bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pre-treatment with the methanol extract ofWithania somniferaprevents Diazinon-induced cardiotoxic effects of organophosphate poisoning
Authors: Eric Mwangi Irungu , Peter Waweru Mwangi , Frederick Bukachi 
Published: March 2016

AbstractOrganophosphate poisoning represents a major and growing global health problem especially in the developing countries and cardiotoxicity is the major cause of death. Thus, a compelling need to develop novel low cost efficacious agents to manage this condition.ObjectiveTo evaluate the methanol extract ofWithania somniferaas a pre-treatment agent in the prevention of the cardiotoxic effects of diazinon in Sprague Dawley ratsMaterials and MethodsTwenty one (21) adult rats were randomized to receive 200 mg/kg methanol extract ofWithania somnifera(test group), vehicle (negative control) or 200 μg/kg Neostigmine as pre-treatment 30 minutes prior to the oral administration of 200 mg/kg Diazinon. Baseline and post-treatment electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded by the Powerlab data acquisition system (ML865 AD instruments, Sydney, Australia). The experimental data were expressed as median ± the inter-quartile range and analysed using the Kruskal – Wallis non-parametric test and followed by Mann–Whitney U post hoc test in cases of significance, which was set at p < 0.05. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17 software was used for analysis.ResultsPre-treatment with the methanol extract ofW. somniferahad significant effect on the following diazinon-induced electrocardiographic changes; RR interval (0.026 (0.007 – 0.065) vs. 0.035 (0.019 – 0.050) vs. 0.090 (0.071 – 0.01), p = 0.031),heart rate (-54.235 (-115.317 – (-19.857)) vs. -−96.136 (-96.472 – (-43.879)) vs. -−174.361 (-189.775 – (-129.469)), p = 0.014), PR interval (0.006 (0.004 – 0.008) vs. 0.003 (0.001 – 0.004) vs. 0.009 (0.006 – 0.015), p = 0.019), QRS interval (0.005 (0.001 – 0.008) vs. -−0.002 (-0.005 – 0.001) vs. 0.007 (0.003 – 0.011), p = 0.023) and ST height (-34.830 (-63.578 – 4.215) vs. -−22.330 (-38.383– (-4.159)) vs. -−73.156 (-214.022– (-52.449)), p = 0.023). It however had no significant effect on the QTc interval changes (-0.005 (-0.011 – 0.003) vs. -−0.005 (-0.015 – 0.065) vs. -−0.021 (-0.060– (-0.006)), p = 0.174).ConclusionThe efficacy of pre-treatment with the methanol extract ofWithania somniferawas comparable to that of pre-treatment with Neostigmine a commonly used carbamate drug. Thus, it is a potentially viable low cost treatment option for organophosphate poisoning in resource-limited settings.
Pemphigus with features of both vulgaris and foliaceus variants localized to the nose
Authors: Mandel Victor Desmond , Farnetani Francesca , Vaschieri Cristina , Manfredini Marco , Cesinaro Anna Maria , Giusti Francesca , Pellacani Giovanni 
Published: March 2016

AbstractWe report the case of a 74‐year‐old man affected by an unusual variant of pemphigus. He presented with a crusty and scaly lesion of the nose. We performed reflectance confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography on the lesion, which suggested an unexpected diagnosis of pemphigus. Therefore, to confirm our diagnostic suspicions, we executed indirect immunofluorescence and two biopsies, one for histopathological examination and one for direct immunofluorescence. Histopathological evaluation showed acantholysis with formation of clefts in the granular and spinous layers of the epidermis. Direct immunofluorescence revealed immunoglobulin G and C3 deposit to the full thickness of the epidermis. Indirect immunofluorescence showed intercellular antibodies at a titer of 1:40 in the suprabasal epidermis. The immunoblot analysis using epidermal extract revealed the presence of circulating antibodies directed to 130‐ and 160‐kDa antigens in the patient's serum. These two antigens were evidenced from nitrocellulose membrane with colorimetric AP systems, which highlighted the presence of autoantibodies against desmoglein (Dsg)1 and Dsg3 (sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis). We also performed an enzyme‐linked immunoassay. All these findings suggested that this patient's pemphigus had features of both vulgaris and foliaceus variants.
Detecting and quantifying introgression in hybridized populations: simplifying assumptions yield overconfidence and uncertainty
Authors: Della Croce Patrick , Poole Geoffrey C. , Luikart Gordon 
Published: March 2016

