bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incongruity between Prion Conversion and Incubation Period following Coinfection
Authors: Langenfeld Katie A. , Shikiya Ronald A. , Kincaid Anthony E. , Bartz Jason C. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTWhen multiple prion strains are inoculated into the same host, they can interfere with each other. Strains with long incubation periods can suppress conversion of strains with short incubation periods; however, nothing is known about the conversion of the long-incubation-period strain during strain interference. To investigate this, we inoculated hamsters in the sciatic nerve with long-incubation-period strain 139H prior to superinfection with the short-incubation-period hyper (HY) strain of transmissible mink encephalopathy (TME). First, we found that 139H is transported along the same neuroanatomical tracks as HY TME, adding to the growing body of evidence indicating that PrPScfavors retrograde transneuronal transport. In contrast to a previous report, we found that 139H interferes with HY TME infection, which is likely due to both strains targeting the same population of neurons following sciatic nerve inoculation. Under conditions where 139H blocked HY TME from causing disease, the strain-specific properties of PrPSccorresponded with the strain that caused disease, consistent with our previous findings. In the groups of animals where incubation periods were not altered, we found that the animals contained a mixture of 139H and HY TME PrPSc. This finding expands the definition of strain interference to include conditions where PrPScformation is altered yet disease outcome is unaltered. Overall, these results contradict the premise that prion strains are static entities and instead suggest that strain mixtures are dynamic regardless of incubation period or clinical outcome of disease.IMPORTANCEPrions can exist as a mixture of strains in naturally infected animals, where they are able to interfere with the conversion of each other and to extend incubation periods. Little is known, however, about the dynamics of strain conversion under conditions where incubation periods are not affected. We found that inoculation of the same animal with two strains can result in the alteration of conversion of both strains under conditions where the resulting disease was consistent with infection with only a single strain. These data challenge the idea that prion strains are static and suggests that strain mixtures are more dynamic than previously appreciated. This observation has significant implications for prion adaptation.
Coinfections: Another Variable in the Herpesvirus Latency-Reactivation Dynamic
Authors: Reese Tiffany A. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT
Chronic viruses, such as herpesviruses, shape host physiology. These viruses modulate the inflammatory state of the immune system and have evolved to harness inflammation as a mechanism to regulate viral latency and reactivation. In this review, I examine some of the recent work demonstrating the important role of inflammation in the regulation of the herpesvirus life cycle and discuss recent work that implicates coinfection in the regulation of herpesvirus latency.
Complete colonoscopy: impact of patients' demographics and anthropometry on caecal intubation time
Authors: Akere Adegboyega , Otegbayo Jesse Abiodun 
Published: April 2016

Background and aimFactors that affect caecal intubation during colonoscopy include age and sex of the patient, quality of bowel preparation, prior abdominal or pelvic surgery and pelvic inflammatory disease, among others. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the effects of patients' demography such as age and sex, as well as anthropometry (height, weight and body mass index (BMI)) on caecal intubation time (CIT).Patients and methodsAll consecutive patients referred for colonoscopy over a period of 6 months were recruited into the study. Prior to the procedure, patients' demographic data as well as history of prior abdominal or pelvic surgery were recorded. The height and weight of each patient were taken, and the BMI calculated. CIT was measured from the time of insertion of the colonoscope into the anal canal to the time when the base of the caecum was intubated.ResultsA total of 167 patients comprising 99 (59.3%) males and 68 (40.7%) females were studied. The mean CIT of the procedures was 912.5±477.1 s with a range of 180–3180 s. It was more prolonged in patients older than 65 years of age, in males and in those with prior abdominal/pelvic surgery, although no significant difference was observed among the groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that increased BMI and non-usage of additional manoeuvres independently reduced CIT.ConclusionsOlder age, male gender, prior abdominal/pelvic surgery, use of additional manoeuvres and lower BMI were found to prolong CIT.
