bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of axillary, tympanic membrane and rectal temperature measurement in cats
Authors: Smith Victoria A , Lamb Valerie , McBrearty Alix R 
Published: January 2015

Objectives Rectal temperature (RT) is routinely used to assess body temperature in cats but has limitations and can be poorly tolerated. Axillary temperature (AT) and tympanic membrane temperature (TMT) are reported alternatives. This study aimed to determine the differences between RT and AT, and between RT and TMT in cats. Additional aims were to examine the effect of environmental and patient factors on these differences and to assess patient tolerance to each technique. Methods AT, TMT and RT were measured in immediate succession. Measurement order was randomised, as was the choice of left or right axilla and tympanic membrane. A digital thermometer and a veterinary infrared ear thermometer were used. The subjective tolerance of each procedure was recorded. Results One hundred and fifty cats were included. Significantly more conscious cats were tolerant of AT (90.6%) than TMT (81.2%) and RT (53.0%). The rectal–axillary temperature difference ranged from −1.2°C to 1.4°C (median 0.1°C) and was within ±0.5°C in 78.0% of cats. On multivariable analysis the difference was larger in overweight cats, neutered cats, cats in which the right axilla was used and as the RT increased. The rectal–tympanic membrane temperature difference ranged from −1.6°C to 3°C (median −0.3°C) and was within ±0.5°C in 51.3% of cats, significantly fewer than for AT ( P <0.001). The rectal–tympanic membrane temperature difference increased as the RT increased. Conclusions and relevance TMT and AT should not be used interchangeably with RT in cats. When RT measurement is not possible, AT is recommended over TMT as it is better tolerated and significantly fewer cats had clinically unacceptable differences (>0.5°C). AT may more closely reflect RT in normal or underweight cats than it does in overweight cats.
Management of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis from the urologist’s perspective
Authors: Surcel Cristian , Mirvald Cristian , Pavelescu Cristian , Gingu Constantin , Carmen Savu , Emre Huri , Ioanel Sinescu 
Published: January 2015

