bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Lifesaving View of Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation
Authors: Bramstedt Katrina A 
Published: October 2017

Introduction: Most solid organ transplantation is viewed as lifesaving, whereas vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) has been viewed as life enhancing. This article challenges the latter and argues that “social death” evident in severe face, hand, and larynx disfigurement can be potentially treated via VCA. Social death (from a social science perspective) consists of a combination of 7 components: social isolation, loneliness, ostracism, loss of personhood, change of role and identity, harm, and disfigurement. Methods: In February 2016, PubMed and Google were searched for case reports of human face, hand, and larynx transplantation. Patient and team narratives were then coded for components of social death using social science and medical model criteria. Results: Eleven narratives were identified among 9 articles. The social science model (but not the medical model) described pretransplant social death and the resolution of social death by receiving VCA. Notably, the medical model of social death was deemed unsuitable for application to VCA. This is because case narratives consistently contradict elements of the medical model. Conclusions: By including social death as a patient inclusion criterion for face, hand, and larynx VCA, these transplants can be considered lifesaving. Additionally, because VCA requires lifelong immunosuppressant medication, considering VCA as a lifesaving intervention improves the technology’s risk–benefit analysis. Guidance for assessing social death is provided.
NK cell recovery after haploidentical HSCT with posttransplant cyclophosphamide: dynamics and clinical implications
Authors: Russo Antonio , Oliveira Giacomo , Berglund Sofia , Greco Raffaella , Gambacorta Valentina , Cieri Nicoletta , Toffalori Cristina , Zito Laura , Lorentino Francesca , Piemontese Simona , Morelli Mara , Giglio Fabio , Assanelli Andrea , Stanghellini Maria Teresa Lupo , Bonini Chiara , Peccatori Jacopo , Ciceri Fabio , Luznik Leo , Vago Luca 
Published: October 2017

Key Points
Posttransplantation cyclophosphamide eliminates most mature donor NK cells infused with the graft, including alloreactive NK cells. High levels of serum interleukin-15 early after HSCT provide a favorable environment for adoptive infusion of mature donor NK cells.
Phase 1 study of the Hedgehog pathway inhibitor sonidegib for steroid-refractory chronic graft-versus-host disease
Authors: DeFilipp Zachariah , Nazarian Rosalynn M. , El-Jawahri Areej , Li Shuli , Brown Jami , Del Rio Candice , Smith Melissa , Valles Betsy , Ballen Karen K. , McAfee Steven L. , Rosenblatt Jacalyn , Antin Joseph H. , Cutler Corey S. , Chen Yi-Bin 
Published: October 2017

Key Points
Physician-assessed clinical responses and immunohistochemical changes were seen in association with sonidegib therapy for cGVHD. Sonidegib therapy was limited by ongoing cGVHD symptoms and adverse events not attributed to treatment.
Long-term effects of inhaled corticosteroids on sputum bacterial and viral loads in COPD
Authors: Contoli Marco , Pauletti Alessia , Rossi Maria Rita , Spanevello Antonio , Casolari Paolo , Marcellini Andrea , Forini Giacomo , Gnesini Giulia , Marku Brunilda , Barnes Neil , Rizzi Andrea , Curradi Giacomo , Caramori Gaetano , Morelli Paolo , Papi Alberto 
Published: October 2017

