bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma NT‐proBNP and Cell‐Free DNA Concentrations after Prolonged Strenuous Exercise in Working Farm Dogs
Authors: Hunt H. , Cave N. , Bridges J. , Gedye K. , Hill K. 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundPlasma N‐terminal pro–B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) concentration is increased in dogs with myocardial dysfunction, and cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) increases in numerous disease states. In humans, both of these biomarkers can be altered after endurance exercise.ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of prolonged strenuous exercise on circulating NT‐proBNP and cfDNA concentrations in working farm dogs.AnimalsSix healthy, privately owned working farm dogs (4 Huntaways and 2 heading dogs) from the same hill country farm in New Zealand.MethodsProspective, nonrandomised cohort study. Venous blood samples were collected before and after the dogs worked over 4 days. Plasma NT‐proBNP concentrations were measured by a commercially available ELISA assay and cfDNA concentrations were determined by fluorometry without prior DNA extraction.ResultsThe baseline (before work, Day 1) median plasma NT‐proBNP concentration was 664 pmol/L. A linear mixed‐effects model showed that work increased plasma NT‐proBNP concentrations by 101 ± 9% (P < 0.001), but with each consecutive day of work, NT‐proBNP concentrations declined by 16 ± 4% (P < 0.001). The baseline median plasma cfDNA concentration was 653 ng/mL, and plasma cfDNA concentrations increased by 138 ± 45 ng/mL after work (P = 0.004).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe plasma concentration of NT‐proBNP in healthy Huntaways and heading dogs after work can exceed the upper limit of the reference range. Results in dogs sampled on the day of prolonged strenuous exercise should be interpreted with caution. Plasma concentrations of cfDNA also increase with exercise, but further studies are needed to establish reference ranges in healthy dogs.
Pyelonephritis in Dogs: Retrospective Study of 47 Histologically Diagnosed Cases (2005–2015)
Authors: Bouillon J. , Snead E. , Caswell J. , Feng C. , Hélie P. , Lemetayer J. 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundThe clinicopathologic aspects of pyelonephritis have not been reported in companion animals.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo evaluate the prevalence of pyelonephritis diagnosed in dogs in a academic referral population, describe the clinical signs and the diagnostic test results in dogs with pyelonephritis, and identify concurrent disorders in order to determine potential risk factors for pyelonephritis.AnimalsForty‐seven dogs with a histopathologic diagnosis of pyelonephritis from the teaching hospitals of three Canadian veterinary colleges.MethodsRetrospective case series. Review of medical records and renal histologic sections.ResultsPyelonephritis was diagnosed in 0.4–1.3% of the cases at necropsy. Clinical signs included anorexia or inappetence (n = 27, 57%), lethargy (n = 24, 51%), vomiting (n = 17, 36%), and dehydration (n = 12, 25%). Thirty‐five dogs (75%) had concomitant disease(s).Escherichia coliwas the most common pathogen isolated (37%). Pyelonephritis was classified as acute (n = 12, 26%), subacute (n = 9, 19%), and chronic (n = 26, 55%) disease; and mild (n = 7, 15%), moderate (n = 11, 24%), and severe (n = 28, 61%). Fever was significantly associated with histopathologically subacute pyelonephritis (P= 0.01).ConclusionsIn referral hospitals, pyelonephritis has a very low prevalence at necropsy. Nonspecific clinical presentation, concomitant diseases, and high variability in the diagnostic tests results make the antemortem diagnosis of pyelonephritis challenging. Neither the histopathologic stage nor the severity of the pyelonephritis was associated with fever, lumbar pain, or signs of a urinary tract infection (ie, lower urinary tract infection, upper urinary tract infection, or both) except for subacute pyelonephritis which was associated with fever.
