bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
One‐year outcome after prehospital intubation
Authors: PAKKANEN T. , VIRKKUNEN I. , SILFVAST T. , RANDELL T. , HUHTALA H. , YLI‐HANKALA A. 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundThe aim of physician staffed emergency medical services (EMS) is to supplement other EMS units in the care of prehospital patients. The need for advanced airway management in critical prehospital patients can be considered as one indicator of the severity of the patient's condition. Our primary aim was to study the long‐term outcome of critically ill patients (excluding cardiac arrest) who were intubated by EMS physicians in the prehospital setting.MethodsData of 845 patients, whose airways were secured by the EMS physicians during a 5‐year (2007–2011) period, were retrospectively evaluated. After exclusions, the outcome of 483 patients (8.9% of all patients treated by EMS) was studied. Evaluation was based on hospital patient records 1 year after the incident. For assessment of neurological outcome, a modified Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) was used. Time and cause of death were recorded.Results55.3% of the study patients had a good neurological recovery (GOS 4–5) with independent life 1 year after the event. The overall 1‐year mortality (GOS 1) was 35.0%. Poor neurological outcome (GOS 2–3) was found in 9.7% of the patients. Patients with intoxication or convulsions survived best, while those with suspected intracranial pathology had the worst prognosis. Of all survivors, 85% recovered well.ConclusionThe majority of the study patients had a favourable neurological recovery with independent life at 1 year after the incident. More than 80% of all deaths occurred within 30 days of the incident.
Arterial pressure during cardiopulmonary bypass is not associated with acute kidney injury
Authors: KANDLER K. , JENSEN M. E. , NILSSON J. C. , MØLLER C. H. , STEINBRÜCHEL D. A. 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery is common and is associated with increased mortality. We wanted to investigate if the arterial pressure or the use of norepinephrine during cardiopulmonary bypass were associated with AKI.MethodsA retrospective analysis of patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting with or without concomitant procedures was conducted. AKI was defined using the RIFLE criteria. Data on arterial pressure and use of norepinephrine during cardiopulmonary bypass were entered in a binary logistic regression model to control for possible perioperative confounders.ResultsA total of 623 patients were included. Mean age was 68.3 ± 9.7 years and 81% were males. AKI was observed in 198 patients (32%). Mean arterial pressure was 47 ± 6 mmHg and 45 ± 6 mmHg (P = 0.008) in the AKI and no‐AKI group, respectively. Norepinephrine was used more frequently and in higher amounts, during cardiopulmonary bypass, in patients who developed AKI. These differences in arterial pressures and use of norepinephrine between the groups were not found to be significant when entered in the binary logistic regression model.ConclusionNo independent relationship between arterial pressure or use of norepinephrine and AKI was found.
Accuracy of calculated volatile agent consumption from fresh gas content
Authors: BIRO P. , KNESCHKE O. , THEUSINGER O. M. 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundCase‐by‐case assessment of volatile anesthetic (VA) consumption is necessary to perform agent sparing dosing measures and for billing purposes. The gold standard technique for this purpose is to measure the weight difference of the vaporizer that occurs during VA delivery. Because suitable equipment is rarely available and weighing the vaporizer is only possible in prospectively planned fashion, a calculation method from recorded fresh gas flow (FGF) and VA courses is a viable alternative. The objective was to evaluate the accuracy of VA calculation from fresh gas composition vs. the gold standard of weighing the vaporizer before and after anesthesia.MethodsIn this prospective laboratory investigation, we compared the formula‐based calculations of VA consumption to the measured vaporizer weight differences before and after 10 sevoflurane and 10 desflurane anesthesia. We assessed the average difference and spread of values between the calculated and the measured values.ResultsThe calculated sevoflurane consumption overestimated the measured values by 3.0 ± 2.9 ml (6.2%). The calculated desflurane consumption overestimated the measured values by 3.5 ± 6.7 ml (5.0%). All pairs of values from both agents were within ± 1.96 standard deviations.ConclusionThe calculated VA consumption for sevoflurane and desflurane are sufficiently accurate to estimate the economic impact of VA delivery during inhalational anesthesia. This method enables the assessment of VA consumption both ways: (1) retrospectively from sufficiently detailed and accurate anesthesia recordings, as well as (2) by using this method in a prospective setting.
Sildenafil improves renal function in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Webb David J. , Vachiery Jean‐Luc , Hwang Lie‐Ju , Maurey Julie O. 
Published: February 2015

