bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transfusion‐transmitted CMV infection – current knowledge and future perspectives
Authors: Ziemann M. , Thiele T. 
Published: June 2017

SUMMARYTransmission of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) via transfusion (TT‐CMV) may still occur and remains a challenge in the treatment of immunocompromised CMV‐seronegative patients, e.g. after stem cell transplantation, and for low birthweight infants. Measures to reduce the risk of TT‐CMV have been evaluated in clinical studies, including leucocyte depletion of cellular blood products and/or the selection of CMV‐IgG‐negative donations. Studies in large blood donor cohorts indicate that donations from newly CMV‐IgG‐positive donors should bear the highest risk for transmitting CMV infections because they contain the highest levels of CMV‐DNA, and early CMV antibodies cannot neutralise CMV. Based on this knowledge, rational strategies to reduce the residual risk of TT‐CMV using leucoreduced blood products could be designed. However, there is a lack of evidence that CMV is still transmitted by transfusion of leucoreduced units. In low birthweight infants, most (if not all) CMV infections are caused by breast milk feeding or congenital transmission rather than by transfusion of leucoreduced blood products. For other patients at risk, no definitive data exist about the relative importance of alternative transmission routes of CMV compared to blood transfusion. As a result, only the conduction of well‐designed studies addressing strategies to prevent TT‐CMV and the thorough examination of presumed cases of TT‐CMV will achieve guidance for the best transfusion regimen in patients at risk.
Risks and trends of red blood cell transfusion in obstetric patients: a retrospective study of 45,213 deliveries using administrative data
Authors: Shehata Nadine , Chassé Michaël , Colas Jo Ann , Murphy Malia , Forster Alan J. , Malinowski Ann K. , Ducharme Robin , Fergusson Dean A. , Tinmouth Alan , Wilson Kumanan 
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUNDTransfusion data for obstetric patients are scarce. Identifying characteristics associated with red blood cell transfusion (RBCT) is of importance to better identify patients who would benefit from blood conservation strategies as the risk of alloimmunization from RBCT has the potential to affect the fetus and newborn.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWe conducted a retrospective cohort study using hospital administrative data to identify trends and risk factors of RBCT in obstetric patients. Data were analyzed according to the mode of delivery.RESULTSA total of 45,213 deliveries were captured between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2013. A higher proportion of patients undergoing cesarean sections (C/Ss) received an RBCT (2.3%) compared to other modes of delivery (0.7% for spontaneous vaginal delivery, 1.5% for instrumental delivery; p < 0.001). In addition, the risk of RBCT increased over the 7‐year period for those patients undergoing C/S (relative risk [RR], 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14‐2.15). An unavailable hemoglobin (Hb) level (RR, 12.94; 95% CI, 7.39‐22.66) and Hb level of 70 to 80 g/L (RR, 7.78; 95% CI = 5.21‐11.60) were strongly associated with RBCT among women undergoing C/S. Earlier gestational age at induction increased the risk of RBCT across all modes of delivery.CONCLUSIONSThe higher frequency of RBCT for unknown and low Hb supports the need for predelivery patient blood management at the time of delivery. The additional risk factors associated with RBCT identified may be used to develop risk stratification tools by mode of delivery to assist in the identification of patients at the highest risk of requiring RBCT.
Trans‐endoscopic diode laser fenestration of equine conchae via contralateral nostril approach
Authors: Kološ Filip , Bodeček Štěpán , Žert Zdeněk 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo describe and report preliminary outcomes of a contralateral trans‐nasal endoscopic laser fenestration of the conchae for endoscopic examination and treatment of paranasal sinuses in horses.Study designCadaveric experimental and prospective clinical study.AnimalsNormal cadaveric equine heads (n = 7) and equine patients (horses n = 7, donkey n = 1) diagnosed with sinusitis.MethodsEx vivo: a video‐endoscope containing a diode laser fiber in the working canal was passed through the nostril and retroflexed in the nasopharynx toward the contralateral conchae. Ventral or dorsal conchae were fenestrated. Duration of surgery, laser energy, visualization quality, and feasibility of sinoscopy through the fenestrations were recorded. In vivo: sinus drainage, sinoscopy 24 hours postoperatively, stoma persistence, and clinical results after 3 months were evaluated in 8 patients.ResultsFenestrations were performed in 8 dorsal conchae (6 cadavers, 2 patients), 10 ventral conchae (5 cadavers, 5 patients), and 1 dorsal conchal bulla (1 patient). Visualization was good in 6 patients and affected by bleeding in 2 patients. Drainage through the fenestrations was observed in all patients. Trans‐nasal sinoscopy was possible in all cadavers and in 6 out of 8 patients. Masses inside the sinuses precluded sinoscopy in 2 patients. Stomata persisted until discharge of the patients (mean of 14 days). Clinical signs improved in 6/8 patients.ConclusionThe endoscopic approach reported here provides good visualization during the trans‐endoscopic laser fenestration of the conchae. The fenestrations may allow a trans‐nasal sinoscopic examination and treatment in selected cases of sinusitis in horses.
Metabolism and acetylation contribute to leucine-mediated inhibition of cardiac glucose uptake
Authors: Renguet Edith , Ginion Audrey , Gélinas Roselle , Bultot Laurent , Auquier Julien , Robillard Frayne Isabelle , Daneault Caroline , Vanoverschelde Jean-Louis , Des Rosiers Christine , Hue Louis , Horman Sandrine , Beauloye Christophe , Bertrand Luc 
Published: June 2017

