bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of the Pediatric Stroke Quality of Life Measure
Authors: Fiume Andrea , Deveber Gabrielle , Jang Shu‐Hyun , Fuller Colleen , Viner Shani , Friefeld Sharon 
Published: February 2018

AimTo develop and validate a disease‐specific parent proxy and child quality of life (QoL) measure for patients aged 2 to 18 years surviving cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) and arterial ischaemic stroke (AIS).MethodUtilizing qualitative and quantitative methods, we developed a 75‐item Pediatric Stroke Quality of Life Measure (PSQLM) questionnaire. We mailed the PSQLM and a standardized generic QoL measure, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), to 353 families. Stroke type, age at stroke, and neurological outcome on the Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure were documented. We calculated the internal consistency, validity, and reliability of the PSQLM.ResultsThe response rate was 29%, yielding a sample of 101 patients (mean age 9y 9mo [SD 4.30]; 69 AIS [68.3%], 32 CSVT [31.7%]). The internal consistency of the PSQLM was high (Cronbach's α=0.94–0.97). Construct validity for the PSQLM was moderately strong (r=0.3–0.4; p<0.003) and, as expected, correlation with the PedsQL was moderate, suggesting the PSQLM operationalizes QoL distinct from the PedsQL. Test–retest reliability at 2 weeks was very good (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] 0.85–0.95; 95% confidence interval 0.83–0.97) and good agreement was established between parent and child report (ICC 0.63–0.76).InterpretationThe PSQLM demonstrates sound psychometric properties. Further research will seek to increase its clinical utility by reducing length and establishing responsiveness for descriptive and longitudinal evaluative assessment.What this paper adds

A pediatric stroke‐specific quality of life (QoL) measurement tool for assessments based on perceptions of importance and satisfaction.

Moderate‐to‐high reliability and validity established for a new clinical scale evaluating QoL among children with stroke.

Perceived QoL measured using the Pediatric Stroke Quality of Life Measure appears lower in children with neurological impairment.
The ketogenic diet is effective for refractory epilepsy associated with acquired structural epileptic encephalopathy
Authors: Villaluz Mel Michel , Lomax Lysa Boissé , Jadhav Trupti , Cross J Helen , Scheffer Ingrid E 
Published: February 2018

AimKetogenic diet therapies have proven efficacy for refractory epilepsy. There are many reports of their use in the genetic developmental and epileptic encephalopathies; however, little attention has been paid as to whether the diet is also effective in individuals with an acquired structural aetiology. We observed remarkable efficacy of the diet in two patients with hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy. We then analysed our cases with refractory structural epilepsies of acquired origin to characterize their response to the ketogenic diet.MethodThe classical ketogenic diet was implemented with dietary ratios of 3:1 to 4.4:1. Seizure frequency at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years was ascertained. A responder was defined as greater than 50% seizure reduction compared to baseline.ResultsSeven of the nine patients were responders at 3 months.InterpretationSomewhat surprisingly we found that the ketogenic diet was effective in patients with a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy due to an acquired structural aetiology. This cohort may not be routinely considered for the ketogenic diet because of their structural and acquired, rather than genetic, basis. The ketogenic diet should be considered early in the management of patients with acquired structural encephalopathies as it can improve seizure control with the potential to improve developmental outcome.What this paper addsThe ketogenic diet was effective in children with epilepsy associated with an acquired structural aetiology.
The co‐formulation of insulin degludec and insulin aspart lowers fasting plasma glucose and rates of confirmed and nocturnal hypoglycaemia, independent of baseline glycated haemoglobin levels, disease duration or body mass index: A pooled meta‐analysis of phase III studies in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Haluzík Martin , Fulcher Greg , Pieber Thomas R. , Bardtrum Lars , Tutkunkardas Deniz , Rodbard Helena W. 
Published: February 2018

