bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bimatoprost sustained‐release intracameral implant reduces episcleral venous pressure in dogs
Authors: Lee Susan S. , Burke James , Shen Jie , Almazan Alexandra , Orilla Werhner , Hughes Patrick , Zhang Jane , Li Huajiang , Struble Craig , Miller Paul E. , Robinson Michael R. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the effect of a bimatoprost sustained‐release intracameral implant (Bimatoprost SR) on episcleral venous pressure (EVP) in normal dogs.MethodsNormotensive beagle dogs were randomized to receive Bimatoprost SR 30 μg (n = 7) or sham injection (needle insertion only, n = 7) in one eye on day 1. EVP was measured with an episcleral venomanometer through day 65. Episcleral aqueous outflow vessels were identified using fluorescence imaging following intracameral injection of indocyanine green in one additional animal. A separate cohort of dogs that had been trained for conscious intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements received Bimatoprost SR 30 μg (n = 8) in one eye; IOP was evaluated through day 66.ResultsBaseline mean EVP was 10.0 mmHg in the Bimatoprost SR group and 10.4 mmHg in the sham group. Eyes treated with Bimatoprost SR exhibited a transient increase in mean EVP that peaked at day 8, followed by a decrease to levels below baseline. From day 29 to day 65, the change in mean EVP from baseline ranged from −2.4 to −3.9 mmHg (P < 0.05 vs. sham). Baseline mean IOP in eyes treated with Bimatoprost SR was 14.9 mmHg, and a steady IOP reduction was maintained through day 66. Bimatoprost SR‐treated eyes exhibited a selective, sustained dilation of aqueous outflow vessels that was not observed in sham‐treated eyes.ConclusionsIn normal dogs, Bimatoprost SR was associated with a transient increase in EVP followed by a sustained decrease. Changes in EVP were accompanied by a sustained dilation of aqueous outflow vessels.
Caudal articular process dysplasia of thoracic vertebrae in neurologically normal French bulldogs, English bulldogs, and Pugs: Prevalence and characteristics
Authors: Bertram Simon , ter Haar Gert , De Decker Steven 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and anatomical characteristics of thoracic caudal articular process dysplasia in French bulldogs, English bulldogs and Pugs presenting for problems unrelated to spinal disease. In this retrospective cross‐sectional study, computed tomography scans of the thoracic vertebral column of these three breeds were reviewed for the presence and location of caudal articular process hypoplasia and aplasia, and compared between breeds. A total of 271 dogs met the inclusion criteria: 108 French bulldogs, 63 English bulldogs, and 100 Pugs. A total of 70.4% of French bulldogs, 84.1% of English bulldogs, and 97.0% of Pugs showed evidence of caudal articular process dysplasia. Compared to French and English bulldogs, Pugs showed a significantly higher prevalence of caudal articular process aplasia, but also a lower prevalence of caudal articular process hypoplasia, a higher number of affected vertebrae per dog and demonstrated a generalized and bilateral spatial pattern more frequently. Furthermore, Pugs showed a significantly different anatomical distribution of caudal articular process dysplasia along the vertebral column, with a high prevalence of caudal articular process aplasia between T10 and T13. This area was almost completely spared in French and English bulldogs. As previously suggested, caudal articular process dysplasia is a common finding in neurologically normal Pugs but this also seems to apply to French and English bulldogs. The predisposition of clinically relevant caudal articular process dysplasia in Pugs is possibly not only caused by the higher prevalence of caudal articular process dysplasia, but also by breed specific anatomical characteristics.
The inspired sine‐wave technique: A novel method to measure lung volume and ventilatory heterogeneity
Authors: Bruce Richard M. , Phan Phi Anh , Pacpaco Edmund , Rahman Najib M. , Farmery Andrew D. 
Published: February 2018

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
We present a new non‐invasive medical technology, the inspired sine‐wave technique, which involves inhalation of sinusoidally fluctuating concentrations of a tracer gas. The technique requires only passive patient cooperation and can monitor different cardiorespiratory variables, such as end‐expired lung volume, ventilatory heterogeneity and pulmonary blood flow.

