bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diffusion‐Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Mapping for Diagnosing Infectious Spondylodiscitis: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Chen Tai‐Yuan , Wu Te‐Chang , Tsui Yu‐Kun , Chen Hou‐Hsun , Lin Chien‐Jen , Lee Huey‐Jen , Wu Tai‐Ching 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThough diffusion‐weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful for diagnosing many pathologies, its use in infectious spondylodiscitis is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the use of DW MRI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping for the diagnosis of infectious spondylodiscitis.METHODSIn this retrospective study, 17 patients with confirmed infectious spondylodiscitis were matched by age and level of infected disc with 17 patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) and 17 healthy controls. All patients received conventional MRI and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) in the same imaging session. ADC values of the 3 groups of patients were compared.RESULTSThe mean age of each group was 67.4 ± 11.6 years. The mean ADCs of the normal control, DDD, and infectious spondylodiscitis groups were 1.76 ± 0.19 × 10−3, 1.12 ± 0.22 × 10−3, and 1.27 ± 0.38 × 10−3 mm2/second, respectively. The ADCs of the DDD and infectious spondylodiscitis groups were both significantly lower than that of the normal control group (both, P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONThese data suggest that DWI/ADC MRI may be useful in the early diagnosis of infectious spondylodiscitis.
AGGRESSION ON HAEMODIALYSIS UNITS: A MIXED METHOD STUDY
Authors: Jones Julia , Nijman Henk , Ross Jamie , Ashman Neil , Callaghan Patrick 
Published: July 2014

SUMMARYBackgroundAggression on haemodialysis units is a growing problem internationally that has received little research attention to date. Aggressive behaviour by patients or their relatives can compromise the safety and well‐being of staff and other patients sharing a haemodialysis session.ObjectivesThe objectives of the study were twofold: First, to identify the prevalance and nature of aggression on haemodialysis units; and second, to investigate factors that contribute to aggressive behaviour on haemodialysis units.Design and MethodsA cross‐sectional, sequential mixed method research design was adopted, with two research methods utilised. Incidents of aggressive behaviour were recorded over a 12‐month period, using a renal version of the Staff Observation Aggression Scale. Six months after the incident data collection had commenced, semi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 29 multidisciplinary members of staff.ResultsOver 12 months, 74 aggressive incidents were recorded. The majority of incidents involved verbal aggression, and the perpetrators were a minority of patients, relatives and staff. Two patients were responsible for 38% of all incidents; both patients had mental health problems. Distinct temporal patterns to the aggressive behaviour were observed according to the day of the week and time of day.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that aggression is a significant problem on haemodialysis units, with verbal aggression most prevalent. The temporal patterns to aggression observed are related to the uniqueness of the haemodialysis setting, with a distinctly different treatment environment compared with other healthcare settings.
Peripheral and Central Venous Blood Glucose Concentrations in Dogs and Cats with Acute Arterial Thromboembolism
Authors: Klainbart S. , Kelmer E. , Vidmayer B. , Bdolah‐Abram T. , Segev G. , Aroch I. 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundAcute limb paralysis because of arterial thromboembolism (ATE) occurs in cats and less commonly in dogs. ATE is diagnosed based on physical examination findings and, occasionally, advanced imaging.Hypothesis/ObjectivesPeripheral, affected limb venous glucose concentration is decreased in ATE, whereas its systemic concentration is within or above reference interval.AnimalsClient‐owned cats and dogs were divided into 3 respective groups: acute limb paralysis because of ATE (22 cats and 9 dogs); acute limb paralysis secondary to orthopedic or neurologic conditions (nonambulatory controls; 10 cats and 11 dogs); ambulatory animals presented because of various diseases (ambulatory controls; 10 cats and 9 dogs).MethodsProspective observational, clinical study. Systemic and local (affected limb) blood glucose concentrations were measured. Their absolute and relative differences (ΔGlu and %ΔGlu, respectively) were compared among groups.ResultsΔGlu and %ΔGlu were significantly higher in the ATE cats and dogs groups, compared to both of their respective controls (P < .0001 and P < .001, respectively). No significant differences were observed between the control groups. Receiver operator characteristics analysis of ΔGlu and %ΔGlu as predictors of ATE had area under the curve of 0.96 and 0.99 in cats, respectively, and 1.00 and 1.00, in dogs, respectively. ΔGlu cutoffs of 30 mg/dL and 16 mg/dL, in cats and dogs, respectively, corresponded to sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 90% in cats, respectively, and 100% in dogs.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceΔGlu and %ΔGlu are accurate, readily available, diagnostic markers of acute ATE in paralyzed cats and dogs.
