bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meta-analysis of the central line bundle for preventing catheter-related infections: a case study in appraising the evidence in quality improvement
Authors: Marang-van de Mheen Perla J , van Bodegom-Vos Leti 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundThe central line bundle to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) is widely regarded as one of the most evidence-based quality improvement (QI) interventions. Yet, two high-quality trials reached different conclusions about its effectiveness.ObjectiveTo assess the overall evidence on the effectiveness of the central line bundle and also to illustrate issues related to appraising the effectiveness of QI interventions.MethodsWe searched the English-language literature (MEDLINE to Sept 2014) for prospective evaluations of the central line bundle (hand hygiene, chlorhexidine skin antisepsis, maximum sterile barrier precautions, optimal catheter site selection, daily review of line necessity) on CLABSI. Mantel–Haenszel risk ratios were calculated using a random effects model. Risk of bias was assessed on five domains: comparability of subjects, definition of intervention, assessment of outcome, statistical analysis and co-interventions/heterogeneity. Strength of the evidence was assessed following the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, a widely recommended framework for assessing the robustness of treatment effect and the likelihood of change as a result of future studies.ResultsAcross 59 studies, the central line bundle effectively reduced CLABSI by 56% (relative risk 0.44 (95% CI 0.39 to 0.50)). Studies that assessed bundle compliance at the individual patient level reported slightly higher reductions than other studies. Considerable heterogeneity was present in most subgroups. Most studies had unclear or high risk of bias, with only six (10%) studies exhibiting low risk of bias on at least four domains without any high risk. In this subset of higher-quality studies, the reduction was 52% (95% CI 32% to 66%) without heterogeneity. Applying the GRADE framework, the overall strength of the evidence was low, but moderate in quality for the six high-quality studies. This rating is typically interpreted as meaning that further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the effect estimate and may change the estimate.ConclusionsThat the central line bundle could receive only a moderate evidence rating may suggest that the GRADE framework, developed mostly for traditional clinical therapies, requires modification for QI interventions. GRADE does not distinguish prospective trials (eg, controlled before-after studies and interrupted time series) from lower-level observational studies. On the other hand, that the two highest quality studies reached different conclusions makes it difficult to conclude that future research would not change the effect estimate, especially given evidence of secular trends and the variability of co-interventions to ensure bundle compliance, which created heterogeneity across studies.
Association between frailty and quality of life among community-dwelling older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kojima Gotaro , Iliffe Steve , Jivraj Stephen , Walters Kate 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundWith growing numbers of older people worldwide, improving and maintaining quality of life during the extended years of life are a major focus for healthcare providers and policymakers. Some studies have suggested frailty may be associated with worse quality of life.ObjectivesTo review the associations between frailty and quality of life among community-dwelling older people.MethodsA systematic literature search was performed using five databases for cross-sectional and longitudinal studies examining associations between frailty and quality of life among community-dwelling older people published in 2000 or later. Reference lists of relevant studies were also manually searched. Authors were requested for data for a meta-analysis if necessary. Meta-analysis was attempted for studies using the same frailty criteria and quality-of-life instrument. Methodological quality, heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed.ResultsThe systematic review identified 5145 studies, among which 11 cross-sectional studies and two longitudinal studies were included in this review. Meta-analysis including four cross-sectional studies using the Fried Phenotype and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey showed that those classified as frail and prefrail had significantly lower mental and physical quality-of-life scores than those classified as non-frail. High heterogeneity and possible publication bias were noted.ConclusionsThis systematic review and meta-analysis has demonstrated the evidence of a consistent inverse association between frailty/prefrailty and quality of life among community-dwelling older people. Interventions targeted at reducing frailty may have the additional benefit of improving corresponding quality of life. More longitudinal analysis is required to determine this effect.
Ab initio study of structural, mechanical, thermal and electronic properties of perovskites Sr(Li,Pd)H3
Authors: Benlamari S. , Amara Korba S. , Lakel S. , Meradji H. , Ghemid S. , El Haj Hassan F. 
Published: January 2016