What is the main finding and its importance?
In this article, we demonstrate that the measurements of end‐expired lung volume are repeatable and accurate, in comparison to whole‐body plethysmography, and the technique is sensitive to the changes in ventilatory heterogeneity associated with advancing age. As such, it has the potential to provide clinically valuable information.

AbstractThe inspired sine‐wave technique (IST) is a new method that can provide simple, non‐invasive cardiopulmonary measurements. Over successive tidal breaths, the concentration of a tracer gas (i.e. nitrous oxide, N2O) is sinusoidally modulated in inspired air. Using a single‐compartment tidal‐ventilation lung model, the resulting amplitude/phase of the expired sine wave allows estimation of end‐expired lung volume (ELV), pulmonary blood flow and three indices for ventilatory heterogeneity (VH; ELV180/FRCpleth, ELV180/FRCpred and ELV60/ELV180). This investigation aimed to determine the repeatability and agreement of ELV with FRCpleth and, as normal ageing results in well‐established changes in pulmonary structure and function, whether the IST estimates of ELV and VH are age dependent. Forty‐eight healthy never‐smoker participants (20–86 years) underwent traditional pulmonary function testing (e.g. spirometry, body plethysmography) and the IST test, which consisted of 4 min of quiet breathing through a face mask while inspired N2O concentrations were oscillated in a sine‐wave pattern with a fixed mean (4%) and amplitude (3%) and a period of either 180 or 60 s. The ELV180/FRCpleth and ELV180/FRCpred were age dependent (average decreases of 0.58 and 0.48% year−1), suggesting an increase in VH with advancing age. The ELV showed a mean bias of −1.09 litres versus FRCpleth, but when normalized for the effects of age this bias reduced to −0.35 litres. The IST test has potential to provide clinically useful information necessitating further study (e.g. for mechanically ventilated or obstructive lung disease patients), but these findings suggest that the increases in VH with healthy ageing must be taken into account in clinical investigations.
Evidence-Based Supplements for the Enhancement of Athletic Performance
Authors: Peeling Peter , Binnie Martyn J. , Goods Paul S.R. , Sim Marc , Burke Louise M. 
Published: February 2018

A strong foundation in physical conditioning and sport-specific experience, in addition to a bespoke and periodized training and nutrition program, are essential for athlete development. Once these underpinning factors are accounted for, and the athlete reaches a training maturity and competition level where marginal gains determine success, a role may exist for the use of evidence-based performance supplements. However, it is important that any decisions surrounding performance supplements are made in consideration of robust information that suggests the use of a product is safe, legal, and effective. The following review focuses on the current evidence-base for a number of common (and emerging) performance supplements used in sport. The supplements discussed here are separated into three categories based on the level of evidence supporting their use for enhancing sports performance: (1) established (caffeine, creatine, nitrate, beta-alanine, bicarbonate); (2) equivocal (citrate, phosphate, carnitine); and (3) developing. Within each section, the relevant performance type, the potential mechanisms of action, and the most common protocols used in the supplement dosing schedule are summarized.
Enhanced External Counterpulsation and Short-Term Recovery From High-Intensity Interval Training
Authors: Valenzuela Pedro L. , Sánchez-Martínez Guillermo , Torrontegi Elaia , Montalvo Zigor , Lucia Alejandro , de la Villa Pedro 
Published: February 2018

