bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of intraepidermal nerve fibres in the skin of normal and atopic dogs
Authors: Laprais Aurore , Dunston Stanley M. , Torres Sheila M. F. , Favrot Claude , Olivry Thierry 
Published: January 2017

BackgroundInterest in intraepidermal nerve fibres (IENFs) is rising in human medicine, because variations in fibre density occur in some diseases and these neurites might contribute to disease pathogenesis. An increase in IENF density is seen in human atopic dermatitis (AD); there are no such data in atopic dogs.ObjectivesTo compare the prevalence of IENFs in normal and atopic canine skin.MethodsEight millimetre skin punch biopsies were taken from six sites of 25 healthy dogs without dermatitis and compared to lesional and nonlesional skin samples of dogs with AD (23 and 14 dogs, respectively). Thirty micrometre‐thick paraffin‐embedded sections were stained by indirect immunofluorescence for neuronal beta‐3 tubulin. Only sections with detectable dermal nerves were then screened for the presence of IENFs.ResultsIENFs were identified in all 25 normal nasal planum sections, but in only one biopsy collected from each of the normal canine haired skin (NCHS) sites. As there was no significant difference in IENF prevalence between NCHS areas, they were grouped together. The rate of detection of IENFs was significantly higher (one‐tailed Fisher's test, P = 0.004) in lesional AD specimens (18 of 23; 78%) than in nonlesional AD (four of 14; 29%) and NCHS specimens (four of 111; 4%, P < 0.0001). The prevalence of IENF detection in nonlesional AD samples was significantly higher than in normal canine skin (P = 0.006).Conclusions and clinical importanceIENFs are detected more commonly in canine AD than in normal haired skin; these results are comparable to those seen for human AD.
An Intrinsic Mode of Interannual Variability in the Indian Ocean
Authors: Wolfe Christopher L. , Cessi Paola , Cornuelle Bruce D. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAn intrinsic mode of self-sustained, interannual variability is identified in a coarse-resolution ocean model forced by an annually repeating atmospheric state. The variability has maximum loading in the Indian Ocean, with a significant projection into the South Atlantic Ocean. It is argued that this intrinsic mode is caused by baroclinic instability of the model’s Leeuwin Current, which radiates out to the tropical Indian and South Atlantic Oceans as long Rossby waves at a period of 4 yr. This previously undescribed mode has a remarkably narrowband time series. However, the variability is not synchronized with the annual cycle; the phase of the oscillation varies chaotically on decadal time scales. The presence of this internal mode reduces the predictability of the ocean circulation by obscuring the response to forcing or initial condition perturbations. The signature of this mode can be seen in higher-resolution global ocean models driven by high-frequency atmospheric forcing, but altimeter and assimilation analyses do not show obvious signatures of such a mode, perhaps because of insufficient duration.
Scattering Calculations at C-Band for Asymmetric Raindrops Reconstructed from 2D Video Disdrometer Measurements
Authors: Thurai Merhala , Manić Sanja , Schönhuber Michael , Bringi V. N. , Notaroš Branislav M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe distribution of raindrop shapes is well known to be important in deriving retrieval algorithms for drop size distribution parameters (such as the mass-weighted mean diameter) and rain rate, as well as for attenuation correction using the differential propagation phase constraint. While past work has shown that in the vast majority of rain events the most “probable” shapes conform to those arising primarily from the axisymmetric (2,0) oscillation mode, a more recent event analysis has shown that drop collisions can give rise to mixed-mode oscillations and that for high collision rate scenarios, a significant percentage of drops can become “asymmetric” at any given instant.As a follow-up to such studies, this study involved performing scattering calculations for 3D-reconstructed shapes of asymmetric drops using the shape measurements from a 2D video disdrometer (2DVD) during the above-mentioned rain event. A recently developed technique is applied to facilitate the 3D reconstruction from the 2DVD camera data for these asymmetric drops. The reconstruction requires a specific technique to correct for the drop image distortions due to horizontal velocities. Scattering calculations for the reconstructed asymmetric drops have been performed using a higher-order method of moments solution to the electric and magnetic field surface integral equations. Results show that the C-band scattering amplitudes of asymmetric drops are markedly different from those of oblate spheroids. The intention for future studies is to automate the entire procedure so that more realistic simulations can be performed using the 2DVD-based data, particularly for cases where collision-induced drop oscillations give rise to considerable numbers of asymmetric drops.
Can positive faith-based encounters influence Australian young people’s drinking behaviours?
Authors: Hutton Alison , Whitehead Dean , Ullah Shahid 
Published: January 2017

