bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pilot study: duodenal MDR1 and COX2 gene expression in cats with inflammatory bowel disease and low-grade alimentary lymphoma
Authors: Castro-López Jorge , Teles Mariana , Fierro Camino , Allenspach Karin , Planellas Marta , Pastor Josep 
Published: September 2017

Objectives Multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) encodes a protein called P-glycoprotein (P-gp), which serves as an efflux pump membrane protein implicated in intestinal homeostasis and drug resistance. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) is a key enzyme in the synthesis of proinflammatory prostaglandins, tumourigenesis and in mucosal defence. Despite the importance of MDR1 and COX2, changes in their mRNA levels have not been studied in cats with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and low-grade alimentary lymphoma (LGAL). The present study aimed to determine the mRNA levels of MDR1 and COX2 in cats with IBD and LGAL, and to evaluate their correlation with clinical signs, histological severity and between genes. Methods Cats diagnosed with IBD (n = 20) and LGAL (n = 9) between 2008 and 2015 were included in the current study. Three healthy animals composed the healthy control cats group in which endoscopy was performed immediately before the ovariohysterectomy. All duodenal biopsy samples were obtained by endoscopy. Feline chronic enteropathy activity index was calculated for all cases. IBD histopathology was classified according to severity. MDR1 and COX2 mRNA levels were determined by absolute reverse transcriptase-quantitative real-time PCR. Results Statistically significant differences were observed for MDR1 and COX2 mRNA levels between the IBD and LGAL groups. No correlations were observed between molecular gene expression, feline chronic enteropathy activity index and histological grading for IBD, and between MDR1 and COX2 genes. However, a positive statistically significant correlation was observed between MDR1 and COX2 expression in the duodenum of cats. Conclusions and relevance MDR1 and COX2 gene expression is increased in cats with LGAL compared with cats with IBD. The control group tended to have lower values than both diseased groups. These results suggest that these genes may be involved in the pathogenesis of IBD or LGAL in cats.
A study of multiple Felis catus papillomavirus types (1, 2, 3, 4) in cat skin lesions in Italy by quantitative PCR
Authors: Mazzei Maurizio , Forzan Mario , Carlucci Vito , Anfossi Antonio G , Alberti Alberto , Albanese Francesco , Binanti Diana , Millanta Francesca , Baroncini Lisa , Pirone Andrea , Abramo Francesca 
Published: September 2017

Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate, by quantitative PCR (qPCR), the presence of papillomavirus in feline viral plaques (VPs), Bowenoid in situ carcinoma (BISC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and actinic keratosis (AK). Methods Twenty-nine cases with previously established diagnoses of feline VPs, BISC, invasive SCC and AK were selected from a dermatopathological database. A critical re-evaluation of diagnosis was performed by defining clear criteria toward carcinomatous vs non-carcinomatous, in situ vs invasive (if carcinomatous) and viral vs actinic. Cases were evaluated for p16 immunolocalisation. The presence of the target viral genes for Felis catus papillomavirus (FcaPV)-1, FcaPV-2, FcaPV-3 and FcaPV-4 was determined by qPCR. The data generated ΔΔCq values, which represent a normalised measure of DNA viral quantity. Samples with a positive ΔΔCq value were submitted to sequence analysis. Results Four VPs, 19 BISCs, four SCCs and one case of AK were included. By ΔΔCq analysis we found that all VPs were positive for FcaPV-1 or FcaPV-2; eight BISCs were positive for FcaPV-1, FcaPV-2 and FcaPV-4. FcaPV-2 was the most prevalent among the group of VPs and BISCs. Conclusions and relevance Using the ΔΔCq method we report the first evidence of FcaPV-1, FcaPV-2 and FcaPV-4 in Italy. FcaPV-2 was the most frequently detected; to a lesser extent, FcaPV-1 and FcaPV-4 were detected in the examined samples. FcaPV-3 was never associated with viral-induced lesions by ΔΔCq investigation. Compared with conventional PCR the ΔΔCq method has the advantage of establishing a possible role of the virus in the outcome of infection.
Evaluation of an intramuscular butorphanol and alfaxalone protocol for feline blood donation: a pilot study
Authors: Granfone Marcella C , Walker Julie M , Smith Lesley J 
Published: September 2017

