bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early Outcomes With HeartWare HVAD as Bridge to Transplant in Children: A Single Institution Experience
Authors: Ferro Giuseppe , Murthy Raghav , Williams Derek , Sebastian Vinod A. , Forbess Joseph M. , Guleserian Kristine J. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe HeartWare HVAD has been used as a bridge to cardiac transplantation in the pediatric population. We describe outcomes following HeartWare HVAD implantation at a single center. A retrospective chart review was performed of all HeartWare HVAD implants performed at our institution between May 2013 and March 2015. Eight children between the ages of 9 and 17 years underwent HVAD implantation as a bridge to transplant (N = 7 cardiomyopathy, N = 1 complex single ventricle). There was one operative death in the complex single ventricle patient. Seven patients (87%) were successfully bridged to transplant. Median time of support was 24.5 days (range, 6–91 days). All transplanted patients are alive and well at a median follow‐up of 448 days. Our results demonstrated that mechanical support with HeartWare HVAD is feasible in patients of varying sizes (from older children to adolescents).
Sulphated Polysaccharide Isolated from the Seaweed Gracilaria caudata Exerts an Antidiarrhoeal Effect in Rodents
Authors: Costa Douglas S. , Araújo Thiago S. L. , Sousa Nayara A. , Souza Luan K. M. , Pacífico Dvison M. , Sousa Francisca Beatriz M. , Nicolau Lucas A. D. , Chaves Luciano S. , Barros Francisco Clark N. , Freitas Ana Lúcia P. , Medeiros Jand Venes R. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractDiarrhoea is a significant health problem for children in developing countries that causes more than 1 million deaths annually. This study aimed to evaluate the antidiarrhoeal effect of sulphated polysaccharide (PLS) from the alga Gracilaria caudata in rodents. For the evaluation, acute diarrhoea was induced in Wistar rats (150–200 g) by administration of castor oil (10 mg/kg). Then, different parameters, including enteropooling and gastrointestinal transit and its pharmacological modulation by opioid and cholinergic pathways, were assessed using activated charcoal in Swiss Mice (25–30 g). Secretory diarrhoea was examined using cholera toxin (CT) (1 mg/loop)‐treated, isolated intestinal loops from Swiss mice (25–30 g), which were also used to examine fluid secretion, loss of chloride ions into the intestinal lumen and absorption. In addition, a GM1‐dependent ELISA was used to evaluate the interaction between PLS, CT and the GM1 receptor. Pre‐treatment with PLS (10, 30 and 90 mg/kg) reduced faecal mass, diarrhoeal faeces and enteropooling. However, 90 mg/kg more effectively reduced these symptoms; therefore, it was used as the standard dose in subsequent experiments. Gastrointestinal transit was also reduced by PLS treatment via a cholinergic mechanism. Regarding the diarrhoea caused by CT, PLS reduced all study parameters, and the ELISA showed that PLS can interact with both the GM1 receptor and CT. These results show that PLS from G. caudata effectively improved the parameters observed in acute and secretory diarrhoea, which affects millions of people, and may lead to the development of a new alternative therapy for this disease.
Evaluation of radiofrequency ablation using a 1‐Fr wire electrode in porcine pancreas, liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidney, stomach, and lymph nodes: A pilot study
Authors: Yoon Won Jae , Daglilar Ebubekir S. , Kamionek Michal , Mino‐Kenudson Mari , Brugge William R. 
Published: November 2015

Background and AimThe frequency of detecting asymptomatic incidental lesions of the pancreas is increasing. A substantial number of these lesions are either malignant or premalignant, thus mandating pancreatic resection. A less invasive treatment option may be feasible for selected patients. Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be offered as a treatment option for these patients. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the performance characteristics of monopolar RFA using a 1‐Fr wire electrode in porcine pancreas, liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidney, stomach, and lymph nodes.MethodsSix Yorkshire pigs were used for this study. The internal organs were accessed after a midline laparotomy. Manual monopolar RFAs were carried out over a 90‐s period using a wide range of power settings (3, 4, 5, 10, 15, and 25 W). The pancreas was exposed at all power settings; the other organs were exposed at power settings of 3, 4, 5, and 10 W. Maximum diameter of coagulative necrosis was measured.ResultsIn all study animals, RFA was carried out in the target organs without difficulty. Only the pancreas showed definite coagulative necrosis. Maximum diameter of coagulative necrosis (8.0 ± 1.7 mm) was achieved at 5 W. No definite coagulative necrosis was noted in the other organs.ConclusionsMonopolar RFA using a 1‐Fr wire electrode resulted in coagulative necrosis in porcine pancreas. RFA at higher power settings resulted in relatively homogeneous necrosis. At a given power setting, the RFA effect is likely to differ according to electrical properties of the target tissue.
