bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome: Diagnostic Yield of Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation of Pediatric First‐Degree Relatives
Authors: GIUDICI VALENTINA , SPANAKI ADRIANI , HENDRY JENNIFER , MEAD‐REGAN SARAH , FIELD ELLA , ZUCCOTTI GIAN VINCENZO , ABRAMS DOMINIC , LOWE MARTIN , KASKI JUAN PABLO 
Published: August 2014

AimsSudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) is most often caused by heritable cardiac diseases. Studies in adults have identified evidence of inherited cardiovascular diseases in up to 53% of families, but data on the prevalence of familial disease in children are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the yield of clinical screening in pediatric first‐degree relatives of victims of SADS using a systematic and comprehensive protocol.MethodsPatients referred for family screening after sudden cardiac death (SCD) of a family member were, retrospectively, enrolled into the study. Systematic evaluation of the children included clinical examination, family history, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, 24‐hour tape, and signal‐averaged ECG. Older patients also underwent exercise testing, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and ajmaline provocation testing.ResultsA total of 90 children from 52 consecutive families were included in the study. An inherited cardiac disease was identified in seven first‐degree children from seven (13.5%) families (five children were diagnosed with Brugada syndrome, one with long QT syndrome, and one with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia). Two further children had late potentials on signal‐averaged ECGs with no other abnormalities.ConclusionsThese data show a high prevalence of inherited heart disease in pediatric first‐degree relatives of SADS victims. The results highlight the importance of a systematic, comprehensive approach and ongoing screening of pediatric family members.
An ADARPEF survey on respiratory management in pediatric anesthesia
Authors: Fesseau Roselyne , Alacoque Xavier , Larcher Claire , Morel Lydia , Lepage Benoît , Kern Delphine 
Published: August 2014

SummaryBackgroundThere have been recent changes with regard to tools and concepts for respiratory management of children undergoing general anesthesia.ObjectivesTo determine the practice of pediatric anesthetists concerning: preoxygenation, breathing systems, ventilation modes, anesthetic agent and airway device, strategies for a general anaesthetic of less than 30 min using spontaneous respiration, and opinion about technical aspects of ventilation.MethodsOnline questionnaire sent by e‐mail to all the anesthetists registered on the mailing list of the French‐speaking Pediatric Anesthetists and Intensivists Association (ADARPEF).Results232 questionnaires (46%) were returned. More than 25% of anesthetists surveyed declared that they do not perform preoxygenation before induction for children <15 years old, apart from neonates and clinical specific situations. When performed, <65% chose a FiO2 higher than 80%. Inhalational induction with sevoflurane is the preferred mode of induction set at 6% or 8%, respectively, 69% [62–75] vs 25% [18–31]. For induction, the circle system was the most popular circuit used in all ages. The accessory breathing system—Mapleson B type—was predominantly used for neonates (44% [37–54]). For maintenance of an anesthesia lasting <30 min in spontaneous breathing, the use of laryngeal mask increased with age, and the endotracheal tube was reserved for neonates (40% [33–48]). Pressure support ventilation was rarely used from the beginning of induction but was widely used for maintenance, whatever the age‐group. Results differed according to the type of institution.ConclusionVentilation management depends on the age and institutions in terms of circuit, airway device or ventilation mode, and specific differences exist for neonates.
Effectiveness of tongue‐tie division for speech disorder in children
Authors: Ito Yasuo , Shimizu Toshimitsu , Nakamura Tomomi , Takatama Chie 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of tongue‐tie division (frenuloplasty/ frenulotomy) for speech articulation disorder in children with ankyloglossia (tongue‐tie).MethodsArticulation test was done in five children (3–8 years old) with speech problems who underwent tongue‐tie division. The test consisted of 50 pictures of common Japanese words with 2–3 syllables. The patients were interviewed by a speech therapist and asked to pronounce what the picture card showed. Misarticulations of substitution, omission, and distortion were assessed. The preoperative results were compared with postoperative examinations at 1 month, 3–4 months, and 1–2 years.ResultsNineteen substitutions that were observed in four patients preoperatively decreased to 10 in three patients at 1 month, 7 in three patients at 3–4 months, and 1 in one patient at 1–2 years postoperatively. Five omissions that were observed in four patients preoperatively decreased to 3 in three patients at 1 month, 2 in two patients at 3–4 months, and 1 in one patient at 1–2 years postoperatively. Thirteen distortions that were observed in five patients preoperatively decreased to 8 in four patients at 3–4 months but increased to 11 in three patients at 1–2 years postoperatively.ConclusionsSubstitution and omission improved relatively early after tongue‐tie division and progressed to distortion, which is a less‐impaired form of articulation disorder. Thus, distortion required more time for improvement and remained a defective speaking habit in some patients.
Antitumor Effect of Sinoporphyrin Sodium‐Mediated Photodynamic Therapy on Human Esophageal Cancer Eca‐109 Cells
Authors: Hu Jianmin , Wang Xiaobing , Liu Quanhong , Zhang Kun , Xiong Wenli , Xu Chuanshan , Wang Pan , Leung Albert Wingnang 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the photodynamic effect of Sinoporphyrin sodium (DVDMS). In this study, Eca‐109 cells were treated with DVDMS (5 μg mL−1) and subjected to photodynamic therapy (PDT). The uptake and subcellular localization of DVDMS were monitored by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. The phototoxicity of DVDMS was studied by MTT assay. The morphological changes were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). DNA damage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) changes were analyzed by flow cytometry. Studies demonstrated maximal uptake of DVDMS occurred within 3 h, with a mitochondrial subcellular localization. MTT assays displayed that DVDMS could be effectively activated by light and the phototoxicity was much higher than photofrin under the same conditions. In addition, SEM observation indicated that cells were seriously damaged after PDT treatment. Furthermore, activation of DVDMS resulted in significant increases in ROS production. The generated ROS played an important role in the phototoxicity of DVDMS. DVDMS‐mediated PDT (DVDMS‐PDT) also induced DNA damage and MMP loss. It is demonstrated that DVDMS‐mediated PDT is an effective approach on cell proliferation inhibition of Eca‐109 cells.
Diversity and Presidential Cabinet Appointments*
Authors: King James D. , Riddlesperger James W. 
Published: August 2014

