bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunoglobulin detection in wild birds: effectiveness of three secondary anti‐avian IgY antibodies in direct ELISAs in 41 avian species
Authors: Fassbinder‐Orth Carol A. , Wilcoxen Travis E. , Tran Tiffany , Boughton Raoul K. , Fair Jeanne M. , Hofmeister Erik K. , Grindstaff Jennifer L. , Owen Jen C. 
Published: April 2016

Summary1.Immunological reagents for wild, non‐model species are limited or often non‐existent for many species.2. In this study, we compare the reactivity of a new anti‐passerine IgY secondary antibody with existing secondary antibodies developed for use with birds. Samples from 41 species from the following six avian orders were analysed: Anseriformes (1 family, 1 species), Columbiformes (1 family, 2 species), Galliformes (1 family, 1 species), Passeriformes (16 families, 34 species), Piciformes (1 family, 2 species) and Suliformes (1 family, 1 species). Direct ELISAs were performed to detect total IgY using goat anti‐passerine IgY, goat anti‐chicken IgY or goat anti‐bird IgY secondary antibodies.3.The anti‐passerine antibody exhibited significantly higher IgY reactivity compared to the anti‐chicken and/or anti‐bird antibodies in 80% of the passerine families tested. Birds in the order Piciformes (woodpeckers) and order Suliformes (cormorants) were poorly detected by all three secondary antibodies. A comparison of serum and plasma IgY levels was made within the same individuals for two passerine species (house finch and white‐crowned sparrow), and serum exhibited significantly more IgY than the plasma for all three secondary antibodies. This result indicates that serum may be preferred to plasma when measuring total antibody levels in blood.4.This study indicates that the anti‐passerine IgY secondary antibody can effectively be used in immunological assays to detect passerine IgY for species in most passerine families and is preferred over anti‐chicken and anti‐bird secondary antibodies for the majority of passerine species. This anti‐passerine antibody will allow for more accurate detection and quantification of IgY in more wild bird species than was possible with previously available secondary antibodies.
Hand‐held computers can help to distract children undergoing painful venipuncture procedures
Authors: Crevatin Franca , Cozzi Giorgio , Braido Elena , Bertossa Gabriella , Rizzitelli Patrizia , Lionetti Daniela , Matassi Daniela , Calusa Dorotea , Ronfani Luca , Barbi Egidio 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimNeedle‐related procedures can be painful for children, and distraction provides ideal pain relief in blood‐drawing centres. This study assessed the effectiveness of playing a computer game during venipuncture, compared with low‐tech distraction by a nurse.MethodsWe conducted this prospective, randomised controlled trial at the blood‐drawing centre of a tertiary‐level children's hospital in Italy. Half of the 200 children played Angry Birds on a hand‐held computer while the other half were distracted by a second, specifically trained nurse who sang to them, read a book, blew bubbles or played with puppets. Pain was measured using a faces pain scale for children aged 4–7 years and a numeric scale for children aged 8–13 years.ResultsThe 200 children had a median age of eight years. Children reported significant pain in 16 cases (16%) in the hand‐held computer distraction group and in 15 cases (15%) in the nurse‐led low‐tech distraction group (p = 0.85). The procedural success rate at the first attempt was not different in the two groups.ConclusionPlaying a game on a hand‐held computer meant that only one in six children reported pain during venipuncture, but it was not superior to being distracted by nurses.
Use of monosodium glutamate by‐product in cow diet on performance of lactating dairy cows
Authors: Padunglerk Achira , Prasanpanich Somkiert , Kongmun Phongthorn 
Published: April 2016

AbstractEight multiparous lactating Holstein cows were randomly assigned in a 4 × 4 replicated Latin square design to receive four dietary treatments. The dietary treatments were monosodium glutamate by‐product (MSGB) replacement for soybean meal in concentrate at four levels: MSGB replacement at 0, 20, 40 and 60%, respectively. Pangola hay was given on an ad libitum basis. It was found that total dry matter intake, concentrate intake, pangola hay intake and all apparent digestibilities were not different among treatments. Ammonia nitrogen concentration in the rumen at 4 h post‐feeding was significantly different, in which the 0% treatment had the highest (P < 0.05) while the 20% treatment had the lowest. Milk fat percentage was the highest (P < 0.05) in the 0% treatment. MSGB replacement at 40% and 60% were shown to be the lowest (P < 0.05) feed cost for milk production, and profitability of milk production was the highest (P < 0.05) for the 60% treatment. Based on this experiment, it could be concluded that MSGB replacement for soybean meal at 20‐60% in the feed for dairy cows presented no negative effects on their performances. In addition, it could decrease feed cost 2.9‐17.3% and increase milk production profit up to 33.3% in the 60% treatment.
