bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of intravenous adipose-derived allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of feline chronic kidney disease: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in eight cats
Authors: Quimby Jessica M , Webb Tracy L , Randall Elissa , Marolf Angela , Valdes-Martinez Alex , Dow Steve W 
Published: March 2015

Objectives Feline chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis, and inflammation contributes to the progression of renal fibrosis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects in rodent CKD models. However, few randomized trials evaluating the effectiveness of MSC therapy for diseases in companion animals have been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of allogeneic MSCs for the treatment of feline CKD using a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Methods MSCs were isolated from the cryopreserved adipose tissues of specific pathogen-free research cats and culture expanded. CKD cats were enrolled in a randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded one-way crossover clinical study. Four CKD cats were randomized to receive 2 × 106 MSCs/kg intravenously at 2, 4 and 6 weeks. Four CKD cats were randomized to receive placebo, with two cats crossing over to the MSC treatment group and one cat failing to complete the trial. Complete blood counts, chemistry and urinalysis were performed at weeks 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) via nuclear scintigraphy and urine protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) were determined at weeks 0 and 8. Results Six cats received three doses of allogeneic MSC culture expanded from cryopreserved adipose without adverse effects. No significant change in serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, GFR by nuclear scintigraphy, UPC or packed cell volume was seen in cats treated with MSCs. Individual changes in GFR were 12%, 8%, 8%, 2%, –13% and –67% in treated cats compared with 16%, 36% and 0% in placebo-treated cats. Conclusions and relevance While administration of MSC culture expanded from cryopreserved adipose was not associated with adverse effects, significant improvement in renal function was not observed immediately after administration. Long-term follow-up is necessary to determine whether MSC administration affects disease progression in cats with CKD.
Standards of care for feline urethral catheters in the UK
Authors: Holroyd Kate , Humm Karen 
Published: March 2015

Objectives This study aimed to determine the standards of care for urethral catheters (UCs) placed in male cats for treatment of urethral obstruction (UO). It also assessed whether these standards were influenced by year of graduation of the veterinary surgeon (VS). Methods One hundred veterinary practices were randomly selected, and a telephone survey was conducted with a VS in the practice. Regarding the last urethral catheterisation performed for a male cat with UO, the VS was asked about the use of antibiotics while the catheter was in situ, whether a closed urinary collection system was used, whether aseptic skin preparation of the patient was performed and whether aseptic hand preparation was performed. A χ2 test was used to determine whether there were significant differences in these percentages when considering year of graduation. Results Twenty-seven percent of VSs did not use antibiotics while the urethral catheter was in place, 44% used closed urinary collection systems, 41% performed aseptic skin preparation of the patient and 60% aseptically prepared their hands and wore sterile gloves. There was a statistically significant ( P <0.01) difference in antibiotic usage, closed collection system usage and aseptic hand preparation across graduation year groups. Conclusions and relevance Non-sterile urethral catheter placement with open urinary drainage and antibiotic prophylaxis is still a widespread practice among VSs; however, more recent graduates are more likely to perform the procedure aseptically with a closed urinary collection system and withholding of antibiotics. There is a need for further education for postgraduate veterinarians in the prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections in cats and further research to provide evidence-based guidelines for feline urethral catheter care.
Barriers to Treatment of Tinea Capitis in Children Living in the Jane Finch Community of Toronto
Authors: Zur Rebecca L. , Shapero Jonathan , Shapero Harvey 
Published: March 2015

Background: Tinea capitis is a common fungal infection of the scalp. If left untreated, tinea capitis infection can cause severe inflammatory reactions and the development of kerion. Tinea capitis is effectively treated with oral antifungals, but at present these are not covered under government assistance programs. Objective: To assess the potential impact of a limited use code for antifungal therapy in the treatment of childhood tinea capitis. Method: Fourteen family physicians practicing in the Jane Finch area were surveyed on their experience treating tinea capitis in this community. Results: Seventy-one percent of surveyed family physicians felt that cost impedes the treatment of tinea capitis in their practice, and 100% felt that a limited use code would have a positive impact on their patients. Conclusion: A limited use code for oral antifungal treatments of tinea capitis may provide a simple, cost-effective solution to a major problem impacting children in the Jane Finch area.
The effect of cognitive flexibility on task switching and language switching
Authors: Liu Huanhuan , Fan Ning , Rossi Sonja , Yao Panpan , Chen Baoguo 
Published: March 2015

