bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D metabolism in dogs with and without hypercalciuric calcium oxalate urolithiasis
Authors: Groth Elizabeth M. , Lulich Jody P. , Chew Dennis J. , Parker Valerie J. , Furrow Eva 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundThere are abnormalities in vitamin D metabolism in people with calcium nephrolithiasis, but limited data are available on vitamin D status in dogs with calcium oxalate (CaOx) urolithiasis.ObjectiveTo compare serum concentrations of vitamin D metabolites in dogs with and without hypercalciuric CaOx urolithiasis.AnimalsThirty‐eight dogs with (n = 19) and without (n = 19) a history of CaOx urolithiasis and hypercalciuria.MethodsRetrospective cross‐sectional study. Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D], and 24,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D [24,25(OH)2D] were measured. The ratios of 25(OH)D/24,25(OH)2D and 1,25(OH)2D/25(OH)D were compared between cases and controls.ResultsThere were no significant differences between cases and controls when comparing 25(OH)D, 24,25(OH)2D, 1,25(OH)2D, or 1,25(OH)2D/25(OH)D. Cases had higher 25(OH)D/24,25(OH)2D (median = 1.40, range = 0.98‐1.58) compared to controls (median = 1.16, range = 0.92‐2.75;P = .01). There was overlap in the ranges for 25(OH)D/24,25(OH)2D between cases and controls, but 6 cases (32%) had ratios above the control dog range. There was a moderate positive correlation between the ratio of 25(OH)D/24,25(OH)2D and urinary calcium‐to‐creatinine ratios (r = 0.40, 95% confidence interval = 0.10‐0.64;P = .01).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThese data suggest that decreased conversion of 25(OH)D to 24,25(OH)2D occurs in a subset of dogs with CaOx urolithiasis. Abnormalities in vitamin D metabolism might contribute to stone risk in dogs.
Cholangiocarcinoma: Epidemiology and risk factors
Authors: Khan Shahid A. , Tavolari Simona , Brandi Giovanni 
Published: March 2019

AbstractCholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a heterogeneous disease arising from a complex interaction between host‐specific genetic background and multiple risk factors. Globally, CCA incidence rates exhibit geographical variation, with much higher incidence in parts of the Eastern world compared to the West. These differences are likely to reflect differences in geographical risk factors as well as genetic determinants. Of note, over the past few decades, the incidence rates of CCA appear to change and subtypes of CCA appear to show distinct epidemiological trends. These trends need to be interpreted with caution given the issues of diagnosis, recording and coding of subtypes of CCA. Epidemiological evidences suggest that in general population some risk factors are less frequent but associated with a higher CCA risk, while others are more common but associated with a lower risk. Moreover, while some risk factors are shared by intrahepatic and both extrahepatic forms, others seem more specific for one of the two forms. Currently some pathological conditions have been clearly associated with CCA development, and other conditions are emerging; however, while their impact in increasing CCA risk as single etiological factors has been provided in many studies, less is known when two or more risk factors co‐occur in the same patient. Moreover, despite the advancements in the knowledge of CCA aetiology, in Western countries about 50% of cases are still diagnosed without any identifiable risk factor. It is therefore conceivable that other still undefined etiologic factors are responsible for the recent increase of CCA (especially iCCA) incidence worldwide.
Evaluating the association of serum ferritin and hepatic iron with disease severity in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Buzzetti Elena , Petta Salvatore , Manuguerra Roberta , Luong Tu Vinh , Cabibi Daniela , Corradini Elena , Craxì Antonio , Pinzani Massimo , Tsochatzis Emmanuel , Pietrangelo Antonello 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackground & AimsHyperferritinemia, with or without increased hepatic iron, represents a common finding in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, it is unclear whether it reflects hepatic inflammation or true iron‐overload and, in case the latter is confirmed, whether this influences disease progression. We therefore explored the association between serum ferritin, degree and pattern of hepatic iron deposition and liver disease severity in patients with NAFLD.MethodsWe selected 468 patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD from 2 European centres. Iron, hepatic and metabolic parameters were collected at the time of liver biopsy. Iron deposits in hepatocytes and reticuloendothelial cells were assessed and graded. Diagnosis of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis staging were performed.ResultsA total of 122 (26%) patients had hyperferritinemia, whereas stainable hepatic iron was found in 116 (25%) patients (38% predominantly in hepatocytes, 20% in reticuloendothelial cells and 42% in both). Subjects with stainable hepatic iron, particularly those with a mixed pattern, had higher serum ferritin and transaminases but only a mixed pattern of iron deposition was among the variables significantly associated with presence of NASH. Serum ferritin was not associated with presence of NASH, however it increased with worsening fibrosis stage (F3 compared to F0‐F1), and significantly decreased in stage F4.ConclusionsA mixed pattern of hepatic iron deposition is associated with the presence of steatohepatitis, while serum ferritin increases with worsening fibrosis up to pre‐cirrhotic stage. In individual NAFLD patients, serum ferritin could be evaluated as part of non‐invasive diagnostic panels but not on its own.
Localized pressure stimulation using turf‐like structures can improve skin perfusion in the foot
Authors: Behforootan Sara , Chatzistergos Panagiotis E. , Chockalingam Nachiappan , Healy Aoife , Naemi Roozbeh 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectiveImproving perfusion under the skin can potentially reduce ulceration and amputation risk in people with diabetic foot. Localized pressure stimulation has been proven capable of improving skin perfusion in the scalp but its effectiveness for the foot has not been tested. In this study, localized pressure stimulation was realized using flexible turf‐like structures (TLS) with dense vertical fibers and their ability to increase perfusion was assessed.MethodsThe skin in the rearfoot, midfoot, and forefoot of nine healthy volunteers was stimulated using two TLS with different stiffness and one wound filler material that generated a uniform compression. Changes in perfusion were assessed using laser speckle.ResultsMechanical stimulation significantly increased perfusion in the forefoot and midfoot areas with the TLS achieving higher and more long‐lasting increase compared to the wound filler. The stiffer of the two TLS appeared to be the most effective for the forefoot achieving a significant increase in perfusion that lasted for 25.5 seconds immediately after stimulation.ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that localized pressure stimulation is more effective compared to uniform compression for improving skin perfusion in the healthy foot. Further research in people with diabetic foot disease is needed to verify the clinical value of the observed effect.
Real‐world use—Isavuconazole at a large academic medical center
Authors: Hassouna Habiba , Athans Vasilios , Brizendine Kyle D. 
Published: March 2019

SummaryBackgroundIsavuconazole use in the real‐world setting has not been extensively described. Subgroups of patients with particular prognostic significance, such as previous triazole prophylaxis or treatment and the important subgroup treated empirically for invasive fungal infection, have beforehand been excluded from trials.ObjectivesWe aimed to determine treatment response and safety in these patients at a large US transplant and cancer centre.Patients/MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of all adult inpatients administered ≥3 doses of isavuconazole between June 2015 and October 2017.ResultsNinety‐one adults were identified. Six (7%) received primary prophylaxis, 10 (11%) treatment then secondary prophylaxis and 75 (82%) treatment only. Overall treatment response was 62%. Six‐week mortality was 24%. Sixty‐three per cent of 32 patients treated with isavuconaozle following prophylaxis with another antifungal agent exhibited a treatment response. Among 49 patients switched from treatment with another agent, 53% had a treatment response. Thirty‐four patients received isavuconazole empirically, and 65% demonstrated a treatment response. Individuals given isavuconazole prophylaxis developed no breakthrough invasive fungal infections. One patient discontinued isavuconazole due to hepatotoxicity.ConclusionsReal‐world isavuconazole use appears safe and is associated with treatment responses in varied patients including critically important subgroups previously unreported.
‘At the crossroads towards polyploidy’: genomic divergence and extent of homoploid hybridization are drivers for the formation of the ox‐eye daisy polyploid complex (Leucanthemum, Compositae‐Anthemideae)
Authors: Wagner Florian , Ott Tankred , Zimmer Claudia , Reichhart Verena , Vogt Robert , Oberprieler Christoph 
Published: March 2019

Summary

Polyploidy plays a paramount role in phytodiversity, but the causes of this evolutionary pathway require further study. Here, we use phylogenetic methods to examine possible polyploidy‐promoting factors by comparing diploid representatives of the comprehensive European polyploid complex Leucanthemum with members of its strictly diploid North African counterpart Rhodanthemum.

