bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of cat litters on feline coronavirus infection of cell culture and cats
Authors: Addie Diane , Houe Lene , Maitland Kirsty , Passantino Giuseppe , Decaro Nicola 
Published: May 2019

Objectives Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is caused by infection with feline coronavirus (FCoV). FCoV is incredibly contagious and transmission is via the faecal–oral route. FCoV infection, and therefore FIP, is most common in breeder and rescue catteries, where many cats are kept indoors, using litter trays. Whether it is possible to break the cycle of FCoV infection and reinfection using cat litters has never been investigated. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of cat litters on FCoV infectivity and virus load in multi-cat households, and transmission frequency. Methods Fifteen cat litters were mixed and incubated with FCoV, centrifuged and the supernatants tested in vitro for the ability to prevent virus infection of cell culture. To test applicability of in vitro results to real life, virus load was measured in two households in a double crossover study of four Fuller’s earth-based cat litters by testing rectal swabs using FCoV reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR. Results Four litters abrogated FCoV infection of cell culture, nine reduced it to a greater or lesser extent and two had no effect. One brand had different virus inhibitory properties depending on where it was manufactured. Fuller’s earth-based litters performed best, presumably by adsorbing virus. In the field study, there appeared to be less virus shedding on one Fuller’s earth-based cat litter. Conclusions and relevance The in vitro study successfully identified cat litters that inactivate FCoV; such litters exist so do not need to be developed. Fuller’s earth-based litters best prevented infection of cell culture, but did not completely abrogate FCoV transmission in two multi-cat households. A dust-free clumping Fuller’s earth litter appeared to fare best, but virus shedding also varied on the control litters, complicating interpretation. Sawdust-based cat litters are not useful in FCoV-endemic households because they track badly and have a poor effect on virus infection.
Educational value of Internet videos in vascular access
Authors: Sevinc Mustafa 
Published: May 2019

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate individually uploaded Internet materials about catheter insertion and removal in terms of their educative value. Methods: YouTube videos for both catheter insertion and catheter removal were investigated. Rating, like, dislike, the position of a patient, maneuvers during removal, immediate coverage of removal site, and type of cover material were noted. A survey regarding daily practices for catheter interventions and approaches to educative social media platforms had been taken from medical professionals as well to determine the effect of social media on learning practices. Results: A total of 50 insertion and 35 removal videos were investigated. The popularity of insertion and removal videos was 4.7 (1.6–16.5) and 1.88 (0.66–4.54), respectively. ( p = 0.011). The position of a patient during insertion was supine in 80%, Trendelenburg in 18%, and upright in 82.9% of the removal videos ( p = 0.000). The survey showed that medical professionals watched insertion videos (66%) more than removal videos (11.7%) ( p = 0.002). Catheter insertion positions were similar among participants ( p = 0.553). Removal positions were different in specialties ( p = 0.023) in which especially nephrologists tend to remove the catheter at the sitting position. Conclusion: Medical professionals think that removal is an easier procedure than insertion. They both search more for insertion videos and upload more insertion videos. Insertion practices are similar among different specialties. However, removal practices are more heterogeneous. Individually uploaded catheter videos at YouTube are not reliable educative materials. More free official work should be produced to maintain sufficient qualified online material on social media platforms.
Right Anterior Minithoracotomy for Aortic Valve Replacement: A Widely Applicable, Simple, and Stepwise Approach
Authors: Ribeiro Igo B. , Ruel Marc 
Published: May 2019

