bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HIV‐positive men who have sex with men are at high risk of development of significant liver fibrosis after an episode of acute hepatitis C
Authors: Steininger K. , Boyd A. , Dupke S. , Krznaric I. , Carganico A. , Munteanu M. , Neifer S. , Schuetze M. , Obermeier M. , Arasteh K. , Baumgarten A. , Ingiliz P. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryAcute hepatitis C virus infection remains a major health concern in human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)‐infected men who have sex with men (MSM). New direct‐acting antiviral agent (DAA) combination therapy has not yet been approved for the treatment for acute hepatitis C virus(HCV), thereby potentially causing deferral of HCV treatment. Therefore, we aimed to study the course of liver disease after an episode of acute HCV. This study is a retrospective single‐centre cohort of HIV‐positive MSM with acute HCV infection. Liver fibrosis was estimated by Fibroscan® and Fibrotest®. Liver‐related and non‐liver‐related outcomes were documented. Overall 213 episodes of acute HCV infection in 178 men were documented. Median follow‐up for all included patients was 38.7 months. Spontaneous HCV clearance was found in 10.8% of patients, which was significantly associated with older age, lower HCV RNA levels, and higher ALT levels upon initial acute HCV diagnosis. Treatment with interferon‐based therapy was initiated in 86.3% of cases, resulting in a sustained virological response(SVR) rate of 70.7%. After 3 years’ follow‐up, significant liver fibrosis of METAVIR F2 stage or higher was found in 39.4% of patients after first acute HCV diagnosis. Higher age, physician‐declared alcoholism, and nonresponse to acute HCV therapy were independently associated with higher fibrosis stages. Ten patients died during the observation period (IR 1.4/100 patient‐years) and four during interferon treatment. Significant liver fibrosis is a common finding in HIV‐positive MSM following acute HCV infection despite high treatment uptake and cure rates, suggesting the need for close liver disease monitoring particularly if HCV treatment is deferred.
Comparison of Preoperative Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Clinical Assessment of Deep Pain Perception as Prognostic Tools for Early Recovery of Motor Function in Paraplegic Dogs with Intervertebral Disk Herniations
Authors: Wang‐Leandro A. , Siedenburg J.S. , Hobert M.K. , Dziallas P. , Rohn K. , Stein V.M. , Tipold A. 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundPrognostic tools to predict early postoperative motor function recovery (MFR) after thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation (IVDH) in paraplegic dogs represent an opportunity to timely implement novel therapies that could shorten recovery times and diminish permanent neurological dysfunctions.HypothesisFractional anisotropy (FA) values obtained using diffusion tensor imaging have a higher prognostic value than a lesion extension ratio in T2‐weighted images (T2W‐LER) and clinical assessment of deep pain perception (DPP) for MFR.AnimalsThirty‐five paraplegic dogs with diagnosis of acute or subacute thoracolumbar IVDH.MethodsProspective, descriptive observational study. At admission, absence or presence of DPP, T2W‐LER, and FA values was evaluated. MFR was assessed within 4 weeks after decompressive surgery. Values of T2W‐LER and FA of dogs with and without MFR were compared using t‐tests. All 3 methods were evaluated for their sensitivity and specificity as a prognostic factor.ResultsNo differences were found between groups regarding T2W‐LER. FA values differed statistically when measured caudally of lesion epicenter being higher in dogs without MFR compared to dogs with MFR (P = .023). Logistic regression analysis revealed significance in FA values measured caudally of the lesion epicenter (P = .033, area under the curve = 0.72). Using a cutoff value of FA = 0.660, the technique had a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 55%. Evaluation of DPP had a sensitivity of 73.3% and specificity of 75% (P = .007).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceEvaluation of DPP showed a similar sensitivity and a better specificity predicting early MFR than quantitative magnetic resonance imaging.
A worldview of root traits: the influence of ancestry, growth form, climate and mycorrhizal association on the functional trait variation of fine‐root tissues in seed plants
Authors: Valverde‐Barrantes Oscar J. , Freschet Grégoire T. , Roumet Catherine , Blackwood Christopher B. 
Published: April 2017

Summary

Fine‐root traits play key roles in ecosystem processes, but the drivers of fine‐root trait diversity remain poorly understood. The plant economic spectrum (PES) hypothesis predicts that leaf and root traits evolved in coordination. Mycorrhizal association type, plant growth form and climate may also affect root traits. However, the extent to which these controls are confounded with phylogenetic structuring remains unclear.

