bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dopamine as a potential rescue therapy for refractory protein‐losing enteropathy in Fontan‐palliated patients
Authors: Friedland‐Little Joshua M. , Gajarski Robert J. , Schumacher Kurt R. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPLE is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients who have undergone Fontan palliation. While multiple PLE therapies have been reported, none has proved consistently effective. Patients who do not respond to “standard” PLE therapies face poor long‐term outcomes. We report here a significant response to dopamine infusion in three patients with chronic, refractory PLE. We hypothesize that this response may be at least partially due to a dopamine effect on lymphatic receptors rather than to an augmentation of cardiac output.
Aquaporin 9 is expressed in the epididymis of immature and mature pigs
Authors: Schimming BC , Baumam CAE , Pinheiro PFF , de Matteis R , Domeniconi RF 
Published: March 2017

ContentsAquaporins (AQPs) are channel proteins that facilitate the transepithelial and bidirectional movement of water. AQP9 is an aquaporin that is expressed in the mammalian epididymis. This water transport contributes to epididymal sperm concentration. This study aimed to examine the morphology of epididymal epithelium in piglets and boars, as well as the expression and immunolocalization of AQP9. The piglets presented an epididymal epithelium in differentiation with principal, basal and apical cells. The cellular population of the epididymal epithelium in boars consisted of principal, basal, apical, clear and narrow cells. The migratory cells known as halo cells were observed in the epididymis of both piglets and boars. AQP9 expression presented differences between piglets and boars. Moderate intensity of AQP9 immunoreaction was observed in the apical border of the epididymal epithelium of the caput and cauda regions in the piglet epididymis. A moderate‐to‐intense reaction for AQP9 was observed in the nuclei of epithelial cells of the three epididymal regions in the boar epididymis. The region of the cauda epididymis showed reactivity for AQP9 also in the apical border of the epithelium. It is believed that the AQP9 is already functional in piglets at only 1 week of age and is more active, playing a pivotal role in the caput and cauda regions of the epididymis. Moreover, the intense AQP9 expression in the apical border of epithelial cells in the cauda region of the boar epididymis suggests a higher performance of AQP9 in this region, where sperm complete their maturation process, stored and concentrated.
Supplementation with cumulus cell masses improves the in vitro meiotic competence of porcine cumulus–oocytes complexes derived from small follicles
Authors: Matsunaga R , Funahashi H 
Published: March 2017

ContentsThe present study was conducted to examine the supplemented effect of cumulus cell masses (CCMs) derived from middle follicle (MF; 3–6 mm diameter) on the morphology and the meiotic or developmental competence of oocytes from small follicles (SF; 1–2 mm diameter). The number of cumulus cells surrounding oocytes just after collection was also lower in cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) from SF than MF. The ooplasmic diameter of oocytes was significantly smaller in SF‐derived oocytes than MF‐derived ones before and after in vitro maturation (IVM), whereas the diameter significantly increased during the culture. Co‐culture of SF‐derived COCs with MF‐derived CCMs during IVM significantly improved the meiotic competence of the oocytes to the metaphase‐II stage. Furthermore, the ooplasmic diameter of SF‐derived COCs during IVM was increased to the similar size of MF‐derived those in the presence of MF‐derived CCMs. The abilities of oocytes to be penetrated, to form male pronuclear formation and to cleave or develop to the blastocyst stage were not affected by the co‐culture with CCMs. Electrophoretic analysis of CCM secretions clearly showed the presence of more protein(s) approximately 27.6 kDa in the conditioned medium when supplemented with MF‐derived CCMs. In conclusion, we demonstrate that supplementation with MF‐derived CCMs improves the ooplasmic diameter and meiotic competence of SF‐derived oocytes.
