bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Positive impact of omalizumab on angioedema and quality of life in patients with refractory chronic idiopathic/spontaneous urticaria: analyses according to the presence or absence of angioedema
Authors: Maurer M. , Sofen H. , Ortiz B. , Kianifard F. , Gabriel S. , Bernstein J.A. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackgroundApproximately 50% of patients with chronic idiopathic/spontaneous urticaria (CIU/CSU) report hives and angioedema; some experience hives/angioedema only.ObjectiveAssess omalizumab's effect on angioedema and quality of life (QoL) in subgroups with refractory CIU/CSU: those with and without angioedema.MethodsPatients received omalizumab (75, 150 or 300 mg) or placebo every 4 weeks for 12/24 weeks. Angioedema and QoL were assessed [Urticaria Patient Daily Diary and Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI)]. Subgroups were based on the presence/absence of baseline angioedema 7 days prior to randomization.ResultsPatients with baseline angioedema randomized to omalizumab 300 mg had a greater reduction in mean weekly incidence of angioedema and mean number of days/week with angioedema vs. placebo at 12 and 24 weeks. A 3.3‐ to 4.5‐point greater mean reduction in DLQI score was achieved with omalizumab 300 mg treatment vs. placebo, above the minimal clinically important difference threshold. Results with lower doses vs. placebo were variable.ConclusionCompared with placebo, omalizumab 300 mg treatment over 12–24 weeks resulted in marked reduction in incidence and number of days/week with angioedema accompanied by clinically relevant improvement in QoL.
New Concept in Reduced‐Calorie Sponge Cake Production by Xylitol and Oligofructose
Authors: Nourmohammadi Elham , Peighambardoust Seyed Hadi 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIn the present study, the influence of sucrose replacement with xylitol and oligofructose on volume, apparent and solid density, porosity, water activity, crust color, texture and sensory properties of reduced‐calorie sponge cakes was investigated (control: 100% sucrose, X1: 100% xylitol, X2: 77% xylitol‐23% oligofructose, X3: 23% xylitol‐57% sucrose‐20% oligofructose and X4: 25% xylitol‐75% sucrose). Based on the results X3 indicated the highest volume and porosity and the lowest apparent density. X3 also possessed the same firmness with sucrose cakes, while other reduced‐calorie samples showed lower firmness compared to control. In terms of crust color, all reduced‐calorie samples excluding X1 had darker crust than control. Control cakes showed the highest water activity than other samples. The sensory scores of all reduced‐calorie cakes were similar to control at the 1st and 7th days of evaluation, while dietetic samples got higher scores than sucrose cakes at the 14th day after production. Xylitol had no significant effect on solid density (P > 0.05).Practical ApplicationsDue to high level of sucrose in cake formulation, and problems such as obesity and increased blood sugar as the result of over consumption of these products, it is necessary to find a way to eliminate or reduce sucrose in cake formulation. Bulking agents are allowed for low calorie and diabetic diets, since their metabolism is slow and incomplete. The purpose of this research is using different concentrations of xylitol and oligofructose as bulking agents in reduced‐calorie cakes. Based on our findings, partial substitution of sucrose with xylitol and oligofructose (X3: xylitol‐sucrose‐oligofructose) showed the best results. On the other hand, complete substitution of sucrose with xylitol (X1) did not provide suitable physical and sensory properties.
Modification of Foaming Properties of Commercial Soy Protein Isolates and Concentrates by Heat Treatments
Authors: Shao Yi‐Yuan , Lin Kuan‐Hung , Kao Yu‐Ju 
Published: December 2016

AbstractCommercial soy protein isolates (SPIs; China 980A, China 880, ISP 974 and ADM 974) and soy protein concentrates (SPCs; SPC 700 and ARCON S) were used for comparing the effects of heat treatment (55C and 85C for 10–30 min) on the surface tension, surface hydrophobicity, viscosity, solubility at pH 3–8 and foaming properties. The foam capacity was highly positively correlated with the surface hydrophobicity, but negatively related to the surface tension, liquid percentage and foam maximum density. Heating commercial SPIs and SPCs improved the foam capacity, changed the surface hydrophobicity, solubility, foam maximum density and foam stability, and decreased the surface tension and viscosity. The heating temperatures had a greater influence on protein properties than did the heating time. Among soy protein products, heat‐modified China 980A had the best foam capacity and foam stability.Practical ApplicationsSimple heating treatments improved foaming properties of commercial soy products with low level of surface tension and high level of surface hydrophobicity and solubility. In particular, heating improved surface tension, foaming capacity, liquid percentage, foam maximum density and not damaged foaming stability in most of samples. These results indicate that a relatively inexpensive, high quality foaming properties was obtained by the action of heating process that benefits the application of using commercial soy proteins as foaming agents in aerated food systems. Therefore, the foaming properties of heated soy proteins were dramatically different, showing great potential for improving tailor‐made proteins for various applications.
