bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implantation of Autologous Cartilage Chips Improves Cartilage Repair Tissue Quality in Osteochondral Defects
Authors: Christensen Bjørn Borsøe , Foldager Casper Bindzus , Olesen Morten Lykke , Hede Kris Chadwick , Lind Martin 
Published: March 2016

Background: Osteochondral injuries have poor endogenous healing potential, and no standard treatment has been established. The use of combined layered autologous bone and cartilage chips for treatment of osteochondral defects has shown promising short-term clinical results. Purpose/Hypothesis: This study aimed to investigate the role of cartilage chips by comparing combined layered autologous bone and cartilage chips with autologous bone implantation alone in a Göttingen minipig model. The hypothesis was that the presence of cartilage chips would improve the quality of the repair tissue. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Twelve Göttingen minipigs received 2 osteochondral defects in each knee. The defects were randomized to autologous bone graft (ABG) combined with autologous cartilage chips (autologous dual-tissue transplantation [ADTT]) or ABG alone. Six animals were euthanized at 6 months and 6 animals were euthanized at 12 months. Follow-up evaluation consisted of histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry, semiquantitative scoring (International Cartilage Repair Society II), and computed tomography. Results: There was significantly more hyaline cartilage in the ADTT group (25.8%) compared with the ABG group (12.8%) at 6 months after treatment. At 12 months, the fraction of hyaline cartilage in the ABG group had significantly decreased to 4.8%, whereas the fraction of hyaline cartilage in the ADTT group was unchanged (20.1%). At 6 and 12 months, there was significantly more fibrocartilage in the ADTT group (44% and 60.8%) compared with the ABG group (24.5% and 41%). The fraction of fibrous tissue was significantly lower in the ADTT group compared with the ABG group at both 6 and 12 months. The implanted cartilage chips stained >75% positive for collagen type 4 and laminin at both 6 and 12 months. Significant differences were found in a number of International Cartilage Repair Society II subcategories. The volume of the remaining bone defect significantly decreased from 6 to 12 months in both treatment groups; however, no difference in volume was found between the groups at either 6 or 12 months. Conclusion: The presence of cartilage chips in an osteochondral defect facilitated the formation of fibrocartilage as opposed to fibrous tissue at both 6 and 12 months posttreatment. The implanted chips were present in the defect and viable after 12 months. Clinical Relevance: This study substantiates the chondrogenic role of cartilage chips in osteochondral defects.
Value of Serum Cholinesterase Activity in the Diagnosis of Septic Shock Due to Bacterial Infections
Authors: Bahloul Mabrouk , Baccouch Najeh , Chtara Kamilia , Turki Mouna , Turki Olfa , Hamida Chokri Ben , Chelly Hedi , Ayedi Fatma , Chaari Anis , Bouaziz Mounir 
Published: March 2016

Background: We aimed to investigate whether serum cholinesterase (SChE) activity can be helpful for the diagnosis of septic shock and to evaluate its usefulness in comparison with procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Methods: A prospective single-blinded study conducted in an intensive care unit of university hospital. Patients were classified as having cardiogenic shock, septic shock, or hemorrhagic shock. We also included a control group without neither hemodynamic instability nor sepsis. For all included patients, SChE, PCT, and CRP were simultaneously sampled. Results: The comparison of sepsis markers between all groups showed that the mean values of PCT and CRP were significantly higher in patients with septic shock. However, SChE activity was significantly lower in this group. The SChE activity was found to be more accurate than PCT and CRP for the diagnosis of septic shock. In fact, an SChE activity ≤ 4000 UI/L predicted the diagnosis of septic shock with a sensitivity of 78%, a specificity of 89%, a predictive negative value of 97%, and a predictive positive value of 65%. However, the prognostic value of SChE activity was poor in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: The SChE activity level was significantly decreased in patients with septic shock. However, its prognostic value is poor. Our results suggest that SChE activity is useful for the diagnosis of septic shock. Further studies are warranted to confirm our findings.
Radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation using only a bipolar device
Authors: Kawasaki Hiromitsu , Suenaga Etsuro , Takaki Jun , Hayashi Nagi 
Published: March 2016

