bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lesion‐Specific Differences for Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Therapies in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: KELLA DANESH K. , MERCHANT FAISAL M. , VELEDAR EMIR , BOOK WENDY , LLOYD MICHAEL S. 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundSudden cardiac death is a major cause of late mortality in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). While data exist for adults with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), little is known about those with non‐TOF lesions. We examined the relative rates in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy according to congenital lesion type in a large‐volume adult congenital heart center.MethodsA cohort of 59 individuals (median follow up time, 3.2 years range 0–10) with ACHD and ICDs was stratified according to underlying congenital lesion and implant indication. Appropriate therapies were defined as any therapy for a physician‐adjudicated ventricular arrhythmia. Rates of inappropriate and appropriate ICD therapies were analyzed according to several relevant clinical variables.ResultsThirty‐three (56%) TOF, 15 (25.4%) L‐ or D‐transposition of great arteries, and 11 (18.6%) with other lesions were included in the analysis. Approximately half (52.5%) were implanted for primary prevention indications. During follow‐up, 12 (20.3%) patients received appropriate ICD therapies and 13 (22%) patients received inappropriate therapies. The incidence of appropriate shocks among patients with TOF was 27.3% (9/33) compared to 11.5% (3/26) among non‐TOF diagnoses during the follow‐up time (p = 0.043).ConclusionsACHD patients with non‐TOF congenital lesions are significantly less likely to receive appropriate ICD therapy than those with TOF. Our analysis calls into question the validity of traditional ICD implantation guidelines in this growing and diverse patient population.
Chlorophyll fluorescence for visualizing the spatial and temporal spread of Phytophthora alni subsp. alni in alder bark tissue
Authors: Pfanz H. , Mombour J. , Wittmann C. , Fleischmann F. , Oßwald W. 
Published: May 2014

The impact of alder Phytophthora (Phytophthora alni subsp. alni) on corticular photosynthetic metabolism was explored via measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence. Stem inoculation induced a sharp reduction of maximum (Fv/Fm) and effective quantum yield of PSII (). Observations of the axial and radial spread of the pathogen revealed that near to the point of inoculation and in the whole centre of the stem lesion Fv/Fm and of the cortex chlorenchyma decreased to almost zero, indicating tissue necrosis. Low values of Fv/Fm and were also found in some presymptomatic regions beyond the visible stem lesion. In contrast, substantial photosynthetic activity was found in uninvaded parts of the inoculated trees and in the control. These stem parts showed a marked light‐adapted quantum efficiency of PSII as well as marked electron transport rates in their bark tissues. Thus, corticular photosynthesis stayed unaffected in these stem parts supporting stem carbon balance. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements in the field illustrated that stem infection with P. alni subsp. alni and the effect on the bark tissues is not only highly heterogeneous but also underlies very quick temporal changes, due to a rapid destruction of the photosynthetic apparatus. The results show that chlorophyll fluorescence measurements and fluorescence imaging are useful indicators of tissue infection caused by Phytophthora infection of bark tissues. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements can be used to map and visualize the spatial as well as temporal spread of bark pathogens and can give a first indication of invasion of the host tissue beyond the visible lesion.
Improvement in In Vitro Fertilization Rate, Decrease in Reactive Oxygen Species and Spermatozoa Death Incidence in Rams by Dietary Fish Oil
Authors: Matini Behzad A , Ebrahimi B , Alizadeh AR , Esmaeili V , Dalman A , Rashki L , Shahverdi AH 
Published: May 2014

