bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis and follow‐up of joint lesions in patients with haemophilia
Authors: Sierra Aisa C. , Lucía Cuesta J. F. , Rubio Martínez A. , Fernández Mosteirín N. , Iborra Muñoz A. , Abío Calvete M. , Guillén Gómez M. , Moretó Quintana A. , Rubio Félix D. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryHaematomas and recurrent haemarthroses are a common problem in haemophilia patients from early age. Early diagnosis is critical in preventing haemophilic arthritis, and recent years have seen excellent advances in musculoskeletal ultrasound as a diagnostic tool in soft tissue lesions. In this study, we compared the results of ultrasound imaging for the diagnosis of musculoskeletal injuries in haemophilia patients with scores obtained using magnetic resonance (MRI) scans. A total of 61 haemophilia patients aged 4–82 years were included in this study. Both knees and ankles of each patient were assessed using the Gilbert (clinical assessment) and Pettersson scores (X‐ray assessment). Patients with severe haemophilia (n = 30) were examined using ultrasound and MRI (Denver scoring system). Results obtained with ultrasound and MRI in severe patients were correlated using the Pearson test. In patients with severe haemophilia, normal joints were similarly assessed with MRI and ultrasound (κ = 1.000). By component of joint assessment, haemarthrosis was similarly diagnosed with both techniques in all joints (κ = 1.000). A good positive correlation was found between these techniques in detecting and locating synovial hyperplasia (κ = 0.839–1.000, knees and ankles respectively), and erosion of margins (κ = 0.850–1.000). The presence of bone cysts or cartilage loss was better detected with MRI (κ = 0.643–0.552 for knees and ankles, and κ = 0.643–0.462 respectively). Ultrasound is useful in detecting joint bleeds, synovial hyperplasia and joint erosions, with results comparable to those of MRI. A quick and affordable technique, ultrasound imaging may be useful for monitoring joint bleeds and structure normalization and maintenance in routine practice.
Including citizens in institutional reviews: expectations and experiences from the Dutch Healthcare Inspectorate
Authors: Adams Samantha A. , van de Bovenkamp Hester , Robben Paul 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundRecent changes in the structure and policy context of Dutch health care have placed the issue of citizen participation high on the agenda of the Dutch Healthcare Inspectorate (IGZ), which conducts quality and safety reviews in medical practices and health‐care institutions. With a few exceptions, the potential role that citizens can play in the regulation of health‐care institutions is overlooked in research on patient/citizen participation in health care.ObjectiveThis research addressed the following question: What are the (political) expectations for increasing citizen participation in health‐care regulation and how do these compare to regulators' expectations and experiences in practice?DesignBecause of the largely explorative nature of this study, we used qualitative methods (document and web analysis, focus groups and interviews) to answer this question.ResultsOur study shows that inspectors already have experience with participatory formats that lead to important information. There are three areas where the IGZ is currently increasing citizen participation: (i) providing individuals with information about inspectorate processes and activities, (ii) including patients as sources of information, and (iii) formally reviewing how citizen participation is ensured by health‐care institutions. In situations where the patient has the clearest overview of the whole care trajectory, intensive methods of participation deliver valuable information.ConclusionsIt is important to target participation activities and to capitalize on existing opportunities and activities, rather than creating participation activities for the sake of participation. In this regard, further research on the effectiveness and efficacy of different participatory strategies is necessary.
