bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of guar gum-based ronidazole capsules as a treatment for Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cats
Authors: Grellet Aurélien , Makhlouf Seyf Eddine , Desquilbet Loic , Hovhannessian Fani , Boogaerts Cassandre , Dore Vanessa , Anthony Myriam , Espana Bernadette , Prouillac Caroline , Kirilov Plamen , Polack Bruno , Perrot Sébastien 
Published: December 2015

Objectives The aims of the study were to determine the in vitro drug release of guar gum-coated capsules of ronidazole, and to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of this formulation for the treatment of cats naturally infected with Tritrichomonas foetus. Methods The pharmacokinetics of ronidazole were evaluated in five healthy cats and five cats infected with T foetus. In a second step, the clinical efficacy of these capsules was evaluated by a controlled, randomised, double-blind clinical trial performed in 47 infected cats from French catteries. In this study, cats were randomly allocated to either the ronidazole treatment group (n = 25) or a placebo group (n = 22). Ronidazole (30 mg/kg) q24h for 14 days was administered to the treated cats. After 14 days of treatment, the presence of T foetus was tested by conventional PCR assay. Results In the pharmacokinetic study, a delayed peak plasma concentration was observed in healthy and infected cats, with no significant difference between these two groups (mean geometric mean of 9 h for time to maximum plasma concentration [Tmax], 21.6 µg/ml for time to maximum plasma concentration [Cmax] and 467.4 μg/h/ml for the area under the curve [AUC] in healthy cats; and 9.4 h for Tmax, 17.1 µg/ml for Cmax and 481 μg/h/ml for AUC in infected cats). In the clinical trial, T foetus was detected in 16% of cats from the treated group and 82% of cats from the placebo group at the end of the study ( P <0.001). No clinical signs of adverse drug reactions were observed. Conclusions and relevance Oral administration of guar gum-coated capsules of ronidazole at a dose of 30 mg/kg once daily for 14 days delays the peak plasma concentration and eradicates infection in most cases.
TRUST-tPA trial: Telemedicine for remote collaboration with urgentists for stroke-tPA treatment
Authors: Mazighi Mikael , Meseguer Elena , Labreuche Julien , Miroux Patrick , Le Gall Catherine , Roy Patricia , Tubach Florence , Amarenco Pierre 
Published: December 2015

Background Previous observational studies have shown that telemedicine is feasible and safe to deliver intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA). However, implementation of telemedicine may be challenging. To illustrate this fact, we report a study showing that telemedicine failed to improve clinical outcome and analyze the reasons for this shortcoming. Methods We established a tele-stroke network of 10 emergency rooms (ERs) of community hospitals connected to a stroke center to perform a randomized, open-label clinical trial with blinded outcome evaluation. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to either a usual care arm (i.e. immediate transfer to the stroke center and administration of IV rt-PA if indication was confirmed upon stroke arrival) or tele-thrombolysis arm (i.e. immediate administration of IV rt-PA in ER and transfer to the stroke center). The primary efficacy outcome was an excellent outcome (modified Rankin scale (mRS) 0–1 at 90 days). Secondary endpoints included favorable outcome (90-day mRS 0–2) and early neurological improvement (NIHSS score 0–1 at 24 hours or a decrease of ≥ 4 points within 24 hours). Safety outcomes included symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) per ECASS II definition, any ICH and all-cause mortality. Results During an accrual time of 48 months, because of a slow enrollment rate, only 49 of 270 patients initially planned for inclusion were randomized into usual care ( n = 23) and tele-thrombolysis ( n = 26). Despite random assignment, patients allocated to tele-thrombolysis were older and had more severe stroke than patients allocated to usual care. The median duration of video-conference was 23 minutes in the usual care arm and 73 minutes in the tele-thrombolysis arm. Eighty-four percent of patients in the tele-thrombolysis arm were treated by IV rt-PA in comparison to 18% in the usual care arm. In univariate analysis but not after adjustment for age and baseline NIHSS, patients allocated in the usual care arm had a higher rate of excellent or favorable outcome. There were no differences in safety outcomes, with only one symptomatic ICH occurring in the tele-thrombolysis arm. Conclusions Stroke patients included in the telemedicine arm of the TRUST-tPA trial increased their rt-PA eligibility five-fold. However, the efficacy and safety remains to be determined (ClinicalTrials.org, NCT00279149).
Medium- to long-term results of a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of arthoscopic-subacromial decompression versus mini-open repair for the treatment of medium-sized rotator cuff tears
Authors: Bidwai Amit Sharad Chandra , Birch Ann , Temperley David , Odak Saurabh , Walton Michael J , Haines John F , Trail Ian 
Published: December 2015

