bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transferrin receptor expression in serum exosomes as a marker of regenerative anaemia in the horse
Authors: Rout E. D. , WEBB T. L. , Laurence H. M. , Long L. , Olver C. S. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyEvaluation of erythrocyte regeneration in horses is challenging, as they do not release reticulocytes into the peripheral blood. This study investigated transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) expression in exosomes as a noninvasive method of characterising the regenerative response in anaemic horses.ObjectivesTo quantify TfR1 in ultraprecipitate of serum in horses before and after phlebotomy‐induced anaemia, and to identify exosomes as the source of TfR1. The hypothesis was that serum exosomal TfR1 expression would increase during a regenerative response.Study designExperimental model of anaemia.MethodsSix horses were phlebotomised to achieve a 25% decrease in packed cell volume. Transferrin receptor 1 quantity in exosomes was determined by western blot and relative densitometry before and after phlebotomy. The size and density of the TfR1‐associated particles were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and density gradient centrifugation, respectively.ResultsRegenerative anaemia was confirmed by decreased packed cell volumes and decreased myeloid:erythroid ratios in the bone marrow. In all 6 horses, TfR1 expression increased between Days 7 and 10. Mean TfR1 levels peaked on Day 10 and at 3‐fold higher than levels on Day 0. Appropriately sized particles were evident on transmission electron microscopy and sucrose density gradient fractions expected to contain exosomes also contained TfR1.ConclusionsThese data indicate that TfR1 expression in serum exosomes may provide a marker for regeneration in anaemic horses.
Investigating the impact of training influence on employee retention in small and medium enterprises: a regression‐type classification and ranking believe simplex analysis on sparse data
Authors: Beynon Malcolm James , Jones Paul , Pickernell David , Packham Gary 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of available training alternatives (TAs) on employee retention in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). A noticeable problem with this research issue is that individual SMEs may utilize different combination of TAs. The considered survey questionnaire allowed respondent SME owners/managers the option to gauge the level of satisfaction of a TA or to indicate that they did not use it. It follows, therefore, that the survey‐based data set is sparse, in the sense that the ‘did not use’ option infers that a form of missing value is present (Likert‐scale‐based satisfaction value present if a TA was used). To facilitate an effective analysis of the considered sparse data set, because the missing values have meaning, the nascent regression‐type classification and ranking believe simplex (RCaRBS) technique is employed. As a development of the CaRBS technique, this technique is able to undertake multivariate regression‐type analysis on sparse data, without the need to manage the missing values in any way. Results are presented from the RCaRBS analyses relating to SME owner/managers' satisfactions with TAs and their impact on two employee retention facets, namely greater employee loyalty and, conversely, losing an employee to a competitor. Emphasis here is on the graphical elucidation of findings in regard to model fit and TA contribution. The pertinence of the study is the inclusiveness of the data considered (a novel approach to analysing sparse data), and the comparisons between these associated issues of TA satisfaction and employee retention.
Modifying the PEG model for Mediterranean lakes – no biological winter and strong fish predation
Authors: Moustaka‐Gouni Maria , Michaloudi Evangelia , Sommer Ulrich 
Published: February 2014

Summary

The widely cited Plankton Ecology Group (PEG) model of plankton seasonal succession is often used as a template to explain the seasonal changes in plankton communities outside the cold temperate zone, where it was developed, but this may be inappropriate for lower‐latitude lakes.

Lower‐latitude lakes have high light availability in winter and less pronounced seasonal variations in fish predation on zooplankton. We might therefore expect higher phytoplankton crops in winter and much more predation on zooplankton by fish than in colder lakes. This might lead to less grazing in summer and relatively higher phytoplankton crops.

We compared data on phytoplankton biovolume, zooplankton biomass and body size from 18 German and 6 Greek lakes to test these hypotheses.
