bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
One for two: A novel and highly sensitive virulence factor-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay for the simultaneous detection of Rodentibacter pneumotropicus and Rodentibacter heylii in environmental sample material
Authors: Buchheister Stephanie , Roegener Florian , Zschemisch Nils-Holger , Talbot Steven R. , Christensen Henrik , Bleich André 
Published: June 2019

Hygienic monitoring of laboratory rodents has focused more and more on the analysis of environmental sample material by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays. This approach requires profound knowledge of specific genetic sequences of the agents to be monitored and the assays need to be permanently adapted to take the latest research into account. [ Pasteurella] pneumotropica was recently reclassified into the new genus Rodentibacter, with Rodentibacter (R.) pneumotropicus and R. heylii as the most commonly detected species in laboratory mouse colonies. This study aimed at the development of a specific qPCR assay for the simultaneous detection of both agents. A novel primer probe set, based on detection of the specific virulence factor‚ ‘inclusion body protein A’ gene ( ibpA), was confirmed by testing the assay on currently described Rodentibacter type species and other Pasteurellaceae. Furthermore, it was validated within four different barrier units and results were compared with the cultural analysis of sentinel mice. The assay was suitable to specifically detect R. pneumotropicus and R. heylii and discriminate them from other murine Rodentibacter spp. In addition, it revealed high sensitivity for the detection of both agents in environmental sampling material including exhaust air dust in individually ventilated cage systems. Altogether, higher pathogen prevalence was detected via qPCR of environmental samples compared with cultural diagnostics of sentinel mice. This study describes a qPCR assay for the simultaneous detection of R. pneumotropicus and R. heylii. This assay was demonstrated to be beneficial during routine health monitoring, especially with regard to environmental sampling strategies.
Mechanical properties of natural fibre-reinforced hybrid composites
Authors: Dong Chensong 
Published: June 2019

A study on the hybrid composites reinforced by two types of short natural fibres is presented. The material properties of short natural fibre composites were obtained by Mori–Tanaka method. Three-point bend test was simulated by the classical beam theory and finite element analysis. Both asymmetric and sandwich hybrid composites were studied. From the results, the following conclusions can be drawn: 1. A general rule is that one lamina of higher stiffness should be placed on the tensile face of a hybrid composite in order to obtain improved flexural strength. 2. For the sandwich-type hybrid composites, the higher stiffness material should be placed in the core, and the lower stiffness material should be the skin.
Early Outcomes and Complications of Synthetic Cartilage Implant for Treatment of Hallux Rigidus in the United States
Authors: Cassinelli Spenser J. , Chen Stephanie , Charlton Timothy P. , Thordarson David B. 
Published: June 2019

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the early outcomes and complications following the implantation of a hydrogel synthetic cartilage implant (SCI, Cartiva) for the treatment of hallux rigidus by a single surgeon. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of consecutive patients who underwent treatment for hallux rigidus with an SCI between August 2016 and April 2018 by a single surgeon. Demographic information, radiographic assessment, and concomitant operative procedures performed were evaluated for all patients. Postoperatively, PROMIS physical function (PF) and pain interference (PI) scores, patient satisfaction, reoperation, conversion to arthrodesis, and need for further clinical treatment were collected. Sixty-four SCIs were implanted in 60 patients. Follow-up averaged 18.5 months (range 12-30 months). Results: 14% (9/64) of patients were very satisfied, 28% (18/64) satisfied, 20% (13/64) neutral, 11% (7/64) unsatisfied, and 27% (17/64) very unsatisfied with their outcome. In addition, 45% of patients underwent additional procedures at the time of SCI, and 23% had a history of surgery on the hallux before implantation. PROMIS PF scores averaged 42 and PROMIS PI scores averaged 60. Overall, 63% completed PROMIS PI, 66% completed PROMIS PF, and 100% completed a satisfaction survey. In addition, 30% (19/64) underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) postoperatively due to pain. There was a 20% reoperation rate, which included an 8% rate of conversion to arthrodesis. Conclusion: Synthetic cartilage implantation yielded neutral patient satisfaction, mild pain, and physical dysfunction at early follow-up. We believe patient selection and counseling regarding early postoperative limitations are important before proceeding with SCI. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.
Time to Recovery of Feeding After Alveolar Bone Graft Is Associated With Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Within 2 Hours in Children
Authors: Yamashita Kaoru , Kibe Toshiro , Ohno Sachi , Uchino Minako , Higa Yurina , Niiro Ayako , Nakamura Norifumi , Sugimura Mitsutaka 
Published: June 2019

