bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of 3 suture closure techniques for pelvic flexure enterotomy in equine cadaveric large colon
Authors: Aldrich Ellison D. , Earnest Jennifer , Moorman Valerie J. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo compare a 2‐layer closure with suture line reversal for a pelvic flexure enterotomy to 1‐layer and traditional 2‐layer hand sewn closures.Study designEx vivo, simple randomized study.Sample populationLarge colon segments from adult horses (n = 18).MethodsPelvic flexures were harvested from 18 horses and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 closure techniques (n = 6 per technique). A 10‐cm enterotomy was made in each pelvic flexure and closed with the assigned technique. Closure time, luminal diameter via contrast radiographs, and bursting pressure were recorded for each specimen and compared between techniques using 1‐way ANOVA with Duncan post hoc test at P < .05.ResultsThere was a significant difference in closure time (P = .034) with 1‐layer closure faster than both the traditional 2‐layer closure (P=.024) and the 2‐layer closure with suture line reversal (P = .030). There was no significant difference in luminal diameter or bursting pressure between the 3 closure techniques.ConclusionsTwo‐layer closure with suture line reversal may be an alternative to traditional 2‐layer closure for closure of the pelvic flexure based on ex vivo bursting pressure testing and closure time. A 1‐layer simple continuous closure resisted bursting pressure not different to both 2‐layer closure techniques. Further in vivo evaluation may be indicated.
Germination behaviour of Cenchrus pauciflorus seeds across a range of salinities
Authors: Zhang Z X , Tian X , Sun L 
Published: February 2017

SummaryCenchrus pauciflorus (field sandbur) is an annual weed native to South America and Africa that has become an invasive plant in farmland and pastures around the globe. It forms two types of seeds that are different in shape and mass, defined as big seeds (M) and small seeds (P). This study examined effects of salinity and seed type on germination efficiency of C. pauciflorus. Increased concentration of salinity solutions (NaCl, Na2SO4 and Na2CO3) reduced germination rate and final germination percentage (FGP) of both seed types, while prolonging the mean final germination time (TFG). M seeds tolerated salinity levels below 400 mmol (NaCl), 350 mmol (Na2SO4) and 300 mmol (Na2CO3), while P seeds tolerated salinity levels below 350 mmol (NaCl), 250 mmol (Na2SO4) and 150 mmol (Na2CO3). Furthermore, M seeds were less sensitive than P seeds, confirmed via increased germination rate (61%, 42% and 40%), FGP (36%, 29% and 26%), and shorter TFG (37%, 19% and 16%) in NaCl, Na2SO4 and Na2CO3 solutions respectively. Moreover, the germination threshold values of M and P seeds were 426 and 365 mmol for NaCl, 354 and 264 mmol for Na2SO4 and 308 and 149 mmol for Na2CO3 respectively. These results add to our understanding of the germination strategy of different seed types of C. pauciflorus. This information on germination ecology may indicate a potential to invade regions with little or no salt stress.
Draft Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus hominis BHG17 Isolated from Wild Bar-Headed Goose (
Anser indicus
) Feces
Authors: Wang Wen , Zheng Si-Si , Sharshov Kirill , Sun Hao , Wu Xian-Qiang , Yang Fang , Wang Xue-Lian , Li Lai-Xing 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus hominis
belongs to a group of coagulase-negative staphylococci and is an opportunistic pathogen, usually found on the skin and mucous membranes. Studies involving
S. hominis
isolated from wild birds are scarce. Here, we report a 2.365-Mb draft genome sequence of
S. hominis
BHG17, isolated from the feces of a bar-headed goose.
Development of a trigger tool to identify adverse events and harm in Emergency Medical Services
Authors: Howard Ian Lucas , Bowen James Marcus , Al Shaikh Loua Asad Hanna , Mate Kedar Shrikrishna , Owen Robert Campbell , Williams David Michael 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundAdverse event(AE)detection in healthcare has traditionally relied upon several methods including: patient care documentation review, mortality and morbidity review, voluntary reporting, direct observation and complaint systems. A novel sampling strategy, known as the trigger tool (TT) methodology, has been shown to provide a more robust and valid method of detection. The aim of this research was to develop and assess a TT specific to ground-based Emergency Medical Services, to identify cases with the potential risk for adverse events and harm.MethodsThe study was conducted between March and December 2015. A literature review identified 57 potential triggers, which were grouped together by experts using an affinity process. Triggers for other areas of potential AE/harm were additionally considered for inclusion. An interim TT consisting of nine triggers underwent five iterative rounds of derivation tests of 20 random patient care records (n=100) in two emergency medical services. A final eight-item trigger list underwent a large sample (n=9836) assessment of test characteristics.ResultsThe final eight-item TT consisted of triggers divided amongst four categories:Clinical,Medication,ProceduralandReturn-Call. The TT demonstrated an AE identification rate of 41.5% (sensitivity 79.8% (95% CI, 69.9% to 87.6%); specificity 58.5% (95% CI, 52% to 64.8%)). When identifying potential risk for harm, the TT demonstrated a harm identification rate of 19.3% (sensitivity 97.1% (95% CI, 84.7% to 99.9%); specificity 53.5% (95% CI, 47.7% to 59.3%)).DiscussionThe Emergency Medical Services Trigger Tool (EMSTT) may be used as a sampling strategy similar to the Global Trigger Tool, to identify and measure AE and harm over time, and monitor the success of improvement initiatives within the Emergency Medical Services setting.
Evaluation of a fast and fully automated platform to diagnoseEGFRandKRASmutations in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded non-small cell lung cancer samples in less than one day
Authors: Lambros Laetitia , Caumont Charline , Guibourg Briac , Barel Fanny , Quintin-Roué Isabelle , Marcorelles Pascale , Merlio Jean-Philippe , Uguen Arnaud 
Published: February 2017

