bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High frequency of neurosyphilis in HIV‐positive patients diagnosed with early syphilis
Authors: Firlag‐Burkacka E , Swiecki P , Cielniak I , Siwak E , Gizinska J , Bakowska E , Kubicka J , Pulik P , Kowalski J , Podlasin R , Horban A 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundSyphilis is an infection frequently seen with HIV, and European guidelines on the management of syphilis suggest that HIV‐infected patients may have an increased risk of early neurological involvement, sometimes asymptomatic. Recent study shows a relationship between neurosyphilis and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) HIV viral load (VL), which in turn may be associated with subsequent neurocognitive decline.Objectives and methodsThe aim of the study was estimation of the frequency of neurosyphilis among HIV‐positive patients with early syphilis. The study included all patients diagnosed with early syphilis who had lumbar puncture performed in the years 2008–2012. Analysis included CSF parameters (serology, mononuclear cells, protein, glucose, chloride and lactate levels), CD4 count, serum VL and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Diagnosis of neurosyphilis was confirmed by CSF serology [positive fluorescent treponemal antibody and/or Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test(s)] and increased number of mononuclear cells. Statistical analysis included χ2 tests with an accepted significance level of P < 0.05.ResultsLumbar puncture was performed in 72 patients, all men, with median age 33 (interquartile range 11) years. Neurosyphilis was confirmed in 65 (90.28%) of the patients. No statistically significant association between CSF parameters and CD4 count was found. However, statistically significant associations were found only between pleocytosis and serum VL > 1000 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL (P = 0.0451), as well as HAART treatment (P = 0.0328). The proportion of confirmed neurosyphilis cases, also in patients with low serum VDRL titres, was very high.ConclusionsConsidering the high proportion of patients who objected to having LP performed in the absence of neurological symptoms and the risk associated with this procedure, it may be preferable to use treatments with good CNS penetration in all HIV‐positive patients with early syphilis.
A collaborative sequential meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomized trials of endovascular therapy and tPA vs. tPA alone for acute ischemic stroke:

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PA (TREAT) analysis: statistical analysis plan for a sequential meta-analysis performed within the VISTA-Endovascular collaboration
Authors: Macisaac Rachael L. , Khatri Pooja , Bendszus Martin , Bracard Serge , Broderick Joseph , Campbell Bruce , Ciccone Alfonso , Dávalos Antoni , Davis Stephen M. , Demchuk Andrew , Diener Hans-Christoph , Dippel Diederik , Donnan Geoffrey A. , Fiehler Jens , Fiorella David , Goyal Mayank , Hacke Werner , Hill Michael D. , Jahan Reza , Jauch Edward , Jovin Tudor , Kidwell Chelsea S. , Liebeskind David , Majoie Charles B. , Martins Sheila Cristina Ouriques , Mitchell Peter , Mocco J. , Muir Keith W. , Nogueira Raul , Saver Jeffrey L. , Schonewille Wouter J. , Siddiqui Adnan H. , Thomalla Götz , Tomsick Thomas A. , Turk Aquilla S. , White Philip , Zaidat Osama , Lees Kennedy R. 
Published: September 2015

Rationale Endovascular treatment has been shown to restore blood flow effectively. Second-generation medical devices such as stent retrievers are now showing overwhelming efficacy in clinical trials, particularly in conjunction with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. Aims and Design This statistical analysis plan utilizing a novel, sequential approach describes a prospective, individual patient data analysis of endovascular therapy in conjunction with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator agreed upon by the Thrombectomy and Tissue Plasminogen Activator Collaborative Group. Study outcomes This protocol will specify the primary outcome for efficacy, as ‘favorable’ outcome defined by the ordinal distribution of the modified Rankin Scale measured at three-months poststroke, but with modified Rankin Scales 5 and 6 collapsed into a single category. The primary analysis will aim to answer the questions: ‘what is the treatment effect of endovascular therapy with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator compared to intravenous tissue plasmi-nogen activator alone on full scale modified Rankin Scale at 3 months?’ and ‘to what extent do key patient characteristics influence the treatment effect of endovascular therapy?’. Key secondary outcomes include effect of endovascular therapy on death within 90 days; analyses of modified Rankin Scale using dichotomized methods; and effects of endovascular therapy on symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Several secondary analyses will be considered as well as expanding patient cohorts to intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator-ineligible patients, should data allow. Discussion This collaborative meta-analysis of individual participant data from randomized trials of endovascular therapy vs. control in conjunction with intravenous thrombolysis will demonstrate the efficacy and generalizability of endovascular therapy with intravenous thrombolysis as a concomitant medication.
