bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Behavioural and trait changes in parkinsonian patients with impulse control disorder after switching from dopamine agonist to levodopa therapy: results of REIN-PD trial
Authors: Lee Jee-Young , Jeon Beomseok , Koh Seong-Beom , Yoon Won Tae , Lee Ho-Won , Kwon Oh Dae , Kim Jae Woo , Kim Jong-Min , Ma Hyeo-Il , Kim Hee-Tae , Baik Jong Sam , Cho Jinwhan ,   (REIN-PD Investigators)
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveIn this multicentre open-label trial, we compared behavioural and neuropsychiatric symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients with impulse control disorders (ICD) treated with dopamine agonists before and 12 weeks after substituting dopamine agonists with an equivalent dose of levodopa/carbidopa slow-release formulation.MethodsBaseline characteristics of 50 PD patients with ICD were compared with those of 60 medicated and 40 drug-naive PD control groups. Neuropsychiatric trait changes in the PD-ICD group were investigated 12 weeks after the intervention. ICD behaviours were assessed via modified Minnesota Impulsive Disorders Interview (mMIDI), whereas parkinsonian severity and neuropsychiatric characters were systematically assessed with the Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) and a predefined neuropsychological assessment battery.ResultsAt baseline, ICD patients showed higher scores in the Neuropsychiatric Inventory and anxiety, anger and obsessive-compulsive traits compared with both PD control groups. In contrast, the three PD groups showed indifference in the impulsivity scales. At 12 weeks post intervention, ICD behaviours significantly improved (p<0.001, Δ modified MIDI score=‒5.27 ± 5.75) along with the UPDRS II daily activity scores (p=0.02, Δ=‒2.07 ± 4.53). Behavioural disinhibition tended to improve (p=0.06), although no significant changes were observed in the Neuropsychiatric Inventory and personality trait scores. Dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome developed in 5.3% of the PD-ICD group.ConclusionsThis study provides class IV evidence suggesting that switching from dopamine agonists to levodopa/carbidopa slow-release formulations alleviated ICD behaviours in PD patients leading to improvement in daily activities whereas neuropsychiatric traits associated with ICD persisted after the 12-week therapy.Trial registration numberNCT01683253.
Ambient concentrations of NO2 and hospital admissions for schizophrenia
Authors: Bai Lijun , Zhang Xulai , Zhang Yanwu , Cheng Qiang , Duan Jun , Gao Jiaojiao , Xu Zihan , Zhang Heng , Wang Shusi , Su Hong 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesSchizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder affecting more than 21 million people worldwide. Short-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) has been associated with hospital admissions (HAs) for mental disorders, but no study has evaluated the specific association of NO2 and schizophrenia. Additionally, the shape of the concentration–response (C–R) curve has not yet been assessed at present. This study aims to investigate the relationship between short-term exposure to NO2 and HAs for schizophrenia in Hefei, from 2014 to 2016. We also attempt to explore the C–R and the underlying effect modifiers of the association.MethodsDaily number of HAs for schizophrenia was derived from the computerised medical record system of Anhui Mental Health Center. We used a time-series Poisson generalised linear regression combined with distributed lag non-linear models to model the NO2–schizophrenia relationship.ResultsA total of 11 373 HAs were identified during the study period. An increase in levels of NO2 was significantly associated with elevated schizophrenia HAs. The estimated relative risk per IQR increase in NO2 at lag 01 was 1.10 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.18). Greater association was observed in young patients (relative risk: 1.11, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.19). The modelled C–R curves of the NO2–schizophrenia relationship suggested possible threshold effects of NO2 for all ages combined, young patients, men and both seasons.ConclusionsShort-term exposure to NO2 may be associated with increased schizophrenia HAs. Findings indicated potential threshold effects of NO2, which has important implications for health-based risk assessments.
