bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of different Lupinus species to calcium under a low phosphorus supply
Authors: Ding Wenli , Clode Peta L. , Clements Jonathan C. , Lambers Hans 
Published: February 2018

AbstractTo study mechanism underpinning the calcifuge habit of some Lupinus species, especially under low‐phosphorus (P) conditions, Lupinus species that were likely to respond differently to calcium (Ca) availability were assembled, and the sensitivity to Ca under a low‐P supply was assessed. Seven Lupinus species (9 genotypes, L. albus L. cv Kiev, L. albus L. P26766, L. angustifolius L. cv Mandelup, L. angustifolius L. P26723, L. luteus L. cv Pootalong, L. hispanicus ssp. bicolor Boiss. and Reut. P22999, L. pilosus Murr. P27440, L. cosentinii Guss. P27225, and L. atlanticus Gladst. P27219) were grown hydroponically at 10 or 6000 μM Ca. Leaf symptoms, gas exchange and biomass were recorded; leaf and root nutrient concentrations were analysed, and the leaf cell types in which Ca and P accumulated were determined using elemental X‐ray microanalyses. Calcium toxicity was demonstrated for L. angustifolius P26723, L. hispanicus ssp. bicolor. P22999, and L. cosentinii P27225, whereas the other species were tolerant of a high Ca supply under low‐P conditions. In addition, genotypic differences in Ca toxicity were found within L. angustifolius. Most Ca accumulated in the mesophyll cells in all species, whereas most P was located in epidermal cells.
Expression of interleukin‐17 in primary Sjögren's syndrome and the correlation with disease severity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang L.‐W. , Zhou P.‐R. , Wei P. , Cong X. , Wu L.‐L. , Hua H. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe aberrant expression of interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) has been reported in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Abnormalities in IL‐17 can promote the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and aggravate autoimmune disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate alterations of IL‐17 in patients with pSS and explore the correlation between IL‐17 and disease severity. Eight databases were searched for original studies reporting the expression of IL‐17 in patients with pSS and controls. Eligible reports were included in the pooled analysis, and subgroup evaluations were performed according to different types of controls and IL‐17 measurement methods. Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale criteria were used to assess the risk of bias of the included studies. In total, 45 articles are included in the meta‐analysis. The expression of IL‐17 is significantly increased in patients with pSS compared to controls. Furthermore, patients with pSS without immunosuppressive treatment show markedly higher IL‐17 levels. In addition, patients with pSS with positive rheumatoid factors tend to express a higher level of IL‐17 than patients with negative rheumatoid factors. Negative correlations between IL‐17 levels and ocular parameters are also found in patients with pSS. The results are similar after adjustment by “trim and fill” methods. In conclusion, the expression of IL‐17 is obviously increased in patients with pSS, especially among those without immunosuppressive treatment. In addition, IL‐17 level correlates with the disease severity of pSS. These findings demonstrate the significance of IL‐17 overexpression in patients with pSS and may provide insights for the development of therapeutic interventions targeting IL‐17 for pSS.
Interconversion of elasticity measurements between two-dimensional shear wave elastography and transient elastography
Authors: Kim Yeun-Yoon , Kim Myung-Joon , Shin Hyun Joo , Yoon Haesung , Kim Ha Yan , Lee Mi-Jung 
Published: February 2018

