bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange—Does Age Matter? A Single‐Center Study
Authors: Brunetta Gavranić Bruna , Bašić‐Jukić Nikolina , Kes Petar 
Published: January 2016

AbstractTherapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an extracorporeal blood purification technique designed for the removal of substances with large molecular weight from the plasma. However, it is not commonly performed in children and the elderly because of concern of potential complications. The Department of Nephrology at Zagreb University Hospital Centre's database (8335 procedures, 981 patients) was retrospectively analyzed from 1982 to 2011 to record indications, applications, and safety of TPE use in children (≤18 years), adults (>18 and <65 years), and elderly patients (≥65 years). Indications, blood access, replacement fluid, and anticoagulation during TPE differed among age groups. Significantly more complications were recorded in the youngest and eldest patients compared with the adults (12.2% and 12.7% vs. 9.9%, respectively), while the severity of complications did not differ significantly among the age groups. Our results indicate that TPE may be performed relatively safely in all age groups when the patients’ differences are acknowledged prior to prescribing the procedure.
Nutrition and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants: a systematic review
Authors: Chan Stephanie H.T. , Johnson Mark J. , Leaf Alison A. , Vollmer Brigitte 
Published: January 2016

AbstractA systematic review with meta‐analysis was carried out to investigate the effects of increased nutritional intake, via either macronutrient or multinutrient intervention, during the neonatal period on neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants born at <32 weeks of gestation or weighing <1501 g at birth.ConclusionAlthough the relationship remains unclear, increased early nutrition may reduce neurodevelopmental impairment in this group of infants. Future research should focus on using standardised nutritional interventions and an agreed neurodevelopmental assessment battery.
Interleukin (IL)-17-producing pathogenic T lymphocytes co-express CD20 and are depleted by rituximab in primary Sjögren's syndrome: a pilot study
Authors: Alunno A , Carubbi F , Bistoni O , Caterbi S , Bartoloni E , Di Benedetto P , Cipriani P , Giacomelli R , Gerli R 
Published: January 2016

Summary
Compelling evidence suggests that interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-17-producing cells play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). We investigated phenotypical and functional effects of the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab (RTX) on circulating and glandular IL-17-producing T cells in pSS. RTX is able to deplete glandular IL-17+ CD3+CD4–CD8– double-negative (DN) and CD4+ Th17 cells as well as circulating IL-17+ DN T cells. A fraction of glandular and circulating IL-17+ DN cells and CD4+ T helper type 17 (Th17) cells co-expresses CD20 on the cell surface explaining, at least in part, such depletive capacity of RTX. The exposure to RTX does not rescue the in-vitro corticosteroid resistance of IL-17+ DN T cells. Our results support further the therapeutic role in pSS of RTX that, despite its B cell specificity, appears able to also hamper IL-17-producing T cells in this disease.
The Influence of Apical Aneurysm on Left Ventricular Geometry and Clinical Outcomes: 3‐Year Follow‐Up Using Echocardiography
Authors: Jung Mi‐Hyang , Youn Ho‐Joong , Jung Hae Ok 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundLeft ventricular apical aneurysm (LVAA) is a serious complication associated with myocardial infarction. However, the effects of a previously formed LVAA on long‐term left ventricular (LV) geometry and clinical outcomes have not been fully evaluated.MethodsFrom January 2009 to May 2015, we retrospectively identified 70 patients (mean age, 66 ± 12 years; males, 72.9%) with an LVAA due to ischemia. These patients were classified into two groups according to the initial apical conicity ratio (ACR): large LVAA group (ACR ≥ 1.5, n = 40) and small LVAA group (ACR < 1.5, n = 30). An adverse outcome was defined as a composite of fatal arrhythmia, embolic infarction, and readmission due to heart failure.ResultsThe ACR significantly decreased over the first month and then increased after 1 and 3 years of follow‐up. The other examined echocardiographic indexes did not exhibit temporal changes. During the follow‐up period (median 1138 days), the large LVAA group experienced a lower event‐free survival (P = 0.016). In a multivariate Cox model, the presence of a large LVAA (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 2.795, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.118–6.986, P = 0.028) and the initial LV ejection fraction (EF) (adjusted HR = 0.964, 95% CI = 0.932–0.997, P = 0.034) were independent predictors of adverse outcomes.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that LVAAs undergo a dynamic process and that large LVAAs are associated with adverse outcomes. Our results suggest that the ACR could be helpful for predicting adverse outcomes in patients with apical aneurysm.
