bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Not Measuring Residual Gastric Volume in Mechanically Ventilated Patients Receiving Early Enteral Feeding
Authors: Poulard Fanny , Dimet Jerome , Martin‐Lefevre Laurent , Bontemps Frederic , Fiancette Maud , Clementi Eva , Lebert Christine , Renard Benoit , Reignier Jean 
Published: October 2009

Background:Monitoring of residual gastric volume (RGV) to prevent aspiration is standard practice in mechanically ventilated patients receiving early enteral nutrition (EN). No data are available to support a correlation between RGV and adverse event rates. We evaluated whether not measuring RGV affected EN delivery, vomiting, or risk of nosocomial pneumonia.Methods:Two hundred and five eligible patients with nasogastric feeding within 48 hours after intubation were included in a 7‐day prospective before–after study. Continuous 24‐hour nutrition was started at 25 mL/h then increased by 25 mL/h every 6 hours, to 85 mL/h. In both groups, intolerance was treated with erythromycin (250 mg IV/6 h) and a delivery rate decrease to the previously well‐tolerated rate. RGV monitoring was used during the first study period (n = 102), but not during the subsequent intervention period (n = 103). Intolerance was defined as RGV >250 mL/6 h or vomiting in the standard‐practice group and as vomiting in the intervention group.Results:Groups were similar for baseline characteristics. Median daily volume of enteral feeding was higher in the intervention group (1489; interquartile range [IQR], 1349–1647) than in the controls (1381; IQR, 1151–1591; P = .002). Intolerance occurred in 47 (46.1%) controls and 27 (26.2%) intervention patients (P = .004). The vomiting rate did not differ between controls and intervention group patients (24.5% vs 26.2%, respectively; P = .34), and neither was a difference found for ventilator‐associated pneumonia (19.6% vs 18.4%; P = .86).Conclusion:Early EN without RGV monitoring in mechanically ventilated patients improves the delivery of enteral feeding and may not increase vomiting or ventilator‐associated pneumonia.
Physical Activity Levels after Characterized Chondrocyte Implantation versus Microfracture in the Knee and the Relationship to Objective Functional Outcome with 2-year Follow-up
Authors: Van Assche Dieter , Van Caspel Danny , Vanlauwe Johan , Bellemans Johan , Saris Daniel B. , Luyten Frank P. , Staes Filip 
Published: October 2009

Background Characterized chondrocyte implantation results in superior structural repair compared with microfracture, but may be associated with a slower recovery of physical activity levels due to the arthrotomy. Hypotheses Our hypotheses were that (1) microfracture results in increased activity levels over 2 years after surgery compared with characterized chondrocyte implantation, (2) patients with high preinjury activity levels have a better functional outcome, and (3) high levels of low-load activities after surgery improve functional outcome. Study Design Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods Sixty-seven patients with local cartilage defects (mean size, 2.4 cm2; standard deviation, 1.5 cm2) of the femoral condyle underwent characterized chondrocyte implantation (n = 33) or microfracture (n = 34), followed by an identical rehabilitation protocol. Activity levels (assessed using the Activity Rating Scale) and functional outcome were determined at baseline, and 1 and 2 years after surgery. Functional outcome was based on the pooled symmetry index (derived from isokinetic knee extension strength and 3 one-legged hop tests). Patients’ participation in low-load activities during the first 3 months after surgery was assessed using rehabilitation data. Mixed linear model analyses and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used. Results Activity levels in patients treated with characterized chondrocyte implantation and microfracture were comparable at 1 and 2 years after surgery. Preinjury activity levels showed no relationship to functional outcome. Lack of postoperative low-load activities resulted in a significantly worse functional outcome (mean pooled symmetry index 78.2%) compared with high levels of postoperative surgery low-load activities (mean pooled symmetry index 92.4%). Conclusion Despite differences between the characterized chondrocyte implantation and microfracture procedures, patients’ activity levels were comparable at 2 years after surgery. Lack of low-load activities after surgery adversely affected functional outcome.
Midterm to Long-Term Longitudinal Outcome of Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation in the Knee Joint
Authors: Bhosale Abhijit M. , Kuiper Jan Herman , Johnson W. Eustace B. , Harrison Paul E. , Richardson James B. 
Published: October 2009