Purpose: Alcohol-related accidents and injuries occur disproportionately within young people – especially when gathering at social events. This study represents a partnership between a faith-based group of volunteers specifically trained to counsel and support young people to reduce their risk of alcohol-related harm, Adelaide City Council, and the South Australian Police Force aimed at reducing risk-related alcohol consumption in a metropolitan nightclub district area. It posits that supporting young people to party safely, alongside positive community engagement, may deter unsafe consumption practices – such as pre-loading and binge-drinking. Methods: Retrospective online survey evaluated the impact on attitudes of young people who received the intervention. Results: Findings suggest volunteers were perceived as positive role models who demonstrated a genuine sense of care and ability to support. As a result, one-third of respondents identified potentially more carefully pre-plan their drinking behaviour on their next night out. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that young people are responsive to positive interventions and that future pre-planning may become a more natural part of their party routine – resulting in less likelihood of alcohol-related risk. The outcome measure, that young people’s intentions to moderate their drinking as a result of positive encounters, is an important one.
Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Health-Care Utilization Among Children in the United States
Authors: Merianos Ashley L. , Odar Stough Cathy , Nabors Laura A. , Mahabee-Gittens E. Melinda 
Published: January 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess patterns of health-care utilization among children who potentially had tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) compared to those who were not exposed. Design: A secondary data analysis of the 2011 to 2012 National Survey on Children’s Health was performed. Setting: Households nationwide were selected. Participants: A total of 95 677 children aged 0 to 17 years. Measures: Sociodemographic characteristics, TSE status, and health-care visits were measured. Analysis: Multivariable logistic regression models were performed. Results: A total of 24.1% of children lived with smokers. Approximately 5% had home TSE. Participants who lived with a smoker were significantly more likely to have had a medical care visit (odds ratio [OR] = 1.22, confidence interval [CI] = 1.21-1.22) and were more likely to seek sick care or health advice at an emergency department (OR = 1.23, CI = 1.23-1.24) but were less likely to have had a dental care visit (OR = 0.82, CI = 0.82-0.83) than those who did not live with a smoker. Similar findings were found among participants who had home TSE. Conclusion: TSE is a risk factor for increased use of pediatric medical care. Based on the high number of children who potentially had TSE and received sick care or health advice at an emergency emergency department, this setting may be a venue to deliver health messages to caregivers.
Destiny rides again: the reappearance of silicone gel-filled breast implant toxicity
Authors: Brawer A E 
Published: January 2017

Background Twenty-five years ago attorneys representing ailing women in class action litigation against silicone breast implant manufacturers made the procedural error of defining silicone-induced toxicity in the courtroom before it was properly studied in the exam room. This aberrant methodology perverted the proper research process, rendered verification of any real disease elusive, and cemented the groundwork for a repeat public health crisis potentially affecting two million women in the USA who possess new silicone gel devices inserted over the past 10 years. Patients and methods Six women, previously well, aged 27 to 53 (mean 42), were recipients of the new generations of cohesive silicone gel-filled breast implants approved for general use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since December of 2006. They averaged seven years of total implantation time, and none experienced implant rupture. Results All six became ill on average 3.5 years from the time of implantation. By seven years the women manifested multiple types of skin rashes, polyarthritis, fatigue, protracted AM stiffness, myalgias, headaches, photosensitivity, hair loss, paresthesias, tinnitus, lymphadenopathy, chest pain, cognitive dysfunction, dry eyes, skin pigment changes, itching, muscle twitching, dizziness, nausea, easy bruising, and odor and smell sensitivity. Three of the four who were explanted noted improvement and/or resolution of at least 50% of their total disease manifestations. Conclusions These six women are representative of over 70,000 other breast implant recipients who, over the past three years, have had their new silicone devices permanently removed because of alleged gel-induced toxicity. The recurrence of this public health crisis has been fueled by manufacturers’ research fraud, FDA ineptness, faulty informed consent, patient abandonment, proprietary manufacturing secrecy, misleading advertising, physician indifference, aberrant research methodology, and lax Congressional oversight.
Evaluating the risk of appendiceal perforation when using ultrasound as the initial diagnostic imaging modality in children with suspected appendicitis
Authors: Alerhand Stephen , Meltzer James , Tay Ee Tein 
Published: January 2017

