bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intrathecal Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Related Brain Signal Changes
Authors: Öner Ali Yusuf , Barutcu Berrak , Aykol Şükrü , Tali Emin Turgut 
Published: October 2016

Objectives
There have been recent studies evaluating brain magnetic resonance imaging changes in patients with normal renal function, after intravenous administration of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs). Their findings were supported by histological evidence as well and brought a new vision concerning what needs to be learned to provide better patient care. In this report, we aim to present brain magnetic resonance imaging changes after intrathecal administration of a linear ionic agent (gadopentetate dimeglumine).

Materials and Methods
We evaluated hyperintensities in the deep nuclei of the brain in 6 patients with normal renal function after intrathecal administration of a linear ionic GBCA, without other confounding intravenous GBCA administrations. For visual analysis, T1 signal hyperintensity of the globus pallidus (GP), putamen, pons, and dentate nucleus (DN) were scored on a 4-point scale. For quantitative analysis, using the unenhanced T1-weighted images oval regions of interests were placed within the DN, central pons, GP, and thalamus on different image slice positions.

Results
On visual analysis, 5 patients had T1 signal hyperintensity of the DN and GP, whereas the DN/pons signal intensity and the GP/thalamus signal intensity were found to be increased in all 6.

Conclusions
This observation not only adds to our fund of knowledge concerning biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of those agents, but also raises the question of a possible association with the glymphatic pathway.
The Effect of l-Dopa/Carbidopa Intestinal Gel in Parkinson Disease Assessed Using Neurophysiologic Techniques
Authors: Bologna Matteo , Latorre Anna , Di Biasio Francesca , Conte Antonella , Belvisi Daniele , Modugno Nicola , Suppa Antonio , Berardelli Alfredo , Fabbrini Giovanni 
Published: October 2016

Background
By providing a stable and smooth l-dopa plasmatic level, l-dopa/carbidopa intestinal gel reproduces the physiological continuous dopaminergic receptor stimulation in patients with Parkinson disease (PD), and it therefore represents a suitable tool to investigate the role of the altered dopaminergic neurotransmission in the pathophysiology of motor and sensory abnormalities in this condition.

Methods
We studied 11 patients with advanced PD being treated with l-Dopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) and 11 age-matched healthy subjects. Bradykinesia was measured by kinematic recording of repetitive finger movements (finger tapping), whereas sensory abnormalities were evaluated using the somatosensory tactile discrimination threshold. All the patients were studied off and on medication, in 2 different experimental sessions.

Results
Parkinson disease patients were very slow and hypokinetic during finger tapping, with no progressive reduction in amplitude or speed being observed during movement repetition. Somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold values were higher in PD patients than in healthy subjects. The neurophysiologic assessment of the effects of LCIG in advanced PD patients demonstrates an improvement, although not normalization, of motor and sensory abnormalities.

Conclusions
The study provides an objective evaluation of the effects of LCIG on motor and sensory abnormalities in PD. The results suggest that besides dopaminergic mechanisms motor and sensory abnormalities in PD reflect a varying combination of pathophysiologic mechanisms.
Sternal wound infection caused by Gordonia bronchialis: identification by MALDI-TOF MS
Authors: Rodriguez-Lozano Jesús , Pérez-Llantada Enrique , Agüero Jesús , Rodríguez-Fernández Ana , Ruiz de Alegria Carlos , Martinez-Martinez Luis , Calvo Jorge 
Published: October 2016

Introduction:

Gordonia spp. infections are uncommon. However, a few clinical cases have been reported in the literature, particularly those involving immunocompromised hosts. Advanced microbiology diagnosis techniques, such as matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight MS (MALDI-TOF MS), have been recently introduced in clinical microbiology laboratories in order to improve microbial identification, resulting in better patient management.

Case presentation:
Here, we present a new clinical case of persistent wound infection caused by Gordonia bronchialis in a 64-year-old woman after a mitral valve replacement, using two MALDI-TOF-based systems for identifying this micro-organism.

