bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extracellular zinc induces phosphoethanolamine addition to Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipid A via the ColRS two‐component system
Authors: Nowicki Emily M. , O'Brien John P. , Brodbelt Jennifer S. , Trent M. Stephen 
Published: April 2015

SummaryGram‐negative bacteria survive harmful environmental stressors by modifying their outer membrane. Much of this protection is afforded upon remodeling of the lipid A region of the major surface molecule lipopolysaccharide (LPS). For example, the addition of cationic substituents, such as 4‐amino‐4‐deoxy‐L‐arabinose (L‐Ara4N) and phosphoehthanolamine (pEtN) at the lipid A phosphate groups, is often induced in response to specific environmental flux stabilizing the outer membrane. The work herein represents the first report of pEtN addition to Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipid A. We have identified the key pEtN transferase which we named EptAPa and characterized its strict activity on only one position of lipid A, contrasting from previously studied EptA enzymes. We further show that transcription of eptAPa is regulated by zinc via the ColRS two‐component system instead of the PmrAB system responsible for eptA regulation in E. coli and Salmonella enterica. Further, although L‐Ara4N is readily added to the same position of lipid A as pEtN under certain environmental conditions, ColR specifically induces pEtN addition to lipid A in lieu of L‐Ara4N when Zn2+ is present. The unique, specific regulation of eptAPa transcription and enzymatic activity described in this work demonstrates the tight yet inducible control over LPS modification in P. aeruginosa.
Synbiotics‐supplemented amino acid‐based formula supports adequate growth in cow's milk allergic infants
Authors: Burks A. Wesley , Harthoorn Lucien F. , Van Ampting Marleen T. J. , Oude Nijhuis Manon M. , Langford Jane E. , Wopereis Harm , Goldberg Steven B. , Ong Peck Y. , Essink Brandon J. , Scott Robert B. , Harvey Bryan M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundChildren with cow's milk allergy (CMA) are at risk for inadequate nutritional intake and growth. Dietary management ofCMA, therefore, requires diets that are not only hypoallergenic but also support adequate growth in this population. This study assessed growth ofCMAinfants when using a new amino acid‐based formula (AAF) with prebiotics and probiotics (synbiotics) and evaluated its safety in the intended population.MethodsIn a prospective, randomized, double‐blind controlled study, full‐term infants with diagnosedCMAreceived either anAAF(control; n = 56) orAAFwith synbiotics (oligofructose, long‐chain inulin, acidic oligosaccharides,Bifidobacterium breveM‐16V) (test; n = 54) for 16 wk. Primary outcome was growth, measured as weight, length and head circumference. Secondary outcomes included allergic symptoms and stool characteristics.ResultsAverage age (±SD) of infants at inclusion was 4.5 ± 2.4 months. Both formulas equally supported growth according toWHO2006 growth charts and resulted in similar increases of weight, length and head circumference. At week 16, differences (90%CI) inZ‐scores (test–control) were as follows: weight 0.147 (−0.10; 0.39, p = 0.32), length −0.299 (−0.69; 0.09, p = 0.21) and head circumference 0.152 (−0.15; 0.45, p = 0.40). Weight‐for‐age and length‐for‐ageZ‐scores were not significantly different between the test and control groups. Both formulas were well tolerated and reduced allergic symptoms; the number of adverse events was not different between the groups.ConclusionsThis is the first study that shows that anAAFwith a specific synbiotic blend, suitable forCMAinfants, supports normal growth and growth similar to theAAFwithout synbiotics.This clinical trial is registered asNCT00664768.
Multivariate State Space Approach to Variance Reduction in Series with Level and Variance Breaks Due to Survey Redesigns
Authors: Bollineni-Balabay Oksana , van den Brakel Jan , Palm Franz 
Published: April 2015

Summary
Statistics Netherlands applies a design-based estimation procedure to produce road transportation figures. Frequent survey redesigns caused discontinuities in these series which obstruct the comparability of figures over time. Reductions in the sample size and changes in the sample design resulted in variance breaks and unacceptably large sampling errors in the recent part of the series. Both problems are addressed and solved simultaneously. Discontinuities and small sample sizes are accounted for by using a multivariate structural time series model that borrows strength over time and space. The paper illustrates an increased precision when we move from univariate models to a multivariate model where the domains are jointly modelled. This increase is especially significant in the most recent period when sample sizes become smaller, with standard errors of the design-based estimator of the target variables being reduced by 40 & #x2013;70 & #x0025; with the model-based approach.