We investigate genetic divergence and gene flow among all diploid lineages of both genera to evaluate the role of genomic differentiation and hybridization for polyploid speciation. To test whether hybridization in Leucanthemum has been triggered by the geological conditions during its diversification, we additionally generate a time‐calibrated phylogeny of 46 species of the subtribe Leucantheminae.

Leucanthemum shows a significantly higher genetic divergence and hybridization signal among diploid lineages compared with Rhodanthemum, in spite of a similar crown age and diversification pattern during the Quaternary.

Our study demonstrates the importance of genetic differentiation among diploid progenitors and their concurrent affinity for natural hybridization for the formation of a polyploid complex. Furthermore, the role of climate‐induced range overlaps on hybridization and polyploid speciation during the Quaternary is discussed.
Oral levodopa rescues retinal morphology and visual function in a murine model of human albinism
Authors: Lee Helena , Scott Jennifer , Griffiths Helen , Self Jay E. , Lotery Andrew 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAlbinism is a group of disorders characterized by pigment deficiency and abnormal retinal development. Despite being a common cause for visual impairment worldwide, there is a paucity of treatments and patients typically suffer lifelong visual disability. Residual plasticity of the developing retina in young children with albinism has been demonstrated, suggesting a post‐natal window for therapeutic rescue. L‐3, 4 dihydroxyphenylalanine (L‐DOPA), a key signalling molecule which is essential for normal retinal development, is known to be deficient in albinism. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that post‐natal L‐DOPA supplementation can rescue retinal development, morphology and visual function in a murine model of human albinism, but only if administered from birth or 15 days post‐natal age.
Putrescine alleviates aluminum toxicity in rice (Oryza sativa) by reducing cell wall Al contents in an ethylene‐dependent manner
Authors: Zhu Chun Quan , Cao Xiao Chuang , Bai Zhi Gang , Zhu Lian Feng , Hu Wen Jun , Hu An Yong , Abliz Buhailiqem , Zhong Chu , Liang Qing Duo , Huang Jie , Zhang Jun Hua , Jin Qian Yu 
Published: March 2019

Aluminum (Al3+) toxicity in acidic soils limits crop productivity worldwide. In this study, we found that putrescine (PUT) significantly alleviates Al toxicity in rice roots. The addition of 0.1 mM PUT promoted root elongation and reduced the Al content in the root apices of Nipponbare (Nip) and Kasalath (Kas) rice under Al toxicity conditions. Exogenous treatment with PUT reduced the cell wall Al content by reducing polysaccharide (pectin and hemicellulose) levels and pectin methylesterase (PME) activity in roots and decreased the translocation of Al from the external environment to the cytoplasm by downregulating the expression of OsNRAT1, which responsible to encode an Al transporter protein Nrat1 (Nramp aluminum transporter 1). The addition of PUT under Al toxicity conditions significantly inhibited ethylene emissions and suppressed the expression of genes involved in ethylene biosynthesis. Treatment with the ethylene precursor 1‐aminocylopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) significantly improved ethylene emission, inhibited root elongation, increased the Al accumulation in root tips and the root cell wall, and increased cell wall pectin and hemicellulose contents in both rice cultivars under Al toxicity conditions. The ethylene biosynthesis antagonist aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG, inhibitor of the ACC synthase) had the opposite effect and reduced PME activity. Together, our results show that PUT decreases the cell wall Al contents by suppressing ethylene emissions and decreases the symplastic Al levels by downregulating OsNRAT1 in rice.
Robust Causal Structure Learning with Some Hidden Variables
Authors: Frot Benjamin , Nandy Preetam , Maathuis Marloes H. 
Published: March 2019

