bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the ultrasonographic assessment of the femoral trochlea epiphyseal cartilage in foals at osteochondrosis predilected sites with magnetic resonance imaging and histology
Authors: Martel G. , Forget C. , Gilbert G. , Richard H. , Moser T. , Olive J. , Laverty S. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryBackgroundNoninvasive imaging tools are needed to screen foal femoropatellar joints to detect subclinical osteochondrosis lesions due to focal failure of endochondral ossification to enhance early management to optimise intrinsic healing events. Recently investigations employing 3T susceptibility‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (3T SWI MRI) and CT have demonstrated their capacity for early osteochondrosis diagnosis, but these technologies are not practical for field screening. We postulate that ultrasonography is a valuable field tool for the detection of subclinical osteochondrosis lesions.ObjectivesThe goals were to 1) describe the ultrasonographic features of the femoral trochlea of healthy and osteochondrosis‐predisposed neonatal foals, 2) validate the capacity of ultrasound to assess cartilage canal vascular archictecture and the ossification front and 3) evaluate field feasibility in a pilot study.Study designExperimental study.MethodsUltrasonographic evaluation of osteochondrosis predisposed (n = 10) and control (n = 6) femoral trochleas was performed ex vivo and compared with site‐matched histological sections and 3T SWI MRI. The articular and epiphyseal cartilage thickness, ossification front indentation and cartilage canal vascular archictecture were assessed at each ROI. Femoral trochleae of foals (n = 3) aged ≈ 1, 3 and 6 months were also evaluated with ultrasonography in field.ResultsUltrasonographic measurements strongly correlated with the histological measurements. There was no difference in the cartilage thickness or ossification front indentation between control and osteochondrosis‐predisposed specimens. The cartilage canal vascular archictecture on ultrasonograms corresponded with the vessel pattern observed on site matched histology and 3T SWI MRI.Main limitationsThe number of specimens for study was limited and no early osteochondrosis lesions were present within the predilected group, but a field study is now underway.ConclusionUltrasonographic examination of the femoral trochlea permitted accurate evaluation of cartilage thickness, cartilage canal vascular archictecture and ossification front indentation in young foals and is a promising, practical tool for screening subclinical osteochondrosis and monitoring and managing lesions at important clinical sites.
Platelet Rich Plasma for Chronic Synovitis Treatment in Patients with Haemophilia
Authors: Caviglia H. , Landro M. E. , Daffunchio C. , Galatro G. , Douglas Price A. L. , Salgado P. , Neme D. 
Published: May 2017

IntroductionHaemophilic synovitis is caused by chronic accumulation of blood in the joint. Conservative treatment is insufficient to solve this pathology. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has a high concentration of growth factors (GFs) that play a key role in regulation and stimulation of healing processes. The aim of this study was to describe the effect of PRP injection in chronic synovitis of the joints in patients with haemophilia (PWH).Patients and methodsNineteen patients with 28 joints were treated at our centre in Buenos Aires, Argentina between December 2014 and December 2015. Eighteen were Haemophilia type A (17 severe, one mild) and one was type B severe. Mean age was 26 years old. Chronic synovitis was present in two ankles, seven elbows and 19 knee joints. All affected joints were evaluated for range of motion (ROM), perimeter, Haemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS), number of bleedings episodes and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Evaluations were before treatment and 3 and 6 months after treatment.ResultsA mean volume of 4 mL of PRP was injected into the joint cavity. The statistical analysis before and after treatments revealed a statistically significant (P < 0.001) decrease in the HJHS score. Decrease in joint bleeding episodes was also statistically significant (P < 0.001). All patients reported pain relief and VAS scores were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Joint perimeter also showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). No complications were observed in any of the patients, either during blood collection or during PRP injection, even for inhibitor patients.ConclusionPlatelet‐rich plasma is a useful, safe, and inexpensive treatment for chronic haemophilic synovitis.