Measuring and Accounting for Strategic Abstentions in the US Senate, 1989–2012
Authors: Rodríguez Abel , Moser Scott 
Published: April 2015

SummaryStrategic abstentions—in which legislators abstain from votes for ideological reasons—are a poorly understood feature of legislative voting records. The paper discusses a spatial model for legislators’ revealed preferences that accounts for abstentions when missing values are non-ignorable and allows us to measure the pervasiveness of strategic abstention by identifying legislators who consistently engage in strategic abstentions, as well as bills for which the ideology of legislators is a key driver of abstentions. We illustrate the performance of our model through the analysis of the 101st–112th US Senates.
Progressive outer retinal necrosis in immunocompromised kidney allograft recipient
Authors: Turno‐Kręcicka A. , Boratyńska M. , Tomczyk‐Socha M. , Mazanowska O. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractOcular complications in patients who underwent renal transplantation are attributed to side effects of the immunosuppressive regimen. Progressive outer retinal necrosis (PORN) syndrome is a clinical variant of necrotizing herpetic retinopathy and it occurs almost exclusively in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. We present a case of a human immunodeficiency virus‐negative patient who underwent renal transplant and, after a few years, developed bilateral PORN associated with viral infections. Varicella zoster virus (VZV) and BK virus were identified by polymerase chain reaction from the vitreous fluid. It is unclear which of the viruses identified had the dominant role in the pathogenesis of PORN and other organ damage, or whether their actions were synergistic. Adequate antiviral immune surveillance, as well as pre‐transplant vaccination against VZV, may reduce the incidence of VZV infection and its complications.
Serum biochemistry reference intervals of live wild dugongs (Dugong dugon) from urban coastal Australia
Authors: Lanyon Janet M. , Wong Arthur , Long Trevor , Woolford Lucy 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundLittle is known about the baseline clinical pathology of the dugong (Dugong dugon), a vulnerable marine mammal found in tropical coastal marine systems.ObjectivesThe purpose of the study was to collect and determine reference intervals (RI) for select serum biochemical variables for dugongs, and to analyze differences between males and females and different age groups.MethodsReference intervals were established from 103 apparently healthy, wild‐caught dugongs for 31 analytes using a Beckman Coulter AU400 Automated Chemistry Analyzer and an Olympus AU680 Chemistry‐Immuno Analyzer.ResultsSignificant differences (P < .05) in some of the variables were found related to size class, sex, and pregnancy status. Adult dugongs had higher serum sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, glucose, and l‐lactate concentrations and higher anion gap, compared to sub‐adults. Male dugongs had higher triglyceride and l‐lactate concentrations than females. Pregnant females displayed higher l‐lactate levels compared to nonpregnant animals. Statistical differences in variables within the population contributed to better understanding of the physiologic differences between cohorts. Some serum biochemistry changes observed in this study here also potentially include some effects of pursuit on dugongs (eg, higher l‐lactate); however, as all dugongs were subject to similar capture and handling, serum biochemistry RI should be considered as normal for captured dugongs.ConclusionsThe serum biochemical RI documented here are considered representative of a population of healthy captured dugongs. They provide a baseline for health surveillance of this and other dugong populations.
