bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Renal Nitric Oxide Deficiency and Chronic Kidney Disease in Young Sheep Born with a Solitary Functioning Kidney
Authors: Singh Reetu R. , Easton Lawrence K. , Booth Lindsea C. , Schlaich Markus P. , Head Geoffrey A. , Moritz Karen M. , Denton Kate M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPreviously, we demonstrated that renal hemodynamic responses to nitric oxide (NO) inhibition were attenuated in aged, hypertensive sheep born with a solitary functioning kidney (SFK). NO is an important regulator of renal function, particularly, in the postnatal period. We hypothesized that the onset of renal dysfunction and hypertension in individuals with a SFK is associated with NO deficiency early in life. In this study, renal and cardiovascular responses to L-NAME infusion (Nw-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester) were examined in 6-month old lambs born with a SFK, induced by fetal unilateral nephrectomy (uni-x). Renal responses to L-NAME were attenuated in uni-x sheep with the fall in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urinary sodium excretion (UNaV) being less in the uni-x compared to sham lambs (%ΔGFR; −41 ± 3 vs −54 ± 4: P = 0.03, %ΔUNaV; −48 ± 5 vs −76 ± 3, P = 0.0008). 24 hour-basal urinary nitrate and nitrite (NOx) excretion was less in the uni-x animals compared to the sham (NOx excretion μM/min/kg; sham: 57 ± 7; uni-x: 38 ± 4, P = 0.02). L-NAME treatment reduced urinary NOx to undetectable levels in both groups. A reduction in NO bioavailability in early life may contribute to the initiation of glomerular and tubular dysfunction that promotes development and progression of hypertension in offspring with a congenital nephron deficit, including those with a SFK.
Electrophysiology Alterations in Primary Visual Cortex Neurons of Retinal Degeneration (S334ter-line-3) Rats
Authors: Chen Ke , Wang Yi , Liang Xiaohua , Zhang Yihuai , Ng Tsz Kin , Chan Leanne Lai Hang 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe dynamic nature of the brain is critical for the success of treatments aimed at restoring vision at the retinal level. The success of these treatments relies highly on the functionality of the surviving neurons along the entire visual pathway. Electrophysiological properties at the retina level have been investigated during the progression of retinal degeneration; however, little is known about the changes in electrophysiological properties that occur in the primary visual cortex (V1) during the course of retinal degeneration. By conducting extracellular recording, we examined the electrophysiological properties of V1 in S334ter-line-3 rats (a transgenic model of retinal degeneration developed to express a rhodopsin mutation similar to that found in human retinitis pigmentosa patients). We measured the orientation tuning, spatial and temporal frequency tunings and the receptive field (RF) size for 127 V1 neurons from 11 S334ter-3 rats and 10 Long-Evans (LE) rats. V1 neurons in the S334ter-3 rats showed weaker orientation selectivity, lower optimal spatial and temporal frequency values and a smaller receptive field size compared to the LE rats. These results suggest that the visual cognitive ability significantly changes during retinal degeneration.
Dispersive Non-Geminate Recombination in an Amorphous Polymer:Fullerene Blend
Authors: Kurpiers Jona , Neher Dieter 
Published: May 2016

AbstractRecombination of free charge is a key process limiting the performance of solar cells. For low mobility materials, such as organic semiconductors, the kinetics of non-geminate recombination (NGR) is strongly linked to the motion of charges. As these materials possess significant disorder, thermalization of photogenerated carriers in the inhomogeneously broadened density of state distribution is an unavoidable process. Despite its general importance, knowledge about the kinetics of NGR in complete organic solar cells is rather limited. We employ time delayed collection field (TDCF) experiments to study the recombination of photogenerated charge in the high-performance polymer:fullerene blend PCDTBT:PCBM. NGR in the bulk of this amorphous blend is shown to be highly dispersive, with a continuous reduction of the recombination coefficient throughout the entire time scale, until all charge carriers have either been extracted or recombined. Rapid, contact-mediated recombination is identified as an additional loss channel, which, if not properly taken into account, would erroneously suggest a pronounced field dependence of charge generation. These findings are in stark contrast to the results of TDCF experiments on photovoltaic devices made from ordered blends, such as P3HT:PCBM, where non-dispersive recombination was proven to dominate the charge carrier dynamics under application relevant conditions.
The Role of Catalase C262T Gene Polymorphism in the Susceptibility and Survival of Cancers
Authors: Wang Cheng-Di , Sun Yan , Chen Nan , Huang Lin , Huang Jing-Wen , Zhu Min , Wang Ting , Ji Yu-Lin 
Published: May 2016

