bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conception rate of Holstein and Japanese Black cattle following embryo transfer in southwestern Japan
Authors: Nabenishi Hisashi , Sugino Fumiaki , Konaka Rui , Yamazaki Atusi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis study aimed to quantify and compare conception rates to embryo transfer (ET) of Holstein and Japanese Black cattle in southwestern Japan. A 10‐year retrospective epidemiological survey was conducted. The recipient numbers for Holstein and Japanese Black cattle was 621 and 527, respectively. Conception rates of Holstein and Japanese Black cattle during the study period were 45.4% and 42.3%, respectively. There was no significant difference between both breeds. However, a different trend of conception rate to ET in Holstein and Japanese Black cattle was observed. In Holstein cattle, conception rate in August to October was lower than in the other months and was significantly lower (p < .05) than in April. Particularly, conception rate in October of Holstein cattle was the lowest (31.0%). In Japanese Black cattle, conception rates in December (24.2%) and January (31.3%) were lower than in the other months. Conception rate of Japanese Black cattle declined as the temperature–humidity index (THI) decreased, exhibiting significantly lower levels in the ≤45 THI class than in any other THI class (p < .05). By contrast, in Holstein cattle, no relationship was observed between conception rate and THI on the day of ET. These observations suggest the importance of appropriate management that considers seasonal reactivity in each breed.
The role of Pdcd4 in tumour suppression and protein translation
Authors: Wang Qing , Yang Hsin‐Sheng 
Published: May 2018

AbstractProgrammed cell death 4 (Pdcd4), a tumour suppressor, is frequently down‐regulated in various types of cancer. Pdcd4 has been demonstrated to efficiently suppress tumour promotion, progression and proliferation. The biochemical function of Pdcd4 is a protein translation inhibitor. Although the fact that Pdcd4 inhibits protein translation has been known for more than a decade, the mechanism by which Pdcd4 controls tumorigenesis through translational regulation of its target genes is still not fully understood. Recent studies show that Pdcd4 inhibits translation of stress‐activated‐protein kinase interacting protein 1 to suppress tumour invasion, depicting a picture of how Pdcd4 inhibits tumorigenesis through translational inhibition. Thus, understanding the mechanism of how Pdcd4 attenuates tumorigenesis by translational control should provide a new strategy for combating cancer.
Evaluation of implant esthetics using eight objective indices—Comparative analysis of reliability and validity
Authors: Hof Markus , Umar Nabeel , Budas Nikolaus , Seemann Rudolf , Pommer Bernhard , Zechner Werner 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to give a detailed analysis on eight proposed implant esthetic indices including a total of 48 parameters with respect to validity and reproducibility as well as its correlation to patients’ perception of esthetics.Material and methodsStandardized intraoral photographs of 189 patients with 189 implant‐supported crowns and adjacent peri‐implant soft tissue in the esthetic zone (central and lateral incisors, canine, first premolar) served as basis for this evaluation. Eight indices (Papilla Index [PI], Pink Esthetic Score [PES], Implant Crown Aesthetic Index [ICAI], Pink and White Esthetic Score [PES/WES], Complex Esthetic Index [CEI], Implant Aesthetic Score [IAS], Subjective Esthetic Score [SES], and Rompen Index) with a total of 48 parameters were selected. Esthetic evaluation was performed twice by five examiners with an interval of 4 weeks between the evaluations.ResultsA total of 1,890 evaluations including eight esthetic indices served as basis for the statistical analysis. Among the overall main scores tested for inter‐rater reliability, the highest values were computed for CEI, PES, PI, and IAS scores. By contrast, SES and Rompen showed the worst inter‐rater reliability, respectively. The highest level of intra‐rater reproducibility was noted for PI, PES, and CEI. The lowest level of intra‐rater reproducibility showed Rompen, SES, and ICA. The Papilla Index demonstrated the highest level of inter‐rater reliability. The remainder of the single variables (n = 46) did not reach the level of 0.6. The single variables PI mesial, PI distal as well as CEI P4 showed the highest with statistical significance higher than 0.8. The lowest agreement was observed among the variables ICA3, WES5, and IASm2. In general, VAS did not show any good correlation to the esthetic indices proposed so far. The influence of esthetic parameters on subjective patient satisfaction was generally low.ConclusionIn conclusion, significant differences regarding reliability and validity could be observed in the present comparison of eight esthetic indices. Objective evaluation of the esthetic outcome of implant therapy inherently fails to reflect subjective patient opinion, however, requires consistency of results to enable between‐study comparison and meta‐analysis.
Low dose posaconazole delayed release tablets for fungal prophylaxis in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Kozuch Jade M. , Feist Ashley , Yung Gordon , Awdishu Linda , Hays Steven , Singer Jonathan P. , Florez Rebecca 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn November 2013, posaconazole delayed release (DR) tablets were approved by the FDA with the labeled dose of 300 mg daily for fungal prophylaxis. There are no studies demonstrating the appropriate dose in lung transplant recipients (LTR). We performed a 2‐center retrospective cohort study of LTR taking posaconazole DR tablets for prophylaxis between January 2014 and January 2017. Mean serum trough concentrations and percentage of measurements ≥0.7 mcg/mL were compared by daily dose. Forty‐nine subjects with 156 steady state serum posaconazole concentrations were included. There was a significant difference in percentage of first measured concentration ≥0.7 mcg/mL by initial daily dose (P = .04). The mean serum posaconazole concentration by dose was 0.9 (±0.42) mcg/mL for 100 mg daily, 1.66 (±0.91) mcg/mL for 200 mg daily, 2.39 (±1.49) mcg/mL for 300 mg daily, and 1.75 (±0.21) mcg/mL for 400 mg daily (P < .001). Mean concentrations were at goal in 63.3%, 96.9%, 94.9%, and 100% of subjects taking 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg daily respectively (P = .04). Our results suggest that doses less than 300 mg daily of posaconazole DR tablets may be adequate to achieve target serum concentrations in LTR. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Neurodevelopmental outcome of nutritional intervention in newborn infants at risk of neurodevelopmental impairment: the Dolphin neonatal double‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Andrew Morag J , Parr Jeremy R , Montague‐Johnson Christine , Laler Karen , Holmes Jane , Baker Bonny , Sullivan Peter B 
Published: May 2018