ObjectiveA significant indicator of a president's commitment to equality in American society can be found in the people appointed to fill senior‐level positions within the administration.MethodThe history of diversity appointments to the cabinet is reviewed with more detailed analysis of cabinet and Executive Office of the President (EOP) appointees since the Carter presidency.ResultsThe pattern of appointments of women and minorities is one of plateaus, with Carter making notable advancements in the appointment of women and African Americans and Obama's initial appointments taking diversity of appointments to a new level. In particular, more women and minorities appointed by Obama have elite connections as defined by Dye.ConclusionDespite greater numbers than in the past, diversity appointments represent desegregation of the cabinet and White House rather than full integration of women and minorities into the upper reaches of the executive branch.
Effect of magnetized water on infiltration capacity of different soil textures
Authors: Khoshravesh‐Miangoleh M. , Kiani A.‐R. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe infiltration process is important in the planning and management of irrigation systems. This study was performed in Mazandaran province, Iran, to compare the effect of magnetized and non‐magnetized irrigation water on cumulative infiltration and final infiltration rate of three soil textures. Magnetized water was obtained by passing the water through a strong permanent magnet installed on a feed pipeline. The results showed that the effects of soil texture and magnetized irrigation water on cumulative water infiltration and final infiltration rate was significant (P < 0.01). Cumulative water infiltration and final infiltration rates with magnetized water were greater than that of non‐magnetized water. The cumulative water infiltration rate after 4 h for magnetized and non‐magnetized water was 26.4 and 12.7 cm in clay soil, 37.6 and 20 cm in silty loam soil and 40.8 and 29.3 cm in sandy loam soil, respectively. The final infiltration rates after 4 h for magnetized and non‐magnetized water were 0.05 and 0.023 cm/min in clay soil, 0.063 and 0.036 cm/min in silty loam soil and 0.076 and 0.046 cm/min in sandy loam soil, respectively. Therefore, magnetized irrigation water had most effect on the infiltration capacity of clay soil.
A comparison of traditional and quantitative analysis of acid–base imbalances in hypoalbuminemic dogs
Authors: Torrente Carlos , Manzanilla Edgar G. , de Gopegui Rafael Ruiz 
Published: August 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the traditional (HH) and quantitative approaches used for the evaluation of the acid–base balance in hypoalbuminemic dogs.DesignProspective observational study.SettingICU of a veterinary teaching hospital.AnimalsOne hundred and five client‐owned dogs.Measurements and Main ResultsJugular venous blood samples were collected from each patient on admission to determine: total plasma protein (TP), albumin (Alb), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glucose (Glu), hematocrit (HCT), Na+, Cl−, K+, phosphate (Pi), pH, PvCO2,bicarbonate (HCO3−), anion gap (AG), adjusted anion gap for albumin (AGalb) or phosphate (AGalb‐phos), standardized base excess (SBE), strong ion difference (SID), concentration of nonvolatile weak buffers (Atot), and strong ion gap (SIG). Patients were divided in 2 groups according to the severity of the hypoalbuminemia: mild (Alb = 21–25 g/L) and severe (Alb ≤20 g/L). All parameters were compared among groups. Patients with severe hypoalbuminemia showed significant decrease in TP (P = 0.011), Atot(P = 0.050), and a significant increase in adjusted AG (P= 0.048) and the magnitude of SIG (P= 0.011) compared to animals with mild hypoalbuminemia.According to the HH approach, the most frequent imbalances were simple disorders (51.4%), primarily metabolic acidosis (84.7%) associated with a high AG acidosis. However, when using the quantitative method, 58.1% of patients had complex disorders, with SIG acidosis (74.3%) and Atotalkalosis (33.3%) as the most frequent acid–base imbalances. Agreement between methods only matched in 32 cases (kappa < 0.20).ConclusionsThe agreement between the HH and quantitative methods for interpretation of acid–base balance was poor and many imbalances detected using the quantitative approach were missed using the HH approach. Further studies are necessary to confirm the clinical utility of using the quantitative approach in the decision‐making process of the severely ill hypoalbuminemic patients.
What's new in the literature: An update of new research since the original WHS diabetic foot ulcer guidelines in 2006
Authors: Braun Liza , Kim Paul J. , Margolis David , Peters Edgar J. , Lavery Lawrence A. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe objective of the paper was to update the diabetic foot ulcer guidelines that were previously published in 2006. We performed a key word search using MEDLINE and Cochrane reviews for publication between January 2006 and January 2012. Articles that fit the inclusion criteria were reviewed and the previous guidelines were updated.
Minimal length elements of extended affine Weyl groups
Authors: He Xuhua , Nie Sian 
Published: August 2014

