bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
V‐Y Tendon Plasty for Reconstruction of Chronic Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Medium‐term and Long‐term Follow‐up
Authors: Lin Yang‐jing , Duan Xiao‐jun , Yang Liu 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveTo evaluate the surgical results of V‐Y tendon plasty in the treatment of chronic Achilles tendon rupture during medium and long‐term follow‐up.MethodsBetween June 2005 and September 2017, 20 patients with chronic Achilles tendon rupture underwent V‐Y tendon plasty in our hospital. The mean injury‐to‐surgery time was 20.4 weeks (range, 4–96 weeks). The Matles test and an improved Thompson test was used to examine Achilles tendon rupture. These patients were not able to stand on the tiptoes of the injured lower extremity. X‐ray tests ruled out the chance of fracture and were used to examine the Kager triangle. MRI was used to confirm the final diagnosis. The function of the ankle and the foot was assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS). V‐Y tendon plasty for Achilles tendon reconstruction was performed. A below‐knee cast was used to keep the ankle in plantar flexion (up to 20°) for 4 weeks. Non‐weight‐bearing exercise was allowed with crutches. After 4 weeks, partial weight‐bearing was allowed. Physical exercises were performed under rehabilitation guidelines. At 10–12 weeks postoperation, patients began to return to daily life activity levels without restrictions. Preoperative and postoperative MRI was obtained.ResultsThe mean follow‐up period was 32.8 months. The mean operative gap of the Achilles tendon after debridement was 5 cm (range, 4–9 cm), with 85% of the gap less than or equal to 6 cm. The mean AOFAS score increased from 59.25 ± 12.28 preoperatively to 96.55 ± 3.75 at final follow‐up (P < 0.05). The mean ATRS score increased from 39.55 ± 14.21 preoperatively to 94.05 ± 4.89 at final follow‐up (P < 0.05). All patients had no recurrent Achilles tendon rupture during the follow up. No patient had developed serious complications, such as sural nerve injury or deep vein thrombosis. Patients were able to return to daily life activity levels without restrictions. At the latest follow‐up, all patients were able to perform repetitive single heel rise on the involved limb, and to walk without a visible limp. All of the postoperative MRI showed the continuity of the Achilles tendon with no signs of cysts or inflammation, indicating perfect healing at the final follow‐up.ConclusionsV‐Y tendon plasty can be used in most cases of chronic Achilles tendon rupture. It yields satisfactory functional results and low complication rates. The advantage of this procedure is that it is an easy and economic method without the need for expensive synthetic implants. V‐Y tendon plasty should be considered an acceptable first‐choice treatment.
ABCA12 homozygous mutation in harlequin ichthyosis: Survival without systemic retinoids
Authors: Sharma Amit , Rozzelle Arlene , Jahnke Marla N. , Desai Jagdish , Shwayder Tor A. , Kisseih Esther , Bryant Justin R. , Agarwal Prashant 
Published: February 2019

AbstractHarlequin ichthyosis (HI) is associated with high mortality. Early systemic retinoids are widely used, although their use remains debatable. We reported two neonates with homozygous mutations in ABCA12 consistent with harlequin ichthyosis who survived to discharge home with intensive care and without use of systemic retinoids.
Treatment of severe pediatric atopic dermatitis with methotrexate: A retrospective review
Authors: Anderson Kathryn , Putterman Elana , Rogers Rachel S. , Patel Deepa , Treat James R. , Castelo‐Soccio Leslie 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesSevere atopic dermatitis (AD) may require systemic immunomodulatory agents to control symptoms. A lack of evidence and guidelines for systemic AD therapy in children has led to variability in agents selected and uncertainty in their comparative efficacy and safety. Evaluation of the efficacy of methotrexate in children with severe AD was performed.MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review of 55 pediatric patients seen at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia that measured improvement using the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA), a scale that rates AD symptoms from 0 to 5.ResultsAbout 76% of patients showed improvement with methotrexate. Mean baseline IGA of all patients was 4.18. After 6‐9 months of treatment, this improved to 2.94. There was additional improvement to a mean IGA score of 2.39 after 12‐15 months of treatment. At the final visit before each patient stopped methotrexate, the mean IGA score was 2.71. Approximately 50% of patients experienced minor side effects with gastrointestinal side effects the most common.ConclusionsIn a diverse patient population, safety and efficacy of methotrexate was demonstrated. Significant improvement in IGA was noted for the majority after 6‐9 months of therapy with further improvement when continuing treatment to 12‐15 months. Methotrexate remains an important option for long‐term symptom control with a favorable side effect profile and low cost.
