bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reducing Radiation Exposure in the Electrophysiology Laboratory: It is More Than Just Fluoroscopy Times!
Authors: NOF EYAL , LANE CHRISTOPHER , CAZALAS MAXIME , CUCHET‐SOUBELET ELISABETH , MICHAUD GREGORY F. , JOHN ROY M. , TEDROW USHA , KOPLAN BRUCE A. , STEVENSON WILLIAM G. , EPSTEIN LAURENCE M. 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundTo exposure in patients undergoing cardiac electrophysiology (EP) ablation. This included the use of a “very low” dose protocol, and the impact of angulations and patient body mass index (BMI) on radiation dose as a mean to reduce exposure.MethodsA total of 212 retrospective patient data sets were collected during EP ablation procedures on a biplane fluoroscopy system. Dose metrics were computed based on dose‐area product (DAP) measured by the system for each x‐ray acquisition.ResultsDose baselines of different ablation procedures were established as DAP and DAP per hour, with respect to patient BMI. The use of a “very low dose” protocol reduced exposure by 62% while providing adequate image quality. With approximate left anterior oblique (LAO) 50° and right anterior oblique (RAO) 30°, DAP and DAP rate were significantly higher in LAO compared to RAO (11.2 [4.8–25.3] Gy·cm2 vs 5.28 [2.9–11.1] Gy·cm2 and 74.0 [38.2–136.1] Gy·cm2/h vs 25.0 [16.4–44.1] Gy·cm2/h, respectively; P < 0.001). DAP and DAP rate were also significantly higher in patients with BMI > 30 vs BMI ≤ 30 (34.2 [22.3–58.7] Gy·cm2 vs 12.4 [6.0–26.9] Gy·cm2 and 84.9 [68.1–120.4] Gy·cm2/h vs 34.2 [21.7–52.9] Gy·cm2/h, respectively; P < 0.001).ConclusionProtocol setting, system angulation, and BMI, in particular, wider angulation in LAO compared to RAO plane, exposes patients to significant higher radiation doses. Obese patients in standard LAO plane receive six times the radiation dose of nonobese patients in RAO.
Intranasal dexmedetomidine premedication reduces minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane for laryngeal mask airway insertion and emergence delirium in children: a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Yao Yusheng , Qian Bin , Lin Ying , Wu Weilan , Ye Huazhen , Chen Yanqing 
Published: December 2014

SummaryBackgroundWe conducted a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study to verify the hypothesis that intranasal dexmedetomidine premedication can reduce the minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane for laryngeal mask airway insertion in children.MethodsNinety American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I subjects, aged 3–7 years, were randomized to three equal groups to receive saline (Group S), dexmedetomidine 1 μg·kg−1 (Group D1), or dexmedetomidine 2 μg·kg−1 (Group D2) approximately 45 min before anesthesia. The minimum alveolar concentration for laryngeal mask airway insertion of sevoflurane was determined according to the Dixon's up‐and‐down method. Emergence delirium was evaluated using the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU).ResultsDexmedetomidine premedication of 1 and 2 μg·kg−1 was associated with reduction in sevoflurane from 1.92% to 1.53% and 1.23%, corresponding to decrease of 20% and 36%, respectively. The peak PAED scores (median [IQR]) were 9 [8–11.5], 5 [3–5.3], and 3 [2–4] in Group S, Group D1, and Group D2, respectively. The incidence of emergence delirium (defined as peak PAED score ≥10) was significantly lower in Groups D1 and D2 than in Group S (P < 0.001). Simultaneously, the induction qualities and the parent's satisfaction scores were significantly higher in Groups D1 and D2 than in Group S (P < 0.001).ConclusionIntranasal dexmedetomidine premedication produces a dose‐dependent decrease in the minimum alveolar concentration for laryngeal mask airway insertion of sevoflurane and emergence delirium in the PACU.
