bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Videoscopic Basilic Vein Harvest for Creation of Transposed Brachiobasilic Arteriovenous Fistulae
Authors: Leone John P. , Glaser Alexander D. , Hufstetler Rick , Illig Karl A. 
Published: July 2014

Introduction: Due to the extensive dissection required during the standard transposed brachiobasilic arterial venous fistula (BB-AVF) procedure and the potential for postoperative complications, many surgeons are reluctant to construct BB-AVFs. Less invasive vein harvest has been performed for this procedure with good results, but this procedure remains rarely used. Methods: We began to perform videoscopic-assisted BB-AVF creation in selected patients at our institution in 2006. Vein harvesting from the antecubital fossa to the level of the axilla is performed by an experienced surgical technician under the guidance of the dialysis access surgeon. Perioperative data and postoperative outcomes were retrospectively reviewed with institutional review board approval. Results: From 2006 to 2010, we performed videoscopic-assisted BB-AVF in 21 patients. Median age was 59 years and median body mass index was 30; women comprised 52% of the cohort. Previous vascular access procedures had been performed on 81% of patients. Of the 21 attempts with the video-assisted approach, only 1 required conversion to a standard open procedure. Of the remaining cases, there were no significant intraoperative or postoperative surgical complications with a median operative time of 159 minutes and maximum length of stay of 1 night. Maturation of the fistula sufficient for cannulation and use occurred in 80% of patients, with the median time to first access in patients who matured being 60 days. At 3 years follow-up, 47% of fistulas that matured were still functional, with 33% lost to death or successful renal transplantation. Conclusion: Videoscopic-assisted transposition of the basilic vein is a reasonable option for BB-AVF placement. The procedure can be performed in an acceptable expeditious fashion with near elimination of infection, wound breakdown, lymph drainage, nerve injury, and satisfactory maturation (80%) and patency rates. Technicians experienced in lower extremity vein harvest can perform this procedure successfully under the supervision of an experienced access surgeon.
Community pharmacist surveillance of hypertension in pregnancy
Authors: Tsao Nicole W. , Marra Carlo A. , Lynd Larry D. , Thomas Jamie M. , Ferreira Ema 
Published: July 2014

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are associated with serious maternal and perinatal complications. For nonsevere hypertension, there is a lack of consensus regarding treatment during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Further, there is considerable variability in guidelines for antihypertensive drug choices. As part of a Drug Safety and Effectiveness Network (DSEN)–funded project, we piloted a novel surveillance strategy in which community pharmacists recruited pregnant and breastfeeding women to monitor their blood pressure and medication use and to provide education on HDP. Methods: Participating pharmacists were required to complete a certified training program, identify and recruit patients who were pregnant or breastfeeding, obtain informed consent, administer a patient questionnaire and complete an initial case report form for enrolled patients. Study outcomes included the feasibility of community pharmacists to enroll patients and carry out study-related documentation and follow-up. The criteria for success in this pilot study included the ability of pharmacists to recruit 10 participants per pharmacy. Results: 178 community pharmacies across British Columbia agreed to participate in this feasibility study, of which 63 pharmacists completed the study training. Of these, only 21 pharmacists recruited at least 1 patient and 1 pharmacist met the success criteria. Overall, 51 patients were enrolled, 2 withdrew from the study and 7 patients were diagnosed with HDP. Antihypertensive medications used by patients included methyldopa and labetalol. Conclusions: While postmarketing surveillance is an important tool for the assessment of drug safety in the pregnant and breastfeeding patient population, the feasibility of community pharmacists taking on this role was not successfully demonstrated.
Genetic variant in folate homeostasis is associated with lower warfarin dose in African Americans
Authors: Daneshjou Roxana , Gamazon Eric R. , Burkley Ben , Cavallari Larisa H. , Johnson Julie A. , Klein Teri E. , Limdi Nita , Hillenmeyer Sara , Percha Bethany , Karczewski Konrad J. , Langaee Taimour , Patel Shitalben R. , Bustamante Carlos D. , Altman Russ B. , Perera Minoli A. 
Published: July 2014