High plasma leucine levels strongly correlate with type 2 diabetes. Studies of muscle cells have suggested that leucine alters the insulin response for glucose transport by activating an insulin-negative feedback loop driven by the mammalian target of rapamycin/p70 ribosomal S6 kinase (mTOR/p70S6K) pathway. Here, we examined the molecular mechanism involved in leucine’s action on cardiac glucose uptake. Leucine was indeed able to curb glucose uptake after insulin stimulation in both cultured cardiomyocytes and perfused hearts. Although leucine activated mTOR/p70S6K, the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin did not prevent leucine’s inhibitory action on glucose uptake, ruling out the contribution of the insulin-negative feedback loop. α-Ketoisocaproate, the first metabolite of leucine catabolism, mimicked leucine’s effect on glucose uptake. Incubation of cardiomyocytes with [13C]leucine ascertained its metabolism to ketone bodies (KBs), which had a similar negative impact on insulin-stimulated glucose transport. Both leucine and KBs reduced glucose uptake by affecting translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) to the plasma membrane. Finally, we found that leucine elevated the global protein acetylation level. Pharmacological inhibition of lysine acetyltransferases counteracted this increase in protein acetylation and prevented leucine’s inhibitory action on both glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation. Taken together, these results indicate that leucine metabolism into KBs contributes to inhibition of cardiac glucose uptake by hampering the translocation of GLUT4-containing vesicles via acetylation. They offer new insights into the establishment of insulin resistance in the heart. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Catabolism of the branched-chain amino acid leucine into ketone bodies efficiently inhibits cardiac glucose uptake through decreased translocation of glucose transporter 4 to the plasma membrane. Leucine increases protein acetylation. Pharmacological inhibition of acetylation reverses leucine’s action, suggesting acetylation involvement in this phenomenon. Listen to this article’s corresponding podcast at http://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/leucine-metabolism-inhibits-cardiac-glucose-uptake/ .
Random squat/stand maneuvers: a novel approach for assessment of dynamic cerebral autoregulation?
Authors: Barnes Sam C. , Ball Naomi , Panerai Ronney B. , Robinson Thompson G. , Haunton Victoria J. 
Published: June 2017

