bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A prescribed walking regimen plus arginine supplementation improves function and quality of life for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: a pilot study
Authors: Brown Mary Beth , Kempf Attie , Collins Catherine M. , Long Gary M. , Owens Matthew , Gupta Shikha , Hellman Yaron , Wong Vincent , Farber Mark , Lahm Tim 
Published: December 2017

Current evidence suggests that exercise training is beneficial in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Unfortunately, the standard supervised, hospital‐based programs limit patient accessibility to this important intervention. Our proof‐of‐concept study aimed to provide insight into the usefulness of a prescribed walking regimen along with arginine supplementation to improve outcomes for patients with PAH. Twelve PAH patients (all women) in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class (FC) II (n = 7) or III (n = 5) and in stable condition for ≥ 3 months were enrolled. Patients performed home‐ and fitness‐center‐ based walking at 65–75% heart rate (HR) reserve for 45 min, six sessions/week for 12 weeks. Concomitant L‐arginine supplementation (6000 mg/day) was provided to maximize beneficial endothelial training adaptations. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing, 6‐min walk testing (6MWT), echocardiography, laboratory studies, and quality of life (QoL) survey (SF‐36) were performed at baseline and 12 weeks. Eleven patients completed the study (72 session adherence rate = 96 ± 3%). Objective improvement was demonstrated by the 6MWT distance (increased by 40 ± 13 m, P = 0.01), VO2max (increased by 2 ± 0.7 mL/kg/min, P = 0.02), time‐to‐VO2max (increased by 2.5 ± 0.6 min, P = 0.001), VO2 at anaerobic threshold (increased by 1.3 ± 0.5 mL/kg/min, P = 0.04), HR recovery (reduced by 68 ± 23% in slope, P = 0.01), and SF‐36 subscales of Physical Functioning and Energy/Fatigue (increased by 70 ± 34% and 74 ± 34%, respectively, P < 0.05). No adverse events occurred, and right ventricular function and brain natriuretic peptide levels remained stable, suggesting safety of the intervention. This proof‐of‐concept study indicates that a simple walking regimen with arginine supplementation is a safe and efficacious intervention for clinically stable PAH patients, with gains in objective function and QoL measures. Further investigation in a randomized controlled trial is warranted.
Lateral Patellofemoral Ligament: An Anatomic Study
Authors: Shah Kalpit N. , DeFroda Steven F. , Ware James Kristopher , Koruprolu Sarath C. , Owens Brett D. 
Published: December 2017

Background: Medial instability of the patellofemoral joint is a rare but known phenomenon that may result from an incompetent lateral patellofemoral ligament (LPFL). Surgical reconstruction of the LPFL has been described. However, anatomic details of the ligament have not been the subject of scrutiny. Purpose: To describe the anatomic origin and insertion of the LPFL. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Ten fresh-frozen, unpaired human cadaveric knees (mean age, 57 years) were dissected to identify the LPFL. The dissection was carried out by elevating the iliotibial band to expose the deep capsular layer of the knee joint, followed by a medial parapatellar approach to the knee. Then the quadriceps and patellar tendons were sectioned, and the LPFL was isolated by visualization and palpation. The LPFL was dissected to reveal its origin and insertion; these were measured with respect to the lateral epicondyle and the superior-inferior axis of the lateral patella, respectively. Results: On average, the LPFL had a variable point of origin in location as well as width about the lateral epicondyle. The LPFL originated, on average, 2.6 mm distal (range, 13.1 mm proximal to 11.4 mm distal) and 10.8 mm anterior (range, 7.3 mm posterior to 14.9 mm anterior) to the lateral epicondyle. The LPFL insertion on the patella was more reliably found to be about 45% (range, 23.7%-58.4%) of its lateral articular surface. The insertion on the patella was found to be in the middle third of the lateral patella. Conclusion: The LPFL has an origin that is variable but, on average, was found to be distal and anterior to the lateral epicondyle. The patella insertion was more reliably found to be in the middle third of the lateral patella. These anatomic relationships can help the surgeon reconstruct the LPFL in a more anatomic fashion. Clinical Relevance: Surgeons who are tasked with reconstruction of the LPFL of a patient with idiopathic medial instability or a previous aggressive lateral release of the knee may reference this article to perform an anatomic reconstruction of the LPFL. We hope that having anatomic landmarks for the reconstruction of this ligament permits the surgeon to operate in an efficient manner that allows for the optimal outcome. This is a rare surgical issue, and no studies are available that provide this information. The little information present in the literature does not provide measurements for anatomic reconstruction; rather, it is limited to descriptions of reconstruction techniques that indirectly provide stability on the lateral aspect of the knee.
Assessment of Risk Factors for Bone Disease in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Joy Melanie S , Hollar Kimberly D , Neyhart Clara D , Hocan Susan L , Dupuis Robert E , Finn William F , Dooley Mary Anne 
Published: December 2017

