bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A meta‐analysis of the efficacy and safety of unboosted atazanavir compared with ritonavir‐boosted protease inhibitor maintenance therapy in HIV‐infected adults with established virological suppression after induction
Authors: Baril J , Conway B , Giguère P , Ferko N , Hollmann S , Angel JB 
Published: December 2013

ObjectivesTreatment simplification involving induction with a ritonavir (RTV)‐boosted protease inhibitor (PI) replaced by a nonboosted PI (i.e. atazanavir) has been shown to be a viable option for long‐term antiretroviral therapy. To evaluate the clinical evidence for this approach, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating efficacy and safety in patients with established virological suppression.MethodsSeveral databases were searched without limits on time or language. Searches of conferences were also conducted. RCTs were included if they compared a PI/RTV regimen to unboosted atazanavir, after induction with PI/RTV. The meta‐analysis was conducted using a random effects model for the proportion achieving virological suppression (i.e. HIV RNA < 50 and <400 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL), CD4 cell counts, lipid levels and liver function tests. Dichotomous outcomes were reported as risk ratios (RRs) and continuous outcomes as mean differences (MDs).ResultsFive studies (n = 1249) met the inclusion criteria. The meta‐analysis demonstrated no statistically significant difference in efficacy (i.e. HIV RNA < 50 copies/mL) between PI/RTV and unboosted atazanavir [RR = 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.99 to 1.10], with no heterogeneity. Findings were similar in a subanalysis of studies where atazanavir/RTV was the only PI/RTV used during induction. Additional efficacy results support these findings. A significant reduction in total cholesterol (P < 0.00001), triglycerides (P = 0.0002), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (P = 0.009) and hyperbilirubinaemia (P = 0.02) was observed with unboosted atazanavir vs. PI/RTV.ConclusionsThe meta‐analysis demonstrated that switching patients with virological suppression from an RTV‐boosted PI to unboosted atazanavir leads to improvements in safety (i.e. blood parameter abnormalities) without sacrificing virological efficacy.
Vitamin A and dendritic cell differentiation
Authors: Beijer Marieke R. , Kraal Georg , den Haan Joke M. M. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryVitamin A and its active metabolite retinoic acid are essential for the development and function of many tissues including the immune system. The induction of mucosal homing receptors on T and B cells by mucosal dendritic cells (DC) depends on the presence of vitamin A. Recent studies indicate that also the differentiation of CD11b+ DC subsets in the mucosa as well as the spleen depend on vitamin A signalling. As CD11b+ DC subsets exert non‐redundant functions in anti‐bacterial and anti‐fungal immune responses, defects in CD11b+ DC differentiation will contribute to the clinical problems observed during vitamin A deficiency.
Hybrid greedy heuristics based on linear programming for the three‐dimensional single bin‐size bin packing problem
Authors: Hifi Mhand , Negre Stéphane , Wu Lei 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn this paper, we propose to solve the three‐dimensional single bin‐size bin packing problem (3D‐SBSBPP) using a simple strategy based on integer linear programming (ILP) heuristics, without using any improvement based on metaheuristics. We first propose an ILP that is converted into a series of three‐dimensional single knapsack problems (3D‐SKP). Then, the first tailored heuristic can be viewed as a hybrid approach in which both “selection” and “positioning” phases are combined. The first phase serves to select a subset of items where each of these items is susceptible to belonging to an active container. The positioning phase serves to pack a subset of items already preselected by the selection phase. Then, both phases cooperate till packing all items into their corresponding containers. The second heuristic can be viewed as an extended version of the first one. Indeed, before deciding whether the current container is closed or a new container is activated, “a local reoptimization phase” is considered. Finally, both proposed heuristics are evaluated on a set of random instances obtained by using the standard generator scheme of the literature. The provided results show that both proposed heuristics remain competitive when compared to the results obtained by one of the best methods of the literature.