Background Autologous chondrocyte implantation is a cell therapeutic approach for the treatment of chondral and osteochon-dral defects in the knee joint. The authors previously reported on the histologic and radiologic outcome of autologous chondro-cyte implantation in the short- to midterm, which yields mixed results. Purpose The objective is to report on the clinical outcome of autologous chondrocyte implantation for the knee in the midterm to long term. Study Design Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods Eighty patients who had undergone autologous chondrocyte implantation of the knee with mid- to long-term follow-up were analyzed. The mean patient age was 34.6 years (standard deviation, 9.1 years), with 63 men and 17 women. Seventy-one patients presented with a focal chondral defect, with a median defect area of 4.1 cm2 and a maximum defect area of 20 cm2. The modified Lysholm score was used as a self-reporting clinical outcome measure to determine the following: (1) What is the typical pattern over time of clinical outcome after autologous chondrocyte implantation; and (2) Which patient-related predictors for the clinical outcome pattern can be used to improve patient selection for autologous chondrocyte implantation? Results The average follow-up time was 5 years (range, 2.7-9.3). Improvement in clinical outcome was found in 65 patients (81%), while 15 patients (19%) showed a decline in outcome. The median preoperative Lysholm score of 54 increased to a median of 78 points. The most rapid improvement in Lysholm score was over the 15-month period after operation, after which the Lysholm score remained constant for up to 9 years. The authors were unable to identify any patient-specific factors (ie, age, gender, defect size, defect location, number of previous operations, preoperative Lysholm score) that could predict the change in clinical outcome in the first 15 months. Conclusion Autologous chondrocyte implantation seems to provide a durable clinical outcome in those patients demonstrating success at 15 months after operation. Comparisons between other outcome measures of autologous chondrocyte implantation should be focused on the clinical status at 15 months after surgery. The patient-reported clinical outcome at 15 months is a major predictor of the mid- to long-term success of autologous chondrocyte implantation.
Chondrocyte Viability is Higher after Prolonged Storage at 37°C than at 4 C for Osteochondral Grafts
Authors: Pallante Andrea L. , Bae Won C. , Chen Albert C. , Görtz Simon , Bugbee William D. , Sah Robert L. 
Published: October 2009

Background Osteochondral allografts are currently stored at 4°C for 2 to 6 weeks before implantation. At 4°C, chondrocyte viability, especially in the superficial zone, deteriorates starting at 2 weeks. Alternative storage conditions could maintain chondrocyte viability beyond 2 weeks, and thereby facilitate increased graft availability and enhanced graft quality. Purpose The objective of the study was to determine the effects of prolonged 37°C storage compared with traditional 4°C storage on chondrocyte viability and cartilage matrix content. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Osteochondral samples from humeral heads of adult goats were analyzed (i) fresh, or after storage in medium for (ii) 14 days at 4°C including 10% fetal bovine serum, (iii) 28 days at 4°C including 10% fetal bovine serum, (iv) 28 days at 37°C without fetal bovine serum, (v) 28 days at 37°C including 2% fetal bovine serum, or (vi) 28 days at 37°C including 10% fetal bovine serum. Portions of samples were analyzed by microscopy after LIVE/DEAD staining to determine chondrocyte viability and density, both en face (to visualize the articular surface) and vertically (overall and in superficial, middle, and deep zones). The remaining cartilage was analyzed for sulfated glycosaminoglycan and collagen. Results The 37°C storage maintained high chondrocyte viability compared with 4°C storage. Viability of samples after 28 days at 37°C was ˜80% at the cartilage surface en face, ˜65% in the superficial zone, and ˜70% in the middle zone, which was much higher than ˜45%, ˜20%, and ˜35%, respectively, in 4°C samples after 28 days, and slightly decreased from ˜100%, ˜85%, and ˜95%, respectively, in fresh controls. Cartilage thickness, glycosaminoglycan content, and collagen content were maintained for 37°C and 4°C samples compared with fresh controls. Conclusion The 37°C storage of osteochondral grafts supports long-term chondrocyte viability, especially at the vulnerable surface and superficial zone of cartilage. Clinical Relevance Storage of allografts at a physiologic temperature of 37°C may prolong storage duration, improve graft availability, and improve treatment outcomes.
Return to Sports Participation after Articular Cartilage Repair in the Knee
Authors: Mithoefer Kai , Hambly Karen , Della Villa Stefano , Silvers Holly , Mandelbaum Bert R. 
Published: October 2009

