bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvements in Histologic Features and Diagnosis Associated With Improvement in Fibrosis in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: Results From the Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network Treatment Trials
Authors: Brunt Elizabeth M. , Kleiner David E. , Wilson Laura A. , Sanyal Arun J. , Neuschwander‐Tetri Brent A. ,   for the Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network
Published: December 2018

Hepatocellular injury and inflammation are believed to be the primary drivers of fibrogenesis that ultimately lead to cirrhosis in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This study sought associations between observed improvements in fibrosis with improvement in specific histologic features, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS) ≥2, diagnostic category, and primary histologically based outcomes of two adult NASH treatment trials. The primary outcome for the study was fibrosis improvement from baseline to end of treatment, defined as a 1‐point or more improvement in fibrosis stage. This is a retrospective analysis of biopsy data collected from the NASH Clinical Research Network Pathology Committee of Pioglitazone versus Vitamin E versus Placebo for the Treatment of Nondiabetic Patients with NASH Trial (PIVENS) and Farnesoid X Receptor Ligand Obeticholic Acid in NASH Treatment Trial (FLINT) baseline and final biopsies. Treatment group–adjusted univariable and multivariable logistic regression models related improvement in fibrosis to improvements in other histologic variables, resolution of steatohepatitis, and improvement in the NAS ≥2. In PIVENS 221 subjects had baseline and 96‐week biopsies, and in FLINT 200 subjects had baseline and 72‐week biopsies. Improvement in fibrosis was found in 38% of PIVENS and 29% of FLINT biopsies; fibrosis improvement was more likely in treated than placebo subjects in both studies. Controlling for treatment group, fibrosis improvement was associated most strongly with resolution of NASH (PIVENS, odds ratio [OR], 3.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.0‐7.6; P < 0.001; FLINT, OR, 8.0; 95% CI 3.1‐20.9; P < 0.001), and improved NAS by ≥2 (PIVENS, OR, 2.4; 95% CI 1.3‐4.3; P = 0.003; FLINT, OR, 4.2; 95% CI 2.1‐8.3; P < 0.001). Improvement in histologic features associated with improved fibrosis for both studies included steatosis, ballooning, Mallory‐Denk bodies, and portal, but not lobular, inflammation. Conclusion: These findings support a strong link between histologic resolution of steatohepatitis with improvement in fibrosis in NASH.
Cytokine, chemokine, and growth factor levels in peri‐implant sulcus during wound healing and osseointegration after piezosurgical versus conventional implant site preparation: Randomized, controlled, split‐mouth trial
Authors: Gürkan Ali , Tekdal Gözde Peker , Bostancı Nagihan , Belibasakis Georgios N. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this trial was to evaluate the cytokine, chemokine, and growth factor levels in peri‐implant sulcular fluid (PISF) during healing and osseointegration at osteotomy sites prepared either with piezosurgery (PS) or drills.MethodsFourteen patients having contralateral partial edentulism in the posterior maxilla were enrolled and 38 osteotomies were prepared. Implants were placed with one‐stage surgery. Insertion torque, early healing index, probing depth and modified gingival and plaque indices and crestal bone loss (CBL) were measured. PISF was collected from each implant at weeks 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 and were analyzed by a 30‐Plex immunoassay. Data analysis employed Brunner‐Langer method.ResultsCBL values did not depend on osteotomy modality (P > 0.05). Eighteen molecules (interleukine (IL)‐1β, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G.CSF), IL‐13, IL‐6, IL‐12, interferon (IFN)‐γ, IFN‐α, IL‐2, IL‐2 R, IL‐8, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐1α, MIP‐1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1, interferon gamma‐induced protein (IP)‐10, monokine induced by IFN‐γ (MIG), epidermal growth factor (EGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) showed time‐dependent decrease (P < 0.05), but they were not treatment‐dependent (P > 0.05). When values of weeks 4, 8, 12, and 24 were compared to week 2, it was found that all were highest at week 2 and decreased thereafter (P < 0.05). The decrease was significant at weeks 4 or 8 for multitude of molecules and was mostly sustained throughout the follow‐up. Week 8 regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) values in PS group were lower in PS group compared to drill group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsImplants placed into osteotomies created with PS and drills are similar in terms of PISF biomarker changes during the osseointegration and wound healing period. When clinical and CBL parameters were taken into account together with the PISF molecular data it can be speculated that PS and conventional drill osteotomy have similar effects on peri‐implant tissues on the biochemical, clinical and radiological levels.
