bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for discontinuation of thyroid hormone replacement therapy in early pregnancy: a study from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study and the Medical Birth Registry of Norway
Authors: Frank Anna S. , Lupattelli Angela , Nordeng Hedvig 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIntroductionApproximately 3–5% of pregnant women have hypothyroidism. Despite the potential impact of untreated hypothyroidism on infant neurodevelopment, few studies have investigated the risk factors associated with discontinuation of thyroid hormone replacement therapy (THRT) in pregnancy. We aimed to identify such factors in a population of women using THRT prior to pregnancy.Material and methodsData from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study were linked to records in the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Pregnant women with hypothyroidism prior to pregnancy were categorized as discontinuers or continuers of THRT in pregnancy. The main analysis used generalized estimating equations based on multiply imputed data.ResultsOf 86 848 enrolled pregnant women, 2720 (3.2%) had a medically confirmed thyroid disorder and/or reported use of thyroid therapy. More than half (n = 1587; 57.8%) used THRT prior to pregnancy; of these, 207 (13.0%) discontinued and 1380 (86.9%) continued THRT during early pregnancy. Having a non‐medicated mental disorder [odds ratio (OR) 1.64, 95% CI 1.03–2.63] and non‐compliance with recommended nutritional supplementation (OR 2.51, 95% CI 1.82–3.47) increased the odds of discontinuing THRT. Women medicated for somatic comorbidities (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.33–0.98) had a 44% decreased odds of discontinuing THRT.ConclusionsIn Norway, around 13% of women with hypothyroidism discontinue THRT in early pregnancy. For discontinuers, non‐medicated mental comorbidity and non‐compliance with nutritional supplements presented increased risk, whereas having a medicated somatic disorder was protective. Health professionals advising women with hypothyroidism should be aware of risk factors associated with THRT discontinuation.
Arteriovenous differences in cord blood gas analysis and the prediction of adverse neonatal outcome
Authors: Knutzen Liv , Aye Christina , Anderson‐Knight Hannah , Svirko Elena , Impey Lawrence 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this paper was to determine whether arteriovenous differences of pH and pCO2 are useful predictors of adverse neonatal outcome in acidemic neonates.Material and methodsAn established database of 8759 term, singleton, non‐anomalous neonates with validated cord gases and outcomes [Encephalopathy (Grade 2/3), Apgar <7 at five minutes and composite neonatal outcomes of neurological and systemic involvement] was used. Analysis was of the cohort of the 520 acidemic (arterial pH <7.10) neonates. Chi‐square tests with odds ratio (OR), 95% CI were calculated for dichotomous cut‐offs of differences; hierarchical logistic regression was used to examine the predictive performance over and above arterial pH.ResultsArteriovenous hydrogen ion concentration ([H+ ion]) differences do not predict neonatal outcomes except low Apgar scores, and large pCO2 differences are associated with worse neonatal outcomes. Nevertheless, neonates with large arteriovenous [H+ ion] and pCO2 differences have lower arterial pH values. Hierarchical regression demonstrates that arteriovenous pCO2 differences do not add predictive value beyond arterial pH and arteriovenous [H+ ion] adds only to the prediction of low Apgar scores.ConclusionsArteriovenous differences of [H+ ion] and pCO2 are not useful independent predictors of adverse neonatal outcomes in acidemic neonates.
Nearly half of the adolescents in an Italian school‐based study exceeded the recommended upper limits for daily caffeine consumption
Authors: Santangelo Barbara , Lapolla Rosa , Rutigliano Irene , Pettoello Mantovani Massimo , Campanozzi Angelo 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimNo data are available on caffeine consumption among Italian adolescents. We investigated caffeine intake from coffee, soft drinks and energy drinks in a sample of Italian adolescents and determined if they exceeded the recommended limits.MethodsThe study comprised 1213 adolescents with a mean age of 15.1 years (range 12–19) from four schools in Foggia, southern Italy. Caffeine intake was assessed using an anonymous self‐reported questionnaire during the 2013/2014 school year. We calculated the percentage of daily caffeine consumers, their mean intake of caffeine from beverages and the contribution of each beverage category to the total caffeine intake.ResultsApproximately 76% of the sample consumed caffeine every day, amounting to 125.5 ± 69.2 mg/day and 2.1 ± 1.2 mg/kg/day. When we applied the reference values from the Academy of Pediatrics, we found that 46% of the adolescents exceeded the recommended upper limits. Coffee was the most frequently consumed caffeinated drink and the main contributor to daily caffeine intake.ConclusionMore than three quarters (76%) of the Italian adolescents in our study drank coffee on a daily basis and nearly half (46%) exceeded the recommended upper limits. Strategies are needed to reduce caffeine consumption by adolescents.