Retrospective evaluation of risk factors and outcome predictors in cats with diabetic ketoacidosis (1997–2007): 93 cases
Authors: Cooper Rachel L. , Drobatz Kenneth J. , Lennon Elizabeth M. , Hess Rebecka S. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo determine risk factors and outcome predictors in cats with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).DesignRetrospective study. Inclusion in the DKA group required blood glucose concentration > 13.9 mmol/L (250 mg/dL), venous pH < 7.35, and urine or serum acetoacetate concentration greater than 1.5 mmol/L (15 mg/dL). Signalment and weight were recorded in all cats with uncomplicated diabetes mellitus (DM) without DKA and in all other nondiabetic cats examined during the study period. Clinicopathologic variables, concurrent disorders, and initial insulin intravenous (IV) continuous‐rate infusion (CRI) concentration of 1.1 or 2.2 U/kg/240 mL bag of 0.9% NaCl, were examined for a possible association with outcome.SettingUniversity teaching hospital.AnimalsNinety‐three cats with DKA, 682 cats with uncomplicated DM, and 16,926 cats without DM or DKA.InterventionsNone.Measurements and Main ResultsCats with DKA were younger (median age 9.4 years; range, 1–17.9 years) than cats with uncomplicated DM (median 11.6 years; range 0.7–19.5 years,P< 0.0003). Siamese cats were overrepresented in the DKA group compared to the uncomplicated DM or nondiabetic group (P= 0.038 andP= 0.01, respectively). Poor outcome (defined as death due to disease or by euthanasia) in 36 cats with DKA (39%) was associated with increased initial creatinine, BUN, total serum magnesium, and total bilirubin concentrations (P= 0.007,P= 0.005,P= 0.03,P= 0.03, respectively). Cats treated with a higher concentration of insulin were less likely to have a poor outcome compared to cats treated with a lower concentration of insulin (odds ratio 0.14, 95% confidence interval 0.02–1.16,P= 0.02).ConclusionsCats with DKA are more likely to be Siamese than cats with uncomplicated DM. Poor outcome of cats with DKA is associated with increased initial creatinine, BUN, total magnesium, and total bilirubin concentrations. Good outcome was associated with a higher concentration of IV insulin CRI.
Economic Benefit Analysis of Cloud-Based Design, Engineering Analysis, and Manufacturing
Authors: Wu Dazhong , Terpenny Janis , Gentzsch Wolfgang 
Published: April 2015

AbstractFrom a business perspective, cloud computing has revolutionized the information and communication technology (ICT) industry by offering scalable and on-demand ICT services as well as innovative pricing plans such as pay-per-use and subscription. Considering the economic benefits of cloud computing, cloud-based design and manufacturing (CBDM) has been proposed as a new paradigm in digital manufacturing and design innovation. Although CBDM has the potential to reduce costs associated with high performance computing (HPC) and maintaining ICT infrastructures in the context of cloud computing, it is challenging to justify the potential cost savings associated with design and manufacturing because of the complexity in the economic benefit analysis of migrating to CBDM. In response, this paper provides important insights into the economics of CBDM by identifying key cost factors and potential pricing models that can influence decision making on whether migrating to the cloud for computationally expensive analyses that are commonplace for design and manufacturing (e.g., computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided engineering (CAE)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)) is economically justifiable. This work, for the first time, identifies the key economic benefits required for a comparative study that supports organizations in determining when traditional in-house design and manufacturing versus CBDM is most appropriate. Several comparative case studies and a hypothetical application example are provided to demonstrate and quantitatively validate decision support methods. Finally, key issues and road blocks for CBDM are outlined.
The role of infant appetite in extended formula feeding
Authors: Syrad Hayley , van Jaarsveld Cornelia H M , Wardle Jane , Llewellyn Clare H 
Published: April 2015

ObjectiveParental decision-making around extended formula feeding (12 months+) has not been explored previously. This study tested the hypotheses that extended formula milk use (i) is associated with poorer appetite and (ii) supplements lower food intake.MethodsAppetite was assessed with the Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ) in 3854 twin children aged 16 months. Diet was assessed from 3-day diaries in 2714 children at 21 months. Parents reported their children's weight at 24 months. Associations between formula feeding and (1) appetite, (2) energy intake and (3) weight were examined. 35 mothers were interviewed when the children were 7 years old to explore retrospectively their reasons for extended formula feeding.ResultsFormula consumers (13% of the sample) scored significantly differently than non-formula consumers on five of the six CEBQ subscales, indicating lower appetite avidity: ‘food responsiveness’ (2.02 vs 2.22, respectively),‘enjoyment of food’ (3.99 vs 4.20), ‘satiety responsiveness’ (2.89 vs 2.65), ‘slowness in eating’ (2.63 vs 2.46) and ‘food fussiness’ (2.34 vs 2.14). Formula consumers had a significantly lower percentage of daily energy intake from food (70% vs 74%); however, total daily energy intake did not differ significantly from non-consumers (4315 vs 4373 kJ). At interview, mothers reported supplementing their child's diet with formula because of ‘picky eating’ and concerns about inadequate food intake.ConclusionsHigh formula milk intake is associated with picky-eating behaviours, but seems to act as a substitute for rather than a supplement to solid food. Prospective and intervention studies are needed to determine whether extended formula feeding has an enduring impact on weight trajectories, eating behaviours or health.