Inhaled corticosteroid-containing medications reduce the frequency of COPD exacerbations (mainly infectious in origin) while paradoxically increasing the risk of other respiratory infections.The aim was to determine the effects of inhaled corticosteroids on airway microbial load in COPD patients and evaluate the influence of the underlying inflammatory profile on airway colonisation and microbiome.This is a proof-of-concept prospective, randomised, open-label, blinded endpoint study. Sixty patients with stable moderate COPD were randomised to receive one inhalation twice daily of either a combination of salmeterol 50 μg plus fluticasone propionate 500 μg or salmeterol 50 μg for 12 months. The primary outcome was the change of sputum bacterial loads over the course of treatment.Compared with salmeterol, 1-year treatment with salmeterol plus fluticasone was associated with a significant increase in sputum bacterial load (p=0.005), modification of sputum microbial composition and increased airway load of potentially pathogenic bacteria. The increased bacterial load was observed only in inhaled corticosteroid-treated patients with lower baseline sputum or blood eosinophil (≤2%) levels but not in patients with higher baseline eosinophils.Long-term inhaled corticosteroid treatment affects bacterial load in stable COPD. Lower eosinophil counts are associated with increased airway bacterial load.
A virtual asthma clinic for children: fewer routine outpatient visits, same asthma control
Authors: van den Wijngaart Lara S. , Roukema Jolt , Boehmer Annemie L.M. , Brouwer Marianne L. , Hugen Cindy A.C. , Niers Laetitia E.M. , Sprij Arwen J. , Rikkers-Mutsaerts Eleonora R.V.M. , Rottier Bart L. , Donders A. Rogier T. , Verhaak Chris M. , Pijnenburg Mariëlle W. , Merkus Peter J.F.M. 
Published: October 2017

eHealth is an appealing medium to improve healthcare and its value (in addition to standard care) has been assessed in previous studies. We aimed to assess whether an eHealth intervention could improve asthma control while reducing 50% of routine outpatient visits.In a multicentre, randomised controlled trial with a 16-month follow-up, asthmatic children (6–16 years) treated in eight Dutch hospitals were randomised to usual care (4-monthly outpatient visits) and online care using a virtual asthma clinic (VAC) (8-monthly outpatient visits with monthly web-based monitoring). Outcome measures were the number of symptom-free days in the last 4 weeks of the study, asthma control, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, exhaled nitric oxide fraction, asthma exacerbations, unscheduled outpatient visits, hospital admissions, daily dose of inhaled corticosteroids and courses of systemic corticosteroids.We included 210 children. After follow-up, symptom-free days differed statistically between the usual care and VAC groups (difference of 1.23 days, 95% CI 0.42–2.04; p=0.003) in favour of the VAC. In terms of asthma control, the Childhood Asthma Control Test improved more in the VAC group (difference of 1.17 points, 95% CI 0.09–2.25; p=0.03). No differences were found for other outcome measures.Routine outpatient visits can partly be replaced by monitoring asthmatic childrenviaeHealth.
A complete project environment simulation to improve six sigma training class engagement
Authors: NG Chee Kai 
Published: October 2017

AbstractMost of the learners view statistical-related training, such as Six Sigma training as a “monotonous” area despite the group discussions, case studies, active summaries, Q&A sessions, and role-playing being included as part of Six Sigma training today. The learners will be less enthusiastic when similar training manner is repeatedly adopted and becomes predictable. An uninteresting training approach could cause the learners to be disengaged and demotivated to learn and thus cause the training to be ineffective and could potentially hinder the organization strategies. Therefore, to keep the learner more attentive and involved during the Six Sigma training, a fun Six Sigma training approach with a properly designed class game is desirable. The game aims to provide a complete Six Sigma project experience by simulating a real-life competitive atmosphere of commercial industry, which can help the learners to internalize the Six Sigma knowledge and its applications. The Six Sigma game embraces the form of team competition, where it covers two major aspects, namely, (i) Six Sigma expertise on how to formulate a meaningful y = f(x) and (ii) basic element of project management as a coherent approach to Six Sigma training. In this paper, the author adopted the Kirkpatrick learning evaluation model to evaluate how the learners react to the newly implemented Six Sigma game and to gauge how much their know-how improved after the training. The post-training feedback, pre-training, and post-training evaluation suggest that the Six Sigma game can engage and motivate the learners.
Behavioural activation for depression in older people: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Orgeta Vasiliki , Brede Janina , Livingston Gill 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundBehavioural activation is an effective treatment for depression in the general adult population but it is unclear whether it is effective for older people.AimsTo systematically review randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of behavioural activation for depression in older people.MethodWe searched Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and online trial registers for RCTs of behavioural activation for depression in older people.ResultsEighteen trials were included in the meta-analyses. Behavioural activation reduced mean depression scores for older people living in the community as a stand-alone treatment: standardised mean difference (SMD) −0.72, 95% Cl −1.04 to −0.41. It was also effective as part of a multicomponent intervention (SMD −0.44, 95% CI −0.56 to −0.32).ConclusionsBehavioural activation significantly reduces depressive symptoms in older people in the community; however, given that most studies are small and with significant bias results should be interpreted with caution. Further high-quality trials of behavioural activation for this age group are needed.
DNA Methylation–Based Classifier for Accurate Molecular Diagnosis of Bone Sarcomas
Authors: Wu S. Peter , Cooper Benjamin T. , Bu Fang , Bowman Christopher J. , Killian J. Keith , Serrano Jonathan , Wang Shiyang , Jackson Twana M. , Gorovets Daniel , Shukla Neerav , Meyers Paul A. , Pisapia David J. , Gorlick Richard , Ladanyi Marc , Thomas Kristen , Snuderl Matija , Karajannis Matthias A. 
Published: October 2017