BartonellaSeroepidemiology in Dogs from North America, 2008–2014
Authors: Lashnits E. , Correa M. , Hegarty B.C. , Birkenheuer A. , Breitschwerdt E.B. 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundImproved understanding ofBartonellaspecies seroepidemiology in dogs may aid clinical decision making and enhance current understanding of naturally occurring arthropod vector transmission of this pathogen.ObjectivesTo identify demographic groups in whichBartonellaexposure may be more likely, describe spatiotemporal variations inBartonellaseroreactivity, and examine co‐exposures to other canine vector‐borne diseases (CVBD).AnimalsA total of 15,451 serology specimens from dogs in North America were submitted to the North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine Vector Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2014.MethodsBartonella henselae,Bartonella koehlerae,andBartonella vinsoniisubspeciesberkhoffiiindirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) serology results, as well as results from a commercial assay kit screening forDirofilaria immitisantigen andEhrlichiaspecies,Anaplasma phagocytophilum, andBorrelia burgdorferiantibodies, andEhrlichia canis,Babesia canis,Babesia gibsoni, andRickettsiaspeciesIFAresults were reviewed retrospectively.ResultsOverall, 3.26% of dogs wereBartonellaspp. seroreactive;B. henselae(2.13%) andB. koehlerae(2.39%) were detected more frequently thanB. vinsoniisubsp.berkhoffii(1.42%,P < 0.0001). Intact males had higher seroreactivity (5.04%) than neutered males (2.87%,P < 0.0001) or intact or spayed females (3.22%,P = 0.0003). Mixed breed dogs had higher seroreactivity (4.45%) than purebred dogs (3.02%,P = 0.0002). There was no trend in seasonal seroreactivity; geographic patterns supported broad distribution of exposure, and co‐exposure with otherCVBDwas common.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceBartonellaspp. exposure was documented throughout North America and at any time of year. Male intact dogs, mixed breed dogs, and dogs exposed to otherCVBDhave higher seroreactivity to multipleBartonellaspecies.
The effect of interferon‐free regimens on health‐related quality of life in East Asian patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Younossi Zobair M. , Stepanova Maria , Henry Linda , Han Kwang‐Hyub , Ahn Sang Hoon , Lim Young‐Suk , Chuang Wan‐Long , Kao Jia‐Horng , Kinh Nguyen , Lai Ching Lung , Yuen Man‐Fung , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen , Lai Wei 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundInterferon (IFN)‐based regimens cause significant impairment of health‐related quality of life (HRQL). Hepatitis C virus (HCV) cure with IFN‐free regimens improves HRQL. The effect of these regimens on HRQL in East Asian HCV patients is unclear due to lack of published evidence.AimTo assess HRQL in East Asian HCV patients treated with an IFN‐free regimen with sofosbuvir+ribavirin.MethodsPatients completed Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) before, during and after treatment.Results686 subjects were included (China: 56.7%; S. Korea: 18.8%; Taiwan: 12.7%; genotype 2: 40.8%; genotype 1: 29.6%; genotype 3: 18.4%; genotype 6: 11.2%; cirrhosis: 13.4%; treatment‐naïve: 66.5%). Patients received either pegylated‐IFN, sofosbuvir, and ribavirin (IFN+SOF+RBV) for 12 weeks (n = 155, genotypes 1 and 6) or SOF+RBV for 12‐24 weeks (n = 531, all genotypes). The SVR‐12 rates were 95.5% and 96.0%; respectively (P = .76). Baseline HRQL scores were similar between treatment groups (all P > .05). By the end of treatment, the IFN‐treated group experienced significant declines in most HRQL scores (on average, by up to −13.3 points on a 0‐100 scale from the baseline level, P < .02) while subjects on SOF/RBV had milder impairments (up to −5.4 points). Achieving SVR‐12 was associated with HRQL improvement regardless of regimen (up to +2.9 points, P < .05). The use of IFN‐free treatment was a consistent independent predictor of higher HRQL scores during treatment (β: +2.1 to +10.7 points, P < .02).ConclusionsEast Asian HCV patients treated with an IFN‐free regimen had better on‐treatment HRQL scores. These data should inform policymakers about the comprehensive benefits of IFN‐free regimens in East Asian patients with HCV.