The effect of carbohydrases or prebiotic oligosaccharides on growth performance, nutrient utilisation and development of small intestine and immune organs in broilers fed nutrient‐adequate diets based on either wheat or barley
Authors: Craig Allison D , Bedford Mike R , Hastie Peter , Khattak Farina , Olukosi Oluyinka A 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDNon‐starch polysaccharides are large complex molecules and are found in cereal grains. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of carbohydrase enzymes or prebiotic oligosaccharides on growth performance, nutrient utilisation and weight of organs associated with the immune system in broilers fed wheat‐ or barley‐based diets.RESULTSIn wheat‐based diets, feed intake was lower (P < 0.05) following xylo‐oligosaccharide supplementation, whereas in barley‐based diets feed intake was greater (P < 0.05) following β‐glucanase supplementation. Gross energy digestibility was improved (P < 0.01) when either level of xylanase was added to wheat diets. Ileal digestible energy was greater (P < 0.01) in wheat diets including an additive compared with the control diet. In wheat diets, bursa weight was lower (P < 0.05) following xylo‐oligosaccharide supplementation compared with the control treatment.CONCLUSIONSThe current study showed that supplemented carbohydrases or prebiotic oligosaccharides could alter the development of immune organs or small intestine without any significant effect on growth performance in broilers receiving nutrient‐adequate diets. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Hypoglossal nerve stimulation in three adults with down syndrome and severe obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Li Carol , Boon Maurits , Ishman Stacey L. , Suurna Maria V. 
Published: December 2018

We present three adults with Down syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treated with hypoglossal nerve stimulation. The average age of these three males was 37.3 years. All patients had severe OSA on polysomnography. Postimplantation titration sleep studies exhibited residual OSA according to average total apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), but there were significant reductions (86%–100%) in the titrated AHI at the ideal device setting. Morbidity of the surgery was low, and there was excellent device adherence, with an average of 57.3 hours/week. All patients reported subjective improvements in symptoms, and one patient experienced improved blood sugar control.Laryngoscope, 129:E402–E406, 2019
Models to predict positive and negative effects of cochlear implantation on tinnitus
Authors: Kloostra F.J.J. , Arnold R. , Hofman R. , Burgerhof J.G.M. , van Dijk P. 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesThe effect of cochlear implantation on tinnitus is heterogeneous: implantation does not always reduce tinnitus and may even worsen tinnitus. Therefore, it is important to know which factors influence the consequences of cochlear implantation for tinnitus. To date, no consensus has been reached regarding the factors that influence tinnitus. This study aimed to create prognostic models, using binary logistic regression analyses to predict positive or negative changes in tinnitus after cochlear implantation.MethodsFor this study we retrospectively sent two questionnaire packages to 117 cochlear implant patients.ResultsIn the binary logistic regression analyses of the responses to the questionnaires, it was not possible to create a significant model to predict a positive effect of cochlear implantation on tinnitus. However, a negative effect of cochlear implantation on tinnitus was predictable, using a backward stepwise selection method in a model including the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) and Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire (THQ) (P < .001, Nagelkerke R2 = 0.529).ConclusionsOur results suggest that the lower the preoperative tinnitus handicap and the preoperative hearing handicap, the higher the chance that cochlear implantation will worsen tinnitus. More research needs to be done, preferable in a big prospective study, to make this model instrumental for clinical decision making and preoperative patient counselling. However, our results might suggest that preoperative THQ and APHAB screening could be meaningful. Especially in patients who are afraid to develop tinnitus or tinnitus worsening as complication of cochlear implantation.Level of Evidence4
Marine phytoplankton in subtropical coastal waters showing lower thermal sensitivity than microzooplankton
Authors: Liu Kailin , Chen Bingzhang , Zhang Shuwen , Sato Mitsuhide , Shi Zhiyuan , Liu Hongbin 
Published: December 2018

AbstractTemperature sensitivity of plankton in terms of activation energy (Ea, eV) in the Arrhenius equation is critical for predicting how marine productivity and carbon export will respond to ocean warming. In this study, we quantified the temperature responses of phytoplankton growth rate and microzooplankton grazing rate by conducting short‐term temperature modulation experiments on natural communities at two subtropical sites with contrasting nutrient conditions. Our results showed that the activation energy of phytoplankton growth rate (Ea = 0.36 eV, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.28–0.44 eV) at each station was less than that of microzooplankton grazing rate (Ea = 0.53 eV, 95% CI = 0.47–0.59 eV), indicating an increasing grazing pressure on phytoplankton under warming conditions. Although the difference is consistent with that reported in previous studies, it is very likely to arise from another reason, i.e., differential proximities of the optimal temperature (Topt in nonlinear temperature responses of rates) of phytoplankton and microzooplankton to the environmental temperature, as we found that the environmental temperature is closer to the optimal temperature of phytoplankton growth than to that of microzooplankton grazing in this subtropical environment. Our results suggest that nonlinear temperature responses of plankton should be considered when evaluating and predicting the effects of ocean warming on ecosystem productivity and food web dynamics, especially in subtropical and tropical waters.