Background Renal allograft recipients are at increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures because of their multiple risk factors for reduced bone mineral density (BMD). Objective To retrospectively assess the risk factors that may predispose renal transplant recipients to reduced BMD. Methods Thirty-one consecutive renal allograft recipients who had their hip and spine BMD measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry were evaluated. Individual patient medical records were reviewed for risk factors including demographics, laboratory parameters, glucocorticoid use, medical history, physical activity, and gonadal status. Fisher's exact test and Kruskal-Wallis chi-square approximations were used to compare BMD groups (p < 0.05). Analysis of variance with a Bonferroni adjustment was used to compare differences between BMD groups (p = 0.01) Linear regression analysis was used to correlate BMD with clinical parameters. Results A trend for younger patients (mean 43 y) to have osteoporosis and older patients (mean 54 y) to be osteopenic (p = 0.056) was seen. Higher body weight (p = 0.003) and higher creatinine clearance (p = 0.008) were associated with normal BMD results. Linear regression analysis showed a strong correlation between hip and spine BMD and creatinine clearance. Our data failed to show a statistical relationship between cumulative glucocorticoid dose or daily doses of greater than 7.5 mg and lower BMD. Neither male gender nor premenopausal status seemed to provide protection from reduced BMD. Conclusions These results suggest that all renal allograft recipients, regardless of age, gender, or hormonal status, may be at risk for the development of osteoporosis.
Valproic Acid-Induced Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Krikorian Armand , Sharara Ala I , Khalifeh Riad R 
Published: December 2017

Objective To review the relevant literature concerning the biochemical mechanism(s) of valproic acid (VPA)-induced hyperammonemia in an attempt to present a unifying pathogenetic hypothesis. Data Sources The MEDLINE database (1966–July 2001) was searched for English-language articles and abstracts on VPA-induced hyperammonemia. References cited in relevant primary articles were also reviewed. Study Selection More than 150 original and review articles were evaluated, and the most relevant were selected. Data Extraction Clinically significant hyperammonemia is a rare adverse effect of VPA therapy. The exact pathogenesis of VPA-induced hyperammonemia remains unclear, but is likely to involve a variety of contributing and possibly overlapping biochemical steps. These include VPA drug concentration, indirect inhibition of ureagenesis by valproyl coenzyme A (CoA), direct suppression of the urea cycle enzymes, depletion of mitochondrial acetyl CoA and decreased production of N-acetylglutamate, depletion of carnitine stores, and increased glutamate dehydrogenase activity. Conclusions Hyperammonemic encephalopathy is a rare, but clinically important, adverse effect of VPA therapy. The biochemical basis for this association remains unclear. Awareness of this adverse reaction by healthcare personnel is important in early recognition, treatment, and prevention.
Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Once-Daily Gentamicin in Immune-Compromised Adults with Normal Renal Function
Authors: Krivoy Norberto , Hess Ilana , Aviv Irit , Fineman Riva , Arbov Lea , Zuckerman Tzila 
Published: December 2017