AimsSearching forEGFRandKRASmutations within non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) samples remains time-consuming and can delay treatment choices in patients with acute deterioration. We evaluated the performances of the fully automated Idylla platform to quickly detect these mutations in NSCLC samples.MethodsWe used the IdyllaEGFRMutation Assay and the IdyllaKRASMutation Test to analyse 18 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded NSCLC tumour samples with knownEGFRandKRASmutation status according to next-generation sequencing (NGS) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) forEGFRT790Mmutations.ResultsIdylla assays identifiedKRASandEGFRactivating mutations in 4 and 10 NSCLC samples, respectively.EGFRT790Mresistance mutations were identified in only 1 sample using Idylla but in 4 and 14 samples using NGS and ddPCR, respectively. No false-positive result was noted with Idylla assays. Mutation written report was obtained after 130 min (KRASassays) to 140 min (EGFRassays).ConclusionsThe Idylla platform is an interesting ancillary first-line fast and fully automated tool to detectEGFRandKRASmutations in NSCLC samples allowing rapid treatment choices in patients with acute deterioration.
Resveratrol improves exercise performance and skeletal muscle oxidative capacity in heart failure
Authors: Sung Miranda M. , Byrne Nikole J. , Robertson Ian M. , Kim Ty T. , Samokhvalov Victor , Levasseur Jody , Soltys Carrie-Lynn , Fung David , Tyreman Neil , Denou Emmanuel , Jones Kelvin E. , Seubert John M. , Schertzer Jonathan D. , Dyck Jason R. B. 
Published: February 2017