Key PointsA population-specific genetic variant involved in folate homeostasis is associated with lower warfarin dose in African Americans.
Electrical transport properties of small diameter single-walled carbon nanotubes aligned on ST-cut quartz substrates
Authors: Watanabe Tohru , Sadki El-Hadi S , Yamaguchi Takahide , Takano Yoshihiko 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
A method is introduced to isolate and measure the electrical transport properties of individual single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) aligned on an ST-cut quartz, from room temperature down to 2 K. The diameter and chirality of the measured SWNTs are accurately defined from Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). A significant up-shift in the G-band of the resonance Raman spectra of the SWNTs is observed, which increases with increasing SWNTs diameter, and indicates a strong interaction with the quartz substrate. A semiconducting SWNT, with diameter 0.84 nm, shows Tomonaga-Luttinger liquid and Coulomb blockade behaviors at low temperatures. Another semiconducting SWNT, with a thinner diameter of 0.68 nm, exhibits a transition from the semiconducting state to an insulating state at low temperatures. These results elucidate some of the electrical properties of SWNTs in this unique configuration and help pave the way towards prospective device applications.
Discovery of novel transcripts and gametophytic functions via RNA-seq analysis of maize gametophytic transcriptomes
Authors: Chettoor Antony M , Givan Scott A , Cole Rex A , Coker Clayton T , Unger-Wallace Erica , Vejlupkova Zuzana , Vollbrecht Erik , Fowler John E , Evans Matthew MS 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Background
Plant gametophytes play central roles in sexual reproduction. A hallmark of the plant life cycle is that gene expression is required in the haploid gametophytes. Consequently, many mutant phenotypes are expressed in this phase.

Results
We perform a quantitative RNA-seq analysis of embryo sacs, comparator ovules with the embryo sacs removed, mature pollen, and seedlings to assist the identification of gametophyte functions in maize. Expression levels were determined for annotated genes in both gametophytes, and novel transcripts were identified from de novo assembly of RNA-seq reads. Transposon-related transcripts are present in high levels in both gametophytes, suggesting a connection between gamete production and transposon expression in maize not previously identified in any female gametophytes. Two classes of small signaling proteins and several transcription factor gene families are enriched in gametophyte transcriptomes. Expression patterns of maize genes with duplicates in subgenome 1 and subgenome 2 indicate that pollen-expressed genes in subgenome 2 are retained at a higher rate than subgenome 2 genes with other expression patterns. Analysis of available insertion mutant collections shows a statistically significant deficit in insertions in gametophyte-expressed genes.

Conclusions
This analysis, the first RNA-seq study to compare both gametophytes in a monocot, identifies maize gametophyte functions, gametophyte expression of transposon-related sequences, and unannotated, novel transcripts. Reduced recovery of mutations in gametophyte-expressed genes is supporting evidence for their function in the gametophytes. Expression patterns of extant, duplicated maize genes reveals that selective pressures based on male gametophytic function have likely had a disproportionate effect on plant genomes.
Modification of intracellular glutathione status does not change the cardiac trapping of 64Cu(ATSM)
Authors: Shaughnessy Fiona , Mariotti Erika , Shaw Karen P , Eykyn Thomas R , Blower Philip J , Siow Richard , Southworth Richard 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Background
The trapping mechanisms of the PET hypoxia imaging agent copper(II)-diacetyl-bis(N
4-methylthiosemicarbazone) (64Cu(ATSM)) remain unresolved, although its reduction prior to dissociation may be mediated by intracellular thiols. Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant intracellular thiol, and its redox status changes in cancer cells and ischaemic myocardium (two prime applications for 64Cu(ATSM) PET). We therefore investigated whether modification of intracellular GSH content affects the hypoxia selectivity of 64Cu(ATSM).

Methods
Isolated rat hearts (n = five per group) were perfused with aerobic buffer (equilibrated with 95%O2/5%CO2) for 15 min, then hypoxic buffer (95%N2/5%CO2) for 20 min. Cardiac glutathione was depleted by buthionine sulphoximine (BSO, 4 mmol/kg/ 48 h intraperitoneal), or augmented by N-acetyl cysteine (NAC, 4 mmol/L) in the perfusion buffer. Cardiac 64Cu retention from three 2-MBq bolus injections of 64Cu(ATSM) before and during hypoxia was then monitored by NaI detectors.

