bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low tidal volume ventilation preconditioning ameliorates lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute lung injury in rats
Authors: Zhang Y. , Gao J. , Wang C.‐J. , Zhou L.‐J. , Fang X.‐Z. , Yang L.‐Q. 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundEffects of low tidal volume (LTV) ventilation preconditioning in endotoxin‐induced acute lung injury (ALI) have not been studied. We investigated the effect of LTV ventilation pre‐treatment on ALI induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rats.MethodsMale Sprague–Dawley rats were assigned to four groups (n = 8 each): (1) sham rats injected (i.p.) with 0.9% (physiologic) saline; sham rats pre‐treated with tidal volume 6 ml/kg ventilation for 1 h followed by injection (i.p.) of physiologic saline (mechanical ventilation; MV‐saline group); (2) LPS group (rats injected with LPS (i.p.); rats pre‐treated with tidal volume 6 ml/kg ventilation for 1 h before injection (i.p.) with LPS (MV‐LPS group). Animals were observed for 6 h. ALI extent was evaluated by lung wet‐to‐dry ratio, Evans Blue Dye extravasation, and histologic examination. We measured levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐6. Apoptotic index (AI) and the expression of pulmonary RhoA, ROCK2 mRNA, and ROCK1 protein in lung alveolar cells was determined.ResultsLipopolysaccharide caused severe ALI, as evidenced by increases in ALI extent, impairment of pulmonary functions, and increases in pulmonary levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and AI. LTV ventilation preconditioning mitigated LPS‐induced increases in release of pulmonary pro‐inflammatory cytokines and AI of alveolar cells. Expression of pulmonary RhoA, ROCK2 mRNA, and ROCK1 protein was upregulated by LPS and reduced by LTV ventilation pre‐treatment.ConclusionLow tidal volume ventilation preconditioning can attenuate release of pulmonary pro‐inflammatory cytokines and decrease the AI induced by severe sepsis. Early protection seems to be mediated partly through inhibition of activation of a Rho pathway.
Impact of a communication strategy on family satisfaction in the intensive care unit
Authors: Pagnamenta Alberto , Bruno Roberta , Gemperli Armin , Chiesa Alessandro , Previsdomini Marco , Corti Fabio , Merlani Paolo , Cottini Silvia , Llamas Michael , Rothen Hans Ulrich 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundFamily satisfaction of critically ill patients has gained increased interest as important indicator to evaluate the quality of care in the intensive care unit (ICU). The family satisfaction in the ICU questionnaire (FS‐ICU 24) is a well‐established tool to assess satisfaction in such settings. We tested the hypothesis that an intervention, aiming at improved communication between health professionals and patients' next of kin in the ICU improves family satisfaction, as assessed by FS‐ICU 24.MethodsUsing a multicenter before‐and‐after study design, we evaluated medium‐term effectiveness of VALUE, a recently proposed strategy aiming at improved communication. Satisfaction was assessed using the FS‐ICU 24 questionnaire. Performance–importance plots were generated in order to identify items highly correlated with overall satisfaction but with low individual score.ResultsA total of 163 completed family questionnaires in the pre‐intervention and 118 in the post‐intervention period were analyzed. Following the intervention, we observed: (1) a non‐significant increase in family satisfaction summary score and sub‐scores; (2) no decline in any individual family satisfaction item, and (3) improvement in items with high overall impact on satisfaction but quoted with low degree of satisfaction.ConclusionNo significant improvement in family satisfaction of critically ill adult patients could be found after implementing the VALUE strategy. Whether these results are due to insufficient training of the new strategy or a missing effect of the strategy in our socio‐economic environment remains to be shown.
