bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bone tissue response following local drug delivery of bisphosphonate through titanium oxide nanotube implants in a rabbit model
Authors: Kwon David H. , Lee Sang J. , Wikesjö Ulf M. E. , Johansson Petra H. , Johansson Carina B. , Sul Young‐Taeg 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate whether surface chemistry‐controlled TiO2 nanotube structures may serve as a local drug delivery system for zoledronic acid improving implant‐bone support.MethodsTwenty‐four screw‐shaped Ti implants with surface chemistry‐controlled TiO2 nanotube structures were prepared and divided into a zoledronic acid‐formatted test and a native control group. The implants were inserted into contra‐lateral femoral condyles in 12 New Zealand White rabbits. Bone support was evaluated using resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and removal torque (RTQ), as well as histometric analysis following a 3‐weeks healing interval.ResultsZoledronic acid‐formatted TiO2 nanotube test implants showed significantly improved implant stability and osseointegration measured using RFA and RTQ compared with control (p < 0.05), and showed significantly enhanced new bone formation within the root of the threads compared with control (p < 0.05).ConclusionsTiO2 nanotube implants may prove to be a significant delivery system for drugs or biologic agents aimed at supporting local bone formation. Additional study of candidate drugs/agents, optimized dosage and release kinetics is needed prior to evaluation in clinical settings.
Reconstruction of 3D grain boundaries from rock thin sections, using an advanced polarised‐light microscopy method
Authors: HAMMES D.M. , PETERNELL M. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryGrain boundaries play a significant role in materials by initiating reactions and collecting impurities. Here we present FAGO (Fabric Analyser Grain boundary recOnstruction), a first step towards the automatic determination of three‐dimensional (3D) grain boundary geometry using polarised light. The trace of the grain boundaries from 2D rock thin sections are determined primarily from data acquired using an automatic fabric analyser microscope and the FAME software (fabric analyser‐based microstructure evaluation; Peternell and colleagues and Hammes and Peternell). Based on the Fabric Analyser G50's unique arrangement of nine differently oriented light sources the retardation can be determined independently for each light direction and at each pixel in the field of view. FAGO combines these retardation datasets for each individual pixel together with retardation profiles across grain boundaries, to determine the orientations of the boundaries. The grain boundary traces are then broken up into segments of equal orientation, using the profile‐obtained orientation data. Finally, a 3D grain boundary model is reconstructed. The data processing is almost fully automatic using the MATLAB® environment. Only minor manual inputs are required.
Biochemical and hematological evaluations of black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) in highly degraded landscapes in Mexico
Authors: García‐Feria Luis M. , Chapman Colin A. , Pastor‐Nieto Rosalía , Serio‐Silva Juan Carlos 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundLoss and fragmentation of Neotropical primates’ habitat can alter the health and individual adaptation. Physiological parameters reflect health status and individuals responses to the habitat conditions.MethodsWe captured six wild adult females and six adult males of Alouatta pigra to evaluate their physical condition (body mass, respiratory and heart rate, and rectal temperature), hematology and blood chemistry on fragmentation habitat condition at southeastern Mexico.ResultsThe males weighed more than females, but the female’ temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate were higher. Low values of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cells suggest some degree of anemia in these howler monkeys. Low levels of the total protein, albumin, albumin/globulin Ratio, and low levels of blood urea nitrogen suggest that howler monkeys could have protein and carbohydrate deficiencies.ConclusionsHowler monkeys living under the highly degraded conditions at Balancán, Tabasco, could be showing adaptability by modifying their physiology, hematology, and blood chemistry in response to the conditions of their fragmented landscape.