Oxygen Delivery on Medical Wards
Authors: Dickson Christopher 
Published: April 2015

AbstractOxygen is used widely used on all medical wards. It is a drug and should be prescribed. There are known problems with over and under delivery of oxygen to patients. Through national audits and recording baseline data locally, compliance with prescribing is low. This has potentially serious patient safety issues. This quality improvement project attempted to improve oxygen prescribing and subsequent dose adjusting on various medical wards. Monitoring showed a transient improvement but this was not sustained. As a result of this project further research will be put into developing the electronic observation chart to set parameters for target saturations.
Evaluating the Quality of Medical Documentation at a University Teaching Hospital
Authors: Ridyard Edward , Street Elliot 
Published: April 2015

AbstractA recent joint publication by the Royal College of Physicians and Royal College of Nursing raised concern regarding the variability in the organisation and quality of documentation during ward rounds [1]. The aim of the study was to evaluate the standard of medical documentation at a University Teaching Hospital. Retrospective manual analysis of patient’s paper and electronic paper records (EPR) from the different specialties. Inclusion criteria included in-patient stay of more than two days and admission after 1st July 2013. A VTE assessment was available in 100% of patients. The plan and postoperative instructions were available in 100% of patients. Notes were documented contemporaneously in 75% of cases which increased to 80% in the second following by 89.11% in the third cycle. If a consultant was present on the ward round this was documented in 80% of cases in the first cycle. This subsequently increased to 90% in the second cycle and 100% in the third cycle. Overall the quality of medical documentation was of a reasonable standard but could be improved even further if we continue to document contemporaneously and name every person present at each patient encounter.
Onyx embolization in distal dissecting posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms
Authors: Puri Ajit S , Massari Francesco , Hou Samuel Y , Lozano Juan Diego , Howk Mary , Perras Mary , Brooks Christopher , Gounis Matthew J , Kan Peter , Wakhloo Ajay K 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundDissecting aneurysms located along the distal segments of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) are extremely rare, accounting for only 0.5–0.7% of all intracranial aneurysms. Treatment of these aneurysms is challenging, both surgically and endovascularly. We present our preliminary experience and clinical data utilizing Onyx as an embolization agent in the treatment of these lesions with proximal parent artery preservation.Methods7 consecutive ruptured peripheral PICA aneurysms, in 7 patients, were treated with superselective Onyx embolization at our institutions. According to the anatomical classification of Listeret al, these aneurysms were located in the lateral medullary segment (n=1), tonsillomedullary segment (n=1), and the telovelotonsillary segment (n=5) of the PICA. Technical feasibility, procedure related complications, angiographic results, follow-up diagnostic imaging, and clinical outcome were evaluated.ResultsIn all cases, endovascular treatment was successful, with complete occlusion of the aneurysm with proximal parent artery preservation at the final postprocedural angiogram. Procedure related complications were not observed. One patient with a poor clinical condition at admission died during the initial hospital stay due to extensive subarachnoid and intraventricular hemorrhage. No rebleeding or recanalization was noted during follow-up. Two patients had a residual moderate to severe disability at follow-up. Favorable outcomes, with no or mild disability, were observed in four of the surviving patients.ConclusionsAngiographic, diagnostic imaging, and clinical results of our small series indicate that Onyx embolization of dissecting distal PICA aneurysms with parent artery preservation is an effective option with acceptable morbidity and mortality rate, in those cases in which surgical clipping or endovascular coiling of the aneurysmal sac is not suitable.