Comparison of orthologous cytochrome P450 genes relative expression patterns in the bark beetles Dendroctonus rhizophagus and Dendroctonus valens (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) during host colonization
Authors: Obregón‐Molina G. , Cesar‐Ayala A. K. , López M. F. , Cano‐Ramírez C. , Zúñiga G. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBark beetles of the genus Dendroctonus are important components of coniferous forests. During host colonization, they must overcome the chemical defences of their host trees, which are metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP or P450) enzymes to compounds that are readily excreted. In this study, we report the relative expression (quantitative real‐time PCR) of four orthologous cytochrome P450 genes (CYP6BW5, CYP6DG1, CYP6DJ2 and CYP9Z20) in Dendroctonus rhizophagus and Dendroctonus valens forced to attack host trees at 8 and 24 h following forced attack and in four stages during natural colonization [solitary females boring the bark (T1); both male and female members of couples before oviposition (T2); both male and female members of couples during oviposition (T3), and solitary females inside the gallery containing eggs (T4)]. For both species gene expression was different compared with that observed in insects exposed to single monoterpenes in the laboratory, and the expression patterns were significantly different amongst species, sex, gut region and exposure time or natural colonization stage. The induction of genes (CYP6BW5v1, CYP6DJ2v1 and CYP9Z20v1 from D. rhizophagus, as well as CYP6DG1v3 from D. valens) correlated with colonization stage as well as with the increase in oxygenated monoterpenes in the gut of both species throughout the colonization of the host. Our results point to different functions of these orthologous genes in both species.
Comparison of nurse practice environments in Denmark and the USA
Authors: Mainz H. , Baernholdt M. , Ramlau‐Hansen C.H. , Brink O. 
Published: September 2015

AimsThe aims were to translate, validate and test the reliability of the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index in a Danish context; and to compare Danish nurses' ratings of their nurse work environments with the highest rated work environments, USA magnet hospitals.BackgroundPatient quality and safety are priorities for managers, administrators and policy makers worldwide. A supportive work environment is an important factor to improve quality and safety. The most used scale to measure the nurse work environment is Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index. There is no Danish translation of the scale or a comparison of nurse work environment between Denmark and other countries.MethodsThe translation and cultural adaption followed the steps recommended by the World Health Organization. Content validity was evaluated using cognitive interviewing in‐person and through surveys. The reliability was tested using Cronbach's alpha. Finally, Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index ratings from 127 nurses were compared with results from Magnet and non‐Magnet hospitals using t‐tests.FindingsThe Danish translation of Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index had a high validity and reliability. Danish nurses rated their nurse work environment more favourable than nurses in non‐Magnet hospitals and at the same level as Magnet hospitals. Lowest Danish scores were found in the two hospital‐level subscales in items related to staff nurses' involvement in discussions on daily problems, the visibility of the chief nursing officer and importance of up‐to‐date nursing documentation.ConclusionDanish nurses report a supportive nurse work environment with overall scores at the same level as Magnet hospitals. Opportunities for improvement were identified in the subscales.Implications for nursing and health policyA first step to improve patient quality and safety is addressing factors that influence quality and safety. Using the Danish Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index, interventions to improve specific areas can be planned, implemented and evaluated. Further, Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index is a nursing quality indicator that can be included in quality databases in Denmark.