A Dyadic Perspective on Engagement in Advance Care Planning
Authors: Fried Terri , Zenoni Maria , Iannone Lynne 
Published: December 2016

ObjectivesTo understand the perspectives of both patients and the person who would make medical decisions for them if they were unable (surrogates) on their participation in advance care planning (ACP).DesignQualitative cross‐sectional study.SettingCommunity.ParticipantsThirty‐one veterans age 55 years and older and their surrogates.MeasurementsIn interviews conducted with both the veteran and surrogate, they were asked to discuss their participation in four ACP activities: communication about life‐sustaining treatment, communication about views on quality of life, completion of a living will, and appointment of a healthcare proxy. They were asked about barriers to and facilitators of ACP engagement. When they did not agree about engagement, they each provided their perspective on what they believed had or had not occurred.ResultsMany of the same barriers to and facilitators of engagement were discussed by both patients and surrogates. These included difficulty thinking about dying, differences in values, and experiences with others that demonstrated the ability of ACP to decrease burden or avoid conflict. Reasons for disagreements in perceptions about whether communication had occurred included surrogates’ need for more detailed information, surrogates’ lack of readiness to hear what the patient was saying, and surrogates’ reliance on what they know about the patient. For some dyads, participation in the study prompted additional communication, resulting in a better shared understanding of ACP engagement.ConclusionSurrogates can both impede and facilitate engagement in ACP, and they can hold different perceptions from patients regarding this engagement. Efforts to promote ACP may be most successful if they assess and address both patients’ and surrogates’ attitudes and help to facilitate clear communication between them.
Effectiveness of Handmade “Jacky‐Like Catheter” As a Single Multipurpose Catheter in Transradial Coronary Angiography: A Randomized Comparison With Conventional Two‐Catheter Strategy
Authors: Erden Ismail , Golcuk Ebru , Bozyel Serdar , Erden Emine Cakcak , Balaban Yakup , Yalın Kivanc , Turan Burak 
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveTo investigate safety and efficacy of specialized hand‐modified “Jacky‐Like” catheter (JLC) as a single dual‐purpose catheter in transradial coronary angiography.MethodsPatients over 18 years undergoing diagnostic CAG through right radial artery (RRA) were prospectively enrolled. Procedures were performed with a single JLC modified from a left Judkins (JL) 3.5 catheter or by using 2‐catheter approach (2C). Procedures with coronary artery bypass grafts or ventricular angiographies were excluded from the study. Three hundred and eighty‐seven transradial procedures were performed successfully. One hundred and ninety‐four procedures were performed with 2C and 193 procedures with a JLC. Inability to use intended catheters, total fluoroscopic time in minutes, the consumption of contrast medium in milliliter, development of radial artery spasm (RAS), and radial artery occlusion (RAO) were evaluated.ResultsIn the 2C group, angiography was successfully performed on the RCA of 191 patients (98.9%) and on LCA in 192 patients (99.4%). In the JLC group, angiography was successfully performed on the RCA and LCA of 193 (99.4%) and 174 (89.6%) patients, respectively. Utilization of supplemental catheters was significantly greater in the JLC group (21; 10.8%) versus the 2C group (3; 1.5% P = 0.001). Mean fluoroscopy time was shorter in the JLC group (2.0 ± 2.3 min vs. 2.3 ± 1.5 min; P = 0.043). Mean procedure time was also decreased with JLC but did not reach statistical significance (5.7 ± 3.1 min vs. 6.2 ± 2.5 min; P = 0.081). When additional time for reshaping the JLC was not taken into account, mean procedure time was significantly decreased in the JLC group (5.6 ± 2.9 min vs. 6.2 ± 2.4 min; P = 0.031). There was a trend toward lower incidence of consumption of contrast medium in the 2C group (49 ± 13 mL vs. 52 ± 18 mL; P = 0.061). RAS was observed more frequently in the 2C group (11.3% vs. 21.7%, P = 0.005). There was a trend toward high incidence of RAO in the 2C group (4.1 vs. 8.3% P = 0.064).ConclusionIn transradial procedures from RRA, a JLC catheter can be very effective when dedicated dual‐purpose catheter is not available.
