bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The renoprotective effects of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors versus placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes with or without prevalent kidney disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Chen , Zhou Yue , Kong Zili , Wang Xiang , Lv Wenshan , Geng Zhuang , Wang Yangang 
Published: December 2018

AimsWe undertook a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) concerning kidney outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with or without prevalent kidney disease.Materials and MethodsPubMed, Web of science, Embase and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the efficacy and safety of treatment with SGLT2is versus placebo in patients with T2DM. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were applied for continuous variables, and the risk ratio (RR) and corresponding 95% CI were used for dichotomous outcomes. Patients were categorized according to whether the baseline mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was less or was more than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2.ResultsA total of 25 eligible studies with 43 721 participants were included. There was an initial and small decrease in eGFR during the early treatment period (WMD, −4.63; 95% CI, −6.08 to −3.19 mL/min/1.73 m2), which was noted at 1‐6 weeks and gradually narrowed over time, with a decline in protection from eGFR in the long term (WMD, 3.82; 95% CI, 2.80‐4.85 mL/min/1.73 m2). SGLT2is significantly delayed albuminuria progression (RR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.66‐0.76), promoted albuminuria regression (RR,1.71; 95% CI, 1.54‐1.90), improved the composite of ≥40% decrease in eGFR, in the need for renal‐replacement and in death from renal causes (RR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.49‐0.66), and reduced all‐cause mortality (RR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.75‐0.94). At the same time, they significantly increased the risk of genital infection (RR, 3.43; 95% CI, 2.87‐4.10) vs placebo in patients with T2DM. Meta‐regression analyses showed that eGFR‐preservation effects were not significantly associated with basic patient characteristics (age, BMI, HbA1c, eGFR level), but were influenced by drug administration (treatment duration, type, dosage of SGLT2is). Subgroup analyses showed that the relative effects on renal outcomes of SGLT2is vs placebo were similar across eGFR subgroups (P heterogeneity >0.05).ConclusionsSGLT2is slowed eGFR decline, lowered albuminuria progression, improved adverse renal endpoints and reduced all‐cause mortality, but increased risk of genital infections vs placebo in patients with T2DM. The indication of consistent renal benefits across categories of baseline eGFR levels may allow additional individuals to benefit from SGLT2is therapy.
Use of ultrasound enhancing agents in transesophageal echocardiography to improve interpretive confidence of left atrial appendage thrombus
Authors: Doukky Rami , Donenberg Merrick J. , Parker Jeremy , Kaplan Jonathan , Travers Chad , Soble Jeffrey S. , Sattar Payman , Krishnan Kousik , Madias Christopher , Tracy Melissa , Feinstein Steven B. 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundThe value of ultrasound enhancing agents (UEA) in patients undergoing transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for the exclusion of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombi prior to direct current cardioversion (DCCV) is evolving.MethodsWe retrospectively identified 88 consecutive TEEs, where a commercial UEA was used during LAA interrogation. De‐identified non‐enhanced (pre‐UEA) and enhanced cine loop images (post‐UEA) from the same subjects were randomly reviewed by four expert readers in a blinded fashion.ResultsIn 33% of the cases, UEA use was associated with a statistically insignificant improvement in physician confidence (scale, 0‐3) in determining the presence or absence of a LAA thrombus (P = 0.071). In instances where non‐enhanced images yielded an uncertain interpretation or when the left atrium contained spontaneous echo contrast (SEC), UEA use was associated with an improvement in interpretive confidence in 49% (P < 0.001) and 41% of the cases (P = 0.001), respectively. Overall, the absolute rate of hypothetical decision to proceed with DCCV rose by 9% with the application of UEA (P = 0.004). In instances where non‐enhanced images were interpreted with limited confidence or when SEC was present, there were absolute increases of 16% (P < 0.001) and 21% (P < 0.001) in hypothetical procession to DCCV, respectively. In cases of a combination of limited interpretive confidence and SEC, UEA use was associated with a 29% absolute increase in the rate of procession to DCCV (P < 0.001).ConclusionsIn patients undergoing TEE interrogation of the LAA, the use of UEA is associated with an increase in the level of interpretive confidence and higher rates of theoretical procession to DCCV.