Conclusion:
Both MALDI-TOF systems were able to identify Gordonia spp.; thus, providing a useful tool that overcomes the current limitations of phenotypic identification associated with this micro-organism. Although the technique validation deserves additional verification, our study provides guidance about MALDI-TOF as a fast and easy method for Gordonia spp. identification.
Environmental conditions and vascular cambium regulate carbon allocation to xylem growth in deciduous oaks
Authors: Pérez‐de‐Lis Gonzalo , Olano José Miguel , Rozas Vicente , Rossi Sergio , Vázquez‐Ruiz Rosa Ana , García‐González Ignacio 
Published: October 2016

Summary

Environmental conditions and the structure of the dormant cambium are assumed to affect seasonal patterns of cambial activity, hence controlling allocation of non‐structural carbohydrates (NSC) to growth. However, seasonal dynamics of xylogenesis, and their connections with NSC content and dormant cambium size, have been rarely assessed along an environmental gradient.

We monitored xylogenesis and leaf phenology during 2012 and 2013, and NSC in 2012, for the drought‐sensitive Quercus robur and the drought‐tolerant Quercus pyrenaica along a water‐availability gradient in the north‐western Iberian Peninsula, and analysed dependencies of xylem production and phenology on the number of cells in dormant cambium.

Study oak species showed comparable seasonal fluctuations in cambial activity and NSC content, despite Q. pyrenaica had a shorter growing season and a lower wood production than Q. robur. A sharp drop in spring NSC levels at all study sites evidenced that stored carbohydrates were crucial for earlywood formation. Under drier conditions, both species extended the growing period in spring and autumn, but reduced and even stopped xylogenesis in summer, showing an enhanced NSC accumulation before dormancy. A higher number of cells in dormant cambium of large dominant oaks accounted for their wider xylem increments and longer active periods.

Our study demonstrates that xylogenesis is modulated by predisposing effects of dormant cambium size on xylem production and growing season length. Moreover, the high plasticity of cambial activity in deciduous oaks would confer resistance against recurrent summer drought through the improvement of the NSC status.

A lay summary is available for this article.
Decoupled diversity dynamics in green and brown webs during primary succession in a saltmarsh
Authors: Schrama Maarten , van der Plas Fons , Berg Matty P. , Olff Han 
Published: October 2016

Summary

Terrestrial ecosystems are characterized by a strong functional connection between the green (plant–herbivore‐based) and brown (detritus–detritivore‐based) parts of the food web, which both develop over successional time. However, the interlinked changes in green and brown food web diversity patterns in relation to key ecosystem processes are rarely studied.

Here, we demonstrate changes in species richness, diversity and evenness over a wide range of invertebrate green and brown trophic groups during 100 years of primary succession in a saltmarsh ecosystem, using a well‐calibrated chronosequence.

We contrast two hypotheses on the relationship between green and brown food web diversity across succession: (i) ‘coupled diversity hypothesis’, which predicts that all trophic groups covary similarly with the main drivers of successional ecosystem assembly vs. (ii) the ‘decoupled diversity hypothesis’, where green and brown trophic groups diversity respond to different drivers during succession.

We found that, while species richness for plants and invertebrate herbivores (green web groups) both peaked at intermediate productivity and successional age, the diversity of macrodetritivores, microarthropod microbivores and secondary consumers (brown web groups) continuously increased towards the latest successional stages. These results suggest that green web trophic groups are mainly driven by vegetation parameters, such as the amount of bare soil, vegetation biomass production and vegetation height, while brown web trophic groups are mostly driven by the production and standing stock of dead organic material and soil development.

Our results show that plant diversity cannot simply be used as a proxy for the diversity of all other species groups that drive ecosystem functioning, as brown and green diversity components in our ecosystem responded differently to successional gradients.
Protective Effect of Dietary Ghrelin‐Containing Salmon Stomach Extract on Mortality and Cardiotoxicity in Doxorubicin‐Induced Mouse Model of Heart Failure
Authors: Kihara Minoru , Kaiya Hiroyuki , Win Zin Phyu , Kitajima Yuta , Nishikawa Masazumi 
Published: October 2016

