bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurological Monitoring during Carotid Artery Stenting: The Duck Squeezing Test
Authors: Gomez Camilo R. , Roubin Gary S. , Dean Larry S. , Iyer Sri , Vitek Jiri J. , Liu Ming W. , Wadlington Van R. , Terry John B. 
Published: March 2015

Purpose: To examine the usefulness of a novel method for neurological monitoring during carotid artery stenting (CAS). Methods: The records of patients who underwent elective CAS between June 1996 and October 1998 were reviewed to identify those who had neurological changes during the procedure. We examined whether the neurological change had been detected by a change in the ability of the patient to respond to predetermined commands involving a small rubber duck placed in the contralateral hand. Results: Two hundred seventy patients (320 vessels) underwent monitoring using the Duck Squeezing Test; 10 suffered neurological events during the procedure. Four of these were transient and temporally related to balloon inflation. Another 6 were tentatively ascribed to distal embolism. All instances were accompanied by a change in the patient's ability to perform the Duck Squeezing Test, which allowed the identification of the abnormal clinical situation. In addition, there were 4 false-positive tests secondary to the patient accidentally dropping the rubber duck. Conclusions: The Duck Squeezing Test is a sensitive and specific method for monitoring patients during elective CAS. Its practical applicability is based on sound neurophysiological concepts, which underscore the clinical importance of the test.
Intraventricular Hemorrhage after Carotid Stenting
Authors: Mori Takahisa , Fukuoka Masaaki , Kazita Ken , Mima Tatsuo , Mori Koreaki 
Published: March 2015

Purpose: To report an important complication related to carotid stenting. Methods and Results: A 71-year-old man with symptomatic subtotal occlusion of the left internal carotid artery had a 30-mm lesion treated percutaneously with implantation of 2 stents. Although the procedure was completed satisfactorily, left intraventricular hemorrhage occurred 4 hours later, possibly related to hyperperfusion injury. The patient expired 30 days after the stent procedure. Preoperative single-photon emission computed tomography revealed severely reduced vasoreactivity in the affected territory after acetazolamide challenge. Conclusions: The risk of hyperperfusion injury must be considered and minimized in patients with significant restriction of regional vasoreactivity. We recommend that cerebral hemodynamic status be determined prior to carotid stenting.
Treatment of Hemophilic Ankle Arthropathy with One-Step Arthroscopic Bone Marrow–Derived Cells Transplantation
Authors: Buda Roberto , Cavallo Marco , Castagnini Francesco , Cenacchi Annarita , Natali Simone , Vannini Francesca , Giannini Sandro 
Published: March 2015

Objective Ankle arthropathy is a frequent and invalidating manifestation of hemophilia. Arthrodesis is the gold standard surgical procedure in end-stage disease, with many drawbacks in young patients. Recent literature has shown increase interest in regenerative procedures in hemophilic arthropathy, which may be desirable to delay or even avoid arthrodesis. The aim of this article is to present five cases of osteochondral lesions in ankle hemophilic arthropathy treated with a regenerative procedure: bone marrow–derived cells transplantation (BMDCT). Design We report five hemophilic patients (four cases with hemophilia type A; one case with hemophilia type B) who have undergone BMDCT treatment, synovectomy, and arthroscopic debridement, with the use of autologous platelet-rich fibrin, to treat osteochondral lesions in hemophilic ankle arthropathy. The patients, included within this retrospective study, were clinically and radiologically evaluated with serial follow-ups, using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, radiographs, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results The mean preoperative AOFAS score was 35. After a mean follow-up of 2 years, the mean postoperative AOFAS score was 81, which included three patients returning back to sporting activities. The MRI Mocart score demonstrated signs of regeneration of chondral and bony tissue. No progression of joint degeneration was shown radiographically. Conclusion BMDCT is a promising regenerative treatment for osteochondral lesions in mild ankle hemophilic arthropathy, which may be useful to delay or even avoid ankle arthrodesis. Nevertheless, longer follow-ups and a larger case series are required.
Structural and functional characterization of a specific antidote for ticagrelor
Authors: Buchanan Andrew , Newton Philip , Pehrsson Susanne , Inghardt Tord , Antonsson Thomas , Svensson Peder , Sjögren Tove , Öster Linda , Janefeldt Annika , Sandinge Ann-Sofie , Keyes Feenagh , Austin Mark , Spooner Jennifer , Gennemark Peter , Penney Mark , Howells Garnet , Vaughan Tristan , Nylander Sven 
Published: March 2015