AbstractA growing threat to the conservation of many native species worldwide is genetic introgression from non‐native species. Although improved molecular genetic techniques are increasing the availability of species‐diagnostic markers for many species, efficient field sampling design and reliable data interpretation require accurate estimates of uncertainty associated with the detection of non‐native alleles and the quantification of introgression in native populations. Using fish populations as examples, we developed a simulation model of an age‐structured population that tracks the introduction and inheritance of non‐native alleles across generations by simulating stochastic mating and survival of individual fish and the resulting transmission of diagnostic markers. To simulate detection and quantification of introgression, we sampled varying combinations of n fish and m diagnostic markers to detect and quantify introgression from thousands of virtual, independent fish populations for a wide range of hybridization scenarios. Using the results of simulated sampling, we quantified the extent to which common simplifying assumptions regarding population structure and inheritance mechanisms can lead to the following: (i) overconfidence in our ability to detect non‐native alleles and (ii) unrealistically narrow confidence intervals for estimates of the proportion of non‐native alleles present. Under many circumstances, commonly used simplifying assumptions underestimate the probability of failing to detect ongoing introgression and the uncertainty associated with estimates of introgression by orders of magnitude. Such overconfidence in our ability to detect and quantify introgression can affect critical conservation and management decisions regarding native species undergoing or at risk of introgression from non‐native species.
Hemodynamic Effects, Safety, and Feasibility of Intravenous Esmolol Infusion During Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy With Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction: Results From A Multicenter Registry
Authors: Santoro Francesco , Ieva Riccardo , Ferraretti Armando , Fanelli Mario , Musaico Francesco , Tarantino Nicola , Martino Luigi Di , Gennaro Luisa De , Caldarola Pasquale , Biase Matteo Di , Brunetti Natale Daniele 
Published: March 2016