Excretion rates of indigestible plastic balls of different specific gravities and diameters in dairy cattle
Authors: Seyama Tomohiro , Hirayasu Hirofumi , Kasai Koji 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe used plastic balls to investigate how their specific gravity and diameter affect excretion rate and rumination in dairy cattle, to develop a capsule that can be used for reaching the lower gastrointestinal tract without physical breakdown and/or degradation in the rumen. Twelve types of indigestible plastic balls composed of a combination of four specific gravities (0.95, 1.19, 1.41, or 2.20) and three diameters (3.97, 6.35, or 7.94 mm) were orally administered to lactating dairy cows, and the balls were collected from feces, after 120 h post‐administration, to evaluate the recovery rate. Recovery rate of the balls with specific gravity 1.19 or 1.41 and diameter 6.35 or 7.94 mm was higher than those with specific gravity 0.95 or 2.20 and diameter 3.97 mm. The cumulative recovery rate at 24 and 48 h post‐administration was higher for balls with specific gravity 1.19 than that for balls with other specific gravities. These results suggest that specific gravity 1.19 or 1.41 and diameters 6.35−7.94 mm are optimal for use in bypass capsules for administration to cattle. In addition, the passage time of capsules differed between specific gravities 1.19 and 1.41.
Pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic modelling of acute N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide after doxorubicin infusion in breast cancer
Authors: Liang Shuang , Brundage Richard C. , Jacobson Pamala A. , Blaes Anne , Kirstein Mark N. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimsThe aim of the present study was to develop a pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK‐PD) model to characterize the relationship between plasma doxorubicin and N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) concentrations within 48 h of doxorubicin treatment.MethodsThe study enrolled 17 female patients with stages 1–3 breast cancer and receiving adjuvant doxorubicin (60 mg m–2) and cyclophosphamide (600 mg m–2) every 14 days for four cycles. In two consecutive cycles, plasma concentrations of doxorubicin, doxorubicinol, troponin and NT‐proBNP were collected before infusion, and up to 48 h after the end of doxorubicin infusion. Nonlinear mixed‐effects modelling was used to describe the PK‐PD relationship of doxorubicin and NT‐proBNP.ResultsA three‐compartment parent drug with a one‐compartment metabolite model best described the PK of doxorubicin and doxorubicinol. Troponin concentrations remained similar to baseline. An indirect PD model with transit compartments best described the relationship of doxorubicin exposure and acute NT‐proBNP response. Estimated PD parameters were associated with large between‐subject variability (total assay variability 38.8–73.9%). Patient clinical factors, including the use of enalapril, were not observed to be significantly associated with doxorubicin PK or NT‐proBNP PD variability.ConclusionThe relationship between doxorubicin concentration and the acute NT‐proBNP response was successfully described with a population PK‐PD model. This model will serve as a valuable framework for future studies to identify clinical factors associated with the acute response to doxorubicin. Future studies are warranted to examine the relationship between this acute response and subsequent heart failure. Should such a relationship be established, this model could provide useful information on patients' susceptibility to doxorubicin‐induced long‐term cardiotoxicity.