The structural, elastic, thermal and electronic properties of perovskite hydrides SrLiH3 and SrPdH3 have been investigated using the all-electron full-potential linear augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method based on the density functional theory (DFT). For the exchange-correlation potential, local-density approximation (LDA) and generalized gradient approximation (GGA) have been used to calculate theoretical lattice parameters, bulk modulus, and its pressure derivative. The present results are in good agreement with available theoretical and experimental data. The three independent elastic constants [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are also reported. From electronic band structure and density of states (DOSs), it is found that SrLiH3 is an insulator characterized by an indirect gap of 3.48 eV, while SrPdH3 is metallic with a calculated DOSs at Fermi energy of 0.745 states/eV-unit cell. Poisson’s ratio [Formula: see text], Young’s modulus (E), shear modulus (G), anisotropy factor (A), average sound velocities [Formula: see text] and density [Formula: see text] of these compounds are also estimated for the first time. The Debye temperature is deduced from the average sound velocity. Variation of elastic constants and bulk modulus of these compounds as a function of pressure is also reported. Pressure and thermal effects on some macroscopic properties are predicted using the quasi-harmonic Debye model.
Role of NADH Dehydrogenase (Ubiquinone) 1 Alpha Subcomplex 4-Like 2 in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Minton Denise R. , Fu Leiping , Mongan Nigel P. , Shevchuk Maria M. , Nanus David M. , Gudas Lorraine J. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Purpose: We delineated the functions of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1α) target NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) 1 alpha subcomplex 4-like 2 (NDUFA4L2) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and characterized NDUFA4L2 as a novel molecular target for ccRCC treatment.
Experimental Design: We evaluated normal kidney and ccRCC patient microarray and RNAseq data from Oncomine and The Cancer Genome Atlas for NDUFA4L2 mRNA levels and the clinical implications of high NDUFA4L2 expression. In addition, we examined normal kidney and ccRCC patient tissue samples, human ccRCC cell lines, and murine models of ccRCC for NDUFA4L2 mRNA and protein expression. Utilizing short hairpin RNA, we performed NDUFA4L2 knockdown experiments and analyzed the proliferation, clonogenicity, metabolite levels, cell structure, and autophagy in ccRCC cell lines in culture.
Results: We found that NDUFA4L2 mRNA and protein are highly expressed in ccRCC samples but undetectable in normal kidney tissue samples, and that NDUFA4L2 mRNA expression correlates with tumor stage and lower overall survival. In addition, we demonstrated that NDUFA4L2 is an HIF1α target in ccRCC and that NDUFA4L2 knockdown has a profound antiproliferative effect, alters metabolic pathways, and causes major stress in cultured RCC cells.
Conclusions: Collectively, our data show that NDUFA4L2 is a novel molecular target for ccRCC treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 22(11); 2791–801. ©2016 AACR.
A Phase I Study of the AKT Inhibitor MK-2206 in Combination with Hormonal Therapy in Postmenopausal Women with Estrogen Receptor–Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Ma Cynthia X. , Sanchez Cesar , Gao Feng , Crowder Robert , Naughton Michael , Pluard Timothy , Creekmore Allison , Guo Zhanfang , Hoog Jeremy , Lockhart A. Craig , Doyle Austin , Erlichman Charles , Ellis Matthew J. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Purpose: PI3K/AKT pathway activation is an important endocrine resistance mechanism in estrogen receptor–positive (ER+) breast cancer. After promising preclinical modeling of MK-2206, an allosteric pan-AKT inhibitor, with either estrogen deprivation or fulvestrant, we conducted a phase I trial in patients with metastatic ER+HER2− breast cancer to determine the recommended phase II treatment dose (RPTD) of MK-2206 when combined with either anastrozole, fulvestrant, or anastrozole/fulvestrant.
Experimental Design: ER+ breast cancer cell lines were exposed in vitro to MK-2206 plus estrogen deprivation with or without fulvestrant and monitored for apoptosis. A standard 3+3 design was employed to first determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of MK-2206 plus anastrozole based on cycle 1 toxicity. Each cycle was 28 days. The RPTD was determined on the basis of toxicities observed at MTD level during the first 3 cycles. Subsequent patients received MK-2206, at the RPTD determined above, plus fulvestrant or anastrozole/fulvestrant to define RPTD for these additional regimens.
Results: MK-2206 induced apoptosis in parental ER+ but not in long-term estrogen-deprived cell lines, for which fulvestrant was required for apoptosis induction. Thirty-one patients enrolled. The RPTD was defined as MK-2206 150 mg orally weekly with prednisone prophylaxis for each combination. Grade 3 rash was dose limiting. 42% (95% CI, 23%–63%) patients derived clinical benefit without progression within 6 months. Response was not associated with tumor PIK3CA mutation.
Conclusions: MK-2206 plus endocrine treatments were tolerable. MK-2206 in combination with anastrozole is being further evaluated in a phase II neoadjuvant trial for newly diagnosed ER+HER2− breast cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 22(11); 2650–8. ©2016 AACR.
See related commentary by Jansen et al., p. 2599
José Roberto Torero: carreira multifacetada e presença marcante na literatura infantil
Authors: Valenzuela Sandra Trabucco , Guimarães Lourdes Maria de 
Published: January 2016

