bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Levetiracetam Prophylaxis for Post‐traumatic Brain Injury Seizures is Ineffective: A Propensity Score Analysis
Authors: Zangbar Bardiya , Khalil Mazhar , Gruessner Angelika , Joseph Bellal , Friese Randall , Kulvatunyou Narong , Wynne Julie , Latifi Rifat , Rhee Peter , O’Keeffe Terence 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIntroductionEarly seizures after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) have a reported incidence of up to 15 %. Prophylaxis for early seizures using 1 week of phenytoin is considered standard of care for seizure prevention. However, many centers have substituted the anticonvulsant levetiracetam without good data on the efficacy of this approach. Our hypothesis was that the treatment with levetiracetam is not effective in preventing early post‐traumatic seizures.MethodsAll trauma patients sustaining a TBI from January 2007 to December 2009 at an urban level‐one trauma center were retrospectively analyzed. Seizures were identified from a prospectively gathered morbidity database and anticonvulsant use from the pharmacy database. Statistical comparisons were made by Chi square, t tests, and logistic regression modeling. Patients who received levetiracetam prophylaxis were matched 1:1 using propensity score matching with those who did not receive the drug.Results5551 trauma patients suffered a TBI during the study period, with an overall seizure rate of 0.7 % (39/5551). Of the total population, 1795 were diagnosed with severe TBI (Head AIS score 3–5). Seizures were 25 times more likely in the severe TBI group than in the non‐severe group [2.0 % (36/1795) vs. 0.08 % (3/3756); OR 25.6; 95 % CI 7.8–83.2; p < 0.0001]. Of the patients who had seizures after severe TBI, 25 % (9/36) received pharmacologic prophylaxis with levetiracetam, phenytoin, or fosphenytoin. In a matched cohort by propensity scores, no difference was seen in seizure rates between the levetiracetam group and no‐prophylaxis group (1.9 vs. 3.4 %, p = 0.50).ConclusionsIn this propensity score‐matched cohort analysis, levetiracetam prophylaxis was ineffective in preventing seizures as the rate of seizures was similar whether patients did or did not receive the drug. The incidence of post‐traumatic seizures in severe TBI patients was only 2.0 % in this study; therefore we question the benefit of routine prophylactic anticonvulsant therapy in patients with TBI.
Study of Ф-OTDR stability for dynamic strain measurement in piezoelectric vibration
Authors: Ren Meiqi , Lu Ping , Chen Liang , Bao Xiaoyi 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
In a phase-sensitive optical-time domain reflectometry (Φ-OTDR) system, the challenge for dynamic strain measurement lies in large intensity fluctuations from trace to trace. The intensity fluctuation caused by stochastic characteristics of Rayleigh backscattering sets detection limit for the minimum strength of vibration measurement and causes the large measurement uncertainty. Thus, a trace-to-trace correlation coefficient is introduced to quantify intensity fluctuation of Φ-OTDR traces and stability of the sensor system theoretically and experimentally. A novel approach of measuring dynamic strain induced by various driving voltages of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) in Φ-OTDR is also demonstrated. Piezoelectric vibration signals are evaluated through analyzing peak values of fast Fourier transform spectra at the fundamental frequency and high-order harmonics based on Bessel functions. High trace-to-trace correlation coefficients varying from 0.824 to 0.967 among 100 measurements are obtained in experimental results, showing the good stability of our sensor system, as well as small uncertainty of measured peak values.
Assessment of fetal growth using the ratio of the transverse cerebellar diameter to abdominal circumference
Authors: Agrawal Charusmita , Agrawal Kamlesh K. , Gandhi Sudha 
Published: June 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate use of the transverse cerebellar diameter to abdominal circumference (TCD/AC) ratio in predicting intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted at a prenatal clinic in Udaipur, India, between August 2011 and December 2012. Women with a singleton pregnancy and a confirmed gestational age of 20–36 weeks were enrolled. Transverse cerebellar diameter and abdominal circumference were measured by ultrasonography on two prenatal visits at early (20–28 weeks) and late (30–36 weeks) gestation. A TCD/AC ratio above the 90th percentile was considered to indicate IUGR. Birth weight was recorded.ResultsOverall, 100 women completed the study. Among 15 neonates with IUGR, the mean TCD/AC ratio was 14.17 ± 0.89 at early gestation and 15.61 ± 1.18 at late gestation. The TCD/AC ratio for appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age neonates was significantly lower: 13.50 ± 0.97 and 13.80 ± 0.97 at early and late gestation, respectively (P< 0.05 for both). Among 14 fetuses with a TCD/AC ratio above the 90th percentile at early gestation, 9 (64%) were small for gestational age, 5 (36%) were appropriate for gestational age, and none was large for gestational age at the neonatal examination.ConclusionThe TCD/AC ratio was fairly accurate in recognizing abnormal fetal growth at an early gestational age.
