bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Age Using Alveolar Bone Loss: Forensic and Anthropological Applications
Authors: Ruquet Michel , Saliba‐Serre Bérengère , Tardivo Delphine , Foti Bruno 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe objective of this study was to utilize a new odontological methodological approach based on radiographic for age estimation. The study was comprised of 397 participants aged between 9 and 87 years. A clinical examination and a radiographic assessment of alveolar bone loss were performed. Direct measures of alveolar bone level were recorded using CT scans. A medical examination report was attached to the investigation file. Because of the link between alveolar bone loss and age, a model was proposed to enable simple, reliable, and quick age estimation. This work added new arguments for age estimation. This study aimed to develop a simple, standardized, and reproducible technique for age estimation of adults of actual populations in forensic medicine and ancient populations in funeral anthropology.
Benign thyroid nodules with RAS mutation grow faster
Authors: Puzziello Alessandro , Guerra Anna , Murino Alessia , Izzo Giulia , Carrano Mario , Angrisani Elisabetta , Zeppa Pio , Marotta Vincenzo , Faggiano Antongiulio , Vitale Mario 
Published: August 2015

SummaryContextThe management of a benign thyroid nodule includes follow‐up until its size requires a surgical or alternative treatment. To date, it is difficult or impossible to predict the size changes of a benign nodule in a given patient because no specific growth parameters exist. RAS mutations have been described in thyroid adenomas and hyperplastic benign nodules.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to establish whether the volume changes of benign nodules are associated with the presence of RAS mutation.Patients and methodsGenomic DNA obtained by fine‐needle aspiration of 78 thyroid nodules with benign cytology was analysed by pyrosequencing for the presence of NRAS61 and KRAS13 mutations. Ultrasonographic features were obtained. The volume of nodules at baseline and their changes after a mean follow‐up of 25 months were evaluated according to the presence of RAS mutation.ResultsA RAS mutation was found in 24 thyroid aspirates (30·8%, 8 NRAS61 and 16 KRAS13). RAS mutation was not associated with ultrasonographic features, but was significantly associated with a larger size at baseline (P = 0·017). After a 25‐month mean follow‐up, RAS mutation‐positive nodules displayed faster growth (RAS mutation‐positive vs RAS mutation‐negative % annual growth 27·6% ±32·2% vs 1·0% ±17·0%, P < 0·001).ConclusionsBenign thyroid nodules bearing RAS mutation grow more rapidly than those with wild‐type RAS. Searching for RAS mutations in thyroid nodules with benign cytology might be useful to the clinician in choosing a more appropriate and timely surgical management.
BAM! Utilizing the frequency of Benign, Atypical and Malignant diagnoses for quality improvement in the histopathologic diagnosis of melanocytic neoplasms
Authors: Bush James W. , Hunt Edgar L. , Fraga Garth R. 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundHealthcare quality measures are metrics that quantify medical outcomes. There is a need for performance indicators in the diagnosis of melanocytic neoplasms. We sought to determine whether the atypical to malignant diagnosis ratio (AMR) and benign to malignant diagnosis ratio (BMR) could identify differences between practitioners within a group as well as individual diagnostic drift.MethodsDiagnoses of melanocytic neoplasms from 2013 and 2014 by two dermatopathologists were prospectively subclassified as benign, atypical or malignant and reported on a monthly basis to the pathologists. Case diagnoses of melanocytic neoplasms from 2012 and 2009 were retrospectively subclassified as benign, atypical or malignant for comparison.ResultsA total of 33,169 cases were used in this study. Interpathologist AMR and BMR were significantly different. One pathologist demonstrated a significant increase in AMR over time.ConclusionAMR and BMR metrics are potential performance indicators that can measure pathologist uncertainty, identify diagnostic drift and provide a surrogate measure of the relative risk level of laboratory patient populations. If applied to multiple laboratories, AMR and BMR metrics could help inform physicians' choice of dermatopathology laboratory and provide a method for comparative analysis between laboratories.