Background Articular cartilage injury in the athlete's knee presents a difficult clinical challenge. Despite the importance of returning injured athletes to sports, information is limited on whether full sports participation can be successfully achieved after articular cartilage repair in the knee. Hypothesis Systematic analysis of athletic participation after articular cartilage repair will demonstrate the efficacy of joint surface restoration in high-demand patients and help to optimize outcomes in athletes with articular cartilage injury of the knee. Study Design Systematic review. Methods A comprehensive literature review of original studies was performed to provide information about athletic participation after articular cartilage repair. The athlete's ability to perform sports postoperatively was assessed by activity outcome scores, rate of return to sport, timing of the return, level of postoperative sports participation, and the continuation of athletic activity over time. Results Twenty studies describing 1363 patients were included in the review, with an average follow-up of 42 months. Return to sports was possible in 73% overall, with highest return rates after osteochondral autograft transplantation. Time to return to sports varied between 7 and 18 months, depending on the cartilage repair technique. Initial return to sports at the preinjury level was possible in 68% and did not significantly vary between surgical techniques. Continued sports participation at the preinjury level was possible in 65%, with the best durability after autologous chondrocyte transplantation. Several factors affected the ability to return to sport: athlete's age, preoperative duration of symptoms, level of play, lesion size, and repair tissue morphology. Conclusion Articular cartilage repair in the athletic population allows for a high rate of return to sports, often at the preinjury level. Return to sports participation is influenced by several independent factors. The findings provide pertinent information that is helpful for the clinical decision-making process and for the management of the athlete's postoperative expectations.
Loss-of-function Additional sex combs like 1 mutations disrupt hematopoiesis but do not cause severe myelodysplasia or leukemia
Authors: Fisher Cynthia L. , Pineault Nicolas , Brookes Christy , Helgason Cheryl D. , Ohta Hideaki , Bodner Caroline , Hess Jay L. , Humphries R. Keith , Brock Hugh W. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe Additional sex combs like 1 (Asxl1) gene is 1 of 3 mammalian homologs of the Additional sex combs (Asx) gene of Drosophila. Asx is unusual because it is required to maintain both activation and silencing of Hox genes in flies and mice. Asxl proteins are characterized by an amino terminal homology domain, by interaction domains for nuclear receptors, and by a C-terminal plant homeodomain protein-protein interaction domain. A recent study of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) revealed a high incidence of truncation mutations that would delete the PHD domain of ASXL1. Here, we show that Asxl1 is expressed in all hematopoietic cell fractions analyzed. Asxl1 knockout mice exhibit defects in frequency of differentiation of lymphoid and myeloid progenitors, but not in multipotent progenitors. We do not detect effects on hematopoietic stem cells, or in peripheral blood. Notably, we do not detect severe myelodysplastic phenotypes or leukemia in this loss-of-function model. We conclude that Asxl1 is needed for normal hematopoiesis. The mild phenotypes observed may be because other Asxl genes have redundant function with Asxl1, or alternatively, MDS or oncogenic phenotypes may result from gain-of-function Asxl mutations caused by genomic amplification, gene fusion, or truncation of Asxl1.
Gene ARMADA: an integrated multi-analysis platform for microarray data implemented in MATLAB
Authors: Chatziioannou Aristotelis , Moulos Panagiotis , Kolisis Fragiskos N 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe microarray data analysis realm is ever growing through the development of various tools, open source and commercial. However there is absence of predefined rational algorithmic analysis workflows or batch standardized processing to incorporate all steps, from raw data import up to the derivation of significantly differentially expressed gene lists. This absence obfuscates the analytical procedure and obstructs the massive comparative processing of genomic microarray datasets. Moreover, the solutions provided, heavily depend on the programming skills of the user, whereas in the case of GUI embedded solutions, they do not provide direct support of various raw image analysis formats or a versatile and simultaneously flexible combination of signal processing methods.ResultsWe describe here Gene ARMADA (Automated Robust MicroArray Data Analysis), a MATLAB implemented platform with a Graphical User Interface. This suite integrates all steps of microarray data analysis including automated data import, noise correction and filtering, normalization, statistical selection of differentially expressed genes, clustering, classification and annotation. In its current version, Gene ARMADA fully supports 2 coloured cDNA and Affymetrix oligonucleotide arrays, plus custom arrays for which experimental details are given in tabular form (Excel spreadsheet, comma separated values, tab-delimited text formats). It also supports the analysis of already processed results through its versatile import editor. Besides being fully automated, Gene ARMADA incorporates numerous functionalities of the Statistics and Bioinformatics Toolboxes of MATLAB. In addition, it provides numerous visualization and exploration tools plus customizable export data formats for seamless integration by other analysis tools or MATLAB, for further processing. Gene ARMADA requires MATLAB 7.4 (R2007a) or higher and is also distributed as a stand-alone application with MATLAB Component Runtime.ConclusionGene ARMADA provides a highly adaptable, integrative, yet flexible tool which can be used for automated quality control, analysis, annotation and visualization of microarray data, constituting a starting point for further data interpretation and integration with numerous other tools.
Relatedness facilitates cooperation in the subsocial spider, Stegodyphus tentoriicola
Authors: Ruch Jasmin , Heinrich Lisa , Bilde Trine , Schneider Jutta M 
Published: October 2009

