bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of feline giardiasis during an outbreak of diarrhoea in a cattery: potential effects on faecal Escherichia coli resistance patterns
Authors: Tysnes Kristoffer Relling , Luyckx Katrien , Cantas Leon , Robertson Lucy J 
Published: June 2015

Objectives An outbreak of diarrhoea involving 16 cats at a cattery in Norway was investigated. Treatment and control of the outbreak were the primary objectives, but the effects of treatment on the antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli isolated from faeces were also investigated. Methods Faecal samples were investigated for Giardia cysts by immunofluorescence microscopy, and multi-locus genotyping was performed to determine the Giardia genotype. Faecal E coli were assessed, before and after treatment for giardiasis, for antimicrobial resistance. Results The outbreak was probably caused by Giardia duodenalis, Assemblage F. Although infection was eliminated in most cats following treatment with fenbendazole, over 30% of the infected cats required a second treatment round (combined fenbendazole and metronidazole). Investigation of sensitivity to antibacterial drugs of E coli that had been isolated both prior to and following treatment demonstrated that fenbendazole treatment may select for resistant bacteria. Conclusions and relevance Controlling Giardia infections in dense cat populations can be challenging, and requires strict hygiene measures. In cases where fenbendazole alone does not result in treatment success, a combination treatment with fenbendazole and metronidazole may be effective. Although this study did not include untreated controls, we suggest that the potential for changes in gut microbiota and antimicrobial resistance development should be considered when choosing antiprotozoal drugs, particularly in cases of treatment failure and where repeat treatment is required.
Metal projectile injuries in cats: review of 65 cases (2012–2014)
Authors: Vnuk Drazen , Capak Hrvoje , Gusak Valentina , Maticic Drazen , Popovic Maja , Brkljaca Bottegaro Nika 
Published: June 2015

Objectives The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of different types of injuries caused by various types of projectiles among urban, suburban and rural cats of different ages in order to predict the type of injury sustained. Methods For the period 1 January 2012 to 30 April 2014, the medical records of cats with metal projectile injuries (PIs) were searched from the archive of the university’s small animal diagnostic imaging centre. Age, sex, owner address, admission during a weekend or on a working day, month of admission, projectile position (head and neck; thoracic region; abdominal region, including lumbosacral spine; forelimbs; and hindlimbs, including tail), number of projectiles, presence of a wound and fracture related to the projectile, and the type of projectile were recorded for each cat. Results Sixty-five cats with PIs were admitted during the defined period. In 38.5% of cats the projectiles found upon radiography were incidental findings. The frequency of PIs peaked in March. Airgun projectiles were found in 80.0% of the cats. PIs in two or more body regions were found in 29.2% of the cats. Among the cats that had only been shot in one body region, the projectile was most frequently found in the abdominal region, including the lumbosacral spine (41.3%). Conclusions and relevance These results might prompt clinicians to evaluate closely and screen for feline PIs in emergency situations.
Correlation of ACE gene deletion/insertion polymorphism and risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension: a meta-analysis based on 10,236 subjects
Authors: Miao Hai-Wei , Gong Hui 
Published: June 2015

Objectives: To clarify the association of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene deletion/insertion polymorphism with risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension. Methods: We systematically searched China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, Chongqing WeiPu database and PubMed up to March 2014 to collect related case–control studies. RevMan 5.0 software was used for meta-analysis after evaluating the quality of enrolled studies and extracting the data. Results: A total of 45 case–control studies was selected, including 10,236 subjects. The meta-analysis was assessed by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) after genotype consolidation. In total, D allele vs I allele: OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.33–1.86; genotype DD vs genotype II + DI: OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.48–2.32; genotype II vs genotype DI + DD: OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.53–0.80. In the Asian population, D allele vs I allele: OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.36–2.38; genotype DD vs genotype II + DI: OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.53–3.30; genotype II vs genotype DI + DD: OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.41–0.76. In the Caucasian population, D allele vs. I allele: OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.08–1.44; genotype DD vs. genotype II + DI: OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.10–1.41; genotype II vs. genotype DI + DD: OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.83–1.11. Conclusion: The ACE gene insertion/deletion polymorphism is associated with the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension.
The validity and reliability of attending evaluations of medicine residents
Authors: Jackson Jeffrey L , Kay Cynthia , Frank Michael 
Published: June 2015

