bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TcI Isolates of Trypanosoma cruzi Exploit the Antioxidant Network for Enhanced Intracellular Survival in Macrophages and Virulence in Mice
Authors: Zago María Paola , Hosakote Yashoda M. , Koo Sue-jie , Dhiman Monisha , Piñeyro María Dolores , Parodi-Talice Adriana , Basombrio Miguel A. , Robello Carlos , Garg Nisha J. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

Trypanosoma cruzi
species is categorized into six discrete typing units (TcI to TcVI) of which TcI is most abundantly noted in the sylvatic transmission cycle and considered the major cause of human disease. In our study, the TcI strains Colombiana (COL), SylvioX10/4 (SYL), and a cultured clone (TCC) exhibited different biological behavior in a murine model, ranging from high parasitemia and symptomatic cardiomyopathy (SYL), mild parasitemia and high tissue tropism (COL), to no pathogenicity (TCC). Proteomic profiling of the insect (epimastigote) and infective (trypomastigote) forms by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis/matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry, followed by functional annotation of the differential proteome data sets (≥2-fold change,
P
< 0.05), showed that several proteins involved in (i) cytoskeletal assembly and remodeling, essential for flagellar wave frequency and amplitude and forward motility of the parasite, and (ii) the parasite-specific antioxidant network were enhanced in COL and SYL (versus TCC) trypomastigotes. Western blotting confirmed the enhanced protein levels of cytosolic and mitochondrial tryparedoxin peroxidases and their substrate (tryparedoxin) and iron superoxide dismutase in COL and SYL (versus TCC) trypomastigotes. Further, COL and SYL (but not TCC) were resistant to exogenous treatment with stable oxidants (H
2
O
2
and peroxynitrite [ONOO
−
]) and dampened the intracellular superoxide and nitric oxide response in macrophages, and thus these isolates escaped from macrophages. Our findings suggest that protein expression conducive to increase in motility and control of macrophage-derived free radicals provides survival and persistence benefits to TcI isolates of
T. cruzi
.
Publication and non-publication of drug trial results: a 10-year cohort of trials in Norwegian general practice
Authors: Brænd Anja Maria , Straand Jørund , Jakobsen Rune Bruhn , Klovning Atle 
Published: April 2016

ObjectivesPreviously, we identified a 10-year cohort of protocols from applications to the Norwegian Medicines Agency 1998–2007, consisting of 196 drug trials in general practice. The aim of this study was to examine whether trial results were published and whether trial funding and conflicts of interest were reported.DesignCohort study of trials with systematic searches for published results.SettingClinical drug trials in Norwegian general practice.MethodsWe performed systematic literature searches of MEDLINE, Embase and CENTRAL to identify publications originating from each trial using characteristics such as test drug, comparator and patient groups as search terms. When no publication was identified, we contacted trial sponsors for information regarding trial completion and reference to any publications.Main outcome measuresWe determined the frequency of publication of trial results and trial characteristics associated with publication of results.ResultsOf the 196 trials, 5 were never started. Of the remaining 191 trials, 71% had results published in a journal, 11% had results publicly available elsewhere and 18% of trials had no results available. Publication was more common among trials with an active comparator drug (χ2test, p=0.040), with a larger number of patients (total sample size≥median, p=0.010) and with a longer trial period (duration≥median, p=0.025). Trial funding was reported in 85% of publications and increased over time, as did reporting of conflicts of interest among authors. Among the 134 main journal articles from the trials, 60% presented statistically significant results for the investigational drug, and the conclusion of the article was favourable towards the test drug in 78% of papers.ConclusionsWe did not identify any journal publication of results for 29% of the general practice drug trials. Trials with an active comparator, larger and longer trials were more likely to be published.