High prevalence of undiagnosed COPD among patients evaluated for suspected myocardial ischaemia
Authors: Jönsson Andreas , Fedorowski Artur , Engström Gunnar , Wollmer Per , Hamrefors Viktor 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) are leading causes of global morbidity and mortality. Despite the well-known comorbidity between COPD and CAD, the presence of COPD may be overlooked in patients undergoing coronary evaluation. We aimed to assess the prevalence of undiagnosed COPD among outpatients evaluated due to suspected myocardial ischemia.MethodsAmong 500 outpatients who were referred to myocardial perfusion imaging due to suspected stable myocardial ischaemia, 433 patients performed spirometry. Of these, a total of 400 subjects (age 66 years; 45% women) had no previous COPD diagnosis and were included in the current study. We compared the prevalence of previously undiagnosed COPD according to spirometry criteria from The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) or lower limit of normal (LLN) and reversible myocardial ischaemia according to symptoms and clinical factors.ResultsA total of 134 (GOLD criteria; 33.5 %) or 46 patients (LLN criteria; 11.5%) had previously undiagnosed COPD, whereas 55 patients (13.8 %) had reversible myocardial ischaemia. The presenting symptoms (chest discomfort, dyspnoea) did not differ between COPD, myocardial ischaemia and normal findings. Except for smoking, no clinical factors were consistently associated with previously undiagnosed COPD.ConclusionsAmong middle-aged outpatients evaluated due to suspected myocardial ischaemia, previously undiagnosed COPD is at least as common as reversible myocardial ischaemia and the presenting symptoms do not differentiate between these entities. Patients going through a coronary ischaemia evaluation should be additionally tested for COPD, especially if there is a positive history of smoking.
Predicting achievement of the treatment targets at 6 months from 3-month response levels in rheumatoid arthritis: data from real-life follow-up in the NOR-DMARD study
Authors: Norvang Vibeke , Sexton Joseph , Kristianslund Eirik K , Olsen Inge C , Uhlig Till , Bakland Gunnstein , Krøll Frode , Rødevand Erik , Wierød Ada , Kvien Tore K , Smolen Josef S , Aletaha Daniel , Haavardsholm Espen A 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveWhen initiating a new therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), current treatment recommendations suggest escalating therapy in case of poor clinical improvement by 3 months or if the treatment target has not been reached by 6 months. We investigated which disease activity improvement levels at 3 months predicted achievement of the treatment targets at 6 months in a real-life clinical setting.MethodsWe included 1610 patients with RA enrolled in the NOR-DMARD study between 2000 and 2012. Analyses were performed for the total group of patients and repeated for subgroups stratified by baseline disease activity, disease duration or treatment with methotrexate or a tumour necrosis factor inhibitor. We used a diagnostic test approach to explore the associations between 3-month response and 6-month outcome.ResultsNot achieving 50% improvement in Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) by 3 months significantly decreased the likelihood of reaching remission at 6 months in all subgroups (negative likelihood ratios (LRs−) 0.15–0.36). Patients with high disease activity when initiating treatment were likely to fail reaching remission if they achieved less than SDAI 70% response by 3 months (LR− 0.25 and negative predictive value 0.98). Achieving a major response (SDAI 85%) at 3 months significantly increased the likelihood of reaching remission at 6 months (LRs+ 6.56).ConclusionLevels of 3-month disease activity improvement can inform clinicians when deciding to continue or adjust ongoing therapy in a treat-to-target strategy aiming for remission or low disease activity within 6 months. The required levels of 3-month improvement varied with baseline disease activity.