AimsTo investigate whether the proven benefits of insulin degludec (IDeg) combined with insulin aspart (IAsp), known as IDegAsp, given twice daily, extend across a wide spectrum of patients with diabetes.Materials and methodsThis was a post hoc pooled analysis of 5 phase III randomized, 26‐week, open‐label, treat‐to‐target trials comparing IDegAsp twice daily (n = 1111) with one of two comparators: premixed insulin (biphasic insulin aspart 30 [BIAsp 30]) twice daily (n = 561) or IDeg once daily + IAsp (n = 136). Patient data were stratified according to baseline glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) or fasting plasma glucose (FPG) categories, as well as by baseline duration of diabetes or body mass index (BMI) categories.ResultsWe conducted a meta‐analysis of 5 clinical trials: NCT01513590, NCT01009580, NCT01059812, NCT01680341 and NCT01713530. End‐of‐trial results were broadly consistent, with differences between IDegAsp and comparators observed in phase III trials. HbA1c results were similar for IDegAsp and the comparators in all baseline characteristic (HbA1c, duration of diabetes or BMI) and category groups (number ranges). Significantly lower FPG level was observed with IDegAsp vs comparators in all baseline characteristic and most category groups (excluding FPG <5.5 mmol/L). Significantly lower insulin doses were observed with IDegAsp vs comparators in all baseline characteristic and half of the category groups, and significantly lower rates of confirmed and nocturnal confirmed hypoglycaemia were observed with IDegAsp vs comparators in all baseline variable and category groups.ConclusionsIDegAsp retains a consistent safety and efficacy profile in patients with different baseline characteristics.
Knowledge about traumatic dental injuries in the permanent dentition: A survey of Lithuanian dentists
Authors: Zaleckienė Vaida , Pečiulienė Vytautė , Brukienė Vilma , Jakaitienė Audronė , Aleksejūnienė Jolanta , Zaleckas Linas 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackground/AimsIn Lithuania, dental trauma cases are often treated by general dentists, but it is unknown whether their age, self‐evaluation of trauma knowledge and practice location can predict their actual knowledge and management of trauma cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether these factors can be used to predict the actual knowledge and management of trauma cases.MethodsA 2‐part questionnaire included 17 multiple‐choice questions about practitionersʼ demographics, their self‐evaluated knowledge and how frequently they treated traumatized permanent teeth as well as 13 clinical scenarios reflecting a variety of clinical trauma cases and their complications. A total of 980 randomly selected general dentists, representing 5 Lithuanian counties, participated in the study.ResultsThe response rate was 59.4% (n = 582). Overall, 82.3% of general dentists reported that they treated only a few dental trauma cases and 14.4% chose to refer their patients; 55.1% of dentists considered their dental traumatology knowledge to be sufficient but incomplete and 34.0% self‐evaluated their knowledge as insufficient. The most knowledge (based on self‐evaluation) was reported by the younger dentists (≤50 years; P = .004). The mean correct knowledge score was 7.6 ± 2.2 of the 13 clinical scenarios. Both bivariate and multivariate analyses showed that greater trauma‐related knowledge was associated with a younger age. Better knowledge was observed amongst the dentists who self‐evaluated their own knowledge as sufficient or as comprehensive.ConclusionLithuanian general dentists have insufficient dental traumatology knowledge. Better knowledge was observed amongst younger dentists (≤50 years).
Assessment of the correlations of lacosamide concentrations in saliva and serum in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Brandt Christian , Bien Christian G. , Helmer Renate , May Theodor W. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryTherapeutic drug monitoring of antiepileptic drugs is based on patient serum samples. In this study, we evaluated the correlation between lacosamide (LCM) steady state concentrations in serum and saliva samples. Additionally, we investigated the relation with daily dose, and assessed the feasibility of saliva collection. This was an open‐label, single center study including data from 25 patients at the Bethel Epilepsy Center treated with LCM (50‐650 mg/d). Samples were collected in the morning (fasting values) and in selected cases at 50 minutes to 5 hours after the morning dose. Nonsignificant differences in the mean LCM morning (trough) concentration in serum and saliva were observed. Serum and saliva concentrations across all samples were highly correlated, (r = .874), with a slightly lower correlation when only fasting values were analyzed (r = .860). Higher correlation with daily dosages was observed in serum samples (r = .773) than in saliva samples (r = .604). Serum and saliva concentrations increased significantly after intake of the LCM morning dose (P < .001). The median absolute and percentage increase of LCM in serum were moderately lower than in saliva samples, with a few outliers in saliva samples. Consequently, saliva could offer great clinical potential to monitor drug concentrations and guide LCM treatment in epileptic patients.
Moving toward multiliteracies in foreign language teaching: Past and present perspectives … and beyond
Authors: Warner Chantelle , Dupuy Beatrice 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn recent years, literacy has emerged as a key critical term in foreign language (FL) teaching and learning. This essay reflects on the history of literacy and on current developments, in particular those related to the development of multiliteracies paradigms. The article concludes with a discussion of emergent topics related to literacy and language teaching and suggests ways in which research in these domains is posing new questions for the field of FL education.
Prediction of enteric methane production, yield, and intensity in dairy cattle using an intercontinental database
Authors: Niu Mutian , Kebreab Ermias , Hristov Alexander N. , Oh Joonpyo , Arndt Claudia , Bannink André , Bayat Ali R. , Brito André F. , Boland Tommy , Casper David , Crompton Les A. , Dijkstra Jan , Eugène Maguy A. , Garnsworthy Phil C. , Haque Md Najmul , Hellwing Anne L. F. , Huhtanen Pekka , Kreuzer Michael , Kuhla Bjoern , Lund Peter , Madsen Jørgen , Martin Cécile , McClelland Shelby C. , McGee Mark , Moate Peter J. , Muetzel Stefan , Muñoz Camila , O'Kiely Padraig , Peiren Nico , Reynolds Christopher K. , Schwarm Angela , Shingfield Kevin J. , Storlien Tonje M. , Weisbjerg Martin R. , Yáñez‐Ruiz David R. , Yu Zhongtang 
Published: February 2018