eLearning to facilitate the education and implementation of the Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment: a novel measure of function in critical illness
Authors: Corner Evelyn J , Handy Jonathan M , Brett Stephen J 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of eLearning in the widespread standardised teaching, distribution and implementation of the Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment (CPAx) tool—a validated tool to assess physical function in critically ill patients.DesignProspective educational study. An eLearning module was developed through a conceptual framework, using the four-stage technique for skills teaching to teach clinicians how to use the CPAx. Example and test video case studies of CPAx assessments were embedded within the module. The CPAx scores for the test case studies and demographic data were recorded in a secure area of the website. Data were analysed for inter-rater reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) to see if an eLearning educational package facilitated consistent use of the tool. A utility and content validity questionnaire was distributed after 1 year to eLearning module registrants (n=971). This was to evaluate uptake of the CPAx in clinical practice and content validity of the CPAx from the perspective of clinical users.SettingThe module was distributed for use via professional forums (n=2) and direct contacts (n=95).ParticipantsCritical care clinicians.Primary outcome measureICC of the test case studies.ResultsBetween July and October 2014, 421 candidates from 15 countries registered for the eLearning module. The ICC for case one was 0.996 (95% CI 0.990 to 0.999; n=207). The ICC for case two was 0.988 (0.996 to 1.000; n=184). The CPAx has a strong total scale content validity index (s-CVI) of 0.94 and is well used.ConclusionseLearning is a useful and reliable way of teaching psychomotor skills, such as the CPAx. The CPAx is a well-used measure with high content validity rated by clinicians.
Association of immune recovery with hyperlipidaemia and apolipoprotein gene polymorphisms following highly active antiretroviral therapy in a cohort of Chinese HIV patients
Authors: Chan Denise Pui-Chung , Lee Man-Po , Wong Ngai-Sze , Leung Ross Ka-Kit , Naftalin Claire Melinda , Lee Shui-Shan 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveTo examine the associations between CD4 recovery, dyslipidaemia and apolipoprotein (APO) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) following highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).DesignRetrospective observational cohort study.SettingA major HIV care clinic in Hong Kong.Participants197 Chinese treatment-naïve HIV patients.Outcome measuresMaximum CD4 count and its rise 2–3 years after HAART initiation and their association with abnormal total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and 8 selected APO SNP at multiple time points.ResultsBefore HAART, abnormal levels of TC, TG, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were detected in 13%, 26%, 59% and 19% of the recruited patients, respectively. APOA5 −1131T>C and c.553G>T were significantly associated with high pre-HAART TG while APOE 2198C>T was correlated with high TG at baseline and/or a rise 2–3 years following HAART initiation. Poor CD4 achievement, defined as the highest CD4 count <350/μL and a net gain of <100/μL, was associated with a low CD4 count ≤200/μL at baseline and a rise of TC beyond 5.17 mmol/L following HAART with or without the use of antilipid agents. Conversely, satisfactory CD4 achievement was associated with APOC3 3238GG genotype. Applying a linear generalised estimating equation, APOA5 −1131T>C was shown to be a predictor of a weaker temporal trend for CD4 response in the presence of a low baseline CD4≤200/μL.ConclusionsDyslipidaemia plays a predictive role in impacting immunological recovery following HAART, which could be partly explained by the APO gene SNP.
Diagnostic accuracy of PAT-POPS and ManChEWS for admissions of children from the emergency department
Authors: Cotterill Sarah , Rowland Andrew G , Kelly Jacqueline , Lees Helen , Kamara Mohammed 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundThe Pennine Acute Trust (PAT) Paediatric Observation Priority Score (PAT-POPS) is a specific emergency department (ED) physiological and observational aggregate scoring system, with scores of 0–18. A higher score indicates greater likelihood of admission. The Manchester Children's Early Warning System (ManChEWS) assesses six physiological observations to create a trigger score, classified as Green, Amber or Red.MethodsProspectively collected data were used to calculate PAT-POPS and ManChEWS on 2068 patients aged under 16 years (mean 5.6 years, SD 4.6) presenting over 1 month to a UK District General Hospital Paediatric ED. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) comparison, using STATA V.13, was used to investigate the ability of ManChEWS and PAT-POPS to predict admission to hospital within 72 h of presentation to the ED.ResultsComparison of the area under the ROC curve indicates that the ManChEWS ROC is 0.67 (95% CI 0.64 to 0.70) and the PAT-POPS ROC is 0.72 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.75). The difference is statistically significant. At a PAT-POPS cut-off of ≥2, 80% of patients had their admission risk correctly classified (positive likelihood ratio 3.40, 95% CI 2.90 to 3.98) whereas for ManChEWS with a cut off of ≥Amber only 71% of patients were correctly classified (positive likelihood ratio 2.18, 95% CI 1.94 to 2.45).ConclusionsPAT-POPS is a more accurate predictor of admission risk than ManChEWS. Replacing ManChEWS with PAT-POPS would appear to be clinically appropriate in a paediatric ED. This needs validation in a multicentre study.