Therapeutic effects of stem cells in rodent models of Huntington's disease: Review and electrophysiological findings
Authors: Holley Sandra M. , Kamdjou Talia , Reidling Jack C. , Fury Brian , Coleal‐Bergum Dane , Bauer Gerhard , Thompson Leslie M. , Levine Michael S. , Cepeda Carlos 
Published: March 2018

SummaryThe principal symptoms of Huntington's disease (HD), chorea, cognitive deficits, and psychiatric symptoms are associated with the massive loss of striatal and cortical projection neurons. As current drug therapies only partially alleviate symptoms, finding alternative treatments has become peremptory. Cell replacement using stem cells is a rapidly expanding field that offers such an alternative. In this review, we examine recent studies that use mesenchymal cells, as well as pluripotent, cell‐derived products in animal models of HD. Additionally, we provide further electrophysiological characterization of a human neural stem cell line, ESI‐017, which has already demonstrated disease‐modifying properties in two mouse models of HD. Overall, the field of regenerative medicine represents a viable and promising avenue for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders including HD.
Mean body size predicts colony performance in the common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens)
Authors: Herrmann John D. , Haddad Nick M. , Levey Douglas J. 
Published: March 2018

1. Prior studies suggest that both the mean and variation of worker size predict the performance of bumble bee colonies. The ‘variation hypothesis’ posits that colony performance increases with variation of worker body size due to more efficient division of labour within colonies. The ‘mean size hypothesis’ posits that colony performance increases with mean bumble bee size, as each individual's efficiency tends to increase with body size.2. The present study tested these non‐mutually exclusive hypotheses by establishing 62 Bombus impatiens Cresson (Hymenoptera, Apidae) nest boxes in 32 semi‐natural savanna fragments within large‐scale experimental landscapes in South Carolina (U.S.A.).3. Based on measurements of > 24 000 individuals and on colony growth over ∼7 weeks, our results support the mean size hypothesis, not the variation hypothesis.
Exploring functional impairment in young people at ultra‐high risk for psychosis: A qualitative study
Authors: Cotter Jack , Bucci Sandra , Drake Richard J. , Yung Alison R. , Carney Rebekah , Edge Dawn 
Published: March 2018

AimMany young people at ultra‐high risk (UHR) of developing psychosis exhibit marked and persistent impairments in social and occupational functioning. We aimed to explore UHR patients' subjective experiences of these difficulties and their causes.MethodsWe conducted semi‐structured interviews with 20 UHR individuals recruited from Early Detection and Intervention Teams in Northwest England. Topics covered included how participants spent their time, their interpersonal relationships, academic and occupational performance, premorbid functioning and clinical treatment. Thematic analysis was used to examine the prevailing themes.ResultsThe sample included individuals with varying degrees of functional impairment, ranging from mild to severe difficulties in functioning. Analysis of the qualitative data elicited themes around 2 topics: breadth of functional difficulties and subjective reasons for poor functioning. Participants reported a range of impairments in their social and occupational functioning which they attributed to a combination of clinical, cognitive and psychological factors. These included variables previously identified in the quantitative literature such as psychiatric symptoms, adverse life experiences and cognitive deficits. However, our findings also included other factors which have received comparably little attention such as self‐stigmatizing attitudes and dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs.ConclusionsWe propose a model that attempts to explain how these variables interact to drive and sustain functional impairment in the UHR population. This will assist in the development of clinical interventions aimed at promoting functional recovery among UHR individuals.
