Bass Adam , Chandar Apoorva K , Chak Amitabh , Elliott Robin , Willis Joseph E , Markowitz Sanford D , Grady William M 
Published: June 2018

ObjectiveTo identify and characterise DNA methylation subtypes in oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and its precursor Barrett’s oesophagus (BE).DesignWe performed genome-wide DNA methylation profiling on samples of non-dysplastic BE from cancer-free patients (n=59), EAC (n=23), normal squamous oesophagus (n=33) and normal fundus (n=9), and identified methylation subtypes using a recursively partitioned mixture model. We assessed genomic alterations for 9 BE and 22 EAC samples with massively parallel sequencing of 243 EAC-associated genes, and we conducted integrative analyses with transcriptome data to identify epigenetically repressed genes. We also carried out in vitro experiments treating EAC cell lines with 5-Aza-2'-Deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC), short hairpin RNA knockdown and anticancer therapies.ResultsWe identified and validated four methylation subtypes of EAC and BE. The high methylator subtype (HM) of EAC had the greatest number of activating events inERBB2(p<0.05, Student’s t-test) and the highest global mutation load (p<0.05, Fisher’s exact test).PTPN13was silenced by aberrant methylation in the HM subtype preferentially and in 57% of EACs overall. In EAC cell lines, 5-Aza-dC treatment restoredPTPN13expression and significantly decreased its promoter methylation in HM cell lines (p<0.05, Welch’s t-test). Inhibition ofPTPN13expression in the SK-GT-4 EAC cell line promoted proliferation, colony formation and migration, and increased phosphorylation in ERBB2/EGFR/Src kinase pathways. Finally, EAC cell lines showed subtype-specific responses to topotecan, SN-38 and palbociclib treatment.ConclusionsWe identified and characterised methylator subtypes in BE and EAC. We further demonstrated the biological and clinical relevance of EAC methylator subtypes, which may ultimately help guide clinical management of patients with EAC.
Tau-induced focal neurotoxicity and network disruption related to apathy in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Kitamura Soichiro , Shimada Hitoshi , Niwa Fumitoshi , Endo Hironobu , Shinotoh Hitoshi , Takahata Keisuke , Kubota Manabu , Takado Yuhei , Hirano Shigeki , Kimura Yasuyuki , Zhang Ming-Rong , Kuwabara Satoshi , Suhara Tetsuya , Higuchi Makoto 
Published: June 2018

ObjectiveApathy is a common neuropsychological symptom in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and previous studies demonstrated that neuronal loss and network disruption in some brain regions play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of apathy. However, contributions of tau and amyloid-β (Aβ) depositions, pathological hallmarks of AD, to the manifestation of apathy remain elusive.MethodsSeventeen patients with AD underwent positron emission tomography (PET) with11C-pyridinyl-butadienyl-benzothiazole 3 (11C-PBB3) and11C-Pittsburgh compound-B (11C-PiB) to estimate tau and Aβ accumulations using standardised uptake value ratio (SUVR) images.11C-PBB3 and11C-PiB SUVR were compared between AD patients with high and low Apathy Scale (AS) scores. Additionally, volumetric and diffusion tensor MRI was performed in those areas where any significant difference was observed in PET analyses. Correlation and path analyses among AS and estimated imaging parameters were also conducted.ResultsAD patients with high AS scores showed higher11C-PBB3 SUVR in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) than those with low AS scores, while11C-PiB SUVR in any brain regions did not differ between them. Elevated11C-PBB3 SUVR in OFC, decreased OFC thickness and decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) in the uncinate fasciculus (UNC), which is structurally connected to OFC, correlated significantly with increased scores of the AS. Path analysis indicated that increased11C-PBB3 SUVR in OFC affects apathy directly and through reduction of OFC thickness and subsequent decrease of FA in UNC.ConclusionsThe present findings suggested that tau pathology in OFC may provoke focal neurotoxicity in OFC and the following disruption of the OFC-UNC network, leading to the emergence and progression of apathy in AD.
Multiscale structure-function relationships in right ventricular failure due to pressure overload
Authors: Cheng Tik-Chee , Philip Jennifer L. , Tabima Diana M. , Hacker Timothy A. , Chesler Naomi C. 
Published: June 2018

Right ventricular (RV) failure (RVF) is the major cause of death in pulmonary hypertension. Recent studies have characterized changes in RV structure in RVF, including hypertrophy, fibrosis, and abnormalities in mitochondria. Few, if any, studies have explored the relationships between these multiscale structural changes and functional changes in RVF. Pulmonary artery banding (PAB) was used to induce RVF due to pressure overload in male rats. Eight weeks postsurgery, terminal invasive measurements demonstrated RVF with decreased ejection fraction (70 ± 10 vs. 45 ± 15%, sham vs. PAB, P < 0.005) and cardiac output (126 ± 40 vs. 67 ± 32 ml/min, sham vs. PAB, P < 0.05). At the organ level, RV hypertrophy was directly correlated with increased contractility, which was insufficient to maintain ventricular-vascular coupling. At the tissue level, there was a 90% increase in fibrosis that had a direct correlation with diastolic dysfunction measured by reduced chamber compliance ( r2 = 0.43, P = 0.008). At the organelle level, transmission electron microscopy demonstrated an abundance of small-sized mitochondria. Increased mitochondria was associated with increased ventricular oxygen consumption and reduced mechanical efficiency ( P < 0.05). These results demonstrate an association between alterations in mitochondria and RV oxygen consumption and mechanical inefficiency in RVF and a link between fibrosis and in vivo diastolic dysfunction. Overall, this work provides key insights into multiscale RV remodeling in RVF due to pressure overload. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study explores the functional impact of multiscale ventricular remodeling in right ventricular failure (RVF). It demonstrates correlations between hypertrophy and increased contractility as well as fibrosis and diastolic function. This work quantifies mitochondrial ultrastructural remodeling in RVF and demonstrates increased oxygen consumption and mechanical inefficiency as features of RVF. Direct correlation between mitochondrial changes and ventricular energetics provides insight into the impact of organelle remodeling on organ level function.
Tumoral Venous Invasion after Distal Pancreatectomy: A Risk Factor for Recurrence
Authors: Joliat Gaëtan-Romain , Petermann David , Demartines Nicolas , Halkic Nermin , Schäfer Markus 
Published: June 2018