AbstractLet $W$ be an extended affine Weyl group. We prove that the minimal length elements $w_{{\mathcal{O}}}$ of any conjugacy class ${\mathcal{O}}$ of $W$ satisfy some nice properties, generalizing results of Geck and Pfeiffer [On the irreducible characters of Hecke algebras, Adv. Math. 102 (1993), 79–94] on finite Weyl groups. We also study a special class of conjugacy classes, the straight conjugacy classes. These conjugacy classes are in a natural bijection with the Frobenius-twisted conjugacy classes of some $p$-adic group and satisfy additional interesting properties. Furthermore, we discuss some applications to the affine Hecke algebra $H$. We prove that $T_{w_{{\mathcal{O}}}}$, where ${\mathcal{O}}$ ranges over all the conjugacy classes of $W$, forms a basis of the cocenter $H/[H,H]$. We also introduce the class polynomials, which play a crucial role in the study of affine Deligne–Lusztig varieties He [Geometric and cohomological properties of affine Deligne–Lusztig varieties, Ann. of Math. (2) 179 (2014), 367–404].
Biofilms Formed by Gram-Negative Bacteria Undergo Increased Lipid A Palmitoylation, Enhancing
In Vivo
Survival
Authors: Chalabaev Sabina , Chauhan Ashwini , Novikov Alexey , Iyer Pavithra , Szczesny Magdalena , Beloin Christophe , Caroff Martine , Ghigo Jean-Marc 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT

Bacterial biofilm communities are associated with profound physiological changes that lead to novel properties compared to the properties of individual (planktonic) bacteria. The study of biofilm-associated phenotypes is an essential step toward control of deleterious effects of pathogenic biofilms. Here we investigated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) structural modifications in
Escherichia coli
biofilm bacteria, and we showed that all tested commensal and pathogenic
E. coli
biofilm bacteria display LPS modifications corresponding to an increased level of incorporation of palmitate acyl chain (palmitoylation) into lipid A compared to planktonic bacteria. Genetic analysis showed that lipid A palmitoylation in biofilms is mediated by the PagP enzyme, which is regulated by the histone-like protein repressor H-NS and the SlyA regulator. While lipid A palmitoylation does not influence bacterial adhesion, it weakens inflammatory response and enhances resistance to some antimicrobial peptides. Moreover, we showed that lipid A palmitoylation increases
in vivo
survival of biofilm bacteria in a clinically relevant model of catheter infection, potentially contributing to biofilm tolerance to host immune defenses. The widespread occurrence of increased lipid A palmitoylation in biofilms formed by all tested bacteria suggests that it constitutes a new biofilm-associated phenotype in Gram-negative bacteria.

IMPORTANCE
Bacterial communities called biofilms display characteristic properties compared to isolated (planktonic) bacteria, suggesting that some molecules could be more particularly produced under biofilm conditions. We investigated biofilm-associated modifications occurring in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a major component of all Gram-negative bacterial outer membrane. We showed that all tested commensal and pathogenic biofilm bacteria display high incorporation of a palmitate acyl chain into the lipid A part of LPS. This lipid A palmitoylation is mediated by the PagP enzyme, whose expression in biofilm is controlled by the regulatory proteins H-NS and SlyA. We also showed that lipid A palmitoylation in biofilm bacteria reduces host inflammatory response and enhances their survival in an animal model of biofilm infections. While these results provide new insights into the biofilm lifestyle, they also suggest that the level of lipid A palmitoylation could be used as an indicator to monitor the development of biofilm infections on medical surfaces.
Assessment of neonatal care in clinical training facilities in Kenya
Authors: Aluvaala Jalemba , Nyamai Rachael , Were Fred , Wasunna Aggrey , Kosgei Rose , Karumbi Jamlick , Gathara David , English Mike 
Published: August 2014

ObjectiveAn audit of neonatal care services provided by clinical training centres was undertaken to identify areas requiring improvement as part of wider efforts to improve newborn survival in Kenya.DesignCross-sectional study using indicators based on prior work in Kenya. Statistical analyses were descriptive with adjustment for clustering of data.SettingNeonatal units of 22 public hospitals.PatientsNeonates aged <7 days.Main outcome measuresQuality of care was assessed in terms of availability of basic resources (principally equipment and drugs) and audit of case records for documentation of patient assessment and treatment at admission.ResultsAll hospitals had oxygen, 19/22 had resuscitation and phototherapy equipment, but some key resources were missing—for example kangaroo care was available in 14/22. Out of 1249 records, 56.9% (95% CI 36.2% to 77.6%) had a standard neonatal admission form. A median score of 0 out of 3 for symptoms of severe illness (IQR 0–3) and a median score of 6 out of 8 for signs of severe illness (IQR 4–7) were documented. Maternal HIV status was documented in 674/1249 (54%, 95% CI 41.9% to 66.1%) cases. Drug doses exceeded recommendations by >20% in prescriptions for penicillin (11.6%, 95% CI 3.4% to 32.8%) and gentamicin (18.5%, 95% CI 13.4% to 25%), respectively.ConclusionsBasic resources are generally available, but there are deficiencies in key areas. Poor documentation limits the use of routine data for quality improvement. Significant opportunities exist for improvement in service delivery and adherence to guidelines in hospitals providing professional training.
Comparative associations of diabetes risk factors with five measures of hyperglycemia
Authors: Poon Anna K , Juraschek Stephen P , Ballantyne Christie M , Steffes Michael W , Selvin Elizabeth 
Published: August 2014