SummaryWe introduce a new method to estimate the Markov equivalence class of a directed acyclic graph (DAG) in the presence of hidden variables, in settings where the underlying DAG among the observed variables is sparse, and there are a few hidden variables that have a direct effect on many of the observed variables. Building on the so-called low rank plus sparse framework, we suggest a two-stage approach which first removes the effect of the hidden variables and then estimates the Markov equivalence class of the underlying DAG under the assumption that there are no remaining hidden variables. This approach is consistent in certain high dimensional regimes and performs favourably when compared with the state of the art, in terms of both graphical structure recovery and total causal effect estimation.
Sedimentary architecture of an ancient linear megadune (Barremian, Neuquén Basin): Insights into the long‐term development and evolution of aeolian linear bedforms
Authors: Argüello Scotti Agustín , Veiga Gonzalo D. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractLinear aeolian bedforms are the most abundant bedform type in Earth's dune fields, and are very common in the Solar System. Despite their abundance, the long‐term development of these bedforms and its impact upon the resulting sedimentary architecture in the geological record is still poorly understood. The aim of this paper is to study the exposed record of an ancient linear megadune in order to discuss its development and the factors that impact the sedimentary architecture of aeolian linear bedforms. The outcrops of the ancient Troncoso Sand Sea (Barremian, Neuquén Basin, Argentina) provide a unique opportunity to study a preserved megadune record with an external body geometry that confirms its linear morphology. Architectural analysis reveals significant differences in cross‐stratified set bodies and bounding surfaces’ features and allows for the identification of three architectural complexes within the bedform's record. Analysis of deterministic models, sedimentary body relative chronology and distribution suggest that these architectural complexes result from distinctive phases in bedform development. It also clearly shows that construction of the megadune was achieved by expansion from a core, and that its development was characterized by sustained growth and strong longitudinal dynamics, without net accumulation. This study indicates how sustained bedform growth, rather than accretion, can be a critical factor conditioning linear bedform architecture towards a more ‘classic’ (bimodal bounding surface and cross‐bedding dip directions) concentric sedimentary architecture style. Furthermore, this research reveals how this style of architecture could only be relatively common in the geological record when related to bedform topography preservation.
Along‐strike consistency of an extensional detachment system, West Cyclades, Greece
Authors: Coleman Mark , Dubosq Renelle , Schneider David A. , Grasemann Bernhard , Soukis Konstantinos 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe Lavrion district of the Attica Peninsula, Greece, exposes the West Cycladic Detachment System (WCDS), a low‐angle crustal‐scale extensional fault system separating tectonostratigraphic units of the Cycladic Blueschist Unit. New multiple single‐grain fusion and step‐heated white mica 40Ar/39Ar ages integrated with existing (U–Th)/He ages and independent paleothermometry resolves a syn‐ to post‐orogenic deformation history. A structurally higher unit records Oligocene greenschist facies deformation that evolved into brittle conditions by the middle Miocene, and shares a similar history to Serifos at the southern end of the detachment system. The structurally lowest unit remained ductile until the late Miocene, preserving pervasive post‐orogenic structures, similar to along‐strike structures at the centre, deepest part of the fault. The similarities of structural styles and the timing of deformation across > 150 km of strike length of the detachment system indicates tens of kilometers of offset and extraordinary potential for correlating observations along Cycladic‐style detachment systems.
FDG‐PET/MRI imaging for the management of alveolar echinococcosis: initial clinical experience at a reference centre in Austria