AbstractCatalase (CAT), one antioxidant enzyme, may provide resistance against many diseases. Many previous studies reported predictive and prognostic values of CAT C262T polymorphism in cancers, with divergent results. This study aimed to summarize the overall relationships between CAT C262T polymorphism and cancer risk or survival. A total of 27 eligible publications were included in susceptibility analysis, while 8 publications contained survival outcomes. The results revealed significant relationship between CAT C262T polymorphism and cancer risk(TT + CT vs CC: OR = 1.05, 95%CI = 1.00–1.10, P = 0.036), subgroup analyses indicated the CAT C262T polymorphism was significantly correlated with an increased risk for prostate cancer (TT vs CC + CT: OR = 1.43, 95%CI = 1.20–1.70, P < 0.001) and increased risk among Caucasians (TT vs CC + CT: OR = 1.19, 95%CI = 1.09–1.31, P < 0.001), while no associations between the polymorphism and Asian or mixed population were established. In the survival analysis, no interactions were identified between this polymorphism and cancer survival (TT + CT vs CC: HR = 1.37, 95%CI = 0.70–2.70, P = 0.36). In conclusion, the CAT C262T polymorphismmay be a candidate markerfor cancer risk with type-specific and population-specific effects but not a fine prognostic factor for cancer survival.
Multiensemble Markov models of molecular thermodynamics and kinetics
Authors: Wu Hao , Paul Fabian , Wehmeyer Christoph , Noé Frank 
Published: May 2016

SignificanceMolecular dynamics simulations can provide mechanistic understanding of biomolecular processes. However, direct simulation of slow transitions such as protein conformational transitions or protein–ligand dissociation are unfeasible with commonly available computational resources. Two typical strategies are (i) conducting large ensembles of short simulations and estimating the long-term kinetics with a Markov state model, and (ii) speeding up rare events by bias potentials or higher temperatures and estimating the unbiased thermodynamics with reweighting estimators. In this work, we introduce the transition-based reweighting analysis method (TRAM), a statistically optimal approach that combines the best of both worlds and estimates a multiensemble Markov model (MEMM) with full thermodynamic and kinetic information at all simulated ensembles.
Growth hormone is permissive for neoplastic colon growth
Authors: Chesnokova Vera , Zonis Svetlana , Zhou Cuiqi , Recouvreux Maria Victoria , Ben-Shlomo Anat , Araki Takako , Barrett Robert , Workman Michael , Wawrowsky Kolja , Ljubimov Vladimir A. , Uhart Magdalena , Melmed Shlomo 
Published: May 2016

SignificanceGrowth hormone (GH) excess in acromegaly is associated with increased colon polyps and cancer, whereas short-stature humans harboring a GH receptor mutation do not develop cancer. Administration of a GH receptor blocker in acromegaly patients induced colon p53. In contrast, p53 is suppressed by GH in colon cells, in vivo in colon tissue, and in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived intestinal organoids. GH excess leads to cell survival with downregulated adenomatous polyposis coli, nuclear β-catenin accumulation, and increased epithelial–mesenchymal transition factors. Because locally expressed GH is abundant in conditions predisposing to colon cancer, GH appears to be a molecular component of the milieu permissive for neoplastic colon growth. These results explain the protective effects of GH deficiency against development of neoplasms.
Evaluating the impact of a computerized surveillance algorithm and decision support system on sepsis mortality
Authors: Manaktala Sharad , Claypool Stephen R 
Published: May 2016

