bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Compliance With Institutional Antimicrobial Dosing Guidelines in Patients Receiving Continuous Venovenous Hemodialysis
Authors: Fedorenko Marianna , Lam Simon W. , Harinstein Lisa M. , Neuner Elizabeth A. , Demirjian Sevag , Bauer Seth R. 
Published: January 2014

Objective: Describe the rate of compliance with institutional antimicrobial dosing guidelines in patients on concomitant continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD). Methods: This single-center retrospective chart review evaluated adult patients receiving concomitant intravenous antimicrobials and CVVHD for at least 24 hours over a 2-month period. Results: A total of 42 patients, 76 antimicrobial courses, and 208 study days (24 hours of concomitant therapy) were evaluated. Overall, antimicrobials were dosed according to the institutional guidelines on 162 (78%) of 208 study days. All nonconcordant doses were below recommendations. The recommended dose was never received prior to antibiotic or CVVHD discontinuation in 22% of the cases. In cases where antimicrobials were initiated when the patient was already on CVVHD, 74% of the initial doses met guideline criteria. Pharmacist recommendation was associated with increased dosing compliance (94% vs 73% of study days, P = .001). During transition from CVVHD to intermittent hemodialysis (IHD), only 62% of antimicrobial doses were decreased by the first IHD day. Conclusions: Antimicrobial dosing in patients on CVVHD was below institutional guideline recommendations in many cases. Pharmacist recommendation was associated with compliance. Centers should evaluate their own compliance rate with institutional guideline recommendations for CVVHD and implement initiatives to improve dosing practices.
Treatment of Naviculo–First Cuneiform Coalition of the Foot
Authors: Byun Seong-Eun , Lee Ho Seong , Ahn Ji-Yong , Seo Dong-Kyo , Seo Jeong Ho 
Published: January 2014

Background: Naviculo–first cuneiform coalition is a rare form of tarsal coalition with few reports. We therefore have analyzed its clinical features and the results of treatment. Methods: We analyzed 36 feet in 28 patients diagnosed with naviculo–first cuneiform coalition from January 2003 to December 2010. The 28 patients were 10 males and 18 females, with 18 right and 18 left feet, including 8 patients with bilateral coalition. The location and morphological pattern of naviculo–first cuneiform coalition were analyzed radiologically. Symptomatic patients initially received conservative management for 6 months. Six feet of 5 patients were treated operatively, 3 feet by curettage and 3 by fusion. Results: Eighteen feet had symptoms, while 18 feet without symptoms were diagnosed incidentally. Mean patient age at diagnosis was 34.6 years (range, 10-68 years). The mean age at diagnosis of symptomatic patients was 29.6 years (range, 10-50 years). Coalitions were located mainly in the medioplantar area. There was no bony coalition. Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging showed a cystic pattern in 7 patients, an irregular pattern in 4, a combined pattern in 5, and a spur-forming pattern in 1. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society scores at the last follow-up in patients treated conservatively and operatively were 95.3 (range, 87-100) and 83.5 (range, 70-95), respectively. Among the 5 operated patients, 3 patients (60%) complained of pain, including 2 who received curettage and 1 who developed a nonunion after attempted fusion. Conclusion: Conservative treatment should be considered over surgery in treating naviculo–first cuneiform coalition. Level of Evidence: Level III, comparative case series.
Diagnostic accuracy of mean platelet volume in thromboangiitis obliterans
Authors: Yavuz Celal , Caliskan Ahmet , Karahan Oguz , Demirtas Sinan , Yazici Suleyman 
Published: January 2014

Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) affects small- and medium-sized vessels of the extremities via a non-atherosclerotic inflammatory process in the elderly. Although diagnostic criteria have been determined, only a few studies have been described in the laboratory features. Diagnostic biomarkers are important for reducing disruptions caused by TAO. The diagnostic importance of mean platelet volume (MPV) was investigated in TAO patients. Forty-four patients diagnosed with TAO (study group) and 45 healthy individuals (control group) were included in the study. The age, gender and complete blood parameters obtained via peripheral venous blood samples were compared between the two groups. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used for determining the diagnostic accuracy of the MPV variable. All the variables were statistically similar in each group except MPV and platelet counts. MPV was significantly higher and platelet count was significantly lower in the TAO group ( P < 0.05). In addition, diagnostic accuracy was measured by the area under the ROC curve (Figure 1 ), and MPV differs significantly ( P < 0.001), with a value of 0.783 (95% CI: 0.711–0.854). This study indicates that MPV is probably an important diagnostic predictor in TAO patients. Detection of blood parameters such as platelet properties is important for meticulous care of these patients. [Figure: see text]
Long‐term outcome of cyclosporin rescue therapy in acute, steroid‐refractory severe ulcerative colitis
Authors: Molnár Tamás , Farkas Klaudia , Szepes Zoltán , Nagy Ferenc , Szűcs Mónika , Nyári Tibor , Bálint Anita , Wittmann Tibor 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundAlthough cyclosporin is effective in severe ulcerative colitis (UC), long‐term colectomy rate varies between 60 and 88% among patients in whom cyclosporin initially induced remission. The aim of our study was to evaluate the long‐term outcome and the optimal duration of cyclosporin therapy in acute, severe UC.MethodsA total of 73 patients underwent i.v. cyclosporin therapy for a steroid refractory flare up of UC between 1998 and 2009. All patients were treated with 1 mg/kg i.v. methylprednisolone for 3–7 days before the administration of cyclosporin. Patients received i.v. cyclosporin of 4–5 mg/kg for 5 days following oral treatment.ResultsThe mean follow up after the initiation of cyclosporin was 4.2 years. There were 20 patients who underwent early colectomy. Cyclosporin had to be discontinued due to side effects in 22 patients. Cyclosporin failed and late colectomy was performed in 14 of the 53 responders. Duration of cyclosporin treatment was significantly longer in those who avoided colectomy. The probability of avoiding colectomy proved to be 66% in case of 1‐year treatment period with cyclosporin. The longer treatment period resulted in longer colectomy‐free disease course.ConclusionsCyclosporin is effective in acute, severe UC during long‐term follow up. Our data suggest that the longer cyclosporin is used, the more it is possible to avoid colectomy in the future.
Fixed-point theorems for nonlinear operators with singular perturbations and applications
Authors: Yan Baoqiang , O’Regan Donal , Agarwal Ravi P 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
In this paper, using fixed-point index theory and approximation techniques, we consider the existence and multiplicity of fixed points of some nonlinear operators with singular perturbation. As an application we consider the existence and multiplicity of positive solutions of singular systems of multi-point boundary value problems, which improve the results in the literature.
Human maternal heritage in Andalusia (Spain): its composition reveals high internal complexity and distinctive influences of mtDNA haplogroups U6 and L in the western and eastern side of region
Authors: Hernández Candela L , Reales Guillermo , Dugoujon Jean-Michel , Novelletto Andrea , Rodríguez Juan Nicolás , Cuesta Pedro , Calderón Rosario 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
The archeology and history of the ancient Mediterranean have shown that this sea has been a permeable obstacle to human migration. Multiple cultural exchanges around the Mediterranean have taken place with presumably population admixtures. A gravitational territory of those migrations has been the Iberian Peninsula. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of the maternal gene pool, by means of control region sequencing and PCR-RFLP typing, of autochthonous Andalusians originating from the coastal provinces of Huelva and Granada, located respectively in the west and the east of the region.

Results
The mtDNA haplogroup composition of these two southern Spanish populations has revealed a wide spectrum of haplogroups from different geographical origins. The registered frequencies of Eurasian markers, together with the high incidence and diversification of African maternal lineages (15% of the total mitochondrial variability) among Huelva Andalusians when compared to its eastwards relatives of Granada and other Iberian populations, constitute relevant findings unknown up-to-date on the characteristics of mtDNA within Andalusia that testifies a female population substructure. Therefore, Andalusia must not be considered a single, unique population.

