bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interference in specialized coagulation assays affecting the protein C pathway: Effects of marked haemolysis, hyperbilirubinaemia and lipaemia on chromogenic and clotting tests on two coagulation platforms
Authors: Jilma‐Stohlawetz Petra , Lysy Katharina , Belik Sabine , Jilma Bernd , Quehenberger Peter 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundHaemolysis, lipaemia and hyperbilirubinaemia represent important challenges in the coagulation laboratory. Test results are influenced not only by the degree of the interfering substance but also by the detection system.MethodsWe investigated the interference of free haemoglobin, triglycerides and bilirubin on a “modified activated protein C (APC) resistance test,” protein C activity and protein S (antigen and activity) with two coagulation analysers, the STA‐R Evolution and the ACL TOP.ResultsHaemolysis interfered with all assays on the STA‐R Evolution resulting in higher levels of protein C activity and lower levels of protein S and a decreased APC ratio compared with baseline levels. On the ACL TOP, haemolysis only diminished protein S antigen levels and the APC ratio. Lipaemia increased protein C activity and protein S activity levels on the STA‐R Evolution, whereas APC‐R decreased on the ACL TOP and protein S antigen could not be measured in any lipaemic samples. Hyperbilirubinaemia caused an increase in protein C activity and in protein S antigen and a decrease in APC‐R on the STA‐R Evolution, whereas a decline of protein C activity, of protein S antigen and of the APC‐R could be observed in icteric samples on the ACL TOP.ConclusionsOur data show that the degree of interference associated with haemolysis, lipaemia and hyperbilirubinaemia is different in several assays. Some assay limitations were not reproduced, and limitations stated in kit inserts cannot be assumed to apply to all analysers.
Postoperative prognostic model for patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma in a Chinese population
Authors: Zhu Yan , Zhao Yao‐Rui , Yang Xian‐Fa , Wei Mao‐Ti , Niu Yuan‐Jie , Chang Ji‐Wu , Wang Ai‐Xiang , Liang Xuan 
Published: March 2019

ObjectivesTo develop a predictive model for the oncological outcomes of clear cell renal cell carcinoma in a Chinese population.MethodsA retrospective study of 1108 patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma who underwent nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy between January 2006 and December 2013 was carried out. Recurrence‐free survival was calculated using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Differences between the groups were compared using the log–rank test. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to test associations between features and outcomes. The discriminative ability of the models was validated using Harrell's concordance index and bootstrapping.ResultsOverall, 942 patients who met the inclusion criteria had been followed. The median follow‐up period was 72 months (range 1–143 months). Multivariate analysis showed that age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, preoperative platelet count, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, tumor size, 2010 tumor stage (pT3 and pT4) and Fuhrman nuclear grade were independent risk factors affecting recurrence‐free survival in clear cell renal cell carcinoma patients (P < 0.05). These factors were assigned to develop a new model. The patients were divided into three groups based on the risk of recurrence. The difference among the prognoses of patients in the three groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The concordance index for our new model and that for Leibovich's 2018 model were 0.791 and 0.750, respectively.ConclusionsIn the present study, the new model has a higher concordance index than does Leibovich's 2018 model of clear cell renal cell carcinoma in the Asian population, with no added pain for patients. This new model might be an appropriate risk stratification tool for clinical work.