Objectives: To assess the reliability and validity of faculty evaluations of medicine residents. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study (2004–2012) involving 228 internal medicine residency graduates at the Medical College of Wisconsin who were evaluated by 334 attendings. Measures included evaluations of residents by attendings, based on six competencies and interns and residents’ performance on the American Board of Internal Medicine certification exam and annual in-service training examination. All residents had at least one in-service training examination result and 80% allowed the American Board of Internal Medicine to release their scores. Results: Attending evaluations had good consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.96). There was poor construct validity with modest inter-rater reliability and evidence that attendings were rating residents on a single factor rather than the six competencies intended to be measured. There was poor predictive validity as attending ratings correlated weakly with performance on the in-service training examination or American Board of Internal Medicine certification exam. Conclusion: We conclude that attending evaluations are poor measures for assessing progress toward competency. It may be time to move beyond evaluations that rely on global, end-of-rotation appraisals.
Common variants of NFE2L2 gene predisposes to acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with severe sepsis
Authors: Acosta-Herrera Marialbert , Pino-Yanes Maria , Blanco Jesús , Ballesteros Juan Carlos , Ambrós Alfonso , Corrales Almudena , Gandía Francisco , Subirá Carlés , Domínguez David , Baluja Aurora , Añón José Manuel , Adalia Ramón , Pérez-Méndez Lina , Flores Carlos , Villar Jesus ,   for the GRECIA and GEN-SEP networks
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Introduction
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether common variants across the nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (NFE2L2) gene contribute to the development of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in patients with severe sepsis. NFE2L2 is involved in the response to oxidative stress, and it has been shown to be associated with the development of ARDS in trauma patients.

Methods
We performed a case–control study of 321 patients fulfilling international criteria for severe sepsis and ARDS who were admitted to a Spanish network of post-surgical and critical care units, as well as 871 population-based controls. Six tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of NFE2L2 were genotyped, and, after further imputation of additional 34 SNPs, association testing with ARDS susceptibility was conducted using logistic regression analysis.

Results
After multiple testing adjustments, our analysis revealed 10 non-coding SNPs in tight linkage disequilibrium (0.75 ≤ r2 ≤ 1) that were associated with ARDS susceptibility as a single association signal. One of those SNPs (rs672961) was previously associated with trauma-induced ARDS and modified the promoter activity of the NFE2L2 gene, showing an odds ratio of 1.93 per T allele (95 % confidence interval, 1.17–3.18; p = 0.0089).

Conclusions
Our findings support the involvement of NFE2L2 gene variants in ARDS susceptibility and reinforce further exploration of the role of oxidant stress response as a risk factor for ARDS in critically ill patients.
DNA methylation regulates sclerostin (SOST) expression in osteoarthritic chondrocytes by bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) induced changes in Smads binding affinity to the CpG region of SOST promoter
Authors: Papathanasiou Ioanna , Kostopoulou Fotini , Malizos Konstantinos N. , Tsezou Aspasia 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Sclerostin (SOST), a soluble antagonist of Wnt signaling, is expressed in chondrocytes and contributes to chondrocytes’ hypertrophic differentiation; however its role in osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis is not well known. Based on our previous findings on the interaction between Wnt/β-catenin pathway and BMP-2 in OA, we aimed to investigate the role of DNA methylation and BMP-2 on SOST’s expression in OA chondrocytes.

Methods
SOST mRNA and protein expression levels were investigated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot, respectively. The methylation status of SOST promoter was analysed using methylation-specific PCR (MSP), quantitative methylation-specific PCR (qMSP) and bisulfite sequencing analysis. The effect of BMP-2 and 5’-Aza-2-deoxycytidine (5-AzadC) on SOST’s expression levels were investigated and Smad1/5/8 binding to SOST promoter was assessed by Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChΙP).

Results
We observed that SOST’s expression was upregulated in OA chondrocytes compared to normal. Moreover, we found that the CpG region of SOST promoter was hypomethylated in OA chondrocytes and 5-AzadC treatment in normal chondrocytes resulted in decreased SOST methylation, whereas its expression was upregulated. BMP-2 treatment in 5-AzadC-treated normal chondrocytes resulted in SOST upregulation, which was mediated through Smad 1/5/8 binding on the CpG region of SOST promoter.

