bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly sensitive stool DNA testing of Fusobacterium nucleatum as a marker for detection of colorectal tumours in a Japanese population
Authors: Suehiro Yutaka , Sakai Kouhei , Nishioka Mitsuaki , Hashimoto Shinichi , Takami Taro , Higaki Shingo , Shindo Yoshitaro , Hazama Shoichi , Oka Masaaki , Nagano Hiroaki , Sakaida Isao , Yamasaki Takahiro 
Published: April 2016

Background Accumulating evidence shows an over-abundance of Fusobacterium nucleatum in colorectal tumour tissues. Although stool DNA testing of Fusobacterium nucleatum might be a potential marker for the detection of colorectal tumours, the difficulty in detecting Fusobacterium nucleatum in stool by conventional methods prevented further explorations. Therefore, we developed a droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for detecting Fusobacterium nucleatum in stool and investigated its clinical utility in the management of colorectal tumours in a Japanese population. Methods Feces were collected from 60 healthy subjects (control group) and from 11 patients with colorectal non-advanced adenomas (non-advanced adenoma group), 19 patients with colorectal advanced adenoma/carcinoma in situ (advanced adenoma/carcinoma in situ (CIS) group) and 158 patients with colorectal cancer of stages I to IV (colorectal cancer group). Absolute copy numbers of Fusobacterium nucleatum were measured by droplet digital PCR. Results The median copy number of Fusobacterium nucleatum was 17.5 in the control group, 311 in the non-advanced adenoma group, 122 in the advanced adenoma/CIS group, and 317 in the colorectal cancer group. In comparison with that in the control group, the Fusobacterium nucleatum level was significantly higher in the non-advanced adenoma group, the advanced adenoma/CIS group and the colorectal cancer group. Conclusions This study illustrates the potential of stool DNA testing of Fusobacterium nucleatum by droplet digital PCR to detect individuals with colorectal tumours in a Japanese population.
White blood cell count correlates with mood symptom severity and specific mood symptoms in bipolar disorder
Authors: Köhler Ole , Sylvia Louisa G , Bowden Charles L , Calabrese Joseph R , Thase Michael , Shelton Richard C , McInnis Melvin , Tohen Mauricio , Kocsis James H , Ketter Terence A , Friedman Edward S , Deckersbach Thilo , Ostacher Michael J , Iosifescu Dan V , McElroy Susan , Nierenberg Andrew A 
Published: April 2016

Objective: Immune alterations may play a role in bipolar disorder etiology; however, the relationship between overall immune system functioning and mood symptom severity is unknown. Methods: The two comparative effectiveness trials, the Clinical and Health Outcomes Initiatives in Comparative Effectiveness for Bipolar Disorder Study (Bipolar CHOICE) and the Lithium Treatment Moderate-Dose Use Study (LiTMUS), were similar trials among patients with bipolar disorder. At study entry, white blood cell count and bipolar mood symptom severity (via Montgomery-Aasberg Depression Rating Scale and Bipolar Inventory of Symptoms Scale) were assessed. We performed analysis of variance and linear regression analyses to investigate relationships between deviations from median white blood cell and multinomial regression analysis between higher and lower white blood cell levels. All analyses were adjusted for age, gender, body mass index, smoking, diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Results: Among 482 Bipolar CHOICE participants, for each 1.0 × 109/L white blood cell deviation, the overall Bipolar Inventory of Symptoms Scale severity increased significantly among men (coefficient = 2.13; 95% confidence interval = [0.46, −3.79]; p = 0.013), but not among women (coefficient = 0.87; 95% confidence interval = [−0.87, −2.61]; p = 0.33). Interaction analyses showed a trend toward greater Bipolar Inventory of Symptoms Scale symptom severity among men (coefficient = 1.51; 95% confidence interval = [−0.81, −3.82]; p = 0.2). Among 283 LiTMUS participants, higher deviation from the median white blood cell showed a trend toward higher Montgomery-Aasberg Depression Rating Scale scores among men (coefficient = 1.33; 95% confidence interval = [−0.22, −2.89]; p = 0.09), but not among women (coefficient = 0.34; 95% confidence interval = [−0.64, −1.32]; p = 0.50). When combining LiTMUS and Bipolar CHOICE, Montgomery-Aasberg Depression Rating Scale scores increased significantly among men (coefficient = 1.09; 95% confidence interval = [0.31, −1.87]; p = 0.006) for each 1.0 × 109/L white blood cell deviation, whereas we found a weak association among women (coefficient = 0.55; 95% confidence interval = [−0.20, −1.29]; p = 0.14). Lower and higher white blood cell levels correlated with greater symptom severity and specific symptoms, varying according to gender. Conclusion: Deviations in an overall immune system marker, even within the normal white blood cell range, correlated with mood symptom severity in bipolar disorder, mostly among males. Studies are warranted investigating whether white blood cell count may predict response to mood-stabilizing treatment.
