bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Importance of ENT assessment in stratifying candidates for sinus floor elevation: a prospective clinical study
Authors: Torretta Sara , Mantovani Mario , Testori Tiziano , Cappadona Maurizio , Pignataro Lorenzo 
Published: November 2011

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this article was to describe our experience in the field of preoperative ear, nose and throat (ENT) assessment in each candidate for (maxillary) sinus floor elevation (SFE) after the introduction of a systematic protocol. The protocol evaluates the sinus compliance by means of ENT preliminary examination with nasal fiberoptic endoscopy to identify all of the situations that may predispose to post‐lifting complications, i.e. potentially irreversible (PIECs) and presumably reversible (PRECs) ENT contraindications to SFE, and to evaluate its impact on SFE success.Material and methodsPatient candidates for SFE were carefully assessed by means of case‐history collection, complete ENT evaluation with nasal fiberoptic endoscopy and imaging to detect PIECs, PRECs, or no ENT contraindications for SFE. In case of PRECs, SFE was postponed until complete clinical recovery. Impact of preoperative ENT assessment on SFE outcome was assessed by means of post‐lifting telephonic interview and ENT evaluation.ResultsPRECs were detected and resolved before SFE was performed in 38.2% of our 34 patients; no intra‐ or post‐lifting complications occurred in the patients with no ENT contraindications or PRECs.ConclusionsThe results of the study suggest that a careful multi‐tasking preoperative management, including an ENT assessment with fiberoptic endoscopy and a radiological evaluation extended to the ostio‐meatal complex, is very useful in candidates for SFE.
Changes in Indications for Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Over the Last 27 Years in Croatia
Authors: Brunetta Gavranić Bruna , Bašić‐Jukić Nikolina , Kes Petar 
Published: November 2011

AbstractResults from recent trials and advances in the fields of medicine and technology have altered the spectrum of indications for use of therapeutic plasma exchange. In this article we analyze changes in indications for therapeutic plasma exchange that have occurred during 27 years in Croatia. We retrospectively analyzed the database of the Department of Dialysis at the University Hospital Center, Zagreb (678 patients; 6596 procedures), for changes in indications for therapeutic plasma exchange from 1982 to 2008. The number of patients and procedures increased several‐fold during the follow‐up period, but the mean number of procedures per patient per year did not change significantly. Neurological disorders constituted the largest group of indications for therapeutic plasma exchange (66% of all indications), followed by hematological (16%), nephrological (6%), and rheumatological disorders (6%). Myasthenia gravis was the most frequent indication during the entire follow‐up period, but the pattern of other indications changed, with the most frequent at the beginning of follow‐up becoming the least frequent at the end of follow‐up. The five most frequent indications represented 62.2% of all indications at the beginning of follow‐up, whereas during the 1990s, this percentage increased to more than 90% of all indications. Since the year 2000, the spectrum of indications has grown, and the percentage of the five most common indications decreased to 79.9%. Despite changes in indications for therapeutic plasma exchange, this procedure is still applicable in various medical fields, either traditional or newly created with the development of medicine and technology.
Mobilization and Harvesting of Peripheral Blood Stem Cells in Pediatric Patients With Solid Tumors
Authors: Veljkovic Dobrila , Vujic Dragana , Nonkovic Olivera Serbic , Jevtic Dragana , Zecevic Zeljko , Lazic Emilija 
Published: November 2011

