bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Baseline Cortisol, Endogenous ACTH, and Cortisol/ACTH Ratio to Monitor Trilostane Treatment in Dogs with Pituitary‐Dependent Hypercortisolism
Authors: Burkhardt W.A. , Boretti F.S. , Reusch C.E. , Sieber‐Ruckstuhl N.S. 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundThe effectiveness of trilostane treatment is currently monitored by regular ACTH stimulation tests, which are time‐consuming and expensive. Therefore, a monitoring system without a stimulation protocol and with less client expense would be preferable.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe aim of our study was to evaluate if baseline cortisol, endogenous ACTH (ACTH) concentration or the baseline cortisol to ACTH ratio (cortisol/ACTH ratio) could replace the ACTH stimulation test.AnimalsForty trilostane‐treated dogs with pituitary‐dependent hypercortisolism (PDH) were included in this prospective study.MethodsA total of 148 ACTH stimulation tests and 77 ACTH concentrations and cortisol/ACTH ratios were analyzed. Control of cortisol release was classified according to cortisol concentration after ACTH administration as excessive (<1.5 μg/dL; group 1), adequate (1.5–5.4 μg/dL; group 2), or inadequate (>5.4 μg/dL; group 3).ResultsBaseline cortisol concentrations had considerable overlap between excessively, adequately, and inadequately controlled dogs. Only baseline cortisol >4.4 μg/dL (in 12% of tests) was a reliable diagnosis of inadequate control. Endogenous ACTH concentrations did not differ between groups. The overlap of the cortisol/ACTH ratio between groups was large. Correct classification was only possible if the cortisol/ACTH ratio was >15, which occurred in 4% of tests.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceTo monitor trilostane treatment the ACTH stimulation test cannot be replaced by baseline cortisol, ACTH concentration, or the cortisol/ACTH ratio.
Genotypic variation in traits linked to climate and aboveground productivity in a widespread C4 grass: evidence for a functional trait syndrome
Authors: Aspinwall Michael J. , Lowry David B. , Taylor Samuel H. , Juenger Thomas E. , Hawkes Christine V. , Johnson Mari‐Vaughn V. , Kiniry James R. , Fay Philip A. 
Published: May 2013

Summary

Examining intraspecific variation in growth and function in relation to climate may provide insight into physiological evolution and adaptation, and is important for predicting species responses to climate change.

Under common garden conditions, we grew nine genotypes of the C4 species Panicum virgatum originating from different temperature and precipitation environments. We hypothesized that genotype productivity, morphology and physiological traits would be correlated with climate of origin, and a suite of adaptive traits would show high broad‐sense heritability (H2).

Genotype productivity and flowering time increased and decreased, respectively, with home‐climate temperature, and home‐climate temperature was correlated with genotypic differences in a syndrome of morphological and physiological traits. Genotype leaf and tiller size, leaf lamina thickness, leaf mass per area (LMA) and C : N ratios increased with home‐climate temperature, whereas leaf nitrogen per unit mass (Nm) and chlorophyll (Chl) decreased with home‐climate temperature. Trait variation was largely explained by genotypic differences (H2 = 0.33–0.85).

Our results provide new insight into the role of climate in driving functional trait coordination, local adaptation and genetic divergence within species. These results emphasize the importance of considering intraspecific variation in future climate change scenarios.
Risks to biodiversity from hydraulic fracturing for natural gas in the Marcellus and Utica shales
Authors: Kiviat Erik 
Published: May 2013

