bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of surgical checklists on morbidity and mortality: a pre‐ and post‐intervention study
Authors: RODRIGO‐RINCON I. , MARTIN‐VIZCAINO M.P. , TIRAPU‐LEON B. , ZABALZA‐LOPEZ P. , ZABALLOS‐BARCALA N. , VILLALGORDO‐ORTIN P. , ABAD‐VICENTE F.J. , GOST‐GARDE J. 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundSurgical checklists (SCs) have been developed to enhance teamwork and facilitate handovers, thereby improving the safety of surgical patients in health care organisations. The aim of this study was to determine whether the implementation of a 39‐item SC reduced mortality and surgical adverse events (AEs) in patients undergoing inpatient surgery.MethodsA retrospective pre‐ and post‐intervention study of two cohorts of surgical patients was conducted (n = 1602) in a tertiary teaching hospital. The patients' homogeneity was confirmed by studying 40 comorbidities, 13 analytical determinations and 14 patient‐ and intervention‐related variables. A 39‐item SC adapted from one by the World Health Organization was used. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of any AE, including death, within 30 days of the operation. Twenty‐three types of AEs were analysed.ResultsFollowing implementation of the checklist, the rate of AEs per 100 patients decreased from 31.5% to 26.5% (P = 0.39), the rate of infectious AEs decreased from 13.9 to 9.6 (P = 0.037) and non‐infectious AEs decreased from 17.5 to 16.8 (P = 0.82). For non‐elective patients, total AEs decreased from 60.4 to 37.0 (P = 0.017). The proportion of patients with one or more AE decreased from 18.1% to 16.2% (P = 0.35), and the death rate at 30 days decreased from 1.5% to 0.9% (P = 0.35).ConclusionThe overall AE rate did not decrease significantly between the two periods. However, the rate of infectious AEs and overall AEs in patients with non‐elective admissions had statistically significant reductions. Further research is needed to determine how and in which patients SC introduction can work successfully.
Linear pharmacokinetics of 3,4‐methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and its metabolites in the rat: relationship to pharmacodynamic effects
Authors: Anizan Sebastien , Concheiro Marta , Lehner Kurt R. , Bukhari Mohammad O. , Suzuki Masaki , Rice Kenner C. , Baumann Michael H. , Huestis Marilyn A. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract3,4‐Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is a commonly abused synthetic cathinone in the United States and is associated with dangerous side effects. MDPV is a dopamine transporter blocker that is 10‐fold more potent than cocaine as a locomotor stimulant in rats. Previous in vitro and in vivo metabolism studies identified 3,4‐dihydroxypyrovalerone (3,4‐catechol‐PV) and 4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxypyrovalerone (4‐OH‐3‐MeO‐PV) as the two primary MDPV metabolites. This study examined MDPV pharmacokinetics and metabolism, along with associated pharmacodynamic effects in rats receiving 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg subcutaneous (s.c.) MDPV. Blood was collected by an indwelling jugular catheter before dosing and at 10, 20, 30, 60, 120, 240 and 480 minutes thereafter. Plasma specimens were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry. Maximum concentrations (Cmax) and area‐under‐the‐curve (AUC) for MDPV and two metabolites increased proportionally with administered dose, showing linear pharmacokinetics. MDPV exhibited the highest Cmax at all doses (74.2–271.3 μg/l) and 4‐OH‐3‐MeOH‐PV the highest AUC (11 366–47 724 minutes per μg/l), being the predominant metabolite. MDPV time to Cmax (Tmax) was 12.9–18.6 minutes, while 3,4‐catechol‐PV and 4‐OH‐3‐MeO‐PV peaked later with Tmax 188.6–240 minutes after s.c. dosing. Horizontal locomotor activity (HLA) and stereotypy correlated positively with plasma MDPV concentrations, while HLA correlated negatively with MDPV metabolites. These results suggest that the parent compound mediates motor stimulation after systemic MDPV administration, but additionally, metabolites may be inhibitory, may not be active or may not pass the blood brain barrier.
Feeding across the food web: The interaction between diet, movement and body size in estuarine crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus)
Authors: Hanson Jeffrey O. , Salisbury Steven W. , Campbell Hamish A. , Dwyer Ross G. , Jardine Timothy D. , Franklin Craig E. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is an apex predator across freshwater, estuarine and coastal environments. The impact of a changingC. porosuspopulation upon the ecosystem is unknown, but due to large ontogenetic changes in body mass (>1000‐fold) their impact may be wide reaching and substantial. Here we investigated the relationship between diet, movement and body size in a population ofC. porosusinhabiting a tidal river in northern Australia. Subcutaneous acoustic transmitters and fixed underwater receivers were used to determine the activity space and movement patterns of 42 individuals (202–451 cm in total length). There was no size‐related spatial partitioning among different sized crocodiles. Large individuals (snout–vent length (SVL): 160 cm < SVL < 188.5 cm) did, however, exhibit a much larger activity space than other size classes. Diet and individual specialization was assessed using the composition of stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes in tissues with different turnover rates. There was a quadratic relationship between body size andδ15N, suggesting that medium‐sized individuals (110 cm < SVL < 160 cm) incorporated a greater proportion of high trophic prey into their diets than small (SVL < 110 cm) or large individuals (SVL > 160 cm). Tissueδ13Ccomposition on the other hand was positively correlated with body size, indicating that different size classes were trophically linked to primary producers in different habitats. Individual‐level analyses showed that small crocodiles were generalist feeders while medium and large size classes specialized on particular prey items within the food webs they fed. The findings further our understanding of ontogenetic variation inC. porosusdiet, and suggest that change inC. porosuspopulation size or demographics may be influential at various levels across the local food web.
Morphology of the Canine Omentum Part 2: The Omental Bursa and its Compartments Materialized and Explored by a Novel Technique
Authors: Doom M. , de Rooster H. , van Bergen T. , Gielen I. , Kromhout K. , Simoens P. , Cornillie P. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryThe canine omental bursa is a virtual cavity enclosed by the greater and lesser omentum. While previous representations of this bursa were always purely schematic, a novel casting technique was developed to depict the three‐dimensional organization of the omental bursa more consistently. A self‐expanding polyurethane‐based foam was injected into the omental bursa through the omental foramen in six dogs. After curing and the subsequent maceration of the surrounded tissues, the obtained three‐dimensional casts could clearly and in a reproducible way reveal the omental vestibule, its caudal recess and the three compartments of the splenic recess. The cast proved to be an invaluable study tool to identify the landmarks that define the enveloping omentum. In addition, the polyurethane material can easily be discerned on computed tomographic images. When the casting technique is preceded by vascular injections, the blood vessels that supply the omentum can be outlined as well.
Aflibercept‐related nasal septum perforation
Authors: Alkan Ali , Yücel Levent , Mızrak Dılşa , Akbulut Hakan 
Published: December 2014

