bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemical immobilisation of dhole (Cuon alpinus), Indian jackal (Canis aureus indicus) and Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) with ketamine hydrochloride–xylazine hydrochloride
Authors: Muliya Sanath Krishna , Shanmugam Arun A. , Kalaignan Pa. , Antony Linto , Chandranpillai Harikrishnan , Jaisingh Nirupama 
Published: June 2016

AbstractMaintaining wild animals in captivity often requires chemical immobilisation to achieve various diagnostic, surgical and management interventions. Four dholes, two Indian grey wolves and four Indian jackals were immobilised using ketamine–xylazine combination for either medical or management interventions. Based on the estimated body weight, canids were darted upon with 6–8 mg kg−1 ketamine and 0.7–1.14 mg kg−1 xylazine. Initial signs of drug effect included decreased mentation and progressive ataxia followed by recumbency. The mean ± SD of induction time was 14.25 ± 2.75 (range: 11–17 min), 11 ± 3.16 (range: 8–15 min) and 15.5 ± 3.54 (range: 13–18 min) in dhole, Indian jackal and Indian wolf, respectively. Hyperthermia was initially observed in all the jackals and dholes, whereas rectal temperature in wolves remained well within the normal range for canids. The mean duration of anaesthesia was 31 ± 8.83 (range: 23–43 min), 32.5 ± 5.32 (range: 26–39 min) and 30.5 ± 7.78 (range: 25–36 min) in dhole, Indian jackal and Indian wolf, respectively, with subsequent smooth and uneventful recovery in all the cases. The observations made during immobilisation procedures in this work suggest that chemical immobilisation of captive dhole, Indian wolf and Indian jackal with 6–8 mg kg−1 ketamine and 1 mg kg−1 xylazine is effective and safe for routine management and medical interventions in these species provided body temperature is closely monitored and corrected as appropriate.
Tambora 1815 as a test case for high impact volcanic eruptions: Earth system effects
Authors: Raible Christoph C. , Brönnimann Stefan , Auchmann Renate , Brohan Philip , Frölicher Thomas L. , Graf Hans‐F. , Jones Phil , Luterbacher Jürg , Muthers Stefan , Neukom Raphael , Robock Alan , Self Stephen , Sudrajat Adjat , Timmreck Claudia , Wegmann Martin 
Published: June 2016

The eruption of Tambora (Indonesia) in April 1815 had substantial effects on global climate and led to the ‘Year Without a Summer’ of 1816 in Europe and North America. Although a tragic event—tens of thousands of people lost their lives—the eruption also was an ‘experiment of nature’ from which science has learned until today. The aim of this study is to summarize our current understanding of the Tambora eruption and its effects on climate as expressed in early instrumental observations, climate proxies and geological evidence, climate reconstructions, and model simulations. Progress has been made with respect to our understanding of the eruption process and estimated amount of SO2
injected into the atmosphere, although large uncertainties still exist with respect to altitude and hemispheric distribution of Tambora aerosols. With respect to climate effects, the global and Northern Hemispheric cooling are well constrained by proxies whereas there is no strong signal in Southern Hemisphere proxies. Newly recovered early instrumental information for Western Europe and parts of North America, regions with particularly strong climate effects, allow Tambora's effect on the weather systems to be addressed. Climate models respond to prescribed Tambora‐like forcing with a strengthening of the wintertime stratospheric polar vortex, global cooling and a slowdown of the water cycle, weakening of the summer monsoon circulations, a strengthening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, and a decrease of atmospheric CO2. Combining observations, climate proxies, and model simulations for the case of Tambora, a better understanding of climate processes has emerged. WIREs Clim Change 2016, 7:569–589. doi: 10.1002/wcc.407This article is categorized under:

Paleoclimates and Current Trends > Paleoclimate
Going global: the new era of mapping modifications in RNA
Authors: Limbach Patrick A. , Paulines Mellie June 
Published: June 2016

The post‐transcriptional modification of RNA by the addition of one or more chemical groups has been known for over 50 years. These chemical modifications, once thought to be static, are now being discovered to play key regulatory roles in gene expression. The advent of massive parallel sequencing of RNA (RNA‐seq) now allows us to probe the complexity of cellular RNA and how chemically altering RNA structure expands the RNA vocabulary. Here we present an overview of the various strategies and technologies that are available to profile RNA chemical modifications at the cellular level. These strategies can be characterized as targeted and untargeted approaches: targeted strategies are developed for one single chemical modification while untargeted strategies are more broadly applicable to a range of such chemical changes. Key for all of these approaches is the ability to locate modifications within the RNA sequence. While most of these methods are built upon an RNA‐Seq pipeline, alternative approaches based on mass spectrometry or conventional DNA sequencing retain value in the overall analysis process. We also look forward toward future opportunities and technologies that may expand the types of modifications that can be globally profiled. Given the ever increasing recognition that these RNA chemical modifications play important biological roles, a variety of methods, preferably orthogonal approaches, will be required to globally identify, validate and quantify RNA chemical modifications found in the transcriptome. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1367. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1367This article is categorized under:

RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics, and Chemistry
RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification
RNA Methods > RNA Analyses In Vitro and In Silico
Efficacy of Surgical Simulation Training in a Low‐Income Country
Authors: Tansley Gavin , Bailey Jonathan G. , Gu Yuqi , Murray Michelle , Livingston Patricia , Georges Ntakiyiruta , Hoogerboord Marius 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIntroductionSimulation training has evolved as an important component of postgraduate surgical education and has shown to be effective in teaching procedural skills. Despite potential benefits to low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC), simulation training is predominately used in high‐income settings. This study evaluates the effectiveness of simulation training in one LMIC (Rwanda).MethodsTwenty‐six postgraduate surgical trainees at the University of Rwanda (Kigali, Rwanda) and Dalhousie University (Halifax, Canada) participated in the study. Participants attended one 3‐hour simulation session using a high‐fidelity, tissue‐based model simulating the creation of an end ileostomy. Each participant was anonymously recorded completing the assigned task at three time points: prior to, immediately following, and 90 days following the simulation training. A single blinded expert reviewer assessed the performance using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (OSATS) instrument.ResultsThe mean OSATS score improvement for participants who completed all the assessments was 6.1 points [95 % Confidence Interval (CI) 2.2–9.9, p = 0.005]. Improvement was sustained over a 90‐day period with a mean improvement of 4.1 points between the first and third attempts (95 % CI 0.3–7.9, p = 0.038). Simulation training was effective in both study sites, though most gains occurred with junior‐level learners, with a mean improvement of 8.3 points (95 % CI 5.1–11.6, p < 0.001). Significant improvements were not identified for senior‐level learners.ConclusionThis study supports the benefit for simulation in surgical training in LMICs. Skill improvements were limited to junior‐level trainees. This work provides justification for investment in simulation‐based curricula in Rwanda and potentially other LMICs.
Perioperative Mortality Rates in Australian Public Hospitals: The Influence of Age, Gender and Urgency
Authors: Watters David A. , Babidge Wendy J. , Kiermeier Andreas , McCulloch Glenn A. J. , Maddern Guy J. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIntroductionA decline in surgical deaths has been observed in Australia since the introduction of the Australian and New Zealand Audit of Surgical Mortality (ANZASM). The current study was conducted to determine whether the perioperative mortality rate (POMR) has also declined.MethodsThis study is a retrospective review of the POMR for surgical procedures in Australian public hospitals between July 2009 and June 2013, using data obtained from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Operative procedures contained in the Australian Refined Diagnosis Related Groups were selected and the POMR was modelled using urgency of admission, age and gender as explanatory covariates.ResultsThe POMR in Australian public hospitals reduced by 15.4 % over the 4‐year period. The emergency admissions POMR dropped from 1.40 to 1.12 %, and the elective admissions POMR from 0.09 to 0.08 %. The binary logistic regression model used to predict patient mortality showed emergency admissions to have a higher POMR than elective, being more evident at older ages. For emergency admissions, the difference in POMR between females and males increased with age, from about 55 years onwards, with females being lower. For elective surgeries, the difference between males and females was of little practical importance across ages.ConclusionsThe reduction in the POMR in Australia confirms the reduction in surgical deaths reported to ANZASM. Continuing to monitor POMR will be important to ensure the safest surgery in Australia. Further investigations into case‐mix will allow better risk adjustment and comparison between regions and time‐periods, to facilitate continuous quality improvement.