Surrogate markers of visceral adipose tissue in treated HIV‐infected patients: accuracy of waist circumference determination
Authors: Falutz J , Rosenthall L , Kotler D , Zona S , Guaraldi G 
Published: October 2013

ObjectivesThe accuracy of the use of anthropometrics to quantify visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in treated HIV‐infected patients is unknown. We evaluated the predictive accuracy of waist circumference (WC) with and without dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA)‐derived trunk : limb fat ratio [fat mass ratio (FMR)] as surrogates for VAT determined using computerized axial tomography (CT‐determined VAT).MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort analysis of treated HIV‐infected male patients followed at the Modena HIV Clinic. We developed prediction equations for VAT using linear regression analysis and Spearman correlations. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis evaluated the accuracy of WC alone or with FMR at discrete VAT thresholds.ResultsThe 1500 Caucasian male patients had a median age of 45 years, body mass index (BMI) of 24, WC of 87 cm, VAT area of 127 cm2 and body fat percentage of 14%. The correlation between WC‐predicted VAT and CT‐VAT was 0.613, and this increased significantly if FMR was added. The WC‐associated R2 of 0.35 increased to 0.51 if the prediction equation included WC plus FMR. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) using WC was 0.795−0.820 at all VAT thresholds. The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) changed reciprocally at CT‐VAT thresholds from 75 to 200 cm2 and ranged from 0.72 to 0.74, respectively, at a representative VAT of 125 cm2. Adding the FMR to the predictive equations increased the AUC in the range of 0.854−0.889 with the PPV and NPV increasing minimally, ranging from 0.780 to 0.821. Limits of precision were wide, especially at the highest CT‐VAT levels, and varied from 24 to 68 cm2.ConclusionsWC is a limited surrogate for CT‐VAT in this population and DXA‐derived parameters do not improve performance indices to a clinically relevant level. These findings should inform the applicability of WC to predict VAT in treated HIV‐infected male patients.
Lactic acid production using waste generated from sweet potato processing
Authors: Pagana Irene , Morawicki Ruben , Hager Tiffany J. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryOrganic waste generated from industrial sweet potato canning is estimated to be 30% of incoming raw material with significant residual carbohydrate content. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of waste generated from sweet potato processing material to support the growth of lactic acid bacteria and the production of lactic acid. The waste was comprised of 16.5% solids consisting of 18.5% ash, 4.4% protein, 20.5% simple sugars and 19% soluble starch. Following a screening of three lactic acid bacteria strains, Lactobacillus rhamnosus was deemed the best candidate for lactic acid production. The potential of various dilutions of the enzyme‐hydrolysed waste, with and without pH control, as a fermentation substrate was evaluated. Lactic acid production was highest in hydrolysed waste (without dilution) at pH set point 5.0, yielding 10 g L−1 in 72 h. Thus, lactic acid, a valuable organic compound, can be generated from sweet potato waste.
Prediction of nursery school‐aged children who refuse fluoride varnish administration in a community setting: a Childsmile investigation
Authors: Humphris Gerry M. , Zhou Yuefang 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundYoung children of pre‐school age may find a minimal intervention (fluoride varnish application) difficult to tolerate.AimTo determine the significant predictors for refusing a fluoride varnish application from child, parental and nurse behaviour factors.DesignData included videos from 238 children (52% female, aged 3–5 years) receiving a fluoride varnish application in a Scottish nursery school setting. The St Andrews Behavioural Interaction Scheme (SABICS) was used for video coding and retrieved child refusal status, initial anxious behaviour, and nurse behaviour. A parental survey collected parent's dental anxiety [Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS)] and the child's home behaviour [Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)]. Child demographics, dental status, and previous varnish application experience were recorded. Multivariate binary logistic regression was applied to predict child refusal of the varnish application.ResultsThe response rate was 79%. Twelve children refused. The significant predictors of varnish refusal included initial anxious child behaviour (β = 5.14, P = 0.001), no previous varnish application (β = −3.89, P = 0.04), and no nurse praise (β = −1.06, P = 0.02). Information giving (P = 0.06) and reassurance (P = 0.08) were borderline significant.ConclusionInitial anxiety behaviour, previous varnish experience, and not using praise by the nursing staff predicted fluoride varnish application refusal.
Residents' knowledge of standard drink equivalents: Implications for screening and brief intervention for at‐risk alcohol use
Authors: Welsh Christopher , Earley Katherine , Delahanty Janine , Wright Katherine S. , Berens Taylor , Williams Adrienne A. , Barnett Beth , DiClemente Carlo C. 