Abstract

Background
Cooperative hunting and foraging in spiders is rare and prone to cheating such that the actions of selfish individuals negatively affect the whole group. The resulting social dilemma may be mitigated by kin selection since related individuals lose indirect fitness benefits by acting selfishly. Indeed, cooperation with genetic kin reduces the disadvantages of within-group competition in the subsocial spider Stegodyphus lineatus, supporting the hypothesis that high relatedness is an important pre-adaptation in the transition to sociality in spiders. In this study we examined the consequences of group size and relatedness on cooperative feeding in the subsocial spider S. tentoriicola, a species suggested to be at the transition to permanent sociality.

Results
We formed groups of 3 and 6 spiders that were either siblings or non-siblings. We found that increasing group size negatively affected feeding efficiency but that these negative effects were reduced in sib-groups. Sib groups were more likely to feed cooperatively and all group members grew more homogenously than groups of unrelated spiders. The measured differences did not translate into differential growth or mortality during the experimental period of 8 weeks.

Conclusion
The combination of our results with those from previous studies indicates that the conflict between individual interests and group interests may be reduced by nepotism and that the latter promote the maintenance of the social community.
Time series analysis of dengue fever and weather in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Lu Liang , Lin Hualiang , Tian Linwei , Yang Weizhong , Sun Jimin , Liu Qiyong 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackgroundMonitoring and predicting dengue incidence facilitates early public health responses to minimize morbidity and mortality. Weather variables are potential predictors of dengue incidence. This study explored the impact of weather variability on the transmission of dengue fever in the subtropical city of Guangzhou, China.MethodsTime series Poisson regression analysis was performed using data on monthly weather variables and monthly notified cases of dengue fever in Guangzhou, China for the period of 2001-2006. Estimates of the Poisson model parameters was implemented using the Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) approach; the quasi-likelihood based information criterion (QICu) was used to select the most parsimonious model.ResultsTwo best fitting models, with the smallest QICu values, are selected to characterize the relationship between monthly dengue incidence and weather variables. Minimum temperature and wind velocity are significant predictors of dengue incidence. Further inclusion of minimum humidity in the model provides a better fit.ConclusionMinimum temperature and minimum humidity, at a lag of one month, are positively associated with dengue incidence in the subtropical city of Guangzhou, China. Wind velocity is inversely associated with dengue incidence of the same month. These findings should be considered in the prediction of future patterns of dengue transmission.
Comparative functional analysis of Jembrana disease virus Tat protein on lentivirus long terminal repeat promoters: evidence for flexibility at its N-terminus
Authors: Su Yang , Deng Gang , Gai Yuanming , Li Yue , Gao Yang , Du Jiansen , Geng Yunqi , Chen Qimin , Qiao Wentao 
Published: October 2009