What drives quality improvement in chronic kidney disease (CKD) in primary care: process evaluation of the Quality Improvement in Chronic Kidney Disease (QICKD) trial
Authors: Nihat Akin , de Lusignan Simon , Thomas Nicola , Tahir Mohammad Aumran , Gallagher Hugh 
Published: April 2016

ObjectivesThis study is a process evaluation of the Quality Improvement in Chronic Kidney Disease (QICKD) study, comparing audit-based education (ABE) and sending clinical guidelines and prompts (G&P) with usual practice, in improving systolic blood pressure control in primary care. This evaluation aimed to explore how far clinical staff in participating practices were aware of the intervention, and why change in practice might have taken place.Setting4 primary care practices in England: 2 received ABE, and 2 G&P. We purposively selected 1 northern/southern/city and rural practice from each study arm (from a larger pool of 132 practices as part of the QICKD trial).ParticipantsThe 4 study practices were purposively sampled, and focus groups conducted with staff from each. All staff members were invited to attend.InterventionsFocus groups in each of 4 practices, at the mid-study point and at the end. 4 additional trial practices not originally selected for in-depth process evaluation took part in end of trial focus groups, to a total of 12 focus groups. These were recorded, transcribed and analysed using the framework approach.Results5 themes emerged: (1) involvement in the study made participants more positive about the CKD register; (2) clinicians did not always explain to patients that they had CKD; (3) while practitioners improved their monitoring of CKD, many were sceptical that it improved care and were more motivated by pay-for-performance measures; (4) the impact of study interventions on practice was generally positive, particularly the interaction with specialists, included in ABE; (5) the study stimulated ideas for future clinical practice.ConclusionsImproving quality in CKD is complex. Lack of awareness of clinical guidelines and scepticism about their validity are barriers to change. While pay-for-performance incentives are the main driver for change, quality improvement interventions can have a complementary influence.
Barriers and facilitators to staying in work after stroke: insight from an online forum
Authors: Balasooriya-Smeekens Chantal , Bateman Andrew , Mant Jonathan , De Simoni Anna 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveTo explore barriers and facilitators to staying in work following stroke.DesignQualitative analysis of posts regarding staying in work following stroke using the archives of an online forum for stroke survivors.Participants60 stroke survivors (29 male, 23 female, 8 not stated; mean age at stroke 44 years) who have returned to work, identified using terms ‘return to work’ and ‘back at work’.SettingPosts from UK stroke survivors and family members on Talkstroke, the forum of the Stroke Association, between 2004 and 2011.ResultsStroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) survivors reported residual impairments that for many had impact on work. Most impairments were ‘invisible’, including fatigue, problems with concentration, memory and personality changes. Participants described positive (eg, back at work being better than expected) and negative work experiences, including being at risk of losing the job because of stroke-related impairments. Barriers to successfully staying in work included lack of understanding of stroke—in particular invisible impairments—of survivors, employers and general practitioners (GPs), and lack of support in terms of formal adjustments, and ‘feeling supported’. Stroke survivors described how they developed their own coping strategies, and how workplace and employer helped them to stay in work.ConclusionsDespite having been able to return to work after a stroke, people may still experience difficulties in staying in work and risking losing their job. There is a need to improve awareness, in particular of invisible stroke-related impairments, among stroke survivors, work personnel and clinicians. This might be achieved through improved assessments of residual impairments in the workplace and in general practice. Future studies should investigate the effect of unrecognised fatigue and invisible impairments on staying in work following stroke, and explore the potential role for primary care in supporting stroke survivors who have returned to employment.