Conclusions
We report novel findings that DNA methylation regulates SOST’s expression in OA, by changing Smad 1/5/8 binding affinity to SOST promoter, providing evidence that changes in DNA methylation pattern could underlie changes in genes’ expression observed in OA.
The sensitivity of present-time electricity demand on past climate change: a case study for Italy
Authors: Scapin Simone , Apadula Francesco , Brunetti Michele , Maugeri Maurizio 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
A methodology for estimating secular daily minimum, mean and maximum (Tn, Tm and Tx) temperature records for any urbanised point of a 30-arc-second-resolution grid covering Italy is presented. It is based on the superimposition of 1961–1990 climatologies and departures from them (anomalies). The anomalies are obtained by applying inverse distance weighting to 143 Italian high-quality records, whereas the climatologies are based on a larger dataset and on the application of local weighted linear regression of temperature versus elevation.
The grid-point Tn, Tm and Tx records are then used to set up secular records (period 1801–2013) of temperature-derived variables that influence Italy present-time national electricity demand. They are national averages over Italian urbanised areas of cooling degree-days (CDD), heating degree-days (HDD) and solar radiation deficit with respect to a defined threshold (S), with solar radiation estimated using daily temperature range as a proxy.
The monthly and yearly sums of the daily CDD, HDD and S records are then used, alongside with a model allowing to link these variables to present-time Italy electricity demand, in order to understand the impact of climate variability and change on present-time Italian electricity demand. We find that temperature changes as the ones observed in the last two centuries are capable of altering significantly the present-time monthly profile of the electricity demand, raising (lowering) summer (winter) months contributions. The impact is higher in summer months where it exceeds 5 % of present-time Italy average monthly electricity demand, whereas the decrease of the winter demand is rather low because of a very limited use of electricity for heating. The summer and winter opposite-sign changes result globally in an increase of the yearly demand of about 5 TWh, corresponding to about 1.5-2.0 % of present-time Italy yearly electricity demand.
The research on the formation mechanism of extraordinary oxidative capacity of skeletal muscle in hibernating ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus)
Authors: Jiang Shanfeng , Gao Yunfang , Zhang Yangmei , Liu Kun , Wang Huiping , Goswami Nandu 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

Background
Previous studies indicate that hibernating animals, under conditions of torpor for long periods, show an increased oxidative muscle fibers (type I) ratio and a decreased glycolytic muscle fibers (type II) ratio in skeletal muscle and accompanied by extraordinary oxidative ability. This observation is completely contrasted with non-hibernators, which show a shift of oxidative muscle fibers (type I) to glycolytic muscle fibers (type II). Presently, the mechanisms by which these changes occur remain unclear. To investigate the mechanism of high oxidative capacity of the skeletal muscles in hibernating ground squirrels, capillary density (CD), and capillary/fiber (C/F) were measured by immunohistochemistry. mRNA expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were determined using real-time quantitative PCR assay. Spectrophotometry was applied to determine the activities of hexokinase (PK), pyruvate kinase (HK), and cytochrome c oxidase (CcO).

Results
In the soleus muscle (SOL), mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α and VEGF in torpor became slightly lower but were not statistically significant; they were, however, significantly higher in the arousal group. In hibernating animals, no significant change occurred in CD but C/F increased by 15 %. CcO showed the highest activity in torpor. There were no significant differences in the activities of HK and PK between the torpid animals and summer active animals in SOL. However, PK activity increased by 34 % after hibernation.

Conclusions
Oxidative capacity may be ensured by an increase of capillary supply of skeletal muscle in hibernating animals.
Defining the phenotype of neutrophils following reverse migration in zebrafish
Authors: Ellett Felix , Elks Philip M , Robertson Anne L , Ogryzko Nikolay V , Renshaw Stephen A 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Stimulation of neutrophil reverse migration presents an attractive, alternative therapeutic pathway to driving inflammation resolution. However, little is known about whether the activity of wound-experienced neutrophils is altered and whether encouraging dispersal of such neutrophils back into the body may have undesirable consequences. This study used a zebrafish tail transection inflammation model, in combination with a photoconvertible neutrophil transgenic line, to allow internally controlled, simultaneous comparison of reverse-migrated neutrophils with naïve neutrophils in the presence and absence of secondary insult. Detailed microscopy revealed that reverse-migrated neutrophils exhibited an activated morphology but responded normally to secondary insult and are able to mount an effective antimicrobial response to Staphylococcus aureus. These results support a model in which reverse-migrated neutrophils exhibit no long-term behavioral alterations and encourage the notion of enhanced reverse migration as a viable target for pharmaceutical manipulation.
Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Following Cytoreductive Surgery Improves Outcome in Patients With Primary Appendiceal Mucinous Adenocarcinoma: A Pooled Analysis From Three Tertiary Care Centers
Authors: Shaib Walid L. , Martin Ludmila Katherine , Choi Minsing , Chen Zhengjia , Krishna Kavya , Kim Sungjin , Brutcher Edith , Staley Charles , Maithel Shishir K. , Philip Philip , Abdel-Misih Sherif , Bekaii-Saab Tanios S. , El-Rayes Bassel F. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractPurpose.Appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (AMN) are a rare heterogeneous group of diseases. In the absence of randomized trials, AMN management is controversial. The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) after cytoreductive surgery on survival in AMN patients.Patients and Methods.Patient data including demographics, pathology, type of therapy, and outcomes were collected from Emory University, the Ohio State University, and Wayne State University databases. One of the three centers did not use HIPEC. Statistical analysis evaluating overall survival (OS) of AMN patients was performed.Results.Between 1990 and 2010, 163 AMN patients were identified. Histology showed 60 patients had diffuse peritoneal adenomucinosis, 88 had peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis (PMCA), and 15 had PMCA with indeterminate or discordant features. Complete surgical resection was achieved in 76 patients. HIPEC was used in 79 patients. The median OS was 77 months for patients who received HIPEC compared with 25 months for patients who did not (p &lt; .001). In multivariable analysis, histopathologic subtype (p &lt; .001), complete surgical resection (p &lt; .001), and HIPEC (p &lt; .001) were independent predictors for improved OS. A survival advantage for AMN patients treated at HIPEC-treating centers was observed (p = .0026). After adjusting for HIPEC therapy, no significant survival difference was observed between the non-HIPEC-treating center and the HIPEC-treating centers (p = .094).Conclusion.The addition of HIPEC to cytoreductive surgery likely provides a survival advantage and should be considered in the treatment strategy for AMN.Implications for Practice:The use of heated chemotherapy applied in the abdomen after removal of the appendiceal mucinous cancer by surgery lengthens survival of patients having this disease.
Key Issues in the Clinical Management of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: An Expert Discussion
Authors: Maki Robert G. , Blay Jean-Yves , Demetri George D. , Fletcher Jonathan A. , Joensuu Heikki , Martín-Broto Javier , Nishida Toshirou , Reichardt Peter , Schöffski Patrick , Trent Jonathan C. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