Flunarizine in migraine‐related headache prevention: results from 200 patients treated in the UK
Authors: Karsan N. , Palethorpe D. , Rattanawong W. , Marin J. C. , Bhola R. , Goadsby P. J. 
Published: March 2018

Background and purposeFor over 20 years, as a group we have been using flunarizine in primary headache disorders. Flunarizine is widely used in Europe, but not licensed in the UK. In September 2014, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence published supportive guidelines for flunarizine use in migraine, based on randomized controlled evidence that it is as effective as propranolol and topiramate in adults.MethodsWe reviewed a cohort of adult patients (n = 200) treated with flunarizine from our practice. The clinical information of these patients, i.e. diagnosis, dose, efficacy, side effects and duration of treatment, was collected.ResultsThe most common indication for flunarizine use was chronic migraine, followed by migraine with aura, sporadic hemiplegic migraine, familial hemiplegic migraine and new daily persistent headache with migrainous features. Flunarizine was generally effective, with only 24% (n = 47) of patients reporting no clinical effect. The most common dose used was 10 mg per day. Duration of treatment information was available for 39% (n = 78) of patients. Of these patients, 64% (n = 50) continued treatment for more than 1 year. Doses up to 15 mg were generally well tolerated, with only 10.5% (n = 21) of patients stopping treatment due to adverse effects. The most common adverse events were tiredness, mood change and weight gain.ConclusionThe data provide supportive evidence from tertiary headache practice in the UK for the use of flunarizine in migraine. The data encourages development of future guidance regarding flunarizine use in headache centres in countries where its use is not routine.
FGA formation mechanism for X10CrNiMoV12‐2‐2 and 34CrNiMo6 for constant and variable amplitude tests under the influence of applied mean loads
Authors: Ritz F. , Stäcker C. , Beck T. , Sander M. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe aim of the present work is to clarify the fine granular area (FGA) formation mechanism in two steels (tempered 34CrNiMo6 and X10CrNiMoV12‐2‐2) causing grain refinement in the early state of fatigue for internal crack initiation and propagation in the very high cycle fatigue regime at pure tension‐compression loading (R = −1) and for applied mean stresses (R ≠ −1). Fatigue tests were performed with constant and variable amplitude at several R values using ultrasonic fatigue testing setups. Failed specimens were investigated using high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy and focused ion beam technique with special attention paid to the crack origin and the surrounding microstructure. To prove models for FGA formation proposed in literature, a numerical model to evaluate effective R values and contact stresses between the fracture surfaces depending on the crack length has been realised. The aim of these investigations is to estimate the influence of crack closure effects on FGA formation. FGA formation due to repeating contact of the fracture surfaces according to the model postulated by Hong et al correlates well with the findings for numerical simulations.
Fatigue life assessment of steel samples under various multiaxial loading spectra by means of Smith‐Watson‐Topper type damage descriptions
Authors: Ahmadzadeh G.R. , Varvani‐Farahani A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractFatigue damage and life of SS304, S45C, and SNCM630 steel samples tested at various irregular axial‐torsional loading spectra were evaluated by means of 7 Smith‐Watson‐Topper (SWT) type damage descriptions. The overall damage was calculated over peak‐valley events of counted cycles by means of the product of stress and strain corresponding to the areas within stress‐strain hysteresis loops. Fatigue lives of 304 steel samples predicted by the SWT, Lorenzo‐Laird, Szolwinski‐Farris, and Chen‐Xu‐Huang models were found noticeably larger than those of experimentally obtained at various loading spectra. Predicted lives by these descriptions were found moderately in agreement with experimental data of S45C and SNCM630 steel samples. The predicted lives of steel samples by Socie, Lv et al, and the one presented in this study were closely agreed with experimental data due to their different descriptions. The modified SWT model further included the product of maximum shear stress and shear strain amplitude and related the overall damage to fatigue life through Coffin‐Manson equation. The choice of model descriptions for damage assessment was discussed based on their terms, areas underneath of hysteresis loops, and material damage mechanism.
