bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regional Specialization of Pyramidal Neuron Morphology and Physiology in the Tree Shrew Neocortex
Authors: Parra Andres , Baker Christopher A , Bolton M McLean 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
The mammalian cerebral cortex is divided into different areas according to their function and pattern of connections. Studies comparing primary visual (V1) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) of primates have demonstrated striking pyramidal neuron (PN) specialization not present in comparable areas of the mouse neocortex. To better understand PFC evolution and regional PN specialization, we studied the tree shrew, a species with a close phylogenetic relationship to primates. We defined the tree shrew PFC based on cytoarchitectonic borders, thalamic connectivity and characterized the morphology and electrophysiology of layer II/III PNs in V1 and PFC. Similar to primates, the PFC PNs in the tree shrew fire with a regular spiking pattern and have larger dendritic tree and spines than those in V1. However, V1 PNs showed strikingly large basal dendritic arbors with high spine density, firing at higher rates and in a more varied pattern than PFC PNs. Yet, unlike in the mouse and unreported in the primate, medial prefrontal PN are more easily recruited than either the dorsolateral or V1 neurons. This specialization of PN morphology and physiology is likely to be a significant factor in the evolution of cortex, contributing to differences in the computational capacities of individual cortical areas.
Usefulness of mycophenolate mofetil in Indian patients with C3 glomerulopathy
Authors: Bharati Joyita , Tiewsoh Karalanglin , Kumar Ashwani , Nada Ritambhra , Rathi Manish , Gupta Krishan Lal , Kohli Harbir Singh , Jha Vivekananda , Ramachandran Raja 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Background
C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is a heterogeneous disease caused by alternative complement pathway abnormalities without any standardized treatment. An immunosuppressive agent, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), has been recently shown to be useful in treating C3G, mainly in studies from the west. We report the clinical outcome of 17 Indian C3G patients treated with MMF with or without steroids.

Methods
The clinical and histology details of the C3G patients treated with MMF for at least 6 months with a follow-up of at least 12 months were retrieved from the medical records of our center.

Results
The median serum creatinine and proteinuria at presentation were 0.8 mg/dL and 3.7 g/day, respectively, with the majority (88.2%) presenting as nephrotic syndrome. The mean dose of MMF was 1.65 (±0.56) g/day, and the median duration of MMF therapy was 18 months. Two-thirds (64%) of the patients responded to the treatment, with complete remission in 4 (23%) and partial remission in 7 (41%) (median time: 9 months). Three patients progressed to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on follow-up. Of the three patients, one (33%) had an initial response in proteinuria to MMF but did not respond after a relapse and subsequently progressed to ESRD and two (67%) other patients were nonresponsive to MMF from the start of the therapy.

Conclusion
Despite a small sample size and lack of a control arm, this study describes the effectiveness of MMF in treating C3G patients from Asia and forms a basis for future randomized trials.
A micro X-ray computed tomography dataset of fossil echinoderms in an ancient obrution bed: a robust method for taphonomic and palaeoecologic analyses
Authors: Reid Mhairi , Bordy Emese M , Taylor Wendy L , le Roux Stephan G , du Plessis Anton 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Background
Taphonomic and palaeoecologic studies of obrution beds often employ conventional methods of investigation such as physical removal and extraction of fossils from their host rock (matrix) by mechanical preparation. This often-destructive method is not suitable for studying mold fossils, which are voids left in host rocks due to dissolution of the original organism in post-depositional processes.

Findings
Microcomputed tomography (μCT) scan data of 24 fossiliferous rock samples revealed thousands of Paleozoic echinoderms. Digitally "stitching" together individually μCT scanned rock samples within three-dimensional (3D) space allows for quantifiable taphonomic data on a fossil echinoderm-rich obrution deposit from the Devonian (Emsian) of South Africa. Here, we provide a brief step-by-step guide on creating, segmenting, and ultimately combining sections of richly fossiliferous beds to create virtual models suited for the quantitative and qualitative taphonomic analyses of fossil invertebrate assemblages.