Major surgery in severe haemophilia A with inhibitors using a recombinant factor VIIa and activated prothrombin complex concentrate hybrid regimen
Authors: van Veen J. J. , Maclean R. M. , Hampton K. K. , Hamer A. , Makris M. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryMajor surgery in persons with haemophilia A and inhibitors is increasingly being performed. Both recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) and activated prothrombin complex concentrate (APCC) are used to cover surgery but it remains unclear what the optimal dosing schedules are. We describe the use of a hybrid regimen in four inhibitor patients undergoing eight major surgical procedures using rFVIIa in the initial 2–6 postoperative days followed by FEIBA® for the remaining period. All patients were also treated with tranexamic acid while receiving rFVIIa. We performed six major orthopaedic procedures, one emergency orchidectomy and one open appendectomy. The dosing schedules were at the higher end of those described in the literature but within the recommendations of the summary of product characteristics. Despite this, we encountered non‐surgical bleeding in four of eight episodes. Three of these occurred in one individual suggesting a patient factor. The overall outcome was good for all episodes. The hybrid regimen combines flexibility of dose and dosing frequency of rFVIIa in the immediate postoperative setting with the advantage of a reduced dosing frequency with FEIBA® in the subsequent days. This study also emphasizes that surgical procedures in this patient group remain a challenge.
Diagnosis and management challenges in patients with mild haemophilia A and discrepant FVIII measurements
Authors: Trossaert M. , Lienhart A. , Nougier C. , Fretigny M. , Sigaud M. , Meunier S. , Fouassier M. , Ternisien C. , Negrier C. , Dargaud Y. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryThirty per cent of patients with mild haemophilia A (MHA) present markedly different FVIII: C level when assayed by one‐stage clotting and two‐stage chromogenic assays. It is, therefore, a real clinical challenge to predict the individual bleeding risk of these patients. The aim of the present work was to study the relationship between the bleeding tendency of these patients with the results of a panel of phenotypic and genotypic tools. Thirty‐six patients with MHA were included in this multicentre prospective clinical study. The severity of bleeding symptoms was evaluated using the ISTH/SSC score. FVIII:C levels were measured using an activated partial thromboplastin time‐based one‐stage FVIII assay (FVIII: C1) and three commercial chromogenic kits (FVIII:CR). FVIII antigen levels, thrombin generation measurement and FVIII gene mutation analysis were also performed. Our results showed that a one‐stage FVIII: C assay cannot rule out the diagnosis of MHA, a combined use of FVIII:C1 with a FVIII:CR is suitable for detecting MHA. We observed that FVIII:CR results better reflected the clinical bleeding tendency of patients compared to FVIII:C1. We also observed a relationship between thrombin generation (TG) capacity and FVIII:CR of these patients. FVIII gene mutation analysis showed mutations previously reported in MHA patients with discrepant FVIII:C measurements, but with no predictive value of the individual bleeding phenotype of patients. Overall, we observed a relationship between chromogenic FVIII:C results, TG assay and bleeding tendency of patients with discrepant FVIII:C measurements, while FVIII:C1 was not well correlated with clinical bleeding phenotype in this particular population.