Patient-reported outcomes and safety in patients undergoing synovial biopsy: comparison of ultrasound-guided needle biopsy, ultrasound-guided portal and forceps and arthroscopic-guided synovial biopsy techniques in five centres across Europe
Authors: Just Søren Andreas , Humby Frances , Lindegaard Hanne , Meric de Bellefon Laurent , Durez Patrick , Vieira-Sousa Elsa , Teixeira Rui , Stoenoiu Maria , Werlinrud Jens , Rosmark Sofie , Larsen Pia Veldt , Pratt Arthur , Choy Ernest , Gendi Nagui , Buch Maya H , Edwards Christopher J , Taylor Peter C , McInnes Iain B , Fonseca João Eurico , Pitzalis Costantino , Filer Andrew 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundWe present a European multicenter study, comparing safety data and patient-reported outcomes (PRO) from patients undergoing synovial biopsy using ultrasound-guided needle biopsy (US-NB), ultrasound-guided portal and forceps (US-P&F) or arthroscopic-guided (AG) procedures.ObjectivesTo describe safety and PRO data on joint indices of pain, stiffness and swelling before and after biopsy, procedural discomfort, joint status compared with before biopsy and willingness to undergo a second biopsy for each technique and compare the three techniques. To evaluate the impact on PRO and safety data of corticosteroid therapy as part of the biopsy procedure and sequential biopsy procedures.MethodsData were collected on the day of biopsy and 7–14 days postprocedure. Joint pain, swelling and stiffness indices were recorded as 0–100  mm Visual Analogue Scale; qualitative outcome variables on five-point Likert scales. Groups were compared with linear regression, adjusting for disease activity, corticosteroid therapy and prebiopsy PRO value and accounting for repeated measurements.ResultsA total of 524 synovial biopsy procedures were documented (402 US-NB, 65 US-P&F and 57 AGSB). There were eight adverse events (1.5%) with no difference between biopsy methods (p=0.55). All PROs were improved 2  weeks postprocedure, and there were no differences in postbiopsy change in PROs between biopsy methods. Corticosteroid administration, whether intramuscular (n=62) or intra-articular (n=38), did not result in more adverse events (p=0.81) and was associated with reduction in postbiopsy swelling (p<0.01). Sequential biopsy procedures (n=103 patients) did not result in more adverse events (p=0.61) or worsening in PRO data.ConclusionOverall, our results do not suggest a significant difference in safety or patient tolerability between US-NB, US-P&F and AGSB sampling. Further, corticosteroid therapy as part of the biopsy procedure and sequential biopsies is safe and well tolerated in patients.
Martian gullies: a comprehensive review of observations, mechanisms and insights from Earth analogues
Authors: Conway Susan J. , de Haas Tjalling , Harrison Tanya N. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Upon their discovery in 2000, Martian gullies were hailed as the first proof of recent (i.e. less than a few million years) flowing liquid water on the surface of a dry desert planet. Many processes have been proposed to have formed Martian gullies, ranging from liquid-water seepage from aquifers, melting of snow, ice and frost, to dry granular flows, potentially lubricated by CO
2
. Terrestrial analogues have played a pivotal role in the conception and validation of gully-formation mechanisms. Comparison with the terrestrial landscape argues for gully formation by liquid-water debris flows originating from surface melting. However, limited knowledge of sediment transport by sublimation is a critical factor in impeding progress on the CO
2
-sublimation hypothesis. We propose avenues towards resolving the debate: (a) laboratory simulations targeting variables that can be measured from orbit; (b) applications of landscape-evolution models; (c) incorporation of the concept of sediment connectivity; (d) using 3D fluid-dynamic models to link deposit morphology and flow rheology; and (e) a more intense exchange of techniques between terrestrial and planetary geomorphology, including quantitative and temporal approaches. Finally, we emphasize that the present may not accurately represent the past and that Martian gullies likely formed by a combination of processes.
The gap in CS, mulling irrational exuberance
Authors: Hewitt Carl , Kumar Vijay 
Published: October 2018

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Carl Hewitt suggests computer science needs a reference resource, while Vijay Kumar decries intellectual dishonesty in technology forecasting.
Cerebrovascular function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the impact of exercise training
Authors: Lewis Nia , Gelinas Jinelle C. M. , Ainslie Philip N. , Smirl Jonathan D. , Agar Gloria , Melzer Bernie , Rolf J. Douglass , Eves Neil D. 
