bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The aldehyde dehydrogenase cord blood potency assay excludes early apoptotic cells
Authors: Frändberg Sofia , Li Susann , Boreström Cecilia , Holgersson Jan , Palmqvist Lars 
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUNDCord blood units (CBUs) are processed, frozen, and thawed before use in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation. The manipulations affect HSC functionality, that is, induce apoptosis and reduce viability. HSC content, commonly expressed as CBU potency, that is, the expected ability of a CBU to restore hematopoiesis, is traditionally approximated through viable CD34+ cells and the colony‐forming unit (CFU) cell cultivation assay. Alternative approaches, for example, the aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) enzyme‐based assay, are also forthcoming. We hypothesized that the ALDH assay might exclude apoptotic cells since it is based on enzyme activity. To investigate this, we designed a protocol for simultaneous staining of viable and apoptotic CD34+ and ALDH+ cells using 7‐aminoactinomycin (7‐AAD) and annexin V, in frozen‐thawed CBUs. Results were correlated with results from the colony‐forming unit–granulocyte/macrophage (CFU‐GM) assay.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSSamples from 57 CBUs were thawed and simultaneously analyzed for CD34+ cells, ALDH+ cells, viability (7‐AAD), and apoptosis (annexin V) using flow cytometry. Enumeration of CFUs was also performed.RESULTSNo nonviable and few apoptotic cells (mean 0.7%) were identified in the ALDH+ population compared to the viable CD34+ population (mean 3.6%). The total number of ALDH+ cells correlated better than viable CD34+ cells (r = 0. 72 vs. r = 0.66; p < 0.0001) with the results of the CFU assay.CONCLUSIONThe ALDH assay excludes nonviable and apoptotic cells, and therefore correlates better with CFU enumeration compared to the number of viable CD34+ cells. We propose that the ALDH assay might replace the CFU‐GM method in CBU potency measurements.
Thromboelastography in wild Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris)
Authors: Barratclough Ashley , Floyd Ruth Francis , Reep Roger L. , Ball Ray L. , Conner Bobbi J. 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundThromboelastography (TEG) provides a comprehensive evaluation of blood clot formation. This test can be used to identify abnormalities in coagulation by assessing multiple aspects of the clotting cascade, including the speed of clot initiation and formation, clot strength, and ultimately fibrinolysis. Thromboembolic disease has been hypothesized to play a role in the pathophysiology of cold stress syndrome (CSS), an important cause of mortality in the threatened Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris).ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to establish thromboelastography RIs using the TEG 5000 with citrated whole blood samples and kaolin activation in wild, healthy manatees.MethodsIn December 2014 and January 2015, 29 wild manatees (17 male and 12 female) were blood sampled as part of the annual wild manatee health assessments organized by United States Geological Survey (USGS). TEG was performed using citrated kaolin‐activated samples.ResultsThe samples were obtained from manatees caught in Crystal River, Citrus County, and used to identify the mean ± SD of normal TEG parameters: R = reaction time 2.1 minutes (0.8), K = clot formation time 0.8 min (0), α angle = 83.1° (2), MA = maximum amplitude 75 mm (7.6), and LY30 = clot lysis 0.41% (0.68). No significant differences were found between manatee size, sex, or time between sampling and running the test.ConclusionsManatee TEG parameters demonstrate a relatively hypercoagulable condition when compared to other mammals. This information will facilitate detection of changes in hemostasis during injury and disease and provide a valuable reference range.
Transfusion‐associated circulatory overload prevention: a retrospective observational study of diuretic use
Authors: Lin Y. , Cohen R. , Armali C. , Callum J. , Cserti‐Gazdewich C. , Lieberman L. , Pendergrast J. 
Published: March 2018