A comparative study of three different methods for assessing fish communities in a small eutrophic lake
Authors: Ravn Henrik Dalby , Lauridsen Torben Linding , Jepsen Niels , Jeppesen Erik , Hansen Peter Gruth , Hansen Johan Gruth , Berg Søren 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSound decisions on the management of fish stocks depend on knowledge about the species composition, number, biomass and size structure of existing populations. Accordingly, the ability to make solid population estimates is essential. In this study, a 2.15 ha lake was completely drained and the total number of fish was recorded and amounted to 180,915 individuals divided into seven species having a total weight of 1,395 kg. Before the draining, three commonly used methods in fish surveys were applied: multi‐mesh gillnets, point abundance sampling by electrofishing (PASE) and mark–recapture. Following the determination of the actual number and size distribution of each species, we evaluated the efficiency of the methods and found that gillnets caught a relatively high number of species (five out of seven) and thus proved to be the best tool for mapping species richness. However, gillnets were size selective towards larger individuals of perch (Perca fluviatilis) and did not catch roach (Rutilus rutilus) <5 cm. In contrast to gillnets, PASE was very effective at catching YOY fish in the shore zone but selected for larger‐sized roach. In sum, gillnetting proved to be the most accurate method for estimating species composition, PASE also being useful. Overall, mark–recapture provided relatively good estimates of population size but small‐sized (<11 cm) roach proved not to be well suited for mark–recapture surveys. We conclude that the best method(s) surveying fish stocks depends on various factors such as target species, size distribution and the purpose of the survey.
Alcoholic beverages as trigger factor and the effect on alcohol consumption behavior in patients with migraine
Authors: Onderwater G. L. J. , van Oosterhout W. P. J. , Schoonman G. G. , Ferrari M. D. , Terwindt G. M. 
Published: December 2018

Background and purposeAlcoholic beverages are frequently reported migraine triggers. We aimed to assess self‐reported alcohol consumption as a migraine attack trigger and to investigate the effect on alcohol consumption behavior in a large migraine cohort.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional, web‐based, questionnaire study among 2197 patients with migraine from the well‐defined Leiden University MIgraine Neuro‐Analysis (LUMINA) study population. We assessed alcoholic beverage consumption and self‐reported trigger potential, reasons behind alcohol abstinence and time between alcohol consumption and migraine attack onset.ResultsAlcoholic beverages were reported as a trigger by 35.6% of participants with migraine. In addition, over 25% of patients with migraine who had stopped consuming or never consumed alcoholic beverages did so because of presumed trigger effects. Wine, especially red wine (77.8% of participants), was recognized as the most common trigger among the alcoholic beverages. However, red wine consistently led to an attack in only 8.8% of participants. Time of onset was rapid (<3 h) in one‐third of patients and almost 90% had an onset <10 h independent of beverage type.ConclusionsAlcoholic beverages, especially red wine, are recognized as a migraine trigger factor by patients with migraine and have a substantial effect on alcohol consumption behavior. Rapid onset of provoked migraine attacks in contrast to what is known about hangover headache might point to a different mechanism. The low consistency of provocation suggests that alcoholic beverages acting as a singular trigger is insufficient and may depend on a fluctuating trigger threshold.
Left ventricular ejection fraction is associated with small vessel disease in ischaemic stroke patients
Authors: Nam K.‐W. , Kwon H.‐M. , Kim H.‐L. , Lee Y.‐S. 
Published: December 2018

Background and purposeThe purpose was to evaluate the association between the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) in ischaemic stroke patients.MethodsConsecutive first‐ever ischaemic stroke patients between 2010 and 2013 were included. White matter hyperintensity (WMH) volumes were rated using both the Fazekas score and quantitative methods on fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery images. As spectra of cSVD, lacunes, cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVSs) were also evaluated. To assess the dose–response relationship between LVEF and cSVD, the burdens of each radiological marker and the total cSVD score were rated.ResultsA total of 841 patients were included [median WMH volume 2.98 (1.22–10.50) ml; the frequencies of lacunes, CMBs and moderate to severe EPVSs were 38%, 31% and 35%, respectively]. In the multivariate analysis about predictors of WMH volumes, the LVEF (B = −0.052, P < 0.001) remained significant after adjusting for confounders. LVEF was also a predictor of lacunes [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.978, P = 0.012], CMBs (aOR = 0.96, P < 0.001) and moderate to severe EPVSs (aOR = 0.94, P < 0.001) after adjusting for their confounders. The LVEF values were negatively correlated with the burdens of lacunes (P = 0.026), CMBs (P < 0.001) and EPVSs (P = 0.002). The total cSVD score also showed a negative association with LVEF in a dose–response manner (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe burden of cSVD is negatively correlated with the LVEF in a dose–response manner. Our results suggest clues for further studies about determining the pathophysiology of cSVD.