The −44 C/G (rs1800972) polymorphism of the β‐defensin 1 is associated with increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Martinez‐Rios Marco Antonio , Vargas‐Alarcon Gilberto , Peña‐Duque Marco Antonio , Perez‐Mendez Oscar , Rodriguez‐Perez Jose Manuel , Perez‐Hernandez Nonanzit , Herrera‐Maya Gabriel , Posadas‐Sanchez Rosalinda , Posadas‐Romero Carlos , Fragoso Jose Manuel 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to establish the association of two polymorphisms of the β‐defensin 1 gene (DEFB1, OMIM#602056) with the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a group of Mexican patients.MethodsThe 5′UTR −20 G/A, and −44 C/G polymorphisms of DEFB1 gene were genotyped by 5′ exonuclease TaqMan assays in a group of 252 patients with T2DM and 522 healthy control.ResultsUnder dominant and additive models adjusted for the risk factors, the C allele of the −44 C/G polymorphism was associated with increased risk of T2DM (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.07–2.48, pCdom = 0.021 and OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.05–1.91, pCadd = 0.023, respectively). In addition, the linkage disequilibrium analysis showed that AC haplotype was associated with an increased risk of developing T2DM (OR = 4.39, p = 0.04). The in‐silico analysis showed that the −44 C allele produces a binding site for the transcription factor Ikaros (IK).ConclusionThis study demonstrates that the C allele of −44 C/G polymorphism, as well as haplotype AC are associated with the presence of T2DM in the Mexican population. The variation in this polymorphism of the DEFB1 gene could increase the migration of the macrophages to pancreatic islets accelerate the β‐cell dysfunction in T2DM.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation in early rehabilitation of Guillain‐Barré syndrome: A pilot study
Authors: Harbo Thomas , Markvardsen Lars Kjøbsted , Hellfritzsch Michel Bach , Severinsen Kåre , Nielsen Jørgen Feldbæk , Andersen Henning 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: In Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS), patients often develop muscle atrophy from denervation and immobilization. We, therefore, conducted a pilot study of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to evaluate feasibility, safety, and effect on muscle wasting in the early phase of GBS. Methods: Seventeen patients were randomized to receive 20 min of muscle fiber stimulation followed by 40 min of NMES of the right or left quadriceps muscle with the untreated side as control. Cross‐sectional area (CSA) of the muscle measured by ultrasound and isometric knee extensor strength were the primary and secondary outcome measures. Results: No treatment related adverse effects were recorded. Change in CSA was ‐0.25 cm2 (confidence interval [CI], ‐0.93–0.42) on the stimulated side versus ‐0.60 cm2 (CI, ‐1.32–0.11) on the nonstimulated side (P = 0.08). No effect was observed on muscle strength. Conclusions: NMES seems safe and feasible in the early phase of GBS. Further studies are needed to explore effect on muscle function. Muscle Nerve 59:481–484, 2019
Transport Stress Mitigation and the Effects of Preanesthesia on Striped Bass
Authors: Kenter Linas W , Gunn Mackenzie A , Berlinsky David L 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
The demand for Striped Bass Morone saxatilis as food and sport fish has generated interest in developing effective transport and handling protocols. Studies have shown that anesthetics and elevated salinity can reduce transport stress in Striped Bass, but no studies have compared stress responses among strains or compared and combined treatments to maximize efficacy. In this study, 1-h transport trials were conducted with subadults produced from wild-caught (Florida strain) and domesticated Striped Bass. Fish were transported in freshwater (FW; 0‰) or brackish water (SW; 10‰) alone or containing either metomidate hydrochloride (hereafter, “metomidate”; 1 