Objective: To examine the relationship between the method of anesthesia for alveolar bone graft surgery and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) based on the difference in surgical timing and to assess factors related to the postoperative quality of life. Design: Retrospective observational study. Setting: Hospital. Participants: Patients with cleft lip and palate who underwent alveolar bone graft surgery under general anesthesia. The subjects were divided into two groups based on surgical timing: secondary bone graft (SBG) and late secondary bone graft (LSBG) groups. Main Outcome Measures: Relationship between time to recovery of feeding and the types of anesthesia, PONV, and postoperative pain period. Results: The mean patient age was 9.97 ± 1.33 years in the SBG group and 15.39 ± 0.31 years in the LSBG group. In the SBG group, patients who were administered fentanyl or remifentanil had significantly higher incidence of PONV than those who were not administered these drugs. In the SBG group, the time to recovery of feeding was significantly longer in patients experiencing PONV within 2 hours or that lasted for 24 hours than in those without PONV. In the LSBG group, there was no significant difference regarding any of the above factors. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the occurrence of PONV within 2 hours or lasting for 24 hours postoperatively in school-age children prolonged the time to recovery of feeding. This indicates that the time to recovery of feeding can be predicted based on the occurrence of PONV within the first 2 hours.
Structural Racism and Severe Maternal Morbidity in New York State
Authors: Liu Sze Yan , Fiorentini Christina , Bailey Zinzi , Huynh Mary , McVeigh Katharine , Kaplan Deborah 
Published: June 2019

Objective: We examined the association between county-level structural racism indicators and the odds of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) in New York State. Design: We merged individual-level hospitalization data from the New York State Department of Health Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) with county-level data from the American Community Survey and the Vera Institute of Justice from 2011 to 2013 (n = 244 854). Structural racism in each county included in our sample was constructed as the racial inequity (ratio of black to white population) in female educational attainment, female employment, and incarceration. Results: Multilevel logistic regression analysis estimated the association between each of these structural racism indicators and SMM, accounting for individual- and hospital-level characteristics and clustering in facilities. In the models adjusted for individual- and hospital-level factors, county-level racial inequity in female educational attainment was associated with small but statistically significant higher odds of SMM (odds ratio [OR] = 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.47, 1.85). County-level structural racism indicators of female employment inequity and incarceration inequity were not statistically significant. Interaction terms examining potential effect measure modification by race with each structural racism indicator also indicated no statistical difference. Conclusions: Studies of maternal disparities should consider multiple dimensions of structural racism as a contributing cause to SMM and as an additional area for potential intervention.
Patterns of Alcohol Abstinence in Mexican Women Residing in the United States: Effects of Nativity and Duration in the United States
Authors: Hardie Thomas L. , Polek Carolee , Garcia Victor , Leader Amy , Gonzalez Laura 
Published: June 2019