AimElevated serum creatinine (sCr) and low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are associated with poor outcomes in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) whereas sildenafil treatment improves PAH outcomes. This post hoc analysis assessed the effect of sildenafil on kidney function and links with clinical outcomes including 6‐min walk distance, functional class, time to clinical worsening and survival.MethodsPatients with PAH received placebo or sildenafil 20, 40 or 80 mg three times daily in the SUPER‐1 study and open‐label sildenafil titrated to 80 mg three times daily (as tolerated) in the extension study.ResultsBaseline characteristics were similar among groups (n = 277). PAH was mostly idiopathic (63%) and functional class II (39%) or III (58%). From baseline to week 12, kidney function improved (increased eGFR, decreased sCr) with sildenafil and worsened with placebo. In univariate logistic regression, improved kidney function was associated with significantly improved exercise and functional class (odds ratios 1.17 [95% CI 1.01, 1.36] and 1.21 [95% CI 1.03, 1.41], respectively, for sCr and 0.97 [95% CI 0.94, 0.99] and 0.97 [95% CI 0.94, 0.99] for eGFR, all P < 0.05). In patients who maintained or improved kidney function, time to worsening was significantly delayed (P < 0.02 for both kidney parameters). Observed trends towards improved survival were not significant. Patients with eGFR <60 (vs. ≥60) ml min–1 1.73 m–2 appeared to have worse survival.ConclusionsSildenafil treatment was associated with improved kidney function in patients with PAH, which was in turn associated with improved exercise capacity and functional class, a reduced risk of clinical worsening, and a trend towards reduced mortality.
Social interactions at the onset of rheumatoid arthritis and their influence on help‐seeking behaviour: A qualitative exploration
Authors: Tiwana Rumandeep , Rowland John , Fincher Marie , Raza Karim , Stack Rebecca J. 
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesTo explore how social interactions at the onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) influence help‐seeking behaviour from the perspectives of those with RA and their significant others (family and friends).MethodsNineteen semi‐structured qualitative interviews were undertaken with people recently diagnosed with RA and their significant others. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsSignificant others’ initial appraisals of symptoms led them to provide practical support with daily activities rather than advice to seek help. People with RA described difficulties in communicating the severity of their symptoms and often attempted to hide their symptoms from others. Significant others also reacted negatively, expressing disbelief and dismissing symptoms. On occasion, early symptoms were even described as the catalyst for the breakdown of relationships. On reflection, significant others expressed guilt about their initial reactions and wished that they had recognized the need for intervention earlier. When symptoms had advanced and were more obvious, significant others often strongly advised that help should be sought and, in some cases, physically escorted the patient to their medical appointment. In many instances, people with RA described significant others as the catalyst for eventually seeking help.ConclusionsSignificant others play an important role in influencing help‐seeking behaviour; this has implications for theoretical models of help‐seeking and the development of help‐seeking interventions. A negative consequence of social interactions resulted from a lack of understanding and knowledge about RA among significant others, highlighting the need for greater public awareness about the early symptoms of RA.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

At the onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) people often delay in seeking help, leading to poor clinical outcomes.

Previous research has highlighted the role of personal interpretations of symptoms in help seeking.

However, little is known about the social context of help‐seeking decisions and role of social networks in influencing help‐seeking behaviour.

What this study adds?

This study highlights the importance of social interactions at the onset on RA from multiple perspectives (i.e., those with RA, their family and friends)

Family and friends played a critical role at symptom onset, and help‐seeking was found to be both facilitated and hindered by social networks.