Host‐induced gene silencing inhibits the biotrophic pathogen causing downy mildew of lettuce
Authors: Govindarajulu Manjula , Epstein Lynn , Wroblewski Tadeusz , Michelmore Richard W. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryHost‐induced gene silencing (HIGS) is an RNA interference‐based approach in which small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are produced in the host plant and subsequently move into the pathogen to silence pathogen genes. As a proof‐of‐concept, we generated stable transgenic lettuce plants expressing siRNAs targeting potentially vital genes of Bremia lactucae, a biotrophic oomycete that causes downy mildew, the most important disease of lettuce worldwide. Transgenic plants, expressing inverted repeats of fragments of either the Highly Abundant Message #34 (HAM34) or Cellulose Synthase (CES1) genes of B. lactucae, specifically suppressed expression of these genes, resulting in greatly reduced growth and inhibition of sporulation of B. lactucae. This demonstrates that HIGS can provide effective control of B. lactucae in lettuce; such control does not rely on ephemeral resistance conferred by major resistance genes and therefore offers new opportunities for durable control of diverse diseases in numerous crops.
MicroRNA and mRNA expression profiling in metastatic melanoma reveal associations with BRAF mutation and patient prognosis
Authors: Tembe Varsha , Schramm Sarah‐Jane , Stark Mitchell S. , Patrick Ellis , Jayaswal Vivek , Tang Yue Hang , Barbour Andrew , Hayward Nicholas K. , Thompson John F. , Scolyer Richard A. , Yang Yee Hwa , Mann Graham J. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryThe role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in melanoma is unclear. We examined global miRNA expression profiles in fresh‐frozen metastatic melanomas in relation to clinical outcome and BRAF mutation, with validation in independent cohorts of tumours and sera. We integrated miRNA and mRNA information from the same samples and elucidated networks associated with outcome and mutation. Associations with prognosis were replicated for miR‐150‐5p, miR‐142‐3p and miR‐142‐5p. Co‐analysis of miRNA and mRNA uncovered a network associated with poor prognosis (PP) that paradoxically favoured expression of miRNAs opposing tumorigenesis. These miRNAs are likely part of an autoregulatory response to oncogenic drivers, rather than drivers themselves. Robust association of miR‐150‐5p and the miR‐142 duplex with good prognosis and earlier stage metastatic melanoma supports their potential as biomarkers. miRNAs overexpressed in association with PP in an autoregulatory fashion will not be suitable therapeutic targets.
Case Reports of Fatal or Metastasizing Melanoma in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Analysis of the Literature
Authors: Neuhold Johanna Christina , Friesenhahn Johanna , Gerdes Nina , Krengel Sven 
Published: December 2014

AbstractChildhood melanoma (ChM) is rare, with clinical and epidemiologic characteristics that differ from those of adult melanomas. The objective of the current study was to systematically identify and analyze case reports and case series of fatal and metastasizing ChM in the medical literature. ChM case reports with a fatal outcome or metastases were identified using a Medline search and subdivided into ChM developing in the absence of a congenital melanocytic nevus (ChM without CMN) and ChM associated with a CMN (ChM with CMN); 258 cases of ChM without CMN (206 cutaneous, 52 noncutaneous) were identified. In cutaneous ChM without CMN with a fatal outcome (n = 155), the mean age at diagnosis was 13.1 years (median 14 yrs). The mean Breslow index in this group was 8.5 mm for children ages 0 to 10 years and 3.7 mm for children ages 11 to 18 years. In ChM with CMN (n = 178; 112 cutaneous, 66 central nervous system [CNS]), the mean age at diagnosis was 5.8 years for cutaneous melanoma (median 3 yrs) and 5.5 years for CMN‐associated CNS melanoma (median 3 yrs). The majority of CMN‐associated cutaneous melanomas developed in small and giant CMN (vs medium and large); 53.9% of CNS melanomas developed in patients with multiple medium CMN. This study represents the largest and most complete synopsis of ChM case reports in the medical literature. Our analysis supports the view that cutaneous ChM without CMN (or associated with smaller CMN) differs in several important aspects from ChM associated with large or giant CMN.
BK virus nephropathy in a pediatric patient after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Aksenova M. , Tsetlina V. , Gutovskaya E. , Mitrofanova A. , Balashov D. , Maschan A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWe report the case of a seven‐yr‐old Caucasian girl who presented with progressive deterioration of renal function 13 months after HSCT for myelodysplastic syndrome. BK virus nephropathy was suspected and confirmed. After reduction of immunosuppression and treatment with IVIG, leflunomide, ciprofloxacin, and cidofovir, clearance of BK virus from blood was achieved, and further progression or renal failure was prevented. We believe that BK virus nephropathy should be considered in cases of renal function deterioration in all immunocompromised patients.