Aims: The present study aimed at investigating whether cognitive flexibility plays the same role in language switching as in task switching. Design: Cognitive flexibility (CF) of 52 low proficiency Chinese (L1)–English (L2) bilinguals was assessed by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task. These bilinguals were then subdivided in 26 high- and 26 low-CF participants. Both groups performed a task-switching (Simon switch task) and a language-switching task (picture-naming task). The former task required participants to press a button congruent or incongruent to the pointing direction of an arrow, while in the latter participants had to name pictures in their L1 and L2. Data and analysis: Both response latencies and accuracy scores were obtained. Afterwards switch costs (i.e. longer latencies or reduced accuracy for switch in contrast to repeat trials) were calculated. Findings: Results of the Simon switch task showed that switch costs for congruent and incongruent trials were symmetrical in the high-CF group, whereas the low-CF group showed larger switch costs for congruent than incongruent trials. Similarly, results of the language-switch task showed symmetrical switch costs for naming pictures in their L1 and L2 for the high-CF group, but L1 switch costs were larger than L2 ones in the low-CF group. These findings indicate that cognitive flexibility can modulate switch costs of two different switching tasks. This is in line with the inhibitory control model and the task-set inertia theory which assume that cognitive flexibility might modulate the symmetry of different types of switch costs via inhibition. This study provides first direct evidence that cognitive flexibility plays a comparably important role in language switching as well as in task switching. Thus, cognitive flexibility can be beneficial for low proficiency bilinguals’ inhibitory control during task switching and language switching.
Comparison of benazepril and losartan on endothelial function and vascular stiffness in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gismondi Ronaldo AOC , Oigman Wille , Bedirian Ricardo , Pozzobon Cesar R , Ladeira Marcia C Boaventura , Neves Mario F 
Published: March 2015

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of benazepril and losartan on endothelial function and vascular stiffness, in patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Materials and methods: We included hypertensive diabetic patients with an office systolic blood pressure (BP) ⩾ 130 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ⩾ 80 mmHg. Patients were rolled over to amlodipine for 6 weeks, then we performed C-reactive protein assays, BP measurement and vascular tests; next, patients were randomized to benazepril or losartan. The tests were repeated after 12 weeks. Results: We randomized 14 patients to benazepril and 16 to losartan. There were no differences in systolic (139 versus 134 mmHg, p = 0.618) and diastolic (82 versus 80 mmHg, p = 0.950) BP at the end of the study. C-reactive protein values were lower in the benazepril group (0.38 versus 0.42 mg/dl, p = 0.020). There was a slightly higher flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) response in the benazepril group (45% increase, p = 0.057) than in the losartan group (19% increase, p = 0.132). Both central systolic BP (129 versus 123 mmHg, p = 0.934) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) (8.5 versus 8.5 m/s, p = 0.280) were the same between groups. Conclusions: Hypertensive diabetic patients using benazepril had a greater reduction in C-reactive protein, and a slight improvement in FMD, than those taking losartan.
The relationship of TIMI risk index with SYNTAX and Gensini risk scores in predicting the extent and severity of coronary artery disease in patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Acet Halit , Ertaş Faruk , Bilik Mehmet Zihni , Aydın Mesut , Yüksel Murat , Polat Nihat , Yıldız Abdulkadir , Özyurtlu Ferhat , Akıl Mehmet Ata , Çiftçi Leyla , Özbek Mehmet , Alan Sait , Toprak Nizamettin 
Published: March 2015

