bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Markedly higher sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio in a woman with acute fatty liver of pregnancy compared with HELLP syndrome
Authors: Suzuki Hirotada , Nagayama Shiho , Hirashima Chikako , Takahashi Kayo , Takahashi Hironori , Ogoyama Manabu , Nagayama Manabu , Shirasuna Koumei , Matsubara Shigeki , Ohkuchi Akihide 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAimTo compare serum levels of angiogenesis‐related factors between 14 women with HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count) syndrome and a woman with acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP).MethodsSerum samples were collected in 2004–2008 and 2013–2016. The levels of soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt‐1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) were measured by an automated electrochemiluminescence immunoassay using Elecsys sFlt‐1 and Elecsys PlGF. After logarithmic transformation, levels of sFlt‐1, PlGF and the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio in a woman with AFLP were compared with those in women with HELLP syndrome, using the one‐sample t‐test.ResultsAt 37 weeks of gestation, a patient was diagnosed with AFLP based on Swansea criteria (showing six features including elevated transaminases), and she also showed a duodenal ulcer with active bleeding, thrombocytopenia and hypertension. Her serum levels of sFlt‐1 and sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio were significantly higher than in those with HELLP syndrome (273 040 pg/mL vs 15 135 [mean], P < 0.001; 4236 vs 224, P < 0.001; respectively). However, her serum level of PlGF was not significantly different from those with HELLP syndrome.ConclusionSerum levels of sFlt‐1 and the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio, but not PlGF, in a woman with AFLP were markedly higher than those in women with HELLP syndrome. AFLP may be a different clinical entity from HELLP syndrome based on angiogenesis‐related factors. Clinically, the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio may be used to rapidly distinguish AFLP from HELLP syndrome.
Outcomes of ‘unrecognised situation awareness failures events’ in intensive care unit transfer of children in a Japanese children's hospital
Authors: Aoki Yoshihiro , Inata Yu , Hatachi Takeshi , Shimizu Yoshiyuki , Takeuchi Muneyuki 
Published: August 2018

AimTo demonstrate that unrecognised situation awareness failures events (UNSAFE) transfers are associated with poorer outcomes in the intensive care unit (ICU) at a Japanese children's hospital lacking a rapid response system.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2013 and February 2016. UNSAFE transfers were defined as unplanned in‐hospital ward‐to‐ICU transfers requiring tracheal intubation, vasoactive medications or ≥3 fluid boluses before arrival or in the first 60 min of ICU care. We compared ICU stay duration and mortality between UNSAFE and non‐UNSAFE transfers.ResultsThere were 2126 admissions to the paediatric ICU during the study period, and 244 cases met the definition of an unscheduled in‐hospital transfer (11.5%). Of these, the number of patients transferred following cardiopulmonary resuscitation, in the UNSAFE group and in the non‐UNSAFE group were 9 (3.7%), 68 (28%) and 167 (68%), respectively. In the UNSAFE group, the number of patients who required tracheal intubation, initiation of vasoactive medications or ≥ 3 fluid boluses in the first 60 min of ICU care or before arrival in the ICU was 61 (90%), 38 (56%) and 9 (13%), respectively. ICU stay duration and mortality were significantly poorer in the UNSAFE group than in the non‐UNSAFE group (9 vs. 4 days, P < 0.0001; 13 vs. 4.2%, odds ratio = 3.5, 95% confidence interval = 1.2–9.8, P = 0.020, respectively).ConclusionsPatients who experienced UNSAFE transfers had longer ICU stays and higher mortality, and it may be used as a metric of evaluation of effects of rapid response system implementation.
