bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a Permanent Synthetic Osteochondral Implant in the Equine Medial Femoral Condyle
Authors: Husby Kirsty A. , Reed Shannon K. , Wilson David A. , Kuroki Keiichi , Middleton John R. , Hoepp Natalie C. , Charles Elizabeth M. , Cook James L. 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveTo evaluate bone ingrowth, integration, and tolerance of a synthetic osteochondral implant in the medial femoral condyle (MFC) of normal horses.Study DesignExperimental study.AnimalsAdult horses (n = 6).MethodsHorses were anesthetized and bilateral femorotibial arthrotomies were performed for placement of 1 implant consisting of polycarbonate urethane with a titanium base in 1 MFC. The contralateral MFC served as a sham‐operated control without reaming of cartilage or subchondral bone. Lameness evaluations and radiographs were performed pre‐operatively with subsequent monthly lameness exams and radiographs at 6 months. Synovial fluid was collected for analysis from the adjacent femoropatellar joints pre‐operatively and at several intervals post‐operatively. Horses were euthanatized 6 months post‐operatively. Stifles were harvested for gross and histologic evaluations.ResultsTwo horses were never lame, 2 were mildly lame, and 1 exhibited moderate lameness. Synovial fluid inflammatory parameters of the adjacent femoropatellar joints were not significantly different. No significant changes occurred radiographically over time in either stifle. Histologic assessment of synovium from the medial femorotibial joint revealed no differences in inflammatory changes between implant and sham stifles. Integration and osteoconductivity of the implant were graded as good in 4 and 3 of 5 specimens, respectively. Complications included joint sepsis resulting in euthanasia (1 horse), persistent lameness (1 horse), incisional seromas (4 horses), and incisional dehiscence (2 horses).ConclusionResults of this pilot study indicate that the implant was compatible with placement in the MFC of normal horses. Implant design allowed bone ingrowth within the titanium base and provision of a synthetic articular surface.
Poor Correlation between Pneumococcal IgG and IgM Titers and Opsonophagocytic Activity in Vaccinated Patients with Multiple Myeloma and Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia
Authors: Karlsson Johanna , Roalfe Lucy , Hogevik Harriet , Zancolli Marta , Andréasson Björn , Goldblatt David , Wennerås Christine 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT

Patients with multiple myeloma and other B cell disorders respond poorly to pneumococcal vaccination. Vaccine responsiveness is commonly determined by measuring pneumococcal serotype-specific antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), by a functional opsonophagocytosis assay (OPA), or by both assays. We compared the two methods in vaccinated elderly patients with multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Postvaccination sera from 45 patients (
n
= 15 from each patient group) and 15 control subjects were analyzed by multiplexed OPA for pneumococcal serotypes 4, 6B, 14, and 23F, and the results were compared to IgG and IgM antibody titers measured by ELISA. While there were significant correlations between pneumococcal OPA and IgG titers for all serotypes among the control subjects (correlation coefficients [
r
] between 0.51 and 0.85), no significant correlations were seen for any of the investigated serotypes in the myeloma group (
r
= −0.18 to 0.21) or in the group with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (borderline significant correlations for 2 of 4 serotypes). The MGUS group resembled the control group by having good agreement between the two test methods for 3 of 4 serotypes (
r
= 0.53 to 0.80). Pneumococcal postvaccination IgM titers were very low in the myeloma patients compared to the other groups and did not correlate with the OPA results. To summarize, our data indicate that ELISA measurements may overestimate antipneumococcal immunity in elderly subjects with B cell malignancies and that a functional antibody test should be used specifically for myeloma and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia patients.
A Comprehensive Evaluation of the Bruker Biotyper MS and Vitek MS Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry Systems for Identification of Yeasts, Part of the National China Hospital Invasive Fungal Surveillance Net (CHIF-NET) Study, 2012 to 2013
Authors: Wang He , Fan Yan-Yan , Kudinha Timothy , Xu Zhi-Peng , Xiao Meng , Zhang Li , Fan Xin , Kong Fanrong , Xu Ying-Chun 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT

Among the 2,683 yeast isolates representing 41 different species (25
Candida
and
Candida
-related species and 16 non-
Candida
yeast species) collected in the National China Hospital Invasive Fungal Surveillance Net (CHIF-NET) program (2012 to 2013), the Bruker Biotyper MS matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) system exhibited significantly higher accuracy rates than the Vitek MS system for identification of all yeast isolates (98.8% versus 95.4%,
P
<0.001 by Pearson's chi-square test) and for all
Candida
and
Candida
-related species isolates (99.4% versus 95.5%,
P
< 0.001).
Infections Acquired via Fresh Water: From Lakes to Hot Tubs
Authors: Ayi Bertha 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT

This chapter is unique in its focus on infections that are acquired in water. For those who like to swim and spend time in water parks and pools, the exposure to water and therefore the risk of infection is higher. Recreational water illnesses are illnesses related to recreation in water. Of these recreational water illnesses, infections are the most common because water laden with microorganisms or contaminated by human activity gains access to healthy tissue through the skin and body orifices. Infection occurs by inhalation, ingestion, or direct invasion of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. Gastrointestinal infections are the most common. This chapter discusses skin and soft tissue infections, ocular infections, urinary tract infections, pulmonary infections, central nervous system infections, and disseminated infections that can occur as people come into contact with natural nonmarine water bodies as well as manmade aquatic environments. Most of these infections are mild but can occasionally be life threatening. There is a focus on the latest methods to treat these infections.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is a very common pathogen in water. The chapter discusses
P. aeruginosa
dermatitis at length and also looks at keratitis and pneumonia caused by this organism. The chapter also discusses the latest treatments for primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, a severe life-threatening illness with a high mortality, caused by
Naegleria fowleri
. Finally, there is an in-depth discussion of the notorious gastrointestinal illnesses such as norovirus and
Cryptosporidium parvum
that can affect large numbers of people at a time.
Prevalent diabetes mellitus in patients with heart failure and disease determinants in sub-Saharan Africans having diabetes with heart failure: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Aminde Leopold Ndemnge , Dzudie Anastase , Kengne Andre Pascal 
Published: February 2016

IntroductionHeart failure (HF) is the final common pathway for most cardiovascular disease (CVDs). Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major contributor to CVD burden and an independent predictor of mortality in patients with HF. However, the epidemiology of DM in African patients with HF is less well described. The current proposal is for a systematic review to assess the prevalence of DM in HF and the determinants of disease in patients with diabetes and HF in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).Methods and analysisA systematic search of published literature will be conducted for observational studies on the prevalence of DM in HF and risk factors of HF in these patients in SSA. Databases including MEDLINE, Google Scholar, SCOPUS and Africa Wide Information will be searched from January 1995 to February 2016. Screening of identified articles and data extraction will be conducted independently by two investigators. Risk of bias and methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed using a Risk of Bias tool and STROBE checklist. Appropriate meta-analytic techniques will be used to pool prevalence estimates from studies with similar features, overall and by major subgroups. Heterogeneity of the estimates across studies will be assessed and quantified and publication bias investigated. This protocol is reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 guidelines.Ethics and disseminationThe proposed study will utilise published data; as such there is no requirement for ethical approval. The resulting manuscript will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. This review will identify the knowledge gaps as well as inform policymakers in the region on the contemporary burden of DM in patients with HF.Trial registration numberCRD42015026410.
Secular trends for age at spermarche among Chinese boys from 11 ethnic minorities, 1995–2010: a multiple cross-sectional study
Authors: Song Yi , Ma Jun , Li Liu-Bai , Dong Bin , Wang Zhiqiang , Agardh Anette 
Published: February 2016