Key Points
In the clinic, all oral antiplatelet medicines have a risk of bleeding complications. We present an antidote for ticagrelor that reverses its antiplatelet effect in human platelet-rich plasma and its bleeding effect in mice.
Copeptin levels are associated with organ dysfunction and death in the intensive care unit after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Ristagno Giuseppe , Latini Roberto , Plebani Mario , Zaninotto Martina , Vaahersalo Jukka , Masson Serge , Tiainen Marjaana , Kurola Jouni , Gaspari Flavio , Milani Valentina , Pettilä Ville , Skrifvars Markus Benedikt ,   for the FINNRESUSCI Study Group
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Introduction
We studied associations of the stress hormones copeptin and cortisol with outcome and organ dysfunction after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

Methods
Plasma was obtained after consent from next of kin in the FINNRESUSCI study conducted in 21 Finnish intensive care units (ICUs) between 2010 and 2011. We measured plasma copeptin (pmol/L) and free cortisol (nmol/L) on ICU admission (245 patients) and at 48 hours (additional 33 patients). Organ dysfunction was categorised with 24-hour Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores. Twelve-month neurological outcome (available in 276 patients) was classified with cerebral performance categories (CPC) and dichotomised into good (CPC 1 or 2) or poor (CPC 3 to 5). Data are presented as medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs). A Mann–Whitney U test, multiple linear and logistic regression tests with odds ratios (ORs) 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and beta (B) values, repeated measure analysis of variance, and receiver operating characteristic curves with area under the curve (AUC) were performed.

Results
Patients with a poor 12-month outcome had higher levels of admission copeptin (89, IQR 41 to 193 versus 51, IQR 29 to 111 pmol/L, P = 0.0014) and cortisol (728, IQR 522 to 1,017 versus 576, IQR 355 to 850 nmol/L, P = 0.0013). Copeptin levels fell between admission and 48 hours (P <0.001), independently of outcome (P = 0.847). Cortisol levels did not change between admission and 48 hours (P = 0.313), independently of outcome (P = 0.221). The AUC for predicting long-term outcome was weak for copeptin (0.62, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.69) and cortisol (0.62, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.69). With logistic regression, admission copeptin (standard deviation (SD) increase OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.98) and cortisol (SD increase OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.0) predicted ICU mortality but not 12-month outcome. Admission factors correlating with SOFA were shockable rhythm (B −1.3, 95% CI −2.2 to −0.5), adrenaline use (B 1.1, 95% CI 0.2 to 2.0), therapeutic hypothermia (B 1.3 95% CI 0.4-2.2), and copeptin (B 0.04, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.07).

Conclusions
Admission copeptin and free cortisol were not of prognostic value regarding 12-month neurological outcome after OHCA. Higher admission copeptin and cortisol were associated with ICU death, and copeptin predicted subsequent organ dysfunction.
Trigger mechanisms of secondary sclerosing cholangitis in critically ill patients
Authors: Leonhardt Silke , Veltzke-Schlieker Wilfried , Adler Andreas , Schott Eckart , Hetzer Roland , Schaffartzik Walter , Tryba Michael , Neuhaus Peter , Seehofer Daniel 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Introduction
In recent years the development of secondary sclerosing cholangitis in critically ill patients (SSC-CIP) has increasingly been perceived as a separate disease entity. About possible trigger mechanisms of SSC-CIP has been speculated, systematic investigations on this issue are still lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and influence of promoting factors.

