bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Patients With Congenital Heart Disease in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Wells Saran , Anderson Tiffany , Tiemieier Alexander , Wrobel Joanna , Maraqa Nizar , Smotherman Carmen , Wheeler Sarah , Bailey Christine , Kraemer Dale , Rathore Mobeen H. 
Published: October 2013

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization has been recognized as a significant problem among hospitalized patients. Available data about prevalence of MRSA among children with congenital heart disease (CHD) are minimal. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of MRSA colonization and to identify risk factors for MRSA colonization among children <19 years old with CHD admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Methods: Admission and weekly MRSA nasal surveillance testing was performed, and patients were stratified into six risk groups based on the Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery-1 Method. The MRSA-colonized children were compared to the MRSA noncolonized children. Results: During the 3-year study period, there were 372 admissions of children with CHD to the PICU. Of the 372, 72 (19.4%) had no surveillance cultures performed or had no prior history of MRSA and were excluded from further analysis. Of the remaining 300 admissions, 29 (9.7%) (263 individual children) were found to be colonized. The mean age of the 263 children when first admitted to the PICU was 3.29 years (range 0.03-18.30, median 0.66). Age distribution was not significantly different between the colonized and noncolonized groups ( P = .236). Gender ( P = .667), race ( P = .837), and CHD complexity ( P = .395) were not significantly associated with colonization. The odds of being colonized if previously hospitalized were 4.42 times greater than if not previously hospitalized (95% confidence interval 1.89, 10.34). Conclusion: Routine MRSA surveillance should be performed in patients with CHD to identify colonized patients.
Functionally Univentricular Heart and the Fontan Operation
Authors: Jacobs Jeffrey Phillip , Maruszewski Bohdan 
Published: October 2013

Background: “The term “functionally univentricular heart” describes a spectrum of congenital cardiovascular malformations in which the ventricular mass may not readily lend itself to partitioning that commits one ventricular pump to the systemic circulation and another to the pulmonary circulation.” The purpose of this article is to review patterns of practice and outcomes in the Congenital Heart Surgery Databases (CHSDBs) of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) in patients with functionally univentricular hearts undergoing the Fontan operation. Methods: We examined all index operations performed on patients with functionally univentricular hearts in the EACTS and STS-CHSDBs over 4 years from 2007 to 2010, inclusive. Results: The most common diagnostic categories are hypoplastic left heart syndrome, tricuspid atresia, and double inlet left ventricle. The Fontan operation makes up 3.2% of all cardiac operations in the EACTS and STS-CHSDBs over 4 years from 2007 to 2010, inclusive. Of all the patients undergoing a Fontan procedure, 65.1% had an extracardiac Fontan, 21.5% had a lateral tunnel, and 5.8% had a Fontan revision or conversion (Re-do Fontan). In operations where fenestration status is known, 68.5% of the Fontan operations were fenestrated. During the four years of this analysis, only 5 patients had ventricular septation. Exclusive of Fontan revision or conversion (Re-do Fontan), all remaining Fontan operations had a discharge mortality of 2.3%. Fontan revision or conversion (Re-do Fontan) had a discharge mortality of 12.8%. Conclusions: The STS database is largest CHSDB in North America. The EACTS database is largest CHSDB in Europe. This review of data from EACTS and STS allows for unique documentation of practice patterns and outcomes. From this analysis, it is clear that patients with functionally univentricular hearts present a challenging problem; however, exclusive of Fontan revision or conversion (Re-do Fontan), the Fontan operation has a discharge mortality of 2.3%.
Early Cyanosis After Stage II Palliation for Single Ventricle Physiology
Authors: Zampi Jeffrey D. , Hirsch-Romano Jennifer C. , Armstrong Aimee K. 
Published: October 2013

