bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conditional knockout of heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor‐like growth factor in the liver accelerates carbon tetrachloride‐induced liver injury in mice
Authors: Takemura Takayo , Yoshida Yuichi , Kiso Shinichi , Saji Yukiko , Ezaki Hisao , Hamano Mina , Kizu Takashi , Egawa Mayumi , Chatani Norihiro , Furuta Kunimaro , Kamada Yoshihiro , Iwamoto Ryo , Mekada Eisuke , Higashiyama Shigeki , Hayashi Norio , Takehara Tetsuo 
Published: July 2012

Aim:  We previously demonstrated that heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor‐like growth factor (HB‐EGF) is induced in response to several liver injuries. Because the HB‐EGF knockout (KO) mice die in utero or immediately after birth due to cardiac defects, the loss of function study in vivo is limited. Here, we generated liver‐specific HB‐EGF conditional knockout mice using the interferon‐inducible Mx‐1 promoter driven cre recombinase transgene and investigated its role during acute liver injury.Methods:  We induced acute liver injury by a single i.p. injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in HB‐EGF KO mice and wild‐type mice and liver damage was assessed by biochemical and immunohistochemical analysis. We also used AML12 mouse hepatocyte cell lines to examine the molecular mechanism of HB‐EGF‐dependent anti‐apoptosis and wound‐healing process of the liver in vitro.Results:  HB‐EGF KO mice exhibited a significant increase of alanine aminotransferase level and also showed a significant increase in the number of apoptotic hepatocytes assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining at 24 h after CCl4 injection. We also demonstrated that HB‐EGF treatment inhibited tumor necrosis factor‐α‐induced apoptosis of AML12 mouse hepatocytes and promoted the wound‐healing response of these cells.Conclusion:  This study showed that HB‐EGF plays a protective role during acute liver injury.
Humeral stress remodelling locations differ in Thoroughbred racehorses training and racing on dirt compared to synthetic racetrack surfaces
Authors: DIMOCK A. N. , HOFFMAN K. D. , PUCHALSKI S. M. , STOVER S. M. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryReasons for performing study: Veterinarians have observed a putative change in the location of humeral stress remodelling in Thoroughbred racehorses with change from dirt to synthetic racetrack surfaces.Objectives: To determine whether the location and severity of humeral stress remodelling differs between Thoroughbred racehorses exercising on dirt and synthetic racetrack surfaces, the potential significance of different locations of stress remodelling, and the potential usefulness of scintigraphy for prevention of complete humeral fracture.Methods: Scintigraphic images of humeri from 841 Thoroughbred racehorses at 3 racetracks during 2 years before and after conversion from dirt to synthetic surfaces were evaluated for location and severity of lesions. The effects of surface on lesion distributions were examined using Chi‐square or Fisher's exact tests. Archived fractured humeri were examined to determine the location and severity of stress remodelling associated with complete fracture. Databases were queried to determine whether racehorses with scintigraphic lesions suffered humeral fracture and whether racehorses with a complete humeral fracture had had a scintigraphic examination.Results: Horses at synthetic racetracks had a greater proportion of distal humeral lesions, whereas horses at dirt racetracks had a greater proportion of caudoproximal lesions (P<0.001). Proximal lesions were more likely to be severe than distal lesions (P<0.001). Most complete fractures were associated with caudoproximal lesions, which were more often severe than distal lesions (P = 0.002). None of the horses with a scintigraphic lesion had a complete humeral fracture. None of the horses with a complete humeral fracture underwent scintigraphic examination.Conclusions: Race surface affected humeral scintigraphic lesion location and hence the location of stress remodelling. Lesion severity was associated with lesion location. Complete humeral fracture was associated with caudoproximal stress remodelling and lack of scintigraphic examination.Potential relevance: Risk for complete humeral fracture may be lower on synthetic surfaces than on dirt surfaces, and, by inference, for horses examined using scintigraphy.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bluetongue Virus Serotype 16 of Goat Origin from India
Authors: Minakshi Prasad , Singh Ravinder , Ranjan Koushlesh , Kumar Pawan , Joshi Chaitanya G. , Reddy Y. Krishna Mohan , Prasad Gaya 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT
In this article, we document the first complete genome sequence of an isolate of bluetongue virus serotype 16 (BTV16) from a goat in India. The virus was isolated from an in-contact goat from an animal farm in Chennai where clinical disease occurs in sheep. The total size of the genome is 19,185 bp. The information provided for full-length sequences of all 10 segments will help in understanding the geographical origin and transmission of the Indian isolate of BTV16 as well as its comparison with global isolates of BTV16 of sheep, cattle, and other host species origins.
The Triple Threat of Cryptococcosis: It’s the Body Site, the Strain, and/or the Host
Authors: Perfect John R. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Cryptococcosis is the leading invasive fungal infection in the world today. Over the past century, the causative agents,
Cryptococcus neoformans
and
Cryptococcus gattii
, have risen from the status of medical curiosities to common but life-threatening central nervous system pathogens. In an elegant experimental pathobiology study of these two organisms carried out by Ngamskulrungroj et al., there are three matters that merit further discussion. First is the question of whether there is a variable specific pathobiology for each yeast strain. Does it make biological and clinical sense to designate
C. neoformans
and
C. gattii
as two separate species? Second is the matter of how the organisms differ pathologically at the site of infection. Finally, there is the possibility that the human immune system responds differently to each species. Although no single study can provide definitive mechanistic answers to the important questions, this experimental pathology study and its discussion clearly frame the issues to be dissected.
Limitations of serum values to estimate glomerular filtration rate during exercise
Authors: Poortmans Jacques R , Gulbis Béatrice , De Bruyn Edward , Baudry Stéphane , Carpentier Alain 
Published: July 2012