Finite Fracture Mechanics crack initiation from a circular hole
Authors: Sapora A. , Torabi A.R. , Etesam S. , Cornetti P. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe brittle crack initiation from a circular hole in an infinite slab under uniaxial remote tensile load is investigated. The analysis consists of two parts. The former is focused on the difference between symmetric and asymmetric crack propagation. Different criteria in the framework of the Theory of Critical Distances are implemented, and the potentiality of coupled Finite Fracture Mechanics (FFM) approaches is highlighted from a theoretical point of view. The latter presents the experimental results obtained by carrying out ad‐hoc tensile tests on polymethyl‐methacrylate (PMMA) and general‐purpose polystyrene (GPPS) notched samples and the related FFM investigation. It is shown that FFM predictions are in very good agreement with the experimental results for both tested materials.
Platelet impedance adhesiometry: A novel technique for the measurement of platelet adhesion and spreading
Authors: Polgár L. , Soós P. , Lajkó E. , Láng O. , Merkely B. , Kőhidai L. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIntroductionThrombogenesis plays an important role in today's morbidity and mortality. Antithrombotics are among the most frequently prescribed drugs. Thorough knowledge of platelet function is needed for optimal clinical care. Platelet adhesion is a separate subprocess of platelet thrombus formation; still, no well‐standardized technique for the isolated measurement of platelet adhesion exists. Impedimetry is one of the most reliable, state‐of‐art techniques to analyze cell adhesion, proliferation, viability, and cytotoxicity. We propose impedimetry as a feasible novel method for the isolated measurement of 2 significant platelet functions: adhesion and spreading.MethodsLaboratory reference platelet agonists (epinephrine, ADP, and collagen) were applied to characterize platelet functions by impedimetry using the xCELLigence SP system. Platelet samples were obtained from 20 healthy patients under no drug therapy. Standard laboratory parameters and clinical patient history were also analyzed.ResultsEpinephrine and ADP increased platelet adhesion in a concentration‐dependent manner, while collagen tended to have a negative effect. Serum sodium and calcium levels and age had a negative correlation with platelet adhesion induced by epinephrine and ADP, while increased immunoreactivity connected with allergic diseases was associated with increased platelet adhesion induced by epinephrine and ADP. ADP increased platelet spreading in a concentration‐dependent manner.ConclusionImpedimetry proved to be a useful and sensitive method for the qualitative and quantitated measurement of platelet adhesion, even differentiating between subgroups of a healthy population. This novel technique is offered as an important method in the further investigation of platelet function.
Non‐pharmacological interventions during childbirth for pain relief, anxiety, and neuroendocrine stress parameters: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Henrique Angelita José , Gabrielloni Maria Cristina , Rodney Patricia , Barbieri Márcia 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimThis study aimed to investigate the effect of warm shower hydrotherapy and perineal exercises with a ball on pain, anxiety, and neuroendocrine stress parameters during childbirth.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial was conducted with 128 women during childbirth, admitted for hospital birth in São Paulo, Brazil, from June 2013 to February 2014. The participants were randomly assigned into one of the following intervention groups: received warm shower hydrotherapy (GA); performed perineal exercises with a ball (GB); and combined intervention group, which received warm shower hydrotherapy and perineal exercises with a ball (GC) (n = 39). Pre‐and post‐intervention parameters were evaluated using visual analogue scales for pain and anxiety, and salivary samples were collected for the stress hormones analysis.ResultsPain, anxiety, and epinephrine release decreased in the group performing perineal exercises with a ball (GB). β‐endorphin levels increased in this group (GB) after the intervention and showed significant difference in capacity to cause this effect (P = .007). However, no significant differences were observed in cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine levels.ConclusionsWarm showers and perineal exercises could be considered as adjunct therapy for women suffering from pain, anxiety, and stress during childbirth.Clinical Trial Registry RBR‐84xprt.
