bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of clinicopathological changes in healthy middle‐aged dogs and cats presenting to veterinary practices for routine procedures
Authors: Dell'Osa D , Jaensch S 
Published: August 2016

ObjectiveThe objective of the present study was to investigate the frequency of abnormal clinicopathological parameters in a population of client‐owned clinically healthy middle‐aged dogs and cats.Materials and methodsBiochemical and haematological profiles, urinalysis and total T4 were measured in clinically healthy middle‐aged dogs (age, 5–8 years) and cats (age, 6–9 years) presenting to veterinary practices for routine procedures.ResultsOf the 406 dogs, only 55 had no abnormalities identified in the testing panel. Most changes were minor or considered artifactual; however, changes that were diagnostic of significant disease or warranting additional evaluation were identified in 25 dogs (6.2%). Of the 130 cats, only 26 had no abnormalities identified in the testing panel. Most changes were minor or considered artifactual; however, changes diagnostic of significant disease or warranting additional evaluation were identified in 25 cats (19.2%). Significant abnormalities included anaemia, inflammation and evidence of liver, kidney and pancreatic disease.ConclusionBiochemical and haematological testing as part of regular preventive health checks may facilitate early detection of diseases before they present clinically, allowing earlier intervention and better health outcomes.
Public Opinions About Infant Feeding in the United States
Authors: Nelson Jennifer M. , Li Ruowei , Perrine Cria G. , Scanlon Kelley S. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundExclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of life. However, many barriers to breastfeeding exist. We examine public opinions about the benefits of breastfeeding and the infant health risks associated with formula feeding.MethodsA national public opinion survey was conducted in 2013. Participants indicated their level of agreement with four breastfeeding‐related statements. Except for the last one, all statements were positively worded with agreement representing positive opinions toward breastfeeding. To focus on the prevalence of positive opinions, we estimated percentage agreement with the first three statements, but disagreement with the fourth. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine how odds of these positive opinions varied by socio‐demographic factors.ResultsSeventy‐eight percent of participants agreed that breastmilk is nutritionally designed for infants, but few believed breastfeeding protects against overweight (12%). Approximately one‐quarter agreed that formula feeding increases the chance of illness, whereas 45 percent disagreed that infant formula is equivalent to breastmilk. Older, less‐educated, unmarried, and non‐Hispanic black participants were less likely to agree that formula feeding increases the risk of infant illness. Races other than non‐Hispanic white, participants aged 30–44 years and 45–59 years, unmarried, and less‐educated participants were less likely to disagree with the equivalence of infant formula to breastmilk.DiscussionThe nutritional value of breastmilk is well known. Fewer adults believe that breastfeeding protects against childhood overweight or that formula feeding increases the chance of infant illness. Communication efforts may increase public awareness of the health benefits of breastfeeding.
Infant Attachment Moderates Paths From Early Negativity to Preadolescent Outcomes for Children and Parents
Authors: Boldt Lea J. , Kochanska Grazyna , Jonas Katherine 
Published: August 2016

Although infant attachment has been long seen as key for development, its long‐term effects may be complex. Attachment may be a catalyst or moderator of future developmental sequelae rather than a source of main effects. In 102 mothers, fathers, and infants, attachment was assessed at 15 months; children's negativity (rejection of parental rules and modeling attempts) at 25, 38, 52, and 67 months; and developmental outcomes (the child's parent‐rated externalizing problems and the parent–child observed relationship quality) at ages 10 and 12. In both mother–child and father–child relationships, children's higher negativity was associated with more detrimental outcomes but only in dyads with formerly insecure infants. Infant insecurity appears to amplify detrimental cascades, whereas infant security appears to defuse such risks.