Objective To analyze and compare the pharmacokinetic parameters of a single daily dose (SDD) of gentamicin 5 mg/kg in adults with normal renal function who developed neutropenic fever during intensive non-nephrotoxic chemotherapy. Methods Ten patients received gentamicin in a 60-minute infusion and blood samples were drawn at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 8, and 24 hours after the end of the infusion. Gentamicin concentrations were fitted to a noncompartment analysis (NCA) model and a 2-compartment open model for comparison. Results The mean ± SD gentamicin concentrations were: maximum concentration at 0.5 hours, 15.7 ± 3.4 mg/L; at 1 hour, 12.3 ± 2.3 mg/L; at 2 hours, 8.3 ± 2.5 mg/L; and at 8 hours, 1.7 ± 1 mg/L. The minimum concentration at 24 hours was 0.27 ± 0.36 mg/L. No statistical differences were established between the mean AUC (63 ± 8.5 and 54.2 ± 9.9 mg/L · h; p = 0.5) and gentamicin clearance (101.0 ± 13.3 and 160.6 ± 27.3 mL/min; p = 0.065). Statistical differences were demonstrated between the mean elimination rate constant (p < 0.001), half-life (p < 0.001), and volume of distribution (p < 0.001), measured by the NCA and the 2-compartment models. Conclusions Based on our findings, the NCA method for kinetic analysis of gentamicin prescribed in high SDD can be applied only for AUC and gentamicin clearance calculations.
Antibiotic Prescribing Evaluation in an Outpatient Hemodialysis Clinic
Authors: Manley Harold J , Huke Michael A , Dykstra Mark A , Bedenbaugh Angela V 
Published: December 2017

Background Empiric vancomycin treatment is frequently used in hemodialysis (HD) patients because of ease of administration when methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is suspected. Differing rates of MRSA indicate that empiric antibiotic treatment should be based on a center-specific antibiogram. Objective To develop a center-specific antibiogram, evaluate antibiotic prescribing patterns, and determine areas of improvement in infection treatment. Methods The antibiogram was constructed from culture and susceptibility (C&S) data from January through December 1999. Evaluation of prescribing habits was based on 3 criteria: (1) Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines; (2) vancomycin for 1 dose followed by appropriate antibiotic based on C&S results; and (3) C&S obtained with more than 1 dose of antibiotic. Results HD was provided to 161 patients during the study period. Antibiotics were empirically prescribed 104 times in 62 different patients. Cultures were obtained 122 times, and 67 different isolates were identified. Gram-positive organisms and gram-negative organisms accounted for 77.6% and 22.4% of isolates, respectively. Gram-positive organisms were identified as Staphylococcus spp. (53.8%); 17.9% of the staphylococcal isolates were MRSA strains. No isolates of vancomycin-resistant enterococcus were identified. Based on the antibiogram, empiric antibiotic therapy within our center should be 1 dose each of vancomycin and an aminoglycoside. Empiric vancomycin was used 71 times. When criterion I is used, 12 prescriptions (16.9%) were considered appropriate. When criterion II and adjustment for MRSA reported for our center were used, 46 (64.8%) vancomycin prescriptions were considered appropriate. Forty-one patients had more than 1 dose of antibiotic therapy, and 18 (43.9%) of those patients did not have C&S data obtained as prescribed by criterion III. Areas of prescribing improvement include obtaining a C&S in all suspected infections prior to empiric therapy and a more aggressive antibiotic switch based on C&S results. Conclusions Antibiograms can be used to determine appropriate empric antibiotic therapy and identify areas of improvement.
An Overview of Four Nonpharmacologic Complementary and Alternative Medicine Modalities
Authors: Siganga Walter W , Dastani Homa B 
Published: December 2017

Objective To provide an overview of 4 nonmedical complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities with an emphasis on 1 mind-body approach (yoga), 2 alternative systems (acupuncture, tai chi), and 1 energy therapy (therapeutic touch). Support in the scientific literature for the usefulness of each technique is presented. Data Sources Primary articles on alternative medicine were obtained by performing a MEDLINE search. An online book search was conducted on the Ohio Library and Information Network, a consortium of 79 Ohio colleges, universities, and community colleges and the State Library of Ohio. Data Synthesis All 4 CAM modalities had a scientific basis and were supported in the literature. Main drawbacks to many scientific studies were in methodologic flaws such as small sample sizes, variable interventions, and the absence of controls. Many researchers are beginning to include evidence-based and scientific techniques in their studies that more closely meet established scientific standards. This will lead to more robust, valid, reliable, and uniform methodologic approaches. Discussion Many patients use both CAM and mainstream therapies for their medical conditions. As the quality of scientific studies improves, pharmacists can gain confidence in using the results to provide pharmaceutical care to such patients. It is the pharmacists' responsibility to educate themselves about CAM therapies. Conclusions Embracing a holistic approach to care may enable pharmacists to optimize the pharmaceutical care they provide to all their patients.
Effect of Food Consistency on the Pharmacokinetics of Ranitidine in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Olguín Hugo Juárez , Flores Janett , Pérez Gabriela , Hernández Gloria , Flores Carmen , Guillé Adrían , Camacho Angélica , Toledo Alejandra , Carrasco Miriam 
Published: December 2017

