bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disruption of Staphylococcus Epidermidis Biofilms by Medicinal Maggot Lucilia Sericata Excretions/Secretions
Authors: Harris Llinos G. , Bexfield Alyson , Nigam Yamni , Rohde Holger , Ratcliffe Norman A. , Mack Dietrich 
Published: January 2018

Chronic infections are commonly associated with biofilms formed by bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis. With the increase in antibiotic resistant bacteria, maggot debridement therapy has been reintroduced for the treatment of chronic wounds. Studies have shown that the excretion/secretions (ES) of Lucilia sericata larvae (maggots) contain many bioactive compounds which may contribute to the efficacy of maggot therapy. The present study evaluates the effect of L. sericata ES on the formation and disruption of S. epidermidis 7457 and 5179-R1 biofilms. These strains employ either polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA) or accumulation associated protein (Aap) for intercellular adhesion. A semiquantitative biofilm assay was used to measure the formation/disruption of S. epidermidis 7457 and 5179-R1 biofilms by ES. ES activity was characterized according to concentration, incubation time and temperature, thermal stability, and size. Immunofluorescence microscopy was used to ascertain the effect of ES on PIA and Aap. In the presence of ES, S. epidermidis 7457 and 5179-R1 nascent bio film formation was inhibited, and pre-formed biofilms disrupted. ES activity was temperature and time dependent, inactivated by heat treatment, and disruption depended on the mechanism of intercellular adhesion. The molecule(s) responsible was >10 kDa in size and appeared to have protease or glucosaminidase activity. ES interferes with S. epidermidis biofilm formation, specifically degrading factors employed in biofilm accumulation, which would increase bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics and the host's immune system. In purified form, ES-factors may have general applicability for the treatment or prevention of chronic biofilm infections caused by staphylococci.
Influence of Material and Microtopography on the Development of Local Infection in vivo: Experimental Investigation in Rabbits
Authors: Moriarty Thomas F. , Debefve Laurence , Boure Ludovic , Campoccia Davide , Schlegel Urs , Richards Robert G. 
Published: January 2018

Polishing the surface of internal fracture fixation (IFF) implant materials can ease implant removal and reduce irritation to gliding tissues by reducing soft tissue adhesion and bony overgrowth. Thus, polishing the surface of these implants is expected to have significant clinical benefit in certain situations. The aim of the present study was to determine if polishing the surface of an IFF device influences susceptibility to infection. The local infection rate associated with 4-hole 2.0 mm Synthes® locking compression plates (LCPs) composed of clinically available commercially pure titanium (cpTi) and titanium aluminium niobium (TAN) in their standard microrough form was compared with that of their test polished equivalents and also to clinically available electropolished stainless steel (EPSS). The LCPs were fixed in locking mode onto the tibia of mature, female New Zealand White rabbits and a clinical strain of Staphylococcus aureus was added to the implantation site. Twenty eight days after surgery the rabbits were euthanized and assessed for infection. The rank order based on descending ID50 was; polished TAN, standard TAN, standard cpTi, EPSS and finally polished cpTi, however, the ID50 values did not differ greatly between the groups with the same material. Using the LCP model in locking mode, polishing the surface of both cpTi and TAN was not found to influence the susceptibility to infection in our animal model.
Comparison of Fluid Status in Patients Treated by Different Modalities of Peritoneal Dialysis using Multi-Frequency Bioimpedance
Authors: Davenport Andrew , Willicombe Michelle 
Published: January 2018