Transesophageal Echocardiography as the Sole Guidance for Occlusion of Patent Ductus Arteriosus using a Canine Ductal Occluder in Dogs
Authors: Porciello F. , Caivano D. , Giorgi M.E. , Knafelz P. , Rishniw M. , Moise N.S. , Bufalari A. , Fruganti A. , Birettoni F. 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundTranscatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is usually performed by fluoroscopy alone or together with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) guidance has been used for deployment of Amplatz Canine Ductal Occluder (ACDO), but sometimes is limited by suboptimal acoustic windows. Transesophageal echocardiography can overcome such issues and provides higher image resolution at the level of the great vessels.ObjectivesTo determine if TEE without fluoroscopy could be used to successfully perform ductal occlusion for the treatment of PDA in dogs.AnimalsTwenty client‐owned dogs with PDA.MethodsA prospective consecutive case series of PDA occlusion was performed using only TEE guidance. Dogs were positioned in right lateral recumbency and the TEE probe was positioned to visualize the descending aorta, PDA, and pulmonary artery. The guide wire, long introducer sheath, and ACDO were imaged by TEE to direct deployment.ResultsDuctal occlusion was performed successfully without need for fluoroscopy and without complications in 19 dogs. One dog required a second larger ACDO because of embolization of the first device 18 hours after positioning.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceWe have demonstrated that TEE monitoring without concurrent fluoroscopy can guide each step of transcatheter ACDO embolization thereby providing an alternate method of visualization for this procedure. Use of TEE alone can reduce radiation exposure or is an option when fluoroscopy is not available, and, therefore, should be evaluated in a larger case series to better assess procedural failure rates.
The carrier AUXIN RESISTANT (AUX1) dominates auxin flux into Arabidopsis protoplasts
Authors: Rutschow Heidi L. , Baskin Tobias I. , Kramer Eric M. 
Published: July 2014

Summary

The ability of the plant hormone auxin to enter a cell is critical to auxin transport and signaling. Auxin can cross the cell membrane by diffusion or via auxin‐specific influx carriers. There is little knowledge of the magnitudes of these fluxes in plants.

Radiolabeled auxin uptake was measured in protoplasts isolated from roots of Arabidopsis thaliana. This was done for the wild‐type, under treatments with additional unlabeled auxin to saturate the influx carriers, and for the influx carrier mutant auxin resistant 1 (aux1). We also used flow cytometry to quantify the relative abundance of cells expressing AUX1‐YFP in the assayed population.

At pH 5.7, the majority of auxin influx into protoplasts – 75% – was mediated by the influx carrier AUX1. An additional 20% was mediated by other saturable carriers. The diffusive influx of auxin was essentially negligible at pH 5.7.

The influx of auxin mediated by AUX1, expressed as a membrane permeability, was 1.5 ± 0.3 μm s−1. This value is comparable in magnitude to estimates of efflux permeability. Thus, auxin‐transporting tissues can sustain relatively high auxin efflux and yet not become depleted of auxin.