Results
Cardiac GSH content was elevated by NAC and depleted by BSO (from 7.9 ± 2.0 to 59.3 ± 8.3 nmol/mg and 3.7 ± 1.0 nmol/mg protein, respectively; p < 0.05). Hypoxia did not affect cardiac GSH content in any group. During normoxia, tracer washed out bi-exponentially, with 13.1% ± 1.7% injected dose being retained; this was not affected by GSH augmentation or depletion. Hypoxia significantly increased tracer retention (to 59.1% ± 6.3%, p < 0.05); this effect was not modified by GSH augmentation or depletion.

Conclusion
Modification of GSH levels had no impact upon the pharmacokinetics or hypoxia selectivity of 64Cu(ATSM). While thiols may yet prove essential for the intracellular trapping of 64Cu(ATSM), they are not the determinants of its hypoxia selectivity.
Duration of hemodynamic effects of crystalloids in patients with circulatory shock after initial resuscitation
Authors: Nunes Thieme Souza Oliveira , Ladeira Renata Teixeira , Bafi Antônio Tonete , de Azevedo Luciano Cesar Pontes , Machado Flavia Ribeiro , Freitas Flávio Geraldo Rezende 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Background
In the later stages of circulatory shock, monitoring should help to avoid fluid overload. In this setting, volume expansion is ideally indicated only for patients in whom the cardiac index (CI) is expected to increase. Crystalloids are usually the choice for fluid replacement. As previous studies evaluating the hemodynamic effect of crystalloids have not distinguished responders from non-responders, the present study was designed to evaluate the duration of the hemodynamic effects of crystalloids according to the fluid responsiveness status.

Methods
This is a prospective observational study conducted after the initial resuscitation phase of circulatory shock (>6 h vasopressor use). Critically ill, sedated adult patients monitored with a pulmonary artery catheter who received a fluid challenge with crystalloids (500 mL infused over 30 min) were included. Hemodynamic variables were measured at baseline (T0) and at 30 min (T1), 60 min (T2), and 90 min (T3) after a fluid bolus, totaling 90 min of observation. The patients were analyzed according to their fluid responsiveness status (responders with CI increase >15% and non-responders ≤15% at T1). The data were analyzed by repeated measures of analysis of variance.

Results
Twenty patients were included, 14 of whom had septic shock. Overall, volume expansion significantly increased the CI: 3.03 ± 0.64 L/min/m2 to 3.58 ± 0.66 L/min/m2 (p < 0.05). From this period, there was a progressive decrease: 3.23 ± 0.65 L/min/m2 (p < 0.05, T2 versus T1) and 3.12 ± 0.64 L/min/m2 (p < 0.05, period T3 versus T1). Similar behavior was observed in responders (13 patients), 2.84 ± 0.61 L/min/m2 to 3.57 ± 0.65 L/min/m2 (p < 0.05) with volume expansion, followed by a decrease, 3.19 ± 0.69 L/min/m2 (p < 0.05, T2 versus T1) and 3.06 ± 0.70 L/min/m2 (p < 0.05, T3 versus T1). Blood pressure and cardiac filling pressures also decreased significantly after T1 with similar findings in both responders and non-responders.

Conclusions
The results suggest that volume expansion with crystalloids in patients with circulatory shock after the initial resuscitation has limited success, even in responders.
Giant Vesicle Formation of Novel Polymerizable Amphiphile Associated with Its Polymerization and Hydrolysis in Water
Authors: Banno Taisuke , Kazayama Yuki , Toyota Taro 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
In an aqueous dispersion of a novel polymerizable amphiphile containing hydrolyzable linkages, spherical or tubular giant vesicles were formed after the polymerization reaction, even though the hydrolysis of the amphiphile also occurred. This is probably due to the stabilization of the membrane structure composed of various amphiphiles, produced through the polymerization of the amphiphile.
Use of Oversized Injectable Valves in Growing Children for Total Repair of Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Anomalies (Preliminary Results)
Authors: Deorsola Luca , Abbruzzese Pietro Angelo 
Published: July 2014

