bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of eptifibatide versus tirofiban in acute coronary syndrome patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhou Xiaoqin , Wu Xinyu , Sun Huan , Li Jing 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundGlycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors were the strongest available antiplatelet therapy and have been shown to reduce cardiac ischemic complications in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. However, evidences are still lacking on the superiority of eptifibatide over tirofiban or vice versa in patients with acute coronary syndrome.ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy and safety of eptifibatide and tirofiban used among patients with acute coronary syndrome by performing a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in Pubmed, Ovid/Medline, Ovid/Embase, Clinicaltrials.gov, CBM and CNKI to identify randomized controlled trials comparing eptifibatide with tirofiban for acute coronary syndrome until November 2015. The methodological quality was assessed with the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool.Results1256 patients from 9 randomized controlled trials were finally included. Compared with tirofiban, eptifibatide could reduce more risk of thrombolysis in myocardial infarction minor bleeding (RR 0.61, 95%CI 0.38, 0.98). However, no significant differences were observed for major adverse cardiac events (RR 0.41, 95%CI 0.15 to 1.12), major bleeding, thrombocytopenia in the two treatment groups. The relative treatment benefits were similar in subgroups of patients according to types of acute coronary syndrome, or undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.ConclusionAvailable evidence suggests that the safety of eptifibatide is slightly superior to tirofiban in patients with acute coronary syndrome, but no significant difference was observed on efficacy. Future studies should focus on the randomized controlled trials with larger sample, multi‐center, long‐term follow‐up, high quality to compare the two drugs.
Assessing cultivar resistance to Sitodiplosis mosellana (Géhin) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) using a phenotyping method under semi‐field conditions
Authors: Chavalle S. , Jacquemin G. , De Proft M. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe orange wheat blossom midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana (Géhin), can significantly reduce wheat yield. Growing resistant wheat cultivars is an effective way of managing this pest. The assessment of cultivar resistance in field trials is difficult because of unequal pressure of S. mosellana caused by differences in cultivar heading dates relative to the flight period of S. mosellana adult females and huge variations of egg laying conditions from 1 day to another. To overcome these hurdles and to expose all cultivars homogeneously to the pest, an assessment method of cultivar resistance was developed under semi‐field conditions. In 2015, the resistance of 64 winter wheat cultivars to S. mosellana was assessed. Few or no larvae developed in the ears of resistant cultivars, but in susceptible cultivars, large numbers of larvae developed. Seventeen cultivars proved to be resistant, whereas 47 were susceptible. The identification of new resistant cultivars offers more opportunities to manage S. mosellana. The phenotyping method is easy, cheap, efficient and reliable. It can be used to guide the breeding of new resistant wheat cultivars. Using specific midge populations, this method could also be used in research on new resistance mechanisms in winter wheat or in other cereal species.
Pathologic features of mycobacteriosis in naturally infected Syngnathidae and novel transcriptome assembly in association with disease
Authors: Fogelson S B , Fast M D , Leary J , Camus A C 
Published: April 2017

AbstractSyngnathidae (seahorses, seadragons and pipefish) suffer significant losses from non‐tuberculous mycobacteria. However, they produce markedly different lesions in response to the disease compared to other teleost species, notably infrequent granuloma formation. This study evaluated 270 syngnathid fish, from which 92 were diagnosed with mycobacteriosis by histopathology, culture or both. Microscopic lesions variably consisted of random foci of coagulative necrosis in multiple organs, containing high numbers of free bacteria and large aggregates or sheets of macrophages with cytoplasm laden with acid‐fast bacilli. Mycobacterial associated granulomas were identified in only six seahorses. Five fish had positive cultures with no observed microscopic changes. RNA‐seq of the head kidney was performed to investigate the transcriptome of two infected and six non‐infected lined seahorses Hippocampus erectus. Assembled and annotated putative transcripts serve to enrich the database for this species, as well as provide baseline data for understanding the pathogenesis of mycobacteriosis in seahorses. Putative components of the innate immune system (IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF, NOS, Toll‐like receptor 1, MHC Class I, NF‐κβ, transforming growth factor beta, MyD88) were identified in the RNA‐seq data set. However, a homolog for a key component in the TH1 adaptive immune response, interferon‐gamma, was not identified and may underlie the unique pathologic presentation.