Introduction: Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (IRF) is a rare disease characterized by a fibrotic reaction that affects retroperitoneal organs, especially the urinary tract. In this review we analyze the current imaging techniques, morphological characteristics, clinical aspects and therapeutic aspects of idiopathic retroperitoneal disease. Methods: A PubMed search was conducted in December 2013 to find original articles, bibliographic reviews and series reports published in the past 15 years on idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis, its management and outcomes by combining terms like retroperitoneal fibrosis, periaortitis, treatment and autoimmune. A total of 89 articles were included in this review that referred strictly to IRF. We analyzed the imaging tools used for diagnostic and the decision making protocol used by physicians in the management of IRF. Results: A computerized tomography (CT) scan represents the most commonly used imaging technique for diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is unable to differentiate more accurately between benign and malignant retroperitoneal fibrosis (RF) than a CT scan. Biopsy remains the most reliable diagnostic tool for IRF. However, the histological characteristics of IRF are not yet well-deﬁned and the protocol for biopsy is not standardized in terms of template, number of biopsies and the immunohistochemical panel needed for positive diagnosis. The most common treatment reported is corticosteroid therapy alone or in combination with other immunosuppressants, whereas surgical treatment is reserved for severe cases. Indwelling ureteric stents represent the most common procedure for renal drainage, but their efficacy is questionable. Open ureterolysis remains the gold standard for surgical treatment, but its purpose is only to resolve the ureteric obstruction, not to treat the retroperitoneal fibrosis. Laparoscopic and robotic approaches have been reported to be feasible, but no prospective, comparative trials have been performed due to the rarity of the disease. Surgical technique is not standardized and the outcome of the treatment only evaluates the recovery of the renal function. Conclusions: The imaging procedures available today are unable to accurately differentiate between idiopathic and malignant RF. A biopsy is mandatory to confirm the diagnosis, but there is no consensus regarding the template, timing and number of biopsies needed to exclude malignancy. Open ureterolysis represents the main surgical treatment for cases with severe IRF, and laparoscopic or robotic approach may be an option in selected cases. The recovery of the renal function is a surrogate for evaluating the success of the treatment. More clinical studies are needed in order standardize the protocol for diagnostic, treatment and follow up after medical or surgical management.
Targeted images of KB cells using folate-conjugated gold nanoparticles
Authors: Rathinaraj Pierson , Lee Kyubae , Park Soo-Young , Kang Inn-Kyu 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Mercaptosuccinic acid-coated gold (GM) nanoparticles were prepared and characterized by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Folic acid (F) was then conjugated to the GM to preferentially target oral squamous cancer (KB) cells with folate receptors expressed on their membranes and facilitate the transit of the nanoparticles across the cell membrane. Finally, a fluorescence dye (Atto) was conjugated to the nanoparticles to visualize their internalization into KB cells. After culture of the cells in a medium containing GM and folate-conjugated GM (GF), the interaction of surface-modified gold nanoparticles with KB cells was studied.
Deviations in gait metrics in patients with chronic ankle instability: a case control study
Authors: Gigi Roy , Haim Amir , Luger Elchanan , Segal Ganit , Melamed Eyal , Beer Yiftah , Nof Matityahu , Nyska Meir , Elbaz Avi 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundGait metric alterations have been previously reported in patients suffering from chronic ankle instability (CAI). Previous studies of gait in this population have been comprised of relatively small cohorts, and the findings of these studies are not uniform. The objective of the present study was to examine spatiotemporal gait metrics in patients with CAI and examine the relationship between self‐reported disease severity and the magnitude of gait abnormalities.MethodsForty‐four patients with CAI were identified and compared to 53 healthy controls. Patients were evaluated with spatiotemporal gait analysis via a computerized mat and with the Short Form (SF) ‐ 36 health survey.ResultsPatients with CAI were found to walk with approximately 16% slower walking velocity, 9% lower cadence and approximately 7% lower step length. Furthermore, the base of support, during walking, in the CAI group was approximately 43% wider, and the single limb support phase was 3.5% shorter compared to the control group.All of the SF‐36 8‐subscales, as well as the SF‐36 physical component summary and SF‐36 mental component summary, were significantly lower in patients with CAI compared to the control group. Finally, significant correlations were found between most of the objective gait measures and the SF‐36 mental component summary and SF‐36 physical component summary.ConclusionsThe results outline a gait profile for patients suffering from CAI. Significant differences were found in most spatiotemporal gait metrics. An important finding was a significantly wider base of support. It may be speculated that these gait alterations may reflect a strategy to deal with imbalance and pain. These findings suggest the usefulness of gait metrics, alongside with the use of self‐evaluation questionnaires, in assessing disease severity of patients with CAI.
Bedside ultrasound training using web-based e-learning and simulation early in the curriculum of residents
Authors: Beaulieu Yanick , Laprise Réjean , Drolet Pierre , Thivierge Robert L , Serri Karim , Albert Martin , Lamontagne Alain , Bélliveau Marc , Denault André-Yves , Patenaude Jean-Victor 
Published: January 2015

Abstract

Background
Focused bedside ultrasound is rapidly becoming a standard of care to decrease the risks of complications related to invasive procedures. The purpose of this study was to assess whether adding to the curriculum of junior residents an educational intervention combining web-based e-learning and hands-on training would improve the residents’ proficiency in different clinical applications of bedside ultrasound as compared to using the traditional apprenticeship teaching method alone.

Methods
Junior residents (n = 39) were provided with two educational interventions (vascular and pleural ultrasound). Each intervention consisted of a combination of web-based e-learning and bedside hands-on training. Senior residents (n = 15) were the traditionally trained group and were not provided with the educational interventions.