Squat/stand maneuvers (SSM) have been used to assess dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA), but always at a fixed frequency (FF). This study aimed to assess the use of random-frequency (RF) SSMs as a stimulus for measuring dCA and determine the reproducibility of FF and RFSSMs. Twenty-nine healthy volunteers [19 male, mean age 23.0 (4.9) yr] completed the study; 11 returned for a repeat visit (median 45 days). Heart rate, beat-to-beat blood pressure, middle cerebral artery (MCA) blood flow velocity, end-tidal CO2, and angle of the squat movement were measured. Subjects underwent four recordings: 5 min sitting, 5 min standing, FFSSMs (0.05Hz), and RFSSMs. Subjects were asked to rate the degree of exertion experienced while performing these maneuvers. Twenty-nine subjects completed the protocol; nine data sets were deemed unsuitable for further analysis. Mean ARI of 6.21 (1.04) while standing was significantly greater than during the SSMs ( P < 0.01), with mean (SD) ARI during the FF and RFSSMs being 5.16 (1.43) and 5.37 (1.21), respectively. However, no significant difference was found between the ARI estimates from the two SSMs ( P = 0.856) or for each of the four recordings between the two visits ( P = 0.645). RFSSMs were found to be significantly less tiring than FFSSMs ( P < 0.01). In conclusion, RFSSMs are an effective and noninvasive method of assessing dCA. There is no difference in the ARI estimates in comparison with FFSSMs. Although FFSSMs have been well tolerated previously, RFSSMs are preferred by healthy subjects and thus may be better tolerated by a patient population in a clinical setting. NEW & NOTEWORTHY RFSSMs provided comparable estimates of autoregulatory indices to FFSSMs. Instead of point estimates at the driven frequency, RFSSMs generate a broader power spectrum of changes in arterial blood pressure and cerebral blood flow velocity, allowing direct comparison with spontaneous fluctuations through transfer function analysis. Moreover, random-frequency SSMs are preferred by participants. They are a novel tool by which larger blood pressure oscillations can be elicited for the reliable measurement of dynamic cerebral autoregulation.
New insights into the burden and costs of multiple sclerosis in Europe: Results for Germany
Authors: Flachenecker Peter , Kobelt Gisela , Berg Jenny , Capsa Daniela , Gannedahl Mia ,   The European Multiple Sclerosis Platform
Published: June 2017

Introduction: To estimate the value of interventions in multiple sclerosis (MS) – where lifetime costs and outcomes cannot be observed – outcome data have to be combined with costs. This requires that cost data be regularly updated. Objectives and methods: This study is part of a cross-sectional retrospective study in 16 countries collecting data on resource consumption and work capacity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and prevalent symptoms for patients with MS. Descriptive analyses are presented by level of severity, from the societal perspective, in EUR 2015. Results: A total of 5475 patients (mean age 52 years) participated in Germany. In all, 84% were below retirement age, and of these, 51% were employed. Employment was related to disease severity, and MS affected productivity at work for 80% of patients. Overall, 96% and 78% of patients experienced fatigue and cognitive difficulties as a problem, respectively. The mean utility and total annual costs were 0.786 and 28,200€ at Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 0–3, 0.586 and €44,000 at EDSS 4–6.5 and 0.273 and €62,700 at EDSS 7–9, respectively. The mean cost of a relapse was estimated at €2500. Conclusion: This study provides current health economic data on MS in Germany that are important for the development of health policies and for estimating the value of the current and future treatments.
Corticosteroid Administration to Prevent Complications of Anterior Cervical Spine Fusion: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zadegan Shayan Abdollah , Jazayeri Seyed Behnam , Abedi Aidin , Bonaki Hirbod Nasiri , Vaccaro Alexander R. , Rahimi-Movaghar Vafa 
Published: June 2017

Study Design: Systematic review. Objectives: Anterior cervical approach is associated with complications such as dysphagia and airway compromise. In this study, we aimed to systematically review the literature on the efficacy and safety of corticosteroid administration as a preventive measure of such complications in anterior cervical spine surgery with fusion. Methods: Following a systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases in July 2016, all comparative human studies that evaluated the effect of steroids for prevention of complications in anterior cervical spine surgery with fusion were included, irrespective of number of levels and language. Risk of bias was assessed using MINORS (Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies) checklist and Cochrane Back and Neck group recommendations, for nonrandomized and randomized studies, respectively. Results: Our search yielded 556 articles, of which 9 studies (7 randomized controlled trials and 2 non–randomized controlled trials) were included in the final review. Dysphagia was the most commonly evaluated complication, and in most studies, its severity or incidence was significantly lower in the steroid group. Although prevertebral soft tissue swelling was less commonly assessed, the results were generally in favor of steroid use. The evidence for airway compromise and length of hospitalization was inconclusive. Steroid-related complications were rare, and in both studies that evaluated the fusion rate, it was comparable between steroid and control groups in long-term follow-up. Conclusions: Current literature supports the use of steroids for prevention of complications in anterior cervical spine surgery with fusion. However, evidence is limited by substantial risk of bias and small number of studies reporting key outcomes.
Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 is a novel specific molecular target in adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma
Authors: Narita Tomoko , Ishida Takashi , Ito Asahi , Masaki Ayako , Kinoshita Shiori , Suzuki Susumu , Takino Hisashi , Yoshida Takashi , Ri Masaki , Kusumoto Shigeru , Komatsu Hirokazu , Imada Kazunori , Tanaka Yuetsu , Takaori-Kondo Akifumi , Inagaki Hiroshi , Scholz Arne , Lienau Philip , Kuroda Taruho , Ueda Ryuzo , Iida Shinsuke 
Published: June 2017

