bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A preliminary investigation of the effect of sample collection technique on the cell and RNA content of fine‐needle aspirates of five canine tumours
Authors: Bowlt Blacklock K. L. , Ireland J. , Stewart J. , Murphy S. , Blackwood L. , Starkey M. 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of syringe size, needle size, number of needle passes and operator experience on cell yield from tumour fine‐needle aspirates, and the quantity and quality of extractable RNA.Materials and MethodsFine‐needle aspirates were collected from canine lymphoma, cutaneous mast cell tumour, anal gland adenocarcinoma, fibrosarcoma and oral malignant melanoma using nine different techniques.ResultsThere was a significant difference in cell yield between fine‐needle aspirate techniques for melanoma, lymphoma and anal gland adenocarcinoma. The application of suction yielded the largest number of cells. Cell numbers in lymphoma and fibrosarcoma aspirates collected by different veterinary surgeons were not significantly different. Use of a smaller gauge needle and suction increased the quantity of RNA isolated from fibrosarcoma and anal gland adenocarcinoma aspirates, but did not influence RNA integrity.Clinical SignificanceSuction during fine‐needle aspiration increases cell numbers obtained from five common canine tumours. Suction increases the quantity of RNA isolated from anal gland adenocarcinoma and fibrosarcoma aspirates without affecting RNA quality. Junior veterinary surgeons gain comparable cell numbers to senior staff.
Surgical treatment of pulmonic stenosis in dogs under cardiopulmonary bypass: outcome in nine dogs
Authors: Bristow P. , Sargent J. , Luis Fuentes V. , Brockman D. 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesTo describe the outcome for nine dogs with pulmonic stenosis treated by open patch grafting using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene under cardiopulmonary bypass.Materials and MethodsData were collected from the hospital records of all dogs that had undergone right ventricular outflow tract grafting with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene patch under cardiopulmonary bypass between 2006 and 2012 for the treatment of pulmonic stenosis. Echocardiographic images were reviewed and the pressure gradient across the right ventricular outflow tract re‐measured. Owners of dogs still alive at the time of writing were invited to return to the hospital for reassessment.ResultsNine dogs met the inclusion criteria. Median pressure gradient preoperatively was 118 mmHg, (range 102 to 259 mmHg) reducing to a median of 20 mmHg (range 7 to 53 mmHg) at 48 hours postoperatively and 14 mmHg (range 10 to 70 mmHg), with a median percentage reduction of 89% (range 41 to 94%) at long‐term follow‐up. Eight of nine dogs survived surgery, with six of nine surviving to hospital discharge. Two dogs were still alive over 6 and 8 years postoperatively. No long‐term deaths were believed to be attributable to pulmonic stenosis.Clinical SignificanceExpanded polytetrafluoroethylene patch grafting of the right ventricular outflow tract for treatment of severe pulmonic stenosis in dogs is feasible and can be an effective method to reduce the severity of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction.
Microbiological analysis of conjunctival secretion in anophthalmic cavity, contralateral eye and ocular prosthesis of patients with maxillofacial abnormalities
Authors: Guiotti A.M. , da Silva E.V.F. , Catanoze I.A. , de Carvalho K.H.T. , Malavazi E.M. , Goiato M.C. , dos Santos D.M. , de Almeida M.T.G. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify and analyse the micro-organisms present in the conjunctival secretion in anophthalmic cavities of wearers of ocular prostheses, as well as on the prostheses used by them, correlating them with the microbiota of the contralateral eye. Nine patients with maxillofacial abnormalities, wearers of an acrylic resin ocular prosthesis participated in the study. Collections of conjunctival secretions and biofilm were performed on the prosthesis, anophthalmic cavity and contralateral eye for the mycological and bacterial analyses. The data were submitted to statistical analysis, performing a Kendall correlation test to identify the correlation between the collection site and the identified micro-organism (P &lt;0·05). It was verified that the most prevalent micro-organisms were the Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, independent of the collection site, and that negative cultures for fungi were encountered in 85·2% of collections, independent of the region. It was not possible to establish a correlation among the types of micro-organisms and the collection sites.