ObjectivesWe compared the differences in median age at spermarche among 11 ethnic minorities in 2010, estimated the trends regarding age at spermarche in different ethnic minorities from 1995 to 2010, and explored the association of spermarche with body mass index (BMI).MethodsWe used four cross-sectional Chinese National Surveys on Students’ Constitution and Health (CNSSCH, 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2010), and the total sample size was 40 113 children aged 11–18 years. The median age at spermarche of each ethnic minority was determined by using probit analysis. Logistic regression was used to assess the association of spermarche with BMI.ResultsIn 2010, the ethnic minorities with earliest age at spermarche were Qiang (12.03 years), Zhuang (12.91 years) and Kirghiz (13.17 years); the three ethnic minorities with latest age at spermarche were Dong (14.73 years), Yao (14.60 years), and Naxi (14.36 years). From 1995 to 2010, age at spermarche showed a decline in almost each minority group except Yao and Dong. A higher BMI was associated with an increased likelihood of having reached spermarche after adjusting for age, regions or ethnic minorities.ConclusionsA large variation in age at spermarche was observed among different ethnic minorities. The age at spermarche showed a downward shift in almost each of the 11 ethnic minorities with different patterns over time, and the children with higher BMI are more likely to enter puberty early.
4EBP1/c-MYC/PUMA and NF-κB/EGR1/BIM pathways underlie cytotoxicity of mTOR dual inhibitors in malignant lymphoid cells
Authors: Yun Seongseok , Vincelette Nicole D. , Knorr Katherine L. B. , Almada Luciana L. , Schneider Paula A. , Peterson Kevin L. , Flatten Karen S. , Dai Haiming , Pratz Keith W. , Hess Allan D. , Smith B. Douglas , Karp Judith E. , Hendrickson Andrea E. Wahner , Fernandez-Zapico Martin E. , Kaufmann Scott H. 
Published: February 2016