The diagnostic yield of transesophageal echocardiography in patients with cryptogenic cerebral ischaemia: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Katsanos A. H. , Giannopoulos S. , Frogoudaki A. , Vrettou A.‐R. , Ikonomidis I. , Paraskevaidis I. , Zompola C. , Vadikolias K. , Boviatsis E. , Parissis J. , Voumvourakis K. , Kyritsis A. P. , Tsivgoulis G. 
Published: November 2015

Background and purposeThe diagnostic utility of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in patients with cryptogenic ischaemic stroke (IS) or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) remains controversial.MethodsA systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed according to PRISMA guidelines to estimate the pooled prevalence of potential cardioembolic causes detected by TEE in prospective observational studies of cryptogenic IS/TIA. Cardiac conditions causally associated with cerebral ischaemia were considered to be intramural thrombi and intracardiac tumors according to ASCO phenotyping of IS.ResultsThirty‐five eligible studies, comprising 5772 patients (mean age 53.6 years, 56.9% men) were identified. The most common TEE finding was ascending aorta and/or aortic arch atheroma [51.2% (27.4%–74.5%)], followed by patent foramen ovale (PFO) [43.2% (36.3%–50.4%)]. Complex aortic plaques and large PFOs were reported in 14% (10.2%–18.9%) and 19.5% (16.6%–22.8%) of TEE evaluations. The prevalence of atrial septal aneurysm was 12.3% (7.9%–18.7%) and was significantly higher in conjunction with PFO presence (risk ratio 2.04, 95% confidence interval 1.63–2.54, P < 0.001). The prevalence of left atrial thrombus [3.0% (1.1%–8.3%)] and spontaneous echo contrast [3.8% (2.3%–6.2%)] was low. The prevalence of intracardiac tumors was extremely uncommon [0.2% (0%–0.7%)]. Significant heterogeneity was identified (I2 > 60%) in the majority of analyses. Heterogeneity was not affected by cryptogenic stroke definition (TOAST versus alternative criteria). After dichotomizing available studies using a cut‐off of 50 years, PFO was significantly (P = 0.001) more prevalent in younger than in older patients.ConclusionRoutine TEE in patients with cryptogenic IS/TIA commonly identifies abnormal findings. However, the prevalence of cardiac conditions considered to be causally associated with cerebral ischaemia (intracardiac thrombi and tumors) is low.
Orthodontic correction of overjet/overbite (‘parrot mouth’) in 73 foals (1999–2013)
Authors: Easley J. , Dixon P. M. , Reardon R. J. M. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryReasons for performing studyThere are limited reports on the efficacy of functional orthodontic correction of overjet or overbite in foals.ObjectivesTo report the outcome of using orthodontic tension bands in combination with an inclined plane biteplate in the treatment of overjet, with or without concurrent overbite, rates of correction of these 2 malocclusions and associated complications. And to examine factors associated with outcomes.Study designRetrospective case series.MethodsClinical records for 73 foals treated at a single clinic, by the same surgeon were analysed. Overall change and rates of change in overjet and overbite were calculated. Associations between potential explanatory variables including age, severity of initial malocclusion and surgeon experience were examined using linear regression.ResultsRecords for 73 foals (43 colts, 30 fillies) were evaluated. The median number of implant placements per animal was 2 (range 1–4). Of 61 cases with complete records, reduction in overjet and overbite dimensions were achieved in 95% and 90% of foals, respectively, with mean reductions in malocclusions of 9.9 and 8.4 mm, respectively. Complete reduction in overjet was achieved in 25% (15/61) and reduction of malocclusion dimensions to ≤5 mm (i.e. functionally corrected) was achieved in 51% (31/61). Increasing animal age was significantly associated with decreased total reduction in overjet and decreased rate of reduction in overbite. Increased original severity of overbite was significantly associated with increased rate of its correction. Short‐term complications included intraoperative haemorrhage, transient facial nerve neuropraxia and irritation of the mare's udder by the brace. Longer‐term complications included cheek teeth diastema formation and incisor discoloration and maleruption.ConclusionsUsing this technique, correction or improvement of these malocclusions is rapid, with minimal complications. Often more than one implant is required. Animal age at the start of treatment is associated with rate and amount of correction achievable, so initiating treatment at an early age is recommended.