Published: October 2013

Background and ObjectivesScreening and brief intervention for reducing alcohol consumption has been demonstrated to be effective in various medical settings. The NIAAA has recommended that physicians screen all patients for at‐risk and problem drinking. Often, screening is based on the concept of a “standard drink.”MethodsWe administered a survey to residents (N = 270) in order to assess their knowledge of standard drink equivalents and quantities of alcohol in various sizes of bottles.ResultsAlthough 89% of the responders stated that they had previously learned about screening for at‐risk alcohol use, the majority did not know basic facts about standard drink equivalents.Discussion and ConclusionsMany trainees are not familiar with typical standard drink equivalents. This can have a significant impact on the screening of patients for problem drinking using screening tools that rely on standard drink equivalents. (Am J Addict 2014;23:194–196)
Evaluation of two novel self‐anchoring barbed sutures in a prophylactic laparoscopic gastropexy compared with intracorporeal tied knots
Authors: Spah Chad E. , Elkins A. D. , Wehrenberg Aaron , Jaffe Michael H. , Baird Debra K. , Naughton James F. , Payton Mark E. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo compare laparoscopic gastropexy using 2 self‐anchoring barbed sutures to gastropexy using laparoscopically tied intracorporeal knots.Study DesignProspective, randomized controlled, clinical trial.AnimalsDogs (n = 30) weighing >16 kg.MethodsDogs were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 laparoscopic gastropexy groups: group 1 (controls), intracorporeal 2‐0 polydioxanone sutures (PDSII, Ethicon); group 2, barbed suture (0 Quill™ PDO; Angiotech); and group 3, barbed suture (2‐0 V‐Loc™ 180; Covidien). Gastropexy suturing time (GST) and total surgery time (TST) were recorded for each dog. Complications were recorded. Each dog was examined by ultrasound (1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively) to ensure persistence of the gastropexy. One dog each in group 2 and group 3 had 2nd look laparoscopy to evaluate the gastropexy.ResultsAll gastropexies were intact at 6 months. Mean GST was significantly longer for group 1 (36 minutes; range, 25–46 minutes) than for groups 2 (20 minutes; range, 16–37 minutes) and 3 (19 minutes; range, 15–30 minutes;P < .05), which were not significantly different from each other. Likewise TSTs for groups 2 and 3 were significantly shorter than for group 1 (P < .05).ConclusionBarbed sutures (Quill™ and V‐Loc™) allowed for effective intracorporeal laparoscopic suturing of an incisional gastropexy without tying intracorporeal knots.
Hemilaminectomy for thoracolumbar Hansen Type I intervertebral disk disease in ambulatory dogs with or without neurologic deficits: 39 cases (2008–2010)
Authors: Ingram Elizabeth A. , Kale David C. , Balfour Raviv J. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo describe prognostic factors, outcome, and time to recovery among ambulatory dogs having hemilaminectomy for Hansen Type I intervertebral disk disease.Study DesignRetrospective case series.AnimalsDogs (n = 38; 39 hemilaminectomies).MethodsMedical records (January 2008–May 2010) on all dogs that had hemilaminectomy for Hansen Type I intervertebral disk disease were reviewed. Records for dogs that were ambulatory preoperatively were analyzed for signalment, duration and severity of signs, presence of neurologic deficits, and postoperative outcome. Dogs were categorized based on Frankel score and subcategorized by their level of conscious proprioceptive (CP) deficit. Postoperatively, time to ambulation and to regain normal CP responses was recorded. Results for each group were compared using a χ2test and considered significant whenP < .05. Recovery times were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsSeven dogs were categorized as modified Frankel grade I preoperatively and 32 dogs as grade II with varying levels of deficits (1 of these dogs had previously been operated as grade II and was reoperated again as grade II). Increasing degree of CP deficit preoperatively was significantly correlated with longer time to ambulation (P = .005) as well as longer time to CP normal (P = .01). Duration of signs was not significantly correlated with time to ambulation or neurologic recovery for either grade I or II dogs.ConclusionsMost dogs recovered well with surgical decompression. Increasing degree of deficits preoperatively is significantly correlated with longer recovery time.