Background and Aims Patients treated by peritoneal dialysis, especially those using automatic cyclers, are frequently found to be hypervolemic. To determine whether there are significant differences between the currently available modalities of peritoneal dialysis, we analyzed whether differences in transporter status and treatment modality had a discernible effect on extracellular fluid volumes as measured by multi-frequency bioimpedance. Methods Two hundred prevalent peritoneal dialysis patients, 48% male, mean age 54.9 yr (SD±15.6), were studied using multi-frequency bioimpedance following a standard peritoneal equilibration test; 63 patients were treated by CAPD, 29 by APD, 96 by CCPD and 12 by OCCPD. Results There were no differences in extracellular volumes, or extracellular volume adjusted for height, or as a ratio to total body water between the groups. As expected, extracellular volume adjusted for height depended upon bodyweight (r=0.412, p<0.001), sex (r=0.457, p<0.001) and systolic blood pressure (r=0.162, p=0.023), and extracellular volume to total body water related to the reciprocal of total daily peritoneal ultrafiltration losses (r=-0.0254, p=0.003) and urine output (-0.254, p=0.003). More importantly, on logistical regression analysis the ratio of extracellular fluid to total body fluid increased with falling albumin, F=21.5 p<0.001, increasing age, F=18.5 p<0.001, urine output F=6.46, p=0.014, total daily ultrafiltration, F=3.52 and protein intake p=0.003. Extracellular fluid adjusted for total body fluid was associated with CRP (males F=6.03, p=0.03, females F=4.438, p=0.04). Conclusion Patients were more likely to have an expanded extracellular fluid volume if they had reduced daily fluid losses, but also with biomarkers typically associated with poor nutrition and inflammation.
Evolution of Hemodialysis Access Resistance: A Longitudinal 5-Year Model using Functional Principal Components Analysis
Authors: Chin Andrew I. , Raffo William R. , Yang Xiaowei , Madison James R. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose Arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) and grafts (AVG) are the preferred accesses in hemodialysis (HD). By monitoring Access Resistance (AR) one can potentially identify problems with an established HD access, but little is known about how these changes in AR occur, or the variations between the two access types as they mature longitudinally. We postulated that AR evolves differentially between AVF and AVG, a critical aspect to further understanding of the natural history of HD accesses. To describe these changes, we applied a novel statistical methodology of Functional Principal Component (FPC) analysis. Methods Using ultrasound dilution flow studies, we retrospectively studied 479 functional HD accesses in which a total of 4573 assessments were made. Accounting for patient factors of age, race, gender and diabetes mellitus (DM) status, we employed a multivariate, mixed-effects model. Using the mean effects of those covariates, we then applied FPC analyses to assess the longitudinal, time-dependent changes between AVFs and AVGs over a 5-year period. Results Both types of upper-arm access were associated with a lower initial AR. Older age and DM were associated with a higher AR. Longitudinal AR varied significantly for both AVF and AVG, between the upper arm and lower arm. As a function of time, AVG was associated with an increasing AR. Conversely, AVF, especially upper-arm ones, demonstrated a longitudinal drop in AR. Conclusions Evolutionally AR can be predicted not only by the type of access, but also by the location along the arm of that access and by clinical patient factors. Longitudinal change in AR does differ between AVG and AVF. Our report provides the foundation of observed changes over time and provides insight as to how these variations are affected. We endorse ongoing surveillance to screen for clinical sequelae, even years from initial placement.
Study of influence of interlocking patterns on the mechanical performance of 3D multilayer woven composites
Authors: Umair Muhammad , Hamdani Syed Talha Ali , Asghar Muhammad Ayub , Hussain Tanveer , Karahan Mehmet , Nawab Yasir , Ali Mumtaz 
Published: January 2018

Three-dimensional multilayer woven composites are mostly used in high-performance applications due to their excellent out-of-plane mechanical performance. The current research presents an experimental investigation on the mechanical behavior of three-dimensional orthogonal layer-to-layer interlock composites. The glass filament yarn and carbon tows were used as reinforcement in warp and weft directions respectively, whereas epoxy was used as a resin for composite fabrication. Three different types of orthogonal layer to layer interlock namely warp, weft, and bi-directional interlock composites were fabricated and the effect of interlocking pattern on their mechanical performance was evaluated. The evaluation of the mechanical performance was made on the basis of tensile strength, impact strength, flexural strength, and dynamic mechanical analysis of composites in warp and weft directions. It was found that warp and weft interlock composites showed better tensile behavior as compared to bi-directional interlock composite both in the warp and weft directions, due to the presence of less crimp as compared to the bi-directional interlock composite. However, the bi-directional interlock composite exhibited considerably superior impact strength and three-point bending strength as compared to the other structures under investigation. These superior properties of bi-directional interlock composites were achieved by interlocking points in warp and weft directions simultaneously, creating a more compact and isotropic structure. Tan delta values of dynamic mechanical analysis results showed that bi-directional interlock composite displayed the highest capacity of energy dissipation in the warp and weft directions while weft interlock structures displayed highest storage and loss moduli in the warp direction.
The mediational role of helplessness in psychological outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Mills S D , Azizoddin D , Gholizadeh S , Racaza G Z , Nicassio P M 
Published: January 2018