Abstract

Background
Jembrana disease virus (JDV) encodes a potent regulatory protein Tat that strongly stimulates viral expression by transactivating the long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter. JDV Tat (jTat) promotes the transcription from its own LTR as well as non-cognate LTRs, by recruiting host transcription factors and facilitating transcriptional elongation. Here, we compared the sequence requirements of jTat for transactivation of JDV, bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) LTRs.

Results
In this study, we identified the minimal protein sequence for LTR activation using jTat truncation mutants. We found that jTat N-terminal residues were indispensable for transactivating the HIV LTR. In contrast, transactivation of BIV and JDV LTRs depended largely on an arginine-rich motif and some flanking residues. Competitive inhibition assay and knockdown analysis showed that P-TEFb was required for jTat-mediated LTR transactivation, and a mammalian two-hybrid assay revealed the robust interaction of jTat with cyclin T1. In addition, HIV LTR transactivation was largely affected by fusion protein at the jTat N-terminus despite the fact that the cyclin T1-binding affinity was not altered. Furthermore, the jTat N-terminal sequence enabled HIV Tat to transactivate BIV and JDV LTRs, suggesting the flexibility at the jTat N-terminus.

Conclusion
This study showed the distinct sequence requirements of jTat for HIV, BIV and JDV LTR activation. Residues responsible for interaction with cyclin T1 and transactivation response element are the key determinants for transactivation of its cognate LTR. N-terminal residues in jTat may compensate for transactivation of the HIV LTR, based on the flexibility.
Management of renal nutcracker syndrome by retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy with ex vivo autograft repair and autotransplantation: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Xu Danfeng , Liu Yushan , Gao Yi , Zhang Lei , Wang Junkai , Che Jiangping , Zhu Youhua 
Published: October 2009

Abstract

Introduction
Nutcracker syndrome (NCS) is caused by a compression of the left renal vein between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). It results in left renal venous hypertension, and the subsequent development of venous varicosities of the renal pelvis, ureter, and gonadal vein.

Case presentation
A 21-year-old Chinese woman was admitted with a seven-month history of unilateral severe hematuria. On admission, she was identified as having nutcracker syndrome. The patient was treated with retroperitoneal laparoscopic donor nephrectomy and renal autotransplantation. The patient underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic donor nephrectomy using a retroperitoneal three-port technique with ex vitro autograft repair and subsequent renal autotransplantation into the iliac fossa. In order to shorten the hot ischemia time and improve the patient's cosmetic outcome, a minor oblique incision in the left, lower quadrant was prepared in advance of the laparoscopic donor nephrectomy for use as a site for the autograft to be procured through the retroperitoneal space and as a transplant site for the autograft. Two days after the operation, the patient's symptoms subsided. Serum creatinine before and after the operation were 53 mmol/L and 55 mmol/L, respectively. The patient had normal renal function during a follow-up three months after the operation.

Conclusion
The treatment of nutcracker syndrome by retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy with ex vitro repair and autotransplantation is a simpler and less invasive procedure than open surgery. Moreover, a minor incision on the left hypogastrium can shorten the autograft's hot ischemic time and improve patients' cosmetic outcomes, especially in young women.