Part 1: A study on the properties of synthetic hydroxyledgrewite
Authors: Dambrauskas Tadas , Baltakys Kestutis 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn this work, for the first time chemical and physical properties of hydroxyledgrewite synthesized under hydrothermal conditions were examined. Hydroxyledgrewite was synthesized in the primary mixture consisted of CaO and amorphous SiO2·nH2O, when the molar ratio of CaO/SiO2 was equal to 2.25. The synthesis has been carried out in unstirred suspensions under saturated steam pressure at 200°C temperature for 48 hours. It was proved that synthetic hydroxyledgrewite is stable till 675°C and at higher temperature recrystallized to γ‐C2S, ‐C2S, while upon subsequent cooling transformed into β‐C2S. In addition to this, it was also determined that the density and specific heat capacity at 25°C are equal to 2.668 ± 5 g/cm3 and 0.928 J/(g·K), respectively. Synthetic hydroxyledgrewite showed disordered aggregates of plate‐like particles, while calculated SBET value is equal to 13.961 m2/g. According gas adsorption results, it was obtained that hydroxyledgrewite is a mesoporous material. Also, it was obtained that after 72 hours of activated hydroxyledgrewite hydration, the amount of released heat was equal to 74.34 J/g. The product of synthesis and calcination were characterized by XRD, STA, DSC, SEM, TEM, FT‐IR analyses, and BET method.
ETS1 and SP1 drive DHX15 expression in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Chen Xiang‐Lei , Cai Yuan‐Hua , Liu Qiao , Pan Li‐Li , Shi Shui‐Ling , Liu Xiao‐Li , Chen Yuan , Li Jing‐Gang , Wang Jing , Li Yang , Li Xiao‐Fan , Wang Shao‐Yuan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractDHX15 plays a role in leukaemogenesis and leukaemia relapse. However, the mechanism underlying the transcriptional regulation of DHX15 in ALL has not been elucidated. Our present study aimed to explore the functional promoter region of DHX15 and to investigate the transcription factors controlling the transcription of this gene. A luciferase assay performed with several truncated constructs identified a 501‐bp region as the core promoter region of DHX15. Site‐directed mutagenesis, electrophoretic mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that ETS1 and SP1 occupied the DHX15 promoter. Furthermore, knockdown of ETS1 and SP1 resulted in suppression of DHX15, whereas the overexpression of these genes led to up‐regulation of DHX15. Interestingly, in samples obtained from patients with ALL at diagnosis, both ETS1 and SP1 correlated positively with DHX15 expression. Additionally, differences in methylation of the DHX15 core promoter region were not observed between the patients and controls. In conclusion, we identified the core promoter region of DHX15 and demonstrated that ETS1 and SP1 regulated DHX15 expression in ALL.
DW2008S and its major constituents from Justicia procumbens exert anti‐asthmatic effect via multitargeting activity
Authors: Youm Jihyun , Lee Hyunyong , Choi Youngwoo , Yoon Joobyoung 
Published: March 2018

AbstractOur previous study revealed that the ethanolic extract of Justicia procumbens ameliorates ovalbumin‐induced airway inflammation and airway hyper‐responsiveness in a mouse model of asthma. However, the mechanism of action of the extract remains unknown. In this study, we prepared DW2008S, an optimized and standardized powder extracted from J. procumbens using anhydrous ethanol, and investigated its anti‐asthmatic effect and mechanism of action. Our results showed that DW2008S contains two major ingredients, justicidin A (JA) and justicidin B (JB), which selectively inhibit T helper 2 (Th2) cell responses in concanavalin A‐activated spleen cells and polarized Th2 cells. Blockade of T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based inhibition motif domains (TIGIT) using a neutralizing antibody also selectively inhibited Th2 cell responses. Furthermore, DW2008S regulated TIGIT expression in the mice and cultured cells. Additionally, DW2008S and JA antagonized human adenosine receptor A3 (A3 AR), which mediates mast cell‐dependent inflammation and bronchoconstriction. DW2008S and JB inhibited human phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), which is known to cause bronchoconstriction; however, the required concentrations were higher than those needed to affect TIGIT . These findings suggest that DW2008S can potentially ameliorate Th2‐driven airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction through negative regulation of TIGIT and blockade of A3 AR and PDE4 activities.