<p>Entrevista com José Roberto Torero, por Sandra Trabucco Valenzuela e Lourdes Guimarães. Torero é um autor de literatura reconhecido por seu trabalho direcionado tanto ao público infantil como adulto. É também cineasta, diretor e roteirista de cinema e televisão.</p><p> </p><p align="center"> </p>
“Me escreva tão logo possa”: percursos epistolares
Authors: Pereira Patrícia Regina Cavaleiro 
Published: January 2016

<p>Resenha: “Me escreva tão logo possa”: percursos epistolares, com base na obra organizada por Marcos Antonio de Moraes, intitulada Antologia da carta no Brasil: me escreva tão logo possa (São Paulo: Moderna/Salamandra, 2005).</p><p> </p><p> </p>
Outcome of Apparently Unexplained Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Herman Adam R.M. , Cheung Christopher , Gerull Brenda , Simpson Christopher S. , Birnie David H. , Klein George J. , Champagne Jean , Healey Jeffrey S. , Gibbs Karen , Talajic Mario , Gardner Martin , Bennett Matthew T. , Steinberg Christian , Janzen Mikyla , Gollob Michael H. , Angaran Paul , Yee Raymond , Leather Richard , Chakrabarti Santabhanu , Sanatani Shubhayan , Chauhan Vijay S. , Krahn Andrew D. 
Published: January 2016

Background—
The Cardiac Arrest Survivors with Preserved Ejection Fraction Registry (CASPER) enrolls patients with apparently unexplained cardiac arrest and no evident cardiac disease to identify the pathogenesis of cardiac arrest through systematic clinical testing. Exercise testing, drug provocation, advanced cardiac imaging, and genetic testing may be useful when a cause is not apparent.

Methods and Results—
The first 200 survivors of unexplained cardiac arrest from 14 centers across Canada were evaluated to determine the results of investigation and follow-up (age, 48.6±14.7 years, 41% female). Patients were free of evidence of coronary artery disease, left ventricular dysfunction, or evident repolarization syndromes. Advanced testing determined a diagnosis in 34% of patients at baseline, with a diagnosis emerging during follow-up in 7% of patients. Of those who were diagnosed, 28 (35%) had an underlying structural condition and 53 (65%) had a primary electric disease. During a mean follow-up of 3.15±2.34 years, 23% of patients had either a shock or an appropriate antitachycardia pacing from their implantable cardioverter defibrillator, or both. The implantable cardioverter defibrillator appropriate intervention rate was 8.4% at 1 year and 18.1% at 3 years, with no clear difference between diagnosed and undiagnosed subjects, or between those diagnosed with a primary electric versus structural pathogenesis.