Objective: The prognostic value of the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score (GRS) and the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk index (TRI) have been reported in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). In this study, we sought to evaluate the association between TRI and the extent and severity of CAD evaluated by SYNTAX score (SS) and Gensini score in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: A total of 290 patients with STEMI were included in the study. GRS and TRI were calculated on admission using specified variables. The extent and severity of CAD were evaluated using the SS and Gensini scores. The patients were divided into low (TRI ⩽19), intermediate (TRI 19–30), and high (TRI ⩾30) risk groups. A Pearson correlation analysis was used for the relationship between TRI, GRS, Gensini score and SS. Results: There were significant differences in the mean age ( p < 0.001), admission heart rate ( p < 0.001), admission systolic blood pressure ( p = 0.009), SS ( p < 0.001), GRS ( p < 0.001) and in-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in all patients between the low, intermediate and high TRI risk groups. There was a positive significant correlation between TRI and SS ( r = 0.24, p < 0.001), Gensini score ( r = 0.18, p = 0.002), GRS ( r = 0.74, p = 0.001) and in-hospital MACE ( r = 0.29, p < 0.001). Conclusion: TRI is significantly related to SS and Gensini score in predicting the extent and severity of CAD in patients with STEMI.
A balloon-expandable sheath facilitates transfemoral TAVR in patients with peripheral vascular disease and tortuosity
Authors: Goldsweig Andrew M. , Faheem Osman , Cleman Michael W. , Forrest John K. 
Published: March 2015

Objectives: We sought to perform transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) via the transfemoral approach in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), small caliber ileofemoral vessels and vascular tortuosity. Background: For patients with increased surgical risk, TAVR is associated with a higher 1-year survival rate than surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Transfemoral vascular access for TAVR results in superior outcomes versus procedures performed via other routes in terms of mortality, morbidity and healthcare economics. In many patients, the ability to safely perform the procedure via the transfemoral approach is limited by narrow, diseased and tortuous ileofemoral vasculature. Methods: We employed the SoloPath Balloon Expandable TransFemoral Access System (Terumo Med. Corp., Tokyo, Japan) to perform transfemoral TAVR in five patients with PAD, small caliber ileofemoral vessels and vascular tortuosity. Results: We report our experience using this balloon-expandable sheath during 5 cases of transfemoral TAVR in patients with inhospitable ileofemoral vasculature of mean diameter ⩽5.8 mm. The unexpanded sheath’s malleable structure and hydrophilic coating permitted deployment despite severe stenoses and tortuosity. Subsequent inflation to 18 Fr facilitated successful TAVR. Postprocedural angiography demonstrated no significant vascular access complications. In one case, the entire procedure was performed percutaneously, without common femoral artery surgical cutdown. Conclusions: The SoloPath sheath system permits transfemoral TAVR in patients with PAD small caliber ileofemoral vessels and vascular tortuosity. The transfemoral balloon-expandable sheath allowed these patients to avoid the increased morbidity and mortality risks associated with direct aortic or transapical access.
Early ‘shallow’ needle-knife papillotomy and guidewire cannulation: an effective and safe approach to difficult papilla
Authors: Fiocca Fausto , Fanello Gianfranco , Cereatti Fabrizio , Maselli Roberta , Ceci Vincenzo , Donatelli Gianfranco 
Published: March 2015

Introduction: Needle-knife sphincterotomy (NKS), known as ‘precut’, is used worldwide to facilitate access to the common bile duct when standard cannulation has failed. This procedure is considered hazardous because it is burdened with high procedural related complications (bleeding and perforation). Its right timing is still debated. In this study we report our results using a modified precut approach, early shallow needle-knife papillotomy (eSNKP) coupled with guidewire cannulation in case of difficult papilla. We evaluated its safety and effectiveness. Methods: From 2012 to 2014, 1034 patients underwent therapeutic ERCP. A total of 138 of them presented difficult papilla and were treated with eSNKP performed after 5 failed attempts of standard guidewire cannulation. Deep biliary cannulation rate was recorded, as well as intraoperative and postoperative complication rate. Results: Successful biliary deep cannulation was achieved in 132/138 patients (95.7%) by means of eSNKP. In 6 patients (4.3%), cannulation failed even after eSNKP. ERCP was newly performed 72 hours later with successful and immediate guidewire biliary cannulation. Overall morbidity was 10.1% (14/138). No perforation occurred. Minor bleeding occurred in 4/138 cases (2.9%) and 10/138 patients (7.2%) developed mild pancreatitis. Conclusion: In case of difficult papilla, eSNKP followed by guidewire cannulation increases the successful deep biliary cannulation with low rate of complications.
Symptomatic Bipartite Medial Cuneiform
Authors: Steen Eric F. , Brancheau Steven P. , Nguyen Tho , Jones Marc D. , Schade Valerie L. 
Published: March 2015