Background: In the early postoperative period after stage II palliation, patients with single ventricle physiology can have cyanosis due to a variety of causes. This cyanosis can be significant and necessitate cardiac catheterization to determine etiology and attempt treatment. Our objective was to determine the etiology of early postoperative cyanosis and outcomes in patients referred to the catheterization laboratory from the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) after stage II palliation. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients referred for cardiac catheterization from the CICU for evaluation of early cyanosis after stage II palliation. Etiology for hypoxemia, treatment strategy, and patient outcomes were examined for each patient. Results: Between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2011, 244 patients underwent stage II palliation of which 22 required cardiac catheterization during the early postoperative period because of severe cyanosis. The etiologies for cyanosis were venovenous collaterals (n = 12), cavopulmonary pathway thrombosis (n = 3), hemi-Fontan pathway baffle leak (n = 2), and undetermined (n = 5). Overall, transplant-free survival to hospital discharge was 50% and survival to hospital discharge with stage II physiology was 32%. Venovenous collateral occlusion, cavopulmonary anastomosis takedown, and addition of a second source of pulmonary blood flow were not associated with improved outcome. Conclusions: Regardless of the etiology or treatment strategy, severe cyanosis in the early postoperative period after stage II palliation imparts high mortality and usually indicates failing stage II physiology. Venovenous collateral occlusion and thrombectomy are usually futile, and those who survive have a low likelihood of having stage II physiology at hospital discharge.
Hospital Charges and Practice Patterns for General and Regional Anesthesia in Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair
Authors: Foster Brock D. , Terrell Rodney , Montgomery Scott R. , Wang Jeffrey C. , Petrigliano Frank A. , McAllister David R. 
Published: October 2013

Background: Anesthetic use for arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction may display variability in hospital charges and utilization in the United States. Purpose: To evaluate practice patterns and hospital charges for anesthesia in arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. Study Type: Cross-sectional study. Methods: The PearlDiver Patient Records Database, a national database of insurance billing records, was searched using the current procedural terminology (CPT) codes for arthroscopic ACL reconstruction in combination with different types of anesthesia. The search included the years between 2004 and 2009. Age, sex, number of procedures performed, geographic region, and hospital charges for each type of anesthesia were recorded and compared. Anesthetic types were categorized as general anesthesia (GA) only, GA with concomitant single femoral injection, GA with concomitant other regional anesthesia (RA), single femoral injection only, or other RA only. Results: Between 2004 and 2009, a total of 53,968 arthroscopic reconstructive procedures were identified. The mean per patient hospital charge for GA alone, GA in combination with single femoral injection, GA in combination with other RA, single femoral injection alone, and RA alone was $1065 (63% of cases), $1614 (29%), $1849 (4%), $630 (3%), and $612 (1%), respectively. The use of GA in combination with RA or single femoral nerve injection significantly increased during this time period ( P = .004 and P < .001, respectively). Conclusion: The mean per patient hospital charges for arthroscopic ACL reconstruction varied with the mode of anesthesia utilized, where regional anesthetic techniques alone were least expensive. RA alone was utilized infrequently, and there was a significant increase in the rate of utilization of GA in combination with any form of RA. Clinical Relevance: This study provides information on current trends and hospital charges for anesthesia in arthroscopic ACL reconstruction.
Unraveling a novel transcription factor code determining the human arterial-specific endothelial cell signature
Authors: Aranguren Xabier L. , Agirre Xabier , Beerens Manu , Coppiello Giulia , Uriz Maialen , Vandersmissen Ine , Benkheil Mohammed , Panadero Joaquin , Aguado Natalia , Pascual-Montano Alberto , Segura Victor , Prósper Felipe , Luttun Aernout 
Published: October 2013

Key PointsFreshly isolated arterial/venous endothelial cells differ in their gene signature, which is only partially controlled by the Notch pathway. Eight transcription factors codetermine the arterial fingerprint in a complementary and overlapping fashion.
How I treat monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS)
Authors: Fermand Jean-Paul , Bridoux Frank , Kyle Robert A. , Kastritis Efstathios , Weiss Brendan M. , Cook Mark A. , Drayson Mark T. , Dispenzieri Angela , Leung Nelson 
Published: October 2013