Survey of public definitions of the term ‘overdiagnosis’ in the UK
Authors: Ghanouni Alex , Meisel Susanne F , Renzi Cristina , Wardle Jane , Waller Jo 
Published: April 2016

ObjectivesTo determine how ‘overdiagnosis’ is currently conceptualised among adults in the UK in light of previous research, which has found that the term is difficult for the public to understand and awareness is low. This study aimed to add to current debates on healthcare in which overdiagnosis is a prominent issue.DesignAn observational, web-based survey was administered by a survey company.SettingParticipants completed the survey at a time and location of their choosing.Participants390 consenting UK adults aged 50–70 years. Quota sampling was used to achieve approximately equal numbers in three categories of education and equal numbers of men and women.Primary outcome measuresParticipants were asked whether they had seen or heard the term ‘overdiagnosis’. If they had, they were then invited to explain in a free-text field what they understood it to mean. If they had not previously encountered it, they were invited to say what they thought it meant. Responses were coded and interpreted using content analysis and descriptive statistics.ResultsData from 390 participants were analysed. Almost a third (30.0%) of participants reported having previously encountered the term. However, their responses often indicated that they had no knowledge of its meaning. The most prevalent theme consisted of responses related to the diagnosis itself. Subthemes indicated common misconceptions, including an ‘overly negative or complicated diagnosis’, ‘false-positive diagnosis’ or ‘misdiagnosis’. Other recurring themes consisted of responses related to testing (ie, ‘too many tests’), treatment (eg, ‘overtreatment’) and patient psychology (eg, ‘overthinking’). Responses categorised as consistent with ‘overdiagnosis’ (defined as detection of a disease that would not cause symptoms or death) were notably rare (n=10; 2.6%).ConclusionsConsistent with previous research, public awareness of ‘overdiagnosis’ in the UK is low and its meaning is often misunderstood or misinterpreted.
Incidence of adverse events in antipsychotic-naïve children and adolescents treated with antipsychotic drugs: a French multicentre naturalistic study protocol (ETAPE)
Authors: Menard Marie-Line , Thümmler Susanne , Giannitelli Marianna , Olliac Bertrand , Bonnot Olivier , Cohen David , Askenazy Florence 
Published: April 2016

IntroductionIn France, over recent years, the prescription rate of antipsychotic (AP) remained stable in children and adolescents. Prescription of second-generation antipsychotics increased, whereas prescription of first-generation antipsychotics decreased. Off-label prescriptions are very frequent in this population. Adverse events (AEs) in youth treated with AP are common and may be severe. AEs have hitherto been poorly monitored in naturalistic studies independent from industry.Method and analysisWe describe a French prospective multicentre study in an AP-naïve paediatric population named Etude de la Tolérance des AntiPsychotique chez l'Enfant (ETAPE). The study started in April 2013. So far, 200 patients have been included. The inclusion criteria are: male or female inpatients aged from 6 to 18 years, treated with an AP drug for less than 28 days, never been treated or having received AP for less than 3 months, discontinued at least 6 months prior to inclusion. These assessments of AE are performed at inclusion, as well as at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after the introduction of the AP. The monitoring period will end in May 2016.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee ‘Sud Méditerrané V’ (number 12.082) and by the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (number 2012-004546-15). All patients and their parents signed informed consent on enrolment in the study. We will submit the results of the study to relevant journals and offer national and international presentations. This study will enable better characterisation of the prescription of AP drugs. The results will further help to develop quality standards and recommendations for monitoring AE during the prescription of AP.Trial registration numberNCT02007928.
Managing breathlessness: a palliative care approach
Authors: Chin Chloe , Booth Sara 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBreathlessness is an important and common symptom globally, affecting patients with a variety of malignant and non-malignant diseases. It causes considerable suffering to patients and also their families, and is a significant cost to healthcare systems. Optimal management of the symptom should therefore be of interest and importance to a wide range of clinicians. Best practice in the management of breathlessness consists of both non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions as evidenced by recent randomised controlled trials of multidisciplinary breathlessness support services. As well as providing evidence for integration of early palliative care into respiratory services, these revealed that patient distress due to breathlessness can be significantly reduced and better outcomes can be achieved at lower cost than standard care.
