bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative single‐particle digital autoradiography with α‐particle emitters for targeted radionuclide therapy using the iQID camera
Authors: Miller Brian W. , Frost Sofia H. L. , Frayo Shani L. , Kenoyer Aimee L. , Santos Erlinda , Jones Jon C. , Green Damian J. , Hamlin Donald K. , Wilbur D. Scott , Fisher Darrell R. , Orozco Johnnie J. , Press Oliver W. , Pagel John M. , Sandmaier Brenda M. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose:Alpha‐emitting radionuclides exhibit a potential advantage for cancer treatments because they release large amounts of ionizing energy over a few cell diameters (50–80 μm), causing localized, irreparable double‐strand DNA breaks that lead to cell death. Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) approaches using monoclonal antibodies labeled with α emitters may thus inactivate targeted cells with minimal radiation damage to surrounding tissues. Tools are needed to visualize and quantify the radioactivity distribution and absorbed doses to targeted and nontargeted cells for accurate dosimetry of all treatment regimens utilizing α particles, including RIT and others (e.g., Ra‐223), especially for organs and tumors with heterogeneous radionuclide distributions. The aim of this study was to evaluate and characterize a novel single‐particle digital autoradiography imager, the ionizing‐radiation quantum imaging detector (iQID) camera, for use in α‐RIT experiments.Methods:The iQID camera is a scintillator‐based radiation detection system that images and identifies charged‐particle and gamma‐ray/x‐ray emissions spatially and temporally on an event‐by‐event basis. It employs CCD‐CMOS cameras and high‐performance computing hardware for real‐time imaging and activity quantification of tissue sections, approaching cellular resolutions. In this work, the authors evaluated its characteristics for α‐particle imaging, including measurements of intrinsic detector spatial resolutions and background count rates at various detector configurations and quantification of activity distributions. The technique was assessed for quantitative imaging of astatine‐211 (211At) activity distributions in cryosections of murine and canine tissue samples.Results:The highest spatial resolution was measured at ∼20 μm full width at half maximum and the α‐particle background was measured at a rate as low as (2.6 ± 0.5) × 10−4 cpm/cm2 (40 mm diameter detector area). Simultaneous imaging of multiple tissue sections was performed using a large‐area iQID configuration (ø 11.5 cm). Estimation of the 211At activity distribution was demonstrated at mBq/μg‐levels.Conclusions:Single‐particle digital autoradiography of α emitters has advantages over traditional film‐based autoradiographic techniques that use phosphor screens, in terms of spatial resolution, sensitivity, and activity quantification capability. The system features and characterization results presented in this study show that the iQID is a promising technology for microdosimetry, because it provides necessary information for interpreting alpha‐RIT outcomes and for predicting the therapeutic efficacy of cell‐targeted approaches using α emitters.
Are Birth Weight, Early Growth, and Motor Development Determinants of Physical Activity in Children and Youth? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Øglund Guro Pauck , Hildebrand Maria , Ekelund Ulf 
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this systematic review was to explore whether birth weight, early growth and motor development act as determinants of physical activity in children and youth.Methods:We performed a systematic literature search on the possible early life determinants. A meta-analysis was performed on the association between birthweight and objectively measured physical activity.Results:We identified 9 studies examining birth weight, in which none of the studies with objectively measured physical activity observed an association between birth weight and physical activity. The meta-analysis confirmed this result (b=-3.08, 95% CI -10.20, 4.04). The 3 studies examining early growth and physical activity in youth differ in methodology and the results are inconsistent. Two studies suggest an association between earlier motor development and physical activity and sport participation in youth. This was not confirmed in a third study.Conclusion:Our meta-analysis suggests that birth weight is not an important determinant of physical activity in youth. Available data does not allow firm conclusions whether early growth and motor development act as determinants of physical activity in youth.
Performance of a New Rapid Immunoassay Test Kit for Point-of-Care Diagnosis of Significant Bacteriuria
Authors: Stapleton Ann E. , Cox Marsha E. , DiNello Robert K. , Geisberg Mark , Abbott April , Roberts Pacita L. , Hooton Thomas M. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are frequently encountered in clinical practice and most commonly caused byEscherichia coliand other Gram-negative uropathogens. We tested RapidBac, a rapid immunoassay for bacteriuria developed by Silver Lake Research Corporation (SLRC), compared with standard bacterial culture using 966 clean-catch urine specimens submitted to a clinical microbiology laboratory in an urban academic medical center. RapidBac was performed in accordance with instructions, providing a positive or negative result in 20 min. RapidBac identified as positive 245/285 (sensitivity 86%) samples with significant bacteriuria, defined as the presence of a Gram-negative uropathogen orStaphylococcus saprophyticusat ≥103CFU/ml. The sensitivities for Gram-negative bacteriuria at ≥104CFU/ml and ≥105CFU/ml were 96% and 99%, respectively. The specificity of the test, detecting the absence of significant bacteriuria, was 94%. The sensitivity and specificity of RapidBac were similar on samples from inpatient and outpatient settings, from male and female patients, and across age groups from 18 to 89 years old, although specificity was higher in men (100%) compared with that in women (92%). The RapidBac test for bacteriuria may be effective as an aid in the point-of-care diagnosis of UTIs especially in emergency and primary care settings.
Airborne Transmission of a Novel Tembusu Virus in Ducks
Authors: Li Xuesong , Shi Ying , Liu Qinfang , Wang Ying , Li Guoxin , Teng Qiaoyang , Zhang Yuee , Liu Sidang , Li Zejun 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT

The routes of transmission of a newly emerged Tembusu virus (TMUV,
Flavivirus
) in ducks in China remain unclear. Our epidemiological data show that TMUV is spread in winter, when mosquitos are inactive, which suggests that nonvector transmission routes are involved in the spread of TMUV. Furthermore,
in vivo
studies indicate that TMUV can be transmitted efficiently among ducks by both direct contact and aerosol transmission. This finding has important implications for the control of infection with this novel TMUV in the field.
VP2 Exchange and NS3/NS3a Deletion in African Horse Sickness Virus (AHSV) in Development of Disabled Infectious Single Animal Vaccine Candidates for AHSV
Authors: van de Water Sandra G. P. , van Gennip René G. P. , Potgieter Christiaan A. , Wright Isabel M. , van Rijn Piet A. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT

African horse sickness virus (AHSV) is a virus species in the genus
Orbivirus
of the family
Reoviridae
. There are nine serotypes of AHSV showing different levels of cross neutralization. AHSV is transmitted by species of
Culicoides
biting midges and causes African horse sickness (AHS) in equids, with a mortality rate of up to 95% in naive horses. AHS has become a serious threat for countries outside Africa, since endemic
Culicoides
species in moderate climates appear to be competent vectors for the related bluetongue virus (BTV). To control AHS, live-attenuated vaccines (LAVs) are used in Africa. We used reverse genetics to generate “synthetic” reassortants of AHSV for all nine serotypes by exchange of genome segment 2 (Seg-2). This segment encodes VP2, which is the serotype-determining protein and the dominant target for neutralizing antibodies. Single Seg-2 AHSV reassortants showed similar cytopathogenic effects in mammalian cells but displayed different growth kinetics. Reverse genetics for AHSV was also used to study Seg-10 expressing NS3/NS3a proteins. We demonstrated that NS3/NS3a proteins are not essential for AHSV replication
in vitro
. NS3/NS3a of AHSV is, however, involved in the cytopathogenic effect in mammalian cells and is very important for virus release from cultured insect cells in particular. Similar to the concept of the bluetongue disabled infectious single animal (BT DISA) vaccine platform, an AHS DISA vaccine platform lacking NS3/NS3a expression was developed. Using exchange of genome segment 2 encoding VP2 protein (Seg-2[VP2]), we will be able to develop AHS DISA vaccine candidates for all current AHSV serotypes.