Indocyanine green angiographic findings in initial‐onset acute Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease
Authors: Abouammoh Marwan A. , Gupta Vishali , Hemachandran Suhail , Herbort Carl P. , Abu El‐Asrar Ahmed M. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPurposeTo study the features of Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) in patients with initial‐onset acute Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH) disease.MethodsRetrospective cohort study of ICGA performed with the use of Heidelberg scanning laser ophthalmoscope on a consecutive series of patients with initial‐onset acute VKH disease. The following signs were analysed: choroidal perfusion inhomogeneity, early hyperfluorescent stromal vessels, hypofluorescent dark dots (HDDs), fuzzy or lost pattern of large stromal choroidal vessels, disc hyperfluorescence, and, diffuse late choroidal hyperfluorescence. In addition, we looked for any new ICGA findings.ResultsThirty‐six patients (72 eyes) from a single academic institution were studied. The following findings were identified: HDDs in all eyes (100%), fuzzy or lost pattern of large stromal vessels in all eyes (100%), early hyperfluorescent stromal vessels were seen in 60 eyes (83%), diffuse late choroidal hyperfluorescence was present in 51 eyes (71%), choroidal perfusion inhomogeneity was seen in 44 eyes (61%), disc hyperfluorescence was seen in 25 cases (69%), and choroidal folds were present in only six eyes. New ICGA findings detected in this study were hypofluorescent patches corresponding to areas of exudative retinal detachment in 60 eyes (83%) and ‘starry sky’ pattern of late widespread punctate choroidal hyperfluorescence in 37 eyes (51%).ConclusionsThe most prevalent ICGA findings were HDDs, fuzzy stromal vessels and early hyperfluorescent stromal vessels in patients with initial‐onset acute VKH disease. Novel ICGA findings in this group of patients included hypofluorescent patches corresponding to areas of exudative retinal detachment, and late widespread punctate choroidal hyperfluorescence taking on a ‘starry sky’ pattern.
Early experience with endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy for plantar hyperhidrosis
Authors: Singh Sanjay , Kaur Simranjit , Wilson Paul 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectiveWe describe our endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy technique and our early experience using it to treat plantar hyperhidrosis.MethodsWe reviewed 20 lumbar sympathectomies performed in our vascular unit for plantar hyperhidrosis in 10 patients from 2011 and 2014. Demographics and outcomes were analyzed and a review of the literature conducted.ResultsAll procedures were carried out endoscopically with no intraoperative or postoperative morbidity. Plantar anhidrosis was achieved in all the patients, although two patients (20%) suffered a relapse. Unwanted side‐effects occurred in the form of compensatory sweating in three patients (30%) and post‐sympathectomy neuralgia in two patients (20%). None of the patients experienced sexual dysfunction.ConclusionManagement of plantar hyperhidrosis may be based upon a therapeutic ladder starting with conservative measures and working up to surgery depending on the severity of the disease. Minimally invasive (endoscopic) sympathectomy for the thoracic chain is well established, but minimally invasive sympathectomy for the lumbar chain is a relatively new technique. Endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy provides an effective, minimally invasive method of surgical management, but long‐term data are lacking.
The Impact of Anthropogenic Disturbance on Assembly Patterns of Termite Communities
Authors: Hausberger Barbara , Korb Judith 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIntensification of land‐use threatens biodiversity, especially in tropical ecosystems that harbor the planet's highest species richness. This negative impact of anthropogenic disturbance on species numbers is well established, but the mechanisms underlying the community assembly processes are less well understood. Termites are of fundamental importance in tropical ecosystems where they are critical for nutrient recycling and species diversity. We tested the impact of anthropogenic disturbance on termite species diversity and assembly processes in a West African savanna applying the newest techniques of phylogenetic community analyses. Species richness dropped in areas of intensive land‐use and compositional similarity between intensive land‐use areas was high. This contrasted with a protected National Park where communities were characterized by high species richness and intermediate species turnover between sites. Slightly disturbed areas in the buffer zone surrounding the park were intermediate, they still had high species richness but similarity between sites increased. Strikingly, the assembly pattern also changed with disturbance from more phylogenetic overdispersion to more clustering (coexisting species became phylogenetically more similar), but only when the fungus‐growing termite Macrotermes bellicosus was absent. Our data suggest that the major forces structuring termite communities depend: (1) on the presence of this dominant mound‐building termite; and (2) that they change to more environmental filtering with disturbance. Anthropogenic disturbance seems to function as a filter that allows only a specific subset of species to occur. Such an effect might be widespread in ecology but it is difficult to document quantitatively. Phylogenetic community analyses can help to contribute such evidence.
