bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mutational landscape reflects the biological continuum of plasma cell dyscrasias
Authors: Rossi A , Voigtlaender M , Janjetovic S , Thiele B , Alawi M , März M , Brandt A , Hansen T , Radloff J , Schön G , Hegenbart U , Schönland S , Langer C , Bokemeyer C , Binder M 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe subjected 90 patients covering a biological spectrum of plasma cell dyscrasias (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis and multiple myeloma) to next-generation sequencing (NGS) gene panel analysis on unsorted bone marrow. A total of 64 different mutations in 8 genes were identified in this cohort. NRAS (28.1%), KRAS (21.3%), TP53 (19.5%), BRAF (19.1%) and CCND1 (8.9%) were the most commonly mutated genes in all patients. Patients with non-myeloma plasma cell dyscrasias showed a significantly lower mutational load than myeloma patients (0.91±0.30 vs 2.07±0.29 mutations per case, P=0.008). KRAS and NRAS exon 3 mutations were significantly associated with the myeloma cohort compared with non-myeloma plasma cell dyscrasias (odds ratio (OR) 9.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–90.72, P=0.043 and OR 7.03, 95% CI 1.49–33.26, P=0.014). NRAS exon 3 and TP53 exon 6 mutations were significantly associated with del17p cytogenetics (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.02–0.87, P=0.036 and OR 0.05, 95% CI 0.01–0.54, P=0.013). Our data show that the mutational landscape reflects the biological continuum of plasma cell dyscrasias from a low-complexity mutational pattern in MGUS and AL amyloidosis to a high-complexity pattern in multiple myeloma. Our targeted NGS approach allows resource-efficient, sensitive and scalable mutation analysis for prognostic, predictive or therapeutic purposes.
Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal Protein Inhibition Attenuates Neutrophil-dominant Allergic Airway Disease
Authors: Manni Michelle L. , Mandalapu Sivanarayana , Salmeron Andres , Lora Jose M. , Kolls Jay K. , Alcorn John F. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAtopic asthma is a prevalent respiratory disease that is characterized by inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, and airway hyperresponsiveness. The complexity of this heterogeneous disorder has commanded the need to better define asthma phenotypes based on underlying molecular mechanisms of disease. Although classically viewed as a type 2-regulated disease, type 17 helper T (Th17) cells are known to be influential in asthma pathogenesis, predominantly in asthmatics with neutrophilia and severe refractory disease. Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) chromatin adaptors serve as immunomodulators by directly regulating Th17 responses and Th17-mediated pathology in murine models of autoimmunity and infection. Based on this, we hypothesized that BET proteins may also play an essential role in neutrophil-dominant allergic airway disease. Using a murine model of neutrophil-dominant allergic airway disease, we demonstrate that BET inhibition limits pulmonary inflammation and alters the Th17-related inflammatory milieu in the lungs. In addition, inhibition of BET proteins improved lung function (specifically quasi-static lung compliance and tissue elastance) and reduced mucus production in airways. Overall, these studies show that BET proteins may have a critical role in asthma pathogenesis by altering type 17 inflammation, and thus interfering with BET-dependent chromatin signaling may provide clinical benefits to patients suffering from asthma.
Decreased Glycogen Content Might Contribute to Chronic Stress-Induced Atrophy of Hippocampal Astrocyte volume and Depression-like Behavior in Rats
Authors: Zhao Yunan , Zhang Qiang , Shao Xiao , Ouyang Liufeng , Wang Xin , Zhu Kexuan , Chen Lin 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe involvement of brain glycogen in the progress of chronic stress-induced impairment of hippocampal astrocyte structural plasticity and depression-like behavior is yet to be clarified. The present study designed three experiments to determine the role of brain glycogen in the plasticity and behavioral consequences of chronic stress. Time course studies on brain glycogen, astrocytes, and behavioral responses to stress were conducted in Experiment 1. Chronic stress decreased the hippocampal glycogen levels, reduced astrocytic size and protrusion length in the hippocampus, and induced depression-like behavior. Glycogen synthase 1 mRNA in the hippocampus was silenced by lentiviral vector-based RNA interference (RNAi) in Experiment 2. This RNAi produced a lack of glycogen in the hippocampus, decreased the hippocampal astrocyte size, and induced depressive behavior in rats. The mechanisms of chronic stress-induced brain glycogen decrease were investigated in Experiment 3. Chronic stress promoted hippocampal glycogen breakdown and increased hippocampal glycogen synthesis. Results suggest that decreased glycogen content was associated with chronic stress-induced atrophy of hippocampal astrocyte size and depression-like behavior. Furthermore, the decrease of glycogen content in the hippocampus might be due to the compensation of glycogen synthesis for breakdown in an insufficient manner.
Reorganization of early visual cortex functional connectivity following selective peripheral and central visual loss
Authors: Sabbah Norman , Sanda Nicolae , Authié Colas N. , Mohand-Saïd Saddek , Sahel José-Alain , Habas Christophe , Amedi Amir , Safran Avinoam B. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBehavioral alterations emerging after central or peripheral vision loss suggest that cerebral reorganization occurs for both the afferented and deafferented early visual cortex (EVC). We explored the functional reorganization of the central and peripheral EVC following visual field defects specifically affecting central or peripheral vision. Compared to normally sighted, afferented central and peripheral EVC enhance their functional connectivity with areas involved in visual processing, whereas deafferented central and peripheral EVC increase their functional connectivity with more remote regions. The connectivity pattern of afferented EVC suggests adaptive changes that might enhance the visual processing capacity whereas the connectivity pattern of deafferented EVC may reflect the involvement of these regions in high-order mechanisms. Characterizing and understanding the plastic changes induced by these visual defects is essential for any attempt to develop efficient rehabilitation strategies.
Interface States and Interface-Bulk Correspondence of One-dimensional Hyperbolic Metamaterials
Authors: Un Ieng-Wai , Yen Ta-Jen 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe investigate the interface state on one-dimensional hyperbolic metamaterial (1DHMM). Initially, we analyze the plasmonic band structure of binary 1DHMM and analytically determine its band crossing condition. Then, we scrutinize the existence of an interface state in the plasmonic band gap of 1DHMM on three types of interfaces: dielectric/1DHMM, metal/1DHMM, and 1DHMM/1DHMM. We find that the band crossing dramatically influences the existence of an interface state. We also show a rigorous relation between the existence of the interface state of 1DHMM in the plasmonic band gap and the wave admittance in the plasmonic band region. More importantly, this relation not only holds for binary 1DHMM but also can be generalized to any 1DHMM with inversion symmetry. We also characterize the interface state by the transverse spin angular momentum and reveal the transverse spin flipping of the interface state.
The early evolution of star clusters in compressive and extensive tidal fields
Authors: Webb Jeremy J. , Patel Saahil S. , Vesperini Enrico 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
We present N-body simulations of star clusters that initially evolve within a strong compressive tidal field and then transition into an extensive tidal fields of varying strengths. While subject to compressive tides, clusters can undergo significant heating due to two-body interactions and mass-loss due to the stellar evolution. When the cluster transitions into an extensive tidal field it is supervirialized, which leads to a rapid expansion and significant mass-loss before the cluster reaches virial equilibrium. After the transition, clusters are significantly less massive, more extended and therefore more tidally filling than clusters that have spent their entire lifetimes in a similar extensive tidal field.
Patient Safety Checklists: Do They Improve Patient Safety for Supracondylar Humerus Fractures?
Authors: Williams Amy K. , Cotter Rose A. , Bompadre Vivana , Goldberg Michael J. , Steinman Suzanne S. 
Published: February 2017