Survival analysis after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: A consecutive cohort of 1002 patients
Authors: Lee Eung Chang , Kim Seong Hoon , Park Hyeongmin , Lee Seung Duk , Lee Soon‐Ae , Park Sang‐Jae 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackground and AimThe improvements in surgical technique and perioperative management in the recent decades may warrant revisit for survival outcomes and prognostic factors after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to analyze the survival outcomes after liver resection for HCC for a consecutive cohort of 1002 patients.MethodsThis study was performed by analyzing the clinicopathological and follow‐up data of 1002 consecutive patients who underwent liver resection for HCC from April 2001 to December 2013. Prognostic factors were investigated by univariate and multivariate analysis, using the Cox's proportional hazards model.ResultsThe overall incidence of postoperative complications was 16.1% (n = 161), with an in‐hospital mortality rate of 0.3% (n = 3). The rates of 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year overall survival were 91.9%, 78.9%, and 69.5%, while the rates of 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year recurrence‐free survival were 71.7%, 51.7%, and 43.7%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that patient age, platelet count, intraoperative estimated blood loss (EBL), tumor number, Edmond–Steiner grade, microvascular invasion, major vessel invasion, and intrahepatic metastasis were independent significant prognostic factors affecting the overall survival. Platelet count, intraoperative EBL, maximal tumor size, major vessel invasion, capsule formation, intrahepatic metastasis, cirrhosis, and the pathological stage were independent prognostic factors for recurrence‐free survival.ConclusionsSurvival of patients with HCC after resection should be stratified by various perioperative clinicopathological factors. Platelet count and intraoperative EBL could be considered as one of the powerful predictors of the prognosis and recurrence of HCC in such patients.
Association of decreased expression of the macrophage scavenger receptor MARCO with tumor progression and poor prognosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sun Haoyu , Song Jiaxi , Weng Chenchun , Xu Jing , Huang Mei , Huang Qiang , Sun Rui , Xiao Weihua , Sun Cheng 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackground and AimThe macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO) belongs to the scavenger receptor family; however, few studies have assessed their potentials in modulating inflammatory signaling other than the typical function of pattern recognition and phagocytic clearance. Interestingly, RNA‐Seq analyses of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have identified MARCO as one of the top 30 differentially expressed genes between cancerous and adjacent noncancerous tissues. However, no research has been performed to study MARCO in liver cancer.MethodsMARCO protein expression was evaluated by immunostaining liver tissue specimens collected from 88 HCC patients, 10 liver cirrhosis patients, 6 metastatic patients, and 5 healthy controls. All sections were reviewed by blinded observers followed by the interpretation of integral optical density per area as a measure of protein intensity.ResultsWe observed significantly decreased expression of MARCO in intratumoral tissues of HCC compared with expression in peritumoral tissues. The expression of MARCO declined progressively as the disease condition was aggravated, with the highest expression found in healthy controls and the lowest found in patients with HCC metastasis. Furthermore, MARCO expression decreased along with tumor progression. MARCO+ cells co‐localized with CD68+ cells, indicating predominant expression on macrophages. The overall survival rate was significantly increased in patients with high intratumoral MARCO expression compared with that of patients with low intratumoral MARCO expression.ConclusionsOur study is the first to demonstrate an association between MARCO expression and the progression and prognosis of HCC.