Ultrasound findings in 42 patients with cytotoxic tissue damage following bites by South African snakes
Authors: Wood Darryl , Sartorius Benjamin , Hift Richard 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundSnakebites that have cytotoxic venom can cause significant soft tissue swelling. Assessing the site and degree of swelling using ultrasound as a non-invasive technique would be an important tool for instituting appropriate treatment.MethodsForty-two patients who presented to a referral hospital in South Africa with cytotoxic swelling of the limbs from snakebite were assessed using ultrasound. The envenomed limb of each patient was scanned at the point of maximal swelling and compared with the unaffected limb at the same site. Data were presented as an expansion coefficient defined as the ratio of the thickness of tissue structure (subcutaneous tissue or muscle compartment) in the envenomed limb to that in the unaffected limb. A p value of 0.05 was regarded as significant, and 95% CIs were expressed throughout.ResultsThe majority of bites were in the upper limb (27/42). Twenty-five patients were children less than 12 years. Tissue expansion was noted in both the subcutaneous and muscle compartments of the envenomed limbs. The site of swelling was predominantly in the subcutaneous tissues, while swelling in muscle compartment was limited (the mean expansion coefficient for subcutaneous tissues was 2.0 (CI 1.7 to 2.3) vs 1.06 (CI 1.0 to 1.1), respectively). The difference between the groups was significant (p<001). One case, confirmed as compartment syndrome, showed marked swelling in the muscle group.ConclusionsBasic ultrasound techniques may be used to identify the site and degree of tissue swelling from cytotoxic envenomation. It is a non-invasive, painless procedure that can assist the clinician to assess the injured limb and may also be of benefit to monitor the progression of swelling.
Impact of persistent and adolescent-limited antisocial behaviour on adult health outcomes
Authors: Paradis Angela D , Koenen Karestan C , Fitzmaurice Garrett M , Buka Stephen L 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundPersistent engagement in antisocial behaviour across developmental periods is thought to increase the risk for early disease morbidity. However, less is known about potential adverse health outcomes among the much larger subset of individuals with antisocial behaviour limited to adolescence.MethodsUsing data from the Providence, Rhode Island cohort of the Collaborative Perinatal Project, we examined the association between developmentally based subtypes of antisocial behaviour and health outcomes (n=801). Official arrest records and self-reports of engagement in antisocial behaviour were used to classify participants into antisocial groups (persistent into adulthood, adolescent-limited, no significant problems) that were contrasted across important adult health indicators.ResultsWith few exceptions, those with persistent antisocial behaviour had the highest prevalence of each health problem. Compared to those with no antisocial behaviour, participants with persistent problems had poorer overall health and significantly elevated odds of cardiovascular problems, wheezing, lower back pain, cancer, serious injury and emergency department visits. Those with adolescent-limited behaviour experienced significantly increased odds of health concerns including poorer overall health, hypercholesterolaemia, acute respiratory problems and wheezing, lower back pain and emergency department visits compared to participants with no antisocial behaviour. Both antisocial groups reported barriers to healthcare access.ConclusionsFindings highlight the impact of persistent antisocial behaviour on adult health, and suggest that antisocial behaviour limited to adolescence is also an important marker of poor health. Given that antisocial behaviour during adolescence is an important early marker of adverse health outcomes, youth exhibiting serious behavioural problems should be targeted for preventive interventions.