HLA B51 is associated with faster AIDS progression among newly diagnosed HIV‐infected individuals in Manitoba, Canada
Authors: Keynan Y. , Rueda Z. V. , Bresler K. , Becker M. , Kasper K. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryHuman leucocyte antigen (HLA) alleles influence the rate of CD4 decline among HIV‐infected individuals. We investigated the association between HLA B35 and HLA B51 and the rate of CD4 decline and/or opportunistic infections, among 294 HIV‐positive individuals from Manitoba, Canada. All individuals presenting with a CD4 count >200 cells μL−1, who had at least two CD4 counts, and no evidence of co‐infection were included. Individuals bearing HLA B35 or HLA B51 were compared to controls. A multivariate model demonstrated that HLA B35 allele was associated with a hazard ratio of 2.05 (95% CI 1.31–3.18) for reaching AIDS and HLA B51 allele with HR of 2.03 (95% CI 1.18–3.49) for reaching the same end‐point. High prevalence of HLA B35 was seen in the patient population receiving care in Manitoba. Our observations confirm the association of HLA B35 with rapid disease progression. We report, for the first time, faster CD4 decline among individuals with HLA B51 allele.
Optimization of Characteristic Wavelengths in Prediction of Lycopene in Tomatoes Using Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Li Tianhua , Zhong Chongzhe , Lou Wei , Wei Min , Hou Jialin 
Published: August 2015

AbstractTo improve the predictive ability and robustness of the near‐infrared correction model and to simplify the model, the backward interval partial least squares, the synergy interval partial least squares, the uninformative variable elimination partial least squares and the genetic algorithm partial least square (GA‐PLS) methods were used to select the characteristic wavelengths in the prediction of lycopene in tomatoes. The optimal characteristic variables and regression model were determined by the model evaluation parameters. The best model was set up using the GA‐PLS method. Compared with the model based on the full spectra, the variables used were reduced from 1,816 to 142, the correlation coefficient increased from 0.7104 to 0.9072, the root mean square errors of cross‐validation and prediction decreased from 21.58 to 8.76 and from 22.03 to 8.93, respectively. The experimental results showed that the use of GA‐PLS method, in the selection of characteristic variables of tomato lycopene, could effectively reduce the number of variables, decrease model complexity and improve the predictive precision.Practical ApplicationsUsing near‐infrared spectroscopy could quickly detect the lycopene contents of tomatoes. By extracting spectra characteristic wavelengths, it could reduce the irrelevant information variables and improve the accuracy of measurement of lycopene in tomatoes.
Neuronal acid‐induced [Zn2+]i elevations calibrated using the low‐affinity ratiometric probe FuraZin‐1
Authors: Kiedrowski Lech 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe experiments were carried out on primary cultures of murine cortical neurons from cryopreserved preparations obtained from embryonic‐day‐16 fetuses. To calibrate acid‐induced intracelluar [Zn2+] ([Zn2+]i) elevations, a low affinity (Kd = 39 μM at pH 6.1) ratiometric Zn2+ probe, FuraZin‐1, was used. A pHi drop from 7.2 to 6.1 caused [Zn2+]i elevations reaching 2 μM; when the thiol‐reactive agent N‐ethylmaleimide (NEM) was subsequently applied, [Zn2+]i increased further to 5.6 μM; analogous acid‐ and NEM‐induced [Zn2+]i elevations could also be detected but not calibrated, using the high affinity Zn2+ probe FluoZin‐3. The data indicate that NEM causes Zn2+ release from ligands that chelate Zn2+ at pH 6.1. ATP could also chelate Zn2+ at pH 6.1 because its pKa is about 6.8. Therefore, it was tested whether an ATP depletion affects the acid‐induced [Zn2+]i elevations. The ATP depletion was induced by inhibiting mitochondrial and glycolytic ATP production. Interestingly, an almost complete ATP depletion (confirmed using a luciferin/luciferase assay) failed to affect the acid‐induced [Zn2+]i increases. These data suggest that the total amount of Zn2+ accumulated in intracellular ATP‐dependent stores (Zn2+‐ATP complexes and organelles that accumulate Zn2+ in an ATP‐dependent manner) is negligible compared to the amount of Zn2+ accumulated in the acid‐sensitive intracellular ligands.