High‐volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing (HVHHF) for mining natural gas from the Marcellus and Utica shales is widespread in Pennsylvania and potentially throughout approximately 280,000 km2of the Appalachian Basin. Physical and chemical impacts of HVHHF include pollution by toxic synthetic chemicals, salt, and radionuclides, landscape fragmentation by wellpads, pipelines, and roads, alteration of stream and wetland hydrology, and increased truck traffic. Despite concerns about human health, there has been little study of the impacts on habitats and biota. Taxa and guilds potentially sensitive to HVHHF impacts include freshwater organisms (e.g., brook trout, freshwater mussels), fragmentation‐sensitive biota (e.g., forest‐interior breeding birds, forest orchids), and species with restricted geographic ranges (e.g., Wehrle's salamander, tongue‐tied minnow). Impacts are potentially serious due to the rapid development of HVHHF over a large region.
Genome‐wide association study of degenerative bony changes of the temporomandibular joint
Authors: Yamaguchi T , Nakaoka H , Yamamoto K , Fujikawa T , Kim Y‐I , Yano K , Haga S , Katayama K , Shibusawa T , Park SB , Maki K , Kimura R , Inoue I 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesTo identify susceptibility genes underlying degenerative bony changes of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).Materials and MethodsBony changes of the TMJ condylar head were diagnosed by examination of panoramic radiographs and/or magnetic resonance images and/or computed tomography images. We conducted a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of 146 cases with TMJ degeneration and 374 controls from East Asian populations using an Illumina HumanOmniExpress BeadChip. After rigorous quality‐control filtering, approximately 550 000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used for tests of associations with disease status.ResultsForty‐one SNPs at 22 independent loci showed association signals at P < 1 × 10−4. The SNP rs878962, which maps on an intron of TSPAN9 on chromosome 12, showed the strongest association (combined OR = 1.89, 95% confidence interval = 1.43–2.50, P = 8.1 × 10−6). According to in silico predictions of the 41 SNPs, two intronic SNPs of APOL3 (rs80575) and MRC2 (rs2460300) may fall within regulatory elements and affect DNA–protein interactions. We could not replicate SNPs located on genes that have been reported to be associated with temporomandibular disorder or temporomandibular osteoarthritis in previous studies at P < 1 × 10−4.ConclusionsOur GWAS identified 22 independent loci showing suggestive association signals with degenerative bony changes of the TMJ. These loci provide good candidates for future follow‐up studies.
Utilizing integrated facility design to improve the quality of a pediatric ambulatory surgery center
Authors: Pelly Nicole , Zeallear Brian , Reed Mark , Martin Lynn 
Published: May 2013

SummaryAimThe aim was to use Integrated Facility Design (IFD) to design a surgery center that enhances the delivery of health care by developing processes that provide highly efficient patient, family, and provider flows while adding value and utilizing costly resources effectively.BackgroundIntegrated Facility Design is an adaptation of the Toyota 3P (Production, Preparation, Process) Program. The goal of IFD is to accelerate development time and lower start‐up costs.ResultsThe use of IFD produced a savings of $30 million in project costs and enabled a completion date 3.5 months ahead of schedule. The designed patient flow processes resulted in dramatic improvements in patient, family, and provider throughput.ConclusionsThe use of IFD in the design of a pediatric ambulatory clinic and surgery resulted in significant cost savings and improved clinical efficiency.
Cognitive Function in Older Patients with Postherpetic Neuralgia
Authors: Pickering Gisèle , Pereira Bruno , Clère Florentin , Sorel Marc , de Montgazon Geraldine , Navez Malou , Picard Pascale , Roux Delphine , Morel Véronique , Salimani Rachida , Adda Mireille , Legout Valérie , Dubray Claude 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackground and aimsNeuropathic pain has been shown to be accompanied by cognitive impairment, but the specific impact of postherpetic neuropathic pain on cognitive processes has not been explored. This study aims to evaluate the impact of pain on several domains of cognition in older patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).MethodsThis cross‐sectional study (clinicaltrial.gov NCT 00989040) included 84 individuals after signature of informed consent. Participants: 42 patients with PHN and 42 healthy volunteers. Of the 42 PHN patients, 21 received systemic treatment (antidepressants, anticonvulsants, opiates) and 21 had topical treatment with the 5% lidocaine medicated plaster. All participants performed a panel of four cognitive tests: reaction time, semantic memory, decision‐making, and visual memory (Cantab®, Cambridge).ResultsForty men and 44 women with a mean age of 72 ± 8 years participated. Each PHN patient was matched by age and gender with a healthy volunteer. Vigilance, decision‐making, and semantic memory were significantly impaired (P < 0.05) in patients on systemic treatment, especially with antidepressants, while no significant changes were noted between the lidocaine plaster group and their matched controls of healthy volunteers.ConclusionThis study shows the deleterious effect of systemic PHN treatment on several domains of cognition. Cognitive impairment associated with pain and antidepressants may be reversed by topical pain management. Topical treatment with 5% lidocaine medicated plaster is a valuable alternative for pain alleviation and maintains cognitive integrity in this vulnerable population.
Predictive factors of negative outcome in initial atropine therapy for infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
Authors: Koike Yuhki , Uchida Keiichi , Nakazawa Makoto , Inoue Mikihiro , Kusunoki Masato , Tsukamoto Yoshihide 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe predictive factors of negative outcome in initial i.v. atropine (IA) therapy of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) are unknown. Conservative therapy for IHPS is useful for infants because it does not have the risk of surgical and anesthetic stress, but some cases of atropine therapy result in failure. This study clarified the predictive markers of negative outcome in initial atropine therapy for IHPS.MethodsSeventy‐six patients with IHPS admitted from 1998 to 2011 were included in this study. The predictive risk factors of negative outcome in initial atropine therapy for IHPS were evaluated.ResultsThirty‐one patients initially underwent non‐operative therapy for IHPS during the study period. Of the 31 patients, 18 (58%) ceased projectile vomiting (PV) with IA and subsequent oral atropine. Univariate analysis showed that lack of bodyweight gain before treatment, elevated urine potassium at admission, and PV occurring ≥5 times (PV ≥5) in total for 3 days from IA initiation were predictive risk factors for negative outcome in IHPS. Multivariate analysis identified only PV ≥5 in total for 3 days after IA initiation as independently associated with failure of atropine for IHPS.ConclusionsPV ≥5 in total for 3 days after IA initiation is a potential indicator of negative outcome of IA in IHPS patients. The present results provide valuable information for determining whether early surgical intervention for IHPS or initial atropine therapy is the best option.
Effect of Different Manganese Concentrations during in vitro Maturation of Bovine Oocytes on DNA Integrity of Cumulus Cells and Subsequent Embryo Development
Authors: Anchordoquy JP , Anchordoquy JM , Sirini MA , Mattioli G , Picco SJ , Furnus CC 
Published: May 2013