Barn owls maximize head rotations by a combination of yawing and rolling in functionally diverse regions of the neck
Authors: Krings Markus , Nyakatura John A. , Boumans Mark L. L. M. , Fischer Martin S. , Wagner Hermann 
Published: April 2017

AbstractOwls are known for their outstanding neck mobility: these birds can rotate their heads more than 270°. The anatomical basis of this extraordinary neck rotation ability is not well understood. We used X‐ray fluoroscopy of living owls as well as forced neck rotations in dead specimens and computer tomographic (CT) reconstructions to study how the individual cervical joints contribute to head rotation in barn owls (Tyto furcata pratincola). The X‐ray data showed the natural posture of the neck, and the reconstructions of the CT‐scans provided the shapes of the individual vertebrae. Joint mobility was analyzed in a spherical coordinate system. The rotational capability was described as rotation about the yaw and roll axes. The analyses suggest a functional division of the cervical spine into several regions. Most importantly, an upper region shows high rolling and yawing capabilities. The mobility of the lower, more horizontally oriented joints of the cervical spine is restricted mainly to the roll axis. These rolling movements lead to lateral bending, effectively resulting in a side shift of the head compared with the trunk during large rotations. The joints in the middle of the cervical spine proved to contribute less to head rotation. The analysis of joint mobility demonstrated how owls might maximize horizontal head rotation by a specific and variable combination of yawing and rolling in functionally diverse regions of the neck.
Switching Costs in Two‐Sided Markets
Authors: Lam Wing Man Wynne 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn many markets, there are switching costs and network effects. Yet the literature generally deals with them separately. This paper bridges the gap by analyzing their interaction (or ‘indirect bargain’) in a dynamic two‐sided market. It shows that in the symmetric equilibrium, the classic result that the first‐period price is U‐shaped in switching costs does not emerge, but instead switching costs always intensify the first‐period price competition. Moreover, an increase in switching costs on one side decreases the first‐period price on the other side. Policies that ignore these effects may overestimate the extent to which switching costs can reduce welfare.
A pilot study of nocturnal temporalis muscle activity in TMD diagnostic groups of women
Authors: Wei F. , Van Horn M. H. , Coombs M. C. , She X. , Gonzales T. S. , Gonzalez Y. M. , Scott J. M. , Iwasaki L. R. , Nickel J. C. , Yao H. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryTemporomandibular disorder (TMD) incidences are believed to be related to parafunctional behaviours like teeth clenching. This pilot study aimed to (i) develop an automated clench‐detection algorithm, and (ii) apply the algorithm to test for differences in nocturnal clenching in women with and without TMD. Subjects gave informed consent to participate. Adult women were categorised using Diagnostic Criteria for TMD according to presence/absence (+/−) of both TM joint disc placement (DD) and chronic pain (P) into two groups (+DD+P, −DD−P) with 12 subjects each. Surface temporalis electromyography was recorded during oral tasks performed by subjects at two laboratory sessions. The data were used to characterise muscle activity per N of bite force (μV/N) for each subject, develop the clench‐detection algorithm and test its accuracy. Ambulatory surface temporalis electromyography was self‐recorded by each subject over three nights and analysed using the algorithm and bite force (N) versus muscle activity μV/N calibrations. Bonferroni‐adjusted homoscedastic t‐tests assessed for significant between‐group differences in clenching (P < 0·05). Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of algorithm‐detected laboratory clenches were all ≥96%. During self‐recordings 95% of clenches had durations of <4 s and peak forces of <10 N in both groups. Mean clench durations were significantly longer (P = 0·042) in +DD+P (1·9 ± 0·8 s) than −DD−P subjects (1·4 ± 0·4 s). Mean temporalis duty factors (%clench time/total recording time) were significantly larger (P = 0·041) in +DD+P (0·47 ± 0·34%) than −DD−P (0·26 ±0·22%) subjects. Nocturnal temporalis muscle activities detected by a validated algorithm were longer per clench and recording time in +DD+P compared to −DD−P women.