Background:
The purpose of the study was to investigate whether a safety checklist could be used consistently in an academic center, and, whether its presence correlates with a decreased rate of complications, and therefore, improved overall patient safety.

Methods:
Data from 3 years before and after the implementation of the checklist were compared. Prechecklist data from August 2008 through August of 2011, including all operative supracondylar humerus fractures treated at our institution, were retrospectively reviewed. Postchecklist data, from August 2011 to August 2014 were prospectively collected. Patients’ charts and their imaging were all reviewed for: fracture type, nerve injury, placement of a medial pin, infection, loss of alignment, loss of fixation, and return to the operating room (OR). Patients who were within the checklist group were reviewed for checklist compliance and concordance of resident and attending-attested checklists.

Results:
Nine hundred thirty-one operative supracondylar humerus fractures were reviewed—394 in the prechecklist group and 537 in the postchecklist group. There was no significant difference in fracture type between the prechecklist and postchecklist groups. No significant differences were found between prechecklist and postchecklist patients in regards to loss of fixation, loss of alignment, infection, or nerve injury. In the postchecklist group, the number of medial pins placed was significantly less than in the prechecklist group (P=0.0001), but this was not found to have clinical significance. In the prechecklist group, 11 patients returned to the OR for a second procedure, whereas 4 in the postchecklist group had a return to the OR. This finding was significant (P=0.015), but the returns to the OR were not related to checklist parameters. The checklist compliance of the attending physicians was 85.85% and the residents were compliant 83.11% of the time. There were documented discrepancies between resident and attending checklists in 7.38% of all total checklists.

Conclusions:
Our patient safety checklists are not necessarily affecting patient care in a clinically significant manner. It is important that we validate and refine these specialty-specific checklists before becoming reliant on them.