Prevalence of defective restorations and factors associated with re‐intervention in primary teeth: A retrospective university‐based study
Authors: de Ávila Natália Marchioretto , Bottezini Paola Arosi , Nicoloso Gabriel Ferreira , de Araujo Fernando Borba , Ardenghi Thiago Machado , Lenzi Tathiane Larissa , Casagrande Luciano 
Published: March 2019

AimThis retrospective study investigated the prevalence of defective restorations in a public dental service and factors associated with re‐intervention in primary teeth.DesignThe sample consisted of all clinical records (census) of children presenting restorations in primary teeth, who had undergone dental treatment in a public set during 1‐year period. For analysis, only restorations presenting defects related to esthetic, functional, or biological reasons at first clinical examination were included. The outcome ‘Success’ was set when the restoration received no treatment (monitored), refurbishing, sealing of margins, or was repaired. Otherwise, ‘Failure’ was set whenever the restoration was either replaced or if another treatment affecting the restoration was necessary (endodontic treatment or tooth extraction). Poisson regression model was used to assess the prevalence of patient‐ and tooth‐related factors that may influence the re‐intervention decision (repair or replacement).ResultsFrom a total of 302 restorations placed in 114 children, 37.7% presented some type of defect. Restorations with recurrent caries were more frequently present in caries‐active patients (P = 0.03) and were frequently replaced (95% CI, 1.05‐3.22, RR = 1.84, P = 0.03).ConclusionPresence of recurrent caries influences the re‐intervention decision, leading to restoration replacement in most cases.
Group‐based transmission of fatherhood among intergenerational African American fathers: A case study
Authors: Gamboa Charlene J. , Julion Wrenetha A. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractProblemNonresidential fatherhood contributes to the fact that over 70% of African American (AA) children grow up in homes without their biological fathers. In the absence of gender‐specific parental guidance, AA young men who become fathers may lack paternal‐parenting preparation.MethodsThis secondary data analysis describes the verbal exchange of fatherhood perspectives among four experienced fathers and one adolescent father who participated in a pilot of group‐based fatherhood intervention. Qualitative descriptive case study methodology guided by Social Learning Theory was used to explore the transmission of fathering perspectives between fathers.FindingsQualitative thematic analysis affirmed that adverse emotional and psychological distress may be avoided with positive parenting preparedness. Culturally‐specific group‐based bidirectional learning can transmit fatherhood knowledge and skills to adolescent nonresidential fathers and this new perspective can contribute to adolescent wellbeing.ConclusionsThere is a need to investigate channels for AA adolescent boys, young men and fathers to engage in cultural‐congruent paternal modeling in the event that their biological father or other social father role models are absent from their lives.
Sex‐specific patterns in the association between salt intake and blood pressure: The ELSA‐Brasil study
Authors: Mill José Geraldo , Baldo Marcelo P. , Molina Maria del Carmen B. , Schmidt Maria Inês , Barreto Sandhi M. , Chor Dora , Griep Rosane H. , Matos Sheila M. , Ribeiro Antonio Luiz P. , Duncan Bruce B. , Aquino Estela M. , Lotufo Paulo A. , Bensenor Isabela 
Published: March 2019

Blood pressure (BP) is a strong cardiovascular risk factor, predicting cardiovascular mortality in the general population. High salt consumption is a major contributor of increased BP and hypertension. However, there is a controversy on whether BP response to salt intake would be sex‐specific. Thus, we aimed to verify the changes in BP according to different salt intake in men and women in a large sample of adults. The present analysis refers to 12 813 participants (from 35 to 64 years) with a validated 12‐hour overnight urine collection in which salt intake was estimated. A set of questionnaires, clinical examination, and laboratory tests were carried out during a single visit to one of the six investigation centers involved. Salt intake was 12.9 ± 5.9 g/d in men and 9.3 ± 4.3 g/d in women. BP increases as salt intake increases, regardless of using BP‐lowering medication. The slope of increase in BP elicited by salt intake was significantly higher in women than in men. Thus, the increase in BP by salt intake was stepper in women even after controlling for confounders, regardless of using BP‐lowering medication or being hypertensive. In conclusion, salt intake is elevated in this large sample of Brazilian adults in which only a few participants are compliant with the recommendation. Also, women have a higher responsiveness of BP according to salt intake than men, and it is not associated with age, BP level, or the use of BP‐lowering medication.
