bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Second Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation for Treatment of Suboptimal Function of Previously Implanted Prosthesis: Review of the Literature
Authors: WITKOWSKI ADAM , JASTRZEBSKI JAN , DABROWSKI MACIEJ , CHMIELAK ZBIGNIEW 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesTo systematically review reported cases of second transcatheter aortic valve deployment within a previously implanted prosthesis (TAV‐in‐TAV).BackgroundTAV‐in‐TAV deployment is one of the rescue strategies undertaken due to an unsuccessful or suboptimal transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) result. Currently, there are no clear indications for second valve implantation and outcomes of patients with 2 prostheses deployed remain poorly known.MethodsThe MEDLINE and PubMed databases were searched for cases of TAV‐in‐TAV implantations of aortic valve.ResultsForty‐three articles reporting on TAV‐in‐TAV deployment were included in the review. The most frequently observed indication for second valve implantation was aortic regurgitation (AR) occurring shortly after TAVI. There was a strong dominance of paravalvular over intravalvular AR, with prosthesis malposition being the main underlying cause of TAVI failure (81% of all identified cases). Perioperative echocardiographic images are crucial in identifying causes of failure and helpful in optimal rescue strategy selection. Success rate of TAV‐in‐TAV implantation varies from 90% to 100% with mortality rate of 0–14.3% at 30 days. Despite similar aortic valve function in follow‐up, TAV‐in‐TAV may be an independent predictor of increased cardiovascular mortality.ConclusionsTAV‐in‐TAV implantation is feasible and results in favorable short‐ and mid‐term outcomes in patients with acute failure of TAVI without recourse to open‐heart surgery. Further studies are needed to establish algorithm of the management of unsuccessful or suboptimal implantation results. (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:300–307)
Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with increased arterial stiffness in severe obesity
Authors: Seetho Ian W. , Parker Robert J. , Craig Sonya , Duffy Nick , Hardy Kevin J. , Wilding John P. H. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryObstructive sleep apnea is associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome, leading to greater cardiovascular risk. Severely obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea may still be at risk of adverse health outcomes, even without previous cardiovascular disease. Pulse wave analysis non‐invasively measures peripheral pulse waveforms and derives measures of haemodynamic status, including arterial stiffness, augmentation pressure and subendocardial viability ratio. We hypothesized that the presence of obstructive sleep apnea in severe obesity, even in the absence of an antecedent history of cardiovascular disease, would affect measurements derived from pulse wave analysis. Seventy‐two severely obese adult subjects [obstructive sleep apnea 47 (body mass index 42 ± 7 kg m−2), without obstructive sleep apnea (non‐OSA) 25 (body mass index 40 ± 5 kg m−2)] were characterised using anthropometric, respiratory and cardio‐metabolic parameters. Groups were similar in age, body mass index and gender. More subjects with obstructive sleep apnea had metabolic syndrome [obstructive sleep apnea 60%, without obstructive sleep apnea (non‐OSA) 12%]. Those with obstructive sleep apnea had greater arterial stiffness, augmentation pressure and decreased subendocardial viability ratio (all P < 0.001), with significantly higher systolic (P = 0.003), diastolic (P = 0.04) and mean arterial pressures (P = 0.004) than patients without obstructive sleep apnea (non‐OSA). Arterial stiffness correlated with mean arterial blood pressure (P = 0.003) and obstructive sleep apnea severity (apnea–hypopnea index; P < 0.001). apnea–hypopnea index significantly predicted arterial stiffness in multiple regression analysis, but components of the metabolic syndrome did not. Thus, patients with obstructive sleep apnea with severe obesity have increased arterial stiffness that may potentially influence cardiovascular risk independently of metabolic abnormalities. The presence of obstructive sleep apnea in severe obesity identifies a group at high cardiovascular risk; clinicians should ensure that risk factors are managed appropriately in this group whether or not treatment of obstructive sleep apnea is offered or accepted by patients.