We investigated whether treatment of mice with established pressure overload-induced heart failure (HF) with the naturally occurring polyphenol resveratrol could improve functional symptoms of clinical HF such as fatigue and exercise intolerance. C57Bl/6N mice were subjected to either sham or transverse aortic constriction surgery to induce HF. Three weeks postsurgery, a cohort of mice with established HF (%ejection fraction <45) was administered resveratrol (~450 mg·kg−1·day−1) or vehicle for 2 wk. Although the percent ejection fraction was similar between both groups of HF mice, those mice treated with resveratrol had increased total physical activity levels and exercise capacity. Resveratrol treatment was associated with altered gut microbiota composition, increased skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity, a switch toward greater whole body glucose utilization, and increased basal metabolic rates. Although muscle mass and strength were not different between groups, mice with HF had significant declines in basal and ADP-stimulated O2 consumption in isolated skeletal muscle fibers compared with sham mice, which was completely normalized by resveratrol treatment. Overall, resveratrol treatment of mice with established HF enhances exercise performance, which is associated with alterations in whole body and skeletal muscle energy metabolism. Thus, our preclinical data suggest that resveratrol supplementation may effectively improve fatigue and exercise intolerance in HF patients. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Resveratrol treatment of mice with heart failure leads to enhanced exercise performance that is associated with altered gut microbiota composition, increased whole body glucose utilization, and enhanced skeletal muscle metabolism and function. Together, these preclinical data suggest that resveratrol supplementation may effectively improve fatigue and exercise intolerance in heart failure via these mechanisms. Listen to this article's corresponding podcast at https://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/resveratrol-and-exercise-capacity-in-heart-failure/ .
Sex Differences in the Association Between Insulin Resistance and Incident Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke Among Blacks Without Diabetes Mellitus: The Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Effoe Valery S. , Wagenknecht Lynne E. , Echouffo Tcheugui Justin B. , Chen Haiying , Joseph Joshua J. , Kalyani Rita R. , Bell Ronny A. , Wu Wen‐Chih H. , Casanova Ramon , Bertoni Alain G. 
Published: February 2017

Background

Studies exploring the association between insulin resistance (
IR
) and cardiovascular disease in blacks have not been conclusive, especially for coronary heart disease (
CHD
). The McAuley index and homeostasis model assessment of
IR
(
HOMA
‐
IR
) perform differently in predicting cardiovascular disease. We investigated this association in the Jackson Heart Study, a large longitudinal cohort of blacks.

Methods and Results

IR
was estimated for 3565 participants without diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease at baseline using the McAuley index and
HOMA
‐
IR
, and their associations with incident
CHD
and stroke (composite outcome) were compared. A lower McAuley index and higher
HOMA
‐
IR
are indicative of
IR
. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios for incident
CHD
and/or stroke. There were 158 events (89
CHD
‐only, 58 stroke‐only, and 11
CHD
/stroke) over a median follow‐up of 8.4 years. After adjustment for demographic factors, the risk of the composite outcome decreased with each
SD
increase in the McAuley index (hazard ratio 0.80; 95%
CI
: 0.67–0.96), with no attenuation after further accounting for
CHD
and stroke risk factors. When considered individually, McAuley index and
HOMA
‐
IR
were associated with
CHD
(hazard ratio 0.71, 95%
CI
: 0.55–0.92 and hazard ratio 1.33, 95%
CI
: 1.03–1.72, respectively), but not stroke risk. The log
HOMA
‐
IR
and
CHD
association was present in men, but not in women (
P
interaction
=0.01).

Conclusions

Both HOMA‐IR and the McAuley index demonstrate strong associations with
CHD
but not stroke risk in blacks. The log
HOMA
‐
IR
and
CHD
association was present in men, but not in women.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome as a complication of Henoch–Schönlein purpura in a seven-year-old girl
Authors: dos Santos Daiane , Langer Felipe Welter , dos Santos Tatiane , Rafael Tronco Alves Giordano , Feiten Marisa , Teixeira de Paula Neto Walter 
Published: February 2017