Is bronchial thermoplasty cost‐effective as treatment for problematic asthma patients? Singapore's perspective on a global model
Authors: Nguyen Hai V. , Bose Saideep , Mital Shweta , Yii Anthony Chau Ang , Ang Shin Yuh , Lam Sean Shao Wei , Anantham Devanand , Finkelstein Eric , Koh Mariko Siyue 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT
Background and objectiveBronchial thermoplasty (BT) has been shown to be effective at reducing asthma exacerbations and improving asthma control for patients with severe persistent asthma but it is also expensive. Evidence on its cost‐effectiveness is limited and inconclusive. In this study, we aim to evaluate the incremental cost‐effectiveness of BT combined with optimized asthma therapy (BT‐OAT) relative to OAT for difficult‐to‐treat and severe asthma patients in Singapore, and to provide a general framework for determining BT's cost‐effectiveness in other healthcare settings.MethodsWe developed a Markov model to estimate the costs and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) gained with BT‐OAT versus OAT from the societal and health system perspectives. The model was populated using Singapore‐specific costs and transition probabilities and utilities from the literature. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to identify the main factors determining cost‐effectiveness of BT‐OAT.Results
BT‐OAT is not cost‐effective relative to OAT over a 5‐year time horizon with an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $US138 889 per QALY from the societal perspective and $US139 041 per QALY from the health system perspective. The cost‐effectiveness of BT‐OAT largely depends on a combination of the cost of the BT procedure and the cost of asthma‐related hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits.ConclusionBased on established thresholds for cost‐effectiveness, BT‐OAT is not cost‐effective compared with OAT in Singapore. Given its current clinical efficacy, BT‐OAT is most likely to be cost‐effective in a setting where the cost of BT procedure is low and costs of hospitalization and ED visits are high.
Computed tomography scoring system for discriminating between parapneumonic effusions eventually drained and those cured only with antibiotics
Authors: Porcel José M. , Pardina Marina , Alemán Carmen , Pallisa Esther , Light Richard W. , Bielsa Silvia 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveDue to limited data, we aimed to develop and validate a computed tomography (CT)‐based scoring system for identifying those parapneumonic effusions (PPEs) requiring drainage.MethodsA retrospective review of all patients with PPE who underwent thoracentesis and a chest CT scan before any attempt to place a tube thoracostomy, if applicable, over an 8‐year period was conducted. Eleven chest CT characteristics were compared between 90 patients with complicated PPEs (CPPEs), defined as those which eventually required chest drainage, and 60 with non‐complicated effusions (derivation sample). A scoring system was devised with those CT findings identified as independent predictors of CPPE in a logistic regression analysis, and further validated in an independent population of 59 PPE patients.Results
CT scores predicting CPPE were pleural contrast enhancement (3 points), pleural microbubbles, increased extrapleural fat attenuation and fluid volume ≥400 mL (1 point each). A sum score of ≥4 yielded 84% sensitivity (95% CI: 62–85%), 75% specificity (95% CI: 62–85%), 81% diagnostic accuracy (95% CI: 73–86%), likelihood ratio (LR) positive of 3.4 (95% CI: 2.1–5.4), LR negative of 0.22 (95% CI: 0.13–0.36) and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.829 (95% CI: 0.754–0.904) for labelling CPPE in the derivation set. These results were reproduced in the validation sample. The CT grading scale also exhibited a fair ability to identify patients who needed surgery or would die from the pleural infection (AUC: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.61–0.9).ConclusionA novel CT scoring system for adults with PPE may allow clinicians to predict the need for chest tube drainage with good accuracy.
The Elective Affinities of Anti‐Semitic and Anti‐American Resentments in Germany
Authors: Beyer Heiko , Liebe Ulf 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveRecent works on anti‐Americanism have indicated a link between anti‐American and anti‐Semitic resentments but neither an explication of the underlying mechanisms nor satisfying empirical data regarding such a relationship exist. This article offers historical insights and theoretical reflections as well as quantitative data for the case of Germany with which the theoretical assumptions are tested.MethodsThe sample of the study consists of 1,201 respondents randomly selected from the German population older than 18 years (computer‐assisted telephone interviews survey). The data are analyzed using seemingly unrelated regression models.ResultsAnti‐American and anti‐Semitic attitudes correlate substantially. Multivariate models show that this correlation can be explained via the common function of both to rationalize social change.ConclusionThe historical ties of European anti‐Semitism and anti‐Americanism are still prevalent today. They combine into a comprehensive symptom that is constituted by the uncertainty caused by “globalization” and an accelerated “capitalism.”
