bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intra‐ and inter‐Individual variability in nerve block duration: A randomized cross‐over trial in the common peroneal nerve of healthy volunteers
Authors: Madsen Mikkel H. , Christiansen Claus B. , Mølleskov Elise , Rothe Christian , Jensen Andreas E. K. , Lundstrøm Lars H. , Lange Kai H. W. 
Published: November 2019

BackgroundThe reported variation in nerve block duration is considerable. To individualize nerve block therapy, knowledge of the intra‐ vs inter‐individual variability is essential. We investigated the relative contribution of these 2 parameters to the overall nerve block duration variability.MethodsWith ethics committee approval, we conducted a randomized cross‐over trial where 20 healthy volunteers received 8 common peroneal nerve blockades with lidocaine 0.5% on 4 consecutive days. Allocations were 5 mL to either the right or left side and 10 mL to the opposite side on day 1 and 2 and vice versa on day 3 and 4. With fixed needle entry and nerve target, we repeated local anaesthetic deposition for each blockade. The primary outcome was variation in duration of sensory nerve block defined as insensitivity to a cold stimulus. Data were analysed using linear mixed model regression.ResultsThe mean sensory block duration of 380 (95% CI = [342; 418]) minutes on day one was 55 [33; 77] minutes longer than on day two (P < .001), but there were no differences in mean duration between days 2, 3 and 4. The ratios with 2.5; 97.5 percentiles between inter‐ and intra‐individual variation were 2.4 [0.8; 5.2] for the 5 mL blockades and 3.0 [0.9; 6.7] for the 10 mL blockades. The probabilities of inter‐ to intra‐individual variation‐ratios >1 were 96% and 97%. Conclusion: The intra‐individual variability is a substantially minor contributor to the overall variability in sensory nerve block duration compared with the inter‐individual variability.
Understanding rural household behavior: Beyond Boserup and Becker
Authors: Doss Cheryl R. , Quisumbing Agnes R. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractNew data and new methods have provided many new insights into rural households in the past 50 years. We analyze what we have learned from household models since Boserup and Becker, using this to frame more recent findings about household behavior from three types of studies: observational studies, experimental games, and impact evaluations. More sex‐disaggregated data, as well as data that are collected at smaller units, such as agricultural plots, have allowed us to better understand agricultural productivity, risk sharing, and spousal cooperation. However, the focus on bargaining within households has often led us to ignore the cooperation that occurs within households. Many resources are owned and managed jointly by household members and many decisions are made jointly, although not all parties necessarily have equal voice in these decisions. Research demonstrating that households often do not reach efficient outcomes suggests that we still have much to learn about rural household behavior. Understanding both individual roles within households and the levels of cooperation, including joint decision making and ownership of resources, is essential to analysis of households, especially in rural areas where households engage in both production and consumption.
Patterns of mandibular asymmetries in two types of companion rabbits
Authors: Parés‐Casanova Pere M. , Cabello Maria 
Published: November 2019

AbstractDevelopmental instability hypothesis suggests that asymmetric variation can partially reflect the body's inability to buffer environmental and/or genetic perturbations. Fluctuating asymmetry (FA), that is random differences between the left and right sides of body features that are symmetric at the population level, can assess this approach. Another kind of asymmetry is directional asymmetry (DA) which appears when the left and right sides differ consistently from each other. Extreme selection for morphological traits, as appear in some companion rabbits selected for a paedomorphic (dwarf rabbits) or gerontomorphic (belier rabbits) appearance, may cause abnormal functional conditions, which in turn could be expressed as significative degrees of asymmetries. To study these phenomena, we analysed 62 mandibles of companion rabbits (20 beliers and 42 dwarfs) by means of geometric morphometric methods and quantified their size and shape asymmetric variation (both FA and DA) using 18 landmarks on the lateral side. FA was present in both types but in different degrees, being higher among dwarfs. It is considered that this type is subject to deeper changes than among beliers, and therefore, there is higher pressure on the phenotype. This observation could be assumed to be an adaptive response, coming out as FA. The presence of DA was significative and similar for two types. This likely indicates common masticatory lateralization, a pattern that has been detected in other domestic mammals. The methodological framework presented in this study can be valuable for future works focused on genetically and/or environmentally related form study in pets.