Purpose:Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a recovery strategy whose use has increased in recent years owing to the benefits observed in the clinical setting in some cardiovascular diseases (ie, improvement of cardiovascular function). However, its claimed effectiveness for the enhancement of exercise recovery has not been analyzed in athletes. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of EECP on short-term recovery after a fatiguing exercise bout.Methods:Twelve elite junior triathletes (16 [2] y) participated in this crossover counterbalanced study. After a high-intensity interval training session (6 bouts of 3-min duration at maximal intensity interspersed with 3-min rest periods), participants were assigned to recover during 30 min with EECP (80 mm Hg) or sham (0 mm Hg). Measures of recovery included performance (jump height and mean power during an 8-min time trial), metabolic (blood lactate concentration at several time points), autonomic (heart-rate variability at several time points), and subjective (rating of perceived exertion [RPE] and readiness to compete) outcomes.Results:There were no differences between EECP and sham in mean RPE or power output during the high-intensity interval training session, which elicited a significant performance impairment, vagal withdrawal, and increased blood lactate and RPE in both EECP and sham conditions (allP < .05). No significant differences were found in performance, metabolic, or subjective outcomes between conditions at any time point. A significantly lower high-frequency power (P < .05, effect size = 1.06), a marker of parasympathetic activity, was observed with EECP at the end of the recovery phase.Conclusion:EECP did not enhance short-term recovery after a high-intensity interval training session in healthy, highly trained individuals.
Draft Genome Sequence of an Isolate of Colletotrichum fructicola, a Causal Agent of Mango Anthracnose
Authors: Li Qili , Bu Junyan , Yu Zhihe , Tang Lihua , Huang Suiping , Guo Tangxun , Mo Jianyou , Hsiang Tom 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

Here, we present a draft genome sequence of isolate 15060 of
Colletotrichum fructicola
, a causal agent of mango anthracnose. The final assembly consists of 1,048 scaffolds totaling 56,493,063 bp (G+C content, 53.38%) and 15,180 predicted genes.
Complete Genome Sequence of vB_BveP-Goe6, a Virus Infecting
Bacillus velezensis
FZB42
Authors: Schilling Tobias , Hoppert Michael , Daniel Rolf , Hertel Robert 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

The new virus vB_BveP-Goe6 was isolated on the host organism
Bacillus velezensis
FZB42. The virus morphology indicated its association with the genus
Phi29virus
. The genome of vB_BveP-Goe6 (19,105 bp) comprises a linear chromosome with a GC content of 39.99%. The genome harbors 26 putative protein-coding genes and a noncoding packaging RNA.
Complete Genome Sequence of EtG, the First Phage Sequenced from Erwinia tracheiphila
Authors: Andrade-Domínguez Andrés , Kolter Roberto , Shapiro Lori R. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

Erwinia tracheiphila
is the causal agent of bacterial wilt of cucurbits. Here, we report the genome sequence of the temperate phage EtG, which was isolated from an
E. tracheiphila
-infected cucumber plant. Phage EtG has a linear 30,413-bp double-stranded DNA genome with cohesive ends and 45 predicted open reading frames.
Antiretroviral treatment Long-Term (ALT) cohort: a prospective cohort of 10 years of ART-experienced patients in Uganda
Authors: Castelnuovo Barbara , Mubiru Frank , Kiragga Agnes N , Musomba Rachel , Mbabazi Olive , Gonza Paul , Kambugu Andrew , Ratanshi Rosalind Parks 
Published: February 2018