Introduction Henoch–Schönlein purpura is a multisystem small vessel vasculitis. Neurologic manifestations are uncommon. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a rare complication of Henoch–Schönlein purpura with typical clinical and neuroimaging findings that occurs most commonly in the setting of severe hypertension and renal injury. Case presentation A seven-year-old girl was admitted to our institution presenting with clinical and laboratory findings suggestive of Henoch–Schönlein purpura. Glucocorticoid therapy was initiated, but five days following her admission, she developed altered consciousness, seizures, arterial hypertension, and cortical blindness. Brain MRI scan revealed areas of vasogenic oedema in parieto-occipital lobes, consistent with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. She was immediately initiated on antihypertensives and antiepileptics, which successfully improved her neurologic symptoms. Further laboratory work-up disclosed a rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis secondary to Henoch–Schönlein purpura that was the likely cause of her sudden blood pressure elevation. Immunosuppressive therapy was undertaken, and at one-year follow-up, the patient exhibited complete renal and neurologic recovery. Conclusion Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a severe complication of Henoch–Schönlein purpura. If promptly diagnosed and treated, children with Henoch–Schönlein purpura presenting with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome usually have a good prognosis. Clinicians should be familiar with the characteristic presentation of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and be aware that hypertension and renal injury may predispose Henoch–Schönlein purpura patients to developing this complication.
Funding models in palliative care: Lessons from international experience
Authors: Groeneveld E Iris , Cassel J Brian , Bausewein Claudia , Csikós Ágnes , Krajnik Malgorzata , Ryan Karen , Haugen Dagny Faksvåg , Eychmueller Steffen , Gudat Keller Heike , Allan Simon , Hasselaar Jeroen , García-Baquero Merino Teresa , Swetenham Kate , Piper Kym , Fürst Carl Johan , Murtagh Fliss EM 
Published: February 2017

Background: Funding models influence provision and development of palliative care services. As palliative care integrates into mainstream health care provision, opportunities to develop funding mechanisms arise. However, little has been reported on what funding models exist or how we can learn from them. Aim: To assess national models and methods for financing and reimbursing palliative care. Design: Initial literature scoping yielded limited evidence on the subject as national policy documents are difficult to identify, access and interpret. We undertook expert consultations to appraise national models of palliative care financing in England, Germany, Hungary, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United States and Wales. These represent different levels of service development and a variety of funding mechanisms. Results: Funding mechanisms reflect country-specific context and local variations in care provision. Patterns emerging include the following: Provider payment is rarely linked to population need and often perpetuates existing inequitable patterns in service provision. Funding is frequently characterised as a mixed system of charitable, public and private payers. The basis on which providers are paid for services rarely reflects individual care input or patient needs. Conclusion: Funding mechanisms need to be well understood and used with caution to ensure best practice and minimise perverse incentives. Before we can conduct cross-national comparisons of costs and impact of palliative care, we need to understand the funding and policy context for palliative care in each country of interest.
Cost analysis of a prospective multi-site cohort study of palliative care consultation teams for adults with advanced cancer: Where do cost-savings come from?
Authors: May Peter , Garrido Melissa M , Cassel J Brian , Kelley Amy S , Meier Diane E , Normand Charles , Smith Thomas J , Morrison R Sean 
Published: February 2017

Background: Studies report cost-savings from hospital-based palliative care consultation teams compared to usual care only, but drivers of observed differences are unclear. Aim: To analyse cost-differences associated with palliative care consultation teams using two research questions: (Q1) What is the association between early palliative care consultation team intervention, and intensity of services and length of stay, compared to usual care only? (Q2) What is the association between early palliative care consultation team intervention and day-to-day hospital costs, compared to a later intervention? Design: Prospective multi-site cohort study (2007–2011). Patients who received a consultation were placed in the intervention group, those who did not in the comparison group. Intervention group was stratified by timing, and groups were matched using propensity scores. Setting/participants: Adults admitted to three US hospitals with advanced cancer. Principle analytic sample contains 863 patients ( nUC = 637; nPC EARLY = 177; nPC LATE = 49) discharged alive. Results: Cost-savings from early palliative care accrue due to both reduced length of stay and reduced intensity of treatment, with an estimated 63% of savings associated with shorter length of stay. A reduction in day-to-day costs is observable in the days immediately following initial consult but does not persist indefinitely. A comparison of early and late palliative care consultation team cost-effects shows negligible difference once the intervention is administered. Conclusion: Reduced length of stay is the biggest driver of cost-saving from early consultation for patients with advanced cancer. Patient- and family-centred discussions on goals of care and transition planning initiated by palliative care consultation teams may be at least as important in driving cost-savings as the reduction of unnecessary tests and pharmaceuticals identified by previous studies.
Usability of a video modeling computer application for the vocational training of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Rosen Rotem , Weiss Patrice L , Zancanaro Massimo , Gal Eynat 
Published: February 2017