Background Food can affect the bioavailability of various drugs, and the consistency of food may also affect the bioavailability of drugs when they have to be given simultaneously. Alterations of ranitidine bioavailability due to food consistency have not been well documented. Objective To evaluate the effect of food consistency on the pharmacokinetics of ranitidine. Methods The study included 20 healthy volunteers. In the first phase, volunteers received oral ranitidine 300 mg after a meal of solid consistency (SC). Two weeks later (washout period), subjects took the medication after ingesting food of liquid consistency (LC); blood samples were drawn for both groups at the same intervals and were analyzed using HPLC. Results The AUC was nearly 30% greater with LC than with SC, maximum concentration was 665.81 ± 192.21 (SC) versus 1177.30 ± 588.19 ng/mL (LC). Mean ± SD volume of distribution was 5.93 ± 1.69 (SC) versus 3.76 ± 0.61 L/kg (LC). These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions It is evident that there are differences in drug availability due to the ingestion of foods with different consistency. It is possible that altered bioavailability of ranitidine affects its efficacy as an inhibitor of gastric secretion.
Group cognitive behavioural therapy with compassion training for depression in a Japanese community: a single-group feasibility study
Authors: Asano Kenichi , Koike Haruna , Shinohara Yuriko , Kamimori Hiromi , Nakagawa Akiko , Iyo Masaomi , Shimizu Eiji 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Objective
Depression is a representative mental problem, and more than 350 million people are suffering in the world. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in individual or group formats is mainly recommended in major guidelines. However, patients with high self-criticism have a poor response to CBT. To treat such patients, psychotherapies focusing on compassion are gaining attention. Although trials have begun to be reported, there are relatively few studies examining the effectiveness of group CBT with compassion work for managing depression. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability and the estimate effect size of group CBT with compassion training for future controlled studies.

Results
Fourteen participants were enrolled in the trial, of which 13 completed the intervention, and 12 completed a 6-month follow-up assessment. Participants received a 1 h group-based CBT with compassion training session every week for 10 weeks. The effect of the intervention on participants’ Beck Depression Inventory score was examined using a general linear mixed model. This analysis showed an effect size of d = 1.12 at post intervention and d = 0.92 at 6-month follow-up. Group cognitive behavioural therapy with compassion training for depression shows feasibility and acceptability in a Japanese community.
Trial Registration UMIN000015007
l-Arginine-Stabilized Highly Uniform Ag Nanoparticles Prepared in a Microwave-Induced Plasma-in-Liquid Process (MWPLP)
Authors: Čempel David , Nguyen Mai Thanh , Ishida Yohei , Yonezawa Tetsu 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Microwave induced plasma in liquid has become a green and effective method for preparation of metallic nanoparticles (NPs). In our research, we have introduced yttrium oxide (Y2O3) coated stainless steel electrodes to address impurity problems of resulting NPs due to the loss of electrode materials. We have proposed using [Ag(NH3)2]+ complex as an alternative precursor and l-arginine as the stabilizing agent to synthesize highly uniform Ag NPs with an average diameter of around 5 nm. [Ag(NH3)2]+ complex was chosen as it can allow the reaction proceed at high pH for higher reaction yield compared with using AgNO3 whereas l-arginine can stabilize Ag NPs to attain highly uniform and small sizes. The influence of the selection of initial precursor on the reduction of metal precursor during the plasma irradiation, the particle size and size distribution of Ag NPs, and influence of the amount of l-arginine, were investigated.
Characterization of cellulose-degrading microbiota from the eastern subterranean termite and soil
Authors: Xie Xianfa , Anderson Alonzo B. , Wran Latoya J. , Serrano Myrna G. , Buck Gregory A. 
Published: December 2017