MicroRNAs: key players of taxane resistance and their therapeutic potential in human cancers
Authors: Cui Shi‐Yun , Wang Rui , Chen Long‐Bang 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe successful long‐term use of taxane for cancer therapy is often prevented by the development of drug resistance in clinic. Thus, exploring the mechanisms involved is a first step towards rational strategies to overcome taxane resistance. Taxane resistance‐related microRNA (miRNAs) are under investigation and miRNAs could induce the taxane resistance of tumour cells by regulating cell cycle distribution, survival and/or apoptosis pathways, drug transports, epithelial–mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell. This article summarizes current research involving miRNAs as regulators of key target genes for tanxanxe chemoresistance and discusses the complex regulatory networks of miRNAs. Also, the authors will envisage future developments towards the potential use of targeting miRNAs as a novel strategy for improving response of tumour patients to taxane. miRNAs play critical roles in taxane chemoresistance and the miRNA‐based therapies will be helpful for overcoming drug resistance and developing more effective personalized anti‐cancer treatment strategies. Further research studies should be performed to promote therapeutic–clinical use of taxane resistance‐related miRNAs in cancer patients, especially in those patients with taxane‐resistant cancers.
Automated image mosaics by non‐automated light microscopes: theMicroMossoftware tool
Authors: PICCININI F. , BEVILACQUA A. , LUCARELLI E. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryLight widefield microscopes and digital imaging are the basis for most of the analyses performed in every biological laboratory. In particular, the microscope's user is typically interested in acquiring high‐detailed images for analysing observed cells and tissues, meanwhile being representative of a wide area to have reliable statistics. The microscopist has to choose between higher magnification factor and extension of the observed area, due to the finite size of the camera's field of view. To overcome the need of arrangement, mosaicing techniques have been developed in the past decades for increasing the camera's field of view by stitching together more images. Nevertheless, these approaches typically work in batch mode and rely on motorized microscopes. Or alternatively, the methods are conceived just to provide visually pleasant mosaics not suitable for quantitative analyses. This work presents a tool for building mosaics of images acquired with nonautomated light microscopes. The method proposed is based on visual information only and the mosaics are built by incrementally stitching couples of images, making the approach available also for online applications. Seams in the stitching regions as well as tonal inhomogeneities are corrected by compensating the vignetting effect. In the experiments performed, we tested different registration approaches, confirming that the translation model is not always the best, despite the fact that the motion of the sample holder of the microscope is apparently translational and typically considered as such. The method's implementation is freely distributed as an open source tool calledMicroMos. Its usability makes building mosaics of microscope images at subpixel accuracy easier. Furthermore, optional parameters for building mosaics according to different strategies makeMicroMosan easy and reliable tool to compare different registration approaches, warping models and tonal corrections.
The inner ear ofMegatheriumand the evolution of the vestibular system in sloths
Authors: Billet G. , Germain D. , Ruf I. , de Muizon C. , Hautier L. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractExtant tree sloths are uniquely slow mammals with a very specialized suspensory behavior. To improve our understanding of their peculiar evolution, we investigated the inner ear morphology of one of the largest and most popular fossil ground sloths,Megatherium americanum. We first address the predicted agility of this animal from the scaling of its semicircular canals (SC) relative to body mass, based on recent work that provided evidence that the size of theSCin mammals correlates with body mass and levels of agility. Our analyses predict intermediate levels of agility forMegatherium, contrasting with the extreme slowness of extant sloths. Secondly, we focus on the morphology of theSCat the inner ear scale and investigate the shape and proportions of these structures inMegatheriumand in a large diversity of extant xenarthrans represented in our database. Our morphometric analyses demonstrate that the giant ground sloth clearly departs from theSCmorphology of both extant sloth genera (Choloepus,Bradypus) and is in some aspects closer to that of armadillos and anteaters. Given the close phylogenetic relationships ofMegatheriumwith the extant genusCholoepus, these results are evidence of substantial homoplasy of theSCanatomy in sloths. This homoplasy most likely corresponds to an outstanding convergent evolution between extant suspensory sloth genera.