Background and ObjectivesApproaches to preventing transfusion‐associated circulatory overload (TACO) include the use of diuretics. The purpose of this study was to determine how commonly diuretics are prescribed in patients receiving a red‐blood‐cell (RBC) transfusion.Materials and MethodsThis was a retrospective study of 200 adult inpatient RBC transfusion orders, 50 consecutive at each of four academic institutions. Only the first transfusion order for each patient was included. Only 1 or 2 unit orders were included. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients receiving furosemide peri‐transfusion. Secondary objectives included the dose, route, and timing of furosemide and the association of clinical factors with ordering furosemide.ResultsThe median age was 62·5 years (IQR 53, 73), and 52% were female. Peri‐transfusion furosemide was ordered in 16% (95% CI 11–21%). The most common dose was 20 mg (55%), the route intravenous (90%) and timing post‐transfusion (74%). At least one risk factor for TACO was present in 55% of patients: renal dysfunction (33%), older than 70 years (28%), history of congestive heart failure (18%), ejection fraction <60% (16%) and diastolic dysfunction (5%). Low haemoglobin as an indication for transfusion (OR 4·2; 95% CI 1·4–12·8) and diuretics on admission (OR 3·5; 95% CI 1·5–8·0) were associated with ordering furosemide peri‐transfusion.ConclusionsFurosemide is not routinely ordered for RBC transfusion, even in patients with risk factors for TACO. Studies assessing the safety, efficacy, optimal dose, and timing of furosemide in preventing TACO are justified.
Large‐Scale Hospital Mattress Switch‐Out Leads to Reduction Hospital‐Acquired Pressure Ulcers: Operationalization of a Multidisciplinary Task Force
Authors: Elsabrout Kerri , Orbacz Eleanor , McMahon Leigh Anne , Apold Susan 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTBackgroundIdentifying strategies to protect patients most at risk for hospital‐acquired pressure ulcers (HAPU) is essential. HAPUs have significant impact on patients and their families and have profound cost and reimbursement implications.AimsThis article describes the successful implementation of a hospital‐wide mattress switch‐out program using a Multidisciplinary Task Force, which resulted in a decrease in HAPUs and significant cost savings.ResultsAs a result of this quality improvement project supported by evidence, the hospital realized a 66.6% decrease in Stage III and IV HAPUs, a 50% reduction in patient complaints about mattress comfort, a cost savings of $714,724, and an endorsement of bedside nurse clinical autonomy by nursing and executive leaders.Linking Evidence to ActionNursing leaders can effectively realize large‐scale initiatives by developing and implementing wide‐ranging operational projects, like this 2.5‐day, 275‐bed hospital mattresses switch‐out.
Burden of brain tumors in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Mwita Clifford C. , Rowland Thabo , Gwer Samson 
Published: March 2018

Review question/objective:The objective of this review is to determine the best available evidence on the burden of brain tumors in low- and middle-income countries (LAMICs). More specifically, the objective is to determine the incidence and prevalence rates for brain tumors in LAMICs.
Gut bacteria selectively promoted by dietary fibers alleviate type 2 diabetes
Authors: Zhao Liping , Zhang Feng , Ding Xiaoying , Wu Guojun , Lam Yan Y. , Wang Xuejiao , Fu Huaqing , Xue Xinhe , Lu Chunhua , Ma Jilin , Yu Lihua , Xu Chengmei , Ren Zhongying , Xu Ying , Xu Songmei , Shen Hongli , Zhu Xiuli , Shi Yu , Shen Qingyun , Dong Weiping , Liu Rui , Ling Yunxia , Zeng Yue , Wang Xingpeng , Zhang Qianpeng , Wang Jing , Wang Linghua , Wu Yanqiu , Zeng Benhua , Wei Hong , Zhang Menghui , Peng Yongde , Zhang Chenhong 
Published: March 2018

Microbial modulation of diabetesShort-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced by various human gut microbes. SCFAs act as an energy source to the colonic epithelium and are also sensed by host signaling pathways that modulate appetite and inflammation. Deficiency of gut SCFAs is associated with type 2 diabetes. Zhaoet al.found that adopting a high-fiber diet promoted the growth of SCFA-producing organisms in diabetic humans. The high-fiber diet induced changes in the entire gut microbe community and correlated with elevated levels of glucagon-like peptide-1, a decline in acetylated hemoglobin levels, and improved blood-glucose regulation.Science, this issue p.1151
Promoter Boundaries for the
luxCDABE
and
betIBA-proXWV
Operons in Vibrio harveyi Defined by the Method Rapid Arbitrary PCR Insertion Libraries (RAIL)
Authors: Hustmyer Christine M. , Simpson Chelsea A. , Olney Stephen G. , Rusch Douglas B. , Bochman Matthew L. , van Kessel Julia C. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