Work ties beget community? Assessing interactions among transnational private governance organizations in sustainable agriculture
Authors: FRANSEN LUC , SCHALK JELMER , AULD GRAEME 
Published: November 2015

AbstractTransnational private governance organizations (TPGOs) set standards for various sustainability issues and industries. TPGOs individually address only facets of larger problems such as land conversion, and competition among TPGOs also affects TPGO governance, meaning coordination across their activities can be required. Studies have shown that ties between TPGOs and other organizations facilitate information sharing, coordination and socialization. A systematic analysis of the structure of such ties, however, is lacking. Using the employment ties of staff and governors, we analyse the inter‐organizational communities of TPGOs that focus on agriculture. Our findings cast doubt on the existence of a coherent community of sustainable agricultural TPGOs: very few communities involve multiple TPGOs. While TPGOs with a similar product focus may form links with similar organizations, there are few direct and indirect ties among TPGOs. Researchers should therefore be cautious about assuming that a TPGO policy community crossing organizational and policy divides currently exists.
miRNA‐548p suppresses hepatitis B virus X protein associated hepatocellular carcinoma by downregulating oncoprotein hepatitis B x‐interacting protein
Authors: Hu Xiu‐Mei , Yan Xiao‐Hui , Hu Yan‐Wei , Huang Jin‐Lan , Cao Shun‐Wang , Ren Ting‐Yu , Tang Yue‐Ting , Lin Li , Zheng Lei , Wang Qian 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimmiR‐548p is a recently identified and poorly characterized miRNA. However, its role of miR‐548p in tumorigenesis and progression remains poorly understood. Here, we aimed to investigate the biofunction of miR‐548p in hepatocellular carcinogenesis.MethodsThe expression levels of miR‐548p were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR). The role of miR‐548p in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was determined by colony formation, flow cytometry assay and nude mice xenograft experiments. miR‐548p target genes were analyzed by miRNA target predication programs and verified by qRT–PCR, western blotting assay and dual‐luciferase reporter assay.ResultsmiR‐548p is repressed by hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) in HCC tumor tissues and hepatoma cells, and inhibited cell growth by inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting cell apoptosis. miR‐548p directly downregulated the expression of hepatitis B x‐interacting protein (HBXIP) by binding to the 3′‐untranslated region of HBXIP mRNA. Further study showed that hepatocyte nuclear factor‐4a (HNF4A) promoted the expression of miR‐548p and inhibited the transcription of HBXIP. HNF4A is a dominant transcriptional regulator of hepatocyte differentiation and hepatocellular carcinogenesis, and is shown to be repressed by HBx.ConclusionWe proposed the model for HBx/HNF4A/miR‐548p/HBXIP pathway that controls hepatoma cell growth and tumorigenesis of HCC. miR‐548p was identified as a tumor‐suppressor in HBx‐associated hepatocellular carcinogenesis.
Optimal biological parameters for rearing Ooencyrtus pityocampae on the new laboratory host Philosamia ricini
Authors: Tunca H. , Colombel E.‐A. , Ben Soussan T. , Buradino M. , Galio F. , Tabone E. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBiological control programmes involving Ooencyrtus pityocampae Mercet (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) have proved effective at reducing the damage caused by the pine processionary Thaumetopoea pityocampa Denis & Schiffermüller (Lepidoptera: Thaumatopoeidae). In this study, the biological variables that influence the parasitism of O. pityocampae on the new laboratory host Philosamia ricini Danovan (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) have been investigated. Laboratory experiments were conducted under the conditions of 25 ± 1°C, 65 ± 5% R.H (relative humidity) and a photoperiod of 16 : 8 h (L : D = light : dark). The host egg age and parasitoid age are often regarded as being key factors influencing the emergence rate of O. pityocampae. The optimal age of host eggs for parasitization was 1–2 days, and the emergence rate was highest with 5‐day‐old female parasitoids. Thus, our results define the optimal conditions for the effective and economic rearing of parasitoids as follows: one 5‐day‐old female parasitoid per 50 (1–2)‐day‐old host eggs. The development time of O. pityocampae ranged between 19.5 and 22.6 days. Parasitoids that were exposed to bio‐honey survived 10.5 times longer than those that did not receive supplemental food. O. pityocampae was reared for more than nine generations on the eggs of P. ricini. Consequently, P. ricini has been found as a suitable new laboratory host for the mass rearing of O. pityocampae for the use of biological control programmes against T. pityocampa in future.