It is vital that help‐seeking campaigns and theoretical models give more weight to the role of social interactions in encouraging help‐seeking behaviour.
The case for xenotransplantation
Authors: Cooper David K. C. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe availability of organs and cells from deceased humans for transplantation is not meeting the demand. Xenotransplantation, specifically the transplantation of organs and cells from genetically engineered pigs, could resolve this problem. Diabetic monkeys have remained normoglycemic and insulin‐independent after pig islet transplantation for >one yr, and a pig heterotopic (non‐life‐supporting) heart transplant recently reached the one‐yr milestone in a baboon. With these encouraging results, why is it that, with some notable exceptions, research into xenotransplantation has received relatively little support by industry, government funding agencies, and medical charitable foundations? Industry appears reluctant to support research that will take more than two to three yr to come to clinical trial, and the funding agencies appear to have been “distracted” by the current appeal of stem cell technology and regenerative medicine. It has only been the willingness of living donors to provide organs that has significantly increased the number of transplants being performed worldwide. These altruistic donations are not without risk of morbidity and even mortality to the donor. Although with the best of intentions, we are therefore traversing the Hippocratic Oath of doctors to “do no harm.” This should be a stimulus to fund exploration of alternative approaches, including xenotransplantation.
Ocular nerve growth factor administration counteracts the impairment of neural precursor cell viability and differentiation in the brain subventricular area of rats with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes
Authors: Tirassa Paola , Maccarone Mattia , Carito Valentina , De Nicolò Sara , Fiore Marco 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe ocular administration of nerve growth factor (NGF) as eye drops (oNGF) has been shown to exert protective effects in forebrain‐injured animal models, including adult diabetes induced by a single injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (60 mg/kg body weight). This type 1 diabetes model was used in this study to investigate whether oNGF might extend its actions on neuronal precursors localised in the subventricular zone (SVZ). NGF or saline was administrated as eye drops twice daily for 2 weeks in rats with STZ‐induced diabetes and healthy control rats. The expression of mature and precursor NGF and the NGF receptors, tropomyosin‐related kinase A and neurotrophin receptor p75, and the levels of DNA fragmentation were analysed by ELISA and western blotting. Incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine was used to trace newly formed cells. Nestin, polysialylated neuronal cell adhesion molecule (PSA‐NCAM), doublecortin (DCX) and glial fibrillary acidic protein antibodies were used to identify the SVZ cells by confocal microscopy. It was found that oNGF counteracts the STZ‐induced cell death and the alteration of mature/pro‐NGF expression in the SVZ. It also affects the survival and differentiation of SVZ progenitors. In particular, oNGF counteracts the reduction in the number of cells expressing PSA‐NCAM/DCX (neuroblast type A cells) and the related reductions in the number and distribution of nestin/DCX‐positive cells (C‐type cells), or glia‐committed cells (type B cells), observed in the SVZ of diabetic rats. These findings show that oNGF treatment counteracts the effect of type 1 diabetes on neuronal precursors in the SVZ, and further support the neuroprotective and reparative role of oNGF in the brain.
WONOEP appraisal: Molecular and cellular imaging in epilepsy
Authors: Lillis Kyle P. , Dulla Chris , Maheshwari Atul , Coulter Douglas , Mody Istvan , Heinemann Uwe , Armbruster Moritz , Žiburkus Jokūbas 
Published: February 2015

