bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Living with Dysarthria group for post‐stroke dysarthria: the participant voice
Authors: Mackenzie C. , Kelly S. , Paton G. , Brady M. , Muir M. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe Living with Dysarthria group programme, devised for people with post‐stroke dysarthia and family members, was piloted twice. Feedback from those who experience an intervention contributes to the evaluation of speech and language therapy programmes, giving the participant view of the intervention's value and guiding further developments.Research QuestionWhat feedback do participants in the Living with Dysarthria programme provide, informing on its perceived usefulness and guiding its future development?Methods & ProceduresNine people with chronic dysarthria following stroke and four family members who completed the Living with Dysarthria programme all contributed to Focus Group (FG) discussion, transcribed and thematically analysed, and completed an Anonymous Questionnaire Evaluation (AQE), comprising closed statements and open questions. An anonymous descriptive adjective selection task (ADAST) was also used.Outcomes & ResultsThe varied forms of feedback provided complementary information. Thematic analysis of FG data and AQE open question responses were configured around programme benefits, programme structure and content, and programme practicalities. Benefits associated with participation included learning and insight, being supported by peers and professionals, and improved speech and confidence. These are consistent with the main programme elements of education, support and speech practice. All activities were seen as relevant and positively received. Flexibility, recognition of and catering to individual needs were valued characteristics. The community location was approved by all. Most participants thought the format of eight weekly sessions of 2 h was appropriate. Responses to AQE closed statements provided almost unanimous confirmation of the very positive feedback conveyed in FG discussions. The main response to suggested improvements in AQEs was that the number of sessions should be increased. Feedback indicated that for a few individuals there was negative reaction to some facts about stroke, home practice tasks were difficult to complete, the person with dysarthria/family member pair may not be the optimum combination for paired practice activities and pre‐programme information should be extended. The ADAST showed that the programme was enjoyable, interesting, stimulating and useful.Conclusions & ImplicationsParticipant feedback indicates that group therapy, with family member participation, is a valid form of management for chronic post‐stroke dysarthria. Education, peer and professional support, and speech practice are confirmed as relevant programme components. Consistent majority opinions were communicated in different situations and via varied mediums. Some individuals expressed views relevant to their own needs, and these responses also inform future implementation of the Living with Dysarthria programme.
Risk Factors for Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis in Long‐Term Peritoneal Dialysis: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Nakao Masatsugu , Yokoyama Keitaro , Yamamoto Izumi , Matsuo Nanae , Tanno Yudo , Ohkido Ichiro , Hayakawa Hiroshi , Ikeda Masato , Yamamoto Hiroyasu , Hosoya Tatsuo 
Published: April 2013

AbstractEncapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a serious complication that occurs in patients with long‐term peritoneal dialysis (PD). Investigation of risk factors that contribute to EPS in patients on long‐term PD therapy is needed. In a retrospective, observational study, data were collected for 107 patients treated with PD therapy for more than 5 years. Fifty cases of EPS were compared with 57 cases of non‐EPS. To evaluate the impact of PD‐associated peritonitis in EPS, univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were applied. Episodes of peritonitis, number of peritonitis episodes and the duration of peritonitis were included as explanatory variables in addition to previously reported risk factors. D/P Cr and serum β2MG levels in the EPS and non‐EPS groups were: 0.82 ± 0.10 and 0.67 ± 0.12 (P < 0.01), and 33.8 ± 8.54 and 29.2 ± 8.18 mg/L (P < 0.01), respectively. Episodes of peritonitis, number of peritonitis episodes and the duration of peritonitis was 68% and 42% (P < 0.01), 1.80 ± 2.19 and 0.75 ± 1.07 times (P < 0.01), and 18.1 ± 15.3 and 10.2 ± 4.90 days (P < 0.01), in the EPS and non‐EPS groups, respectively. Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression models demonstrated that both D/P Cr and the duration of peritonitis were independently associated with EPS (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). In patients on long‐term PD therapy, D/P Cr and the duration of peritonitis are independently associated with EPS. Earlier treatment to promote an early recovery from PD‐associated peritonitis could be critical in preventing EPS.