Objective A stepwise approach for right anterior minithoracotomy aortic valve replacement (RAT-AVR), without sutureless valves, special instruments, or preoperative imaging, was developed. We report our experience with this widely applicable, simplified approach. Methods Patients with a history of previous chest surgery, documented PVD, severe COPD, LVOT size <2.0 cm, and root size <2.8 cm were excluded. Chest CT was not mandatory. The stepwise surgical approach consists of 1) tolerability of single-lung ventilation; 2) 5-cm long incision on third right anterior ICS; 3) small pericardial opening to localize the aortic valve annular plane by digital palpation; 4) shingling of the correct rib to create a box field; 5) optimizing exposure with stay sutures; 6) femoral or central cannulation with right superior pulmonary vein venting and usual antegrade cardioplegia; 7) performing a standard AVR without adjunct instruments; and 8) reconstructing 1 costochondral cartilage. Results Fifty-five patients were operated. The mean age was 68.5 years (SD 10.4); 29.1% were female. Median STS PROM was 1.18 (0.4 to 6.6). Pump and cross-clamp times were 104.8 minutes (SD 27.9) and 73.2 minutes (SD 22.8), respectively. There was no need for a knot pusher. There was 1 conversion, 1 reopening for bleeding, and 1 pacemaker insertion. No patient had a stroke, MI, or death at 30 days. The median LOS was 6 days (3 to 19). Conclusion RAT-AVR can be applicable and performed safely in a wide range of patients by adopting a simple, stepwise approach with intraoperative assessment, without the need for special imaging, instrumentation, or advanced training.
Clinical significance of tumor miR-21, miR-221, miR-143, and miR-106a as biomarkers in patients with osteosarcoma
Authors: Zhao Hui , Yan Peng , Wang Jian , Zhang Yuqiang , Zhang Mingchao , Wang Zaijun , Fu Qiang , Liang Weiguo 
Published: May 2019

Objective: To investigate the expression of miR-21, miR-221, miR-143, and miR-106a in patients’ osteosarcoma samples, and to explore the correlation between these microRNAs (miRNAs) and the clinical stage of osteosarcoma. Methods: RNA was extracted from tumor and tumor-adjacent normal bone tissues from 94 patients with osteosarcoma. RNA reverse-transcription was carried out using an miRNA reverse transcription kit. The levels of miR-21, miR-221, miR-143, and miR-106a in osteosarcoma and normal bone tissues were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction using SYBR Premix Ex Taq™II. Results: The expression levels of miR-21, mirR-221, and miR-106a were significantly higher in 90.42%, 84.04%, and 92.55 % of the osteosarcoma samples compared to the adjacent normal tissues ( P<0.05), respectively. While the expression of miR-143 was significantly lower compared to the adjacent normal tissues ( P <0.05). Moreover, the expression levels of miR-21 and miR-221 were positively correlated with the Enneking clinical stage and the presence of lung metastasis ( P <0.05), while the expression levels of miR-143 and miR-106a showed a significant inverse and direct correlation respectively, with the tumor grade. Conclusions: The upregulation of miR-21, miR-221, and miR-106a, as well as the down-regulation of miR-143 were correlated with the pathological stage, tumor grade, and lung metastasis. Therefore, the levels of these miRNAs can serve as potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of osteosarcoma, and can be used as potential therapeutic targets.
Fetal micromelia, thoracic dysplasia and polydactyly revisited: A case-based antenatal sonographic approach
Authors: Agarwal Arjit , Agarwal Shubhra 
Published: May 2019

Introduction Skeletal dysplasia is a condition associated with various abnormalities of the skeleton and comprises multiple groups of disorders. Antenatal ultrasonographic assessment of the skeletal dysplasia requires a robust and systematic assessment of the long bones, fetal thorax, skull, spine, pelvis, hands and the feet. Large number of diseases, their overlapping phenotypic features and the lack of systematic approach lead to diagnostic inefficiency. A precise molecular diagnosis also requires an elaborate antenatal sonographic assessment to reach a final diagnosis. Case report A fetus with micromelia, thoracic dysplasia and polydactyly was detected on prenatal sonography. An algorithmic approach of this rare combination on prenatal sonography is highlighted. Discussion Fetal micromelia is a relatively common entity which can be subclassified into mild and severe types. The lethal nature of the condition requires assessment of the thoracic biometry which may further narrow down the diagnostic possibilities. The red flags or highlighting features of various conditions like polydactyly, hitch-hiker thumb deformity, ovoid tibia and absent fibula may lead to a specific diagnosis. Conclusion A background knowledge of various types of micromelia, their lethal nature, associations and specific features of various differential skeletal dysplasia will always be useful, if employed in a systematic manner.
Efficacy and challenges of a culturally relevant intervention to improve attitudes to aging
Authors: Seah Siang Joo , Brown Laura JE , Bryant Christina 
Published: May 2019