Significance and Impact of the Study
Some evidence suggests that the surface roughness of ocular prostheses can influence interactions with micro-organisms, with greater prejudicial consequences, such as the establishment of biofilms, which could lead to infections. Thus, it becomes extremely important to identify the micro-organisms present on the acrylic surfaces of ocular prostheses, as well as the microbiota of the anophthalmic cavity and contralateral eye of wearers of the same, so that subsequent control measures promote the homeostatic maintenance of the ocular region.
Jackhammer esophagus: Assessing the balance between prepeak and postpeak contractile integral
Authors: Xiao Y. , Carlson D. A. , Lin Z. , Alhalel N. , Pandolfino J. E. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundWe hypothesized that symptoms in Jackhammer esophagus (JH) are associated with an imbalance between the prepeak and postpeak phases of contraction. Thus, we developed a method to distinguish the contractile integral components of prepeak and postpeak phase contractile activity to determine the contribution of each phase and their association with dysphagia.MethodsPatients diagnosed with JH were enrolled and compared to controls. The first five intact swallows during manometry were analyzed. A single swallow was divided into a prepeak and postpeak phase. The contractile integral of each phase and its corresponding time‐controlled integral were computed. All metrics were compared between controls and JH patients subcategorized by the impaction dysphagia question (IDQ) score with cut‐off of 6.Key ResultsThirty eight JH patients and 71 controls were included. Twelve JH patients had IDQ ≤ 6 and 26 with IDQ > 6. JH patients had higher contractile integral in both phases, and a higher ratio between postpeak to prepeak contractile integral independent of duration. Similarly, JH patients with an IDQ > 6 had higher contractile metrics than those with IDQ ≤ 6. There was a correlation between the IDQ score and the ratio within the postpeak to prepeak contractile integral (r = .375).ConclusionsAbnormalities in contractile integral of the postpeak phase are more significant in JH with higher dysphagia scores Although the total postpeak contractile integral was higher in symptomatic patients, this was associated with longer duration of postpeak activity suggesting that dysphagia patients with JH have a defect in the postpeak phase of peristalsis.
What are the position and power of supermarkets in the Australian food system, and the implications for public health? A systematic scoping review
Authors: Pulker C. E. , Trapp G. S. A. , Scott J. A. , Pollard C. M. 
Published: November 2017

SummarySupermarkets have been described as having unprecedented and disproportionate power in the food system. This scoping review synthesized the literature that describes the position and power of supermarkets in the Australian food system, and the implications for public health. A systematic search of peer‐reviewed and grey literature identified 68 documents that described supermarket power. Implications for public health were also recorded. Data revealed that supermarkets hold a powerful position in the Australian food system, acting as the primary gatekeepers. Supermarkets have obtained instrumental, structural and discursive power from many sources that overlap and reinforce each other. Few positive public health impacts of supermarket power were identified, providing many opportunities for improvement in the domains of food governance, the food system and public health nutrition. There is very little public health research examining the impact of supermarket power in Australia. More research is needed, and examination of supermarket own brands is of particular importance owing to their pivotal role as a source of power and their potential to improve public health outcomes, such as obesity.
Online education improves pediatric residents’ understanding of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Craddock Megan F. , Blondin Heather M. , Youssef Molly J. , Tollefson Megha M. , Hill Lauren F. , Hanson Janice L. , Bruckner Anna L. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesPediatricians manage skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (AD) but report that their dermatologic training is inadequate. Online modules may enhance medical education when sufficient didactic or clinical teaching experiences are lacking. We assessed whether an online module about AD improved pediatric residents’ knowledge and changed their clinical management of AD.MethodsTarget and control cohorts of pediatric residents from two institutions were recruited. Target subjects took a 30‐question test about AD early in their residency, reviewed the online module, and repeated the test 6 months and 1 year later. The control subjects, who had 1 year of clinical experience but had not reviewed the online module, also took the test. The mean percentage of correct answers was calculated and compared using two‐sided, two‐sample independent t tests and repeated‐measures analysis of variance. For a subset of participants, clinical documentation from AD encounters was reviewed and 13 practice behaviors were compared using the Fisher exact test.ResultsTwenty‐five subjects in the target cohort and 29 subjects in the control cohort completed the study. The target cohort improved from 18.0 ± 3.2 to 23.4 ± 3.4 correctly answered questions over 1 year (P < .001). This final value was greater than that of the control cohort (20.7 ± 4.5; P = .01). Meaningful differences in practice behaviors were not seen.ConclusionPediatric residents who reviewed an online module about AD demonstrated statistically significant improvement in disease‐specific knowledge over time and had statistically significantly higher scores than controls. Online dermatology education may effectively supplement traditional clinical teaching.