Non‐decoupled morphological evolution of the fore‐ and hindlimb of sabretooth predators
Authors: Martín‐Serra Alberto , Figueirido Borja , Palmqvist Paul 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSpecialized organisms are useful for exploring the combined effects of selection of functional traits and developmental constraints on patterns of phenotypic integration. Sabretooth predators are one of the most interesting examples of specialization among mammals. Their hypertrophied, sabre‐shaped upper canines and their powerfully built forelimbs have been interpreted as adaptations to a highly specialized predatory behaviour. Given that the elongated and laterally compressed canines of sabretooths were more vulnerable to fracture than the shorter canines of conical‐tooth cats, it has been long hypothesized that the heavily muscled forelimbs of sabretooths were used for immobilizing prey before developing a quick and precise killing bite. However, the effect of this unique adaptation on the covariation between the fore‐ and the hindlimb has not been explored in a quantitative fashion. In this paper, we investigate if the specialization of sabretooth predators decoupled the morphological variation of their forelimb with respect to their hindlimb or, in contrast, both limbs vary in the same fashion as in conical‐tooth cats, which do not show such extreme adaptations in their forelimb. We use 3D geometric morphometrics and different morphological indices to compare the fore‐ and hindlimb of conical‐ and sabretooth predators. Our results indicate that the limb bones of sabretooth predators covary following the same trend of conical‐tooth cats. Therefore, we show that the predatory specialization of sabretooth predators did not result in a decoupling of the morphological evolution of their fore‐ and hindlimbs. The role of developmental constraints and natural selection on this coordinate variation between the fore‐ and the hindlimb is discussed in the light of this new evidence.
HBV reactivation in patients with HCV/HBV cirrhosis on treatment with direct‐acting antivirals
Authors: Calvaruso V. , Ferraro D. , Licata A. , Bavetta M. G. , Petta S. , Bronte F. , Colomba G. , Craxì A. , Di Marco V. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryAnecdotal reports suggest that patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) hepatitis and overt or occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection may reactivate HBV when HCV is suppressed or cleared by direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs). We assessed the prevalence of overt or previous HBV coinfection and the risk of HBV reactivation in patients with HCV cirrhosis treated with DAAs. This was a retrospective cohort of 104 consecutive patients with HCV cirrhosis treated with DAAs. Serum HCV‐RNA and HBV‐DNA were tested at weeks 4, 8 and 12 of DAAs therapy and at week 12 of follow‐up. At the start of DAAs, eight patients (7.7%) were HBsAg positive/HBeAg negative with undetectable HBV‐DNA and low levels of quantitative HBsAg (four on nucleos(t)ide analogues [NUCs] and four inactive carriers), 37 patients (35.6%) had markers of previous HBV infection (25 anti‐HBc positive, 12 anti‐HBc/anti‐HBs positive) and 59 (56.7%) had no evidence of HBV infection. Sixty‐seven patients (64.4%) were HCV‐RNA negative at week 4 and 98 (94.2%) achieved sustained virological response. All four HBsAg‐positive patients treated with NUCs remained HBV‐DNA negative, but three of four untreated patients showed an increase in HBV‐DNA of 2‐3 log without a biochemical flare and achieved HBV‐DNA suppression when given NUCs. During or after DAAs, by conventional assay, HBV‐DNA remained not detectable in all 37 anti‐HBc‐positive patients but in three of them (8.1%) HBV‐DNA became detectable with a highly sensitive PCR. HBV reactivation is likely to occur in untreated HBV/HCV‐coinfected cirrhotic patients when they undergo HCV treatment with DAAs. Pre‐emptive therapy with NUCs should be considered in this setting. Anti‐HBc‐positive patients rarely reactivate HBV without clinical or virological outcomes.
Review of some pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of anti‐infective medicines administered to the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Authors: Govendir M. 
Published: July 2017

Although koalas are iconic Australian animals, no pharmacokinetic studies of any first‐line medicines used to treat diseased or injured koalas had been published prior to 2010. Traditionally, medicine dosages suggested for this species underwent linear extrapolation from those recommended for domesticated species. The koala, a specialist folivore whose natural diet consists of almost exclusivelyEucalyptusspp. foliage has anatomical and physiological adaptations for detoxifying their diet which also affect medicine pharmacokinetic profiles. This review addresses aspects of medicine absorption, clearance, and other indices (such as medicine binding to plasma proteins) of enrofloxacin/marbofloxacin and chloramphenicol used for the systemic treatment of chlamydiosis, and fluconazole ± amphotericin, and posaconazole for the treatment of cryptococcosis. Based on observations from published studies, this review includes suggestions to improve therapeutic outcomes when administering medicines to diseased koalas.