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In vitro, upon acidification, Zn2+‐cysteine complexes release Zn2+ and ATP chelates the released Zn2+. However, in vivo (cultured neurons), an ATP depletion failed to enhance acid‐induced [Zn2+]i elevations. These [Zn2+]i elevations were calibrated using a low affinity ratiometric probe FuraZin‐1; they reached 2 µM levels and increased to 5 µM when a thiol‐reactive agent, N‐ethylmaleimide, compromised Zn2+ binding by cysteines.
Evaluating the use of key performance indicators to evidence the patient experience
Authors: McCance Tanya , Hastings Jack , Dowler Hilda 
Published: August 2015

Aims and objectivesTo test eight person‐centred key performance indicators and the feasibility of an appropriate measurement framework as an approach to evidencing the patient experience.BackgroundThe value of measuring the quality of patient care is undisputed in the international literature, however, the type of measures that can be used to generate data that is meaningful for practice continues to be debated. This paper offers a different perspective to the ‘measurement’ of the nursing and midwifery contribution to the patient experience.DesignFourth generation evaluation was the methodological approach used to evaluate the implementation of the key performance indicators and measurement framework across three participating organisations involving nine practice settings.MethodsData were collected by repeated use of claims, concerns and issues with staff working across nine participating sites (n = 18) and the senior executives from the three partner organisations (n = 12). Data were collected during the facilitated sessions with stakeholders and analysed in conjunction with the data generated from the measurement framework.ResultsThe data reveal the inherent value placed on the evidence generated from the implementation of the key performance indicators as reflected in the following themes: measuring what matters; evidencing the patient experience; engaging staff; a focus for improving practice; and articulating and demonstrating the positive contribution of nursing and midwifery.ConclusionsThe implementation of the key performance indicators and the measurement framework has been effective in generating evidence that demonstrates the patient experience. The nature of the data generated not only privileges the patient voice but also offers feedback to nurses and midwives that can inform the development of person‐centred cultures.Relevance to clinical practiceThe use of these indicators will produce evidence of patient experience that can be used by nurse and midwives to celebrate and further inform person‐centred practice.
Sampling interval affects the estimation of movement parameters in four species of African snakes
Authors: Alexander G. J. , Maritz B. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractMovement patterns in animals have been studied extensively, but differences in sampling frequencies produce datasets that are not always directly comparable. Because information is collected as point coordinates, measures of movement generally underestimate actual distances moved, especially when sampling frequency is low. Many animals, including most snakes, move from one location to another in discrete bouts of movement interspersed by relatively long periods of immobility. The impact of sampling interval on measures of movement in such studies remains poorly quantified, severely limiting appropriate contrasts among species, populations or individuals. We collected data during telemetry studies of four African snake species (Bitis arietans, B. schneideri, Python natalensis and Gonionotophis capensis) to assess the impact of sampling frequency on two measures of movement (mean daily displacement, MDD; moves per month, MM), which we assessed by subsampling our datasets to simulate different sampling frequencies. For each species, we analysed two subgroups defined by their movement profiles yielding eight experimental species groups. We found significant effects of sampling interval on MDD and MM with the magnitude of the effect (b) of sampling interval ranging from −0.025 to −0.138 among species groups, producing errors of up to 10%. For MM, b estimates ranged between −0.313 and 0.032, yielding error estimates of up to 40%. Our study reveals the potential for sampling interval to significantly impact measures of movement. Moreover, this error can vary dramatically among species, sexes or seasons, emphasizing the importance of taking cognizance of sampling interval in movement studies. We propose a method whereby researchers explicitly account for such effects by reporting measures of displacement and movement frequency corrected to a standardized daily sampling interval to account for this error and better facilitate meta‐analysis. This will facilitate a more holistic understanding of the movement ecology of infrequently moving animals.