IMPORTANCE
African horse sickness virus is transmitted by species of
Culicoides
biting midges and causes African horse sickness in equids, with a mortality rate of up to 95% in naive horses. African horse sickness has become a serious threat for countries outside Africa, since endemic
Culicoides
species in moderate climates are supposed to be competent vectors. By using reverse genetics, viruses of all nine serotypes were constructed by the exchange of Seg-2 expressing the serotype-determining VP2 protein. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the nonstructural protein NS3/NS3a is not essential for virus replication
in vitro
. However, the potential spread of the virus by biting midges is supposed to be blocked, since the
in vitro
release of the virus was strongly reduced due to this deletion. VP2 exchange and NS3/NS3a deletion in African horse sickness virus were combined in the concept of a disabled infectious single animal vaccine for all nine serotypes.
Contextual socioeconomic factors associated with childhood mortality in Nigeria: a multilevel analysis
Authors: Adekanmbi Victor T , Kandala Ngianga-Bakwin , Stranges Saverio , Uthman Olalekan A 
Published: June 2015

BackgroundChildhood mortality is a well-known public health issue, particularly in the low and middle income countries. The overarching aim of this study was to examine whether neighbourhood socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with childhood mortality beyond individual-level measures of socioeconomic status in Nigeria.MethodsMultilevel logistic regression models were applied to data on 31 482 under-five children whether alive or dead (level 1) nested within 896 neighbourhoods (level 2) from the 37 states in Nigeria (level 3) using the most recent 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (DHS).ResultsMore than 1 of every 10 children studied had died before reaching the age of 5 years (130/1000 live births). The following factors independently increased the odds of childhood mortality: male sex, mother's age at 15–24 years, uneducated mother or low maternal education attainment, decreasing household wealth index at individual level (level 1), residing in rural area and neighbourhoods with high poverty rate at level 2. There were significant neighbourhoods and states clustering in childhood mortality in Nigeria.ConclusionsThe study provides evidence that individual-level and neighbourhood-level socioeconomic conditions are important correlates of childhood mortality in Nigeria. The findings of this study also highlight the need to implement public health prevention strategies at the individual level, as well as at the area/neighbourhood level. These strategies include the establishment of an effective publicly funded healthcare system, as well as health education and poverty alleviation programmes.
Aerobic training decreases bronchial hyperresponsiveness and systemic inflammation in patients with moderate or severe asthma: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: França-Pinto Andrezza , Mendes Felipe A R , de Carvalho-Pinto Regina Maria , Agondi Rosana Câmara , Cukier Alberto , Stelmach Rafael , Saraiva-Romanholo Beatriz M , Kalil Jorge , Martins Milton A , Giavina-Bianchi Pedro , Carvalho Celso R F 
Published: June 2015

BackgroundThe benefits of aerobic training for the main features of asthma, such as bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and inflammation, are poorly understood. We investigated the effects of aerobic training on BHR (primary outcome), serum inflammatory cytokines (secondary outcome), clinical control and asthma quality of life (Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ)) (tertiary outcomes).MethodsFifty-eight patients were randomly assigned to either the control group (CG) or the aerobic training group (TG). Patients in the CG (educational programme+breathing exercises (sham)) and the TG (same as the CG+aerobic training) were followed for 3 months. BHR, serum cytokine, clinical control, AQLQ, induced sputum and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) were evaluated before and after the intervention.ResultsAfter 12 weeks, 43 patients (21 CG/22 TG) completed the study and were analysed. The TG improved in BHR by 1 doubling dose (dd) (95% CI 0.3 to 1.7 dd), and they experienced reduced interleukin 6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and improved AQLQ and asthma exacerbation (p<0.05). No effects were seen for IL-5, IL-8, IL-10, sputum cellularity, FeNO or Asthma Control Questionnaire 7 (ACQ-7; p>0.05). A within-group difference was found in the ACQ-6 for patients with non-well-controlled asthma and in sputum eosinophil and FeNO in patients in the TG who had worse airway inflammation.ConclusionsAerobic training reduced BHR and serum proinflammatory cytokines and improved quality of life and asthma exacerbation in patients with moderate or severe asthma. These results suggest that adding exercise as an adjunct therapy to pharmacological treatment could improve the main features of asthma.Trial registration numberNCT02033122.
Famennian survivor turiniid thelodonts of North and East Gondwana
Authors: Hairapetian Vachik , Roelofs Brett P. A. , Trinajstic Kate M. , Turner Susan 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