ObjectiveTo compare the associations of diabetes mellitus risk factors with nontraditional markers of hyperglycemia (glycated albumin, fructosamine, 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG)) to those observed with traditional markers (fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)).DesignCross-sectional study.SettingThe community-based Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study cohort.ParticipantsA subsample of 1764 participants (309 with diagnosed diabetes and 1455 without diagnosed diabetes) from the ARIC Study who attended a clinic visit in 2005–2006.Main outcome measuresElevated levels of glycated albumin, fructosamine, 1,5-AG, fasting glucose, and HbA1c in persons with and without a diagnosis of diabetes.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 70 years (SD, 6), 43% were men, and 20% were African-American. Black race and family history of diabetes were generally positively associated with elevated levels of all biomarkers of hyperglycemia except 1,5-AG, which showed inverse but weaker associations with the risk factors examined. In general, patterns of risk factor associations observed for fasting glucose and HbA1c were similar to those observed for the nontraditional biomarkers of hyperglycemia but with one clear exception: body mass index (BMI). In persons without a diagnosis of diabetes, BMI was positively associated with fasting glucose and HbA1c, but the associations of BMI with glycated albumin and fructosamine were inverse, with high values of these markers at low levels of BMI. 1,5-AG, which is lowered in the setting of hyperglycemia, was positively associated with BMI.ConclusionsTraditional diabetes risk factors have similar associations with glycated albumin and fructosamine as those for fasting glucose and HbA1c, with the exception of BMI. Risk factor associations with 1,5-AG were mostly inverse. The inverse associations of BMI with glycated albumin and fructosamine, and positive associations with 1,5-AG, may reflect pathways independent of glucose metabolism and merit further examination.
Effect of baseline HbA1c level on the development of diabetes by lifestyle intervention in primary healthcare settings: insights from subanalysis of the Japan Diabetes Prevention Program
Authors: Sakane Naoki , Sato Juichi , Tsushita Kazuyo , Tsujii Satoru , Kotani Kazuhiko , Tominaga Makoto , Kawazu Shoji , Sato Yuzo , Usui Takeshi , Kamae Isao , Yoshida Toshihide , Kiyohara Yutaka , Sato Shigeaki , Tsuzaki Kokoro , Takahashi Kaoru , Kuzuya Hideshi ,   the Japan Diabetes Prevention Program (JDPP) Research Group
Published: August 2014

ObjectivesTo determine the effects of a lifestyle intervention on the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among participants with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), in particular in the subgroup with baseline glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels ≥5.7%, in primary healthcare settings.DesignRandomized controlled trial.Setting32 healthcare centers in Japan.ParticipantsParticipants with IGT, aged 30–60 years, were randomly assigned to either an intensive lifestyle intervention group (ILG) or a usual care group (UCG).InterventionsDuring the initial 6 months, participants in the ILG received four group sessions on healthy lifestyles by public health providers. An individual session was further conducted biannually during the 3 years. Participants in the UCG received usual care such as one group session on healthy lifestyles.Outcome measuresThe primary endpoint was the development of T2DM based on an oral glucose tolerance test.ResultsThe mean follow-up period was 2.3 years. The annual incidence of T2DM were 2.7 and 5.1/100 person-years of follow-up in the ILG (n=145) and UCG (n=149), respectively. The cumulative incidence of T2DM was significantly lower in the ILG than in the UCG among participants with HbA1c levels ≥5.7% (log-rank=3.52, p=0.06; Breslow=4.05, p=0.04; Tarone-Ware=3.79, p=0.05), while this was not found among participants with HbA1c levels <5.7%.ConclusionsIntensive lifestyle intervention in primary healthcare setting is effective in preventing the development of T2DM in IGT participants with HbA1c levels ≥5.7%, relative to those with HbA1c levels <5.7%.Trial registration numberUMIN000003136.