Here we compiled information about root and leaf traits for > 600 species. Using phylogenetic relatedness, climatic ranges, growth form and mycorrhizal associations, we quantified the importance of these factors in the global distribution of fine‐root traits.

Phylogenetic structuring accounts for most of the variation for all traits excepting root tissue density, with root diameter and nitrogen concentration showing the strongest phylogenetic signal and specific root length showing intermediate values. Climate was the second most important factor, whereas mycorrhizal type had little effect. Substantial trait coordination occurred between leaves and roots, but the strength varied between growth forms and clades.

Our analyses provide evidence that the integration of roots and leaves in the PES requires better accounting of the variation in traits across phylogenetic clades. Inclusion of phylogenetic information provides a powerful framework for predictions of belowground functional traits at global scales.
What determines organ size differences between species? A meta‐analysis of the cellular basis
Authors: Gázquez Ayelén , Beemster Gerrit T. S. 
Published: April 2017

Summary

Little is known about how the characteristic differences in organ size between species are regulated. At the cellular level, the size of an organ is strictly regulated by cell division and expansion during its development. We performed a meta‐analysis of the growth parameters of roots, and Graminae and eudicotyledonous leaves, to address the question of how quantitative variation in these two processes contributes to size differences across a range of species.

We extracted or derived cellular parameters from published kinematic growth analyses. These data were subjected to linear regression analyses to identify the parameters that determine differences in organ growth.

Our results demonstrate that, across all species and organs, similar conclusions can be made: cell number rather than cell size determines the final size of plant organs; cell number is determined by meristem size rather than the rate at which cells divide; cells that are small when leaving the meristem compensate by expanding for longer; mature cell size is primarily determined by the duration of cell expansion.

These results identify the regulation of the transition from cell division to expansion as the key cellular mechanism targeted by the evolution of organ size.
Scleral changes with accommodation
Authors: Consejo Alejandra , Radhakrishnan Hema , Iskander D. Robert 
Published: April 2017