Safety of transesophageal echocardiography during extracorporeal life support
Authors: Nowak-Machen Martina , Schmid Eckhard , Schlensak Christian , Consferent Crina , Haeberle Helene A , Rosenberger Peter , Magunia Harry , Hilberath Jan N 
Published: April 2016

Introduction: Use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) has significantly increased in critically ill patients refractory to medical management. ECLS requires systemic anticoagulation to avoid thromboembolic complications and superimposed coagulopathies are common. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is frequently employed to assess cannula position and cardiac function during extracorporeal therapy. The goal of this study was to assess whether TEE probe insertion and removal in systemically anticoagulated ECLS patients was safe compared to patients without ECLS and normal coagulation studies. Methods: Eighty-seven separate TEE examinations in 53 adult ECLS patients were analyzed. Detailed complication profiles were logged for each patient from initiation through discontinuation of ECLS. Routine coagulation testing was recorded within two hours prior to the TEE exams. Controls consisted of age- and gender-matched patients undergoing perioperative TEE without ECLS and normal coagulation (N=87). Results: Overall TEE-associated morbidity in ECLS patients was 2.3% and consisted of minor oropharyngeal bleeding (2/87 TEE exams) exclusively. The patients presenting with oropharyngeal bleeding received heparin for anticoagulation and had two or more abnormal coagulation studies at the time of TEE. Seventy-nine percent of ECLS patients received intravenous heparin infusions, 6.8% argatroban and 3.4% epoprostenol. Ten-point-eight percent of patients were not anticoagulated at the time of TEE because of pre-existing bleeding complications and/or deranged plasmatic coagulation profiles. No major complications (e.g., esophageal perforation, gastrointestinal bleeding, accidental extubation) were recorded in either group. Conclusions: TEE remained safe in critically ill patients under ECLS, despite systemic anticoagulation, during probe insertion, manipulation and removal. TEE-related complications pertained solely to oropharyngeal bleeding amenable to conservative management.
Resveratrol counters systemic lupus erythematosus-associated atherogenicity by normalizing cholesterol efflux
Authors: Voloshyna Iryna , Teboul Isaac , Littlefield Michael J , Siegart Nicolle M , Turi George K , Fazzari Melissa J , Carsons Steven E , DeLeon Joshua , Reiss Allison B 
Published: April 2016

Resveratrol is a bioactive molecule used in dietary supplements and herbal medicines and consumed worldwide. Numerous investigations by our group and others have indicated cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of resveratrol. The present study explored potential atheroprotective actions of resveratrol on cholesterol efflux in cultured human macrophages exposed to plasma from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. These results were confirmed in ApoE−/−Fas−/− double knockout mice, displaying a lupus profile with accelerated atherosclerosis. Resveratrol treatment attenuated atherosclerosis in these mice. THP-1 human macrophages were exposed to 10% pooled or individual plasma from patients who met diagnostic criteria for SLE. Expression of multiple proteins involved in reverse cholesterol transport (ABCA1, ABCG1, SR-B1, and cytochrome P450 27-hydroxylase) was assessed using QRT-PCR and Western blotting techniques. Ten-week-old ApoE−/−Fas−/− double knockout mice ( n = 30) were randomly divided into two equal groups of 15, one of which received 0.01% resveratrol for 10 consecutive weeks. Atherosclerosis progression was evaluated in murine aortas. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) were cultured and expression of cholesterol efflux proteins was analyzed in each group of mice. Our data indicate that inhibition of cholesterol efflux by lupus plasma in THP-1 human macrophages is rescued by resveratrol. Similarly, administration of resveratrol in a lupus-like murine model reduces plaque formation in vivo and augments cholesterol efflux in BMDM. This study presents evidence for a beneficial role of resveratrol in atherosclerosis in the specific setting of SLE. Therefore, resveratrol may merit investigation as an additional resource available to reduce lipid deposition and atherosclerosis in humans, especially in such vulnerable populations as lupus patients.