ContentsOur aim was to evaluate the effects of fish oil feeding on sperm classical parameters, level of reactive oxygen spices (ROS), spermatozoa death incidence and in vitro fertilization (IVF) rate in rams. We randomly assigned nine rams, into two experimental groups (isoenergetic and isonitrogenous rations with constant level of vitamin E supplement): control (CTR; n = 5) and fish oil (FO; n = 4, 35 g/day/ram). Diets were fed for 70 days during the physiological breeding season. After a 21‐day dietary adaptation period, semen was collected weekly from each ram by an artificial vagina. Sperm classical parameters were determined by the computer‐assisted sperm analyzer system (CASA), and it was prepared for IVF process by swim‐up technique. These evaluations were performed during the first and last weeks of sampling. Intracellular ROS level and spermatozoa death incidence were detected by flow cytometry on a weekly basis after adaptation. Data were analysed with SPSS 15. The volume, concentration (3.6 and 2.7 × 109/ml) and sperm progressive motility (60 and 48%) were significantly improved in the FO group compared with the CTR (p < 0.05). A comparison of two‐cell stage embryos following IVF in the two groups showed a significantly higher fertilization rate in the FO group (56%) compared with the CTR (49%). Superoxide anion (O2−) rate was significantly lower (p < 0.05) at the third week of sampling in the FO. Although the H2O2 rate was numerically lower in the FO group compared with the CTR, this difference was not significant. In addition, apoptosis showed a significant difference in the third week of sampling (15 and 30% for FO and CTR, respectively; p < 0.05). Overall, adding fish oil to the ram diet not only improved sperm quality and IVF results, it also could reduce oxygen‐free radicals and the incidence of spermatozoa death.
Colonization and Recovery of Invertebrate Ecosystem Engineers during Prairie Restoration
Authors: Wodika Ben R. , Klopf Ryan P. , Baer Sara G. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAnts (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and earthworms (Oligochaeta) are considered ecosystem engineers because they form biogenic structures in the soil that influence resource supply. The objectives of this study were to quantify recovery dynamics of these invertebrate groups across a chronosequence of restored prairies and elucidate whether changes in the abundance and biomass of ants and earthworms were related to key plant and ecosystem properties. We sampled ants and earthworms from cultivated fields, grasslands restored from 1 to 21 years, and native prairie. Ant abundance and biomass peaked between 5 and 8 years of restoration and abundance was 198 times greater than cultivated fields. Earthworm abundance increased linearly across the chronosequence and became representative of native prairie, but all earthworm populations were dominated by European species. Ant abundance and biomass were positively correlated with plant diversity and plant richness, whereas earthworm abundance biomass was only related to surface litter. These results demonstrate that earthworm abundance increases with time since cessation of cultivation and concomitant with prairie establishment, whereas the abundance and biomass of ants are more related to the structure of restored plant communities than time. The dominance of exotic earthworms in these restorations, coupled with their capacity to alter soil properties and processes may represent novel conditions for grassland development.
Combination budesonide/formoterol inhaler as maintenance and reliever therapy in Māori with asthma
Authors: Pilcher Janine , Patel Mitesh , Smith Ann , Davies Cheryl , Pritchard Alison , Travers Justin , Black Peter , Weatherall Mark , Beasley Richard , Harwood Matire ,   SMART Study Group
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackground and objectiveThere are significant health disparities between Māori and non‐Māori with asthma, a pattern seen between other ethnic populations. This study investigates outcomes for Māori in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of combination budesonide/formoterol inhaler therapy in asthma.MethodsThis 24‐week multicentre RCT recruited 303 adult asthma patients, 44 of whom were Māori. Participants were randomized to the single combination budesonide/formoterol inhaler as maintenance and reliever therapy (‘SMART’) regimen or ‘standard’ regimen (combination budesonide/formoterol inhaler for maintenance and salbutamol as reliever). Outcomes included patterns of beta‐agonist inhaler use including ‘high use’ of reliever therapy (>8 actuations of budesonide/formoterol in excess of four maintenance doses per day for SMART and >16 actuations per day of salbutamol for standard). Differences in outcomes for Māori versus non‐Māori were assessed using an interaction term between ethnicity and treatment.ResultsWith adjustment for ethnicity, the SMART group had fewer days of high use (relative rate (RR) 0.57 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.38–0.85)), days of high use without medical review within 48 h (RR 0.49 (95% CI: 0.32–0.75)) and severe exacerbations (RR 0.54 (95% CI: 0.36–0.81)) compared with standard. The magnitude of the benefit from the SMART regimen was similar in Māori and non‐Māori. Regardless of treatment regimen, Māori demonstrated more days of high use, high use without medical review and underuse of maintenance therapy.ConclusionsThe SMART regimen has a favourable risk/benefit profile in Māori. Days of high use, days of high use without medical review and underuse of maintenance treatment were greater in Māori, regardless of treatment regimen.
Bronchial inflammation in hypersensitivity pneumonitis after antigen‐specific inhalation challenge
Authors: Villar Ana , Muñoz Xavier , Sanchez‐Vidaurre Sara , Gómez‐Ollés Susana , Morell Ferran , Cruz María‐Jesús 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackground and objectiveThe aim of this study is to compare the inflammatory profile before and after specific inhalation challenge (SIC) in induced sputum from patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and to investigate whether different causal antigens define the resulting profile.MethodsA prospective study was conducted in 27 patients with HP: 15 patients due to exposure to birds (BHP) and 12 due to exposure to fungi (FHP), confirmed by SIC. Induced sputum was obtained before and/or 24 h after SIC. Cell types were determined by differential cell count using optical microscopy. Interferon‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐12p70, IL‐2, IL‐10, IL‐8, IL‐6, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐1β, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and TNF‐β levels were measured in the supernatants.ResultsFollowing SIC, higher sputum neutrophilia levels (P = 0.048) and an increase in IL‐8 levels (P = 0.017) were found in patients with FHP than in those with BHP. FHP patients also showed increased IL‐1β, IL12‐p70 and IL5 levels (P = 0.011, P = 0.036 and P = 0.018, respectively) after SIC. In BHP, a trend towards increases in sputum eosinophils and TH2 cytokines (IL4, IL5) was seen following SIC (P = 0.059, P = 0.068 and P = 0.075 respectively).ConclusionsThis study shows that bronchial inflammation is present in patients with HP evidenced by increases in sputum neutrophils and eosinophils following exposure to the offending antigen during SIC.
Semiparametric Transformation Models for Causal Inference in Time-to-Event Studies with All-or-Nothing Compliance
Authors: Yu Wen , Chen Kani , Sobel Michael E. , Ying Zhiliang 
Published: May 2014