Transformative Role of Epigenetics in Child Development Research: Commentary on the Special Section
Authors: Keating Daniel P. 
Published: January 2016

Lester, Conradt, and Marsit (2016) have assembled a set of articles that bring to readers of Child Development the scope and impact of the exponentially growing research on epigenetics and child development. This commentary aims to place this work in a broader context of theory and research by (a) providing a conceptual framework for developmental scientists who may be only moderately familiar with this emergent field; (b) considering these contributions in relation to the current status of work, highlighting its transformative nature; (c) suggesting cautions to keep in mind, while simultaneously clarifying that these do not undermine important new insights; and (d) identifying the prospects for future work that builds on the progress reflected in this special section.
Different sealing materials preventing the microbial leakage into the screw‐retained implant restorations: anin vitroanalysis byDNA checkerboard hybridization
Authors: do Nascimento Cássio , Pita Murillo Sucena , Calefi Paulo Linares , de Oliveira Silva Thalisson Saymo , dos Santos Juliane Bustamante Sá , Pedrazzi Vinícius 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this controlledin vitrostudy was to identify and quantify up to 38 microbial species penetrating through the screw‐retained implant prostheses with different sealing materials.Material and methodsSixty morse cone implants were restored with single‐unit screw‐retained prostheses. All the components were randomly divided into five groups (n = 12) according to the proposed materials: (1) polytetrafluoroethylene tape+composite resin; (2) polytetrafluoroethylene tape+gutta‐percha; (3) polytetrafluoroethylene tape+light‐polymerized provisional composite; (4) cotton pellet+gutta‐percha; and (5) cotton pellet+light‐polymerized provisional composite. Human saliva was used as contaminant media, andDNAcheckerboard hybridization was used to identify and quantify microbial species.ResultsMicrobial leakage was observed in all groups:M. salivarium,S. pasteuri,P. nigrescens, andP. melaninogenicawere the species presenting the highest values of genome count, prevalence, and proportion within the groups. The total microbial mean counts (×105, ±SD) were as follows: Group 1 (2.81 ± 0.38), Group 2 (3.41 ± 0.38), Group 3 (6.02 ± 1.48), Group 4 (6.40 ± 1.42), and Group 5 (17.45 ± 1.67). Group 5 showed the higher microbial counts (P < 0.001).ConclusionsModerate to high counts of pathogenic/nonpathogenic species were detected in the inner parts of implants from all groups. The lowest values of microbial counts were recorded for polytetrafluoroethylene tape associated with composite resin or gutta‐percha; cotton pellet associated with light‐polymerized provisional composite presented the highest microbial counts.
Functional hearing deficits in children with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Rance G. , Chisari D. , Edvall N. , Cameron F. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimHearing loss (as reflected by abnormal sound detection) is a frequently reported consequence of Type 1 diabetes mellitus. We sought to evaluate sound detection, auditory neural function and binaural processing ability in a group of school‐aged participants with Type 1 diabetes and to assess their functional hearing and general communication ability.MethodsA range of electroacoustic, electrophysiological and behavioural test techniques were used to evaluate both cochlear and auditory neural function in 19 affected children. A cohort of matched controls was also assessed.ResultsAlthough all of the participants with Type 1 diabetes enjoyed normal sound detection, 9 of the 19 (47%) showed evidence of auditory pathway abnormality with evoked potential latencies and/or amplitudes beyond age‐related norms. Auditory brainstem response interpeak latencies (wave I–V) were longer than in matched controls [ 95% confidence interval (95% CI); 0.10, 0.28 ms: P < 0.001] and wave V amplitudes were reduced (95% CI; –0.21, 0.00 μV: P = 0.02). Binaural speech perception in noise was also impaired (95% CI; 0.82, 3.17 dB: P = 0.002) and perceptual ability was correlated with degree of neural disruption in the auditory brainstem (r = 0.662, P = 0.003).ConclusionsHearing deficits severe enough to restrict communication and threaten academic progress were common on our group of school‐aged children with Type 1 diabetes. Evaluation of both cochlear and auditory neural function may form an important part of the standard management regime for children with diabetes.