Microvertebrate samples from the Upper Devonian Hojedk section, southeastern Iran, and the Napier Formation, northwestern Australia, have yielded scales of agnathan thelodonts, dated as early/mid-Famennian (
crepida–marginifera/trachytera
conodont zones). These scales are referred to
Arianalepis megacostata
, a new genus and species, and
Arianalepis
sp. indet., a second indeterminate species of this new turiniid genus. Further recorded scales of
Australolepis seddoni
from the Napier Formation confirm the age range for this taxon as extending into the late Frasnian. The new remains post-date the previously youngest thelodonts from Iran and Western Australia and provide the first evidence of thelodonts surviving the Frasnian–Famennian extinction events.
Treprostinil indirectly regulates endothelial colony forming cell angiogenic properties by increasing VEGF-A produced by mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Levy Marilyne , Huang Lan , Rossi Elisa , Blandinières Adeline , Israel-Biet Dominique , Gaussem Pascale , Bischoff Joyce , Smadja David 
Published: June 2015

SummaryPulmonary vasodilators and prostacyclin therapy in particular, have markedly improved the outcome of patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Endothelial dysfunction is a key feature of PH, and we previously reported that treprostinil therapy increases number and proliferative potential of endothelial colony forming cells (ECFC) isolated from PH patients’ blood. In the present study, the objective was to determine how treprostinil contributes to the proangiogenic functions of ECFC. We examined the effect of treprostinil on ECFC obtained from cord blood in terms of colony numbers, proliferative and clonogenic properties in vitro, as well as in vivo vasculogenic properties. Surprisingly, treprostinil inhibited viability of cultured ECFC but did not modify their clonogenic properties or the endothelial differentiation potential from cord blood stem cells. Treprostinil treatment significantly increased the vessel-forming ability of ECFC combined with mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in Matrigel implanted in nude mice. In vitro, ECFC proliferation was stimulated by conditioned media from treprostinil-pretreated MSC, and this effect was inhibited either by the use of VEGF-A blocking antibodies or siRNA VEGF-A in MSC. Silencing VEGF-A gene in MSC also blocked the pro-angiogenic effect of treprostinil in vivo. In conclusion, increased VEGF-A produced by MSC can account for the increased vessel formation observed during treprostinil treatment. The clinical relevance of these data was confirmed by the high level of VEGF-A detected in plasma from patients with paediatric PH who had been treated with treprostinil. Moreover, our results suggest that VEGF-A level in patients could be a surrogate biomarker of treprostinil efficacy.
Safety of Oral Dofetilide for Rhythm Control of Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter
Authors: Abraham JoEllyn M. , Saliba Walid I. , Vekstein Carolyn , Lawrence David , Bhargava Mandeep , Bassiouny Mohamed , Janiszewski David , Lindsay Bruce , Militello Michael , Nissen Steven E. , Poe Stacy , Tanaka-Esposito Christine , Wolski Kathy , Wilkoff Bruce L. 
Published: June 2015

Background—
Although dofetilide is widely used in the United States for rhythm control of atrial fibrillation, there is limited postapproval safety data in the atrial fibrillation population despite its known risk of Torsade de pointes (TdP).

Methods and Results—

We conducted a retrospective chart review of a cohort of 1404 patients initially loaded on dofetilide for atrial fibrillation suppression at the Cleveland Clinic from 2008 to 2012 to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for in-hospital adverse events and the long-term safety of continued use. Of the 17 patients with TdP during loading (1.2%), 10 had a cardiac arrest requiring resuscitation (1 death), 5 had syncope/presyncope, and 2 were asymptomatic. Dofetilide loading was stopped for 105 patients (7.5%) because of QTc prolongation or TdP. Variables correlated with TdP were (1) female sex, 2) 500-μg dose, (3) reduced ejection fraction, and (4) increase in QTc from baseline. One-year all-cause mortality was higher in patients who continued dofetilide compared with those who discontinued use (hazard ratio, 2.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–5.71;
P
=0.03). Those patients who had a TdP event had higher one-year all-cause mortality than those who did not (17.6% versus 3% at 1 year;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—
Dofetilide loading has a low but finite risk of TdP and other adverse events that warrant the current Food and Drug Administration–mandated practice of inpatient monitoring during drug loading. In this cohort, all-cause mortality was higher at 1 year in those patients continued on dofetilide and in those patients who experienced TdP while loading.
Randomized Trial of the Effect of Pharmacist Prescribing on Improving Blood Pressure in the Community
Authors: Tsuyuki Ross T. , Houle Sherilyn K.D. , Charrois Theresa L. , Kolber Michael R. , Rosenthal Meagen M. , Lewanczuk Richard , Campbell Norm R.C. , Cooney Dale , McAlister Finlay A. 
Published: June 2015