AbstractSurvival of patients with high‐risk pediatric solid tumors has improved with the introduction of a high‐dose chemotherapy regimen and autologous stem cell rescue. Here, we present our data regarding the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of hematopoietic stem cell mobilization and harvesting in children with solid tumors. From November 2002 to March 2010, 85 children underwent autologous peripheral blood stem cell collection; 35 (41.1%) of them weighed less than 20 kg and were diagnosed with neuroblastoma, Wilms' tumor, medulloblastoma, yolk sac sarcoma, or non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. The mobilization regimens included disease‐specific chemotherapy plus granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor in most of the patients. The median age and weight at the time of apheresis was 36 months and 13.5 kg, respectively. Large‐volume leukapheresis was performed with the aim of reducing the psychological and financial impact of leukapheresis by reducing the number of procedures while collecting a large number of cells. The median number of mobilization and leukapheresis procedures per case was one. The pre‐apheresis CD34+ cell count ranged from 2 to 845 µL, with a median of 24 µL. A median of four patient blood volumes was processed per procedure, lasting 279 min (range, 113–420 min). A radial catheter was used for harvesting in 35 procedures (71.4%). The median yield of CD34+ cells was 6.6 × 106/kg per patient. The targeted dose of 5 × 106/kg CD34+ cells was realized in 80% of patients. The tolerance of peripheral blood stem cell collection in our patients was good. In conclusion, the collection of peripheral blood stem cells is an effective and safe procedure, even when conducted on the youngest children.
Renal Resistive Index in 55 Dogs with Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Chetboul V. , Daste T. , Gouni V. , Concordet D. , Trehiou‐Sechi E. , Serres F. , Pouchelon J.L. , Germain C.A. , Layssol‐Lamour C. , Lefebvre H.P. 
Published: November 2011

BackgroundAzotemia occurs frequently in dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD). It could indicate changes in renal hemodynamics.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo assess the renal resistive index (RI) in dogs withDMVD, and the statistical link between heart failure class, azotemia, echo‐Doppler parameters, several plasma variables, andRI.AnimalsFifty‐five dogs with naturally occurringDVMDwere used (ISACHCclass 1 [n = 28], 2 [n = 19], and 3 [n = 8]).MethodsObservational, blinded study, performed under standardized conditions. Physical examination, renal ultrasonography, and echo‐Doppler examinations were performed in awake dogs. TheRIof the renal, interlobar, and arcuate arteries were measured. Plasma creatinine, urea, and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide concentrations (NT‐proBNP) were determined. Statistical links between variables andRIwere tested by means of a general linear model.ResultsAlthough theRIof renal and arcuate arteries were unaffected byISACHCclass, the left interlobarRIincreased (P < .001) from 0.62 ± 0.05 (mean ± SD) in class 1 to 0.76 ± 0.08 in class 3. It was also higher (P < .001) in azotemic (0.74 ± 0.08) than in non‐azotemic (0.62 ± 0.05) dogs. Similar findings were observed for right interlobarRI. Univariate analysis showed a positive statistical link betweenNT‐proBNP(P = .002), urea (P < .001), creatinine (P = .002), urea‐to‐creatinine ratio (P < .001), left atrium‐to‐aorta ratio (P < .001), regurgitation fraction (P < .001), systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (P < .001), shortening fraction (P = .035), andRI.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceIn dogs withDMVD, interlobarRIincreases with heart failure severity and azotemia but a cause and effect relationship remains to be established.
Overstory and understory relationships in longleaf pine plantations 14 years after thinning and woody control
Authors: Harrington Timothy B. 
Published: November 2011

To develop silvicultural strategies for restoring longleaf pine ( Pinus palustris Mill.) savannas, mortality and growth of overstory pines and midstory hardwoods and abundance and species richness of herbs were studied for 14 years after pine thinning and nonpine woody control. Pine cover in thinned stands was about half of that in nonthinned stands through year 5, but it lagged by only 8% and 3% in years 9 and 14, respectively, because of vigorous crown responses. Despite a cumulative mortality of 64% of hardwood stems from prescribed fires in years 0, 4, and 9, hardwood basal area in thinned stands (2.1 m2·ha–1) was three times that in nonthinned stands (0.7 m2·ha–1) in year 14. Thinning was associated with 13%–22% more cover and six to eight more species of herbs in years 3–8 but only 6% more cover and two more species in year 14 because of accelerated growth of pine cover and hardwood basal area. However, similar increases in cover and richness of herb species in the woody control treatment were retained through year 14 because it had sustained reductions in hardwood and shrub abundance. Silvicultural strategies that substantially delay encroachment by pines, hardwoods, and shrubs will be those most effective at retaining herb species in longleaf pine savannas, including planting pines at wide spacing, periodic thinning and woody control, and frequent burning.
Forest structure altered by mountain pine beetle outbreaks affects subsequent attack in a Wyoming lodgepole pine forest, USA
Authors: Kashian Daniel M. , Jackson Rebecca M. , Lyons Heather D. 
Published: November 2011

