bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ERIC‐PCR genotyping of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from haemorrhagic pneumonia cases in mink
Authors: Han Ming‐ming , Mu Lian‐zhi , Liu Xu‐ping , Zhao Jing , Liu Xiao‐fei , Liu Hui 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundPseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant pathogen of mink and the cause of haemorrhagic pneumonia, an acute fatal disease in farmed mink.ResultsAmong 90 P. aeruginosa isolates from haemorrhagic pneumonia in mink from 16 farms in Shandong province, China, 43 genotypes were identified by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR (ERIC‐PCR), with a diversity index of 0.96. The most prevalent ERIC‐PCR types were type 18, found in 16 isolates, and type 39, found in 15 isolates. Four serotypes were detected, with serotype G (55.6 per cent) being the most frequent.ConclusionsThese results showed that there was a high degree of clonal diversity among mink P. aeruginosa clinical isolates in this study.
Foretinib Is Effective Therapy for Metastatic Sonic Hedgehog Medulloblastoma
Authors: Faria Claudia C. , Golbourn Brian J. , Dubuc Adrian M. , Remke Marc , Diaz Roberto J. , Agnihotri Sameer , Luck Amanda , Sabha Nesrin , Olsen Samantha , Wu Xiaochong , Garzia Livia , Ramaswamy Vijay , Mack Stephen C. , Wang Xin , Leadley Michael , Reynaud Denis , Ermini Leonardo , Post Martin , Northcott Paul A. , Pfister Stefan M. , Croul Sidney E. , Kool Marcel , Korshunov Andrey , Smith Christian A. , Taylor Michael D. , Rutka James T. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor, with metastases present at diagnosis conferring a poor prognosis. Mechanisms of dissemination are poorly understood and metastatic lesions are genetically divergent from the matched primary tumor. Effective and less toxic therapies that target both compartments have yet to be identified. Here, we report that the analysis of several large nonoverlapping cohorts of patients with medulloblastoma reveals MET kinase as a marker of sonic hedgehog (SHH)–driven medulloblastoma. Immunohistochemical analysis of phosphorylated, active MET kinase in an independent patient cohort confirmed its correlation with increased tumor relapse and poor survival, suggesting that patients with SHH medulloblastoma may benefit from MET-targeted therapy. In support of this hypothesis, we found that the approved MET inhibitor foretinib could suppress MET activation, decrease tumor cell proliferation, and induce apoptosis in SHH medulloblastomas in vitro and in vivo. Foretinib penetrated the blood–brain barrier and was effective in both the primary and metastatic tumor compartments. In established mouse xenograft or transgenic models of metastatic SHH medulloblastoma, foretinib administration reduced the growth of the primary tumor, decreased the incidence of metastases, and increased host survival. Taken together, our results provide a strong rationale to clinically evaluate foretinib as an effective therapy for patients with SHH-driven medulloblastoma. Cancer Res; 75(1); 134–46. ©2014 AACR.
Phase II Clinical Trial of Multiple Peptide Vaccination for Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Patients Revealed Induction of Immune Responses and Improved OS
Authors: Yoshitake Yoshihiro , Fukuma Daiki , Yuno Akira , Hirayama Masatoshi , Nakayama Hideki , Tanaka Takuya , Nagata Masashi , Takamune Yasuo , Kawahara Kenta , Nakagawa Yoshihiro , Yoshida Ryoji , Hirosue Akiyuki , Ogi Hidenao , Hiraki Akimitsu , Jono Hirofumi , Hamada Akinobu , Yoshida Koji , Nishimura Yasuharu , Nakamura Yusuke , Shinohara Masanori 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Purpose: The peptides derived from ideal cancer–testis antigens, including LY6K, CDCA1, and IMP3 (identified using genome-wide cDNA microarray analyses), were used in immunotherapy for head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). In this trial, we analyzed the immune response to and safety and efficacy of vaccine therapy.
Experimental Design: A total of 37 patients with advanced HNSCC were enrolled in this trial of peptide vaccine therapy, and the OS, PFS, and immunologic response were evaluated using enzyme-linked ImmunoSpot (ELISPOT) and pentamer assays. The peptides were subcutaneously administered weekly with IFA. The primary endpoints were evaluated on the basis of differences between HLA-A*2402-positive [A24(+)] patients treated with peptide vaccine therapy and –negative [A24(−)] patients treated without peptide vaccine therapy among those with advanced HNSCC.
Results: Our cancer vaccine therapy was well tolerated. The OS of the A24(+) vaccinated group (n = 37) was statistically significantly longer than that of the A24(−) group (n = 18) and median survival time (MST) was 4.9 versus 3.5 months, respectively; P &lt; 0.05. One of the patients exhibited a complete response. In the A24(+) vaccinated group, the ELISPOT assay identified LY6K-, CDCA1-, and IMP3-specific CTL responses in 85.7%, 64.3%, and 42.9% of the patients, respectively. The patients showing LY6K- and CDCA1-specific CTL responses demonstrated a longer OS than those without CTL induction. Moreover, the patients exhibiting CTL induction for multiple peptides demonstrated better clinical responses.
Conclusions: The immune response induced by this vaccine may improve the prognosis of patients with advanced HNSCC. Clin Cancer Res; 21(2); 312–21. ©2014 AACR.
Intravenously Injected Human Apolipoprotein A‐I Rapidly Enters the Central Nervous System via the Choroid Plexus
Authors: Stukas Sophie , Robert Jerome , Lee Michael , Kulic Iva , Carr Michael , Tourigny Katherine , Fan Jianjia , Namjoshi Dhananjay , Lemke Kalistyne , DeValle Nicole , Chan Jeniffer , Wilson Tammy , Wilkinson Anna , Chapanian Rafi , Kizhakkedathu Jayachandran N. , Cirrito John R. , Oda Michael N. , Wellington Cheryl L. 
Published: November 2014