Conclusions—
Obtaining a diagnosis in previously unexplained cardiac arrest patients requires systematic clinical testing and regular follow-up to unmask the cause. Nearly half of apparently unexplained cardiac arrest patients ultimately received a diagnosis, allowing for improved treatment and family screening. A substantial proportion of patients received appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy during medium-term follow-up.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00292032.
Learning Temporal Statistics for Sensory Predictions in Aging
Authors: Luft Caroline Di Bernardi , Baker Rosalind , Goldstone Aimee , Zhang Yang , Kourtzi Zoe 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Predicting future events based on previous knowledge about the environment is critical for successful everyday interactions. Here, we ask which brain regions support our ability to predict the future based on implicit knowledge about the past in young and older age. Combining behavioral and fMRI measurements, we test whether training on structured temporal sequences improves the ability to predict upcoming sensory events; we then compare brain regions involved in learning predictive structures between young and older adults. Our behavioral results demonstrate that exposure to temporal sequences without feedback facilitates the ability of young and older adults to predict the orientation of an upcoming stimulus. Our fMRI results provide evidence for the involvement of corticostriatal regions in learning predictive structures in both young and older learners. In particular, we showed learning-dependent fMRI responses for structured sequences in frontoparietal regions and the striatum (putamen) for young adults. However, for older adults, learning-dependent activations were observed mainly in subcortical (putamen, thalamus) regions but were weaker in frontoparietal regions. Significant correlations of learning-dependent behavioral and fMRI changes in these regions suggest a strong link between brain activations and behavioral improvement rather than general overactivation. Thus, our findings suggest that predicting future events based on knowledge of temporal statistics engages brain regions involved in implicit learning in both young and older adults.
Eminent Domain: Building Toward Worker Cooperatives in the United States
Authors: Ranis Peter 
Published: January 2016

This article deals with the major challenges to the development of cooperatives owing to the retreat of the state in intervening on behalf of the public good. Cooperatives represent a clear response to unemployment and poverty within the liberal capitalist economies. Cooperatives represent a re-envisioning of work organization, democratic procedures, the reality of employee self-management, the fostering of community and political outreach that combine to provide an alternative to the hierarchical private firm’s place in the economy and society.
The potential uses of eminent domain to meet this socio-economic challenge in the United States represent viable public policies that can provide workers with the legitimacy to own and run their own enterprises. Eminent domain, a legal process, has a basis in public policy, which includes the powers to tax and spend, to zone for economic purposes, to impose environmental regulations, and to avoid neighborhood blight. Worker control requires the implementation of eminent domain on behalf of workers for the clear benefit of economic development, social justice and worker autonomy.
Operative Treatment of Fifth Metatarsal Jones Fractures (Zones II and III) in the NBA
Authors: O’Malley Martin , DeSandis Bridget , Allen Answorth , Levitsky Matthew , O’Malley Quinn , Williams Riley 
Published: January 2016