Aims: To enable comparison and interconversion of elasticity measurements between two-dimensional (2D) shear wave elastography (SWE) and transient elastography (TE).Materials and methods: Elasticities of three phantoms were measured by 2D SWE (supersonic shear imaging) using four probes and TE using two probes. We performed regression analyses to evaluate correlation between the measurements and phantom elasticities, and make converting equations. In pediatric biliary atresia patients who had stiffness measurements by both 2D SWE and TE within 1-year interval, TE measurements were retrospectively converted into correlating 2D SWE values. We compared the calculated values with 2D SWE measurements by intraclass correlation coefficient.Results: Measurements in phantoms varied according to elastography method and probe selection. However, the measurement by both 2D SWE (R2, 0.974-0.985; p<0.001) and TE (R2, 0.996-0.999; p<0.001) showedsignificant linear correlation with phantom elasticity in all probe settings. From 67 biliary atresia patients (age, 2 months-20 years), agreements between the measured and calculated values were excellent in all 88 examinations within 1-year interval(ρ=0.828; p<0.001) and in 63 examinations within 2-month interval (ρ=0.863, p<0.001). Conclusions: The equations enabledinterconversion of elasticity values among different probes of 2D SWE and TE and provided reliable estimation of elasticityvalues for different probe settings in biliary atresia patients.
Age-Related Differences in Spatiotemporal Variables and Ground Reaction Forces During Sprinting in Boys
Authors: Nagahara Ryu , Takai Yohei , Haramura Miki , Mizutani Mirai , Matsuo Akifumi , Kanehisa Hiroaki , Fukunaga Tetsuo 
Published: February 2018

Purpose: We aimed to elucidate age-related differences in spatiotemporal and ground reaction force variables during sprinting in boys over a broad range of chronological ages. Methods: Ground reaction force signals during 50-m sprinting were recorded in 99 boys aged 6.5–15.4 years. Step-to-step spatiotemporal variables and mean forces were then calculated. Results: There was a slower rate of development in sprinting performance in the age span from 8.8 to 12.1 years compared with younger and older boys. During that age span, mean propulsive force was almost constant, and step frequency for older boys was lower regardless of sprinting phase. During the ages younger than 8.8 years and older than 12.1 years, sprint performance rapidly increased with increasing mean propulsive forces during the middle acceleration and maximal speed phases and during the initial acceleration phase. Conclusion: There was a stage of temporal slower development of sprinting ability from age 8.8 to 12.1 years, being characterized by unchanged propulsive force and decreased step frequency. Moreover, increasing propulsive forces during the middle acceleration and maximal speed phases and during the initial acceleration phase are probably responsible for the rapid development of sprinting ability before and after the period of temporal slower development of sprinting ability.
Prevalence, causes and mental health impact of workplace bullying in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit environment
Authors: Chatziioannidis Ilias , Bascialla Francesca Giuseppina , Chatzivalsama Panagiota , Vouzas Fotios , Mitsiakos Georgios 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to examine the prevalence, to report barriers and mental health impact of bullying behaviours and to analyse whether psychological support at work could affect victims of bullying in the healthcare workplace.DesignSelf-administered questionnaire survey.Setting20 in total neonatal intensive care units in 17 hospitals in Greece.Participants398 healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses).Main outcome measuresThe questionnaire included information on demographic data, Negative Act Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R) behaviour scale, data on sources of bullying, perpetrators profile, causal factors, actions taken and reasons for not reporting bullying, psychological support and 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) scores to investigate psychological distress.ResultsPrevalence of bullying measured by the NAQ-R was 53.1% for doctors and 53.6% for nurses. Victims of bullying differed from non-bullied in terms of gender and job experience, among demographic data. Crude NAQ-R score was found higher for female, young and inexperienced employees. Of those respondents who experienced bullying 44.9% self-labelled themselves as victims. Witnessing bullying of others was found 83.2%. Perpetrators were mainly females 45–64 years old, most likely being a supervisor/senior colleague. Common reasons for not reporting bullying was self-dealing and fear of consequences. Bullying was attributed to personality trait and management. Those who were bullied, self-labelled as a victim and witnessed bullying of others had higher GHQ-12 score. Moreover, psychological support at work had a favour effect on victims of bullying.ConclusionsPrevalence of bullying and witnessing were found extremely high, while half of victims did not consider themselves as sufferers. The mental health impact on victims and witnesses was severe and support at work was necessary to ensure good mental health status among employees.
Chinese observational prospective study of ageing population with chronic kidney disease (C-OPTION): a study protocol
Authors: Liang Shuang , Wang Wen-Ling , Zhu Fang-Lei , Duan Shu-Wei , Sun Xue-Feng , Chen Xiang-Mei , Cai Guang-Yan 
Published: February 2018