ContentsManganese (Mn) is a trace element present in forages and cereals, and its concentration depends on soil status. Manganese deficiency in cattle, goats and ewes not only impairs oestrous cycle but reduces calf birth weight. The achievement of the first oestrus is delayed, and more attempts are necessary to obtain a successful conception. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the availability of supplemental Mn during IVM on DNA damage of cumulus cells and total glutathione (GSH) content in oocytes and cumulus cells. The effect of supplementary Mn during IVM on subsequent embryo development was also studied. The results reported here indicate (i) DNA damage in cumulus cells decreased with 0, 2, 5 and 6 ng/ml Mn supplementation during IVM (p < 0.05). (ii) Intracellular GSH‐GSSG content increased (p < 0.01) with different Mn concentrations in oocytes and cumulus cells. Also, cumulus cell number per cumulus oocyte‐complexes (COC) did not differ either before or after IVM. (iii) Addition of Mn to maturation medium resulted in similar cleavage rates (p > 0.05) at 0, 2, 5 and 6 ng/ml Mn. However, subsequent embryo development to blastocyst stage was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in oocytes matured with 5 and 6 ng/ml Mn. (iv) There was also an increase (p < 0.05) in mean cell number per blastocyst obtained from oocytes matured with 5 and 6 ng/ml respect to zero Mn (IVM alone) and 2 ng/ml Mn. This study provides evidence that optimal embryo development to the blastocyst stage was partially dependent on the presence of Mn during IVM. Moreover, the availability of Mn during oocyte maturation ensures ‘normal’ intracellular GSH content in COCs and protects DNA integrity of cumulus cells.
Effect of salbutamol on the measurement of single‐breath diffusing capacity
Authors: Yang Jun , Stanton Josh , Wang Lexin , Beckert Lutz , Frampton Chris , Burton Debbie , Swanney Maureen P. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackground and objectiveThe bronchodilation and cardiovascular effects of bronchodilators may alter alveolar ventilation and perfusion distribution, which could subsequently affect single‐breath diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DL,CO) measurements. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of salbutamol on DL,CO in subjects with and without airway obstruction and reversibility.MethodsSixty subjects were investigated with 20 in each of the three groups: normal spirometry; irreversible obstruction; and reversible obstruction. Baseline spirometry, plethysmographic lung volumes, DL,CO, pulse rate and arterial blood gases were measured. The same testing sequence was repeated after administration of a placebo inhaler and again after 400 μg salbutamol.ResultsSalbutamol did not affect the mean alveolar volume (VA) (P > 0.05), transfer coefficient for carbon monoxide (DL,CO/VA, KCO) (P > 0.05) or DL,CO (P > 0.05) in the normal and irreversible obstruction groups. In the reversible obstruction group, salbutamol caused an increase in the mean VA compared with placebo (P < 0.001). However, the mean KCO was reduced (P < 0.001). The mean change in DL,CO was not significant (P > 0.05). A considerable reduction in DL,CO was found after salbutamol in four subjects in the reversible group as a result of a minor increase in VA and substantial decrease in KCO. No statistical difference in pulse rate or arterial blood gases values was detected.ConclusionsSalbutamol had no effect on the mean DL,CO in any group. However, salbutamol may considerably reduce DL,CO in some individuals with reversibility secondary to its effects on VA and KCO.
Experimental Investigation of Strain Behaviour of Heated Cement Paste and Concrete
Authors: Ring T. , Zeiml M. , Lackner R. , Eberhardsteiner J. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThe material degradation of concrete subjected to fire events has a severe influence on the load‐carrying capacity of support structures. Spalling of concrete layers, exposing the reinforcement bars and degradation of the material properties (Young's modulus, compressive strength) may lead to significant damage of the reduced cross‐section and, therefore, cause failure of the structure. In order to understand the stress build‐up at the heated surface caused by thermal expansion due to fire loading, finally leading to damage and spalling of concrete, the strain behaviour of cement paste and concrete exposed to combined thermo‐mechanical loading is the focus of this work. Hereby, the evolution of thermal strains, Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio with increasing temperature are investigated experimentally. For this purpose, the specimens are loaded uniaxially while the temperature is increased up to 800 °C. The obtained results provide the proper basis for the development of realistic material models, allowing more sophisticated simulations of structures exposed to fire.
Spectral domain optical coherence tomography imaging of the posterior segment of the eye in the retinal dysplasia and degeneration chicken, an animal model of inherited retinal degeneration
Authors: McKibbin Martin , Ali Manir , Inglehearn Chris , Shires Mike , Boyle Kenny , Hocking Paul M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate qualitative and quantitative differences in the structure of the posterior segment of the eye in 1‐day post‐hatch and 12‐month‐old retinal dysplasia and degeneration (rdd) and wild‐type chickens.Animal studiedRetinal dysplasia and degeneration and wild‐type chickens.ProcedureUsing a commercially available spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) system, 15° horizontal line scans were performed in both eyes of 24 live birds. Qualitative differences in retinal lamination and choroidal structure were investigated, and retinal and choroidal thickness were measured.ResultsProgressive retinal thinning with loss of outer retinal lamination and changes in the appearance of the choroid were seen in the rdd birds. Mean total retinal thickness was 202 μm (SD 7.8) and 251 μm (SD 8.8) in the rdd and wild‐type chicks and 154 μm (SD 18) and 280 μm (SD 10.8) in the adult birds. Much of the difference was the result of loss of outer retinal lamination and thickness in the rdd birds. Mean choroidal thickness was 76 μm (SD 19.6) and 112 μm (SD 36.9) in the rdd and wild‐type chicks and 85 μm (SD 23.7) and 228 μm (SD 44.1) in the rdd and wild‐type adult birds, respectively.ConclusionsDifferences in retinal and choroidal structure and thickness between rdd and wild‐type birds were evident on spectral domain OCT imaging at 1‐day post‐hatch and more marked at 1 year. Spectral domain OCT may provide a reliable end point for therapeutic intervention in this animal model of inherited retinal degeneration.
Lung texture in serial thoracic CT scans: Registration‐based methods to compare anatomically matched regions
Authors: Cunliffe Alexandra R. , Armato Samuel G. , Fei Xianhan M. , Tuohy Rachel E. , Al‐Hallaq Hania A. 
Published: May 2013