A novel approach to detect resistance mechanisms reveals FGR as a factor mediating HDAC inhibitor SAHA resistance in B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Joosten Maria , Ginzel Sebastian , Blex Christian , Schmidt Dmitri , Gombert Michael , Chen Cai , Linka René Martin , Gräbner Olivia , Hain Anika , Hirsch Burkhard , Sommerfeld Anke , Seegebarth Anke , Gruber Uschi , Maneck Corinna , Zhang Langhui , Stenin Katharina , Dieks Henrik , Sefkow Michael , Münk Carsten , Baldus Claudia D. , Thiele Ralf , Borkhardt Arndt , Hummel Michael , Köster Hubert , Fischer Ute , Dreger Mathias , Seitz Volkhard 
Published: June 2016

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors such as suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) are not commonly used in clinical practice for treatment of B‐cell lymphomas, although a subset of patients with refractory or relapsed B‐cell lymphoma achieved partial or complete remissions.Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify molecular features that predict the response of B‐cell lymphomas to SAHA treatment. We designed an integrative approach combining drug efficacy testing with exome and captured target analysis (DETECT). In this study, we tested SAHA sensitivity in 26 B‐cell lymphoma cell lines and determined SAHA‐interacting proteins in SAHA resistant and sensitive cell lines employing a SAHA capture compound (CC) and mass spectrometry (CCMS). In addition, we performed exome mutation analysis. Candidate validation was done by expression analysis and knock‐out experiments.An integrated network analysis revealed that the Src tyrosine kinase Gardner‐Rasheed feline sarcoma viral (v‐fgr) oncogene homolog (FGR) is associated with SAHA resistance. FGR was specifically captured by the SAHA‐CC in resistant cells. In line with this observation, we found that FGR expression was significantly higher in SAHA resistant cell lines. As functional proof, CRISPR/Cas9 mediated FGR knock‐out in resistant cells increased SAHA sensitivity. In silico analysis of B‐cell lymphoma samples (n = 1200) showed a wide range of FGR expression indicating that FGR expression might help to stratify patients, which clinically benefit from SAHA therapy.In conclusion, our comprehensive analysis of SAHA‐interacting proteins highlights FGR as a factor involved in SAHA resistance in B‐cell lymphoma.
Effectiveness of Bilateral Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections in Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Patients With Neurogenic Claudication: A Case Series
Authors: Farooque Mustafa , Salzman Michele M. , Ye Zhan 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundAs our population ages, neurogenic claudication (NC) from central canal stenosis of the lumbar spine is becoming an increasingly common condition. Studies have been undertaken to assess the efficacy of caudal, interlaminar, or unilateral transforaminal epidural injections, but bilateral transforaminal epidural injections (BTESIs) have not been evaluated to date.ObjectiveTo assess the therapeutic value and long‐term effects of fluoroscope‐guided BTESIs in patients with NC from degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) of the central spinal canal.DesignCase series.SettingSingle institution spine clinic.PatientsTwenty‐six adults between the ages of 40 and 90 years with a diagnosis of DLSS and a history of subacute or chronic NC.Methods/InterventionsPatients meeting inclusion criteria received fluoroscope‐guided BTESI of local anesthetic and steroid at the level immediately below the most stenotic level. Patient self‐reported pain level, activity level, and overall satisfaction were recorded by telephone interview at 1, 3, and 6 months after injection by an independent observer.Main Outcome MeasuresPain score and Swiss Spinal Stenosis score at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months.ResultsOf the 22 participants eligible for analysis, 20, 19, and 18 had follow‐up data available at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. Reduction in numeric pain scale score of at least 50% was noted in 30% of participants at 1 month, 53% at 3 months, and 44% at 6 months. Swiss Spinal Stenosis subscale scores indicated a significant reduction in the proportion of participants reporting the presence of severe pain in the back, buttocks, and legs (particularly the back or buttocks) at 1, 3, and 6 months of follow‐up compared with baseline (P < .05). The proportion of participants reporting severe weakness in the legs or feet also decreased after injection and was statistically significant at 3 months of follow‐up (P = .04).ConclusionsFluoroscope‐guided BTESI was moderately effective in reducing pain, improving function, and achieving patient satisfaction in patients with NC from DLSS at the central spinal canal in this clinical case series.Level of EvidenceIV