Phenotypical characterization of regulatory T cells in humans and rodents
Authors: Rodríguez-Perea A L , Arcia E D , Rueda C M , Velilla P A 
Published: April 2016

SummaryRegulatory T cells (Tregs) constitute a fascinating subpopulation of CD4+ T cells due to their ability to limit the immune response against self and non-self antigens. Murine models and antibodies directed against surface and intracellular molecules have allowed elucidation of the mechanisms that govern their development and function. However, these markers used to their classification lack of specificity, as they can be expressed by activated T cells. Similarly, there are slight differences between animal models, in steady state and pathological conditions, anatomical localization and strategy of analysis by flow cytometry. Here, we revised the most common markers utilized for Treg typification by flow cytometry such as CD25, forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) and CD127, along with our data obtained in different body compartments of humans, mice and rats. Furthermore, we revised and determined the expression of other molecules important for the phenotypical characterization of Treg cells. We draw attention to the drawbacks of those markers used in chronic states of inflammation. However, until a specific marker for the identification of Tregs is discovered, the best combination of markers will depend upon the tissue or the degree of inflammation from which Tregs derive.
Mandibular Full‐Arch Fixed Prostheses Supported on 4 Implants with Either Axial Or Tilted Distal Implants: A 3‐Year Prospective Study
Authors: Krennmair Stefan , Weinländer Michael , Malek Michael , Forstner Thomas , Krennmair Gerald , Stimmelmayr Michael 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPurposeThis prospective study evaluated the clinical and radiographic outcome of distally cantilevered 4‐implant‐supported fixed mandibular prostheses (4‐ISFMP) with distal implants either in axial or distally tilted direction.Material and MethodsForty‐one mandibulary edentulous patients received acrylic veneered 4‐ISFMP with casted framework. Based on distal implant placement direction patients were assigned to 2 groups: 21 patients with four (2 anterior/2 posterior) axial implants (axial‐group I) and 20 patients with 2 anterior axial/2 distal tilted implants (tilted‐group II). Patients were prospectively followed for 3 years by annual examinations of implants and prosthetic survival rates including assessment for biological and mechanical complications. Additionally, peri‐implant marginal bone resorption [MBR], pocket depth [PD], plaque index [PI], bleeding index [BI] and gingival index [GI], and calculus index [CI] were evaluated at each annual follow‐up.Results37/41 patients (19 axial‐group I, 18 tilted‐group II) and 148/164 implants were followed at the 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year evaluation (dropout rate: 11.8%) presenting no implant and denture loss (100% survival). The overall, MBR at year 1, 2, and 3 was 1.11 ± 0.4 mm, 1.26 ± 0.42 mm, and 1.40 ± 0.41 mm, respectively, representing a significant (p < .001) continuing time depending annual reduction. MBR and PD did not differ between anterior and posterior regions in both groups or for anterior and posterior regions between the groups. PI and CI were significantly (p < .001) higher for implants in anterior regions than for posterior regions in both groups. Moreover, posterior implant regions showed significantly (p < .001) higher PI and CI for axial‐group I than for tilted‐group II over time. Biological and mechanical complications as well as GI and BI did not differ between the groups over a 3‐year follow‐up period.ConclusionFor clinical implant and prosthesis outcome no statistical significant mean differences were noted for distally cantilevered 4‐ISFMP supported by distal implants placed in tilted or axial direction.
Immediate Implant Placement in Sockets with Asymptomatic Apical Periodontitis
Authors: Crespi Roberto , Capparé Paolo , Crespi Giovanni , Lo Giudice Giuseppe , Gastaldi Giorgio , Gherlone Enrico 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of the present study was to evaluate if the presence of granulation tissue in asymptomatic apical periodontitis compromised immediate implant placement.MethodsPatients requiring extraction of one tooth (maxillary and mandibular incisive, canine or premolar) with asymptomatic apical periodontitis, were recruited for this prospective study. They were randomly scheduled into two groups: in first group (A) including 30 teeth, reactive soft tissue was debrided before implant placement, and in second group (B) including 30 teeth, reactive soft tissue was left in the apical lesion. Implants were positioned immediately after tooth extraction, and were loaded after 3 months in both groups. Cone beam computed tomography was performed before tooth extraction and at 1‐year follow‐up to evaluate the radiolucency around the root apex and the implant, bucco‐lingual bone levels were also checked.ResultsSixty patients were included in this study. Sixty implants were placed immediately after tooth extraction and, at 1‐year follow‐up, a survival rate of 100% was reported. After one year both groups showed absence of radiolucent zone at the apical region of implants. All fresh sockets presented a buccal‐palatal bone reduction in both groups after one year, even if not statistically significant differences were found between baseline bone levels and within groups.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of the present study, the immediate placement of implants into the extraction sockets with asymptomatic apical periodontitis, in presence of primary stability, did not lead to an increased rate of complications and rendered an equally favorable type of tissue integration.