Histological significance of hepatitis‐like findings in biliary atresia: An analysis of 34 Japanese cases
Authors: Suda Kazuto , Muraji Toshihiro , Ohtani Haruo , Aiyoshi Tsubasa , Sasaki Takato , Toma Miki , Yanai Toshihiro 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundHepatocellular injury including multinuclear changes are common histological features in biliary atresia (BA), as well as in neonatal hepatitis. To date, however, no reports have examined how those findings correlate with the prognosis of BA. We clarified the clinical implications of hepatitis‐related changes in BA on histological analysis.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 34 cases of BA treated over the past 30 years at Ibaraki Children's Hospital. Liver biopsy specimens during Kasai procedures were evaluated for hepatocyte multinuclear change, ballooning, and acidophilic body, hereby defined as hepatitis‐like findings (HLF). Each finding was semi‐quantitatively scored as 0–2, and their sum was defined as the HLF score, ranging from 0 to 6. We examined the correlation between HLF score and total bilirubin (T‐Bil), direct bilirubin (D‐Bil), and other liver function test results at the Kasai procedure, as well as 1 week, and 1, 3, and 6 months after the Kasai procedure. Subsequently, HLF score was compared between native liver survivors (NLS; n = 16) and non‐NLS (n = 18) for long‐term analyses.ResultsHepatitis‐like findings score except for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), had no correlation with the preoperative data. HLF score was positively correlated, however, with T‐Bil, D‐Bil, and AST at 1 week and 1 month after the Kasai procedure (1 week: P = 0.009, 0.023, and 0.019; 1 month: 0.022, 0.019, and 0.013, respectively). HLF score was not significantly different between the NLS and non‐NLS groups.ConclusionHigher HLF score at Kasai procedure is an indicator of poor liver function at short‐term follow up.
The States Come Marching In: Examining State Agency Influence on Federal Rules
Authors: Cook Jeffrey J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAmidst congressional gridlock, administrative rulemaking is the main pathway for environmental policy making. Scholars have assessed the role of the institutions of government (the president, Congress, and the courts) and key interest groups (i.e., business and environmental interests) in shaping rulemaking outcomes. What is missing from this literature is an assessment of the role of key implementers, state environmental agencies. This research fills this gap by assessing the role and impact of state government agencies in three case studies of rulemaking at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Based on original interviews and a public comment analysis, this research suggests that state agencies play an active and influential role in EPA rulemaking. And, in some cases, state agencies wield more influence than other interest groups. Interviewees argued that this influence stems from these agencies’ unique voice as an implementation collaborator. As a result, researchers should incorporate an assessment of the role of these interests to more effectively explain regulatory outcomes at the EPA and potentially across the bureaucracy.
Multimedia learning trumps retrieval practice in psychology teaching
Authors: Jägerskog Ann‐Sofie , Jönsson Fredrik U. , Selander Staffan , Jonsson Bert 
Published: February 2019

It is well established that studying with (vs. without) visual illustrations as well as taking tests (vs. restudying) is beneficial for learning, but on which strategy should one put the efforts, or should they be combined for best learning? Eighty‐eight upper secondary school students were given a brief lecture presented verbally (6 classes) or with the aid of a visual illustration (visuoverbal, 6 classes). The information was processed again by taking a memory test or by restudying. Recall and transfer tests were conducted after some few minutes and again after one week. The visuoverbal lecture resulted in better learning than verbal presentation only. A significant study strategy by retention interval interaction was found. However, this interaction was not qualified by a testing effect. Hence, taking tests (retrieval practice) did not lead to better learning than restudying. It was concluded that it is worthwhile to use visual illustrations in teaching. However, the present study did not reveal any synergistic effects from the combination of visuoverbal presentation and retrieval practice.