Level of Evidence:
Level III.
Multiple Recurrences in Aggressive Forms of Dupuytren’s Disease—Can Patients Benefit from Repeated Selective Fasciectomy?
Authors: Könneker Sören , Broelsch G. Felix , Krezdorn Nicco , Dastagir Khaled , Kuhbier Jörn W. , Paprottka Felix J. , Vogt Peter M. 
Published: February 2017

Background:
In Dupuytren’s disease (DD), limited fasciectomy is the mainstay of surgical therapy in patients at risk of contractures and disease recurrences. New minimally invasive treatments such as injection of collagenase clostridium histolyticum have evolved as a common tool for the preliminary treatment of Dupuytren’s contractures. However, recurrences and their therapy remain controversial. In this study, we evaluate the benefit of repeated limited fasciectomy in patients with aggressive forms of the disease and multiple recurrences of contractures.

Methods:
We evaluated the outcome of 16 patients undergoing limited fasciectomy 3 or more times on a single hand.

Results:
Postoperatively, 10 of 13 (76.9%) patients were satisfied with the clinical result after the last operation; 10 of 12 (83.3%) patients would choose to have their surgery repeated, if so needed. The mean improvement of proximal interphalangeal joint range of motion was 59.2 degrees (SD 26.8) and 86.2% (SD 19.9). There were no severe complications after treatment within the observed time period.

Conclusions:
Our findings demonstrate that patients with recurrence of contractures after multiple previous treatments in aggressive forms of DD can benefit from surgical intervention. In conclusion, repeated limited fasciectomy remains indicated in patients after previous surgeries with DD.
HIDDEN INFORMATION IN COLOR FUNDUS PHOTOGRAPHS IS REVEALED BY THE DECORRELATION STRETCHING METHOD
Authors: Uji Akihito , Muraoka Yuki , Yoshimura Nagahisa 
Published: February 2017

Purpose:
To investigate whether the decorrelation stretching method can be used to reveal hidden information in color fundus photographs.

Methods:
Five healthy subjects and 16 patients diagnosed with various eye diseases (five eyes with an epiretinal membrane, five eyes with geographic atrophy, five eyes with glaucoma, and one eye with pit-macular syndrome). Fundus photographs, obtained using a TRC-NW8F Plus Mydriatic/Non-Mydriatic Retinal Camera, were used for analyses, and the corresponding lesions were confirmed by other imaging modalities. Decorrelation stretching was performed using ImageJ.

Results:
The decorrelation stretching method successfully enhanced color fundus photographs. In eyes with epiretinal membrane, retinal folds, and the irregular reflex of the macula were markedly enhanced. In eyes with geographic atrophy, the area of the retinal pigment epithelium atrophy was clearly delineated after decorrelation stretching. Images of a laminar defect and nerve fiber layer defect were emphasized in glaucoma. In pit-macular syndrome, the pit was enhanced as minor color changes in the disk rim.

Conclusion:
The decorrelation stretching method has the potential to reveal hidden information in a color fundus photograph. Decorrelation stretching can be a powerful tool in a clinical setting in which only color fundus photography is available.
Impact of Care in a Multidisciplinary Clinic on a Child With Ultrashort Gut
Authors: Connolly Mary Ellen 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a condition characterized by dependence on total parenteral nutrition due to the inability of the intestines to absorb adequate nutrients, electrolytes, and water. SBS is most commonly seen in pediatric patients after extensive small bowel resection due to necrotizing enteroclolitis, intestinal atresias, gastroschisis, or volvulus (Cummings & Mercurio, 2012). The management of children with SBS focuses on maximizing enteral nutrition while mitigating the potential life-threatening complications of central venous line infections and liver failure. The process of slowly advancing enteral feedings and promoting enterocyte proliferation and villus height is termed adaptation (Warner, 2013). These changes provide an increased surface area for nutrient absorption. The promotion of adaptation is the cornerstone of pediatric intestinal rehabilitation. In the following paragraphs, a case study is presented describing the experiences of a child with ultrashort gut and her journey to independence from total parenteral nutrition at 3 years old. Key interventions that may have played a role in this child's success will be discussed.
African American Patient Preferences for Glaucoma Education
Authors: Sleath Betsy , Davis Scott , Sayner Robyn , Carpenter Delesha M. , Johnson Terence , Blalock Susan J. , Robin Alan L. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT

Purpose
The objectives of the study were to examine (a) the types of questions that African American patients have about glaucoma for their providers and (b) how patients’ sociodemographic characteristics are associated with where and from whom they would like to learn about glaucoma and glaucoma medications.

Methods
Forty-nine adult African American patients with glaucoma were recruited at a private ophthalmology clinic where they completed a questionnaire for this cross-sectional study.