All for the Good
Authors: Oderberg David S. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe Guise of the Good thesis has received much attention since Anscombe's brief defence in her bookIntention. I approach it here from a less common perspective ‐ indirectly, via a theory explaining how it is that moral behaviour is even possible. After setting out how morality requires the employment of a fundamental test, I argue that moral behaviour involves orientation toward the good. Immoral behaviour cannot, however, involve orientation to evil as such, given the theory of evil as privation. There must always be orientation to good of some kind for immorality even to be possible. Evil can, nevertheless, be intended, but this must be carefully understood in terms of the metaphysic of good and evil I set out. Given that metaphysic, the Guise of the Good is a virtual corollary.
The generalistInga subnudasubsp.luschnathiana(Fabaceae): negative effect of floral visitors on reproductive success?
Authors: Avila R. , Pinheiro M. , Sazima M. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIngaspecies are characterised by generalist or mixed pollination system. However, this feature does not enhance reproductive rates in species with very low fruit set under natural conditions. Some ecological and genetic factors are associated with this feature, and to test the effect of massive visits on pollination success inInga subnudasubsp.luschnathiana, we studied the efficacy of polyads deposited on stigmas of flowers isolated from visitors and polyads exposed to visitors. The proportion of polyads fixed in stigmas decreased after exposure to visitors (24 h) in comparison to stigmas isolated from visitors (hummingbirds, bees, wasps, hawkmoths and bats), and fruit set was very low. Furthermore, nectar production, sugar composition and other floral biology traits were evaluated. Increased nectar production, sugar availability and sucrose dominance during the night indicates adaptation to nocturnal visitors and supports their role as main pollinators; although the brush‐flower morphology, time of anthesis, nectar dynamics and chemical composition also allow daytime visitors. Thus the species is an important resource for a diverse group of floral visitors. We conclude that excess visits (diurnal and nocturnal) are responsible for the decrease in fixed polyads in stigmas ofI. subnudasubsp.luschnathianaflowers, thus contributing, with others factors, to its low fruit set. Therefore, the generalist pollination system does not result in reproductive advantages because the low fruit set in natural conditions could be the result of a negative effect of visitors/pollinators.
Temperature adaptation in isolates of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum affects their ability to infect Brassica carinata
Authors: Uloth M.B. , You M. P. , Cawthray G. , Barbetti M. J. 
Published: December 2014

Sclerotinia stem rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) is a serious disease in oilseed Brassica crops worldwide. In this study, temperature adaptation in isolates of S. sclerotiorum collected from differing climatic zones is reported for the first time on any crop. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum isolates from oilseed rape (Brassica napus) crops in warmer northern agricultural regions of Western Australia (WW3, UWA 7S3) differed in their reaction to temperature from those from cooler southern regions (MBRS‐1, UWA 10S2) in virulence on Brassica carinata, growth on agar, and oxalic acid production. Increasing temperature from 22/18°C (day/night) to 28/24°C increased lesion diameter on cotyledons of B. carinataBC054113 more than tenfold for warmer region isolates, but did not affect lesion size for cooler region isolates. Mean lesion length averaged across two B. carinata genotypes (resistant and susceptible) fell from 4·6 to 2·4 mm for MBRS‐1 when temperature increased from 25/21°C to 28/24°C but rose for WW3 (2·35 and 3·21 mm, respectively). WW3, usually designated as low in virulence, caused as much disease on stems at 28/24°C as MBRS‐1, historically designated as highly virulent. Isolates collected from cooler areas grew better at low temperatures on agar. While all grew on potato dextrose agar between 5 and 30°C, with maximum growth at 20–25°C, growth was severely restricted above 32°C, and only UWA 7S3 grew at 35°C. Oxalate production increased as temperature increased from 10 to 25°C for isolates MBRS‐1, WW3 and UWA 7S3, but declined from a maximum level of 101 mg g−1 mycelium at 20°C to 24 mg g−1 mycelium at 25°C for UWA 10S2.