Objectives: Attitudes to aging have been linked with important health outcomes. It is unclear whether interventions to improve attitudes to aging are effective across cultural contexts. This study investigated the efficacy of an intervention among women of either Australian or Chinese backgrounds. Methods: Among 96 women who provided baseline measures, 86 attended a single, 90-min group session on either healthy aging or healthy diet. Measures of three domains of attitudes to aging were collected at baseline, then immediately and 8 weeks after the intervention. Results: The intervention improved attitudes in the psychological growth domain, but not the physical change or psychosocial loss domains. Cultural identification did not moderate intervention efficacy. Discussion: The findings suggest that brief, culturally inclusive interventions may be partially effective at improving attitudes to aging. Furthermore, research is needed to investigate if the intervention would be more effective when baseline attitudes to aging are less positive.
Thrombolysis related symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in estimated versus measured body weight
Authors: Truc My Nguyen T , van de Stadt Stephanie IW , Groot Adrien E , Wermer Marieke JH , den Hertog Heleen M , Droste Hanneke M , van Zwet Erik W , van Schaik Sander M , Coutinho Jonathan M , Kruyt Nyika D 
Published: May 2019

Background and aim In acute ischemic stroke, under- or overestimation of body weight can lead to dosing errors of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator with consequent reduced efficacy or increased risk of hemorrhagic complications. Measurement of body weight is more accurate than estimation of body weight but potentially leads to longer door-to-needle times. Our aim was to assess if weight modality (estimation of body weight versus measurement of body weight) is associated with (i) symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rate, (ii) clinical outcome, and (iii) door-to-needle times. Methods Consecutive patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis between 2009 and 2016 from 14 hospitals were included. Baseline characteristics and outcome parameters were retrieved from medical records. We defined symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage according to the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study (ECASS)-III definition and clinical outcome was assessed with the modified Rankin Scale. The association of weight modality and outcome parameters was estimated with regression analyses. Results A total of 4801 patients were included. Five hospitals used measurement of body weight (n = 1753), six hospitals used estimation of body weight (n = 2325), and three hospitals (n = 723) changed from estimation of body weight to measurement of body weight during the study period. In 2048 of the patients (43%), measurement of body weight was used and in 2753 (57%), estimation of body weight. In the measurement of body weight group, an inbuilt weighing bed was used in 1094 patients (53%) and a patient lift scale in 954 patients (47%). In the estimation of body weight group, policy regarding estimation was similar. Estimation of body weight was not associated with increased symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage risk (adjusted odds ratio = 1.16; 95% confidence interval 0.83–1.62) or favorable outcome (adjusted odds ratio = 0.99; 95% confidence interval 0.82–1.21), but it was significantly associated with longer door-to-needle times compared to measurement of body weight using an inbuilt weighing bed (adjusted B = 3.57; 95% confidence interval 1.33–5.80) and shorter door-to-needle times compared to measurement of body weight using a patient lift scale (−3.96; 95% confidence interval −6.38 to −1.53). Conclusion We did not find evidence that weight modality (estimation of body weight versus measurement of body weight) to determine recombinant tissue plasminogen activator dose in intravenous thrombolysis eligible patients is associated with symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage or clinical outcome. We did find that estimation of body weight leads to longer door-to-needle times compared to measurement of body weight using an inbuilt weighing bed and to shorter door-to-needle times compared to measurement of body weight using a patient lift scale.
Structural brain signature of cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease: DTI-based evidence from the LANDSCAPE study
Authors: Gorges Martin , Müller Hans-Peter , Liepelt-Scarfone Inga , Storch Alexander , Dodel Richard ,   LANDSCAPE Consortium, Hilker-Roggendorf Rüdiger , Berg Daniela , Kunz Martin S. , Kalbe Elke , Baudrexel Simon , Kassubek Jan 
Published: May 2019