Comparison between 0D and 1D approaches for mechanical dissipation measurement during fatigue tests
Authors: Jongchansitto Pawarut , Douellou Corentin , Preechawuttipong Itthichai , Balandraud Xavier 
Published: February 2019

AbstractFatigue in materials is generally associated with the production of heat, leading to the “self‐heating” of the tested material. The associated heat power density, named mechanical dissipation or intrinsic dissipation, can be deduced from the temperature changes captured on the tested specimen's surface by infrared thermography. When mechanical dissipation is spatially homogeneous in the tested specimen, the processing can be performed using a macroscopic approach, also named zero‐dimensional (0D) approach. The latter uses an averaged temperature over the whole specimen's measurement zone. The present study aims to analyse the error generated by the 0D approach in the assessment of mechanical dissipation. This error was measured with respect to a one‐dimensional (1D) approach, which is applicable for longitudinal specimens subjected to uniaxial loading. Experimental tests were performed on pure copper and acrylic glass. A model was also developed to analyse the influence of the material and of the heat exchanges with the specimen's environment. The results obtained show that the error generated by the 0D approach in mechanical dissipation measurement may not be negligible and that attention should be paid to the choice of approach for fatigue analysis.
A randomised controlled trial of bag–valve–mask teaching techniques
Authors: Strzelecki Charlotte , Shelton Cliff L , Cunningham Jennifer , Dean Charlotte , Naz‐Thomas Sameera , Stocking Katie , Dobson Adam 
Published: February 2019

SummaryBackgroundBag–valve–mask (BVM) ventilation is a vital skill in the management of the collapsed patient; however, the quality of BVM ventilation is a cause for concern. Modified techniques, designed to be easier for the novice practitioner, offer an opportunity to improve quality. One such modification is the ‘LASOO’ (Lift, Apply, Slide, Oppose, Observe) approach, which offers theoretical benefits over the traditionally taught ‘CE’ (finger shapes) technique. We conducted a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to determine whether LASOO was superior to CE in terms of tidal volume, when taught to novices in the skills‐lab setting.We conducted a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to determine whether LASOO was superior to CE in terms of tidal volume, when taught to novices in the skills‐lab settingMethodsA total of 76 undergraduate health care students received a manikin‐based teaching session on LASOO or CE. They then delivered 20 breaths (10 with each hand) to a modified airway manikin. The primary outcome was mean tidal volume; secondary outcomes were the proportion of breaths that achieved 150‐mL and 400‐mL threshold volumes. Subgroup analyses and statistical modelling were conducted for time‐point, hand dominance and hand size.ResultsThe mean tidal volume was 320 mL for CE and 304 mL for LASOO. The median percentage of attempts that exceeded 150 mL was 85 for CE and 82.5 for LASOO. The median percentage of attempts that exceeded 400 mL was 20 for CE and 20 for LASOO. The differences recorded between the techniques were not statistically significant. There was a small, statistically significant increase in tidal volume across both techniques with time‐point and holding the mask with the non‐dominant hand.DiscussionLASOO is a viable alternative to CE. Educators may opt to teach either or both techniques, allowing students to choose the technique that they prefer.
MyROOT: a method and software for the semiautomatic measurement of primary root length in Arabidopsis seedlings
Authors: Betegón‐Putze Isabel , González Alejandro , Sevillano Xavier , Blasco‐Escámez David , Caño‐Delgado Ana I. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryRoot analysis is essential for both academic and agricultural research. Despite the great advances in root phenotyping and imaging, calculating root length is still performed manually and involves considerable amounts of labor and time. To overcome these limitations, we developed MyROOT, a software for the semiautomatic quantification of root growth of seedlings growing directly on agar plates. Our method automatically determines the scale from the image of the plate, and subsequently measures the root length of the individual plants. To this aim, MyROOT combines a bottom‐up root tracking approach with a hypocotyl detection algorithm. At the same time as providing accurate root measurements, MyROOT also significantly minimizes the user intervention required during the process. Using Arabidopsis, we tested MyROOT with seedlings from different growth stages and experimental conditions. When comparing the data obtained from this software with that of manual root measurements, we found a high correlation between both methods (R2 = 0.997). When compared with previous developed software with similar features (BRAT and EZ‐Rhizo), MyROOT offered an improved accuracy for root length measurements. Therefore, MyROOT will be of great use to the plant science community by permitting high‐throughput root length measurements while saving both labor and time.