Bargaining and Wage Rigidity in a Matching Model for the US
Authors: Malcomson James M. , Mavroeidis Sophocles 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis paper uses robust econometric methods to assess previous empirical results for the Mortensen and Pissarides () matching model. Assuming all wages are negotiated each period is inconsistent with the history dependence in US wages, even allowing for heterogeneous match productivities, time to build vacancies and credible bargaining. Flexible wages for job changers, with rigid wages for job stayers, allows the model to capture this history dependence and is not inconsistent with parameter calibrations in the literature. Such wage rigidity affects only the timing of wage payments over the duration of matches; conclusions about other characteristics are unaffected by it.
Three relapses after a haploidentical transplantation in a pediatric patient: Cure with no further transplantation
Authors: Uygun Vedat , Daloglu Hayriye , Öztürkmen Seda , Karasu Gulsun , Yesilipek Akif 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIsolated extramedullary relapse (EMR) after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a highly fatal condition that creates uncertainty regarding treatment options. Although certain approaches such as repeat HSCT and donor lymphocyte infusion are recommended, we report a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who had three isolated EMRs after HSCT at different locations and at different times that were responsive to local and systemic therapies, without the need for a second transplantation.
Service delivery weaknesses within education and healthcare: Applying empirics from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Senegal
Authors: Hausken Kjell , Ncube Mthuli 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCivil servants such as teachers and doctors allocate their resources into service delivery that benefits society, and alternative efforts for income. With low salary or high cost of service delivery, or high value of alternative efforts, the latter may be chosen extensively. This may mean leaving one's job. Some idealists may focus loyally and exclusively on service delivery despite the challenges. Choosing alternative efforts cannot be eradicated, but its role can be reduced if one is aware of the logic of which factors impact how actors allocate their resources between service delivery and alternative efforts. We have used data from the education and healthcare sectors in the African countries of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Senegal to show the deficient and poor service delivery within education and healthcare services. In both sectors, education and healthcare, and for all four countries, teachers spend far less than the designated time teaching pupils, and clinicians spend very little time with patients, per day.
Genetic analysis of optic nerve head coloboma in the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever identifies discordance with the NHEJ1 intronic deletion (collie eye anomaly mutation)
Authors: Brown Emily A. , Thomasy Sara M. , Murphy Christopher J. , Bannasch Danika L. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCollie eye anomaly (CEA) encompasses a spectrum of different ophthalmic phenotypes from clinically inconsequential choroidal hypoplasia to blindness from coloboma of the optic nerve head (ONH). A previous study found a 7.8‐kb deletion in intron 4 of the NHEJ1 gene to be associated with CEA. A genetic test based on this association is recommended for many breeds, including the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (NSDTR). Collection of ONH coloboma‐affected NSDTR showed lack of concordance of the NHEJ1 intronic deletion with ONH coloboma. Using genomewide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping in 7 ONH coloboma‐affected NSDTR cases and 47 unaffected NSDTR controls with no ophthalmic signs, one SNP, located on chromosome 7, demonstrated genomewide significance. However, high genomic inflation may have confounded the results. Therefore, the genomewide association study was repeated using EMMAX to control for population structure in the cohort of 7 cases and 47 controls. However, no regions of the genome were significantly associated with ONH coloboma. These results failed to document significant association with the CEA locus. Due to the complex genetic etiology of ONH coloboma, the NHEJ1 intronic deletion test results should be carefully considered when making breeding decisions. If the goal is to select for visually competent dogs, our data suggest that eye examinations of puppies would be more effective as a guide in selection of breeding pairs than relying solely on currently available genetic tests.
Effect of mHealth in improving antenatal care utilization and skilled birth attendance in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Abraha Yosef G. , Gebrie Serebe A. , Garoma Desalegn A. , Deribe Fasil M. , Tefera Mamuye H. , Morankar Sudhakar 
Published: July 2017

Review question/objective:
The objective of this review is to identify and synthesize the best available evidence on the effect of mobile health (mHealth) interventions in antenatal care utilization and skilled birth attendance in low- and middle-income countries.
More specifically, the review questions are as follows:Is mHealth effective in improving antenatal care utilization compared with routine care received without the support of mHealth applications?Is mHealth effective in improving skilled birth attendance compared with routine care received without the support of mHealth applications?