Molecular species delimitation methods recover most song‐delimited cicada species in the European Cicadetta montana complex
Authors: Wade E. J. , Hertach T. , Gogala M. , Trilar T. , Simon C. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractMolecular species delimitation is increasingly being used to discover and illuminate species level diversity, and a number of methods have been developed. Here, we compare the ability of two molecular species delimitation methods to recover song‐delimited species in the Cicadetta montana cryptic species complex throughout Europe. Recent bioacoustics studies of male calling songs (premating reproductive barriers) have revealed cryptic species diversity in this complex. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses were used to analyse the mitochondrial genes COI and COII and the nuclear genes EF1α and period for thirteen European Cicadetta species as well as the closely related monotypic genus Euboeana. Two molecular species delimitation methods, general mixed Yule‐coalescent (GMYC) and Bayesian phylogenetics and phylogeography, identified the majority of song‐delimited species and were largely congruent with each other. None of the molecular delimitation methods were able to fully recover a recent radiation of four Greek species.
Teaching children in low‐income countries to assess claims about treatment effects: prioritization of key concepts
Authors: Nsangi Allen , Semakula Daniel , Oxman Andrew D. , Sewankambo Nelson K. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundHealth‐related knowledge and behaviours developed during childhood are increasingly being recognized as foundational, deeply rooted and resistant to change as children mature into adulthood. The aim of this study was to engage stakeholders in prioritizing key concepts that children need to understand when assessing claims about treatment effects.MethodsA list of 30 concepts developed prior was categorized into six groups considered important for children to understand in order to assess claims about the effects of “treatments” (any type of healthcare intervention). A teachers’ network was established comprising of primary school teachers, who attended a three‐day meeting where the concepts were presented, discussed and prioritized using a pre‐set criteria thus: (i) relevance of concepts for children, (ii) ease of comprehension of concepts for children, (iii) potential for developing resources to teach the children and (iv) whether the resources once developed would have an impact on children's ability to assess claims. Using a modified Delphi technique, participants ranked each group of concepts using the four criteria on a Likert scale of one to six (1 = lowest, 6 = highest). The rankings were analysed using STATA statistical software.ResultsTwenty‐two of the 24 participants reported having understood the concepts well; with self‐assessments of their own understanding above 75 on a scale of (1 to 100). All six groups of concepts were considered relevant.ConclusionIt is important to teach children how to assess claims about benefits and harms of treatments. Resources will be developed to teach children these concepts.
Topography and extent of pulmonary vagus nerve supply with respect to transthoracic oesophagectomy
Authors: Weijs Teus J. , Ruurda Jelle P. , Luyer Misha D. P. , Nieuwenhuijzen Grard A. P. , van Hillegersberg Richard , Bleys Ronald L. A. W. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractPulmonary complications are frequently observed after transthoracic oesophagectomy. These complications may be reduced by sparing the vagus nerve branches to the lung. However, current descriptions of the regional anatomy are insufficient. Therefore, we aimed to provide a highly detailed description of the course of the pulmonary vagus nerve branches. In six fixed adult human cadavers, bilateral microscopic dissection of the vagus nerve branches to the lungs was performed. The level of branching and the number, calibre and distribution of nerve branches were described. Nerve fibres were identified using neurofilament immunohistochemistry, and the nerve calibre was measured using computerized image analysis. Both lungs were supplied by a predominant posterior and a smaller anterior nerve plexus. The right lung was supplied by 13 (10–18) posterior and 3 (2–3) anterior branches containing 77% (62–100%) and 23% (0–38%) of the lung nerve supply, respectively. The left lung was supplied by a median of 12 (8–13) posterior and 3 (2–4) anterior branches containing 74% (60–84%) and 26% (16–40%) of the left lung nerve supply, respectively. During transthoracic oesophagectomy with en bloc lymphadenectomy and transection of the vagus nerves at the level of the azygos vein, 68–100% of the right lung nerve supply and 86–100% of the inferior left lung lobe nerve supply were severed. When vagotomy was performed distally to the last large pulmonary branch, 0–8% and 0–13% of the nerve branches to the right middle/inferior lobes and left inferior lobe, respectively, were lost. In conclusion, this study provides a detailed description of the extensive pulmonary nerve supply provided by the vagus nerves. During oesophagectomy, extensive mediastinal lymphadenectomy denervates the lung to a great extent; however, this can be prevented by performing the vagotomy distal to the caudalmost large pulmonary branch. Further research is required to determine the feasibility of sparing the pulmonary vagus nerve branches without compromising the completeness of lymphadenectomy.
