bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
T‐Wave Alternans, Heart Rate Turbulence, and Ventricular Ectopy in Standard versus Daily Hemodialysis: Results from the FHN Daily Trial
Authors: Kaplan Rachel M. , Herzog Charles A. , Larive Brett , Subacius Haris , Nearing Bruce D. , Verrier Richard , Passman Rod S. 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundHemodialysis (HD) patients are at high risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). HD 6‐times/week (6x/wk) may reduce SCD risk compared to usual 3‐times/week HD (3x/wk) by mechanisms unknown. T‐wave alternans (TWA), heart rate turbulence (HRT), and ventricular ectopy (VE) are elevated in HD patients, but their response to 6x/wk HD has not been assessed.MethodsBaseline and 1‐year Holter recordings were analyzed from enrollees in the Frequent Hemodialysis Network Daily Trial, a randomized trial comparing 3x/wk to 6x/wk in 245 chronic HD patients. TWA, HRT, and VE were assessed using MARS software.ResultsSixty‐eight patients (34 with 6x/wk) had complete baseline and 1‐year Holter recordings. Mean age was 50 ± 13 years and 38% were female. Maximum TWA in the 3x/wk and 6x/wk groups were 52.4 μV at baseline and 51.2 μV at 1‐year versus 54.0 and 49.9 μV, respectively (P = 0.28). The proportion of abnormal HRT (scores of 1 or 2) in the 3x/wk group decreased from 65% to 56% at 1‐year versus 53% to 53% in the 6x/wk group (P = 0.58). Mean %VE changed from 1.6% to 2.9% in the 3x/wk group from baseline to 1‐year and from 2.1% to 3.7% in the 6x/wk group (P = 0.85).ConclusionsThere were no significant differences in HRT or VE at 1‐year in chronic HD patients randomized to 6x/wk versus 3x/wk and a trend in TWA reduction. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the impact and mechanisms of SCD in HD.
Changes in Electrocardiographic P Wave Parameters after Cryoballoon Ablation and Their Association with Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence
Authors: Kizilirmak Filiz , Demir Gultekin Gunhan , Gokdeniz Tayyar , Gunes Haci Murat , Cakal Beytullah , Guler Ekrem , Karaca İbrahim Oguz , Omaygenç Mehmet Onur , Yılmaz Fatih , Olgun Fatih Erkam , Kilicaslan Fethi 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundChanges in P wave parameters after circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) have been previously identified. In this study, we aimed to determine the changes in P wave parameters surface electrocardiogram (ECG) after cryoballoon ablation (CBA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) and evaluate their relationship with AF recurrence.MethodsSixty‐one patients (mean age 53 ± 11 years, 50.8% male) with paroxysmal AF who underwent CBA were enrolled. A surface ECG was obtained from all patients immediately before the procedure, and repeated 12 hours after the procedure. P wave amplitude (Pamp), P wave duration (Pwd), and P wave dispersion (Pdis) values in preprocedural and postprocedural ECGs were measured and compared. Recurrence rates of AF in 3, 6, and 9 months following ablation were recorded for all patients. Changes in P wave parameters were compared between patients with and without AF recurrence.ResultsCompared to preprocedural measurements, Pamp (from 0.58 ± 0.18 mV at baseline to 0.48 ± 0.17 mV, P < 0.001), Pwd (from 109.72 ± 18.43 ms at baseline to 91.36 ± 22.53 ms, P < 0.001), and Pdis (from 55.44 ± 20.45 ms at baseline to 45.30 ± 15.31 ms, P < 0.001) were significantly decreased after CBA. The difference in Pamp between pre‐ and postprocedural values (∆Pamp) was significantly higher in patients without AF recurrence compared to those with recurrence (0.10 ± 0.06 mV vs 0.04 ± 0.01 mV, P = 0.002). There was no difference in Pwd difference (∆Pwd) and Pdis difference (∆Pdis) between patients with and without AF recurrence (P > 0.05).ConclusionPamp, Pwd, and Pdis parameters exhibited significant decrease after CBA compared to preprocedural measurements. Decreased Pamp was shown to be a predictor for good clinical outcomes following CBA.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery in elective hip and knee arthroplasty reduces length of hospital stay
Authors: Stowers Marinus D. J. , Manuopangai Lavell , Hill Andrew G. , Gray Jonathon R. , Coleman Brendan , Munro Jacob T. 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundStandardized perioperative care within an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programme aims to reduce postoperative morbidity and length of hospital stay (LOS). This study evaluated the effect of ERAS in patients undergoing elective, primary total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA) in a New Zealand public hospital.MethodsData collected prospectively on patients who had undergone THA and TKA in an ERAS programme (ERAS: August–December 2013) were compared to a retrospective cohort of patients managed in a traditional perioperative care environment (control: June–August 2012). The Breakthrough Series Model for Improvement provided a framework to implement components of the ERAS protocol. The primary outcome was median LOS. Secondary outcomes included 30‐day readmission rates, complications and cost.ResultsThere were 206 patients who met the eligibility criteria (106 ERAS, 100 control). There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics. After the implementation of ERAS, median LOS was reduced by 1 day (5 control versus 4 ERAS; P < 0.001). Short‐term complications were similar (P = 0.372) as were readmission rates (P = 0.258). Cost analysis identified ERAS patients to have reduced cost overall.Conclusions
ERAS in THA and TKA has been shown to be safe and effective in improving recovery through shorter hospital stay.