Methods
Temporality, consistency and biological plausibility are essential prerequisites for causality. In this study, we investigated the temporality and consistency of possible triggers of SSC-CIP in a large case series. Biological plausibility of the individual triggers is discussed in a scientific context. SSC-CIP cases were recruited retrospectively from 2633 patients who underwent or were scheduled for liver transplantation at the University Hospital Charité, Berlin. All patients who developed secondary sclerosing cholangitis in association with intensive care treatment were included. Possible trigger factors during the course of the initial intensive care treatment were recorded.

Results
Sixteen patients (68% males, mean age 45.87 ± 14.64 years) with a confirmed diagnosis of SSC-CIP were identified. Of the 19 risk factors investigated, particularly severe hypotension with a prolonged decrease in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) to <65 mmHg and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) were established as possible triggers of SSC-CIP. The occurrence of severe hypotension appears to be the first and most significant step in the pathogenesis. It seems that severe hypotension has a critical effect on the blood supply of bile ducts when it occurs together with additional microcirculatory disturbances.

Conclusions
In critically ill patients with newly acquired cholestasis the differential diagnosis of SSC-CIP should be considered when they have had an episode of haemodynamic instability with a prolonged decrease in MAP, initial need for large amounts of blood transfusions or colloids, and early development of a SIRS.
Oral Salt and Water versus Intravenous Saline for the Prevention of Acute Kidney Injury following Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography: Study Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Trial
Authors: Swapnil Hiremath , Knoll Greg A , Kayibanda Jeanne Françoise , Fergusson Dean , Chow Benjamin JW , Shabana Wael , Murphy Erin , Ramsay Tim , James Matthew , White Christine A , Garg Amit , Wald Ron , Hoch Jeffrey , Akbari Ayub 
Published: March 2015