AbstractPurposeTo assess whether the sclera changes its shape during accommodation, quantify those changes and ascertain whether they depend on age and refractive power.MethodsTwenty‐two subjects, aged between 19 and 84 years old were recruited for the study. Young subjects were grouped according to their refractive power as emmetropes (seven subjects) and myopes (seven subjects). Data were obtained with a height corneo‐scleral topographer (Eye Surface Profiler) with coverage area far beyond the limbus. Lenses of different power were used to stimulate accommodative demand of 0.0 D, 2.5 D and 4.0 D. Elevation differences between measurements acquired while at the intermediate or close target and infinity where calculated for each participant for the horizontal meridian for a 16 mm chord.ResultsWe found that sclera undergoes significant changes in its shape with accommodation in young subjects able to accommodate but not for those with limited accommodation. For a 4.0 D stimulus at the nasal side the scleral change amounted on average to 390 ± 330 μm (mean ± S.D.) for the young group. This phenomenon was more pronounced in myopes (for a 4.0 D target; nasal part: 560 ± 350 μm (mean ± S.D.)) than emmetropes (for a 4.0 D target; nasal part: 220 ± 120 μm (mean ± S.D.)). Differences were also found between different meridians.ConclusionsScleral shape undergoes changes with accommodation and this phenomenon is more pronounced in myopes than emmetropes.
Impact of operator experience and training strategy on procedural outcomes with leadless pacing: Insights from the Micra Transcatheter Pacing Study
Authors: El‐Chami Mikhael , Kowal Robert C. , Soejima Kyoko , Ritter Philippe , Duray Gabor Z. , Neuzil Petr , Mont Lluis , Kypta Alexander , Sagi Venkata , Hudnall John Harrison , Stromberg Kurt , Reynolds Dwight 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundLeadless pacemaker systems have been designed to avoid the need for a pocket and transvenous lead. However, delivery of this therapy requires a new catheter‐based procedure. This study evaluates the role of operator experience and different training strategies on procedural outcomes.MethodsA total of 726 patients underwent implant attempt with the Micra transcatheter pacing system (TPS; Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) by 94 operators trained in a teaching laboratory using a simulator, cadaver, and large animal models (lab training) or locally at the hospital with simulator/demo model and proctorship (hospital training). Procedure success, procedure duration, fluoroscopy time, and safety outcomes were compared between training methods and experience (implant case number).ResultsThe Micra TPS procedure was successful in 99.2% of attempts and did not differ between the 55 operators trained in the lab setting and the 39 operators trained locally at the hospital (P = 0.189). Implant case number was also not a determinant of procedural success (P = 0.456). Each operator performed between one and 55 procedures. Procedure time and fluoroscopy duration decreased by 2.0% (P = 0.002) and 3.2% (P < 0.001) compared to the previous case. Major complication rate and pericardial effusion rate were not associated with case number (P = 0.755 and P = 0.620, respectively). There were no differences in the safety outcomes by training method.ConclusionsAmong a large group of operators, implantation success was high regardless of experience. While procedure duration and fluoroscopy times decreased with implant number, complications were low and not associated with case number. Procedure and safety outcomes were similar between distinct training methodologies.
The Relationship between Rate of Algometer Application and Pain Pressure Threshold in the Assessment of Myofascial Trigger Point Sensitivity
Authors: Linde Lukas D. , Kumbhare Dinesh A. , Joshi Maneil , Srbely John Z. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundPressure algometry is a commonly employed technique in the assessment of both regional and widespread musculoskeletal pain. Despite its acceptance amongst clinicians and scientists, the relationship between rate of pressure application (RoA) and pain pressure threshold (PPT) remains poorly understood. We set out to test the hypothesis that a strong, positive, linear relationship exists between the RoA and the PPT within the infraspinatus of young healthy subjects.MethodsThirty‐three participants were randomly recruited from the local university community. PPT measures were recorded from a clinically identified myofascial trigger point within the right infraspinatus muscle during pressure algometry. A total of 2 PPT measures were recorded using each of 3 different RoAs, including low (15 N/s), medium (35 N/s), and high (55 N/s). Three baseline trials were also conducted at 30 N/s. The Pearson's correlation coefficient between RoA and PPT was calculated for each subject and averaged across participants.ResultsThe mean(SD) correlation between subjects was 0.77 (0.19), and the mean (SD) slope of the linear regression was 0.13 (0.09).ConclusionOur results demonstrate that there is a strong, linear relationship between the RoA and PPT when using the pressure algometry technique. The low slope between RoA and PPT suggests clinicians can rely on PPT assessments despite small RoA fluctuations. Future research should explore this relationship further in a clinical population and in other muscles affected by chronic myofascial pain. Advancing cost‐effective, reliable, and clinically feasible tools such as algometry is important to enhancing the diagnosis and management of chronic myofascial pain.
Workplace culture in psychiatric nursing described by nurses
Authors: Kurjenluoma K. , Rantanen A. , McCormack B. , Slater P. , Hahtela N. , Suominen T. 
Published: April 2017

AimThis study looks to describe the workplace culture from the viewpoints of stress, job satisfaction and practice environment.MethodsData were collected from nurses (n = 109) using a web‐based survey, The Person‐Centred Nursing Index, from two purposefully selected hospital districts in Finland. Data were statistically analysed.ResultsNurses described their workplace culture in slightly positive terms. Nurses only occasionally experienced stress (mean = 2.56, SD = 0.55) and were fairly satisfied with their job (mean = 4.75, SD = 0.66) and their practice environment (mean = 4.42, SD = 0.81). Demographic variables such as the nurses’ age, length of time in nursing, time at their present hospital, working shifts and their use of patient restriction were more frequently associated with their perceived workplace culture.ConclusionOlder nurses and those with a longer work history in the nursing profession tended to be more satisfied with their workplace culture in psychiatric nursing. Young and/or newly graduated nurses felt more negatively on their workplace culture; this issue should be recognised and addressed with appropriate support and mentoring. Nurses who used restrictive measures were more often less satisfied with their workplace culture. Continuous efforts are needed to reduce the use of coercive measures, which challenge also the managers to support nursing practice to be more person‐centred.
Regulation of the turnover of ACC synthases by phytohormones and heterodimerization in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lee Han Yong , Chen Yi‐Chun , Kieber Joseph J. , Yoon Gyeong Mee 
Published: April 2017

SummaryEthylene influences many aspects of plant growth and development. The biosynthesis of ethylene is highly regulated by a variety of internal and external cues. A key target of this regulation is 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) synthases (ACS), generally the rate‐limiting step in ethylene biosynthesis, which is regulated both transcriptionally and post‐transcriptionally. Prior studies have demonstrated that cytokinin and brassinosteroid (BR) act as regulatory inputs to elevate ethylene biosynthesis by increasing the stability of ACS proteins. Here, we demonstrate that several additional phytohormones also regulate ACS protein turnover. Abscisic acid, auxin, gibberellic acid, methyl jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid differentially regulate the stability of ACS proteins, with distinct effects on various isoforms. In addition, we demonstrate that heterodimerization influences the stability of ACS proteins. Heterodimerization between ACS isoforms from distinct subclades results in increased stability of the shorter‐lived partner. Together, our study provides a comprehensive understanding of the roles of various phytohormones on ACS protein stability, which brings new insights into crosstalk between ethylene and other phytohormones, and a novel regulatory mechanism that controls ACS protein stability through a heterodimerization of ACS isoforms.
Antithrombotic therapy and platelet transfusions in hematologic malignancy patients presenting chemotherapy‐induced thrombocytopenia: a French survey
Authors: Chalayer Emilie , Cavalieri Doriane , Martignoles Jean Alain , Genthon Alexis , Tavernier Emmanuelle , Tardy Bernard 
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUNDPatients with hematologic malignancies are at high risk for both thrombosis and bleeding. During the prolonged periods of thrombocytopenia experienced by patients who are receiving intensive chemotherapy, clinicians often hesitate to prescribe any protection against thrombosis. In case of anticoagulant prescription, it is the prescribers' responsibility to weigh risks and benefits for each patient. Current guidelines exist but do not take into account types of thrombosis, patients' comorbidities, or previous bleeding events.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWe proposed to gain insight into hematologists' beliefs about antithrombotic prescription in hematologic malignancy patients, to design future clinical trials. Therefore, we conducted a survey in France to evaluate the practices among a panel of hematologists.RESULTSWe found that more than 92% of the respondents prescribed therapeutic anticoagulation in case of pulmonary embolism or deep venous thrombosis. In the case of therapeutic anticoagulation, only 64% of the physicians reconsidered treatment under a platelet threshold of 50 × 109/L. None of the respondents decided to renounce treatment, nor to discontinue it because of thrombocytopenia, except in distal venous thrombosis or superficial vein thrombosis. One‐fifth of clinicians proposed the insertion of a vena cava filter.CONCLUSIONAs observed in the United States and Canada, we noticed discrepancies between recommendations and current practices in France. This highlights the urgent need to conduct studies to evaluate both efficacy and safety of antithrombotics in patients with hematologic cancer and thrombocytopenia.
Concentrated lyophilized plasma used for reconstitution of whole blood leads to higher coagulation factor activity but unchanged thrombin potential compared with fresh‐frozen plasma
Authors: Iapichino Giacomo E. , Ponschab Martin , Cadamuro Janne , Süssner Susanne , Gabriel Christian , Dieplinger Benjamin , Egger Margot , Schlimp Christoph J. , Bahrami Soheyl , Schöchl Herbert 