Alleviating Thoracotomy Pain With Intercostal Liposomal Bupivacaine: A Case Report
Authors: Saby Adam , Swaminathan Kavitha , Pangarkar Sanjog , Tribuzio Bianca 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThoracotomy pain is common after chest surgery and may result from injury to the lung pleura, intercostal muscles, costovertebral joint, or intercostal nerves. Inappropriately controlled postoperative pain can hinder recovery and increase the risk of complications such as infection, atelectasis, blood clots, and development of post‐thoracotomy pain syndrome. A number of treatment options for acute pain are available, most of which require systemic medications or indwelling catheters that may be contraindicated in patients on anticoagulants. We present the case of a patient with post‐thoracotomy pain that effectively was treated with an ultrasound‐guided nerve block with liposomal bupivacaine. The patient experienced pain relief without adverse event. Liposomal bupivacaine may be considered a potential treatment option for patients with severe acute post‐thoracotomy pain in whom other modalities have not worked or are contraindicated.Level of EvidenceN/A
Unusual Hypersensitivity Reaction to Iohexol During Epidural Steroid Injection Resulting in Lipoma Development: A Case Presentation
Authors: Singh Naileshni , De Mesa Charles 
Published: June 2016

AbstractEpidural steroid injections are common interventional pain procedures for radicular pain when conservative therapies fail. We present the case of a 36‐year‐old woman with lumbar radicular pain who developed a hypersensitivity reaction to iohexol during a fluoroscopically guided interlaminar epidural steroid injection resulting in lipoma development. Mechanisms of anaphylactoid reaction and recommendations for lipoma treatment are described based on clinical presentation. With an increase in the number of injections performed for pain management, awareness of this complication may need to be included for informed consent.Level of EvidenceV
Impact of a Central Line Infection Prevention Bundle in Newborn Infants
Authors: McMullan Rowena , Gordon Adrienne 
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVETo compare central line use and central line–associated bloodstream infection in newborn infants before and after the introduction of a central line infection prevention bundle in order to determine the effectiveness of the bundle and to identify areas for further improvement.DESIGNRetrospective cohort analysis of prospectively collected data.SETTINGLevel 5 neonatal intensive care unit in Sydney, Australia.PATIENTSNewborn infants admitted to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit who had a central venous catheter (CVC) inserted.METHODSData regarding clinical characteristics, CVC use, and infection were collected before and after the introduction of a bundle of interventions. The bundles encompassed (1) insertion of CVC, (2) maintenance of CVC, (3) an education program, and (4) ongoing surveillance and feedback.RESULTSBaseline and intervention groups were comparable in clinical characteristics. The number of CVCs inserted was reduced in the intervention group (central line utilization rate, 0.16 vs 0.2, P<.0001). Overall CVC dwell time was reduced, resulting from significant reduction in peripherally inserted CVC dwell time (6 days [95% CI, 5.0–11.8 days] vs 7.3 days [4.0–10.4 days], P=.0004). Central line–associated bloodstream infections were significantly reduced, predominantly secondary to decreased peripherally inserted CVC–related bloodstream infections (1.2/1,000 central line–days vs 11.5/1,000 central line–days, P<.0001).CONCLUSIONThis central line infection bundle was effective in reducing CVC use, dwell time, and central line–associated bloodstream infections.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:1029–1036
Anatomy, systematics, paleoenvironment, growth, and age of the sauropod dinosaurSonorasaurus thompsonifrom the Cretaceous of Arizona, USA
