bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of serum anti‐Müllerian hormone concentrations for the diagnosis of granulosa‐cell tumours in mares
Authors: BALL B. A. , ALMEIDA J. , CONLEY A. J. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryReasons for performing study:Endocrinological assays are important for evaluation of mares with granulosa‐cell tumours (GCTs), and our research in mares indicates that anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) may be a good biomarker for this type of ovarian tumour.Objectives:To evaluate the use of serum AMH concentrations for endocrine diagnosis of GCTs in mares.Methods:Archived serum samples (n = 403) previously assayed for determination of serum inhibin, testosterone and progesterone concentrations (GCT panel) were assayed for serum AMH concentrations using a heterologous enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay previously validated by our laboratory. For a subset (n = 44) of these samples, a clinical diagnosis of GCT was confirmed by histopathology.Results:Overall, the sensitivity of AMH (98%) for detection of histologically confirmed GCTs was significantly (P<0.05) greater than that of either inhibin (80%) or testosterone (48%) or the combination of inhibin and testosterone (84%).Conclusions:Determination of serum AMH concentrations is a useful biomarker for detection of GCTs in the mare.Potential relevance:Measurement of serum AMH concentrations can be used for diagnosis of GCTs in the mare. As serum AMH concentrations do not vary significantly during the oestrous cycle or pregnancy, interpretation of these results is not confounded by these physiological states.
Antimicrobial‐associated diarrhoea in three equine referral practices
Authors: BARR B. S. , WALDRIDGE B. M. , MORRESEY P. R. , REED S. M. , CLARK C. , BELGRAVE R. , DONECKER J. M. , WEIGEL D. J. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryReasons for performing study:Although antimicrobial‐associated diarrhoea (AAD) is the most frequently observed adverse effect of antimicrobial therapy in horses, few multicentred studies on the prevalence of AAD have been performed.Objectives:To determine the prevalence of AAD in horses that developed diarrhoea after antimicrobial treatment for nondiarrhoeic conditions and identify the antimicrobials used.Methods:The 2009 database of 3 referral hospitals was searched to identify nonhospitalised horses (weanling age or older) treated with antimicrobials for nongastrointestinal conditions. Horses with these criteria that presented with diarrhoea during 2009 were included in the study. Additional information, including antimicrobial administered and results of faecal pathogen testing, was gathered on each hospitalised case.Results:Of the 5251 horses treated with antimicrobials for nongastrointestinal signs, 32 were diagnosed with probable AAD, a prevalence of 0.6% (95% confidence interval: 0.43–0.86%). The AAD‐diagnosed horses had an 18.8% (6/32) mortality rate. Horses with AAD had been treated for an average of 4.2 days. The most frequently used antimicrobials in horses with AAD were gentamicin in combination with penicillin (n = 7), enrofloxacin (n = 7) and doxycycline (n = 4).Clostridium difficilewas identified in faecal samples from 4 horses, 2 of which died andSalmonellafrom 3 horses.Conclusions:Results indicated that the prevalence of AAD is low. Any antimicrobial class commonly used in equine practice is a potential cause of equine AAD. Other risk factors, such as opportunistic enteropathogens, may play a part in the development of diarrhoea secondary to antimicrobial usage.Potential relevance:Although the risk of equine AAD is low, this sequela of antimicrobial treatment is possible especially when opportunistic enteropathogens or other risk factors are present. Because drugs from any antimicrobial class can be potentially involved in AAD, clinicians have additional incentive to ensure the judicious use of antimicrobial agents.
Roles of the non-medical prescribing leads within organisations across a Strategic Health Authority: perceived functions and factors supporting the role
Authors: Lim Rosemary Hwee Mei , Courtenay Molly , Fleming Gail 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Objectives
Extending the roles of nurses, pharmacists and allied health professionals to include prescribing has been identified as one way of improving service provision. In the UK, over 50 000 non-medical healthcare professionals are now qualified to prescribe. Implementation of non-medical prescribing ( NMP) is crucial to realise the potential return on investment. The UK Department of Health recommends a NMP lead to be responsible for the implementation of NMP within organisations. The aim of this study was to explore the role of NMP leads in organisations across one Strategic Health Authority (SHA) and to inform future planning with regards to the criteria for those adopting this role, the scope of the role and factors enabling the successful execution of the role.