Microsensor studies on Padina from a natural CO2 seep: implications of morphology on acclimation to low pH
Authors: Hofmann Laurie C. , Fink Artur , Bischof Kai , de Beer Dirk 
Published: September 2015

Low seawater pH can be harmful to many calcifying marine organisms, but the calcifying macroalgae Padina spp. flourish at natural submarine carbon dioxide seeps where seawater pH is low. We show that the microenvironment created by the rolled thallus margin of Padina australis facilitates supersaturation of CaCO3 and calcifi‐cation via photosynthesis‐induced elevated pH. Using microsensors to investigate oxygen and pH dynamics in the microenvironment of P. australis at a shallow CO2 seep, we found that, under saturating light, the pH inside the microenvironment (pHME) was higher than the external seawater (pHSW) at all pHSW levels investigated, and the difference (i.e., pHME − pHSW) increased with decreasing pHSW (0.9 units at pHSW 7.0). Gross photosynthesis (Pg) inside the microenvironment increased with decreasing pHSW, but algae from the control site reached a threshold at pH 6.5. Seep algae showed no pH threshold with respect to Pg within the pHSW range investigated. The external carbonic anhydrase (CA) inhibitor, acetazolamide, strongly inhibited Pg of P. australis at pHSW 8.2, but the effect was diminished under low pHSW (6.4–7.5), suggesting a greater dependence on membrane‐bound CA for the dehydration of HCO3− ions during dissolved inorganic carbon uptake at the higher pHSW. In comparison, a calcifying green alga, Halimeda cuneata f. digitata, was not inhibited by AZ, suggesting efficient bicarbonate transport. The ability of P. australis to elevate pHME at the site of calcification and its strong dependence on CA may explain why it can thrive at low pHSW.
Japanese sake yeast supplementation improves the quality of sleep: a double‐blind randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Monoi Noriyuki , Matsuno Ayumi , Nagamori Yuki , Kimura Eriko , Nakamura Yoshitaka , Oka Kengo , Sano Tomomi , Midorikawa Tatsuyuki , Sugafuji Toshihiro , Murakoshi Michiaki , Uchiyama Akira , Sugiyama Keikichi , Nishino Hoyoku , Urade Yoshihiro 
Published: September 2015

SummaryActivation of adenosine A2a receptors in cerebral neurons induces sleep in various mammals. It was previously found that Japanese sake yeast enriched in adenosine analogues activates A2a receptors in vitro and induces sleep in mice. Here it is reported that sake yeast activated A2a receptors in a cultured human cell line and improved human sleep quality in a clinical trial. Sake yeast activated A2a receptors in HEK cells in a dose‐dependent manner with an EC50 of 40 μg mL−1, and the activation was attenuated almost completely by the A2a receptor antagonist ZM241385 with an IC50 of 73 nm. In a double‐blind placebo‐controlled crossover clinical study, 68 healthy participants ingested tablets containing either 500 mg of sake yeast powder or a placebo (cellulose) 1 h before sleep for 4 days. Electroencephalograms were recorded during sleep at home with a portable device for 4 week days. Electroencephalogram analyses revealed that sake yeast supplementation significantly (P = 0.03) increased delta power during the first cycle of slow‐wave sleep by 110%, without changing other sleep parameters. Sake yeast supplementation also significantly increased growth hormone secretion in the urine on awakening by 137% from 3.17 ± 0.41 (placebo) to 4.33 ± 0.62 (sake yeast) pg mg−1 creatinine (P = 0.03). Subjective sleepiness (P = 0.02) and fatigue (P = 0.06) in the morning were improved by sake yeast. Given these benefits and the absence of adverse effects during the study period, it was concluded that sake yeast supplementation is an effective and safe way to support daily high‐quality, deep sleep.