The adaptive potential of subtropical rainbowfish in the face of climate change: heritability and heritable plasticity for the expression of candidate genes
Authors: McCairns R. J. Scott , Smith Steve , Sasaki Minami , Bernatchez Louis , Beheregaray Luciano B. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractWhilst adaptation and phenotypic plasticity might buffer species against habitat degradation associated with global climate change, few studies making such claims also possess the necessary and sufficient data to support them. Doing so requires demonstration of heritable variation in traits affecting fitness under new environmental conditions. We address this issue using an emerging aquatic system to study adaptation to climate change, the crimson‐spotted rainbowfish (Melanotaenia duboulayi), a freshwater species from a region of eastern Australia projected to be affected by marked temperature increases. Captive born M. duboulayi of known pedigree were used to assess the long‐term effects of contemporary and 2070‐projected summer temperatures on the expression of genes previously identified in a climate change transcriptomics (RNA‐Seq) experiment. Nearly all genes responded to increasing temperature. Significant additive genetic variance explained a moderate proportion of transcriptional variation for all genes. Most genes also showed broad‐sense genetic variation in transcriptional plasticity. Additionally, molecular pathways of candidate genes co‐occur with genes inferred to be under climate‐mediated selection in wild M. duboulayi populations. Together, these results indicate the presence of existing variation in important physiological traits, and the potential for adaptive responses to a changing thermal environment.
Adoption of the Gold Standard and Real Exchange Rates in the Core and Periphery, 1870–1913
Authors: Mollick Andre Varella 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIn this paper I estimate the speed of adjustment to shocks to real effective exchange rates (REERs) during the gold standard years. Adoption of the gold standard by the United States in 1879 resulted in all four core countries (France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States) being fully committed to gold. I use the concept of half‐life (HL) to measure the time it takes for a deviation from purchasing power parity (PPP) to dissipate by 50%. Relative to the years 1870–1913, between 1880 and 1913 the half‐lives of REERs in core countries decrease from between 4.4 and 5.2 years to between 3.1 and 3.4 years, with similar declines across dynamic panels. Combined with evidence elsewhere that interest rates adjusted quickly, the evidence herein suggests that adjustment in goods markets was faster following adoption of the gold standard.
Group discussions with structured reminiscence and a problem‐based method as an intervention to prevent depressive symptoms in older people
Authors: Djukanović Ingrid , Carlsson Jörg , Peterson Ulla 
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectivesTo evaluate the effect of group discussions, in which structured reminiscence and a problem‐based method were used, on depressive symptoms, quality of life and self‐rated health among older people.BackgroundDepressive symptoms in older people have a considerable impact on self‐rated health and quality of life, with a high rate of co‐morbidity and mortality. As the ageing population is growing, late‐life depression is becoming an important public health problem and there is a need to find preventive interventions to avert unnecessary suffering.DesignThe study was quasi‐experimental, with a one‐group pretest–post‐test design and follow‐up after one year.MethodsInitially, a questionnaire was sent to the total population of 55–80‐year‐old retirees in a community in the northeast of Sweden, (n = 679). The questionnaire concerned demographics and covered areas such as health, depression and quality of life. The intervention consisted of group discussions where structured reminiscence and a problem‐based method were used. The participants (n = 18) met 10 times under the guidance of a group‐leader, a registered nurse educated in the method. Each session had different themes with a focus on positive memories but also on the present situation and the future. Parametric, nonparametric tests and content analysis were used.ResultsParticipants evaluated the intervention positively, showed a decrease in depressive symptoms, an increase in self‐rated health and experienced an increased autonomy. No long‐ lasting effect was seen.ConclusionGroup discussions where structured reminiscence and a problem‐based method are used might be an option to prevent depressive symptoms in older people.Relevance to clinical practiceThis method might provide an opportunity for older people with depressive symptoms to improve their quality of life, however, to maintain the positive outcome the intervention should probably be continuous.