Facial nerve palsy in children: A retrospective study of 124 cases
Authors: Psillas George , Antoniades Elias , Ieridou Fotini , Constantinidis Jannis 
Published: August 2018

AimTo report the causes and clinical evaluation of children with facial nerve palsy (FNP) admitted to an affiliated university hospital during a 5‐year period (2011–2015).MethodsA total of 124 children were retrospectively categorised into two groups: idiopathic Bell's palsy (109 patients) and the second group into other FNP aetiologies (15 patients). All children received a standardised work‐up and follow‐up. Therapy consisted of steroid administration associated with antiviral treatment when a viral infection was suspected.ResultsAll children of the first group had a full recovery under oral steroids within 2 months of treatment. From the second group, seven children (46%) had a viral infection based on serological findings, two of them were positive for neurotropic herpes viruses, and one had Ramsay Hunt syndrome; six children with infectious FNP had recurrent FNP on the ipsilateral or contralateral side. Five patients had FNP as a complication of acute otitis media; three of them (60%) had partial or full recovery postoperatively. One child developed FNP following temporal bone trauma that had an uneventful recovery with conservative treatment. One child suffered from Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome, and another child presented with FNP associated with unilateral hemiparesis following an ischaemic cerebral infarct.ConclusionsFacial palsy in children is a manifestation of a heterogeneous group of causes. The most common aetiology of FNP in children in our study was idiopathic (Bell's palsy), followed by infective causes, such as acute otitis media and neurotropic herpes viruses. Therefore, treatment should be adapted to each patient depending on the underlying disease and severity of FNP.
Impact of public dental care spending and insurance coverage on utilization disparities among Canadian jurisdictions
Authors: Dehmoobadsharifabadi Armita , Singhal Sonica , Quiñonez Carlos R. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the role of public dental care spending and insurance coverage on dental services utilization disparities among different Canadian jurisdictions.MethodsWe utilized Canadian Institute for Health Information provincial/territorial per capita estimates for public dental care expenditure, public information on legislated dental care programs, and oral health data from the 2007–2008 Canadian Community Health Survey to make inferences regarding the relationship between dentist visits in the past 12 months and self‐perceived oral health. We performed descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis to determine the relationship between dentist visits and self‐perceived oral health status at the provincial/territorial level and on stratified data based on three age groups – children (12–17 years), adults (18–64 years), and seniors (65 years and older).ResultsOverall, the presence of the “inverse care law” in dental care at the provincial/territorial level was evident. However, in the Canadian territories, which had the highest per capita public dental care expenditure, individuals with poor oral health had the highest odds of visiting a dentist compared with other jurisdictions. In jurisdictions with public dental care programs for children and/or seniors, children and seniors with poor oral health were more likely to visit dentists.ConclusionsJurisdictions with more public spending and greater population coverage for dental care appear to better cater to those with the highest oral health care needs.
Family Caregivers as Needed Partners: Recognizing Their Role in Medicaid Managed Long‐Term Services and Supports
Authors: Williamson Heather J. , Perkins Elizabeth A. , Massey Oliver T. , Baldwin Julie A. , Lulinski Amie , Armstrong Mary I. , Levins Bruce L. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAdults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) in the United States are supported by both formal Medicaid‐funded long‐term services and supports and family caregivers. Lack of alternative housing options and wait lists for long‐term services and supports means the role of the family caregiver is and will continue be critical. Rising long‐term services and supports costs combined with goals to improve care coordination and access to services are driving more states to change the design of their long‐term services and supports systems to a Medicaid‐Managed Long‐Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) approach. Best practices for implementing MLTSS for individuals with IDD include acknowledging the family caregiver role. The current study's aim is to understand how family caregivers and their roles are recognized in MLTSS for adults with IDD in Kansas. Kansas was selected given their unique approach to MLTSS for adults with IDD, referred to as KanCare. In‐depth semi‐structured telephone interviews were completed with 31 stakeholders in Kansas, including statewide/regional representatives (N = 13), service coordination providers (N = 7), and family caregivers (N = 11). Additional family support services were available in KanCare, but families had difficulty accessing them. No formal processes were reported for assessing the needs of family caregivers in KanCare and families found communications with managed care entities challenging. Families reported difficulties with taking on responsibility of managing in‐home supports and there were concerns about being paid to provide care as a guardian. Family caregivers play a critical role in MLTSS, including assisting with care coordination and access to services. However, their role was not formally acknowledged in KanCare. Future research, practice, and policy efforts should focus on promoting family caregiver assessments and identifying best practices for supporting family caregivers in MLTSS.