Purpose: Although the maze procedure using a radiofrequency ablation device is a prevalent treatment for atrial fibrillation, a bipolar radiofrequency device is generally not used on the mitral and tricuspid annulus owing to the risk of coronary artery injury. We report the performance of the maze procedure using only a bipolar radiofrequency ablation device in our institute since 2009. Methods: We performed the maze procedure using only a bipolar device in 35 patients (bipolar group) and compared their operative outcomes with 56 patients who underwent standard radiofrequency ablation using bipolar and unipolar devices (standard group) for atrial fibrillation. Results: Preoperative characteristics were similar in the two groups. Operative data were also similar in the two groups except for a higher number of concomitant tricuspid valve repairs in the bipolar group (p = 0.007). There were no significant differences in mortality and morbidity between the two groups. Sinus rhythm was restored in a significantly higher number of patients in the bipolar group (71.4%) than in the standard group (39.3%; p = 0.002) at the first postdischarge follow-up. Conclusion: The maze procedure using only a bipolar radiofrequency device can be safely performed and results in a satisfactory sinus rhythm restoration.
“Just-In-Time” Simulation Training Using 3-D Printed Cardiac Models After Congenital Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Olivieri Laura J. , Su Lillian , Hynes Conor F. , Krieger Axel , Alfares Fahad A. , Ramakrishnan Karthik , Zurakowski David , Marshall M. Blair , Kim Peter C. W. , Jonas Richard A. , Nath Dilip S. 
Published: March 2016

Background: High-fidelity simulation using patient-specific three-dimensional (3D) models may be effective in facilitating pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU) provider training for clinical management of congenital cardiac surgery patients. Methods: The 3D-printed heart models were rendered from preoperative cross-sectional cardiac imaging for 10 patients undergoing congenital cardiac surgery. Immediately following surgical repair, a congenital cardiac surgeon and an intensive care physician conducted a simulation training session regarding postoperative care utilizing the patient-specific 3D model for the PCICU team. After the simulation, Likert-type 0 to 10 scale questionnaire assessed participant perception of impact of the training session. Results: Seventy clinicians participated in training sessions, including 22 physicians, 38 nurses, and 10 ancillary care providers. Average response to whether 3D models were more helpful than standard hand off was 8.4 of 10. Questions regarding enhancement of understanding and clinical ability received average responses of 9.0 or greater, and 90% of participants scored 8 of 10 or higher. Nurses scored significantly higher than other clinicians on self-reported familiarity with the surgery (7.1 vs 5.8; P = .04), clinical management ability (8.6 vs 7.7; P = .02), and ability enhancement (9.5 vs 8.7; P = .02). Compared to physicians, nurses and ancillary providers were more likely to consider 3D models more helpful than standard hand off (8.7 vs 7.7; P = .05). Higher case complexity predicted greater enhancement of understanding of surgery ( P = .04). Conclusion: The 3D heart models can be used to enhance congenital cardiac critical care via simulation training of multidisciplinary intensive care teams. Benefit may be dependent on provider type and case complexity.
Ranking reactive glutamines in the fibrinogen αC region that are targeted by blood coagulant factor XIII
Authors: Mouapi Kelly Njine , Bell Jacob D. , Smith Kerrie A. , Ariëns Robert A. S. , Philippou Helen , Maurer Muriel C. 
Published: March 2016

Key PointsFXIIIa exhibits a preference for Q237 in crosslinking reactions within fibrinogen αC (233-425) followed by Q328 and Q366. None of the reactive glutamines in αC 233-425 (Q237, Q328, and Q366) are required to react first before the others can crosslink.
Blunted perception of neural respiratory drive and breathlessness in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Reilly Charles C. , Jolley Caroline J. , Elston Caroline , Moxham John , Rafferty Gerrard F. 
Published: March 2016