Pregnancy outcome in women with cerebral palsy: A nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Sundelin Heléne E. K. , Stephansson Olof , Johansson Stefan , Ludvigsson Jonas F. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionCerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong disorder with a high rate of comorbidities and complications. We hypothesized that women with CP are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome.Material and methodsIn this nationwide population‐based cohort study 1997‐2011, we examined the outcome of 770 births in women with CP vs 1 247 408 births in women without a CP diagnosis using the Swedish Medical Birth Register. We used unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for maternal age, smoking, parity, year of birth and epilepsy, to calculate adjusted odds ratios for adverse pregnancy outcome. Main adverse outcome was preterm birth. Secondary outcomes were cesarean section, induction of labor, low 5‐min Apgar score, small for gestational age, large for gestational age, and stillbirth.ResultsAfter adjusting for potential confounders, maternal CP was associated with increased risk of preterm birth (12.9% vs 4.9%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.8, 95% CI 2.3‐3.5), cesarean delivery (aOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.6‐2.2), induced delivery (aOR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1‐1.6), low 5‐min Apgar score (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1‐2.9) and small of gestational age birth (aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2‐2.3). We found no increased risk of large for gestational age or stillbirth.ConclusionsWomen with CP are at increased risk of preterm birth and other adverse pregnancy outcomes, suggesting that they deserve extra surveillance during antenatal care. Further studies, with information on type of CP and gross motor function, are warranted to better understand the association between CP and pregnancy outcome.
Cytokine adsorption as a promising option for septic shock and multiple organ failure due to Candida infection and decompensated type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Klinkmann Gerd , Stope Matthias B. , Meyer Andreas 
Published: November 2019

AbstractType 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) represents one of the most common chronic diseases in childhood. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates due to metabolic dysregulation, immunosuppressive effects, and a predisposition to fungal infections. Candidiasis is a severe infection and its prevalence has increased throughout the last decades. We report the case of a 19‐year‐old female patient admitted to our intensive care unit with T1DM and Candida infection associated with severe metabolic acidosis. In the absence of response to high dose catecholamine cardiovascular therapy and the presence of severe metabolic acidosis, a CytoSorb cartridge was implemented into the extracorporeal dialysis circuit resulting in a stabilization of hemodynamics accompanied by a tremendous decrease in vasopressor requirements, control of the hyperinflammatory response, as well as a resolution of metabolic acidosis and regeneration of renal function. Treatment with CytoSorb was safe and feasible without technical problems. Notably, this is the first case description reporting on the effects of CytoSorb in a patient with Candida infection as part of T1DM.
Patterns of morphologic alteration correlate with vision in diabetic macular oedema: a cross‐sectional evaluation of patients using the SAVE II protocol
Authors: Bolz Matthias , Podkowinski Dominika , Pretzl Josef , Mursch‐Edlmayr Anna‐Sophie , Luft Nikolaus , Ring Michael ,   for the SAVE Study Group
Published: November 2019

AbstractPurposeWe sought to describe and evaluate patients with clinically significant diabetic macular oedema (CSME) according to the improved SAVE II protocol and correlate findings with visual acuity and systemic parameters in the outpatient clinic for DR (diabetic retinopathy) management.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional case series study of patients with CSME, regardless of prior treatment. Visual acuity testing was performed according to the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) protocol. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescence angiography (FA) were performed. All imaging data were evaluated according to an improved version of the SAVE grading protocol for CSME (SAVE II). The main outcome measures were SAVE II oedema types and best‐corrected visual acuity. Additional parameters of a blood sample (fasting glucose, haemoglobin A1c, serum creatinine, triglycerides, cholesterol, low‐density lipoproteins, and high‐density lipoproteins) were taken.ResultsIn total, 66 eyes of 66 patients were included. The mean age of the patients was 64.9 ± 8.2 years. Two eyes were classified as SAVE oedema type 1, 19 eyes as SAVE oedema type 2, 28 eyes as SAVE oedema type 3, and 28 eyes as SAVE oedema type 4, respectively. Central retinal thickness and laboratory parameters were not significantly different between the groups. There was a statistically significant difference in ETDRS visual acuity between the SAVE groups 2 and 4 (p < 0.001) with lower vision in group 4. There was no statistically significant difference between oedema types 2 and 3 (p = 0.065) and oedema types 3 and 4 (p = 0.13).ConclusionThere was a significant correlation between the four defined oedema types and visual acuity. Morphologic findings did not correlate with any of the evaluated blood parameters.
