bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating T helper 9 cells and increased serum interleukin‐9 levels in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Qi Changlin , Shan Yuxing , Wang Jing , Ding Fupeng , Zhao Ding , Yang Teng , Jiang Yanfang 
Published: March 2016

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to examine the roles of T helper 9 (Th9) cells and the serum interleukin (IL)‐9 level in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). The numbers of IL‐9+ CD4+ CD8− T cells, interferon (IFN)‐γ+ CD4+ CD8− T cells, IL‐4+ CD4+ CD8− T cells, and IL‐17A+ CD4+ CD8− T cells in 25 OA patients and 13 healthy controls (HC) were examined by flow cytometry. The serum concentrations of IL‐9, IL‐4, IL‐17A, and IFN‐γ were also determined. The numbers of CD4+CD45RO+ T cells, Th9 cells, Th1 cells, and Th17 cells in OA patients were significantly higher than those in HCs. Furthermore, serum IL‐9, IL‐17A, and IFN‐γ levels in OA patients were higher than those in HCs. The number of Th9 cells was positively correlated with the number of Th17 cells in OA patients. Furthermore, greater numbers of Th9 cells were positively associated with elevated C‐reactive protein, and both Th9 cells and IL‐9 levels were positively correlated with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index in OA patients. Th9 cell numbers and IL‐9 levels are correlated with OA patient symptoms and joint functionality and may be a marker of disease activity.
Predictors of Gaps in Patient Safety and Quality in U.S. Hospitals
Authors: Unruh Lynn , Hofler Richard 
Published: March 2016

ObjectiveTo explore predictors of gaps between observed and best possible Hospital Compare scores in U.S. hospitals.Data SourcesAmerican Hospital Association Annual Survey; Area Resource Files; Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Medicare Provider and Analysis Review; and Hospital Compare data.Study DesignUsing Stochastic Frontier Analysis and secondary cross‐sectional data, gaps between the best possible and actual scores of Hospital Compare quality measures were estimated. Poisson regressions were used to ascertain financial, organizational, and market predictors of those gaps.Data ExtractionData were cleaned and matched based on hospital Medicare IDs. All U.S. hospitals that matched on analysis variables in 2007 were in the study (1,823–2,747, depending upon gap variable).Principal FindingsMost hospitals have a greater than 10 percent gap in quality indicators. Payer mix, registered nurse staffing, size, case mix index, accreditation, being a teaching hospital, market competition, urban location, and region were strong predictors of gaps, although the direction of the association with gaps was not uniform across outcomes.ConclusionsA significant percentage of hospitals have gaps between their best possible and observed quality scores. It may be better to use gap scores than observed scores in payments systems. More SFA research is needed to know how to lower gaps through changes in hospital and market characteristics.
Use of serum lactate levels to predict survival for patients with out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest: A cohort study
Authors: Williams Teresa A , Martin Ry , Celenza Antonio , Bremner Alexandra , Fatovich Daniel , Krause Joel , Arena Steven , Finn Judith 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectivesWe examined the association of serum lactate levels and early lactate clearance with survival to hospital discharge for patients suffering an out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).MethodsA retrospective cohort analysis was performed of patients with OHCA transported by ambulance to two adult tertiary hospitals in Perth, Western Australia. Exclusion criteria were traumatic cardiac arrest, return of spontaneous circulation prior to the arrival of the ambulance, age less than 18 years and no serum lactate levels recorded. Serum lactate levels recorded for up to 48 h post‐arrest were obtained from the hospital clinical information system, and lactate clearance over 48 h was calculated. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted.ResultsThere were 518 patients with lactate values, of whom 126 (24.3%) survived to hospital discharge. Survivors and non‐survivors had different mean initial lactate levels (mean ± SD 6.9 ± 4.7 and 12.2 ± 5.5 mmol/L, respectively; P < 0.001). Lactate clearance was higher in survivors. Lactate levels for non‐survivors did not decrease below 2 mmol/L until at least 30 h after the ambulance call.ConclusionIn OHCA patients who had serum lactate levels measured, both lower initial serum lactate and early lactate clearance in the first 48 h following OHCA were associated with increased likelihood of survival. However, the use of lactate in isolation as a predictor of survival or neurological outcome is not recommended. Prospective studies that minimise selection bias are required to determine the clinical utility of serum lactate levels in OHCA patients.