AbstractEnteric methane (CH4) production from cattle contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions. Measurement of enteric CH4 is complex, expensive, and impractical at large scales; therefore, models are commonly used to predict CH4 production. However, building robust prediction models requires extensive data from animals under different management systems worldwide. The objectives of this study were to (1) collate a global database of enteric CH4 production from individual lactating dairy cattle; (2) determine the availability of key variables for predicting enteric CH4 production (g/day per cow), yield [g/kg dry matter intake (DMI)], and intensity (g/kg energy corrected milk) and their respective relationships; (3) develop intercontinental and regional models and cross‐validate their performance; and (4) assess the trade‐off between availability of on‐farm inputs and CH4 prediction accuracy. The intercontinental database covered Europe (EU), the United States (US), and Australia (AU). A sequential approach was taken by incrementally adding key variables to develop models with increasing complexity. Methane emissions were predicted by fitting linear mixed models. Within model categories, an intercontinental model with the most available independent variables performed best with root mean square prediction error (RMSPE) as a percentage of mean observed value of 16.6%, 14.7%, and 19.8% for intercontinental, EU, and United States regions, respectively. Less complex models requiring only DMI had predictive ability comparable to complex models. Enteric CH4 production, yield, and intensity prediction models developed on an intercontinental basis had similar performance across regions, however, intercepts and slopes were different with implications for prediction. Revised CH4 emission conversion factors for specific regions are required to improve CH4 production estimates in national inventories. In conclusion, information on DMI is required for good prediction, and other factors such as dietary neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration, improve the prediction. For enteric CH4 yield and intensity prediction, information on milk yield and composition is required for better estimation.
microRNA profiling between Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ab‐susceptible and ‐resistant European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner)
Authors: Yu T. , Li X. , Coates B.‐S. , Zhang Q. , Siegfried B.‐D. , Zhou X. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractTransgenic maize hybrids that express insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crystalline (Cry) protein toxins effectively protect against the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis, a devastating maize pest. Field monitoring and laboratory selections have detected varying levels of O. nubilalis resistance to Cry1Ab toxin. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs that are involved in post‐transcriptional gene regulation. Their potential roles in the evolution of Bt resistance, however, remain largely unknown. Sequencing of small RNA libraries from the midgut of Cry1Ab‐susceptible and resistant O. nubilalis larvae resulted in the discovery of 277 miRNAs, including 248 conserved and 29 novel. Comparative analyses of miRNA expression profiles between the laboratory strains predicted 26 and nine significantly up‐ and down‐regulated transcripts, respectively, in the midgut of Cry1Ab resistant larvae. Amongst 15 differentially regulated miRNAs examined by quantitative real‐time PCR, nine (60%) were validated as cosegregating with Cry1Ab resistance in a backcross progeny. Differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted to affect transcripts involved in cell membrane components with functions in metabolism and binding, and the putative Bt‐resistance genes aminopeptidase N and cadherin. These results lay the foundation for future investigation of the potential role of miRNAs in the evolution of Bt resistance.
MAIT cells and microbial immunity
Authors: Meermeier Erin W , Harriff Melanie J , Karamooz Elham , Lewinsohn David M 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, the most abundant T‐cell subset in humans, are increasingly being recognized for their importance in microbial immunity. MAIT cells accumulate in almost every mucosal tissue examined, including the lung, liver and intestinal tract, where they can be activated through T‐cell receptor (TCR) triggering as well as cytokine stimulation in response to a host of microbial products. In this review, we specifically discuss MAIT cell responses to bacterial and fungal infections, with a focus on responses that are both MR1‐dependent and ‐independent, the evidence for diversity in MAIT TCR usage in response to discrete microbial products, protective immunity induced by MAIT cells, and MAIT cell antimicrobial functions in the context of these infections.
The role of neutrophils in skin damage induced by tissue‐deposited lupus IgG
Authors: Guo Xuanxuan , Fang Xiang , He Guodan , Zaman Muhammad Haidar , Fei Xibin , Qiao Wei , Deng Guo‐Min 
Published: February 2018