Objective: We created a system using a triad of change management, electronic surveillance, and algorithms to detect sepsis and deliver highly sensitive and specific decision support to the point of care using a mobile application. The investigators hypothesized that this system would result in a reduction in sepsis mortality.
Methods: A before-and-after model was used to study the impact of the interventions on sepsis-related mortality. All patients admitted to the study units were screened per the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Surviving Sepsis Guidelines using real-time electronic surveillance. Sepsis surveillance algorithms that adjusted clinical parameters based on comorbid medical conditions were deployed for improved sensitivity and specificity. Nurses received mobile alerts for all positive sepsis screenings as well as severe sepsis and shock alerts over a period of 10 months. Advice was given for early goal-directed therapy. Sepsis mortality during a control period from January 1, 2011 to September 30, 2013 was used as baseline for comparison.
Results: The primary outcome, sepsis mortality, decreased by 53% (P = 0.03; 95% CI, 1.06-5.25). The 30-day readmission rate reduced from 19.08% during the control period to 13.21% during the study period (P = 0.05; 95% CI, 0.97-2.52). No significant change in length of hospital stay was noted. The system had observed sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 82% for detecting sepsis compared to gold-standard physician chart review.
Conclusion: A program consisting of change management and electronic surveillance with highly sensitive and specific decision support delivered to the point of care resulted in significant reduction in deaths from sepsis.
Neurocritical Care
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco FM , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Hocker Sara E. , Fugate Jennifer E. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
This book comprises a collection of case studies of patients with acute and critical neurological disease, along with pertinent discussion of approaches to each particular condition. Case studies provide a way to examine how difficult it is to approach these patients situated in the neurosciences intensive care unit. Some patients need close observation and management of emerging problems, others need a neurosurgical intervention or a neurointerventional procedure, a few patients are in extremis. The examples provided in this book are quintessential to the practice of neurocritical care. Some are less common conditions that need to be recognized and appropriately treated. Another purpose of this book is to introduce the reader to the field of neurocritical care and to show what goes on. The book shows the complexity of care and urgent decision-making involved in treating patients who deteriorate. Practical suggestions are included for each topic it covers. Not only is treatment of serious neurological disorders discussed but also prognostication in practice and end-of-life care discussions. In some ways this book summarizes the entire spectrum of presenting acute illness and how best to intervene.
Waking Slowly and Slurring After Surgery
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M. , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Hocker Sara E. , Fugate Jennifer E. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Failure to awaken fully after surgery is a common reason for consultation. In this chapter, a patient with a postoperative stroke is presented. Usually there should be an emphasis on identifying the lingering drug effect, but other causes should also be considered. For example, in stuporous patients, an ischemic stroke in the posterior circulation involving the thalamus or cerebellar infarctions can cause acute hydrocephalus from compression. Also, hyponatremia and hypoglycemia are potential causes of postoperative stupor. Hypoglycemia requires immediate correction, while hyponatremia should be corrected more slowly.
Decreasing Serum Sodium in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M. , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Hocker Sara E. , Fugate Jennifer E. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Hyponatremia is a very common electrolyte abnormality in the neurosciences intensive care unit and in particular after subarachnoid hemorrhage. It is often associated with intravascular volume contraction. Evaluation and treatment are discussed in this chapter. Treatment of the polyuric, hyponatremic patient should include replacement of sodium and fluid volume. The goals of fluid management in cases of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage are maintenance of normonatremia and euvolemia. How to calculate rate of infusion of fluids is also highlighted in the chapter. It is important to replace volume effectively, but being careful not to induce fluid overload. Fludrocortisone is useful to ameliorate urinary sodium loss and hyponatremia.
Goals of Care in a Comatose Teenager
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M. , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Hocker Sara E. , Fugate Jennifer E. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
After a major brain injury the diagnosis of a persistent coma or vegetative state has important short-term and long-term implications. Persistent vegetative state is considered permanent 1 year after traumatic brain injury and 3 months after nontraumatic coma. The early diagnosis of persistent vegetative state is discussed in this chapter. Disorders of prolonged unconsciousness have been redefined by functional MRI, but functional MRI has not found a clinical application. Functional MRI is not able to better predict outcome or awakening with sufficient certainty. Long-term care of debilitated neurological patients requires placement of a tracheostomy and gastrostomy.
Three supernova shells around a young M33 star cluster
Authors: Camps-Fariña A. , Beckman J. E. , Font J. , Borlaff A. , Zaragoza-Cardiel J. , Amram P. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Using a specialized technique sensitive to the presence of expanding ionized gas, we have detected a set of three concentric expanding shells in an H ii region in the nearby spiral galaxy M33. After mapping the kinematics in Hα with Fabry–Perot spectroscopy, we used slit spectra to measure the intensities of the [S ii] doublet at λλ671.9, 673.1 nm and the [N ii] doublet at λλ645.8, 658.3 nm to corroborate the kinematics and apply diagnostic tests using line ratios. These showed that the expanding shells are shock dominated as would be the case if they had originated with supernova explosions. Estimating their kinetic energies, we find fairly low values, indicating a fairly advanced stage of evolution. We obtain density, mass and parent star mass estimates, which, along with the kinetic energies, are inconsistent with the simplest models of shock–interstellar medium interaction. We propose that the presence and properties of an inhomogeneous medium offer a scenario which can account for these observations, and discuss the implications. Comparing our results with data from the literature supports the combined presence of an H ii region and supernova remnant material at the observed position.
Genetics of systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome: an update
Authors: Teruel Maria , Alarcón-Riquelme Marta E. 
Published: May 2016