Background: Although intravenous saline is the accepted prophylactic measure for the prevention of contrast- induced acute kidney injury, the oral route could offer an equivalent, practical, and cost saving approach. A systematic review of randomized trials that compared oral versus intravenous volume expansion for the prevention of radiocontrast-induced nephropathy in patients receiving arterial contrast reported no significant difference in the risk of contrast induced acute kidney injury between the oral and intravenous arms. Most trials for contrast nephropathy prevention have been in the setting of arterial contrast such as with cardiac catheterization, and not with venous contrast, such as computed tomography. The aim of this paper is to describe the protocol of a pilot trial comparing the effect of oral salt and water versus intravenous saline on the prevention of Acute Kidney Injury following contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Methods: Our study is a pilot, single-centre parallel randomized controlled trial. To be included, participants must be at stage 4 of chronic kidney disease as defined by a glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m2, aged greater than 18 years and to undergo an outpatient contrast-enhanced computer tomography of the chest or abdomen. A total 50 patients will be randomised to receive either oral salt and water or intravenous isotonic saline. The primary outcome is feasibility, including estimates of recruitment rate, adherence to intervention and completeness of follow-up to assist in planning the definitive trial. The secondary outcome is safety and includes adverse events with oral salt and water loading as compared to intravenous isotonic saline. Discussion: The results of this pilot trial will provide critical information to plan a definitive trial to test the efficacy of the route of volume loading regimens in prevention of acute kidney injury after contrast-enhanced CT scans. Trial registration: The trial is registered at the US National Institutes of Health ( ClinicalTrials.gov ) # NCT02084771.
Ascl1 phospho-status regulates neuronal differentiation in a Xenopus developmental model of neuroblastoma
Authors: Wylie Luke A. , Hardwick Laura J. A. , Papkovskaia Tatiana D. , Thiele Carol J. , Philpott Anna 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT
Neuroblastoma (NB), although rare, accounts for 15% of all paediatric cancer mortality. Unusual among cancers, NBs lack a consistent set of gene mutations and, excluding large-scale chromosomal rearrangements, the genome seems to be largely intact. Indeed, many interesting features of NB suggest that it has little in common with adult solid tumours but instead has characteristics of a developmental disorder. NB arises overwhelmingly in infants under 2 years of age during a specific window of development and, histologically, NB bears striking similarity to undifferentiated neuroblasts of the sympathetic nervous system, its likely cells of origin. Hence, NB could be considered a disease of development arising when neuroblasts of the sympathetic nervous system fail to undergo proper differentiation, but instead are maintained precociously as progenitors with the potential for acquiring further mutations eventually resulting in tumour formation. To explore this possibility, we require a robust and flexible developmental model to investigate the differentiation of NB's presumptive cell of origin. Here, we use Xenopus frog embryos to characterise the differentiation of anteroventral noradrenergic (AVNA) cells, cells derived from the neural crest. We find that these cells share many characteristics with their mammalian developmental counterparts, and also with NB cells. We find that the transcriptional regulator Ascl1 is expressed transiently in normal AVNA cell differentiation but its expression is aberrantly maintained in NB cells, where it is largely phosphorylated on multiple sites. We show that Ascl1's ability to induce differentiation of AVNA cells is inhibited by its multi-site phosphorylation at serine-proline motifs, whereas overexpression of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and MYCN inhibit wild-type Ascl1-driven AVNA differentiation, but not differentiation driven by a phospho-mutant form of Ascl1. This suggests that the maintenance of ASCL1 in its multiply phosphorylated state might prevent terminal differentiation in NB, which could offer new approaches for differentiation therapy in NB.
Of mice, flies – and men? Comparing fungal infection models for large-scale screening efforts
Authors: Brunke Sascha , Quintin Jessica , Kasper Lydia , Jacobsen Ilse D. , Richter Martin E. , Hiller Ekkehard , Schwarzmüller Tobias , d'Enfert Christophe , Kuchler Karl , Rupp Steffen , Hube Bernhard , Ferrandon Dominique 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT
Studying infectious diseases requires suitable hosts for experimental in vivo infections. Recent years have seen the advent of many alternatives to murine infection models. However, the use of non-mammalian models is still controversial because it is often unclear how well findings from these systems predict virulence potential in humans or other mammals. Here, we compare the commonly used models, fruit fly and mouse (representing invertebrate and mammalian hosts), for their similarities and degree of correlation upon infection with a library of mutants of an important fungal pathogen, the yeast Candida glabrata. Using two indices, for fly survival time and for mouse fungal burden in specific organs, we show a good agreement between the models. We provide a suitable predictive model for estimating the virulence potential of C. glabrata mutants in the mouse from fly survival data. As examples, we found cell wall integrity mutants attenuated in flies, and mutants of a MAP kinase pathway had defective virulence in flies and reduced relative pathogen fitness in mice. In addition, mutants with strongly reduced in vitro growth generally, but not always, had reduced virulence in flies. Overall, we demonstrate that surveying Drosophila survival after infection is a suitable model to predict the outcome of murine infections, especially for severely attenuated C. glabrata mutants. Pre-screening of mutants in an invertebrate Drosophila model can, thus, provide a good estimate of the probability of finding a strain with reduced microbial burden in the mouse host.
The evolution of compositionally and functionally distinct actin filaments
Authors: Gunning Peter W. , Ghoshdastider Umesh , Whitaker Shane , Popp David , Robinson Robert C. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT
The actin filament is astonishingly well conserved across a diverse set of eukaryotic species. It has essentially remained unchanged in the billion years that separate yeast, Arabidopsis and man. In contrast, bacterial actin-like proteins have diverged to the extreme, and many of them are not readily identified from sequence-based homology searches. Here, we present phylogenetic analyses that point to an evolutionary drive to diversify actin filament composition across kingdoms. Bacteria use a one-filament-one-function system to create distinct filament systems within a single cell. In contrast, eukaryotic actin is a universal force provider in a wide range of processes. In plants, there has been an expansion of the number of closely related actin genes, whereas in fungi and metazoa diversification in tropomyosins has increased the compositional variety in actin filament systems. Both mechanisms dictate the subset of actin-binding proteins that interact with each filament type, leading to specialization in function. In this Hypothesis, we thus propose that different mechanisms were selected in bacteria, plants and metazoa, which achieved actin filament compositional variation leading to the expansion of their functional diversity.
About Problems Related to Realization of New Disciplines for “Technosphere Safety” Bachelor Training Direction
Authors: Чура  , Chura M. , Туркин  , Turkin V. , Чура  , Chura N. 
Published: March 2015