Objective Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can result in disability and psychological distress. Although pain has been associated with depressive symptomatology and stress in SLE, a paucity of theoretical models have been used to explain the relationship between pain and psychological distress in this population. Thus, the present study examined helplessness as a mediator of the relationship between pain and psychological distress among patients with SLE. Methods Multiple mediation analysis was used to examine the hypothesis that learned helplessness mediates the relationship between pain and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress in a sample of patients with SLE ( N = 136) receiving medical care at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. Results The mean score on the Helplessness subscale was 14.5 ( SD = 5.4). Helplessness fully mediated the relationship between pain vitality and symptoms of anxiety (BCa 95% CI (−0.073, −0.015)), depression (BCa 95% CI (−0.502, −0.212)), and stress (BCa 95% CI (−0.063, −0.027)). Conclusion Participants reported a high level of perceived inability to control one’s disease. Helplessness fully mediated the relationship between pain and measures of anxiety, depression, and perceived stress among patients with SLE.
Does Fiscal Deficit Affect Current Account Deficit in India? An Econometric Analysis
Authors: Banday Umer J. , Aneja Ranjan 
Published: January 2018

The aim of this article is to examine the validity of the Keynesian proposition and Ricardian equivalence (RE) theorem for the developing country India over the period 1990–2015. The Mundell–Fleming model and Feldstein chain model which revolve around the Keynesian proposition argues it is budget deficit (BD) which influences current account deficit (CAD), with the increase in interest rate. While as RE theorem states that there is no relationship between BD and CAD, the decrease in tax rates will not increase the consumption because rational agents consider today’s deficit financing as tomorrow’s liabilities. The article initially investigates the theoretical foundation, followed by empirical literature, and uses various methods of econometrics to testify its validity. A co-integration and vector error correction model (VECM) model validates the existence of long-run relationship. The results of Granger causality test reveal the existence of bi-directional causality between BD and CAD and validates Keynesian proposition in India. Our results conclude that instability in macro variables such as inflation, exchange rate, interest rate and money supply (MS) causes CAD and BD which further have been proved by Cholesky decomposition method. However, it has been said in the global economic world that no one can escape the windfall effect of exchange rate volatility and rising prices, and such effects can be minimised but not eliminated. JEL: E12, E31, E52, E62, E63, E41
Patient Experiences and Opinions of a Behavioral Activation Group Intervention for Depression
Authors: O’Neill Laura , Samaan Zainab , McCabe Kathleen , Tabak Terri Ann , Key Brenda , Litke Kathryn , Whattam Jeff , Garrick Laura , Chalmers Sandra , Xie Feng , Thabane Lehana , Patel Yogita , Shahid Hamnah , Zielinski Laura , Vanstone Meredith 
Published: January 2018

Purpose: Major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability worldwide. This study is part of a mixed methods pilot trial, exploring the effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility of providing behavioral activation (BA) treatment in a group format. Methods: Using an applied, descriptive approach, qualitative data were collected from individual interviews (18) and focus groups (5) at multiple data points throughout the trial and feedback given to group facilitators, who adapted the program accordingly. Results: Group BA is an effective and acceptable treatment format when a client-centered, flexible approach is utilized. This contrasted with findings from the comparison intervention, a peer support group, from which participants reported no benefit. Conclusions: Group BA is beneficial in a fiscally responsible evidenced-based health-care culture. Comparator groups need to be carefully selected. Engaging patient and clinician perspectives when designing and implementing new clinical interventions is vital in informing future research and social work practice.
Identifying Psychosocial Risk Factors Among Families of Children With Craniofacial Conditions
Authors: Crerand Canice E. , Kapa Hillary M. , Litteral Jennifer , Pearson Gregory D. , Eastman Katherine , Kirschner Richard E. 
Published: January 2018

