bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The enteric microbiome in hepatobiliary health and disease
Authors: Tabibian James H. , Varghese Cyril , LaRusso Nicholas F. , O'Hara Steven P. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIncreasing evidence points to the contribution of the intestinal microbiome as a potentially key determinant in the initiation and/or progression of hepatobiliary disease. While current understanding of this dynamic is incomplete, exciting insights are continually being made and more are expected given the developments in molecular and high‐throughput omics techniques. In this brief review, we provide a practical and updated synopsis of the interaction of the intestinal microbiome with the liver and its downstream impact on the initiation, progression and complications of hepatobiliary disease.
Neutral and adaptive genomic signatures of rapid poleward range expansion
Authors: Swaegers J. , Mergeay J. , Van Geystelen A. , Therry L. , Larmuseau M. H. D. , Stoks R. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractMany species are expanding their range polewards, and this has been associated with rapid phenotypic change. Yet, it is unclear to what extent this reflects rapid genetic adaptation or neutral processes associated with range expansion, or selection linked to the new thermal conditions encountered. To disentangle these alternatives, we studied the genomic signature of range expansion in the damselflyCoenagrion scitulumusing 4950 newly developed genomicSNPs and linked this to the rapidly evolved phenotypic differences between core and (newly established) edge populations. Most edge populations were genetically clearly differentiated from the core populations and all were differentiated from each other indicating independent range expansion events. In addition, evidence for genetic drift in the edge populations, and strong evidence for adaptive genetic variation in association with the range expansion was detected. We identified oneSNPunder consistent selection in four of the five edge populations and showed that the allele increasing in frequency is associated with increased flight performance. This indicates collateral, non‐neutral evolutionary changes in independent edge populations driven by the range expansion process. We also detected a genomic signature of adaptation to the newly encountered thermal regimes, reflecting a pattern of countergradient variation. The latter signature was identified at a singleSNPas well as in a set of covaryingSNPs using a polygenic multilocus approach to detect selection. Overall, this study highlights how a strategic geographic sampling design and the integration of genomic, phenotypic and environmental data can identify and disentangle the neutral and adaptive processes that are simultaneously operating during range expansions.
Use of a porcine urinary bladder acellular matrix for corneal reconstruction in dogs and cats
Authors: Balland Olivier , Poinsard Anne‐Sophie , Famose Frank , Goulle Frédéric , Isard Pierre‐François , Mathieson Iona , Dulaurent Thomas 
Published: November 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the use of a porcine urinary bladder acellular matrix for surgical reconstruction of the cornea in cases of canine and feline deep corneal ulcers, and feline corneal sequestra.Materials and methodsTwenty‐seven dogs and three cats with deep corneal ulcers and seven cats with corneal sequestra were included in the study with overall 38 eyes. For each patient, the necrotic material (ie corneal sequestrum or collagenolytic tissue) was removed by circular lamellar keratectomy. The collagen graft was then cut and prepared to match the stromal defect and then sutured into the lamellar keratectomy bed using interrupted and continuous patterns of absorbable polyglactin 9–0 sutures. Postoperative medical treatment consisted of topical and systemic administration of antibiotics, combined with topical administration of atropine sulfate. The animals were examined 18, 45, and 90 days after the surgery.ResultsPostoperative examination revealed complete integration of the biomaterial in 93.5% of ulceration cases in both species and in 100% of feline corneal sequestrum cases. In two cases of ulceration (1 dog and 1 cat), progression of the collagenolytic process at the graft periphery required an additional conjunctival graft 7 days after the first surgery. At 90 days post‐op, 100% of the eyes were sighted.ConclusionUse of a porcine urinary bladder acellular matrix appears to be effective in the surgical management of deep corneal ulcers and feline corneal sequestra.