Pig surgery: cryptorchidectomy using an inguinal approach
Authors: Scollo A. , Martelli P. , Borri E. , Mazzoni C. 
Published: April 2016

The objective of the study was to determine whether a less‐invasive surgical technique used in cryptorchid horses, dogs and cats can be used successfully to remove retained testicles in pigs on farm. In total, 284 monolateral cryptorchid pigs underwent surgery on‐farm condition, during which an incision was made over the inguinal ring and the undescended testicle was located for removal via identification of the vaginal process and the embryonic gubernaculum. A traction of these structures allowed the testis to pass through the deep and the superficial rings up to its exteriorisation outside the abdominal wall through the inguinal canal. The undescended testicle was located in the abdomen in 258 cases (90.8 per cent) and in the inguinal region in the remaining 26 cases (9.1 per cent). In none of the pigs was the abdominal cavity breached or the inguinal rings enlarged. However, in 23 pigs (8.1 per cent) the gubernaculum testis was thin and it frayed and ruptured when traction was applied, requiring a recovering by inserting a finger and Kelly curved forceps into the abdomen through the inguinal ring. In two pigs (0.7 per cent), the undescended testicle was not found. All surgical procedures were completed within 6–12 minutes. Four pigs died within two days after surgery (1.4 per cent). Major intraoperative or long‐term complications did not occur. Results suggested that this surgical method is highly effective and could be used as a primary surgical approach in cryptorchid pigs as it is in cryptorchid dogs, cats and horses.
Nitrous oxide emissions as affected by liquid and solid pig manures applied to annual and perennial forage crops on a sandy loam soil
Authors: Nikièma Paligwendé , Akinremi O.O. , Tenuta M. 
Published: April 2016

Emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O-N) from manure applied to annual crop (AC) and perennial forage (PF) are poorly quantified for the Canadian Prairie Region. This study used static chambers over two growing seasons to assess soil N2O-N emissions from solid pig manure (SPM) and liquid pig manure (LPM) in AC and PF systems on a sandy loam soil. In 2011, when manure application coincided with hot and wet soil conditions, both manure treatments in AC induced N2O-N emission episodes a week later. In the PF, however, only LPM resulted in an N2O-N emission peak after 8 d. In 2012, manure application did not coincide with hot and wet soil conditions, and emission rates were smaller. Overall, the effect of manure type was inconsistent. In 2011, cumulative emissions in AC from LPM and SPM were 5.8 and 7.8 kg N2O-N ha−1, respectively, and in PF were 10.7 and 0.6 kg N2O-N ha−1, respectively. In 2012, cumulative emissions were <1 kg N2O-N ha−1, except LPM in PF. In 2011, LPM had significantly higher emission factor (EF ≍ 7%) than SPM (≤0.2%) in both AC and PF, whereas in 2012 manure type had no effect on EF (≍ 0). Over the two growing seasons and across manure types, EF did not differ between AC and PF. These results suggest that SPM would reduce N2O-N emission relative to LPM when conditions favor intense denitrification.
THE DETERMINANTS OF ORGANISATIONAL CREATIVITY METHODS: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY BASED ON A FRENCH SURVEY
Authors: CHASSAGNON VIRGILE , HANED NACIBA , LE BAS CHRISTIAN 
Published: April 2016

This paper analyses the determinants of different organisational techniques dedicated to creativity by stressing the crucial role played by the dynamic innovative capacities of firms in this process. In particular, we show that the impact of creativity methods varies with the type of innovator (product versus process; single versus complex). We use a bivariate probit estimation on a sample of 4,570 manufacturing firms drawn from the 2010 French Community Innovation Surveys (CIS 2010) to study how the innovation profiles of firms impact the propensity to use organisational creativity methods. The estimation results show a strong but differentiated impact of the innovation profiles of firms (products/process, single/complex) on the use of different creativity methods. These empirical results display the accuracy of modern research on the determinants of intra-firm organisation of creativity.