Background: While there have been a lot of studies on the termite gut microbiota, there has been very little research directly on the cellulose-degrading microbiota in termites or their soil environment. This study addresses this problem by profiling cellulose-degrading bacteria and archaea in the selective cellulose cultures of two samples of the eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes) and one soil sample collected at the same location as one of the termite samples. Methods: All the cultures were examined for cell concentration and remaining cellulose after the culture was completed. The 16S rRNA pyrotag sequencing method was used to identify the prokaryotic microbiota for the three cultures and one termite colony without culture. The MOTHUR, SSU-ALIGN, RDPTools, phyloseq, and other R packages were used for sequence and statistical analyses. Results: Biochemical analyses of the cultures suggested high efficiency of cellulose degradation. Comparative analyses between the cultured and uncultured termite gut microbiota revealed a significant difference. Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were found to be the two most abundant phyla of cellulose-degrading bacteria from the three cultures, but different classes within each phylum dominated the different samples. Shared and sample-specific cellulose-degrading taxa, including a core set of taxa across all the cultures, were identified. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the importance of using selective cellulose culture to study the cellulose-degrading microbial community. It also revealed that the cellulose-degrading microbiota in the eastern subterranean termite is significantly influenced by the microbiota in the surrounding soil environment. Biochemical analyses showed that the microbial communities enriched from all the selective cultures were efficient in degrading cellulose, and a core set of bacteria have been identified as targets for further functional analyses.
LA EMERGENCIA DE LOS HIPERMEDIOS ONLINE ¿UN NUEVO DESAFÍO PARA LA TEORÍA/METODOLOGÍA SEMIÓTICA?
Authors: Silva Pedro 
Published: December 2017

El surgimiento de tres hipermedias online El Territorio Digital, Primera Edición Web y Noticias de la Calle Edición Web, versiones electrónicas de tres medios locales gráficos impresos El Territorio, Primera Edición y Noticias de la Calle (todos editados en la ciudad de Posadas, Misiones, Argentina) constituye un fenómeno de manifestación de sentido susceptible de ser interpretado desde la perspectiva semiótica. Emergencia de un proceso Semiótico hipermediatizado relativamente «novedoso» cuyo abordaje demanda una revisión crítica de ciertos aspectos teóricos–metodológicos del campo semiótico. Trabajo de actualización que permitiría la readecuación y la construcción de nuevas categorías que habiliten una interpretación posible del modo en que funcionan estos megadispositivos hipertextuales, multimediales e interactivos online desde un enfoque que reconoce su inscripción en procesos semióticos complejos de continuidades y transformaciones en los cuales se regeneran formatos, y discursos.La contrastación de los formatos gráficos en papel y de los megaformatos hipermediáticos online en soporte electrónico (pantalla) es un camino posible para un rastreo de ciertos indicios de reconstituciones generadas como consecuencia de su inserción en un proceso de continuidades y transformaciones.
Long-Term Impact of Optimum Contribution Selection Strategies on Local Livestock Breeds with Historical Introgression Using the Example of German Angler Cattle
Authors: Wang Yu , Segelke Dierck , Emmerling Reiner , Bennewitz Jörn , Wellmann Robin 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe long-term performance of different selection strategies was evaluated via simulation using the example of a local cattle breed, German Angler cattle. Different optimum contribution selection (OCS) approaches to maximize genetic gain were compared to a reference scenario without selection and truncation selection. The kinships and migrant contribution (MC) were estimated from genomic data. Truncation selection achieved the highest genetic gain but decreased diversity considerably at native alleles. It also caused the highest increase in MCs. Traditional OCS, which only constrains kinship, achieved almost the same genetic gain but also caused a small increase of MC and remarkably reduced the diversity of native alleles. When MC was required not to increase and the increase of kinship at native alleles was restricted, the MC levels and the diversity at native alleles were well managed, and the genetic gain was only slightly reduced. However, genetic progress was substantially lower in the scenario that aimed to recover the original genetic background. Truncation selection and traditional OCS selection both reduce the genetic originality of breeds with historical introgression. The inclusion of MC and kinship at native alleles as additional constraints in OCS showed great potential for conservation. Recovery of the original genetic background is possible but requires many generations of selection and reduces the genetic progress in performance traits. Hence, constraining MCs at their current values can be recommended to avoid further reduction of genetic originality.