Purpose of review
To describe the recent studies on the genetics of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren's syndrome.

Recent findings
We overview the most recent findings on the genetic susceptibility of the diseases and provide information on their genetic similarities and differences.

Summary
SLE and Sjögren's syndrome are two closely related systemic autoimmune diseases that share multiple clinical and molecular aspects, including a significant number of susceptibility genes. Several genome-wide association studies were recently published in different populations that provide a better picture of their molecular mechanisms. It is becoming clear that their genetic architecture is quite well established, but more information is required on expression quantitative trait loci, epigenetic genome-wide analyses, gene × gene interactions and the role of rare variants.
Heads-up 3D Microscopy: An Ergonomic and Educational Approach to Microsurgery
Authors: Mendez Bernardino M. , Chiodo Michael V. , Vandevender Darl , Patel Parit A. 
Published: May 2016

Summary:Traditional microsurgery can lead surgeons to use postures that cause musculoskeletal fatigue, leaving them more prone to work-related injuries. A new technology from TrueVision transmits the microscopic image onto a 3-dimensional (3D) monitor, allowing surgeons to operate while sitting/standing in a heads-up position. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of performing heads-up 3D microscopy as a more ergonomic alternative to traditional microsurgery. A feasibility study was conducted comparing heads-up 3D microscopy and traditional microscopy by performing femoral artery anastomoses on 8 Sprague-Dawley rats. Operative times and patency rates for each technology were compared. The 8 microsurgeons completed a questionnaire comparing image quality, comfort, technical feasibility, and educational value of the 2 technologies. Rat femoral artery anastomoses were successfully carried out by all 8 microsurgeons with each technology. There was no significant difference in anastomosis time between heads-up 3D and traditional microscopy (average times, 34.5 and 33.8 minutes, respectively;P= 0.66). Heads-up 3D microscopy was rated superior in neck and back comfort by 75% of participants. Image resolution, field of view, and technical feasibility were found to be superior or equivalent in 75% of participants, whereas 63% evaluated depth perception to be superior or equivalent. Heads-up 3D microscopy is a new technology that improves comfort for the microsurgeon without compromising image quality or technical feasibility. Its use has become prevalent in the field of ophthalmology and may also have utility in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Adaptation of liver stiffness measurement depth in bariatric surgery candidates with suspected nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Ciocan Dragos , Lebrun Amandine , Lamouri Karima , Pourcher Guillaume , Voican Cosmin , Njiké-Nakseu Micheline , Ferretti Stefano , Courie Rodi , Tranchart Hadrien , Balian Axel , Prévot Sophie , Perlemuter Gabriel , Dagher Ibrahim , Naveau Sylvie 
Published: May 2016