Extensive outbreaks of the mountain pine beetle ( Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) will alter the structure of many stands that will likely be attacked again before experiencing a stand-replacing fire. We examined a stand of lodgepole pine ( Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm. ex S. Watson) in Grand Teton National Park currently experiencing a moderate-level outbreak and previously attacked by mountain pine beetle in the 1960s. Consistent with published studies, tree diameter was the main predictor of beetle attack on a given tree, large trees were preferentially attacked, and tree vigor, age, and cone production were unimportant variables for beetle attack at epidemic levels. Small trees killed in the stand were killed based mainly on their proximity to large trees and were likely spatially aggregated with large trees as a result of the previous outbreak. We concluded that the driving factors of beetle attack and their spatial patterns are consistent across outbreak severities but that stand structure altered by the previous outbreak had implications for the current outbreaks in the same location. This study should catalyze additional research that examines how beetle-altered stand structure affects future outbreaks — an important priority for predicting their impacts under climate change scenarios that project increases in outbreak frequency and extent.
Identification of Coronary Plaque Sub-Types Using Virtual Histology Intravascular Ultrasound Is Affected by Inter-Observer Variability and Differences in Plaque Definitions
Authors: Obaid Daniel R. , Calvert Patrick A. , McNab Duncan , West Nick E.J. , Bennett Martin R. 
Published: November 2011

Background—
Recent studies show that virtual histology intravascular ultrasound (VH-IVUS) can identify plaques at high risk of rupture, such as thin-capped fibroatheromata, raising the possibility of immediate targeted intervention. However, plaque classification entails border recognition and subjective assessment of plaque architecture, introducing inter-observer variability without confirmation by core-labs. Furthermore, the accuracy of local versus core-laboratory VH-IVUS plaque classification and effects of different plaque definitions have not been examined.

Methods and Results—
Local observers classified 100 VH-IVUS-defined coronary plaques to determine single center inter-observer variability; multi-center variability was determined by comparison with VH-IVUS core-laboratory analysis, and compared with gray-scale IVUS. Frequency of plaque types using different published plaque definitions also was determined. Single-center VH-IVUS inter-observer agreement was strong (kappa=0.86), but lower for thin-capped fibroatheromatas (k=0.59) because of observer judgments on presence and location of confluent necrotic core. Multi-center inter-observer agreement for plaque classification was lower again (k=0.71), particularly for thin-capped fibroatheromatas (k=0.56). Different plaque definitions further reduced VH-IVUS-defined thin-capped fibroatheromata numbers by 44%. The diagnostic accuracy of gray-scale IVUS to identify thin-capped fibroatheromata was poor for both observers (21 and 29% correct), with low inter-observer agreement (k=0.14).

Conclusions—
VH-IVUS plaque classification, and particularly VH-IVUS-defined thin-capped fibroatheromata identification, varies significantly between local observers, and particularly in comparison with core-laboratory analysis. Differences in VH-IVUS plaque definitions introduce further variability between studies. These factors reduce the use of VH-IVUS plaque classification to guide intervention in a “live” clinical setting, and also affect comparison of diagnostic accuracy and natural history of plaques between studies.
Correlates of Tricuspid Regurgitation as Determined by 3D Echocardiography: Pulmonary Arterial Pressure, Ventricle Geometry, Annular Dilatation, and Papillary Muscle Displacement
Authors: Spinner Erin M. , Lerakis Stamatios , Higginson Jason , Pernetz Maria , Howell Sharon , Veledar Emir , Yoganathan Ajit P. 
Published: November 2011

Background—
While it is understood that annular dilatation contributes to tricuspid regurgitation (TR), other factors are less clear. The geometry of the right ventricle (RV) and left ventricle (LV) may alter tricuspid annulus size and papillary muscle (PM) positions leading to TR.