Liver Support With Albumin Dialysis Reduces Hepatitis C Virus Viremia and Facilitates Antiviral Treatment of Severe Hepatitis C Virus Recurrence After Liver Transplantation
Authors: Ibáñez‐Samaniego Luis , Catalina María‐Vega , Rincón Diego , Lo Iacono Oreste , Fernández Ainhoa , Clemente Gerardo , Bañares Rafael , Vaquero Javier , Salcedo Magdalena 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPatients with severe hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT) present an ominous prognosis, rarely achieving sustained virological response (SVR). Dialysis procedures may transiently decrease the HCV viral load, but the effect of albumin dialysis is currently unknown. Here, we evaluated the impact of albumin dialysis using the Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS) used as a co‐adjuvant antiviral treatment for severe HCV recurrence after LT. Thirteen patients (11 males, median age 48 years) with fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis or METAVIR fibrosis score ≥ F3 with severe portal hypertension underwent three consecutive MARS sessions. Antiviral therapy was initiated in 11 patients within 24 h after the MARS sessions. A contemporary cohort of seven patients who did not follow the MARS protocol is shown for comparison. MARS treatment resulted in consistent decreases of viral load from 7.59 log10 IU/mL [6.15–8.90] to 6.79 log10 IU/mL [5.18–7.84] (P = 0.003) as well as in decreases of serum bilirubin, gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (all P < 0.05). The overall rate of SVR was 0% in the Control group and 54.6% in patients initiating antiviral therapy within 24 h after MARS. Survival at 1 and 3 years was, respectively, 93% and 70% in patients undergoing MARS, compared with 29% and 14% in the Control group (P = 0.001). No major adverse events related to MARS treatment were observed. In conclusion, the use of MARS may facilitate the achievement of SVR and improve the prognosis of patients with severe HCV‐recurrence after LT by reducing viral load and improving liver function prior to antiviral therapy.
Quantitative Analysis of Bioactive Compounds from Aromatic Plants by Means of Dynamic Headspace Extraction and Multiple Headspace Extraction‐Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Omar Jone , Olivares Maitane , Alonso Ibone , Vallejo Asier , Aizpurua‐Olaizola Oier , Etxebarria Nestor 
Published: March 2016

AbstractSeven monoterpenes in 4 aromatic plants (sage, cardamom, lavender, and rosemary) were quantified in liquid extracts and directly in solid samples by means of dynamic headspace‐gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (DHS‐GC‐MS) and multiple headspace extraction‐gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (MHSE), respectively. The monoterpenes were 1st extracted by means of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and analyzed by an optimized DHS‐GC‐MS. The optimization of the dynamic extraction step and the desorption/cryo‐focusing step were tackled independently by experimental design assays. The best working conditions were set at 30 °C for the incubation temperature, 5 min of incubation time, and 40 mL of purge volume for the dynamic extraction step of these bioactive molecules. The conditions of the desorption/cryo‐trapping step from the Tenax TA trap were set at follows: the temperature was increased from 30 to 300 °C at 150 °C/min, although the cryo‐trapping was maintained at −70 °C. In order to estimate the efficiency of the SFE process, the analysis of monoterpenes in the 4 aromatic plants was directly carried out by means of MHSE because it did not require any sample preparation. Good linearity (r2 > 0.99) and reproducibility (relative standard deviation % <12) was obtained for solid and liquid quantification approaches, in the ranges of 0.5 to 200 ng and 10 to 500 ng/mL, respectively. The developed methods were applied to analyze the concentration of 7 monoterpenes in aromatic plants obtaining concentrations in the range of 2 to 6000 ng/g and 0.25 to 110 μg/mg, respectively.