AimTo investigate whether neonates at risk for neurodevelopmental impairment have improved neurodevelopment after docosahexaenoic acid, choline, and uridine‐5‐monophosphate supplementation versus controls.MethodRecruitment was from UK neonatal units. Eligible for inclusion were infants born at less than 31 weeks’ gestation with a weight less than the ninth centile; infants born at less than 31 weeks’ gestation with a grade II or higher intraventricular haemorrhage/preterm white matter injury; infants born between 31 weeks’ and 40 weeks’ gestation plus 28 days with a grade II or higher intraventricular haemorrhage/preterm white matter injury, moderate or severe hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy, or defined neuroimaging abnormalities. Treatment/control supplementation was for 2 years (double‐blind, randomized, controlled design). Infants were stratified according to sex, gestation, and brain injury severity. Primary outcome was cognitive composite score (CCS) of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Third Edition (Bayley‐III at 24mo). Secondary outcomes were language composite score (LCS) of the Bayley‐III, motor composite score (MCS) of the Bayley‐III, and Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales, Second Edition (VABS‐II) score.ResultsSixty‐two neonates were recruited, 59 were randomized (34 males, 25 females). Fifty‐three started supplementation. Most families found supplementation acceptable. The treatment group CCS‐Bayley‐III scores were non‐significantly higher than controls (mean score difference at 24mo: 9.0; 95% confidence interval −0.2 to 18.2). Language and VABS‐II scores, but not motor score, were non‐significantly higher in the treatment group.InterpretationMost families found supplementation feasible. Improved neurodevelopmental outcomes in the treatment group were not statistically significant. A larger multicentre trial exploration is warranted.What this paper adds

Dietary supplementation of neonates at risk of neurodevelopmental impairment is feasible.