AbstractGhrelin exhibits a cardioprotective effect. We examined whether orally administered ghrelin‐containing salmon stomach extract (sSE) instead of chemically synthesized ghrelin protects against doxorubicin (DOX)‐induced cardiotoxicity in mice. Mice were divided into four groups: (i) the control, (ii) DOX groups were fed a control diet (AIN‐93G), (iii) the sSE, and (iv) DOX + sSE groups were fed a 10% sSE diet (AIN‐93G + 10% sSE). After a 4‐week pretreatment of sSE, DOX or saline was administered to the corresponding groups by intraperitoneal injection. The groups fed the 10% sSE diet consumed significantly more food than the groups fed the control diet before the DOX injection. No mortality was observed in the DOX + sSE group, whereas 40% (2 of 5) mortality was observed in the DOX group. Compared with the DOX group, levels of ascites and plasma cardiac troponin I improved in the DOX + sSE group. Significantly lesser DOX‐induced collagen accumulation was observed in the left heart ventricle of the DOX group than in that of the DOX + sSE group. These results suggest that the dietary ghrelin contained in sSE mimics synthetic ghrelin in cardioprotective effect. Ghrelin in sSE (45 pmol/g) and the food intake‐stimulating effect of sSE may explain, at least in part, the protective effect of orally administered teleost ghrelin.
Cholesterol‐Lowering Effects and Mechanisms in View of Bile Acid Pathway of Resveratrol and Resveratrol Glucuronides
Authors: Shao Dongyan , Wang Yilin , Huang Qingsheng , Shi Junling , Yang Hui , Pan Zhongli , Jin Mingliang , Zhao Haobin , Xu Xiaoguang 
Published: October 2016