Circulating T cells to infliximab are detectable mainly in treated patients developing anti-drug antibodies and hypersensitivity reactions
Authors: Vultaggio A , Petroni G , Pratesi S , Nencini F , Cammelli D , Milla M , Prignano F , Annese V , Romagnani S , Maggi E , Matucci A ,   on behalf of the ABIRISK Consortium
Published: August 2016

SummaryAntibodies recognizing infliximab (IFX) may develop in a proportion of treated patients, leading to loss of response or hypersensitivity reactions (HRs). T cell response to IFX has been poorly investigated. This paper was addressed to detect IFX-specific T cells in treated patients with inflammatory diseases developing, or not, anti-drug antibodies (ADA) and to correlate the presence of specific T cells with the clinical outcomes of the treatment. A co-culture system of IFX-loaded dendritic cells and purified autologous CD4+ T cells was used to detect memory T cells in 32 ADA+ and 39 ADA– IFX-treated patients and control groups. The cytokine profile of IFX-specific T cells was also studied in culture supernatants. IFX-specific cell proliferation was detected mainly in cells from ADA+ patients, irrespective of their different diseases. HR patients displayed higher T cell proliferation than non-responder and tolerant patients. A mixed [interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-13, IL-10] cytokine profile was shown in cells from ADA+ patients, while IL-10 was the most frequently detected cytokine in the supernatants of cultures from ADA- patients. Immunoglobulin (Ig)E+ADA+ patients with previous HRs exhibited a more pronounced type 2 profile than IgE–ADA+ patients. This work provides evidence that IFX-specific circulating T cells are detectable mainly in ADA+ patients with HRs, regardless of their disease. The IFX-induced cytokine pattern partially correlates with the ADA isotype.
The pattern of GPI-80 expression is a useful marker for unusual myeloid maturation in peripheral blood
Authors: Takeda Y , Kato T , Ito H , Kurota Y , Yamagishi A , Sakurai T , Araki A , Nara H , Tsuchiya N , Asao H 
Published: August 2016

SummaryMyeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have a wide spectrum of immunosuppressive activity; control of these cells is a new target for improving clinical outcomes in cancer patients. MDSCs originate from unusual differentiation of neutrophils or monocytes induced by inflammatory cytokines, including granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and granulocyte–macrophage (GM)-CSF. However, MDSCs are difficult to detect in neutrophil or monocyte populations because they are not uniform cells, resembling both neutrophils and monocytes; thus, they exist in a heterogeneous population. In this study, we investigated GPI-80, a known regulator of Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) and associated closely with neutrophil maturation, to clarify this unusual differentiation. First, we demonstrated that the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of GPI-80 and coefficient of variation (CV) of GPI-80 were increased by treatment with G-CSF and GM-CSF, respectively, using a human promyelocytic leukaemia (HL60) cell differentiation model. To confirm the value of GPI-80 as a marker of unusual differentiation, we measured GPI-80 expression and MDSC functions using peripheral blood cells from metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients. The GPI-80 CV was augmented significantly in the CD16hi neutrophil cell population, and GPI-80 MFI was increased significantly in the CD33hi monocyte cell population. Furthermore, the GPI-80 CV in the CD16hi population was correlated inversely with the proliferative ability of T cells and the GPI-80 MFI of the CD33hi population was correlated with reactive oxygen species production. These results led us to propose that the pattern of GPI-80 expression in these populations is a simple and useful marker for unusual differentiation, which is related to MDSC functions.
Insulin storage in hot climates without refrigeration: temperature reduction efficacy of clay pots and other techniques
Authors: Ogle G. D. , Abdullah M. , Mason D. , Januszewski A. S. , Besançon S. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAimInsulin loses potency when stored at high temperatures. Various clay pots part‐filled with water, and other evaporative cooling devices, are used in less‐resourced countries when home refrigeration is unavailable. This study examined the cooling efficacy of such devices.MethodsThirteen devices used in Sudan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mali, India, Pakistan and Haiti (10 clay pots, a goat skin, a vegetable gourd and a bucket filled with wet sand), and two identical commercially manufactured cooling wallets were compared. Devices were maintained according to local instructions. Internal and ambient temperature and ambient humidity were measured by electronic loggers every 5 min in Khartoum (88 h), and, for the two Malian pots, in Bamako (84 h). Cooling efficacy was assessed by average absolute temperature difference (internal vs. ambient), and % maximal possible evaporative cooling (allowing for humidity).ResultsDuring the study period, mean ambient temperature and humidity were 31.0°C and 32.0% in Khartoum and 32.9°C and 39.8% in Bamako. All devices reduced the temperature (P < 0.001) with a mean (sd) reduction from 2.7 ± 0.5°C to 8.3 ± 1.0°C, depending on the device. When expressed as % maximal cooling, device efficacy ranged from 20.5% to 71.3%. On cluster analysis, the most efficacious devices were the goat skin, two clay pots (from Ethiopia and Sudan) and the suspended cooling wallet.ConclusionsLow‐cost devices used in less‐resourced countries reduce storage temperatures. With more efficacious devices, average temperatures at or close to standard room temperature (20–25°C) can be achieved, even in hot climates. All devices are more efficacious at lower humidity. Further studies are needed on insulin stability to determine when these devices are necessary.