Drug‐Eluting Balloon Angioplasty for Below the Knee Lesions in End Stage Renal Disease Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia: Midterm Results
Authors: Teymen Burak , Aktürk Süleyman 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundThe 1‐year restenosis rate after standard balloon angioplasty (BA) of long lesions in below‐the‐knee arteries may be as high as 70%. Our aim was to investigate the efficacy and safety of paclitaxel drug‐eluting balloon (DEB) for treatment of below the knee lesions in end stage renal disease patients (ESRD) with critical limb ischemia (CLI).MethodsOur study is a retrospective, single‐center study. Inclusion criteria were ESRD, critical limb ischemia (Rutherford class 4 or higher) and significant stenosis or occlusion of at least 1 below‐the‐knee vessel. Target vessel restenosis and reocclusion at 1‐year follow‐up was the primary end point. Major amputation, was the secondary end point.ResultsFrom July 2012 to February 2015, 50 patients identified with ESRD, with CLI, treated with DEB angioplasty. Six patients were lost to follow‐up, leaving 44 patients with 55 vessels (mean age, 58.0 ± 6.9 years; 54.5% male). The mean lesion length was 113.4 ± 55.4 mm. BA confined to the infra‐popliteal segment alone in 81.8% of cases. Primary patency was 90.4% at 6 months and 62.2% at 12 months. At a mean follow‐up of 13.9 ± 3.5 months all cause mortality was 8.1% (N = 3). The ankle brachial index increased from 0.45 ± 0.04 preoperative to 0.88 ± 0.07 postoperative. There was one major amputation (2.7%) and 5 minor amputations at one year (13.5%).ConclusionDEB is effective in the treatment of below the knee critical stenosis and occlusions in ESRD patients with critical limb ischemia.
Verticillium dahliae LysM effectors differentially contribute to virulence on plant hosts
Authors: Kombrink Anja , Rovenich Hanna , Shi‐Kunne Xiaoqian , Rojas‐Padilla Eduardo , van den Berg Grardy C. M. , Domazakis Emmanouil , de Jonge Ronnie , Valkenburg Dirk‐Jan , Sánchez‐Vallet Andrea , Seidl Michael F. , Thomma Bart P. H. J. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryChitin‐binding lysin motif (LysM) effectors contribute to the virulence of various plant‐pathogenic fungi that are causal agents of foliar diseases. Here, we report the LysM effectors of the soil‐borne fungal vascular wilt pathogen Verticillium dahliae. Comparative genomics revealed three core LysM effectors that are conserved in a collection of V. dahliae strains. Remarkably, and in contrast with the previously studied LysM effectors of other plant pathogens, no expression of core LysM effectors was monitored in planta in a taxonomically diverse panel of host plants. Moreover, targeted deletion of the individual LysM effector genes in V. dahliae strain JR2 did not compromise virulence in infections on Arabidopsis, tomato or Nicotiana benthamiana. Interestingly, an additional lineage‐specific LysM effector is encoded in the genome of V. dahliae strain VdLs17, but not in any other V. dahliae strain sequenced to date. Remarkably, this lineage‐specific effector is expressed in planta and contributes to the virulence of V. dahliae strain VdLs17 on tomato, but not on Arabidopsis or N. benthamiana. Functional analysis revealed that this LysM effector binds chitin, is able to suppress chitin‐induced immune responses and protects fungal hyphae against hydrolysis by plant hydrolytic enzymes. Thus, in contrast with the core LysM effectors of V. dahliae, this lineage‐specific LysM effector of strain VdLs17 contributes to virulence in planta.