Background We report on the medium- to long-term results of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) aiming to determine whether rotator cuff repair confers any advantage over arthroscopic sub-acromial decompression (ASAD) alone in the management of medium-sized rotator cuff tears. Methods Ethical approval was sought to follow-up patients previously enrolled in a completed and previously published RCT comparing the outcome of ASAD with mini-open cuff repair for the treatment of rotator cuff tear. Forty-two patients were enrolled in the original study, with a mean of 64 years (range 54 years to 77 years). Results Fifteen of the original 17 patients randomized to ASAD alone and 18 of the original 25 patients randomized to cuff repair were available for follow-up. Each patient underwent American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Constant scoring, and clinical and ultrasound examination. Mean duration of follow-up was 7 years (range 5 years to 11 years). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of ASES, DASH and Constant scores at follow-up between the two groups. Some 33% of patients in the cuff-repair group had a proven re-rupture on ultrasound. This patient subgroup had significantly worse Constant scores compared to patients where the repair remained intact. None of the patients from either group developed cuff-tear arthropathy requiring arthroplasty surgery. Conclusions In this medium- to longer-term study, there is no demonstrable significant benefit of cuff repair over decompression alone for the treatment of medium-sized rotator cuff tears, in terms of ASES, DASH and Constant scores for pain, function and strength modules. The presence of cuff tear does not necessitate surgical repair. This conclusion should drive surgical strategies and shared decision-making between patients and surgeons.
Understanding factors influencing the choice of discharge destination by older patients post total lower limb replacement: A qualitative study
Authors: Chee Shuzhen , Neo Annabelle Yen Peng , Chen Lynette Suxin , Seah Eunice Yee Lin , Li Chi Ling , Aung Nay Linn , Vellasamy Thurgathavi 
Published: December 2015

Background: In Singapore, the clinical pathway for total knee replacement was introduced in 1997 to streamline multidisciplinary care and reduce length of stay for patients in acute hospitals. However, patients who chose to be discharged to a community hospital for rehabilitation currently have a longer length of stay due to the higher demand and longer waiting time for beds in these step-down care facilities. To our knowledge, no qualitative studies have been done in Singapore to investigate the post-discharge issues faced by these patients. This study aims to understand how decisions about discharge were being made among elderly patients post-discharge. Design: Grounded theory qualitative methodology was applied. Method: Data was collected from nine inpatients who recently underwent total knee replacement or total hip replacement surgery in a tertiary hospital in Singapore by in-depth interviews conducted between October 2012 and July 2013. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings: Three major themes emerged from the interviews when participants were asked about the reasons for choosing a community hospital instead of going home after discharge. The themes were: perceived lack of caregiver; lack of confidence; and services provided in the community hospitals. Conclusion: This study showed that factors related to perceived unavailability of caregivers, low level of confidence and accessibility of comprehensive community rehabilitation services were important considerations among elderly patients when choosing their discharge destinations and care. Relevant stakeholders can then explore solutions to these problems so as to correctly site patients.
Essential control of early B-cell development by Mef2 transcription factors
Authors: Herglotz Julia , Unrau Ludmilla , Hauschildt Friderike , Fischer Meike , Kriebitzsch Neele , Alawi Malik , Indenbirken Daniela , Spohn Michael , Müller Ursula , Ziegler Marion , Schuh Wolfgang , Jäck Hans-Martin , Stocking Carol 
Published: December 2015