Background
Brain lipoprotein metabolism is dependent on lipoprotein particles that resemble plasma high‐density lipoproteins but that contain apolipoprotein (apo) E rather than apoA‐I as their primary protein component. Astrocytes and microglia secrete apoE but not apoA‐I; however, apoA‐I is detectable in both cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue lysates. The route by which plasma apoA‐I enters the central nervous system is unknown.

Methods and Results

Steady‐state levels of murine apoA‐I in cerebrospinal fluid and interstitial fluid are 0.664 and 0.120 μg/
mL
, respectively, whereas brain tissue apoA‐I is ≈10% to 15% of its levels in liver. Recombinant, fluorescently tagged human apoA‐I injected intravenously into mice localizes to the choroid plexus within 30 minutes and accumulates in a saturable, dose‐dependent manner in the brain. Recombinant, fluorescently tagged human apoA‐I accumulates in the brain for 2 hours, after which it is eliminated with a half‐life of 10.3 hours. In vitro, human apoA‐I is specifically bound, internalized, and transported across confluent monolayers of primary human choroid plexus epithelial cells and brain microvascular endothelial cells.

Conclusions

Following intravenous injection, recombinant human apoA‐I rapidly localizes predominantly to the choroid plexus. Because apoA‐I
mRNA
is undetectable in murine brain, our results suggest that plasma apoA‐I, which is secreted from the liver and intestine, gains access to the central nervous system primarily by crossing the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier via specific cellular mediated transport, although transport across the blood–brain barrier may also contribute to a lesser extent.
Selecting GCM Scenarios that Span the Range of Changes in a Multimodel Ensemble: Application to CMIP5 Climate Extremes Indices*
Authors: Cannon Alex J. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Logistical constraints can limit the number of global climate model (GCM) simulations considered in a climate change impact assessment. When dealing with annual or seasonal variables, one can visualize and manually select GCM scenarios to cover as much of the ensemble’s range of changes as possible. Most environmental systems are sensitive to climate conditions (e.g., extremes) that cannot be described by a small number of variables. Instead, algorithms like k-means clustering have been used to select representative ensemble members. Clustering algorithms are, however, biased toward high-density regions of climate variable space and tend to select scenarios that describe the central tendency rather than the full spread of an ensemble. Also, scenarios selected via clustering may not be ordered: that is, scenarios in the five-cluster solution may not appear in the six-cluster solution, which makes recommending a consistent set of scenarios to researchers with different needs difficult. Alternatively, an automated procedure based on a cluster initialization algorithm is proposed and applied to changes in 27 climate extremes indices between 1986–2005 and 2081–2100 from a large ensemble of phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) simulations. Selections by the method are ordered and are designed to span the overall range of the ensemble. The number of scenarios required to account for changes spanned by at least 90% of the CMIP5 ensemble members is reported for 21 regions of the globe and compared with k-means clustering. On average, the proposed method requires 40% fewer scenarios to meet this threshold than k-means clustering does.
The use of chaperones in general practice: Is this just a ‘Western’ concept?
Authors: Van Hecke Oliver , Jones Kay 
Published: November 2014