Conclusions
Visualizing the internal features of fossiliferous beds in 3D is an invaluable taphonomic tool for analyzing delicate fossils, accounting for all specimens irrespective of their preservation stages and with minimal damage. This technique is particularly useful for analyzing fossiliferous deposits with mold fossils that prove to be difficult to study with traditional methods, because the method relies on the large density contrast between the mold and host rock.
Double Infection With Leishmania tropica and L. major in an HIV Patient Controlled With High Doses of Amphotericin B
Authors: Al Balushi Asma , Khamis Faryal , Klaassen Corné H W , Gangneux Jean-Pierre , Van Hellemond Jaap J , Petersen Eskild 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
We present a unique case of disseminated Leishmaniasis in an HIV patient. Two different Leishmania species were identified by genomic sequencing in both bone marrow and skin. The Leishmania infection could be suppressed but not cured, despite a high dose of amphotericin B of nearly 65 g over more than 6 years.
Minimally Displaced Humeral Lateral Condyle Fractures: Immobilize or Operate When Stability Is Unclear?
Authors: Greenhill Dustin A. , Funk Shawn , Elliott Marilyn , Jo Chan-Hee , Ramo Brandon A. 
Published: December 2018

Background:
Either casting or in situ fixation (to prevent displacement) are recommended for minimally displaced pediatric lateral condyle fractures of indeterminate stability with ≤2 mm lateral displacement and narrowed fracture extension to the epiphyseal articular cartilage. This study compares casting only, acute prophylactic in situ pinning, and surgery if casting fails due to displacement.

Methods:
In total, 738 fractures at a level 1 trauma center between 2008 and 2014 were reviewed. All fractures were assigned a Song classification and Song 2 fractures followed to union were analyzed. Worsening displacement was defined as an increase in Song stage. Patients were grouped per treatment: (1) cast only; (2) in situ pinning; or (3) closed or open reduction percutaneous pinning after displacement during attempted cast treatment.

Results:
In total, 139 fractures were included and 45 (32%) underwent surgery. Among 114 fractures intended for casting, only 20 (18%) displaced and needed surgery. This implies 82% of fractures prophylactically pinned in situ may have remained stable in a cast. On average, displaced fractures were noted 6.5 (2 to 13) days after presentation and required 1 extra clinic visit and week of immobilization without increased complications. Surgeons chose open reduction percutaneous pinning more often for displaced fractures.

Conclusions:
Our data estimate 82% of Song 2 fractures never meaningfully displace in a cast. Meaningful displacements occur in <2 weeks. Benefits of prophylactic pinning include 1 less x-ray and clinic visit in exchange for a clinically insignificant lateral cortex reduction and inherent surgical risks. Compliance, surgical scheduling, and a higher rate of open reduction after displacement should influence early treatment decisions.

Level of Evidence:
Level III.
Efficacy and Safety of Bronchial Artery Embolization on Hemoptysis in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: A Pilot Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yang Suqiao , Wang Jianfeng , Kuang Tuguang , Gong Juanni , Ma Zhanhong , Shen Ying H. , Liang Lirong , Yang Yuanhua , Huang Kewu 
Published: December 2018

Objectives:
Managing hemoptysis in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension can be challenging due to the difficulties in maintaining coagulation homeostasis in affected patients. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of bronchial artery embolization in treating hemoptysis in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients.

Design:
Pilot, prospective cohort study.

Setting:
A large respiratory medical institute.

Patients:
From January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2017, hospitalized chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients were eligible for inclusion. Patients with pulmonary hypertension caused by other conditions, or who failed to participate in the follow-up were excluded.

Interventions:
Hemoptysis in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients was treated with or without bronchial artery embolization based on whether the bleeding could be stopped with medication alone and patient willingness for bronchial artery embolization treatment.