Effects of expiratory muscle strength training on oropharyngeal dysphagia in subacute stroke patients: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Park J. S. , Oh D. H. , Chang M. Y. , Kim K. M. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryExpiratory muscle strength training (EMST) involves forcible blowing as a means of generating high expiratory pressure, against adjustable resistance. EMST has recently been introduced as a potential treatment for dysphagia. This study was performed to investigate the effects of EMST on the activity of suprahyoid muscles, aspiration and dietary stages in stroke patients with dysphagia. Twenty‐seven stroke patients with dysphagia were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group performed EMST with a 70% threshold value of maximal expiratory pressure, using an EMST device, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. The placebo group trained with a sham device. The EMST regime involved 5 sets of 5 breaths through the EMST device for a total of 25 breaths per day. Activity in the suprahyoid muscle group was measured using surface electromyography (sEMG). Further, the penetration–aspiration scale (PAS) was used to assess the results of the videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). In addition, dietary stages were evaluated using the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS). The experimental group exhibited improved suprahyoid muscle group activity and PAS results, when compared to the placebo group. Following intervention, statistical analysis indicated significant differences in measured suprahyoid muscle activity (P = 0·01), liquid PAS outcomes (P = 0·03) and FOIS results (P = 0·06), but not semisolid type PAS outcomes (P = 0·32), between the groups. This study confirms EMST as an effective treatment for the development of suprahyoid muscle activity in stroke patients with dysphagia. Additionally, improvements in aspiration and penetration outcomes were observed.
The pharmacokinetics of DPH after the administration of a single intravenous or intramuscular dose in healthy dogs
Authors: Sanchez A. , Valverde A. , Sinclair M. , Mosley C. , Singh A. , Mutsaers A. J. , Hanna B. , Gu Y. , Johnson R. 
Published: January 2016

The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of diphenhydramine (DPH) in healthy dogs following a single i.v. or i.m. dose. Dogs were randomly allocated in two treatment groups and received DPH at 1 mg/kg, i.v., or 2 mg/kg, i.m. Blood samples were collected serially over 24 h. Plasma concentrations of DPH were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography, and noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was performed with the commercially available software. Cardio‐respiratory parameters, rectal temperature and effects on behaviour, such as sedation or excitement, were recorded. Diphenhydramine Clarea, Vdarea and T1/2 were 20.7 ± 2.9 mL/kg/min, 7.6 ± 0.7 L/kg and 4.2 ± 0.5 h for the i.v. route, respectively, and Clarea/F, Vdarea/F and T1/2 20.8 ± 2.7 mL/kg/min, 12.3 ± 1.2 L/kg and 6.8 ± 0.7 h for the i.m. route, respectively. Bioavailability was 88% after i.m. administration. No significant differences were found in physiological parameters between groups or within dogs of the same group, and values remained within normal limits. No adverse effects or changes in mental status were observed after the administration of DPH. Both routes of administration resulted in DPH plasma concentrations which exceeded levels considered therapeutic in humans.
Alkalinity and Hardness: Critical but Elusive Concepts in Aquaculture
Authors: Boyd Claude E. , Tucker Craig S. , Somridhivej Benjaporn 
Published: January 2016

AbstractTotal alkalinity and total hardness are familiar variables in aquatic animal production. Aquaculturists—both scientists and practitioners alike—have some understanding of the two variables and of methods for adjusting their concentrations. The chemistry and the biological effects of alkalinity and hardness, however, are more complex than generally realized or depicted in the aquaculture literature. Moreover, the discussions of alkalinity and hardness—alkalinity in particular—found in water chemistry texts are presented in a rigorous manner and without explanation of how the two variables relate to aquaculture. This review provides a thorough but less rigorous discussion of alkalinity and hardness specifically oriented toward aquaculture. Alkalinity and hardness are defined, their sources identified, and analytical methods explained. This is followed by a discussion of the roles of the two variables in aquaculture, including their relationships with carbon dioxide, pH, atmospheric pollution, ammonia, and other inorganic nitrogen compounds, phytoplankton communities, trace metals, animal physiology, and clay turbidity. Liming and other practices to manage alkalinity and hardness are explained. Changes in alkalinity and hardness concentrations that occur over time in aquaculture systems are discussed. Emphasis is placed on interactions among alkalinity, hardness, water quality, and aquacultural production.