Background The literature about medical chaperones in primary care is limited to a handful of English-speaking countries. It remains largely unknown to what extent chaperones are offered (and used) outside the published literature. Objective The current study aimed to explore the attitudes and experiences of a group of general practitioners (GPs; family doctors) attending an international primary care conference regarding their use of medical chaperones. Methods Ninety international GPs completed a validated questionnaire, providing information on their current practice, availability and preferred choice of chaperone. Participants expressed their opinion on the importance of, and facilitators and barriers for chaperone use. Results Although most participants had knowledge of the term ‘medical chaperone’ (75%), those with a qualification from Europe (other than the UK) were less likely to offer a chaperone. Two-thirds of all participants would consider offering a chaperone and were more likely to work in the public sector (p = .04; Cramér’s V = 0.27). A practice nurse was most commonly used as chaperone. Chaperone users ranked the ‘medico-legal protection of doctors’, ‘doctors’ professional practice’ and ‘protection of patients’ as the most important factors for using a chaperone. Non-users reported ‘personal choice of the doctor’, ‘confidentiality’ and ‘impact on the doctor–patient relationship’ as the main areas influencing their decision not to use a chaperone. Conclusion International doctors hold different views about the use (or not) of chaperones within their clinical practice and its effect on the doctor–patient consultation. Further research is needed to tease out the reasons for this.
The effect of needle-punched nonwoven fabric thickness on electromagnetic shielding effectiveness
Authors: Ozen Mustafa Sabri , Sancak Erhan , Akalin Mehmet 
Published: November 2014

In this study, the effect of nonwoven fabric thickness on electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMSE) was investigated and there was found to be a correlation between the thickness of needle-punched nonwoven fabric and EMSE. The production of needle-punched nonwoven fabrics from stainless steel staple fiber in the experimental study was carried out. Stainless steel staple fibers provided by Bekaert were used as a raw material. The webs were formed using a wool-type carding machine. The webs were bonded using needling punching machines. The pre-needled, twice-needled and thrice-needled nonwoven fabrics at three different thicknesses were produced. The experimental studies were carried out using large-scale production machines instead of small-scale laboratory-type machines. EMSE measurements of produced needle-punched nonwoven fabrics, in addition to physical properties such as strength, elongation and thickness, were performed. The coaxial transmission line method specified in ASTM D4935-10 was utilized to test the nonwoven fabrics and the needle-punched nonwoven fabrics were tested in the frequency range from 15 to 3000 MHz. It was understood that needle-punched nonwoven fabric thickness was a very important parameter for EMSE. It was found that as the frequency increases, EMSE values of needle-punched nonwoven fabrics showed continuously increasing tendency by starting from a specific frequency in the frequency range of 15–3000MHz. There were no significant differences between absorption and reflection values of needle-punched nonwoven fabrics produced at different thicknesses. It was found that pre-needle-punched, twice-needled and thrice-needle-punched nonwoven fabrics produced from the conductive stainless steel staple fibers in our study have, respectively, highest EMSE values of 22, 25 and 27 dB between 2100 and 2400 high frequency ranges.
Type 2 Diabetes Self-management Education Programs in High and Low Mortality Developing Countries
Authors: Dube Loveness , Van den Broucke Stephan , Housiaux Marie , Dhoore William , Rendall-Mkosi Kirstie 
Published: November 2014