Impact of living with pulmonary hypertension: A qualitative exploration
Authors: Yorke Janelle , Armstrong Iain , Bundock Sarah 
Published: April 2014

AbstractLittle is known about the impact of living with pulmonary hypertension. This paper reports data exploring the experience of living with pulmonary hypertension. Qualitative, semistructured, one‐to‐one interviews were conducted in participants' homes to understand their experiences of living with pulmonary hypertension. Thematic analysis was used to identify codes and generate themes from the interview data. The identification of initial codes was conducted independently by the first author, and checked by the second. Thirty patients recruited through the pulmonary hypertension descriptions of living with pulmonary hypertension are presented under five themes that center on the invisibility of pulmonary hypertension, and its complex treatment are presented: (i) living with a hidden illness; (ii) being on a symptomology rollercoaster; (iii) expectations from treatments; (iv) treatment burden; and (v) awareness of financial burden of treatments. Key findings included daily challenges of living with a rare condition that is largely “hidden” and its related complex treatment regimes. People with pulmonary hypertension would benefit if more healthcare professionals, as well as family and friends, would validate their condition and provide them with appropriate support.
Can China Avoid the Thucydides Trap?
Authors: BRZEZINSKI ZBIGNIEW 
Published: April 2014

Despite grand visions of a cosmopolitan planet living in peace, the first globalization at the turn of the 20th century descended into World War I as the old empires scrambled to preserve themselves as others sought self‐determination. Powers on the losing end of that war reasserted themselves in yet another worldwide calamity within decades.After World War II, in the early 1950s, with the victorious American‐led alliance in the driver's seat, institutions such as the United Nations and the Bretton Woods arrangements created a global stability that enabled peace, prosperity and the “rise of the rest.”In 2014, the world order is shifting again with the rise of China reviving in Asia the very kind of nationalist rivalries that led Europe to war twice in the 20th century.Will we be able to build new institutions that accommodate the new powershift without resorting to war, or will the second globalization collapse as well? Top strategists from the US, Japan and China respond to this momentous question.
US and China Must Share Power and China Must Make Japan Feel Safe
Authors: KEATING PAUL J. 
Published: April 2014

Despite grand visions of a cosmopolitan planet living in peace, the first globalization at the turn of the 20th century descended into World War I as the old empires scrambled to preserve themselves as others sought self‐determination. Powers on the losing end of that war reasserted themselves in yet another worldwide calamity within decades.After World War II, in the early 1950s, with the victorious American‐led alliance in the driver's seat, institutions such as the United Nations and the Bretton Woods arrangements created a global stability that enabled peace, prosperity and the “rise of the rest.”In 2014, the world order is shifting again with the rise of China reviving in Asia the very kind of nationalist rivalries that led Europe to war twice in the 20th century.Will we be able to build new institutions that accommodate the new powershift without resorting to war, or will the second globalization collapse as well? Top strategists from the US, Japan and China respond to this momentous question.
Coupling of the radiosensitivity of melanocyte stem cells to their dormancy during the hair cycle
Authors: Ueno Makiko , Aoto Takahiro , Mohri Yasuaki , Yokozeki Hiroo , Nishimura Emi K. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryCurrent studies have revealed that stem cells are more radiosensitive than mature cells. As somatic stem cells are mostly kept in a quiescent state, this conflicts with Bergonié and Tribondeau's law that actively mitotic cells are the most radiosensitive. In this study, we focused on hair graying to understand the stress‐resistance of melanocyte stem cells (McSCs). We used Dct‐H2B‐GFP transgenic mice which enables the stable visualization of McSCs and an anti‐Kit monoclonal antibody which selectively eradicates amplifying McSCs. The results demonstrate that quiescent McSCs are rather radiosensitive, but the coexistence of non‐quiescent McSCs provides the stem cell pool with radioresistance. The irradiated quiescent McSCs prematurely differentiate in the niche upon their activation without sufficiently renewing themselves for cyclic hair pigmentation. These data indicate that tissue radiosensitivity is largely dependent on the state of somatic stem cells under their local microenvironment.