AbstractRecently, the term monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) was introduced to distinguish monoclonal gammopathies that result in the development of kidney disease from those that are benign. By definition, patients with MGRS have B-cell clones that do not meet the definition of multiple myeloma or lymphoma. Nevertheless, these clones produce monoclonal proteins that are capable of injuring the kidney resulting in permanent damage. Except for immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis with heart involvement in which death can be rapid, treatment of MGRS is often indicated more to preserve kidney function and prevent recurrence after kidney transplantation rather than the prolongation of life. Clinical trials are rare for MGRS-related kidney diseases, except in immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis. Treatment recommendations are therefore based on the clinical data obtained from treatment of the clonal disorder in its malignant state. The establishment of these treatment recommendations is important until data can be obtained by clinical trials of MGRS-related kidney diseases.
Anxiety and depression disorders in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Harzheim Dominik , Klose Hans , Pinado Fabiola Peña , Ehlken Nicola , Nagel Christian , Fischer Christine , Ghofrani Ardeschir , Rosenkranz Stephan , Seyfarth Hans-Jürgen , Halank Michael , Mayer Eckhard , Grünig Ekkehard , Guth Stefan 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this prospective study was to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression disorders and their association with quality of life (QoL), clinical parameters and survival in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH).MethodsWe prospectively assessed 158 patients invasively diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (n = 138) and inoperable chronic thromboembolic PH (n = 20) by clinical measures including quality of life (QoL, SF-36 questionnaire), cardiopulmonary exercise testing and six minute walking distance and by questionnaires for depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7). According to the results of the clinical examination and the questionnaires for mental disorders (MD) patients were classified into two groups, 1) with moderate to severe MD (n = 36, 22,8%), and 2) with mild or no MD (n = 122). Patients were followed for a median of 2.7 years. Investigators of QoL, SF-36 were blinded to the clinical data.ResultsAt baseline the 2 groups did not differ in their severity of PH or exercise capacity. Patients with moderate to severe MD (group 1) had a significantly lower QoL shown in all subscales of SF-36 (p < 0.002). QoL impairment significantly correlated with the severity of depression (p < 0.001) and anxiety (p < 0.05). During follow-up period 32 patients died and 3 were lost to follow-up. There was no significant difference between groups regarding survival. Only 8% of the patients with MD received psychopharmacological treatment.ConclusionAnxiety and depression were frequently diagnosed in our patients and significantly correlated with quality of life, but not with long term survival. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the results.
Genetic and biochemical markers of hydroxyurea therapeutic response in sickle cell anemia
Authors: Silva Danilo Grunig Humberto , Belini Junior Edis , Carrocini Gisele Cristine de Souza , Torres Lidiane de Souza , Ricci Júnior Octávio , Lobo Clarisse Lopes de Castro , Bonini-Domingos Claudia Regina , de Almeida Eduardo Alves 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundSickle cell anemia (SCA) presents a complex pathophysiology which can be affected by a number of modifying factors, including genetic and biochemical ones. In Brazil, there have been no studies verifying βS-haplotypes effect on oxidative stress parameters. This study evaluated βS-haplotypes and Hb F levels effects on oxidative stress markers and their relationship with hydroxyurea (HU) treatment in SCA patients.MethodsThe studied group was composed by 28 SCA patients. Thirteen of these patients were treated with HU and 15 of them were not. We used molecular methodology (PCR-RFLP) for hemoglobin S genotype confirmation and haplotypes identification. Biochemical parameters were measured using spectrophotometric methods (Thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substances and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity levels, catalase and GST activities) and plasma glutathione levels by High-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrochemical detection.ResultsWe found the highest frequency of Bantu haplotype (48.2%) which was followed by Benin (32.1%). We observed also the presence of Cameroon haplotype, rare in Brazilian population and 19.7% of atypical haplotypes. The protective Hb F effect was confirmed in SCA patients because these patients showed an increase in Hb F levels that resulted in a 41.3% decrease on the lipid peroxidation levels (r =−0.74, p=0.01). Other biochemical parameters have not shown differential expression according to patient’s haplotypes. Bantu haplotype presence was related to the highest lipid peroxidation levels in patients (p < 0,01), but it also conferred a differential response to HU treatment, raising Hb F levels in 52.6% (p = 0.03) when compared with the group with the same molecular profile without HU usage.ConclusionsSCA patients with Bantu haplotype showed the worst oxidative status. However these patients also demonstrated a better response to the treatment with HU. Such treatment seems to have presented a “haplotype-dependent” pharmacological effect.
Correlation between the prevalence of herniation pits and the alpha angle of the hip: computed tomography evaluation in healthy Chinese adults
Authors: Guo Zhe , Xu Li , Su Yong-bin , Cheng Xiao-guang 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Herniation pits (HPs) commonly develop over time at the femoral head–neck junction in adults, but their cause is still under debate. The purpose of study reported here was to investigate the correlation between the prevalence of HPs of the femoral neck and the alpha angle of the hips of healthy Chinese adults, by using computed tomography (CT).