Objectives: Explore changes in abstinence rates in Mexican women (MW) residing in the United States based on nativity and time in the United States as an indicator risks for future alcohol-related disorders. Design: A secondary analysis of data from the National Health Interview Survey evaluated rates of abstinence between 2000 and 2017. A logistic regression was completed to address the impact of age, years in the United States, sample years. Sample: A total of 29,860 MW surveyed over an 18-year period that included those born in and outside the United States. Primary Research Variables: Dependent variable was abstinence status; independent variables included nativity, year of survey, age, years in the United States (if immigrant). Results: Immigrant MW showed higher rates of alcohol abstinence than U.S.-born MW across all years, but regardless of place of birth, fewer MW are abstaining over time. Among immigrant MW, those only in the United States greater than 15 years had a greater risk of becoming a drinker than those in the United States less than 5 years. Conclusion: There are declining rates of alcohol abstinence among MW regardless of immigration status. The lower rate of abstinent MW increases their risk for alcohol-related disorders. Assessing MW’s use of alcohol and providing targeted education is essential.
Quantitative Studies of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Evolution Under Treatment by Digital Stereotactic Photography
Authors: Cabal Mirabal Carlos Alberto , Berlanga Acosta Jorge , Fernández Montequín José , Oramas Díaz Leonardo , González Dalmau Evelio , Herrera Martínez Luis , Sauri José Esteban , Baldomero Hernández Julio , Savigne Gutiérrez Wiliam , Valdés Jorge Luis , Tabio Reyes Ana Ledia , Pérez Pérez Salome Carmen , Valdés Pérez Calixto , Armstrong Alexandria A. , Armstrong David G. 
Published: June 2019

Background: Imaging the lower extremity reproducibly and accurately remains an elusive goal. This is particularly true in the high risk diabetic foot, where tissue loss, edema, and color changes are often concomitant. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of a novel and inexpensive stereotaxic frame in assessment of wound healing. Methods: The main idea is to keep constant and reproducible the relative position of extremities related to the sensor used for the examination during a serial studies by stereotaxic digital photographic sequence. Ten healthy volunteers were evaluated at 10 different time moments to estimate the foot position variations in the stereotaxic frame. The evolution of 40 of DFU patients under treatment was evaluated before and during the epidemical grow factor intralesional treatment. Results: The wound closing and granulation speeds, the relative contribution of the contraction and tissue restauration mechanism were evaluated by stereotaxic digital photography. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the stereotaxic frame is a robust platform for serial study of the evolution of wound healing which allow to obtain consistent information from a variety of visible and hyperspectral measurement technologies. New stereotaxic digital photography evidences related to the diabetic foot ulcer healing process under treatment has been presented.
Difficult Discharges to Skilled Nursing Facilities Attributed to Multiple Sclerosis Medications: An Observational Study
Authors: Munger Kathleen C. , George Benjamin P. , Samkoff Lawrence M. , Robb Jessica F. 
Published: June 2019

Background: The costs of multiple sclerosis (MS) disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and certain symptomatic treatments (ie, dalfampridine [DFP]) are high. Consolidated billing models require that medication costs be covered by skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) after hospitalization. As a result, patients may experience suboptimal discharge, off of medication or without rehabilitation. Methods: To characterize the frequency with which MS pharmaceutical costs lead to suboptimal discharge, we performed a retrospective chart review of admissions to a large academic medical center from January 2013 to December 2017 among patients with MS on DMT and/or DFP with SNF rehabilitation recommendations. We quantified the burden of suboptimal discharge due to medication discontinuation, limited medication supplies, or forgone rehabilitation. Results: Among 169 admissions of patients with MS with discharge recommendations for SNF rehabilitation, there were 57 (33.7%) admissions across 49 patients with MS on DMT/DFP. Overall, 39 (68%) of 57 admissions (71% of patients) experienced a suboptimal discharge. Overall, 29 (65%) discontinued DMT/DFP, 9 (16%) took their remaining home supply of medications during rehabilitation (including 5 admissions also affected by a discontinuation), and 6 (11%) were discharged home to remain on DMT. Among those discharged to rehabilitation, discharge to a hospital-owned SNF was associated with a routine discharge with no lapse in medication (n = 11/15 vs 7/36, P < .001). Conclusions: High costs of MS medications in conjunction with SNF consolidated payment models result in misaligned incentives and often lead to medication discontinuation or other suboptimal discharge for patients with MS.
Prognostic factors and the role of pelvic lymphadenectomy in uterine leiomyosarcomas
Authors: Nesrine Tounsi , Ines Zemni , Abdelwahed Nawel , Ali Ayadi Mohamed , Nadia Boujelbene , Monia Hechiche , Hatem Bouzaine , Maher Slimane , Khaled Rahel 
Published: June 2019