The electromyogram recorded from the diaphragm (EMGdi) and parasternal intercostal muscle using surface electrodes (sEMGpara) provides a measure of neural respiratory drive (NRD), the magnitude of which reflects lung disease severity in stable cystic fibrosis. The aim of this study was to explore perception of NRD and breathlessness in both healthy individuals and patients with cystic fibrosis. Given chronic respiratory loading and increased NRD in cystic fibrosis, often in the absence of breathlessness at rest, we hypothesised that patients with cystic fibrosis would be able to tolerate higher levels of NRD for a given level of breathlessness compared to healthy individuals during exercise.15 cystic fibrosis patients (mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 53.5% predicted) and 15 age-matched, healthy controls were studied. Spirometry was measured in all subjects and lung volumes measured in the cystic fibrosis patients. EMGdiand sEMGparawere recorded at rest and during incremental cycle exercise to exhaustion and expressed as a percentage of maximum (% max) obtained from maximum respiratory manoeuvres. Borg breathlessness scores were recorded at rest and during each minute of exercise.EMGdi% max and sEMGpara% max and associated Borg breathlessness scores differed significantly between healthy subjects and cystic fibrosis patients at rest and during exercise. The relationship between EMGdi% max and sEMGpara% max and Borg score was shifted to the right in the cystic fibrosis patients, such that at comparable levels of EMGdi% max and sEMGpara% max the cystic fibrosis patients reported significantly lower Borg breathlessness scores compared to the healthy individuals. At Borg score 1 (clinically significant increase in breathlessness from baseline) corresponding levels of EMGdi% max (20.2±12%versus32.15±15%, p=0.02) and sEMGpara% max (18.9±8%versus29.2±15%, p=0.04) were lower in the healthy individuals compared to the cystic fibrosis patients.In the cystic fibrosis patients EMGdi% max at Borg score 1 was related to the degree of airways obstruction (FEV1) (r=−0.664, p=0.007) and hyperinflation (residual volume/total lung capacity) (r=0.710, p=0.03). This relationship was not observed for sEMGpara% max.These data suggest that compared to healthy individuals, patients with cystic fibrosis can tolerate much higher levels of NRD before increases in breathlessness from baseline become clinically significant. EMGdi% max and sEMGpara% max provide physiological tools with which to elucidate factors underlying inter-individual differences in breathlessness perception.
Improving cell mixture deconvolution by identifying optimal DNA methylation libraries (IDOL)
Authors: Koestler Devin C. , Jones Meaghan J. , Usset Joseph , Christensen Brock C. , Butler Rondi A. , Kobor Michael S. , Wiencke John K. , Kelsey Karl T. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Background
Confounding due to cellular heterogeneity represents one of the foremost challenges currently facing Epigenome-Wide Association Studies (EWAS). Statistical methods leveraging the tissue-specificity of DNA methylation for deconvoluting the cellular mixture of heterogenous biospecimens offer a promising solution, however the performance of such methods depends entirely on the library of methylation markers being used for deconvolution. Here, we introduce a novel algorithm for Identifying Optimal Libraries (IDOL) that dynamically scans a candidate set of cell-specific methylation markers to find libraries that optimize the accuracy of cell fraction estimates obtained from cell mixture deconvolution.

Results
Application of IDOL to training set consisting of samples with both whole-blood DNA methylation data (Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadArray (HM450)) and flow cytometry measurements of cell composition revealed an optimized library comprised of 300 CpG sites. When compared existing libraries, the library identified by IDOL demonstrated significantly better overall discrimination of the entire immune cell landscape (p = 0.038), and resulted in improved discrimination of 14 out of the 15 pairs of leukocyte subtypes. Estimates of cell composition across the samples in the training set using the IDOL library were highly correlated with their respective flow cytometry measurements, with all cell-specific R2>0.99 and root mean square errors (RMSEs) ranging from [0.97 % to 1.33 %] across leukocyte subtypes. Independent validation of the optimized IDOL library using two additional HM450 data sets showed similarly strong prediction performance, with all cell-specific R2>0.90 and RMSE<4.00 %. In simulation studies, adjustments for cell composition using the IDOL library resulted in uniformly lower false positive rates compared to competing libraries, while also demonstrating an improved capacity to explain epigenome-wide variation in DNA methylation within two large publicly available HM450 data sets.