Middle‐term mortality and re‐bleeding after initial diverticular bleeding: A nationwide study of 365 mostly elderly French patients
Authors: Lorenzo Diane , Gallois Claire , Lahmek Pierre , Lesgourgues Bruno , Champion Christine , Charpignon Claire , Faroux Roger , Bour Bruno , Remy André‐Jean , Naouri Chantal , Picon Magali , Poncin Eric , Macaigne Gilles , Seyrig Jacques‐Arnaud , Bernardini David , Bellaïche Guy , Grasset Denis , Henrion Jean , Heluwaert Frédéric , Piperaud René , Bordes Gilbert , Bourhis Francois , Arpurt Jean‐Pierre , Pariente Alexandre , Nahon Stéphane ,   Groupe des Hémorragies Digestives Basses de l'ANGH (Association Nationale des Hépato‐Gastroentérologues des Hôpitaux Généraux)
Published: April 2016

Background and aimsThe aim of this study was to determine the mortality and re‐bleeding rates, and the risk factors involved, in a cohort of patients with previous diverticular bleeding (DB).MethodsIn 2007, data on 2462 patients with lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding were collected prospectively at several French hospitals. We studied the follow‐up of patients with DB retrospectively. The following data were collected: age, mortality rates and re‐bleeding rates, drug intake, surgery and comorbidities.ResultsData on 365 patients, including 181 women (mean age 83.6 ± 9.8 years) were available. The median follow‐up time was 3.9 years (IQR 25–75: 1.7–5.4). Of these, 148 patients died (40.5%). Among the 70 patients (19.2%) who had at least one re‐bleeding episode, nine died and three underwent surgical procedures. Anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy was discontinued in 70 cases (19.2%).The independent risk factors contributing to mortality were age > 80 years (HR = 3.18 (2.1–4.9); p  < 0.001) and a Charlson comorbidity score > 2 (1.91 (1.31–2.79); p  = 0.003). Discontinuation of therapy was not significantly associated with a risk of death due to cardiovascular events. No risk factors responsible for re‐bleeding were identified, such as antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy in particular.ConclusionsIn this cohort, the rates of mortality and DB re‐bleeding after a median follow‐up time of 3.9 years were 19.2% and 40.5%, respectively. The majority of the deaths recorded were not due to re‐bleeding.
Diagnosis of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus verminous pneumonia via sonography-guided fine-needle pulmonary parenchymal aspiration in a cat
Authors: Gambino Jennifer , Hiebert Elizabeth , Johnson Melanie , Williams Matthew 
Published: April 2016

Case summary A 9-year-old, male neutered, indoor–outdoor domestic shorthair cat from the northern Alabama countryside presented for a 3 week history of coughing, lethargy and an episode of self-resolving dyspnea that occurred 1 week prior to presentation. Three-view thoracic radiographs revealed a moderate-to-severe, diffuse, mixed bronchial to structured interstitial (miliary-to-nodular) pulmonary pattern in all lung lobes with peribronchial cuffing and multifocal areas of mild patchy alveolar opacity. Ultrasound-guided evaluation and fine-needle aspiration of the caudodorsal lung parenchyma was performed with sedation. Cytology revealed many widely scattered Aelurostrongylus abstrusus larvae and ova. Upon the confirmed diagnosis of A abstrusus verminous pneumonia, treatment with fenbendazole and selamectin resulted in complete resolution of clinical signs within 6 weeks of the initial diagnosis. Relevance and novel information We report herein the first documented case in the Americas of A abstrusus verminous pneumonia diagnosed via cytologic evaluation of an in vivo, percutaneous ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirate of affected lung. Additionally, to our knowledge, we offer the first account of the sonographic (pulmonary) features of the disease.