Integrated analysis of different microarray studies to identify candidate genes in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Jia Xiaowei , Yu Haotian , Zhang Hui , Si Yanfang , Tian Dengmei , Zhao Xin , Luan Jin , Jia Hetang 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundType 1 diabetes (T1D), an autoimmune disease, occurs most commonly in children. Identifying altered gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of T1D may lead to new strategies for preserving or improving β‐ell function in patients with T1D.MethodsThe Gene Expression Omnibus database was searched for microarray studies in PBMCs of T1D. Subsequently, gene expression datasets from multiple microarray studies were integrated to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between T1D and normal controls (NC). Gene function analysis was performed to determine the functions of the DEGs identified.ResultsFour microarray studies were available for analysis, including 199 T1D samples and 74 NC samples. Analysis revealed 695 genes that were significantly differentially expressed in PBMCs from T1D compared with NC samples, with 450 upregulated and 245 downregulated. Signal transduction (gene ontology [GO]: 0007165; false discovery rate [FDR] = 1.54 × 10–7) and protein binding (GO: 0005515; FDR = 2.93 × 10–24) were significantly enriched for the GO categories of biological processes and molecular functions, respectively. The most significant pathway in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis was arachidonic acid metabolism (FDR = 1.44 × 10–3). Protein–protein interaction network analysis showed that the significant hub proteins contained immature colon carcinoma transcript 1 (ICT1; degree = 214; clustering coefficient [C] = 4.39 × 10–5), zinc finger and BTB domain containing 16 (ZBTB16; degree = 112; C = 8.04 × 10–4), and SERTA domain containing 1 (SERTAD1; degree = 38; C = 0.0014).ConclusionsThis integrated analysis will help develop improved therapies and interventions for T1D by identifying novel drug targets.
New resources for genetic studies in Populus nigra: genome‐wide SNP discovery and development of a 12k Infinium array
Authors: Faivre‐Rampant P. , Zaina G. , Jorge V. , Giacomello S. , Segura V. , Scalabrin S. , Guérin V. , De Paoli E. , Aluome C. , Viger M. , Cattonaro F. , Payne A. , PaulStephenRaj P. , Le Paslier M. C. , Berard A. , Allwright M. R. , Villar M. , Taylor G. , Bastien C. , Morgante M. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractWhole genome resequencing of 51 Populus nigra (L.) individuals from across Western Europe was performed using Illumina platforms. A total number of 1 878 727 SNPs distributed along the P. nigra reference sequence were identified. The SNP calling accuracy was validated with Sanger sequencing. SNPs were selected within 14 previously identified QTL regions, 2916 expressional candidate genes related to rust resistance, wood properties, water‐use efficiency and bud phenology and 1732 genes randomly spread across the genome. Over 10 000 SNPs were selected for the construction of a 12k Infinium Bead‐Chip array dedicated to association mapping. The SNP genotyping assay was performed with 888 P. nigra individuals. The genotyping success rate was 91%. Our high success rate was due to the discovery panel design and the stringent parameters applied for SNP calling and selection. In the same set of P. nigra genotypes, linkage disequilibrium throughout the genome decayed on average within 5–7 kb to half of its maximum value. As an application test, ADMIXTURE analysis was performed with a selection of 600 SNPs spread throughout the genome and 706 individuals collected along 12 river basins. The admixture pattern was consistent with genetic diversity revealed by neutral markers and the geographical distribution of the populations. These newly developed SNP resources and genotyping array provide a valuable tool for population genetic studies and identification of QTLs through natural‐population based genetic association studies in P. nigra.
Hybridization relics complicate barcode‐based identification of species in earthworms
Authors: Dupont L. , Porco D. , Symondson W. O. C. , Roy V. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIntrogressive hybridization results in mito‐nuclear discordance which could obscure the delimitation of closely related taxa. Although such events are increasingly reported, they have been poorly studied in earthworms. Here, we propose a method for investigating the degree of introgressive hybridization between three taxa of the Allolobophora chlorotica aggregate within two field populations (N = 67 and N = 105) using a reference data set including published DNA barcoding and microsatellite data of all known A. chlorotica lineages (N = 85). For this, we used both molecular phylogenetic and population genetic approaches. The test of correspondence between mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) lineages and clusters of nuclear microsatellite genotypes allowed individuals to be sorted in three categories (matching, admixed and nonmatching) and additional markers (mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1, nuclear Histone 3 and Internal transcribed Spacer Region 2) were used for phylogenetic reconstructions in order to check assignments. Although 15 admixed individuals were observed, no early‐generation hybrids were detected within the two populations. Interestingly, 14 nonmatching individuals (i.e. with a mtDNA haplotype that did not correspond to their nuclear cluster) were detected, a pattern that would result after multiple generations of unidirectional hybridization of female from one taxon to male of the other taxon. Because earthworms are simultaneous hermaphrodites, these events of unidirectional hybridization suggest sterility of the male function in several crosses and highlight that some individuals can be misidentified if reliance is placed on COI barcodes alone. These findings could improve the use of these barcodes in earthworms for species delineation.