Metabolomics comparison of red cells stored in four additive solutions reveals differences in citrate anticoagulant permeability and metabolism
Authors: Rolfsson Ó. , Sigurjonsson Ó. E. , Magnusdottir M. , Johannsson F. , Paglia G. , Guðmundsson S. , Bordbar A. , Palsson S. , Brynjólfsson S. , Guðmundsson S. , Palsson B. 
Published: March 2017

Background and ObjectivesMetabolomics studies have revealed transition points in metabolic signatures of red cells during storage in SAGM, whose clinical significance is unclear. We set out to investigate whether these transition points occur independent of storage media and define differences in the metabolism of red cells in additive solutions.Materials and MethodsRed cell concentrates were stored in SAGM, AS‐1, AS‐3 or PAGGSM, and sampled fourteen times spanning Day 1–46. Following quality control, the samples were split into extracellular and intracellular aliquots. These were analysed with ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry analysis affording quantitative metabolic profiles of both intra‐ and extracellular red cell metabolites.ResultsDifferences were observed in glycolysis, purine salvage, glutathione synthesis and citrate metabolism on account of the storage solutions. Donor variability however hindered the accurate characterization of metabolic transition time‐points. Intracellular citrate concentrations were increased in red cells stored in AS‐3 and PAGGSM media. The metabolism of citrate in red cells in SAGM was subsequently confirmed using 13C citrate isotope labelling and shown to originate from citrate anticoagulant.ConclusionMetabolic signatures that discriminate between ‘fresh’ and ‘old’ stored red cells are dependent upon additive solutions. Specifically, the incorporation and metabolism of citrate in additive solutions with lower chloride ion concentration is altered and impacts glycolysis.
Evaluating the impact of the ABO blood group on the clinical outcome of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with severe ADAMTS13 deficiency
Authors: Hussein E. , Teruya J. 
Published: March 2017

Background and ObjectivesThrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is caused by the decrease of ADAMTS13, leading to the accumulation of ultra large von Willebrand factor (ULVWF). It was proposed that the distribution of blood group O among TTP patients may be potentially lower than expected because of the lower levels of VWF. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between various blood groups and the clinical outcome in TTP.Materials and MethodsThirty‐three patients with TTP with severe ADAMTS13 deficiency were studied. Data on blood group, relapse, number of plasma exchange sessions, replacement fluid and mortality were analysed.ResultsMortality rate was 15·2% and it was not impacted by blood group. The distribution of group O among patients with idiopathic TTP was lower (12%) than expected (30%). Patients with blood group O required more sessions to achieve remission than did those with group B (P = 0·02). Cryo‐supernatant was used in three refractory patients with group O, who failed to respond to fresh‐frozen plasma and complete remission was achieved. The overall number of relapsing episodes was 7 of 33 (21·2%), and it was not impacted by blood group.ConclusionAlthough blood group O appeared to provide protection against TTP, more sessions were required to achieve remission. Cryo‐supernatant improved the clinical outcome in refractory patients with group O. Future studies may be warranted to determine whether higher baseline VWF can be a trigger for TTP, or can confer protection by competing with a newly secreted ULVWF for platelet binding.