AbstractHypertension, cytopenia and diarrhea are the most common side effects of aflibercept. Rarely thromboembolism, hemorrhage, fistulization and reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy have been reported. Here we report a patient experiencing nasal septum perforation during aflibercept therapy.
The locus C11orf30 increases susceptibility to poly‐sensitization
Authors: Amaral A. F. S. , Minelli C. , Guerra S. , Wjst M. , Probst‐Hensch N. , Pin I. , Svanes C. , Janson C. , Heinrich J. , Jarvis D. L. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractA number of genetic variants have been associated with allergic sensitization, but whether these are allergen specific or increase susceptibility to poly‐sensitization is unknown. Using data from the large multicentre population‐based European Community Respiratory Health Survey, we assessed the association between 10 loci and specific IgE and skin prick tests to individual allergens and poly‐sensitization. We found that the 10 loci associate with sensitization to different allergens in a nonspecific manner and that one in particular, C11orf30‐rs2155219, doubles the risk of poly‐sensitization (specific IgE/4 allergens: OR = 1.81, 95% CI 0.80–4.24; skin prick test/4+ allergens: OR = 2.27, 95% CI 1.34–3.95). The association of rs2155219 with higher levels of expression of C11orf30, which may be involved in transcription repression of interferon‐stimulated genes, and its association with sensitization to multiple allergens suggest that this locus is highly relevant for atopy.
Amniotic fluid erythropoietin and neonatal outcome in pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction before 34 gestational weeks
Authors: Seikku Laura , Rahkonen Leena , Tikkanen Minna , Hämäläinen Esa , Rahkonen Petri , Andersson Sture , Teramo Kari , Paavonen Jorma , Stefanovic Vedran 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectiveHigh amniotic fluid erythropoietin concentration reflects chronic fetal hypoxia. Our aim was to study amniotic fluid erythropoietin concentration in relation to neonatal outcome in pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction.DesignRetrospective case series.SettingHelsinki University Hospital, Finland.SampleA total of 66 singleton pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction.MethodsAmniocentesis or amniotic fluid sampling at cesarean section was performed between 24 and 34 gestational weeks. Values of amniotic fluid erythropoietin were quantitated with immunochemiluminometric assay. Normal amniotic fluid erythropoietin was defined as <3 IU/L, intermediate as 3–27 IU/L, and abnormal as >27 IU/L.Main outcome measuresAdverse neonatal outcome.ResultsAbnormal biophysical profile and reversed end‐diastolic flow in umbilical artery were associated with abnormal amniotic fluid erythropoietin (p < 0.001 and p = 0.042, respectively). Abnormal amniotic fluid erythropoietin was not associated with absent end‐diastolic flow in umbilical artery or with oligohydramnios (p = 0.404 and p = 0.080, respectively). Decreased umbilical artery pH and base excess values were associated with abnormal amniotic fluid erythropoietin (p = 0.027 and p = 0.007, respectively). Composite adverse neonatal outcome defined as intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, cerebral infarction and/or necrotizing enterocolitis was associated with abnormal amniotic fluid erythropoietin (p < 0.001).ConclusionsHigh amniotic fluid erythropoietin concentrations are associated with decreased umbilical artery pH and base excess and with adverse neonatal outcome in pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction before 34 gestational weeks. In selected pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction, determining amniotic fluid erythropoietin could be a useful additional tool in fetal surveillance and possibly in optimizing timing of delivery.
Fetal ultrasound examination and assessment of genetic soft markers in Sweden: are ethical principles respected?
Authors: Hayat Roshanai Afsaneh , Ingvoldstad Charlotta , Lindgren Peter 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo explore procedures for providing information, assessment and documentation about ultrasound soft markers in Sweden.DesignDescriptive, quantitative, cross‐sectional survey.SampleEighty‐two percent of all obstetric ultrasound clinics in Sweden (covering >90% of routine fetal ultrasound examinations).MethodsPostal questionnaire survey between December 2010 and January 2011.Main outcome measuresItems about provision of information, risk estimation, and follow‐up strategies in relation to observed ultrasound soft markers.ResultsMore than 96% of all fetal routine ultrasound examinations were performed at 15–21 gestational weeks, primarily by midwives. Half of the clinics replying wanted prospective parents to be provided with information, but 38 (78%) of the clinics did not routinely inform about assessment of soft markers before the examination. Follow up and decisions on whether to give information when soft markers were found were based on the number and type of the observed markers, whether other structural deviations existed, and on the woman's age and anxiety level. Only at eight clinics (17%) were parents informed about all soft marker findings. At 13 clinics (28%) observed markers were documented/recorded, even though the women were not informed.ConclusionsInformation regarding the assessment and importance of observed soft markers seems to be inconsistent and insufficient. Provision of information and documentation of findings appear to be handled differently at obstetric ultrasound clinics. This suggests that Swedish ethical principles relating to healthcare and ultrasound examinations are incompletely followed and national guidelines appear to be necessary.
Systemic circulatory influences on retinal microvascular function in middle‐age individuals with low to moderate cardiovascular risk
Authors: Seshadri Swathi , Mroczkowska Stephanie , Qin Lu , Patel Sunni , Ekart Aniko , Gherghel Doina 
Published: December 2014