Conclusions
The maternal legacy among Andalusians reflects distinctive local histories, pointing out the role of the westernmost territory of Peninsular Spain as a noticeable recipient of multiple and diverse human migrations. The obtained results underline the necessity of further research on genetic relationships in both sides of the western Mediterranean, using carefully collected samples from autochthonous individuals. Many studies have focused on recent North African gene flow towards Iberia, yet scientific attention should be now directed to thoroughly study the introduction of European genes in northwest Africa across the sea, in order to determine its magnitude, timescale and methods, and to compare them to those terrestrial movements from eastern Africa and southwestern Asia.
Cost-efficient high-throughput HLA typing by MiSeq amplicon sequencing
Authors: Lange Vinzenz , Böhme Irina , Hofmann Jan , Lang Kathrin , Sauter Jürgen , Schöne Bianca , Paul Patrick , Albrecht Viviane , Andreas Johanna M , Baier Daniel M , Nething Jochen , Ehninger Ulf , Schwarzelt Carmen , Pingel Julia , Ehninger Gerhard , Schmidt Alexander H 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
A close match of the HLA alleles between donor and recipient is an important prerequisite for successful unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. To increase the chances of finding an unrelated donor, registries recruit many hundred thousands of volunteers each year. Many registries with limited resources have had to find a trade-off between cost and resolution and extent of typing for newly recruited donors in the past. Therefore, we have taken advantage of recent improvements in NGS to develop a workflow for low-cost, high-resolution HLA typing.

Results
We have established a straightforward three-step workflow for high-throughput HLA typing: Exons 2 and 3 of HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DQB1 and -DPB1 are amplified by PCR on Fluidigm Access Array microfluidic chips. Illumina sequencing adapters and sample specific tags are directly incorporated during PCR. Upon pooling and cleanup, 384 samples are sequenced in a single Illumina MiSeq run. We developed “neXtype” for streamlined data analysis and HLA allele assignment. The workflow was validated with 1140 samples typed at 6 loci. All neXtype results were concordant with the Sanger sequences, demonstrating error-free typing of more than 6000 HLA loci. Current capacity in routine operation is 12,000 samples per week.

Conclusions
The workflow presented proved to be a cost-efficient alternative to Sanger sequencing for high-throughput HLA typing. Despite the focus on cost efficiency, resolution exceeds the current standards of Sanger typing for donor registration.
CodaChrome: a tool for the visualization of proteome conservation across all fully sequenced bacterial genomes
Authors: Rokicki Joe , Knox David , Dowell Robin D , Copley Shelley D 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
The relationships between bacterial genomes are complicated by rampant horizontal gene transfer, varied selection pressures, acquisition of new genes, loss of genes, and divergence of genes, even in closely related lineages. As more and more bacterial genomes are sequenced, organizing and interpreting the incredible amount of relational information that connects them becomes increasingly difficult.

Results
We have developed CodaChrome (http://www.sourceforge.com/p/codachrome), a one-versus-all proteome comparison tool that allows the user to visually investigate the relationship between a bacterial proteome of interest and the proteomes encoded by every other bacterial genome recorded in GenBank in a massive interactive heat map. This tool has allowed us to rapidly identify the most highly conserved proteins encoded in the bacterial pan-genome, fast-clock genes useful for subtyping of bacterial species, the evolutionary history of an indel in the Sphingobium lineage, and an example of horizontal gene transfer from a member of the genus Enterococcus to a recent ancestor of Helicobacter pylori.

Conclusion
CodaChrome is a user-friendly and powerful tool for simultaneously visualizing relationships between thousands of proteomes.
Biological, socio-demographic, work and lifestyle determinants of sitting in young adult women: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Uijtdewilligen Léonie , Twisk Jos WR , Singh Amika S , Chinapaw Mai JM , van Mechelen Willem , Brown Wendy J 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Sitting is associated with health risks. Factors that influence sitting are however not well understood. The aim was to examine the biological, socio-demographic, work-related and lifestyle determinants of sitting time (including during transport, work and leisure) in young adult Australian women.