Published: October 2018

This study examined cerebral blood flow (CBF) and its regulation before and after a short-term periodized aerobic exercise training intervention in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Twenty-eight patients with COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity < 0.7 and <lower limit of normal) and 24 healthy control subjects participated in the study. Extracranial CBF (duplex ultrasound), middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv; transcranial Doppler), cerebrovascular reactivity to hypocapnia and hypercapnia, and dynamic cerebral autoregulation (transfer function analysis) were quantified. These tests were repeated in both patients with COPD ( n = 23) and control subjects ( n = 20) after 8 wk of periodized upper and lower body aerobic exercise training (3 sessions/wk). At baseline, global extracranial CBF was comparable between the COPD and control groups (791 ± 290 vs. 658 ± 143 ml/min, P = 0.25); however, MCAv was lower in patients with COPD compared with control subjects (46 ± 9 vs. 53 ± 10 cm/s, P = 0.05). Although there were no group differences in dynamic cerebral autoregulation or the MCAv response to hypercapnia, patients with COPD had a lower MCAv response to hypocapnia compared with control subjects (−1.1 ± 1.5 vs. −1.6 ± 1.3 cm·s−1·mmHg−1, P = 0.02). After aerobic training, absolute peak O2 consumption increased in both groups, with a greater improvement in control subjects (1.7 ± 0.4 vs. 4.1 ± 0.2 ml·kg−1·min−1, respectively, P = 0.001). Despite these improvements in peak O2 consumption, there were no significant alterations in CBF or any measures of cerebrovascular function after exercise training in either group. In conclusion, patients with COPD have a blunted cerebrovascular response to hypocapnia, and 8 wk of aerobic exercise training did not alter cerebrovascular function despite significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness. NEW & NOTEWORTHY No study to date has investigated whether exercise training can alter resting cerebral blood flow (CBF) regulation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study is the first to assess CBF regulation at rest, before, and after aerobic exercise training in patients with COPD and healthy control subjects. This study demonstrated that while exercise training improved aerobic fitness, it had little effect on CBF regulation in patients with COPD or control subjects.
Children with Cryptorchidism Complicated by Testicular Torsion: A Case Series
Authors: Deng Tao , Zhang Xuan , Wang Guanghuan , Duan Shouxing , Fu Maxian , Zhong Jun , Li Jianhong , Jiang Xuewu 
Published: October 2018

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> To investigate the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of children with cryptorchidism complicated by testicular torsion. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The clinical data of 6 children with cryptorchidism complicated by testicular torsion admitted to our hospital from December 2000 to December 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. <b><i>Results:</i></b> All 6 children were diagnosed with cryptorchidism by surgery, their age was from 12 days up to 11 years, and the average time between onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 20.5 h. Torsion testis was located in the groin area and the rate of left to right was about 2:1. Twist was 600° on average. All children were admitted because of the inconsolable cry, abdominal pain, and the swelling of the groin. Three patients underwent orchidectomy, while the other 3 patients underwent detorsion and cryptorchidopexy. Color Doppler ultrasound examination showed normal testes at 6 months after operation. Only 1 case was diagnosed with cryptorchidism after birth. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Cryptorchidism is an emergency in pediatric urology and often leads to a low testicular salvage rate, especially in infants, due to lack of knowledge, delayed diagnosis, and late treatment. Neonatal genital examination is important for the early diagnosis and management of cryptorchidism.
Headache at the Time of First Symptom Manifestation of Multiple Sclerosis: A Prospective, Longitudinal Study
Authors: Gebhardt Marcel , Kropp Peter , Hoffmann Frank , Zettl Uwe K. 
Published: October 2018

<b><i>Aims:</i></b> Headaches have not been considered a typical symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), although since 2000, almost every study showed high prevalence. We screened 50 MS patients at the time of first occurrence of neurological symptoms and found the highest prevalence of headache in MS that was ever recorded (78%). Postmortem histological analyses of MS patients’ brains revealed lymphoid follicle-like structures in the cerebral meninges and a pathophysiological link between headache, and high inflammatory activity especially in the initial phase of MS could be suspected. The aim of this study was to get insights into the persistence of headache in the further progress of the disease. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In a prospective, multicenter study, 50 MS patients at the time of first symptom manifestation were screened for the presence of headache within the last 4 weeks and again 6 months later with help of the Rostock Headache Questionnaire (Rokoko) as well as using the evaluation of case history and clinical-neurological investigation. <b><i>Results:</i></b> We found a decrease of headache prevalence after 6 months from 78 to 61% (<i>p</i> = 0.01). We could also show a decrease of headache frequency, measured by days with headache in the last 4 weeks (9.5 vs. 5.9, <i>p</i> = 0.001). Migraine or probable migraine was the most frequent headache. In both investigations, the most frequent headache was recurrent pain with pulsating and throbbing character that lasted between 4 and 72 h. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Headaches should be taken seriously as an important symptom in early MS. The decrease of headache 6 months after first symptom manifestation of MS could be a result of the immunomodulatory therapy. Young patients in whom migraine-like headaches occur should obligatory undergo an MRI of the head, and in the case of abnormal findings differential diagnosis should be initiated. This could reduce latency until final diagnosis of MS and enable early treatment.