Long‐term outcome of an intra‐articular allograft technique for treatment of spontaneous cranial cruciate ligament rupture in the dog
Authors: Biskup Jeffery J. , Balogh Daniel G. , Scott Ruth M. , Conzemius Michael G. 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveTo determine the 12‐month outcome in dogs with spontaneous cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture after repair with an intra‐articular decellularized allograft.Study DesignProspective pilot case series.AnimalsTen client‐owned dogs with unilateral CCL rupture.MethodsAn intra‐articular, decellularized, deep digital flexor tendon allograft was secured in the stifle with a femoral cross pin and tibial spiked washers and screws. An interference screw was placed in the tibial tunnel. Dogs were evaluated with an owner questionnaire, radiographs, and force platform gait analysis before and 2, 6, and 12 months after surgery.ResultsOwners reported improvement in level of pain and mobility throughout the study, especially over the first 6 months. Peak vertical force and vertical impulse improved across all time points. Ground reaction force asymmetry index for peak vertical force and vertical impulse at 12 months showed 3 dogs within a normal index (<6%), 4 dogs as nonvisibly lame (6‐20%), and 3 dogs as visibly lame (≥20%). For most dogs, osteoarthritis scoring did not change over the 12‐month period and some femoral‐tibial translation was detected on standing horizontal beam radiographs.ConclusionIntra‐articular repair using a decellularized allograft can provide functional clinical outcomes in dogs with CCL disease. A better understanding of long‐term engraftment after this procedure is needed.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus thuringiensis INTA Fr7-4
Authors: Navas Laura E. , Berretta Marcelo F. , Ortiz Elio M. , Sauka Diego H. , Benintende Graciela B. , Zandomeni Rubén O. , Amadio Ariel F. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

We report here the complete annotated 6,035,547-bp draft genome sequence of
Bacillus thuringiensis
INTA Fr7-4. This strain contains three
cry8
and two
vip1
and
vip2
insecticidal toxin genes.
Draft Genome Sequence of Streptococcus caviae Strain Cavy grass 6
T
, Isolated from Domesticated Guinea Pig Fecal Samples
Authors: Palakawong Na Ayudthaya Susakul , Marshall Ian P. G. , Schreiber Lars , Plugge Caroline M. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus caviae
strain Cavy grass 6
T
, isolated from fecal samples of pet guinea pigs, can metabolize a range of plant mono- and disaccharides, as well as polymeric carbohydrates. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of this strain, which comprises 2.11 Mb.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas putida Strain GM4FR, an Endophytic Bacterium Isolated from Festuca rubra L
Authors: Wemheuer Franziska , Hollensteiner Jacqueline , Poehlein Anja , Granzow Sandra , Daniel Rolf , Vidal Stefan , Wemheuer Bernd 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas putida
GM4FR is an endophytic bacterium isolated from aerial plant tissues of
Festuca rubra
L. Functional annotation of the draft genome (7.1 Mb) revealed 6,272 predicted protein-encoding genes. The genome provides insights into the biocontrol and plant growth-promoting potential of
P. putida
GM4FR.
Complete Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus aureus Strain Wood 46
Authors: Balachandran Manasi , Riley Matthew C. , Bemis David A. , Kania Stephen A. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

Here, we report the first complete genome sequence of the
Staphylococcus aureus
strain Wood 46. Wood 46 has played an important role in understanding the virulence and pathogenesis of
S. aureus
infections. This report will assist efforts in vaccine development against methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) infections.
Draft Genome Sequences of 14 Staphylococcus aureus Sequence Type 5 Isolates from California, USA
Authors: Hau Samantha J. , Bayles Darrell O. , Alt David P. , Nicholson Tracy L. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus
is part of the human epithelial microbiota; however, it is also a pathogen. The acquisition of mobile genetic elements plays a role in the virulence of
S. aureus
isolates and contributes to treatment failures. This report details the draft genome sequences of 14 clinical
S. aureus
isolates.
Developing a national dental education research strategy: priorities, barriers and enablers
Authors: Ajjawi Rola , Barton Karen L , Dennis Ashley A , Rees Charlotte E 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify national dental education research (DER) priorities for the next 3–5 years and to identify barriers and enablers to DER.SettingScotland.ParticipantsIn this two-stage online questionnaire study, we collected data with multiple dental professions (eg, dentistry, dental nursing and dental hygiene) and stakeholder groups (eg, learners, clinicians, educators, managers, researchers and academics). Eighty-five participants completed the Stage 1 qualitative questionnaire and 649 participants the Stage 2 quantitative questionnaire.ResultsEight themes were identified at Stage 1. Of the 24 DER priorities identified, the top three were: role of assessments in identifying competence; undergraduate curriculum prepares for practice and promoting teamwork. Following exploratory factor analysis, the 24 items loaded onto four factors: teamwork and professionalism, measuring and enhancing performance, dental workforce issues and curriculum integration and innovation. Barriers and enablers existed at multiple levels: individual, interpersonal, institutional structures and cultures and technology.ConclusionsThis priority setting exercise provides a necessary first step to developing a national DER strategy capturing multiple perspectives. Promoting DER requires improved resourcing alongside efforts to overcome peer stigma and lack of valuing and motivation.