Cellular cannibalism in central and peripheral giant cell granuloma of the oral cavity can predict biological behavior of the lesion
Authors: Sarode Sachin C. , Sarode Gargi S. 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundCancer cannibalism is used to differentiate benign tumors from malignant, but recently the phenomenon has been demonstrated in giant cell tumor of tendon sheath (localized type). Microscopically and pathogenetically, this tumor is similar to central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) and peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) of oral cavity. Hence, attempt has been made to study the cannibalistic giant cells (GCs) in CGCG and PGCG with their correlation with the biological behavior.MethodsSurgically treated 16 CGCG and 23 PGCG cases with adequate clinical and radiographic documentation were selected. Quantification of cannibalistic GCs was performed using routine HE stain. Hundred GCs were examined in each section, and number of cannibalistic cells was expressed in percentage. Ten cases were randomly selected for further immunohistochemical analysis with CD68 and bcl‐2.ResultsCannibalism was found in all the cases (100%). The frequency of occurrence of cannibalistic GCs ranged from 20% to 56% with a mean of 33.62 ± 8.9. CGCG showed significantly higher mean cannibalistic GC frequency (38.06 ± 10.15) than PGCG (30.04 ± 5.63). In aggressive CGCG, mean cannibalistic GC frequency was significantly higher (42.20 ± 10.4) than non‐aggressive type (31.17 ± 6.014). Similarly, recurrent cases showed significantly higher mean cannibalistic cell frequency (43 ± 6.26) than non‐recurrent cases (30.81 ± 6.66). Immunohistochemistry results showed histiocytic nature of GCs as well as mononuclear cells. The internalized cells did not expressed bcl‐2, suggesting that the internalization induces apoptotic cell death.ConclusionAssessment of frequency of cannibalistic cells in CGCG and PCGC could help in predicting the biological behavior of the tumor.
Changes in chemical composition and digestibility of three maize stover components digested by white‐rot fungi
Authors: Lynch J. P. , O'Kiely P. , Murphy R. , Doyle E. M. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryMaize stover (total stem and leaves) is not considered a ruminant feed of high nutritive value. Therefore, an improvement in its digestibility may increase the viability of total forage maize production systems in marginal growth regions. The objective of this study was to describe the changes in chemical composition during the storage of contrasting components of maize stover (leaf, upper stem and lower stem) treated with either of two lignin degrading white‐rot fungi (WRF; Pleurotus ostreatus, Trametes versicolor). Three components of maize stover (leaf, upper stem and lower stem), harvested at a conventional maturity for silage production, were digested with either of two WRF for one of four digestion durations (1–4 months). Samples taken prior to fungal inoculation were used to benchmark the changes that occurred. The degradation of acid detergent lignin was observed in all sample types digested with P. ostreatus; however, the loss of digestible substrate in all samples inoculated with P. ostreatus was high, and therefore, P. ostreatus‐digested samples had a lower dry matter digestibility than samples prior to inoculation. Similarly, T. veriscolor‐digested leaf underwent a non‐selective degradation of the rumen‐digestible components of fibre. The changes in chemical composition of leaf, upper stem and lower stem digested with either P. ostreatus or T. veriscolor were not beneficial to the feed value of the forage, and incurred high DM losses.
Activating Mutations of GNAS in Canine Cortisol‐Secreting Adrenocortical Tumors
Authors: Kool M.M.J. , Galac S. , Spandauw C.G. , Kooistra H.S. , Mol J.A. 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundCushing's syndrome or hypercortisolism is a common endocrinopathy in dogs. In approximately 15% of cases, the disorder is caused by adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)‐independent hypersecretion of cortisol by an adrenocortical tumor (AT). Without other explanation, the cortisol hypersecretion has been referred to as autonomous.ObjectivesTo investigate whether ACTH‐independent hypersecretion of cortisol may be associated with aberrant activation of the melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R)‐cyclic AMP (cAMP)‐protein kinase A (PKA) pathway.AnimalsAll analyses were performed on 44 cortisol‐secreting ATs (14 adenomas and 30 carcinomas) derived from dogs diagnosed with ACTH‐independent hypercortisolism.MethodsMutation analysis was performed of genes encoding the stimulatory G protein alpha subunit (GNAS), MC2R, and PKA regulatory subunit 1A (PRKAR1A) in all ATs.ResultsApproximately one‐third of all ATs harbored an activating mutation of GNAS. Missense mutations, known to result in constitutive activation, were present in codon 201 in 11 ATs, in codon 203 (1 AT), and in codon 227 (3 ATs). No functional mutations were found in MC2R and PRKAR1A.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceActivation of cAMP signaling is a frequent event in canine cortisol‐secreting ATs and may play a crucial role in both ACTH‐independent cortisol production and tumor formation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of potentially causative mutations in canine cortisol‐secreting ATs.