After the revelation of kinase targeting with orally available small molecules, the use of imatinib in chronic myelogenous leukemia and in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) has now become commonplace and just two of many examples of the use of kinase inhibitors in cancer. In this article, we discuss important practice points that may impact upon questions of therapy of primary and metastatic GIST, with the hope that the questions addressed in this rare solid tumor can serve as examples of what can be achieved with kinase-directed therapies in other cancers. We present cases that highlight some of the key issues in GIST management and afterward discuss both points of consensus and controversial issues in what is now recognized as one of the most common forms of sarcoma.

Implications for Practice:
The treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) has become sophisticated with the availability of three approved agents in many countries and 15 years of experience with primary and metastatic disease. Important lessons from tyrosine-kinase inhibitors in GIST can be gleaned from this experience and will impact implementation of similar agents for other cancers.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Approval Summary: Enzalutamide for the Treatment of Patients With Chemotherapy-Naïve Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Ning Yang-Min , Brave Michael , Maher V. Ellen , Zhang Lijun , Tang Shenghui , Sridhara Rajeshwari , Kim Geoffrey , Ibrahim Amna , Pazdur Richard 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved enzalutamide for the treatment of patients with chemotherapy-naïve metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). At the prespecified interim analysis, a statistically significant improvement in overall survival was demonstrated for patients in the enzalutamide arm compared with patients in the placebo arm. The overall benefit-risk profile supports the expanded indication for enzalutamide. On September 10, 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved enzalutamide for the treatment of patients with chemotherapy-naïve metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Enzalutamide was initially approved in 2012 for use in patients with mCRPC who had previously received docetaxel. The current approval was based on the results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial conducted in 1,717 asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic patients with chemotherapy-naïve mCRPC. Patients were assigned to receive either enzalutamide 160 mg or placebo orally once daily. The coprimary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS), which was assessed by independent central radiology review. At the prespecified interim analysis, a statistically significant improvement in OS was demonstrated for patients in the enzalutamide arm compared with patients in the placebo arm (hazard ratio [HR], 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60–0.84). The median OS was 32.4 and 30.2 months in the enzalutamide and placebo arms, respectively. A statistically significant prolongation of rPFS was observed in patients in the enzalutamide arm (HR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.14–0.21). In addition, the time to initiation of cytotoxic chemotherapy was prolonged in the enzalutamide arm (HR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.30–0.40), with median times of 28.0 and 10.8 months in the enzalutamide and placebo arms, respectively. The safety profile was similar to that previously reported for enzalutamide. Adverse reactions of interest included seizure, hypertension, and falls. Enzalutamide should be discontinued if a seizure occurs during treatment. The overall benefit-risk profile supports the expanded indication for enzalutamide.

Implications for Practice:
This new approval expands the enzalutamide indication, allowing health care providers and patients to use enzalutamide for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer either before or after cytotoxic chemotherapy.