Restoring montane cloud forest: establishment of three Fagaceae species in the old fields of central Veracruz, Mexico
Authors: Muñiz‐Castro Miguel‐Angel , Williams‐Linera Guadalupe , Benítez‐Malvido Julieta 
Published: December 2014

AbstractTropical montane cloud forest is rapidly disappearing and our knowledge of how to restore this system is limited. In a cloud forest of central Veracruz, Mexico, we studied seedling survival, growth, and causes of mortality (microenvironment and herbivory) of three native tree species, Fagus grandifolia, Quercus germana, and Q. xalapensis, transplanted into abandoned pastures (<1 year old) and secondary forests (9–17 years old). Microenvironment differed between the two habitats, temperature and photosynthetically active radiation were higher, and humidity was lower in the abandoned pastures than in the secondary forests. Seedling survival was greater in secondary forests than in pastures: F. grandifolia, 94 and 64%; Q. germana, 88 and 68%; and Q. xalapensis, 61 and 57%, respectively. The cause of mortality differed between habitats, with gophers (24.2% mortality) and mice (4.8%) killing the most seedlings in pastures, and damping‐off (16%) was the most important cause in secondary forests. The relative growth rate in height and basal area was significantly higher in abandoned pastures than in secondary forests; Q. xalapensis had the highest growth rate, followed by Q. germana and F. grandifolia. The environmental conditions in this mountainous cloud forest region seem less stressful to planted seedlings than the conditions of other lowland systems, as frequent clouds favor their establishment even in open sites. We conclude that Fagaceae species can successfully establish in abandoned pastures in mesic environments. Thus, the species studied can be used to speed cloud forest regeneration in the same area at different successional stages.
Vitamin D binding protein genotype variants and risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Horita Nobuyuki , Miyazawa Naoki , Tomaru Koji , Inoue Miyo , Ishigatsubo Yoshiaki , Kaneko Takeshi 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackground and objectiveGenetic susceptibility for development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is under intensive investigation. Among the three alleles of vitamin D binding protein, or group‐specific (GC) components, some have suggested that having GC‐1F and GC‐2 alleles was associated with a risk of COPD. Although previous studies have shown considerable variance, no meta‐analysis has been conducted.MethodsThrough four databases, two independent investigators searched for case‐control studies providing sufficient data to calculate odds ratios by the vitamin D binding protein allele variant and genotype variant for a case of COPD. Studies whose control did not satisfy the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (Chi‐square P ≥ 0.05) were excluded. We used a fixed‐model to estimate the pooled odds ratio at both allele and genotype level.ResultsOf 141 candidate studies, six were included. We analysed 1712 subjects, consisting of 466 Asians, 1246 Caucasians, 531 COPD cases and 1181 non‐COPD controls. The prevalence of each allele among the 1181 controls was as follows: GC‐1F 14.0%, GC‐1S 53.8% and GC‐2 31.9%. When compared to GC‐1S, the GC‐1F allele and GC‐2 allele were associated with COPD risk with pooled odds ratios of 1.44 (95% CI 1.14–1.83, P = 0.002) and 0.83 (95% CI 0.69–0.996, P = 0.045), respectively. When compared to the 1S‐1S genotype, the 1F‐1F genotype was a risk factor of COPD with pooled odds ratio of 2.64 (95% CI 1.29–5.39, P = 0.008).ConclusionThe GC‐1F allele of the vitaminD binding protein was a risk for COPD in recessive mode.
Analysis of Multivariate Failure Times in the Presence of Selection Bias with Application to Breast Cancer
Authors: Leclerc Martin ,   EMBRACE Investigators,   GEMO Study Collaborators,   INHERIT Investigators, Antoniou Antonis C. , Simard Jacques , Lakhal-Chaieb Lajmi 
Published: December 2014

SummaryIdentifying loci that modify the risk of cancer for mutation carriers is an important topic in oncogenetics. Within this research area, we are concerned with the analysis of the association between a genetic variant (single-nucleotide polymorphism rs13281615) and breast cancer among women with a pathogenic mutation in the BRCA2 gene. As this mutation is rare, data were collected retrospectively according to a case-study design through genetic screening programmes. This involves a selection bias and an intrafamilial correlation, which complicates the statistical analysis. We derive a Cramer–von Mises-type statistic to test the equality of genotype-specific survival functions when the proportional hazards model does not hold. A Clayton copula is specified to model the residual phenotype familial dependence and an innovative semiparametric bootstrap procedure is proposed to approximate the distribution of the test statistic under the null hypothesis. The test proposed is applied to data from European and North American mutation carriers and its performance is evaluated by simulations.