Diaphragm and genioglossus corticomotor excitability in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and control subjects
Authors: Borel Jean‐Christian , Melo‐Silva Cesar A. , Gakwaya Simon , Rousseau Eric , Series Frederic 
Published: September 2015

SummaryCorticomotor excitability of peripheral muscles appears to be altered in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. However, there is no evidence of such alteration for upper airway/respiratory muscles that are involved in the pathophysiology of this disease. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of hypercapnic stimulation on diaphragm and genioglossus corticomotor excitability in awake healthy subjects versus patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Corticomotor excitability was assessed by transcranial magnetic stimulation in 12 untreated apneic men (48 ± 10 years; body mass index = 28.9 ± 4.7 kg m−2; apnea–hypopnoea index = 41 ± 23 events per hour) and nine control men (45 ± 10 years; body mass index = 27.3 ± 3.3 kg m−2; apnea–hypopnoea index = 7 ± 4 events per hour). Assessments included diaphragm and genioglossus expiratory motor thresholds, and transcranial magnetic stimulation‐induced motor‐evoked potential characteristics obtained while breathing room air or 5% CO2 (random order) and then 7% CO2 both balanced with pure O2. Transcranial magnetic stimulation twitches were applied during early inspiration and end expiration. Diaphragm motor‐evoked potential amplitudes increased and expiratory diaphragm motor‐evoked potential latencies decreased during CO2‐induced increase in ventilatory drive, with no difference in these responses between patients with obstructive sleep apnea and control subjects. Expiratory genioglossus motor‐evoked potential amplitudes were significantly lower in patients with obstructive sleep apnea than in control subjects. Baseline activity of the genioglossus increased with increasing FiCO2, this effect being significantly higher in patients with obstructive sleep apnea than in control subjects. However, neither genioglossus motor‐evoked potential amplitudes nor latencies were significantly modified with increasing FiCO2 both in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and in control subjects. Corticomotor excitability of genioglossus and diaphragm are not altered during CO2‐induced increase in ventilatory drive in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
Evaluation of Iron Deficiency Using Reticulocyte Indices in Dogs Enrolled in a Blood Donor Program
Authors: Foy D.S. , Friedrichs K.R. , Bach J.F. 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundPeople donating blood more than twice annually are at risk of developing iron deficiency. Little is known about the iron status of dogs enrolled in blood donor programs.HypothesisDogs donating blood ≥6 times annually will show evidence of iron deficiency based on their reticulocyte indices.AnimalsThirteen dogs enrolled in a blood donor program donating ≥6 times over the preceding 12 months and 20 healthy nondonor control dogs.MethodsProspective observational study. Mature red blood cell (RBC) indices, reticulocyte indices, serum iron, serum ferritin, and total iron‐binding capacity (TIBC) were compared between groups.ResultsPacked cell volume (median 47%, range 40–52%, P < .01), hematocrit (median 46.4%, range 40.3–52.5%, P < .01), and reticulocyte count (median 16,000/μL, range 9,000–38,000/μL, P < .01) were significantly lower in the blood donor dogs. No statistically significant differences were noted in the mature RBC indices between groups. Both reticulocyte mean corpuscular volume (median 88.8 fL, range 83.4–95.5 fL, P = .03) and reticulocyte hemoglobin content (median 24.6 pg, range 23.1–26.6 pg, P < .01) were significantly lower in the blood donor group. Serum iron and ferritin were similar between groups; however, TIBC was significantly higher in the control group (median 403 μg/dL, range 225–493 μg/dL, P = .02).ConclusionsThe findings in dogs donating ≥6 times annually suggest the presence of iron‐deficient erythropoiesis in this population.