Experimental studies of transcriptional regulation in bacteria require the ability to precisely measure changes in gene expression, often accomplished through the use of reporter genes. However, the boundaries of promoter sequences required for transcription are often unknown, thus complicating the construction of reporters and genetic analysis of transcriptional regulation. Here, we analyze reporter libraries to define the promoter boundaries of the
luxCDABE
bioluminescence operon and the
betIBA-proXWV
osmotic stress operon in
Vibrio harveyi
. We describe a new method called
r
apid
a
rbitrary PCR
i
nsertion
l
ibraries (RAIL) that combines the power of arbitrary PCR and isothermal DNA assembly to rapidly clone promoter fragments of various lengths upstream of reporter genes to generate large libraries. To demonstrate the versatility and efficiency of RAIL, we analyzed the promoters driving expression of the
luxCDABE
and
betIBA-proXWV
operons and created libraries of DNA fragments from these loci fused to fluorescent reporters. Using flow cytometry sorting and deep sequencing, we identified the DNA regions necessary and sufficient for maximum gene expression for each promoter. These analyses uncovered previously unknown regulatory sequences and validated known transcription factor binding sites. We applied this high-throughput method to
gfp
,
mCherry
, and
lacZ
reporters and multiple promoters in
V. harveyi
. We anticipate that the RAIL method will be easily applicable to other model systems for genetic, molecular, and cell biological applications.