SummaryBackgroundLeft ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) may complicate an episode of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC), potentially leading to cardiogenic shock. Beta‐blockers are considered the most suitable treatment for such complication.Aim of the studyThe objective of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic effects, safety, and feasibility of a selective beta‐blocker (β1) with a short half‐life, esmolol, in subjects with a TTC episode.MethodsNinety‐six consecutive patients with TTC were enrolled in a multicenter registry. The hemodynamic and echocardiographic effects of esmolol (0.15–0.3 mg/kg/min) were analyzed in nine consecutive patients with LVOTO. Clinical course of patients, hemodynamics, days of hospitalization, LV function, and adverse events at follow‐up were recorded.ResultsLeft ventricular outflow tract obstruction was present in 10 (10.4%) of 96 patients. Patients with LVOTO were older and had higher values of troponin‐I at admission. LV ejection fraction at admission (36.1 ± 8.4%) significantly improved at discharge (51.4 ± 6.9%, P = 0.001). Among patients treated with esmolol infusion, LVOT pressure gradient before treatment was 47.6 ± 16.6 mmHg and after 18.2 ± 2.3 mmHg (P = 0.0091). Systolic blood pressure decreased from 123.8 ± 29.1 to 112.6 ± 12.7 mmHg (P = 0.1537). Mean hospital stay was 9 ± 2 days. No adverse events were observed during hospitalization and at follow‐up.ConclusionsEsmolol infusion was temporally associated with reduction in intraventricular gradient and systemic blood pressure in patients with TTC and LVOTO. Further controlled studies are warranted to confirm these preliminary findings.
Distensibility and pain of the uterine cervix evaluated by novel techniques
Authors: Gregersen Hans , Hee Lene , Liao Donghua , Uldbjerg Niels 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe article serves to review the literature on the human uterine cervix based on a new distension technology named functional luminal imaging probe. This technology was originally developed to study the biomechanical competence of the gastro‐esophageal junction where it provides a geometric profile of the lumen during distension, which can be related to sensory data. We searched and reviewed publications on cervical distention from 2002. The functional luminal imaging probe technology has been used for studying the mechanical and mechano‐sensory properties of the cervix in non‐pregnant women. In early pregnant women and in term pregnant women, the technique provides geometric measurements from the whole cervical canal during distension, which changes dramatically during pregnancy. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that the technique predicts the outcome of labor induction better than the Bishop score does. The functional luminal imaging probe technology has potential as a research tool as well as for clinical use in gynecology and obstetrics.
Ventricular outputs, central blood flow distribution and flow pattern through the aortic isthmus of fetuses with simple transposition of the great arteries
Authors: Blanc Julie , Fouron Jean‐Claude , Sonesson Sven‐Erik , Raboisson Marie‐Josée , Huggon Ian , Gendron Roxanne , Berger Annie , Brisebois Sophie 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIntroductionOur objective was to determine the impact of simple transposition of the great arteries (TGA) on fetal left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) performances and central circulatory dynamics including the aortic isthmus.Material and methodsVentricular stroke volumes were calculated as the product of the cross‐sectional area of the corresponding semi‐lunar valve and the flow velocity integral through these valves. Volume flow in ductus arteriosus (QDA) was evaluated using the same technique. Flow through the lungs (QLUNGS) was calculated by subtracting netQDA from flow in main pulmonary artery [netQDA = QDA minus retrograde ductus arteriosus (DA) diastolic flow]. Relative performance of each ventricle expressed as percentage of combined cardiac output was also indirectly assessed by the aortic isthmus systolic index (ISI) (nadir of incisura/peak systolic of the Doppler waveforms in the isthmus); the relation between ISI and QLUNGS was investigated.ResultsFifty‐one fetuses with TGA were compared with 74 normal controls matched for gestational age. TGA fetuses had higher QLV at T2 (58.6 ± 9.4% vs. 43.4 ± 5.0%, p < 0.001) and T3 (53.7 ± 8.9% vs. 43.9 ± 5.7%, p < 0.001). QLUNGS was higher in fetuses with TGA, in the second (50.4 ± 16.3% vs. 39.0 ± 16.8%, p = 0.007) and third trimesters of gestation (52.8 ± 22.0% vs. 37.1 ± 16.3%, p = 0.005). No difference was found between ISI values from normal and TGA groups. A significant inverse correlation was observed between ISI and QLUNGS (r = −0.55, p = 0.006).ConclusionsCentral distribution of combined cardiac output of fetuses with simple TGA is characterized by a greater QLUNGS leading to a dominant LV. In prenatal TGA, changes in QLUNGS could be monitored by measuring ISI. The clinical importance of this last observation deserves further investigations.
Therapeutic hypothermia for neonatal hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy had favourable outcomes at a referral hospital in a middle‐income country
Authors: Kali Gugulabatembunamahlubi Tenjiwe Jabulile , Martinez‐Biarge Miriam , Van Zyl Jeanetta , Smith Johan , Rutherford Mary 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimThis South African study documented the survival and neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants with hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) after introducing cooling to a neonatal intensive care unit and identified early markers for neurodevelopmental outcome.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed infants that received cooling according to the Total Body Hypothermia trial protocol from 2008 to 2011. Infants were screened with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition, at one year of age and underwent neurological and hearing assessments.ResultsData on 99 infants with HIE showed that 45% of cases were moderate, 23% severe and 32% mild. An abnormal amplitude integrated electro‐encephalogram (aEEG) background was documented in 45 cases within 24 hours. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were consistent with HIE in all but one case. We reviewed 50 traceable survivors at one year. Development was significantly impaired in nine and 41 were normal or mildly impaired. A severely abnormal aEEG background, severe HIE and an abnormal MRI were associated with death and severe impairment. A good suck, mild HIE, primiparity and normal MRI were associated with good outcomes.ConclusionMost infants with HIE survived without major impairment. Previously described predictors of neurodevelopmental outcome were good surrogate markers in this population.
‘Planning Live’: using a person‐centred intervention to reduce admissions to and length of stay in learning disability inpatient facilities
Authors: Bartle Janet , Crossland Tom , Hewitt Olivia 
Published: March 2016

Accessible Summary

Some people with a learning disability need to go to hospital to get help with their mental health or if they have challenging behaviour.