IntroductionThe proportion of elderly people is steadily rising worldwide, especially in low-income and middle-income countries, including China. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common disorder in older people. However, little is known about the epidemiology of CKD and its consequences among the elderly. Improvements on clinical guidelines and healthcare policies for this population are required. This study aims to examine the risk factors for progression of CKD among the elderly and develop models to identify subgroups who are at high risk.Methods and analysisThis is a prospective, multicentre, cohort study. The study population comprises ~3000 patients with predialysis CKD, aged ≥65 years, recruited between March 2016 and December 2017. After the baseline assessments, these patients will be followed for 5 years or until the occurrence of primary outcomes. Assessments that include anthropomorphic measures, laboratory tests, questionnaires, and blood and urine specimen collection will be performed at baseline and at follow-ups. Data on demographic information, cognitive function, depression, risk of malnutrition, physical activity and quality of life will be collected. The primary outcomes are incidence of end-stage renal disease, loss of renal function (≥40% decline in glomerular filtration rate from baseline), and death. The secondary outcomes are acute coronary syndrome, hospitalisation for heart failure or unstable angina, cerebrovascular events, and peripheral arterial disease.Ethics and disseminationThis study protocol has been approved by the ethics committees of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital and the participating centres. All the participants gave written informed consent before data collection. The findings of the study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and will be presented at national or international conferences.Trial registration numberNCT03246204; Pre-results.
UK guidelines on oesophageal dilatation in clinical practice
Authors: Sami Sarmed S , Haboubi Hasan N , Ang Yeng , Boger Philip , Bhandari Pradeep , de Caestecker John , Griffiths Helen , Haidry Rehan , Laasch Hans-Ulrich , Patel Praful , Paterson Stuart , Ragunath Krish , Watson Peter , Siersema Peter D , Attwood Stephen E 
Published: February 2018