Conclusions
Despite consisting of half as many CpGs compared to existing libraries for whole blood mixture deconvolution, the optimized IDOL library identified herein resulted in outstanding prediction performance across all considered data sets and demonstrated potential to improve the operating characteristics of EWAS involving adjustments for cell distribution. In addition to providing the EWAS community with an optimized library for whole blood mixture deconvolution, our work establishes a systematic and generalizable framework for the assembly of libraries that improve the accuracy of cell mixture deconvolution.
CoeViz: a web-based tool for coevolution analysis of protein residues
Authors: Baker Frazier N. , Porollo Aleksey 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Background
Proteins generally perform their function in a folded state. Residues forming an active site, whether it is a catalytic center or interaction interface, are frequently distant in a protein sequence. Hence, traditional sequence-based prediction methods focusing on a single residue (or a short window of residues) at a time may have difficulties in identifying and clustering the residues constituting a functional site, especially when a protein has multiple functions. Evolutionary information encoded in multiple sequence alignments is known to greatly improve sequence-based predictions. Identification of coevolving residues further advances the protein structure and function annotation by revealing cooperative pairs and higher order groupings of residues.

Results
We present a new web-based tool (CoeViz) that provides a versatile analysis and visualization of pairwise coevolution of amino acid residues. The tool computes three covariance metrics: mutual information, chi-square statistic, Pearson correlation, and one conservation metric: joint Shannon entropy. Implemented adjustments of covariance scores include phylogeny correction, corrections for sequence dissimilarity and alignment gaps, and the average product correction. Visualization of residue relationships is enhanced by hierarchical cluster trees, heat maps, circular diagrams, and the residue highlighting in protein sequence and 3D structure. Unlike other existing tools, CoeViz is not limited to analyzing conserved domains or protein families and can process long, unstructured and multi-domain proteins thousands of residues long. Two examples are provided to illustrate the use of the tool for identification of residues (1) involved in enzymatic function, (2) forming short linear functional motifs, and (3) constituting a structural domain.

Conclusions
CoeViz represents a practical resource for a quick sequence-based protein annotation for molecular biologists, e.g., for identifying putative functional clusters of residues and structural domains. CoeViz also can serve computational biologists as a resource of coevolution matrices, e.g., for developing machine learning-based prediction models. The presented tool is integrated in the POLYVIEW-2D server (http://polyview.cchmc.org/) and available from resulting pages of POLYVIEW-2D.
Endothelial permeability following coronary artery bypass grafting: an observational study on the possible role of angiopoietin imbalance
Authors: Hilbert Tobias , Duerr Georg Daniel , Hamiko Marwan , Frede Stilla , Rogers Lynette , Baumgarten Georg , Hoeft Andreas , Velten Markus 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Background
Unresolved inflammation resulting in capillary leakage with endothelial barrier dysfunction is a major contributor to postoperative morbidity and mortality after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Angiopoietins (ANGs) are vascular growth factors, also mediating inflammation and disruption of the endothelium, thus inducing capillary leakage. We hypothesized that changes in the relative serum levels of ANG1 and ANG2 influence endothelial barrier function and perioperative morbidity after CABG.

Methods
After approval and informed consent, serum samples (n = 28) were collected pre CABG surgery, 1, 6, and 24 h after aortic de-clamping. ANG1, ANG2, soluble ANG receptor TIE2 (sTIE2), and IL-6 serum concentrations were analyzed by ELISA. Human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) were incubated with patient serum and FITC-dextran permeability was assessed. Furthermore, ANG2 secretion of HPMECs was analyzed after incubation with IL-6-containing patient serum.