The Use of Signal Analyses of Ventricular Tachycardia Electrograms to Predict the Response of Antitachycardia Pacing in Patients with Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillators
Authors: TUAN TA‐CHUAN , LO MEN‐TZUNG , LIN YENN‐JIANG , HSIEH WAN‐HSIN , LIN CHEN , HUANG NORDEN E. , LO LI‐WEI , CHAO TZE‐FAN , LIAO JO‐NAN , HSIEH YU‐CHENG , WU TSU‐JUEY , CHEN SHIH‐ANN 
Published: December 2013

ICDs and Signal AnalysesIntroductionAntitachycardia pacing (ATP), a quick, painless, and effective therapy available in implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs), can terminate most, but not all, sustained ventricular tachycardias (VTs). This study investigated the possible ventricular electrogram (EGM) factors for predicting the effectiveness of ATP therapy from ICD recordings.Methods and ResultsIn this study, we analyzed 113 EGMs of VT episodes acquired from 20 patients who received ATP or shock to terminate tachyarrhythmias during follow‐up after ICD implantations. The relationship between the outcome of ATP and VT EGM features (such as voltage, width, cycle length, and beat‐to‐beat morphologic variation) was investigated. The divergence (beat‐to‐beat morphologic variation) of the VT EGMs was determined by calculating the total deviation of all EGMs away from the average template after all VT EMGs were aligned. In total, 72 (63.7%) successful (Group I) and 41 (36.3%) unsuccessful (Group II) ATP therapy episodes were analyzed. The mean amplitude, cycle length, and EGM width were similar between these 2 groups (P > 0.05). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that the only predictor of successful ATP was the divergence among the VT EGMs (0.56 ± 0.32 vs 1.07 ± 0.64, P < 0.001, for Groups 1 and 2, respectively). The optimal cutoff value for determining a successful ATP therapy was 0.73 (with an area under the curve of 0.769, sensitivity of 81.9% [95% CI = 71.1–90.0], and specificity of 65.9% [95% CI = 49.4–79.9], P < 0.0001).ConclusionSignal analyses from stored EGMs of VT can predict the response of ATP therapy in patients with ICD implantations. A lesser ventricular beat‐to‐beat morphologic variation in the intracardiac recordings from ICDs correlated with a higher probability of a successful ATP.
A Clinical Prediction Rule to Identify Patients at Heightened Risk for Early Demise Following Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: RICKARD JOHN , CHENG ALAN , SPRAGG DAVID , CANTILLON DANIEL , BARANOWSKI BRYAN , VARMA NIRAJ , WILKOFF BRUCE L. , TANG W.H. WILSON 
Published: December 2013

Prediction Rule to Identify Patients at High Risk for Early Demise Following CRTBackgroundIn patients with advanced heart failure, the decision of whether to pursue cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) or to proceed directly to advanced heart failure therapies can be challenging. We sought to create a prediction rule to identify patients with advanced systolic heart failure at heightened risk of rapid deterioration despite receiving CRT.MethodsClinical data were collected on consecutive patients with advanced heart failure presenting for a new CRT device at the Cleveland Clinic between February 12, 2002 and July 8, 2008. Early demise was defined as death, left ventricular assist device, or heart transplant within 6 months following CRT implant. Using a multivariate model, variables associated with early demise were identified and a prediction rule created.ResultsA total of 879 patients were included of whom 47 met criteria for early demise. Using forward stepwise regression followed by a bootstrapping analysis, the final model included: left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter ≥6.5 cm (OR 3.23 [1.72–6.06 g], P < 0.001), the presence of a non‐left bundle branch block (non‐LBBB) morphology (OR 2.18 [1.18–4.04, P = 0.013]), creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dL (OR 2.98 [1.52–5.49], P < 0.001), and lack of or intolerance to β‐blocker use (OR 2.80 [1.46–5.39], P = 0.002). The specificity for ≥2 and ≥3 risk factors was 72.6% and 94.6%, respectively.ConclusionsLeft ventricular dilatation, the presence of a non‐LBBB morphology, renal dysfunction, and lack of or intolerance to β‐blockers are associated with early demise following CRT. In patients with at least 3 of these factors, bypassing CRT with early adoption of advanced heart failure therapies may be considered given the high specificity for rapid decline.
Health‐Related Quality of Life and Functional Status Quality Indicators for Older Persons with Multiple Chronic Conditions
Authors: Dy Sydney M. , Pfoh Elizabeth R. , Salive Marcel E. , Boyd Cynthia M. 