Bipartition of the medial cuneiform is a well-described but rarely seen anatomic variant. The majority of literature focuses on anatomic description and incidents based on studies of archeological collections. Symptomatic cases can be overlooked or misdiagnosed initially given the vague complaint of pain either chronic in nature or following an acute injury that could result in a myriad of foot conditions. Treatment ranges from orthotics, immobilization, injection therapy, and surgery. Presented here is a series of 5 cases treated successfully with conservative and surgical measures. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV
Metabolic abnormalities in patients treated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Authors: Nandwani GM , Stoves J , Azhar MF , Pereni CI , Shah T 
Published: March 2015

Objectives: To assess metabolic abnormalities in patients with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) that could pose a risk for stone recurrence. Materials and methods: The data was collected retrospectively on all patients who had PCNL and metabolic studies, between January 2000 and September 2012. Results: There were 144 patients; median age and follow up were 49.5 (15– 4) years and 80.2 (16–180) months, respectively. Nearly half of the patients had staghorn calculus. Metabolic abnormalities (MAs) were found in 55 (38.2%). The 31 (21.5%) of these had multiple metabolic abnormalities (MMA) while 24 (16.6%) had a single metabolic abnormality (SMA). Uricosuria was found in 24 (16.6%), hyperoxaluria in 22 (15.3%), hyperphosphaturia in 18 (12.5%), hypercalciuria in 10 (7%), hypomagnesuria in 6 (4.2%), cystinuria in 5 (3.5%) and hypocitraturia in 5 (3.5%). Hyperuricaemia was present in 10 (7%), hypercalcaemia in 5 (3.5%), hyperphosphataemia in 7 (5%) and renal tubular acidosis in 1 (0.7%). In non-staghorn, MAs were found in 25 (35.2%) and 16 (64%) of these had MMA. In patients with staghorn, MAs were present in 30 (41%) patients. Half of the patients 15 (50%) in this group had MMA. A high proportion of the first time stone formers requiring surgical treatment had MAs and 57% of these had MMA. Stone analysis was available for 69 (48%) and 37 (53.6%) of these had mixed composition. The highest proportion of patients with uric acid stones had MA 89% followed by cystine stones 80%, matrix stones 50%, calcium oxalate 36.6%, carbonate apatite 36.4% and triple phosphate 33.3% . Conclusion: A high proportion of first time stone formers, staghorn and non-staghorn stone formers with PCNL had MA. These findings suggest that the treatment of metabolic abnormalities can play an important role in reducing the risk of stone recurrences and management may include referral to dedicated metabolic stone clinics.
Lectins from opportunistic bacteria interact with acquired variable-region glycans of surface immunoglobulin in follicular lymphoma
Authors: Schneider Dunja , Dühren-von Minden Marcus , Alkhatib Alabbas , Setz Corinna , van Bergen Cornelis A. M. , Benkißer-Petersen Marco , Wilhelm Isabel , Villringer Sarah , Krysov Sergey , Packham Graham , Zirlik Katja , Römer Winfried , Buske Christian , Stevenson Freda K. , Veelken Hendrik , Jumaa Hassan 
Published: March 2015