Rethinking Land Struggle in the Postindustrial City
Authors: Safransky Sara 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe racial and cultural politics of land and property are central to urban struggle, but have received relatively little attention in geography. This paper analyzes land struggles in Detroit where over 100,000 parcels of land are classified as “vacant”. Since 2010, planners and government officials have been developing controversial plans to ruralize Detroit's “vacant” neighborhoods as part of a program of fiscal austerity, reigniting old questions of racialized dispossession, sovereignty, and struggles for liberation. This paper analyzes these contentious politics by examining disputes over a white businessman's proposal to build the world's largest urban forest in the center of a Black majority city. I focus on how residents, urban farmers, and community activists resisted the project by making counterclaims to vacant land as an urban commons. They argued that the land is inhabited not empty and that it belonged to those who labored upon and suffered for it. Combining community‐based ethnography with insights from critical property theory, critical race studies, and postcolonial theory, I argue that land struggles in Detroit are more than distributional conflicts over resources. They are inextricable from debates over notions of race, property, and citizenship that undergird modern liberal democracies and ongoing struggles for decolonization.
Effect of candidate gene polymorphisms on reproductive traits in a Large White pig population
Authors: Sato Shuji , Kikuchi Takashi , Uemoto Yoshinobu , Mikawa Satoshi , Suzuki Keiichi 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe objective of this study was to test for association of candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with sow prolificacy reproductive traits, such as litter size, ovulation rate and lifetime performance, in gilts of a Large White pig population. Preliminary research on 25 animals selected from the high‐ and low‐performance groups of 347 animals with case‐control studies indicated that seven genes were associated with total number of piglets born (TNB). Six of the seven genes were associated with reproductive traits, including TNB, number of piglets born alive (NBA) and average weight of piglet weaning (AWW). A MBL2 SNP was significantly associated with TNB and NBA in first parity. A CFB SNP was associated with TNB in first parity. An ACE SNP was associated with TNB in first and second parities. An EGF polymorphism was associated with TNB, NBA and AWW in second parity. A KCNC2 polymorphism was significantly associated with TNB and NBA in second parity. A SLC22A5 SNP was associated with TNB and NBA in second parity. Six candidate SNPs were associated with TNB; the only exception was a PRKAG3 polymorphism. A candidate gene approach enables some of these polymorphisms to be used in genetic improvement programs based on marker‐assisted selection.