Authors: D’Emic Michael D. , Foreman Brady Z. , Jud Nathan A. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractSauropod dinosaurs are rare in the Cretaceous North American fossil record in general and are absent from that record for most of the Late Cretaceous.Sonorasaurus thompsonifrom the Turney Ranch Formation of the Bisbee Group of Arizona, USA, potentially represents one of the youngest sauropods before their ca. 30-million-year-long hiatus from the record. The anatomy ofSonorasaurushas only been briefly described, its taxonomic validity has been questioned, several hypotheses have been proposed regarding its phylogenetic relationships, and its life history, geologic age, and reported paleoenvironment are ambiguous.Herein we assess the systematics, paleoenvironment, life history, and geologic age ofSonorasaurusbased on firsthand observation, bone histology, and fieldwork in the holotypic quarry and environs. The validity ofS.thompsoniis substantiated by autapomorphies. Cladistic analysis firmly places it within the Brachiosauridae, in contrast to results of some recent analyses. Bone histology suggests that the only known exemplar ofSonorasaurusgrew slowly and sporadically compared to other sauropods and was approaching its adult size. In contrast with previous assessments of a coastal/estuarine paleoenvironment for the Turney Ranch Formation, our sedimentological and plant macrofossil data indicate thatSonorasauruslived in a semiarid, low relief evergreen woodland that received highly variable (perhaps seasonal) precipitation. We obtained detrital zircons from the holotypic quarry for U-Pb dating, which only yielded Barremian-aged and older grains, whereas other radiometric and biostratigraphic data suggest that the sediments at the quarry were deposited near the Albian-Cenomanian boundary.Sonorasaurusis taxonomically valid, represents one of the geologically youngest brachiosaurid sauropods, and inhabited a harsh inland evergreen-dominated woodland environment that limited its growth. A review of other Bisbee Group dinosaurs suggests that its fauna, although poorly sampled, exhibits broad similarity to those from coeval North American horizons, reinforcing the apparent faunal homogeneity at the time.
Zealandia’s oldest volutes (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Volutidae) from the early Paleogene of South Island and Chatham Islands: post Gondwana break-up and evolutionary divergence
Authors: Stilwell Jeffrey D. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe isolation of Zealandia in the latest Cretaceous and early Paleogene following the final break-up of Gondwana fostered significant provincialism in molluscan faunas, concomitant with the segmentation of oceanic circulation patterns and changing climate nearing the end of the greenhouse phase in the Southwest Pacific. The earliest volutes (Gastropoda: Volutidae) from the Zealandian region reflect this isolation after separation from the Marie Byrd Land region of West Antarctica with several endemic groups being recognized for the first time since collecting first started in the Wangaloa Formation at Mitchells Rocks (Wangaloa), South Island, New Zealand in 1869. Five taxa attributed to the Volutidae are described herein from South Island (Wangaloa Formation and Steel Greensand) and also the Chatham Islands (Red Bluff Tuff) from the early (mid-Danian) to late Paleocene (Thanetian?). These comprise a new mid-Danian fulgorariine? genus and species,Wangaluta henaconstrictan. gen. n. sp.; a new combination also from the Wangaloa Formation,Wangaluta? neozelanica(Finlay and Marwick, 1937); two new zidonine volutes, the mid-DanianAlcithoe. s.l.wangaloaensisn. sp. from the Wangaloa Formation, and alsoTeremelon onouan. sp. from the late Paleocene-early Eocene of the Red Bluff Tuff; and a probable volute, Fulgorariine? gen. indet. sp. indet. from the mid-Danian of the Steel Greensand. All of these taxa are endemic in the early Paleogene of New Zealand and represent a significant boost in our knowledge of post-K-Pg boundary diversification of volutid gastropods in the shrinking Weddellian Biotic Province in the southern rim of the Pacific.
Free Monoids are Coherent
Authors: Gould Victoria , Hartmann Miklós , Ruškuc Nik 
Published: June 2016

AbstractA monoid S is said to be right coherent if every finitely generated subact of every finitely presented right S-act is finitely presented. Left coherency is defined dually and S is coherent if it is both right and left coherent. These notions are analogous to those for a ring R (where, of course, S-acts are replaced by R-modules). Choo et al. have shown that free rings are coherent. In this paper we prove that, correspondingly, any free monoid is coherent, thus answering a question posed by Gould in 1992.