Objectives The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the use of an intramuscular (IM) sedation protocol with butorphanol and alfaxalone in cats undergoing blood donation. We hypothesized that this drug combination would provide sufficient sedation to perform phlebotomy without causing hypotension or significant changes in heart rate. Methods Six purpose-bred, healthy adult cats were sedated using IM butorphanol (0.4 mg/kg) and alfaxalone (2–3 mg/kg). Pulse and Doppler blood pressure (BP) were recorded at baseline, after sedation and immediately following phlebotomy. Once laterally recumbent, 12 ml/kg blood was collected from the jugular vein. Sedation scores, duration of lateral recumbency and the ability to successfully perform phlebotomy were recorded. Results There was no significant change in heart rate post-sedation (median 190 beats per min [bpm], range 160–224 bpm) or post-phlebotomy (median 200 bpm, range 180–220 bpm) compared with baseline values (median 200 bpm, range 180–220 bpm) ( P = 0.395). A statistically significant change in BP was detected ( P = 0.029), attributed to a difference between post-sedation (median 113.3 mmHg, range 110.7–130.0) and baseline (median 133.3 mmHg, range 130.0–183.3) measurements. Hypotension was not observed in any cat. Collection of at least 80% of the target volume was achieved in 5/6 cats, although all were adequately sedated to allow jugular venous phlebotomy. Median recumbency time was 53 mins (range 43–83 mins). Phlebotomy duration lasted a median of 13 mins (range 5–21 mins). Conclusions and relevance The administration of IM alfaxalone and butorphanol provided sufficient restraint for blood donation without causing hypotension or significant changes in heart rate before or after phlebotomy.
Survey of owner subcutaneous fluid practices in cats with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Cooley Crystal M , Quimby Jessica M , Caney Sarah MA , Sieberg Liberty G 
Published: September 2017

Objectives The purpose of this study was to survey owners regarding their practices and experiences with the administration of subcutaneous (SC) fluids at home to cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to gain insight that might help more owners be successful with the procedure. Methods A web-based survey was advertised online. Owners of 468 cats with CKD participated, 399 of whom administered SC fluids. Results Fifty-nine percent of the cats were domestic shorthairs, with >85% of the cats being 10 years of age or older. IRIS stage 3 was most commonly represented (37%). Ninety-five percent of owners said they discussed giving fluids with their veterinarian, with only 42% of those discussions involving additional educational resources. A large majority of owners (85%) said it was either an easy, somewhat easy/no stress or okay experience for them, and a large majority (89%) reported that the experience was easy/no stress, somewhat easy or okay experience for their cats. To increase tolerance, 57% said they gave a treat to their cat afterwards, and 60% said they warmed the fluids. Sixty-one percent reported using a 20 G or larger needle, with 49% saying size of needle affected tolerance. Seventy-four percent also felt that the length of time it took to administer fluids affected tolerance. One-hundred milliliters was the most commonly given fluid amount. Hydration status was monitored by 40% of owners by various methods, with 40% of those saying they skipped or added fluids based on hydration assessment. Conclusions and relevance A majority of owners gave positive feedback about their ability to learn and administer SC fluids to their cat wth CKD. Owners reported several strategies that they felt improved tolerance of fluid administration. Overall, the protocol should be tailored to the preference of the cat for best possible long-term success.
Me, My Stuttering, and Them! Effect of Self-Disclosure of Stuttering on Listener Perception
Authors: Bajaj Gagan , Anil Malavika Anakkathil , Varghese Aiswarya , Bhat Jayashree S , Sheth Pooja , Hoode Anjana 
Published: September 2017

Purpose: A common question encountered by speech-language pathologists while dealing with adults who stutter (AWS) is whether their disclosure of stuttering to listeners would change their perception. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of self-disclosure and speaker sex on adult listeners’ perceptions of simulated stuttering. Method: The study involved a group of 100 college students between the age range of 18 and 25 years, who judged the videotaped speech samples of 1 male and 1 female person, who simulated stuttering in disclosed and undisclosed state. The listener perception was evaluated through a questionnaire developed for the purpose. Results: The trends suggested that a female AWS possessed overall better listener perception as compared with male AWS in undisclosed condition and received better perception by listeners in more domains than male AWS in disclosed state. Conclusions: Listener perception seems to be a sex-specific phenomenon which gets affected by one’s disclosure about stuttering and the culture of the listeners.
Palliation of Malignant Biliary Obstruction: Adverse Events are Common after Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage
Authors: Heedman P. A. , Åstradsson E. , Blomquist K. , Sjödahl R. 
Published: September 2017