Intangible and Economic Impacts of Hendra Virus Prevention Strategies
Authors: Wilson S.‐J. , Ward M. P. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryHendra virus (HeV), a potentially fatal zoonotic disease spread by flying foxes, to date has always infected humans via a spillover event from equine HeV infection. In a theoretical case study, we compared the impacts of two different HeV prevention strategies – vaccination and flying fox roost removal – using a recently developed framework that considers different stakeholder group perspectives. The perspectives of the four selected stakeholder groups regarding intangibles were inferred from public discussions and coverage in the media. For all stakeholder groups, the option to vaccinate horses was found to add value to the economic results when the intangible impacts were included in the analysis, while the option for roost removal unanimously detracted from economic analysis value when the intangible impacts were included. Both the mean and median stakeholder‐adjusted value ratios (2.25 and 2.12, respectively) for vaccination were inflated when intangible impacts were included, by value‐adding to the results of a traditional economic analysis. In the roost removal strategy, these ratios (1.19 and 1.16, respectively) were deflated when intangible impacts were included. Results of this theoretical study suggest that the inclusion of intangible impacts promotes the value of a two‐dose initial vaccination protocol using a subunit vaccination considered to offer complete protection for horses, as a strategy to control HeV, whereas roost removal becomes an even more costly strategy. Outcome of the analysis is particularly sensitive to the intangible value placed on human health. Further evaluation – via sociological methods – of values placed on intangibles by various stakeholder groups is warranted.
An in vivo dose verification method for SBRT–VMAT delivery using the EPID
Authors: McCowan P. M. , Van Uytven E. , Van Beek T. , Asuni G. , McCurdy B. M. C. 
Published: November 2015

Purpose:Radiation treatments have become increasingly more complex with the development of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and the use of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). SBRT involves the delivery of substantially larger doses over fewer fractions than conventional therapy. SBRT–VMAT treatments will strongly benefit from in vivo patient dose verification, as any errors in delivery can be more detrimental to the radiobiology of the patient as compared to conventional therapy. Electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) are available on most commercial linear accelerators (Linacs) and their documented use for dosimetry makes them valuable tools for patient dose verification. In this work, the authors customize and validate a physics‐based model which utilizes on‐treatment EPID images to reconstruct the 3D dose delivered to the patient during SBRT–VMAT delivery.Methods:The SBRT Linac head, including jaws, multileaf collimators, and flattening filter, were modeled using Monte Carlo methods and verified with measured data. The simulation provides energy spectrum data that are used by their “forward” model to then accurately predict fluence generated by a SBRT beam at a plane above the patient. This fluence is then transported through the patient and then the dose to the phosphor layer in the EPID is calculated. Their “inverse” model back‐projects the EPID measured focal fluence to a plane upstream of the patient and recombines it with the extra‐focal fluence predicted by the forward model. This estimate of total delivered fluence is then forward projected onto the patient's density matrix and a collapsed cone convolution algorithm calculates the dose delivered to the patient. The model was tested by reconstructing the dose for two prostate, three lung, and two spine SBRT–VMAT treatment fractions delivered to an anthropomorphic phantom. It was further validated against actual patient data for a lung and spine SBRT–VMAT plan. The results were verified with the treatment planning system (TPS) (eclipse aaa) dose calculation.Results:The SBRT–VMAT reconstruction model performed very well when compared to the TPS. A stringent 2%/2 mm χ‐comparison calculation gave pass rates better than 91% for the prostate plans, 88% for the lung plans, and 86% for the spine plans for voxels containing 80% or more of the prescribed dose. Patient data were 86% for the lung and 95% for the spine. A 3%/3 mm χ‐comparison was also performed and gave pass rates better than 93% for all plan types.Conclusions:The authors have customized and validated a robust, physics‐based model that calculates the delivered dose to a patient for SBRT–VMAT delivery using on‐treatment EPID images. The accuracy of the results indicates that this approach is suitable for clinical implementation. Future work will incorporate this model into both offline and real‐time clinical adaptive radiotherapy.
