bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diastolic dysfunction in pulmonary artery hypertension: Creatine kinase and the potential therapeutic benefit of beta‐blockers
Authors: Fowler Ewan D , Drinkhill Mark J , Stones Rachel , White Ed 
Published: November 2017

SummaryPassive properties of the myocardium influence diastolic filling and cardiac output. In heart failure, changes in contributors to the passive properties of the ventricle, such as titin and collagen, and loss of the metabolic enzyme creatine kinase, increase resistance to filling resulting in diastolic dysfunction. Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) arises from interactions between the pulmonary vasculature and the right ventricle (RV) which ultimately leads to RV failure. Beta1‐adrenergic receptor blockers (BB) act on the myocardium and are beneficial in left heart failure but are not used in PAH. We investigated whether BB improved survival and RV function in a rat model of PAH. Rats were injected with monocrotaline (60 mg/kg) to induce PAH and RV failure, or saline as controls (CON). When PAH was established, rats were treated with metoprolol (10 mg/kg per day) (MCT+BB) or vehicle (sucrose) (MCT); CON were treated with vehicle. In vivo measurement of RV compliance using pressure–volume catheter, indicated diastolic dysfunction in the RV of MCT rats was improved with BB treatment. Expression of creatine kinase protein and mRNA was lower in MCT rats compared to CON, with a trend for reversion by BB treatment. Isolated CON RV myocytes had a positive contraction response to faster pacing, whereas it was negative in MCT. MCT+BB cells had an intermediate response, indicating improved ability to respond to increased demand. BB improved diastolic function, partially restored metabolic enzymes and augmented contractility in PAH. These data support the hypothesis that BB may be beneficial in PAH by supporting RV function.
Effect of different storage conditions on coagulating properties and cheese quality of Withania coagulans extract
Authors: Qazalbash Mudassir Ali , Masud Tariq , Sammi Shehla , Khan Rao Sanaullah , Latif Asia 
Published: November 2017

The effects of different storage conditions on the coagulating properties of extracts of Withania coagulans berries were investigated in terms of coagulation time, pH and quality attributes of cheese prepared from buffalo milk. The extracts were stored under different conditions, viz. room temperature (27 ± 3 °C), refrigerated storage (4 °C), frozen storage (−20 °C) and lyophilisation. The milk‐coagulating activity of the plant extracts was measured on a fortnightly basis for a period of 5 months. There was a nonsignificant change in pH and the milk coagulating properties of the lyophilised extract. Physiochemical analysis revealed that cheese prepared with lyophilised extract retained the highest content of ash (2.3%), fat (23.8%), total solids (48.7%) and crude protein (22.7%), and resulted in the highest cheese yield (17.6%) compared to other tested treatments. Thus, it is concluded that lyophilisation has good potential for storage of vegetable extract coagulants.
Dufourmentel rhomboid flap in the radical treatment of extensive, complex or recurrent sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease: Case series with follow up
Authors: Manterola Carlos , Otzen Tamara 
Published: November 2017

AimSacrococcygeal pilonidal disease (SPD) is a chronic and uncommon entity. Extensive, complex and recurrent SPD is less frequent, and diverse treatment alternatives have been described. One of these is excision, followed by reconstruction with the rhomboid flap, as described by Dufourmentel. The aim of the present study was to report the results of a series of patients with extensive, complex or recurrent SPD operated on using Dufourmentel’s technique, in terms of postoperative morbidity (POM) and recurrence.Patients and MethodsThe present study was a case series of patients with extensive, complex or recurrent SPD, operated on at the Clínica Mayor and Regional Hospital in Temuco, Chile, between 2000 and 2015, using excision, followed by a reconstruction with the Dufourmentel’s rhomboid flap. The outcome variable was POM measured at 30 days’ postoperatively using the Clavien–Dindo classification. Other variables of interest were surgical time, hospital stay, mortality and recurrence. The minimum follow‐up time was 18 months. Descriptive statistics were used.ResultsNinety‐five patients with extensive, complex or recurrent SPD were operated on in the study period. The median age was 21 years, and 56.8 per cent were female. The median surgical time was 60 min (45–90 min). POM was 13.7 per cent, seroma was 5.3 per cent, wound infection was 2.1 per cent and partial surgical wound dehiscence was 6.3 per cent. Mortality of the series was nil. Median hospital stay, follow up and recurrence were 4 days (3–5), 48 months (18–90 months) and 3.2 per cent, respectively.ConclusionDufourmentel’s technique applied to patients with extensive, complex or recurrent SPD was associated with adequate postoperative evolution in terms of POM and recurrence.