Methods
Self-reported data from 11,676 participants (aged 22–27 years in 2000) in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health were collected over 9 years in 2000, 2003, 2006 and 2009. Generalised Estimating Equations were used to examine univariable and multivariable associations of body mass index (BMI), country of birth, area of residence, education, marital status, number of children, occupational status, working hours, physical activity, smoking, alcohol intake and stress with week- and weekend-day sitting time.

Results
Compared with women in the respective referent categories, (1) women with higher BMI, those born in Asia, those with less than University level education, doing white collar work, working 41–48 hours a week, current smokers, non, rare or risky/high risk drinkers and those being somewhat stressed had significantly higher sitting time; and (2) women living in rural and remote areas, partnered women, those with children, those without a paid job and blue collar workers, those working less than 34 hours a week, and active women had significantly lower sitting time.

Conclusions
Among young adult Australian women, those with higher BMI, those born in Asia, those with higher level occupations and long working hours, were most at risk of higher sitting time. These results can be used to identify at-risk groups and inform intervention development.
Equivalent titanium dioxide nanoparticle deposition by intratracheal instillation and whole body inhalation: the effect of dose rate on acute respiratory tract inflammation
Authors: Baisch Brittany L , Corson Nancy M , Wade-Mercer Pamela , Gelein Robert , Kennell Andrea J , Oberdörster Günter , Elder Alison 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
The increased production of nanomaterials has caused a corresponding increase in concern about human exposures in consumer and occupational settings. Studies in rodents have evaluated dose–response relationships following respiratory tract (RT) delivery of nanoparticles (NPs) in order to identify potential hazards. However, these studies often use bolus methods that deliver NPs at high dose rates that do not reflect real world exposures and do not measure the actual deposited dose of NPs. We hypothesize that the delivered dose rate is a key determinant of the inflammatory response in the RT when the deposited dose is constant.

Methods
F-344 rats were exposed to the same deposited doses of titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs by single or repeated high dose rate intratracheal instillation or low dose rate whole body aerosol inhalation. Controls were exposed to saline or filtered air. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) neutrophils, biochemical parameters and inflammatory mediator release were quantified 4, 8, and 24 hr and 7 days after exposure.

Results
Although the initial lung burdens of TiO2 were the same between the two methods, instillation resulted in greater short term retention than inhalation. There was a statistically significant increase in BALF neutrophils at 4, 8 and 24 hr after the single high dose TiO2 instillation compared to saline controls and to TiO2 inhalation, whereas TiO2 inhalation resulted in a modest, yet significant, increase in BALF neutrophils 24 hr after exposure. The acute inflammatory response following instillation was driven primarily by monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and macrophage inflammatory protein-2, mainly within the lung. Increases in heme oxygenase-1 in the lung were also higher following instillation than inhalation. TiO2 inhalation resulted in few time dependent changes in the inflammatory mediator release. The single low dose and repeated exposure scenarios had similar BALF cellular and mediator response trends, although the responses for single exposures were more robust.

Conclusions
High dose rate NP delivery elicits significantly greater inflammation compared to low dose rate delivery. Although high dose rate methods can be used for quantitative ranking of NP hazards, these data caution against their use for quantitative risk assessment.
Activated Spinal Astrocytes are Involved in the Maintenance of Chronic Widespread Mechanical Hyperalgesia after Cast Immobilization
Authors: Ohmichi Mika , Ohmichi Yusuke , Ohishi Hitoshi , Yoshimoto Takahiko , Morimoto Atsuko , Li Yuqiang , Sakurai Hiroki , Nakano Takashi , Sato Jun 
Published: January 2014