Published: December 2013

ObjectivesTo explore central challenges with translating self‐reported measurement tools for functional status and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) into ambulatory quality indicators for older people with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs).DesignReview.SettingSources including the National Quality Measures Clearinghouse and National Quality Forum were reviewed for existing ambulatory quality indicators relevant to functional status, HRQOL, and people with MCCs.ParticipantsSeven informants with expertise in indicators using functional status and HRQOL.MeasurementsInformant interviews were conducted to explore knowledge about these types of indicators, particularly usability and feasibility.ResultsNine important existing indicators were identified in the review. For process, identified indicators addressed whether providers assessed functional status; outcome indicators addressed quality of life. In interviews, informants agreed that indicators using self‐reported data were important in this population. Challenges identified included concerns about usability due to inability to discriminate quality of care adequately between organizations and feasibility concerns regarding high data collection burden, with a correspondingly low response rate. Validity was also a concern because evidence is mixed that healthcare interventions can improve HRQOL or functional status for this population. As a possible first step, a structural standard could be systematic collection of these measures in a specific setting.ConclusionAlthough functional status and HRQOL are important outcomes for older people with MCCs, few relevant ambulatory quality indicators exist, and there are concerns with usability, feasibility, and validity. Further research is needed on how best to incorporate these outcomes into quality indicators for people with MCCs.
Evaluation of crush syndrome patients with extremity injuries in the 2011 Van Earthquake in Turkey
Authors: Guner Sukriye Ilkay , Oncu Mehmet Resit 
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectivesTo perform a descriptive analysis of crush syndrome patients with extremity injuries, which will be used as a reference for future disasters.BackgroundIn disasters like earthquake, cooperation among medical workers is very important for the follow‐up and treatment of patients. Knowing the complications that may emerge with the crush syndrome is one of the responsibilities of the nurses.DesignDescriptive analysis.MethodsThe medical records of patients with crush syndrome following the 2011 Van Earthquake were retrospectively reviewed. The results were compared with the current literature.ResultsOf the 46 patients with crush syndrome who had extreme trauma, 26 (57%) were men, 20 (43%) were women, and the average age was 38·9 ± 12·5. Fasciotomy was performed in 21 of the patients due to progressive compartment syndromes. Amputations were performed in seven patients who had previously undergone a fasciotomy. Sepsis was observed in seven patients, wound infection in 18, pericardial effusion in three and pleural effusion in two. Additionally, femoral fracture was observed in one patient, tibial fractures in five, haemothorax in three, abdominal traumas in seven and pulmonary embolism in one.ConclusionWound care and antibiotic treatment are important to prevent infections in crush injury. In addition to this, dehydration and electrocardiography changes in hyperkalaemia are observed in crush syndrome. Nurses have significant responsibilities to follow up these observations and their implications.Relevance to clinical practiceThe results of this study may provide the basis for developing strategies in future for optimising attempts to rescue and the nurse care planning of survivors with crush injuries and crush syndrome after earthquakes.
The effect of educational intervention on the pain and rehabilitation performance of patients who undergo a total knee replacement
Authors: Chen Su‐Ru , Chen Chyang‐Shiong , Lin Pi‐Chu 
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectivesTo determine the effects of health education on postoperative pain, the practice of rehabilitative exercises and functional recovery of total knee‐replacement patients.BackgroundMost total knee‐replacement patients experience pain and limited physical activities during recovery and rehabilitation. Many patients fail to implement an effective rehabilitation plan because of the pain and a lack of practical knowledge regarding the rehabilitation process.DesignQuasi‐experimental design.MethodsWe recruited 92 total knee‐replacement patients for our study. The experimental group (n = 42) received a health‐educational intervention. The control group (n = 50) received routine care.ResultsThe experimental group reported lower levels of postoperative pain than the control group. The stair‐climbing ability of the experimental group was superior to that of the control group. The experimental group also had superior scores for regular straight‐leg raises and muscle power of the affected leg, compared with the control group.ConclusionThe preoperative health‐educational intervention reduced the level of postoperative pain experience by total knee‐replacement patients, increased the regularity with which they performed rehabilitative exercises and accelerated the recovery of their physical functioning.Relevance to clinical practiceThe health‐educational model can be included in regular clinical management and care of total knee‐replacement patients.