Key Points
BAY 1143572, a novel and selective P-TEFb/CDK9 inhibitor, possessed significant antitumor activity against primary ATL cells in vitro. BAY 1143572 possessed significant antitumor activity in an ATL mouse model based on tumor cells from a patient.
Direct oral anticoagulants for treatment of HIT: update of Hamilton experience and literature review
Authors: Warkentin Theodore E. , Pai Menaka , Linkins Lori-Ann 
Published: June 2017

Key Points
New data plus a literature review documented new thrombosis in only 1 (2.2%) of 46 patients with acute HIT who were treated with rivaroxaban. The literature review found similarly favorable results, albeit with fewer patients, when apixaban and dabigatran were used to treat acute HIT.
Role of MyD88 signaling in the imiquimod-induced mouse model of psoriasis: focus on innate myeloid cells
Authors: Costa Sara , Marini Olivia , Bevilacqua Dalila , DeFranco Anthony L , Hou Baidong , Lonardi Silvia , Vermi William , Rodegher Pamela , Panato Anna , Tagliaro Franco , Lowell Clifford A , Cassatella Marco A , Girolomoni Giampiero , Scapini Patrizia 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease associated with deregulated activation of immune cells and keratinocytes. In this study, we used the imiquimod (IMQ)-induced mouse model of psoriasis to dissect better the contribution of hematopoietic and skin-resident stromal cells to psoriasis development. The comparison of disease development in mice carrying the hematopoietic cell-specific deletion of MyD88 (Myd88fl/flVav-cre+ mice) with mice carrying the total MyD88 deficiency (Myd88−/− mice), we show that the progression of skin and systemic inflammation, as well as of epidermal thickening, was completely dependent on MyD88 expression in hematopoietic cells. However, both Myd88−/− mouse strains developed some degree of epidermal thickening during the initial stages of IMQ-induced psoriasis, even in the absence of hematopoietic cell activation and infiltration into the skin, suggesting a contribution of MyD88-independent mechanisms in skin-resident stromal cells. With the use of conditional knockout mouse strains lacking MyD88 in distinct lineages of myeloid cells (Myd88fl/flLysM-cre+ and Myd88fl/flMRP8-cre+ mice), we report that MyD88 signaling in monocytes and Mϕ, but not in neutrophils, plays an important role in disease propagation and exacerbation by modulating their ability to sustain γδ T cell effector functions via IL-1β and IL-23 production. Overall, these findings add new insights into the specific contribution of skin-resident stromal vs. hematopoietic cells to disease initiation and progression in the IMQ-induced mouse model of psoriasis and uncover a potential novel pathogenic role for monocytes/Mϕ to psoriasis development.
Επισκευάζοντας τα τείχη της Κωνσταντινούπολης: αυτοκρατορικές πρωτοβουλίες κατά την ύστερη βυζαντινή περίοδο
Authors: ΑΘΑΝΑΣΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ Αντώνης 
Published: June 2017