IMPORTANCE
Gene reporter constructs have long been essential tools for studying gene regulation in bacteria, particularly following the recent advent of fluorescent gene reporters. We developed a new method that enables efficient construction of promoter fusions to reporter genes to study gene regulation. We demonstrate the versatility of this technique in the model bacterium
Vibrio harveyi
by constructing promoter libraries for three bacterial promoters using three reporter genes. These libraries can be used to determine the DNA sequences required for gene expression, revealing regulatory elements in promoters. This method is applicable to various model systems and reporter genes for assaying gene expression.
Incidence, risk factors and severity of retinopathy of prematurity in Turkey (TR-ROP study): a prospective, multicentre study in 69 neonatal intensive care units
Authors: Bas Ahmet Yagmur , Demirel Nihal , Koc Esin , Ulubas Isik Dilek , Hirfanoglu İbrahim Murat , Tunc Turan 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundTo evaluate the prevalence, risk factors and treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in Turkey and to establish screening criteria for this condition.MethodsA prospective cohort study (TR-ROP) was performed between 1 April 2016 and 30 April 2017 in 69 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Infants with a birth weight (BW)≤1500 g or gestational age (GA)≤32 weeks and those with a BW>1500 g or GA>32 weeks with an unstable clinical course were included in the study. Predictors for the development of ROP were determined by logistic regression analyses.ResultsThe TR-ROP study included 6115 infants: 4964 (81%) with a GA≤32 weeks and 1151 (19%) with a GA>32 weeks. Overall, 27% had any stage of ROP and 6.7% had severe ROP. A lower BW, smaller GA, total days on oxygen, late-onset sepsis, frequency of red blood cell transfusions and relative weight gain were identified as independent risk factors for severe ROP in infants with a BW≤1500 g. Of all infants, 414 needed treatment and 395 (95.4%) of the treated infants had a BW≤1500 g. Sixty-six (16%) of the treated infants did not fulfil the Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity requirements for treatment.ConclusionsScreening of infants with a GA≤34 weeks or a BW<1700 g appears to be appropriate in Turkey. Monitoring standards of neonatal care and conducting quality improvement projects across the country are recommended to improve neonatal outcomes in Turkish NICUs.Trial registration numberNCT02814929, Results.
Using HTA and guideline development as a tool for research priority setting the NICE way: reducing research waste by identifying the right research to fund.
Authors: Sharma Tarang , Choudhury Moni , Rejón-Parrilla Juan Carlos , Jonsson Pall , Garner Sarah 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundThe National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) was established in 1999 and provides national guidance and advice to improve health and social care. Several steps in the research cycle have been identified that can support the reduction of waste that occurs in biomedical research. The first step in the process is ensuring appropriate research priority setting occurs so only the questions that are needed to fill existing gaps in the evidence are funded. This paper summarises the research priority setting processes at NICE.MethodsNICE uses its guidance production processes to identify and prioritise research questions through systematic reviews, economic analyses and stakeholder consultations and then highlights those priorities by engagement with the research community. NICE also highlights its methodological areas for research to ensure the appropriate development and growth of the evidence landscape.ResultsNICE has prioritised research questions through its guidance production and methodological work and has successfully had several research products funded through the National Institute for Health Research and Medical Research Council. This paper summarises those activities and results.ConclusionsThis activity of NICE therefore reduces research waste by ensuring that the research it recommends has been systematically prioritised through evidence reviews and stakeholder input.
‘Abortion’ or ‘termination of pregnancy’? Views from abortion care providers in Scotland, UK
Authors: Kavanagh Aine , Wielding Sally , Cochrane Rosemary , Sim Judith , Johnstone Anne , Cameron Sharon 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundThe phrase ‘termination of pregnancy’ has recently been adopted by a number of British medical institutions as a preferred descriptor of induced abortion. How it is used by abortion care providers is unclear, although the ongoing stigmatisation of abortion may play a role.MethodsA mixed methods study of the views of abortion care providers in Scotland, UK. Self-administered anonymous questionnaires were distributed to abortion care providers at a national conference (Scottish Abortion Care Providers). The main outcomes measured were the proportion of respondents reporting that they found the terms ‘abortion’ and ‘termination of pregnancy’ to be distressing, and their preferred terminology for use in consultations with women. In-depth interviews were conducted with 19 providers from a single clinic in Scotland to contextualise use of the terminology.ResultsThe questionnaire was completed by 90/118 delegates (76%). More respondents indicated they found the term ‘abortion’ distressing (28%), compared with those who found ‘termination of pregnancy’ distressing (6%; P<0.0001). Interview participants reported that ‘termination of pregnancy’ was the default phrase used in consultations. Some respondents stated that they occasionally purposely used ‘abortion’ in consultations to emphasise the seriousness of the procedure (morally, physically and/or emotionally).Conclusions‘Termination of pregnancy’ is the most commonly used term to describe induced abortion in patient consultations in Scotland. This and the term ‘abortion’ appear to play different roles, with the former being used euphemistically, and the latter as a more emphatic term. Further research is warranted to investigate how this interacts with patient care, service provision, and abortion stigma.
Collateral status affects the onset-to-reperfusion time window for good outcome
Authors: Kim Byung Moon , Baek Jang-Hyun , Heo Ji Hoe , Nam Hyo Suk , Kim Young Dae , Yoo Joonsang , Kim Dong Joon , Jeon Pyoung , Baik Seung Kug , Suh Sang Hyun , Lee Kyung Yol , Kwak Hyo Sung , Roh Hong Gee , Lee Young-Jun , Kim Sang Heum , Ryu Chang-Woo , Ihn Yon-Kwon , Kim Byungjoon , Jeon Hong Jun , Kim Jin Woo , Byun Jun Soo , Suh Sangil , Park Jeong Jin , Lee Woong Jae , Roh Jieun , Shin Byoung-Soo , Bang Oh Young 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveTo characterise the time window in which endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is associated with good outcome, and to test the differential relationship between functional outcome and onset-to-reperfusion time (ORT), depending on collateral status.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of clinical and imaging data of 554 consecutive patients, who had recanalisation success by EVT for anterior circulation large artery occlusion, from the prospectively maintained registries of 16 comprehensive stroke centres between September 2010 and December 2015. The patients were dichotomised into good and poor collateral groups, based on CT angiography. We tested whether the likelihood of good outcome (modified Rankin Scale, 0–2) by ORT was different between two groups.ResultsORT was 298 min±113 min (range, 81–665 min), and 84.5% of patients had good collaterals. Age, diabetes mellitus, previous infarction, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, good collaterals (OR 40.766; 95% CI 10.668 to 155.78; p<0.001) and ORT (OR 0.926 every 30 min delay; 95% CI 0.862 to 0.995; p=0.037) were independently associated with good outcome. The drop in likelihood of good outcome associated with longer ORT was significantly faster in poor collateral group (OR 0.305 for every 30 min; 95% CI 0.113 to 0.822) than in good collateral group (OR 0.926 for every 30 min; 95% CI 0.875 to 0.980).ConclusionsEarlier successful recanalisation was strongly associated with good outcome in poor collateral group; however, this association was weak during the tested time window in good collateral group. This suggests that the ORT window for good outcome can be adjusted according to collateral status.
Variability in daily urinary nitrogen excretion of gestating gilts does not affect estimates of nitrogen retention
Authors: Miller E.G. , Huber L. , Levesque C.L. , de Lange C.F.M. 
Published: March 2018