Methods
Six hundred and seventy Chinese adults (representing 1145 hips) who had no known diseases affecting the proximal femur and had no symptoms of femoroacetabular impingement underwent a 64-slice CT scan for medical purposes that included the hip in the scan range. Their CT data were analyzed for the prevalence of HPs in the femoral necks and for hip alpha angles.

Results
The overall prevalence of femoral-neck HPs was 12.5% (143 of 1145 hips). The prevalence in the left versus right femoral necks was 12.1% (69 of 569 hips) versus 12.8% (74 of 576 hips). There was no statistically significant difference between the two sides (χ2 = 0.136; p = 0.712). The prevalence of HPs was greater in men than in women (15.9% vs 7.7%; p < 0.01) and greater in adults older than 30 years than in adults younger than 30 years (χ2= 14.547; p < 0.01). The alpha angles were greater in the 143 proximal femora with HPs than in the 1002 without pits (39.95° ± 6.01° vs 37.97° ± 5.14°; p < 0.01).

Conclusions
The prevalence of HPs of the femoral neck in healthy adults was 12.5%, and the prevalence was greater in men than in women. There is a correlation between the prevalence of HPs and the contour of the femoral head–neck junction. The formation of pits may be attributed to the combination of degeneration and morphologic variances in the femoral head–neck junction.
Analysis of MAT3 gene expression in NSCLC
Authors: Zheng Shangen , Du Yuwen , Chu Heying , Chen Xudong , Li Ping , Wang Yuanyuan , Ma Yunyun , Wang Huaqi , Zang Wenqiao , Zhang Guojun , Zhao Guoqiang 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Many studies have suggested different roles of Metastasis-associated protein 3 (MAT3) in different types of human cancers. However, expression of MAT3 in primary lung cancer and its relationship with clinicopathological factors have not been examined and the biological roles of MTA3 in lung cancer cells are still unclear.

Methods
The expression of MAT3 mRNA and protein were detected with quantitative real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemical methods in 118 NSCLC samples and corresponding non-neoplastic samples. Survival curves were made with follow-up data. The relations of the prognosis with clinical and pathological characteristics were analyzed.

Results
The expression level of MAT3 mRNA and the positive rate of MAT3 protein were significantly higher in NSCLC samples than that in non-neoplastic samples, and in NSCLC samples with lymph node metastasis than that in NSCLC samples without lymph node metastasis (P < 0.01). MAT3 mRNA expression level was a risk factor of lymph node metastasis in patients with NSCLC (P = 0.006). There were significant differences in survival curves between lymph node metastatic group and non-metastatic group (P = 0.000), among groups of MAT3 positive and negative (P = 0.000), among groups of TNM stage I, II and III (P = 0.000) and among groups of tumor status T1, T2 and T3T4 (P = 0.000); but no statistical significance between male patients and female patients (P = 0.516), between ≥60 years old patients and <60 years old patients (P = 0.133), between histology types adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (P = 0.865) and between well differentiation and moderate-poor differentiation (P = 0.134). The level of MAT3 mRNA (P = 0.000) and protein (P = 0.000) were risk factors of survival.

Conclusion
Our study showed that MAT3 over-expression in NSCLC tissue, and MAT3 mRNA level is a risk factor of lymph node metastasis. The level of MAT3 mRNA and protein were risk factors of survival in patients with NSCLC. It suggested that this antigen could be used as a simple and efficient parameter with which to identify high-risk patients.