AbstractResveratrol (Res) was previously reported to be capable of lowering plasma TC and LDL‐C. The mechanism behind Res is not clearly understood, although it is presumed to have an effect on bile acid metabolism in the liver: a significant way in eliminating cholesterol from the body. As one of the major metabolites of Res in the liver, resveratrol glucuronides (Gres) is suspected to also contribute to the overall cholestrol‐lowering activity of Res, which needs to be studied. In this research, when HepG2 steatosis hepatic cells were treated with Res and Gres at different concentration levels, Res and Gres showed similar activity in lowering cellular TC content. The presence of Res and Gres caused a significant increase in hepatic CYP7A1 and BSEP, indicating the increase in the synthesis and efflux of bile acids, respectively. The reduction of HMG‐CoAR tied to a decrease in de novo synthesis of cholesterol and the increase of ABCG5 suggested the increase of direct efflux of cholesterol. All above variations reduced the hepatic cholesterol level, which triggered the significant enhancement of LDLR, illustrating the improvement of clearance of LDL‐C from the plasma and prevention of atherosclerosis. Overall, this study demonstrated both Res and Gres might have capabilities in lowering hepatic cholesterol through increasing in the synthesis and efflux of bile acids, and decreasing in synthesis and increasing in the efflux of cholesterol. Gres would have preferred potential than Res because of its lower cytotoxicity, which indicated that the action of the metabolites should also be considered in the future studies.
Observation Status or Inpatient Admission: Impact of Patient Disposition on Outcomes and Utilization Among Emergency Department Patients With Chest Pain
Authors: Bellolio M. Fernanda , Sangaralingham Lindsey R. , Schilz Stephanie R. , Noel‐Miller Claire M. , Lind Keith D. , Morin Pamela E. , Noseworthy Peter A. , Shah Nilay D. , Hess Erik P. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractObjectivesto compare healthcare utilization including coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), rehospitalization, and rate of subsequent acute myocardial infarction (AMI) within 30 days, among patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with chest pain admitted as short‐term inpatient (≤2 days) versus observation (in‐ED observation units combined with in‐hospital observation).MethodsWe identified adults diagnosed with acute chest pain in the ED from 2010 to 2014 using administrative claims from privately insured and Medicare Advantage. Patients having AMI during the index visit were excluded. One‐to‐one propensity‐score matching and logistic regression were used. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.ResultsA total of 774,017 chest pain visits were included. After matching, healthcare utilization was lower among observation versus short inpatient, with 10.9% versus 24.4% (OR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.36 to 0.39) undergoing cardiac catheterization and 1.8% versus 7.6% (OR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.21 to 0.24) having PCI. The incidence of subsequent AMI within the following 30 days was similar in patients admitted as observation versus short inpatient (0.23% vs. 0.21%; OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.84 to 1.42).ConclusionsThere were higher rates of cardiac catheterization and PCI among those admitted as a short inpatient compared to observation, while the incidence of subsequent AMI within 30 days was similar.
Does market discipline impact bank charter value? The case for Australia and Canada
Authors: Haq Mamiza , Avkiran Necmi K. , Tarazi Amine 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThis study analyses the relation between market discipline and bank charter value using a panel data set of publicly listed domestic banks in Australia and Canada over the period of 1995–2011, with a focus on the 2007–2008 global financial crisis (GFC). Overall, the results show a positive relation between market discipline and bank charter value, but this relation is weaker in the post‐GFC period. Our findings reveal that in the presence of market discipline, bank capital, contingent liabilities and non‐interest income are important sources of charter value. These findings have important policy implications related to bank stability. The results are robust to several model specifications.
Switching between endocrine therapies for primary breast cancer: Frequency and timing in Australian clinical practice
Authors: Kemp‐Casey Anna , Roughead Elizabeth E. , Saunders Christobel , Boyle Frances , Bulsara Max , Preen David B. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimsTo determine the frequency, timing and patterns of endocrine therapy switching in Australian practice for postmenopausal women with primary breast cancer.MethodsWe identified postmenopausal women in a population‐based cohort commencing endocrine therapy for invasive primary breast cancer between December 2005 and December 2008 (n = 645). Individual‐level administrative health records and self‐report data were used to determine women's demographic and clinical characteristics, including preexisting and newly‐treated comorbidities, and switches in endocrine therapy. Time to therapy switching was calculated. Chi‐square tests compared the characteristics of women who did and did not switch, and those switching within 2 years or after 2 years of commencing therapy.ResultsTwenty‐eight percent of women switched from their initial endocrine therapy, most commonly from tamoxifen to anastrozole, or the converse. A small number of anastrozole‐to‐exemestane and letrozole‐to‐exemestane switches were observed (n = 19). Most women (>80%) who switched therapies did not have newly‐treated comorbidities. Few women (<5%) switched before completing 2 years of therapy, but these women were significantly more likely to have preexisting antidepressant use than women switching later (43% vs 23%, P = 0.048) and remained on the subsequent therapy for less time (6 months vs 2.7 years, P < 0.001).ConclusionsApproximately one‐quarter of postmenopausal women with primary breast cancer switched endocrine therapies. The findings suggest that the majority of switching in Australian practice was planned; occurring after 2–3 years of, not precipitated by comorbidity, and in a sequence supported by trial evidence. Early switching, however, was associated with preexisting depression and appeared to be a marker of poor persistence.
Territories of Struggle: Social Centres in Northern Italy Opposing Mega‐Events
Authors: Casaglia Anna 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe article takes into consideration the spatialised action of self‐managed Social Centres in Northern Italy over the last 20 years. Considering Genoa, Turin and Milan, we outline the passage from the Fordist era to the post‐industrial cities reconversion, which gave the space—both physical and political—for the emergence of Social Centres. The changes that occurred in the three cities in the following years introduced new features in urban space configuration and organisation. In this frame, we focus on three case studies that serve the purpose of illustrating the role of Social Centres contesting unfair space transformations: Genoa's Expo Colombiane in 1992, Turin's Winter Olympic Games in 2006 and Milan's Expo in 2015. The opposition to these “mega‐events” allows us to analyse the changes related to the forms of conflict put into practice by urban social movements throughout time, and the learning process they underwent.
Performance of mRNA‐ and DNA‐based high‐risk human papillomavirus assays in detection of high‐grade cervical lesions
Authors: Virtanen Elina , Kalliala Ilkka , Dyba Tadeusz , Nieminen Pekka , Auvinen Eeva 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIntroductionThe aim was to assess the performance of two commercial assays for the detection of high‐risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV): Aptima HPV Assay (Hologic, Inc., Marlborough, MA, USA) which detects mRNA of 14 different hrHPV types, and Hybrid Capture 2 HPV DNA test (HC2; Qiagen, Gaithersburg, MD, USA), which detects the DNA of 13 different hrHPV types. Test performance was compared in the settings of a standard colposcopy clinic, among the regular patient flow.Material and methodsTwo separate cervical cell samples for Aptima and HC2 testing were collected from women referred to colposcopy or a cervical follow‐up visit. Altogether, 481 paired samples were analyzed and all positive samples were also tested using the Aptima HPV 16 18/45 Genotype Assay. Results from the two assays were compared directly and with stratification by histology and cytology from the same sampling visit.ResultsThe overall agreement between HC2 and Aptima assays was 92.9% (Kappa coefficient of 0.855). The sensitivity and specificity of the assays in detecting CIN2+ were 92.5 and 58.2% for HC2, and 94.0 and 59.3% for Aptima, respectively. No significant differences between the assays were found (p‐values >0.5). Both assays detected all CIN3 (n = 30) and carcinoma (n = 2) cases.ConclusionsThe mRNA‐based Aptima assay and the extensively studied DNA‐based HC2 test performed equally well in detecting high‐grade cervical lesions. Our data contribute to the growing evidence base indicating that the mRNA‐based Aptima assay could be used for the triage of patients with HPV‐associated cervical disease.
Non‐Newtonian Blood Flow Simulation of Diastolic Phase in Bileaflet Mechanical Heart Valve Implanted in a Realistic Aortic Root Containing Coronary Arteries
Authors: Hanafizadeh Pedram , Mirkhani Nima , Davoudi Mohammad Reza , Masouminia Mahtab , Sadeghy Keyvan 
Published: October 2016