No statistically significant neurodevelopmental advantages were identified for the treatment group compared to controls.

Treatment group cognitive and language advantage are of a clinically meaningful magnitude.
Intrathecal baclofen in metachromatic leukodystrophy
Authors: van der Veldt Nikki , van Rappard Diane F , van de Pol Laura A , van der Knaap Marjo S , van Ouwerkerk Willem J R , Becher Jules G , Wolf Nicole I , Buizer Annemieke I 
Published: May 2018

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a rare progressive neurological disorder, often accompanied by motor impairments that are challenging to treat. In this case series, we report the course of treatment with intrathecal baclofen (ITB), aimed at improving daily care and comfort in children and young adults with MLD. All patients with MLD in our centre on ITB treatment for a minimum of 6 months were included (n=10; 4 males, 6 females; mean age 10y 8mo [range 6–24y]). Eight patients had MLD with a predominant spastic movement disorder (sMLD) and two were mainly dyskinetic. Patients with sMLD were compared with matched patients with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Complication rates related to ITB treatment were similar in both groups. ITB treatment course in the first 6 months after pump implantation appears to show more dose increase in most patients MLD, compared to patients with spastic CP. This may be due to the progressive disease in MLD. ITB is a feasible therapy to improve daily care and comfort in patients with MLD and should therefore be considered early.What this paper adds

Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) is a feasible therapy to improve comfort and daily care in children and young people with metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD).

In the first 6 months of ITB treatment, MLD seems to show more dose increase compared to spastic cerebral palsy.
Gastrointestinal and nutritional issues in children with neurological disability
Authors: Romano Claudio , Dipasquale Valeria , Gottrand Frederic , Sullivan Peter B 
Published: May 2018

Neurological disability is often associated with feeding and gastrointestinal disorders leading to malnutrition and growth failure. Assessment of nutritional status represents the first step in the clinical evaluation of children with neurological disability. The European Society of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) recently issued a consensus statement on gastrointestinal and nutritional management in children with neurological disability. Here we critically review and address implications of this consensus for clinical practice, including assessment and monitoring of nutritional status, definition of nutritional requirements, diagnosis and treatment of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease, and indications for and modalities of nutritional support. There is a strong evidence base supporting the ESPGHAN guidelines; their application is expected to lead to better management of this group of children.What this paper adds

Assessment of nutritional status in children with neurological disability should include the evaluation of body composition.

Standard polymeric formula via gastrostomy tube is an effective, long‐term nutritional intervention.

Tube feeding should be started early, before the development of malnutrition.
Re‐evaluation of Armillaria and Desarmillaria in South Korea based on ITS/tef1 sequences and morphological characteristics
Authors: Park Ki Hyeong , Oh Seung‐Yoon , Park Myung Soo , Kim Mee‐Sook , Klopfenstein Ned B. , Kim Nam Kyu , Park Jae Young , Kim Jae‐Jin , Han Sang‐Kuk , Lee Jong Kyu , Lim Young Woon 
Published: May 2018

AbstractFungal species in the genera Armillaria and Desarmillaria (Physalacriaceae, Agaricales) are well known for their symbiotic relationships with Gastrodia elata and Polyporus umbellatus, important components of traditional medicine in Asia. In addition, some species in these genera cause Armillaria root disease, which has had a negative economic impact by damaging and destroying urban, horticultural and forest trees. Five species within Armillaria and Desarmillaria have been previously reported in South Korea, based primarily on basidioma morphology: A. cepistipes, A. gallica, A. mellea, A. ostoyae and D. tabescens (reported as A. tabescens). This study re‐evaluated 60 specimens of Armillaria and Desarmillaria using morphological features and molecular phylogenetic analyses of the ITS and partial translation elongation factor‐1α (tef1) sequences. In addition, spatial distributions of each Armillaria and Desarmillaria species in South Korea were determined from combined data based on basidioma collections and environmental DNA (eDNA). Six species (A. cepestipes, A. gallica, A. mellea, A. nabsnona, A. ostoyae and D. tabescens) and three lineages of A. gallica (A. gallica clade 1–3) were identified in South Korea from both specimens and eDNA. Most of the basidioma specimens used in this study were previously identified as A. mellea; however, in this study, no basidioma specimens were identified as A. mellea, although this species was detected on Jeju Island from eDNA samples. The detection of A. nabsnona was a new report for South Korea. Consistent with previous phylogenetic studies, the tef1 analysis had better resolution than the ITS analysis. These distribution data of Armillaria and Desarmillaria species will contribute to better management of Armillaria root disease as well as cultivation of G. elata and P. umbellatus in South Korea.
Neural correlates of gait variability in people with multiple sclerosis with fall history
Authors: Kalron A. , Allali G. , Achiron A. 
Published: May 2018