Background and Aim: Endoscopic stents in the common bile duct is the first treatment choice to alleviate symptoms of biliary obstruction due to malignant disease. When endoscopic stenting fails in palliative patients, one option is to use a percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage, but it is not clear whether and how it can reduce the symptom load. The aim of this study was to evaluate benefits and disadvantages of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in palliative care. Material and Methods: Inclusion criteria were malignant disease and bilirubin ≥26 µmol/L in plasma. A structured protocol for obtaining data from the medical records was used. Data were collected from the time of last computed tomography scan before the percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage was placed and during 14 days afterward. Results and Conclusion: Inclusion criteria were fulfilled in 140 patients. Median age was 70 years (33–91 years). Some 126 patients had a remaining external percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. Jaundice was the initial symptom in 62 patients (44%). Within the first week after percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage, the bilirubin decreased from 237 µmol/L (31–634) to 180 µmol/L (17–545). Only 25% reached a level below the double upper reference value. Pruritus occurred in 27% before the percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage, but the bilirubin value did not differ from patients without pruritus. However, the pruritus was relieved in 56% with percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. Antibiotic prophylaxis protected to some extent from infectious complications. Adverse events were common and early mortality was high (16% within 14 days). Jaundice should not by itself be an indication for percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage for palliation except when the aim is to prepare the patient for chemotherapy. It is mandatory that the patients are informed carefully about what can be expected regarding the positive effects and the risks of adverse events.
Mental Training Enhances Cognitive Function and BDNF More Than Either Physical or Combined Training in Elderly Women With MCI: A Small-Scale Study
Authors: Damirchi Arsalan , Hosseini Fatemeh , Babaei Parvin 
Published: September 2017

Introduction: The effects of mental, physical, and combination of these two trainings were investigated on cognitive performance, serum level of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and irisin in women diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Material and Methods: Forty-four participants were randomized into 4 groups: physical training (PH; 8 weeks’ aerobic training, n = 11), mental training (ME; special computer gaming, n = 11), combined (PH + ME; n = 13), and control group (CO; n = 9). Results: Analysis of variance with Tukey post hoc test revealed a significant increase in working memory ( P = .012) and BDNF ( P = 0.024) in the ME compared with the CO group. Also the ME group in comparison with the PH group demonstrated better working memory ( P = .014) and processing speed ( P = .024). Conclusion: Positive effect of mental training on the cognitive parameters, parallel with BDNF elevation, suggests that mental training is a more useful, safe, and persistent strategy to attenuate the progression of MCI probably via BDNF elevation, but the effect size is relatively small elevation.
Preliminary Dual-Center Experience with the Bolton Treovance Endograft
Authors: Thind Arron , Sarma Dhruv , Allouni Abdel Kader , Abdallah Feras , Murray David , Thind Kiran , Darby Chris , Handa Ashok , Sideso Ed , Patel Rafiuddin , Bratby Mark , Uberoi Raman 
Published: September 2017