PHOSPHORUS-MOBILIZATION STRATEGY BASED ON CARBOXYLATE EXUDATION IN LUPINS (LUPINUS, FABACEAE): A MECHANISM FACILITATING THE GROWTH AND PHOSPHORUS ACQUISITION OF NEIGHBOURING PLANTS UNDER PHOSPHORUS-LIMITED CONDITIONS
Authors: DISSANAYAKA D. M. S. B. , WICKRAMASINGHE W. M. K. R. , MARAMBE BUDDHI , WASAKI JUN 
Published: June 2016

SUMMARYThe capability of some plant species to mobilize phosphorus (P) from poorly available soil P fractions can improve P availability for P-inefficient plant species in intercropping. White lupin (Lupinus albus) has been investigated as a model P-mobilizing plant for its capability of enhancing the P acquisition of neighbouring species under P-limited conditions. To date, investigations have led to contrasting findings, where some reports have described a positive effect of intercropped lupins on companion plants, whereas others have revealed no effects. This review summarizes the literature related to lupin–cereal intercropping. It explores the underpinning mechanisms that influence interspecific facilitation of P acquisition. The P-mobilization-based facilitation by lupins to enhance P-acquisition of co-occurring plant species is determined by both available P concentration and P-sorption capacity of soil, and the root intermingling capacity among two plant partners enabling rhizosphere overlapping. In lupin–cereal intercropping, lupin enhances the below-ground concentration of labile P pools through mobilization of P from sparingly available P pools, which is accomplished through carboxylate exudation, where neighbouring species acquire part of the mobilized P. The non-P-mobilizing species benefit only under P-limited conditions when they immediately occupy the maximum soil volume influenced by P-mobilizing lupin. Positive effects of mixed cropping are apparent in alkaline, neutral and acidic soils. However, the facilitation of P acquisition by lupins to companion species is eliminated when soil becomes strongly P-sorbing. In such soils, the limitation of root growth can result in poorer root intermingling between two species. The P mobilized by lupins might not be acquired by neighbouring species because it is bound to P-sorbing compounds. We suggest that the lupins can be best used as P-mobilizing plant species to enhance P acquisition of P-inefficient species under P-limited conditions when plant species are grown with compatible crops and soil types that facilitate sharing of rhizosphere functions among intercropped partners.
Delayed norovirus epidemic in the 2009–2010 season in Japan: potential relationship with intensive hand sanitizer use for pandemic influenza
Authors: INAIDA S. , SHOBUGAWA Y. , MATSUNO S. , SAITO R. , SUZUKI H. 
Published: June 2016

SUMMARYNorovirus (NoV) epidemics normally peak in December in Japan; however, the peak in the 2009–2010 season was delayed until the fourth week of January 2010. We suspected intensive hand hygiene that was conducted for a previous pandemic influenza in 2009 as the cause of this delay. We analysed the NoV epidemic trend, based on national surveillance data, and its associations with monthly output data for hand hygiene products, including alcohol-based skin antiseptics and hand soap. The delayed peak in the NoV incidence in the 2009–2010 season had the lowest number of recorded cases of the five seasons studied (2006–2007 to 2010–2011). GII.4 was the most commonly occurring genotype. The monthly relative risk of NoV and monthly output of both alcohol-based skin antiseptics and hand soap were significantly and negatively correlated. Our findings suggest an association between hand hygiene using these products and prevention of NoV transmission.
Factors affecting farmers’ decisions to participate in direct marketing: A case study of cherry growers in the Kemalpasa District of Izmir, Turkey
Authors: Adanacioglu Hakan 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe objective of this study is to explore the main factors that drive decisions of farmers to sell their products directly to consumers through farm direct marketing channels. A case study on cherry growers on the subject of direct marketing, which is one of the alternative marketing options in agricultural products marketing for farmers, is examined in this study. In addition, further suggestions are put forward on how to improve the use of direct marketing strategies by farmers in Turkey. An ordinal logistic regression analysis model was used to analyze the effects of agricultural businesses and demographic features on the tendency of growers to choose direct marketing channels in cherry selling. According to these model results, the cherry farming experience of the growers, the size of the cherry orchard, the level of specialization in cherry production, and the gross margin per hectare for cherry production have a statistically significant impact on the tendency of the growers to choose direct marketing channels in cherry selling. In particular, the growers whose experience is more than 20 yr, the farms that are semi-specialized, the farms providing a gross margin of more than US$5506 ha−1, and the farms having a cherry orchard between 1 and 2 ha in size were determined to have more of a tendency for direct marketing. These results show that owners of medium-sized farms are more interested in direct marketing. According to the interviewed cherry growers, the most important factor limiting their participation in direct marketing is that there are no organizations that will help them meet their direct marketing goals and build direct marketing arrangements between themselves and their consumers.