bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bony Pits in the Ostrich (Struthio camelus) and Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) Bill Tip
Authors: Crole Martina R. , Soley John T. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTA specialized region of the bill tip characterized by a complex arrangement of mechanoreceptors and referred to as a bill tip organ, has been identified in numerous avians. A bill tip organ was initially inferred in kiwi species by the presence of numerous, bony pits in the rostrum of the bill, and later confirmed histologically. This study enumerates and compares the number and distribution of pits present in the bill tip in the ostrich and emu. The heads from 10 ostrich and 5 emu were prepared for osteological examination. The pattern and total number of pits was similar between the two species. However, the ostrich had significantly more pits in the regions underlying the Culmen and Gonys, whereas the emu displayed significantly more pits in the dorsal part of the mandibular rostrum. The relatively even distribution of pits in the inner and outer surfaces of both the mandibular and maxillary rostra suggest that the bill tip of the ostrich and emu are equally sensitive externally and intra‐orally, as opposed to probing birds, where the major concentration of pits is located on the outer surfaces of the bill tips. The presence of pits in the bill tips of extant paleaognaths may be of relevance in interpreting the pits in the rostra of extinct therapod dinosaurs. The presence of bony pits in a region which is also well supplied with sensory nerves is highly suggestive of a bill tip organ in the ostrich and emu and which needs to be confirmed histologically. Anat Rec, 300:1705–1715, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Utility of Hantzsch reaction for development of highly sensitive spectrofluorimetric method for determination of alfuzosin and terazosin in bulk, dosage forms and human plasma
Authors: Hammad Mohamed A. , Omar Mahmoud A. , Salman Baher I. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractA highly sensitive, cheap, simple and accurate spectrofluorimetric method has been developed and validated for the determination of alfuzosin hydrochloride and terazosin hydrochloride in their pharmaceutical dosage forms and in human plasma. The developed method is based on the reaction of the primary amine moiety in the studied drugs with acetylacetone and formaldehyde according to the Hantzsch reaction, producing yellow fluorescent products that can be measured spectrofluorimetrically at 480 nm after excitation at 415 nm. Different experimental parameters affecting the development and stability of the reaction products were carefully studied and optimized. The fluorescence–concentration plots of alfuzosin and terazosin were rectilinear over a concentration range of 70–900 ng ml−1, with quantitation limits 27.1 and 32.2 ng ml−1 for alfuzosin and terazosin, respectively. The proposed method was validated according to ICH guidelines and successfully applied to the analysis of the investigated drugs in dosage forms, content uniformity test and spiked human plasma with high accuracy.
Better understanding of homologous recombination through a 12‐week laboratory course for undergraduates majoring in biotechnology
Authors: Li Ming , Shen Xiaodong , Zhao Yan , Hu Xiaomei , Hu Fuquan , Rao Xiancai 
Published: March 2017

AbstractHomologous recombination, a central concept in biology, is defined as the exchange of DNA strands between two similar or identical nucleotide sequences. Unfortunately, undergraduate students majoring in biotechnology often experience difficulties in understanding the molecular basis of homologous recombination. In this study, we developed and implemented a 12‐week laboratory course for biotechnology undergraduates in which gene targeting in Streptococcus suis was used to facilitate their understanding of the basic concept and process of homologous recombination. Students worked in teams of two to select a gene of interest to create a knockout mutant using methods that relied on homologous recombination. By integrating abstract knowledge and practice in the process of scientific research, students gained hands‐on experience in molecular biology techniques while learning about the principle and process of homologous recombination. The learning outcomes and survey‐based assessment demonstrated that students substantially enhanced their understanding of how homologous recombination could be used to study gene function. Overall, the course was very effective for helping biotechnology undergraduates learn the theory and application of homologous recombination, while also yielding positive effects in developing confidence and scientific skills for future work in research. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(4):329–335, 2017.