Perforation of enteric duplication during chemotherapy for osteosarcoma
Authors: Morishima Tatsuya , Kato Itaru , Umeda Katsutsugu , Hiramatsu Hidefumi , Okamoto Shinya , Furuta Akihiro , Nakamata Takeharu , Adachi Souichi , Heike Toshio , Watanabe Ken‐ichiro 
Published: April 2014

AbstractA 9‐year‐old boy undergoing chemotherapy for conventional osteosarcoma complained of severe abdominal pain associated with rebound tenderness and muscular defense. Abdominal computed tomography indicated intraperitoneal free air. On surgical investigation, a diverticulum‐like lesion, perforated at the base, was found on the sidewall of the ileum. The anatomic location of the lesion was indicative of enteric duplication. Although the frequency of complications is very rare, perforations of the digestive tract should be considered in patients suffering severe abdominal pain while receiving chemotherapy.
Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus meningitis in an infant
Authors: Takahashi Yoshiko , Ishiwada Naruhiko , Tanaka Junko , Okusu Kiyofumi , Ichimura Sadahiro , Hishiki Haruka , Ota Setsuo , Kohno Yoichi 
Published: April 2014

AbstractStreptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus was formerly classified as S. bovis biotype II/2, which is recognized as a rare cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis. Since the taxonomy classification change, there have not been many reports of meningitis due to S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus. Moreover, the pathogenesis of late onset S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus meningitis in infants is unclear. Here we report a case of meningitis in a 5‐week‐old infant with preceding diarrhea. S. bovis biotype II/2 was isolated from the blood, cerebrospinal fluid and stool, and then was identified as S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Isolates from all three sample types had identical profiles on pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis. The intestinal tract was thought to be the source of the infection.
Effect of Leptin on In Vivo Goat Embryo Production
Authors: Batista AM , Gomes WA , Carvalho CCD , Monteiro PLJ , Silva FLM , Almeida FC , Soares PC , Carneiro GF , Guerra MMP 
Published: April 2014

ContentsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of leptin administration during superovulation on in vivo goat embryo production. Ten mature does were superovulated with 133 mg follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) i.m. in six descending doses at 12‐h intervals. The goats received 4.8 μg/kg human recombinant leptin s.c. (leptin group, n = 5) or phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) (control group, n = 5) with the first and second FSH doses. The does were mated and subjected to embryo collection by transcervical technique 6 days later. The total number of cells per embryo and the number of cells with fragmented DNA were assessed in selected blastocysts by combining Hoechst 33342 and terminal dUTP nick‐end labelling (TUNEL) staining. Plasma concentrations of oestradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) were determined by electrochemiluminescence from the day of FSH treatment, on the day of superovulatory oestrus and on the day before embryo collection. Compared with the control group, the does that received leptin had a higher number of transferable embryos (p < 0.005), fewer embryos classified as degenerated (p < 0.001) and fewer TUNEL‐positive cells/blastocyst (p < 0.001). The number of transferable embryos was positively correlated with E2 concentrations on day of oestrus (r = 0.562; p < 0.01) and P4 concentrations on the day of embryo collection (r = 0.912; p < 0.001). We concluded that in vivo leptin administration during FSH treatment improved embryo quality and affected ovarian steroidogenesis in superovulated goats.
Extraction with 0.01 m CaCl2 underestimates the concentration of phosphorus in the soil solution
Authors: Sánchez‐Alcalá I. , del Campillo M. C. , Torrent J. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe aim of this paper was to compare the concentration of P in soil extracts prepared with water and a ‘soil solution proxy’ (‘SSP’, that is, a salt solution similar in ionic composition and strength to the actual soil solution) with that in 0.01 m CaCl2 extracts, which is usually taken as a measure of soil P intensity. Seventy widely ranging agricultural soils from the Mediterranean part of Spain were used. Soil/solution ratio was 1:10 and extraction time 3 days. For 0.01 m CaCl2, a short extraction time of 30 min was also used as the reference method. CaCl2‐P(3 days) and CaCl2‐P(30 min) were not significantly different for the 40 noncalcareous soils group, but CaCl2‐P(3 days) was significantly larger than CaCl2‐P(30 min) for the 30 calcareous soils group. The Water‐P/CaCl2‐P(30 min) ratio was not significantly related to any soil property, its mean being 6.3 for the noncalcareous and 5.8 for the calcareous soils group. The mean SSP‐P/CaCl2‐P(30 min) ratio was 2.6 for the noncalcareous and 3.1 for the calcareous soils group, and decreased slightly with increasing ionic strength of the soil solution in the noncalcareous soils group. These results are consistent with the promoting influence of the Ca ion and ionic strength on P adsorption by permanent‐charge soils. The fact that extraction with 0.01 m CaCl2 generally results in underestimation of the actual concentration of P in the soil solution should be considered when CaCl2‐P is used as a soil P test.