ObjectiveGlomerular filtration rate (GFR) is part of routine medical practice for clinical assessment of kidney function in health and disease conditions, and is determined by measuring the clearance of creatinine (Cl-Crn) or estimated (eGFR) from equations using serum creatinine (Crn) or cystatin C (Cyst C). Crn and Cyst C methods obviate the need for urine collection but their reliability under non-resting conditions is uncertain. This study compared GFR determined by Cl-Crn, Crn and Cyst C methods under the conditions of rest and after exercise.MethodsTwelve young male subjects performed a 30 min treadmill exercise at 80% of the maximal oxygen capacity. Venous blood samples and urine collections were collected before and after exercise and after recovery period. GFR rates were calculated from serum Crn and Cyst C equations, and Cl-Crn measured from serum and urine Crn output. Albumin was also determined for all samples.ResultsUnder resting conditions, eGFR from Crn and Cyst C did not differ from Cl-Crn (p=0.39). Immediately after exercise, GFR decreased significantly, regardless of the method, but more so for Cl-Crn (−30.0%; p<0.05) compared with Crn (−18.2%) and Cyst C (−19.8%). After the recovery period, GFR determined by Cl-Crn was returned to initial values whereas Crn and Cyst C remained reduced. Although eGFR methods accurately estimate GFR at rest, those methods underestimated the change in GFR after acute exercise.ConclusionsThese results indicate that exercise-induced changes in GFR should be determined by Cl-Crn method.
Diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests of the hip: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Reiman Michael P , Goode Adam P , Hegedus Eric J , Cook Chad E , Wright Alexis A 
Published: July 2012