Key Points
Mef2c and Mef2d are activated by the pre-B-cell receptor and are essential for pre-B-cell transition. Mef2c complexes with B-cell transcription factors to shut down the immediate early response and to initiate a new transcriptional network.
Emerging therapeutic drugs for AML
Authors: Stein Eytan M. , Tallman Martin S. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Multiple new drugs are being developed to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML), including novel formulations of traditional chemotherapy-antibody drug conjugates and agents that target specific mutant enzymes. Next-generation sequencing has allowed us to discover the genetic mutations that lead to the development and clinical progression of AML. Studies of clonal hierarchy suggest which mutations occur early and dominate. This has led to targeted therapy against mutant driver proteins as well as the development of drugs such as CPX-351 and SGN-CD33A whose mechanisms of action and efficacy may not be dependent on mutational complexity. In this brief review, we discuss drugs that may emerge as important for the treatment of AML in the next 10 years.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for patients with AML in first complete remission
Authors: Cornelissen Jan J. , Blaise Didier 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Postremission therapy in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) may consist of continuing chemotherapy or transplantation using either autologous or allogeneic stem cells. Patients with favorable subtypes of AML generally receive chemotherapeutic consolidation, although recent studies have also suggested favorable outcome after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Although allogeneic HSCT (alloHSCT) is considered the preferred type of postremission therapy in poor- and very-poor-risk AML, the place of alloHSCT in intermediate-risk AML is being debated, and autologous HSCT is considered a valuable alternative that may be preferred in patients without minimal residual disease after induction chemotherapy. Here, we review postremission transplantation strategies using either autologous or allogeneic stem cells. Recent developments in the field of alternative donors, including cord blood and haploidentical donors, are highlighted, and we discuss reduced-intensity alloHSCT in older AML recipients who represent the predominant category of patients with AML who have a high risk of relapse in first remission.
Expression profiling and functional analysis of Toll‐like receptors in primary healthy human nasal epithelial cells shows no correlation and a refractory LPS response
Authors: van Tongeren J. , Röschmann K. I. L. , Reinartz S. M. , Luiten S. , Fokkens W. J. , de Jong E. C. , van Drunen C. M. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundInnate immune recognition via Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) on barrier cells like epithelial cells has been shown to influence the regulation of local immune responses. Here we determine expression level variations and functionality of TLRs in nasal epithelial cells from healthy donors.MethodsExpression levels of the different TLRs on primary nasal epithelial cells from healthy donors derived from inferior turbinates was determined by RT‐PCR. Functionality of the TLRs was determined by stimulation with the respective ligand and evaluation of released mediators by Luminex ELISA.ResultsPrimary nasal epithelial cells express different levels of TLR1‐6 and TLR9. We were