Prevalence of potential sports‐associated risk factors in Swiss amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients
Authors: Feddermann‐Demont Nina , Junge Astrid , Weber Konrad P. , Weller Michael , Dvořák Jiří , Tarnutzer Alexander A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectivesAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been reported to occur with increased incidence amongst physically active people. The role of extrinsic risk factors as physical activity, head trauma and drug/pesticide‐exposure in the pathophysiology of ALS and especially in the context of practising sports remains controversial.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively studied exposure to extrinsic factors in 92 ALS patients in the presymptomatic stage. Metabolic equivalents (METs) were calculated and the association of physical activity, drug intake, head trauma and participation in specific sports (football [soccer], ice hockey) with age at symptom‐onset was evaluated.ResultsNinety‐five percent of patients considered themselves physically active before symptom‐onset. Total MET‐values varied broadly and there was no correlation between vigorous physical activity and age at symptom‐onset. Mild traumatic brain injury (prevalence = 16.7%) was the most frequent diagnosis after head/neck injury. A history of ≥1 head/neck injuries was associated with a younger age at symptom‐onset (61.8 ± 11.0 vs. 54.1 ± 13.0, p = .013). In former football and ice hockey players the rate of vigorous physical activities was increased (p < .05), whereas total MET‐values, frequency of head injuries and analgesic intake were not different compared to other ALS patients.ConclusionsHistory of head injuries was the only extrinsic risk factor associated with accelerated neurodegeneration in ALS. There was no evidence for extrinsic factors predisposing former football and ice hockey players to ALS. Our data therefore support the hypothesis that not increased physical activity per se, but other unknown environmental factors and/or genetic profile or lifestyle‐promoting physical fitness increases ALS susceptibility.
Dietary consumption of monosodium L‐glutamate induces adaptive response and reduction in the life span of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Abolaji Amos O. , Olaiya Charles O. , Oluwadahunsi Oluwagbenga J. , Farombi Ebenezer O. 
Published: March 2017

Adaptive response is the ability of an organism to better counterattack stress‐induced damage in response to a number of different cytotoxic agents. Monosodium L‐glutamate (MSG), the sodium salt of amino acid glutamate, is commonly used as a food additive. We investigated the effects of MSG on the life span and antioxidant response in Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster). Both genders (1 to 3 days old) of flies were fed with diet containing MSG (0.1, 0.5, and 2.5‐g/kg diet) for 5 days to assess selected antioxidant and oxidative stress markers, while flies for longevity were fed for lifetime. Thereafter, the longevity assay, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species levels were determined. Also, catalase, glutathione S‐transferase and acetylcholinesterase activities, and total thiol content were evaluated in the flies. We found that MSG reduced the life span of the flies by up to 23% after continuous exposure. Also, MSG increased reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and H2O2 generations and total thiol content as well as the activities of catalase and glutathione S‐transferase in D. melanogaster (P < .05). In conclusion, consumption of MSG for 5 days by D. melanogaster induced adaptive response, but long‐term exposure reduced life span of flies. This study may therefore have public health significance in humans, and thus, moderate consumption of MSG is advocated by the authors.
Ratio of systolic blood pressure to left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure at the time of primary percutaneous coronary intervention predicts in‐hospital mortality in patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Sola Michael , Venkatesh Kiran , Caughey Melissa , Rayson Robert , Dai Xuming , Stouffer George A. , Yeung Michael 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveTo determine the ability of simple hemodynamic parameters obtained at the time of cardiac catheterization to predict in‐hospital mortality following ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).BackgroundHemodynamic parameters measured at the time of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) could potentially identify high‐risk patients who would benefit from aggressive hemodynamic support in the Cardiac Catheterization laboratory.MethodsThis is a retrospective single‐center study of 219 consecutive patients with STEMI. Left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and aortic diastolic blood pressure were obtained after successful revascularization. The prognostic ability