Results
After the educational intervention, performance of the junior residents on the practical tests was superior to that of the senior residents. This was true for the vascular assessment (94% ± 5% vs. 68% ± 15%, unpaired student t test: p < 0.0001, mean difference: 26 (95% CI: 20 to 31)) and even more significant for the pleural assessment (92% ± 9% vs. 57% ± 25%, unpaired student t test: p < 0.0001, mean difference: 35 (95% CI: 23 to 44)). The junior residents also had a significantly higher success rate in performing ultrasound-guided needle insertion compared to the senior residents for both the transverse (95% vs. 60%, Fisher’s exact test p = 0.0048) and longitudinal views (100% vs. 73%, Fisher’s exact test p = 0.0055).

Conclusions
Our study demonstrated that a structured curriculum combining web-based education, hands-on training, and simulation integrated early in the training of the junior residents can lead to better proficiency in performing ultrasound-guided techniques compared to the traditional apprenticeship model.
Development and performance test of an online blood sampling system for determination of the arterial input function in rats
Authors: Roehrbacher Friedrich , Bankstahl Jens P , Bankstahl Marion , Wanek Thomas , Stanek Johann , Sauberer Michael , Muellauer Julia , Schroettner Thales , Langer Oliver , Kuntner Claudia 
Published: January 2015

Abstract

Background
For positron emission tomography (PET) kinetic modelling, an accurate determination of the arterial input function is required. In this study, a blood sampling system was developed and tested using different radiotracers in rats.

Methods
The detector consists of pairs of lutetium yttrium oxyorthosilicate (LYSO) detectors, photomultiplier tubes and lead shield assembled within a steel casing working in coincidence mode. Rats were cannulated with microtubes in the femoral artery and vein for arterial blood sampling as well as administration of the PET tracers. Connected PTFE microtubes were centred between the LYSO crystals using a special holder. To enhance sensitivity, three layers with two coils were used. A flexible tube pump was used to ensure a constant blood flow. Performance of the detector was assessed with [18F]fludeoxyglucose (FDG), [18F]ciprofloxacin, (R)-[11C]verapamil, [11C]tariquidar, [11C]mephobarbital and [11C]MC113. Obtained input function curves were compared with manual samples drawn every 5 s during the first 3 min and further on at 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 min after radiotracer injection. After manual sampling, an arterio/venous shunt was established. Shape and area-under-the-curve (AUC; Bq/μl*h) of the input functions were evaluated.

Results
The developed detector system provided an absolute sensitivity of 6.5%. Maximum peak values agreed well between manual samples and the detector with a mean difference of −0.4% ± 7.0% (max 12.0%, min −9.9%). AUC values also exhibited an excellent correlation (R = 0.996) between manual sampling and detector measurements with a mean difference of 9.3% ± 9.7% (max 24.1%, min −3.2%). The system was able to measure peak blood activity concentration levels of 110 to 2,000 Bq/μl which corresponds to injected activities from 5.5 to 100 MBq depending on the used radiotracer, applied volume and weight of the animal.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates that the developed blood sampling system can be used for in vivo small animal PET studies in rats in a reliable way. The usage of the systems enhances the accuracy of the input curve as handling of small blood samples especially with low activity (as for C-11) is prone to measurement errors. Additionally, the radiation dose of the experimenters can be reduced, as it is not required anymore to continuously draw samples where the personal is in close contact to the radioactive animals and blood.
Impact of Gestational Bisphenol A on Oxidative Stress and Free Fatty Acids: Human Association and Interspecies Animal Testing Studies
Authors: Veiga-Lopez Almudena , Pennathur Subramaniam , Kannan Kurunthachalam , Patisaul Heather B. , Dolinoy Dana C. , Zeng Lixia , Padmanabhan Vasantha 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBisphenol A (BPA) is a high production volume chemical and an endocrine disruptor. Developmental exposures to BPA have been linked to adult metabolic pathologies, but the pathways through which these disruptions occur remain unknown. This is a comprehensive interspecies association vs causal study to evaluate risks posed by prenatal BPA exposure and to facilitate discovery of biomarkers of relevance to BPA toxicity. Samples from human pregnancies during the first trimester and at term, as well as fetal and/or adult samples from prenatally BPA-treated sheep, rats, and mice, were collected to assess the impact of BPA on free fatty acid and oxidative stress dynamics. Mothers exposed to higher BPA during early to midpregnancy and their matching term cord samples displayed increased 3-nitrotyrosine (NY), a marker of nitrosative stress. Maternal samples had increased palmitic acid, which was positively correlated with NY. Sheep fetuses and adult sheep and rats prenatally exposed to a human-relevant exposure dose of BPA showed increased systemic nitrosative stress. The strongest effect of BPA on circulating free fatty acids was observed in adult mice in the absence of increased oxidative stress. This is the first multispecies study that combines human association and animal causal studies assessing the risk posed by prenatal BPA exposure to metabolic health. This study provides evidence of the induction of nitrosative stress by prenatal BPA in both the mother and fetus at time of birth and is thus supportive of the use of maternal NY as a biomarker for offspring health.
Loss of Methylation at GNAS Exon A/B Is Associated With Increased Intrauterine Growth
Authors: Bréhin Anne-Claire , Colson Cindy , Maupetit-Méhouas Stéphanie , Grybek Virginie , Richard Nicolas , Linglart Agnès , Kottler Marie-Laure , Jüppner Harald 
Published: January 2015