Measurements and Main Results:
A total of 328 patients diagnosed with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension were consecutively collected, 317 patients were completed the follow-up. There were 15 chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients with hemoptysis in total, and the occurrence rate of hemoptysis in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients was 4.7%. Among the hemoptysis chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients, 10 (67%) underwent bronchial artery embolization, and five (33%) were treated with medication only. The median follow-up period for hemoptysis patients was 7.6 months. In patients underwent bronchial artery embolization treatment, oxygenation index and right heart function showed no significant difference between pre bronchial artery embolization and post bronchial artery embolization. Hemoptysis relapse (20% vs 80%; p = 0.025) and hemoptysis-related mortality (0% vs 40%; p = 0.032) were significantly lower, whereas the overall survival (90% vs 40%; p = 0.040) was higher in patients treated with bronchial artery embolization than in patients treated without bronchial artery embolization.

Conclusions:
Bronchial artery embolization procedure demonstrated effectiveness and safety to treat hemoptysis in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients at our center, but further controlled studies are needed before it can be considered as an effective therapy for these patients.
An Exploratory, Descriptive Study of Nurse Leaders’ Personal and Work Experiences During Union Negotiations and Strike Events
Authors: Stichler Jaynelle F. , Pelletier Luc R. , Thomason Tanna 
Published: December 2018

OBJECTIVE
This study explored the experiences, perceptions and emotional state of nurse leaders during union activities to understand the impact on their personal and professional lives.

BACKGROUND
Other than anecdotal stories shared during union negotiations and strike preparations, very little evidence exists in nursing and healthcare literature about nursing unions and their impact on nurse leaders and their organizational priorities.

METHODS
This study used an exploratory, descriptive design with a convenience and snowball sample of Association of California Nurse Leaders members.

RESULTS
The findings indicate nurse leaders experience a range of emotional states in response to union activities with perceptions of increased workload, job stress, and constrained and deliberate communications with their staff.

CONCLUSION
This study adds to the body of knowledge about nurse leader experiences and feelings during union activities.
Linking to Improve Nursing Care and Knowledge
Authors: Cato Kenrick D. , Sun Carolyn , Carter Eileen J. , Liu Jianfang , Rivera Reynaldo , Larson Elaine 
Published: December 2018

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study is to describe and evaluate the impact of the Linking to Improve Nursing Care and Knowledge (LINK) project on increasing nurse-led clinical research.

BACKGROUND
Nurse-generated research is the cornerstone of evidence-based practice and continues to be a marker of nursing excellence. However, the dearth of PhD-prepared nurses creates a challenge for creating an environment to promote clinical nursing research. We evaluated the LINK project, an academic-clinical partnership, to assess its impact and feasibility, for fostering nurse-led clinical research.

METHODS
The LINK project created a formal command and control structure bringing together existing academic resources, including a PhD-prepared nurse researcher, a biostatistician, and a development of a formal research consultation request process. Measures tracked over a 12-month period included average response time, request volume, client satisfaction, institutional review board (IRB)–submitted protocols, and work products.

RESULTS
All measures exceeded expectations with an average 1-day request response time, 35 requests, 98% client satisfaction, a 367% increase in nurse-led IRB approved protocols from the previous 12-month period, and 2 publications in peer-reviewed journals.

CONCLUSIONS
The process and outcome measures indicate that the LINK project is feasible, sustainable, and reproducible. We were able to meet and, in many cases, exceed measurement goals. In addition, implementation science literature indicates that the most valid measure of a successful project rollout is user satisfaction and usefulness. The LINK project received consistently positive feedback.
The Effect of Increasing Age on Outcomes of Digital Revascularization or Replantation
Authors: Retrouvey Helene , Solaja Ogi , Baltzer Heather L. 
Published: December 2018

Background:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of increasing age on rates of digital failure.

Method:
A retrospective cohort study of digital replantation or revascularization patients was undertaken from 2005 to 2016. Data collected consisted of patient demographics, smoking status, injury mechanisms, procedure types, and postoperative morbidity and mortality. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were performed to assess outcomes. All comparisons were made between patients older than and younger than 60 years.