A Comparison of Practices During the Confinement Period among Chinese, Malay, and Indian Mothers in Singapore
Authors: Fok Doris , Aris Izzuddin M. , Ho Jiahui , Lim Sok Bee , Chua Mei Chien , Pang Wei Wei , Saw Seang‐Mei , Kwek Kenneth , Godfrey Keith M. , Kramer Michael S. , Chong Yap Seng ,   the GUSTO Study Group
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundConfinement (restrictions placed on diet and practices during the month right after delivery) represents a key feature of Asian populations. Few studies, however, have focused specifically on ethnic differences in confinement practices. This study assesses the confinement practices of three ethnic groups in a multi‐ethnic Asian population.MethodsParticipants were part of a prospective birth cohort study that recruited 1,247 pregnant women (57.2% Chinese, 25.5% Malay, and 17.3% Indian) during their first trimester. The 1,220 participants were followed up 3 weeks postpartum at home when questionnaires were administered to ascertain the frequency of adherence to the following confinement practices: showering; confinement‐specific meals; going out with or without the baby; choice of caregiver assistance; and the use of massage therapy.ResultsMost participants reported that they followed confinement practices during the first 3 weeks postpartum (Chinese: 96.4%, Malay: 92.4%, Indian: 85.6%). Chinese and Indian mothers tended to eat more special confinement diets than Malay mothers (p < 0.001), and Chinese mothers showered less and were more likely to depend on confinement nannies during this period than mothers from the two other ethnic groups (p < 0.001 for all). Malay mothers tended to make greater use of massage therapy (p < 0.001), whilst Indian mothers tended to have their mothers or mothers‐in‐law as assistant caregivers (p < 0.001).ConclusionMost Singapore mothers follow confinement practices, but the three Asian ethnic groups differed in specific confinement practices. Future studies should examine whether ethnic differences persist in later childrearing practices.
Advances in understanding the pathogenesis of graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Magenau John , Runaas Lyndsey , Reddy Pavan 
Published: March 2016

SummaryAllogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is a potent immunotherapy with curative potential for several haematological disorders. Overcoming the immunological barrier of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) remains a fundamental impediment to expanding the efficacy of HCT. GVHD reflects a complex pathological interaction between the innate and adaptive immune systems of the host and donor. Over the past decade there has been a tremendous advancement in our understanding of the cellular and molecular underpinnings of this devastating disease. In this review, we cover several recently appreciated facets of GVHD pathogenesis including novel extracellular mediators of inflammation, immune subsets, intracellular signal transduction, post‐translation modifications and epigenetic regulation. We begin to develop general themes regarding the immunological pathways in GVHD pathogenesis, discuss critical outstanding questions, and explore new avenues for GVHD treatment and prevention.
Targeting childhood, adolescent and young adult non‐Hodgkin lymphoma: therapeutic horizons
Authors: Galardy Paul J. , Bedekovics Tibor , Hermiston Michelle L. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryNon‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the third most common malignancy in children, adolescents and young adults (CAYA). NHL is a diverse set of diseases that arise at key regulatory checkpoints during B or T cell development in the bone marrow, germinal centre or thymus. While advances in the use of conventional cytotoxic agents have led to dramatic improvements in survival, these cures are associated with significant acute and long‐term toxicities. Moreover, the prognosis for CAYA patients with relapsed or refractory NHL remains dismal, with the vast majority dying of their disease. Thanks to a large number of candidate‐based biological studies, together with large‐scale sequencing efforts, there has been an explosion of knowledge regarding the molecular pathophysiology of B‐ and T‐NHL. This has ushered development of a flurry of novel therapeutic approaches that may simultaneously provide new hope for relapsed patients and an opportunity to reduce the therapeutic burden in newly diagnosed CAYA. Here we review a selection of the most promising new therapeutic approaches to these diseases. While the vast majority of these agents are untested in children, on‐going work from many cooperative groups will soon explore their use in paediatric disease, in hope of further improving outcomes while maximizing quality of life.
Incidence and risk factors for Central Nervous System thrombosis in paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia during intensive asparaginase treatment: a single‐centre cohort study
Authors: Duarte Ximo , Esteves Susana , Neto Ana M. , Pereira Filomena 
Published: March 2016

SummaryCentral Nervous System (CNS) thrombosis is a complication of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) treatment that is potentially associated with significant morbidity and neurological sequelae. Its presumably multifactorial aetiology is poorly characterized. We conducted a single‐centre, retrospective cohort study on 346 ALL paediatric patients (1–16 years old) treated with asparaginase intensive Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) protocols from 1998 to 2011. The incidence, risk factors and outcome of CNS thrombosis were evaluated. CNS thrombosis occurred in 3·8% (13/346) of the patients (95% confidence interval 2·0–6·3%). Twelve events were diagnosed during intensification, all of which resolved within 2 weeks without neurological sequelae or significant impact in survival. Obesity (body mass index above 95th percentile) and asparaginase formulation were the only factors associated with CNS thrombosis, with an increase in the odds of event in obese patients [odds ratio (OR) = 3·37; P = 0·064] and a reduction in patients receiving Erwinia asparaginase (OR = 0·12; P = 0·018). No association could be demonstrated for age, gender, DFCI risk‐group, ALL phenotype, steroid or doxorubicin use, central venous line use or CNS radiotherapy. CNS thrombosis is a rare but manageable adverse event without significant sequelae or detrimental effects in survival. Increased awareness is recommended in obese patients particularly during intensive asparaginase use.