Key Points
BCR variable-region mannoses in follicular lymphoma are recognized by lectins of common opportunistic bacteria. Introduction of N-linked sugars into the BCR variable region interferes with antigen recognition.
Oxidation precursor dependence of atomic layer deposited Al2O3 films in a-Si:H(i)/Al2O3 surface passivation stacks
Authors: Xiang Yuren , Zhou Chunlan , Jia Endong , Wang Wenjing 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
In order to obtain a good passivation of a silicon surface, more and more stack passivation schemes have been used in high-efficiency silicon solar cell fabrication. In this work, we prepared a-Si:H(i)/Al2O3 stacks on KOH solution-polished n-type solar grade mono-silicon(100) wafers. For the Al2O3 film deposition, both thermal atomic layer deposition (T-ALD) and plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PE-ALD) were used. Interface trap density spectra were obtained for Si passivation with a-Si films and a-Si:H(i)/Al2O3 stacks by a non-contact corona C-V technique. After the fabrication of a-Si:H(i)/Al2O3 stacks, the minimum interface trap density was reduced from original 3 × 1012 to 1 × 1012 cm−2 eV−1, the surface total charge density increased by nearly one order of magnitude for PE-ALD samples and about 0.4 × 1012 cm−2 for a T-ALD sample, and the carrier lifetimes increased by a factor of three (from about 10 μs to about 30 μs). Combining these results with an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, we discussed the influence of an oxidation precursor for ALD Al2O3 deposition on Al2O3 single layers and a-Si:H(i)/Al2O3 stack surface passivation from field-effect passivation and chemical passivation perspectives. In addition, the influence of the stack fabrication process on the a-Si film structure was also discussed in this study.
Nanosized silver (II) pyridoxine complex to cause greater inflammatory response and less cytotoxicity to RAW264.7 macrophage cells
Authors: Paul Avijit , Ju Hee , Rangasamy Sabarinathan , Shim Yumi , Song Joon Myong 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
With advancements in nanotechnology, silver has been engineered into a nanometre size and has attracted great research interest for use in the treatment of wounds. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as a potential alternative to conventional antibiotics because of their potential antimicrobial property. However, AgNPs also induce cytotoxicity, generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cause mitochondrial damage to human cells. Pyridoxine possesses antioxidant and cell proliferation activity. Therefore, in the present investigation, a nanosilver-pyridoxine complex (AgPyNP) was synthesized, and its cytotoxicity and immune response was compared with AgNPs in macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Results revealed that AgPyNPs showed less cytotoxicity compared with AgNPs by producing a smaller amount of ROS in RAW264.7 cells. Surprisingly, however, AgPyNPs caused macrophage RAW264.7 cells to secrete a larger amount of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and generate a more active inflammatory response compared to AgNPs. It activated TNF-α, NF-κB p65, and NF-κB p50 to generate a more vigorous immune protection that produces a greater amount of IL-8 compared to AgNPs. Overall findings indicate that AgPyNPs exhibited less cytotoxicity and evoked a greater immune response in macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Thus, it can be used as a better wound-healing agent than AgNPs.
Projecting the spatiotemporal carbon dynamics of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem from 2006 to 2050
Authors: Huang Shengli , Liu Shuguang , Liu Jinxun , Dahal Devendra , Young Claudia , Davis Brian , Sohl Terry L , Hawbaker Todd J , Sleeter Ben , Zhu Zhiliang 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundClimate change and the concurrent change in wildfire events and land use comprehensively affect carbon dynamics in both spatial and temporal dimensions. The purpose of this study was to project the spatial and temporal aspects of carbon storage in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) under these changes from 2006 to 2050. We selected three emission scenarios and produced simulations with the CENTURY model using three General Circulation Models (GCMs) for each scenario. We also incorporated projected land use change and fire occurrence into the carbon accounting.ResultsThe three GCMs showed increases in maximum and minimum temperature, but precipitation projections varied among GCMs. Total ecosystem carbon increased steadily from 7,942 gC/m2in 2006 to 10,234 gC/m2in 2050 with an annual rate increase of 53 gC/m2/year. About 56.6% and 27% of the increasing rate was attributed to total live carbon and total soil carbon, respectively. Net Primary Production (NPP) increased slightly from 260 gC/m2/year in 2006 to 310 gC/m2/year in 2050 with an annual rate increase of 1.22 gC/m2/year. Forest clear-cutting and fires resulted in direct carbon removal; however, the rate was low at 2.44 gC/m2/year during 2006–2050. The area of clear-cutting and wildfires in the GYE would account for 10.87% of total forested area during 2006–2050, but the predictive simulations demonstrated different spatial distributions in national forests and national parks.ConclusionsThe GYE is a carbon sink during 2006–2050. The capability of vegetation is almost double that of soil in terms of sequestering extra carbon. Clear-cutting and wildfires in GYE will affect 10.87% of total forested area, but direct carbon removal from clear-cutting and fires is 109.6 gC/m2, which accounts for only 1.2% of the mean ecosystem carbon level of 9,056 gC/m2, and thus is not significant.