Background and purposeThe aim was to investigate the association between step time variability and related brain structures in accordance with fall status in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).MethodsThe study included 225 PwMS. Whole‐brain magnetic resonance imaging was performed with a high‐resolution 3.0 T magnetic resonance scanner in addition to volumetric analysis based on 3D T1‐weighted images using the FreeSurfer image analysis suite. Step time variability was measured with an electronic walkway. Participants were defined as ‘fallers’ (at least two falls during the previous year) and ‘non‐fallers’.ResultsIn all, 105 PwMS were defined as fallers and had a greater step time variability compared to non‐fallers [5.6% (SD = 3.4) vs. 3.4% (SD = 1.5); P = 0.001]. MS fallers exhibited a reduced volume in the left caudate and both cerebellum hemispheres compared to non‐fallers. On using a linear regression analysis no association was found between gait variability and related brain structures in the total cohort and the non‐fallers group. However, the analysis found an association between the left hippocampus and left putamen volumes with step time variability in the faller group: P = 0.031, 0.048, respectively, controlling for total cranial volume, walking speed, disability, age and gender. Nevertheless, according to the hierarchical regression model, the contribution of these brain measures to predict gait variability was relatively small compared to walking speed.ConclusionsAn association between low left hippocampal, putamen volumes and step time variability was found in PwMS with a history of falls, suggesting that brain structural characteristics may be related to falls and increased gait variability in PwMS.
First comprehensive tool for screening pain in Parkinson's disease: the King's Parkinson's Disease Pain Questionnaire
Authors: Martinez‐Martin P. , Rizos A. M. , Wetmore J. , Antonini A. , Odin P. , Pal S. , Sophia R. , Carroll C. , Martino D. , Falup‐Pecurariu C. , Kessel B. , Andrews T. , Paviour D. , Trenkwalder C. , Chaudhuri K. R. ,   EUROPAR and MDS Non‐motor PD Study Group
Published: May 2018