Multicenter Evaluation of the Xpert Norovirus Assay for Detection of Norovirus Genogroups I and II in Fecal Specimens
Authors: Gonzalez Mark D. , Langley L. Claire , Buchan Blake W. , Faron Matthew L. , Maier Melanie , Templeton Kate , Walker Kimberly , Popowitch Elena B. , Miller Melissa B. , Rao Arundhati , Liebert Uwe G. , Ledeboer Nathan A. , Vinjé Jan , Burnham Carey-Ann D. 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACT

Norovirus is the most common cause of sporadic gastroenteritis and outbreaks worldwide. The rapid identification of norovirus has important implications for infection prevention measures and may reduce the need for additional diagnostic testing. The Xpert Norovirus assay recently received FDA clearance for the detection and differentiation of norovirus genogroups I and II (GI and GII), which account for the vast majority of infections. In this study, we evaluated the performance of the Xpert Norovirus assay with both fresh, prospectively collected (
n
= 914) and frozen, archived (
n
= 489) fecal specimens. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) composite reference method was used as the gold standard for comparison. For both prospective and frozen specimens, the Xpert Norovirus assay showed positive percent agreement (PPA) and negative percent agreement (NPA) values of 98.3% and 98.1% for GI and of 99.4% and 98.2% for GII, respectively. Norovirus prevalence in the prospective specimens (collected from March to May of 2014) was 9.9% (
n
= 90), with the majority of positives caused by genogroup II (82%,
n
= 74). The positive predictive value (PPV) of the Xpert Norovirus assay was 75% for GI-positive specimens, whereas it was 86.5% for GII-positive specimens. The negative predictive values (NPV) for GI and GII were 100% and 99.9%, respectively.
Zoonotic Potential of Simian Arteriviruses
Authors: Bailey Adam L. , Lauck Michael , Sibley Samuel D. , Friedrich Thomas C. , Kuhn Jens H. , Freimer Nelson B. , Jasinska Anna J. , Phillips-Conroy Jane E. , Jolly Clifford J. , Marx Preston A. , Apetrei Cristian , Rogers Jeffrey , Goldberg Tony L. , O'Connor David H. 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACT

Wild nonhuman primates are immediate sources and long-term reservoirs of human pathogens. However, ethical and technical challenges have hampered the identification of novel blood-borne pathogens in these animals. We recently examined RNA viruses in plasma from wild African monkeys and discovered several novel, highly divergent viruses belonging to the family
Arteriviridae
. Close relatives of these viruses, including simian hemorrhagic fever virus, have caused sporadic outbreaks of viral hemorrhagic fever in captive macaque monkeys since the 1960s. However, arterivirus infection in wild nonhuman primates had not been described prior to 2011. The arteriviruses recently identified in wild monkeys have high sequence and host species diversity, maintain high viremia, and are prevalent in affected populations. Taken together, these features suggest that the simian arteriviruses may be “preemergent” zoonotic pathogens. If not, this would imply that biological characteristics of RNA viruses thought to facilitate zoonotic transmission may not, by themselves, be sufficient for such transmission to occur.
Patient and nurse preferences for nurse handover—using preferences to inform policy: a discrete choice experiment protocol
Authors: Spinks Jean , Chaboyer Wendy , Bucknall Tracey , Tobiano Georgia , Whitty Jennifer A 
Published: November 2015

IntroductionNursing bedside handover in hospital has been identified as an opportunity to involve patients and promote patient-centred care. It is important to consider the preferences of both patients and nurses when implementing bedside handover to maximise the successful uptake of this policy. We outline a study which aims to (1) identify, compare and contrast the preferences for various aspects of handover common to nurses and patients while accounting for other factors, such as the time constraints of nurses that may influence these preferences.; (2) identify opportunities for nurses to better involve patients in bedside handover and (3) identify patient and nurse preferences that may challenge the full implementation of bedside handover in the acute medical setting.Methods and analysisWe outline the protocol for a discrete choice experiment (DCE) which uses a survey design common to both patients and nurses. We describe the qualitative and pilot work undertaken to design the DCE. We use a D-efficient design which is informed by prior coefficients collected during the pilot phase. We also discuss the face-to-face administration of this survey in a population of acutely unwell, hospitalised patients and describe how data collection challenges have been informed by our pilot phase. Mixed multinomial logit regression analysis will be used to estimate the final results.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by a university ethics committee as well as two participating hospital ethics committees. Results will be used within a knowledge translation framework to inform any strategies that can be used by nursing staff to improve the uptake of bedside handover. Results will also be disseminated via peer-reviewed journal articles and will be presented at national and international conferences.