Exploring the intervention effect moderators of a cardiovascular health promotion study among rural African‐Americans
Authors: Abbott Laurie , Gordon Schluck Glenna , Graven Lucinda , Martorella Geraldine 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this analysis was to examine the participant characteristics that served as intervention effect moderators of a cardiovascular health promotion intervention study.Design and SampleThis exploratory study was a secondary analysis of data collected during a cluster randomized controlled trial. The participants (n = 229) of the study were African‐American adults recruited from 12 rural churches that were randomized to intervention (n = 6) and control (n = 6) groups. There were 115 individual participants in the intervention group, and 114 in the control group.MeasuresCardiovascular health intentions, attitudes, norms, and self‐efficacy for produce consumption, dietary fat intake, and exercise were measured to test the effect of the intervention. Linear mixed model was used to detect intervention effect moderators.ResultsPersonal heart disease status was a moderator of intervention effects for intentions, norms, and self‐efficacy regarding dietary fat intake and attitudes about produce consumption. Lacking a family heart disease history was a moderator for dietary fat intake self‐efficacy, and age was a dietary fat norms moderator.ConclusionsKnowledge about the moderators that influenced intervention outcomes can assist public health nurses in tailoring health promotion programs for underserved populations that can be implemented in community settings.
Concurrent isotope‐assisted metabolic flux analysis and transcriptome profiling reveal responses of poplar cells to altered nitrogen and carbon supply
Authors: Zhang Xiaofeng , Misra Ashish , Nargund Shilpa , Coleman Gary D. , Sriram Ganesh 
Published: November 2017

SummaryReduced nitrogen is indispensable to plants. However, its limited availability in soil combined with the energetic and environmental impacts of nitrogen fertilizers motivates research into molecular mechanisms toward improving plant nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). We performed a systems‐level investigation of this problem by employing multiple ‘omics methodologies on cell suspensions of hybrid poplar (Populus tremula × Populus alba). Acclimation and growth of the cell suspensions in four nutrient regimes ranging from abundant to deficient supplies of carbon and nitrogen revealed that cell growth under low‐nitrogen levels was associated with substantially higher NUE. To investigate the underlying metabolic and molecular mechanisms, we concurrently performed steady‐state 13C metabolic flux analysis with multiple isotope labels and transcriptomic profiling with cDNA microarrays. The 13C flux analysis revealed that the absolute flux through the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (oxPPP) was substantially lower (~threefold) under low‐nitrogen conditions. Additionally, the flux partitioning ratio between the tricarboxylic acid cycle and anaplerotic pathways varied from 84%:16% under abundant carbon and nitrogen to 55%:45% under deficient carbon and nitrogen. Gene expression data, together with the flux results, suggested a plastidic localization of the oxPPP as well as transcriptional regulation of certain metabolic branchpoints, including those between glycolysis and the oxPPP. The transcriptome data also indicated that NUE‐improving mechanisms may involve a redirection of excess carbon to aromatic metabolic pathways and extensive downregulation of potentially redundant genes (in these heterotrophic cells) that encode photosynthetic and light‐harvesting proteins, suggesting the recruitment of these proteins as nitrogen sinks in nitrogen‐abundant conditions.