Quantifying sequence proportions in a DNA‐based diet study using Ion Torrent amplicon sequencing: which counts count?
Authors: Deagle Bruce E. , Thomas Austen C. , Shaffer Amanda K. , Trites Andrew W. , Jarman Simon N. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractA goal of many environmental DNA barcoding studies is to infer quantitative information about relative abundances of different taxa based on sequence read proportions generated by high‐throughput sequencing. However, potential biases associated with this approach are only beginning to be examined. We sequenced DNA amplified from faeces (scats) of captive harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) to investigate whether sequence counts could be used to quantify the seals’ diet. Seals were fed fish in fixed proportions, a chordate‐specific mitochondrial 16S marker was amplified from scat DNA and amplicons sequenced using an Ion Torrent PGM™. For a given set of bioinformatic parameters, there was generally low variability between scat samples in proportions of prey species sequences recovered. However, proportions varied substantially depending on sequencing direction, level of quality filtering (due to differences in sequence quality between species) and minimum read length considered. Short primer tags used to identify individual samples also influenced species proportions. In addition, there were complex interactions between factors; for example, the effect of quality filtering was influenced by the primer tag and sequencing direction. Resequencing of a subset of samples revealed some, but not all, biases were consistent between runs. Less stringent data filtering (based on quality scores or read length) generally produced more consistent proportional data, but overall proportions of sequences were very different than dietary mass proportions, indicating additional technical or biological biases are present. Our findings highlight that quantitative interpretations of sequence proportions generated via high‐throughput sequencing will require careful experimental design and thoughtful data analysis.
Next‐generation sequencing to inventory taxonomic diversity in eukaryotic communities: a test for freshwater diatoms
Authors: Kermarrec L. , Franc A. , Rimet F. , Chaumeil P. , Humbert J. F. , Bouchez A. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe recent emergence of barcoding approaches coupled to those of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has raised new perspectives for studying environmental communities. In this framework, we tested the possibility to derive accurate inventories of diatom communities from pyrosequencing outputs with an available DNA reference library. We used three molecular markers targeting the nuclear, chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes (SSU rDNA, rbcL and cox1) and three samples of a mock community composed of 30 known diatom strains belonging to 21 species. In the goal to detect methodological biases, one sample was constituted directly from pooled cultures, whereas the others consisted of pooled PCR products. The NGS reads obtained by pyrosequencing (Roche 454) were compared first to a DNA reference library including the sequences of all the species used to constitute the mock community, and second to a complete DNA reference library with a larger taxonomic coverage. A stringent taxonomic assignation gave inventories that were compared to the real one. We detected biases due to DNA extraction and PCR amplification that resulted in false‐negative detection. Conversely, pyrosequencing errors appeared to generate false positives, especially in case of closely allied species. The taxonomic coverage of DNA reference libraries appears to be the most crucial factor, together with marker polymorphism which is essential to identify taxa at the species level. RbcL offers a high resolving power together with a large DNA reference library. Although needing further optimization, pyrosequencing is suitable for identifying diatom assemblages and may find applications in the field of freshwater biomonitoring.
Enrichment and isolation of acidophilic sulfate‐reducing bacteria from Tinto River sediments
Authors: Sánchez‐Andrea Irene , Stams Alfons J. M. , Amils Ricardo , Sanz José Luis 
Published: April 2013

SummaryAlthough some acidophilic and alkaliphilic species have been described recently, most of the known sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) grow optimally at neutral pH. In this study, sulfate reduction was studied with sediment samples from the extremely acidic Tinto River basin. Stable enrichments of SRB were obtained at pH 4 with glycerol, methanol and hydrogen; at pH 4.5 with lactate and at pH 5.5 with succinate as substrates. Inhibition of sulfate reduction by organic acids below their pKa was observed. Cloning and sequencing of 16S rRNA gene showed that fermentative bacteria (Paludibacter spp., Oscillibacter spp.) and SRB (Thermodesulfobium spp., Desulfosporosinus spp., Desulfitobacterium spp., Desulfotomaculum spp.) were co‐enriched. By repeated serial dilutions and streaking on agar plates, four strains of SRB belonging to the Firmicutes phylum were obtained. Two of them show 96% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Desulfosporosinus acidophilus, and a third one with Desulfosporosinus orientis. Another isolate has just 93% rRNA gene sequence similarity with the Desulfosporosinus/Desulfitobacterium cluster and might represent a novel species within a novel genus. One of the Desulfosporosinus strains was further investigated showing maximum growth at pH 5.5, and a pH‐dependent inhibitory effect of organic acids and sulfide.