Association Between Necropsy Evidence of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation and Hemostatic Variables Before Death in Horses With Colic
Authors: Cesarini C. , Cotovio M. , Ríos J. , Armengou L. , Jose‐Cunilleras E. 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundDisseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is frequent in horses with severe gastrointestinal disorders. Postmortem studies have found fibrin microthrombi in tissues of these horses, but studies relating these histopathological findings with antemortem hemostatic data are lacking.HypothesisAntemortem classification of coagulopathy is related to the presence and severity of fibrin deposits observed postmortem in horses with severe gastrointestinal disorders.AnimalsAntemortem hemostatic profile data and postmortem tissue samples (kidney, lung, liver) from 48 horses with colic.MethodsTissue samples were stained with phosphotungstic acid hematoxylin and immunohistochemical methods for histological examination. A fibrin score (grades 0–4) was assigned for each technique, tissue and horse, as well as the presence or absence ofDICat postmortem examination. D‐dimer concentration, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and antithrombin (AT) activity, as well as the clinicopathological evidence of coagulopathy, were determined from plasma samples collected 0–24 hours before death or euthanasia. Histologic and clinicopathologic data from the same horses were compared retrospectively.ResultsNo association was found between antemortem classification of coagulopathy and postmortem diagnosis ofDICbased on tissue fibrin deposition. None of the hemostatic parameters was significantly different between horses with or without postmortem diagnosis ofDIC. There was no association between horses with fibrin in tissues or different cut‐offs for D‐dimer concentration and postmortem evidence ofDIC.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceAbnormalities of the routine clotting profile, including D‐dimer concentration, were not useful in predicting histologic evidence ofDICat necropsy in horses with severe gastrointestinal disorders.
A model of acute kidney injury in mice with cirrhosis and infection
Authors: Carl Daniel E. , Ghosh Siddhartha S. , Gehr Todd W.B. , Abbate Antonio , Toldo Stefano , Sanyal Arun J. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsInfectious acute kidney injury (AKI) is a life threatening complication of cirrhosis with limited therapeutic options. The aim of this study was to develop a model of infectious AKI in cirrhotic mice.MethodsCirrhosis was established by intragastric administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Systemic haemodynamics was assessed invasively while cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography. AKI was induced using varying doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) titrated to produce 50% lethality. Renal function was assessed from serum creatinine and urine output (UOP). Renal injury was evaluated by urinalysis (proteinuria and casts) and renal histology. These mice were compared to: (i) normal mice, (ii) normal mice + LPS, and (iii) mice treated with CCl4 alone.ResultsCirrhosis with increased cardiac output, decreased systemic vascular resistance, activation of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone axis developed after 12 weeks of CCl4 administration. LPS injection produced a dose‐dependent increase in mortality (33% at 2 mg/kg vs. 80% at 6 mg/kg) without urine (casts or proteinuria) or histological evidence of tubular injury. 2 mg/kg LPS injection produced a rise in creatinine (0.79 ± 0.27 mg/dl in CCl4+LPS compared to 0.45 ± 0.14 in CCl4 alone, P < 0.05) and a decrease in UOP (0.86 ± 0.4 ml/16 h in CCl4 + LPS compared to 1.70 ± 0.7 ml/16 h in CCl4 mice, P < 0.05). UOP remained low in mice that died while it recovered over 48–72 h in those that recovered. Control mice treated with 2 mg/kg LPS did not experience AKI.ConclusionsCirrhotic CCl4 treated mice develop functional AKI and mimic most of the features of infectious AKI following LPS injection.