Background: In the present study, we examined spinal glial cell activation as a central nervous system mechanism of widespread mechanical hyperalgesia in rats that experienced chronic post-cast pain (CPCP) 2 weeks after cast immobilization. Activated spinal microglia and astrocytes were investigated immunohistologically in lumbar and coccygeal spinal cord segments 1 day, 5 weeks, and 13 weeks following cast removal. Results: In the lumbar cord, astrocytes were activated after microglia. Astrocytes also were activated after microglia in the coccygeal cord, but with a delay that was longer than that observed in the lumbar cord. This activation pattern paralleled the observation that mechanical hyperalgesia occurred in the hindleg or the hindpaw before the tail. The activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) immune response in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) on the last day of cast immobilization suggested that nerve damage might not occur in CPCP rats. The neural activation assessed by the phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK) immune response in DRG arose 1 day after cast removal. In addition, L-α-aminoadipate (L-α-AA), an inhibitor of astrocyte activation administered intrathecally 5 weeks after cast removal, inhibited mechanical hyperalgesia in several body parts including the lower leg skin and muscles bilaterally, hindpaws, and tail. Conclusions: These findings suggest that activation of lumbar cord astrocytes is an important factor in widespread mechanical hyperalgesia in CPCP.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of a multi-modal intervention in frail and pre-frail older people with type 2 diabetes - the MID-Frail study: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rodríguez-Mañas Leocadio , Bayer Antony J , Kelly Mark , Zeyfang Andrej , Izquierdo Mikel , Laosa Olga , Hardman Timothy C , Sinclair Alan J 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Diabetes, a highly prevalent, chronic disease, is associated with increasing frailty and functional decline in older people, with concomitant personal, social, and public health implications. We describe the rationale and methods of the multi-modal intervention in diabetes in frailty (MID-Frail) study.

Methods/Design
The MID-Frail study is an open, randomised, multicentre study, with random allocation by clusters (each trial site) to a usual care group or an intervention group. A total of 1,718 subjects will be randomised with each site enrolling on average 14 or 15 subjects. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate, in comparison with usual clinical practice, the effectiveness of a multi-modal intervention (specific clinical targets, education, diet, and resistance training exercise) in frail and pre-frail subjects aged ≥70 years with type 2 diabetes in terms of the difference in function 2 years post-randomisation. Difference in function will be measured by changes in a summary ordinal score on the short physical performance battery (SPPB) of at least one point. Secondary outcomes include daily activities, economic evaluation, and quality of life.

Discussion
The MID-Frail study will provide evidence on the clinical, functional, social, and economic impact of a multi-modal approach in frail and pre-frail older people with type 2 diabetes.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01654341.
Rapid and reliable detection of α-globin copy number variations by quantitative real-time PCR
Authors: Grimholt Runa M , Urdal Petter , Klingenberg Olav , Piehler Armin P 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Alpha-thalassemia is the most common human genetic disease worldwide. Copy number variations in the form of deletions of α-globin genes lead to α-thalassemia while duplications of α-globin genes can cause a severe phenotype in β-thalassemia carriers due to accentuation of globin chain imbalance. It is important to have simple and reliable methods to identify unknown or rare deletions and duplications in cases in which thalassemia is suspected but cannot be confirmed by multiplex gap-PCR. Here we describe a copy number variation assay to detect deletions and duplications in the α-globin gene cluster (HBA-CNV).

Results
Quantitative real-time PCR was performed using four TaqMan® assays which specifically amplify target sequences representing both the α-globin genes, the –α3.7 deletion and the HS-40 region. The copy number for each target was determined by the 2-ΔΔCq method. To validate our method, we compared the HBA-CNV method with traditional gap-PCR in 108 samples from patients referred to our laboratory for hemoglobinopathy evaluation. To determine the robustness of the four assays, we analyzed samples with and without deletions diluted to obtain different DNA concentrations. The HBA-CNV method identified the correct copy numbers in all 108 samples. All four assays showed the correct copy number within a wide range of DNA concentrations (3.2-100 ng/μL), showing that it is a robust and reliable method. By using the method in routine diagnostics of hemoglobinopathies we have also identified several deletions and duplications that are not detected with conventional gap-PCR.

Conclusions
HBA-CNV is able to detect all known large deletions and duplications affecting the α-globin genes, providing a flexible and simple workflow with rapid and reliable results.