Prevalence and risk factors for painful diabetic neuropathy in secondary healthcare in Qatar
Authors: Ponirakis Georgios , Elhadd Tarik , Chinnaiyan Subitha , Dabbous Zeinab , Siddiqui Mashhood , Al‐muhannadi Hamad , Petropoulos Ioannis , Khan Adnan , Ashawesh Khaled AE , Dukhan Khaled MO , Mahfoud Ziyad R , Murgatroyd Christopher , Slevin Mark , Malik Rayaz A 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAims/IntroductionPainful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN) has a significant impact on the patient's quality of life. The prevalence of PDPN in the Middle East and North Africa region has been reported to be almost double that of populations in the UK. We sought to determine the prevalence of PDPN and its associated factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending secondary care in Qatar.Materials and MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study of 1,095 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending Qatar's two national diabetes centers. PDPN and impaired vibration perception on the pulp of the large toes were assessed using the Douleur Neuropathique en 4 questionnaire with a cut‐off ≥4 and the neurothesiometer with a cut‐off ≥15 V, respectively.ResultsThe prevalence of PDPN was 34.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 31.7–37.3), but 80% of these patients had not previously been diagnosed or treated for this condition. Arabs had a higher prevalence of PDPN compared with South Asians (P < 0.05). PDPN was associated with impaired vibration perception adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.42 (95% CI 2.92–6.70), smoking AOR 2.43 (95% CI 1.43–4.15), obesity AOR 1.74 (95% CI 1.13–2.66), being female AOR 1.65 (95% CI: 1.03–2.64) and duration of diabetes AOR 1.08 (95% CI 1.05–1.11). Age, poor glycemic control, hypertension, physical activity and proteinuria showed no association with PDPN.ConclusionsPDPN occurs in one‐third of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending secondary care in Qatar, but the majority have not been diagnosed. Arabs are at higher risk for PDPN. Impaired vibration perception, obesity and smoking are associated with PDPN in Qatar.
Optimization of placebo use in clinical trials with systemic treatments for atopic dermatitis: an International Eczema Council survey‐based position statement
Authors: Leshem Y.A. , Bissonnette R. , Paul C. , Silverberg J.I. , Irvine A.D. , Paller A.S. , Cork M.J. , Guttman‐Yassky E. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundAs novel systemic therapeutics for patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) are developed, ethical and methodological concerns regarding placebo‐controlled‐trials (PCT) have surfaced.ObjectiveTo guide the design and implementation of PCT in AD, focusing on trials with systemic medications.MethodsA subgroup of the International Eczema Council (IEC) developed a consensus e‐survey, which was disseminated to IEC members.ResultsThe response rate was 43/82 (52%). Consensus was reached on 24/27 statements and on 3/11 options from multiple‐selection statements, including: performing monotherapy studies in proof‐of‐concept phases; avoiding concomitant topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors until a predefined timepoint as rescue (borderline consensus); selection of sites and assessors with recognized expertise in AD clinical trials; clear definition and identification of baseline disease severity; minimizing time and proportion of patients on placebo; using daily emollients with several options provided; instigating open‐label extension studies for enrolment after a predefined timepoint; and including outcomes which set a higher bar for disease clearance.ConclusionConducting PCT in AD requires balancing several, sometimes opposing principles, including ethics, methodology, regulatory requirements and real‐world needs. This paper can provide a framework for conducting PCT with systemic medications for patients with AD.
Redescription of Antetintinnidium mucicola (Claparède and Lachmann, 1858) nov. gen., nov. comb. (Alveolata, Ciliophora, Tintinnina)
Authors: Ganser Maximilian H. , Agatha Sabine 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTintinnid ciliates have traditionally been described and classified exclusively based on their lorica features. Although information on the cell characters is urgently needed for a natural classification, more molecular than cytological data has been accumulated over recent years. Apparently, the tintinnids developed in the marine environment and entered freshwater several times independently. Typical freshwater tintinnids belong to the genera Tintinnidium and Membranicola. The species are comparatively well‐known regarding their morphology and characterised by two unusual de novo originating ciliary rows, the ventral organelles. In contrast, the cell features in the marine/brackish Tintinnidium species, specifically their somatic ciliary patterns, are insufficiently known or not known at all. Therefore, the morphology of a common marine/brackish representative, Tintinnidium mucicola, is redescribed based on live observation and protargol‐stained material. Furthermore, biogeographical and autecological data of the species are compiled from literature and own records. The phylogenetic relationships of T. mucicola are inferred and the diversity of the family Tintinnidiidae is assessed from 18S rDNA sequences. The study shows that T. mucicola is not only molecularly distinct, but also characterised by many plesiomorphic features, for instance, it does not possess a verifiable homologue to the ventral organelles. Hence, a new genus, Antetintinnidium nov. gen., is established for T. mucicola. The new insights into the diversity of Tintinnidiidae shed light on the early evolution of tintinnids and might provide clues on their adaptions to freshwater.