Microbial pathogen primary sequence inversely correlates with blood group antigen immunogenicity
Authors: Baine Ian , Bahar Burak , Hendrickson Jeanne E. , Hudson Krystalyn E. , Tormey Christopher A. 
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUNDIt is well known that specific groups of patients immunologically respond more readily than others to red blood cell (RBC) antigens. While allogeneic RBC antigen exposure is the primary determinant of alloantibody formation, other variables are also involved. Given the significant primary sequence identity between common RBC and microbial antigens, we hypothesized that certain individuals may be immunologically primed to form RBC alloantibodies via environmental exposure to cross‐reactive microbial epitopes, and that such a correlation may be linked to blood group antigen immunogenicity.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWe examined the relationship between RBC‐microbe peptide homology and the formation of alloantibodies to the most immunogenic RBC antigens, using the BLASTp homology database. Thirteen‐residue peptides centered on the polymorphic amino acids of K, Jka, Lua, E, c, M, C, and S antigens were queried for identity with microbial peptides using the BLASTp database. Results were restricted to bacteria and fungi, with a selective threshold of >80% identity for inclusion, to allow for minor peptide variability.RESULTSSignificant peptide identity was found between RBC antigens and pathogenic organisms including B. fragilis, P. aeruginosa, and Candida spp., among others. Linear regression and k‐medoids clustering analysis of the microbial genera meeting the inclusion criteria showed a statistically significant inverse correlation with RBC immunogenicity (b = −0.0017, r2 = 0.624 & p = 0.0197), with lower immunogenicity antigens associated with larger number of genera.CONCLUSIONSOur findings raise a potential relationship between microbial exposure and alloantibody formation, and lead to interesting questions regarding the potential relationship between RBC antigen immunogenicity and microbial prevalence.
Total plasma heme concentration increases after red blood cell transfusion and predicts mortality in critically ill medical patients
Authors: Pietropaoli Anthony P. , Henrichs Kelly F. , Cholette Jill M. , Spinelli Sherry L. , Phipps Richard P. , Refaai Majed A. , Blumberg Neil 
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUNDRelationships between red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, circulating cell‐free heme, and clinical outcomes in critically ill transfusion recipients are incompletely understood. The goal of this study was to determine whether total plasma heme increases after RBC transfusion and predicts mortality in critically ill patients.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThis was a prospective cohort study of 111 consecutive medical intensive care patients requiring RBC transfusion. Cell‐free heme was measured in RBC units before transfusion and in the patients' plasma before and after transfusion.RESULTSTotal plasma heme levels increased in response to transfusion, from a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 35 (26–76) μmol/L to 47 (35–73) μmol/L (p < 0.001). Posttransfusion total plasma heme was higher in nonsurvivors (54 [35–136] μmol/L) versus survivors (44 [31–65] μmol/L, p = 0.03). Posttransfusion total plasma heme predicted hospital mortality (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] per quartile increase in posttransfusion plasma heme, 1.76 [1.17–2.66]; p = 0.007). Posttransfusion total plasma heme was not correlated with RBC unit storage duration and weakly correlated with RBC unit cell‐free heme concentration.CONCLUSIONSTotal plasma heme concentration increases in critically ill patients after RBC transfusion and is independently associated with mortality. This transfusion‐associated increase in total plasma heme is not fully explained by RBC unit storage age or cell‐free heme content. Additional studies are warranted to define mechanisms of transfusion‐related plasma heme accumulation and test prevention strategies.