Methods and Results—

Three-dimensional echocardiographic images were obtained at Emory University Hospital using a GE Vivid 7 ultrasound system. End-diastolic area was used to classify ventricle geometry: control (n=21), isolated RV dilatation (n=17), isolated LV dilatation (n=13), and both RV and LV dilatation (n=13). GE EchoPAC was used to measure annulus area and position of the PM tips. Patients with RV dilatation had significant (
P
≤ 0.05) displacement of all PMs apically and the septal PM and posterior PM away from the center of the RV toward the LV. Patients with LV dilatation had significant (
P
≤0.05) apical displacement of the anterior PM. Pulmonary arterial pressure (
r
=0.66), annulus area (
r
=0.51), apical displacement of the anterior PM (
r
=0.26), posterior PM (
r
=0.49), and septal PM (
r
=0.40), lateral displacement of the septal PM (
r
=0.37) and posterior PM (
r
=0.40), and tenting area and height (
r
=0.54, 0.49), were significantly (
P
≤0.05) correlated to the grade of TR. Ventricle classification (
r
=0.46) and RV end-diastolic area (
r
=0.48) also were correlated with the grade of TR. A regression analysis found ventricle classification (
P
=0.001), pulmonary arterial pressure (
P
≤0.001) annulus area (
P
=0.027), and apical displacement of the anterior PM (
P
=0.061) to be associated with the grade of TR.

Conclusions—
Alterations in ventricular geometry can lead to TR by altering both tricuspid annulus size and PM position. Understanding these geometric interactions with the aim of correcting pathological alterations of the tricuspid valve apparatus may lead to more robust repairs.
Superstability of approximate d'Alembert harmonic functions
Authors: Kim Hark-Mahn , Kim Gwang Hui , Han Mi Hyun 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
In this article, we study the superstability problem for the complex-valued functional equation

f

(

x
+
y
+
z

)

+
f

(

x
+
y
-
z

)

+
f

(

y
+
z
-
x

)

+
f

(

z
+
x
-
y

)

=
4
f

(

x

)

f

(

y

)

f

(

z

)

on an abelian group and on a commutative semisimple Banach algebra. As a result, we obtain application to harmonic functions satisfying the equation approximately.
Horizontal gene transfer in Histophilus somni and its role in the evolution of pathogenic strain 2336, as determined by comparative genomic analyses
Authors: Siddaramappa Shivakumara , Challacombe Jean F , Duncan Alison J , Gillaspy Allison F , Carson Matthew , Gipson Jenny , Orvis Joshua , Zaitshik Jeremy , Barnes Gentry , Bruce David , Chertkov Olga , Detter J Chris , Han Cliff S , Tapia Roxanne , Thompson Linda S , Dyer David W , Inzana Thomas J 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Pneumonia and myocarditis are the most commonly reported diseases due to Histophilus somni, an opportunistic pathogen of the reproductive and respiratory tracts of cattle. Thus far only a few genes involved in metabolic and virulence functions have been identified and characterized in H. somni using traditional methods. Analyses of the genome sequences of several Pasteurellaceae species have provided insights into their biology and evolution. In view of the economic and ecological importance of H. somni, the genome sequence of pneumonia strain 2336 has been determined and compared to that of commensal strain 129Pt and other members of the Pasteurellaceae.