Methods
Thirty-nine NMP leads across one SHA were approached. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted. Issues explored included the perceived role of the NMP lead, safety and clinical governance procedures and facilitators to the role. Transcribed audiotapes were coded and analysed using thematic analytical techniques.

Key findings
In total, 27/39 (69.2%) NMP leads were interviewed. The findings highlight the key role that the NMP lead plays with regards to the support and development of NMP within National Health Service trusts. Processes used to appoint NMP leads lacked clarity and varied between trusts. Only two NMP leads had designated or protected time for their role. Strategic influence, operational management and clinical governance were identified as key functions. Factors that supported the role included organisational support, level of influence and dedicated time.

Conclusion
The NMP lead plays a significant role in the development and implementation of NMP. Clear national guidance is needed with regards to the functions of this role, the necessary attributes for individuals recruited into this post and the time that should be designated to it. This is important as prescribing is extended to include other groups of non-medical healthcare professionals.
Bloodstream Infection Due to Mycoplasma arginini in an Immunocompromised Patient
Authors: Watanabe Mayumi , Hitomi Shigemi , Goto Miki , Hasegawa Yuichi 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Mycoplasma arginini
, an organism usually recovered from mammals, was isolated from the blood of a febrile patient with advanced non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The patient's condition improved without administration of antimycoplasmal drugs. Simulation of blood culture showed that automated blood culture instruments may fail to detect the organism.
Complete Genome Sequences of Two
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Temperate Phages, MP29 and MP42, Which Lack the Phage-Host CRISPR Interaction
Authors: Chung In-Young , Cho You-Hee 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

We report the complete genome sequence of two
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
phages MP29 and MP42. Their genomes are similar to those of
P. aeruginosa
temperate phages DMS3 and MP22, whose lysogens are impaired in swarming motilities, involving the host CRISPR loci. Both MP29 and MP42 lysogens, however, were proficient in swarming, suggesting the absence of the phage-host CRISPR interaction.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Celeribacter
Bacteriophage P12053L
Authors: Kang Ilnam , Jang Hani , Oh Hyun-Myung , Cho Jang-Cheon 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

The
Roseobacter
clade has been recognized as one of the abundant bacterial lineages in marine environments, which makes the characterization of bacteriophages infecting members of the clade important. Here we report the complete genome sequence of bacteriophage P12053L, which infects
Celeribacter
sp. strain IMCC12053, a member of the
Roseobacter
clade.
Flow diversion to treat aneurysms: the free segment of stent
Authors: Darsaut Tim E , Bing Fabrice , Makoyeva Alina , Gevry Guylaine , Salazkin Igor , Raymond Jean 
Published: July 2012

PurposeFlow diverters (FDs) have led to spectacular results in otherwise untreatable aneurysm cases, but complications can occur. There is a pressing need to study factors that might predict their safety and efficacy.MethodsThe anatomical constraints that may impact on the ability of FDs to redirect blood flow and provide a scaffold for neointima formation across the aneurysm or branch ostia are explored and classified. A nomenclature is needed to identify the key factors that should be taken into account before contemplating the use of FDs in clinical aneurysms, and that should be reproduced in experimental models, if they are to guide safe clinical use.ResultsThe free stent segment (FSS), the portion of the device that covers an aneurysm or branch origin, dictates whether aneurysms or branches will remain patent. Three levels of increasing complexity must be taken into account to anticipate what will occur at the FSS level. (1) Virtual models can provide basic principles; (2) in vitro studies allow testing FSS deformations that may occur in various anatomical circumstances and impact on efficacy and safety; (3) but only in vivo studies can provide key information on neointimal closure following implantation that will differentiate success from failure.ConclusionsA nomenclature is necessary to determine the optimal or suboptimal conditions for FDs and to design the virtual, in vitro and in vivo studies that will allow a better understanding of the factors involved in the success or failure of this novel treatment.
Intra and postoperative assessment of re‐sterilised Ligasure Atlas for orchidectomies in horses: clinical study
Authors: Gracia‐Calvo L.A. , Martín‐Cuervo M. , Jiménez J. , Vieítez V. , Durán M. E. , Argüelles D. , Ezquerra L. J. 
Published: July 2012