In vitro microbial protein synthesis, ruminal degradation and post‐ruminal digestibility of crude protein of dairy rations containing Quebracho tannin extract
Authors: Castro‐Montoya J. , Westreicher‐Kristen E. , Henke A. , Diaby M. , Susenbeth A. , Dickhoefer U. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryThis study evaluated the effects of Quebracho tannin extract (QTE) on in vitro ruminal fermentation, chemical composition of rumen microbes, ruminal degradation and intestinal digestibility of crude protein (iCPd). Three treatments were tested, the control (basal diet without QTE), the basal diet with 15 g QTE/kg dry matter (DM) and the basal diet with 30 g QTE/kg DM. The basal diet contained (g/kg DM): 339 grass silage, 317 maize silage and 344 concentrate. In vitro gas production kinetic was determined using the Hohenheim gas test (Experiment 1). The Ankom RF technique, a batch system with automatic gas pressure recordings, was used to determine in vitro production of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) and ammonia–nitrogen concentration (NH3‐N), as well as nitrogen and purine bases content in liquid‐associated microbes (LAM) and in a residue of undegraded feed and solid‐associated microbes (Feed+SAM) (Experiment 2). Ruminal degradation and iCPd were determined using the nylon bag technique and the mobile nylon bag technique, respectively (Experiment 3). Gas production (Experiment 1), total SCFA and NH3‐N (Experiment 2) decreased with increasing QTE levels. Microbial mass and composition of LAM were not affected by QTE, but total mass of Feed+SAM linearly increased, likely due to decreased substrate degradation with increasing QTE levels. The total amount of N in microbial mass and undegraded feed after the in vitro incubation increased with increasing QTE levels, suggesting a potential greater N flow from the rumen to the duodenum. In contrast to in vivo studies with the same QTE, no effects were detected on ruminal effective degradability and iCPd, when using the nylon bag techniques. Based on the in vitro procedures, QTE increased the supply of N post‐rumen; however, some evidence of a decreased fibre degradation were also observed. Therefore, the benefit of adding QTE to diets of cattle is still questionable.
Reduced fasting periods increase intestinal permeability in chickens
Authors: Gilani S. , Howarth G. S. , Tran C. D. , Barekatain R. , Kitessa S. M. , Forder R. E. A. , Hughes R. J. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryFasting of up to 24 hr has been shown to increase intestinal permeability (IP) in chickens. The aim of this study was to determine whether fasting duration of 4.5 and 9 hr increased IP and whether l‐glutamine (a non‐essential amino acid) supplementation before fasting provided some protection of barrier function as shown in other species. Ross 308 male broilers (n = 96) were fed either a control diet or the same diet supplemented with 1% glutamine from d0 to d38 post‐hatch. On d37, the birds were assigned to single‐bird metabolism cages and were fasted for either 0, 4.5, 9 or 19.5 hr. This study design was 2 × 4 factorial with two levels of glutamine and four levels of fasting. Birds in the 0‐hr fasting group had free access to feed. All birds had ad libitum access to water. To measure IP on day 38, following their respective fasting periods, birds were administered two separate oral gavages of fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC‐d) followed by lactulose, mannitol and rhamnose (LMR) sugars, 60 min apart. Whole blood was collected from the jugular vein 90 min post‐LMR sugar gavage. FITC‐d and L/M/R ratios were measured by spectrophotometry and high‐performance ionic chromatography respectively. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxins in plasma of the birds fed the control diet were also measured using chicken‐specific LPS antibody ELISA. Serum FITC‐d and plasma L/M and L/R ratios for 4.5, 9 and 19.5 hr were significantly (p < .05) higher compared to the non‐fasting group. However, IP was not different in the glutamine‐supplemented group (p > .05) compared to the control group. LPS concentrations measured by the ELISA were below the detectable range. We conclude that fasting periods of 4.5 and 9 hr increased IP compared to non‐fasted birds and dietary glutamine supplementation did not ameliorate changes in IP.