Father's involvement and its effect on early breastfeeding practices in Viet Nam
Authors: Bich Tran Huu , Hoa Dinh Thi Phuong , Ha Nguyen Thanh , Vui Le Thi , Nghia Dang Thi , Målqvist Mats 
Published: August 2015

AbstractFathers have an important but often neglected role in the promotion of healthy breastfeeding practices in developing countries. A community‐based education intervention was designed to mobilize fathers' support for early breastfeeding. This study aimed to evaluate an education intervention targeting fathers to increase the proportion of early breastfeeding initiation and to reduce prelacteal feeding. Quasi‐experimental study design was used to compare intervention and control areas located in two non‐adjacent rural districts that shared similar demographic and health service characteristics in northern Viet Nam. Fathers and expectant fathers with pregnant wives from 7 to 30 weeks gestational age were recruited. Fathers in the intervention area received breastfeeding education materials, counselling services at a commune health centre and household visits. They were also invited to participate in a breastfeeding promotion social event. After intervention, early breastfeeding initiation rate was 81.2% in the intervention area and 39.6% in the control area (P < 0.001). Babies in the intervention area were more likely to be breastfed within the first hour after birth [odds ratio (OR) 7.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.81–12.12] and not to receive any prelacteal feeding (OR 4.43, 95% CI 2.88–6.82) compared with those in the control area. Fathers may positively influence the breastfeeding practices of mothers, and as a resource for early childcare, they can be mobilized in programmes aimed at improving the early initiation of breastfeeding.
Periconceptional folic acid fortification for the risk of gestational hypertension and pre‐eclampsia: a meta‐analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Yang Xiaorong , Chen Hui , Du Yihui , Wang Shuting , Wang Zhiping 
Published: August 2015

AbstractPublished literatures report controversial results about the association of folic acid–containing multivitamins with gestational hypertension and pre‐eclampsia. A comprehensive search was performed to identify related prospective studies to assess the effect of folic acid fortification on gestational hypertension and pre‐eclampsia. The Q test and I2 statistic were used to examine between‐study heterogeneity. Fixed or random effects models were selected based on study heterogeneity. A funnel plot and modified Egger linear regression test were used to estimate publication bias. Eleven studies conformed to the criteria. Pooled results indicated that folic acid fortification alone was not associated with the occurrence of gestational hypertension [relative risk (RR) = 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.98–1.09, P = 0.267] and pre‐eclampsia (RR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.90–1.08, P = 0.738). However, supplementation of multivitamins containing folic acid could prevent gestational hypertension (RR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.43–0.76, P < 0.001) and pre‐eclampsia (RR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.48–0.84, P = 0.001). The difference between folic acid fortification alone and multivitamins containing folic acid was significant. This meta‐analysis suggests that periconceptional multivitamin supplementation with appropriate dose, not folic acid alone, is an appropriate recommendation for pregnant women. The effect should be further confirmed by conducting large‐scale randomised controlled trials.
Multigene synergism increases the isoflavone and proanthocyanidin contents of Medicago truncatula
Authors: Gou Lanming , Zhang Rongxue , Ma Lei , Zhu Fugui , Dong Jiangli , Wang Tao 
Published: August 2015

SummaryIsoflavones and proanthocyanidins (PAs), which are flavonoid derivatives, possess many health benefits and play important roles in forage‐based livestock production. However, the foliage of Medicago species accumulates limited levels of both isoflavones and PAs. In this study, biosynthesis of isoflavone and PA in Medicago truncatula was enhanced via synergy between soya bean isoflavone synthase (IFS1); two upstream enzymes, chalcone synthase (CHS) and chalcone isomerase (CHI); and the endogenous flavanone 3‐hydroxylase (F3H). Constitutive expression of GmIFS1 alone resulted in ectopic accumulation of the isoflavone daidzein and large increases in the levels of the isoflavones formononetin, genistein and biochanin A in the leaves. Furthermore, coexpression of GmIFS1 with GmCHS7 and GmCHI1A generally increased the available flux to flavonoid biosynthesis and resulted in elevated isoflavone, flavone and PA contents. In addition, down‐regulation of MtF3H combined with coexpression of GmIFS1, GmCHS7 and GmCHI1A led to the highest isoflavone levels (up to 2 μmol/g fresh weight in total). Taken together, our results demonstrate that multigene synergism is a powerful means to enhance the biosynthesis of particular flavonoids and can be more broadly applied to the metabolic engineering of forage species.