Long‐term follow‐up of ribavirin‐free DAA‐based treatment in HCV recurrence after orthotopic liver transplantation
Authors: Beinhardt Sandra , Al‐Zoairy Ramona , Kozbial Karin , Stättermayer Albert F. , Maieron Andreas , Stauber Rudolf , Strasser Michael , Zoller Heinz , Graziadei Ivo , Rasoul‐Rockenschaub Susanne , Trauner Michael , Ferenci Peter , Hofer Harald 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsExcellent efficacy and safety profile of second‐generation DAA combinations improved treatment of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) as well as in HCV recurrence after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The need of ribavirin addition is under debate as anaemia and decreased renal function are prevalent in transplant cohorts. The aim of this study was thus to assess safety and long‐term efficacy of RBV‐free DAA combinations in HCV‐recurrent patients after OLT.Patients & MethodsA total of 62 OLT recipients (male: 50%/81%; age: 60.7 ± 8.5 years [mean ± SD]; GT ‐ 1: 48, GT ‐ 3: 9, GT ‐ 4: 5; cirrhosis: 34%/55% [7%/21% decompensated], fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis: 1%/2%) received RBV‐free treatment with second‐generation DAA combinations: sofosbuvir (SOF)/daclatasvir (DCV): 42%/68%, SOF/simeprevir (SMV): 10%/16%, SOF/ledipasvir (LDV): 6%/10% and PrOD: 4%/7%.ResultsData of at least 96 weeks of FUP after treatment cessation (mean: 120; up to 167 weeks) were analysed. All patients showed on‐treatment response. By intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis, SVR12 was 97% (60/62, GT‐1a: 11/11 [100%]; 1b: 33/34 [97%]; 1g: 1/1 [100%]; subtype not specified: 2/2 [100%]; GT3a: 9/9 [100%]; GT4: 4/5 [80%]) compared to SVR96 of 89% (55/62). No late relapses occurred. In total, 16 severe adverse events occurred, including two newly diagnosed carcinoma (lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma). Six patients died; one at treatment week 24 (HCV‐RNA undetectable) and five during treatment‐free FUP and after achieving SVR (SVR4: N = 1, SVR12: N = 3, after SVR96: N = 1 respectively). Reasons for death were: multi‐organ failure (N = 4), impaired graft function (N = 1) and unknown (N = 1).ConclusionRBV‐free DAA combinations for the treatment of HCV recurrence after OLT are highly efficacious and well tolerated. Our long‐term data show that viral eradication is durable but not necessarily translated into beneficial long‐term clinical outcome.
Overview of carbon and nitrogen catabolite metabolism in the virulence of human pathogenic fungi
Authors: Ries Laure Nicolas Annick , Beattie Sarah , Cramer Robert A. , Goldman Gustavo H. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryIt is estimated that fungal infections, caused most commonly by Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus and Cryptococcus neoformans, result in more deaths annually than malaria or tuberculosis. It has long been hypothesized the fungal metabolism plays a critical role in virulence though specific nutrient sources utilized by human pathogenic fungi in vivo has remained enigmatic. However, the metabolic utilisation of preferred carbon and nitrogen sources, encountered in a host niche‐dependent manner, is known as carbon catabolite and nitrogen catabolite repression (CCR, NCR), and has been shown to be important for virulence. Several sensory and uptake systems exist, including carbon and nitrogen source‐specific sensors and transporters, that allow scavenging of preferred nutrient sources. Subsequent metabolic utilisation is governed by transcription factors, whose functions and essentiality differ between fungal species. Furthermore, additional factors exist that contribute to the implementation of CCR and NCR. The role of the CCR and NCR‐related factors in virulence varies greatly between fungal species and a substantial gap in knowledge exists regarding specific pathways. Further elucidation of carbon and nitrogen metabolism mechanisms is therefore required in a fungal species‐ and animal model‐specific manner in order to screen for targets that are potential candidates for anti‐fungal drug development.
Estimating the effects of second-line therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Gottlieb Assaf , Yanover Chen , Cahan Amos , Goldschmidt Yaara 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveMetformin is the recommended initial drug treatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus, but there is no clearly preferred choice for an additional drug when indicated. We compare the counterfactual drug effectiveness in lowering glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and effect on body mass index (BMI) of four diabetes second-line drug classes using electronic health records.Study design and settingRetrospective analysis of electronic health records of US-based patients in the Explorys database using causal inference methodology to adjust for patient censoring and confounders.Participants and exposuresOur cohort consisted of more than 40 000 patients with type 2 diabetes, prescribed metformin along with a drug out of four second-line drug classes—sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists—during the years 2000–2015. Roughly, 17 000 of these patients were followed for 12 months after being prescribed a second-line drug.Main outcome measuresHbA1c and BMI of these patients after 6 and 12 months following treatment.ResultsWe demonstrate that all four drug classes reduce HbA1c levels, but the effect of sulfonylureas after 6 and 12 months of treatment is less pronounced compared with other classes. We also estimate that DPP-4 inhibitors decrease body weight significantly more than sulfonylureas and thiazolidinediones.ConclusionOur results are in line with current knowledge on second-line drug effectiveness and effect on BMI. They demonstrate that causal inference from electronic health records is an effective way for conducting multitreatment causal inference studies.