Pasture Quality Affects Juvenile Survival through Reduced Maternal Care in a Mountain‐Dwelling Ungulate
Authors: Scornavacca Davide , Lovari Sandro , Cotza Antonella , Bernardini Sara , Brunetti Claudia , Pietrocini Venusta , Ferretti Francesco 
Published: August 2016

AbstractLactation exerts heavy energetic and physiological costs to mothers, whilst determining early growth and survival of offspring. To mountain ungulates, access to high‐quality forage during nursing and weaning is crucial for reproductive success. We have evaluated the effects of pasture quality on suckling behaviour and winter survival of Apennine chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata kids, across three areas. Areas A‐B (‘poor’ areas) were characterised by a reduced availability of nutritious forage, thus a lower diet quality for female chamois and kids; Area C (a ‘rich’ area) included a much greater availability of nutritious forage. In poor areas, pasture quality has been reduced by climatic and plant composition changes, as well as the presence of a herbivore competitor (red deer Cervus elaphus). In poor areas, we recorded a significantly (1) lower suckling success of chamois kids (number of suckling bouts/number of suck attempts); (2) lower frequency of suckling bouts (n. suckling bouts/kid/h); and (3) lower suckling intensity (suck duration/kid/h) in respect to the rich area. Conversely, frequencies of suckling rejections and those of suckling attempts (n. events/kid/h) were the lowest in the rich area. Winter survival of chamois kids was c. 2 times greater in the rich area (45%) than in poor areas (20–26%). In the poor areas, resource scarcity induced adult female chamois to decrease maternal cares and favour their own maintenance, ultimately affecting population dynamics through kid winter mortality.
Metallic foreign body in the ovary of a broodmare
Authors: Randleff‐Rasmussen P. K. , Gray A. S. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryA 12‐year‐old Thoroughbred broodmare was presented for laparoscopic removal of an abnormal ovary. Rectal examination and ultrasound revealed firm attachment of the enlarged right ovary to the ventral pelvis and right abdominal wall, and gas accumulation within the right ovary. Laparoscopic examination revealed extensive adhesion formation between the abnormal ovary, ispilateral uterine horn, ventral pelvis and the right abdominal wall. A flank laparotomy was then performed to improve visualisation of the area. Due to contamination of the abdomen during attempts to detach adhesions, the complexity of the structures involved and the poor prognosis for further reproduction, the decision was made to subject the mare to euthanasia. Post‐mortem evaluation revealed a large encapsulated abscess of the right ovary, with a small, linear wire foreign body within the centre of the abscess.