Identifying Power-Efficient Multicore Cache Hierarchies via Reuse Distance Analysis
Authors: Badamo Michael , Casarona Jeff , Zhao Minshu , Yeung Donald 
Published: April 2016

To enable performance improvements in a power-efficient manner, computer architects have been building CPUs that exploit greater amounts of thread-level parallelism. A key consideration in such CPUs is properly designing the on-chip cache hierarchy. Unfortunately, this can be hard to do, especially for CPUs with high core counts and large amounts of cache. The enormous design space formed by the combinatorial number of ways in which to organize the cache hierarchy makes it difficult to identify power-efficient configurations. Moreover, the problem is exacerbated by the slow speed of architectural simulation, which is the primary means for conducting such design space studies.
A powerful tool that can help architects optimize CPU cache hierarchies is reuse distance (RD) analysis. Recent work has extended uniprocessor RD techniques-i.e., by introducing concurrent RD and private-stack RD profiling—to enable analysis of different types of caches in multicore CPUs. Once acquired, parallel locality profiles can predict the performance of numerous cache configurations, permitting highly efficient design space exploration. To date, existing work on multicore RD analysis has focused on developing the profiling techniques and assessing their accuracy. Unfortunately, there has been no work on using RD analysis to optimize CPU performance or power consumption.
This article investigates applying multicore RD analysis to identify the most power efficient cache configurations for a multicore CPU. First, we develop analytical models that use the cache-miss counts from parallel locality profiles to estimate CPU performance and power consumption. Although future scalable CPUs will likely employ multithreaded (and even out-of-order) cores, our current study assumes single-threaded in-order cores to simplify the models, allowing us to focus on the cache hierarchy and our RD-based techniques. Second, to demonstrate the utility of our techniques, we apply our models to optimize a large-scale tiled CPU architecture with a two-level cache hierarchy. We show that the most power efficient configuration varies considerably across different benchmarks, and that our locality profiles provide deep insights into why certain configurations are power efficient. We also show that picking the best configuration can provide significant gains, as there is a 2.01x power efficiency spread across our tiled CPU design space. Finally, we validate the accuracy of our techniques using detailed simulation. Among several simulated configurations, our techniques can usually pick the most power efficient configuration, or one that is very close to the best. In addition, across all simulated configurations, we can predict power efficiency with 15.2% error.
Guidance Molecule SEMA3A Restricts Tumor Growth by Differentially Regulating the Proliferation of Tumor-Associated Macrophages
Authors: Wallerius Majken , Wallmann Tatjana , Bartish Margarita , Östling Jeanette , Mezheyeuski Artur , Tobin Nicholas P. , Nygren Emma , Pangigadde Pradeepa , Pellegrini Paola , Squadrito Mario Leonardo , Pontén Fredrik , Hartman Johan , Bergh Jonas , De Milito Angelo , De Palma Michele , Östman Arne , Andersson John , Rolny Charlotte 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Accumulation of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) correlates with malignant progression, immune suppression, and poor prognosis. In this study, we defined a critical role for the cell-surface guidance molecule SEMA3A in differential proliferative control of TAMs. Tumor cell–derived SEMA3A restricted the proliferation of protumoral M2 macrophages but increased the proliferation of antitumoral M1, acting through the SEMA3A receptor neuropilin 1. Expansion of M1 macrophages in vivo enhanced the recruitment and activation of natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells to tumors, inhibiting their growth. In human breast cancer specimens, we found that immunohistochemical levels of SEMA3A correlated with the expression of genes characteristic of M1 macrophages, CD8+ T cells, and NK cells, while inversely correlating with established characters of malignancy. In summary, our results illuminate a mechanism whereby the TAM phenotype is controlled and identify the cell-surface molecule SEMA3A as a candidate for therapeutic targeting. Cancer Res; 76(11); 3166–78. ©2016 AACR.