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Few data exist on postoperative outcomes of patients with pancreatic body-tail malignancies and tumoral venous invasion (VI). This study aimed at comparing survival and recurrence rate (RR) after distal pancreatectomy for adenocarcinoma in patients with and without tumoral VI. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> All consecutive distal pancreatectomies (2000–2015) were collected. Demographics and peri- and postoperative data were recorded. Survivals were calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 45 patients underwent distal pancreatectomies for malignancies, of which 33 patients had ductal adenocarcinomas and 2 had cystadenocarcinomas. Among these 35 adenocarcinomas, histological VI was found in 28 patients (80%). Characteristics and intraoperative data of patients with and without VI were similar. Complication rates were 15 of 28 (54%) in the VI group and 3 of 7 (43%) in the group without VI (<i>p</i> = 0.612). Five-year survival for the group with and without VI were 19 and 39% (<i>p</i> = 0.232), respectively. RR was 16 of 28 (57%) for the VI group and 1 of 7 (14%) for the group without VI (<i>p</i> = 0.042). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> VI did not have an effect on postoperative ­complications. Survivals were similar in case of VI or not. On the contrary, RR was higher in the VI group.
Albumin Loss and Citrate Load in Pre-Dilution High Cut-Off-CVVHDF with Regional Citrate (18 mmol/L) and High Cut-Off CVVHD with Systemic Heparin: An in vitro Study
Authors: Villa Gianluca , Neri Mauro , De Rosa Silvia , Samoni Sara , Chelazzi Cosimo , Romagnoli Stefano , Lorenzin Anna , de Cal Massimo , Ronco Claudio , De Gaudio Angelo Raffaele 
Published: June 2018

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Convective therapies with high cut-off membranes (HCO) are usually not recommended because of theoretical excessive albumin loss. The aim of this in vitro study is to demonstrate the noninferior safety of pre-dilution hemodiafiltration with HCO (HCO-CVVHDF) with isotonic citrate anticoagulation (18 mmol/L) with respect to heparin anticoagulated hemodialysis with HCO (HCO-CVVHD) in terms of albumin removal and citrate load. <b><i>Method:</i></b> ­Albumin removal was compared in vitro between 3 pre-­dilution-HCO-CVVHDF with citrate anticoagulation and 3 ­HCO-CVVHD with heparin anticoagulation during 30-min single-pass and 180-min recirculation phases. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Considering concentrations and flows in the extracorporeal circuit, the transmembrane albumin removal was 2.06 (1.51; 2.09) g and 2.09 (1.9; 2.8) g respectively for HCO-CVVHDF and HCO-CVVHD, during the single-pass phase; 2.8 (2.67; 4.59) g and 2.54 (2.35; 4.67) g, respectively, for HCO-CVVHDF and HCO-CVVHD during the recirculation phase. Based on the citrate saturation coefficients, a citrate metabolic load of 8.86 mmol/h has been calculated for HCO-CVVHDF. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> HCO-CVVHDF performed with regional anticoagulation with 18 mmol/L citrate solution does not induce higher ­albumin transmembrane removal compared to HCO-CVVHD.
CAABL-AF (California Study of Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation)
Authors: Srivatsa Uma N. , Danielsen Beate , Amsterdam Ezra A. , Pezeshkian Nayereh , Yang Yingbo , Nordsieck Eric , Fan Dali , Chiamvimonvat Nipavan , White Richard H. 
Published: June 2018

Background:
Ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is superior to medical therapy for rhythm control. We compared stroke and mortality among patients undergoing ablation for AF to matched controls in a large multiethnic population.

Methods:
Using discharge and surgical records from California nonfederal hospitals, we identified patients who had ablation and principal diagnosis of AF with at least 1 prior hospitalization for AF. We excluded cases with valve disease, open maze, other arrhythmias, or implantable devices. Matched controls were selected based on years of AF diagnosis, age, sex, and being alive the same number of days from the initial AF encounter to the ablation date. Clinical outcomes, including mortality, ischemic stroke, or hemorrhagic stroke, were assessed using a weighted proportional hazard model, adjusting for demographics, prior admissions with AF before the ablation, calendar year, and presence of chronic comorbidities.

Results:

There were 4169 ablation cases and 4169 weighted-matched controls; 39% percent of the ablation group was >65 years, 72% men, 84% white; mean follow-up was up to 3.6±0.9 years. In adjusted models, ablation was associated with significantly lower mortality (per patient-years) 0.9% versus 1.9%, hazard ratio=0.59 (
P
<0.0001; confidence interval: 0.45–0.77); ischemic stroke (>30 days post-ablation ≤5 years), 0.37% versus 0.59%, hazard ratio=0.68 (
P
=0.04; confidence interval: 0.47–0.97); hemorrhagic stroke 0.11% versus 0.35%, hazard ratio=0.36 (
P
=0.001; confidence interval: 0.20–0.64) compared with controls.

Conclusions:
In this large population-based study of hospitalized patients with nonvalvular AF, ablation was associated with lower mortality, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke compared with controls.