Hemodynamic impact of pulmonary vasodilators on single ventricle physiology
Authors: Castaldi Biagio , Bordin Giulia , Padalino Massimo , Cuppini Elena , Vida Vladimiro , Milanesi Ornella 
Published: November 2017

SummaryIntroductionThe Fontan procedure is the palliative procedure for single ventricle physiology. Pulmonary resistance plays a key role in the success of this operation. There are conflicting data concerning the impact of pulmonary vasodilators on survival and functional capacity among Fontan patients.AimThe aim of this retrospective, single‐center, nonrandomized study was to investigate the potential effect of pulmonary vasodilators on pulmonary vasculature in Fontan patients.MethodTwenty‐seven patients with single ventricle physiology were enrolled. Eighteen patients were treated with pulmonary vasodilators: 9 patients after Glenn procedure or just after the Fontan completion (Group A) and 9 patients >5 years after Fontan completion (Group B). Nine patients after Glenn procedure were enrolled as a control group (Group C). The primary endpoint was to assess changes in hemodynamic profile and pulmonary branches’ diameter after 2 right heart catheterizations. Adverse events were recorded.ResultsMean age ± SD was 3.2 ± 1.5 years (Group A), 26.8 ± 12.7 years (Group B), and 3.1 ± 1.0 years (Group C). Patients included in Group A had reduced arterial compliance (34.3 ± 15.4 vs 52.2 ± 24.2 mm2/[m2*mm Hg]; P = .03) at baseline compared with Group C. After treatment, Nakata index and pulmonary compliance increased in patients treated with pulmonary vasodilators (Group A), while remaining stable in the control group (Nakata index: +26 ± 24% vs −8 ± 17%, P = .003; pulmonary compliance +80 ± 49% vs −5 ± 30%, P = .001). Similar results were found in Group B (Nakata index: pre—168.6 ± 70.7 mm2/m2; post—204.9 ± 97.5 mm2/m2; P = .026).ConclusionsPulmonary vasodilators reduce pulmonary artery resistance and increase vascular compliance, pulmonary artery diameter, and cardiac output in Fontan patients. Therefore, pulmonary vasodilators may be used before the Fontan procedure in patients at high risk of Fontan procedure failure.
FOXO protects against age‐progressive axonal degeneration
Authors: Hwang Inah , Oh Hwanhee , Santo Evan , Kim Do‐Yeon , Chen John W. , Bronson Roderick T. , Locasale Jason W. , Na Yoonmi , Lee Jaclyn , Reed Stewart , Toth Miklos , Yu Wai H. , Muller Florian L. , Paik Jihye 
Published: November 2017

SummaryNeurodegeneration resulting in cognitive and motor impairment is an inevitable consequence of aging. Little is known about the genetic regulation of this process despite its overriding importance in normal aging. Here, we identify the Forkhead Box O (FOXO) transcription factor 1, 3, and 4 isoforms as a guardian of neuronal integrity by inhibiting age‐progressive axonal degeneration in mammals. FOXO expression progressively increased in aging human and mouse brains. The nervous system‐specific deletion of Foxo transcription factors in mice accelerates aging‐related axonal tract degeneration, which is followed by motor dysfunction. This accelerated neurodegeneration is accompanied by levels of white matter astrogliosis and microgliosis in middle‐aged Foxo knockout mice that are typically only observed in very old wild‐type mice and other aged mammals, including humans. Mechanistically, axonal degeneration in nerve‐specific Foxo knockout mice is associated with elevated mTORC1 activity and accompanying proteotoxic stress due to decreased Sestrin3 expression. Inhibition of mTORC1 by rapamycin treatment mimics FOXO action and prevented axonal degeneration in Foxo knockout mice with accelerated nervous system aging. Defining this central role for FOXO in neuroprotection during mammalian aging offers an invaluable window into the aging process itself.