Purpose Although self-management education is a key factor in the care for diabetes patients, its implementation in developing countries is not well documented. This systematic review considers the published literature on diabetes self-management education in high and low mortality developing countries. The aim is to provide a state of the art of current practices and assess program outcomes, cultural sensitivity, and accessibility to low literate patients. Methods The Cochrane Library, PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and PsycArticles databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles on type 2 diabetes published in English between 2009 and 2013. The World Bank and WHO burden of disease criteria were applied to distinguish between developing countries with high and low mortality. Information was extracted using a validated checklist. Results Three reviews and 23 primary studies were identified, 18 of which were from low mortality developing countries. Studies from high mortality countries were mostly quasi-experimental, those from low mortality countries experimental. Interventions were generally effective on behavior change and patients’ glycemic control in the short term (≤9 months). While 57% of the studies mentioned cultural tailoring of interventions, only 17% reported on training of providers, and 39% were designed to be accessible for people with low literacy. Conclusions The limited studies available suggest that diabetes self-management education programs in developing countries are effective in the short term but must be tailored to conform to the cultural aspects of the target population.
Thromboelastography in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Singh Sushil Kumar , Devenraj Vijayant , Tewarson Vivek , Kumar Sarvesh , Kaushal Dinesh , Chandra Tulika 
Published: November 2014

Background Thromboelastography enables complete evaluation of the process of clot initiation, the structural characteristics of the formed clot and its stability. Many previous studies have assessed the predictive role of thromboelastography in on-pump cardiac surgery, but there are no clear guidelines on its use in off-pump coronary artery bypass. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of thromboelastography and its relevance during the postoperative period following off-pump coronary artery bypass. Methods This was a one-year prospective study on 55 patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass for coronary artery disease. Thromboelastography was performed as a bedside investigation in the cardiothoracic and vascular surgery intensive care unit. Results The association between maximum amplitude and total blood loss <500 mL compared to blood loss >500 mL was statistically significant ( p < 0.001). Using receiver operator characteristic curve analysis, it was seen that with increasing maximum amplitude values, a decrease in blood loss was observed. A cutoff value of maximum amplitude <49.63 mm was regressed to have a predicted sensitivity of 100% and a predicted specificity of 89.3% for prediction of blood loss >500 mL. Conclusions Thromboelastographic parameters show a reliable correlation with increased blood loss in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, and predict patients with an increased chance of blood requirement as well as those at risk of a hypercoagulable state.
Postmortem imaging in congenital heart disease: preliminary experience
Authors: Pluchinotta Francesca Romana , Porayette Prashob , Zaidi Abbas Haider , Baci John , Teot Lisa , Sanders Stephen P , Prabhu Sanjay P 
Published: November 2014

Background Despite the importance of the autopsy for quality improvement, autopsy rates have declined dramatically in recent decades due to poor acceptance by families and physicians and high costs to institutions. Purpose To compare postmortem imaging (PMI) with autopsy in patients with congenital heart defects to see if PMI could substitute in some or all cases and to compare costs of the two methods. Material and Methods Ten patients with congenital heart disease dying in hospital during the study period in whom an autopsy was planned underwent PMI using postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (PMMRI) (6 patients) and postmortem computed tomographic angiography (PMCTA) (10 patients) with permission of the family. Four patients were excluded from PMMR because of metal ECMO cannulas. PMI was interpreted before autopsy using an organ system checklist and results compared to autopsy. The costs of each method were tracked. Results When both PMMR and PMCTA were performed the PMI findings corresponded closely with autopsy. PMI correctly diagnosed the principal heart defects in all six cases and correctly imaged central vessels, heart valves and chambers, brain, abdominal organs, and bone. Weak points were visualization of the coronary arteries and distinguishing postmortem pulmonary atelectasis from lung pathology. The cause of death by PMI matched autopsy findings in 5/6 cases in which both PMMR and PMCTA were performed and was incomplete in the other five cases. The cost of PMI was about 15% lower than the cost of autopsy. Conclusion PMI provided most gross anatomic cardiac diagnoses available by autopsy in our series of patients with congenital heart defects and the cost appears to be lower.
Early haemoperfusion with continuous venovenous haemofiltration improves survival of acute paraquat-poisoned patients
Authors: Gao Yanxia , Zhang Xiaofan , Yang Yanjie , Li Wenlu 
Published: November 2014