Persistent Biomechanical Alterations After ACL Reconstruction Are Associated With Early Cartilage Matrix Changes Detected by Quantitative MR
Authors: Amano Keiko , Pedoia Valentina , Su Favian , Souza Richard B. , Li Xiaojuan , Ma C. Benjamin 
Published: April 2016

Background: The effectiveness of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in preventing early osteoarthritis is debated. Restoring the original biomechanics may potentially prevent degeneration, but apparent pathomechanisms have yet to be described. Newer quantitative magnetic resonance (qMR) imaging techniques, specifically T1ρ and T2, offer novel, noninvasive methods of visualizing and quantifying early cartilage degeneration. Purpose: To determine the tibiofemoral biomechanical alterations before and after ACL reconstruction using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to evaluate the association between biomechanics and cartilage degeneration using T1ρ and T2. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Knee MRIs of 51 individuals (mean age, 29.5 ± 8.4 years) with unilateral ACL injuries were obtained prior to surgery; 19 control subjects (mean age, 30.7 ± 5.3 years) were also scanned. Follow-up MRIs were obtained at 6 months and 1 year. Tibial position (TP), internal tibial rotation (ITR), and T1ρ and T2 were calculated using an in-house Matlab program. Student t tests, repeated measures, and regression models were used to compare differences between injured and uninjured sides, observe longitudinal changes, and evaluate correlations between TP, ITR, and T1ρ and T2. Results: TP was significantly more anterior on the injured side at all time points ( P < .001). ITR was significantly increased on the injured side prior to surgery ( P = .033). At 1 year, a more anterior TP was associated with elevated T1ρ ( P = .002) and T2 ( P = .026) in the posterolateral tibia and with decreased T2 in the central lateral femur ( P = .048); ITR was associated with increased T1ρ in the posteromedial femur ( P = .009). ITR at 6 months was associated with increased T1ρ at 1 year in the posteromedial tibia ( P = .029). Conclusion: Persistent biomechanical alterations after ACL reconstruction are related to significant changes in cartilage T1ρ and T2 at 1 year postreconstruction. Longitudinal correlations between ITR and T1ρ suggest that these alterations may be indicative of future cartilage injury, leading to degeneration and osteoarthritis. Clinical Relevance: Newer surgical techniques should be developed to eliminate the persistent anterior tibial translation commonly seen after ACL reconstruction. qMR will be a useful tool to evaluate the ability of these newer techniques to prevent cartilage changes.
New arsenate minerals from the Arsenatnaya fumarole, Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia. I. Yurmarinite, Na7(Fe3+,Mg,Cu)4(AsO4)6
Authors: Pekov I. V. , Zubkova N. V. , Yapaskurt V. O. , Belakovskiy D. I. , Lykova I. S. , Vigasina M. F. , Sidorov E. G. , Pushcharovsky D. Yu. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractA new mineral, yurmarinite, Na7(Fe3+,Mg,Cu)4(AsO4)6, occurs in sublimates of the Arsenatnaya fumarole at the Second scoria cone of the Northern Breakthrough of the Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption, Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia. It is associated with hatertite, bradaczekite, johillerite, hematite, tenorite, tilasite and aphthitalite. Yurmarinite occurs as well-shaped, equant crystals up to 0.3 mm in size, their clusters up to 0.5 mm and thin, interrupted crystal crusts up to 3 mm × 3 mm on volcanic scoria. Crystal forms are {101}, {011}, {100}, {110} and {001}. Yurmarinite is transparent, pale green or pale yellowish green to colourless. The lustre is vitreous and the mineral is brittle. The Mohs hardness is ∼4½. One direction of imperfect cleavage was observed, the fracture is uneven. D(calc.) is 4.00 g cm−3. Yurmarinite is optically uniaxial (−), ω = 1.748(5), ε = 1.720(3). The Raman spectrum is given. The chemical composition (wt.%, electron microprobe data) is Na2O 16.85, K2O 0.97, CaO 1.28, MgO 2.33, MnO 0.05, CuO 3.17, ZnO 0.97, Al2O3 0.99, Fe2O3 16.44, TiO2 0.06, P2O5 0.12, V2O5 0.08, As2O5 56.68, total 99.89. The empirical formula, calculated on the basis of 24 O atoms per formula unit, is (Na6.55Ca0.28K0.22)S7.05(Fe2.483+Mg0.70Cu0.48Al0.23Zn0.14Ti0.01Mn0.01)S4.05(As5.94P0.02V0.01)S5.97O24. Yurmarinite is rhombohedral, Rc, a = 13.7444(2), c = 18.3077(3) Å, V = 2995.13(8) Å3, Z = 6. The strongest reflections in the X-ray powder pattern [d, Å (I)(hkl)] are: 7.28(45)(012); 4.375(33)(211); 3.440(35)(220); 3.217(36)(131,214); 2.999(30)(223); 2.841(100)(125); 2.598(43)(410). The crystal structure was solved from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data to R = 0.0230. The structure is based on a 3D heteropolyhedral framework formed by M4O18 clusters (M = Fe3+ > Mg,Cu) linked with AsO4 tetrahedra. Sodium atoms occupy two octahedrally coordinated sites in the voids of the framework. In terms of structure, yurmarinite is unique among minerals but isotypic with several synthetic compounds with the general formula (Na7–x☐x)(M3+x3+M1–x2+)(T5+O4)2 in which T = As or P, M3+ = Fe or Al, M2+ = Fe and 0 ≤ x ≤ 1. The mineral is named in honour of the Russian mineralogist, petrologist and specialist in studies of ore deposits, Professor Yuriy B. Marin (b. 1939). The paper also contains a description of the Arsenathaya fumarole and an overview of arsenate minerals formed in volcanic exhalations.