Rituximab, bendamustine and lenalidomide in patients with aggressive B‐cell lymphoma not eligible for anthracycline‐based therapy or intensive salvage chemotherapy – SAKK 38/08
Authors: Hitz Felicitas , Zucca Emanuele , Pabst Thomas , Fischer Natalie , Cairoli Anne , Samaras Panagiotis , Caspar Clemens B. , Mach Nicolas , Krasniqi Fatime , Schmidt Adrian , Rothermundt Christian , Enoiu Milica , Eckhardt Katrin , Berardi Vilei Simona , Rondeau Stephanie , Mey Ulrich 
Published: March 2016

An increasing number of older patients are suffering from aggressive lymphoma. Effective and more tolerable treatment regimens are urgently needed for this growing patient population. Patients with aggressive lymphoma not eligible for anthracycline‐based first‐line therapy or intensive salvage regimens were treated with the rituximab‐bendamustine‐lenalidomide (R‐BL) regimen (rituximab 375 mg/m2 day 1, bendamustine 70 mg/m2 d 1, 2, lenalidomide 10 mg d 1–21) for six cycles every 4 weeks. Forty‐one patients with a median age of 75 (range 40–94) years were enrolled: 33 patients had substantial co‐morbidities. 13 patients were not eligible for anthracycline‐based first‐line chemotherapy, 28 patients had relapsed/refractory disease. The primary endpoint, overall response, was achieved by 25 (61%) patients (95% confidence interval 45–76%). Grade ≥ 3 toxicity comprised haematological (59%), skin (15%), constitutional (15%) and neurological (12%) events. 9 patients died during trial treatment: 5 from lymphoma progression, 2 from toxicity, 2 with sudden death. After a median follow‐up of 25·9 (interquartile range 20·4–31·6) months, 13 patients were still alive. Median overall survival was 14·5 months. In conclusion, R‐BL can be considered a treatment option for elderly patients with treatment naïve or relapsed/refractory aggressive lymphoma not eligible for standard aggressive regimens.
The genetic landscape of paediatric de novo acute myeloid leukaemia as defined by single nucleotide polymorphism array and exon sequencing of 100 candidate genes
Authors: Olsson Linda , Zettermark Sofia , Biloglav Andrea , Castor Anders , Behrendtz Mikael , Forestier Erik , Paulsson Kajsa , Johansson Bertil 
Published: March 2016

Cytogenetic analyses of a consecutive series of 67 paediatric (median age 8 years; range 0–17) de novo acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients revealed aberrations in 55 (82%) cases. The most common subgroups were KMT2A rearrangement (29%), normal karyotype (15%), RUNX1‐RUNX1T1 (10%), deletions of 5q, 7q and/or 17p (9%), myeloid leukaemia associated with Down syndrome (7%), PML‐RARA (7%) and CBFB‐MYH11 (5%). Single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP‐A) analysis and exon sequencing of 100 genes, performed in 52 and 40 cases, respectively (39 overlapping), revealed ≥1 aberration in 89%; when adding cytogenetic data, this frequency increased to 98%. Uniparental isodisomies (UPIDs) were detected in 13% and copy number aberrations (CNAs) in 63% (median 2/case); three UPIDs and 22 CNAs were recurrent. Twenty‐two genes were targeted by focal CNAs, including AEBP2 and PHF6 deletions and genes involved in AML‐associated gene fusions. Deep sequencing identified mutations in 65% of cases (median 1/case). In total, 60 mutations were found in 30 genes, primarily those encoding signalling proteins (47%), transcription factors (25%), or epigenetic modifiers (13%). Twelve genes (BCOR, CEBPA, FLT3, GATA1, KIT, KRAS, NOTCH1, NPM1, NRAS, PTPN11, SMC3 and TP53) were recurrently mutated. We conclude that SNP‐A and deep sequencing analyses complement the cytogenetic diagnosis of paediatric AML.
Trends in primary central nervous system lymphoma incidence and survival in the U.S.