Introduction Young adults with autism spectrum disorders often face substantial difficulty finding and retaining paid employment. This study aimed at evaluating the usability of Ready, Set, Work!, a video modeling application for use by adolescents with and without autism spectrum disorders, for participation in the vocational world, and to test whether it can discriminate between these two groups in terms of their response to simulated social dilemmas within vocational contexts. Method Twenty adolescents with autism spectrum disorders and 20 typically developing adolescents, aged 16–21 years, were trained to use the application, followed by completion of two usability tools: the Intrinsic Motivation Scale and a relevance questionnaire. Result Both groups found the application to be useful and relevant as a job readiness tool. The autism spectrum disorders group had significantly greater difficulty in identifying adaptive and maladaptive responses ( Z = −2.74, p ≤ 0.05) and found the application to be more relevant compared to the control group ( Z = −1.69, p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion Ready, Set, Work! appears to have good usability and social validity, suggesting the potential of this computerized video modeling tool to provide support for the acquisition and improvement of social vocational skills in adolescents in general and specifically in those with autism spectrum disorders.
Limits of Attraction
Authors: Kølvraa Christoffer 
Published: February 2017

This article is part of the special section titled Recursive Easts, Shifting Peripheries, guest edited by Pamela Ballinger. The European Neighborhood Policy (ENP), launched in 2002–2003, was presented as the EU’s way of responding to the Eastern neighbours’ desires for closer ties to the Union. The policy ignored, however, that if such desires did exist they were aimed at full EU membership, rather than at mere neighbourliness. Indeed, the EU’s insistence that the ENP entailed neither a promise of, nor a definite ruling out of, membership, meant that the policy caught the eastern neighbours in a continuous state of ambivalent liminality. This article argues that this ambiguity at the heart of the policy is linked to the rather self-congratulatory idea of EUrope as “the club everybody wants to join,” and thus to a distinction between those who were European (the EU) and those who were inscribed with a desire for becoming European (the neighbours). The neighbours were defined not by their own position but by their desire for the privileged position of the articulating (EUropean) subject. The ENP’s function of arresting the neighbours in a liminal position might as such be understood as a way of continually reproducing and displaying their desire for Europe, a desire which could then be imitated also in the disenchanted populations of the EU itself.
Whatever Happened to Eastern Europe?
Authors: Ballinger Pamela 
Published: February 2017

This article is part of the special section titled Recursive Easts, Shifting Peripheries, guest edited by Pamela Ballinger. This article examines the critical purchase of the notion of Eastern Europe. Although scholarship exploring various easternisms flourished in the two decades following the Cold War’s end, for some observers this framework appears increasingly irrelevant for understanding contemporary Europe. The symbolic and political boundary processes marking out East and West within Europe, however, possess both deep histories and durable afterlives, as recent events (from the financial crisis to the Mediterranean refugee crisis) demonstrate. In refocusing our gaze on the (re)constructions of the East in European politics, this article does not advocate a mere reiteration of earlier perspectives on Orientalism (or Balkanism). Rather, the discussion points the way towards productive dialogue between bodies of literature on regionally specific variants of easternism while simultaneously introducing new concepts (such as the tidemark) into the debates. Furthermore, the essay makes the case for the continued salience of the periphery concept, which retains significance as a local category of meaning and practice in many European contexts. “Periphery” thus offers a particularly powerful lens through which to consider the recombinations and intersections of old distinctions—North versus South, East versus West—transforming the spatial, political, and cultural landscapes of contemporary Europe.