Laboratory Workflow Analysis of Culture of Periprosthetic Tissues in Blood Culture Bottles
Authors: Peel Trisha N. , Sedarski John A. , Dylla Brenda L. , Shannon Samantha K. , Amirahmadi Fazlollaah , Hughes John G. , Cheng Allen C. , Patel Robin 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

Culture of periprosthetic tissue specimens in blood culture bottles is more sensitive than conventional techniques, but the impact on laboratory workflow has yet to be addressed. Herein, we examined the impact of culture of periprosthetic tissues in blood culture bottles on laboratory workflow and cost. The workflow was process mapped, decision tree models were constructed using probabilities of positive and negative cultures drawn from our published study (T. N. Peel, B. L. Dylla, J. G. Hughes, D. T. Lynch, K. E. Greenwood-Quaintance, A. C. Cheng, J. N. Mandrekar, and R. Patel, mBio 7:e01776-15, 2016,
https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.01776-15
), and the processing times and resource costs from the laboratory staff time viewpoint were used to compare periprosthetic tissues culture processes using conventional techniques with culture in blood culture bottles. Sensitivity analysis was performed using various rates of positive cultures. Annualized labor savings were estimated based on salary costs from the U.S. Labor Bureau for Laboratory staff. The model demonstrated a 60.1% reduction in mean total staff time with the adoption of tissue inoculation into blood culture bottles compared to conventional techniques (mean ± standard deviation, 30.7 ± 27.6 versus 77.0 ± 35.3 h per month, respectively;
P
< 0.001). The estimated annualized labor cost savings of culture using blood culture bottles was $10,876.83 (±$337.16). Sensitivity analysis was performed using various rates of culture positivity (5 to 50%). Culture in blood culture bottles was cost-effective, based on the estimated labor cost savings of $2,132.71 for each percent increase in test accuracy. In conclusion, culture of periprosthetic tissue in blood culture bottles is not only more accurate than but is also cost-saving compared to conventional culture methods.
Propagation of Astrovirus VA1, a Neurotropic Human Astrovirus, in Cell Culture
Authors: Janowski Andrew B. , Bauer Irma K. , Holtz Lori R. , Wang David 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

Astrovirus VA1/HMO-C (VA1; mamastrovirus 9) is a recently discovered astrovirus genotype that is divergent from the classic human astroviruses (mamastrovirus 1). The gastrointestinal tract is presumed to be the primary site of infection and pathogenicity for astroviruses. However, VA1 has been independently detected in brain tissue of five cases of human encephalitis. Studies of the pathogenicity of VA1 are currently impossible because there are no reported cell culture systems or
in vivo
models that support VA1 infection. Here, we describe successful propagation of VA1 in multiple human cell lines. The initial inoculum, a filtered clinical stool sample from the index gastroenteritis case cluster that led to the discovery of VA1, was first passaged in Vero cells. Serial blind passage in Caco-2 cells yielded increasing copies of VA1 RNA, and multistep growth curves demonstrated a >100-fold increase in VA1 RNA 72 h after inoculation. The full-length genomic and subgenomic RNA strands were detected by Northern blotting, and crystalline lattices of viral particles of ∼26-nm diameter were observed by electron microscopy in infected Caco-2 cells. Unlike other human astrovirus cell culture systems, which require addition of exogenous trypsin for continued propagation, VA1 could be propagated equally well with or without the addition of trypsin. Furthermore, VA1 was sensitive to the type I interferon (IFN-I) response, as VA1 RNA levels were reduced by pretreatment of Caco-2 cells with IFN-β1a. The ability to propagate VA1 in cell culture will facilitate studies of the neurotropism and neuropathogenesis of VA1.

IMPORTANCE
Astroviruses are an emerging cause of central nervous system infections in mammals, and astrovirus VA1/HMO-C is the most prevalent astrovirus in cases of human encephalitis. This virus has not been previously propagated, preventing elucidation of the biology of this virus. We describe the first cell culture system for VA1, a key step necessary for the study of its ability to cause disease.