Organism activity levels predict marine invertebrate survival during ancient global change extinctions
Authors: Clapham Matthew E. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractMultistressor global change, the combined influence of ocean warming, acidification, and deoxygenation, poses a serious threat to marine organisms. Experimental studies imply that organisms with higher levels of activity should be more resilient, but testing this prediction and understanding organism vulnerability at a global scale, over evolutionary timescales, and in natural ecosystems remain challenging. The fossil record, which contains multiple extinctions triggered by multistressor global change, is ideally suited for testing hypotheses at broad geographic, taxonomic, and temporal scales. Here, I assess the importance of activity level for survival of well‐skeletonized benthic marine invertebrates over a 100‐million‐year‐long interval (Permian to Jurassic periods) containing four global change extinctions, including the end‐Permian and end‐Triassic mass extinctions. More active organisms, based on a semiquantitative score incorporating feeding and motility, were significantly more likely to survive during three of the four extinction events (Guadalupian, end‐Permian, and end‐Triassic). In contrast, activity was not an important control on survival during nonextinction intervals. Both the end‐Permian and end‐Triassic mass extinctions also triggered abrupt shifts to increased dominance by more active organisms. Although mean activity gradually returned toward pre‐extinction values, the net result was a permanent ratcheting of ecosystem‐wide activity to higher levels. Selectivity patterns during ancient global change extinctions confirm the hypothesis that higher activity, a proxy for respiratory physiology, is a fundamental control on survival, although the roles of specific physiological traits (such as extracellular pCO2 or aerobic scope) cannot be distinguished. Modern marine ecosystems are dominated by more active organisms, in part because of selectivity ratcheting during these ancient extinctions, so on average may be less vulnerable to global change stressors than ancient counterparts. However, ancient extinctions demonstrate that even active organisms can suffer major extinction when the intensity of environmental disruption is intense.
Near‐sourcing UK apparel: value chain restructuring, productivity and the informal economy
Authors: Hammer Nikolaus , Plugor Réka 
Published: August 2016

AbstractFast fashion's emphasis on quick response production and supply chain management is at the basis of renewed growth in UK apparel manufacturing. This article shows how increasing pressure from lead firms has resulted in manufacturers maintaining profit levels, mainly, through informal subcontracting and informal employment, as opposed to increasing productivity.
Characteristics of Cavotricuspid Isthmus Ablation for Atrial Flutter Guided by Novel Parameters Using a Contact Force Catheter
Authors: GOULD PAUL A. , BOOTH CAMERON , DAUBER KIERAN , NG KEVIN , CLAUGHTON ANDREW , KAYE GERALD C. 
Published: August 2016

Characteristics of Cavotricuspid Isthmus AblationIntroductionThis study sought to investigate specific contact force (CF) parameters to guide cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation and compare the outcome with a historical control cohort.Methods and ResultsPatients (30) undergoing CTI ablation were enrolled prospectively in the Study cohort and compared with a retrospective Control cohort of 30 patients. Ablation in the Study cohort was performed using CF parameters >10 g and <40 g and a Force Time Integral (FTI) of 800 ± 10 g. The Control cohort underwent traditionally guided CTI ablation. Traditional parameters (electrogram and impedance change) were assessed in both cohorts. All ablations regardless of achieving targets were included in data analysis. Bidirectional CTI block was achieved in all of the Study and 27 of the Control cohort. Atrial flutter recurred in 3 (10%) patients (follow‐up 564 ± 212 days) in the study cohort and in 3 (10%) patients (follow‐up 804 ± 540 days) in the Control cohort. There were no major complications in either cohort. Traditional parameters correlated poorly with CF parameters. In the Study cohort, flutter recurrence was associated with significantly lower FTI and ablation duration, but was not associated with total average CF.ConclusionCTI ablation can be safely performed using CF parameters guiding ablation, with similar long‐term results to a historical ablation control group. Potentially CF parameters may provide adjunctive information to enable a more efficient CTI ablation. Further research is required to confirm this.