Right ventricular outflow tract surgery was originally confined to transannular patching, in the belief that pulmonary regurgitation was well tolerated. Because follow-up evaluations revealed the deleterious effects of pulmonary regurgitation, surgery today aims to spare or replace the valve. Available replacement devices have short lifetimes, considering growth mismatch in children. We hypothesize that oversizing the right infundibulum anticipates growth and that a squeezed prosthesis can complete the expansion process.
The No-React® Injectable BioPulmonic Valve is designed for right infundibular surgery in adults, and hundreds of implants have shown promising results. We used this device for surgery in babies, with the addition of an innovative oversizing technique. This study evaluates our preliminary results and investigates whether such a technique might reduce growth mismatch.
From September 2010 through July 2012, we implanted 11 injectable pulmonic valves. The median age of our patients was 23 months. After opening the right infundibulum, we enlarged it as much as possible with a wide patch. Before completing the patch suture, we injected an oversized valve.
No problems occurred during surgery. No major insufficiency or leak was observed. We conclude that prostheses can be quite oversized and perform well even when not completely expanded.
Oversized injectable pulmonic valves, shrunken to a smaller diameter, enabled the implantation of a device wider than otherwise possible, without affecting performance. Moreover, the prosthesis tended to return to its original size following growth, thereby reducing growth mismatch. Longer follow-up and larger numbers of patients are needed for verification.
Cor Triatriatum Dexter and Atrial Septal Defect in a 43-Year-Old Woman
Authors: Vukovic Petar M. , Kosevic Dragana , Milicic Miroslav , Jovovic Ljiljana , Stojanovic Ivan , Micovic Slobodan 
Published: July 2014

Cor triatriatum dexter is a rare congenital heart anomaly in which a membrane divides the right atrium into 2 chambers. We report the case of a 43-year-old woman who had cor triatriatum dexter and a large atrial septal defect. During attempted percutaneous closure, the balloon disrupted the membrane and revealed that the defect had no inferior rim, precluding secure placement of an Amplatzer Septal Occluder. Surgical treatment subsequently proved to be successful.
In patients with an incomplete membrane and a septal defect with well-defined rims, percutaneous treatment can be the first choice. In patients who have cor triatriatum dexter and unfavorable anatomic features or concomitant complex heart anomalies, open-heart surgery remains the gold standard for treatment.
Establishment of a New Marginal Plaque Index With High Sensitivity for Changes in Oral Hygiene
Authors: Deinzer Renate , Jahns Stephan , Harnacke Daniela 
Published: July 2014

Background: Although several plaque indices exist, they rarely assess in detail the plaque adjacent to the gingival margin, an area most important for periodontal health. This study aims to develop a new marginal plaque index (MPI) and to assess its validity and treatment sensitivity compared to the internationally accepted Turesky modification of the Quigley and Hein Index (TQHI).Methods: Data from two studies with n = 64 and n = 67 participants, respectively, are reported here. Convergence of MPI with TQHI and concurrent and predictive validity with papillary bleeding index were assessed, as was treatment sensitivity to a treatment of proximal hygiene (study 1) or toothbrushing (study 2), respectively.Results: Convergent validity with TQHI is very good. Concurrent and predictive validity parameters of the MPI are similar to the TQHI. The treatment sensitivity of MPI exceeds TQHI by far. This results in a reduction by >70% of the sample size needed to discover significant treatment effects. As expected, the largest treatment sensitivity was observed for proximal MPI measures in study 1, whereas study 2 showed largest effects for cervical measures.Conclusions: MPI appears to be a valid plaque‐scoring system that assesses plaque at the gingival margin. It responds with high sensitivity to treatments aimed at plaque reduction at the gingival margin. Its treatment sensitivity and capacity to differentiate between proximal and cervical plaque make it a promising tool for periodontal research.
Recovery of Bitumen From a Carbonate Reservoir by Thermal-Assisted Gravity Drainage (TAGD)
Authors: Roberts Bruce , Hamida Tarek 
Published: July 2014