Horses (n=35) underwent orchidectomy in a single institution with a re‐sterilised LSA as sole means of haemostasis. During the surgery, the gross quality of the seal, the stickiness of the forceps to the tissues, bleeding/oozing from the stump and the need for a subsequent application in already severed spermatic cord were assessed for haemostasis quality. After surgery, physical parameters (appearance of the mucous membranes, quality of the peripheral pulse, heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature and blood dripping from the incisions), haematology or packed cell volume and total protein were monitored to assess signs of bleeding or any other condition. For cleanliness and asepsis assessment, signs of surgical infection were recorded.Complications during surgery were mild degree of sticking of the LSA forceps to the tissues and dulling of the blade. There was no need to reapply LSA a second time except in one horse. This means a haemostasis complication rate of 2.85 per cent of the horses. No postoperative bleeding was detected. Only two horses with fever had associated signs of surgical site infection. This means an infection rate of 5.71 per cent of the horses.
PDGF Receptor Alpha Is an Alternative Mediator of Rapamycin-Induced Akt Activation: Implications for Combination Targeted Therapy of Synovial Sarcoma
Authors: Ho Alan L. , Vasudeva Shyamprasad Deraje , Laé Marick , Saito Tsuyoshi , Barbashina Violetta , Antonescu Cristina R. , Ladanyi Marc , Schwartz Gary K. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAkt activation by the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) has been posited to be a mechanism of intrinsic resistance to mTORC1 inhibitors (rapalogues) for sarcomas. Here we show that rapamycin-induced phosphorylation of Akt can occur in an IGF-1R–independent manner. Analysis of synovial sarcoma cell lines showed that either IGF-1R or the PDGF receptor alpha (PDGFRA) can mediate intrinsic resistance to rapamycin. Repressing expression of PDGFRA or inhibiting its kinase activity in synovial sarcoma cells blocked rapamycin-induced phosphorylation of Akt and decreased tumor cell viability. Expression profiling of clinical tumor samples revealed that PDGFRA was the most highly expressed kinase gene among several sarcoma disease subtypes, suggesting that PDGFRA may be uniquely significant for synovial sarcomas. Tumor biopsy analyses from a synovial sarcoma patient treated with the mTORC1 inhibitor everolimus and PDGFRA inhibitor imatinib mesylate confirmed that this drug combination can impact both mTORC1 and Akt signals in vivo. Together, our findings define mechanistic variations in the intrinsic resistance of synovial sarcomas to rapamycin and suggest therapeutic strategies to address them. Cancer Res; 72(17); 4515–25. ©2012 AACR.
Bugging Tumors
Authors: Hoffman Robert M. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Summary: The effects of bacteria on patients with cancer have been observed for at least two centuries. Recent studies in animal models of cancer have shown efficacy of both anaerobic bacteria such as Clostridia and Bifidobacteria and facultative anaerobes such as Salmonella. In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Flentie and colleagues have identified five Salmonella promoters that are specifically stimulated by cancer cells as well as by acidic pH, a property of most tumors. One of these promoters (STM1787) was linked to a Shiga toxin gene and inserted in a wild-type Salmonella typhimurium strain, which showed in vivo antitumor efficacy. Approaches to further improving the efficacy of S. typhimurium with the use of tumor-targeting mutations are discussed. Because the barriers to efficacy of standard therapy of cancer appear to be opportunities for bacterial cancer therapy, the future of bacterial therapy of cancer appears bright. Cancer Discov; 2(7); 588–90. ©2012 AACR.
Commentary on Flentie et al., p. 624.
Oxidative stress and platelet activation in subjects with moderate hyperhomocysteinaemia due to MTHFR 677 C→T polymorphism
Authors: Dragani Alfredo , Falco Angela , Santilli Francesca , Basili Stefania , Rolandi Giancarlo , Cerasa Loredana , Lattanzio Stefano , Ciabattoni Giovanni , Patrono Carlo , Davì Giovanni 
Published: July 2012