Detection of endotoxin in plasma of hospitalized diarrheic calves
Authors: Gomez Diego E. , Rodriguez‐Lecompte Juan C. , Lofstedt Jeanne , Arroyo Luis G. , Nino‐Fong Rodolfo , McClure J. Trenton 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate whether lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is present in plasma of calves with naturally occurring diarrhea. The second objective was to determine whether plasma [LPS] correlates with clinical, hematological, biochemical, and acid‐base variables, and whether [LPS] differs between surviving and nonsurviving diarrheic calves.DesignProspective observational study (January 2012–May 2014).SettingVeterinary teaching hospital.AnimalsThirty‐four calves <28 days old admitted for diagnosis and treatment of diarrhea and 30 healthy control calves.Measurements and Main ResultsAdmission demographics, physical examination, blood gas, biochemistry analysis, and outcome data were recorded. Plasma concentration of LPS was determined using a bovine LPS ELISA assay. Plasma [LPS] was detected in both healthy and diarrheic calves. Plasma [LPS] was significantly higher in diarrheic than healthy calves (median: 0.99 ng/mL; Interquartile range (IQR): 0.068, vs 0.88 ng/mL; 0.065 ng/mL, respectively; P < 0.001). Plasma [LPS] was higher in nonsurviving (1.04 ng/mL; 0.07 ng/mL) than in surviving calves (0.98 ng/mL; 0.022 ng/mL; P < 0.001). Plasma [LPS] was higher in beef (1.07 ng/mL; 0.182 ng/mL) than in dairy diarrheic calves (0.99 ng/mL; 0.022 ng/mL; P < 0.001).In diarrheic calves, plasma [LPS] correlated with [l‐lactate] (r2 = 0.496; P = 0.002); hypoglycemia (r2 = −0.453; P = 0.007); increased unmeasured strong ions (r2 = 0.332; P = 0.050), [Mg2+] (r2 = 0.475; P = 0.004), and [phosphate] (r2 = 0.468; P = 0.005), and increased aspartate aminotransferase activity (r2 = 0.348; P = 0.003).ConclusionsThis study highlights a potential role of LPS in the pathogenesis of metabolic derangements such as hyperlactatemia, hypoglycemia, and increased concentration of unmeasured strong anions in diarrheic calves. Further investigation evaluating the effect of LPS on l‐lactate and glucose metabolism in diarrheic calves is warranted.
Radiographic and CT features of colonic entrapment due to an omental rent in a dog
Authors: Brand Kenneth J. , Lim Chee Kin , Cichocki Brandy N. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA 2‐year‐old female spayed Great Dane presented for inappetence and lethargy. Abdominal radiographs revealed a severely gas‐distended segment of colon. Computed tomography was performed and characterized a 180° anticlockwise colonic torsion with entrapment in a mesenteric/omental rent without vascular compromise. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed entrapment, but not colonic torsion. Computed tomography provided important information to assist clinical management decisions for this dog with colonic entrapment.
Evaluation of Swietenia mahagoni Jacq seed extracts in promoting wound healing properties
Authors: Hartati Hartati , Mohd-Nasir Hasmida , Md Salleh Liza , Idris Irma Suryani , Abd Aziz Azila 
Published: February 2019

Swietenia mahagoni or known as tunjuk langit is a widely known plant to possess good properties in treating diseases as well as a wound treatment. The purpose of this work was to examine the wound healing ability of the seed extracts in term of its ability to promote cell proliferation and migration. The extracts from two extraction methods, i.e. supercritical carbon dioxide and Soxhlet, were evaluate using cytotoxicity and scratch assays on human skin fibroblast cells. The findings showed that the extraction yield using supercritical fluid extraction was lower than Soxhlet method with 48.9% yield recovery. In addition, the seed extracts were able to stimulate cell growth and migratory effect. This information can be used as a basis to performed subsequent study to report wound healing activity of this plant material.
Greater effect of contrast polarities on visual acuity measurements using chart with shorter wavelength background
Authors: Ai Hong Chen , Muhamad Nurulain 
Published: February 2019

Our study aimed to explore the effect of positive and negative polarities on visual acuity measurements by utilizing black and white as a text against background with three distinct colours. Visual acuity was recorded as logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR) using the detection of the gap in a four-position Landolt-C. The 2x3 (polarity x background color) two way repeated measures ANOVA showed a statistically significant interaction between polarity and colour background on visual resolution [F (2, 16) = 23.704, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.744]. Among the three primary background colour, shorter-wavelength (blue background) showed statistically significant findings between both positive and negative polarity [F (1, 9) = 39.875, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.818]. Visual acuity measurements improved with negative polarity but decreased with positive polarity with blue colour background. However, visual acuity was not statistically significantly different with the green (medium-wavelength) [F (1, 11) = 0.625, p = 0.446, η2 = 0.053] and the red (long-wavelength) backgrounds [F (1, 9) = 4.021, p = 0.856, η2 = 0.000]. In conclusion, black text against shorter-wavelength (blue) background apparently more difficult to be resolved by human eyes compared with white text. These findings suggest colour element might be an advantage for negative polarity colour combinations.