Protocol for validating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular ICD-9-CM codes in healthcare administrative databases: the Umbria Data Value Project
Authors: Cozzolino Francesco , Abraha Iosief , Orso Massimiliano , Mengoni Anna , Cerasa Maria Francesca , Eusebi Paolo , Ambrosio Giuseppe , Montedori Alessandro 
Published: March 2017

IntroductionAdministrative healthcare databases can provide a comprehensive assessment of the burden of diseases in terms of major outcomes, such as mortality, hospital readmissions and use of healthcare resources, thus providing answers to a wide spectrum of research questions. However, a crucial issue is the reliability of information gathered. Aim of this protocol is to validate International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision—Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes for major cardiovascular diseases, including acute myocardial infarction (AMI), heart failure (HF), atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke.Methods and analysisData from the centralised administrative database of the entire Umbria Region (910 000 residents, located in Central Italy) will be considered. Patients with a first hospital discharge for AMI, HF, AF or stroke, between 2012 and 2014, will be identified in the administrative database using the following groups of ICD-9-CM codes located in primary position: (1) 410.x for AMI; (2) 427.31 for AF; (3) 428 for HF; (4) 433.x1, 434 (excluding 434.x0), 436 for ischaemic stroke, 430 and 431 for haemorrhagic stroke (subarachnoid haemorrhage and intracerebral haemorrhage). A random sample of cases, and of non-cases, will be selected, and the corresponding medical charts retrieved and reviewed for validation by pairs of trained, independent reviewers. For each condition considered, case adjudication of disease will be based on symptoms, laboratory and diagnostic tests, as available in medical charts. Divergences will be resolved by consensus. Sensitivity and specificity with 95% CIs will be calculated.Ethics and disseminationResearch protocol has been granted approval by the Regional Ethics Committee. Study results will be disseminated widely through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences.
Evidence on health-promoting lifestyle practices and information and communication technologies: scoping review protocol
Authors: Joseph-Shehu Elizabeth M , Ncama Busisiwe P 
Published: March 2017

IntroductionInformation and communication technologies (ICTs) play a key role in improving health and maintaining health promoting behaviours. ICTs are therefore one potential solution for promoting healthy lifestyles. In addition, they can assist in the reduction and control of the menace of both communicable and non-communicable diseases. This study will map evidence of interventions that demonstrate the effect of ICTs on health-promoting lifestyle practices that can prevent and control diseases. It is anticipated that this study will help identify areas where there is need for primary research.Methods and analysisThe following electronic databases will be searched: PsycArticle (EBSCO), PsycINFO (EBSCO), Science direct, PubMed, Medline (EBSCO) and Google Scholar. The study will be conducted in two stages: the first stage will map out the studies descriptively while the second stage will map the additional inclusion criteria of quality assessment. Two independent reviewers will undertake the data extraction. Relevant outcomes of the studies will be analysed thematically using NVIvo computer software. The authors will code all evidence independently. Thereafter the authors will critically cross-examine the relationship of the research questions to the emerging themes from the selected articles. The authors hope to find a large number of studies on health-promoting lifestyles that encompass six-subscales of health-promoting activities (nutrition, stress management, interpersonal relation, self-actualisation, health responsibility, physical activity) and ICT.DisseminationThis study will be presented in conferences related to health promotion and health-promoting lifestyles. It will also be disseminated in print and electronically.Trial registration numberCRD42016042568.