mg/L) or tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222; 25 mg/L). After transport, half the fish from each treatment were sampled for cortisol or stocked in a freshwater recirculating system to monitor their health and behavior for 7 d. In preanesthesia trials, Florida-strain fish were netted and transferred to baths containing a single anesthetic (induction doses; 5-mg/L metomidate or 150-mg/L MS-222), observed for nociception and recovery, and bled 1 h after anesthesia for cortisol analysis. Results from this traditional approach were compared to results for fish that were first exposed to low anesthetic doses (1-mg/L metomidate or 25-mg/L MS-222) added directly to the culture tank prior to netting and then were transferred to baths containing induction doses of the same anesthetic. In transport studies, cortisol was elevated in the MS-222 and FW treatment groups compared to the metomidate and SW treatment groups, respectively. Strain, feed consumption, and health were not correlated with cortisol measured following the transport stressor. In the preanesthesia study, metomidate blocked cortisol synthesis if added prior to or following handling, while MS-222 blocked nociception.
Model order reduction based on successively local linearizations for flexible multibody dynamics
Authors: Tang Yixuan , Hu Haiyan , Tian Qiang 
Published: December 2018

SummaryAn efficient method of model order reduction is proposed for the dynamic computation of a flexible multibody system undergoing both large overall motions and large deformations. The system is initially modeled by using the nonlinear finite elements of absolute nodal coordinate formulation and then locally linearized at a series of quasi‐static equilibrium configurations according to the given accuracy in dynamic computation. By using the Craig‐Bampton method, the reduced model is established by projecting the incremental displacements of the locally linearized system onto a set of local modal bases at the quasi‐static equilibrium configuration accordingly. Afterwards, the initial conditions for the dynamic computation for the reduced model via the generalized‐α integrator can be determined from the modal bases. The analysis of computation complexity is also performed. Hence, the proposed method gives time‐varying and dimension‐varying modal bases to elaborate the efficient model reduction. Finally, three examples are presented to validate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method.
Nurse competence in the interface between primary and tertiary healthcare services
Authors: Leonardsen Ann‐Chatrin Linqvist , Bjerkenes Annette , Rutherford Inga 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAims(a) To explore nurses’ self‐assessed competence and perceived need for more training in primary and tertiary healthcare services; and (b) to investigate the factors associated with these issues.DesignQuantitative, cross‐sectional, descriptive.MethodsThe ProffNurseSAS, the Job Satisfaction Scale and socio‐demographics were used. A convenient sampling method was used to invite registered nurses from 23 primary (N = 104) and tertiary care wards (N = 26).ResultsFive significant differences in self‐assessed competence were identified, with none regarding the perceived need for more training between nurses working in primary versus tertiary health care. Nurses in primary health care had longer experience, and a larger proportion had continuing education. Nevertheless, this was not associated with either self‐assessed competence or the perceived need for more training. Years of experience, training or reported job satisfaction was not associated with the items on the ProffNurseSAS.ConclusionFindings indicate that nurses’ competence is same in primary and tertiary healthcare settings. Moreover, the findings of this research highlight areas that need further improvement and emphasis from both leaders and educational institutions when they attempt to ensure nurses’ competence.