unable to detect mRNA of TLR7, TLR8 and TLR10. Stimulation with Poly(I:C) resulted in a significant increased secretion of IL‐4, IL‐6, RANTES, IP‐10, MIP‐1β, VEGF, FGF, IL‐1RA, IL‐2R and G‐CSF. Stimulation with PGN only resulted in significant increased production of IL‐6, VEGF and IL‐1RA. Although the expression of TLR4 and co‐stimulatory molecules could be confirmed, primary nasal epithelial cells appeared to be unresponsive to stimulation with LPS. Furthermore, we observed huge individual differences in TLR agonist‐induced mediator release, which did not correlate with the respective expression of TLRs.ConclusionOur data suggest that nasal epithelium seems to have developed a delicate system of discrimination and recognition of microbial patterns. Hypo‐responsiveness to LPS could provide a mechanism to dampen the inflammatory response in the nasal mucosa in order to avoid a chronic inflammatory response. Individual, differential expression of TLRs on epithelial cells and functionality in terms of released mediators might be a crucial factor in explaining why some people develop allergies to common inhaled antigens, and others do not.
Hematopoietic LTβR deficiency results in skewed T cell cytokine profiles during a mucosal viral infection
Authors: Sun Tian , Rojas Olga L , Li Conglei , Philpott Dana J , Gommerman Jennifer L 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
The lymphotoxin signaling pathway plays an important role in the homeostasis and function of peripheral and mucosal dendritic cells, and dendritic cell-intrinsic lymphotoxin β receptor expression is required for optimal responses to opportunistic intestinal bacteria. However, it is unknown whether dendritic cell-intrinsic lymphotoxin β receptor signaling is required for responses to intestinal viral infections. We explored this question by orally administrating murine rotavirus to chimeric mice that lack lymphotoxin β receptor signaling in the myeloid compartment but retain lymphoid tissues. We found that although clearance of rotavirus was unimpaired in the lymphotoxin β receptor−/− → wild-type chimeric mice compared with wild-type → wild-type chimeric mice, IFN-γ-producing CD8+ and CD4+ T cells were significantly increased in the small intestinal lamina propria of lymphotoxin β receptor−/− → wild-type chimeric mice. In contrast, IL-17-producing CD4+ T cells were reduced in lymphotoxin β receptor−/− → wild-type chimeric mice in the steady state, and this reduction persisted after rotavirus inoculation. In spite of this altered cytokine profile in the small intestinal lamina propria of lymphotoxin β receptor−/− → wild-type chimeric mice, the local production of rotavirus-specific IgA was unperturbed. Collectively, our results demonstrate that lymphotoxin β receptor signaling in radio-sensitive myeloid cells regulates the balance of IFN-γ and IL-17 cytokine production within the small intestinal lamina propria; however, these perturbations do not affect mucosal antiviral IgA responses.
Epidural Blockade Affects the Pharmacokinetics of Propofol in Surgical Patients
Authors: Sitsen Elske , Olofsen Erik , Lesman Agnes , Dahan Albert , Vuyk Jaap 
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND:
Neuraxial blockade reduces the dose requirements of sedative agents. It is unclear whether neuraxial blockade affects the pharmacokinetics and/or the pharmacodynamics of IV hypnotics. We therefore studied the influence of epidural blockade on the pharmacokinetics of propofol in patients scheduled for general surgery.