Civilian Airway Trauma: A Single‐Institution Experience
Authors: Madani Amin , Pecorelli Nicolò , Razek Tarek , Spicer Jonathan , Ferri Lorenzo E. , Mulder David S. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundInjuries to the airway in the neck and thorax are uncommon, but may be potentially life threatening. The objective of this study is to determine the clinical characteristics and outcomes for patients with airway injury.MethodsFrom 1974 to 2014, a prospectively entered trauma database at a Level 1 trauma center was accessed to identify patients with injuries to the larynx, cervical trachea, or thoracic airway. Hospital charts were reviewed to obtain data on demographics, presentation, injury management, in‐hospital and long‐term morbidity and in‐hospital mortality. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate predictors of mortality and long‐term vocal cord morbidity. Data are expressed as N (%).ResultsOne hundred and twenty patients were included (median injury severity score: 19 [interquartile range: 10–27]). There were 65 (54 %) blunt and 55 (46 %) penetrating injuries, with 90 (75 %) suffering multiple injuries. Sixteen (13 %) patients died from associated injuries (7: in ER; 9: after admission). Injuries were located in the cervical airway [101 (84 %)], thoracic airway [21 (18 %)], or both [2 (2 %)]. Eighty‐six (72 %) patients were managed surgically. Predictors of in‐hospital mortality included hemodynamic instability (OR 6.54, 95 % CI 1.11–37.14), GCS < 8 upon presentation (OR 4.35, 95 % CI 3.24–5.41), and head trauma (OR 4.10, 95 % CI 1.91–6.30). Fracture of cricoid or thyroid cartilages was a strong predictor of long‐term vocal cord injury (OR 3.93, 95 % CI 1.25–12.59).ConclusionsAirway trauma remains a major challenge for early diagnosis, airway control, and management of both acute life‐threatening injury and long‐term morbidity.
Design of a CRISPR-Cas system to increase resistance of Bacillus subtilis to bacteriophage SPP1
Authors: Jakutyte-Giraitiene Lina , Gasiunas Giedrius 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) together with CRISPR-associated (cas) genes form an adaptive prokaryotic immune system which provides acquired resistance against viruses and plasmids. Bacillus subtilis presently is the best-characterized laboratory model for Gram-positive bacteria and also widely used for industrial production of enzymes, vitamins and antibiotics. In this study, we show that type II-A CRISPR-Cas system from Streptococcus thermophilus can be transferred into B. subtilis and provides heterologous protection against phage infection. We engineered a heterologous host by cloning S. thermophilus Cas9 and a spacer targeting bacteriophage SPP1 into the chromosome of B. subtilis, which does not harbor its own CRISPR-Cas systems. We found that the heterologous CRISPR-Cas system is functionally active in B. subtilis and provides resistance against bacteriophage SPP1 infection. The high efficiency of the acquired immunity against phage could be useful in generation of biotechnologically important B. subtilis strains with engineered chromosomes.
Succinic acid production by Actinobacillus succinogenes from batch fermentation of mixed sugars
Authors: Almqvist Henrik , Pateraki Chrysanthi , Alexandri Maria , Koutinas Apostolis , Lidén Gunnar 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Succinic acid production from the monosaccharides xylose, arabinose, glucose, mannose and galactose was studied using the bacterium Actinobacillus succinogenes. In Duran bottle cultures, containing 10 g/L of each of sugar, succinic acid was produced from all sugars except for galactose. The highest succinate yield, 0.56 g/g, was obtained with glucose, whereas the succinate yield was 0.42, 0.38 and 0.44 g/g for xylose, mannose and arabinose, respectively. The specific succinate productivity was 0.7 g/g h for glucose, but below 0.2 g/g h for the other sugars. Batch bioreactor fermentations were carried out using a sugar mixture of the five sugars giving a total concentration of 50 g/L, mimicking the distribution of sugars in spent sulfite liquor (SSL) from Eucalyptus which is rich in xylose. In this mixture, an almost complete conversion of all sugars (except galactose) was achieved resulting in a final succinate concentration of 21.8–26.8 g/L and a total yield of 0.59–0.68 g/g. There was evidence of co-consumption of glucose and xylose, whereas mannose was consumed after glucose. The main by-products were acetate 0.14–0.20 g/g and formate 0.08–0.13 g/g. NADH balance calculations suggested that NADH required for succinate production was not met solely from formate and acetate production, but other means of NADH production was necessary. Results from mixed sugar fermentations were verified using SSL as substrate resulting in a succinate yield of 0.60 g/g. In addition, it was found that CO2 sparging could replace carbonate supply in the form of MgCO3 without affecting the succinate yield.