Mass spectrometry of organic matter influenced by long-term pedogenesis and a short-term reclamation practice in an Oxisol of Brazil
Authors: Monreal Carlos M. , Alves Marlene Cristina , Schnitzer Morris , Filho Sebastiao Nilce Souto , Batista Bonini Carolina dos Santos 
Published: April 2016

Little is known about the influence of soil pedogenesis and reclamation practices on the chemical composition of soil organic matter (SOM) in eroded Oxisol. We examined the long-term influence of pedogenesis and 8 years of a reclamation practice on SOM in the top 5 cm of an artificially eroded Oxisol of Brazil. The experimental site involved replicated treatments established under native vegetation, and an adjacent site whose top 8.6 m had been removed mechanically (eroded reference). The eroded Oxisol was under reclamation with native tree and grass species, and addition of sewage sludge. Pyrolysis field ionization mass spectrometry was used to characterize SOM. The abundance of most classes of SOM and soil carbon decreased in the following order: native > reclaimed >> eroded soil. Relative to the eroded reference, SOM in the native soil was highly humified and stabilized by inorganic colloids of iron, aluminum, and silicon. Humified and thermally stable SOM in the native and reference eroded soils involved mostly alkylaromatics, lipids, phenols+lignin monomers, lignin dimers, and N-heterocyclics. The reclaimed soil SOM was less humified and less stable than the native Oxisol, showing significant contributions of carbohydrates, amino acids, and sterols derived from sewage sludge and plant residues.
Results of Cryoenergy and Radiofrequency-Based Catheter Ablation for Treating Ventricular Arrhythmias Arising From the Papillary Muscles of the Left Ventricle, Guided by Intracardiac Echocardiography and Image Integration
Authors: Rivera Santiago , Ricapito Maria de la Paz , Tomas Leandro , Parodi Josefina , Bardera Molina Guillermo , Banega Rodrigo , Bueti Pablo , Orosco Agustin , Reinoso Marcelo , Caro Milagros , Belardi Diego , Albina Gaston , Giniger Alberto , Scazzuso Fernando 
Published: April 2016

Background—
Catheter radiofrequency ablation of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) arising from the left ventricle’s papillary muscles has been associated with inconsistent results. The use of cryoenergy versus radiofrequency has not been compared yet. This study compares outcomes and complications of catheter ablation of VA from the papillary muscles of the left ventricle with either cryoenergy or radiofrequency.

Methods and Results—

Twenty-one patients (40±12 years old; 47% males; median ejection fraction 59±7.3%) with drug refractory premature ventricular contractions or ventricular tachycardia underwent catheter cryoablation or radiofrequency ablation. VAs were localized using 3-dimensional mapping, multidetector computed tomography, and intracardiac echocardiography, with arrhythmia foci being mapped at either the anterolateral papillary muscle or posteromedial papillary muscles of the left ventricle. Focal ablation was performed using an 8-mm cryoablation catheter or a 4-mm open-irrigated radiofrequency catheter, via transmitral approach. Acute success rate was 100% for cryoenergy (n=12) and 78% for radiofrequency (n=9;
P
=0.08). Catheter stability was achieved in all patients (100%) treated with cryoenergy, and only in 2 (25%) patients treated with radiofrequency (
P
=0.001). Incidence of multiple VA morphologies was observed in 7 patients treated with radiofrequency (77.7%), whereas none was observed in those treated with cryoenergy (
P
=0.001). VA recurrence at 6 months follow-up was 0% for cryoablation and 44% for radiofrequency (
P
=0.03).

Conclusions—
Cryoablation was associated with higher success rates and lower recurrence rates than radiofrequency catheter ablation, better catheter stability, and lesser incidence of polymorphic arrhythmias.