Identification of semiochemicals attractive toSimulium vittatum(IS‐7)
Authors: VEROCAI G. G. , McGAHA T. W. , IBURG J. P. , KATHOLI C. R. , CUPP E. W. , NOBLET R. , UNNASCH T. R. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractMany blackfly species (Diptera:Simuliidae) are economically important insect pests, both as nuisance biters and as vectors of pathogens of medical and veterinary relevance. Among the important blackfly pest species inNorthAmerica isSimulium vittatumZetterstedtsensu lato. The objective of this study was to identify compounds excreted by mammalian hosts that are attractive to host‐seekingS. vittatumfemales. The attractiveness of putative compounds to colonizedS. vittatumwas tested through electrophysiological (electroantennography;n = 58 compounds) and behavioural (Y‐tube assays;n = 7 compounds in three concentrations) bioassays. Five compounds were significantly attractive to host‐seekingS. vittatumfemales: 1‐octen‐3‐ol; 2‐heptanone; acetophenone; 1‐octanol, and naphthalene. These candidate compounds might be useful as attractants in traps that could be developed for use in alternative or complementary management tactics in programmes to suppress nuisance blackfly populations, or for the collection of samples in which to study the transmission ecology of pathogens transmitted by blackflies of theS. vittatumcomplex.
Characterization of patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis according to the new ESCMID/ERS/ECMM and IDSA guidelines
Authors: Salzer Helmut J. F. , Heyckendorf Jan , Kalsdorf Barbara , Rolling Thierry , Lange Christoph 
Published: December 2016

SummaryRecently, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) in cooperation with the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and the European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) published guidelines for the diagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA). Both guidelines, however, carry significant differences. We retrospectively applied the diagnostic recommendations on a patient cohort of 71 previously diagnosed CPA patients in order to compare both guidelines. In 50 patients (70%) the diagnosis was confirmed by the diagnostic criteria of both guidelines, while nine patients (13%) fulfilled neither the ESCMID/ERS/ECMM nor the IDSA criteria. Reasons were lack of mycological evidence in respiratory samples. These patients were not tested for the presence of Aspergillus‐specific IgG antibodies, which is strongly recommended by both guidelines. Seven patients did not fulfil the diagnostic criteria of the IDSA guideline, because of severe immunosuppression, while five patients didn't fulfil the diagnostic criteria of the ESCMID/ERS/ECMM guideline, because of uncommon image findings. The comparison of both guidelines highlight that the combination of a chest CT scan with the performance of an Aspergillus‐specific IgG antibody assay are key diagnostic features to establish a guideline‐based diagnosis of CPA.
Luminal contents from the gut of colicky infants induce visceral hypersensitivity in mice
Authors: Eutamène H. , Garcia‐Rodenas C. L. , Yvon S. , d'Aldebert E. , Foata F. , Berger B. , Sauser J. , Theodorou V. , Bergonzelli G. , Mas E. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe pathophysiology of infantile colic is poorly understood, though various studies report gut microbiota dysbiosis in colicky infants. We aimed to test the hypothesis that colic‐related dysbiosis is associated with visceral hypersensitivity triggered by an altered luminal milieu.MethodsFecal samples from seven colicky and seven non‐colicky infants were studied. Fecal supernatants (FS) were infused into the colons of C57/Bl6 mice (n=10/specimen). Visceral sensitivity was subsequently assessed in the animals by recording their abdominal muscle response to colorectal distension (CRD) by electromyography (EMG). Serine and cysteine protease activities were assessed in FS with specific substrates. Infant fecal microbiota composition was analyzed by DNA extraction and 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing.Key ResultsFS from colicky infants triggered higher EMG activity than FS from non‐colicky infants in response to both the largest CRD volumes and overall, as assessed by the area under the curve of the EMG across all CRD volumes. Infant crying time strongly correlated with mouse EMG activity. Microbiota richness and phylogenetic diversity were increased in the colicky group, without showing prominent microbial composition alterations. Only Bacteroides vulgatus and Bilophila wadsworthia were increased in the colicky group. Bacteroides vulgatus abundance positively correlated with visceral sensitivity. No differences were found in protease activities.Conclusions & InferencesLuminal contents from colicky infants trigger visceral hypersensitivity, which may explain the excessive crying behavior of these infants. Additional studies are required to determine the nature of the compounds involved, their mechanism of action, and the potential implications of intestinal microbiota in their generation.