of LVEDP, pulse pressure, and SBP/LVEDP ratio were compared to major mortality risk scores.ResultsPatients had a mean age of 60 ±14 years, were predominantly white (73%), male (64%), with anterior wall infarcts in 39%. Comorbidities included diabetes mellitus (27%), heart failure (9%), and chronic kidney disease (7%). In‐hospital mortality was 9%. Patients with SBP/LVEDP ≤ 4 had increased risk of in‐hospital death (32% vs. 5.3%, P < 0.0001), intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) usage (51.6% vs. 9.6%, P < 0.0001) and combined endpoint of death or IABP usage (58.1% vs. 13.3%, P < 0.0001) compared to patients with SBP/LVEDP > 4. The area under curve (AUC) for SBP/LVEDP ratio for in‐hospital mortality (0.69) was more predictive than LVEDP (0.61, P = 0.04) or pulse pressure (0.55, P = 0.02) but similar to Shock Index (ratio of heart rate to SBP) and Modified Shock Index (ratio of HR to mean arterial pressure).ConclusionAn SBP/LVEDP ratio ≤ 4 identified a group of STEMI patients at high risk of in‐hospital death. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel integrated 3D multidetector computed tomography and fluoroscopy fusion for left atrial appendage occlusion procedures
Authors: Roy A.K. , Horvilleur J. , Cormier B. , Cazalas M. , Fernandez L. , Patane M. , Neylon A. , Spaziano M. , Sawaya F.J. , Arai T. , Bouvier E. , Hovasse T. , Lefèvre T. , Chevalier B. , Garot P. 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesThis report demonstrates the application and feasibility of novel 3D‐MDCT real‐time fusion technology with fluoroscopy, for left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion procedures.BackgroundA successful LAA occlusion procedure relies on multiple imaging modalities, including TEE or 3D‐MDCT, and fluoroscopy. Effectively integrating these imaging modalities may improve implantation safety and success. To our knowledge this technique has not been previously described for LAA occlusions.MethodsThis observational study compared clinical and procedural parameters for procedures performed with or without fusion integration. All patients had a pre‐procedural 3D‐MDCT for LAA measurements, along with 3D analyses of LAA morphology and surrounding structures. Using the image fusion software (Valve ASSIST 2, GE Healthcare, UK), landmarks were identified on fluoroscopy, and MDCT LAA anatomy outlines were then projected onto the real‐time fluoroscopy image during the procedure, to guide all steps of the intervention.ResultsA total of 57 patients underwent LAA occlusion, with 16 performed using fusion software. In comparison to the pre‐fusion group, reductions in contrast volume (21.0 ± 11.7 vs. 95.9 ± 80.5 ml, P < 0.001), procedure time (63.0 ± 22.0 vs. 87.3 ± 43.0 min, P = 0.01), and fluoroscopy time (6.2 vs. 8.3 min, P = 0.03) were observed. Incomplete sealing (0 vs. 14.6%, P = 0.16) and device deployment success (100 vs. 92.7%, P = 0.17) were not significantly different.ConclusionsThe addition of this novel fusion technology is safe and feasible. To optimize LAA procedural success, fusion integration may offer a promising addition, or alternative, to current imaging modalities. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of 5‐year outcomes of paclitaxel‐eluting and endeavor zotarolimus‐eluting stents in New York
Authors: Qian Feng , Zhong Ye , Hannan Edward L. 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesTo evaluate long‐term outcomes in patients undergoing either paclitaxel‐eluting stents (PES) or endeavor zotarolimus‐eluting stents (E‐ZES) placement and to assess comparative effectiveness of PES vs. E‐ZES in different “off‐label” and “high‐risk” patient subgroups.BackgroundPES and E‐ZES are frequently used in percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). However, the long‐term comparative effectiveness of PES vs. E‐ZES in real practice is unknown.MethodsWe created a longitudinal database by linking the New York State (NYS) cardiac registries, the NYS hospital discharge file, the National Death Index, and the U.S. Census file for patients undergoing either PES or E‐ZES placement from July 2008 through December 2009. All‐cause mortality, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), target lesion PCI (TLPCI), and target vessel coronary artery bypass graft (TVCABG) surgery were compared for 9,264 propensity score matched patients for a 5‐year follow‐up period using the Kaplan‐Meier method with further adjustment using Cox proportional hazards regression.ResultsWe did not detect significant differences between E‐ZES and PES (reference) in 5‐year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio <AHR>: 1.02, 95% confidence interval <CI>: 0.91–1.14), AMI (AHR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.90–1.22), TLPCI (AHR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.86–1.13), and TVCABG (AHR, 1.07, 95% CI: 0.84–1.36). For six “off‐label” and two “high‐risk” subpopulations, we had similar findings for the two stent groups.ConclusionNYS observational data suggest that 5‐year outcomes are comparable in patients receiving either PES or E‐ZES placement, mirroring the findings of recent clinical trials. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A randomized comparison of modified subcutaneous “Z”‐stitch versus manual compression to achieve hemostasis after large caliber femoral venous sheath removal