Inhibition of monoamine oxidase by selected phenylalkylcaffeine analogues
Authors: Petzer Anél , Grobler Paul , Bergh Jacobus J , Petzer Jacobus P 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Objectives
Caffeine represents a useful scaffold for the design of monoamine oxidase (MAO) type B inhibitors. Specifically, substitution on the C8 position yields structures which are high-potency MAO-B inhibitors. To explore the structure–activity relationships of MAO-B inhibition by caffeine-derived compounds, this study examines the MAO inhibitory properties of a series of phenylalkylcaffeine analogues.

Methods
Employing the recombinant human enzymes, the potencies (IC50 values) by which the caffeine analogues inhibit MAO-A and MAO-B were measured. The reversibility of inhibition of a selected inhibitor was determined by measuring the recovery of enzyme activity after dilution and dialysis of enzyme-inhibitor mixtures.

Key findings
The results document that the phenylalkylcaffeine analogues are reversible and selective MAO-B inhibitors with a competitive mode of inhibition. The most potent analogue, 8-(7-phenylheptyl)caffeine, exhibits IC50 values for the inhibition of MAO-A and MAO-B of 3.01 μm and 0.086 μm, respectively. Increasing the length of the alkyl side chain leads to enhanced MAO-A and MAO-B inhibitory potency while introduction of a carbonyl group reduces MAO-B inhibitory potency.

Conclusions
Phenylalkylcaffeines represent a new class of high-potency MAO-B inhibitors with the longer alkyl side chains yielding enhanced inhibitory activity. Such compounds may represent useful leads for the development of anti-parkinsonian therapies.
The progressive effects of a high‐fat diet on erythrocyte osmotic fragility, growth performance and serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels in Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) and Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata)
Authors: Donaldson J. , Dangarembizi R. , Mtetwa B. , Madziva M. T. , Erlwanger K. H. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryTo investigate the progressive effects of a high‐fat diet on erythrocyte osmotic fragility, growth performance and serum lipid concentrations in Guinea fowl and Muscovy ducks, 36 Guinea fowl and 36 Muscovy ducks were divided into two groups, for each species, and fed either a standard (STD = commercial poultry feed) or high‐fat diet (HFD = commercial poultry feed with 20% palm oil and 2% lard) for up to 12 weeks. After 4, 8 and 12 weeks on the diets, six birds from each group were euthanized and blood samples collected. Osmotic fragility was assessed by measuring the haemoglobin released by erythrocytes placed in serially diluted solutions of phosphate‐buffered saline, spectrophotometrically. Serum triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations were also determined. Fragiligrams from erythrocytes from both species of birds on the HFD were not different to those on the STD. However, Muscovy duck erythrocytes were more resistant to haemolysis compared with Guinea fowl erythrocytes. Final body mass and serum triglyceride levels were not significantly different (p > 0.05, anova) between the birds in the HFD and STD groups, for both species of birds. In contrast, serum cholesterol levels were significantly higher in birds on the HFD compared with those on the STD, after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of feeding, for both species of birds. Feeding Guinea fowl and Muscovy ducks a high‐fat diet for up to 12 weeks resulted in hypercholesterolaemia but had no effect on final body mass, erythrocyte osmotic fragility or serum triglyceride concentrations in either bird species.
Accidental finding of Hashimoto‐like thyroiditis in male B.U.T. 6 turkeys at slaughter
Authors: Plesch P. , Schade B. , Breithaupt A. , Bellof G. , Kienzle E. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryIn the context of a study on the tolerance of rapeseed meal in B.U.T. 6 turkeys, thyroid glands were histologically and immunohistochemically examined because of potential thyreostatic effects. In all groups including the controls with no rapeseed meal in their food, there was a high incidence of lymphocytic infiltration and thyroiditis (14% of thyroids with moderate to severe lymphocytic thyroiditis). Thirty per cent of mononuclear inflammatory cells were immunohistochemically identified as T cells. There were occasional accumulations of PAX‐5 labelled cells, indicating germinal centre development. These lesions resemble Hashimoto's disease in humans. The effect on thyroid function is unknown. Mild hypothyreosis might enhance productivity but also explain dispositions towards diseases seen in context with thyroid dysfunction such as skin diseases (foot pad disease?) and cardiovascular problems. Further studies on thyroid function in these turkeys are needed.