Clinical relevance of amnestic versus non‐amnestic mild cognitive impairment subtyping in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Chung S. J. , Park Y.‐H. , Yun H. J. , Kwon H. , Yoo H. S. , Sohn Y. H. , Lee J.‐M. , Lee P. H. 
Published: December 2018

Background and purposeTo clarify whether subtyping of amnestic and non‐amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is clinically relevant in Parkinson's disease (PD) by analyzing patterns of neuroimaging and longitudinal cognitive changes.MethodsWe performed comparative analyses of cortical thickness, hippocampal volume, white matter integrity and resting‐state functional connectivity between the patients with de‐novo PD with amnestic MCI (PD‐aMCI) (n = 50) and non‐amnestic MCI (PD‐naMCI) (n = 50) subtypes. Additionally, we assessed the longitudinal rate of cognitive decline in each cognitive domain over time and the rate of dementia conversion in patients with de‐novo PD‐aMCI (n = 125) and PD‐naMCI (n = 61).ResultsThe demographic data showed that scores in memory domains were lower in the PD‐aMCI group compared with the PD‐naMCI group. There were no significant differences in cortical thickness, hippocampal volume and white matter integrity between the two groups, although the PD‐aMCI group exhibited more cortical thinning and hippocampal atrophy relative to the control group. The PD‐aMCI group exhibited increased functional connectivity in the left posterior parietal region with the salience network relative to the PD‐naMCI group. The longitudinal cognitive assessment demonstrated that patients with PD‐aMCI exhibited a more rapid cognitive decline in frontal/executive function than those with PD‐naMCI (P = 0.022). In addition, the PD‐aMCI group had a higher risk of dementia conversion than the PD‐naMCI group.ConclusionsThis study suggests that the designation of PD‐MCI subtypes based on memory function would highlight the heterogeneity of functional correlates as well as the longitudinal cognitive prognosis.
Evolutionary epidemiology models to predict the dynamics of antibiotic resistance
Authors: Blanquart François 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe evolution of resistance to antibiotics is a major public health problem and an example of rapid adaptation under natural selection by antibiotics. The dynamics of antibiotic resistance within and between hosts can be understood in the light of mathematical models that describe the epidemiology and evolution of the bacterial population. “Between‐host” models describe the spread of resistance in the host community, and in more specific settings such as hospitalized hosts (treated by antibiotics at a high rate), or farm animals. These models make predictions on the best strategies to limit the spread of resistance, such as reducing transmission or adapting the prescription of several antibiotics. Models can be fitted to epidemiological data in the context of intensive care units or hospitals to predict the impact of interventions on resistance. It has proven harder to explain the dynamics of resistance in the community at large, in particular because models often do not reproduce the observed coexistence of drug‐sensitive and drug‐resistant strains. “Within‐host” models describe the evolution of resistance within the treated host. They show that the risk of resistance emergence is maximal at an intermediate antibiotic dose, and some models successfully explain experimental data. New models that include the complex host population structure, the interaction between resistance‐determining loci and other loci, or integrating the within‐ and between‐host levels will allow better interpretation of epidemiological and genomic data from common pathogens and better prediction of the evolution of resistance.