New species of termite Pericapritermes travancorensis sp. nov. (Isoptera: Termitidae: Termitinae) from India
Authors: Mathew Jobin , Ipe Chinnu 
Published: October 2018

A new species of Pericapritermes, P. travancorensis sp. nov. (Isoptera, Termitidae, Termitinae), is described from Kerala, India, based on the characters of the king, queen, imago, soldiers, and workers. Morphological measurements of the king, queen, imago, soldiers, and workers are given with suitable illustrations. List of species of the genus Pericapritermes from the Oriental region is provided.
Status distribution and feeding habit of Wild Boar Sus scrofa (Mammalia: Artiodactyla: Suidae) in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Khan Shaheer , Ilyas Orus 
Published: October 2018

The Wild Boar Sus scrofa is omnivorous, serves as the prey base for large carnivores, performs the role of a natural scavenger, and is often involved in crop raiding. The species is included in Schedule V of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, meaning hunting of the species may be allowed by the Chief Wildlife Warden in instances where individuals of the species are considered dangerous to human life or property. Faecal samples of Wild Boar in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India, were collected from January to June 2013 to assess the distribution of Wild Boar in Karmajhiri range. The density of Wild Boar in Sapath and Tikadi beat was 25.5±0.29 and 23.9±0.33 per hectare, respectively, and was the lowest in Teliya at 1.6±0.05 per hectare. Sixteen different beats were sampled and surveyed to understand the diet of Wild Boar during the winter season. Ingested items included stones, roots, grass, fruits and seeds, hairs, earthworms, flowers, and green plant material. Out of these, the most frequent item was grass, followed by roots and stones.
A checklist of vascular epiphytes of El Cometa Lagoon, Pantanos de Centla Biosphere Reserve, Mexico
Authors: Jiménez-López Derio Antonio , Peralta-Carreta Candelario , Solórzano Jonathan V. , Cervantes-Jiménez Gerardo Luis , Domínguez-Vázquez Marco Antonio 
Published: October 2018

This study presents an updated checklist of vascular epiphytes found in the highly-conserved mangrove forest surrounding El Cometa Lagoon inside Pantanos de Centla Biosphere Reserve, Mexico. In order to perform this task, 25 sampling units were established at the study site and were visited at two stages, once in 2014 and next in 2016. Inside each sampling unit, all the epiphyte species found on host trees with a diameter at breast height 10cm were recorded. The complete epiphyte species list included 25 species belonging to 18 different genera. The richest family was Orchidaceae with nine species and the richest genus was Tillandsia with seven species. Additionally, the total epiphyte richness found in this study was among the highest reported for mangrove forests in Mexico. Epiphyte studies in mangrove forests are uncommon; therefore, this list is the first step to identify vascular epiphytes in the region and contribute to its proper conservation.
Pollination ecology of Synedrella nodiflora (l.) Gaertn. (Asteraceae)
Authors: Usharani B. , Raju A.J. Solomon 
Published: October 2018

Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn grows almost throughout the year if the soil is damp. It produces heterogamous capitula with female ray florets anthesing first day and bisexual disc florets anthesing on the next three consecutive days. Disc florets are dichogamous, herkogamous, self-compatible, self-pollinating (vector-mediated) and display secondary pollen presentation through an intermediate form of brush mechanism. Ray and disc florets exhibit facultative xenogamy. Butterflies are principal pollinators while bees, wasps and flies are supplementary pollinators. Thrips, Microcephalothrips abdominalis uses the florets as breeding and feeding sites; the feeding activity effects pollination. The ray and disc florets produce cypselas; the cypselas produced by ray florets are heavier, elliptical, membranous with upwardly-pointing teeth along the margins and 2 short terminal awns while those produced by disc floret are lighter, cylindrical and tangentially compressed with 2 or 3 stiff terminal divaricate awns. Seed dispersal is polychorous and represented by anemochory, anthropochory, zoochory and ombrohydrochory. Cypselas of ray florets disperse to short distances and germinate germinate under specific germination conditions either at parental sites or in similar habitats while those of disc florets disperse farther away from parental sites and germinate readily under a wide range of conditions. Therefore, bimorphic cypselas with different germination abilities enable the plant to grow as a widespread weed but not as an invasive weed.