BackgroundHip Physical Examination (HPE) tests have long been used to diagnose a myriad of intra-and extra-articular pathologies of the hip joint. Useful clinical utility is necessary to support diagnostic imaging and subsequent surgical decision making.ObjectiveSummarise and evaluate the current research and utility on the diagnostic accuracy of HPE tests for the hip joint germane to sports related injuries and pathology.MethodsA computer-assisted literature search of MEDLINE, CINHAL and EMBASE databases (January 1966 to January 2012) using keywords related to diagnostic accuracy of the hip joint. This systematic review with meta-analysis utilised thePreferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA) guidelines for the search and reporting phases of the study. Der-Simonian and Laird random effects models were used to summarise sensitivities (SN), specificities (SP), likelihood ratios and diagnostic OR.ResultsThe employed search strategy revealed 25 potential articles, with 10 demonstrating high quality. Fourteen articles qualified for meta-analysis. The meta-analysis demonstrated that most tests possess weak diagnostic properties with the exception of the patellar-pubic percussion test, which had excellent pooled SN 95 (95% CI 92 to 97%) and good specificity 86 (95% CI 78 to 92%).ConclusionSeveral studies have investigated pathology in the hip. Few of the current studies are of substantial quality to dictate clinical decision-making. Currently, only the patellar-pubic percussion test is supported by the data as a stand-alone HPE test. Further studies involving high quality designs are needed to fully assess the value of HPE tests for patients with intra- and extra-articular hip dysfunction.
Stroke and mortality in patients with incident heart failure: the Diet, Cancer and Health (DCH) cohort study
Authors: Lip Gregory Y H , Rasmussen Lars Hvilsted , Skjøth Flemming , Overvad Kim , Larsen Torben Bjerregaard 
Published: July 2012

ObjectiveThe objective was to test the hypothesis that the risk of stroke, death and the composite of ‘stroke and death’ would be increased among patients with incident heart failure (HF). While HF increases the risk of mortality, stroke and thromboembolism in general, the ‘extreme high-risk’ nature of incident HF is perhaps under-recognised in everyday clinical practice.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingLarge Danish prospective epidemiological cohort.ParticipantsSubjects in the Diet, Cancer and Health study.Outcome measuresStroke, death and the composite of ‘stroke and death’ among patients with incident cases of HF, without concomitant atrial fibrillation.ResultsFrom the original cohort, 1239 patients with incident HF were identified. Incidence rates show a higher incidence in the initial period following the diagnosis of HF, with a markedly higher rate of death and stroke (ischaemic or haemorrhagic) in the initial 30 days following the diagnosis of incident HF. While lower than the risk at 0–30 days, the higher risk did not return to normal at 6+ months after the diagnosis of incident HF. This risk increase was apparent for the end points of stroke (ischaemic or haemorrhagic or both) whether or not a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) was used. With VKA use, there was a lower adjusted HR for death and the composite of ‘death or stroke’ compared to non-VKA use at the three time intervals following diagnosis of HF, whether 0–30 days, 30 days to 6 months and 6+ months. On multivariate analysis, previous stroke/transient ischaemic attack/thromboembolism was a predictor of higher risk of stroke, death and the composite of ‘stroke and death’, while VKA treatment was a highly significant predictor of a lower risk for death (adjusted HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.74, p<0.001) and the combined end point of death or stroke (adjusted HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.96, p=0.003).ConclusionsBased on relative hazards, incident HF is clearly a major risk factor for stroke, death and the composite of ‘stroke and death’, especially in the initial 30 days following initial diagnosis. The use of VKA therapy was associated with a lower risk of these end points. These findings would have major implications for the approach to management of patients presenting with incident HF, given the high risk of this population for death and stroke, which may be ameliorated by VKA therapy.
Exposure to hot and cold temperatures and ambulance attendances in Brisbane, Australia: a time-series study
Authors: Turner Lyle R , Connell Des , Tong Shilu 
Published: July 2012

ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of hot and cold temperatures on ambulance attendances.DesignAn ecological time-series study.Setting and participantsThe study was conducted in Brisbane, Australia. The authors collected information on 783 935 daily ambulance attendances, along with data of associated meteorological variables and air pollutants, for the period of 2000–2007.Outcome measuresThe total number of ambulance attendances was examined, along with those related to cardiovascular, respiratory and other non-traumatic conditions. Generalised additive models were used to assess the relationship between daily mean temperature and the number of ambulance attendances.ResultsThere were statistically significant relationships between mean temperature and ambulance attendances for all categories. Acute heat effects were found with a 1.17% (95% CI 0.86% to 1.48%) increase in total attendances for 1°C increase above threshold (0–1 days lag). Cold effects were delayed and longer lasting with a 1.30% (0.87% to 1.73%) increase in total attendances for a 1°C decrease below the threshold (2–15 days lag). Harvesting was observed following initial acute periods of heat effects but not for cold effects.ConclusionsThis study shows that both hot and cold temperatures led to increases in ambulance attendances for different medical conditions. Our findings support the notion that ambulance attendance records are a valid and timely source of data for use in the development of local weather/health early warning systems.
Uncharted territory: measuring costs of diagnostic errors outside the medical record
Authors: Schwartz Alan , Weiner Saul J , Weaver Frances , Yudkowsky Rachel , Sharma Gunjan , Binns-Calvey Amy , Preyss Ben , Jordan Neil 
Published: July 2012

ContextIn a past study using unannounced standardised patients (USPs), substantial rates of diagnostic and treatment errors were documented among internists. Because the authors know the correct disposition of these encounters and obtained the physicians' notes, they can identify necessary treatment that was not provided and unnecessary treatment. They can also discern which errors can be identified exclusively from a review of the medical records.ObjectiveTo estimate the avoidable direct costs incurred by physicians making errors in our previous study.DesignIn the study, USPs visited 111 internal medicine attending physicians. They presented variants of four previously validated cases that jointly manipulate the presence or absence of contextual and biomedical factors that could lead to errors in management if overlooked. For example, in a patient with worsening asthma symptoms, a complicating biomedical factor was the presence of reflux disease and a complicating contextual factor was inability to afford the currently prescribed inhaler. Costs of missed or unnecessary services were computed using Medicare cost-based reimbursement data.SettingFourteen practice locations, including two academic clinics, two community-based primary care networks with multiple sites, a core safety net provider, and three Veteran Administration government facilities.Main outcome measuresContribution of errors to costs of care.ResultsOverall, errors in care resulted in predicted costs of approximately $174 000 across 399 visits, of which only $8745 was discernible from a review of the medical records alone (without knowledge of the correct diagnoses). The median cost of error per visit with an incorrect care plan differed by case and by presentation variant within case.ConclusionsChart reviews alone underestimate costs of care because they typically reflect appropriate treatment decisions conditional on (potentially erroneous) diagnoses. Important information about patient context is often entirely missing from medical records. Experimental methods, including the use of USPs, reveal the substantial costs of these errors.
Failures in communication and information transfer across the surgical care pathway: interview study
Authors: Nagpal Kamal , Arora Sonal , Vats Amit , Wong Helen W , Sevdalis Nick , Vincent Charles , Moorthy Krishna 
Published: July 2012

Background and ObjectivesEffective communication is imperative to safe surgical practice. Previous studies have typically focused upon the operating theatre. This study aimed to explore the communication and information transfer failures across the entire surgical care pathway.MethodsUsing a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 members of the multidisciplinary team (seven surgeons, five anaesthetists and six nurses) in an acute National Health Service trust. Participants' views regarding information transfer and communication failures at each phase of care, their causes, effects and potential interventions were explored. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and submitted to emergent theme analysis. Sampling ceased when categorical and theoretical saturation was achieved.ResultsPreoperatively, lack of communication between anaesthetists and surgeons was the most common problem (13/18 participants). Incomplete handover from the ward to theatre (12/18) and theatre to recovery (15/18) were other key problems. Work environment, lack of protocols and primitive forms of information transfer were reported as the most common cause of failures. Participants reported that these failures led to increased morbidity and mortality. Healthcare staff were strongly supportive of the view that standardisation and systematisation of communication processes was essential to improve patient safety.ConclusionsThis study suggests communication failures occur across the entire continuum of care and the participants opined that it could have a potentially serious impact on patient safety. This data can be used to plan interventions targeted at the entire surgical pathway so as to improve the quality of care at all stages of the patient's journey.
The unmet needs of partners and caregivers of adults diagnosed with cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Lambert Sylvie D , Harrison James D , Smith Ellen , Bonevski Billie , Carey Mariko , Lawsin Catalina , Paul Chris , Girgis Afaf 
Published: July 2012