Latent tuberculosis in kidney and liver transplant patients: a review of treatment practices and outcomes
Authors: Grim S.A. , Layden J.E. , Roth P. , Gallitano S. , Adams W. , Clark N.M. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe standard treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is associated with toxicities and data are limited on tolerability among patients with advanced organ disease listed for transplant. Alternate options are available, but they have yet to be studied in this population.MethodsA retrospective review of the treatment of LTBI among kidney and/or liver transplant candidates was conducted to assess factors impacting therapy initiation, tolerability, and completion of therapy.ResultsOf 174 eligible patients, treatment of LTBI was initiated in 129, of which 91 were listed for kidney transplant and 38 were listed for liver or liver/kidney transplant. Infectious Diseases consultation was independently associated with treatment initiation when controlling for waitlisted organ and receipt of hemodialysis (odds ratio [OR] 81.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 23.94–274.94, P < 0.001). Documented completion of first‐line therapy was 47% overall, and 49% and 39%, respectively, among kidney and liver/kidney candidates (P = not significant). On multivariable analysis, controlling for baseline aspartate aminotransferase and waitlisted organ, first‐line receipt of rifampin was associated with lower rates of treatment completion (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.05–0.77, P = 0.02).ConclusionBased on medical record documentation, completion of first‐line therapy was <50% in this cohort, although this is likely an underestimate, as 34% of patients had no chart documentation that therapy was completed. Approximately 20% of patients did not complete first‐line therapy because of adverse effects.
Exaggerated pulmonary vascular response to acute hypoxia in older men
Authors: Balanos George M. , Pugh Keith , Frise Matthew C. , Dorrington Keith L. 
Published: August 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?
Pulmonary arterial pressure is higher in older than younger humans and predicts mortality. It is also increased by acute hypoxia, which causes constriction of the pulmonary vasculature. We asked whether this pulmonary vascular response to hypoxia is greater in older humans.

What is the main finding and its importance?
Using Doppler echocardiography in 12 younger (∼20 years old) and nine older men (∼55 years old) exposed to 20 min of moderate isocapnic hypoxia, we demonstrated that older men showed a significantly greater rise in pulmonary arterial pressure during alveolar hypoxia than younger men. Future studies should examine the pathophysiological importance of increased hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction with age.

Resting pulmonary arterial pressure increases with age in humans. In the general population, higher values are associated with increased mortality, and in common cardiopulmonary diseases, such as congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the presence of pulmonary arterial hypertension portends a worse outcome. Pulmonary arterial pressure increases during alveolar hypoxia, as a consequence of constriction in the pulmonary vasculature. We hypothesized that older men have more vigorous hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction than younger men. Twelve younger (20.5 ± 0.5 years old) and nine older men (55.8 ± 2.1 years old) were exposed for 20 min on different days to isocapnic hypoxia (end‐tidal = 50 mmHg) and isocapnic euoxia (end‐tidal = 100 mmHg); each was preceded (baseline) and followed by 5 min of isocapnic euoxia. Systolic pulmonary arterial pressure and cardiac output were measured continuously using Doppler echocardiography. Systolic pulmonary arterial pressure was greater during baseline euoxic measurements in older participants (27.8 ± 0.8 versus 24.1 ± 0.7 mmHg, P = 0.001) and also increased more during hypoxia in older participants (15.2 ± 1.3 versus 9.6 ± 0.9 mmHg, P = 0.011). Cardiac output did not differ between the two groups during baseline measurements (P = 0.60) or hypoxia (P = 0.49). All data are means ± SEM. The increased magnitude of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction demonstrated with age has implications for individuals wishing to ascend to high altitude or travel by air, for those suffering from conditions in which global alveolar hypoxia is a feature and for patients requiring general anaesthesia.