First report on the safety and efficacy of an extended half‐life glycoPEGylated recombinant FVIII for major surgery in severe haemophilia A
Authors: Hampton K. , Chowdary P. , Dunkley S. , Ehrenforth S. , Jacobsen L. , Neff A. , Santagostino E. , Sathar J. , Takedani H. , Takemoto C. M. , Négrier C. 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundN8‐GP (turoctocog alfa pegol) is an extended half‐life glycoPEGylated recombinant factor VIII (FVIII) product developed for the prevention and treatment of bleeds in haemophilia A patients.AimThis is a planned interim analysis of pathfinder™3, an international, open‐label, Phase 3 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety (including immunogenicity) of N8‐GP administered before, during and after major surgery in severe haemophilia A patients aged ≥12 years.MethodsSixteen patients who underwent 18 major surgical procedures (including synovectomy, joint replacement and ankle arthrodesis) were included here. Postoperative assessments were conducted daily for days 1–6, and once for days 7–14. Primary endpoint was N8‐GP haemostatic efficacy, assessed after completion of surgery using a four‐point scale (‘excellent’, ‘good’, ‘moderate’, ‘none’).ResultsHaemostasis was successful (rated ‘excellent’ or ‘good’) on completion of surgery in 17 (94.4%) procedures and rated as ‘moderate’ (5.6%) for one surgery in a patient with multiple comorbidities who needed an intraoperative N8‐GP dose (20.7 IU kg−1). In the postoperative period, three bleeds occurred (one during days 1–6; two during days 7–14); all were successfully treated with N8‐GP. Mean N8‐GP consumption on day of surgery was 80.0 IU kg−1; patients received a mean of 1.7 doses (median: 2, range: 1–3). No safety concerns were identified.ConclusionThe data showed that N8‐GP was effective and well tolerated for the prevention and treatment of bleeds during major surgery; such FVIII products with extended half‐lives may modify current treatment schedules, enabling fewer infusions and earlier patient discharge.
Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients With Chronic Tension‐Type Headache: A Case‐Control Study
Authors: Prakash Sanjay , Rathore Chaturbhuj , Makwana Prayag , Dave Ankit , Joshi Hemant , Parekh Haresh 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTo see the interrelation between chronic tension‐type headache (CTTH) and serum vitamin D levels.BackgroundSeveral studies have suggested an association between chronic pain and vitamin D deficiency. Anecdotal evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency may be associated with tension‐type headache and migraine.MethodsThis case‐control study was carried out to examine the association between CTTH and serum 25‐hydroxy vitamin (25(OH) D) levels. One hundred consecutive adult (>18 years) patients with CTTH and 100 matched healthy controls were enrolled.ResultsThe serum 25(OH) D levels were significantly lower in CTTH patients than in the controls (14.7 vs 27.4 ng/mL). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (serum 25 (OH) D < 20 ng/mL) was greater in patients with CTTH (71% vs 25%). CTTH patients had a significantly high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain (79% vs 57%), muscle weakness (29%vs 10%), muscle tenderness score (7.5 vs 1.9), and bone tenderness score (3.0 vs 0.8) in comparison to controls. CTTH patients with vitamin D deficient group (<20 ng/mL) had a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal pain (58% vs 31%), muscle weakness (38%vs 7%), muscle and bone tenderness score, associated fatigue (44% vs 17%) and more prolonged course (15.5 months vs 11.2 months). A strong positive correlation was noted between serum vitamin D levels and total muscle tenderness score (R2 = 0. 7365) and total bone tenderness score (R2 = 0. 6293).ConclusionDecreased serum 25(OHD) concentration was associated with CTTH. Intervention studies are required to find out if supplementation of vitamin D is effective in patients with CTTH.
A genetic analysis of meat compositions in Japanese Black cattle: Genetic parameters and sex influence
Authors: Onogi A. , Sasaki S. , Kobayashi M. , Ogino A. , Nozaki T. , Kurogi K. , Yasumori T. , Togashi K. , Iwata H. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryMeat composition in beef is related to eating quality and food functionality. Genetic parameters for several meat compositions including free amino acid, peptide and sugar, however, remain poorly described. In this study, we estimated genetic parameters for 51 meat components, including free amino acids, peptides, sugars and fatty acid compositions, and two carcase traits in 1,354 heifers and 1,797 steers of Japanese Black cattle. Heritability estimates were generally equivalent to or moderately greater than those in previous studies of this breed. Genetic correlations between free amino acids, peptides and sugars and carcase traits were often negative, suggesting a trade‐off between traits. Using two‐trait animal models that treat records from the two sexes as different traits, we estimated sex‐specific heritabilities and cross‐sex genetic correlations which indicate the sex differences in genetic architecture. In these analyses, 12 traits showed significant heritability differences between sexes and cross‐sex genetic correlations occasionally deviated from unity. These results could be used to inform future breeding schemes and investigations of the genetic architecture of meat compositions in beef.