Purpose Pediatric sarcomas provide a unique diagnostic challenge. There is considerable morphologic overlap between entities, increasing the importance of molecular studies in the diagnosis, treatment, and identification of therapeutic targets. We developed and validated a genome-wide DNA methylation–based classifier to differentiate between osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and synovial sarcoma. Methods DNA methylation status of 482,421 CpG sites in 10 Ewing sarcoma, 11 synovial sarcoma, and 15 osteosarcoma samples were determined using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 array. We developed a random forest classifier trained from the 400 most differentially methylated CpG sites within the training set of 36 sarcoma samples. This classifier was validated on data drawn from The Cancer Genome Atlas synovial sarcoma, TARGET-Osteosarcoma, and a recently published series of Ewing sarcoma. Results Methylation profiling revealed three distinct patterns, each enriched with a single sarcoma subtype. Within the validation cohorts, all samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas were accurately classified as synovial sarcoma (10 of 10; sensitivity and specificity, 100%), all but one sample from TARGET-Osteosarcoma were classified as osteosarcoma (85 of 86; sensitivity, 98%; specificity, 100%), and 14 of 15 Ewing sarcoma samples were classified correctly (sensitivity, 93%; specificity, 100%). The single misclassified osteosarcoma sample demonstrated high EWSR1 and ETV1 expression on RNA sequencing, although no fusion was found on manual curation of the transcript sequence. Two additional clinical samples that were difficult to classify by morphology and molecular methods were classified as osteosarcoma; one had been suspected of being a synovial sarcoma and the other of being Ewing sarcoma on initial diagnosis. Conclusion Osteosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, and Ewing sarcoma have distinct epigenetic profiles. Our validated methylation-based classifier can be used to provide diagnostic assistance when histologic and standard techniques are inconclusive.
Seasonal changes in background levels of deuterium and oxygen-18 proves water drinking by harp seals, which affects the use of the DLW method
Authors: Nordøy Erling S. , Lager Anne R. , Schots Pauke C. 
Published: October 2017

The aim of the study was to monitor seasonal changes in stable isotopes of pool freshwater, and harp seal (Phoca groenlandica) body water, and to study if these potential seasonal changes might bias results of using the doubly labeled water (DLW) method when measuring energy expenditure in animals with access to fresh water. Seasonal changes in the background levels of deuterium and oxygen-18 in the body water of four captive harp seals and in the freshwater pool in which they were kept, were measured over a time period of one year. The seals were offered daily amounts of capelin and kept under a seasonal photoperiod of 69° N. Large seasonal variations of deuterium and oxygen-18 in the pool water was measured, and the isotope abundance in body water showed similar seasonal changes as the pool water. This shows that the seals were continuously equilibrating with surrounding water due to significant daily water drinking.
Variations in background levels of deuterium and oxygen-18 in freshwater sources may be due to seasonal changes in physical processes such as precipitation and evaporation that may cause fractionation of isotopes. Rapid and abrupt changes in the background levels of deuterium and oxygen-18 may complicate calculation of energy expenditure by use of the DLW method. It is therefore strongly recommended to perform analysis of seasonal changes in background levels of isotopes before the DLW method is applied on (free-ranging) animals, and to use a control group in order to correct for changes in background levels.
A short review on the potential of coffee husk gasification for sustainable energy in Uganda
Authors: Miito Gilbert John , Banadda Noble 
Published: October 2017