Peripheral neuropathy is a common manifestation of mitochondrial diseases: a single‐centre experience
Authors: Luigetti M. , Sauchelli D. , Primiano G. , Cuccagna C. , Bernardo D. , Lo Monaco M. , Servidei S. 
Published: January 2016

Background and purposePeripheral neuropathy in mitochondrial diseases (MDs) may vary from a subclinical finding in a multisystem syndrome to a severe, even isolated, manifestation in some patients.MethodsTo investigate the involvement of the peripheral nervous system in MDs extensive electrophysiological studies were performed in 109 patients with morphological, biochemical and genetic diagnosis of MD [12 A3243G progressive external ophthalmoplegia (PEO)/mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke‐like episodes (MELAS), 16 myoclonic epilepsy with ragged‐red fibres (MERRF), four mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE), 67 PEO with single or multiple deletions of mitochondrial DNA, 10 others].ResultsA neuropathy was found in 49 patients (45%). The incidence was very high in MNGIE (100%), MELAS (92%) and MERRF (69%), whilst 28% of PEO patients had evidence of peripheral involvement. The most frequent abnormality was a sensory axonal neuropathy found in 32/49 patients (65%). A sensory‐motor axonal neuropathy was instead detected in 16% of the patients and sensory‐motor axonal demyelinating neuropathy in 16%. Finally one Leigh patient had a motor axonal neuropathy. It is interesting to note that the great majority had preserved tendon reflexes and no sensory disturbances.ConclusionsIn conclusion, peripheral involvement in MD is frequent even if often mild or asymptomatic. The correct identification and characterization of peripheral neuropathy through electrophysiological studies represents another tile in the challenge of MD diagnosis.
Influence of anisotropy, porosity and initial stresses on crack propagation due to Love‐type wave in a poroelastic medium
Authors: Singh A. K. , Yadav R. P. , Mistri K. C. , Chattopadhyay A. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAn analytical solution has been attained to establish the closed form expression of stress intensity factor at the tip of a semi‐infinite crack, dynamically propagating in an initially stressed transversely isotropic poroelastic strip due to Love‐type wave for the case of concentrated force of constant intensity as well as for the case of constant load. The study presents the sound effect of various affecting parameters viz. speed of the crack, length of the crack, horizontal compressive/tensile initial stress, vertical compressive/tensile initial stress, porosity parameter and anisotropy parameter on the stress intensity factor. In order to delineate the effects of these aforementioned parameters on the stress intensity factor graphically, numerical simulations have been accomplished. One of the major highlight of the paper is the comparative study carried out for horizontal compressive/tensile initial stress, vertical compressive/tensile initial stress, porosity parameter and anisotropy parameter with the case when the strip is isotropic, non‐porous and free from initial stresses. Wiener–Hopf technique and the Fourier integral transform has been effectuated for the procurement of the closed form expression (exact solution) of stress intensity factor.
A New Equation Solver for Modeling Turbulent Flow in Coupled Matrix‐Conduit Flow Models
Authors: Hubinger Bernhard , Birk Steffen , Hergarten Stefan 
Published: January 2016

AbstractKarst aquifers represent dual flow systems consisting of a highly conductive conduit system embedded in a less permeable rock matrix. Hybrid models iteratively coupling both flow systems generally consume much time, especially because of the nonlinearity of turbulent conduit flow. To reduce calculation times compared to those of existing approaches, a new iterative equation solver for the conduit system is developed based on an approximated Newton–Raphson expression and a Gauß–Seidel or successive over‐relaxation scheme with a single iteration step at the innermost level. It is implemented and tested in the research code CAVE but should be easily adaptable to similar models such as the Conduit Flow Process for MODFLOW‐2005. It substantially reduces the computational effort as demonstrated by steady‐state benchmark scenarios as well as by transient karst genesis simulations. Water balance errors are found to be acceptable in most of the test cases. However, the performance and accuracy may deteriorate under unfavorable conditions such as sudden, strong changes of the flow field at some stages of the karst genesis simulations.
Activation, activity and inactivation of factor VIII in factor VIII products
Authors: Orfeo T. , Elsman R. , Gissel M. , Mann K. G. , Butenas S. 