Summary
A new recovery process, thermal-assisted gravity drainage (TAGD), is described for the recovery of bitumen from heterogeneous carbonate reservoirs. The process is shown to be thermally efficient in lower-porosity formations and is less impacted by the complex porosity distributions, that characterize carbonate rock. The TAGD process heats the reservoir by means of a pattern of horizontal heater wells to allow bitumen to flow by gravity into a producer placed at the base of the reservoir. High thermal efficiency is achieved by heating the reservoir to 120–160°C. The energy for this process is transferred to the reservoir by heat conduction from electrically heated mineral-insulated cables. Precise control of reservoir heating is accomplished by optimally placing heater wells within the formation and adjusting the power in each heater for efficient energy usage. Voidage replacement is achieved by solution-gas evolution and connate-water vapourization. The target of this new technology is the thick, highly permeable, and vertically continuous Leduc bitumen reservoir located in the Liege area of north-central Alberta. In addition to improved energy efficiency, the TAGD process does not require water for steam generation, thus reducing the size and initial capital cost of the surface-processing facilities.
MD-Logic Overnight Control for 6 Weeks of Home Use in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes: Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: Nimri Revital , Muller Ido , Atlas Eran , Miller Shahar , Fogel Aviel , Bratina Natasa , Kordonouri Olga , Battelino Tadej , Danne Thomas , Phillip Moshe 
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE
We evaluated the effect of the MD-Logic system on overnight glycemic control at patients' homes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Twenty-four patients (aged 12–43 years; average A1c 7.5 ± 0.8%, 58.1 ± 8.4 mmol/mol) were randomly assigned to participate in two overnight crossover periods, each including 6 weeks of consecutive nights: one under closed loop and the second under sensor-augmented pump (SAP) therapy at patients' homes in real-life conditions. The primary end point was time spent with sensor glucose levels below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) overnight.

RESULTS
Closed-loop nights significantly reduced time spent in hypoglycemia (P = 0.02) and increased the percentage of time spent in the target range of 70–140 mg/dL (P = 0.003) compared with nights when the SAP therapy was used. The time spent in substantial hyperglycemia above 240 mg/dL was reduced by a median of 52.2% (interquartile range [IQR] 4.8, 72.9%; P = 0.001) under closed-loop control compared with SAP therapy. Overnight total insulin doses were lower in the closed-loop nights compared with the SAP nights (P = 0.04). The average daytime glucose levels after closed-loop operation were reduced by a median of 10.0 mg/dL (IQR −2.7, 19.2; P = 0.017) while lower total insulin doses were used (P = 0.038). No severe adverse events occurred during closed-loop control; there was a single event of severe hypoglycemia during a control night.

CONCLUSIONS
The long-term home use of automated overnight insulin delivery by the MD-Logic system was found to be a feasible, safe, and an effective tool to reduce nocturnal hypoglycemia and improve overnight glycemic control in subjects with type 1 diabetes.
Comparison of healing in forelimb and hindlimb surgically induced core lesions of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon
Authors: Van Weeren P. R. , Van de Lest C. H. A. , Boere J. , Reyes M. , Ionita J. C. , Estrada M. , Lischer C. J. , Estrada R. J. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryObjective: Even though equine multi-limb tendinopathy models have been reported, it is unknown if fore- and hindlimb tendon healing behave similarly. The aim of this study was to compare the healing process of surgically induced superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) core lesions of fore- and hindlimbs in horses.Methods: Tendon core lesions were surgically induced in the SDFT of both fore- and hindlimbs in eight horses. One randomly assigned forelimb and one randomly assigned hindlimb were injected with saline one and two weeks post-surgery. The healing process was monitored clinically and ultrasonographically. After 24 weeks, the tendons were harvested and biochemical, biomechanical and histological parameters were evaluated.Results: Twenty-four weeks post-surgery, the forelimb SDFT lesions had a significantly higher colour Doppler ultrasound vascularization score (p = 0.02) and glycosaminoglycan concentration (p = 0.04) and a significantly lower hydroxylysylpyridinoline content (p = 0.03).Clinical relevance: Our results indicate that fore- and hindlimb SDFT surgically induced lesions exhibit significant differences in several important parameters of tendon healing 24 weeks post-surgery. These differences create significant challenges in using all four limbs and accurately interpreting the results that one might generate. Therefore these findings do not support the use of four-limb models for study of tendon injury until the reasons for these differences are much better understood.