We wanted to see if we could help people get the right support at home so they did not have to go to hospital

We had a special meeting to help this happen called a ‘Planning Live’ meeting

These meetings helped some people stay at home and get support without having to go to hospital.

For the people who had to come into hospital, they had a shorter stay and could go home more quickly.

AbstractBackground: Recent government policy has focused on reducing the number of people with a learning disability receiving treatment for challenging behaviour or mental health difficulties in hospitals (including in assessment and treatment units; ATU). People with a learning disability should be supported to remain in their community when receiving support for challenging behaviour or mental health difficulties whenever possible.Methods: This study considered a novel intervention based on person‐centred planning practice, which aimed to coordinate a person's support, identify outstanding needs and increase communication. This intervention intended to reduce rates of inpatient admission, and support the person to remain in their community, whilst ensuring their needs are met. This intervention was assessed by considering the number of people admitted to the inpatient services before and after the intervention, the length of inpatient admissions before and after the intervention, and by analysing qualitative feedback from participants in the intervention.Results: ‘Planning Live’ meetings were held for 102 people. Forty‐five meetings were held retrospectively following an emergency admission. Following the ‘Planning Live’ meeting, five people had a planned admission and 52 people did not have an inpatient admission. The median length of inpatient stay fell from 143.5 days before the introduction of ‘Planning Live’ to 66 days (a statistically significant reduction). Qualitative feedback shows that the process was largely seen as helpful by professionals, families and individuals taking part in the meetings.Conclusions: The results suggest this person‐centred intervention contributed towards a reduction in the amount of time individuals stayed in hospital. However, the total number of hospital admissions rose following the intervention.
Tonsillectomy and inflammatory bowel disease: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Xiong H.‐F. , Wang B. , Zhao Z.‐H. , Hong J. , Zhu Y. , Zhou X. , Xie Y. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimThe pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases remains unclear. Genetic and environmental factors are involved. Studies of the association between tonsillectomy and inflammatory bowel disease have yielded conflicting results.MethodPubMed and EMBASE were searched to identify studies evaluating the association between tonsillectomy and inflammatory bowel disease [Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC)]. Odds ratios with 95% CI were calculated using a random‐ or fixed‐effects model. The χ2 test and I2 test were used to assess homogeneity. Egger's test was used to evaluate publication bias.ResultsThirteen observational case–control studies including 4122 patients (3035 UC/1087 CD) and 5103 controls were analysed. The summary odds ratio estimated for UC following a tonsillectomy was 0.932, 95% CI 0.819–1.062. The odds ratio for CD following a tonsillectomy was 1.194, 95% CI 0.992–1.437. Publication bias was not detected (Egger's test coefficient −3.50 to 1.55; P = 0.39).ConclusionNo obvious association between tonsillectomy and inflammatory bowel disease was identified in our meta‐analysis.
China's housing bubble burst?
Authors: Liu Tie‐Ying , Chang Hsu‐Ling , Su Chi‐Wei , Jiang Xu‐Zhao 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn this paper, we developed the recursive unit root tests to identify the beginning and end of potential speculative bubbles in the Chinese housing price cycles during 2006–2013 for the 70 major cities of China. The method is best suited for a practical implementation with a time series and delivers a consistent date‐stamping strategy for the origination and termination of multiple bubbles. Simulations demonstrate that the test significantly improves discriminatory power and leads to distinct power gains when multiple bubbles occur. Overall, the results indicate that the speculative housing price bubbles in China are not bursting, and they indicate that the stationarity of the housing price level varies across the different city sizes. Between the cities, approximately one‐fourth of the bubbles have burst up to December 2013, while the first‐tier city bubble may not burst due to the urbanization process.
A rapid, reliable and less‐destructive method for stem inoculations on trees
Authors: Maschek O. , Halmschlager E. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryA new stem inoculation method using a gouge and syringe for inoculum application and utilizing the tree transpiration system for the uptake of sap‐compatible liquids was developed. This method is fast, reliable and less‐destructive compared to traditional methods of wound inoculation using a drill, punch, scalpel or a chisel.
Targeted activation of primitive neural stem cells in the mouse brain
Authors: Reeve Rachel L. , Yammine Samantha Z. , DeVeale Brian , van der Kooy Derek 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPrimitive neural stem cells (pNSCs) are the earliest NSCs to appear in the developing forebrain. They persist into the adult forebrain where they can generate all cells in the neural lineage and therefore hold great potential for brain regeneration. Thus, pNSCs are an ideal population to target to promote endogenous NSC activation. pNSCs can be isolated from the periventricular region as leukaemia inhibitory factor‐responsive cells, and comprise a rare population in the adult mouse brain. We hypothesized that the pup periventricular region gives rise to more clonal pNSC‐derived neurospheres but that pup‐derived pNSCs are otherwise comparable to adult‐derived pNSCs, and can be used to identify selective markers and activators of endogenous pNSCs. We tested the self‐renewal ability, differentiation capacity and gene expression profile of pup‐derived pNSCs and found them each to be comparable to adult‐derived pNSCs, including being GFAP−, nestinmid, Oct4+. Next, we used pup pNSCs to test pharmacological compounds to activate pNSCs to promote endogenous brain repair. We hypothesized that pNSCs could be activated by targeting the cell surface proteins C‐Kit and ErbB2, which were enriched in pNSCs relative to definitive NSCs (dNSCs) in an in vitro screen. C‐Kit and ErbB2 signalling inhibition had distinct effects on pNSCs and dNSCs in vitro, and when infused directly into the adult brain in vivo. Targeted activation of pNSCs with C‐Kit and ErbB2 modulation is a valuable strategy to activate the earliest cell in the neural lineage to contribute to endogenous brain regeneration.
Unihemispheric concurrent dual‐site cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation: the effects on corticospinal excitability
Authors: Vaseghi Bita , Zoghi Maryam , Jaberzadeh Shapour 
Published: March 2016