Results
CABG induced an early and sustained increase of ANG2/ANG1 ratio (5-fold after 24 h compared to pre-surgery). These changes correlated with elevated serum lactate levels, fluid balance, as well as the duration of mechanical ventilation. Permeability of HPMECs significantly increased after incubation with post-surgery serum showing a marked shift of ANG2/ANG1 balance (18-fold) compared to serum with a less pronounced increase (6-fold). Furthermore, CABG resulted in increased IL-6 serum content. Pre-incubation with serum containing high levels of IL-6 amplified the ANG2 secretion by HPMECs; however, this was not influenced by blocking IL-6.

Conclusions
CABG affects the balance between ANG1 and ANG2 towards a dominance of the barrier-disruptive ANG2. Our data suggest that this ANG2/ANG1 imbalance contributes to an increased postoperative endothelial permeability, likewise being reflected by the clinical course. The results strongly suggest a biological effect of altered angiopoietin balance during cardiac surgery on endothelial permeability.
A new look at technical progress and early retirement
Authors: Burlon Lorenzo , Vilalta-Bufí Montserrat 
Published: March 2016

AbstractTechnical progress affects early retirement in two opposing ways. On the one hand, it increases real wages and thus produces an incentive to postpone retirement. On the other hand, it erodes workers’ skills, making early retirement more likely. We re-examine the effect of technical progress on early retirement in the US. We measure technical change during the whole working life of the individuals and find that its effect on the probability of early retirement is non-monotonic. In particular, when technical change is small, the erosion effect dominates, but when it is large the wage effect dominates. These results may signal that the higher the technical change, the more willing are the elderly to retrain, which has direct policy implications for the design of elderly training programs.Jel codes:J24, J26, O33
Do state work eligibility verification laws reduce unauthorized immigration?
Authors: Orrenius Pia M. , Zavodny Madeline 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
During the 2000s, several states adopted laws requiring employers to verify new employees’ eligibility to work legally in the USA. This study uses data from the 2005–2014 American Community Survey to examine how such laws affect unauthorized immigrants’ locational choices. The results indicate that having an E-Verify law reduces the number of less-educated prime-age immigrants from Mexico and Central America—immigrants who are likely to be unauthorized—living in a state. We find evidence that some new migrants are diverted to other states, but also suggestive evidence that some already-present migrants leave the country entirely.
JEL codes: J15, J61, J68
Patient-Reported Outcomes After Choice for Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy
Authors: Hwang E. Shelley , Locklear Tracie D. , Rushing Christel N. , Samsa Greg , Abernethy Amy P. , Hyslop Terry , Atisha Dunya M. 
Published: March 2016

Purpose The rate of contralateral prophylactic mastectomies (CPMs) continues to rise, although there is little evidence to support improvement in quality of life (QOL) with CPM. We sought to ascertain whether patient-reported outcomes and, more specifically, QOL differed according to receipt of CPM. Methods Volunteers recruited from the Army of Women with a history of breast cancer surgery took an electronically administered survey, which included the BREAST-Q, a well-validated breast surgery outcomes patient-reporting tool, and demographic and treatment-related questions. Descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis were used to evaluate the association of CPM with four BREAST-Q QOL domains. Results A total of 7,619 women completed questionnaires; of those eligible, 3,977 had a mastectomy and 1,598 reported receipt of CPM. Women undergoing CPM were younger than those who did not choose CPM. On unadjusted analysis, mean breast satisfaction was higher in the CPM group (60.4 v 57.9, P < .001) and mean physical well-being was lower in the CPM group (74.6 v 76.6, P < .001). On multivariable analysis, the CPM group continued to report higher breast satisfaction (P = .046) and psychosocial well-being (P = .017), but no difference was reported in the no-CPM group in the other QOL domains. Conclusion Choice for CPM was associated with an improvement in breast satisfaction and psychosocial well-being. However, the magnitude of the effect may be too small to be clinically meaningful. Such patient-reported outcomes data are important to consider when counseling women contemplating CPM as part of their breast cancer treatment.