Virtual slides
The virtual slides for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/5585901065503943.
Reproductive behavior of the male rose bitterling Rhodeus ocellatus as influenced by the operational sex ratio
Authors: Liao Cai-ping , Yu Dan , Chen Yi-yu , Liu Huan-zhang 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Game theory predicts that as the operational sex ratio (OSR; the ratio of sexually active males to fertilizable females) increases, reproductive males may adopt alternative reproductive behaviors. Empirical studies indicated that alternative behaviors may differ for different species. In the present study, we investigated the influence of different male-biased OSRs on male reproductive behaviors shown by a freshwater fish, the rose bitterling Rhodeus ocellatus.

Results
Six levels of the OSR (1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 5:1, 7:1, and 9:1) were established, and male leading, aggression, and preoviposition ejaculation behaviors were recorded. Our experiments showed that at low OSRs, the leading behavior of male rose bitterling increased with an increasing OSR, reaching a maximum at an OSR of 3:1, and then decreased as the OSR further increased. In contrast, aggression and preoviposition ejaculation behavior continually increased with an increasing OSR. Notably, males possibly lost their territorial position to other males and became sneakers when facing more rivals.

Conclusions
These observations suggest that at lower OSRs, male rose bitterling mainly rely on leading behavior, while at higher OSRs, they increasingly adopt aggression and preoviposition ejaculation. Therefore, for the rose bitterling, (1) decreased leading behavior and (2) increased aggression and preoviposition ejaculation are two alternative responses in the face of an increasing OSR, which is a more straightforward strategy for facing an increased risk of sperm competition than that adopted by its congener, the European bitterling.
Embryonic stem cells shed new light on the developmental roles of p53
Authors: Shin Min Hwa , He Yunlong , Huang Jing 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The viability and subtle developmental defects of p53 knockout mice suggest that p53 does not play major role in development. However, contradictory evidence also exists. This discrepancy mainly results from the lack of molecular and cellular mechanisms and the general fact that p53 activation requires stresses. Recent studies of p53 in mouse and human ES cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells shed new light on the mechanisms of the developmental roles of p53. This review summarizes these new studies that support the developmental roles of p53, highlights the possible underlying molecular mechanisms, and discusses the potential relationship between the developmental roles and the tumor suppressive function of p53. In summary, the molecular mechanisms underlying the developmental roles of p53 are emerging, and the developmental roles and tumor suppressive function of p53 may be closely related.
At the Bench: Preclinical rationale for exploiting NK cells and γδ T lymphocytes for the treatment of high-risk leukemias
Authors: Norell Håkan , Moretta Alessandro , Silva-Santos Bruno , Moretta Lorenzo 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTNK cells and γδ T lymphocytes display potent cytolytic activity against leukemias and CMV-infected cells and are thus, promising immune effector cells in the context of allo-HSCT. NK cells express HLA class I-specific inhibitory receptors and preferentially kill HLA class Ilow tumors or virus-infected cells. Killing occurs upon engagement of activating NKRs with ligands that are up-regulated on tumors and infected cells. A similar activating receptor/ligand interaction strategy is used by γδ T cells, which in addition, use their TCRs for recognition of phosphorylated antigens and still largely undefined ligands on tumor cells. In the haploidentical allo-HSCT setting, alloreactive NK cells, derived from donor HSCs, can exert potent antileukemia activity and kill residual patient DCs and T cells, thus preventing GvHD and graft rejection. However, generation of KIR+ alloreactive NK cells from HSCs requires many weeks, during which leukemia relapses, and life-threatening infections may occur. Importantly, mature NK cells and γδ T cells can control certain infectious agents efficiently, in particular, limit CMV reactivation, and infusion of such donor cells at the time of HSCT has been implemented. Development of novel, cell-based immunotherapies, allowing improved trafficking and better targeting, will endow NK cells and γδ T lymphocytes with enhanced anti-tumor activity, also making them key reagents for therapies against solid tumors. The clinical aspects of using NK cells and γδ T lymphocytes against hematological malignancies, including the allo-HSCT context, are reviewed in the related side-by-side paper by Locatelli and colleagues [1].