Context:
GNAS is one of few genetic loci that undergo allelic-specific methylation resulting in the parent-specific expression of at least four different transcripts. Due to monoallelic expression, heterozygous GNAS mutations affecting either paternally or maternally derived transcripts cause different forms of pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP), including autosomal-dominant PHP type Ib (AD-PHP1B) associated with loss of methylation (LOM) at exon A/B alone or sporadic PHP1B (sporPHP1B) associated with broad GNAS methylation changes. Similar to effects other imprinted genes have on early development, we recently observed severe intrauterine growth retardation in newborns, later diagnosed with pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism (PPHP) because of paternal GNAS loss-of-function mutations.

Objectives:
This study aimed to determine whether GNAS methylation abnormalities affect intrauterine growth.

Patients and Methods:
Birth parameters were collected of patients who later developed sporPHP1B or AD-PHP1B, and of their healthy siblings. Comparisons were made to newborns affected by PPHP or PHP1A.

Results:
As newborns, AD-PHP1B patients were bigger than their healthy siblings and well above the reference average; increased sizes were particularly evident if the mothers were unaffected carriers of STX16 deletions. SporPHP1B newborns were slightly above average for weight and length, but their overgrowth was less pronounced than that of AD-PHP1B newborns from unaffected mothers.

Conclusion:
LOM at GNAS exon A/B due to maternal STX16 deletions and the resulting biallelic A/B expression are associated with enhanced fetal growth. These findings are distinctly different from those of PPHP patients with paternal GNAS exons 2–13 mutations, whose birth parameters are almost 4.5 z-scores below those of AD-PHP1B patients born to healthy mothers.
The Application of Lean Principles in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG)
Authors: Aljunaidi Alla , Ankrak Samuel 
Published: January 2015

Proponents of Lean Manufacturing (lean) claim that the benefits of implementing this system are not restricted to the automotive industry where lean originated. On the other hand, opponents of lean argue against its claimed universality and stress that even within the automotive industry mass production still prevails. This research aimed at examining this claimed universality by investigating whether lean is applicable to the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Industry. The research was carried out via qualitative, multiple case-studies of three different Saudi Arabia FMCG operations including two confirmatory interviews, one with a US FMCG manufacturer and another with a UK manufacturer. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews with 22 participants.The research concluded that the same types of waste identified by lean in the automotive industry are present in the FMCG industry, suggesting that lean could be implemented in FMCG operations. The study also identified the conditions required for successful implementation and consequently developed a conceptual framework for implementing lean in the FMCG industry.DOI: 10.12660/joscmv7n2p1-25URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/joscmv7n2p1-25
DETERMINANTS OF SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN: an analysis of mensuration models of Pressures and Socio-environmental Practices
Authors: Abdala Etienne Cardoso , Barbieri José Carlos 
Published: January 2015