Objective: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Psychosocial Assessment Tool–Craniofacial Version (PAT-CV), a screening instrument for psychosocial risk in families of children with craniofacial conditions, and to examine risk classification of patients in a craniofacial population. Design: Prospective, cross-sectional, single-center study. Setting: Interdisciplinary cleft lip and palate/craniofacial center at a US children’s hospital. Participants: Parents/caregivers (n = 242) of 217 children ages 1 month to 17 years being treated for a congenital syndromic or nonsyndromic craniofacial condition completed the PAT-CV and validating measures from July 2015 to July 2016. The PAT-CV was completed by 121 caregivers a second time to assess test-retest reliability. Main Outcome Measures: PAT-CV, Child Behavior Checklist, Adult Self-Report, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Craniofacial Experiences Questionnaire, and Family Environment Scale. Results: Construct validity of the PAT-CV was supported by significant correlations ( P < .001) between PAT-CV total and subscale scores and the validated measures. PAT-CV total scores categorized 59.9% of families within the universal risk group, 32.3% within the targeted risk group, and 7.8% within the clinical range. Good criterion validity was indicated by significantly higher scores ( P < .0001) obtained on the validated measures for those in the targeted and clinical risk groups. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.86) and test-retest reliability for the PAT-CV total score ( r = 0.77, P < .0001) were acceptable. Conclusions: The PAT-CV appears to be a reliable and valid screening instrument for psychosocial risk. Accurate identification of risk and implementation of appropriate interventions may contribute to improvements in medical and psychosocial outcomes.
Combination Therapy Versus Exercise and Orthotic Support in the Management of Pain in Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cinar Eda , Saxena Shikha , Uygur Fatma 
Published: January 2018

Background: This study aimed at estimating the effectiveness of two commonly used modalities—extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT)—each combined with usual care (exercises and orthotic supports) in comparison to only usual care to relieve pain in patients with plantar fasciitis (PF). Methods: Participants with PF were randomly allocated into 3 groups: ESWT (n = 25), LLLT (n = 24), and control (n = 17). All participants received a home exercise program with orthotic support. The ESWT group received 2000 shock waves with 0.02 mJ/mm2 for 3 sessions, once a week; LLLT group received gallium-aluminum-arsenide laser with 850 nm wavelength for 10 sessions, 3 times a week. Pain was measured by Foot Function Index-pain subscale (FFI-p) and Numerical Rating Scale for pain (NRS-p). The scores were recorded at baseline, third week, and third month after the treatment. Analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: There was a significant improvement in pain over the 3 months in all groups on both FFI-p ( P < .001) and NRS-p ( P < .001). In NRS-p, LLLT group had significantly lower pain than ESWT ( P = .002) at the third week and control ( P = .043) and ESWT ( P = .003) at third month. In FFI-p total score, ESWT group had higher pain than LLLT ( P = .003) and control ( P = .035) groups at third week and LLLT ( P = .010) group at third month. Conclusion: When LLLT and ESWT were combined with usual care, LLLT was found to be more effective than ESWT in reducing pain in PF at short-term follow-up. Level of Evidence: Level II, comparative study.
Role of the Deltoid Ligament in Syndesmotic Instability
Authors: Massri-Pugin Jafet , Lubberts Bart , Vopat Bryan G. , Wolf Jonathon C. , DiGiovanni Christopher W. , Guss Daniel 
Published: January 2018