Population genomic analyses reveal a highly differentiated and endangered genetic cluster of northern goshawks (Accipiter gentilis laingi) in Haida Gwaii
Authors: Geraldes Armando , Askelson Kenneth K. , Nikelski Ellen , Doyle Frank I. , Harrower William L. , Winker Kevin , Irwin Darren E. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAccurate knowledge of geographic ranges and genetic relationships among populations is important when managing a species or population of conservation concern. Along the western coast of Canada, a subspecies of the northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis laingi) is legally designated as Threatened. The range and distinctness of this form, in comparison with the broadly distributed North American subspecies (Accipiter gentilis atricapillus), is unclear. Given this morphological uncertainty, we analyzed genomic relationships in thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms identified using genotyping‐by‐sequencing of high‐quality genetic samples. Results revealed a genetically distinct population of northern goshawks on the archipelago of Haida Gwaii and subtle structuring among other North American sampling regions. We then developed genotyping assays for ten loci that are highly differentiated between the two main genetic clusters, allowing inclusion of hundreds of low‐quality samples and confirming that the distinct genetic cluster is restricted to Haida Gwaii. As the laingi form was originally described as being based on Haida Gwaii (where the type specimen is from), further morphological analysis may result in this name being restricted to the Haida Gwaii genetic cluster. Regardless of taxonomic treatment, the distinct Haida Gwaii genetic cluster along with the small and declining population size of the Haida Gwaii population suggests a high risk of extinction of an ecologically and genetically distinct form of northern goshawk. Outside of Haida Gwaii, sampling regions along the coast of BC and southeast Alaska (often considered regions inhabited by laingi) show some subtle differentiation from other North American regions. These results will increase the effectiveness of conservation management of northern goshawks in northwestern North America. More broadly, other conservation‐related studies of genetic variation may benefit from the two‐step approach we employed that first surveys genomic variation using high‐quality samples and then genotypes low‐quality samples at particularly informative loci.
Development and validation of a novel 13‐plex PCR system for commonly used short tandem repeats in horses (Equus caballus)
Authors: Shang S. , Zhang M. , Zhao Y. , Dang W. , Hua P. , Zhang S. , Wang Z. 
Published: December 2018

SummaryBackgroundDue to the thriving development of the modern horse industry and the occurrence of horse related crimes, the demand for methods of individual horse identification, parentage tests and other genetic analyses is increasing. Previous methods had disadvantages that decreased the accuracy of the results, lacked the inclusion of all commonly used short tandem repeats (STR) or increased the experimental cost and time.ObjectivesWe aimed to develop a novel 13‐plex STR typing system to resolve the above issues.Study designExperimental study.MethodsTwelve autosomal and most commonly used di‐nucleotide STRs (AHT4, AHT5, ASB2, ASB17, ASB23, HMS2, HMS3, HMS6, HMS7, HTG4, HTG10 and VHL20), and a Y‐chromosomal STR (YJ10) were included. We redesigned the primers of eight STRs to establish a novel multiplex PCR system and tested this system for species specificity, sensitivity and repeatability.ResultsFull profiles were easily generated in one fast PCR reaction using a low‐cost polymerase, as little as 1 ng of horse DNA template and 13 pairs of primers labelled with fluorescent dyes. No full profile was generated from DNA templates of humans or other commonly encountered animals. We also established an allelic ladder that contained 110 alleles based on 200 horses from 12 breeds and calculated standard population genetic parameters based on 150 Thoroughbreds. Stutter analysis showed that the averages of the stutter ratios were distinctly lower than those of lower allele ratios and the combined probability of paternity exclusion for this system were 0.994659935 (CPEduo) and 0.999854032 (CPEtrio).Main limitationsA nonspecific and relatively low peak at 316 bp was frequently observed in locus HMS2, which is a nonexistent allele in all horses and should be ignored.ConclusionsOur results indicate that this 13‐plex STR genotyping system is sensitive, species‐specific, cost‐effective and robust for applications in the horse industry and forensic investigation.