Microstructure Evolution in the Near-Surface Region During Homogenization of a Twin-Roll Cast AlFeMnSi Alloy
Authors: Wang Junjie , Zhou Xiaorong , Thompson George E. , Hunter John A. , Yuan Yudie 
Published: June 2016

AbstractA near-surface deformed layer, comprising ultrafine grains of 50-500 nm diameters with the grain boundaries being decorated by a high population density of fine cubicα-Al15(FeMn)3Si2dispersoids and oxide/lubricant particles, was generated in a foil stock AlFeMnSi alloy during twin-roll casting due to severe shear deformation within the near-surface region. During a subsequent multi-step homogenization treatment at temperatures in the range of 713 K and 853 K (440 °C and 580 °C), the fine cubicα-Al15(FeMn)3Si2dispersoids within the near-surface layer were dissolved, while sparse, large lath-shaped Al3Fe particles formed in the same region. Significant grain growth took place within the near-surface layer due to the loss of grain boundary pinning by the dispersoids, leading to the removal of the ultrafine-grained microstructure within the near-surface region. However, at local regions where the population density of oxide particles was sufficiently high to provide grain boundary pinning, the ultrafine-grained microstructure was preserved within the near-surface layer.
Protected Clinical Indication of Peripheral Intravenous Lines: Successful Implementation
Authors: DeVries Michelle , Valentine Mary , Mancos Patricia 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Background: A large, urban community hospital developed an insertion bundle to support the safe implementation of a policy of extended dwell time (clinical indication) for inpatient peripheral intravenous lines (PIVs).
Methods: Internal evaluation of practices through direct observations as well as evidence-based guidelines and historic data on PIV-related bloodstream infections helped drive the bundle elements. A surveillance plan was in place to continue measurement of these outcomes during the postimplementation period.
Results: At 12 months following implementation, the organization documented a 37% reduction (P = .03) in primary bacteremias (combining PIV and central line-associated bloodstream [CLABSI] infections) and a 19% percent reduction in PIV bloodstream infections. CLABSI rates were also reviewed, as 20% of CLABSI were noted to also have peripheral access present during the year prior to implementation. CLABSI standardized infection ratios for the publicly reported intensive care units decreased from 1.3 to 0.32 (P = .02). In addition, intravenous line start kit use decreased 48% during the year following bundle implementation.
Conclusions: Careful planning and development of an education bundle and an insertion bundle in a community hospital setting allowed for longer dwell times and a trend of decreased bloodstream infections.
Summary of Evidence-Based Practices for Bloodstream Infection Prevention Across the Health Care Continuum of Care for Vascular Access Clinicians: Addressing the 3 Common Sources of Health Care-Associated Infection Transmission
Authors: Garrett J. Hudson 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Infection prevention and control is a core element of patient safety and in the reduction of central line-associated bloodstream infections. These deadly infections can cause a mortality rate of approximately 12%–25% in inpatient populations. Bloodstream infections can in many cases be prevented through the adoption of evidence-based standards from organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Association for Vascular Access. Vascular access professionals play a critical role in infection prevention in patient care by practicing frequent hand hygiene, maintaining a clean and sanitary clinical environment of care, and performing proper skin antisepsis before the insertion of a vascular access catheter. Each of these interventions contributes to the overall goal of eliminating central line-associated bloodstream infections in these very vulnerable patients.
