bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of timing of renal replacement therapy on outcomes of critically ill patients in the intensive care unit
Authors: Jia Yanli , Jiang Li , Wen Ying , Wang Meiping , Xi Xiuming , Du Bin 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimCurrently, indications for renal replacement therapy (RRT) remain controversial. Whether early RRT can improve the prognosis of critically ill patients in the ICU is unclear. This study aimed to assess the relationship between timing of RRT initiation and short‐term prognosis of patients in the ICU.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of data obtained from 28 hospitals in Beijing. The subjects received RRT treatment in the ICU from March 2012 to August 2012.ResultsA total of 9049 cases were reviewed, and 281 patients who underwent RRT were enrolled and divided into the non‐survival (n = 144) and survival (n = 137) groups, according to their outcome at 28 days from ICU admission. Median RRT initiation times were 1 (0–25) and 1 (0–21) days in the non‐survival and survival groups, respectively (P = 0.001) and oliguria/anuria frequency at RRT initiation were 76.6% and 65.3% (P = 0.036), respectively. The mortality of patients administered RRT within 24 h of ICU admission was lower than that of those treated after 24 h (P = 0.014). In patients with oliguria/anuria at RRT initiation, the 28‐day mortality rate was 52.8%, which was higher than 39.0% obtained for those with no oliguria/anuria at RRT initiation (P = 0.036). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that late initiation of RRT was an independent risk factor for 28‐day mortality (HR = 1.139, 95%CI 1.046–1.242, P = 0.003).ConclusionTiming of RRT is associated with 28‐day mortality of ICU treated patients. Early RRT might improve patient survival.
How Berkeley's Gardener Knows His Cherry Tree
Authors: Pearce Kenneth L. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe defense of common sense in Berkeley'sThree Dialoguesis, first and foremost, a defense of the gardener's claim to know his cherry tree, a claim threatened by both Cartesian and Lockean philosophy. This defense depends on theesseispercipithesis (EIP). EIP is not something the gardener believes; rather, it is a philosophical analysis of the rules he unreflectively follows in his use of the word ‘exists’. Uncovering these connections between Berkeley's epistemology and philosophy of language will clarify Berkeley's strategy for bringing his reader back to common sense and practical engagement in the ordinary affairs of life.
Lymphocytic Thrombophilic Arteritis: A Possible Association with Minocycline
Authors: Tan Colin W. X. , Koh Mark J. A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe describe a case of lymphocytic thrombophilic arteritis in a 15‐year‐old girl who had previously taken minocycline for a year. Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa and lymphocytic thrombophilic arteritis share many features and may both be triggered by minocycline. There may be a long latency between drug exposure to minocycline and development of disease.
A follow‐up survey of knowledge, attitudes and practices surrounding blood donation in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Charles K. S. , Chisholm K. , Gabourel K. , Philip K. , Ramdath S. , Abdul‐Hakeem H. , Vaillant A. , Pooransingh S. , Legall G. , Chantry A. 
Published: May 2017

Background and objectivesTrinidad and Tobago is a multi‐ethnic, multicultural country with an annual blood donation rate of 17 per 1000 and predominantly (87%) family/replacement (F/R) donors. A knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) community survey in 2003 revealed lack of information and poor access to donation centres as barriers to voluntary non‐remunerated donors (VNRD). The survey was repeated in 2013 after a national intervention to increase VNRD failed.Materials and methodsThe second cross‐sectional, questionnaire‐based survey was administered to 816 adults in the same community. The variables assessed were sociodemographics, knowledge, attitudes and blood donation behaviour. Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software and Minitab 17. Chi‐square was used to assign significance and logistic regression to analyse correlation between variables. Results of the two surveys were compared.ResultsThere was no difference in the overall percentage of donors (18·8 vs. 21·1%, P = 0·337), and a low donor percentage was observed in all sociodemographic groups (7·7–31·6% vs. 10·2–31·7%). The main reason for donating blood was replacement for a relative or friend (86·0 vs. 86·9% P = 0·851). Willingness to repeat donation was high (90·6% vs. 86·4%, P = 0·006). Motivators and demotivators to donation varied among sociodemographic groups.ConclusionThere was no significant change in community KAP between surveys. Anthropological studies into blood donation are needed to plan an effective revised and targeted blood donation campaign. Legal and regulatory changes must facilitate VNRD.
Gastrointestinal disorders after immunosuppression: an experimental model to evaluate the influence of monotherapy on motility parameters
Authors: Dall'Agnol Denize Jussara Rupolo , Corá Luciana Aparecida , Teixeira Maria do Carmo Borges , de Lima Maysa Bruno , Gama Loyane Almeida , Miranda José Ricardo de Arruda , Américo Madileine Francely 
Published: May 2017