Objectives: Leiomyosarcomas are relatively rare uterine smooth muscle tumors. Surgery is the most common therapy choice for uterine leiomyosarcomas. However, controversy exists over the appropriate initial surgical management, especially about the role of lymph node sampling. The aim of our study is to analyze the prognostic factors and the role of lymphadenectomy in overall survival and in disease-free survival. Methods: We analyzed retrospectively 31 patients suffering from uterine leiomyosarcomas at Institute of Salah Azaiez during 2000–2014. Demographic and clinical features such as age, menopausal status, stage, tumor size, and management options were examined, and pathological characteristics such as mitotic count, lymphovascular space invasion, and tumor necrosis were evaluated. Results: Out of 31 patients treated for uterine leiomyosarcomas, pelvic lymphadenectomy was done for 18 patients. No para-aortic lymphadenectomy was performed. Median number of resected lymph nodes was 13 ± 7 (range: 3–27). Lymphatic metastasis was observed in 2 out of 18 patients with clinical stage IA and IIIB. The distribution of different variables (age, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, tumor size, mitotic count, and adjuvant treatment) between the group of patients, who had or had not lymphadenectomy done, had no significant difference. The 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival were 61% and 50%, respectively. Clinical stage, presence of lymphovascular space invasion, and lymph nodal dissection were found to be relevant for disease-free survival on univariate analysis. Only age and menopausal status were found to be a prognostic factor for overall survival. Conclusion: Hence, routine lymph node dissection was not generally recommended. Our study demonstrates that lymphadenectomy has a statistically significant effect on disease-free survival but not on overall survival.
Theory-Based Design of an Entrepreneurship Microcredentialing and Modularization System Within a Large University Ecosystem
Authors: Gedeon Steven A. 
Published: June 2019

The theoretical design framework and implementation of the Entrepreneurship Microcredentialing and Modularization System at Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada, is described, one of the largest programs in the world with 75 different entrepreneurship courses, 10 on-campus incubators, several masters degrees, undergraduate degrees, majors, minors, and cocurricular levels of credentialing. Over 6,500 students per year receive an entrepreneurship course credit and over 2,000 of these accumulate microcredentials to achieve this course credit. To reduce the likelihood that students merely accumulate random modules and microcredentials, it is critical to use an integrating framework so that these modules build toward a greater integrated whole (i.e., a curriculum). This article describes how a Microcredentialing and Modularization System is currently used in six courses which build toward different credentials and program learning outcome measurements for accreditation purposes. University resources and integrating mechanisms are described as well as lessons learned during implementation. The primary theoretical contribution of this article is to extend the theoretical framework used for accredited program-level design for small cohorts of entrepreneurship students into a university-level ecosystem design. The primary practical contribution of this article is a detailed case study description of one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive university entrepreneurship ecosystems.
Role of Hepatic Glucocorticoid Receptor in Metabolism in Models of 5αR1 Deficiency in Male Mice
Authors: Mak Tracy C S , Livingstone Dawn E W , Nixon Mark , Walker Brian R , Andrew Ruth 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Inhibition of 5α-reductases impairs androgen and glucocorticoid metabolism and induces insulin resistance in humans and rodents. The contribution of hepatic glucocorticoids to these adverse metabolic changes was assessed using a liver-selective glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist, A-348441. Mice lacking 5α-reductase 1 (5αR1-KO) and their littermate controls were studied during consumption of a high-fat diet, with or without A-348441(120 mg/kg/d). Male C57BL/6 mice (age, 12 weeks) receiving dutasteride (1.8 mg/kg/d)) or vehicle with consumption of a high-fat diet, with or without A-348441, were also studied. In the 5αR1-KO mice, hepatic GR antagonism improved diet-induced insulin resistance but not more than that of the controls. Liver steatosis was not affected by hepatic GR antagonism in either 5αR1KO mice or littermate controls. In a second model of 5α-reductase inhibition using dutasteride and hepatic GR antagonism with A-348441 attenuated the excess weight gain resulting from dutasteride (mean ± SEM, 7.03 ± 0.5 vs 2.13 ± 0.4 g; dutasteride vs dutasteride plus A-348441; P &lt; 0.05) and normalized the associated hyperinsulinemia after glucose challenge (area under the curve, 235.9 ± 17 vs 329.3 ± 16 vs 198.4 ± 25 ng/mL/min; high fat vs high fat plus dutasteride vs high fat plus dutasteride plus A-348441, respectively; P &lt; 0.05). However, A-348441 again did not reverse dutasteride-induced liver steatosis. Thus, overall hepatic GR antagonism improved the insulin resistance but not the steatosis induced by a high-fat diet. Moreover, it attenuated the excessive insulin resistance caused by pharmacological inhibition of 5α-reductases but not genetic disruption of 5αR1. The use of dutasteride might increase the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and reduced exposure to glucocorticoids might be beneficial.
Differential Effects of Oral Boluses of Vitamin D2 vs Vitamin D3 on Vitamin D Metabolism: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Martineau Adrian R , Thummel Kenneth E , Wang Zhican , Jolliffe David A , Boucher Barbara J , Griffin Simon J , Forouhi Nita G , Hitman Graham A 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Context
Vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 have been hypothesized to exert differential effects on vitamin D metabolism.