Summary
We consider causal inference in randomized survival studies with right-censored outcomes and all-or-nothing compliance, using semiparametric transformation models to estimate the distribution of survival times in treatment and control groups, conditionally on covariates and latent compliance type. Estimands depending on these distributions, e.g. the complier average causal effect, the complier effect on survival beyond time t and the complier quantile effect, are then considered. Maximum likelihood is used to estimate the parameters of the transformation models, using a specially designed expectation–maximization algorithm to overcome the computational difficulties that are created by the mixture structure of the problem and the infinite dimensional parameter in the transformation models. The estimators are shown to be consistent, asymptotically normal and semiparametrically efficient. Inferential procedures for the causal parameters are developed. A simulation study is conducted to evaluate the finite sample performance of the estimated causal parameters. We also apply our methodology to a randomized study conducted by the Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York to assess the reduction in breast cancer mortality due to screening.
Use of activity monitors for assessment of pruritus in an acute model of canine atopic dermatitis
Authors: Schwab‐Richards Rachel , Prost Christine , Steffan Jean , Seewald Wolfgang , Nenci Chiara , Roosje Petra 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundWe developed a canine model of acute atopic dermatitis to evaluate the potential of compounds to treat pruritus and skin lesions induced in Dermatophagoides farinae (Df)‐sensitized dogs.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe aim was to investigate the effectiveness of long‐term recording activity monitors to assess pruritus induced by allergen challenges.AnimalsThirty‐two Df‐sensitized laboratory dogs.MethodsIn two blinded crossover studies, 28 Df‐sensitized dogs were challenged on 3 days with a Df slurry applied to clipped abdominal skin. Dogs were treated with a positive control (prednisolone 1 mg/kg once daily for 5 days, starting 1 day before challenge) or left untreated; all were fitted with activity monitors. To confirm pruritus, a parallel study with four dogs was conducted, filming the dogs before and during challenge and assessing the film for pruritic behaviour.ResultsThe activity of dogs treated with prednisolone was significantly lower between 00.00 and 03.00 h and between 03.00 and 06.00 h compared with untreated dogs (repeated‐measures ANCOVA; P < 0.0001). To determine whether the recorded night‐time activity corresponded to pruritic manifestations, we compared activity monitor and video recordings of four dogs for two periods (16.30–20.30 and 24.00–03.00 h) before and during a Df challenge. The correlation between night‐time activity monitor activity and observed pruritic behaviour was highly significant (test of correlation coefficient versus zero: r = 0.57, P < 0.0001).Conclusions and clinical importanceDetermination of night‐time activity with activity monitors after allergen challenge appears to be an objective and practical way to assess pruritus in this experimental model of canine atopic dermatitis.
Food‐specific serumIgEandIgGreactivity in dogs with and without skin disease: lack of correlation between laboratories
Authors: Hardy Jonathan I. , Hendricks Anke , Loeffler Anette , Chang Yu‐Mei , Verheyen Kristien L. , Garden Oliver A. , Bond Ross 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundDespite conflicting data on their utility and no reports on interlaboratory reproducibility, serum food‐specific antibodies are commonly assayed in first‐opinion canine practice.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo determine both the variability of test results between two laboratories and the frequencies and magnitudes of food reactivity in dogs of different disease status.AnimalsSera were obtained from eight dogs with cutaneous adverse food reaction (GroupA), 22 with nonfood‐induced atopic dermatitis (GroupB), 30 with an allergic/inflammatory phenotype (GroupC), 12 with miscellaneous skin diseases (GroupD) and nine healthy dogs (GroupE).MethodsPaired sera were submitted to two laboratories (AandB) for assays of food‐specificIgEandIgGantibodies.ResultsNumbers of positiveIgEandIgGtests determined by each laboratory in Groups A, B, D and E were comparable (Group C not included). Significant differences in the magnitude of IgE reactivity between groups for each allergen were seen only for lamb (Laboratory A,P = 0.003); lamb reactivity in Group D exceeded Group E (P = 0.004) but was comparable between all other groups. Agreement (kappa statistic) between the two laboratories’ tests was ‘moderate’ for one antigen (potato IgE), ‘fair’ for four (corn IgE, rice IgE and IgG and soya bean IgG), ‘slight’ for eight (six IgE and two IgG) and ‘less than chance’ for the remaining six antigens (three IgE and three IgG).Conclusions and clinical importanceThese laboratories’ tests appear to have dubious predictive clinical utility because they neither correlate nor distinguish between dogs of different disease status.
Transfusion indication predictive score: a proposed risk stratification score for perioperative red blood cell transfusion in cardiac surgery
Authors: Al‐Khabori M. , Al‐Riyami A. Z. , Mukaddirov M. , Al‐Sabti H. 
Published: May 2014