An analysis of educational and methodical support for &#34;Technosphere safety&#34; training direction, as well as of this direction’s
approximate main educational program, and such new disciplines of educational standard’s basic part as &#34;Noxology&#34;,
&#34;Supervision and Control in the Safety Sphere&#34; and &#34;Technosphere Safety Management&#34; has been provided. The existing
manuals and approximate programs have been considered.
Compatibility of Cloxacillin Sodium with Selected Intravenous Drugs during Simulated Y-Site Administration
Authors: Sullivan Thomas , Forest Jean-Marc , Leclair Grégoire 
Published: March 2015

Background Data regarding Y-site compatibility of intravenous (IV) cloxacillin sodium with other drugs are scarce and incomplete. Objective To establish the compatibility of IV cloxacillin with 89 injectable drugs during simulated Y-site administration. Methods Cloxacillin sodium (10 mL, 100 mg/mL) was combined with 89 undiluted IV drugs (10 mL, each). Tests were duplicated and performed at room temperature. Visual evaluation and a light obscuration particle count test were performed on 1 of the 2 solutions immediately after mixing. The second mixture underwent visual evaluation after 15 minutes, 1 hour, and 4 hours, followed by a particle count test at 4 hours. Drugs were considered incompatible if the mixture precipitated or became turbid within the 4-hour period or exceeded the particle count limit allowed by Test 1.B of USP <788> initially or at 4 hours. Results Of the 89 tested drugs, 64 were compatible for up to 4 hours. The remaining 25 drugs were incompatible. Of these incompatible drugs, 16 were identified visually, and 9 were identified by the light obscuration particle count test. Conclusions Sixty-four IV drugs were found to be compatible with cloxacillin via simulated Y-site, whereas 25 drugs were found to be incompatible with the antibiotic. The light obscuration particle count test should be used to complement visual evaluation when samples do not precipitate immediately.
The Effect of Pharmacies’ Right to Negotiate Discounts on the Market Share of Parallel Imported Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Granlund David 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
This paper analyzes how allowing pharmacies to negotiate discounts with parallel traders and producers affects the market share for parallel imports. Economic theory predicts that discount negotiations will promote products bought directly from the producers because producers have cost advantages, due to which they always underbid the marginal prices of parallel traders. A reform that allowed discount negotiations is found to reduce the market share for parallel imports by about 11 percentage points to reach 31%. The results clearly indicate that pharmacies have an important role in the choice between medically equivalent pharmaceuticals.
Rare causes of acute abdomen in pregnancy: “ultrasound to the rescue”. A review of two cases
Authors: Aliyu Labaran Dayyabu 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Acute abdomen in pregnancy poses special challenge to the pregnant woman, her unborn infant, and the attending physician. The problems are multifactorial, as the physiological changes in pregnancy mask some of the clinical signs that can be elicited in making accurate diagnosis. Some diagnostic modalities are not feasible in pregnancy because of their effects on the fetus. Another dilemma is that two lives are at stake. It becomes even more challenging when one is faced with rare causes. For these reasons, the choice of diagnostic modality becomes critical. The chosen diagnostic modality should not only be readily available, non-invasive, least hazardous to the mother and fetus, but should also provide adequate information to enable accurate diagnosis. Ultrasonography provides such an opportunity and should be utilized whenever the need arises. We present two cases of acute abdomen in pregnancy managed at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital: one was seen in the third trimester and the other in the first trimester, each with its peculiar presentation. The review is meant to alert obstetricians on the critical role of ultrasound in enhancing accurate diagnosis in the face of a complex clinical condition like acute abdomen in pregnancy.
Key-escrow free multi-signature scheme using bilinear pairings
Authors: Das Manik Lal 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWe present a multi-signature scheme based on bilinear pairings. The scheme is key escrow-free and does not require any secure channel for private key issuance to users. We use a binding-blinding technique to avoid the key escrow problem and to eliminate a secure channel requirement for the key issuance stage. The basic scheme is extended to sequential and parallel multi-signature schemes. We show that the basic scheme and multi-signature schemes are secure against adaptive chosen message attacks under standard assumptions.