Results
The chromosome of strain 2336 (2,263,857 bp) contained 1,980 protein coding genes, whereas the chromosome of strain 129Pt (2,007,700 bp) contained only 1,792 protein coding genes. Although the chromosomes of the two strains differ in size, their average GC content, gene density (total number of genes predicted on the chromosome), and percentage of sequence (number of genes) that encodes proteins were similar. The chromosomes of these strains also contained a number of discrete prophage regions and genomic islands. One of the genomic islands in strain 2336 contained genes putatively involved in copper, zinc, and tetracycline resistance. Using the genome sequence data and comparative analyses with other members of the Pasteurellaceae, several H. somni genes that may encode proteins involved in virulence (e.g., filamentous haemaggutinins, adhesins, and polysaccharide biosynthesis/modification enzymes) were identified. The two strains contained a total of 17 ORFs that encode putative glycosyltransferases and some of these ORFs had characteristic simple sequence repeats within them. Most of the genes/loci common to both the strains were located in different regions of the two chromosomes and occurred in opposite orientations, indicating genome rearrangement since their divergence from a common ancestor.

Conclusions
Since the genome of strain 129Pt was ~256,000 bp smaller than that of strain 2336, these genomes provide yet another paradigm for studying evolutionary gene loss and/or gain in regard to virulence repertoire and pathogenic ability. Analyses of the complete genome sequences revealed that bacteriophage- and transposon-mediated horizontal gene transfer had occurred at several loci in the chromosomes of strains 2336 and 129Pt. It appears that these mobile genetic elements have played a major role in creating genomic diversity and phenotypic variability among the two H. somni strains.
The complete mitochondrial genome of Flustra foliacea (Ectoprocta, Cheilostomata) - compositional bias affects phylogenetic analyses of lophotrochozoan relationships
Authors: Nesnidal Maximilian P , Helmkampf Martin , Bruchhaus Iris , Hausdorf Bernhard 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
The phylogenetic relationships of the lophophorate lineages, ectoprocts, brachiopods and phoronids, within Lophotrochozoa are still controversial. We sequenced an additional mitochondrial genome of the most species-rich lophophorate lineage, the ectoprocts. Although it is known that there are large differences in the nucleotide composition of mitochondrial sequences of different lineages as well as in the amino acid composition of the encoded proteins, this bias is often not considered in phylogenetic analyses. We applied several approaches for reducing compositional bias and saturation in the phylogenetic analyses of the mitochondrial sequences.

Results
The complete mitochondrial genome (16,089 bp) of Flustra foliacea (Ectoprocta, Gymnolaemata, Cheilostomata) was sequenced. All protein-encoding, rRNA and tRNA genes are transcribed from the same strand. Flustra shares long intergenic sequences with the cheilostomate ectoproct Bugula, which might be a synapomorphy of these taxa. Further synapomorphies might be the loss of the DHU arm of the tRNA L(UUR), the loss of the DHU arm of the tRNA S(UCN) and the unique anticodon sequence GAG of the tRNA L(CUN). The gene order of the mitochondrial genome of Flustra differs strongly from that of the other known ectoprocts. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial nucleotide and amino acid data sets show that the lophophorate lineages are more closely related to trochozoan phyla than to deuterostomes or ecdysozoans confirming the Lophotrochozoa hypothesis. Furthermore, they support the monophyly of Cheilostomata and Ectoprocta. However, the relationships of the lophophorate lineages within Lophotrochozoa differ strongly depending on the data set and the used method. Different approaches for reducing heterogeneity in nucleotide and amino acid data sets and saturation did not result in a more robust resolution of lophotrochozoan relationships.

Conclusion
The contradictory and usually weakly supported phylogenetic reconstructions of the relationships among lophotrochozoan phyla based on mitochondrial sequences indicate that these alone do not contain enough information for a robust resolution of the relations of the lophotrochozoan phyla. The mitochondrial gene order is also not useful for inferring their phylogenetic relationships, because it is highly variable in ectoprocts, brachiopods and some other lophotrochozoan phyla. However, our study revealed several rare genomic changes like the evolution of long intergenic sequences and changes in the structure of tRNAs, which may be helpful for reconstructing ectoproct phylogeny.