Hepatitis C virus early kinetics and resistance‐associated substitution dynamics during antiviral therapy with direct‐acting antivirals
Authors: Perpiñán Elena , Caro‐Pérez Noelia , García‐González Neris , Gregori Josep , González Patricia , Bartres Concepción , Soria Maria Eugenia , Perales Celia , Lens Sabela , Mariño Zoe , Londoño María Carlota , Ariza Xavier , Koutsoudakis George , Quer Josep , González‐Candelas Fernando , Forns Xavier , Pérez‐del‐Pulgar Sofía 
Published: August 2018

SummaryThe emergence of resistance‐associated substitutions (RASs) can compromise the high efficacy of direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs). Little is known about RASs selection at very early time points during DAA treatment. Therefore, we analyzed the potential emergence of RASs immediately after therapy initiation. Samples of 71 patients treated with different DAAs were collected at baseline, during therapy (hours 4 and 8; days 1‐7; weeks 2‐4) or until target not detected. HCV‐RNA levels were determined by qPCR, and RASs were detected by deep sequencing. Sixty‐three (89%) patients achieved a sustained virological response (SVR), 7 (10%) relapsed, and 1 (1%) experienced a breakthrough. Almost all non‐SVR (7/8, 88%) showed RASs either at baseline or relapse. High‐frequency RASs detected at baseline (Y93H and L159F+C316N) remained detectable at early time points during therapy and reappeared as most prevalent substitutions at relapse. Conversely, emergent RASs at relapse (Q80R, D168E/V, R155K and L31V) were not observed during the first hours‐days, before HCV‐RNA became undetectable. HCV‐RNA decay and genetic evolution of the quasispecies followed a similar pattern during the first hours of therapy in SVR and non‐SVR patients. In conclusion, the absence of early RASs selection and the similar dynamics of HCV kinetics and quasispecies in SVR and non‐SVR patients after therapy initiation suggest that RASs selection may occur at later stages in the remaining reservoir, where viral populations persist hidden at very low replication levels. Nevertheless, we cannot completely exclude very early selection, when RASs are present below the sensitivity limit of deep sequencing.
Dynamics, habitat use and extinction risk of a carnivorous desert marsupial
Authors: Greenville A.C. , Brandle R. , Canty P. , Dickman C. R. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAnimals in hot desert environments often show marked fluctuations in population size, persisting in low numbers in refuge habitats during dry periods and expanding after rain when resources increase. Understanding drought‐wet cycle dynamics is important for managing arid ecosystems, particularly if populations of threatened species are present. Such species may face increased risks of extinction if all populations decrease synchronously toward zero during low‐resource periods, and if key refuge habitats needed during these periods are disturbed or unavailable. Here, we describe the dynamics and habitat requirements of two sub‐populations of the kowari, Dasyuroides byrnei (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae), during long‐term sampling (2000–2015) that encompassed multiple drought‐wet cycles. This species is listed currently as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. We found that the study region contains favourable habitat, with kowari occurring on hard stony (gibber) pavements in association with coverage of sand that may facilitate construction of burrows. Both sub‐populations of kowari declined over the study period irrespective of climatic conditions, despite some evidence that both body condition and reproductive output increased after rain. We suggest that the studied sub‐populations are under stress from extrinsic rather than intrinsic factors, with livestock grazing and introduced predators perhaps having the most negative effects. If similar demographic trends are apparent elsewhere in the species’ small geographical range, the species would be eligible for listing on the IUCN Red List as Endangered, with a 20% chance of extinction within the next 20 years. Urgent research is required to quantify and mitigate the extrinsic threats to kowari populations. Proactive measures such as captive breeding to act as insurance populations would be prudent.