Initial experience of sleeve lobectomy under complete video‐assisted thoracic surgery
Authors: Ma Shaohua , Yan Tianshen , Liu Dandan , Wang Keyi , Wang Jingdi , Song Jintao , Wang Tong , He Wei , Bai Jie , Jin Liang , Liang Hailong 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPurposeReview the initial results of a single‐center complete video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) sleeve lobectomy and discuss the key procedure of this operation, in addition to its safety and feasibility.MethodsRetrospectively analyze the perioperative data of 11 patients who accepted complete VATS sleeve lobectomy between May 2013 and Jun 2017 in Peking University Third Hospital, try to evaluate the safety of this procedure. All the patients were followed up and their oncological recurrence and metastasis were observed, and feasibility of VATS sleeve lobectomy for lung cancer was evaluated.ResultsAll of the 11 cases underwent complete VATS sleeve lobectomy successfully and there is no conversion to thoracotomy. The mean operative time was 338 min (range from 243 to 511 min), the mean time of bronchial anastomotic was 63 min (range from 40 to 96 min), the mean blood loss was 205 mL (range from 50 to 400 mL), and the mean number of lymph nodes dissected is 22.1. There was no other complication except one patient suffered from high‐risk pulmonary embolism, and no anastomotic leakage and stricture was found. The mean hospital stay postoperation was 8.7 days. The time of follow‐up was between 2 and 38 months, only one out of the 11 cases died of bone metastasis, and the other 10 survived till now. One of these 10 patients had local recurrence 24 months after operation, and one suffered adenocarcinoma of esophageal–gastric junction at 15 months postoperation. The rest of eight patients all survived to June 2017 and no local recurrence and metastasis was found. The mean survival time was 14.8 months.ConclusionComplete VATS sleeve lobectomy is a safe and feasible procedure, but the advantage of perioperative and long‐term survival need prospective randomized controlled large sample trial to be confirmed.
Survival of corneal nerve/sheath structures in organ‐cultured donor corneas
Authors: Dhillon Virinder K. , Elalfy Mohamed S. , Messina Marco , Al‐Aqaba Mouhamed , Dua Harminder S. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPurposeTo study the morphology of human corneal nerves in eye bank organ‐cultured corneas and in corneal grafts post‐transplantation.MethodsThirty‐seven organ‐cultured corneas were divided into: Group‐A, anterior 300–400 μm of 20 corneas used for Descemets stripping endothelial keratoplasty, and Group‐B, 17 full‐thickness corneas unsuitable for transplantation. Corneas whole mounts were stained for nerves using acetylcholinesterase technique and examined by NanoZoomer digital pathology microscope. Central and sub‐Bowman's stromal nerves and the sub‐basal nerve plexus including perforation sites and terminal bulbs were studied. Ten eyes were imaged following penetrating keratoplasty using in‐vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) for the presence of sub‐basal and stromal nerves at 1, 4–5 and 7–8 weeks postoperatively (five eyes) and in all the other five eyes, the final follow‐up was at 12 weeks.ResultsFifteen of twenty (75%) corneas had stromal nerves in Group‐A and 15 of 17 (88.2%) in Group‐B. Average number of stromal nerves entering peripherally were 9.1 (range: 1–36). 7.5 in Group‐A and 10.8 in Group‐B. Central stromal nerves were seen in eight samples in Group‐A and nine in Group‐B. Many stromal nerves terminated abruptly without demonstrable continuity through Bowman's membrane. No terminal bulbs or sub‐basal nerves were detected. In‐vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) showed 4 of 5 in 9 of 10 (90%) donor corneas had stromal nerves 1 week postoperatively, which remained present in 8 of 10 (80%) corneas at 4–5 weeks and in 9 of 10 (90%) at 7–8 weeks postoperatively. All 5 corneas analysed at 12 weeks showed the same stromal nerves from 1 to 12 weeks postoperatively. Sub‐basal nerves were absent in all corneas over the 12‐week study period.ConclusionThis study provides further insight into the behaviour of corneal nerves in transplanted corneas. Corneal stromal nerves/nerve–sheaths are preserved in organ‐cultured eye bank eyes and persist post‐transplantation up to 3 months. These could provide directional guidance to regenerating nerves from host stroma.