The prevalence of impaired glucose regulation in anxiety disorder patients and the relationship with hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis activity
Authors: Zhou Yaling , Dong Zaiquan , A Ruhan , Liao Zongbing , Guo Jing , Liu Cancan , Sun Xueli 
Published: August 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of impaired glucose regulation (IGR) in patients with anxiety disorders and the relationship with hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic‐pituitary‐thyroid (HPT) axes function.MethodsFrom September 2013 to May 2015, a total of 646 patients with anxiety disorders who matched the criteria of the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems participated in our study, which was conducted in the Psychiatric Inpatient Department of the West China Hospital of Sichuan University. The results from 75‐g glucose tolerance tests, and morning (8:00 am) serum cortisol (PTC), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), TT3, TT4, FT3, and FT4 levels were collected. The Hamilton Anxiety Scale was administered to assess the severity of anxiety. SPSS 17.0 software was used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe crude prevalence of impaired glucose regulation was 24.61% in patients with anxiety disorders patients. In the 18‐ to 40‐year age group with impaired glucose regulation (IGR), both ACTH and PTC levels were higher than the control group (P < 0.05). In the 61‐ to 75‐year age group with IGR, the TSH level was lower and the FT4 level was higher than the control group (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe results herein partially confirm that the prevalence of IGR in patients with anxiety disorders is high. Impaired glucose in the younger age group is closely associated with HPA axis function, while impaired glucose in the older age group is closely associated with HPT axis alteration. Therefore, routine blood glucose and endocrine function testing in patients with anxiety disorder is of clinical importance to prevent the development of diabetes.
Association of umbilical hernia with volume of ascites in liver cirrhosis: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Wang Ran , Qi Xingshun , Peng Ying , Deng Han , Li Jing , Ning Zheng , Dai Junna , Hou Feifei , Zhao Jiancheng , Guo Xiaozhong 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackground and AimsUmbilical hernia is a common abdominal complication in cirrhotic patients with ascites. Our study aimed to evaluate the correlation of umbilical hernia with the volume of ascites.MethodsCirrhotic patients that underwent axial abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) scans at our hospital between June 2012 and June 2014 were eligible. All CT images were reviewed to confirm the presence of umbilical hernia. The volume of ascites was estimated by five‐point method.ResultsOne hundred and fifty‐seven patients were enrolled into this study. Among them, 101 patients had ascites and 6 patients had umbilical hernia. Alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and serum sodium were significantly lower in patients with umbilical hernia (P = 0.008, P = 0.011, respectively). Child‐Pugh scores and the volume of ascites were significantly higher in patients with umbilical hernia (P = 0.03, P < 0.0001, respectively). Correlation analysis demonstrated that the volume of ascites, Child‐Pugh scores, and blood ammonia had positive correlations with umbilical hernia (r = 0.4579, P < 0.0001; r = 0.175, P = 0.03; r = 0.342, P = 0.001, respectively) and that serum sodium had a negative correlation with umbilical hernia (r = –0.203, P = 0.011). In patients with ascites ≥2000 mL, only AKP was significantly associated with umbilical hernia (P = 0.0497). No variables were significantly associated with umbilical hernia in a subgroup analysis of patients matched according to the volume of ascites.ConclusionsThe volume of ascites has a positive correlation with umbilical hernia. However, the factors associated with umbilical hernia in patients with severe ascites remain unclear.
Diagnostic accuracy of contrast‐enhanced computed tomography for esophageal varices in liver cirrhosis: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Deng Han , Qi Xingshun , Zhang Yongguo , Peng Ying , Li Jing , Guo Xiaozhong 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackground and aimEsophageal variceal bleeding is a life‐threatening complication of liver cirrhosis. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was the gold standard for the diagnosis of esophageal varices (EVs). The study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of EVs and moderate–severe EVs in patients with liver cirrhosis.MethodsMedical records in cirrhotic patients who were admitted to our hospital between June 2012 and June 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Two observers reviewed the contrast‐enhanced CT scans to evaluate the presence and diameter of EVs. Area under curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity were calculated.ResultsA total of 52 cirrhotic patients were included in our study. According to the endoscopic results, 13.5% of these patients did not have any EVs, 11.5% had mild EVs, and 75% had moderate–severe EVs. The AUC of contrast‐enhanced CT scans for the diagnosis of EVs was 0.835. The sensitivity and specificity were 95.56% and 71.43%, respectively. The AUC of contrast‐enhanced T scans for the diagnosis of moderate–severe EVs was 0.821. When the cut‐off value for the diameter of EVs on contrast‐enhanced CT scans was 3.9 mm, the sensitivity and specificity were 89.74% and 69.23%, respectively.ConclusionsContrast‐enhanced CT scans had a moderate diagnostic accuracy for EVs in liver cirrhosis. It might be useful to decrease the use of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in clinical practice.