Repairing the walls of Constantinople: Emperors’ initiatives during the late byzantine period The aim of this study is to present the initiatives of the late Byzantine period emperors regarding repairs, reconstruction or reinforcement of the fortification walls of Constantinople. These initiatives are examined in the context of the particular circumstances of each period, i.e. when external enemies were threatening the Byzantine capital or when the imperial treasury was impoverished, a problem which almost all the emperors of the period in question faced and which inevitably was, for each one of them, a constraint in implementing a complete wall-repairing plan.The repairs to the walls were mostly occasional: they would be done when need arose and according to the funding available. However, even until the first quarter of the 15th century, the walls could protect effectively Constantinople against the aspirant conquerors. The balance changed with the emergence and evolution of firearms and their widespread use by the Ottomans. The agony of the residents concerning the strength of the walls was widespread, as recorded in historiographical texts of the time, orations, etc. The ambitious efforts of John VIII to undertake an extensive restoration program for the walls in the years 1433-1444, with the financial support of private sources, was a last attempt of defense against a superior enemy.
Design of Portable Beverage Cooler Using One Stage Thermoelectric Cooler (TEC) Module
Authors: Aziz Azridjal , Mainil Rahmat Iman , Mainil Afdhal Kurniawan , Syafri Sayfri , Syukrillah Muhammad Faizal 
Published: June 2017

The Portable Beverage Cooler (PBC) has been designed to satisfy the need of cooler apparatus that could be carried easily. The utilization of this apparatus was intended to minimize the environmental damage affected by vapour compression refrigeration system using CFCs Refrigerant. The peltier effect from thermoelectric module was utilized in this PBC and called as Thermoelectric Cooler (TEC). Furthermore, heat-sink and fan were needed to ensure the cooling effect continously worked. To achieved the objectives of this machine (portable, environment-friendly, low watt, affordable), the design consideration are heat load, insulating material, weight of components, electric consumption, and dimension of the cooling box. The results of the design shows the PBC cooling box dimension is 6 cm x 6.5 x 15 cm. The insulation of the PBC cooling box are polyurethane foam and polystyrene expanded with thickness 6 mm and 5.3 mm, respectively. The alumunium plate was applied as inner wall to enhance the cooling capacity of cooling room temperature. In this PBC was used one stage of TEC that could yield cooling room temperature until 15 oC in 30 minutes operation by consuming 20 W of electricity.
Dublin, Trinity College, MS 492: A New Witness to the Old English Bede and its Twelfth-Century Context
Authors: Faulkner Mark 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis article draws attention to a series of seven English annotations in a mid-twelfth-century copy of Bede’sHistoria ecclesiasticafrom Bury St Edmunds. It demonstrates that the annotations reflect the comparison of Bede’s Latin with a now-lost manuscript of the Old English Bede shortly after the twelfth-century codex’s production. The annotations are shown to hold a respect for the authority of the Old English Bede that contrasts with the prevailing twelfth-century attitude of gentle suspicion towards earlier vernacular translations.
Performance analysis of automated evaluation of Crithidia luciliae-based indirect immunofluorescence tests in a routine setting – strengths and weaknesses
Authors: Hormann Wymke , Hahn Melanie , Gerlach Stefan , Hochstrate Nicola , Affeldt Kai , Giesen Joyce , Fechner Kai , Damoiseaux Jan G.M.C. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Background:
Antibodies directed against dsDNA are a highly specific diagnostic marker for the presence of systemic lupus erythematosus and of particular importance in its diagnosis. To assess anti-dsDNA antibodies, the Crithidia luciliae-based indirect immunofluorescence test (CLIFT) is one of the assays considered to be the best choice. To overcome the drawback of subjective result interpretation that inheres indirect immunofluorescence assays in general, automated systems have been introduced into the market during the last years. Among these systems is the EUROPattern Suite, an advanced automated fluorescence microscope equipped with different software packages, capable of automated pattern interpretation and result suggestion for ANA, ANCA and CLIFT analysis.

Methods:
We analyzed the performance of the EUROPattern Suite with its automated fluorescence interpretation for CLIFT in a routine setting, reflecting the everyday life of a diagnostic laboratory. Three hundred and twelve consecutive samples were collected, sent to the Central Diagnostic Laboratory of the Maastricht University Medical Centre with a request for anti-dsDNA analysis over a period of 7 months.

Results:
Agreement between EUROPattern assay analysis and the visual read was 93.3%. Sensitivity and specificity were 94.1% and 93.2%, respectively. The EUROPattern Suite performed reliably and greatly supported result interpretation.

Conclusions:
Automated image acquisition is readily performed and automated image classification gives a reliable recommendation for assay evaluation to the operator. The EUROPattern Suite optimizes workflow and contributes to standardization between different operators or laboratories.