AbstractWe aimed to assess the effects of concurrent cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (c‐tDCS) of two targets in a hemisphere, termed unihemispheric concurrent dual‐site cathodal tDCS (c‐tDCSUHCDS), on the size of M1 corticospinal excitability and its lasting effect. Secondary aims were to identify the mechanisms behind the efficacy of c‐tDCSUHCDS and to evaluate the side effects of this new technique. Twelve healthy volunteers received 20 min c‐tDCS under five conditions in a random order: M1 c‐tDCS, c‐tDCSUHCDS of M1–dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), M1–primary sensory cortex (S1), M1–primary visual cortex (V1) and sham. The M1 corticospinal excitability of the first dorsal interossei muscle was assessed before, immediately after, and 30 min, 60 min and 24 h after the interventions. Short‐interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF) were also assessed, using a paired‐pulse paradigm. Compared to conventional M1 c‐tDCS, corticospinal excitability significantly increased following c‐tDCSUHCDS of M1‐DLPFC and M1‐V1 for up to 24 h (P = 0.001). Significant increases in ICF were observed following c‐tDCSUHCDS of M1‐DLPFC (P = 0.005) and M1‐V1 (P = 0.002). Compared to baseline values, ICF and SICI increased significantly at T60 (P < 0.001) and T24 h (P < 0.001) following the concurrent c‐tDCS of M1 and V1. Sham c‐tDCSUHCDS did not induce any significant alteration. The corticospinal excitability increase was mainly accompanied by ICF increase, which indirectly indicates the activity of glutamergic mechanisms. The findings may help us to more fully understand the brain function and develop future motor learning studies. No significant excitability change induced by sham c‐tDCSUHCDS suggests that there is no placebo effect associated with this new tDCS technique.