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the relationship between retinal microvascular reactivity, circulatory markers for CVD risk and systemic antioxidative defence capacity in healthy middle‐aged individuals with low to moderate risk of CVD.MethodsRetinal vascular reactivity to flickering light was assessed in 102 healthy participants (46–60 years) by means of dynamic retinal vessel analysis (DVA). Other vascular assessments included carotid intima‐media thickness (C‐IMT) and blood pressure (BP) measurements. Total cholesterol (CHOL), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), triglycerides (TG) and blood glutathione levels in its reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) forms were also determined for each participant, along with Framingham risk scores (FRS).ResultsRetinal arterial baseline diameter fluctuation (BDF) was independently, significantly and negatively influenced by LDL‐C levels (β = −0.53, p = 0.027). Moreover, the arterial dilation slope (SlopeAD) was independently, significantly and positively associated with redox index (GSH: GSSG ratio, β = 0.28, p = 0.016), while the arterial constriction slope (SlopeAC) was significantly and negatively influenced by blood GSH levels (β = −0.20, p = 0.042), and positively associated with FRS (β = 0.25, p = 0.009). Venous BDF and dilation amplitude (DA) were also negatively influenced by plasma LDL‐C levels (β = −0.83, p = 0.013; and β = −0.22, p = 0.028, respectively).ConclusionsIn otherwise healthy individuals with low to moderate cardiovascular risk, retinal microvascular dilation and constriction responses to stress levels are influenced by systemic antioxidant capacity, and circulating markers for cardiovascular risk.
Regulation of free glutamate content in meat by dietary lysine in broilers
Authors: Watanabe Genya , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Shibata Masahiro , Kubota Masatoshi , Kadowaki Motoni , Fujimura Shinobu 
Published: December 2014