SummaryGreat advancements have been made in understanding the basic mechanisms of ictogenesis using single‐cell electrophysiology (e.g., patch clamp, sharp electrode), large‐scale electrophysiology (e.g., electroencephalography [EEG], field potential recording), and large‐scale imaging (magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], positron emission tomography [PET], calcium imaging of acetoxymethyl ester [AM] dye‐loaded tissue). Until recently, it has been challenging to study experimentally how population rhythms emerge from cellular activity. Newly developed optical imaging technologies hold promise for bridging this gap by making it possible to simultaneously record the many cellular elements that comprise a neural circuit. Furthermore, easily accessible genetic technologies for targeting expression of fluorescent protein–based indicators make it possible to study, in animal models of epilepsy, epileptogenic changes to neural circuits over long periods. In this review, we summarize some of the latest imaging tools (fluorescent probes, gene delivery methods, and microscopy techniques) that can lead to the advancement of cell‐ and circuit‐level understanding of epilepsy, which in turn may inform and improve development of next generation antiepileptic and antiepileptogenic drugs.
Detection of influenza A and B with the Alere™ i Influenza A & B: a novel isothermal nucleic acid amplification assay
Authors: Hazelton Briony , Gray Timothy , Ho Jennifer , Ratnamohan V. Mala , Dwyer Dominic E. , Kok Jen 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundRapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) have an important role in clinical decision‐making; however, the performances of currently available assays vary widely.ObjectivesWe evaluated the performance of the Alere™ i Influenza A&B (Alere™ iNAT), a rapid isothermal nucleic acid amplification assay that has recently received FDA clearance, for the detection of influenza A and B viruses during the Australian influenza season of 2013. Results were compared to two other RIDTs tested in parallel; Quidel Sofia® Influenza A+B fluorescent immunoassay (FIA) and Alere™ BinaxNOW® Influenza A & B immunochromatographic (ICT) assay.MethodsA total of 202 paired nasopharyngeal swabs collected from patients ≥16 years old with an influenza‐like illness (ILI) were eluted in 2 ml of universal transport medium (UTM) that was used to perform all three RIDTs in parallel. Reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was used as the reference standard.ResultsCompared to RT‐PCR, Alere™ iNAT detected 77·8% influenza A positive samples versus 71·4% and 44·4% for the Quidel Sofia® Influenza A+B FIA and BinaxNOW® Influenza A & B ICT assay, respectively. For influenza B, Alere™ iNAT detected 75% of those positive by RT‐PCR, versus 33·3% and 25·0% for Sofia® and BinaxNOW®, respectively. The specificity of Alere™ iNAT was 100% for influenza A and 99% for influenza B.ConclusionsAlere™ i Influenza A&B is a promising new rapid influenza diagnostic assay with potential point‐of‐care applications.
Optical and Microwave Dielectric Properties of Phase Pure (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 Thin Films Deposited by RF Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Peddigari Mahesh , Sindam Bashaiah , Raju K.C. James , Dobbidi Pamu 
Published: February 2015

(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 (KNN) thin films have been deposited onto Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si and quartz substrates by RF magnetron sputtering. The films were deposited at 400°C with the variation in oxygen mixing percentage (OMP) ratio from 0% to 100% and annealed at 700°C in oxygen atmosphere. The crystallinity of the films is found to be increased with increased OMP. Dielectric properties of the films were examined over the frequency range from 1 kHz to 1 MHz and the temperature range of 30°C to 400°C. The Curie temperature of the films was found to be in the range 369°C–373°C. For the first time, the split postdielectric resonator (SPDR) method was used to measure the microwave (10–20 GHz) dielectric properties of KNN thin films. The optical properties of as‐deposited and annealed KNN thin films were investigated by means of transmittance spectra. The optical bandgap is calculated by using the Tauc relation, and found to be in the range 4.34–4.40 eV and 4.29–4.37 eV for the as‐deposited and annealed films, respectively. The refractive index (n700nm) of the films found to be in the range 1.98–2.01 and 1.99–2.07 for as‐deposited and annealed films, respectively. The refractive index dispersion is analyzed by using Wemple–DiDomenico (W–D) single‐oscillator model. The effect of annealing and OMP on the refractive index, packing density and W–D parameters has been investigated. The average single oscillator energy (Eo) and dispersion energies (Ed) of the annealed KNN thin films are in the range of 6.17–7.16 eV and 18.77–22.19 eV, respectively. AC‐conductivity of the annealed films was analyzed by using double power law. Ag/KNN/Pt thin films followed the ohmic conduction (J ∝ Eα, where α ~1) and the low leakage current density obtained for the deposited at 100% O2 is 3.14 × 10−5 A/cm2 at 50 kV/cm.
Preparation of Morphology‐Controlled Plate‐Like Sodium Niobate Particles by Hydrothermal Synthesis
Authors: Lu Yao , Karaki Tomoaki , Fujii Tadashi 
Published: February 2015

Sodium niobate (NaNbO3) particles with plate‐like morphology and hexagonal unit cells were prepared by the hydrothermal method. The result of SEM showed that the hexagonal NaNbO3 were characterized by plate‐like morphology with a diameter of 5–15 μm and a thickness of 1–2 μm. The crucial influences on the morphology and crystal phase of the NaNbO3, such as concentration of [OH−], surfactant, and K+:Na+ ratio, were established. By further calcination treatment, the plate‐like hexagonal NaNbO3 particles could be completely transformed into perovskite structure without morphology change. The XRD and EBSD results indicate that the major face of the calcined particles is parallel to the crystallographic (001)pc (pseudo cubic index) plane. Compared with the traditional high‐temperature molten salt method, this work provides a simpler way to prepare the template for fabricating textured ceramics.
SiC Depletion in ZrB2–30 vol% SiC at Ultrahigh Temperatures
Authors: Shugart Kathleen , Opila Elizabeth 
Published: February 2015