Key Points
Agents that inhibit both complexes containing the mammalian target of rapamycin are particularly toxic to acute lymphocytic leukemia cells. This killing reflects engagement of a 4EBP1/c-MYC/PUMA axis downstream of mTORC1 and an NF-κB/EGR1/BIM axis downstream of mTORC2.
Regulation of differentiation flux by Notch signalling influences the number of dopaminergic neurons in the adult brain
Authors: Trujillo-Paredes Niurka , Valencia Concepción , Guerrero-Flores Gilda , Arzate Dulce-María , Baizabal José-Manuel , Guerra-Crespo Magdalena , Fuentes-Hernández Ayari , Zea-Armenta Iván , Covarrubias Luis 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTNotch signalling is a well-established pathway that regulates neurogenesis. However, little is known about the role of Notch signalling in specific neuronal differentiation. Using Dll1 null mice, we found that Notch signalling has no function in the specification of mesencephalic dopaminergic neural precursor cells (NPCs), but plays an important role in regulating their expansion and differentiation into neurons. Premature neuronal differentiation was observed in mesencephalons of Dll1-deficient mice or after treatment with a Notch signalling inhibitor. Coupling between neurogenesis and dopaminergic differentiation was indicated from the coincident emergence of neuronal and dopaminergic markers. Early in differentiation, decreasing Notch signalling caused a reduction in NPCs and an increase in dopaminergic neurons in association with dynamic changes in the proportion of sequentially-linked dopaminergic NPCs (Msx1/2+, Ngn2+, Nurr1+). These effects in differentiation caused a significant reduction in the number of dopaminergic neurons produced. Accordingly, Dll1 haploinsufficient adult mice, in comparison with their wild-type littermates, have a consistent reduction in neuronal density that was particularly evident in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Our results are in agreement with a mathematical model based on a Dll1-mediated regulatory feedback loop between early progenitors and their dividing precursors that controls the emergence and number of dopaminergic neurons.
Photobleaching studies reveal that a single amino acid polymorphism is responsible for the differential binding affinities of linker histone subtypes H1.1 and H1.5
Authors: Flanagan Thomas W. , Files Jacob K. , Casano Kelsey Rose , George Eric M. , Brown David T. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTMammals express six major somatic linker histone subtypes, all of which display dynamic binding to chromatin, characterized by transient binding at a given location followed by rapid translocation to a new site. Using photobleaching techniques, we systematically measured the exchange rate of all six mouse H1 subtypes to determine their relative chromatin-binding affinity. Two subtypes, H1.1 and H1.2, display binding affinities that are significantly lower than all other subtypes. Using in vitro mutagenesis, the differences in chromatin-binding affinities between H1.1 (lower binding affinity) and H1.5 (higher binding affinity) were mapped to a single amino acid polymorphism near the junction of the globular and C-terminal domains. Overexpression of H1.5 in density arrested fibroblasts did not affect cell cycle progression after release. By contrast, overexpression of H1.1 resulted in a more rapid progression through G1/S relative to control cells. These results provide structural insights into the proposed functional significance of linker histone heterogeneity.
Communication Services and Supports for Individuals With Severe Disabilities: Guidance for Assessment and Intervention
Authors: Brady Nancy C. , Bruce Susan , Goldman Amy , Erickson Karen , Mineo Beth , Ogletree Bill T. , Paul Diane , Romski Mary Ann , Sevcik Rose , Siegel Ellin , Schoonover Judith , Snell Marti , Sylvester Lorraine , Wilkinson Krista 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of People With Severe Disabilities (NJC) reviewed literature regarding practices for people with severe disabilities in order to update guidance provided in documents originally published in 1992. Changes in laws, definitions, and policies that affect communication attainments by persons with severe disabilities are presented, along with guidance regarding assessment and intervention practices. A revised version of the Communication Bill of Rights, a powerful document that describes the communication rights of all individuals, including those with severe disabilities is included in this article. The information contained within this article is intended to be used by professionals, family members, and individuals with severe disabilities to inform and advocate for effective communication services and opportunities.
Reduced absorption and enhanced synthesis of cholesterol in patients with cystic fibrosis: a preliminary study of plasma sterols
Authors: Gelzo Monica , Sica Concetta , Elce Ausilia , Dello Russo Antonio , Iacotucci Paola , Carnovale Vincenzo , Raia Valeria , Salvatore Donatello , Corso Gaetano , Castaldo Giuseppe 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackground:Low cholesterol is typically observed in the plasma of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) contrasting with the subcellular accumulation of cholesterol demonstrated in CF cells and in mice models. However, the homeostasis of cholesterol has not been well investigated in patients with CF.Methods:We studied the plasma of 26 patients with CF and 33 unaffected controls campesterol and β-sitosterol as markers of intestinal absorption and lathosterol as a marker of de novo cholesterol biosynthesis by gas chromatography (GC-FID and GC-MS).Results:Plasma campesterol and β-sitosterol results were significantly (p=0.01) lower while plasma lathosterol was significantly higher (p=0.001) in patients with CF as compared to control subjects. Plasma cholesterol results were significantly lower (p=0.01) in CF patients.Conclusions:Our data suggest that the impaired intestinal absorption of exogenous sterols in patients with CF stimulates the endogenous synthesis of cholesterol, but the levels of total cholesterol in plasma remain lower. This may be due to the CFTR dysfunction that reduces cholesterol blood excretion causing the accumulation of cholesterol in liver cells and in other tissues contributing to trigger CF chronic inflammation.
Candidate Predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life of Colorectal Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bours Martijn J.L. , Linden Bernadette W.A. , Winkels Renate M. , Duijnhoven Fränzel J. , Mols Floortje , Roekel Eline H. , Kampman Ellen , Beijer Sandra , Weijenberg Matty P. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The population of colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors is growing and many survivors experience deteriorated health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in both early and late post-treatment phases. Identification of CRC survivors at risk for HRQoL deterioration can be improved by using prediction models. However, such models are currently not available for oncology practice. As a starting point for developing prediction models of HRQoL for CRC survivors, a comprehensive overview of potential candidate HRQoL predictors is necessary. Therefore, a systematic literature review was conducted to identify candidate predictors of HRQoL of CRC survivors. Original research articles on associations of biopsychosocial factors with HRQoL of CRC survivors were searched in PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. Two independent reviewers assessed eligibility and selected articles for inclusion (N = 53). Strength of evidence for candidate HRQoL predictors was graded according to predefined methodological criteria. The World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) was used to develop a biopsychosocial framework in which identified candidate HRQoL predictors were mapped across the main domains of the ICF: health condition, body structures and functions, activities, participation, and personal and environmental factors. The developed biopsychosocial ICF framework serves as a basis for selecting candidate HRQoL predictors, thereby providing conceptual guidance for developing comprehensive, evidence-based prediction models of HRQoL for CRC survivors. Such models are useful in clinical oncology practice to aid in identifying individual CRC survivors at risk for HRQoL deterioration and could also provide potential targets for a biopsychosocial intervention aimed at safeguarding the HRQoL of at-risk individuals.
High Self-efficacy and High Use of Electronic Information may Predict Improved Academic Performance
Authors: Schulte Stephanie J. 
Published: February 2016