SummarySkin injury is the second most common clinical manifestation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Neutrophils are crucial effector cells in the immune system but the significance of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of SLE is not clear. This study is to explore the role of neutrophils in the skin damage of SLE. We used lupus‐prone mice and a C57BL/6 mouse model of lupus serum IgG‐induced skin inflammation to investigate the role of neutrophils in skin damage of SLE. We found that a few neutrophils infiltrated the inflammatory sites of skin in lupus‐prone mice and the lupus‐IgG‐induced skin damage mouse model. Depletion of neutrophils did not affect the development of skin inflammation caused by lupus IgG, and lupus IgG can induce apoptosis of neutrophils. The apoptosis of neutrophils induced by lupus IgG is related to FcγRIII and Fas/Fas ligand pathways. Our study indicates that neutrophils are not major contributors in the skin damage caused by tissue‐deposited lupus IgG but death of neutrophils caused by lupus IgG may provide a resource of a large amount of autoantigens in SLE.
Use of physician‐recommended non‐pharmacological strategies for hypertension control among hypertensive patients
Authors: Liu Xuefeng , Byrd James Brian , Rodriguez Carlos J. 
Published: February 2018

This study aims to evaluate the 4 non‐pharmacological strategies adopted by patients for hypertension control and patient characteristics that affect the choice of strategies. Four thousand hypertensive patients aged ≥18 years were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Odds ratios of the choice of strategies were analyzed using weighted logistic models. Clinical recommendations of non‐pharmacological strategies for hypertension control were relatively low. More exercise was the least frequent strategy used for hypertension control. More patients reported using ≥3 strategies than using ≤2 strategies (79.1% vs 20.9%, P < .0001). Non‐Hispanic blacks were more likely to use each individual strategy and to use ≥3 strategies simultaneously. Patients with obesity and diabetes were less likely to attempt weight control or more exercise, but more likely to use ≥3 strategies than peers. Educational programs should be developed to enhance physician's advice for lifestyle modifications and to increase patient's acceptance of physical activity.
Carotid atherosclerosis and the association between nocturnal blood pressure dipping and cardiovascular events
Authors: Kotruchin Praew , Hoshide Satoshi , Kario Kazuomi 
Published: February 2018