Phlebotomy as a preventive measure for crocidolite‐induced mesothelioma in male rats
Authors: Ohara Yuuki , Chew Shan‐Hwu , Shibata Takahiro , Okazaki Yasumasa , Yamashita Kyoko , Toyokuni Shinya 
Published: November 2017

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare but socially important neoplasm due to its association with asbestos exposure. Malignant mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose at an early stage, yet there are no particularly effective treatments available at the advanced stage, thus necessitating efficient strategies to prevent MM in individuals already exposed to asbestos. We previously showed that persistent oxidative damage caused by foreign body reaction and affinity of asbestos both to hemoglobin and histones is one of the major pathogeneses. Accordingly, as an effective strategy to prevent asbestos‐induced MM, we undertook the use of an iron chelator, deferasirox, which decreased the epithelial–mesenchymal transition in a crocidolite‐induced rat MM model. However, this agent may show adverse effects. Here, we studied the effects of iron removal by phlebotomy as a realistic measure on the same rat model. We injected a total of 5 mg crocidolite i.p. to F1 hybrid rats between the Fischer‐344 and Brown‐Norway strains at the age of 6 weeks. We repeated weekly or biweekly phlebotomy of 6‐8 mL/kg/time from 10 to 60 weeks of age. The animals were observed until 120 weeks. In male rats, phlebotomy significantly decreased the weight and nuclear grade of MM, and modestly reduced the associated ascites and the fraction of more malignant sarcomatoid subtype. Weekly phlebotomy prolonged long‐term survival. Our results indicate that appropriate phlebotomy may be a practical preventive measure to attenuate the initiation and promotion capacity of asbestos towards MM by reducing iron in individuals exposed to asbestos.
Evolution of diastolic function algorithms: Implications for clinical practice
Authors: Gottbrecht Matthew F. , Salerno Michael , Aurigemma Gerard P. 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveWe undertook this study of echocardiographic classification of diastolic function by three different algorithms to determine: (1) how frequently each algorithm classified patients and (2) how well the results agreed with one another.BackgroundSeveral algorithms exist to grade diastolic function (DF), the Mayo Clinic scheme of Redfield et al (Mayo 2003) and the 2 ASE guideline documents of 2009 and 2016 (ASE 2009 and ASE 2016).MethodsA total of 200 consecutive echocardiograms were retrospectively analyzed; mean age of patients 60.3 ± 3.5 years, 45% male. Echocardiograms were performed using Intersocietal Accreditation Commission guidelines. Diastolic function was assessed by Mayo 2003 and ASE 2009 and 2016. Coexisting conditions affecting DF analysis, such as mitral annular calcification (MAC), were tabulated. Data were compared using a paired t‐test. Concordance between algorithms was assessed using the Kappa statistic.ResultsA total of 117 of 200 studies (58.5%) were excluded for the presence of coexisting conditions (51.5%), poor image quality (2.5%), or incomplete data (4.5%). Thirty‐three of the remaining 83 studies (40%) received the same grade of DF based on assessments made using the Mayo 2003 and ASE 2016 algorithms; the Kappa statistic was 0.20. 36 of the 83 studies (43%) received the same grade of DF based on assessments made using the ASE 2009 and ASE 2016 algorithms; the Kappa statistic was 0.25.ConclusionAssessment of diastolic function via echocardiography cannot be reliably accomplished in approximately 50% of patients using current guidelines. Further, when studies are suitable for assessment, widely used guidelines yield discordant results.
Development of a fidelity scale for Danish specialized early interventions service
Authors: Melau Marianne , Albert Nikolai , Nordentoft Merete 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundThe efficacy of the Specialized Early Intervention (SEI) treatment in Denmark, the OPUS treatment, has in a randomized clinical trial proved to be very effective compared to treatment as usual, and the dissemination of SEI services is increasing in Denmark. A prerequisite for upholding positive effects along with creating new teams and preserving critical components is to ensure fidelity to the model. Currently there is no Danish fidelity scale for SEI services.AimTo establish a fidelity scale for SEI teams, in a brief and easily manageable form, for the use of evaluating and assessing the critical components in Danish SEI services.MethodWe identified essential evidence‐based components of SEI services internationally and interviewed experts from five Danish SEI teams, using an adapted version of the Delphi Consensus method.ResultsAn 18‐point fidelity scale was constructed. The scale was divided into two dimensions: one relating to the structure of the SEI team and one relating to the character and content of the SEI treatment. Each component can be rated either 1 or 0 (1 point = fulfilling the requirements for the components; and 0 point = the requirements were not met). The maximum score was a total of 18 points with 5 of the components being mandatory.ConclusionThe development of the fidelity scale is an important tool for securing the quality of SEI treatment in Denmark.