Results:
Two hundred eighty-three patients underwent replantation or revascularization; 11 percent were older than 60 years. The majority of patients had multiple devascularized digits (70 percent), most commonly inflicted by a blade mechanism (77 percent). Approximately half of the patients underwent revascularization alone (54.4 percent). American Society of Anesthesiologists score and number of comorbidities were significantly greater in the older adult group. Overall, 88 patients (31 percent) experienced digital replantation or revascularization failure, with 12 failures in patients aged 60 years or older. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that age did not have an impact on failure rate. Older patients did not experience more major complications, but had significantly higher rates of minor complications (p = 0.0485).

Conclusions:
Older patients presented with significantly higher American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status and number of comorbidities, but did not experience higher rates of digital failure, major perioperative complications, or 30-day mortality. Adults aged 60 years or older should be offered digital replantation or revascularization if medically or surgically indicated.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
Risk, II.
Determinants of Restoration of CD4 and CD8 Cell Counts and Their Ratio in HIV-1–Positive Individuals With Sustained Virological Suppression on Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Gras Luuk , May Margaret , Ryder Lars Peter , Trickey Adam , Helleberg Marie , Obel Niels , Thiebaut Rodolphe , Guest Jodie , Gill John , Crane Heidi , Dias Lima Viviane , d'Arminio Monforte Antonella , Sterling Timothy R. , Miro Jose , Moreno Santiago , Stephan Christoph , Smith Colette , Tate Janet , Shepherd Leah , Saag Mike , Rieger Armin , Gillor Daniel , Cavassini Matthias , Montero Marta , Ingle Suzanne M. , Reiss Peter , Costagliola Dominique , Wit Ferdinand W.N.M. , Sterne Jonathan , de Wolf Frank , Geskus Ronald ,   for the Antiretroviral Therapy Cohort Collaboration (ART-CC)
Published: December 2018

Background:
An increasing number of HIV-positive individuals now start antiretroviral therapy (ART) with high CD4 cell counts. We investigated whether this makes restoration of CD4 and CD8 cell counts and the CD4:CD8 ratio during virologically suppressive ART to median levels seen in HIV-uninfected individuals more likely and whether restoration depends on gender, age, and other individual characteristics.

Methods:
We determined median and quartile reference values for CD4 and CD8 cell counts and their ratio using cross-sectional data from 2309 HIV-negative individuals. We used longitudinal measurements of 60,997 HIV-positive individuals from the Antiretroviral Therapy Cohort Collaboration in linear mixed-effects models.

Results:
When baseline CD4 cell counts were higher, higher long-term CD4 cell counts and CD4:CD8 ratios were reached. Highest long-term CD4 cell counts were observed in middle-aged individuals. During the first 2 years, median CD8 cell counts converged toward median reference values. However, changes were small thereafter and long-term CD8 cell count levels were higher than median reference values. Median 8-year CD8 cell counts were higher when ART was started with <250 CD4 cells/mm3. Median CD4:CD8 trajectories did not reach median reference values, even when ART was started at 500 cells/mm3.

Discussion:
Starting ART with a CD4 cell count of ≥500 cells/mm3 makes reaching median reference CD4 cell counts more likely. However, median CD4:CD8 ratio trajectories remained below the median levels of HIV-negative individuals because of persisting high CD8 cell counts. To what extent these subnormal immunological responses affect specific clinical endpoints requires further investigation.
Recent insights into HSV infection and disease: results of wider genome analysis
Authors: Patel Anjali , Patel Rajul 
Published: December 2018

Purpose of review
Technology to rapidly determine the partial or full genomic sequences of large viruses has developed rapidly in the last few years. Required sample sizes have diminished and sequencing of directly collected patient samples is now possible. Using banked samples from a number of clinical studies researchers have investigated how genomic variation may determine pathogenicity and answering important questions around the limits of vaccine therapy.