Background and ObjectivesRed blood cell transfusion is known to be associated with increased morbidity and mortality in cardiac surgery. This study was performed to derive a score to predict that risk in our patients.Materials and MethodsClinical details of patients who underwent cardiac surgery at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital over 5 years were reviewed. We used univariable and multivariable logistic regression to develop the score, the Hosmer–Lemeshow test for calibration, the receiver operator curve for discrimination and the bootstrap procedure for internal validation.ResultsThe sample included 413 patients. The following were found to be statistically significant transfusion predictors (score given): cerebrovascular disease (4), use of aspirin or clopidogril within 7 days of surgery (3), non‐elective surgery (2), haematocrit <35% (2), glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency (2), use of cardiopulmonary bypass (2), age > 60 years (1), diabetes mellitus (1) and male gender (−2). We classified the observations into three groups: group 1 with total score of <2, group 2 with total score of 2–5 and group 3 with total score of >5. The calculated probabilities of receiving transfusion were 42%, 63% and 91% for groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively.ConclusionWe derived a simple score that can be utilized to assess the need of blood transfusion in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. We are the first to report G6PD deficiency and history of cerebrovascular disease as predictors. We recommend prospective external validation of the proposed score on a larger cohort of patients.
Draft Whole-Genome Sequence of a New Variant of Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor Strain Isolated from a Cholera Patient in Russia
Authors: Smirnova Nina I. , Cherkasov Alexander V. , Krasnov Yaroslav M. , Agafonov Dmitriy A. , Kutyrev Vladimir V. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

Draft whole-genome sequencing of the
Vibrio cholerae
О1 El Tor clinical strain L3226, isolated in Moscow in 2010, was carried out. Various mutations in the virulence-associated mobile elements were determined in its genome that differentiated this strain from the reference
V. cholerae
О1 El Tor strain N16961
.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Winogradskyella
sp. Strain PG-2, a Proteorhodopsin-Containing Marine Flavobacterium
Authors: Kumagai Yohei , Yoshizawa Susumu , Oshima Kenshiro , Hattori Masahira , Iwasaki Wataru , Kogure Kazuhiro 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