SummaryThe methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677 C→T polymorphism may be associated with elevated total homocysteine (tHcy) levels, an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It was the study objective to evaluate in vivo lipid peroxidation and platelet activation in carriers of the MTHFR 677 C→T polymorphism and in non-carriers, in relation to tHcy and folate levels. A cross-sectional comparison of urinary 8-iso-prostaglandin (PG)F2α and 11-dehydro-thromboxane (TX)B2 (markers of in vivo lipid peroxidation and platelet activation, respectively) was performed in 100 carriers and 100 non-carriers of the polymorphism. A methionine-loading test and folic acid supplementation were performed to investigate the causal relationship of the observed associations. Urinary 8-iso-PGF2α and 11-dehydro-TXB2 were higher in carriers with hyperhomocysteinaemia than in those without hyperhomocysteinaemia (p<0.0001). Hyperhomocysteinaemic carriers had lower folate levels (p=0.0006), higher urinary 8-iso-PGF2α (p<0.0001) and 11-dehydro-TXB2 (p<0.0001) than hyperhomocysteinaemic non-carriers. On multiple regression analysis, high tHcy (p<0.0001), low folate (p<0.04) and MTHFR 677 C→T polymorphism (p<0.001) independently predicted high rates of 8-iso-PGF2α excretion. Methionine loading increased plasma tHcy (p=0.002), and both urinary prostanoid metabolites (p=0.002). Folic acid supplementation was associated with decreased urinary 8-iso-PGF2α and 11-dehydro-TXB2 excretion (p<0.0003) in the hyperhomocysteinaemic group, but not in the control group, with substantial inter-individual variability related to baseline tHcy level and the extent of its reduction. In conclusion, hyperhomocysteinaemia due to the MTHFR 677 C→T polymorphism is associated with enhanced in vivo lipid peroxidation and platelet activation that are reversible, at least in part, following folic acid supplementation. An integrated biomarker approach may help identifying appropriate candidates for effective folate supplementation.
Does the Inclusion of Stroke Severity in a 30-Day Mortality Model Change Standardized Mortality Rates at Veterans Affairs Hospitals?
Authors: Keyhani Salomeh , Cheng Eric , Arling Greg , Li Xinli , Myers Laura , Ofner Susan , Williams Linda S. , Phipps Michael , Ordin Diana , Bravata Dawn M. 
Published: July 2012

Background—
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is considering developing a 30-day ischemic stroke hospital-level mortality model using administrative data. We examined whether inclusion of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), a measure of stroke severity not included in administrative data, would alter 30-day mortality rates in the Veterans Health Administration.

Methods and Results—
A total of 2562 veterans admitted with ischemic stroke to 64 Veterans Health Administration Hospitals in the fiscal year 2007 were included. First, we examined the distribution of unadjusted mortality rates across the Veterans Health Administration. Second, we estimated 30-day all-cause, risk standardized mortality rates (RSMRs) for each hospital by adjusting for age, sex, and comorbid conditions using hierarchical models with and without the inclusion of the NIHSS. Finally, we examined whether adjustment for the NIHSS significantly changed RSMRs for each hospital compared with other hospitals. The median unadjusted mortality rate was 3.6%. The RSMR interquartile range without the NIHSS ranged from 5.1% to 5.6%. Adjustment with the NIHSS did not change the RSMR interquartile range (5.1%–5.6%). Among veterans ≥65 years, the RSMR interquartile range without the NIHSS ranged from 9.2% to 10.3%. With adjustment for the NIHSS, the RSMR interquartile range changed from 9.4% to 10.0%. The plot of 30-day RSMRs estimated with and without the inclusion of the NIHSS in the model demonstrated overlapping 95% confidence intervals across all hospitals, with no hospital significantly below or above the mean-unadjusted 30-day mortality rate. The 30-day mortality measure did not discriminate well among hospitals.

Conclusions—
The impact of the NIHSS on RSMRs was limited. The small number of stroke admissions and the narrow range of 30-day stroke mortality rates at the facility level in the Veterans Health Administration cast doubt on the value of using 30-day RSMRs as a means of identifying outlier hospitals based on their stroke care quality.
Daytime Sleepiness and Risk of Stroke and Vascular Disease
Authors: Boden-Albala Bernadette , Roberts Eric T. , Bazil Carl , Moon Yeseon , Elkind Mitchell S. V. , Rundek Tatjana , Paik Myunghee C. , Sacco Ralph L. 
Published: July 2012

Background—
Recent studies have suggested that poor quality and diminished quantity of sleep may be independently linked to vascular events although prospective and multiethnic studies are limited. This study aimed to explore the relationship between daytime sleepiness and the risk of ischemic stroke and vascular events in an elderly, multiethnic prospective cohort.