Results
African American patients had a mean of 3.9 questions for their ophthalmologists; the questions that patients checked as having most often were “What is my prognosis with glaucoma?” (49%) and “What is my intraocular pressure?” (45%). Seventy-six percent of patients preferred that an educational program about glaucoma be offered at the doctor’s office and 39% preferred it be offered at a community or senior citizen center. Ninety percent said that the education program should be offered by doctors. Patients under the age of 70 were significantly more likely to want a program on the Internet than patients age 70 and over (Pearson χ
2 = 4.7, P = .03). If an educational program was developed patients reported being most interested in the following topics, glaucoma medications (84%), what is glaucoma and what does it mean to have it? (83%).

Conclusions
African American patients have many questions about glaucoma for their eye care providers. African American patients would prefer glaucoma educational programs be offered at their provider’s office. Our findings could be used to develop educational programs for African American patients with glaucoma.
Land take effects on airborne fluxes: a proposal for future research development
Authors: Salata Stefano 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
Among others, the resuspension of fine and ultrafine particulate matters (PMs) on air due by land take effect is an uncovered issue. The relation between land use change and fluxes of PM is not systematically observed even if the common classification of ecosystem services (ESs) clearly shows relationship between soil and aerosol concentrations. Soil does not act only as carbon pool, but it is also a crucial variable for the resuspension dynamic of particulates. If key policies of sustainable urban development is focused on “quality of life,” it is necessary to map and evaluate the effect of land take on airborne fluxes in metropolitan areas. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper allows to introduce pioneer studies on air quality in large urban areas outling a methodology of particulate field measurement. It introduces newer quantitative/qualitative assessment of environmental effect due to urbanization ensuring a major efficiency on ES degradation.

Findings
Expected results are the estimation of resuspension dynamics of aerosol for typical land cover pattern.

Research limitations/implications
Implications are mainly destinated to increase significant knowledge and general awareness of the environmental effect caused by urban growth: urban areas act as a hotspot for health risk as both particle sources and human population are concentrated in these areas.

Originality/value
Considering that cardiovascular diseases are significantly caused by air quality, the paper aims to support sustainable planning policies aimed to achieve a better quality of environment on urban areas.
Numerical model for hydrodynamics simulations of Trabalhador channel
Authors: Venâncio Stênio de Sousa , Villela Swami Marcondes , Pinho José Luís da Silva , Vieira José Manuel Pereira 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to construct a numerical model for the numerical analysis of the hydraulic transient profile in Trabalhador channel for filling and emptying maneuvers and to determine the water level in time. Model results support operational managers in the decision-making process.

Design/methodology/approach
Physical data were provided for the construction and calibration of the numerical model. The equations of Saint-Venant were approximated by a finite difference scheme and the numerical model was written in Fortran. The results of filling and emptying of the channel simulations were compared with the measured water levels.

Findings
Measured water levels and those simulated by the numerical model have shown good correlation. The time recorded for the filling and emptying of the canal was also close between the measured and simulated data. The simulation design flow pointed to inundation in the channel banks. Simulation water levels were slightly higher than those measured.

Research limitations/implications
In this model, the combination of canals and pressure conduits was not considered.

Practical implications
The findings confirm the measured time for filling and emptying of the canal, as well as inundation of canal banks for the maximum design flow. These results help in the management process.

Originality/value
This paper presents a numerical model for hydraulic transient analysis in channels with good agreement with the field data.
Environmental performance analysis: foundry industry case report
Authors: Rebelato Marcelo Girotto , Saran Luciana Maria , Cury Vitor Bernardes , Rodrigues Andréia Marize 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a case report involving environmental performance analysis of a small Brazilian business from the foundry industry.

Design/methodology/approach
An environmental performance indicator was developed (Iepa) which is calculated taking into consideration the weighting of potential environmental impacts of each residue/sub product generated, the relative spatial dispersion which each residue/sub product can reach, and the adequacy evaluation of final allocation accomplished by the company for each residue/sub product.

Findings
Despite the evidence that the corporation do not conduct washing of gases emitted from the chimney of the foundry furnace, which consists an environmentally inadequate attitude, the result of Iepa=97.50 percent was obtained. This favorable result is due to the adequate allocation given to residues generated in greater volume in the process, the molding sand. This sand is addressed to an industrial landfill, which is an environmentally adequate practice and approved by competent environmental authorities.

Practical implications
The method used can be applied to measure the environmental impact generated by any business of the foundry sector industry.

Originality/value
The originality of the work is in the developed method, which takes into account: the potential impact of each residue/sub product generated, the amount of each residue/sub product generated in a given time period, the dispersion that each residue/sub product can attain, and the evaluation of eventual allocation of each residue/sub product.