Daily urinary nitrogen excretion (UN, g d−1) was quantified in gestating gilts during 5 d nitrogen (N) balance periods. Abbreviated collection days (<22 h) can be used in N balance calculations when extrapolated to reflect a complete 24 h collection. Variation in daily UN did not affect overall N retention calculations.
Trends in Hospitalizations and Survival of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure in Four US Communities (2005–2014)
Authors: Chang Patricia P. , Wruck Lisa M. , Shahar Eyal , Rossi Joseph S. , Loehr Laura R. , Russell Stuart D. , Agarwal Sunil K. , Konety Suma H. , Rodriguez Carlos J. , Rosamond Wayne D. 
Published: March 2018

Background:
Community trends of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) in diverse populations may differ by race and sex.

Methods:
The ARIC study (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) sampled heart failure-related hospitalizations (≥55 years of age) in 4 US communities from 2005 to 2014 using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. ADHF hospitalizations were validated by standardized physician review and computer algorithm, yielding 40 173 events after accounting for sampling design (unweighted n=8746).

Results:
Of the ADHF hospitalizations, 50% had reduced ejection fraction, and 39% had preserved EF (HFpEF). HF with reduced ejection fraction was more common in black men and white men, whereas HFpEF was most common in white women. Average age-adjusted rates of ADHF were highest in blacks (38.1 per 1000 black men, 30.5 per 1000 black women), with rates differing by HF type and sex. ADHF rates increased over the 10 years (average annual percentage change: black women +4.3%, black men +3.7%, white women +1.9%, white men +2.6%), mostly reflecting more acute HFpEF. Age-adjusted 28-day and 1-year case fatality proportions were ≈10% and 30%, respectively, similar across race-sex groups and HF types. Only blacks showed decreased 1-year mortality over time (average annual percentage change: black women –5.4%, black men –4.6%), with rates differing by HF type (average annual percentage change: black women HFpEF –7.1%, black men HF with reduced ejection fraction –4.7%).

Conclusions:
Between 2005 and 2014, trends in ADHF hospitalizations increased in 4 US communities, primarily driven by acute HFpEF. Survival at 1 year was poor regardless of EF but improved over time for black women and black men.
Phosphatidylinositol 3‐Kinase–DNA Methyltransferase 1–miR‐1281–Histone Deacetylase 4 Regulatory Axis Mediates Platelet‐Derived Growth Factor–Induced Proliferation and Migration of Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Li Yanjiao , Li Li , Qian Zhengjiang , Lin Boya , Chen Jidong , Luo Yixuan , Qu Junle , Raj J. Usha , Gou Deming 
Published: March 2018

Background

Platelet‐derived growth factor
BB
, a potent mitogen of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (
PASMC
s), has been implicated in pulmonary arterial remodeling, which is a key pathogenic feature of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Previous micro
RNA
profiling in platelet‐derived growth factor BB–treated
PASMC
s found a significantly downregulated micro
RNA
, miR‐1281, but it has not been associated with any cellular function, and we investigated the possibility.

Methods and Results

Real‐time quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction assay proved that downregulation of miR‐1281 was a conserved phenomenon in human and rat
PASMC
s. Overexpression and inhibition of miR‐1281 in
PASMC
s promoted and suppressed, respectively, the cell proliferation and migration. Bioinformatic prediction and 3′‐untranslated region reporter assay identified histone deacetylase 4 to be a direct target of miR‐1281. Supporting this, proliferation and migration assay demonstrated the cellular function of histone deacetylase 4 is inversely correlated with that of miR‐1281. Mechanistically, it is found that platelet‐derived growth factor BB activates the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase pathway, which then induces the expression of
DNA
methyltransferase 1, leading to enhanced methylation of a flanking CpG island and repressed miR‐1281 expression. Finally, a reduced miR‐1281 level was consistently identified in hypoxic
PASMC
s in vitro, in pulmonary arteries of rats with monocrotaline‐induced pulmonary arterial hypertension, and in serum of patients with coronary heart disease–pulmonary arterial hypertension. These data suggest that there may be a diagnostic and therapeutic use for miR‐1281.

Conclusions

Herein, we report a novel regulatory axis, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase–
DNA
methyltransferase 1–miR‐1281–histone deacetylase 4, integrating multiple epigenetic regulators that participate in platelet‐derived growth factor
BB
–stimulated
PASMC
proliferation and migration and pulmonary vascular remodeling.