Nonlinear coordination control of offshore boom cranes with bounded control inputs
Authors: Lu Biao , Fang Yongchun , Sun Ning 
Published: December 2018

SummaryOffshore cranes are complicated underactuated systems, which work in harsh sea conditions. Due to the various severe disturbances, the control of offshore cranes has always been a great challenge, which is made even more complicated when considering some practical issues such as actuator saturation and coordination. Until now, few results have been published in the literature on this topic. To address this problem, an efficient nonlinear control method is proposed for offshore boom cranes suffering from both ship roll and heave motion in this paper, which takes full consideration of actuator saturation, as well as the coordination problem between actuators. Furthermore, regarding the various extra nonvanishing disturbances, such as winds, frictions, and unmodeled dynamics, a disturbance observer is designed to estimate and eliminate these uncertainties. The asymptotic stability of the desired equilibrium point is rigorously guaranteed by Lyapunov techniques and LaSalle's invariance theorem. Finally, extensive hardware experimental tests are carried out to demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed method. To the best of our knowledge, this paper proposes the first method that considers the saturation and coordination problem for offshore cranes while guaranteeing the asymptotic stability of the desired equilibrium point.
Robust pinning synchronization of complex cyberphysical networks under mixed attack strategies
Authors: Song Zhiqiang , Liu Yunfeng , Tan Manchun 
Published: December 2018

SummaryThis paper is concerned with the robust pinning synchronization control problem in complex cyberphysical networks under mixed attacks. The channels for transmitting control input signals and receiving information agent are assumed to be independent of each other and both can be destroyed by frequently occurred attacks. After the attacks, a repairing cell will be instantly activated until the communication topology is restored to the initial state. Assume that broken‐down nodes remain partial function. Moreover, feedback gain matrices and coupling strengths will be designed by some algorithms. By dint of geometrical method and inequality technique, sufficient conditions are established to guarantee robust synchronization for the complex cyberphysical networks. Finally, a simulation example is utilized to illustrate the obtained results.
Covalently‐Bonded Poly(vinyl alcohol)‐Silica Composite Nanofiber Separator with Enhanced Wettability and Thermal Stability for Lithium‐Ion Battery
Authors: Chen Shilin , Zhang Zhixiong , Li Li , Yuan Wenhui 
Published: December 2018

AbstractCovalently‐bonded poly(vinyl alcohol)‐silica (PVA‐SiO2) composite nanofiber membranes are fabricated via sol‐gel electrospinning and their physical and electrochemical properties are investigated for application as separators in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Experimental results demonstrate the PVA‐SiO2 membranes possess a unique three‐dimensional interconnected porous structure and display higher porosity (73%), better electrolyte affinity, higher electrolyte uptake (405%) and lower thermal shrinkage compared to commercial polypropylene (PP) membranes. In addition, batteries using PVA‐SiO2 composite nanofiber membranes as separators exhibit enhanced ionic conductivity (1.81 mS cm−1), superior cycling stability and C‐rate performance than those using PP separators. These findings reveal that the PVA‐SiO2 composite nanofiber membrane might be a promising alternative to commercial polyolefin separator for high performance LIBs.
Synthesis of a Series of Substituted Thiazole Derivatives: New COX‐2 Enzyme Inhibitors for Colon Cancer and Inflammation Treatment
Authors: Barghash Reham F. , Geronikaki Athina , Abdou Wafaa M. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractA variety of thiazoles motif linked with diethyl 2‐amino‐5‐hydroxy‐1H‐pyrrol‐3‐ylphosphonate were synthesized in 70 to 84% yields. Before the synthesis, the prospective biological activity spectrum was predicted for the suggested structures (and others) with PASS program, http://www.pharmaexpert.ru. Based on a preliminary assay of antiproliferative activity, selected six new phosphonates were evaluated against the most common human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines: HT‐29, Caco‐2, SW‐1417, SW‐480, SW‐948, HCT‐116, and HCT‐15. Three phosphonates showed GI50 values within the range 2.18‐7.77 μM compared with the standard reference, Adriamycin ranged 3.27‐8.64 μM. Based on the knowledge about the role of the cyclooxygenase‐2 into the cell growth and the inflammation mechanism, a hypothesis of molecular modeling study that included the fitting of all synthesized compounds into 2D and 3D‐pharmacophore was undertaken. Discovery Studio 2.5 software was applied and the docking into human COX‐2 enzyme revealed good results that are consistent with the pharmacological assessments. The experimental biological evaluation activities of new phosphonates showed high approximation with their molecular modeling results as well as the early prospecting prediction of biological activity.