Trends in 30-day mortality rate and case mix for paediatric cardiac surgery in the UK between 2000 and 2010
Authors: Brown Katherine L , Crowe Sonya , Franklin Rodney , McLean Andrew , Cunningham David , Barron David , Tsang Victor , Pagel Christina , Utley Martin 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesTo explore changes over time in the 30-day mortality rate for paediatric cardiac surgery and to understand the role of attendant changes in the case mix.Methods, setting and participantsIncluded were: all mandatory submissions to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Outcomes Research (NICOR) relating to UK cardiac surgery in patients aged <16 years. The χ2test for trend was used to retrospectively analyse the proportion of surgical episodes ending in 30-day mortality and with various case mix indicators, in 10 consecutive time periods, from 2000 to 2010. Comparisons were made between two 5-year eras of: 30-day mortality, period prevalence and mean age for 30 groups of specific operations.Main outcome measure30-day mortality for an episode of surgical management.ResultsOur analysis includes 36 641 surgical episodes with an increase from 2283 episodes in 2000 to 3939 in 2009 (p<0.01). The raw national 30-day mortality rate fell over the period of review from 4.3% (95% CI 3.5% to 5.1%) in 2000 to 2.6% (95% CI 2.2% to 3.0%) in 2009/2010 (p<0.01). The case mix became more complex in terms of the percentage of patients <2.5 kg (p=0.05), with functionally univentricular hearts (p<0.01) and higher risk diagnoses (p<0.01). In the later time era, there was significant improvement in 30-day mortality for arterial switch with ventricular septal defect (VSD) repair, patent ductus arteriosus ligation, Fontan-type operation, tetralogy of Fallot and VSD repair, and the mean age of patients fell for a range of operations performed in infancy.ConclusionsThe raw 30-day mortality rate for paediatric cardiac surgery fell over a decade despite a rise in the national case mix complexity, and compares well with international benchmarks. Definitive repair is now more likely at a younger age for selected infants with congenital heart defects.
Molecular Pathways: Leveraging the BCL-2 Interactome to Kill Cancer Cells—Mitochondrial Outer Membrane Permeabilization and Beyond
Authors: Brahmbhatt Hetal , Oppermann Sina , Osterlund Elizabeth J. , Leber Brian , Andrews David W. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe inhibition of apoptosis enables the survival and proliferation of tumors and contributes to resistance to conventional chemotherapy agents and is therefore a very promising avenue for the development of new agents that will enhance current cancer therapies. The BCL-2 family proteins orchestrate apoptosis at the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum and are involved in other processes such as autophagy and unfolded protein response (UPR) that lead to different types of cell death. Over the past decade, significant efforts have been made to restore apoptosis using small molecules that modulate the activity of BCL-2 family proteins. The small molecule ABT-199, which antagonizes the activity of BCL-2, is currently the furthest in clinical trials and shows promising activity in many lymphoid malignancies as a single agent and in combination with conventional chemotherapy agents. Here, we discuss strategies to improve the specificity of pharmacologically modulating various antiapoptotic BCL-2 family proteins, review additional BCL-2 family protein interactions that can be exploited for the improvement of conventional anticancer therapies, and highlight important points of consideration for assessing the activity of small-molecule BCL-2 family protein modulators. Clin Cancer Res; 21(12); 2671–6. ©2015 AACR.
Intratumoral Heterogeneity: From Diversity Comes Resistance
Authors: Pribluda Ariel , de la Cruz Cecile C. , Jackson Erica L. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Tumors consist of a heterogeneous mixture of functionally distinct cancer cells. These functional differences can be caused by varying levels of receptor activity, differentiation, and distinct metabolic and epigenetic states. Intratumoral heterogeneity can lead to interdependence among different subpopulations of cells for sustained tumor growth. In addition, subpopulations can vary widely in their responses to therapeutic agents. As such, it is believed that intratumoral heterogeneity may underlie incomplete treatment responses, acquired and innate resistance, and disease relapse observed in the clinic in response to conventional chemotherapy and targeted agents. Clin Cancer Res; 21(13); 2916–23. ©2015 AACR.