Background: The nonmotor symptom spectrum of Parkinson’s disease (PD) includes progressive cognitive decline mainly in late stages of the disease. The aim of this study was to map the patterns of altered structural connectivity of patients with PD with different cognitive profiles ranging from cognitively unimpaired to PD-associated dementia. Methods: Diffusion tensor imaging and neuropsychological data from the observational multicentre LANDSCAPE study were analyzed. A total of 134 patients with PD with normal cognitive function (56 PD-N), mild cognitive impairment (67 PD-MCI), and dementia (11 PD-D) as well as 72 healthy controls were subjected to whole-brain-based fractional anisotropy mapping and covariance analysis with cognitive performance measures. Results: Structural data indicated subtle changes in the corpus callosum and thalamic radiation in PD-N, whereas severe white matter impairment was observed in both PD-MCI and PD-D patients including anterior and inferior fronto-occipital, uncinate, insular cortices, superior longitudinal fasciculi, corona radiata, and the body of the corpus callosum. These regional alterations were demonstrated for PD-MCI and were more pronounced in PD-D. The pattern of involved regions was significantly correlated with the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) total score. Conclusions: The findings in PD-N suggest impaired cross-hemispherical white matter connectivity that can apparently be compensated for. More pronounced involvement of the corpus callosum as demonstrated for PD-MCI together with affection of fronto-parieto-temporal structural connectivity seems to lead to gradual disruption of cognition-related cortico-cortical networks and to be associated with the onset of overt cognitive deficits. The increase of regional white matter damage appears to be associated with the development of PD-associated dementia.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Temporary Epidemiology Field Assignee program: Supporting state and local preparedness in the wake of Ebola
Authors: Cáceres Victor M , Goodell Jessica , Shaffner Julie , Turner Alezandria , Jacobs-Wingo Jasmine , Koirala Samir , Molina Monica , Leidig Robynn , Celaya Martín , McGinnis Pilote Kara , Garrett-Cherry Tiana , Carney Jhetari , Johnson Kym , Daley W Randolph 
Published: May 2019

Objectives: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched the Temporary Epidemiology Field Assignee (TEFA) Program to help state and local jurisdictions respond to the risk of Ebola virus importation during the 2014–2016 Ebola Outbreak in West Africa. We describe steps taken to launch the 2-year program, its outcomes and lessons learned. Methods: State and local health departments submitted proposals for a TEFA to strengthen local capacity in four key public health preparedness areas: 1) epidemiology and surveillance, 2) health systems preparedness, 3) health communications, and 4) incident management. TEFAs and jurisdictions were selected through a competitive process. Descriptions of TEFA activities in their quarterly reports were reviewed to select illustrative examples for each preparedness area. Results: Eleven TEFAs began in the fall of 2015, assigned to 7 states, 2 cities, 1 county and the District of Columbia. TEFAs strengthened epidemiologic capacity, investigating routine and major outbreaks in addition to implementing event-based and syndromic surveillance systems. They supported improvements in health communications, strengthened healthcare coalitions, and enhanced collaboration between local epidemiology and emergency preparedness units. Several TEFAs deployed to United States territories for the 2016 Zika Outbreak response. Conclusion: TEFAs made important contributions to their jurisdictions’ preparedness. We believe the TEFA model can be a significant component of a national strategy for surging state and local capacity in future high-consequence events.
Distinct serum and cerebrospinal fluid cytokine and chemokine profiles in autoantibody-associated demyelinating diseases
Authors: Hofer Livia S , Mariotto Sara , Wurth Sebastian , Ferrari Sergio , Mancinelli Chiara R , Delogu Rachele , Monaco Salvatore , Gajofatto Alberto , Schwaiger Carmen , Rostasy Kevin , Deisenhammer Florian , Höftberger Romana , Berger Thomas , Reindl Markus 
Published: May 2019