Authors: Pracon Radoslaw , Bangalore Sripal , Henzel Jan , Cendrowska‐Demkow Iwona , Pregowska‐Chwala Barbara , Tarnowska Agnieszka , Dzielinska Zofia , Chmielak Zbigniew , Witkowski Adam , Demkow Marcin 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesTo compare subcutaneous “Z”‐stitch versus manual compression in attaining hemostasis after large bore femoral venous access, and to assess its impact on venous patency.BackgroundStructural interventions increasingly require large caliber venous access, for which convenient, safe, and effective method of postprocedural hemostasis is needed. “Z”‐stitch has been introduced for this purpose in some centers but systematic data on its performance is limited.MethodsThis single center study randomized consecutive patients with femoral venous access sites requiring ≥10F sheaths to the “Z”‐stitch or manual compression for hemostasis in a 2:1 fashion. There were three co‐primary endpoints: time to hemostasis, time to ambulation, and a composite safety endpoint comprising vascular access site complications. Groin Doppler‐Duplex was performed with the stitch in place and after its removal.Results86 consecutive patients with 90 access sites were randomized. Mean age was 61.7 ± 19.1 years, 33.3% were men. Median sheath size was 14 F (range 10–22 F). Patients randomized to “Z”‐stitch achieved hemostasis quicker [<1 min vs. 12.0 (IQR 10.0–15.0) min, P < 0.001] and ambulated sooner [7.0 (IQR 4.0–12.0) vs. 16.0 (IQR 11.8–20.3) hr post procedure, P < 0.001] when compared with manual compression alone. The “Z”‐stitch reduced rates of access site complications (OR = 0.27, 95%CI 0.09–0.76, P = 0.01). All imaged veins were patent before and after stitch removal.ConclusionsThe “Z”‐stitch is a safe and effective method of achieving hemostasis after large bore femoral venous sheath removal and results in faster hemostasis, early patient ambulation and less access site complications, without compromising vein patency when compared with manual compression alone. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Invasive characterization of atherosclerotic plaque in patients with peripheral arterial disease using near‐infrared spectroscopy intravascular ultrasound
Authors: Abbas Amr E. , Zacharias Sibin K. , Goldstein James A. , Hanson Ivan D. , Safian Robert D. 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesWe describe the characteristics of atherosclerotic plaque in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) using near‐infrared spectroscopy‐intravascular ultrasound (NIRS‐IVUS)BackgroundImaging and autopsy studies have described atherosclerotic plaque in different vascular beds, including varying degrees of lipid, fibrosis, and calcification. Recently, NIRS has been validated as an accurate method for detecting lipid‐core plaque (LCP) in the coronary circulation. Invasive evaluation of plaque composition using NIRS‐IVUS has not been reported in different peripheral arterial circulations.MethodsWe performed invasive angiography and NIRS‐IVUS in consecutive PAD patients prior to percutaneous revascularization. Imaging evaluation included parameters from angiography, IVUS, and NIRS. NIRS‐IVUS findings were compared among different vascular beds with regard to the presence and extent of calcification and LCP.ResultsOne hundred and forty‐nine lesions in 126 PAD patients were enrolled, including the internal carotid (n = 10), subclavian/axillary (n = 9), renal (n = 14), iliac (n = 35), femoropopliteal (n = 69), and infrapopliteal (n = 12) arteries. Plaque morphology was calcified in 132 lesions (89%) and fibrous in 17 lesions (11%). Calcification varied from 100% of renal artery stenoses to 55% of subclavian/axillary artery stenoses. LCP was present in 48 lesions (32%) and prevalence varied from 60% in carotid artery stenoses to 0% in renal artery stenoses (P < 0.005). LCP was only observed in fibrocalcific plaque, and was longitudinally and circumferentially surrounded by a more extensive degree of calcium.ConclusionsNIRS‐IVUS in stable PAD patients demonstrates a high frequency of calcific plaque and statistically significant differences in the frequency of LCP in different arterial beds. LCP, when present in the peripheral circulation, is always associated with calcified plaque. The strong co‐localization of calcified plaque and LCP in severe PAD lesions may provide plaque‐stabilizing effects; further studies are needed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Patient‐level meta‐analysis of 999 claudicants undergoing primary femoropopliteal nitinol stent implantation