AbstractRegulation of taste is important for improving meat quality and glutamate (Glu) is one of the important taste‐active components in meat. Here, the effects of dietary lysine (Lys) content on taste‐active components in meat, especially free Glu, were investigated. Fourteen‐day‐old broiler chicks (Gallus gallus) were fed on diets containing 100% or 150% of the recommended Lys content for 10 days. Concentrations of free amino acids in plasma, muscle and liver were measured. The levels of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for enzymes related to Glu metabolism were determined in muscle and liver. The concentration of muscle metabolites was also determined. The free Glu content in muscle of chicks fed the Lys150% diet was increased by 44.0% compared with that in chicks fed the Lys100% diet (P < 0.01). The mRNA level of lysine α‐ketoglutarate reductase, which is involved in Lys degradation and Glu production, was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the Lys150% group. Metabolome analysis showed that the Lys degradation products, muscular saccharopine, pipecolic acid and α‐aminoadipic acid, were increased in the Lys150% group. Our results suggest that free Glu content in muscle is regulated by Lys degradation. These results suggest that a short‐term feeding of high‐Lys diet could improve the taste of meat.
The importance of family and community support for the health of HIV‐affected populations in Southern Africa: What do we know and where to from here?
Authors: Casale Marisa 
Published: December 2014

PurposeInformal family and community support deriving from social relations can play an important role in protecting mental and physical health in resource‐scarce contexts and may help facilitate health service access and uptake. Yet, to date, there has been surprisingly little empirical research investigating the role of social support as a resource for health in HIV‐affected Southern African communities, despite the known importance of social connectedness, high rates of physical and mental health conditions, and existing ‘treatment gaps’.MethodsThis paper brings together and discusses findings of multiple linked analyses, from the first large‐scale explanatory sequential mixed methods research investigating the relationship between social support and health with caregiver populations in HIV‐endemic South Africa.ResultsOverall, findings highlight the protective role of social support for caregiver mental health, the multiple perceived psychological and behavioural mechanisms possibly explaining the relationship between social support and both mental and physical health, and gender differences in the provision, effects, and availability of support.ConclusionsDrawing from these findings and the broader literature, four potential foci for future research in Southern Africa are identified and discussed, as are implications for research design and methodologies. These involve achieving a better understanding of the following: The pathways and processes explaining common and differential effects of social support across different population groups; the potential protective role of social support for physical health; and the role of factors such as gender and social and cultural norms in shaping the relationship between social support and health.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Mental and physical health are closely related.