Correlation study and significance of the EGFR expression in serum, lymph nodes and tumor tissue of NSCLC
Authors: Zhuo Yinling , Guo Qisen , Song Pingping , Zhang Qiong , Guo Chen , Zeng Hongsheng , Guan Yan , Liu Xiuju , Zhao Chenqing 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThis study was designed to detect the protein expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) among serum, lymph node, and tumor tissues, and to discuss their relationship and clinical significance. We investigated whether EGFR levels in serum and lymph nodes could be used as an effective method for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to diagnose and assess clinical stage.MethodsIn 56 patients with NSCLC and 10 individuals with nonmalignant thoracic disease, we measured EGFR levels in serum using an enzyme immunoassay, and EGFR mRNA levels in lymph node and NSCLC tissues by quantitative real‐time‐polymerase chain reaction. We examined the correlation between them and with the clinical parameters.ResultsSerum EGFR levels substantially decreased after surgical treatment (P < 0.001). Serum EGFR levels were correlated with smoking, surgery, and pathological type after surgery (all P < 0.05). EGFR mRNA levels in lymph node and tumor tissues were correlated more closely with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.015. EGFR mRNA in tissues was higher than that of benign pulmonary diseases (P = 0.020). There was an obvious positive correlation among EGFR levels of serum and lymph node tissues (r = 0.764; P < 0.001), serum and tumor tissues (r = 0.616; P < 0.001), and lymph node and tumor tissues (r = 0.904; P < 0.001) in NSCLCs.ConclusionThe data suggest that detecting EGFR levels in serum and lymph node tissues could be a simple and effective method to diagnose and assess the clinical stage in patients with NSCLC.
Three phenotypes of adult‐onset asthma
Authors: Amelink M. , de Nijs S. B. , de Groot J. C. , van Tilburg P. M. B. , van Spiegel P. I. , Krouwels F. H. , Lutter R. , Zwinderman A. H. , Weersink E. J. M. , ten Brinke A. , Sterk P. J. , Bel E. H. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractRationaleAdult‐onset asthma differs from childhood‐onset asthma in many respects. It is more heterogeneous, often severe and frequently associated with loss of lung function. To identify underlying mechanisms of adult‐onset asthma and to capture predictors of disease progression, detailed characterization and phenotyping is necessary.ObjectivesTo characterize adult‐onset asthma and identify subphenotypes of adult‐onset asthma.MethodsA cohort of 200 patients with adult‐onset (>18 year) asthma (age 54 (26–75) year) was recruited from one academic and three nonacademic pulmonary outpatient clinics in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. These patients were fully characterized with respect to clinical, functional and inflammatory markers. After data reduction, K‐means nonhierarchical cluster analysis was performed to identify clusters of adult‐onset asthma.Measurements and main resultsPatients with adult‐onset asthma were predominately female (61%) and nonatopic (55%). Within this group of patients were identified three clusters of adult‐onset asthma. Cluster 1 (n = 69) consisted of patients with severe eosinophilic inflammation‐predominant asthma and persistent airflow limitation despite high‐intensity anti‐inflammatory treatment, with relatively low symptom scores. The second cluster was characterized by obese women with frequent symptoms, high healthcare utilization and low sputum eosinophils. The third cluster consisted of patients with mild‐to‐moderate, well‐controlled asthma with normal lung function and low inflammatory markers. Repeatability accuracy was 98.2%.ConclusionsAmongst patients with adult‐onset asthma, three subphenotypes can be identified with distinct clinical and inflammatory characteristics. These subphenotypes help to understand the underlying pathobiology and provide clinicians with directions for personalized management.