Detection of sequential activation of left atrium and coronary sinus musculature in the general population
Authors: Ota Masaki , Kaneko Yoshiaki , Nakajima Tadashi , Irie Tadanobu , Iijima Takafumi , Saito Akihiro , Kurabayashi Masahiko 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe direction of impulse propagation across the coronary sinus (CS) musculature (CSM) is an important piece of the mechanistic puzzle underlying atrial tachyarrhythmias. We hypothesized that in the general population, the sequence of left atrial (LA) to CSM electrograms recorded in the CS reflects the direction of impulse propagation over the CSM.MethodsWe studied 19 patients with atrioventricular (AV) reentrant tachycardia (RT) utilizing a left‐sided accessory pathway (AP) and 21 patients with typical counterclockwise atrial flutter (AFL). Conduction through the CSM during AVRT and AFL is from the left atrial (LA) to the right atrial (RA) and from the RA to LA direction, respectively. CS recordings of retrograde conduction over the AP and of AFL were analyzed in search of far‐field, LA potentials.ResultsAmong 19 patients with AP, LA potentials were visible in 7 (37%), all in an LA → CSM activation sequence, while among the 21 patients with AFL, LA potentials were visible in 14 (67%), all in a CSM‐LA activation sequence (P<0.0001). The prevalence of LA potentials was similar between both study groups (P=0.1119), and the overall prevalence was 53%.ConclusionsFar‐field LA potentials are often recorded in the CS during sequential LA and CSM activation in the general population. The timing of LA potentials in CS recordings reflected the direction of conduction across the CSM.
Oxidative stress during early pregnancy and birth outcomes
Authors: Shastri Lisha , Pammal Rajkumar S , Mani Indu , Thomas Tinku , Kurpad Anura V 
Published: June 2016

AbstractObjectiveRoutine high-dose Fe supplementation in non-anaemic pregnant women may induce oxidative stress and eventually affect birth outcomes. The aim of the present study was to measure oxidative stress markers in pregnant women with low/normal and high Hb values in trimester 1 (Hb1) and to relate these to birth weight.DesignA cross-sectional study where selected oxidative stress markers were analysed in both maternal (trimester 1; T1) and cord blood samples and correlated with birth weight.SettingA tertiary hospital in urban South India.SubjectsOne hundred women were chosen based on their Hb1 values (forty women with low/normal Hb1 (<110 g/l) and sixty women with high Hb1 (≥120 g/l)).ResultsIn T1, women with high Hb1 values were found to have lower paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity (424·7 (sd 163·7) v. 532·9 (sd 144·7) pmol p-nitrophenol formed/min per ml plasma, P=0·002) and higher lipid peroxides compared with women with low/normal Hb1. Routine supplementation of Fe to these women resulted in persistent lower PON-1 activity in cord blood (P=0·02) and directionally lower (P=0·142) birth weights. Furthermore, women with high Hb1 who delivered low-birth-weight babies were observed to have lowest PON-1 activity in T1. No changes were observed in other markers (myeloperoxidase activity and total antioxidant levels).ConclusionsRoutine Fe supplementation in pregnant women with high Hb1 associated with increased oxidative stress, as reflected by low PON-1 activity in T1, could potentially lead to deleterious effects on birth weight.
Risk of venous thromboembolism in people with lung cancer: a cohort study using linked UK healthcare data
Authors: Walker Alex J , Baldwin David R , Card Tim R , Powell Helen A , Hubbard Richard B , Grainge Matthew J 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackground:Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a potentially preventable cause of death in people with lung cancer. Identification of those most at risk and high-risk periods may provide the opportunity for better targeted intervention.Methods:We conducted a cohort study using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink linked to Hospital Episode Statistics and Cancer Registry data. Our cohort comprises 10 598 people with lung cancer diagnosed between 1997 and 2006 with follow-up continuing to the end of 2010. Cox regression analysis was performed to determine which demographic, tumour and treatment-related factors (time-varying effects of chemotherapy and surgery) independently affected VTE risk. We also determined the effect of a VTE diagnosis on the survival of people with lung cancer.Results:People with lung cancer had an overall VTE incidence of 39.2 per 1000 person-years (95% confidence interval (CI), 35.4–43.5), though rates varied depending on the patient group and treatment course. Independent factors associated with increased VTE risk were metastatic disease (hazard ratio (HR)=1.9, CI 1.2–3.0vslocal disease); adenocarcinoma subtype (HR=2.0, CI 1.5–2.7,vssquamous cell; chemotherapy administration (HR=2.1, CI 1.4–3.0vsoutside chemotherapy courses); and diagnosis via emergency hospital admission (HR=1.7, CI 1.2–2.3vsother routes to diagnosis). Patients with VTE had an approximately 50% higher risk of mortality than those without VTE.Conclusions:People with lung cancer have especially high risk of VTE if they have advanced disease, adenocarcinoma or are undergoing chemotherapy. The presence of VTE is an independent risk factor for death.