HIV increases the risk of mental health conditions.

Studies mainly from high‐income countries have shown social relations and support to be protective of health.

What does this study add?

First mixed methods research of this dimension on social support and health in Southern Africa.

Highlights importance of social support for mental health among caregivers of children in HIV‐endemic South Africa.

Points to biological and psychological pathways explaining the support–health relationship in this sample.
Frozen section during partial nephrectomy: does it predict positive margins?
Authors: Gordetsky Jennifer , Gorin Michael A. , Canner Joe , Ball Mark W. , Pierorazio Phillip M. , Allaf Mohamad E. , Epstein Jonathan I. 
Published: December 2014

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical utility of frozen section (FS) analysis performed during partial nephrectomy (PN) and its influence on intra‐operative management.Patients and MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive PN cases from 2010 to 2013. We evaluated the concordance between the intra‐operative FS diagnosis and the FS control diagnosis, a postoperative quality assurance measure performed on all FS diagnoses after formalin fixation of the tissue. We also evaluated the concordance between the intra‐operative FS diagnosis and the final specimen margin. Operating reports were reviewed for change in intra‐operative management for cases with a positive or atypia FS diagnosis, or if the mass was sent for FS.ResultsA total of 576 intra‐operative FSs were performed in 351 cases to assess the PN tumour bed margin, 19 (5.4%) of which also had a mass sent for FS to assess the tumour type. The concordance rate between the FS diagnosis and the FS control diagnosis was 98.3%. There were 30 (8.5%) final positive specimen margins, of which four (13.3%) were classified as atypia, 17 (56.7%) as negative and nine (30%) as positive on FS diagnosis. Intra‐operative management was influenced in six of nine cases with a positive FS diagnosis and in one of nine cases with an FS diagnosis of atypia.ConclusionsThe relatively high false‐negative rate, controversy over the prognosis of a positive margin, and inconsistency in influencing intra‐operative management are arguments against the routine use of FS in PN cases.
Clinical and genomic analysis of metastatic prostate cancer progression with a background of postoperative biochemical recurrence
Authors: Alshalalfa Mohammed , Crisan Anamaria , Vergara Ismael A. , Ghadessi Mercedeh , Buerki Christine , Erho Nicholas , Yousefi Kasra , Sierocinski Thomas , Haddad Zaid , Black Peter C. , Karnes R. Jeffrey , Jenkins Robert B. , Davicioni Elai 
Published: December 2014

ObjectiveTo better characterize the genomics of patients with biochemical recurrence (BCR) who have metastatic disease progression in order to improve treatment decisions for prostate cancer.MethodsThe expression profiles of three clinical outcome groups after radical prostatectomy (RP) were compared: those with no evidence of disease (NED; n = 108); those with BCR (rise in prostate‐specific antigen [PSA] level without metastasis; n = 163); and those with metastasis (n = 192). The patients were profiled using Human Exon 1.0 ST microarrays, and outcomes were supported by a median 18 years of follow‐up. A metastasis signature was defined and verified in an independent RP cohort to ensure the robustness of the signature. Furthermore, bioinformatics characterization of the signature was conducted to decipher its biology.ResultsMinimal gene expression differences were observed between adjuvant treatment‐naïve patients in the NED group and patients without metastasis in the BCR group. More than 95% of the differentially expressed genes (metastasis signature) were found in comparisons between primary tumours of metastasis patients and the two other outcome groups. The metastasis signature was validated in an independent cohort and was significantly associated with cell cycle genes, ubiquitin‐mediated proteolysis, DNA repair, androgen, G‐protein coupled and NOTCH signal transduction pathways.ConclusionThis study shows that metastasis development after BCR is associated with a distinct transcriptional programme that can be detected in the primary tumour. Patients with NED and BCR have highly similar transcriptional profiles, suggesting that measurement of PSA on its own is a poor surrogate for lethal disease. Use of genomic testing in patients undergoing RP with an initial rise in PSA level may be useful to improve secondary therapy decision‐making.