Therapeutic potential of topically administered γ‐AlOOH on 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene‐induced atopic dermatitis‐like lesions in Balb/c mice
Authors: Bak Dong‐Ho , Lee Esther , Lee Byung Chul , Choi Mi Ji , Kwon Tae‐Rin , Hong Jiyeon , Mun Seog‐kyun , Lee Keugrae , Kim Sungyup , Na Jungtae , Kim Beom Joon 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBoehmite (γ‐AlOOH) has a wide range of applications in a variety of industrial and biological fields. However, little is known about its potential roles in skin diseases. The current study investigated its effect on atopic dermatitis (AD). Following characterization, cytotoxicity, pro‐inflammatory response and oxidative stress associated with boehmite were assessed, using TNF‐α‐induced keratinocytes and mast cells. In addition, therapeutic effects of boehmite, topically administered to Balb/c mice induced by 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), were evaluated. Expression of cytokines (TLSP, IL‐25 and IL‐33) and the generation of ROS from keratinocytes induced by TNF‐α were significantly inhibited by boehmite without affecting cell viability. MAPKs (ERK, JNK and p38) required for cytokine expression were suppressed by boehmite treatment. Up‐regulation of cytokines (TSLP, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, RANTES) in human mast cells treated with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate and calcium ionophore was also suppressed by boehmite. Boehmite improved the AD severity score, epidermal hyperplasia and transepidermal water loss in DNCB‐induced AD‐like lesions. Moreover, Th2‐mediated cytokine expression, mast cell hyperplasia and destruction of the skin barrier were improved by boehmite treatment. Overall, we demonstrated that boehmite may potentially protect against AD.
Association of dynapenia, obesity and chronic diseases with all‐cause mortality of community‐dwelling older adults: A path analysis
Authors: Komatsu Tiemy R , Borim Flávia SA , Neri Anita L , Corona Ligiana P 
Published: December 2018

AimThe objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of dynapenia, central obesity and the presence of chronic diseases in 8‐year mortality of community‐dwelling older adults.MethodsParticipants comprised 610 older adults, aged ≥65 years at baseline, who participated in the “Frailty in Brazilian Older People” study carried out in 2008. Baseline data, such as weight, height, waist circumference, muscle strength, sex, self‐reported diseases and physical activity, were assessed. Vital status in 2016 was assessed by Mortality Information System database of Campinas. The χ2‐test and Mann–Whitney U‐test were used to compare categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Path analysis was carried out to study the factors associated with mortality.ResultsThere was a statistical difference between alive and deceased groups for the variables sex, age group, physical activity, waist circumference and dynapenia. Path analysis explored the relationship among the studied variables. Direct paths showed a positive association to mortality for those who presented the combination of more diseases (β = 0.105), male sex (β = 0.108), low physical activity (β = 0.121), low handgrip strength (β = 0.090) and no central obesity (β = −0.143). When indirect paths were concerned, variables “central obesity”, the presence of “more diseases” and dynapenia had a mediator role.ConclusionsCentral obesity was not positively associated with higher mortality, unless it was associated with the presence of chronic diseases. Dynapenia showed a direct effect on mortality, but not combined with central obesity. The findings of this study shed light on complex relationships between nutritional status and elderly mortality through the use of simple measurements. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 108–112.
Relationship between the occurrence of falls by season and physical functions of community‐dwelling old‐old people living in cold, snowy areas
Authors: Kihara Yuriko , Yamaguchi Ryo , Makino Keitaro , Shimizu Kotaro , Ito Kazunari , Furuna Taketo 
Published: December 2018

AimTo investigate the functional characteristics of older adults who experienced a fall in the winter season and other seasons.MethodsParticipants were 403 older adults enrolled in the project “Population‐Based and Inspiring Potential Activity for Old‐old Inhabitants,” and were living in cold, snowy regions in Japan. They were aged ≥75 years, and 41.9% (n = 169) were men. Sociodemographic characteristics, and physical, psycho‐cognitive and social factors were surveyed. By experiences of falls, they were divided into three groups: the non‐fall group, the fall in non‐winter group and the fall in winter group. Each factor was compared with a χ2‐test, Student's t‐test and Mann–Whitney U‐test. Logistic regression analysis was carried out. spss version 25 was used for the statistical analysis. The level of significance was set at 5%.ResultsNo differences were confirmed between the non‐fall and fall in winter groups. In contrast, the maximum walking speed in the fall in non‐winter group was significantly slower than the non‐fall group, even with adjustment by variables, such as age, sex and self‐efficacy.ConclusionsWhen considering intervention methods for health promotion, it is necessary to consider not only the presence or absence of falls, but also the seasons of falls. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 124–129.