METHODS:
Twenty-eight patients were randomly divided into 4 groups, in a double-blind manner, to receive 0, 50, 100, or 150 mg epidural ropivacaine. When the epidural blockade had stabilized, a target-controlled infusion of propofol was started at a target concentration of 1, 2.5, 4, and 6 µg/mL at 0, 6, 12, and 18 minutes, respectively. The infusion was terminated at 24 minutes. Arterial blood samples for blood propofol concentration determination were taken during and up to 150-minute postinfusion. The influence of epidural blockade on propofol pharmacokinetics was determined by mixed-effects modeling.

RESULTS:
With a ropivacaine dose increasing from 0 to 150 mg, the number of blocked segments (median [range]) increased from 0 (0–3) to 16 (6–21). With increasing epidural dose, blood propofol concentration increasingly exceeded target concentration. An epidural blockade of 20 segments reduced propofol’s elimination clearance from 2.64 ± 0.12 to 1.87 ± 0.08 L/min. Adjusting for weight and sex further improved the propofol pharmacokinetic model.

CONCLUSIONS:
Epidural blockade affects the pharmacokinetics of propofol and the performance of a target-controlled infusion of propofol. At an epidural ropivacaine dose that blocks 20 segments, the propofol dosage or target concentration may be reduced by 30% compared with when no epidural blockade is present. An epidural-induced reduction in hepatic and/or renal blood flow may explain this pharmacokinetic interaction.
Singin’ Over Rainbows: The incongruent film song and extra-filmic reception
Authors: Ireland David 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Empirical research suggests that incongruent or mismatched film-music combinations can result in separate perceptual encoding of auditory and visual information, which draws attention to the components that comprise a scene. These processes help to explain the often memorable qualities of such filmic moments, which can create interpretations that may influence the resulting reception and use of the music. Examples often cited as incongruent include the use of seemingly ironic popular songs to accompany depictions of violence. Through analysis of such quotation of ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ and ‘Over the Rainbow’, this article discusses why popular song can be particularly effective in the construction of such moments. The benefits of conceptualizing these moments as incongruent, and in approaching this term from a psycho-semiotic perspective and drawing particular attention to notions of signification and intertextuality, allows further speculation about the impact of such moments on the afterlife of the quoted song.
The reality paradox: Authenticity, fidelity and the real in Battlefield 4
Authors: Stevens Richard , Raybould Dave 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
This article examines how the ‘Battlefield’ (EA Games) series of games generates authenticity in its soundtrack both through a meticulous approach to modelling the physical world and through the appropriation of audio characteristics from our, typically mediated, experience of conflict. It goes on to examine how we might reconcile such ‘authentic’ audio with the more ludic features of the soundtrack, required to support gameplay, that are typically presented as inauthentic. The absence of these sounds during narrative-based sequences and the acceptance of them without negative impact on immersion during gameplay implies that these inauthentic sounds appear not to disrupt the immersive qualities of the ‘authentic’ but only when clearly positioned as ego-ludic (heard only by the player, non-spatialized and synthetic in quality) and only within the context of challenge-based sequences of the game.
‘From Russia with Fun!’: Tetris, Korobeiniki and the ludic Soviet
Authors: Plank-Blasko Dana 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
2014 marks the 30th anniversary of Alexei Pajitnov’s puzzle game Tetris. The simple, addictive interface created an instant sensation upon its 1989 US release. The anniversary thus represents a convenient occasion to reexamine this 8-bit classic, now a vaunted member of the ludic canon.
Reflecting anxieties about what lay behind the Iron Curtain, video games of the 1980s tended to represent Soviets as vodka-addled adversaries. Tetris was the first to present Soviet elements in a more positive light, illuminating changing US attitudes at the end of the Cold War. Once western game developers obtained marketing licenses, they emphasized the game’s origins with red packaging, images of the Kremlin, and the hammer and sickle. Russian musical selections added geographical specificity and commercial interest. The Soviet elements drew gamers’ attention, and the game’s addictive nature created habitual – even compulsive – players. Tetris afforded gamers a metaphorical connection to previously forbidden, exotic territory. The construction of a new ludic Soviet sets Tetris apart from other games of this era. By exploring Tetris’s historical narrative in a context of more hostile representations, we craft a new understanding of the game’s role in constructing a new cultural discourse situated at an important moment in US history.
𝒜$\mathcal{A}$-quasiconvexity at the boundary and weak lower semicontinuity of integral functionals
Authors: Krämer Jan , Krömer Stefan , Kružík Martin , Pathó Gabriel 
Published: December 2015

AbstractWe state necessary and sufficient conditions for weak lower semicontinuity of integral functionals of the form${u\mapsto\int_{\Omega}h(x,u(x))\,\mathrm{d}x}$, wherehis continuous and possesses a positivelyp-homogeneous recession function,${p>1}$, and${u\in L^{p}(\Omega;\mathbb{R}^{m})}$lives in the kernel of a constant-rank first-order differential operator${\mathcal{A}}$which admits an extension property. In the special case${\mathcal{A}=\mathrm{curl}}$, apart from the quasiconvexity of the integrand, the recession function’s quasiconvexity at the boundary in the sense of Ball and Marsden is known to play a crucial role. Our newly defined notions of${\mathcal{A}}$-quasiconvexity at the boundary, generalize this result. Moreover, we give an equivalent condition for the weak lower semicontinuity of the above functional along sequences weakly converging in${L^{p}(\Omega;\mathbb{R}^{m})}$and approaching the kernel of${\mathcal{A}}$even if${\mathcal{A}}$does not have the extension property.
Imagined Religious Communities and the “Culture of Bible-Readers”: Hinduism’s Challenge to European Religious Studies
Authors: Helton Christopher Jason 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
This paper will discuss the challenges posed by modern conceptions of Hinduism - in particular Heinrich von Stietencron’s conception of a “collection of religions” and Romila Thapar’s application of Benedict Anderson’s theory of “imagined communities” to Hinduism-to the European style of religious studies, particularly at the undergraduate level.