Purpose: To present the performance and safety of the Treovance stent graft for endovascular aortic aneurysm repair in a “real-world” patient cohort. Methods: Patients from 2 centers, deemed unfit for open repair, were electively treated with the Treovance endograft. Clinical preoperative, operative, and up to 1-year postoperative follow-up data of patients were retrospectively analyzed. Results: This study included 46 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (44 male), mean age of 78 years ± 8 standard deviation (SD; range: 58-93 years). All met the manufacturer’s recommended anatomical requirements: average maximum sac diameter 63 mm ± 10 SD (range: 52-86 mm), proximal neck length 29 mm ± 12 SD (range: 11-60 mm), and neck angulation 30° ± 21 SD (range: 0°-70°). Fourteen had moderate to severe iliac tortuosity. A primary technical success rate of 80% was achieved (100% assisted primary technical success rate): 7 patients required adjunctive procedures intraoperatively and 2 successful treatments for type I endoleaks, which occurred within 24 hours postoperatively. There was 100% survival at 1-year follow-up; however, 4 (8.7%) patients required reintervention: 1 for a type I endoleak, 2 for limb stenosis, and 1 for a type II endoleak with an enlarging sac. No other device-related complications were identified. Reintervention and complication rates in hostile versus nonhostile anatomies were not statistically significant ( P = .28 and P = .42, respectively). Conclusion: The Treovance stent graft has a comparable safety profile to other next-generation stent grafts during the first year after endovascular aneurysm repair, which provides a rationale for further interrogation of its outcomes through clinical trials.
Day-to-Day and Within-Day Variability in Glucose-Lowering Effect Between Insulin Degludec and Insulin Glargine (100 U/mL and 300 U/mL): A Comparison Across Studies
Authors: Heise Tim , Kaplan Kadriye , Haahr Hanne L. 
Published: September 2017

Background: Insulin degludec (IDeg) has significantly lower day-to-day and within-day variability compared to insulin glargine (IGlar) 100U/mL (U100) and 300U/mL (U300). Here, we report post hoc assessments to confirm the robustness of these observations while accounting for potential experimental confounders. Methods: Two euglycemic clamp studies in type 1 diabetes patients, comparing IDeg to IGlar-U100 (Study A, parallel design, 54 patients; Study B, crossover, 22 patients) and one study comparing IDeg to IGlar-U300 (Study C, crossover, 57 patients), all dosed at 0.4U/kg, were evaluated. Pharmacodynamic parameters were assessed at steady state from glucose infusion rate (GIR) profiles following three 24-hour euglycemic clamps in Studies A (162 clamps) and C (342 clamps), and one 42-hour clamp in Study B (44 clamps). Results: Pooled data (Studies A and B) showed that IDeg had an even distribution of glucose-lowering effect over the 24-hour dosing interval that was consistent with Study C. IGlar-U100 showed a constant decrease in glucose-lowering effect over 24 hours while IGlar-U300 had a lower effect in the middle of the dosing interval (6-18 hours). Relative within-day variability of IDeg was 40% and 37% lower than IGlar-U100 and -U300, respectively. Exclusion of profiles with low response in Study C (19/342 clamps) did not impact the difference in the distribution of glucose-lowering effect or within-day variability. Day-to-day variability was significantly lower with IDeg compared to IGlar-U100 and -U300 based on smoothed and unsmoothed GIR data. Conclusions: Significantly lower relative within-day and day-to-day variability was confirmed irrespective of experimental considerations for IDeg compared to IGlar-U100 and IGlar-U300.
Chronic musculoskeletal pain in Japan (the final report of the 3-year longitudinal study): Association with a future decline in activities of daily living
Authors: Sugai Keiko , Tsuji Osahiko , Matsumoto Morio , Nishiwaki Yuji , Nakamura Masaya 
Published: September 2017

Background: Previous epidemiological surveys conducted in Japan highlighted problems with conventional approaches to treating chronic musculoskeletal pain. On the basis of prior studies, we initiated the “longitudinal investigation of chronic musculoskeletal pain” in 2010. In our first two reports, we revealed a high prevalence of chronic musculoskeletal pain, low satisfaction with treatment, and reduced quality of life. Those with severe and consistent low back pain had the highest risk of the persisting pain. The risk factors for developing chronic pain also included working in a professional, managerial, or clerical/specialist occupation, being female, having a body mass index ≥25, currently using alcohol or cigarettes, and having completed an educational level of vocational school or higher. As the final step of the epidemiological survey, the present study examined the effect of chronic musculoskeletal pain on a future decline in activities of daily living (ADL). Methods: A questionnaire was sent to individuals who participated in the research project in 2010. Follow-up research examining loss of basic or instrumental ADL, or certification of long-term care requirements, was conducted in 2013 ( n = 4989 subjects). Results: The 3-year follow-up data revealed that chronic musculoskeletal pain was associated with a decline in ADL, even after adjusting for covariables such as age, sex, and smoking (adjusted odds ratio, 1.56; 95% confidential interval, 1.16–2.10). Conclusions: Chronic musculoskeletal pain is associated with future declines in ADL; therefore, relief of the chronic musculoskeletal pain may be important to maintain an active elderly population.
Randomized controlled trial comparing efficacy of conventional and new single larger dose of intra-articular viscosupplementation in management of knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Suppan Vijaya Kumar L , Wei Chew Yu , Siong Tan Chin , Mei Tew Mei , Chern Wong Bor , Nanta Kumar Vijay Kumar , Sheng Kee Rong , Sadashiva Rao Ashutosh 
Published: September 2017