Background—
Hypertension control rates remain suboptimal. Pharmacists’ scope of practice is evolving, and their position in the community may be ideal for improving hypertension care. We aimed to study the impact of pharmacist prescribing on blood pressure (BP) control in community-dwelling patients.

Methods and Results—

We designed a patient-level, randomized, controlled trial, enrolling adults with above-target BP (as defined by Canadian guidelines) through
c
ommunity pharmacies, hospitals, or primary care teams in 23 communities in Alberta. Intervention group patients received an assessment of BP and cardiovascular risk, education on hypertension, prescribing of antihypertensive medications, laboratory monitoring, and monthly follow-up visits for 6 months (all by their pharmacist). Control group patients received a wallet card for BP recording, written hypertension information, and usual care from their pharmacist and physician. Primary outcome was the change in systolic BP at 6 months. A total of 248 patients (mean age, 64 years; 49% male) were enrolled. Baseline mean±SD systolic/diastolic BP was 150±14/84±11 mm Hg. The intervention group had a mean±SE reduction in systolic BP at 6 months of 18.3±1.2 compared with 11.8±1.9 mm Hg in the control group, an adjusted difference of 6.6±1.9 mm Hg (
P
=0.0006). The adjusted odds of patients achieving BP targets was 2.32 (95% confidence interval, 1.17–4.15 in favor of the intervention).

Conclusions—
Pharmacist prescribing for patients with hypertension resulted in a clinically important and statistically significant reduction in BP. Policy makers should consider an expanded role for pharmacists, including prescribing, to address the burden of hypertension.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00878566.
Associations between comorbid anxiety, diabetes control, and overall medical burden in patients with serious mental illness and diabetes
Authors: Bajor Laura A , Gunzler Douglas , Einstadter Douglas , Thomas Charles , McCormick Richard , Perzynski Adam T , Kanuch Stephanie W , Cassidy Kristin A , Dawson Neal V , Sajatovic Martha 
Published: June 2015

Objective While previous work has demonstrated elevation of both comorbid anxiety disorders and diabetes mellitus type II in individuals with serious mental illness, little is known regarding the impact of comorbid anxiety on diabetes mellitus type II outcomes in serious mental illness populations. We analyzed baseline data from patients with serious mental illness and diabetes mellitus type II to examine relationships between comorbid anxiety, glucose control as measured by hemoglobin A1c score, and overall illness burden. Methods Using baseline data from an ongoing prospective treatment study involving 157 individuals with serious mental illness and diabetes mellitus type II, we compared individuals with and without a comorbid anxiety disorder and compared hemoglobin A1c levels between these groups to assess the relationship between anxiety and management of diabetes mellitus type II. We conducted a similar analysis using cumulative number of anxiety diagnoses as a proxy for anxiety load. Finally, we searched for associations between anxiety and overall medical illness burden as measured by Charlson score. Results Anxiety disorders were seen in 33.1% ( N = 52) of individuals with serious mental illness and diabetes mellitus type II and were associated with increased severity of depressive symptoms and decreased function. Hemoglobin A1c levels were not significantly different in those with or without anxiety, and having multiple anxiety disorders was not associated with differences in diabetes mellitus type II control. However, depressive symptoms were significantly associated with higher hemoglobin A1c levels. Neither comorbid anxiety nor anxiety load was significantly associated with overall medical burden. Conclusion One in three people with serious mental illness and diabetes mellitus type II had anxiety. Depressive symptoms were significantly associated with Hb1Ac levels while anxiety symptoms had no relation to hemoglobin A1c; this is consistent with previously published work. More studies are needed to better understand the relationship between depression, anxiety, and health management in people with serious mental illness and diabetes mellitus type II.