The formation of a porous SiC‐depleted region in ZrB2–SiC due to active oxidation at ultrahigh temperatures was characterized. The presence/absence of SiC depletion was determined at a series of temperatures (1300°C–1800°C) and times (5 min–100 h). At T < 1627°C, SiC depletion was not observed. Instead, the formation of a ZrO2 + C/borosilicate oxidation product layer sequence was observed above the ZrB2–SiC base material. At T ≥ 1627°C, SiC was depleted in the ZrB2 matrix below the ZrO2 and borosilicate oxidation products. The SiC depletion was attributed to active oxidation of SiC to form SiO(g). The transition between C formation in ZrO2 (T < 1627°C) and SiC depletion in ZrB2 (T ≥ 1627°C) is attributed to variation in the temperature dependence of thermodynamically favored product assemblage influenced by the local microstructural phase distribution. The growth kinetics of the SiC depletion region is consistent with a gas‐phase diffusion‐controlled process.
High‐mobility group box‐1 induces vascular remodelling processes via c‐Jun activation
Authors: Zabini Diana , Crnkovic Slaven , Xu Hui , Tscherner Maria , Ghanim Bahil , Klepetko Walter , Olschewski Andrea , Kwapiszewska Grazyna , Marsh Leigh M. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractExtracellular high‐mobility group box‐1 (HMGB1) acts as a signalling molecule during inflammation, cell differentiation and angiogenesis. Increased abundance of HMGB1 is associated with several pathological disorders such as cancer, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this study, we investigated the relevance of HMGB1 in the pathological remodelling present in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with COPD. Remodelled vessels present in COPD with PH and IPAH lung samples were often surrounded by HMGB1‐positive cells. Increased HMGB1 serum levels were detected in both patient populations compared to control samples. The effects of physiological HMGB1 concentrations were then examined on cellular responses in vitro. HMGB1 enhanced proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMC) and primary human arterial endothelial cells (PAEC). HMGB1 stimulated p38, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation. Furthermore, activation of the downstream AP‐1 complex proteins c‐Fos and c‐Jun was observed. Silencing of c‐Jun ablated the HMGB1‐induced proliferation in PASMC. Thus, an inflammatory component such as HMGB1 can contribute to PASMC and PAEC proliferation and therefore potentially to vascular remodelling and PH pathogenesis.
2‐Dimensional changes of the soft tissue profile of augmented and non‐augmented human extraction sockets: a randomized pilot study
Authors: Flügge Tabea , Nelson Katja , Nack Claudia , Stricker Andres , Nahles Susanne 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAimThis study identified the soft tissue changes of the alveolar ridge at different time points within 12 weeks after tooth extraction with and without socket augmentation.Materials and MethodsIn 38 patients with single tooth extractions, 40 sockets were augmented and 39 extraction sockets were not augmented. At 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks impressions were taken and casts digitized with a laser scanner. The horizontal and vertical changes were compared between augmented and non‐augmented sites. A p‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe mean changes of augmented sockets were between 0.4 mm (2 weeks) and 0.8 mm (12 weeks). In non‐augmented sockets changes of 0.7 mm (2 weeks) and of 1.0 mm (12 weeks) were demonstrated. The mean values differed significantly between the buccal and oral region (p < 0.01). Overall, there were significant differences of the mean dimensional changes regarding time (p < 0.01) and augmentation (p < 0.01).ConclusionsAugmented sockets showed less resorption within 4 weeks after extraction compared to non‐augmented sockets. Non‐augmented sockets showed a continuous dimensional loss with a great variation over 12 weeks whereas augmented sockets had the highest degree of resorption between 4 and 6 weeks. At 12 weeks a comparable resorption in augmented and non‐augmented sockets was observed.