Clinical input of anti‐D quantitation by continuous‐flow analysis on autoanalyzer in the management of high‐titer anti‐D maternal alloimmunization
Authors: Toly‐Ndour Cécile , Mourtada Haifa , Huguet‐Jacquot Stéphanie , Maisonneuve Emeline , Friszer Stéphanie , Pernot Françoise , Thomas Pauline , Jouannic Jean‐Marie , Carbonne Bruno , Cortey Anne , Mailloux Agnès 
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUNDIn addition to titration by indirect antiglobulin test most widely used, anti‐D quantitation by continuous‐flow analysis (CFA) may be performed to assess severity of maternal immunization. Only five studies have reported its added value in the management of pregnancies complicated by anti‐D immunization.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSA retrospective study of 74 severe anti‐D–immunized pregnancies was conducted from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2014, in the Trousseau Hospital in Paris (France). Concentration of maternal anti‐D was measured by titration and by CFA two‐stages method (2SM; total amount of anti‐D) and one‐stage method (1SM; high‐affinity IgG1 anti‐D). These biologic data were analyzed according to the severity of the hemolytic disease of the fetus and the newborn.RESULTSThe value of 5 IU anti‐D/mL in maternal serum is validated as a threshold to trigger ultrasonographic and Doppler fetal close follow‐up. A high 1SM/2SM ratio was associated with a higher risk of intrauterine transfusion (IUT). For pregnancies requiring IUT and without increasing titer, maternal 1SM anti‐D concentration tends to correlate with the precocity of fetal anemia. In the “without‐IUT” group 1SM and 2SM anti‐D concentrations correlate significantly with cord bilirubin levels of the newborn at birth.CONCLUSIONAltogether our results underline the importance of anti‐D quantitation by CFA to optimize the management of anti‐D–alloimmunized pregnancies.
Evaluation of the applicability and effectiveness of a molecular strategy for identifying weak D and DEL phenotype among D– blood donors of mixed origin exhibiting high frequency of RHD*Ψ
Authors: Dezan Marcia Regina , Guardalini Luis Giovani O. , Pessoa Elaine , Ribeiro Ingrid Helena , Oliveira Valeria Brito , Luz Fabio , Novac Denise Rossite , Gallucci António , Bonifácio Silvia , Gomes Francisco , Levi José E. , Pereira Alexandre C. , Krieger Jose E. , Mendrone‐Junior Alfredo , Rocha Vanderson , Dinardo Carla Luana 
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUNDMolecular tests designed to detect the presence of active RHD gene among D– donors have been successfully applied in people of European ancestry, but not in admixed populations with a considerable frequency of RHD*Ψ. Our goal was to evaluate the performance of a molecular screening tool for identifying active RHD alleles among Brazilian blood donors classified as D– C+ and/or E+.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSPools of five DNA samples of serologically D– C+ and/or E+ donors were checked by a RHD polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay specific for RHD Intron 4 and Exon 7. When a pool result was positive, samples were genotyped individually for RHD Intron 4 and Exon 7, RHD*Ψ, RHCE*Cc, and RHD zygosity. Donors suspected of active RHD gene were further evaluated by whole‐coding region and flanking intron direct sequencing.RESULTSA total of 405 donors were included. Two percent exhibited active RHD gene, codifying D‐weak (38 and 45) or DEL phenotype. The most prevalent DEL allele was RHD*DEL1 (c.1227G>A), which is proven to be immunogenic. A high frequency of RHD*Ψ was detected in the donors with nondeleted RHD alleles (31%), far superior to the frequency of RHD variant alleles (15.5%). The proposed approach presented sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 85.7% for identifying active RHD gene.CONCLUSIONThe strategy of checking D– donors with RHD PCR followed by exclusion of RHD*Ψ allele has proved efficient in identifying weak‐D and DEL phenotype in the Brazilian population.
Characterization of barley straw biochar produced in various temperatures and its effect on lead and cadmium removal from aqueous solutions
Authors: Jazini Rasoul , Soleimani Mohsen , Mirghaffari Nourollah 
Published: November 2017

AbstractConversion of agricultural wastes into a carbon rich material (i.e. biochar) using pyrolysis process could be an appropriate approach for their management. This study was carried out to convert barley straw to biochar in different temperatures (300, 400 and 500°C) and to investigate the potential of the produced biochar as a sorbent of heavy metals (Pb and Cd). Considering the pretest results of Pb and Cd sorption, the biochar produced at 500°C (BS500) was selected to find effect of pH, the sorbent dose, the initial concentration of Pb and Cd and the contact time on metal removal efficiency. The results showed that the optimum conditions of adsorption were pH = 6, the sorbent dose 1 g/L and the contact time of 45 min. The adsorption kinetics and isotherms had the best fit to the pseudo‐second order and Langmuir models, respectively.