Background Ultrasound scan has gained attention for diagnosing appendicitis due to its avoidance of ionizing radiation. However, studies show that ultrasound scan carries inferior sensitivity to computed tomography scan. A non-diagnostic ultrasound scan could increase the time to diagnosis and appendicectomy, particularly if follow-up computed tomography scan is needed. Some studies suggest that delaying appendicectomy increases the risk of perforation. Objective To investigate the risk of appendiceal perforation when using ultrasound scan as the initial diagnostic imaging modality in children with suspected appendicitis. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 1411 charts of children ≤17 years old diagnosed with appendicitis at two urban academic medical centers. Patients who underwent ultrasound scan first were compared to those who underwent computed tomography scan first. In the sub-group analysis, patients who only received ultrasound scan were compared to those who received initial ultrasound scan followed by computed tomography scan. Main outcome measures were appendiceal perforation rate and time from triage to appendicectomy. Results In 720 children eligible for analysis, there was no significant difference in perforation rate between those who had initial ultrasound scan and those who had initial computed tomography scan (7.3% vs. 8.9%, p = 0.44), nor in those who had ultrasound scan only and those who had initial ultrasound scan followed by computed tomography scan (8.0% vs. 5.6%, p = 0.42). Those patients who had ultrasound scan first had a shorter triage-to-incision time than those who had computed tomography scan first (9.2 (IQR: 5.9, 14.0) vs. 10.2 (IQR: 7.3, 14.3) hours, p = 0.03), whereas those who had ultrasound scan followed by computed tomography scan took longer than those who had ultrasound scan only (7.8 (IQR: 5.3, 11.6) vs. 15.1 (IQR: 10.6, 20.6), p < 0.001). Children < 12 years old receiving ultrasound scan first had lower perforation rate (p = 0.01) and shorter triage-to-incision time (p = 0.003). Conclusion Children with suspected appendicitis receiving ultrasound scan as the initial diagnostic imaging modality do not have increased risk of perforation compared to those receiving computed tomography scan first. We recommend that children <12 years of age receive ultrasound scan first.
Atrial fibrillation with a structurally normal heart in pregnancy: An international survey on current practice
Authors: Cumyn Annabelle , Sauvé Nadine , Rey Évelyne 
Published: January 2017

Background Little evidence exists for the optimal management of atrial fibrillation with a structurally normal heart in pregnancy. Methods A survey was sent to members of two associations to obtain input on optimal management of atrial fibrillation in pregnancy. The survey presented four cases with respect to (1) baseline investigations; (2) rate versus rhythm control; (3) chemical versus electrical cardioversion; and (4) anticoagulation. Results Sixty-one responders from 11 countries participated. High agreement was noted for baseline investigations. A quarter (25%) of participants chose elective cardioversion even with a reversible precipitant. Electrical cardioversion was preferred over chemical ( p < 0.05). Anticoagulation strategies were heterogeneous except in the presence of a left atrial appendage thrombus. Discussion This study revealed that there was little consensus in current practice in pregnancy beyond basic investigations. An adaptation of established guidelines to the pregnant population would require a meeting of Cardiologists with input from colleagues in Obstetric Medicine.
Composition of human breast milk in acute kidney injury
Authors: Chruscicki Adam , Morton Alexander Ross , Akbari Ayub , White Christine Anne 
Published: January 2017

Background Breastfeeding is a widely encouraged practice due to its benefits for mother and the infant. Little is known about the impact of disease states, such as kidney dysfunction and childbirth complications, on the composition of breast milk. Methods We describe a case of a 35-year-old woman who suffered a postpartum hemorrhage, was administered a contrast dye prior to computer tomography, and developed an acute kidney injury. Using nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, we measured composition of milk in acute kidney injury. The amount of dye secreted into milk was determined using a spectroscopic assay. Results Here we show that acute kidney injury results in changes in milk composition, but it does not significantly affect major macronutrients. We also determine that iodinated computer tomography contrast dye does not accumulate in milk in appreciable amounts. Conclusion Acute kidney injury has impact on breast milk. Intravenous administration of computer tomography contrast dye does not result in significantly elevated levels in milk.
Evaluation of Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio and Tp-e/QTc ratio in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism
Authors: Gürdal Ahmet , Eroğlu Hatice , Helvaci Füsun , Sümerkan Mutlu Çağan , Kasali Kamber , Çetin Şükrü , Aksan Gökhan , Kiliçkesmez Kadriye 
Published: January 2017