Background Demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system associated with autoantibodies against aquaporin-4 and myelin-oligodendrocyte-glycoprotein are mediated by different immunopathological mechanisms compared to multiple sclerosis. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate serum and cerebrospinal fluid cytokine/chemokine profiles in patients with autoantibodies against aquaporin-4 or autoantibodies against myelin-oligodendrocyte-glycoprotein-associated demyelination compared to multiple sclerosis and autoimmune encephalitis. Methods Serum and cerebrospinal fluid cytokine/chemokine levels were analysed using Procartaplex Multiplex Immunoassays. First, we analysed a panel of 32 cytokines/chemokines in a discovery group (nine aquaporin-4-antibody seropositive, nine myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-antibody seropositive, eight encephalitis, 10 multiple sclerosis). Significantly dysregulated cytokines/chemokines were validated in a second cohort (11 aquaporin-4-antibody seropositive, 18 myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-antibody seropositive, 18 encephalitis, 33 multiple sclerosis). Results We found 11 significantly altered cytokines/chemokines in cerebrospinal fluid and serum samples in the discovery group (a proliferation-inducing ligand, fractalkine=CX3CL1, growth-regulated oncogene-α, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, interleukin-6, interleukin-8=CXCL8, interleukin-10, interleukin-21, interferon-ɣ-induced protein-10=CXCL10, monokine induced by interferon-ɣ=CXCL9, macrophage inflammatory protein-1ß=CCL4). Most of these cytokines/chemokines were up-regulated in autoantibodies against aquaporin-4 or autoantibodies against myelin-oligodendrocyte-glycoprotein positive patients compared to multiple sclerosis. We confirmed these results for cerebrospinal fluid interleukin-6 and serum interleukin-8, growth-regulated oncogene-α, a proliferation-inducing ligand and macrophage inflammatory protein-1β in the validation set. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis revealed increased levels of cerebrospinal fluid interleukin-6, serum interleukin-8 and growth-regulated oncogene-α in most patients with autoantibody-associated neurological diseases. Conclusion This study suggests that distinctive cerebrospinal fluid and serum cytokine/chemokine profiles are associated with autoantibody-mediated demyelination, but not with multiple sclerosis.
Impact of Regional Cerebral Perfusion on Outcomes Among Neonates Undergoing Norwood Operation
Authors: Migally Karl , Rettiganti Mallikarjuna , Gossett Jeffrey M. , Reemtsen Brian , Gupta Punkaj 
Published: May 2019

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of regional cerebral perfusion (RCP) during heart operation on outcomes in neonates undergoing Norwood operation. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study using data from the Single Ventricle Reconstruction trial data set. The adjusted effect of RCP use on each outcome was studied using a penalized logistic regression model with bootstrap validation. Results: Of 549 patients included in the study, 252 patients (45.9%) received RCP during their heart operation. In univariate comparisons, the majority of the baseline characteristics and preoperative risk factors were similar in the RCP and No RCP group. The total cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time and the total cross-clamp (CC) time were longer in the RCP group (RCP vs No RCP, median CPB time: 161 minutes vs 109 minutes; median CC time: 63 minutes vs 43 minutes). In adjusted models, the use of RCP was not associated with decreased mortality and/or need for heart transplant at hospital discharge (odds ratio [OR]: 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43-1.25) or prolonged mechanical ventilation (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 0.62-2.28) or prolonged hospital length of stay (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 0.73-2.30). We demonstrated that use of RCP was associated with longer CPB times, increased use of ultrafiltration, and higher probability of open chest after Norwood operation. Conclusions: This study did not demonstrate any impact of RCP on in-hospital mortality and/or heart transplantation, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and prolonged hospital length of stay among neonates undergoing Norwood operation.