Triptan Education and Improving Knowledge for Optimal Migraine Treatment: An Observational Study
Authors: Baron Eric P. , Markowitz Shira Y. , Lettich Alyssa , Hastriter Eric , Lovell Brigitte , Kalidas Kavita , Dodick David William , Schwedt Todd J. ,   American Headache Society Headache Fellows Research Consortium
Published: February 2014

BackgroundIt is generally felt that patient education and patient knowledge regarding triptan use for acute migraine management are important for successful and safe treatment. It is unclear how knowledgeable triptan users are regarding their triptan, how much education occurs when triptans are prescribed, and the impact patient education has on actual patient knowledge regarding triptan use.ObjectiveThe primary objective was to compare triptan users' self‐perceived knowledge and actual knowledge about triptans in patients who report having received triptan education vs patients who report not having received triptan education.MethodsThis was a multicenter prospective observational study of 207 migraine patients who were using triptans for abortive therapy and who were being evaluated as new patients at academic headache specialty clinics in the United States. Patients completed standardized questionnaires regarding their self‐perceived knowledge about triptans, their actual knowledge regarding triptans, and the perceived education about the triptan that they had received at the time of prescription.ResultsAlthough greater than 80% of the subjects reported receiving education about when to take the triptan and the number of doses they could take for headache, only 71.5% reported receiving education about triptan side effects, 64% for the number of triptan doses they could take each week/month, 64% for taking other medications with the triptan, and 49% for medical contraindications to triptan use. Compared with subjects who did not recall receiving education about when to take their triptan, subjects who recalled such education had a statistically significant greater actual knowledge for taking the triptan immediately after a headache begins (91% vs 77%, P = .049; confidence interval [CI]: 0.00–0.33), treating when pain is mild (75% vs 50%, P = .009; CI: 0.04–0.45), understanding that they do not need to fail treatment with over‐the‐counter medications before taking a triptan (74% vs 42%, P = .001; CI: 0.11–0.51), and recognizing that coronary artery disease is a contraindication to triptan use (40% vs 19%, P = .001; CI: 0.09–0.34).ConclusionThis study provides evidence that patients who recall having received education at the time of triptan prescribing have greater knowledge regarding optimal triptan use. Triptan users who recalled having received this education had greater recognition of the importance of taking the triptan immediately at the onset of a headache, treating when pain is mild, not needing to fail treatment with over‐the‐counter medications before taking a triptan, and understanding that coronary artery disease is a contraindication to triptan use.
Vascular Risk in Migraineurs: Interaction of Endothelial and Cortical Excitability Factors
Authors: Murinova Natalia , Krashin Daniel L. , Lucas Sylvia 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundMigraine is a common primary headache disorder occurring predominantly in a young, relatively healthy population.ResultsThere is a growing literature on associations between migraine, especially migraine with aura, and ischemic stroke as well as other vascular events. Migraine as a risk factor for vascular disease and connections between migraine and endothelial, structural, and genetic risk are reviewed.ConclusionThere may be an interaction between endothelial dysfunction and cortical spreading depression affecting risk. Patient education and treatment of modifiable risk factors may decrease future vascular events.
Transient CNS Deficits and Migrainous Auras in Individuals Without a History of Headache
Authors: Naeije Gilles , Gaspard Nicolas , Legros Benjamin , Mavroudakis Nicolas , Pandolfo Massimo 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveTo demonstrate that benign transient focal neurological symptoms represent equivalents of migraine auras without headache.BackgroundBenign focal neurological symptoms suggesting cerebral dysfunction are common and usually prompt an extensive diagnostic workup, but their etiology is often not elucidated. We hypothesized that benign transient focal neurological symptoms represent equivalents of migraine auras without headache, even in subjects who have never experienced migraine headaches.MethodsWe led a cross‐sectional study and identified individuals who presented at least 1 episode of unexplained transient focal neurological symptoms suggestive of cerebral dysfunction, but no history of migraine headache, among physicians and inpatients of an academic hospital. Cortical hyperexcitability, assessed by occipital transcranial magnetic stimulation (oTMS), was used as a marker of possible migraine auras without headache.ResultsFrequency of transient focal neurological symptoms suggestive of cerebral dysfunction among the physicians who responded was 9% (21/233), vs 0.09% (6/690) of inpatients. Most episodes resembled typical visual migrainous auras. Motor, sensory, and language dysfunction were more common among inpatients than among physicians. oTMS induced phosphenes in 12/16 (75%) subjects and in none of 10 controls.ConclusionBenign focal neurological symptoms were common in our population and likely represent migraine aura without headache. Non‐visual symptoms are less common and lead to medical consultation. oTMS is abnormal in most cases, supporting the diagnosis of migraine aura without headache and helping separate this benign condition from transient ischemic attacks.