Usefulness of Tpeak–Tend Interval to Distinguish Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy from Idiopathic Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Tachycardia
Authors: GOLCUK EBRU , YALIN KIVANC , KAYA BILGE AHMET , ELITOK ALI , AKSU TOLGA , AKGUN TAYLAN , BILAL KARAAYVAZ EKREM , EMET SAMIM , ADALET KAMIL 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundThe two predominant etiologies of right ventricular tachycardia (VT) are arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and idiopathic VT arising from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). Discrimination between these two entities is critical, as their prognoses and therapeutic options differ. The Tpeak–Tend (Tpe) interval reflects the transmural repolarization dispersion and its prolongation is associated with high mortality.MethodsWe compared the sinus rhythm electrocardiogram (ECG) of 43 patients (24 male, 43 ± 16 years) with VT originating from right ventricle. Five patients under antiarrhythmic drug therapy were excluded. Tpe interval was measured in each precordial leads and compared among patients with ARVC and RVOT‐VT.ResultsTwenty‐five patients (16 male, 42 ± 16 years) met the Task Force criteria for the diagnosis of ARVC, and 13 patients (seven male, 45 ± 14 years) had idiopathic RVOT tachycardia. Patients with ARVC had significantly prolonged Tpe intervals in all precordial leads compared to patients with idiopathic RVOT VT (137.1 ± 32.6 ms vs 93.8 ± 16.9 ms; P < 0.001 in V1, 133.2 ± 35.5 ms vs 104.7 ± 16.9 ms; P = 0.01 in V2, 125.7 ± 31.5 ms vs 99.1 ± 19.6 ms; P = 0.09 in V3, 121.9 ± 26.5 ms vs 92.3 ± 19.7 ms; P = 0.001 in V4, 123.1 ± 26.5 ms vs 99.5 ± 20:1 ms; P = 0.04 in V5 and 126.9 ± 32.2 ms vs 89 ± 11.3 ms; P < 0.001 in V6, respectively). For the diagnosis of ARVC, Tpe cut‐off value of 97 ms in V1 had 84% sensitivity and 62% specificity (area under curve = 0.880).ConclusionIn patients with VT of RV origin, the prolonged Tpe interval in sinus rhythm electrocardiogram supports the diagnosis of ARVC.
Delayed bedtime due to screen time in schoolchildren: Importance of area deprivation
Authors: Ogunleye Ayodele A , Voss Christine , Sandercock Gavin R 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundSleep duration is an important predictor of obesity and health. This study evaluated the association between late bedtime and screen time, and the role of geographical deprivation in English schoolchildren.MethodsWe collected bedtime and waking time, screen time, sociodemographic data and measured body mass index in a cross‐section of 1332 11–15‐year‐old schoolchildren (45.7% female) participating in the East of England healthy heart study. Logistic regression was used to determine the likelihood of late bedtime in schoolchildren with different screen time and from a different geographic location. Mean differences were assessed either on ANOVA or t‐test.ResultsApproximately 42% of boys went to bed late at night compared with 37% of girls. When compared to those with <2 h of daily screen time, schoolchildren with 2–4 h of screen time were more likely [odds ratio (OR) = 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07–2.09] to go to bed late at night while those with >4 h of daily screen time were most likely to go to sleep late at night (OR, 1.97; 95%CI: 1.34–2.89). Late bedtime was associated with deprivation in schoolchildren.ConclusionsHigh screen time and deprivation may explain lateness in bedtime in English schoolchildren. This explanation may vary according to area deprivation and geographic location. Family‐centered interventions and parental support are important to reduce screen time, late bedtime and increase sleep duration.