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
The aim was to propose an animal model for investigating the effects of immunosuppressive monotherapy on gastrointestinal motility using a non‐invasive biomagnetic technique.

What is main finding and its importance?
In our experimental study, immunosuppressive drugs currently in use accelerated gastric emptying whilst increasing the frequency and amplitude of gastric contractions after treatment, except for Mycophenolate and azathioprine. Alternating current biosusceptometry is a useful tool to evaluate side‐effects of drugs on the gastrointestinal tract, which will help in understanding the symptoms and improving clinical management of patients.

The aim was to propose an animal model for investigating the effects of immunosuppressive monotherapy on gastrointestinal motility using a non‐invasive biomagnetic technique. Male Wistar rats were randomly distributed into the following treatment groups: ciclosporin, tacrolimus, prednisone, sirolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, everolimus, azathioprine and control. Each animal was treated for 14 days by gavage with dosages ranging from 1 to 20 mg kg−1 day−1 considering the area‐to‐volume ratio and hepatic metabolism. Gastrointestinal transit and gastric contractility measurements were evaluated by alternating current biosusceptometry before and after treatment. Gastric emptying was faster in animals treated with tacrolimus, prednisone, sirolimus and everolimus compared with control animals (126.7 ± 12.7 min). There was a significant increase in the frequency of contractions after ciclosporin, tacrolimus, azathioprine and sirolimus treatment compared with control animals (4.6 ± 0.3 cycles min−1). Increases in the amplitude of contraction were observed after treatment with tacrolimus, sirolimus and everolimus compared with control rats (34.9 ± 6.0 dB). The results showed that our animal model was suitable for demonstrating that most immunosuppressive drugs currently in use impaired at least one gastrointestinal motility parameter. As a non‐invasive technique, alternating current biosusceptometry is a potentially useful tool for evaluation of side‐effects of drugs in gastrointestinal tract, helping us to understand the symptoms to improve clinical management of patients.
Genome Sequence of Brevibacillus laterosporus UNISS 18, a Pathogen of Mosquitoes and Flies
Authors: Camiolo Salvatore , Porceddu Andrea , Ruiu Luca 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

The entomopathogenic properties of
Brevibacillus laterosporus
UNISS 18 against insects are well documented. Here, we report the whole-genome sequence of this strain, which revealed the presence of several insecticide action-related genes. The deriving genetic information will help to elucidate the mechanisms underlying strain specificity and virulence against diverse target pests.
Disease activity in eosinophilic esophagitis is associated with impaired esophageal barrier integrity
Authors: Warners Marijn J. , van Rhijn Bram D. , Verheij Joanne , Smout Andreas J. P. M. , Bredenoord Albert J. 
Published: May 2017

In eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), the esophageal barrier integrity is impaired. Integrity can be assessed with different techniques. To assess the correlations between esophageal eosinophilia and various measures of mucosal integrity and to evaluate whether endoscopic impedance measurements can predict disease activity, endoscopies and mucosal integrity measurements were performed in adult EoE patients with active disease (≥15 eosinophils/high-power field) at baseline ( n = 32) and after fluticasone ( n = 15) and elemental dietary treatment ( n = 14) and in controls ( n = 19). Mucosal integrity was evaluated during endoscopy using electrical tissue spectroscopy (ETIS) measuring mucosal impedance and transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and transepithelial molecule-flux through biopsy specimens in Ussing chambers. We included 61 measurements; 32 of patients at baseline and 29 after treatment, 3 patients dropped out. After treatment, 20 patients were in remission (≤15 eosinophils/high-power field) and these measurements were compared with 41 measurements of patients with active disease (at baseline or after failed treatment). All four mucosal integrity measures showed significant impairment in active EoE compared with remission. Eosinophilia was negatively correlated with ETIS and TER and positively with transepithelial molecule flux ( P ≤ 0.001). The optimal ETIS cutoff to predict disease activity was 6,000 Ω·m with a sensitivity of 79% [95% confidence interval (CI) 54–94%], specificity of 84% (95% CI 69–94%), positive predictive values of 89% (95% CI 77–95%) and negative predictive values of 71% (95% CI 54–84%). In EoE patients, markers of mucosal integrity correlate with esophageal eosinophilia. Additionally, endoscopic mucosal impedance measurements can predict disease activity. NEW & NOTEWORTHY In adult patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), the mucosal integrity, measured by making use of four different parameters, correlates strongly with esophageal eosinophilia. The accuracy of endoscopically measured mucosal impedance to distinguish active disease from remission was acceptable with moderate specificity and sensitivity. Mucosal impedance measurements can predict disease activity in adult EoE patients.
Ocular changes over 60 min in supine and prone postures
Authors: Anderson Allison P. , Babu Gautam , Swan Jacob G. , Phillips Scott D. , Knaus Darin A. , Toutain-Kidd Christine M. , Zegans Michael E. , Fellows Abigail M. , Gui Jiang , Buckey Jay C. 
Published: May 2017

Some astronauts are returning from long-duration spaceflight with structural ocular and visual changes. We investigated both the transient and sustained effects of changes in the direction of the gravity vector acting on the eye using changes in body posture. Intraocular pressure (IOP; measured by Perkins tonometer), ocular geometry (axial length, corneal thickness, and aqueous depth-noncontact biometer), and the choroid (volume and subfoveal thickness optical coherence tomography) were measured in 10 subjects (5 males and 5 females). Measures were taken over the course of 60 min and analyzed with repeated-measures analysis of covariance to assess the effects of posture and time. In the supine position, choroidal volume increased significantly with time (average value at <5 min = 8.8 ± 2.3 mm3, 60 min = 9.0 ± 2.4 mm3, P = 0.03). In the prone position, IOP and axial length increased with time (IOP at <5 min 15 ± 2.7 mmHg, 60 min = 19.8 ± 4.1 mmHg, P < 0.0001; axial length at <5 min = 24.29 ± 0.77 mm, 60 min = 24.31 ± 0.76 mm, P = 0.002). Each increased exponentially, with time constants of 5.3 and 14 min, respectively. Prone corneal thickness also increased with time (<5 min = 528 ± 35 μm, 60 min = 537 ± 35 μm3, P < 0.001). Aqueous depth was shortened in the prone position (baseline = 3.22 ± 0.31 mm, 60 min = 3.18 ± 0.32 mm, P < 0.0001) but did not change with time. The data show that changes in the gravity vector have pronounced transient and sustained effects on the geometry and physiology of the eye.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We show that gravity has pronounced transient and sustained effects on the eye by making detailed ocular measurements over 60 min in the supine and prone postures. These data inform our understanding of how gravitational forces can affect ocular structures, which is essential for hypothesizing how ocular changes could occur with microgravity exposure.
<b>A first report of the Broad-Tail Royal <I>Creon cleobis</I> Godart, 1824 (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) and its host plant from Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve of the southern Western Ghats, India</b>
Authors: Lekshmi Raveendran 
Published: May 2017

The lycaenid butterfly Broad-tail Royal Creon cleobis is being reported for the first time from Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, at Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary. Adults were observed within the elevations of 1,000–1,350 m in November 2014. The eggs, larva and pupa were found on Helixanthera intermedia, an endemic parasitic plant found in the southern Western Ghats. Based on field observations and literature review, the peak occurrence of this butterfly seems to be during the months September–November.
Dynamic Decision Making: Learning Processes and New Research Directions
Authors: Gonzalez Cleotilde , Fakhari Pegah , Busemeyer Jerome 
Published: May 2017