Gastroscopic removal of a giant fibrovascular polyp from the esophagus
Authors: Li Jie , Yu Hua , Pu Renfu , Lu Zhongsheng 
Published: March 2016

AbstractGiant polyps in the esophagus are rarely occurring benign tumors and may contain lipomas, fibrovascular polyps, fibrolipomas or neurofibromas polyps. Clinical symptoms include dysphagia, vomiting, retrosternal pain, shortness of breath, and asthma. In some cases, the polyps are regurgitated into the oral cavity and represent a spectacular manifestation. The reported case in this study was of a 50‐year‐old man who complained of emesia for half a year and dysphagia for one month before being hospitalized. Occasionally, a fleshly mass reached into his mouth. The results of endoscopic ultrasonography, barium swallow in the upper digestive tract, and a computed tomography scan demonstrated a giant polyp in the esophagus, which was subsequently removed by gastroscopy. Pathological examination determined a fibrovascular polyp.
Alpha‐Tocopherol Counteracts the Effect of Ethanol on Cortical Spreading Depression in Rats of Various Ages, With and Without Ethanol Abstinence
Authors: Abadie‐Guedes Ricardo , Bezerra Ranilson de Souza , Guedes Rubem Carlos Araújo 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundWe previously demonstrated that acute and chronic treatment with ethanol (EtOH), respectively, decelerated and accelerated the propagation of cortical spreading depression (CSD) in rats and that the antioxidant carotenoid astaxanthin counteracted these effects. Here, we investigated whether noncarotenoid antioxidants exert the same action by testing α‐tocopherol in rats of various ages, with and without 5 to 10 days of EtOH abstinence.MethodsMale Wistar young adult (60 to 80 days old) and mature adult (150 to 180 days old) rats received per gavage acute (1 day) or chronic (21 days) treatment with 3 g/kg/d EtOH combined with acute (300 mg/kg) or chronic (85 mg/kg/d) treatment with α‐tocopherol or vehicle‐only treatment (olive oil and water for α‐tocopherol and EtOH, respectively). CSD was recorded over 4 hours and the velocity of CSD propagation was calculated. On both ages, animals under chronic EtOH treatment were subjected to CSD recording immediately after EtOH treatment or after a 5‐ to 10‐day period of EtOH abstinence.ResultsIn both age groups, acute and chronic EtOH exposure decelerated and accelerated CSD, respectively, versus the corresponding control groups. Addition of α‐tocopherol counteracted the effects of EtOH on CSD, returning CSD velocities to levels in control groups (p < 0.05). Chronic α‐tocopherol (85 mg/kg/d) did not alter CSD.ConclusionsOur data reinforce the counteracting role of antioxidants on brain processes involved in the action of EtOH on CSD and suggest that this role is not a particular property of carotenoids; furthermore, this general feature of antioxidants is not substantially influenced by age or by 5 to 10 days of EtOH abstinence.