Utility of the EncephalApp Stroop Test for covert hepatic encephalopathy screening in Chinese cirrhotic patients
Authors: Zeng Xin , Li Xiao‐Xue , Shi Pei‐Mei , Zhang Yuan‐Yuan , Song Yang , Liu Qing , Wei Lai , Bajaj Jasmohan S , Zhu Yan‐Hua , Li Yi , Gu Yan , Xie Wei‐Fen , Liu Yu‐Lan 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackground and AimConsidering the large size of the potential population and limitations of common detection methods, covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) is difficult to screen for routinely. The present study aims to explore EncephalApp Stroop Test as a smartphone‐based CHE screening tool in China.MethodsA multicenter, single‐visit study was carried out. The cutoff of the Chinese EncephalApp translation was determined by using Chinese standardized psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES) in cirrhotic patients as the gold standard. Indicators reflecting time required and number of tests on subtask on (naming the color of pound signs) and off (naming the color of the word in discordant coloring) were recorded, with the feedback from investigators and patients.ResultsOne hundred forty‐four patients were included; 58 (40.28%) patients were diagnosed with CHE by PHES. The cutoff of > 97.34 s for off time and > 186.63 s for on time + off time had the maximum area under the curve values (0.77) in all patients. Furthermore, with the cutoff of 186.63 s, on time + off time has the highest sensitivity (0.86). However, the specificity was unsatisfactory (0.59). Age and alcoholic hepatitis (odds ratio = 1.05 and 3.12, both P < 0.05) were positively correlated with the risk of CHE. The experience with electronic devices and education duration were negatively correlated (odds ratio = 0.21 and 0.92, both P < 0.05). Compared with PHES, EncephalApp represented 38% time saving. Furthermore, it was superior to PHES regarding accessibility, convenience, and acceptability by administrators (all P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe EncephalApp Stroop Test is an efficient screening tool for CHE in Chinese cirrhotic patients.
A prospective study of focal brain atrophy, mobility and fitness
Authors: Tian Q. , Resnick S. M. , Davatzikos C. , Erus G. , Simonsick E. M. , Studenski S. A. , Ferrucci L. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe parallel decline of mobility and cognition with ageing is explained in part by shared brain structural changes that are related to fitness. However, the temporal sequence between fitness, brain structural changes and mobility loss has not been fully evaluated.MethodsParticipants were from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, aged 60 or older, initially free of cognitive and mobility impairments, with repeated measures of fitness (400‐m time), mobility (6‐m gait speed) and neuroimaging markers over 4 years (n = 332). Neuroimaging markers included volumes of total brain, ventricles, frontal, parietal, temporal and subcortical motor areas, and corpus callosum. Autoregressive models were used to examine the temporal sequence of each brain volume with mobility and fitness, adjusted for age, sex, race, body mass index, height, education, intracranial volume and APOE ɛ4 status.ResultsAfter adjustment, greater volumes of total brain and selected frontal, parietal and temporal areas, and corpus callosum were unidirectionally associated with future faster gait speed over and beyond cross‐sectional and autoregressive associations. There were trends towards faster gait speed being associated with future greater hippocampus and precuneus. Higher fitness was unidirectionally associated with future greater parahippocampal gyrus and not with volumes in other areas. Smaller ventricle predicted future higher fitness.ConclusionSpecific regional brain volumes predict future mobility impairment. Impaired mobility is a risk factor for future atrophy of hippocampus and precuneus. Maintaining fitness preserves parahippocampal gyrus volume. Findings provide new insight into the complex and bidirectional relationship between the parallel decline of mobility and cognition often observed in older persons.