Agricultural biomass is widely recognized as a clean and renewable energy source, with increasing potential to replace conventional fossil fuels in the energy market. Uganda, like other developing countries, has a high dependency (91%) on wood fuel, leading to environmental degradation. With a coffee production of 233 Metric Tonnes per annum, relating to 46.6 Mega Tonnes of coffee husks from processing, transforming these husks into syngas through gasification can contribute to resolving the existing energy challenges. The objective of this article is to briefly review the energy potential of coffee husks through gasification, and how the gasification process could increase energy recoveries for coffee farmers. Previous findings indicate that the 46.6 Mega Tonnes per year of coffee husks generated in Uganda, with a heating value of 18.34 MJ/kg, is capable of generating 24 GWh of energy. This will address a 0.7% portion of the energy situation in Uganda, while protecting the environment.
Renal impairment in stroke patients: A comparison between the haemorrhagic and ischemic variants
Authors: Shrestha Pratyush , Thapa Shalima , Shrestha Shikher , Lohani Subash , BK Suresh , MacCormac Oscar , Thapa Lekhjung , Devkota Upendra Prasad 
Published: October 2017

Background: Renal impairment is regularly seen in hospitalized stroke patients, affecting the outcome of patients, as well as causing difficulties in their management. A prospective cohort study was conducted to assess the trend of renal function in hospitalized ischemic and haemorrhagic stroke patients. The incidence of renal impairment in these subgroups, the contributing factors and the need for renal replacement in renal impaired patients was evaluated. Methods: Alternate day renal function testing was performed in hospitalized stroke patients. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR) was calculated and the trend of renal function in the two stroke subgroups (haemorrhagic and ischemic) was assessed, with renal impairment defined as e-GFR < 60mL/ minute per 1.73m2. Results: Among 52 patients, 25 had haemorrhagic stroke (mean age 59.81 ± 14.67) and 27 had ischemic stroke (mean age 56.12 ± 13.08). The mean e-GFR (mL/minute per 1.732m2) at admission in the haemorrhagic stroke subgroup was 64.79 ± 25.85 compared to 86.04 ± 26.09 in the ischemic stroke subgroup (p=0.005). Sixteen out of 25 (64%) patients in the haemorrhagic stroke subgroup and 9 out of 27 (33.3%) patients in the ischemic subgroup developed renal impairment (p=0.027). The location of the bleed (p=0.8), volume of hematoma (p=0.966) and surgical intervention (p=0.4) did not predispose the patients to renal impairment. One out of 16 patients with haemorrhagic stroke (who eventually died), and 2 out of 9 patients with ischemic stroke required renal replacement. Conclusion: Renal impairment is commonly seen in stroke patients, more so in patients who suffered haemorrhagic strokes. The impairment, however, is transient and rarely requires renal replacement therapy.
How apomictic taxa are treated in current taxonomy: A review
Authors: Majeský Ľuboš , Krahulec František , Vašut Radim J. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractGametophytic apomixis (asexual seed formation without syngamy of female and male gametes) is a highly interesting mechanism for researchers in plant biotechnology, genetics, evolutionary biology, and taxonomy. Apomixis evolved repeatedly and independently in the evolution of multiple genera. It is an effective reproduction barrier and, consequently, conserved apomictic genotypes may become overrepresented in nature. Apomictic plants may easily colonize free niches with only one or a few individuals and outcompete outcrossing plants. In spite of the indisputable pros of asexual reproduction, apomixis also has several cons. One of the most commonly mentioned is the accumulation of deleterious mutations in asexual lineages and decreased genetic variation. However, apomicts in general can be genetically highly diverse. The most common sources of this variation are the accumulation of mutations, hybridization with sexual plants, and facultative apomixis. Facultative apomicts are highly variable in their level of residual sexuality, which increases their genotypic and phenotypic variation. Even in the case of obligate apomicts, gene flow is possible due to functional male meiosis and the production of viable pollen grains by apomicts. Apomixis occurs in plant genera in which hybridization together with polyploidization play an important role in diversification and causes severe problems in taxonomy. How to accommodate apomictic taxa in taxonomic treatments, and understanding what should and what should not be referred to as a species are intriguing questions. This review aims to provide an overview of the main characteristics of “apomictic genera” and the approaches used to treat apomictic taxa within these genera. To achieve this aim, the review was divided into several parts. Firstly, the distinctive features of apomictic reproduction and apomictic taxa are described together with issues related to the taxonomic evaluation of apomictic taxa. The second part discusses approaches in the known apomictic genera, and the final part presents the authors’ view on important points, which need to be taken into account in the classification of apomictic taxa.
Multi‐locus phylogeny of Ludwigia (Onagraceae): Insights on infra‐ generic relationships and the current classification of the genus
Authors: Liu Shih-Hui , Hoch Peter C. , Diazgranados Mauricio , Raven Peter H. , Barber Janet C. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractLudwigia (Onagraceae) is a worldwide wetland genus with 83 species currently classified as members of 23 sec­ tions. Past studies have documented the morphological diversity and complex evolutionary history. Here we provide the first comprehensive molecular phylogeny of Ludwigia, using our new data to examine the existing evolutionary hypotheses. We employed both nuclear (ITS, waxy) and chloroplast (rps16, rpl16, trnL‐trnF, trnL‐CD, trnG) DNA regions for this study. Our results suggest that the North Temperate haplostemonous (NTH) group and a second group that includes all other species of Ludwigia(clade B) form strongly supported sister clades. In the NTH group, a monophyletic sect. Ludwigia is sister to the Microcarpium complex, but sect. Microcarpium and sect. Isnardia are not monophyletic. In clade B, the multi‐species sec­ tions Jussiaea and Macrocarpon are well‐supported monophyletic clades, but others, including the largest sect. Myrtocarpus, are not monophyletic. In sum, this first molecular phylogeny of Ludwigia clarifies and supports several major relationships in the genus but also highlights parts of the classification that should be changed. Our results imply that allopolyploidy played an important role in the evolutionary history of the genus, giving rise to complex patterns of relationships that are not yet adequately reflected in the classification.
Clinically apparent adverse reactions to intra-wound vancomycin powder in early onset scoliosis are rare
Authors: DeFrancesco C. J. , Flynn J. M. , Smith J. T. , Luhmann S. J. , Sawyer J. R. , Glotzbecker M. , Pahys J. , Garg S. , Vitale M. , Farrington D. M. , Sturm P. ,   The Children's Spine Study Group
Published: October 2017