Accessory Veins in Nonmaturing Autogenous Arteriovenous Fistulae: Analysis of Anatomic Features and Impact on Fistula Maturation
Authors: Engstrom Bjorn I. , Grimm Lars J. , Ronald James , Smith Tony P. , Kim Charles Y. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe appropriate management of nonmaturing arteriovenous (AV) fistulae continues to be a controversial issue. While coil embolization of accessory side‐branch veins can be performed to encourage maturation of nonmaturing AV fistulae, the true efficacy and optimal patient population are not well understood. Fistulagrams performed on nonmaturing AV fistulae were retrospectively reviewed in 145 patients (86 males, median age 63 years) for the presence of accessory veins. Fistula and accessory vein measurements were obtained, as were rates of eventual fistula maturation after accessory vein coil embolization. Of 145 nonmaturing fistulae, 49 (34%) had a stenosis without any accessory veins, 76 (52%) had a stenosis and one or more accessory veins, and 20 (14%) had an accessory vein without concurrent stenosis. Eighteen AV fistulae had one or more accessory veins without coexisting stenosis. Nine fistulae had a caliber decrease immediately downstream from the accessory vein. Coil embolization of dominant accessory veins with a caliber decrease immediately downstream (n = 6) resulted in a 100% eventual fistula maturation rate versus 67% for fistulae without this configuration (n = 6, p = 0.15). Accessory vein size was not correlated with maturation rates (p = 0.51). The majority of nonmaturing fistulae with accessory veins had a coexisting stenosis. Higher maturation rates may result with selected anatomic parameters, although additional studies with more robust sample sizes are needed prior to definitive conclusions.
Utilization of laser Doppler flowmetry and tissue spectrophotometry for burn depth assessment using a miniature swine model
Authors: Lotter Oliver , Held Manuel , Schiefer Jennifer , Werner Ole , Medved Fabian , Schaller Hans‐Eberhard , Rahmanian‐Schwarz Afshin , Jaminet Patrick , Rothenberger Jens 
Published: December 2014

AbstractCurrently, the diagnosis of burn depth is primarily based on a visual assessment and can be dependent on the surgeons' experience. The goal of this study was to determine the ability of laser Doppler flowmeter combined with a tissue spectrophotometer to discriminate burn depth in a miniature swine burn model. Burn injuries of varying depth, including superficial‐partial, deep‐partial, and full thickness, were created in seven Göttingen minipigs using an aluminium bar (100 °C), which was applied to the abdominal skin for periods of 1, 3, 6, 12, 30, and 60 seconds with gravity alone. The depth of injury was evaluated histologically using hematoxylin and eosin staining. All burns were assessed 3 hours after injury using a device that combines a laser light and a white light to determine blood flow, hemoglobin oxygenation, and relative amount of hemoglobin. The blood flow (41 vs. 124 arbitrary units [AU]) and relative amount of hemoglobin (32 vs. 52 AU) were significantly lower in full thickness compared with superficial‐partial thickness burns. However, no significant differences in hemoglobin oxygenation were observed between these depths of burns (61 vs. 60%). These results show the ability of laser Doppler flowmeter and tissue spectrophotometer in combination to discriminate between various depths of injury in the minipig model, suggesting that this device may offer a valuable tool for burn depth assessment influencing burn management.
Diesel Nozzle Flow Investigation in Non-Radial Multi Hole Geometry
Authors: Chiatti Giancarlo , Chiavola Ornella , Palmieri Fulvio 
Published: December 2014

Flow features at hole inlet traditionally depend both on injector tip type (Minisac, VCO, Microsac), and on hole drilling & finishing technology (hydro grinding, paste honing); such a topic is going to be faced by researchers for many years, due to the importance of high pressure injection process in current and upcoming diesel engine.
In the present paper, investigations have been extended to an unconventional diesel nozzle layout, highlighting its capability on altering the flow structure at hole inlet, and thus influencing the flow development within the nozzle holes. As described in the article, the investigated nozzle is based on a multihole layout but, referring to the injector axis, nozzle holes have a non-radial arrangement.
The investigations on nozzle hole flow development have been based on modeling. Moving from the standard nozzle configuration towards non-radial arranged holes, 3D-CFD campaigns have been devoted to highlight the influence of such unusual nozzle layout on diesel nozzle flow.
In the modeling process, data concerning spatial distribution of velocity and cavitation behavior at hole exit have been computed; the effect of non-radial multi hole geometry has been investigated both on MicroSac and VCO layouts. Specific attention has been focused on the fuel flow distribution among the holes; the computations have evidenced how the unconventional layout is capable to improve the behavior of VCO geometries when needle eccentric displacement is considered. Results have been synthetized indicating how flow pattern properties are reflected at hole exit, quantitatively.