Healthcare pathway and biopsychosocial impact of persistent dentoalveolar pain disorder: a qualitative study
Authors: Durham J. , Nixdorf D. R. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimTo examine persistent dentoalveolar pain disorder (PDAP) patients' reported experiences of the biopsychosocial impacts of the condition and its healthcare pathway.MethodsQualitative semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a university‐based cohort of PDAP patients. One interviewer used an open‐ended, evolving, topic guide, and all interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data collection and analysis continued until saturation (n = 20). The principles of the constant comparative method were followed, and frameworks were used to help organize and analyse the data.ResultsPDAP exerts significant biopsychosocial impacts on the individual. These impacts occur across a wide variety of everyday activities including employment, personal relationships and social activities. The conceptualization and acceptance of PDAP are difficult for patients given the reinforcement of multiple ineffective dental treatments perceived as targeting the source of their pain.ConclusionThere is an urgent need for earlier identification of PDAP cases in order to minimize the negative biopsychosocial effects of multiple dental interventions incorrectly applied to treat the symptom of pain.
C‐reactive protein is essential for innate resistance to pneumococcal infection
Authors: Paul Simons J. , Loeffler Jutta M. , Al‐Shawi Raya , Ellmerich Stephan , Hutchinson Winston L. , Tennent Glenys A. , Petrie Aviva , Raynes John G. , de Souza J. Brian , Lawrence Rachel A. , Read Kevin D. , Pepys Mark B. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryNo deficiency of human C‐reactive protein (CRP), or even structural polymorphism of the protein, has yet been reported so its physiological role is not known. Here we show for the first time that CRP‐deficient mice are remarkably susceptible to Streptococcus pneumoniae infection and are protected by reconstitution with isolated pure human CRP, or by anti‐pneumococcal antibodies. Autologous mouse CRP is evidently essential for innate resistance to pneumococcal infection before antibodies are produced. Our findings are consistent with the significant association between clinical pneumococcal infection and non‐coding human CRP gene polymorphisms which affect CRP expression. Deficiency or loss of function variation in CRP may therefore be lethal at the first early‐life encounter with this ubiquitous virulent pathogen, explaining the invariant presence and structure of CRP in human adults.
The Canine Orthopedic Index. Step 1: Devising the Items
Authors: Brown Dorothy Cimino 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveTo develop questions for an owner‐completed outcome assessment instrument for dogs with orthopedic disease.Study DesignFocus groups, key‐informant interviews, surveys.Sample PopulationOwners of dogs with osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsAudio recorded focus groups were transcribed. Descriptive statistics around discussed topics were calculated. A list of frequently discussed behaviors underwent discrimination and frequency endorsement analysis and was circulated for refinement among veterinarians experienced in treating dogs with orthopedic disease. The final list of behaviors was transformed into a series of questions and organized as the preliminary instrument for testing in further studies.ResultsOwners (n = 27) participated in 4 focus groups. Based on the frequency of comments generated during focus groups and key‐informant interviews, 30 behaviors were further screened by discrimination analysis and endorsement frequency in an additional cohort of 60 owners. No behaviors were classified as “good” for discriminating between front and hind limb disease so a single, non‐limb‐specific instrument was developed. Four behaviors had an endorsement frequency ≤33% and were not considered further for inclusion in the preliminary instrument. Twenty‐one questions associated with the remaining behaviors were used to create the preliminary Canine Orthopedic Index (COI) for psychometric testing in further studies.ConclusionsA 21‐question owner‐completed COI was successfully developed in preparation for psychometric testing studies.
Assessing sperm chromatin and DNA damage: clinical importance and development of standards
Authors: Zini A. , Albert O. , Robaire B. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryOver the past 20 years, numerous new methods have been developed to identify changes in the organization and composition of sperm chromatin as well as to determine the extent of DNA damage in the nuclei of spermatozoa. Although these methods are being used effectively in assessing how toxicants act on sperm chromatin quality in agricultural settings, their use as complementary biomarkers of sperm quality in assessing male fertility remains controversial. We review some key aspects of the assessment of sperm chromatin quality and DNA damage and identify some of the most widely used tests to monitor these endpoints. An approach to validate three tests by standardizing methodology and determining interlaboratory variation for each test using a standard set of samples is outlined.