ObjectivesThe recognition that a partner or caregiver is typically the patient's primary support person and is also deeply affected by the cancer diagnosis has prompted efforts to document their unmet supportive care needs. This review aimed to: (1) quantify the prevalence of unmet needs reported by partners and caregivers, (2) categorise their unmet needs by domain and (3) identify the main variables associated with reporting more unmet needs.MethodsManuscripts were identified through systematically searching electronic databases, checking the reference lists of retrieved publications, online searching of key journals and contacting researchers in this field.ResultsUnmet need items across 29 manuscripts were clustered into six domains: comprehensive cancer care (prevalence 1.1%–96%), emotional and psychological (3%–93.2%), partner or caregiver impact and daily activities (2.8%–79%), relationship (3.7% and 58%), information (2.2%–86%) and spiritual (2%–43%). Studies of caregivers of palliative care or terminal patients often reported a higher prevalence of unmet needs than studies of caregivers of cancer survivors. Variables associated with higher unmet needs included being female, not being the spouse of the patient, having lower social support or reporting distress.ConclusionsDespite the ability to classify unmet needs within broad domains, quantification of unmet needs was challenging. This was mainly due to the diversity in methods used across studies (eg, different measures, variability in conceptualisation of unmet needs, etc). Rigorous, context-specific, longitudinal studies that use validated measures are needed to benefit future intervention research.
Impact of population density on collision rates in a rapidly developing rural, exurban area of Los Angeles County
Authors: Fischer Kelly , Sternfeld Isabelle , Melnick Douglas Sloan 
Published: July 2012

ObjectivesTo determine if the commonly acknowledged relationships between population density and traffic collisions are found at the subcounty level and to describe how collision characteristics may vary substantially at a local level, with a particular emphasis on exurban areas.DesignLos Angeles County collision data were obtained from the California Highway Patrol and the census tract and service planning area (SPA) for each collision were determined. The correlation between population density and collision rates by census tract was calculated within each SPA and for the entire county. Primary collision factors were compared for geographic areas of different population densities within one exurban SPA in Los Angeles County.ResultsAn inverse relationship was found between collision rates and population density within Los Angeles County. Primary collisions factors were different in areas of the county with different population densities, with driving or biking under the influence particularly common in the most rural area.ConclusionsSubcounty analyses are very important to the study of traffic collisions. Traffic problems in rapidly developing exurban areas may be quite different from those in older, more established areas.
Analysis of utilization patterns of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty in the Medicare population
Authors: Manchikanti Laxmaiah , Pampati Vidyasagar , Hirsch Joshua A 
Published: July 2012

ObjectiveTo determine the pattern of utilization of vertebral augmentation procedures including vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty of the lumbar and thoracic spine in the Medicare population in the USA.MethodsThis analysis was performed using a standard 5% national sample of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services physician outpatient billing claims from 2001 to 2008 and the Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary Master File for 2009 and 2010. Overall characteristics of utilization patterns for vertebral augmentation procedures were evaluated using multiple variables.ResultsFrom 2002 to 2010, vertebroplasty procedures decreased overall by 24.6% with an average annual decrease of 3.5% per 100 000 Medicare population; from 2006 to 2010 the declines were 42.4% overall and 12.9% annually. From 2006 to 2010, kyphoplasty procedures increased overall by 0.8% with an annual average increase of 0.2% per 100 000 Medicare population.ConclusionAnalysis of growth patterns of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty in the Medicare population from 2002 to 2010 illustrates a lack of growth of kyphoplasty and a decline in vertebroplasty procedures.