Authors: Rocha‐Singh Krishna J. , Beckman Joshua A. , Ansel Gary , Lyden Sean P. , Schneider Peter , Mehta Manish , Dake Michael , Mullin Christopher M. , Jaff Michael R. ,   on behalf of VIVA Physicians, Inc
Published: March 2017

Condensed AbstractThe factors that impact the clinical effectiveness of bare nitinol stents in claudicants with symptomatic femoropopliteal atherosclerosis are incompletely known. The authors analyzed variables that may influence stent durability and provide a benchmark for their effectiveness. Data analyzed from six studies (999 patients) included baseline noninvasive hemodynamic tests, angiographic characteristics, ultrasound defined stent patency and target lesion revascularization through 12‐months. Baseline ankle‐brachial index and lesion length predicted stent patency and target lesion revascularization and when combined interacted significantly to better predict outcomes. This meta‐analysis provides an important comparator against which emerging therapies that treat claudicants with femoropopliteal atherosclerosis can be assessed.Subject CodePeripheral Artery DiseaseBackgroundThe performance of bare metal nitinol stents in patients with symptomatic femoropopliteal peripheral artery disease (PAD) is not well defined.MethodsPatient‐level data from six large prospective trials sponsored by medical device manufacturers was abstracted and analyzed to identify a cohort of patients with claudication and femoropopliteal artery occlusive disease. Twelve‐month binary patency and target lesion revascularization (TLR) rates were primary outcomes. Stent patency was assessed by duplex ultrasonography (DUS) and TLR was a clinically driven intervention. To characterize the effects of patient characteristics on the outcomes, meta‐regression was performed via mixed effects logistic regression models with patient‐level covariates.ResultsAbout 999 patients were analyzed; the mean ABI was 0.68 ± 0.18, the mean lesion length was 84 ± 53 mm, the mean lesion stenosis was 78%, and nearly two thirds of patients had mild to severe calcification. The mean Rutherford clinical category was 2.7 ± 0.6 and ranged from 2.6 to 2.8 in all studies. The 12‐month patency across all studies was 69.8% and TLR rates ranged from 9.2% to 19.7%. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that baseline ABI and baseline target lesion length predicted both primary patency and TLR. Further, these two variables interacted significantly to better predict TLR outcomes when used in combination.ConclusionThe 12‐month clinical effectiveness of bare nitinol stents to treat patients with symptomatic femoropopliteal PAD is acceptable and is impacted by clinical and lesion‐specific characteristics. These data provide an important and useful benchmark to compare the clinical benefit of emerging endovascular PAD therapies. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of coronary plaque morphology assessed by optical coherence tomography on cardiac troponin elevation in patients with non‐ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Lee Tetsumin , Murai Tadashi , Isobe Mitsuaki , Kakuta Tsunekazu 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesThis study aimed to use optical coherence tomography (OCT) to study the relationship between plaque morphology prior to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and post‐PCI cardiac troponin (cTn) elevations in patients with non‐ST‐segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE‐ACS). Furthermore, the relationship between these findings and the adverse cardiac events during follow‐up was assessed.BackgroundAssociation between post‐PCI cTn elevations and OCT findings in NSTE‐ACS patients is unclear.MethodsWe evaluated 167 patients with stable or falling cTn values after admission who underwent PCI. Periprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) was defined as an cTn increase of more than 70× upper limit of normal (ULN) in troponin‐negative patients before PCI, or more than new 70× ULN elevation from the previous nadir level in pre‐PCI troponin‐positive patients. Clinical and OCT findings were compared between patients with (n = 48, 29%) and without (n = 119, 71%) PMI.ResultsPMI was associated with age, prior PCI, low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), OCT‐derived thin‐cap fibroatheroma (TCFA), plaque rupture, and lipid length. In multivariable analysis, TCFA (odds ratio [OR], 2.88; P = 0.011), eGFR (OR, 0.97, P = 0.003), and lipid length (OR, 1.12, P = 0.020) were independent predictors of PMI. At a median follow‐up of 38 months, event‐free survival was significantly worse in patients with PMI (log‐rank test χ2 = 6.47, P = 0.011).ConclusionsOCT analysis showed that PMI occurs more frequently in lesions with TCFA in NSTE‐ACS patients, and may identify patients having a higher risk of adverse cardiac events during follow‐up. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.