Lymph node ratio and surgical quality are strong prognostic factors of rectal cancer: results from a single referral centre
Authors: Leonard D. , Remue C. , Abbes Orabi N. , van Maanen A. , Danse E. , Dragean A. , Debetancourt D. , Humblet Y. , Jouret‐Mourin A. , Maddalena F. , Medina Benites A. , Scalliet P. , Sempoux C. , Van den Eynde M. , De Schoutheete J. C. , Kartheuser A. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimNodal stage is a strong prognostic factor of oncological outcome of rectal cancer. To compensate for the variation in total number of harvested nodes, calculation of the lymph node ratio (LNR) has been advocated. The aim of the study was to compare the impact, on the long‐term oncological outcome, of the LNR with other predictive factors, including the quality of total mesorectal excision (TME) and the state of the circumferential resection margin.MethodConsecutive patients having elective surgery for nonmetastatic rectal cancer were extracted from a prospectively maintained database. Retrospective uni‐ and multivariate analyses were performed based on patient‐, surgical‐ and tumour‐related factors. The prognostic value of the LNR on overall survival (OS) and on overall recurrence‐free survival (ORFS) was assessed and a cut‐off value was determined.ResultsFrom 1998 to 2013, out of 456 patients, 357 with nonmetastatic disease were operated on for rectal cancer. Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy was administered to 66.7% of the patients. The mean number of lymph nodes retrieved was 12.8 ± 8.78 per surgical specimen. A lower lymph node yield was obtained in patients who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (11.8 vs 14.2; P = 0.014). The 5‐year ORFS was 71.8% and the 5‐year OS was 80.1%. Multivariate analysis confirmed LNR, the quality of TME and age to be independent prognostic factors of OS. LNR, age and perineural infiltration were independently associated with ORFS. Low‐ and high‐risk patients could be discriminated using an LNR cut‐off value of 0.2.ConclusionLNR is an independent prognostic factor of OS and ORFS. In line with the principles of optimal surgical management, the quality of TME and lymph node yield are essential technical requirements.
‘Crisis’ and ‘everyday’ initiators: A qualitative study of coercion and agency in the context of methadone maintenance treatment initiation
Authors: Damon Will , Small Will , Anderson Solanna , Maher Lisa , Wood Evan , Kerr Thomas , McNeil Ryan 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIntroduction and AimsPatient attrition is common among people enrolled in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) programs and most pronounced during the first year of treatment. However, the experiences of patients initiating MMT have been overlooked in the literature. This study explores experiences of MMT initiation among MMT patients, focusing on contextual influences on MMT initiation and perceptions of MMT and their subsequent influence on treatment retention.Design and MethodsSemi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 39 MMT patients in Vancouver, Canada. Individuals reporting enrolment in MMT were recruited from within two ongoing cohort studies comprised of people who use drugs. Interview transcripts were analysed using an inductive and iterative approach.ResultsTwo groups of MMT initiators were identified: (i) ‘crisis initiators’ prescribed methadone following critical transition events, such as incarceration or pregnancy; and (ii) ‘everyday initiators’ enrolled in MMT as part of routine healthcare utilisation. While most ‘crisis initiators’ and some ‘everyday initiators’ described experiencing coercion during MMT initiation, ‘crisis initiators’ were further subjected to the coercive leveraging of their vulnerability to motivate ‘consent’ for MMT. ‘Crisis initiators’ developed negative views towards MMT and were more likely to discontinue treatment. Long‐standing patient–provider relationships and open dialogue were associated with more positive views regarding MMT, regardless of the circumstances of initiation.Discussion and ConclusionFindings underscore the need for clear and effective communication regarding treatment regimens and expectations during MMT initiation. Furthermore, training in trauma‐informed care may help reduce perceptions of coercion and rates of early treatment termination. [Damon W, Small W, Anderson S, Maher L, Wood E, Kerr T, McNeil R. Crisis’ and ‘everyday’ initiators: A qualitative study of coercion and agency in the context of methadone maintenance treatment initiation. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:253–260]