The impact of a nondipping blood pressure (BP) pattern, defined as (awake systolic BP – sleep systolic BP)/awake systolic BP < 0.1, on cardiovascular events in populations with different degrees of carotid atherosclerosis is uncertain. The authors hypothesized that a nondipping BP pattern would show differential predictive power for cardiovascular events, including total cardiovascular death, sudden death, nonfatal cardiovascular events, and nonfatal stroke, between populations with and without carotid atherosclerosis. To test this hypothesis, the authors analyzed 493 patients (mean age 67.9 years, 47.5% men) from the J‐HOP (Japan Morning Surge‐Home Blood Pressure) study for whom ambulatory BP monitoring and carotid intima‐media thickness data were available. Twenty‐nine cardiovascular events occurred during follow‐up (1867 person‐years). A nondipping BP pattern was independently associated with cardiovascular events in the population without carotid atherosclerosis, defined as carotid intima‐media thickness < 1.1 mm after adjustment for other cardiovascular risk factors including age, sex, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and 24‐hour systolic BP (hazard ratio, 8.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.76–37.78 [P < .01]). This association was not found in the population with carotid intima‐media thickness ≥ 1.1 mm. Therefore, in the hypertensive population without carotid atherosclerosis, physicians should consider ambulatory BP monitoring to determine the nocturnal BP pattern as an alternative approach to assessing cardiovascular events.
Association between encounter frequency and time to blood pressure control among patients with newly diagnosed hypertension: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sherman Liliana , Pelter Mitchell A. , Deamer Robert L. , Duan Lewei , Batech Michael 
Published: February 2018

This retrospective cohort study of 95 957 patients from a large integrated healthcare organization was conducted to examine whether the frequency and intervals between outpatient encounters were associated with achieving blood pressure (BP) control. Patients were followed up until they were censored or achieved BP control up to 1 year. Additionally, this study examined the time to BP control. On average, follow‐up was significantly longer in patients with uncontrolled BP at 292.9 days compared with 232.2 days in those with BP control. The controlled BP group had significantly more encounters on average compared with the uncontrolled BP group (4.1 vs 3.1, standardized difference 0.33). As the number of days increased between encounters from the 1 to < 14 days, there was a consistently lower likelihood of achieving BP control. Encounter intervals of ≥180 days were associated with the lowest likelihood of achieving BP control. These findings suggest that there may be an optimal number of encounters to benefit patients with hypertension.
Relation of uric acid level to rapid kidney function decline and development of kidney disease: The Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Mwasongwe Stanford E. , Fülöp Tibor , Katz Ronit , Musani Solomon K. , Sims Mario , Correa Adolfo , Flessner Michael F. , Young Bessie A. 
Published: February 2018

Whether elevated uric acid (UA) is an independent risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not well established. The authors evaluated the relationship of UA with rapid kidney function decline (RKFD) and incident CKD among 3702 African Americans (AAs) in the Jackson Heart Study with serum UA levels measured at baseline exam (2000‐2004). RKFD was defined as ≥ 30% eGFR loss and incident CKD as development of eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 with a ≥ 25% decline in eGFR between baseline and exam 3 (2009‐2013). RKFD and CKD were found in 11.4% and 7.5% of the participants, respectively. In a fully adjusted model, the odds of RKFD (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.25‐2.49) and incident CKD (OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.31‐3.06) were significantly higher among participants in the top UA quartile vs bottom quartile. In the JHS, elevated UA was significantly associated with RKFD and incident CKD.
Serum adiponectin and insulin secretion: A direct or inverse association?
Authors: Nakamura Akinobu , Miyoshi Hideaki , Ukawa Shigekazu , Nakamura Koshi , Nakagawa Takafumi , Terauchi Yasuo , Tamakoshi Akiko , Atsumi Tatsuya 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe investigated the association between serum high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin and insulin secretion in a population‐based study, with or without adjustment for insulin sensitivity. A total of 488 participants (263 women) were included in the present study. Insulin secretion was estimated using the homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function ± adjustment for insulin resistance using the disposition index. Multivariate analysis showed that HMW adiponectin was significantly and inversely associated with homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function (partial regression coefficient −0.19, 95% confidence interval −0.28, −0.10, P < 0.0001). However, HMW adiponectin was significantly and positively associated with disposition index (partial regression coefficient 0.15, 95% confidence interval 0.06, 0.24, P = 0.0016). The present study showed that a positive association between HMW adiponectin levels and insulin secretion evaluated using an index incorporating adjustment for insulin resistance was identified, and vice versa using an index that did not adjust for insulin resistance.