Effect of feeding tannin degrading bacterial culture (Streptococcus gallolyticus strain TDGB 406) on nutrient utilization, urinary purine derivatives and growth performance of goats fed on Quercus semicarpifolia leaves
Authors: Kumar K. , Chaudhary L. C. , Agarwal N. , Kamra D. N. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryTo study the effect of supplementation of tannin degrading bacterial culture (Streptococcus gallolyticus strain TDGB 406) on growth performance, nutrient utilization and urinary purine derivatives of goats fed on oak (Quercus semicarpifolia) leaves. For growth study, eighteen billy goats (4 month old, average body weight 9.50 ± 1.50 kg) were distributed into three groups of six animals each. The animals of group 1 served as control while animals of groups 2 (T1) and 3 (T2) were given (@ 5 ml/kg live weight) autoclaved and live culture of isolate TDGB 406 (106 cells/ml) respectively. The animals were fed measured quantity of dry oak leaves as the main roughage source and ad libitum maize hay along with fixed quantity of concentrate mixture. The feeding of live culture of isolate TDGB 406 (probiotic) did not affect dry matter intake and digestibility of nutrients except that of dry matter and crude protein, which was higher in T2 group as compared to control. All the animals were in positive nitrogen balance. There was no significant effect of feeding isolate TDGB 406 on urinary purine derivatives (microbial protein production) in goats. The body weight gain and average live weight gain was significantly higher (p = 0.071) in T2 group as compared to control. Feed conversion efficiency was also better in the goats fed on live culture of TDGB 406 (T2). The feeding of tannin degrading bacterial isolate TDGB 406 as probiotic resulted in improved growth performance and feed conversion ratio in goats fed on oak leaves as one of the main roughage source.
Comparative floral development in the tribe Mentheae (Nepetoideae: Lamiaceae) and its bearing on the evolution of floral patterns in asterids
Authors: NAGHILOO Somayeh , KHODAVERDI Masoumeh , ESMAILLOU Zahra , DADPOUR Mohammad Reza , RUDALL Paula J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractA comparative developmental study of flowers was carried out using epi‐illumination light microscopy on four genera of Lamiaceae (Nepeta, Rosmarinus, Salvia, and Ziziphora), representing all three subtribes of Mentheae. All species examined share unidirectional (adaxial to abaxial) sepal initiation, except Rosmarinus, which has the reverse unidirectional sequence, starting abaxially. Initiated but suppressed bracteoles were detected only in Rosmarinus. In Rosmarinus, Salvia, and Ziziphora, initiation of petals and stamens proceeds unidirectionally from the abaxial side. Floral initiation of Nepeta has bidirectional inception of petals and unidirectional stamen initiation from the adaxial side. Temporal overlap in organ initiation between petal and stamen whorls occurs in all taxa, though this feature is more prominent in Rosmarinus. Significant structural and developmental features that distinguish the four genera include: (1) polysymmetric calyx tube, highly tomentose corolla and deeply four‐partitioned ovary in Nepeta; (2) monosymmetric two‐lipped calyx and shallowly four‐partitioned ovary in Ziziphora; and (3) suppression of adaxial stamens in Salvia and Rosmarinus. Adaxial stamens are absent from Rosmarinus, but reduced stamens remain as staminodia in Salvia. In a phylogenetic context, the late monosymmetry of Nepeta and very early monosymmetry of Rosmarinus could both be regarded as derived conditions compared with the early monosymmetry of Salvia and Ziziphora.
What should teachers know about spelling?
Authors: Adoniou Misty 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis article describes essential teacher knowledge for teaching spelling, along with a description of how this knowledge may convert to effective classroom pedagogy. The article is the result of a study of 14 beginning teachers who were participants in a broader study of their experience of teaching literacy in the first year in the classroom after graduation. The broad aim of the study was to determine if there were changes that could be made to their teacher preparation that would better prepare them to teach literacy in their first year teaching in the classroom. Teaching spelling was quickly identified as an area of literacy in which they were struggling. They were nervous about their own spelling skills but also had a limited pedagogy for spelling. The article describes the spelling knowledge they needed to have, with reference to the challenges they faced and presents the changes that were subsequently made to the teacher preparation of future teachers at the university from which they graduated.