Revisiting the cell biology of the acyl‐ACP:phosphate transacylase PlsX suggests that the phospholipid synthesis and cell division machineries are not coupled in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Sastre Diego Emiliano , Bisson‐Filho Alexandre , de Mendoza Diego , Gueiros‐Filho Frederico J. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryPlsX is a central enzyme of phospholipid synthesis in bacteria, converting acyl‐ACP to acyl‐phosphate on the pathway to phosphatidic acid formation. PlsX has received attention because it plays a key role in the coordination of fatty acid and phospholipid synthesis. Recently, PlsX was also suggested to coordinate membrane synthesis with cell division in Bacillus subtilis. Here, we have re‐investigated the cell biology of PlsX and determined that the enzyme is uniformly distributed on the membrane of most cells, but occasionally appears as membrane foci as well. Foci and homogenous patterns seem freely interconvertible but the prevalence of the uniform staining suggests that PlsX does not need to localize to specific sites to function correctly. We also investigated the relationship between PlsX and the divisome. In contrast to previous observations, PlsX's foci showed no obvious periodicity of localization and did not colocalize with the divisome. Furthermore, depletion of PlsX did not affect cell division if phospholipid synthesis is maintained by an alternative enzyme. These results suggest that coordination between division and membrane synthesis may not require physical or functional interactions between the divisome and phospholipid synthesis enzymes.
Evaluation of the pylorus with concurrent intraluminal pressure and EndoFLIP in patients with nausea and vomiting
Authors: Snape W. J. , Lin M. S. , Agarwal N. , Shaw R. E. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundNausea and vomiting occurs in gastroparesis due to diabetes mellitus or unknown causes. The aim of this study was to compare (i) pyloric distensibility to pyloric manometric pressure in patients with nausea and vomiting and (ii) to correlate distensibility with delays in gastric emptying.MethodsSleeve manometry and EndoFLIP were performed sequentially during the same endoscopy on 114 patients with nausea and vomiting (47 with diabetes mellitus and 67 with idiopathic cause) after a standardized gastric emptying study. The sleeve manometer was positioned fluoroscopically, and the EndoFLIP was placed endoscopically. Manometric pressure using a water‐perfused catheter and distensibility using an EndoFLIP filled with 40 cc of saline were measured from the pylorus.Key ResultsThe basal pyloric pressure was elevated (>10 mmHg) in 34 patients and was normal in 80 patients. The basal and peak pressures were similar in patient with normal and delayed gastric emptying (p > 0.05). There was a significant decrease in distensibility (8.0 ± 1.0 mm2/mmHg) in patients with gastric retention (>20% at 4 h) compared with patients (12.4 ± 1.4 mm2/mmHg) (p < 0.01) with normal gastric retention (<10%). Pressure measurements from the sleeve manometer and the EndoFLIP correlated (r = 0.29) (p < 0.002), and increased EndoFLIP balloon pressure (19.4 ± 1.4 mmHg) (p < 0.01) was associated with a severe delay in gastric emptying.Conclusions & InferencesElevated basal pyloric pressure occurs in 42% of patients with nausea and vomiting and delayed emptying. Decreased pyloric distensibility occurs with nausea, vomiting, and delayed gastric emptying. The EndoFLIP is a useful tool in the evaluation of pyloric function in symptomatic patients.