AbstractCoronary arteries, which are branched from the sinuses, have tangible effects on the hemodynamic performance of the bileaflet mechanical heart valve (BMHV), especially in the diastolic phase. To better understand this issue, a computer model of ascending aorta including realistic sinus shapes and coronary arteries has been generated in this study in order to investigate the BMHV performance during diastole. Three‐dimensional transient numerical analysis is conducted to simulate the diastolic blood flow through the hinges and in coronary arteries under the assumption of non‐Newtonian behavior. Results indicate that as blood flows to the coronary arteries mainly during diastole, leakage flow from the hinge and other gaps will change considering the influence of coronary arteries. In addition, BMHV in the case of aortic replacement will increase blood flow rate into the coronary arteries about 100% as the mechanical valve resistance is higher than a native heart valve. Also, it will change the wall shear stress (WSS) distribution and increase coronary artery disease (CAD) potential. It is found out that although less leakage flow reduces the velocity magnitudes through the gaps, the shear stress acting on blood elements with non‐Newtonian assumption will be detrimental in the hinge corner at the ventricular side. High WSS of 1800 Pa is observed at beginning of diastole at this region.
Paediatric tuberculosis cases increased in Stockholm from 1971 to 2015 following the rising number of children with immigrant backgrounds
Authors: Bennet Rutger , Eriksson Margareta 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimThis study described the epidemiology and clinical features of childhood tuberculosis (TB) in Stockholm over a 45‐year period, when there was a resurge of tuberculosis concomitant with increased immigration.MethodsWe describe 220 children up to the age of 16 years with active TB, seen at the Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital from 1971 to 2015. The study period was divided into three 15‐year periods.ResultsCases increased from ten children in 1971–1985 to 76 in 1986–2000 and 134 in 2001–2015, with overall incidence increasing from <1 to four per 100 000. From 2001 to 2015, 79% of cases, or at least one parent, were born in high‐incidence countries. The incidence in this group was 35 per 100 000, but remained at 0.9 per 100 000 in other children. After 2000, most cases were detected by active contact tracing and immigrant screening. The most common manifestation was from the lungs. Meningitis and miliary tuberculosis were found in 7%, with two deaths. Antimicrobial resistance was an increasing problem.ConclusionThe increasing incidence of TB in Stockholm was largely limited to children with a background in high‐incidence countries. Most children today have subclinical forms of TB. Although preventive measures are effective, severe cases still occur, especially among adolescent immigrants.