Burden of dry eye disease in Germany: a retrospective observational study using German claims data
Authors: Siffel Csaba , Hennies Nora , Joseph Corey , Lascano Valeria , Horvat Pia , Scheider Maria , Ganzera Frank 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the clinical and economic burden of dry eye disease (DED) among affected patients in Germany.MethodsAdult patients (≥18 years) with ≥1 confirmed diagnosis of DED during the study period (2008–2015) were identified from the medical claims of ~3.6 million insured patients from Betriebskrankenkassen, a German statutory health insurance database. Prevalence (per 1000 patients) and incidence (per 1000 person‐years at risk) were estimated, and demographic and clinical characteristics, treatment history (excluding over‐the‐counter tear supplements), healthcare resource use (HCRU) and costs were assessed.ResultsIn this population, the prevalence of DED increased from 20.24 in 2008 to 23.13 per 1000 patients in 2014. Overall incidence was 6.24 per 1000 person‐years at risk (2008–2015). Prevalence and incidence increased with age and were higher in women. Mean age at index was 63.4 years (incident cohort, n = 35 026). The most common ocular comorbidity was cataract (48.5%), and ~36% of patients were dispensed a reimbursed DED‐specific medication during the postindex period – most commonly, corticosteroids alone (13.2%) or in combination with anti‐infectives (21.8%). HCRU was high in patients with DED, mostly due to comorbidities. HCRU and associated costs were highest in patients ≥60 years. Total costs during the postindex period were higher in the DED cohort than among matched controls (€117 million versus €107 million; p < 0.001).ConclusionThis retrospective database analysis provides a better understanding of the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, real‐world treatment patterns, HCRU and costs associated with DED in patients living in Germany.
Next‐generation sequencing‐aided precise diagnosis of Stickler syndrome type I
Authors: Wang Dan‐Dan , Gao Feng‐Juan , Hu Fang‐Yuan , Li Jian‐Kang , Zhang Sheng‐Hai , Xu Ping , Chang Qing , Jiang Rui , Wu Ji‐Hong 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPurposeTo explore an early, rapid and precise diagnosis of Stickler syndrome type I (STL1) and to enrich the spectrum ofCOL2A1mutations in the Chinese population, which is poorly studied at present.MethodsIn the current study, we analysed 115 patients with high myopia by next‐generation sequencing and identified fiveSTL1 patients from four unrelated Chinese families. The clinical features of all patients were reviewed in detail.ResultsFour variants ofCOL2A1were identified, including two novel variants (c.1435delG and c.184delG) and two previously reported variants (c.1221+1G>A and c.1030C>T). Three variants caused premature termination codons which were common inSTL1. In addition, we proposed a new diagnostic tactic to improve early diagnostics ofSTL1 in patients.ConclusionIn this study, our findings expanded the spectrum ofCOL2A1mutations with two novel variants and provided a new diagnostic tactic for reference, which was of great significance. Precise diagnosis on the basis of clinical manifestations and genetic testing will become the gold standard to diagnose inherited ocular disorders or syndromes in the future.