Background and purposePain is highly prevalent in Parkinson's disease (PD), impacting patients’ ability, mood and quality of life. Detecting the presence of pain in its multiple modalities is necessary for adequate personalized management ofPD. A 14‐item,PD‐specific, patient‐based questionnaire (the King's Parkinson's Disease Pain Questionnaire,KPPQ) was designed corresponding to the rater‐basedKPPScale (KPPS). The present multicentre study was aimed at testing the validity of this screening tool.MethodsFirst, a comparison between theKPPQscores of patients and matched controls was performed. Next, convergent validity, reproducibility (test–retest) and diagnostic performance of the questionnaire were analysed.ResultsData from 300 patients and 150 controls are reported. PD patients declared significantly more pain symptoms than controls (3.96 ± 2.56 vs. 2.17 ± 1.39;P < 0.0001). The KPPQ convergent validity was high withKPPStotal score (rS = 0.80) but weak or moderate with other pain assessments. Test–retest reliability was satisfactory with kappa values ≥0.65 except for item 5, Dyskinetic pains (κ = 0.44), and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for theKPPQtotal score was 0.98.After the scores of theKPPSwere adapted for screening (0, no symptom; ≥1, symptom present), a good agreement was found between theKPPQand theKPPS(ICC = 0.88). A strong correlation (rS = 0.80) between the two instruments was found. The diagnostic parameters of theKPPQwere very satisfactory as a whole, with a global accuracy of 78.3%–98.3%.ConclusionsThese results suggest that theKPPQis a useful, reliable and valid screening instrument for pain inPDto advance patient‐related outcomes.
Analysis of gene expression profiles of multiple skin diseases identifies a conserved signature of disrupted homeostasis
Authors: Mills Kevin J. , Robinson Michael K. , Sherrill Joseph D. , Schnell Daniel J. , Xu Jun 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTriggers of skin disease pathogenesis vary, but events associated with the elicitation of a lesion share many features in common. Our objective was to examine gene expression patterns in skin disease to develop a molecular signature of disruption of cutaneous homeostasis. Gene expression data from common inflammatory skin diseases (eg psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis and acne) and a novel statistical algorithm were used to define a unifying molecular signature referred to as the “unhealthy skin signature” (USS). Using a pattern‐matching algorithm, analysis of public data repositories revealed that the USS is found in diverse epithelial diseases. Studies of milder disruptions of epidermal homeostasis have also shown that these conditions converge, to varying degrees, on the USS and that the degree of convergence is related directly to the severity of homeostatic disruption. The USS contains genes that had no prior published association with skin, but that play important roles in many different disease processes, supporting the importance of the USS to homeostasis. Finally, we show through pattern matching that the USS can be used to discover new potential dermatologic therapeutics. The USS provides a new means to further interrogate epithelial homeostasis and potentially develop novel therapeutics with efficacy across a spectrum of skin conditions.
Masticatory efficiency contributing to the improved dynamic postural balance: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Hwang Hae‐Yun , Choi Jun‐Seon , Kim Hee‐Eun 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveTo evaluate whether masticatory efficiency is associated with dynamic postural balance.BackgroundMasticatory dysfunction can cause deterioration of general health due to nutritional imbalances, thereby negatively affecting postural balance. However, few studies have investigated the association between masticatory efficiency and postural balance.Materials and methodsThe masticatory efficiency of 74 participants was evaluated by calculating mixing ability index (MAI) using a wax cube. The timed up and go test (TUGT) was used to measure dynamic balance. Participants with an MAI above or below the median value of 1.05 were defined as having high or low masticatory efficiency, respectively. An independent samples t‐test was used to identify significant differences in TUGT, according to masticatory efficiency. Analysis of covariance was performed to adjust for confounding factors. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the correlation between masticatory efficiency and postural balance.ResultsThe high masticatory efficiency group could complete the TUGT exercise approximately 1.67 seconds faster while maintaining the postural balance, compared to the low masticatory efficiency group (P = .005). Furthermore, the postural imbalance odds of the group with high mastication efficiency decreased by 0.14‐fold, relative to the group with low mastication efficiency (95% confidence interval: 0.04‐0.46).ConclusionWith some reservations about statistical power, the association found between masticatory efficiency and postural balance justifies further investigations to confirm the strength of the associations, and possibly to identify causal relationships between mastication and posture in old age.
Thermal shock resistance of the porous boron nitride/silicon oxynitride ceramic composites
Authors: Sun Yangshan , Cai Delong , Yang Zhihua , Li Qian , Li Hailiang , Jia Dechang , Zhou Yu 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe thermal shock resistance of the porous boron nitride/silicon oxynitride (BN/Si2N2O) ceramic composites were tested by the quenching‐strength method with temperature differences of 600‐1400°C. The residual flexural strength of the composites decreased with increasing temperature difference from 600°C to 900°C. This weakening in flexural strength was attributed to the formation of microcracks in the matrix caused by thermal stress damage. Afterward, as the formation of a dense oxidized layer sealed the surface and hindered further oxidation, the residual flexural strength increased with the further increase of temperature difference from 900°C to 1100°C. Finally, when the temperature differences were above 1100°C, the residual flexural strength gradually decreased with increasing temperature difference, which was attributed to the further oxidation and large thermal stress damage. And the thermal shock resistance of the porous BN/Si2N2O ceramic can be improved by the introduction of high contents of sintering aids and h‐BN.