Testing the Relations Among Family Disorganization, Delay Discounting, and Adolescent Alcohol Use: A Genetically Informed Study
Authors: Wang Frances L. , Pandika Danielle , Chassin Laurie , Lee Matthew , King Kevin 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundDelay discounting is a potential etiological factor in adolescents' alcohol use, making it important to understand its antecedents. Family disorganization might contribute to delay discounting, but few studies have tested this relation. Moreover, because delay discounting is heritable, the effects of family disorganization on delay discounting might be moderated by adolescents' genetic risk for delay discounting. Thus, the current study examined the role of family disorganization, in interaction with genetic risk, in predicting adolescents' delay discounting and subsequent alcohol use.MethodsAdolescents participated in 4 waves of data collection. Adolescents self‐reported their family disorganization at T1, completed a delay discounting questionnaire at T3, and self‐reported their alcohol use both at T2 (covariate) and T4 (outcome). Using results from an independent sample, we created a polygenic risk score consisting of dopaminergic genes to index genetic risk for delay discounting.ResultsGreater family disorganization predicted adolescents' greater delay discounting, but only for adolescents with low levels of genetic risk for delay discounting. Adolescents with high and mean levels of genetic risk for delay discounting showed elevated delay discounting regardless of their family's disorganization. Greater delay discounting prospectively predicted adolescents' greater alcohol use. Finally, the effects of family disorganization on adolescents' alcohol use were mediated through delay discounting, but only for adolescents with low levels of genetic risk.ConclusionsResults suggest multiple pathways to delay discounting. Although there are genetically influenced pathways to delay discounting, family disorganization might represent an environmental pathway to delay discounting (and subsequent alcohol use) for a subset of adolescents at low genetic risk. These findings reinforce the utility of family interventions for reducing adolescents' delay discounting and alcohol use, at least for a subgroup of adolescents. Because higher family organization did not buffer against delay discounting among adolescents with high genetic risk, future research should explore other early environmental influences that could protect these high‐risk adolescents from developing these risky behaviors.
Blood Alcohol Concentrations in Suicide and Motor Vehicle Crash Decedents Ages 18 to 54
Authors: Conner Kenneth R. , Lathrop Sarah , Caetano Raul , Silenzio Vincent , Nolte Kurt B. 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundUsing postmortem data, we examined the hypotheses that high (and very high) blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) are more common among motor vehicle crash decedents (MVCs) than among suicide decedents, whereas low alcohol levels are more common among suicides.MethodsWe examined BAC in 224 suicide decedents and 166 MVCs ages 18 to 54 in the state of New Mexico in 2012. Comparisons between the groups were made based on differing BAC levels using 0.080 g/dl categories including low (0.001 to 0.079 g/dl), high (0.080 to 0.159 g/dl), and very high BAC (≥0.160 g/dl), and based on 0.100 g/dl categories including low (0.001 to 0.099 g/dl), high (0.100 to 0.199 g/dl), and very high BAC (≥0.200 g/dl), with these groups compared with a no‐alcohol reference (0.000 g/dl) in separate analyses. Multivariate logistic regressions compared suicides with MVCs that adjusted for age, sex, and race/ethnicity.ResultsSupport for the hypothesis that suicides are more likely to have a low BAC level was supported in the analysis using the 0.100 g/dl categorizations. Neither analysis supported the hypothesis that MVCs are more likely to have high (or very high) BACs compared with suicides. Among both injury groups with positive BACs, low BACs were least common.ConclusionsLow BAC levels may be more likely to be observed among suicides compared with MVCs, a possible reflection of the more varied role that alcohol plays in suicide compared with MVC. Nonetheless, high (and very high) BAC is the predominant scenario in both suicides and MVCs with positive BAC.
The restoration of traumatized teeth
Authors: Liddelow G , Carmichael G 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe restoration of a traumatized tooth may require minimally invasive or more extensive treatment options. The majority of injuries occur in the younger population, so management should consider the long‐term outcome, failure and future treatment needs over the course of, often, many decades. The aim should be to provide a tooth‐restoration complex that closely mimics the functional and aesthetic qualities of an intact tooth for as long as possible. This narrative review will assess the relevant literature pertinent to restoration of traumatized teeth in order to provide guidance for the practising clinician.
Life cycles of traumatized teeth: long‐term observations from a cohort of dental trauma victims
Authors: Heithersay GS 
Published: March 2016

AbstractLife cycles of dental trauma victims can provide important clinical information, especially when viewed over many years. In this first series of life cycles, the pulp and periodontal responses to traumatic injuries of four patients are documented over periods varying from 26 to 51 years. The dynamics of pulp survival following an intrusive luxation and two avulsions are followed, with particular reference to pulp canal calcification to which a new term, root canal stenosis, has been proposed. The life cycles include the successful management of inflammatory root resorption in a replanted tooth with an open apex contrasting with the early prophylactic endodontic treatment of two replanted teeth in a patient with mature apices. The long‐term development of invasive cervical resorption in one of the patient's life cycle highlights the importance of ongoing follow‐up examinations for dental trauma victims.