Quantification and Validation of Ertapenem Using a Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method
Authors: van Rijn S. P. , Wessels A. M. A. , Greijdanus B. , Touw D. J. , Alffenaar J. W. C. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT
Ertapenem, a carbapenem, relies on time-dependent killing. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) should be considered, when ertapenem is used in specific populations, to achieve optimal bactericidal activity and optimize drug-dosing regimens. No validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method has been reported using deuterated ertapenem as the internal standard. A new simple and robust LC-MS/MS method using a quadrupole mass spectrometer was developed for analysis of ertapenem in human plasma, using deuterated ertapenem as the internal standard. The calibration curve was linear over a range of 0.1 (lower limit of quantification [LLOQ]) to 125 mg/liter. The calculated accuracy ranged from −2.4% to 10.3%. Within-run coefficients of variation (CV) ranged from 2.7% to 11.8%, and between-run CV ranged from 0% to 8.4%. Freeze-thaw stability had a bias of −3.3% and 0.1%. Storage of QC samples for 96 h at 4°C had a bias of −4.3 to 5.6%, storage at room temperature for 24 h had a bias of −10.7% to −14.8%, and storage in the autosampler had a bias between −2.9% and −10.0%. A simple LC-MS/MS method to quantify ertapenem in human plasma using deuterated ertapenem as the internal standard has been validated. This method can be used in pharmacokinetic studies and in clinical studies by performing TDM.
Efficacy and Safety of AVP-21D9, an Anthrax Monoclonal Antibody, in Animal Models and Humans
Authors: Malkevich Nina V. , Hopkins Robert J. , Bernton Edward , Meister Gabriel T. , Vela Eric M. , Atiee George , Johnson Virginia , Nabors Gary S. , Aimes Ronald T. , Ionin Boris , Skiadopoulos Mario H. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT

Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium
Bacillus anthracis
. Timely administration of antibiotics approved for the treatment of anthrax disease may prevent associated morbidity and mortality. However, any delay in initiating antimicrobial therapy may result in increased mortality, as inhalational anthrax progresses rapidly to the toxemic phase of disease. An anthrax antitoxin, AVP-21D9, also known as Thravixa (fully human anthrax monoclonal antibody), is being developed as a therapeutic agent against anthrax toxemia. The efficacy of AVP-21D9 in
B. anthracis
-infected New Zealand White rabbits and in cynomolgus macaques was evaluated, and its safety and pharmacokinetics were assessed in healthy human volunteers. The estimated mean elimination half-life values of AVP-21D9 in surviving anthrax-challenged rabbits and nonhuman primates (NHPs) ranged from approximately 2 to 4 days and 6 to 11 days, respectively. In healthy humans, the mean elimination half-life was in the range of 20 to 27 days. Dose proportionality was observed for the maximum serum concentration (
C
max
) of AVP-21D9 and the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC). In therapeutic efficacy animal models, treatment with AVP-21D9 resulted in survival of up to 92% of the rabbits and up to 67% of the macaques. Single infusions of AVP-21D9 were well tolerated in healthy adult volunteers across all doses evaluated, and no serious adverse events were reported. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01202695.)