Research of parameters affecting sludge digestion process
Authors: Dauknys R. , Mažeikienė A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe parameters characterizing and affecting anaerobic sludge digestion process in three Lithuanian cities are investigated. Results showed that digestion process was effective in all three objects: specific biogas production varied between 0.77 and 0.86 m3/kg volatile solids destroyed, methane content in the biogas varied between 64 and 67% and they complied with the values presented in the scientific references. The increase of VS loading (up to 2.6 kg VS/m3/day) led to the higher level of VS destruction which was up to 59%. The sludge retention time (hydraulic retention time) values must be in ranges of 20–25 days for the digestion process in order to get the design VS destruction, as well the biogas production. In a case of lack of raw materials, the application of wastes from food industry can help to reach the design parameters. The application of wastes from milk industry showed positive results in the digestion process.
Carrion's Disease: the Sound of Silence
Authors: Gomes Cláudia , Ruiz Joaquim 
Published: November 2017

SUMMARYCarrion's disease (CD) is a neglected biphasic vector-borne illness related toBartonella bacilliformis. It is found in the Andean valleys and is transmitted mainly by members of theLutzomyiagenus but also by blood transfusions and from mother to child. The acute phase, Oroya fever, presents severe anemia and fever. The lethality is high in the absence of adequate treatment, despite the organism being susceptible to most antibiotics. Partial immunity is developed after infection byB. bacilliformis, resulting in high numbers of asymptomatic carriers. Following infection there is the chronic phase, Peruvian warts, involving abnormal proliferation of the endothelial cells. Despite potentially being eradicable, CD has been expanded due to human migration and geographical expansion of the vector. Moreover,in vitrostudies have demonstrated the risk of the development of antimicrobial resistance. These findings, together with the description of newBartonellaspecies producing CD-like infections, the presence of undescribed potential vectors in new areas, the lack of adequate diagnostic tools and knowledge of the immunology and bacterial pathogenesis of CD, and poor international visibility, have led to the risk of increasing the potential expansion of resistant strains which will challenge current treatment schemes as well as the possible appearance of CD in areas where it is not endemic.
Evaluation of Oxacillin and Cefoxitin Disk Diffusion and MIC Breakpoints Established by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute for Detection of
mecA
-Mediated Oxacillin Resistance in Staphylococcus schleiferi
Authors: Huse H. K. , Miller S. A. , Chandrasekaran S. , Hindler J. A. , Lawhon S. D. , Bemis D. A. , Westblade L. F. , Humphries R. M. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus schleiferi
is a beta-hemolytic, coagulase-variable colonizer of small animals that can cause opportunistic infections in humans. In veterinary isolates, the rate of
mecA
-mediated oxacillin resistance is significant, with reported resistance rates of >39%. The goal of this study was to evaluate oxacillin and cefoxitin disk diffusion (DD) and MIC breakpoints for detection of
mecA
-mediated oxacillin resistance in 52 human and 38 veterinary isolates of
S. schleiferi
. Isolates were tested on multiple brands of commercial media and according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) methods. Zone diameters and MIC values were interpreted using CLSI breakpoints (CLSI,
Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. M100-S27
, 2017) for
Staphylococcus aureus
/
Staphylococcus lugdunensis
, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), and
Staphylococcus pseudintermedius
. Results were compared to those of
mecA
PCR. Twenty-nine of 90 (32%) isolates were
mecA
positive. Oxacillin inhibition zone sizes and MICs interpreted by
S. pseudintermedius
breakpoints reliably differentiated
mecA
-positive and
mecA
-negative isolates, with a categorical agreement (CA) of 100% and no very major errors (VMEs) or major errors (MEs) for all media. For cefoxitin DD results interpreted using
S. aureus
/
S. lugdunensis
and CoNS breakpoints, CA values were 85% and 75%, respectively, and there were 72% and 64% VMEs, respectively, and 0 MEs. For cefoxitin MICs interpreted using
S. aureus/S. lugdunensis
breakpoints, CA was 81%, and there were 60% VMEs and no MEs. Our data demonstrate that oxacillin DD or MIC testing methods using the current
S. pseudintermedius
breakpoints reliably identify
mecA
-mediated oxacillin resistance in
S. schleiferi
, while cefoxitin DD and MIC testing methods perform poorly.