These are updated guidelines which supersede the original version published in 2004. This work has been endorsed by the Clinical Services and Standards Committee of the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) under the auspices of the oesophageal section of the BSG. The original guidelines have undergone extensive revision by the 16 members of the Guideline Development Group with representation from individuals across all relevant disciplines, including the Heartburn Cancer UK charity, a nursing representative and a patient representative. The methodological rigour and transparency of the guideline development processes were appraised using the revised Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) tool.Dilatation of the oesophagus is a relatively high-risk intervention, and is required by an increasing range of disease states. Moreover, there is scarcity of evidence in the literature to guide clinicians on how to safely perform this procedure. These guidelines deal specifically with the dilatation procedure using balloon or bougie devices as a primary treatment strategy for non-malignant narrowing of the oesophagus. The use of stents is outside the remit of this paper; however, for cases of dilatation failure, alternative techniques—including stents—will be listed. The guideline is divided into the following subheadings: (1) patient preparation; (2) the dilatation procedure; (3) aftercare and (4) disease-specific considerations. A systematic literature search was performed. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Develop­ment and Evaluation (GRADE) tool was used to evaluate the quality of evidence and decide on the strength of recommendations made.
Maternal veterinary occupation and adverse birth outcomes in Washington State, 1992–2014: a population-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Meisner Julianne , Vora Manali V , Fuller Mackenzie S , Phipps Amanda I , Rabinowitz Peter M 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveWomen in veterinary occupations are routinely exposed to potential reproductive hazards, yet research into their birth outcomes is limited. We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of the association between maternal veterinary occupation and adverse birth outcomes.MethodsUsing Washington State birth certificate, fetal death certificate and hospital discharge data from 1992 to 2014, we compared birth outcomes of mothers in veterinary professions (n=2662) with those in mothers in dental professions (n=10 653) and other employed mothers (n=8082). Relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs were estimated using log binomial regression. Outcomes studied were premature birth (<37 weeks), small for gestational age (SGA), malformations and fetal death (death at ≥20 weeks gestation). Subgroup analyses evaluated risk of these outcomes among veterinarians and veterinary support staff separately.ResultsWhile no statistically significant associations were found, we noted a trend for SGA births in all veterinary mothers compared with dental mothers (RR=1.16, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.36) and in veterinarians compared with other employed mothers (RR=1.37, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.96). Positive but non-significant association was found for malformations among children of veterinary support staff.ConclusionsThese results support the need for further study of the association between veterinary occupation and adverse birth outcomes.
Troponin and BNP are markers for subsequent non-ischaemic congestive heart failure: the Caerphilly Prospective Study (CaPS)
Authors: Patterson Christopher C , Blankenberg Stefan , Ben-Shlomo Yoav , Heslop Luke , Bayer Anthony , Lowe Gordon , Zeller Tanja , Gallacher John , Young Ian , Yarnell John W G 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo examine the long-term predictive value of 28 biomarkers for subsequent non-ischaemic congestive heart failure (CHF) and separately for other cardiovascular outcomes (myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke).MethodsThe Caerphilly Prospective Study recruited 2171 men aged 55–69 years from the general population in 1989–1993; men were screened for evidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and followed for clinical cardiovascular events. Fasting blood samples were stored at −70°C until assayed for novel biomarkers in 2010–2013. A competing risks proportional hazards regression analysis was used to estimate subhazard ratios (SHRs) for each biomarker for each cardiovascular outcome.ResultsDuring follow-up (average 13 years), only new, initial events were evaluated in the whole cohort: 584 MIs, 313 strokes and 261 episodes of CHF (not associated with acute MI). In a subcohort of men who had no clinical history or evidence of CVD at baseline examination (n=1279) those in the top third of the distributions of troponin and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) showed a threefold increase in risk for subsequent CHF as afirstevent after adjustment for all conventional risk factors (SHRs 3.37, 95% CI 1.39 to 8.14 and 3.23, 95% CI 1.45 to 7.23), respectively, in contrast to moderate elevations in risk for acute MI (troponin SHR 1.63, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.41) and for stroke (BNP SHR 1.75 95% CI 1.06 to 2.88).ConclusionTroponin and BNP could be considered as potentially useful screening tools to detect subjects without prior CVD at increased risk of developing CHF in subsequent years in addition to having lesser roles for predicting subsequent MI (troponin) or stroke (BNP).
Rationale and design of the ranolazine PH–RV study: a multicentred randomised and placebo-controlled study of ranolazine to improve RV function in patients with non-group 2 pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Han Yuchi , Forfia Paul R , Vaidya Anjali , Mazurek Jeremy A , Park Myung H , Ramani Gautam , Chan Stephen Y , Waxman Aaron B 
Published: February 2018

IntroductionA major determining factor on outcomes in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is right ventricular (RV) function. Ranolazine, which is currently approved for chronic stable angina, has been shown to improve RV function in an animal model and has been shown to be safe in small human studies with PAH. We aim to study the effect of ranolazine on RV function using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients with pulmonary hypertension (non-group 2 patients) and monitor the effect of ranolazine on metabolism using metabolic profiling and changes of microRNA.Methods and analysisThis study is a longitudinal, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre proof-of-concept study in 24 subjects with pulmonary hypertension and RV dysfunction treated with ranolazine over 6 months. Subjects who meet the protocol definition of RV dysfunction (CMR RV ejection fraction (EF) <45%) will be randomised to ranolazine or placebo with a ratio of 2:1. Enrolled subjects will be assessed for functional class, 6 min walk test and health outcome based on SF-36 tool. Peripheral blood will be obtained for N-terminal-pro brain natriuretic peptide, metabolic profiling, and microRNA at baseline and the conclusion of the treatment period. CMR will be performed at baseline and the conclusion of the treatment period. The primary outcome is change in RVEF. The exploratory outcomes include clinical, other CMR parameters, metabolic and microRNA changes.Ethics and disseminationThe trial protocol was approved by Institutional Review Boards. The trial findings will be disseminated in scientific journals and meetings.Trial registration numbersNCT01839110 andNCT02829034;Pre-results.
Diastolic Blood Pressure and Adverse Outcomes in the TOPCAT (Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure With an Aldosterone Antagonist) Trial
Authors: Sandesara Pratik B. , O'Neal Wesley T. , Kelli Heval M. , Topel Matthew , Samman‐Tahhan Ayman , Sperling Laurence S. 
Published: February 2018