Scoring system for the prediction of severe acute pancreatitis in children
Authors: Suzuki Mitsuyoshi , Saito Nobutomo , Naritaka Nakayuki , Nakano Satoshi , Minowa Kei , Honda Yuka , Ohtsuka Yoshikazu , Yamataka Atsuyuki , Shimizu Toshiaki 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe lack of an accurate scoring system for pediatric acute pancreatitis could cause delays in appropriate clinical management and increase the risk of progressive life‐threatening complications. We investigated a modified Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan (JPN) scoring system that uses pediatric systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) score, age, and weight to establish a more useful scoring system for children.MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted of pediatric patients with acute pancreatitis who were admitted to Juntendo University Hospital between 1985 and 2011. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the pediatric JPN scoring system were calculated and then compared with those of previously developed scoring systems.ResultsThe patient group consisted of 145 patients (88 girls, 57 boys). The pediatric JPN score had greater sensitivity (80%) than the Ranson (60%), modified Glasgow (50%), and DeBanto (60%) scores. The specificity was 96% for the pediatric JPN score, 94% for the Ranson score, 99% for the modified Glasgow score, and 86% for the DeBanto score.ConclusionThe pediatric JPN score can be used to predict severe acute pancreatitis during the initial medical assessment.
Limited antigenic variation in the Trypanosoma cruzi candidate vaccine antigen TSA‐1
Authors: Knight J. M. , Zingales B. , Bottazzi M. E. , Hotez P. , Zhan B. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryChagas disease (American trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma cruzi) is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases in the Western Hemisphere. The toxicities and limited efficacies of current antitrypanosomal drugs have prompted a search for alternative technologies such as a therapeutic vaccine comprised of T. cruzi antigens, including a recombinant antigen encoding the N‐terminal 65 kDa portion of Trypomastigote surface antigen‐1 (TSA‐1). With at least six known genetically distinct T. cruzi lineages, variability between the different lineages poses a unique challenge for the development of broadly effective therapeutic vaccine. The variability across the major lineages in the current vaccine candidate antigen TSA‐1 has not previously been addressed. To assess the variation in TSA‐1, we cloned and sequenced TSA‐1 from several different T. cruzi strains representing three of the most clinically relevant lineages. Analysis of the different alleles showed limited variation in TSA‐1 across the different strains and fit with the current theory for the evolution of the different lineages. Additionally, minimal variation in known antigenic epitopes for the HLA‐A 02 allele suggests that interlineage variation in TSA‐1 would not impair the range and efficacy of a vaccine containing TSA‐1.
A proposed process for applying a structured decision‐making framework to restoration planning in the Atchafalaya River Basin, Louisiana, U.S.A.
Authors: Kozak Justin P. , Piazza Bryan P. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractEnvironmental decision‐making issues in the Atchafalaya River Basin (ARB), Louisiana require innovative approaches that combine scientific understanding and local stakeholder values. Management of the ARB has evolved from strong federal control to establish the ARB as a primary floodway of the Mississippi River and Tributaries Project to a state and federal collaboration to accommodate fish and wildlife resource promotion, recreational opportunities, and economic development. The management policy has expanded to include a growing number of stakeholders, but the decision‐making process has not kept pace. Current conflicts among many local stakeholder groups, due in part to their lack of involvement in the decision‐making process, impede restoration efforts. The absence of a long‐term collective vision for the ARB by both local stakeholder groups and management agencies further confounds these efforts. This paper proposes a process to apply a structured decision‐making framework, a values‐based approach that explicitly defines objectives, to promote stakeholder‐driven restoration efforts in the ARB and to better prepare for and manage long‐term environmental issues. The goals of this approach are: (1) to create a process founded on stakeholder values and supported by rigorous scientific assessment to meet management agency mandates and (2) to establish a transparent process for restoration planning in the ARB that incorporates current and future non‐governmental stakeholders into the decision‐making process. Similar frameworks have been successful in other river basins; we feel the structure of current restoration efforts in the ARB is well‐suited to adopt a values‐focused management framework.