Objective To determine whether haemoperfusion (HP) with continuous venovenous haemofiltration (CVVH) improves the survival of patients with acute paraquat poisoning, compared with those treated using HP alone. Methods Medical records of patients with acute paraquat poisoning were analysed. Patients were randomised to undergo HP or HP + CVVH within 24 h of paraquat ingestion. Mortality rate, survival duration and cause of death were recorded. Results There were no significant differences in mortality rate between the HP group ( n = 458) and the HP + CVVH group ( n = 226) (57.4% and 58.4%, respectively). The mean survival duration was significantly longer in the HP + CVVH group than the HP group (8.6 ± 3.1 and 5.1 ± 2.3 days, respectively). Early circulatory collapse was a major cause of death in the HP group. The major cause of death in the HP + CVVH group was late respiratory failure. Conclusion Combined therapy with HP and CVVH can prevent early death and prolong survival duration following acute paraquat poisoning, providing the opportunity for further treatment.
Newly produced T and B lymphocytes and T-cell receptor repertoire diversity are reduced in peripheral blood of fingolimod-treated multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Chiarini M , Sottini A , Bertoli D , Serana F , Caimi L , Rasia S , Capra R , Imberti L 
Published: November 2014

Background: Fingolimod inhibits lymphocyte egress from lymphoid tissues, thus altering the composition of the peripheral lymphocyte pool of multiple sclerosis patients. Objective: The objective of this paper is to evaluate whether fingolimod determines a decrease of newly produced T- and B-lymphocytes in the blood and a reduction in the T-cell receptor repertoire diversity that may affect immune surveillance. Methods: Blood samples were obtained from multiple sclerosis patients before fingolimod therapy initiation and then after six and 12 months. Newly produced T and B lymphocytes were measured by quantifying T-cell receptor excision circles and K-deleting recombination excision circles by real-time PCR, while recent thymic emigrants, naive CD8+ lymphocytes, immature and naive B cells were determined by immune phenotyping. T-cell receptor repertoire was analyzed by complementarity determining region 3 spectratyping. Results: Newly produced T and B lymphocytes were significantly reduced in peripheral blood of fingolimod-treated patients. The decrease was particularly evident in the T-cell compartment. T-cell repertoire restrictions, already present before therapy, significantly increased after 12 months of treatment. Conclusions: These results do not have direct clinical implications but they may be useful for further understanding the mode of action of this immunotherapy for multiple sclerosis patients.
Higher weight in adolescence and young adulthood is associated with an earlier age at multiple sclerosis onset
Authors: Kavak Katelyn S , Teter Barbara E , Hagemeier Jesper , Zakalik Karen , Weinstock-Guttman Bianca ,   on behalf of the New York State Multiple Sclerosis Consortium, Edwards Keith , Goodman Andrew , Gottesman Malcolm , Herbert Joseph , Kister Ilya , Jubelt Burk , Coyle Patricia , Krupp Lauren , Lenihan Michael , Gerber Allen , Perel Allan , Zivadinov Robert , Granger Carl 
Published: November 2014

Background: Growing evidence suggests an association between adolescent obesity and increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: The objective of this paper is to investigate whether weight or body mass index (BMI) in adolescence and young adulthood was associated with age at MS symptom onset. Methods: Our cohort is comprised of a sub-group of 184 women enrolled in the New York State MS Consortium registry. Individuals were asked to recall their weight at the time of first menstruation and at age 25. BMI was calculated accordingly for age 25. Regression analyses were carried out to investigate the association between weight or BMI and age at onset. Results: Weight at menarche was significantly related to younger age at symptom onset (β = −0.073, p = 0.001). These results were also found at age 25 for weight (β = −0.080, p < 0.001) and BMI (β = −0.448, p = 0.001). Significantly earlier disease onset (26.9 years ±9.9) was observed in individuals who were overweight at 25 compared to those who were not overweight (32.1 years ±9.2, p = 0.006). Conclusions: Women who reported higher weight in adolescence and BMI in early adulthood were younger at MS onset. Future research should investigate whether there is a causal link between body weight and MS, as prevention lifestyle and dietary interventions could be implemented.