Objective: The aim of this manuscript is to provide a review of contemporary research and applications on dynamic decision making (DDM). Background: Since early DDM studies, there has been little systematic progress in understanding decision making in complex, dynamic systems. Our review contributes to better understanding of decision making processes in dynamic tasks. Method: We discuss new research directions in DDM to highlight the value of simplification in the study of complex decision processes, divided into experimental and theoretical/computational approaches, and focus on problems involving control tasks and search-and-choice tasks. In computational modeling, we discuss recent developments in instance-based learning and reinforcement learning that advance modeling the processes of dynamic decisions. Results: Results from DDM research reflect a trend to scale down the complexity of DDM tasks to facilitate the study of the process of decision making. Recent research focuses on the dynamic complexity emerging from the interactions of actions and outcomes over time even in simple dynamic tasks. Conclusion: The study of DDM in theory and practice continues to be a priority area of research. New research directions can help the human factors community to understand the effects of experience, knowledge, and adaption processes in DDM tasks, but research challenges remain to be addressed, and the recent perspectives discussed can help advance a systematic DDM research program. Application: Classical domains, such as automated pilot systems, fighting fires, and medical emergencies, continue to be central applications of basic DDM research, but new domains, such as cybersecurity, climate change, and forensic science, are emerging as other important applications.
Changes to the septo-fornical area might play a role in the pathogenesis of anxiety in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Palotai Miklos , Mike Andrea , Cavallari Michele , Strammer Erzsebet , Orsi Gergely , Healy Brian C , Schregel Katharina , Illes Zsolt , Guttmann Charles RG 
Published: May 2017

Background: Reports on the relationships between white matter lesion load (WMLL) and fatigue and anxiety in multiple sclerosis (MS) are inconsistent. Objective: To investigate the association of total and tract-specific WMLL with fatigue and anxiety. Methods: Total and regional T2 WMLL was assessed for 19 tracts in 48 MS patients (30 females). ICBM-DTI-81 Atlas-based parcellation was combined with WMLL segmentation of T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Fatigue, anxiety, and depression were assessed using Fatigue Impact Scale, State Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory, respectively. Results: Fatigue, anxiety, and depression showed significant inter-correlation. We found no association between fatigue and total or regional WMLLs, whereas anxiety was associated with total and regional WMLLs in nine tracts. After adjusting for total WMLL, age, and depression, only the column and body of the fornix (CBF) remained significantly associated with anxiety. Post hoc analyses showed no CBF lesions on T1-weighted MRI and suggested, but could not confirm, that the septum pellucidum might play a role in the pathogenesis of anxiety. Conclusion: Our results suggest that anxiety in MS patients may have a neuropathological substrate in the septo-fornical area, which requires further validation using larger sample size and ultra-high-field MRI in targeted prospective studies.
Reduced cellularity of bone marrow in multiple sclerosis with decreased MSC expansion potential and premature ageing in vitro
Authors: Redondo Juliana , Sarkar Pamela , Kemp Kevin , Virgo Paul F , Pawade Joya , Norton Aimie , Emery David C , Guttridge Martin G , Marks David I , Wilkins Alastair , Scolding Neil J , Rice Claire M 
Published: May 2017

Background: Autologous bone-marrow-derived cells are currently employed in clinical studies of cell-based therapy in multiple sclerosis (MS) although the bone marrow microenvironment and marrow-derived cells isolated from patients with MS have not been extensively characterised. Objectives: To examine the bone marrow microenvironment and assess the proliferative potential of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in progressive MS. Methods: Comparative phenotypic analysis of bone marrow and marrow-derived MSCs isolated from patients with progressive MS and control subjects was undertaken. Results: In MS marrow, there was an interstitial infiltrate of inflammatory cells with lymphoid (predominantly T-cell) nodules although total cellularity was reduced. Controlling for age, MSCs isolated from patients with MS had reduced in vitro expansion potential as determined by population doubling time, colony-forming unit assay, and expression of β-galactosidase. MS MSCs expressed reduced levels of Stro-1 and displayed accelerated shortening of telomere terminal restriction fragments (TRF) in vitro. Conclusion: Our results are consistent with reduced proliferative capacity and ex vivo premature ageing of bone-marrow-derived cells, particularly MSCs, in MS. They have significant implication for MSC-based therapies for MS and suggest that accelerated cellular ageing and senescence may contribute to the pathophysiology of progressive MS.
An unusual case of primary hepatic lymphoma with dramatic but unsustained response to bendamustine plus rituximab and literature review
Authors: Liao Sih-Han , Chen Yin-Kai , Yu Shan-Chi , Wu Ming-Shiang , Wang Hsiu-Po , Tseng Ping-Huei 
Published: May 2017