A review of:
Tella, Adeyinka, Adedeji Tella, C. O. Ayeni, and R. O. Omoba. “Self-efficacy and Use of Electronic Information as Predictors of Academic Performance.” Electronic Journal of Academic and Special Librarianship 8.2 (2007). 24 Apr. 2008

Objective – To determine if self-efficacy and use of electronic information jointly predicted academic performance and to determine what information sources students used most often.

Design – Descriptive surveys (scales) for each of the three variables.

Setting – University of Ibadan, Nigeria, a metropolitan, government-supported university with approximately 18,000 students.

Subjects – Seven hundred undergraduate and graduate students randomly chosen from 7 departments of the faculty (i.e., college) of education (100 students from each department).

Methods – Students completed the Morgan-Jinks Self-Efficacy Scale and the Use of Electronic Information Scale. Academic performance was measured using a general aptitude test that covered general education, English language, and mathematics. The Morgan-Jinks scale consisted of 30 items, and the academic performance test consisted of 40 items. No instrument length was provided for the Use of Electronic Information Scale, and no details on the actual content of the general aptitude test or the Use of Electronic Information Scale were provided. These surveys were completed at the university under conditions similar to that of a typical exam (i.e., no talking). All 700 subjects completed the surveys, and there was no evidence of participants providing informed consent or that they were given an opportunity to withdraw from the study. Data was analyzed using multiple regression analysis, a suitable analysis for this type of data.

Main Results – Self-efficacy and use of electronic information together contributed to 9% (reported as 0.9% in the article) of the variance in academic performance, and each variable statistically significantly contributed to predicting academic performance (p
Wikipedia and the National Cancer Institute Website Appear to Offer Similar Osteosarcoma Information for Patients
Authors: Kelly Kate 
Published: February 2016

A Review of:
Leithner, A., Werner, M., Glehr, M., Friesenbichler, J., Keithner, K., & Windhager R. (2010). Wikipedia and osteosarcoma: A trustworthy patients' information? Journal of the Medical Informatics Association, 17(4), 373-374.

Objective – To compare the completeness and accuracy of information about osteosarcoma in Wikipedia to information found on the patient and health professional versions of the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) website.

Design – Comparative study, test against 20 item questionnaire and expert opinion.

Setting – n/a.

Subjects – n/a.

Methods – The authors developed a 20-item questionnaire to test the completeness and accuracy of information on osteosarcoma in Wikipedia and on the “patient version and the health professional version of the National Cancer Institute’s website as ‘official’ reference websites” (p. 373). Three independent observers, two surgeons specializing in musculoskeletal tumour surgery and a medical student, tested the English language version of Wikipedia and the NCI “websites” on April 3, 2009. Answers to the 20 questions found on the websites were scored from zero to three and were discussed with a member of the “German board for guidelines in musculoskeletal surgery” (p. 373) and verified against international guidelines published by the World Health Organization. Data was analyzed using SPSS and group comparisons were performed using Mann-Whitney U test with p-values of less than 0.05 significance.

Main Results – The quality of information about osteosarcoma found in the English language version of Wikipedia was good but inferior to the patient information from NCI. Out of a total of 60 points Wikipedia scored 33, NCI patient information 40 and NCI professional information 50. There was no significant difference between the NCI patient information and Wikipedia but a significant difference (p=0.039) between Wikipedia and NCI professional information.

Conclusion – Non-peer reviewed websites providing health information, such as Wikipedia, should include links to sites such as NCI and other more definitive sources such as professional and international organizations. Frequent checks should be used to ensure external links are of the highest quality.