Postanesthesia evaluation of emotional and psychological satisfaction in a Hispanic population
Authors: Zauner Angela , Pinilla Alvaro , Benitez Daniel , Tellez Alejandra , Romero David , Suarez Ana , López Vanessa , Hermida Eduardo 
Published: December 2016

SummaryBackgroundPatient satisfaction has a positive impact on clinical care. Different strategies, such as questionnaires, have been developed to evaluate and improve patient satisfaction. A validated pediatric anesthesia questionnaire previously showed the importance of perioperative care built upon a relationship of trust between healthcare providers and children and parents, and a comfortable environment in which satisfactory answers are provided. However, the questionnaire was validated in English, and no research exists on the use of satisfaction questionnaires in Spanish. Given that there are 559 million Spanish speakers in the world, of which 53 million live in the United States, we intended to validate a Spanish version of this questionnaire to measure parental and pediatric satisfaction after anesthesia, and facilitate the provision and quality management of anesthesia care in Hispanic populations.MethodsA questionnaire validated in English was translated to Spanish. Subsequently, it was administered to children who had undergone surgery and their parents to determine reliability, validity, acceptability, and reproducibility.ResultsOf the 228 recruited parents, a total of 221 agreed to participate, and 77 questionnaires were filled out completely by both parents and children. Overall response rates of 97% for parents and 90% for children were achieved. The reliability, test–retest reliability, and internal consistency were examined, and a McNemar coefficient of 0.97 and a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.82 were obtained. Construct validity was obtained through comparisons of the following items: the child′s perception of serenity imparted by the medical staff with the parent′s satisfaction with conversations between the anesthesiologist and child, the nurse′s ability to make the child feel better with the parent′s satisfaction with the nurse′s professionalism, and the nurse′s kindness toward the child with the parent′s perception of the care provided.ConclusionThis questionnaire proved to be simple and easy to understand within the literate Spanish‐speaking population. It had adequate content validity and high reliability, acceptability, reproducibility, and construct validity. We believe that this Spanish questionnaire can be used with success among Hispanic populations resulting in improved care for those undergoing anesthesia, and therefore, patient satisfaction.
Neurostimulation for Postsurgical Analgesia: A Novel System Enabling Ultrasound‐Guided Percutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
Authors: Ilfeld Brian M. , Grant Stuart A. , Gilmore Christopher A. , Chae John , Wilson Richard D. , Wongsarnpigoon Amorn , Boggs Joseph W. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractWhile neurostimulation—stimulation of the nervous system using electrical current—has been used to treat chronic pain, its use treating postsurgical pain has been limited. Here, we report on the clinical application of a novel investigational lead to provide analgesia following total knee arthroplasty. In 5 subjects, leads were inserted percutaneously using ultrasound guidance within 0.5 to 3.0 cm of the femoral and/or sciatic nerve(s). With the delivery of current, pain decreased an average of 63% at rest, with 4 of 5 subjects having relief of > 50%. During passive and active knee flexion, pain decreased an average of 14% and 50%, with 0/3 and 1/2 subjects attaining > 50% relief, respectively. Ultrasound‐guided percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation may be a practical modality for the treatment of postsurgical pain.
Successful Treatment of Postdural Puncture Headache Using Epidural Fibrin Glue Patch after Persistent Failure of Epidural Blood Patches
Authors: Wong Kevin , Monroe Brian R. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractObjectivesEpidural blood patch is the gold standard for the treatment of postdural puncture headache (PDPH) when conservative treatments have failed to provide any relief. However, alternative therapies are lacking when epidural blood patch persistently fails to improve symptoms. Failure to treat PDPH may lead to significant functional impairment of daily living. Alternative therapies should be sought to accelerate recovery from PDPH.Case ReportThis case describes a woman who developed PDPH secondary to accidental dural puncture during a spinal cord stimulator trial. She was successfully treated with epidural fibrin glue patch after multiple trials of epidural blood patches.ConclusionPercutaneous injection of fibrin glue to seal the dural defect demonstrated promising outcomes for both immediate and long‐lasting resolution of persistent PDPH in our patient. In the event of epidural blood patch failure, epidural fibrin glue patch may be a reasonable alternative for the treatment of persistent PDPH.