Effects of dietary lysine levels on the concentrations of selected nutrient metabolites in blood plasma of late‐stage finishing pigs
Authors: Regmi N. , Wang T. , Crenshaw M. A. , Rude B. J. , Liao S. F. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryLysine is the first‐limiting amino acid (AA) in typical swine diets and plays very important roles in promoting growth performance of pigs. This research was conducted to study the effects of dietary lysine on blood plasma concentrations of protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolites of pigs. Eighteen crossbred finishing pigs (nine barrows and nine gilts; initial BW 92.3 ± 6.9 kg) were individually penned in an environment controlled barn. Pigs were assigned to three dietary treatments according to a randomized complete block design with gender as block and pig as experimental unit (6 pigs/treatment). Three corn and soybean meal‐based diets were formulated to contain total lysine at 0.43%, 0.71%, and 0.98% (as‐fed basis) for Diets I (lysine deficient), II (lysine adequate), and III (lysine excess) respectively. After 4 weeks on trial, jugular vein blood was collected and plasma was separated. The plasma concentrations of total protein, albumin, urea nitrogen (UN), triglyceride, total cholesterol, and glucose were determined using an ACE Clinical Chemistry System (Alfa Wassermann, Inc., West Caldwell, NJ, USA). Data were analysed using the GLM Procedure with PDIFF (adjust = T) option of SAS. No differences (p > 0.10) were found between barrows and gilts for any of the metabolites measured. While there were no differences (p > 0.10) between pigs fed Diets II and III in plasma concentrations of UN, albumin, and total cholesterol, the concentration of albumin in these pigs was higher (p < .05) than that of pigs fed Diet I, and the concentrations of UN and total cholesterol in these pigs were lower (p < .05) than that of pigs fed Diet I. There were no differences (p > 0.10) among the three dietary treatments in plasma concentrations of total protein, triglycerides, and glucose. These findings indicated that the plasma metabolite profile can be affected by changing dietary lysine content only. Thorough understanding how the plasma metabolite profile is alternated by dietary lysine will facilitate nutrient management for more sustainable swine production.
Exposure to texture of foods for 8‐month‐old infants: Does the size of the pieces matter?
Authors: da Costa Saakje P. , Remijn Lianne , Weenen Hugo , Vereijken Carel , van der Schans Cees 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis study examined the effect of meals varying in amount, size, and hardness of food pieces on the development of the chewing capabilities of 8‐month‐old infants. The study also examined changes in shivering, gagging, coughing, choking, and their ability to eat from a spoon. In an in‐home setting two groups were given commercially available infant meals and fruits, purees with either less, smaller and softer or more, larger and harder pieces. Both groups were given these foods for 4 weeks and were monitored several times during this period. After the 4‐week exposure period infants in both groups were given the same five test foods. Structured questionnaires with questions on eating behavior and the child's development were conducted 6 times in the 4 to 12‐month period and video analyses of feedings were conducted 4 times between 8 and 9 months. After the 4‐week exposure period, the group that had been exposed to the foods with more, larger and harder pieces showed a significantly higher rating for chewing a piece of carrot and potato for the first time, but not for a piece of banana nor for mashed foods. Shivering, gagging, coughing, choking, and ability to eat from a spoon were not different between the two groups. These results contribute to the insight that exposure to texture is important for young children to learn how to handle texture.Practical applications(a) The study shows the feasibility of testing the effects of texture interventions on chewing capability and oral responses such as gagging, coughing, and choking in infants. (b) The study contributes to the insight that exposure to food texture to learn how to handle texture is important for infants and showed that exposing children to a higher amount of larger pieces improves their chewing capability for a piece of carrot and potato, at least immediately after the intervention.
Sporadic versus syndromic keratocysts—Can we predict treatment outcome? A review of 102 cysts
Authors: Noy D , Rachmiel A , Zar K , Emodi O , Nagler RM 
Published: April 2017

ObjectivesKeratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) demonstrates variable growth mechanisms and biologic behavior, partly due to origin and histology. We looked for the most contributing factors in predicting outcome of treatment.Subjects and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 118 medical files of patients diagnosed with KCOT (by tissue biopsy before surgical treatment) with/without nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) from 1995 to 2015. Data were recorded and analyzed statistically to determine the treatment–outcome correlation. KCOTs in NBCCS patients were termed “syndromic” and random KCOTs termed “sporadic.”ResultsOf 102 cysts, 32 were diagnosed with NBCCS. Sporadic KCOTs were significantly larger upon diagnosis (p < .017). Factors most indicative of postsurgical complications are older age (p < .011), upper jaw location, and size of lesion ≥9.5 cm². Sporadic KCOTs significantly increased the chances of complications approximately threefold (p < .043). Higher recurrence rate was significant in syndromic cysts (47%) compared to sporadic cysts (20%) (p < .009). Recurrence time was 3 years on average.ConclusionsPostsurgical complications may be expected in: older patients, upper jaw location, extensive lesions, and sporadic KCOT. Most KCOT recurrence is diagnosed 3 years from treatment.