Post‐ejaculatory modifications to sperm (PEMS)
Authors: Pitnick Scott , Wolfner Mariana F. , Dorus Steve 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTMammalian sperm must spend a minimum period of time within a female reproductive tract to achieve the capacity to fertilize oocytes. This phenomenon, termed sperm ‘capacitation’, was discovered nearly seven decades ago and opened a window into the complexities of sperm–female interaction. Capacitation is most commonly used to refer to a specific combination of processes that are believed to be widespread in mammals and includes modifications to the sperm plasma membrane, elevation of intracellular cyclic AMP levels, induction of protein tyrosine phosphorylation, increased intracellular Ca2+ levels, hyperactivation of motility, and, eventually, the acrosome reaction. Capacitation is only one example of post‐ejaculatory modifications to sperm (PEMS) that are widespread throughout the animal kingdom. Although PEMS are less well studied in non‐mammalian taxa, they likely represent the rule rather than the exception in species with internal fertilization. These PEMS are diverse in form and collectively represent the outcome of selection fashioning complex maturational trajectories of sperm that include multiple, sequential phenotypes that are specialized for stage‐specific functionality within the female. In many cases, PEMS are critical for sperm to migrate successfully through the female reproductive tract, survive a protracted period of storage, reach the site of fertilization and/or achieve the capacity to fertilize eggs. We predict that PEMS will exhibit widespread phenotypic plasticity mediated by sperm–female interactions. The successful execution of PEMS thus has important implications for variation in fitness and the operation of post‐copulatory sexual selection. Furthermore, it may provide a widespread mechanism of reproductive isolation and the maintenance of species boundaries. Despite their possible ubiquity and importance, the investigation of PEMS has been largely descriptive, lacking any phylogenetic consideration with regard to divergence, and there have been no theoretical or empirical investigations of their evolutionary significance. Here, we (i) clarify PEMS‐related nomenclature; (ii) address the evolutionary origin, maintenance and divergence in PEMS in the context of the protracted life history of sperm and the complex, selective environment of the female reproductive tract; (iii) describe taxonomically widespread types of PEMS: sperm activation, chemotaxis and the dissociation of sperm conjugates; (iv) review the occurence of PEMS throughout the animal kingdom; (v) consider alternative hypotheses for the adaptive value of PEMS; (vi) speculate on the evolutionary implications of PEMS for genomic architecture, sexual selection, and reproductive isolation; and (vii) suggest fruitful directions for future functional and evolutionary analyses of PEMS.
Suspension, not expungement: Rationalizing misguided policy decisions around cannabis amnesty in Canada
Authors: McAleese Samantha 
Published: November 2019

AbstractHundreds of thousands of Canadians continue to carry the burden of convictions for minor possession of cannabis obtained prior to legalization. Despite support for an automatic expungement process to eliminate the collateral consequences of punishment, the Trudeau government opted for a less favourable policy instrument – record suspensions. Drawing from parliamentary debate and committee hearings, the author summarizes the discussion and debate on Bill C‐93 and analyzes this misguided decision using Miljan’s work on policy instrument choice and rationality. The emphasis on bureaucratic rationality specifically resulted in a maintenance of the status quo when it comes to criminal justice policy and an uninspiring approach to cannabis amnesty in Canada.
Inhibition of Ctsk modulates periodontitis with arthritis via downregulation of TLR9 and autophagy
Authors: Wei Wei , Ren Jie , Yin Wuwei , Ding Handong , Lu Qiuyu , Tan Liangyu , Deng Shibing , Liu Jie , Yang Qin , Wang Jiajia , Wang Min , Yue Yuan , Hao Liang 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectivesThe mechanisms underlying the effects of Toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR9) and autophagy on rheumatoid arthritis (RA)‐aggravated periodontitis are unclear. We aimed to explore a novel target, cathepsin K (Ctsk)‐mediated TLR9‐related autophagy, during the progress of periodontitis with RA.Materials and MethodsDBA/J1 mouse model of periodontitis with RA was created by local colonization of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and injection of collagen. The expression of Ctsk was inhibited by adeno‐associated virus (AAV). Micro‐CT, immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blot and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) were used to detect the expression of TLR9‐related autophagy in periodontitis with RA. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) and CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODN) were applied in macrophages. Western blot, immunofluorescence (IF) and qRT‐PCR were used to verify the in vivo results.ResultsRA can promote periodontitis bone destruction in the lesion area, while inhibiting Ctsk could effectively alleviate this effect. The infiltration of macrophages, TLR9, autophagy proteins (TFEB and LC3) and inflammatory cytokines increased in the periodontitis‐with‐RA group and was reduced by the inhibition of Ctsk in the periodontal region. Macrophage stimulation confirmed the in vivo results. With the activation of TLR9 by CpG ODN, inhibition of Ctsk could suppress both TLR9 downstream signalling proteins and autophagy‐related proteins.ConclusionsThis study advanced a novel role for Ctsk in TLR9 and autophagy to explain the interaction between periodontitis and RA.