Recent findings
The natural variation in HSV-1 and HSV-2 geographically has been determined. Variation in the genes responsible for surface glycoproteins may explain the current limitations of therapy. Studies looking at genomic sequences for HSV-2 in subjects with recurrent disease and in those who took part in failed vaccine studies show that multiple HSV-2 strain infection is rare outside Africa and in those with immunodeficiency, whereas there is no evidence that vaccination drives viral evolution. Genome wide association studies have investigated rates of HSV shedding have failed to identify the link between subject genomic sequence and the severity.

Summary
These studies will help develop better diagnostics and vaccines that are likely to be more widely effective. The findings will help counsel patients. The factors determining HSV disease severity in individuals remain elusive.
The frailty index is a predictor of cause-specific mortality independent of familial effects from midlife onwards
Authors: Li Xia , Ploner Alexander , Karlsson Ida K , Liu Xingrong , Magnusson Patrik KE , Pedersen Nancy L , Hägg Sara , Jylhävä Juulia 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundFrailty index (FI) is a well-established predictor of all-cause mortality, but less is known for cause-specific mortality and whether familial effects influence the associations. Furthermore, the population mortality impact of frailty remains understudied.ObjectivesTo estimate the predictive value of frailty for all-cause and cause-specific mortality, and to test whether the associations are time-dependent. We also assessed the proportion of deaths that are attributable to increased levels of frailty.MethodsWe analyzed 42,953 participants from the Screening Across the Lifespan Twin Study (aged 41-95 years at baseline) with up to 20-years’ mortality follow-up. The FI was constructed using 44 health-related items. Deaths due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), respiratory-related causes and cancer were considered in the cause-specific analysis. Generalized survival models were used in the analysis.ResultsIncreased FI was associated with higher risks of all-cause, CVD, and respiratory-related mortality. No significant associations were observed for cancer mortality. No attenuation of the mortality associations was found in unrelated individuals when adjusting for familial effects in twin pairs. The associations were time-dependent with relatively greater effects observed in younger ages. The proportion of deaths attributable to FI levels >0.10 were 13.0% of all-cause deaths, 14.7% of CVD deaths and 12.5% of respiratory-related deaths in men, and 12.2% of all-cause deaths, 9.9% of CVD deaths and 21.9% of respiratory-related deaths in women.ConclusionsIncreased FI predicts higher risks of all-cause, CVD, and respiratory-related mortality independent of familial effects. Increased FI levels have a significant population mortality impact in both men and women.
CRK2 enhances salt tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana by regulating endocytosis and callose deposition in connection with PLDα1
Authors: Hunter Kerri , Kimura Sachie , Rokka Anne , Tran Cuong , Toyota Masatsugu , Kukkonen Jyrki P. , Wrzaczek Michael 
Published: December 2018

AbstractHigh salinity has become an increasingly prevalent source of stress to which plants need to adapt. The receptor-like protein kinases (RLKs), including the cysteine-rich receptor-like kinase (CRK) subfamily, are a highly expanded family of transmembrane proteins in plants and are largely responsible for communication between cells and the extracellular environment. Various CRKs have been implicated in biotic and abiotic stress responses, however their functions on a cellular level remain largely uncharacterized. Here we have shown that CRK2 enhances salt tolerance at the germination stage in Arabidopsis thaliana. We identified CRK2 as a negative regulator of endocytosis, under both normal growth conditions and salt stress. We also established that functional CRK2 is required for salt-induced callose deposition. In doing so, we revealed a novel role for callose deposition, in response to increased salinity, and demonstrated its importance for salt tolerance during germination. Using fluorescently tagged proteins we observed specific changes in CRK2’s subcellular localization in response to various stress treatments. Many of CRK2’s cellular functions were dependent on phospholipase D (PLD) activity, as were the subcellular localization changes. Thus we propose that CRK2 acts downstream of PLD during salt stress to regulate endocytosis and promote callose deposition, and that CRK2 adopts specific stress-dependent subcellular localization patterns in order to carry out its functions.One sentence summaryThe receptor-like kinase CRK2 acts in connection with PLDα1 to regulate endocytosis and callose deposition at plasmodesmata, enhancing salt tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana.