bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of hemodiafiltration with endogenous reinfusion on overt idiopathic chronic inflammation in maintenance hemodialysis patients: A multicenter longitudinal study
Authors: Borrelli Silvio , Minutolo Roberto , De Nicola Luca , De Simone Emanuele , De Simone Walter , Zito Bruno , Guastaferro Pasquale , Nigro Filippo , Iulianiello Giuseppe , Credendino Olga , Bassi Antonio , Leone Luigi , Capuano Maria , Auricchio Maria Rita , Conte Giuseppe 
Published: May 2014

AbstractChronic inflammation is widely diffuse in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients and is associated with poor survival. Hemodiafiltration with endogenous reinfusion (HFR) is a dialysis technique, highly biocompatible, able to adsorb proinflammatory cytokines and to decrease amino acids and antioxidants loss. These features could be helpful in MHD patients affected by idiopathic chronic inflammation, but this issue remains to be elucidated. We performed a multicenter longitudinal study to assess the effect of the switching from bicarbonate HD to HFR in patients with serum C‐reactive Protein (CRP) > 5 mg/L coupled with albumin <4.0 g/dL in the last 6 months. We enrolled 24/176 (14%) patients, of which 20 patients were assessed at 4 months and 18 completed the study. We excluded 11 patients with evident causes of inflammation. At baseline, serum levels of CRP (18.7[7.0–39.4] mg/L) and albumin (3.5[3.3–3.7] g/dL) were significantly correlated (r = −0.49; P = 0.028). The effect on CRP and albumin was almost evident in the first 4 months and remained stable until to eighth month. A strict correlation (R = −0.49; 0.040) between percentage change of CRP (−35%) and albumin (+14%) after 8 months of HFR. These effects were associated with the reduction of IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α and the increment of pre‐albumin and leptin, whereas the serum levels of Branched Chain Amino Acid (BCAA) remained unchanged. In MHD patients affected by idiopathic chronic inflammation the switching from BHD to HFR is associated with improvement of inflammation. Whether these favorable effects may modify the outcomes of these high‐risk patients needs to be confirmed by studies ad hoc.
Acidic pH weakens the microhardness and microstructure of three tricalcium silicate materials
Authors: Wang Z. , Ma J. , Shen Y. , Haapasalo M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimTo investigate the microhardness and microstructural features of three tricalcium silicate materials: mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Endosequence Root Repair Material Putty (ERRM Putty) and Endosequence Root Repair Material Paste (ERRM Paste), after exposure to a range of acidic environments in comparison with intermediate restorative material (IRM).MethodologyEndosequence Root Repair Material Putty (Brasseler, Savannah, GA, USA), ERRM Paste (Brasseler, Savannah, GA, USA), MTA (ProRoot; Dentsply Tulsa Dental, Johnson City, TN, USA) and IRM (Dentsply Caulk, Milford, DE, USA) were set in cylindrical rubber moulds as four groups containing twenty specimens each. Fifteen specimens per each material were randomly distributed into three groups (n = 5) to be exposed to butyric acid buffered at three different pH levels (5.4, 6.4 and 7.4) for 7 days. The remaining five specimens were exposed to distilled water as a control group. The surface microhardness after exposure either to acid or to water was measured after 7‐days at 37 °C. The morphology of the internal microstructure was observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Two‐way univariate analysis of variance (anova) was applied to evaluate the Vickers microhardness value (VHN).ResultsThe microhardness values of the materials were significantly higher in the neutral environment of butyric acid at pH 7.4 compared to those in the acidic condition of pH 5.4 for all groups (P < 0.001). MTA, ERRM Putty and ERRM Paste had higher microhardness values than IRM at all pH levels (P < 0.001). Specimens exposed to distilled water displayed significantly higher microhardness values than those values obtained in the presence of butyric acid buffered to all pH levels (P < 0.001). A more porous microstructure was observed following exposure to butyric acid at pH 5.4 than at pH 7.4. Several types of crystalline structures were formed by recrystallization, especially at pH 7.4 in all groups except for IRM.ConclusionsThe microhardness values of ERRM Putty, ERRM Paste and MTA were reduced in an acidic environment, which resulted in these materials having more porous and less crystalline microstructures. MTA seems the most suitable material for application to an area of inflammation where a low pH value may exist.
Sepsis affects most routine and cell population data (CPD) obtained using the Sysmex XN‐2000 blood cell analyzer: neutrophil‐related CPD NE‐SFL and NE‐WY provide useful information for detecting sepsis
Authors: Park S. H. , Park C.‐J. , Lee B.‐R. , Nam K.‐S. , Kim M.‐J. , Han M.‐Y. , Kim Y. J. , Cho Y.‐U. , Jang S. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryIntroductionThe Sysmex XN‐2000 analyzer can assess 36 routine and 57 cell population data (CPD) items. In this study, we evaluated these items as sepsis biomarkers.MethodsWe enrolled 280 normal control (NC) and 130 sepsis patients. The sepsis patients were classified as uncomplicated or complicated sepsis. Routine and CPD items were determined, and the results were compared at between the NC and sepsis groups, uncomplicated and complicated sepsis groups, and survivors and nonsurvivors.ResultsFor the detection of sepsis, CPD items NE‐SFL [defined as the fluorescent light intensity of the neutrophil area on the WDF (white blood cell differential) scattergram] and NE‐WY (defined as the fluorescent light distribution width of the neutrophil area on the WDF scattergram) showed comparative or higher AUC of 0.909 and 0.905, respectively, when compared with routine items such as hematocrit, hemoglobin, RBC, RDW, immature granulocytes count, lymphocytes count, and neutrophils count. For the discrimination of sepsis severity, only platelet‐related items showed higher AUC (0.723 – 0.748) than lactic acid (0.695). For the prediction of 28‐day mortality, only CV and SD of RDW showed higher AUC (0.766 and 0.732 each) than lactic acid (0.712).ConclusionsSepsis patients demonstrated significant changes in routine and CPD items related to RBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and platelets when compared to NCs. Increase in CPD items NE‐SFL and NE‐WY, which may indicate neutrophil immaturity or activation, could be useful for the detection of sepsis patients, in conjunction with currently used surrogate sepsis biomarkers. However, these items did not efficiently contribute to the discrimination of sepsis severity or predict mortality.
Tracheal rupture related to endotracheal intubation after thyroid surgery: a case report and systematic review
Authors: Xu Xiaohan , Xing Na , Chang Yanzi , Du Yingying , Li Zhisong , Wang Zhongyu , Yan Jie , Zhang Wei 
Published: May 2014

AbstractTracheobronchial rupture is an uncommon but potentially serious complication of endotracheal intubation. The most likely cause of tracheal injury is massive overinflation of the endotracheal tube cuff and pre‐existing tracheal wall weakness. We review the relevant literature and predisposing factors contributing to this complication. Only articles that reported at least the demographic data (age and sex), the treatment performed and the outcome were included. Papers that did not detail these variables were excluded. We also focus on a case of tracheal laceration after tracheal intubation in a patient with severe thyroid carcinoma. This patient received surgical repair and recovered uneventfully. Two hundred and eight studies that reported cases or case series were selected for analysis. Most of the reported cases (57·2%) showed an uneventful recovery after surgical therapy. The overall mortality was 19·2% (40 patients). Our patient too recovered without any serious complication. Careful prevention, early detection and proper treatment of the problem are necessary when tracheal rupture occurs. The morbidity and mortality associated with tracheal injury mandate a high level of suspicion and expedient management.
Systematic review of instruments for measuring nurses' knowledge, skills and attitudes for evidence‐based practice
Authors: Leung Kat , Trevena Lyndal , Waters Donna 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimTo identify, appraise and describe the characteristics of instruments for measuring evidence‐based knowledge, skills and/or attitudes in nursing practice.BackgroundEvidence‐based practice has been proposed for optimal patient care for more than three decades, yet competence in evidence‐based practice knowledge and skills among nurse clinicians remains difficult to measure. There is a need to identify well‐validated and reliable instruments for assessing competence for evidence‐based practice in nursing.DesignPsychometric systematic review.Data SourcesThe MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, ERIC, CDSR, All EBM reviews and PsycInfo databases were searched from 1960–April 2013; with no language restrictions applied.Review MethodsUsing pre‐determined inclusion criteria, three reviewers independently identified studies for full‐text review, extracting data and grading instrument validity using a Psychometric Grading Framework.ResultsOf 91 studies identified for full‐text review, 59 met the inclusion criteria representing 24 different instruments. The Psychometric Grading Framework determined that only two instruments had adequate validity – the Evidence Based Practice Questionnaire measuring knowledge, skills and attitudes and another un‐named instrument measuring only EBP knowledge and attitudes. Instruments used in another nine studies were graded as having ‘weak’ validity and instruments in the remaining 24 studies were graded as ‘very weak’.ConclusionThe Evidence Based Practice Questionnaire was assessed as having the highest validity and was the most practical instrument to use. However, the Evidence Based Practice Questionnaire relies totally on self‐report rather than direct measurement of competence suggesting a need for a performance‐based instrument for measuring evidence‐based knowledge, skills and attitudes in nursing.
Parents as the start of the solution: a social marketing approach to understanding triggers and barriers to entering a childhood weight management service
Authors: Gillespie J. , Midmore C. , Hoeflich J. , Ness C. , Ballard P. , Stewart L. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundChildhood obesity is a sensitive subject and barriers exist with respect to accessing weight management programmes. Social marketing insight gathering provides an opportunity to understand behaviours and address these challenges. This project gained insight into the views of parents/carers on triggers and barriers to entering a childhood weight management service.MethodsParticipants were identified from the public using marketing recruitment. Four focus groups were conducted with parents of school aged children (n = 27) by an experienced interviewer. Twenty two mothers, three fathers and two grandmothers participated, with half describing their child as overweight. Groups discussed health behaviours; attitudes to health messages and weight issues; and motivations, benefits and barriers with respect to accessing weight management services. Discussions were taped and transcribed. Themes were identified using framework analysis of content matrix data analysis.ResultsParticipants were aware of healthy lifestyle messages, although the ability to implement these was variable. Triggers to seeking help included bullying, health concerns and inability to participate in school activities. Barriers included feeling a lack of control, desire to avoid conflict and no proven case that weight was a problem. Parents wished to be given information regarding their child's weight by a trusted person. The Internet and word of mouth were identified as methods of recruitment into a weight management service, with a focus on fitness, fun and friendliness and being free‐of‐charge.ConclusionsInsight gathering can be used to establish parental/carer opinion regarding engaging in childhood weight management services. A fun, friendly programme that is free of charge appealed to parents. Local community involvement around normalising child weight issues may boost referrals into child healthy weight interventions.
Identification of Genes Expressed Differentially in Grapefruit Infected with Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus in the Late Stage of Disease
Authors: Gholampour Hosein , Ghayeb Zamharir Maryam , Karimi Jaber , Farrokhi Naser , Alizadeh Ali , Taheri Peyman 
Published: May 2014

AbstractCitrus greening or Huanglongbing (HLB), a destructive disease of citrus worldwide, was reported from south of Iran in 2007. The molecular basis of compatibility and disease development in this system is poorly understood. We have carried out a cDNA‐AFLP analysis to analyse gene expression of grapefruit infected by Candidatus Leiberibacter asiaticus in the late infection stage. We have applied a cDNA‐AFLP approach on grafted infected grapefruit trees at the representing symptoms stage in susceptible host. Selective amplifications with 10 primer combinations allowed the visualization of approximately 24 transcript‐derived fragments (TDFs) in the leaves of graft‐inoculated trees, which were differentially expressed. We sequenced 14 fragments, which were identified as grapefruit transcripts after homology searching, whereas 12 were not homologous to sequences in NCBI databases. Many grapefruit genes spanning almost all functional categories were upregulated during infection, especially genes involved in ATP synthesize, cytochrome P450 synthesize, isoflavone 2'‐hydroxylase, zeaxanthin epoxidase, cellulose synthase, DNA repair protein, aconitate hydratase 2 and citrus tristeza virus resistance gene. This study provides the first global catalogue of grapefruit genes expressed during inoculation, together with their functional annotations. This will help to elucidate the molecular basis of the resistance process and identify genes and chemicals that could help to inhibit the pathogen.
Light propagation in burrows of subterranean rodents: tunnel system architecture but not photoreceptor sensitivity limits light sensation range
Authors: Kott O. , Moritz R. E. , Šumbera R. , Burda H. , Němec P. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAbout 300 species of mammals have adapted to the dark underground ecotope. Despite a long history of underground existence, many strictly subterranean species have retained structurally normal eyes possessing the capability of image‐forming vision. Moreover, their retinae often feature high cone proportions, an indication of conserved photopic (daylight) vision. Although it has been suggested that low acuity vision plays an important role in predator avoidance, not a single attempt to measure light conditions in burrows has been made so far. Here, we report the first measurements of light propagation in an illuminated artificial tunnel and in experimentally opened burrows ofAnsell's mole‐rat,Fukomys anselliin its natural habitat. Only about 0.2–2.5% of the ambient visible light entered the opened burrow. Light intensity attenuated quickly and reached mesopic light levels (at which both cones and rods contribute to vision) within a few centimetres from the burrow opening; scotopic light levels (at which only rods operate) were estimated to be reached at one to a few metres from the opening. Thus, although cones may hypothetically contribute to vision for up to a few metres, they play an indispensable role only in the immediate vicinity of a breach, where rods are fully saturated. Rod‐mediated light sensation in straight tunnels seems to be possible over distances much longer than 100 m, implying that it is the burrow architecture (tortuosity and branching) what limits light sensation under natural conditions. These findings clearly show that light propagating within a breached burrow may serve as a reliable cue providing information about the site of potential predation risk. Both rods and cones contribute to this signalling. The fact that blue light propagated much less efficiently than longer wavelength light suggests that the short‐wave‐sensitive opsin dominance in theAfrican mole‐rats represents a non‐adaptive feature that seems to be associated with arrested cone development.
Admixture and the organization of genetic diversity in a butterfly species complex revealed through common and rare genetic variants
Authors: Gompert Zachariah , Lucas Lauren K. , Buerkle C. Alex , Forister Matthew L. , Fordyce James A. , Nice Chris C. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractDetailed information about the geographic distribution of genetic and genomic variation is necessary to better understand the organization and structure of biological diversity. In particular, spatial isolation within species and hybridization between them can blur species boundaries and create evolutionary relationships that are inconsistent with a strictly bifurcating tree model. Here, we analyse genome‐wide DNA sequence and genetic ancestry variation in Lycaeides butterflies to quantify the effects of admixture and spatial isolation on how biological diversity is organized in this group. We document geographically widespread and pervasive historical admixture, with more restricted recent hybridization. This includes evidence supporting previously known and unknown instances of admixture. The genome composition of admixed individuals varies much more among than within populations, and tree‐ and genetic ancestry‐based analyses indicate that multiple distinct admixed lineages or populations exist. We find that most genetic variants in Lycaeides are rare (minor allele frequency <0.5%). Because the spatial and taxonomic distributions of alleles reflect demographic and selective processes since mutation, rare alleles, which are presumably younger than common alleles, were spatially and taxonomically restricted compared with common variants. Thus, we show patterns of genetic variation in this group are multifaceted, and we argue that this complexity challenges simplistic notions concerning the organization of biological diversity into discrete, easily delineated and hierarchically structured entities.
Growth with Unused Capacity and Endogenous Capital Depreciation
Authors: Patriarca Fabrizio , Sardoni Claudio 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe paper contributes to the debate on growth and distribution in a non‐mainstream perspective. It looks at the role that capacity utilization plays in the process of growth under the hypothesis that the rate of capital depreciation is a function of the degree of capacity utilization. Our hypothesis implies results partly different from those obtained by other models in which capacity utilization plays a key role. In particular, a varying rate of depreciation affects the conditions under which distributional changes in favor of wages affect the rate of growth positively.
Xanthomonas campestris RpfB is a fatty Acyl‐CoA ligase required to counteract the thioesterase activity of the RpfF diffusible signal factor (DSF) synthase
Authors: Bi Hongkai , Yu Yonghong , Dong Huijuan , Wang Haihong , Cronan John E. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryIn Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc), the proteins encoded by the rpf (regulator of pathogenicity factor) gene cluster produce and sense a fatty acid signal molecule called diffusible signalling factor (DSF, 2(Z)‐11‐methyldodecenoic acid). RpfB was reported to be involved in DSF processing and was predicted to encode an acyl‐CoA ligase. We report that RpfB activates a wide range of fatty acids to their CoA esters in vitro. Moreover, RpfB can functionally replace the paradigm bacterial acyl‐CoA ligase, Escherichia coli FadD, in the E. coli ß‐oxidation pathway and deletion of RpfB from the Xcc genome results in a strain unable to utilize fatty acids as carbon sources. An essential RpfB function in the pathogenicity factor pathway was demonstrated by the properties of a strain deleted for both the rpfB and rpfC genes. The ΔrpfB ΔrpfC strain grew poorly and lysed upon entering stationary phase. Deletion of rpfF, the gene encoding the DSF synthetic enzyme, restored normal growth to this strain. RpfF is a dual function enzyme that synthesizes DSF by dehydration of a 3‐hydroxyacyl‐acyl carrier protein (ACP) fatty acid synthetic intermediate and also cleaves the thioester bond linking DSF to ACP. However, the RpfF thioesterase activity is of broad specificity and upon elimination of its RpfC inhibitor RpfF attains maximal activity and its thioesterase activity proceeds to block membrane lipid synthesis by cleavage of acyl‐ACP intermediates. This resulted in release of the nascent acyl chains to the medium as free fatty acids. This lack of acyl chains for phospholipid synthesis results in cell lysis unless RpfB is present to counteract the RpfF thioesterase activity by catalysing uptake and activation of the free fatty acids to give acyl‐CoAs that can be utilized to restore membrane lipid synthesis. Heterologous expression of a different fatty acid activating enzyme, the Vibrio harveyi acyl‐ACP synthetase, replaced RpfB in counteracting the effects of high level RpfF thioesterase activity indicating that the essential role of RpfB is uptake and activation of free fatty acids.
Memory deficits correlate with tau and spine pathology in P301S MAPT transgenic mice
Authors: Xu Hong , Rösler Thomas W. , Carlsson Thomas , de Andrade Anderson , Bruch Julius , Höllerhage Matthias , Oertel Wolfgang H. , Höglinger Günter U. 
Published: May 2014

AimP301S MAPT transgenic mice (P301S mice) are a widely used model of frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 with tau pathology (FTDP‐17‐tau). However, a systematic correlation between cognitive deficits and cellular tau pathology at different ages is still missing. Therefore, our study investigated memory deficits of P301S mice in relation to pathological tau species and dendritic spine pathology throughout adulthood.MethodsWe analysed P301S mice behaviourally with the novel open field, rotarod, and Morris water maze tests to measure deficits in locomotion, balance and cognition, respectively; immunohistochemically with different tau antibodies for specific tau species; and with Golgi staining for dendritic spine pathology.ResultsWe confirmed the occurrence of locomotor deficits at an age of 5 months and newly report memory deficits from 2.5 months of age onwards. At this early age, MC1 and CP13, but not AT180 immunoreactivity, was prominent in the hippocampus of P301S mice. Neuronal cell loss in the hippocampus of P301S mice was not observed to occur till 6 months of age. However, there was a significant reduction in the density of dendritic spines from young adulthood onwards in hippocampal pyramidal neurones.ConclusionIn P301S mice, memory deficits precede the onset of locomotor dysfunction and coincide with the appearance of conformationally changed, S202‐phosphorylated tau and reduced spine density in the absence of neuronal cell loss in the hippocampus. Our finding provides insights into the toxic effects of different tau species in vivo and may facilitate the development of new therapies against neurodegenerative tauopathies.