PurposeLittle information is available on patients on antiretroviral treatment (ART) after a long-term period from sub-Saharan Africa, with the longest follow-up and related outcomes being after 10 years on ART. At the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) (Kampala, Uganda), we set up a cohort of patients already on ART for 10 years at the time of enrolment, who will be followed up for additional 10 years.ParticipantsA prospective observational cohort of 1000 adult patients previously on ART for 10 years was enrolled between May 2014 and September 2015. Patients were eligible for enrolment if they were in their consecutive 10th year of ART regardless of the combination of drugs for both first- and second-line ART. Data were collected at enrolment and all annual study visits. Follow-up visits are scheduled once a year for 10 years. Biological samples (packed cells, plasma and serum) are stored at enrolment and follow-up visits.Findings to dateOut of 1000 patients enrolled, 345 (34.5%) originate from a pre-existing research cohort at IDI, while 655 (65.5%) were enrolled from the routine clinic. Overall, 81% of the patients were on first line at the time of the enrolment in the ART long-term cohort, with the more frequent regimen being zidovudine plus lamivudine plus nevirapine (44% of the cohort), followed by zidovudine plus lamivudine plus efavirenz (22%) and tenofovir plus lamivudine or emtricitabine plus efavirenz (10%). At cohort enrolment, viral suppression was defined as HIV-RNA <400 copies/mL was 95.8%.Future plansThrough collaboration with other institutions, we are planning several substudies, including the evaluation of the risk for cardiovascular diseases, the assessment of bone mineral density, screening for liver cirrhosis using fibroscan technology and investigation of drug–drug interactions between ART and common drugs used for non-communicable diseases.
Time-dependent risks of cancer clustering among couples: a nationwide population-based cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Jong-Yi , Liang Yia-Wen , Yeh Chun-Chen , Liu Chiu-Shong , Wang Chen-Yu 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesSpousal clustering of cancer warrants attention. Whether the common environment or high-age vulnerability determines cancer clustering is unclear. The risk of clustering in couples versus non-couples is undetermined. The time to cancer clustering after the first cancer diagnosis is yet to be reported. This study investigated cancer clustering over time among couples by using nationwide data.MethodsA cohort of 5643 married couples in the 2002–2013 Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database was identified and randomly matched with 5643 non-couple pairs through dual propensity score matching. Factors associated with clustering (both spouses with tumours) were analysed by using the Cox proportional hazard model.ResultsPropensity-matched analysis revealed that the risk of clustering of all tumours among couples (13.70%) was significantly higher than that among non-couples (11.84%) (OR=1.182, 95% CI 1.058 to 1.321, P=0.0031). The median time to clustering of all tumours and of malignant tumours was 2.92 and 2.32 years, respectively. Risk characteristics associated with clustering included high age and comorbidity.ConclusionsShared environmental factors among spouses might be linked to a high incidence of cancer clustering. Cancer incidence in one spouse may signal cancer vulnerability in the other spouse. Promoting family-oriented cancer care in vulnerable families and preventing shared lifestyle risk factors for cancer are suggested.
NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme in England: formative evaluation of the programme in early phase implementation
Authors: Penn Linda , Rodrigues Angela , Haste Anna , Marques Marta M , Budig Kirsten , Sainsbury Kirby , Bell Ruth , Araújo-Soares Vera , White Martin , Summerbell Carolyn , Goyder Elizabeth , Brennan Alan , Adamson Ashley J , Sniehotta Falko F 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesEvaluation of the demonstrator phase and first wave roll-out of the National Health Service (NHS) Diabetes Prevention Programme (DPP) in England. To examine: (1) intervention design, provision and fidelity assessment procedures; (2) risk assessment and recruitment pathways and (3) data collection for monitoring and evaluation. To provide recommendations informing decision makers on programme quality, improvements and future evaluation.DesignWe reviewed programme documents, mapping against the NHS DPP specification and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) public health guideline: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevention in people at high risk (PH38), conducted qualitative research using individual interviews and focus group discussions with stakeholders and examined recruitment, fidelity and data collection procedures.SettingSeven NHS DPP demonstrator sites and, subsequently, 27 first wave areas across England.InterventionsIntensive behavioural intervention with weight loss, diet and physical activity goals. The national programme specifies at least 13 sessions over 9 months, delivered face to face to groups of 15–20 adults with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, mainly recruited from primary care and NHS Health Checks.ParticipantsParticipants for qualitative research were purposively sampled to provide a spread of stakeholder experience. Documents for review were provided via the NHS DPP Management Group.FindingsThe NHS DPP specification reflected current evidence with a clear framework for service provision. Providers, with national capacity to deliver, supplied intervention plans compliant with this framework. Stakeholders highlighted limitations in fidelity assessment and recruitment and retention challenges, especially in reach and equity, that could adversely impact on implementation. Risk assessment for first wave eligibility differed from NICE guidance.ConclusionsThe NHS DPP provides an evidence-based behavioural intervention for prevention of T2D in adults at high risk, with capacity to deliver nationally. Framework specification allows for balance between consistency and contextual variation in intervention delivery, with session details devolved to providers. Limitations in fidelity assurance, data collection procedures and recruitment issues could adversely impact on intervention effectiveness and restrict evaluation.
Peripheral µ-opioid receptors attenuate the responses of group III and IV afferents to contraction in rats with simulated peripheral artery disease
Authors: Harms Jonathan , Stone Audrey J. , Kaufman Marc P. 
Published: February 2018