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUNDDuring massive hemorrhage, it is recommended to transfuse red blood cells, platelet concentrate, and fresh‐frozen plasma in a ratio close to 1:1:1. To avoid the thawing process of fresh frozen plasma, lyophilized plasma (LP) is increasingly used. Evidence is limited on the activity of coagulation factors in reconstituted blood using LP and concentrated LP versions.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWhole blood from ten healthy volunteers was separated into red blood cell, fresh frozen plasma, and platelet concentrate units. Aliquots of red blood cells and plasma concentrate were mixed with either fresh frozen plasma (200 mL) or LP at reconstitution ratios of 2:1:1, 1:1:1, and 1:1:2. LP was used either at the recommended standard volume of 200 mL (LP200) or was more concentrated at volumes of 100 and 50 mL (LP100 and LP50, respectively). The hemostatic capacity of each reconstituted whole blood sample was tested with blood cell counts, standard coagulation tests, factor activity, thrombin generation, and viscoelastic assays.RESULTSHematocrit, platelet counts, and fibrinogen levels of the three ratios were similar between FFP200 and LP200 units but were lower compared with the corresponding ratios in LP100 and LP50 units. The activity of procoagulant and anticoagulant factors increased linearly with the increasing plasmatic fraction and, at 1:1:2 ratio, was significantly higher in LP50 units compared with FFP200 and LP200 units. Thrombin generation was similar throughout the four plasma groups at any ratio.CONCLUSIONSDecreasing the dilution volume of LP facilitates reaching higher hematocrit and coagulation protein levels without a relevant increase in thrombin generation. This is due to preserved balance between procoagulant and anticoagulant factors in the concentrated LP preparations.
Platelet lysate obtained via plateletpheresis performed in standing and awake equine donors
Authors: Sumner Scarlett M. , Naskou Maria C. , Thoresen Merrilee , Copland Ian , Peroni John F. 
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUNDPlatelet preparations containing growth factors, attachment factors, and enzymes are appealing to enhance healing of injured tissues and as an alternative to xenogenic serum in cell culture media. Plateletpheresis is commonly used to collect platelets in human medicine but has not been validated in horses.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSPlateletpheresis to collect platelet concentrate was performed on six female, mixed breed, chemically restrained horses using commercially available apheresis equipment. Before and immediately after plateletpheresis, we performed physical examinations and collected blood for chemistry and coagulation panels and then again at 8, 16, 24, and 48 hours after the procedure. To produce platelet lysate, the platelet concentrate underwent two freeze‐thaw cycles followed by centrifugation and filtration processing. The platelet lysate was then analyzed for cellular debris, fibrinogen, and growth factors.RESULTSThe collected platelet concentration contained a mean platelet yield of 390 × 103/μL. Donor platelet count decreased from a mean of 193 × 103/μL to 138 × 103/μL after plateletpheresis, but no individual was at risk for hemorrhage. Pooled platelet lysate had minimal cellular residue and contained growth factor concentrations at 6.1 ng/mL for transforming growth factor‐β1, at 3.5 ng/mL for platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB, and at 13.8 ng/mL for vascular endothelial growth factor‐A.CONCLUSIONPlateletpheresis using commercially available apheresis equipment is a feasible option for collecting platelet concentrate from equine donors. The lysate generated from the apheresis product contains growth factors and has potential to be used as a fetal bovine serum substitute for cell culture.
Habit, prisoner's dilemma and Americans’ welfare cost of working much more than Europeans
Authors: Schiff Maurice 
Published: April 2017

AbstractEuropeans work much less than Americans. Some studies claim this is due to Europe's high taxes and that Europeans would gain by adopting US tax rates and work time. I argue that Americans would gain by reducing work time to Europe's level. Due to historical experience, Europe is able to internalise work‐time‐related negative externalities by enacting restrictive work‐time policies, while the United States is not, resulting in a prisoner's dilemma equilibrium and “overworking trap.” A simple model and work‐time data are used to derive theUSwelfare gain from reducing work time to Europe's level. Findings are as follows: (i) parameter values are consistent with experimental results on own vs. other people's income value; (ii) the welfare gain's present value is between 80 and 120% of annual welfare; and (iii) a European policy that reduces work time excessively remains beneficial if the reduction is less than twice the optimal one.