New perspectives on bias in polar questions
Authors: Gyuris Beáta 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to provide new insights for the analysis of bias in polar questions by showing that the distinction proposed by Sudo (2013) between evidential and epistemic biases leads to an integrated picture of the Hungarian system of polar interrogatives. For the first time, a comprehensive analysis of this system is given here and it is shown how the contributions of certain formal features, such as the interrogative and the negative particles, can be captured independently. This perspective helps to explain restrictions on the occurrences of the different forms of polar interrogatives in Hungarian with respect to a large number of question uses. The paper derives the biases associated with the individual constituents from different sources and makes some proposals on how their impact could be incorporated into a formal model of dialogue.
Regime-Dependent Short-Range Solar Irradiance Forecasting
Authors: McCandless T. C. , Young G. S. , Haupt S. E. , Hinkelman L. M. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis paper describes the development and testing of a cloud-regime-dependent short-range solar irradiance forecasting system for predictions of 15-min-average clearness index (global horizontal irradiance). This regime-dependent artificial neural network (RD-ANN) system classifies cloud regimes with a k-means algorithm on the basis of a combination of surface weather observations, irradiance observations, and GOES-East satellite data. The ANNs are then trained on each cloud regime to predict the clearness index. This RD-ANN system improves over the mean absolute error of the baseline clearness-index persistence predictions by 1.0%, 21.0%, 26.4%, and 27.4% at the 15-, 60-, 120-, and 180-min forecast lead times, respectively. In addition, a version of this method configured to predict the irradiance variability predicts irradiance variability more accurately than does a smart persistence technique.
Dynamical Link between the Barents–Kara Sea Ice and the Arctic Oscillation
Authors: Yang Xiao-Yi , Yuan Xiaojun , Ting Mingfang 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
The recent accelerated Arctic sea ice decline has been proposed as a possible forcing factor for midlatitude circulation changes, which can be projected onto the Arctic Oscillation (AO) and/or North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) mode. However, the timing and physical mechanisms linking AO responses to the Arctic sea ice forcing are not entirely understood. In this study, the authors suggest a connection between November sea ice extent in the Barents and Kara Seas and the following winter’s atmospheric circulation in terms of the fast sea ice retreat and the subsequent modification of local air–sea heat fluxes. In particular, the dynamical processes that link November sea ice in the Barents and Kara Seas with the development of AO anomalies in February is explored. In response to the lower-tropospheric warming associated with the initial thermal effect of the sea ice loss, the large-scale atmospheric circulation goes through a series of dynamical adjustment processes: The decelerated zonal-mean zonal wind anomalies propagate gradually from the subarctic to midlatitudes in about one month. The equivalent barotropic AO dipole pattern develops in January because of wave–mean flow interaction and firmly establishes itself in February following the weakening and warming of the stratospheric polar vortex. This connection between sea ice loss and the AO mode is robust on time scales ranging from interannual to decadal. Therefore, the recent winter AO weakening and the corresponding midlatitude climate change may be partly associated with the early winter sea ice loss in the Barents and Kara Seas.
Phase-Resolved Wave Field Simulation Calibration of Sea Surface Reconstruction Using Noncoherent Marine Radar
Authors: Qi Yusheng , Xiao Wenting , Yue Dick K. P. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe possibility of reconstructing sea surface wave fields from a noncoherent X-band marine radar return has much potential for maritime operations and ocean engineering. The existing reconstruction method extracts the signal associated with gravity waves that satisfy the dispersion relationship. The process involves parameters related to how the radar signal is modulated by waves of different lengths, propagation directions, amplitudes, and phases. In the absence of independent wave measurements, these reconstruction parameters cannot be rationally adjusted according to wave field conditions, and the predictions are generally of uneven accuracy and reliability. A new reconstruction method based on concurrent phase-resolved wave field simulations is proposed. By maximizing the correlation between the reconstructed and simulated wave fields over time, optimal values of the reconstruction parameters are obtained that are found to vary appreciably with the wave field properties and with the location and size of the subdomain being sensed and reconstructed. With this phase-resolved simulation calibrated (PRSC) approach, the correlation between the evolving reconstructed wave field and that based on phase-resolved simulation, which measures the consistency and fidelity of the reconstruction, is improved significantly (by up to a factor of 2) and is obtained in a substantially broader range of sea states compared to existing methods.