Background

Although diastolic blood pressure (
DBP
) is independently associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in the general population, it is unclear if a similar relationship exists in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Methods and Results

This analysis included 1703 (mean age, 72±10 years; 50% men; 78% white) patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction enrolled in the TOPCAT (Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure With an Aldosterone Antagonist) Trial from the Americas who were treated for hypertension. Multivariable Cox regression was used to examine the risk of hospitalization for heart failure, death, and cardiovascular death associated with
DBP
. The relationship between hospitalization for heart failure and
DBP
was linear, with an increased risk observed with decreasing
DBP
values (≥90 mm Hg: referent; 80–89 mm Hg: hazard ratio [HR], 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85–2.44; 70–79 mm Hg:
HR
, 1.18; 95%
CI
, 0.69–2.01; 60–69 mm Hg:
HR
, 1.54; 95%
CI
, 0.90–2.63; <60 mm Hg:
HR
, 2.12; 95%
CI
, 1.20–3.74;
P
=0.0055 for trend). The associations of
DBP
with death (≥90 mm Hg:
HR
, 1.86; 95%
CI
, 1.12–3.06; 80–89 mm Hg:
HR
, 1.23; 95%
CI
, 0.89–1.70; 70–79 mm Hg: referent; 60–69 mm Hg:
HR
, 1.20; 95%
CI
, 0.90–1.59; <60 mm Hg:
HR
, 1.68; 95%
CI
, 1.21–2.33) and cardiovascular death (≥90 mm Hg:
HR
, 2.02; 95%
CI
, 1.10–3.71; 80–89 mm Hg:
HR
, 1.17; 95%
CI
, 0.77–1.79; 70–79 mm Hg: referent; 60–69 mm Hg:
HR
, 1.16; 95%
CI
, 0.80–1.70; <60 mm Hg:
HR
, 1.85; 95%
CI
, 1.21–2.82) were nonlinear, with a greater risk of each outcome observed with
DBP
values ≥90 and <60 mm Hg.

Conclusions

DBP
values ≥90 and <60 mm Hg are associated with a significant risk of adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction who are treated for hypertension. Further research is needed to determine optimal
DBP
targets to reduce the risk of adverse events in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
Prospective Randomized Evaluation of Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator Programming in Patients With a Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Richardson Travis D. , Hale Leslie , Arteaga Christopher , Xu Meng , Keebler Mary , Schlendorf Kelly , Danter Matthew , Shah Ashish , Lindenfeld JoAnn , Ellis Christopher R. 
Published: February 2018

Background
Ventricular arrhythmias are common in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) but are often hemodynamically tolerated. Optimal implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) tachy‐programming strategies in patients with LVAD have not been determined. We sought to determine if an ultra‐conservative ICD programming strategy in patients with LVAD affects ICD shocks.

Methods and Results

Adult patients with an existing ICD undergoing continuous flow LVAD implantation were randomized to standard ICD programming by their treating physician or an ultra‐conservative ICD programming strategy utilizing maximal allowable intervals to detection in the ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia zones with use of ATP. Patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices were also randomized to CRT ON or OFF. Patients were followed a minimum of 6 months. The primary outcome was time to first ICD shock. Among the 83 patients studied, we found no statistically significant difference in time to first ICD shock or total ICD shocks between groups. In the ultra‐conservative group 16% of patients experienced at least one shock compared with 21% in the control group (
P
=0.66). There was no difference in mortality, arrhythmic hospitalization, or hospitalization for heart failure. In the 41 patients with CRT ICDs fewer shocks were observed with CRT‐ON but this was not statistically significant: 10% of patients with CRT‐ON (n=21) versus 38% with CRT‐OFF (n=20) received shocks (
P
=0.08).

Conclusions
An ultra‐conservative programming strategy did not reduce ICD shocks. Programming restrictions on ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation zone therapy should be reconsidered for the LVAD population. The role of CRT in patients with LVAD warrants further investigation.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01977703.