From Big Data to Knowledge: An Ontological Approach to Big Data Analytics
Authors: Kuiler Erik W. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe introduction of Big Data sets in the healthcare domain has presented opportunities to engage in analytics of very large sets containing both structured and unstructured data. With advances in information technology (IT), these data sets have become available from diverse sources at greatly increased rates. The availability of Big Data sets has introduced complexities that we must address, not only in terms of semantics and analytics but also in terms of data management, storage, and distribution. Currently, the capabilities to ingest, analyze, and manage multipetabyte data sets have underscored the limitations of our analytics capabilities supported by relational database management systems. This essay argues that an ontology‐based approach to data analytics provides a practical framework to address the semantic challenges presented by Big Data sets. No ontological framework can address the operational and management requirements introduced by the availability of Big Data sets, however. There are also a number of IT architectural factors that must be considered in implementing such a framework.
Government Information Policy in the Era of Big Data
Authors: Washington Anne L. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractReliable public sector information serves as a pivotal source for big data. Government postal codes, for instance, have been crucial for predicting demographics. Confidentiality, however, may be at risk when combined with other sources. Public sector information not only describes government activity but contains material, such as campaign finance filings, produced by outside sources. How does information production impact policy concerns if material is reused for big data projects? Information production is analyzed using a framework of five methods of production. The framework considers information that the public sector writes, publishes, manages, produces through research, and compiles through legal mandates. This paper examines the policy implications of using U.S. federal public sector information in big data projects.
Cowden syndrome—a case report emphasizing the role of the dental surgeon in diagnosis
Authors: Webber Liana Preto , Martins Manoela Domingues , Carrard Vinícius Coelho , Trevizani Martins Marco Antônio , Munerato Maria Cristina 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTCowden syndrome or multiple hamartoma syndrome, is a rare genetic condition inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern characterized by cutaneous manifestations, polyps, thyroid gland neoplasias, and macrocephaly. This report presents the case of a 36‐year‐old patient who looked for dental treatment for a gingival nodule. Current and past medical history and oral and facial manifestations led to the diagnosis of Cowden syndrome. This case report emphasizes the role of the dental surgeon in the diagnosis of this systemic disease, based on the analysis of medical history and manifestations in the oral cavity.
Measles and rubella vaccination coverage in Haiti, 2012: progress towards verifying and challenges to maintaining measles and rubella elimination
Authors: Tohme Rania A. , François Jeannot , Wannemuehler Kathleen , Magloire Roc , Danovaro‐Holliday M. Carolina , Flannery Brendan , Cavallaro Kathleen F. , Fitter David L. , Purcell Nora , Dismer Amber , Tappero Jordan W. , Vertefeuille John F. , Hyde Terri B. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectivesWe conducted a nationwide survey to assess measles containing vaccine (MCV) coverage among children aged 1–9 years in Haiti and identify factors associated with vaccination before and during the 2012 nationwide supplementary immunisation activities (SIA).MethodsHaiti was stratified into five geographic regions (Metropolitan Port‐au‐Prince, North, Centre, South and West), 40 clusters were randomly selected in each region, and 35 households were selected per cluster.ResultsAmong the 7000 visited households, 75.8% had at least one child aged 1–9 years; of these, 5279 (99.5%) households consented to participate in the survey. Of 9883 children enrolled, 91% received MCV before and/or during the SIA; 31% received MR for the first time during the SIA, and 50.7% received two doses of MCV (one before and one during the 2012 SIA). Among the 1685 unvaccinated children during the SIA, the primary reason of non‐vaccination was caregivers not being aware of the SIA (31.0%). Children aged 1–4 years had significantly lower MR SIA coverage than those aged 5–9 years (79.5% vs. 84.8%) (P < 0.0001). A higher proportion of children living in the West (12.3%) and Centre (11.2%) regions had never been vaccinated than in other regions (4.8–9.1%). Awareness, educational level of the mother and region were significantly associated with MR vaccination during and before the SIA (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe 2012 SIA successfully increased MR coverage; however, to maintain measles and rubella elimination, coverage needs to be further increased among children aged 1–4 years and in regions with lower coverage.