Purpose Spine surgeons have increasingly used intraoperative application of topical vancomycin powder (TVP) to prevent surgical site infections (SSIs). The goals of this study were to define the rate of pharmacological adverse reaction to TVP in young patients undergoing posterior spinal surgery and to summarise institutional variation in TVP dosing. Methods This retrospective observational study included ten spine centres in the United States and one in Europe. Patients with early onset scoliosis who underwent posterior spine surgery were eligible for inclusion. Age, weight, TVP dose and surgery type were recorded. Surgeries where patient age was > 12 years were excluded. Pharmacological adverse reactions were defined as clinical instances of Red Man Syndrome, rash, nephrotoxicity, proteinuria, hepatotoxicity or ototoxicity. The rate of pharmacological adverse reaction to TVP was calculated. Dosing practices were summarised. Results Patient age was in the range of seven months to 12 years (median ten years). Of 1398 observations, there was one possible pharmacological adverse reaction. This was in a ten-year-old, 20.4-kg female patient with neuromuscular sco-liosis undergoing growing rod implantation. She was dosed with 1500 mg of TVP and immediately developed a transient rash without systemic symptoms. This abated over minutes without any medical intervention. There were no other adverse reactions in the sample. The population rate of pharmacological adverse reaction was 0.072% (95% confidence interval 0 to 0.4). Significant variability in dosing practices existed between centres. Conclusion Pharmacological adverse reactions to TVP are rare. Future work may establish evidence-based guidelines for TVP dosing based on patient weight and other variables.