Authors: Shiels Meredith S. , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Besson Caroline , Clarke Christina A. , Morton Lindsay M. , Nogueira Leticia , Pawlish Karen , Yanik Elizabeth L. , Suneja Gita , Engels Eric A. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryIt is suspected that primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) rates are increasing among immunocompetent people. We estimated PCNSL trends in incidence and survival among immunocompetent persons by excluding cases among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected persons and transplant recipients. PCNSL data were derived from 10 Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) cancer registries (1992–2011). HIV‐infected cases had reported HIV infection or death due to HIV. Transplant recipient cases were estimated from the Transplant Cancer Match Study. We estimated PCNSL trends overall and among immunocompetent individuals, and survival by HIV status. A total of 4158 PCNSLs were diagnosed (36% HIV‐infected; 0·9% transplant recipients). HIV prevalence in PCNSL cases declined from 64·1% (1992–1996) to 12·7% (2007–2011), while the prevalence of transplant recipients remained low. General population PCNSL rates were strongly influenced by immunosuppressed cases, particularly in 20–39 year‐old men. Among immunocompetent people, PCNSL rates in men and women aged 65+ years increased significantly (1·7% and 1·6%/year), but remained stable in other age groups. Five‐year survival was poor, particularly among HIV‐infected cases (9·0%). Among HIV‐uninfected cases, 5‐year survival increased from 19·1% (1992–1994) to 30·1% (2004–2006). In summary, PCNSL rates have increased among immunocompetent elderly adults, but not in younger individuals. Survival remains poor for both HIV‐infected and HIV‐uninfected PCNSL patients.
Novel application assigned to toluquinol: inhibition of lymphangiogenesis by interfering with VEGF‐C/VEGFR‐3 signalling pathway
Authors: García‐Caballero M , Blacher S , Paupert J , Quesada A R , Medina M A , Noël A 
Published: March 2016

Background and PurposeLymphangiogenesis is an important biological process associated with the pathogenesis of several diseases, including metastatic dissemination, graft rejection, lymphoedema and other inflammatory disorders. The development of new drugs that block lymphangiogenesis has become a promising therapeutic strategy. In this study, we investigated the ability of toluquinol, a 2‐methyl‐hydroquinone isolated from the culture broth of the marine fungus Penicillium sp. HL‐85‐ALS5‐R004, to inhibit lymphangiogenesis in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo.Experimental ApproachWe used human lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) to analyse the effect of toluquinol in 2D and 3D in vitro cultures and in the ex vivo mouse lymphatic ring assay. For in vivo approaches, the transgenic Fli1:eGFPy1 zebrafish, mouse ear sponges and cornea models were used. Western blotting and apoptosis analyses were carried out to search for drug targets.Key ResultsToluquinol inhibited LEC proliferation, migration, tubulogenesis and sprouting of new lymphatic vessels. Furthermore, toluquinol induced apoptosis of LECs after 14 h of treatment in vitro, blocked the development of the thoracic duct in zebrafish and reduced the VEGF‐C‐induced lymphatic vessel formation and corneal neovascularization in mice. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that this drug attenuates VEGF‐C‐induced VEGFR‐3 phosphorylation in a dose‐dependent manner and suppresses the phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2.Conclusions and ImplicationsBased on these findings, we propose toluquinol as a new candidate with pharmacological potential for the treatment of lymphangiogenesis‐related pathologies. Notably, its ability to suppress corneal neovascularization paves the way for applications in vascular ocular pathologies.
Cultural Variation in Triadic Infant–Caregiver Object Exploration
Authors: Little Emily E. , Carver Leslie J. , Legare Cristine H. 
Published: March 2016

Two studies examined the extent to which the type of triadic interaction pervasive in Western populations (i.e., shared visual attention and ostensive pedagogical cues) was representative of infant–caregiver object exploration in a non‐Western indigenous community. Caregivers in the United States and Vanuatu interacted with infants and a novel object for 3 min. In Study 1 (N = 116, Mage = 29.05), Ni‐Van caregivers used more physical triadic engagement and U.S. caregivers used more visual triadic engagement. In Study 2 (N = 80, Mage = 29.91), U.S. caregivers were more likely than Ni‐Van caregivers to transmit an action and to use visual cues while interacting with their child. These studies demonstrate that the Western model of early social learning is not universal.