Published: January 2016

IntroductionFactor VIII (FVIII) products used in haemophilia A treatment show inter‐and intra‐product and inter‐assay differences in specific activity. The mechanistic basis of these differences remains unclear.AimThe aim of this study was to mechanistically compare the functional properties of an in‐house excipient‐free full‐length FVIII standard and pharmacologic recombinant products containing full‐length (products A and B) or B‐domainless (C and D) FVIII.MethodsFactor VIII protein concentration was quantitated by ELISA. Product potency determinations (APTT, intrinsic tenase assays) and kinetic analyses detailing these products' activations by thrombin and FXa, their spontaneous and activated protein C (APC) catalysed inactivation and their performances in coagulation proteome reconstructions were studied +/− von Willebrand factor (VWF). Computational models were developed to facilitate interpretation of empirical data.ResultsFactor VIII protein content per manufacturer activity unit was highest for product C with the other three products similar to the standard. Potency estimates, done five different ways, varied 20–30% in inter‐ and intra‐assay comparisons, with product B consistently showing lower specific activity. Kinetic analyses showed the five FVIII species to differ somewhat in maximum rate of activation, the maximum level of activity achieved, the rate of spontaneous or APC catalysed inactivation and the magnitude of the effect of VWF on these parameters. When evaluated both computationally and empirically in the context of tissue factor initiated thrombin generation, product C appears the most dissimilar.ConclusionAssessments of FVIII activation/inactivation dynamics report larger differences between FVIII products than standard functional assays. However, all FVIII products promote a ‘normal' thrombin generation response to TF.
Laser fluorescence in monitoring the influence of targeted tooth brushing on remineralization of initial caries lesions on newly erupted molar teeth – RCT
Authors: Laitala M‐L , Jaanti E , Vähänikkilä H , Määttä T , Heikka H , Hausen H , Anttonen V 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to monitor mineralization changes in initial caries lesions on newly erupted second molars using laser fluorescence (LF) scanning after a 1‐month targeted tooth brushing intervention.MethodsAltogether, 124 13‐ to 14‐year‐old school children were invited to participate. Of those who fulfilled the clinical criteria (at least one initial lesion with LF value >10 in second molars), 51 gave their written consent to participate. Laser fluorescence values were registered at baseline and after 1‐month follow‐up period. All participants were individually taught targeted tooth brushing of their second molars and randomly provided tooth paste with 0 or 1500 ppm fluoride. Brushing frequency was investigated at baseline and after the follow‐up. Change in LF values was compared considering the tooth, content of fluoride in the paste and brushing frequency.ResultsIn lesions with LF values ≤30 at baseline, change in LF values demonstrated improvement. Improvement was detected especially in upper molars. In lesions with LF values >30 at baseline, improvement was least detected. Brushing frequency increased slightly during the intervention.ConclusionsLaser fluorescence is a simple method and useful in monitoring remineralization of incipient lesions even in weeks. Targeted tooth brushing seems to induce remineralization even in weeks. Laser fluorescence could be a valuable motivating tool in promoting patients’ self‐care.
One World One Water Center for Urban Water Education and Stewardship
Authors: Haynes Sandra , Cech Thomas V. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe One World One Water Center for Urban Water Education and Stewardship (O'WOW Center) at Metropolitan State University of Denver is an innovative program designed to educate students and others about the important role of water in Colorado's economy and environment. The Center was created in 2011 with a $1 million donation to develop “urban water stewards” from diverse backgrounds and a wide range of disciplines. Students who study hydrology, history, politics, biology, water law, psychology, theater, art, geography, environmental science, chemistry, conflict resolution and negotiation, and other disciplines will be guided toward internships, careers, and volunteer opportunities to help shape new solutions for local and statewide water issues. To date, approximately 6,000 people have been directly reached by the O'WOW Center during the first four years of operation with potentially thousands of others reached indirectly. Outreach activities have included water festivals, water summits, author talks, seminars, media events and field trips. This paper illustrates the need for the O'WOW Center and presents information regarding MSU Denver, the Pilot Project and how the Center was created. The new Water Studies minor and Water Studies Certificate, fundraising and other current projects of O'WOW are described. Finally, the paper explores successes and challenges experienced by the faculty and staff of the O'WOW Center.