Sofosbuvir and simeprevir in hepatitis C genotype 1‐patients with end‐stage renal disease on haemodialysis or GFR <30 ml/min
Authors: Nazario Hector E. , Ndungu Milka , Modi Apurva A. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsTreating chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) has suboptimal tolerability and cure rates. Safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir plus simeprevir regimen in CHC‐infected patients with ESRD on haemodialysis (HD) or glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <30 ml/min is unknown. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir and simeprevir in this special patient population.MethodsAll (n = 17) patients in the analysis had ESRD on HD or GFR <30 ml/min. All received sofosbuvir 400 mg daily and simeprevir 150 mg daily, without ribavirin for 12 weeks. Safety and efficacy data were collected; including SVR4 and SVR12 data for all patients after completing therapy.ResultsIn this 17 patient cohort, eight (47%) were cirrhotic, four (24%) had stage three liver fibrosis and 13 (76%) were genotype 1A. All 17 have completed 12 weeks of therapy. Treatment was overall well tolerated with no treatment discontinuations reported. Four (24%) patients reported mild adverse events (AE). These AEs were insomnia (n = 2), headache (n = 1), nausea (n = 1) and worsening anaemia requiring blood transfusion (n = 1). All 17 patients reached post‐treatment week‐12 follow‐up, and achieved SVR12 or virological cure (100% SVR12).ConclusionsDaily, full dose of sofosbuvir plus simeprevir for 12 weeks of therapy appears to be well tolerated in patients with ESRD on HD or GFR <30 ml/min. Most common AEs resembled those of healthier CHC patients without significant renal impairment. The cure rates obtained in this cohort treated with sofosbuvir and simeprevir are dramatically superior to any previous treatment regimen studied & published in this special patient population.
Hybridization promotes speciation in Coenonympha butterflies
Authors: Capblancq Thibaut , Després Laurence , Rioux Delphine , Mavárez Jesús 
Published: November 2015

AbstractHybridization has become a central element in theories of animal evolution during the last decade. New methods in population genomics and statistical model testing now allow the disentangling of the complexity that hybridization brings into key evolutionary processes such as local adaptation, colonization of new environments, species diversification and extinction. We evaluated the consequences of hybridization in a complex of three alpine butterflies in the genus Coenonympha, by combining morphological, genetic and ecological analyses. A series of approximate Bayesian computation procedures based on a large SNP data set strongly suggest that the Darwin's Heath (Coenonympha darwiniana) originated through hybridization between the Pearly Heath (Coenonympha arcania) and the Alpine Heath (Coenonympha gardetta) with different parental contributions. As a result of hybridization, the Darwin's Heath presents an intermediate morphology between the parental species, while its climatic niche seems more similar to the Alpine Heath. Our results also reveal a substantial genetic and morphologic differentiation between the two geographically disjoint Darwin's Heath lineages leading us to propose the splitting of this taxon into two different species.
The concerted impact of domestication and transposon insertions on methylation patterns between dogs and grey wolves
Authors: Janowitz Koch Ilana , Clark Michelle M. , Thompson Michael J. , Deere‐Machemer Kerry A. , Wang Jun , Duarte Lionel , Gnanadesikan Gitanjali E. , McCoy Eskender L. , Rubbi Liudmilla , Stahler Daniel R. , Pellegrini Matteo , Ostrander Elaine A. , Wayne Robert K. , Sinsheimer Janet S. , vonHoldt Bridgett M. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe process of domestication can exert intense trait‐targeted selection on genes and regulatory regions. Specifically, rapid shifts in the structure and sequence of genomic regulatory elements could provide an explanation for the extensive, and sometimes extreme, variation in phenotypic traits observed in domesticated species. Here, we explored methylation differences from >24 000 cytosines distributed across the genomes of the domesticated dog (Canis familiaris) and the grey wolf (Canis lupus). PCA and model‐based cluster analyses identified two primary groups, domestic vs. wild canids. A scan for significantly differentially methylated sites (DMSs) revealed species‐specific patterns at 68 sites after correcting for cell heterogeneity, with weak yet significant hypermethylation typical of purebred dogs when compared to wolves (59% and 58%, P < 0.05, respectively). Additionally, methylation patterns at eight genes significantly deviated from neutrality, with similar trends of hypermethylation in purebred dogs. The majority (>66%) of differentially methylated regions contained or were associated with repetitive elements, indicative of a genotype‐mediated trend. However, DMSs were also often linked to functionally relevant genes (e.g. neurotransmitters). Finally, we utilized known genealogical relationships among Yellowstone wolves to survey transmission stability of methylation marks, from which we found a substantial fraction that demonstrated high heritability (both H2 and h2 > 0.99). These analyses provide a unique epigenetic insight into the molecular consequences of recent selection and radiation of our most ancient domesticated companion, the dog. These findings suggest selection has acted on methylation patterns, providing a new genomic perspective on phenotypic diversification in domesticated species.