Differentiation of lineages within “Colletotrichum gloeosporioides s.l.” associated with cassava anthracnose disease by BOX‐ and ERIC‐PCRs
Authors: Lopes da Silva Leandro , Dórea Bragança Carlos Augusto , Fortes Ferreira Cláudia , Alves Silva Diamantino Maria Selma , Alves Santos de Oliveira Saulo 
Published: March 2019

AbstractSeveral molecular techniques have been used to differentiate species or genetic lineages of microorganisms prior to sequencing. Among them, BOX‐ and ERIC‐PCRs may provide specific banding patterns for different species, allowing its differentiation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate these techniques as a tool for differentiation of phylogenetic lineages belonging to the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides species complex associated with cassava anthracnose disease. Sets of BOX‐ and ERIC‐PCR primers were used to assess the differentiation of lineages belonging to the complex with 81 C. gloeosporioides sensu lato (s.l.) isolates from different cassava producing regions. Some were identified by sequencing, such as Colletotrichum fructicola, Colletotrichum tropicale, C. gloeosporioides s.s, Colletotrichum theobromicola, Colletotrichum siamense, Colletotrichum brevisporum and Colletotrichum sichuanensis. The primers were able to amplify DNA fragments from all isolates. The ERIC‐PCR presented a wider range of banding patterns in comparison to BOX‐PCR, providing better differentiation of the individuals, as well as a higher correlation with the phylogenetic data was obtained by ERIC‐PCR and the combined data set for “BOX‐/ERIC‐PCRs,” inferred by Mantel test. However, the use of concatenated data (BOX‐/ERIC‐PCRs) reduced the discriminatory capacity presented by ERIC‐PCR alone, probably due to the lowest resolution of BOX‐PCR. Therefore, ERIC‐PCR technique enabled efficient differentiation of isolates belonging to the C. gloeosporioides complex and can be used to analyse multiple isolates in a collection and also being an important tool as a guide in the decision‐making process prior to sequencing. Based on this methodology, it was possible to identify two new species associated with cassava anthracnose disease, C. brevisporum and C. sichuanensis, being the first report of these two species associated with cassava anthracnose disease in Brazil.
Differential ammonia metabolism and toxicity between avian and mammalian species, and effect of ammonia on skeletal muscle: A comparative review
Authors: Stern Rachel A. , Mozdziak Paul E. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractComparative aspects of ammonia toxicity, specific to liver and skeletal muscle and skeletal muscle metabolism between avian and mammalian species are discussed in the context of models for liver disease and subsequent skeletal muscle wasting. The purpose of this review is to present species differences in ammonia metabolism and to specifically highlight observed differences in skeletal muscle response to excess ammonia in avian species. Ammonia, which is produced during protein catabolism and is an essential component of nucleic acid and protein biosynthesis, is detoxified mainly in the liver. While the liver is consistent as the main organ responsible for ammonia detoxification, there are evolutionary differences in ammonia metabolism and nitrogen excretory products between avian and mammalian species. In patients with liver disease and all mammalian models, inadequate ammonia detoxification and successive increased circulating ammonia concentration, termed hyperammonemia, leads to severe skeletal muscle atrophy, increased apoptosis and reduced protein synthesis, altogether having deleterious effects on muscle size and strength. Previously, an avian embryonic model, designed to determine the effects of increased circulating ammonia on muscle development, revealed that ammonia elicits a positive myogenic response. Specifically, induced hyperammonemia in avian embryos resulted in a reduction in myostatin, a well‐known inhibitor of muscle growth, expression, whereas myostatin expression is significantly increased in mammalian models of hyperammonemia. These interesting findings imply that species differences in ammonia metabolism allow avians to utilize ammonia for growth. Understanding the intrinsic physiological mechanisms that allow for ammonia to be utilized for growth has potential to reveal novel approaches to muscle growth in avian species and will provide new targets for preventing muscle degeneration in mammalian species.