Comparison of haemoglobin assessments by HemoCue and two automated haematology analysers in young Laotian children
Authors: Hinnouho Guy-Marino , Barffour Maxwell A , Wessells K Ryan , Brown Kenneth H , Kounnavong Sengchanh , Chanhthavong Bigphone , Ratsavong Kethmany , Kewcharoenwong Chidchamai , Hess Sonja Y 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundHaemoglobin (Hb) assessment by Hemocue is used widely for anaemia screening in both adults and children. However, few studies have compared the diagnostic accuracy of Hemocue with an automated haematology analyser in young children.AimTo compare Hb concentrations by Hemocue Hb301 and two automated haematology analysers in young children in rural communities of Lao PDR.MethodsCapillary blood was collected from 6-month-old to 23-month-old children (n=1487) for determination of Hb concentration by Hemocue Hb301. On the same day, venous blood was collected for complete blood count using one of two haematology analysers (XT-1800i, Sysmex, and BC-3000Plus, Mindray Medical International). In a subsample of children (n=129), venous Hb was also measured by HemoCue Hb301. Agreement between the two methods was estimated using Bland-Altman plots.ResultsMean capillary Hb by Hemocue was significantly higher than mean venous Hb by haematology analysers combined (108.4±10.3 g/L vs 102.3±13.1 g/L; P<0.001), resulting in a significantly lower anaemia prevalence (Hb <110 g/L) by Hemocue (53.7% vs 73.9%; P<0.001). The Bland-Altman assessment of agreement showed a bias of 6.1 g/L and limits of agreement were −11.5 g/L to 23.7 g/L. Mean venous Hb concentration by Hemocue Hb301 (113.6±14.0 g/L) was significantly higher than mean capillary Hb concentration by Hemocue Hb301 (110.0±10.7; P=0.03 g/L), which in turn was significantly higher than mean venous Hb concentration by the Mindray BC-3000Plus (102.3±17.4 g/L).ConclusionCapillary and venous Hb concentrations assessed by Hemocue Hb301 showed poor agreement compared with venous Hb by automated haematology analysers, resulting in significantly different anaemia prevalences.
Detection of genome-wide copy number variants in myeloid malignancies using next-generation sequencing
Authors: Shen Wei , Paxton Christian N , Szankasi Philippe , Longhurst Maria , Schumacher Jonathan A , Frizzell Kimberly A , Sorrells Shelly M , Clayton Adam L , Jattani Rakhi P , Patel Jay L , Toydemir Reha , Kelley Todd W , Xu Xinjie 
Published: December 2017

AimsGenetic abnormalities, including copy number variants (CNV), copy number neutral loss of heterozygosity (CN-LOH) and gene mutations, underlie the pathogenesis of myeloid malignancies and serve as important diagnostic, prognostic and/or therapeutic markers. Currently, multiple testing strategies are required for comprehensive genetic testing in myeloid malignancies. The aim of this proof-of-principle study was to investigate the feasibility of combining detection of genome-wide large CNVs, CN-LOH and targeted gene mutations into a single assay using next-generation sequencing (NGS).MethodsFor genome-wide CNV detection, we designed a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sequencing backbone with 22 762 SNP regions evenly distributed across the entire genome. For targeted mutation detection, 62 frequently mutated genes in myeloid malignancies were targeted. We combined this SNP sequencing backbone with a targeted mutation panel, and sequenced 9 healthy individuals and 16 patients with myeloid malignancies using NGS.ResultsWe detected 52 somatic CNVs, 11 instances of CN-LOH and 39 oncogenic mutations in the 16 patients with myeloid malignancies, and none in the 9 healthy individuals. All CNVs and CN-LOH were confirmed by SNP microarray analysis.ConclusionsWe describe a genome-wide SNP sequencing backbone which allows for sensitive detection of genome-wide CNVs and CN-LOH using NGS. This proof-of-principle study has demonstrated that this strategy can provide more comprehensive genetic profiling for patients with myeloid malignancies using a single assay.