Whole-Genome Sequencing and Variant Analysis of Human Papillomavirus 16 Infections
Authors: van der Weele Pascal , Meijer Chris J. L. M. , King Audrey J. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a strongly conserved DNA virus, high-risk types of which can cause cervical cancer in persistent infections. The most common type found in HPV-attributable cancer is HPV16, which can be subdivided into four lineages (A to D) with different carcinogenic properties. Studies have shown HPV16 sequence diversity in different geographical areas, but only limited information is available regarding HPV16 diversity within a population, especially at the whole-genome level. We analyzed HPV16 major variant diversity and conservation in persistent infections and performed a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) comparison between persistent and clearing infections. Materials were obtained in the Netherlands from a cohort study with longitudinal follow-up for up to 3 years. Our analysis shows a remarkably large variant diversity in the population. Whole-genome sequences were obtained for 57 persistent and 59 clearing HPV16 infections, resulting in 109 unique variants. Interestingly, persistent infections were completely conserved through time. One reinfection event was identified where the initial and follow-up samples clustered differently. Non-A1/A2 variants seemed to clear preferentially (
P
= 0.02). Our analysis shows that population-wide HPV16 sequence diversity is very large. In persistent infections, the HPV16 sequence was fully conserved. Sequencing can identify HPV16 reinfections, although occurrence is rare. SNP comparison identified no strongly acting effect of the viral genome affecting HPV16 infection clearance or persistence in up to 3 years of follow-up. These findings suggest the progression of an early HPV16 infection could be host related.

IMPORTANCE
Human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) is the predominant type found in cervical cancer. Progression of initial infection to cervical cancer has been linked to sequence properties; however, knowledge of variants circulating in European populations, especially with longitudinal follow-up, is limited. By sequencing a number of infections with known follow-up for up to 3 years, we gained initial insights into the genetic diversity of HPV16 and the effects of the viral genome on the persistence of infections. A SNP comparison between sequences obtained from clearing and persistent infections did not identify strongly acting DNA variations responsible for these infection outcomes. In addition, we identified an HPV16 reinfection event where sequencing of initial and follow-up samples showed different HPV16 variants. Based on conventional genotyping, this infection would incorrectly be considered a persistent HPV16 infection. In the context of vaccine efficacy and monitoring studies, such infections could potentially cause reduced reported efficacy or efficiency.
40-4-40: educational and economic outcomes of a free, international surgical training event
Authors: Glasbey James , Sinclair Piriyah , Mohan Helen , Harries Rhiannon 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTPurpose of studyTo demonstrate a model for delivery of an international surgical training event, and demonstrate its educational and economic outcomes.Study designThe Association of Surgeons in Training (ASiT) ran a course series on 16 January 2016 across the UK and Ireland. A mandatory, self-reported, online questionnaire collected delegate feedback, using 5-point Likert Scales, and a NetPromoter feedback tool. Precourse and postcourse matched questionnaires were collected for ‘Foundation Skills in Surgery’ (FSS) courses. Paired economic analysis was performed. Statistical analysis was carried out using RStudio (V.3.1.1 Boston, Massachusetts, USA).ResultsForty courses were held across the UK and Ireland (65.0% technical, 35.0% non-technical), with 184 faculty members. Of 570 delegates, 529 fully completed the feedback survey (92.8% response rate); 56.5% were male. The median age was 26 years (range: 18–67 years). The mean overall course NetPromoter Score was 8.7 out of 10. On logistic regression high NetPromoter Score was associated with completing a Foundation Skills in Surgery course (R=0.44, OR: 1.49, p=0.025) and having clear learning outcomes (R=0.72, OR: 2.04, p=0.029) but not associated with specialty, course style or teaching style. For Foundation Skills in Surgery courses, delegates reported increased commitment to a career in surgery (p&lt;0.001), confidence with basic surgical skills (p&lt;0.001) and confidence with assisting in theatre (p&lt;0.001). A comparable cost saving of £231,462.37 was calculated across the 40 courses.ConclusionThe ASiT ‘40-4-40’ event demonstrated the diversity and depth of surgical training, with 40 synchronous technical and non-technical courses, demonstrable educational benefit and a significant cost saving to surgical trainees.