Sustainability became an important topic concerning the management of the supply chain. Therefore, this study aims to understand the determinant factors of the pressures, and environmental practices on the management of the sustainable supply chain, from the development of two measurement models: 1) pressures and 2) socio-environmental practices accomplished by the companies. The methodology was based on a survey application in processing industries of Minas Gerais state. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. DOI: 10.12660/joscmv7n2p110-123URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/joscmv7n2p110-123
Flora da Bahia: Malpighiaceae 2 - Heteropterys
Authors: Pessoa Cleiton , Costa Jorge Antonio Silva , Amorim André Márcio 
Published: January 2015

A floristic survey of the genus Heteropterys from Bahia state, Brazil, is presented. A total of 43 species of Heteropterys were recognized, among which H. cochleosperma, H. macradena, H. syringifolia and H. trigoniifolia represents new records for the state. Eleven species are considered endemics to this state and six are listed in the Red Book of Flora of Brazil. The treatment includes an identification key, descriptions and comments on all taxa, as well as illustrations and distribution maps of species in Bahia.
Epigenetic regulation in stem cell development, cell fate conversion, and reprogramming
Authors: Ohbo Kazuyuki , Tomizawa Shin-ichi 
Published: January 2015

AbstractStem cells are identified classically by anin vivotransplantation assay plus additional characterization, such as marker analysis, linage-tracing andin vitro/ex vivodifferentiation assays. Stem cell lines have been derived,in vitro, from adult tissues, the inner cell mass (ICM), epiblast, and male germ stem cells, providing intriguing insight into stem cell biology, plasticity, heterogeneity, metastable state, and the pivotal point at which stem cells irreversibly differentiate to non-stem cells. During the past decade, strategies for manipulating cell fate have revolutionized our understanding about the basic concept of cell differentiation: stem cell lines can be established by introducing transcription factors, as with the case for iPSCs, revealing some of the molecular interplay of key factors during the course of phenotypic changes. In addition to de-differentiation approaches for establishing stem cells, another method has been developed whereby induced expression of certain transcription factors and/or micro RNAs artificially converts differentiated cells from one committed lineage to another; notably, these cells need not transit through a stem/progenitor state. The molecular cues guiding such cell fate conversion and reprogramming remain largely unknown. As differentiation and de-differentiation are directly linked to epigenetic changes, we overview cell fate decisions, and associated gene and epigenetic regulations.
INR vs. thrombin generation assays for guiding VKA reversal: a retrospective comparison
Authors: Herpers Robert , van Rossum André P. , van Beem Rachel T. , Michel W. Margot , Strijbis Viola J.F. , Strengers Paul F.W. , Castel Ad , Brinkman Herm Jan M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractProthrombin complex concentrate (PCC) is used to reverse vitamin K antagonist (VKA)-induced anticoagulation. Prothrombin time-derived international normalized ratio (INR) measurements are widely used in determining the required PCC dose, but this approach requires reappraisal. The aim of the present study was to determine the added value of the thrombin generation assay (TGA) compared with the INR in guidance of VKA reversal by PCC.In an open, observational study, INR and TGA measurements were carried out on plasma samples from phenprocoumon-treated patients receiving VKA reversal. Following both analytical methods, PCC dosing correlates were calculated and compared retrospectively. Alternatively, in vitro PCC spiking experiments were performed.As expected, an exponential relationship between PCC dose and INR was found. For the TGA parameters peak thrombin and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), however, this relationship was found to be linear throughout the full therapeutic range. Additional computational analysis showed a positive correlation (rOur results support the current debate questioning the rationale for the use of the INR in the management of anticoagulation by VKA. Compared with INR, TGA-based calculations may enable a more accurate PCC dosing regimen for patients requiring VKA reversal.