Patients with peripheral artery disease show an exaggerated pressor response to mild exercise, an effect attributable to the exercise pressor reflex, whose afferent arm comprises the thinly myelinated group III and unmyelinated group IV afferents. Previously, we found that DAMGO, a µ-opioid agonist injected into the femoral artery, attenuated the exaggerated exercise pressor reflex in rats with ligated femoral arteries, a preparation that simulates the blood flow patterns to muscle that is seen in patients with peripheral artery disease. Continuing this line of investigation, we recorded the responses of group III and IV afferents to static contraction before and after injecting DAMGO (1 µg) into the superficial epigastric artery in rats with patent femoral arteries and in rats with ligated femoral arteries. In rats with patent arteries, DAMGO did not change the responses to contraction of either group III ( n = 9; P = 0.83) or group IV ( n = 8; P = 0.34) afferents. In contrast, in rats with ligated femoral arteries, DAMGO injection (1 µg) significantly decreased the responses to contraction of both group III afferents ( n = 9, P < 0.01) and group IV afferents ( n = 9; P < 0.01). DAMGO did not significantly attenuate the responses of either group III or IV afferents to capsaicin in rats with either patent or ligated femoral arteries. These findings are in agreement with our previous studies that showed that peripheral DAMGO injection attenuated the exercise pressor reflex in rats with ligated femoral arteries but had only a modest effect on the exercise pressor reflex in rats with patent femoral arteries. NEW & NOTEWORTHY In an animal model of peripheral artery disease, we show that the µ-opioid agonist, DAMGO reduces the afferent response rate resulting from stimulated static contraction. These results suggest that peripherally active opioid agonists that do not cross the blood-brain barrier may be therapeutic for treatment of peripheral artery disease without the negative and addictive side effects associated with opioids in the central nervous system.
Spatial bias in estimating the position of visual and proprioceptive targets
Authors: Liu Yang , Sexton Brandon M. , Block Hannah J. 
Published: February 2018

When people match an unseen hand to a visual or proprioceptive target, they make both variable and systematic (bias) errors. Variance is a well-established factor in behavior, but the origin and implications of bias, and its connection to variance, are poorly understood. Eighty healthy adults matched their unseen right index finger to proprioceptive (left index finger) and visual targets with no performance feedback. We asked whether matching bias was related to target modality and to the magnitude or spatial properties of matching variance. Bias errors were affected by target modality, with subjects estimating visual and proprioceptive targets 20 mm apart. We found three pieces of evidence to suggest a connection between bias and variable errors: 1) for most subjects, the target modality that yielded greater spatial bias was also estimated with greater variance; 2) magnitudes of matching bias and variance were somewhat correlated for each target modality ( R = 0.24 and 0.29); and 3) bias direction was closely related to the angle of the major axis of the confidence ellipse ( R = 0.60 and 0.63). However, whereas variance was significantly correlated with visuo-proprioceptive weighting as predicted by multisensory integration theory ( R = −0.29 and 0.27 for visual and proprioceptive variance, respectively), bias was not. In a second session, subjects improved their matching variance, but not bias, for both target modalities, indicating a difference in stability. Taken together, these results suggest bias and variance are related only in some respects, which should be considered in the study of multisensory behavior. NEW & NOTEWORTHY People matching visual or proprioceptive targets make both variable and systematic (bias) errors. Multisensory integration is thought to minimize variance, but if the less variable modality has more bias, behavioral accuracy will decrease. Our data set suggests this is unusual. However, although bias and variable errors were spatially related, they differed in both stability and correlation with multisensory weighting. This suggests the bias-variance relationship is not straightforward, and both should be considered in multisensory behavior.