Authors: Lötsch Felix , Waneck Fredrik , Groger Mirjam , Auer Herbert , Kaczirek Klaus , Rausch Ivo , Wadsak Wolfgang , Hacker Marcus , Lagler Heimo , Ramharter Michael , Karanikas Georgios 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackground[18F]‐2‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose (18F‐FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG‐PET/CT) imaging provides important information about the size and metabolic activity of lesions caused by Echinococcus multilocularis and is therefore recommended for the initial assessment and follow‐up of human alveolar echinococcosis (AE). The introduction of positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) into clinical practice in affluent health care systems provides an alternative dual imaging modality, which has not yet been evaluated for AE.ObjectiveHere, we describe the initial clinical experience with comparative PET/CT and PET/MR imaging in four human AE patients at an Austrian reference centre.ResultsPET/MR imaging showed comparable diagnostic capacity for liver lesions attributable to E. multilocularis infection, with a discrepancy only in the assessment of calcifications in one patient. Effective doses of radiation were 30.4–31 mSV for PET/CT, which were reduced in PET/MRI to the exposure of 18F‐FDG only (4.9–5.5 mSv).ConclusionsPET/MRI provides comparable diagnostic information for AE management. The reduction in radiation exposure compared to PET/CT may be of particular importance for children and young patients not amenable for curative surgery requiring repeated long‐term follow‐up with dual imaging modalities. Further studies are warranted to prospectively evaluate the potential of PET/MRI in the management of AE.
Haptoglobin phenotypes with weak antioxidant capacity increase risk factors of cardiovascular disease in Ghanaian HIV‐infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Tagoe Emmanuel Ayitey , Tagoe Ishmael Nii Ayibontey , Kuleape Joshua Agbemefa , Puplampu Peter , Amanquah Seth , Asare‐Anane Henry , Quaye Osbourne 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectiveHighly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has considerably reduced HIV/AIDS‐related morbidity and mortality; however, the therapy has been associated with the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and genetic predisposition factors may aggravate disease outcome. This study was aimed at investigating the relationship between haptoglobin phenotypes and risk factors of CVD in HIV patients.MethodsA total of 105 HIV sero‐positive patients on HAART and 75 HIV‐infected HAART‐naïve individuals were enrolled in the study. Socio‐demographics and clinical characteristics of the participants were obtained using a well‐structured questionnaire. Lipid profile, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and haptoglobin (Hp) phenotypes were analysed from serum whiles haemoglobin (Hb) level, CD4+ cell count and HIV viral RNA load were determined using whole blood.ResultsAtherogenic index of plasma (AIP) was significantly higher in patients on HAART than the naïve group (P < 0.05). Age, BMI, visceral fat, systolic blood pressure LDH and lipid variables strongly and positively correlated with AIP (P < 0.05), with the exception of HDL‐c (P < 0.001) which showed a negative correlation. HAART was associated with hypertension (χ2 = 4.33, P = 0.037), hypercholesterolaemia (χ2 = 10.99, P < 0.001), elevated LDL‐c (χ2 = 10.30, P < 0.001) and decreased HDL‐c (χ2 = 3.87, P = 0.09). Hp2‐2 and Hp0 collectively was strongly associated with hypertension (OR = 2.54, P = 0.011), obesity (OR = 5.97, P < 0.001) and hypercholesterolaemia (OR = 2.99, P < 0.001).ConclusionHIV/AIDS patients on HAART expressing Hp phenotypes with weak antioxidant capacity have an increased risk of developing CVD.
Survey of surgical specialists’ content preferences in radiology reports for extrahepatic portosystemic shunts
Authors: Plested Mark J. , Drees Randi 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe aim of this prospective, survey study was to assess the opinions of specialist surgeons as to the preferred content, nomenclature, and classification of extrahepatic portosystemic shunts for inclusion in radiology reports. A link to an online survey was sent by email to members of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons and the Association of Veterinary Soft Tissue Surgeons, and was made available on the American College of Veterinary Surgeons web forum and Facebook page. There were 93 respondents (survey sent to over 2500 email addresses and made available in two online locations). Most respondents agreed that they both review the images themselves (87/92, 95%) and read the radiology report (82/92, 89%) prior to surgery. Most respondents believed that the radiology report should contain a detailed anatomic description of the insertion (83/92, 90%), origin (54/91, 59%), and course (70/92, 76%) of the shunt, as well as a measure of the diameter of the shunting vessel at its insertion (54/92, 59%). Most respondents (70/90, 78%) disagreed that a brief description of shunt type, such as portocaval or portophrenic, was sufficient. Respondents were undecided regarding the use of an alphanumeric classification system (36/92, 39% agree; 32/92, 35% disagree). There was agreement that details of the presence or absence of urolithiasis (91/93, 98%), renomegaly (54/93, 58%), and peritoneal fluid (72/92, 78%) should be included in the report. The results of this study will help to guide reporting radiologists in providing descriptions of extrahepatic portosystemic shunts that include information most preferred by the recipient surgeons.