Objective
To compare the influence of administering vitamin D2 vs vitamin D3 on metabolism of vitamin D3.

Methods
We measured baseline and 4-month serum concentrations of vitamin D3, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3], 25-hydroxyvitamin D2, 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24R,25(OH)2D3], 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1α,25(OH)2D3], and 4β,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [4β,25(OH)2D3] in 52 adults randomized to receive a total of four oral bolus doses of 2.5 mg vitamin D2 (n = 28) or vitamin D3 (n = 24) over four months. Metabolite-to-parent compound ratios were calculated to estimate hydroxylase activity. Pairwise before vs after comparisons were made to evaluate effects of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 on metabolism of vitamin D. Mean postsupplementation metabolite-to-parent ratios were then compared between groups.

Results
Vitamin D2 was less effective than vitamin D3 in elevating total serum 25(OH)D concentration. Vitamin D2 suppressed mean four-month serum concentrations of 25(OH)D3, 24R,25(OH)2D3, 1α,25(OH)2D3, and 4β,25(OH)2D3 and mean ratios of 25(OH)D3 to D3 and 1α,25(OH)2D3 to 25(OH)D3, while increasing the mean ratio of 24R,25(OH)2D3 to 25(OH)D3. Vitamin D3 increased mean four-month serum concentrations of 25(OH)D3, 24R,25(OH)2D3, 1α,25(OH)2D3, and 4β,25(OH)2D3 and the mean ratio of 24R,25(OH)2D3 to 25(OH)D3. Participants receiving vitamin D2 had lower mean postsupplementation ratios of 25(OH)D3 to vitamin D3 and 1α,25(OH)2D3 to 25(OH)D3 than those receiving vitamin D3. Mean postsupplementation ratios of 24R,25(OH)2D3 to 25(OH)D3 and 4β,25(OH)2D3 to 25(OH)D3 did not differ between groups.

Conclusions
Bolus-dose vitamin D2 is less effective than bolus-dose vitamin D3 in elevating total serum 25(OH)D concentration. Administration of vitamin D2 reduces 25-hydroxylation of vitamin D3 and 1-α hydroxylation of 25(OH)D3, while increasing 24R-hydroxylation of 25(OH)D3.