Development of a method for direct extraction of viral RNA from bivalve molluscs
Authors: Quang Le H. , Suffredini E. , Tien Pham D. , Kim To A. , De Medici D. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
The detection of foodborne viruses in bivalve molluscs is a challenging procedure in relation to low virus concentration and to the presence of significant RT-PCR inhibitors. The aim of this study was the development of an efficient direct extraction method for foodborne viral RNA from bivalve molluscs. Using Mengovirus as a surrogate for foodborne viruses, five extraction methods based on RNA release by Trizol were compared on clams and oysters. A procedure consisting of Trizol, PureLink RNA Mini Kit, followed by Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) treatment and LiCl precipitation was found to provide RNA with the highest extraction efficiency and negligible inhibitory effect on real-time RT-PCR. This procedure was further compared to standard extraction method (ISO 15216) using clam, mussel and oyster samples spiked with Hepatitis A virus, Norovirus (NoV) GI and GII as well as bivalve samples naturally contaminated with NoV GI or GII. Results clearly demonstrated that the developed method provided, on average, a recovery 4·3 times higher than the standard reference protocol as well as good repeatability.

Significance and Impact of the Study
A direct extraction procedure was developed to recover viral RNA from shellfish with improved efficiency in comparison to reference extraction method (ISO 15216). Without the need for specific equipment, this procedure offers an alternative for performing food safety controls and for risk assessment studies. Given the inclusion in this extraction method of several steps for the efficient removal of food components inhibiting PCR reaction, this approach could serve as a general scheme for the extraction of nucleic acids of other enteric viruses and/or from other food categories.
Sandstone sample analysis and additional structural data from Jabal Rayah, a possible impact structure in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Gnos Edwin , Hofmann Beda A. , Al‐Wagdani Khalid , Mahjub Ayman , Al‐Solami Abdulaziz Abdullah , Habibullah Siddiq N. , Matter Albert , Halawani Mohammed A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe ~5.5 km sized Jabal Rayah ring structure located at 28°39′N/37°12′E in Saudi Arabia has been classified as a possible complex impact structure located in flat‐lying Paleozoic clastic sediments. Previous, detailed mapping showed that erosional processes led to a relief inversion, with displaced, folded, and faulted blocks of Silurian to Early Devonian strata, interpreted to form a ring syncline, now forming a topographically outstanding, 150 m high ring crest. The drainage toward the center of the structure seems controlled by a set of radial faults. This central part is eroded to the level of the surrounding plateau and partially covered with gravel. Analysis of 28 Qusaiba Formation sandstones showed that at the present outcrop level, the sediments seem devoid of shock features. Measurement of fold axes in the central part of the structure shows radially outward plunging fold axes, becoming steeper toward the center, and also fold axes of other orientation, and folded folds. This fold axis pattern is interpreted as an upward‐pointing, kilometer‐sized sheath fold. Assuming an impact scenario and using the present size of the structure, the minimum central structural uplift is estimated at ~500 m, which is consistent with Qusaiba Formation occupying the center of the ring structure.
Effect of polychromatic X‐ray microtomography imaging on the amino acid content of the Murchison CM chondrite
Authors: Friedrich Jon M. , McLain Hannah L. , Dworkin Jason P. , Glavin Daniel P. , Towbin W. Henry , Hill Morgan , Ebel Denton S. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractX‐ray microcomputed tomography (μCT) is a useful means of characterizing cosmochemical samples such as meteorites or robotically returned samples. However, there are occasional concerns that the use of μCT may be detrimental to the organic components of a chondrite. Small organic compounds such as amino acids comprise up to ~10% of the total solvent extractable carbon in CM carbonaceous chondrites. We irradiated three samples of the Murchison CM carbonaceous chondrite under conditions akin to and harsher than those typically used during typical benchtop X‐ray μCT imaging experiments to determine if detectable changes in the amino acid abundance and distribution relative to a nonexposed Murchison control sample occurred. After subjecting three meteorite samples to ionizing radiation dosages between ~300 Gray (Gy) and 3 kGy with bremstrahlung X‐rays, we analyzed the amino acid content of each sample. Within sampling and analytical errors, we cannot discern differences in the amino acid abundances and amino acid enantiomeric ratios when comparing the control samples (nonexposed Murchison) and the irradiated samples. We conclude that a polychromatic X‐ray μCT experiment does not alter the abundances of amino acids to a degree greater than how well those abundances are measured with our techniques and therefore any damage to amino acids is minimal.