Purpose:The aim of this study was to compare three demons registration‐based methods to identify spatially matched regions in serial computed tomography (CT) scans for use in texture analysis.Methods:Two thoracic CT scans containing no lung abnormalities and acquired during serial examinations separated by at least one week were retrospectively collected from 27 patients. Over 1000 regions of interest (ROIs) were randomly placed in the lungs of each baseline scan. Anatomically matched ROIs in the corresponding follow‐up scan were placed by mapping the baseline scan ROI center pixel to (1) the original follow‐up scan, (2) the follow‐up scan resampled to match the baseline scan voxel size, and (3) the follow‐up scan aligned to the baseline scan through affine registration. Mappings used the vector field obtained through demons deformable registration of each follow‐up scan variant to the baseline scan. 140 texture features distributed among five feature classes were calculated in all ROIs. Feature value differences between paired ROIs were evaluated using Bland‐Altman 95% limits of agreement. For each feature, (1) the mean feature value change and (2) the difference between the upper and lower limits of agreement were normalized to the mean feature value to obtain, respectively, the normalized bias and normalized range of agreement (nRoA). Nonparametric tests were used to evaluate differences in normalized bias and nRoA across the three methods.Results:Because patient CT scans contained no pathology, minimal changes in feature values were expected (i.e., low nRoA and normalized bias). Seventy‐five features with very large feature value variability (nRoA ≥ 100%) were excluded from further analysis. Across the remaining 65 features, significant differences in normalized bias were observed among the three methods. The lowest normalized bias (median: 0.06%) was achieved when feature values were calculated on original follow‐up scans. The affine registration method achieved the lowest nRoA, though nRoA was not significantly increased using original follow‐up scans. Features with low nRoA values also had low normalized bias, though the converse was not necessarily true. Using nRoA as a metric, a set of 20 features having both low nRoA and normalized bias were identified.Conclusions:Three methods to facilitate texture analysis of serial CT scans using demons registration for ROI placement were evaluated. The bias in feature value change between matched ROIs was minimized when feature values were calculated on original baseline and follow‐up scans. A set of features that had both low bias and variability (nRoA) in feature value change using this method were identified. This texture analysis approach could facilitate future measurement of pathologic changes between CT scans without necessitating calculation of feature values on deformed scans.
Real-Time Genomic Epidemiological Evaluation of Human Campylobacter Isolates by Use of Whole-Genome Multilocus Sequence Typing
Authors: Cody Alison J. , McCarthy Noel D. , Jansen van Rensburg Melissa , Isinkaye Tomide , Bentley Stephen D. , Parkhill Julian , Dingle Kate E. , Bowler Ian C. J. W. , Jolley Keith A. , Maiden Martin C. J. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