Winogradskyella
sp. strain PG-2 is a marine flavobacterium isolated from surface seawater. This organism contains proteorhodopsin, which can convert light energy into available forms of biochemical energy. Here, we present its complete genome sequence and annotation, which provide further insights into the life strategy of proteorhodopsin-mediated phototrophy in the ocean.
ARTHROSCOPIC ASSISTED PERCUTANEOUS SCREW FIXATION OF BENNETT'S FRACTURE
Authors: Zemirline Ahmed , Lebailly Frédéric , Taleb Chihab , Facca Sybille , Liverneaux Philippe 
Published: May 2014

Several techniques are used for fixation of Bennett's fractures. The aim of this study was to assess a technique of arthroscopic-assisted reduction and percutaneous cannulated screw fixation of Bennett's fractures. Seven patients (mean age 29 years) with three fractures Type I and four fractures Type II according to Gedda were operated under arthroscopic lavage, fluoroscopic screw fixation, and arthroscopic control of the joint reduction. Arthroscopy, showed satisfactory joint reduction in all cases. At 4.5 months, the mean pain score was 1 (0–4), QuickDASH 15 (0–61), and Kapandji score 9 (5–10). Compared to the contralateral side, first web opening was 86% (58–100), key pinch 73% (45–89), grip strength, and 85% (40–100). Four secondary displacements were noted, two of which had a step of more than 1 mm. Our results showed that the use of arthroscopy for percutaneous screw fixation of Bennett's fractures facilitates joint reduction but does not guarantee stability of fixation.
Chapter 20 Multi-stage collapse events in the South Soufrière Hills, Montserrat as recorded in marine sediment cores
Authors: Cassidy M. , Trofimovs J. , Watt S. F. L. , Palmer M. R. , Taylor R. N. , Gernon T. M. , Talling P. J. , Le Friant A. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

We present new evidence for sector collapses of the South Soufrière Hills (SSH) edifice, Montserrat during the mid-Pleistocene. High-resolution geophysical data provide evidence for sector collapse, producing an approximately 1 km
3
submarine collapse deposit to the south of SSH. Sedimentological and geochemical analyses of submarine deposits sampled by sediment cores suggest that they were formed by large multi-stage flank failures of the subaerial SSH edifice into the sea. This work identifies two distinct geochemical suites within the SSH succession on the basis of trace-element and Pb-isotope compositions. Volcaniclastic turbidites in the cores preserve these chemically heterogeneous rock suites. However, the subaerial chemostratigraphy is reversed within the submarine sediment cores. Sedimentological analysis suggests that the edifice failures produced high-concentration turbidites and that the collapses occurred in multiple stages, with an interval of at least 2 ka between the first and second failure. Detailed field and petrographical observations, coupled with SEM image analysis, shows that the SSH volcanic products preserve a complex record of magmatic activity. This activity consisted of episodic explosive eruptions of andesitic pumice, probably triggered by mafic magmatic pulses and followed by eruptions of poorly vesiculated basaltic scoria, and basaltic lava flows.

Supplementary material:

All geochemical data tables, including locations for all subaerial and submarine samples are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18709
.
Mast Cell–Derived Prostaglandin D2 Inhibits Colitis and Colitis-Associated Colon Cancer in Mice
Authors: Iwanaga Koichi , Nakamura Tatsuro , Maeda Shingo , Aritake Kosuke , Hori Masatoshi , Urade Yoshihiro , Ozaki Hiroshi , Murata Takahisa 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Compared with prostaglandin E2, which has an established role in cancer, the role of the COX metabolite prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) in chronic inflammation leading to tumorigenesis is uncertain. In this study, we investigated the role of PGD2 in colitis and colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC) using genetically modified mice and an established model of inflammatory colon carcinogenesis. Systemic genetic deficiency in hematopoietic PGD synthase (H-PGDS) aggravated colitis and accelerated tumor formation in a manner associated with increased TNFα expression. Treatment with a TNFα receptor antagonist attenuated colitis regardless of genotype. Histologic analysis revealed that infiltrated mast cells strongly expressed H-PGDS in inflamed colons. Mast cell–specific H-PGDS deficiency also aggravated colitis and accelerated CAC. In contrast, treatment with a PGD2 receptor agonist inhibited colitis and CAC. Together, our results identified mast cell–derived PGD2 as an inhibitor of colitis and CAC, with implications for its potential use in preventing or treating colon cancer. Cancer Res; 74(11); 3011–9. ©2014 AACR.