Effect of vegetable consumption on the association between peripheral leucocyte telomere length and hypertension: a case–control study
Authors: Lian Fuzhi , Wang Jinquan , Huang Xianhong , Wu Yinyin , Cao Yifei , Tan Xiaohua , Xu Xianrong , Hong Yu , Yang Lei , Gao Xiang 
Published: November 2015

ObjectivesPeripheral leucocyte telomere length has been suggested to be inversely associated with hypertension risk. Both telomere length and hypertension risk can be modified by certain dietary factors, such as fruit and vegetables. This study was to examine the potential effect of these dietary factors on the association between telomere length and hypertension risk.Study designA community-based case–control study.Participants271 hypertensive patients and 455 normotensive controls aged 40–70 years and living in Yinzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.Outcome measuresPeripheral leucocyte relative telomere length (RTL) was measured using quantitative real-time PCR. Dietary intake was assessed by a brief semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. The association between RTL and hypertension risk was analysed using logistic regression, and the modulatory effect of dietary intake on RTL-related hypertension risk was analysed using likelihood ratio tests.ResultsAmong controls, longer age-adjusted RTL was associated with higher vegetable intake (p=0.01). Individuals with longer age-adjusted RTL (based on median value) were 30% less likely to have hypertension (OR=0.70, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.96; p=0.03). The observed RTL-hypertension relationship appeared to be modified by vegetable intake—longer RTL was significantly associated with lower hypertension risk only in those with greater vegetable consumption (OR=0.28, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.57; p<0.001), but not in those with lower vegetable intake (P-interaction=0.008).ConclusionsCertain dietary factors might modify telomere-related hypertension risk.
Promoting the management of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeds among junior doctors: a quality improvement project
Authors: Saunsbury Emma , Allison Emma , colleypriest ben 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThough they are knowledgeable, foundation year one (FY1) doctors can lack skills and confidence in acute situations due to inexperience. This was witnessed when a new FY1 on call attended an acute upper gastrointestinal bleed (UGIB), a common emergency with a 10% in hospital mortality rate. We aimed to improve FY1s’ ability to manage these critical patients through simulation based teaching, before and after the introduction of an algorithm summarising current guidelines.After assessing the FY1s’ perceived level of confidence in managing UGIBs, they individually attended a simulation session which evaluated specific aspects of their assessment and management plans. Immediate debriefing and subsequent teaching sessions reinforced learning points, with an algorithm instituted as an aide mémoire to improve efficiency. A repeat simulation session assessed improvements in both subjective confidence and objective management targets. All FY1s expressed improved confidence in managing patients with UGIBs. There were improvements across the board in their assessment and management, notably: verbalisation of concern for hypotension increased to 100% (from 60%), two points of intravenous access requested in 100% of cases (from 53%), and a 76 second reduction in time to call for senior support. Collectively, these individual aspects led to improved patient care.Effective management of acute patients is best learnt through exposure, and simulation based teaching provides a safe but powerful modality to aid transition from textbook theory to ward situations. Algorithms can streamline care and hasten the stabilisation of patients. This project reinforces generic competencies that FY1s can translate to their management of not only UGIBs, but many acute presentations, providing a convincing argument for broader simulation use in FY1 teaching.