Parent Report of Conversations with Their Adolescents with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Jones Jennifer L. , Oseland Lauren M. , Morris Kathryn L. , Larzelere Robert E. 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to examine parent report of conversations about difference and disability in families of adolescents with intellectual disability.Materials and MethodsParticipants included 50 parents (44 mothers, four fathers, and two other caregivers) and their adolescents with intellectual disability (M age = 15.9). Parents provided written responses to open‐ended questions regarding conversations with their adolescent. Adolescents completed measures of self‐concept and self‐determination.ResultsThe majority (66%) of parents reported talking to their adolescent about difference and/or disability. Consistent with previous research, some of these conversations were in response to social exclusion (e.g. child was bullied). Parents who knew the aetiology of their child's disability were significantly more likely to talk with their child about his or her disabling condition.ConclusionsParents' narratives illustrate their struggle to explain disability to their adolescent. Professionals are challenged to consider how to promote proactive conversations between parents and adolescents.
Comparison of multiplicative heterogeneous variance adjustment models for genetic evaluations
Authors: Márkus Sz. , Mäntysaari E.A. , Strandén I. , Eriksson J‐Å. , Lidauer M.H. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryTwo heterogeneous variance adjustment methods and two variance models were compared in a simulation study. The method used for heterogeneous variance adjustment in the Nordic test‐day model, which is a multiplicative method based on Meuwissen (J. Dairy Sci., 79, 1996, 310), was compared with a restricted multiplicative method where the fixed effects were not scaled. Both methods were tested with two different variance models, one with a herd‐year and the other with a herd‐year‐month random effect. The simulation study was built on two field data sets from Swedish Red dairy cattle herds. For both data sets, 200 herds with test‐day observations over a 12‐year period were sampled. For one data set, herds were sampled randomly, while for the other, each herd was required to have at least 10 first‐calving cows per year. The simulations supported the applicability of both methods and models, but the multiplicative mixed model was more sensitive in the case of small strata sizes. Estimation of variance components for the variance models resulted in different parameter estimates, depending on the applied heterogeneous variance adjustment method and variance model combination. Our analyses showed that the assumption of a first‐order autoregressive correlation structure between random‐effect levels is reasonable when within‐herd heterogeneity is modelled by year classes, but less appropriate for within‐herd heterogeneity by month classes. Of the studied alternatives, the multiplicative method and a variance model with a random herd‐year effect were found most suitable for the Nordic test‐day model for dairy cattle evaluation.
Experimental peri‐implant mucositis at different implant surfaces
Authors: Schwarz Frank , Mihatovic Ilja , Golubovic Vladimir , Eick Sigrun , Iglhaut Theresa , Becker Jürgen 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo histologically and immunologically assess experimental peri‐implant mucositis at surface enhanced modified (mod) hydrophilic titanium implants.Materials and MethodsIn a split‐mouth design (n = 6 foxhounds), four different implants were inserted on each side of the maxilla: three titanium‐zirconium alloy implants (TiZr) with either modSLA (sand‐blasted, acid etched and chemically mod), modMA (machined, acid etched and chemically mod), or M (machined) surfaces in the transmucosal portion, and one titanium implant with a machined transmucosal portion (TiM). Experimental mucositis was induced at one randomly assigned side (NPC), whereas the contra‐lateral maxillary side received mechanical plaque removal three times per week (PC). At 16 weeks, tissue biopsies were processed for histological (primary outcome: apical extension of the inflammatory cell infiltrate measured from the mucosal margin – PM‐aICT) and immunohistochemical (CD68 antigen reactivity) analyses. Peri‐implant sulcus fluid was analysed for interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐8, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8 and myeloperoxidase (MPO).ResultsMean PM‐aICT values varied between 1.86 (TiZrmodSLA) and 3.40 mm (TiM) in the UPC group, and between 0.88 (TiZrmodSLA) and 2.08 mm (TiZrM) in the PC group. Mean CD68, IL‐1β, IL‐8, MMP‐8 and MPO values were equally distributed between mod‐ and control implants in both NPC and PC groups.ConclusionsThe progression of experimental mucositis was comparable at all implant surfaces investigated.