Site-Dependent Recruitment of Inflammatory Cells Determines the Effective Dose of Leishmania major
Authors: Ribeiro-Gomes Flavia L. , Roma Eric Henrique , Carneiro Matheus B. H. , Doria Nicole A. , Sacks David L. , Peters Nathan C. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTThe route of pathogen inoculation by needle has been shown to influence the outcome of infection. Employing needle inoculation of the obligately intracellular parasiteLeishmania major, which is transmitted in nature following intradermal (i.d.) deposition of parasites by the bite of an infected sand fly, we identified differences in the preexisting and acute cellular responses in mice following i.d. inoculation of the ear, subcutaneous (s.c.) inoculation of the footpad, or inoculation of the peritoneal cavity (intraperitoneal [i.p.] inoculation). Initiation of infection at different sites was associated with different phagocytic populations. Neutrophils were the dominant infected cells following i.d., but not s.c. or i.p., inoculation. Inoculation of the ear dermis resulted in higher frequencies of total and infected neutrophils than inoculation of the footpad, and these higher frequencies were associated with a 10-fold increase in early parasite loads. Following inoculation of the ear in the absence of neutrophils, parasite phagocytosis by other cell types did not increase, and fewer parasites were able to establish infection. The frequency of infected neutrophils within the total infected CD11b+population was higher than the frequency of total neutrophils within the total CD11b+population, demonstrating that neutrophils are overrepresented as a proportion of infected cells. Employing i.d. inoculation to model sand fly transmission of parasites has significant consequences for infection outcome relative to that of s.c. or i.p. inoculation, including the phenotype of infected cells and the number of parasites that establish infection. Vector-borne infections initiated in the dermis likely involve adaptations to this unique microenvironment. Bypassing or altering this initial step has significant consequences for infection.
Giardia duodenalis Cathepsin B Proteases Degrade Intestinal Epithelial Interleukin-8 and Attenuate Interleukin-8-Induced Neutrophil Chemotaxis
Authors: Cotton James A. , Bhargava Amol , Ferraz Jose G. , Yates Robin M. , Beck Paul L. , Buret Andre G. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTGiardia duodenalis(syn.G. intestinalis,G. lamblia) infections are a leading cause of waterborne diarrheal disease that can also result in the development of postinfectious functional gastrointestinal disorders via mechanisms that remain unclear. Parasite numbers exceed 106trophozoites per centimeter of gut at the height of an infection. Yet the intestinal mucosa ofG. duodenalis-infected individuals is devoid of signs of overt inflammation.G. duodenalisinfections can also occur concurrently with infections with other proinflammatory gastrointestinal pathogens. Little is known of whether and how this parasite can attenuate host inflammatory responses induced by other proinflammatory stimuli, such as a gastrointestinal pathogen. Identifying hitherto-unrecognized parasitic immunomodulatory pathways, the present studies demonstrated thatG. duodenalistrophozoites attenuate secretion of the potent neutrophil chemoattractant interleukin-8 (CXCL8); these effects were observed in human small intestinal mucosal tissues and from intestinal epithelial monolayers, activated through administration of proinflammatory interleukin-1β orSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium. This attenuation is caused by the secretion ofG. duodenaliscathepsin B cysteine proteases that degrade CXCL8 posttranscriptionally. Furthermore, the degradation of CXCL8 viaG. duodenaliscathepsin B cysteine proteases attenuates CXCL8-induced chemotaxis of human neutrophils. Taken together, these data demonstrate for the first time thatG. duodenalistrophozoite cathepsins are capable of attenuating a component of their host's proinflammatory response induced by a separate proinflammatory stimulus.
Associations between primary healthcare and unplanned medical admissions in Norway: a multilevel analysis of the entire elderly population
Authors: Deraas Trygve S , Berntsen Gro R , Jones Andy P , Førde Olav H , Sund Erik R 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveTo examine if individual risk of unplanned medical admissions (UMAs) was associated with municipality general practitioner (GP) or long-term care (LTC) volume among the entire Norwegian elderly population.DesignCross-sectional population-based study.Setting428 of 430 Norwegian municipalities in 2009.ParticipantsAll Norwegians aged ≥65 years (n=721 915; 56% women—15% of the total population).Main outcome measureIndividual risk of UMA.ResultsUsing a multilevel analytical framework, consisting of individuals (N=722 464) nested within municipalities (N=428), nested within local hospital areas (N=52) we found no association between municipality GP or LTC volume and UMAs. However, we found that higher LTC levels of provision were associated with fewer hospitalisations among the older age groups. A modest geographical variability was observed for UMA in adjusted analysis.ConclusionsA higher primary healthcare volume was only associated with fewer UMAs among the oldest old in a universally accessible healthcare system.