Evaluation of a fitness intervention for new firefighters: injury reduction and economic benefits
Authors: Griffin Stephanie C , Regan Tracy L , Harber Philip , Lutz Eric A , Hu Chengcheng , Peate Wayne F , Burgess Jefferey L 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundFirefighting is a hazardous profession and firefighters suffer workplace injury at a higher rate than most US workers. Decreased physical fitness is associated with injury in firefighters. A physical fitness intervention was implemented among Tucson Fire Department recruit firefighters with the goals of decreasing injury and compensation claims frequency and costs during the recruit academy, and over the subsequent probationary year.MethodsDepartment injury records were analysed and described by body part, injury type and mechanism of injury. Injury and workers’ compensation claims outcomes from the recruit academy initiation through the 12-month probationary period for the intervention recruit class were compared with controls from three historical classes.ResultsThe majority of injuries were sprains and strains (65.4%), the most common mechanism of injury was acute overexertion (67.9%) and the lower extremity was the most commonly affected body region (61.7%). The intervention class experienced significantly fewer injuries overall and during the probationary year (p=0.009), filed fewer claims (p=0.028) and experienced claims cost savings of approximately US$33 000 (2013) from avoided injury and reduced claims costs. The estimated costs for programme implementation were $32 192 leading to a 1-year return on investment of 2.4%.ConclusionsWe observed reductions in injury occurrence and compensation costs among Probationary Firefighter Fitness (PFF-Fit) programme participants compared with historical controls. The initiation of the PFF-Fit programme has demonstrated promise in reducing injury and claims costs; however, continued research is needed to better understand the programme's potential effectiveness with additional recruit classes and carryover effects into the recruit's career injury potential.
New Data on Aramaic in Classical Piyyut—‮תשמיע ניחומים ללישה‬‎, a Silluq for Shabbat Shimʿu by Yoḥanan ha-Kohen
Authors: Rand Michael 
Published: November 2015

The present article briefly reviews the research that has been conducted to-date on the use of Aramaic in Classical piyyut, and provides new material in this field: the silluq ‮תשמיע ניחומים ללישה‬‎ from a qedushta for Shabbat Shimʿu by Yoḥanan ha-Kohen, which includes an Aramaic passage. One of the manuscript sources for this composition, ms. ENA 3443/2, is also analyzed, and its copyist is identified as Eli ben Yehoshua he-Ḥaver (11th century). The article is provided with an appendix, in which Sahlan ben Avraham’s Targum poem ‮איתחברו ירחי שתא‬‎, a dispute between the months, is re-edited on the basis of newly-discovered material.
Management of cardiac arrest survivors in UK intensive care units: a survey of practice
Authors: Ford AH , Clark T , Reynolds EC , Ross C , Shelley K , Simmonds L , Benger J , Soar J , Nolan JP , Thomas M 
Published: November 2015

Background Cardiac arrest is a common presentation to intensive care units. There is evidence that management protocols between hospitals differ and that this variation is mirrored in patient outcomes between institutions, with standardised treatment protocols improving outcomes within individual units. It has been postulated that regionalisation of services may improve outcomes as has been shown in trauma, burns and stroke patients, however a national protocol has not been a focus for research. The objective of our study was to ascertain current management strategies for comatose post cardiac arrest survivors in intensive care in the United Kingdom. Method A telephone survey was carried out to establish the management of comatose post cardiac arrest survivors in UK intensive care units. All 235 UK intensive care units were contacted and 208 responses (89%) were received. Results A treatment protocol is used in 172 units (82.7%). Emergency cardiology services were available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in 54 (26%) hospitals; most units (123, 55.8%) transfer patients out for urgent coronary angiography. A ventilator care bundle is used in 197 units (94.7%) and 189 units (90.9%) have a policy for temperature management. Target temperature, duration and method of temperature control and rate of rewarming differ between units. Access to neurophysiology investigations was poor with 91 units (43.8%) reporting no availability. Conclusions Our results show that treatments available vary considerably between different UK institutions with only 28 units (13.5%) able to offer all aspects of care. This suggests the need for ‘cardiac arrest care bundles’ and regional centres to ensure cardiac arrests survivors have access to appropriate care.