In vitro susceptibility of Microsporum spp. and mammalian cells to Eugenia caryophyllus essential oil, eugenol and semisynthetic derivatives
Authors: Leal Pinto Sandra Milena , Herrera Sandoval Laura Viviana , Vargas Leonor Yamile 
Published: August 2018

SummaryBackgroundMicrosporum spp. are keratinophilic dermatophytes that mainly invade the stratum corneum of the skin and hair causing clinical symptoms associated with tinea. Its treatment has several limitations, and the search for new active molecules is necessary.ObjectiveTo evaluate the antifungal and cytotoxic potential of Eugenia caryophyllus essential oil (EO), eugenol, isoeugenol and methylisoeugenol against Microsporum canis, M. gypseum and Vero cells.MethodsThe EO was extracted by conventional heating‐assisted hydrodistillation, the eugenol obtained commercially and the derivatives through Williamson synthesis. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MICs), minimum fungicidal concentration, inhibition of radial mycelial growth and germination inhibition were used to evaluate the antifungal activity. In addition, a colorimetric test was conducted to evaluate cytotoxic activity.ResultsMIC and MFC values for all compounds were 62.5‐500 μg/mL for both of the species of Microsporum evaluated. Also, concentrations of 300 μg/mL of the compounds inhibited 100% of M. canis mycelium. The inhibition of germination was observed after 6 hours of treatment (11.86 ± 3.46‐85.31 ± 0%). No cytotoxicity was observed in Vero cells (CC50 > 105 μg/mL), whereas terbinafine showed CC50 31.00 ± 0.61 μg/mL.ConclusionsOur study indicates an interesting bioactivity of isoeugenol and methylisoeugenol against M. canis, M. gypseum and mammalian cells.
High levels of urinary complement proteins are associated with chronic renal damage and proximal tubule dysfunction in immunoglobulin A nephropathy
Authors: Wen Lu , Zhao Zhanzheng , Wang Zheng , Xiao Jing , Birn Henrik , Gregersen Jon W 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTAimComplement activation is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN); however, the clinical implication of abnormal complement protein levels in serum and urine is not clear. To address this we analyzed the correlation between disease activity and complement proteins in serum and urine from IgAN patients, and compared to patients with other types of chronic kidney disease (CKD) as well as healthy controls.MethodsWe included 85 Chinese patients with IgAN, 23 patients with non‐proliferative CKD, and 20 healthy individuals. Patients were divided according to the Oxford classification of M0E0S0T0 (group 1, n = 20), M1E1S0‐1 T0‐1 (group 2, n = 25), M1E1S0‐1 T2 or M0E0S1T1‐2 (group 3, n = 40). Complement factor H (CFH), mannose‐binding lectin and membrane attack complex in serum and urine were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsUrinary CFH, membrane attack complex and serum CFH were increased in both IgAN and CKD patients compared with healthy controls. The urinary excretion of CFH was the highest in IgAN patients with most tubulointerstitial damage (IgAN group 3). Urinary CFH and mannose‐binding lectin levels were significantly higher in IgAN patients with crescents formation (C1–2) than in patients without (C0). Urinary complement protein excretion correlated negatively with estimated glomerular filtration rate, and positively with urinary retinol‐binding protein and α1‐microglobulin excretion indicating proximal tubule dysfunction.ConclusionIncreased urinary excretion of complement proteins in IgAN is related to chronic injury and tubular dysfunction. This warrants caution using urinary complement proteins as markers of disease activity.