Background: Prolongation of the peak-to-end interval of the T wave (Tp-e) has been reported as associated with ventricular arrhythmias. The aim of this study was to investigate the ventricular repolarization by using the Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio and Tp-e/ QTc ratio in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SH). Methods: We studied 56 volunteers: These were 28 patients with SH (mean age 45 ± 11 years) and 28 healthy subjects (mean age 34 ± 8 years). All basic biochemical parameters were analyzed and electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded. RR and QT intervals, QTc, Tp-e intervals and the Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios were calculated. The categorical and numerical variables were compared using the chi-square test and independent t test, respectively. Correlations were analyzed using the Spearman and Pearson correlation tests. Results: We found no difference between QT and QTc intervals between groups. In the subjects with SH, the Tp-e intervals (87 ± 5 ms, 66 ± 5 ms, p< 0.01), Tp-e/ QT ratio (0.23 ± 0.03, 0.18 ± 0.01, p< 0.01) and Tp-e/QTc ratio (0.21 ± 0.02, 0.16 ± 0.01, p< 0.01) were increased compared with healthy subjects. We also found positive correlations between levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and Tp-e ( r = 0.72, p< 0.01), Tp-e/ QT ratio ( r = 0.67 p< 0.01), Tp-e/ QTc ratio ( r = 0.68, p< 0.01). In the subjects with SH, Left Ventricular Myocardial Performance Index (LV-MPI) was increased compared with the healthy subjects (0.64 ± 0.08, 0.59 ± 0.09, p = 0.066) although it was not significant. Conclusions: Compared with healthy subjects, patients with SH demonstrated longer Tp-e intervals, and higher Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios. TSH levels were positively correlated with Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio, and Tp-e/QTc ratio.
Draft genome sequence of Lactobacillus plantarum strains E2C2 and E2C5 isolated from human stool culture
Authors: Suryavanshi Mangesh V. , Paul Dhiraj , Doijad Swapnil P. , Bhute Shrikant S. , Hingamire Tejashri B. , Gune Rahul P. , Shouche Yogesh S. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractProbiotic Lactobacillus species offer various health benefits, thus have been employed in treatment and prevention of various diseases. Due to the differences in the isolation source and the site of action, most of the lactobacilli tested in-vitro for probiotics properties fail to extend similar effects in-vivo. Consequently, the search of autochthonous, efficacious and probably population specific probiotics is a high priority in the probiotics research. In this regards, whole genome sequencing of as many Lactobacillus as possible will help to deepen our understanding of biology and their health effects. Here, we provide the genomic insights of two coherent oxalic acid tolerant Lactobacillus species (E2C2 and E2C5) isolated from two different healthy human gut flora. These two isolates were found to have higher tolerance towards oxalic acid (300 mM sodium oxalate). The draft genome of strain E2C2 consists of 3,603,563 bp with 3289 protein-coding genes, 94 RNA genes, and 43.99% GC content, while E2C5 contained 3,615,168 bp, 3293 coding genes (93.4% of the total genes), 95 RNA genes and 43.97% GC content. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis followed by in silico DNA-DNA hybridization studies, both the strains were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum belonging to family Lactobacillaceae within the phylum Firmicutes. Both the strains were genomically identical, sharing 99.99% CDS that showed 112 SNPs. Both the strains also exhibited deconjugation activity for the bile salts while genome analysis revealed that the L. plantarum strains E2C2 and E2C5 also have the ability to produce vitamins, biotin, alpha- and beta- glucosidase suggesting potential probiotic activities of the isolates. The description presented here is based on the draft genomes of strains E2C2 and E2C5 which are submitted to GenBank under the accession numbers LSST00000000.1 and LTCD00000000.1, respectively.
Blurred digital mammography images: an analysis of technical recall and observer detection performance
Authors: Ma Wang Kei , Borgen Rita , Kelly Judith , Millington Sara , Hilton Beverley , Aspin Rob , Lança Carla , Hogg Peter 
Published: January 2017

Objective:
Blurred images in full-field digital mammography are a problem in the UK Breast Screening Programme. Technical recalls may be due to blurring not being seen on lower resolution monitors used for review. This study assesses the visual detection of blurring on a 2.3-MP monitor and a 5-MP report grade monitor and proposes an observer standard for the visual detection of blurring on a 5-MP reporting grade monitor.

Methods:
28 observers assessed 120 images for blurring; 20 images had no blurring present, whereas 100 images had blurring imposed through mathematical simulation at 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 mm levels of motion. Technical recall rate for both monitors and angular size at each level of motion were calculated. χ 2 tests were used to test whether significant differences in blurring detection existed between 2.3- and 5-MP monitors.

Results:
The technical recall rate for 2.3- and 5-MP monitors are 20.3% and 9.1%, respectively. The angular size for 0.2- to 1-mm motion varied from 55 to 275 arc s. The minimum amount of motion for visual detection of blurring in this study is 0.4 mm. For 0.2-mm simulated motion, there was no significant difference [χ 2 (1, N = 1095) = 1.61, p = 0.20] in blurring detection between the 2.3- and 5-MP monitors.

Conclusion:
According to this study, monitors ≤2.3 MP are not suitable for technical review of full-field digital mammography images for the detection of blur.

Advances in knowledge:
This research proposes the first observer standard for the visual detection of blurring.