Background: Proximal fractures of the fifth metatarsal (zone II and III) are common in the elite athlete and can be difficult to treat because of a tendency toward delayed union, nonunion, or refracture. The purpose of this case series was to report our experience in treating 10 NBA players, determine the healing rate, return to play, refracture rate, and role of foot type in these athletes. Methods: The records of 10 professional basketball players were retrospectively reviewed. Seven athletes underwent standard percutaneous internal fixation with bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) whereas the other 3 had open bone grafting primarily in addition to fixation and BMAC. Radiographic features evaluated included fourth-fifth intermetatarsal, fifth metatarsal lateral deviation, calcaneal pitch, and metatarsus adductus angles. Results: Radiographic healing was observed at an overall average of 7.5 weeks and return to play was 9.8 weeks. Three athletes experienced refractures. There were no significant differences in clinical features or radiographic measurements except that the refracture group had the highest metatatarsus adductus angles. Most athletes were pes planus and 9 of 10 had a bony prominence under the fifth metatarsal styloid. Conclusion: This is the largest published series of operatively treated professional basketball players who exemplify a specific patient population at high risk for fifth metatarsal fracture. These players were large and possessed a unique foot type that seemed to be associated with increased risk of fifth metatarsal fracture and refracture. This foot type had forefoot metatarsus adductus and a fifth metatarsal that was curved with a prominent base. We continue to use standard internal fixation with bone marrow aspirate but advocate additional prophylactic open bone grafting in patients with high fourth-to-fifth intermetatarsal, fifth metatarsal lateral deviation, and metatarsus adductus angles as well as prominent fifth metatarsal styloids in order to improve fracture healing and potentially decrease the risk of refracture. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.
Outbreak of thiamine deficiency in cats associated with the feeding of defective dry food
Authors: Chang Ya-Pei , Chiu Po-Yu , Lin Chung-Tien , Liu I-Hsuan , Liu Chen-Hsuan 
Published: January 2016

Objectives The objective of this study was to determine disease progression, association between neurological signs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and long-term outcome in feline thiamine deficiency associated with defective dry food. Methods The clinical records of 17 cats diagnosed with thiamine deficiency related to a defective dry food were examined and data collected. The thiamine level in the food was analysed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Results The thiamine level in the food was below the recommendation of the National Research Council. Fifteen cats were fed the food exclusively. Prior to the acute development of neurological signs, most cats displayed non-specific signs such as anorexia, lethargy or vomiting. Vestibular signs of varying severity were observed in 94% of the cats, and all but one of these presented with bilateral dysfunction. Other main neurological signs included altered mentation (76%), blindness (59%) and seizures (59%). Moreover, 80% of the cats with seizures presented with cluster seizures or status epilepticus. MRI abnormalities consistent with findings reported in the previous literature were detected in five cases. MRI was unremarkable in one cat with ongoing severe neurological signs even though thiamine had been administered. Most surviving cats recovered rapidly within 2 weeks of treatment and had either returned to normal or had minimal neurological signs at the 2 month follow-up. One cat recovered slowly over 6 months. Most cats with seizures in the initial stage of the disease remained seizure free at the 24 month follow-up. Conclusions and relevance This study documented the association between feline thiamine deficiency and defective dry food. MRI examination provided valuable information in the diagnosis. However, normal MRI findings do not exclude the diagnosis of feline thiamine deficiency, especially once thiamine has been supplemented. MRI findings also may not always reflect the neurological status or severity. If treated promptly, most cats will recover rapidly with a good outcome. Occasionally, recovery may be slow and take several months.
Serum acute phase proteins in Dirofilaria immitis and Wolbachia seropositive cats
Authors: Silvestre-Ferreira Ana C , Vieira Lisete , Vilhena Hugo , Cerón Jose J , Tvarijonaviciute Asta , Montoya-Alonso José A , Carretón Elena , Pastor Josep 
Published: January 2016

Objectives The aim of this study was to characterise the response of acute phase proteins (APPs) in cats seropositive for Dirofilaria immitis and to its endosymbiont bacterium Wolbachia. Methods The APPs serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp) and ceruloplasmin (Cp) were measured in 25 seropositive cats and in 16 healthy seronegative cats. Results SAA and Cp concentrations were significantly higher in animals with D immitis seropositivity that exhibited clinical signs related to the disease, and Hp was elevated in all D immitis-seropositive animals. There was no significant correlation between APPs and D immitis or Wolbachia species antibody titres. Conclusions and relevance An association between feline seropositivity to D immitis and APP response was demonstrated. Increases in serum SAA and Cp concentrations were related to D immitis-associated clinical signs, whereas Hp increased in all seropositive animals.