Objectives: Primary hepatic lymphoma is an uncommon cause of hepatic space-occupying lesions. Methods: We describe the case of a 73-year-old man with primary hepatic lymphoma, who presented with a low-grade fever and lower limb weakness which had progressed in the past 2 months. Results: Abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography showed multiple small hepatic tumors. Echo-guided biopsy of the hepatic tumor demonstrated primary hepatic diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Moreover, bone marrow was uninvolved, but the bone marrow smear disclosed hemophagocytosis, which is uncommon in diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Chemotherapy with bendamustine and rituximab treatment was initiated with a dramatic response: hepatic tumors markedly shrank in size shown by follow-up computed tomography and the patient returned to his normal life. Nevertheless, the response was sustained for only 8 months. Finally, the disease resisted further chemotherapy and this patient died of a severe Klebsiella pneumoniae infection. Conclusion: Chemotherapy with bendamustine and rituximab has shown a dramatic, but not durable, response in the present case with old age and multiple comorbidities.
Hansblockite, (Cu,Hg)(Bi,Pb)Se2, the monoclinic polymorph of grundmannite: a new mineral from the Se mineralization at El Dragón (Bolivia)
Authors: Förster Hans-Jürgen , Bindi Luca , Stanley Chris J. , Grundmann Günter 
Published: May 2017

AbstractHansblockite, ideally (Cu,Hg)(Bi,Pb)Se2, is a new selenide from the El Dragón mine, Bolivia. It typically occurs in thin subparallel plates intergrown with two unnamed Cu–Hg–Pb–Bi–Se species, clausthalite, Corich penroseite and petrovicite.It also forms subhedral to anhedral grains up to 150 μm long and 50 μm wide. Hansblockite is non-fluorescent, black and opaque with a metallic lustre and black streak. It is brittle, with an irregular fracture and no obvious parting and cleavage. The VHN20 values range from37 to 50 (mean 42) kg mm–2 (Mohs hardness 2–2½). In plane-polarized incident light, hansblockite is cream to light grey in colour, weakly bireflectant and weakly pleochroic from greyish cream to cream. Under crossed polars, hansblockite is weakly anisotropic withkhaki to pale blue rotation tints. The reflectance values in air for the Commission on Ore Mineralogy (COM) standard wavelengths are: 47.3–48.1 (470 nm), 47.4–49.9 (546 nm), 47.1–49.0 (589 nm) and 46.6–48.5 (650 nm). The mean composition is Cu 9.31, Ag 0.73, Hg 11.43,Pb 3.55, Ni 0.17, Co 0.03, Bi 31.17, Se 34.00, total 100.39 wt.%. The mean empirical formula (based on 4 apfu) is (Cu0.68Hg0.27Ag0.03Ni0.01)∑=0.99(Bi0.69Pb0.31)∑=1.00Se2.01. The simplifiedformula is (Cu,Hg) (Bi,Pb)Se2. Hansblockite is monoclinic, space group P21/c, with a = 6.853(1), b = 7.635(1), c = 7.264(1) Å, β = 97.68(1)°, V = 376.66(9) Å3 and Z = 4. Density is 8.26 gcm–3. The five strongest powder X-ray diffraction lines [d in Å (I/I0) (hkl)] are: 3.97 (90) (111), 3.100 (40) (121), 2.986 (100) (211), 2.808 (50) (112) and 2.620 (50) (022). Hansblockite represents the monoclinic polymorph ofgrundmannite, CuBiSe2, with Hg and Pb being essential in stabilizing the monoclinic structure via the coupled substitution Cu+ + Bi3+⇔ Hg2+ + Pb2+. The mineral name is in honour of Hans Block (1881–1953), in recognition of hisimportant role in boosting Bolivian ore mining.