Postoperative hypothermia and patient outcomes after major elective non‐cardiac surgery
Authors: Karalapillai D. , Story D. , Hart G. K. , Bailey M. , Pilcher D. , Schneider A. , Kaufman M. , Cooper D. J. , Bellomo R. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractUsing a multicentre adult patient database from Australia and New Zealand, we obtained the lowest and highest temperature in the first 24 h after admission to the intensive care unit after elective non‐cardiac surgery. Hypothermia was defined as core temperature < 36 °C; transient hypothermia as a temperature < 36 °C that was corrected within 24 h, and persistent hypothermia as hypothermia not corrected within 24 h. We studied 50 689 patients. Hypothermia occurred in 23 165 (46%) patients, was transient in 22 810 (45%), and was persistent in 608 (1.2%) patients. On multivariate analysis, neither transient (OR = 1.07, 95%CI0.96–1.20) nor persistent (OR = 1.50. 95%CI0.96–2.33) hypothermia was independently associated with increased hospital mortality.
Colposcopically directed cervical biopsy during pregnancy; minor surgical and obstetrical complications and high rates of persistence and regression
Authors: Kärrberg Cecilia , Brännström Mats , Strander Björn , Ladfors Lars , Rådberg Thomas 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate whether colposcopically directed cervical biopsies during pregnancy are associated with surgical/obstetric complications and to examine the natural course (regression, persistence, progression) of dysplasia during pregnancy.DesignProspective clinical study.Setting and populationUniversity Hospital and 251 pregnant women with atypical cervical cytology in early pregnancy.MethodsThe patients were investigated by colposcopically directed punch biopsies, colposcopically directed loop‐biopsies or LEEP‐cones. The histology results during pregnancy were compared with those after delivery to evaluate the natural course of dysplastic lesions during pregnancies. Postoperative complications were recorded. Obstetric outcome was recorded and compared with the 54 919 other births in the same geographical area during the study period.Main outcome measuresPersistence, regression and progression of cervical dysplasia, surgical complications after diagnostic procedure, incidence of preterm birth, mode of delivery.ResultsOnly a minor part (12.3%) of the dysplastic lesions showed progression during pregnancy, with 54.6 and 33.1% showing persistence and regression, respectively. No surgically related postoperative bleeding that needed surgical (diathermy/suture) treatment occurred and the miscarriage rate was low (0.8%). There were no differences in mode of delivery, preterm birth or other obstetrical variables between the study group and the large control cohort.ConclusionInvestigation of atypical cytology during pregnancy with biopsy including large loop excisions is a safe procedure with regard to surgical complications and obstetrical outcome. There is a high rate of persistence and regression of dysplasia during pregnancy.
Long‐term results of the effect of intravitreal ranibizumab on the retinal arteriolar diameter in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Mendrinos Efstratios , Mangioris Georgios , Papadopoulou Domniki N. , Donati Guy , Pournaras Constantin J. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  To study the effect of intravitreal (IVT) ranibizumab on the retinal arteriolar diameter in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).Methods:  Ten eyes of 10 patients with previously untreated neovascular AMD were included. All eyes had three monthly IVT injections of ranibizumab and then were retreated as needed, based on visual acuity and optical coherence tomography (OCT) criteria. The diameter of the retinal arterioles was measured in vivo with a retinal vessel analyser (RVA) before the first IVT injection, 7 and 30 days after the first, the second and the third injection, and at month 12 of follow‐up.Results:  A significant vasoconstriction of the retinal arterioles was observed following each one of the first three IVT injections of ranibizumab. Thirty days following the first, second and third injection, there was a mean decrease of 8.4 ± 3.2%, 11.9 ± 4.5% and 18.5 ± 7.2%, respectively, of the retinal arteriolar diameter compared with baseline (p < 0.01). At month 12, the vasoconstriction was still present with a mean decrease of 19.1 ± 8.3% of the retinal arteriolar diameter compared with baseline (p < 0.01). Median number of ranibizumab injections was 4 (range 3–10). There was no correlation between the number of injections and percentage diameter decrease at month 12 (r = −0.54, p > 0.1). There was no significant change in mean arterial pressure (MAP) during the period of follow‐up (p > 0.05).Conclusions:  These results suggest that IVT ranibizumab induces sustained retinal arteriolar vasoconstriction in eyes with neovascular AMD.