Effects of epicardial versus transvenous left ventricular lead placement on left ventricular function and cardiac perfusion in cardiac resynchronization therapy: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: van Dijk Vincent F. , Fanggiday Jim , Balt Jippe C. , Wijffels Maurits C.E.F. , Daeter Edgar J. , Kelder Johannes C. , Boersma Lucas V.A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIntroductionOptimal left ventricular (LV) lead position in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is crucial to achieve an optimal effect on hemodynamics. Due to various difficulties, up to 30% of transvenous LV lead placements fail, or a suboptimal position is achieved. Surgical epicardial LV lead placement could be performed at a position anticipated to be the optimal site. This could have a more favorable effect, which may be expressed by increased improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and cardiac perfusion.The objective of this trial is to compare transvenous versus epicardial LV lead placement in CRT in a randomized fashionMethods and resultsFifty‐two patients were randomized to either epicardial or transvenous approach. All patients received an ICD with CRT. Patients were followed for 6 months after device implant. Primary endpoint was the degree of change in cardiac perfusion measured by myocardial perfusion scintigraphy.LVEF equally improved in both groups, from 24% to 36% in the transvenous group versus 25% to 35% in the epicardial group (P = 0.797). Cardiac perfusion, expressed as summed stress score, improved in both groups without a significant difference as well (P = 0.727). Complication rate was similar, respectively 6 and 7 patients had any complication. Admission time was significantly longer in the epicardial group with 2 (2–7) versus 3 (2–32) days (P <0.001).ConclusionEpicardial LV lead placement does not result in additional improvement of LVF or myocardial perfusion compared to the conventional transvenous in CRT.
Application of the 2015 ACC/AHA/HRS guidelines for risk stratification for sudden death in adult patients with asymptomatic pre‐excitation
Authors: Obeyesekere Manoj N. , Klein George J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe management of the asymptomatic pre‐excited patient largely hinges on risk stratification and individual patient considerations and choice. A high threshold to treat patients may lead to a small overall risk of death while a low threshold clearly leads to increased invasive testing and ablation with associated cost and procedural risk. A firm recommendation to uniformly assess all by electrophysiology study or, alternatively, reassure all is inappropriate and unjustified by data as reflected in the recent guideline recommendations. The use of noninvasive and invasive parameters to identify the potentially at‐risk individual with surveillance for symptoms in those comfortable with this approach or ablation for those choosing this alternative for individual reasons remains the cornerstone of best practice.
Stellate ganglion blockade and bilateral cardiac sympathetic denervation in patients with life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmias
Authors: Cardona‐Guarache Ricardo , Padala Santosh K. , Velazco‐Davila Luis , Cassano Anthony , Abbate Antonio , Ellenbogen Kenneth A. , Koneru Jayanthi N. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAutonomic modulation is being increasingly employed as a strategy to treat ventricular arrhythmias refractory to beta‐blockers, antiarrhythmic drugs, and catheter‐based ablation procedures. We report 6 patients with refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) treated with stellate ganglion blockade (SGB) and/or bilateral cardiac sympathetic denervation (CSD). Our case series emphasizes the concept that the cardiac sympathetic nerves are important targets in the management of ventricular arrhythmias. SGB and CSD can be effective in suppressing VT/VF and can be offered to patients with refractory ventricular arrhythmias as an adjunct to conventional therapy.