Deconstruction of a Metastatic Tumor Microenvironment Reveals a Common Matrix Response in Human Cancers
Authors: Pearce Oliver M.T. , Delaine-Smith Robin M. , Maniati Eleni , Nichols Sam , Wang Jun , Böhm Steffen , Rajeeve Vinothini , Ullah Dayem , Chakravarty Probir , Jones Roanne R. , Montfort Anne , Dowe Tom , Gribben John , Jones J. Louise , Kocher Hemant M. , Serody Jonathan S. , Vincent Benjamin G. , Connelly John , Brenton James D. , Chelala Claude , Cutillas Pedro R. , Lockley Michelle , Bessant Conrad , Knight Martin M. , Balkwill Frances R. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
We have profiled, for the first time, an evolving human metastatic microenvironment by measuring gene expression, matrisome proteomics, cytokine and chemokine levels, cellularity, extracellular matrix organization, and biomechanical properties, all on the same sample. Using biopsies of high-grade serous ovarian cancer metastases that ranged from minimal to extensive disease, we show how nonmalignant cell densities and cytokine networks evolve with disease progression. Multivariate integration of the different components allowed us to define, for the first time, gene and protein profiles that predict extent of disease and tissue stiffness, while also revealing the complexity and dynamic nature of matrisome remodeling during development of metastases. Although we studied a single metastatic site from one human malignancy, a pattern of expression of 22 matrisome genes distinguished patients with a shorter overall survival in ovarian and 12 other primary solid cancers, suggesting that there may be a common matrix response to human cancer.
Significance: Conducting multilevel analysis with data integration on biopsies with a range of disease involvement identifies important features of the evolving tumor microenvironment. The data suggest that despite the large spectrum of genomic alterations, some human malignancies may have a common and potentially targetable matrix response that influences the course of disease. Cancer Discov; 8(3); 304–19. ©2017 AACR.
This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 253
The Independent Foreign Fiction Prize and Man Booker International Prize Merger
Authors: Bold Melanie Ramdarshan , Norrick-Rühl Corinna 
Published: December 2017

There is a dramatic imbalance of cultural output in the global publishing industry. English-language publishers are disinclined to translate and publish foreign language books as a result of the popularity of English-language books and the high costs of translation. Three per cent is the oft-quoted number that indicates that foreign fiction in translation makes up only a minimal part of the UK book trade. This lack of bibliodiversity may have serious cultural consequences. There are thus several national and international initiatives to promote the publication and cultural capital of works in translation in order to reach a wider audience.
Book prizes are generally understood to have a positive impact on the discoverability of a title and consequent sales; winning authors, as well as those on the longlist and shortlist of prestigious prizes, can expect a significant boost in sales of the books in question. But in a culture where translated foreign fiction titles represent only a small percentage of books published, does this phenomenon extend to prizes for translated foreign fiction? This paper explores the—audience-building and sales-generating—impact of the UK’s most prestigious award for literature in translation, the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize (IFFP), in particular in light of the prize’s recent merger with the Man Booker International Prize (MBIP), and speculates whether this may help with the ‘three per cent problem’.
Compressive Stockings After Hindfoot and Ankle Surgery
Authors: Grubhofer Florian , Catanzaro Sabrina , Schüpbach Regula , Imam Mohamed A. , Wirth Stephan 
Published: December 2017

Background: Swelling and pain are common after foot and ankle procedures. We hypothesized that compressive stockings (CS) treatment after hindfoot surgery would positively influence patient outcomes. Methods: We undertook this randomized controlled trial in 87 consecutive patients to analyze the clinical effect of CS after hindfoot and ankle surgery and evaluate CS-wearing compliance using sensors that were implanted into CS. Ankle swelling, pain status, quality of life (SF-36 score), and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Score (AOFAS) were set as the primary end points. The CS wearing time in hours and percentage were investigated as the secondary end points. All participants with CS (group I) were informed about the implanted sensor after the CS were taken off. A subgroup analysis of group I was performed to detect differences between patients with high vs low compliance. Results: At 12 weeks, the results of ankle swelling (mean 234 mm in group I and 232 mm in group II), pain in the visual analog scale (1.7 group I vs 1.9 in group II), the SF-36 score (38 points in group I vs 30 points in group II), and the AOFAS score (a mean of 76 points in both groups) showed no statistical differences between the 2 groups. The mean wearing time was 136 (range, 0-470) hours, which corresponds to a compliance rate of 65%. Sixteen participants had high compliance (>80%, >170 hours), and 21 patients had low or noncompliance. The clinical results of patients with high wearing compliance were not significantly better compared to the results of patients with low compliance. Conclusion: CS therapy after ankle and hindfoot surgery was associated with a low wearing compliance and did not influence ankle swelling, function, pain, and the quality of life compared to the control group. Furthermore, the clinical results of patients with high compliance were not better compared to the results of patients with low or noncompliance wearing behavior. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective randomized study of lower quality.