Modelled distributions and conservation status of the wild relatives of chile peppers (CapsicumL.)
Authors: Khoury Colin K. , Carver Daniel , Barchenger Derek W. , Barboza Gloria E. , van Zonneveld Maarten , Jarret Robert , Bohs Lynn , Kantar Michael , Uchanski Mark , Mercer Kristin , Nabhan Gary Paul , Bosland Paul W. , Greene Stephanie L. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAimTo fill critical knowledge gaps with regard to the distributions and conservation status of the wild relatives of chile peppers (CapsicumL.).LocationThe study covered the potential native ranges of currently recognized wildCapsicumtaxa, throughout the Americas.MethodsWe modelled the potential distributions of 37 wild taxa in the genus, characterized their ecogeographic niches, assessed their ex situ and in situ conservation status, and performed preliminary threat assessments.ResultsWe categorize 18 of the taxa as “high priority” for further conservation action as a consequence of a combination of their ex situ and in situ assessments, 17 as “medium priority,” and two as “low priority.” Priorities for resolving gaps in ex situ conservation were determined to be high for 94.6%, and medium or high with regard to increased habitat protection for 64.9% of the taxa. The preliminary threat assessment indicated that six taxa may be critically endangered, three endangered, ten vulnerable, six near threatened and 12 least concern.Main conclusionsTaxonomic richness hot spots, especially along the Atlantic coast of Brazil, in Bolivia and Paraguay, and in the highlands of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela, represent particularly high priority regions for further collecting for ex situ conservation as well as for enhanced habitat conservation.
Allogeneic stem cell transplant in myelodysplastic syndrome‐factors impacting survival
Authors: Prem Shruti , Atenafu Eshetu G. , Lam Wilson , Law Arjun , Michelis Fotios V. , Kim Dennis , Viswabandya Auro , Howard Lipton Jeffrey , Mattsson Jonas , Kumar Rajat 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectivesThe primary aim of this study was to evaluate survival outcomes following allo‐HCT in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and the secondary aim was to study variables impacting survival.MethodsThis analysis describes patient characteristics, treatment, and outcomes in 125 consecutive adult patients with MDS transplanted from 2005 to 2018.ResultsThe median age was 61 years, and median follow‐up in patients alive at last follow‐up was 29 months. The 2‐year OS and RFS were 39% (95%CI 30%‐48%) and 35.3% (95% CI: 27%‐44%), respectively. Transfusion dependence, high‐risk cytogenetics, and high serum ferritin were independent risk factors for death. The cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) and non‐relapse mortality (NRM) at 2 years were 23% and 41.6%, respectively. High serum ferritin was significantly associated with NRM. There was no association between the percentage of bone marrow blasts (either at diagnosis or at pretransplant evaluation), on relapse or survival. Induction chemotherapy did not offer any survival advantage in MDS RAEB‐2 patients compared to cytoreduction with azacytidine alone.ConclusionOur results highlight the importance of karyotype on survival after allo‐HCT and identify serum ferritin and transfusion dependence as important surrogate markers of outcome. In addition, our results demonstrate the efficacy of azacytidine for pretransplant cytoreduction.
Myelin and oligodendrocyte lineage cell dysfunctions: New players in the etiology and treatment of depression and stress‐related disorders
Authors: Boda Enrica 
Published: November 2019

AbstractDepressive disorders are complex, multifactorial disorders that have been traditionally attributed exclusively to neuronal abnormalities. However, recent studies have increased our understanding of the contribution of glial cells—and particularly of oligodendroglia—to the pathogenesis and treatment outcome of depression and stress‐related disorders. This review scrutinizes recent studies focusing on the neurosupportive functions exerted by myelin and oligodendrocyte lineage cells and their disruption in depression and stress‐related disorders. It also illustrates how myelin and oligodendroglia respond to antidepressants and non‐pharmacological treatment alternatives and proposes oligodendroglia‐directed approaches as novel therapeutic options for depressive disorders.