Background: The deltoid ligament (DL) is the principal ligamentous stabilizer of the medial ankle joint. Little is known, however, about the contribution of the DL toward stabilizing the syndesmosis. The aim of this study was to arthroscopically evaluate whether the DL contributes to syndesmotic stability in the coronal plane. Methods: Eight above-knee cadaveric specimens were used in this study. A lateral hook test was performed by applying 100 N of lateral force to the fibula in the intact state and after sequential transection of the DL, anterior-inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL), interosseous ligament (IOL), and posterior-inferior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL). At each stage, distal tibiofibular diastasis was measured arthroscopically at both the anterior and posterior third of the incisura and compared to stress measurements of the intact syndesmosis. Measurements were performed using probes ranging from 0.1 to 6.0 mm, with 0.1-mm increments. Results: There was no significant increase in diastasis at either the anterior or posterior third of the tibiofibular articulation after isolated DL disruption, nor when combined with AITFL transection. In contrast, a significant increase in diastasis was observed following additional disruption of the IOL (anterior and posterior third diastasis, P= .012 and .026, respectively), and after transection of all 3 syndesmotic ligaments (anterior and posterior third diastasis, P=.001 and .001, respectively). Conclusion: When evaluating the syndesmosis arthroscopically in a cadaveric model under lateral stress, neither isolated disruption of the DL nor combined DL and AITFL injuries destabilized the syndesmosis in the coronal plane. In contrast, the syndesmosis became unstable if the DL was injured in conjunction with partial syndesmotic disruption that included the AITFL and IOL. Clinical relevance: Disruption of the DL appeared to destabilize the syndesmosis in the coronal plane when associated with partial disruption of the syndesmosis (AITFL and IOL).
The value of fixed rasburicase dosing versus weight-based dosing in the treatment and prevention of tumor lysis syndrome
Authors: Boutin Alyssa , Blackman Alison , O’Sullivan David M , Forcello Nicholas 
Published: January 2018

Background Rasburicase is a recombinant urate oxidase enzyme used for the treatment and prevention of tumor lysis syndrome. Our objective was to assess the efficacy of indication-based, low-dose rasburicase administration compared to the Food and Drug Administration-approved weight-based dosing. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study utilizing data from a tertiary medical center including patients admitted from 2012 to 2016, who received at least one dose of rasburicase. The primary outcome was achieving a uric acid level less than 7.5 mg/dl after a single dose of rasburicase in the preprotocol (Food and Drug Administration-approved weight-based dosing) and postprotocol (indication-based, low-dose) groups. Secondary outcomes included the change in uric acid levels between the pre- and postprotocol groups, adherence to the new institutional protocol, need for repeat rasburicase doses, and a cost analysis. Results Sixty-four patients received at least one dose of rasburicase between 1 January 2012 and 1 December 2016. Twenty-seven (79.4%) doses in the preprotocol group and 28 (82.4%) doses in the postprotocol group successfully achieved a uric acid level less than 7.5 mg/dl after a single dose of rasburicase (p=1.000). The average total monthly cost of rasburicase was reduced by 59.9% after adoption of the new protocol. Conclusions Indication-based, low-dose rasburicase displayed significantly more value when compared to weight-based dosing as shown by achieving cost savings without compromising clinical efficacy.
HybPhyloMaker: Target Enrichment Data Analysis From Raw Reads to Species Trees
Authors: Fér Tomáš , Schmickl Roswitha E 
Published: January 2018

Summary: Hybridization-based target enrichment in combination with genome skimming (Hyb-Seq) is becoming a standard method of phylogenomics. We developed HybPhyloMaker, a bioinformatics pipeline that performs target enrichment data analysis from raw reads to supermatrix-, supertree-, and multispecies coalescent-based species tree reconstruction. HybPhyloMaker is written in BASH and integrates common bioinformatics tools. It can be launched both locally and on a high-performance computer cluster. Compared with existing target enrichment data analysis pipelines, HybPhyloMaker offers the following main advantages: implementation of all steps of data analysis from raw reads to species tree reconstruction, calculation and summary of alignment and gene tree properties that assist the user in the selection of “quality-filtered” genes, implementation of several species tree reconstruction methods, and analysis of the coding regions of organellar genomes. Availability: The HybPhyloMaker scripts, manual as well as a test data set, are available in https://github.com/tomas-fer/HybPhyloMaker/ . HybPhyloMaker is licensed under open-source license GPL v.3 allowing further modifications.