Longitudinal imaging of microvascular remodelling in proliferative diabetic retinopathy using adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy
Authors: Chui Toco Yuen Ping , Pinhas Alexander , Gan Alexander , Razeen Moataz , Shah Nishit , Cheang Eric , Liu Chun L. , Dubra Alfredo , Rosen Richard B. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPurposeTo characterise longitudinal changes in the retinal microvasculature of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as exemplified in a patient with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) using an adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope (AOSLO).MethodsA 35‐year‐old T2DM patient with PDR treated with scatter pan‐retinal photocoagulation at the inferior retina 1 day prior to initial AOSLO imaging along with a 24‐year‐old healthy control were imaged in this study. AOSLO vascular structural and perfusion maps were acquired at four visits over a 20‐week period. Capillary diameter and microaneurysm area changes were measured on the AOSLO structural maps. Imaging repeatability was established using longitudinal imaging of microvasculature in the healthy control.ResultsCapillary occlusion and recanalisation, capillary dilatation, resolution of local retinal haemorrhage, capillary hairpin formation, capillary bend formation, microaneurysm formation, progression and regression were documented over time in a region 2° superior to the fovea in the PDR patient. An identical microvascular network with same capillary diameter was observed in the control subject over time.ConclusionsHigh‐resolution serial AOSLO imaging enables in vivo observation of vasculopathic changes seen in diabetes mellitus. The implications of this methodology are significant, providing the opportunity for studying the dynamics of the pathological process, as well as the possibility of identifying highly sensitive and non‐invasive biomarkers of end organ damage and response to treatment.
Intranasal dexmedetomidine: an effective sedative agent for electroencephalogram and auditory brain response testing
Authors: Baier Nicole M. , Mendez Suzanne S. , Kimm Danielle , Velazquez Amanda E. , Schroeder Alan R. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryObjectiveDexmedetomidine is an α2 agonist with sedative, anxiolytic, and analgesic properties. The intranasal (IN) route avoids the pain of intravenous (i.v.) catheter placement but limited literature exists on the use of IN dexmedetomidine. This study examines the effectiveness and safety of IN dexmedetomidine for sedation of patients undergoing electroencephalogram (EEG) and auditory brain response (ABR) testing.Study designThis was a review of all outpatients sedated with IN dexmedetomidine for EEG or ABR between October 1, 2012 and October 1, 2014. An initial dose of 2.5–3 μg·kg−1 IN dexmedetomidine was given with a repeat dose of 1–1.5 μg·kg−1 IN if needed 30 min later. Prospectively entered patient information was extracted from a quality assurance database and additional information gathered via retrospective chart review.ResultsIntranasal dexmedetomidine was used in 169 patients (EEG = 117, ABR = 52). First‐dose success rates were 90.4% for ABR and 87.2% for EEG. Total success rates (with one or two doses of IN dexmedetomidine) were 100% for ABR and 99.1% for EEG. The median time to onset of sleep was 25 min (IQR, 20–32 min). The median duration of sedation was 107 min (IQR, 90–131 min). Adverse events included: 18 patients (10.7%) with hypotension which resolved without intervention, six patients with oxygen desaturation <90%, two of whom received supplemental oxygen, and one patient with an underlying upper airway abnormality who was treated with continuous positive airway pressure.ConclusionsIN dexmedetomidine is an effective and noninvasive method of sedating children for EEG and ABR.
Counseling Immigrant Parents about Food and Feeding Practices: Public Health Nurses' Experiences
Authors: Holmberg Fagerlund Bettina , Pettersen Kjell Sverre , Terragni Laura , Glavin Kari 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectivesTo describe the experiences of public health nurses (PHNs) in counseling immigrant parents on food and feeding practices at child health centers (CHCs).Design and SampleIn this study employing a qualitative description (QD) approach, the participants (n = 26) were PHNs from five CHCs in the greater Oslo region of Norway.MeasuresData were collected through five focus group interviews and examined using qualitative content analysis.ResultsCounseling on food and feeding practices was an important topic in most consultations with immigrant parents. The PHNs were concerned that the child should eat ordinary, healthy food regularly. Immigrant families were often experienced as a “generic group” and the PHNs disclosed that they rarely adjusted their counseling strategy based on enquiries about families' food culture or parents' level of education or knowledge. Time constraints and language and cultural barriers were common challenges. The PHNs suggested that culturally adapted information materials and visual aids from health authorities could improve communication.ConclusionsCounseling immigrant parents on food and feeding at CHCs is often challenging for PHNs. The study findings could be used in the development of guidelines to assist PHNs in delivering culturally competent counseling about food and feeding practices.