Background: Intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) injection is used in management of knee, hand and hip osteoarthritis. While HA injection is included in the list of evaluated therapies, its efficacy and optimum dosing still have no consensus. This study was conducted to explore the possibility of using single injection HA to increase patient convenience while maintaining the therapeutic efficacy. Methods: We present a prospective, open label, non-blinded, randomized controlled trial performed in accordance with guidelines in principles of good clinical practice. Block randomization was done for patients to receive either single 5 ml GO-ON injection or the conventional three injections of 2.5 ml GO-ON at weekly interval. Baseline Western Ontario McMaster University Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) scores were evaluated and recorded. All subjects were re-evaluated at 3 months and the WOMAC score recorded again as primary end points. Data analyses were performed with IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows software (version 21.0, IBM Corp, Armonk, New York, USA). Results: In the cohort of 127 patients, 33 were males and 94 females. The mean age was 59.1 years (standard deviation (SD) = 7.25) in single injection arm and 60.1 years (SD = 7.72) in triple injection arm. The two groups were recorded to have no significant difference in age ( p = 0.46) and Kellgren–Lawrence radiological grade ( p = 0.694). There was significant increase in the WOMAC scores from the baseline (pre-injection) to that recorded 3 months after injection ( p < 0.001) in patients of both groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference noticed in this clinical improvement between the two arms ( p = 0.889). Conclusion: The study shows single 5 ml dose regime comparing well with conventional three doses of 2.5 ml of intra-articular GO-ON HA injected at weekly intervals and confirms good efficacy, tolerability and safety of single larger dose of GO-ON knee intra-articular injection.
Emerging role of BCR signaling inhibitors in immunomodulation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Maharaj Kamira , Sahakian Eva , Pinilla-Ibarz Javier 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Approved therapies that target the B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathway, such as ibrutinib and idelalisib, are known to show activity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) via their direct effects on crucial survival pathways in malignant B cells. However, these therapies also have effects on T cells in CLL by mediating toxicity and possibly controlling disease. By focusing on the effects of BCR signaling inhibitors on the T-cell compartment, we may gain new insights into the comprehensive biological outcomes of systemic treatment to further understand mechanisms of drug efficacy, predict the toxicity or adverse events, and identify novel combinatorial therapies. Here, we review T-cell abnormalities in preclinical models and patient samples, finding that CLL T cells orchestrate immune dysfunction and immune-related complications. We then continue to address the effects of clinically available small molecule BCR signaling inhibitors on the immune cells, especially T cells, in the context of concomitant immune-mediated adverse events and implications for future treatment strategies. Our review suggests potentially novel mechanisms of action related to BCR inhibitors, providing a rationale to extend their use to other cancers and autoimmune disorders.
A Novel Strategy to Functionalize Covalent Organic Frameworks for High-Energy Rechargeable Lithium Organic Batteries via Graft Polymerization in Nano-Channels
Authors: Wu Yang , Zhang Zhongyue , Bandow Shunji , Awaga Kunio 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
By introducing catalyst- and solvent-free graft polymerization of low cost and environmentally benign sulfur to the nano-channels of an imine-linked covalent organic framework (COF), we demonstrated our strategy for functionalization of a conventional COF to yield a redox-active covalent organic framework-graft-polysulfide (COF-graft-PS), which can be utilized as a cathode active material in rechargeable lithium organic batteries. The COF-graft-PS-based batteries showed high capacity (425 mA h g−1 at a rate of 250 mA g−1), excellent rate capability, and good cycling performance over 500 cycles. The design characteristics and synthetic strategy open new possibilities for the preparation of alternative, sustainable, high-performance rechargeable lithium batteries by using abundant and cost-effective materials.