Asbestiform sepiolite coated by aliphatic hydrocarbons from Perletoa, Aosta Valley Region (Western Alps, Italy): characterization, genesis and possible hazards
Authors: Giustetto R. , Seenivasan K. , Belluso E. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAn atypical asbestiform sepiolite occurrence with exceptionally long fibres wrapped by a sheath of aliphatic hydrocarbons was found in the Gressoney Valley (Italian Western Alps) while monitoring asbestos presence in outcrops of serpentinite rocks. Microscopic and Fourier transform infrared analyses proved that these fibres, apparently up to several cm long, are formed by bundles of thinner fibrils (average length: 150 μm) potentially dispersible in the environment. When observed using transmission electron microscopy these fibrils show a rhomboidal to parallelogram cross section (<1 μm), of which surfaces are covered mostly by an aliphatic hydrocarbon film – an association not reported in the literature. The sepiolite fibrils and their organic coating probably originated in sequential steps from precipitation of Si/Mg rich hydrothermal fluids, resulting from serpentinization of olivine and clinopyroxene and a Fischer-Tropsch-type reaction. The presence of hydrocarbons has serious implications for the sepiolite habit, as the organic wrap interacts with the fibril’s surface reducing the amount of adsorbed water and favouring the fragmentation of thicker units into thinner ones, due to an ‘opening’ process implying separation along z and cleavage on (110). This defibrillation mechanism, coupled with the extraordinary length, further increases the aspect ratio of these fibrils (length/width ≫3) thus amplifying their potential danger for human health when dispersed in air and inhaled.
Physical activity and exercise capacity in patients with moderate COPD exacerbations
Authors: Alahmari Ayedh D. , Kowlessar Beverly S. , Patel Anant R.C. , Mackay Alex J. , Allinson James P. , Wedzicha Jadwiga A. , Donaldson Gavin C. 
Published: April 2016

Little is known about changes in physical activity during moderate (out-patient managed) exacerbations.6-min walking distance (6MWD) was measured during 50 exacerbations when the patients were stable, and at 3 and 7 days post-exacerbation presentation. At similar time points, quadriceps maximum voluntary contraction (QMVC) was measured during 47 different exacerbations. Physical activity (SenseWear; Bodymedia Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, USA) was recorded over 2 consecutive-week periods post-presentation.6MWD fell from a median 422 m when stable to 373 m on day 3 (p=0.001). Similarly, QMVC fell from 32.6versus29.7 kg (p=0.026). Falls in 6MWD were associated with a rise in C-reactive protein (r= −0.364; p=0.041) and increased Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue (FACIT-F) (r= −0.44; p=0.013). Light physical activity was 2.18 h·day−1during the first week post-exacerbation and was less over week 2 (1.98 h·day−1; p=0.009). Patients who had attended pulmonary rehabilitation had smaller changes in 6MWD than those who had not attended (−35.0versus−114.9 m; p=0.013). Falls in physical activity were correlated with higher depression scores (rho= −0.51; p=0.006).These findings indicate that exercise capacity and muscle strength fall at exacerbation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients who are treated at home and are free to maintain normal activity.
The Troubled History of Psychiatry's Quest for Specificity
Authors: Horwitz Allan V. , Grob Gerald N. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractOver the course of the nineteenth century, medical disciplines replaced holistic conceptions of body and mind with specific diagnoses that were unrelated to the qualities and circumstances of the individuals who harbored them. Despite periodic attempts from the late nineteenth through the mid-twentieth centuries to implement diagnostic systems based on the principle of specificity, psychiatric diagnoses remained undifferentiated, overlapping, and capacious. The need for medical legitimacy, compatibility with a biomedical model, and conditions that third parties would reimburse led psychiatry to replace the psychodynamically oriented DSM-I and DSM-II with the radically empiricist DSM-III in 1980. This manual emphasized explicit measurement, symptom-based entities, and homogeneous categories that were compatible with the specific disorders embraced in the rest of medicine. Yet the diagnostic system that the DSM-III launched was incongruent with the underlying nature of the continuous, fluid, and intersecting conditions with which psychiatry deals. The widespread institutionalization of the specific diagnostic system in psychiatric practice, however, prevented any thoroughgoing revisions when the DSM-5 was published in 2013. The result is an impasse between psychiatry's classificatory system and the need for scientific progress in understanding the causes of and treatments for mental disorders.