Knockdown of zebrafish Nanog increases primordial germ cells during early embryonic development
Authors: Wang Huannan , Liu Yanhua , Ye Ding , Li Jianzhen , Liu Jiangdong , Deng Fengjiao 
Published: April 2016

AbstractNanog is a homeodomain transcription factor that plays a prominent role in maintaining the pluripotency and self‐renewal capacity of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in mammals. Medaka Nanog is necessary for S‐phase transition and proliferation during embryonic development. However, whether Nanog regulates the proliferation of primordial germ cells (PGCs) during embryonic development has not yet been investigated. In this study, we identified the homologue of the mammalian Nanog gene in zebrafish (zNanog). The expression of both zNanog mRNA and protein was demonstrated in the spermatogonia (male germ stem cells) of the testis and the early oocytes of the ovary. During the embryonic development, zNanog mRNA is expressed in the cytoplasm of PGCs, and its protein is localized to the PGC nuclei. We also found that zNanog depletion using morpholinos resulted in the increases and aberrant localization of PGCs in the zebrafish embryos from the sphere stage to the 50% epiboly stage. These data indicated that zNanog inhibits the PGCs proliferation in early embryonic development of zebrafish.
The effect of hypopituitarism on fatigue after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Khajeh L. , Ribbers G. M. , Heijenbrok‐Kal M. H. , Blijdorp K. , Dippel D. W. J. , Sneekes E. M. , van den Berg‐Emons H. J. G. , van der Lely A. J. , Neggers S. J. C. M. M. , van Kooten F. 
Published: April 2016

Background and purposeAneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) survivors often complain of fatigue, which is disabling. Fatigue is also a common symptom of pituitary dysfunction (PD), in particular in patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). A possible association between fatigue after SAH and long‐term pituitary deficiency in SAH survivors has not yet been established.MethodsA single center observational study was conducted amongst 84 aneurysmal SAH survivors to study the relationship between PD and fatigue over time after SAH, using mixed model analysis. Fatigue was measured with the Fatigue Severity Scale and its relationships with other clinical variables were studied.ResultsThree‐quarters of respondents (76%) have pathological fatigue directly after SAH and almost two‐thirds (60%) of patients still have pathological levels of fatigue after 14 months. The severity of SAH measured with a World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) score higher than 1 (P = 0.008) was associated with long‐term fatigue. There is no statistically significant effect of PD (P = 0.8) or GHD (P = 0.23) on fatigue in SAH survivors over time.ConclusionsFatigue is a common symptom amongst SAH survivors. WFNS is a usable clinical determinant of fatigue in SAH survivors. Neither PD nor GHD has a significant effect on long‐term fatigue after SAH.
Association of serum vascular endothelial growth factor levels and cerebral microbleeds in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zhang J. B. , Li M. F. , Zhang H. X. , Li Z. G. , Sun H. R. , Zhang J. S. , Wang P. F. 
Published: April 2016

Background and purposeThe association between the presence of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) was investigated.MethodsConsecutive AD patients who underwent magnetic resonance examination with susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI) were prospectively examined. The presence of CMBs on SWI was independently interpreted. The number and location of microbleeds were assessed. Demographics including age, sex and risk factors were obtained. Serum VEGF levels were measured with an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsOf the 146 AD patients included, 47 (32.2%) patients had CMBs on SWI. The CMBs were most commonly located in strictly lobar locations (29/47, 61.7%). The mean VEGF levels were higher in the patients with CMBs than in those without (336.72 ± 15.18 vs. 192.37 ± 11.34 pg/ml). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that, for each 10 pg/ml increase of VEGF levels, there was a significant increase in the presence of CMBs after adjusting for age and sex, and after additional adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, silent lacunar infarction and white matter hyperintensity in patients with AD (odds ratio 2.37; 95% confidence interval 1.53−4.02, P = 0.004).ConclusionSerum VEGF levels are associated with the presence of CMBs in patients with AD.