Targeting YAP in malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Zhang Wen‐Qian , Dai Yu‐Yuan , Hsu Ping‐Chih , Wang Hui , Cheng Li , Yang Yi‐Lin , Wang Yu‐Cheng , Xu Zhi‐Dong , Liu Shu , Chan Geraldine , Hu Bin , Li Hui , Jablons David M. , You Liang 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMalignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that is resistant to current therapy. The poor prognosis of mesothelioma has been associated with elevated Yes‐associated protein (YAP) activity. In this study, we evaluated the effect of targeting YAP in mesothelioma. First, we comprehensively studied YAP activity in five mesothelioma cell lines (211H, H2052, H290, MS‐1 and H2452) and one normal mesothelial cell line (LP9). We found decreased phospho‐YAP to YAP protein ratio and consistently increased GTIIC reporter activity in 211H, H2052 and H290 compared to LP9. The same three cell lines (IC50s < 1 μM) were more sensitive than LP9 (IC50 = 3.5 μM) to the YAP/TEAD inhibitor verteporfin. We also found that verteporfin significantly reduced YAP protein level, mRNA levels of YAP downstream genes and GTIIC reporter activity in the same three cell lines, indicating inhibition of YAP signaling by verteporfin. Verteporfin also impaired invasion and tumoursphere formation ability of H2052 and H290. To validate the effect of specific targeting YAP in mesothelioma cells, we down‐regulated YAP by siRNA. We found siYAP significantly decreased YAP transcriptional activity and impaired invasion and tumoursphere formation ability of H2052 and H290. Furthermore, forced overexpression of YAP rescued GTIIC reporter activity and cell viability after siYAP targeting 3′UTR of YAP. Finally, we found concurrent immunohistochemistry staining of ROCK2 and YAP (P < 0.05). Inhibition of ROCK2 decreased GTIIC reporter activity in H2052 and 211H suggesting that Rho/ROCK signaling also contributed to YAP activation in mesothelioma cells. Our results indicate that YAP may be a potential therapeutic target in mesothelioma.
P2X7 receptor inhibition attenuated sympathetic nerve sprouting after myocardial infarction via the NLRP3/IL‐1β pathway
Authors: Yin Jie , Wang Yu , Hu Hesheng , Li Xiaolu , Xue Mei , Cheng Wenjuan , Wang Ye , Li Xinran , Yang Na , Shi Yugen , Yan Suhua 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMounting evidence supports the hypothesis that inflammation modulates sympathetic sprouting after myocardial infarction (MI). The myeloid P2X7 signal has been shown to activate the nucleotide‐binding and oligomerization domain‐like receptor family pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, a master regulator of inflammation. We investigated whether P2X7 signal participated in the pathogenesis of sympathetic reinnervation after MI, and whether NLRP3/interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) axis is involved in the process. We explored the relationship between P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) and IL‐1β in the heart tissue of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐primed naive rats. 3′‐O‐(4‐benzoyl) benzoyl adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (BzATP), a P2X7R agonist, induced caspase‐1 activation and mature IL‐1β release, which was further neutralized by a NLRP3 inhibitor (16673‐34‐0). MI was induced by coronary artery ligation. Following infarction, a marked increase in P2X7R was localized within infiltrated macrophages and observed in parallel with an up‐regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome levels and the release of IL‐1β in the left ventricle. The administration of A‐740003 (a P2X7R antagonist) significantly prevented the NLRP3/IL‐1β increase. A‐740003 and/or Anakinra (an IL‐1 receptor antagonist) significantly reduced macrophage infiltration as well as macrophage‐based IL‐1β and NGF (nerve growth factor) production and eventually blunted sympathetic hyperinnervation, as assessed by the immunofluorescence of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and growth‐associated protein 43 (GAP 43). Moreover, the use of Anakinra partly attenuated sympathetic sprouting. This indicated that the effect of P2X7 on neural remodelling was mediated at least partially by IL‐1β. The arrhythmia score of programmed electric stimulation was in accordance with the degree of sympathetic hyperinnervation. In vitro studies showed that BzATP up‐regulated secretion of nerve growth factor (NGF) in M1 macrophages via IL‐1β. Together, these data indicate that P2X7R contributes to neural and cardiac remodelling, at least partly mediated by NLRP3/IL‐1β axis. Therapeutic interventions targeting P2X7 signal may be a novel approach to ameliorate arrhythmia following MI.