Structure–function relationship among three types of spectral‐domain optical coherent tomography instruments in measuring parapapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness
Authors: Kanamori Akiyasu , Nakamura Makoto , Tomioka Mari , Kawaka Yuki , Yamada Yuko , Negi Akira 
Published: April 2013

Abstract.Purpose: To compare the relationships of parapapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness among three spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) instruments with visual field sensitivity (VFS).Methods: One hundred and thirteen eyes of 113 Japanese subjects with glaucoma (mean deviation in standard automated perimetry = −8.9 ± 6.7 dB) were imaged by Cirrus, RTVue and 3D OCT. The average hemi‐superior and hemi‐inferior RNFL thicknesses were obtained. In addition, the structure–function relationship using two retinotopic maps that consisted of six or nine sectors was also evaluated. Decibel (dB) scale and 1/Lamert (1/L) were used to express VFS. RNFL thickness correlation with corresponding VFS in visual field sectors was compared among the three instruments. Background RNFL thickness (non‐neuronal tissue) for each instrument was estimated using a linear regression model at 1/L = 0.Results: The correlation between the average hemi‐superior and hemi‐inferior RNFL thickness in the three SD‐OCT instruments with corresponding VFS was similar. In the analysis of retinotopic maps, 3D OCT showed a higher correlation in superotemporal sectors than RTVue, whereas RTVue had a stronger relationship in the nasal sector than Cirrus. The background RNFL thickness extrapolated was approximately 60% that of normal eyes in all the instruments.Conclusions: The three SD‐OCT showed similar overall correspondence with VFS with a partially discordant retinotopic relationship. RNFL measured with any SD‐OCT devices likely contains non‐neuronal tissue, comprising 60% of its thickness.
Differences in spatial autocorrelation (SAc), plant species richness and diversity, and plant community composition in grazed and ungrazed grasslands along a moisture gradient, North Dakota, USA
Authors: Meyers Lindsey M. , DeKeyser Edward S. , Norland Jack E. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractQuestionsHow are plant species richness and diversity related to spatial autocorrelation under grazed and ungrazed conditions in grassland communities? Is spatial autocorrelation dissimilar within different plant communities?LocationThe grasslands of southeast North Dakota, USA.MethodsThe study was conducted during the summer of 2009 in six grasslands under different management (grazed vs ungrazed with fire) along a moisture gradient. Spatial autocorrelation at each site was measured along 50‐m transects among three different landscape positions representing different moisture levels. Dissimogram multivariate analysis was used to measure the nugget, dissimilarity and patch diameter. Additionally, richness and Shannon diversity indices and nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis were compared to the dissimogram results.ResultsMean patch diameter was significantly higher in grazed mid‐slope sites than in ungrazed sites. Spatial autocorrelation was not different between the landscape positions (higher, dry areas were not different from lower, mesic areas). However, plant species richness, diversity and community composition were found to be different between landscape positions and management, with key differences in the presence of certain invasive species.ConclusionsDisturbance and moisture level were reflected differently in the spatial autocorrelation analysis compared to the richness, diversity and ordination analyses. This indicates that disturbance and management impacted spatial autocorrelation separate from plant community composition and species diversity. This also highlights changes in the plant community caused by different management actions and the spread of invasive species.