Diagnosis, treatment and outcome of cranial nuchal bursitis in 30 horses
Authors: Bergren A. L. , Abuja G. A. , Bubeck K. A. , Spoormakers T. J. P. , García‐López J. M. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryBackgroundNo large retrospective case series describing the treatment and outcomes following diagnosis of cranial nuchal bursitis have been published.ObjectiveTo describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic techniques, treatment and outcome of horses suffering from cranial nuchal bursitis and to determine their outcome after medical or surgical treatment.Study designRetrospective case series.MethodsMedical records (1990–2014) of two referral centres were reviewed for signalment, diagnostic features, method of treatment (medical, surgical or both) and outcome.ResultsThe median age of horses was 13 years (range 5–22 years) and follow‐up time ranged from 12 to 108 months. Fourteen horses were treated medically and 20 horses were treated surgically. Of those horses treated medically, four horses had recurrence of clinical signs requiring subsequent surgical treatment. Overall, 41.7% of horses had recurrence of clinical signs following treatment and 66.7% of horses were able to return to their previous level of exercise. Five horses underwent more than one surgical procedure due to recurrence of clinical signs. Of those horses treated solely surgically, 28.6% of the horses had recurrence of clinical signs and 78.6% returned to their previous level of exercise. Of those horses treated solely medically, 33.3% had recurrence of clinical signs and 66.7% returned to their previous level of exercise. Of those horses treated surgically following failed medical management, 100% had recurrence of clinical signs and 25% returned to their previous level of exercise.Main limitationsRetrospective design with small sample number.ConclusionsNuchal bursitis can be successfully managed with either medical or surgical treatment. Prognosis for return to work tends to be worse in horses requiring surgical intervention following failed medical management.
Modified first or second cervical nerve transplantation technique for the treatment of recurrent laryngeal neuropathy in horses
Authors: Rossignol F. , Brandenberger O. , Perkins J. D. , Marie J.‐P. , Mespoulhès‐Rivière C. , Ducharme N. G. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryBackgroundIn horses, the only established method for reinnervation of the larynx is the nerve‐muscle pedicle implantation, whereas in human medicine, direct nerve implantation is a standard surgical technique for selective laryngeal reinnervation in human patients suffering from bilateral vocal fold paralysis.Objectives(1) To describe a modified first or second cervical nerve transplantation technique for the treatment of recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) in horses and (2) evaluate the outcomes of reinnervation using direct nerve needle‐stimulation of the first cervical nerve and exercising endoscopy before and after surgery.Study designCase series.MethodsNerve transplantation surgery, in which the first or second cervical nerve is tunnelled through the atrophied leftcricoarytenoideus dorsalismuscle, was performed in combination with ipsilateral laser ventriculocordectomy. Ultrasound‐guided stimulation of the first cervical nerve at the level of the alar foramen was used to confirm successful reinnervation post‐operatively. Exercising endoscopy was performed before and after surgery. The exercisingRLNgrade of the left arytenoid was blindly determined at the highest stride frequency for each examination.ResultsSurgery was performed in 17 client‐owned animals withRLN. Reinnervation was confirmed by nerve stimulation and subsequent arytenoid abduction observed in 11 out of 12 cases between 4 and 12 months post‐operatively. Fourteen horses had exercising endoscopy before and after surgery. Nine horses had an improved exercisingRLNgrade, four horses had the same exercising grade and one horse had a worse exercising grade after surgery.Main limitationsA sham‐operated control group was not included and follow‐up beyond 12 months and objective performance data were not obtained.ConclusionsThe modified first or second cervical nerve transplantation technique, using tunnelling and direct implantation of the donor nerve into thecricoarytenoideus dorsalismuscle, resulted in reinnervation in 11 out of 12 cases and improved exercising grade in 9 out of 14 horses within 12 months after surgery.