Combination of biochemical and mechanical cues for tendon tissue engineering
Authors: Testa Stefano , Costantini Marco , Fornetti Ersilia , Bernardini Sergio , Trombetta Marcella , Seliktar Dror , Cannata Stefano , Rainer Alberto , Gargioli Cesare 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTendinopathies negatively affect the life quality of millions of people in occupational and athletic settings, as well as the general population. Tendon healing is a slow process, often with insufficient results to restore complete endurance and functionality of the tissue. Tissue engineering, using tendon progenitors, artificial matrices and bioreactors for mechanical stimulation, could be an important approach for treating rips, fraying and tissue rupture. In our work, C3H10T1/2 murine fibroblast cell line was exposed to a combination of stimuli: a biochemical stimulus provided by Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF‐β) and Ascorbic Acid (AA); a three‐dimensional environment represented by PEGylated‐Fibrinogen (PEG‐Fibrinogen) biomimetic matrix; and a mechanical induction exploiting a custom bioreactor applying uniaxial stretching. In vitro analyses by immunofluorescence and mechanical testing revealed that the proposed combined approach favours the organization of a three‐dimensional tissue‐like structure promoting a remarkable arrangement of the cells and the neo‐extracellular matrix, reflecting into enhanced mechanical strength. The proposed method represents a novel approach for tendon tissue engineering, demonstrating how the combined effect of biochemical and mechanical stimuli ameliorates biological and mechanical properties of the artificial tissue compared to those obtained with single inducement.
Validation of a KHV antibody enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
Authors: Bergmann S M , Wang Q , Zeng W , Li Y , Wang Y , Matras M , Reichert M , Fichtner D , Lenk M , Morin T , Olesen N J , Skall H F , Lee P‐Y , Zheng S , Monaghan S , Reiche S , Fuchs W , Kotler M , Way K , Bräuer G , Böttcher K , Kappe A , Kielpinska J 
Published: May 2017

AbstractKoi herpesvirus (KHV) causes KHV disease (KHVD). The virus is highly contagious in carp or koi and can induce a high mortality. Latency and, in some cases, a lack of signs presents a challenge for virus detection. Appropriate immunological detection methods for anti‐KHV antibodies have not yet been fully validated for KHV. Therefore, it was developed and validated an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect KHV antibodies. The assay was optimized with respect to plates, buffers, antigens and assay conditions. It demonstrated high diagnostic and analytical sensitivity and specificity and was particularly useful at the pond or farm levels. Considering the scale of the carp and koi industry worldwide, this assay represents an important practical tool for the indirect detection of KHV, also in the absence of clinical signs.
Effects on Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Introducing Electric Vehicles into an Electricity System with Large Storage Capacity
Authors: Garcia Rita , Freire Fausto , Clift Roland 
Published: May 2017

SummaryUnder some circumstances, electric vehicles (EVs) can reduce overall environmental impacts by displacing internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) and by enabling more intermittent renewable energy sources (RES) by charging with surplus power in periods of low demand. However, the net effects on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of adding EVs into a national or regional electricity system are complex and, for a system with significant RES, are affected by the presence of storage capacity, such as pumped hydro storage (PHS). This article takes the Portuguese electricity system as a specific example, characterized by relatively high capacities of wind generation and PHS. The interactions between EVs and PHS are explored, using life cycle assessment to compare changes in GHG emissions for different scenarios with a fleet replacement model to describe the introduction of EVs. Where there is sufficient storage capacity to ensure that RES capacity is exploited without curtailment, as in Portugal, any additional demand, such as introduction of EVs, must be met by the next marginal technology. Whether this represents an average increase or decrease in GHG emissions depends on the carbon intensity of the marginal generating technology and on the fuel efficiency of the ICEVs displaced by the EVs, so that detailed analysis is needed for any specific energy system, allowing for future technological improvements. A simple way to represent these trade‐offs is proposed as a basis for supporting strategic policies on introduction of EVs.
Driving reversible redox reactions at solid–liquid interfaces with the electron beam of a transmission electron microscope
Authors: AHMAD NABEEL , WANG GUILLAUME , NELAYAH JAYSEN , RICOLLEAU CHRISTIAN , ALLOYEAU DAMIEN 
Published: May 2017

SummaryLiquid‐cell transmission electron microscopy (LCTEM) has opened up a new way to study chemical reactions at the interface between solids and liquids. However, understanding the effects of the electron beam in the liquid cell has been clearly identified as one of the most important challenges to assess correctly and quantitatively LCTEM data. Here we show that the electron beam can be used to drive reversible deposition/dissolution cycles of copper shells over gold nanoparticles in methanol. Besides revealing the influence of irreversible processes on the kinetic of growth/etching cycles, this study of nanostructure behaviour as a function of the dose rate highlights the possibility to switch the oxidising or reducing nature of liquid environment only with the electron beam. The chemical and electronic processes possibly involved in these tunable redox reactions are qualitatively discussed together with their possible impacts on electrochemical LCTEM experiments.