Background and aims
A thick layer of subcutaneous adipose tissue may lead to an overestimation of liver stiffness by transient elastography. The aim of this study was to assess whether liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was overestimated using an XL probe in patients with severe obesity and, if so, to reprocess the data to the adapted depth to obtain the appropriate LSM (LSMa).

Methods
A total of 152 obese patients prospectively underwent bariatric surgery and needle liver biopsy. Liver stiffness was measured by transient elastography 15 days before. To determine whether the LSM was overestimated, an expert operator retrospectively determined whether the skin-to-capsula distance was greater than 35 mm by analyzing the hyperechogenicity of ultrasound signals and the measured slope between 35 and 75 mm. In the case of an overestimation, a deeper measurement depth was selected to calculate the LSMa.

Results
There was an overestimation of the LSM obtained between 35 and 75 mm in 76 patients (50%). Among these patients, the LSMa was obtained between 40 and 75 mm in 49 patients and between 45 and 80 mm in 27 patients. Only the percentage of steatosis was independently and positively correlated with LSM overestimation. The areas under receiver operating characteristic of LSMa was 0.82±0.04 for predicting fibrosis stage F3. The Obuchowski measure was 0.85±0.02.

Conclusion
The LSM was overestimated in severely obese patients obtained between 35 and 75 mm using an XL probe in 76 patients (50%), but LSM can be performed correctly in these patients after adapting the measurement depth to deeper beneath the patients’ skin.
Airtraq Laryngoscope Versus the Conventional Macintosh Laryngoscope During Pediatric Intubation Performed by Nurses
Authors: Szarpak Łukasz , Karczewska Katarzyna , Czyżewski Łukasz , Truszewski Zenon , Kurowski Andrzej 
Published: May 2016

Objectives
We hypothesized that the Airtraq laryngoscope (Airtraq LLC, Bonita Springs, Fla) is beneficial for intubation of pediatric manikins while performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In the present study, we evaluated the effectiveness of the Macintosh (MAC) laryngoscope (HEINE Optotechnik, Munich, Germany) and Airtraq in 3 simulated CPR scenarios.

Methods
A randomized crossover simulation trial was designed. Eighty-three nurses intubated the trachea of a PediaSIM CPR training manikin (FCAE HealthCare, Sarasota, Fla) using the MAC and Airtraq in a normal airway scenario, normal airway with chest compression scenario, and difficult airway with chest compression scenario. The participants were directed to perform a maximum of 3 attempts in each scenario. The success rate, time to intubation, Cormack & Lehane grade, dental compression, and the ease of intubation were measured.

Results
All participants performed successful intubation with the Airtraq in all 3 scenarios. In all scenarios, the success rate was significantly higher and the time to intubation was significantly shorter with the Airtraq than with the MAC. Glottic visualization using the Cormack-Lehane scale was also better when using Airtraq in all scenarios.

Conclusions
In this manikin study, we found that the Airtraq can be used successfully for the intubation of pediatric manikins with normal and difficult airways by medical staff without previous experience in pediatric intubation. Moreover, intubation can be achieved without interrupting chest compression. The use of the Airtraq compared with the MAC led to faster time to intubation. Nevertheless, we recommend that the performance of the Airtraq and the MAC during CPR should be further evaluated in a clinical setting.