Sequence-based typing is essential for understanding the epidemiology of
Campylobacter
infections, a major worldwide cause of bacterial gastroenteritis. We demonstrate the practical and rapid exploitation of whole-genome sequencing to provide routine definitive characterization of
Campylobacter jejuni
and
Campylobacter coli
for clinical and public health purposes. Short-read data from 384
Campylobacter
clinical isolates collected over 4 months in Oxford, United Kingdom, were assembled
de novo
. Contigs were deposited at the
pubMLST.org
/campylobacter website and automatically annotated for 1,667 loci. Typing and phylogenetic information was extracted and comparative analyses were performed for various subsets of loci, up to the level of the whole genome, using the Genome Comparator and Neighbor-net algorithms. The assembled sequences (for 379 isolates) were diverse and resembled collections from previous studies of human campylobacteriosis. Small subsets of very closely related isolates originated mainly from repeated sampling from the same patients and, in one case, likely laboratory contamination. Much of the within-patient variation occurred in phase-variable genes. Clinically and epidemiologically informative data can be extracted from whole-genome sequence data in real time with straightforward, publicly available tools. These analyses are highly scalable, are transparent, do not require closely related genome reference sequences, and provide improved resolution (i) among
Campylobacter
clonal complexes and (ii) between very closely related isolates. Additionally, these analyses rapidly differentiated unrelated isolates, allowing the detection of single-strain clusters. The approach is widely applicable to analyses of human bacterial pathogens in real time in clinical laboratories, with little specialist training required.