Methods and Results—
As part of the Northern Manhattan Study, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale was collected during the 2004 annual follow-up. Daytime sleepiness was trichotomized using previously reported cut points of no dozing, some dozing, and significant dozing. Subjects were followed annually for a mean of 5.1 years. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for stroke, myocardial infarction, and death outcomes. We obtained the Epworth Sleepiness Scale on 2088 community residents. The mean age was 73.5 ± 9.3 years; 64% were women; 17% were white, 20% black, 60% Hispanic, and 3% were other. Over 44% of the cohort reported no daytime dozing, 47% some dozing, and 9% significant daytime dozing. Compared with those reporting no daytime dozing, individuals reporting significant dozing had an increased risk of ischemic stroke (hazard ratio, 2.74 [95% confidence interval, 1.38–5.43]), all stroke (3.00 [1.57–5.73]), the combination of ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and vascular death (2.38 [1.50–3.78]), and all vascular events (2.48 [1.57–3.91]), after adjusting for medical comorbidities.

Conclusions—
Daytime sleepiness is an independent risk factor for stroke and other vascular events. These findings suggest the importance of screening for sleep problems at the primary care level.
Emergency Medical Service Hospital Prenotification Is Associated With Improved Evaluation and Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Lin Cheryl B. , Peterson Eric D. , Smith Eric E. , Saver Jeffrey L. , Liang Li , Xian Ying , Olson DaiWai M. , Shah Bimal R. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Schwamm Lee H. , Fonarow Gregg C. 
Published: July 2012

Background—
The benefits of intravenous tissue-plasminogen activator (tPA) in acute ischemic stroke are time-dependent. Emergency medical services (EMS) hospital prenotification of an incoming patient with potential stroke may provide a means of reducing evaluation and treatment times and improving treatment rates; yet, available data are limited.

Methods and Results—

We examined 371 988 patients with acute ischemic stroke transported by EMS and enrolled in
Get With The Guidelines–Stroke
from April 1, 2003, to March 31, 2011. Prenotification occurred in 249 197 (67.0%) of EMS-transported patients. Among eligible patients arriving by 2 hours, patients with EMS prenotification were more likely to be treated with tPA within 3 hours (82.8% versus 79.2%, absolute difference +3.5%,
P
<0.0001, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale-documented cohort; 73.0% versus 64.0%, absolute difference +9.0%,
P
<0.0001, overall cohort). Patients with EMS prenotification had shorter door-to–imaging times (26 minutes versus 31 minutes,
P
<0.0001), shorter door-to–needle times (78 minutes versus 80 minutes,
P
<0.0001), and shorter symptom onset-to–needle times (141 minutes versus 145 minutes,
P
<0.0001). In multivariable and modified Poisson regression analyses accounting for the clustering of patients within hospitals, use of EMS prenotification was independently associated with greater likelihood of door-to–imaging times ≤25 minutes, door-to–needle times for tPA ≤60 minutes, onset-to–needle times ≤120 minutes, and tPA use within 3 hours.

Conclusions—
EMS hospital prenotification is associated with improved evaluation, timelier stroke treatment, and more eligible patients treated with tPA. These results support the need for initiatives targeted at increasing EMS prenotification rates as a mechanism from improving quality of care and outcomes in stroke.
Decreased Functional Connectivity by Aging Is Associated with Cognitive Decline
Authors: Onoda Keiichi , Ishihara Masaki , Yamaguchi Shuhei 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAging is related to cognitive decline, and it has been reported that aging disrupts some resting state brain networks. However, most studies have focused on the default mode network and ignored other resting state networks. In this study, we measured resting state activity using fMRI and explored whether cognitive decline with aging is related to disrupted resting state networks. Independent component analysis was used to evaluate functional connectivity. Notably, the connectivity within the salience network that consisted of the bilateral insula and the anterior cingulated cortex decreased with aging; the impairment of functional connectivity was correlated with measured decreases in individual cognitive abilities. Furthermore, certain internetwork connectivities (salience to auditory, default mode to visual, etc.) also decreased with aging. These results suggest that (1) aging affects not only the default mode network but also other networks, specifically the salience network; (2) aging affects internetwork connectivity; and (3) disruption of the salience network is related to cognitive decline in elderly people.