bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of quality of life and psychological distress in heart transplantation patients at adult and pediatric ages
Authors: Cavalli Chiara , Tarzia Vincenzo , Marini Massimo , Gregori Dario , Casella Silvia , Bottio Tomaso , Toscano Giuseppe , Fraiese Angela Pompea , Gambino Antonio , Volpe Biancarosa , Gerosa Gino 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the current study was to evaluate and compare the quality of life (QOL) and psychological status of adult patients who underwent heart transplant (HTx) at pediatric or adult ages.MethodsThe population consisted of two groups: patients who received HTx after 18 years old and pediatrics who received HTx between the age of 1 and 18 years. At the time of the study, all patients were over 18 years old. QOL data were collected from patients using 36‐item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36) and psychological distress by the Symptom checklist 90‐revised questionnaire (SCL‐90‐R).ResultsA total of 232 HTx patients were evaluated; 217 were transplanted at an adult age and 15 at a pediatric one. QOL improved significantly in pediatrics patients in the general health perceptions subscale and physical pain subscale than adult patients. The Global Index of the psychological distress did not differ in the two groups, but the pediatric patients registered statistically significant higher scores on the interpersonal sensitivity symptom subscale (adult group 36 ± 0.42 vs pediatric group 81 ± 0.79), the hostility subscale (adult group m 39 ± 0.44 vs pediatric group 73 ± 0.76) and the paranoid ideation subscale (adult group 46 ± 0.46 vs pediatric group 96 ± 1.02).ConclusionThe pediatric heart recipients showed better quality of life, but they show marked sensitivity, hostility and paranoid ideation which increases the risk of mental distress and therefore their adherence to medical treatment.
Comparison of pancreatic volume and fat amount linked with glucose homeostasis between healthy Caucasians and Koreans
Authors: Roh Eun , Kim Kyoung M. , Park Kyeong S. , Kim Yoon J. , Chun Eun J. , Choi Sung H. , Park Kyong S. , Jang Hak C. , Lim Soo 
Published: June 2018

AimTo compare pancreatic volume and fat amount, and their associations with glucose homeostasis, in a Korean and a white population.Materials and methodsIn 43 healthy Korean and 43 healthy white people, matched for age (±3 years) and body mass index (BMI; ±1 kg/m2), we measured pancreatic volume and fat amount in the pancreas and abdomen using computed tomography. Pancreatic β‐cell function and insulin resistance were estimated according to biochemical characteristics and a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test. Body composition and resting energy expenditure (REE) were examined using bioimpedance and indirect calorimetry, respectively.ResultsThe mean ±SD age of the participants was 29.9 ± 5.9 years and 30.0 ± 5.2 years, and BMI was 24.0 ±3.7 and 24.1 ±3.2 kg/m2 in the white participants and the Korean participants, respectively. Pancreatic volume in the white participants was greater than that in Korean participants (77.8 ±11.6 vs 68.2 ±12.1 cm3; P < .001). Pancreatic fat content in Korean participants was 22.8% higher than in white participants (P = .051). Insulinogenic index, disposition index, muscle mass and REE were significantly lower in Korean participants. Pancreatic volume was positively associated with indices linked to β‐cell function; fat content in the pancreas was negatively associated with such indices, and positively with insulin resistance after adjusting for relevant variables including REE.ConclusionsA smaller pancreas and higher fat deposition might be crucial determinants of vulnerability to diabetes in Korean people compared with white people with similar BMI and body fat levels.
Acute vs cumulative benefits of metformin use in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure
Authors: Weir Daniala L. , Abrahamowicz Michal , Beauchamp Marie‐Eve , Eurich Dean T. 
Published: June 2018

AimsTo evaluate the association between metformin use and heart failure (HF) exacerbation in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and pre‐existing HF using alternative exposure models.Materials and methodsWe analysed data for patients with T2D and incident HF from a national US insurance claims database. We compared the results of several multivariable Cox models where time‐varying use of metformin was modelled as: (1) current use; (2) total duration of past use; and (3) use within the past 30 days or 10 days. The outcome was defined as time to HF‐related hospitalization. We then re‐analysed the data using flexible weighted cumulative exposure (WCE) models.ResultsA total of 7620 patients with diabetes and incident HF were analysed. The mean (SD) patient age was 54 (8) years, and 58% (n = 4440) were men. In all, 3799 individuals (50%) were exposed to metformin, and 837 HF hospitalizations (11%) occurred (mean follow‐up 1.7 years). Results of conventional models suggested potential acute benefits in reducing HF exacerbation with metformin use in the past 10 days (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60‐0.97), while WCE models, which provided a better fit for the data, suggested lack of a systematic effect (aHR 0.91, 95% CI 0.69‐1.20).ConclusionsOur results suggest that cumulative metformin exposure does not decrease the risk of HF‐related exacerbation. Use of other anti‐hyperglycaemic agents with proven efficacy in patients with HF should also be considered as treatment options in this population.
Effect of different scoring approaches upon credit assignment when using Multiple True‐False items in dental undergraduate examinations
Authors: Kanzow P. , Schuelper N. , Witt D. , Wassmann T. , Sennhenn‐Kirchner S. , Wiegand A. , Raupach T. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIntroductionVarious scoring approaches for Multiple True‐False (MTF) items exist. This study aimed at comparing scoring results obtained with different scoring approaches and to assess the effect of item cues on each scoring approaches’ result.Materials and MethodsDifferent scoring approaches (MTF, Count‐2, Count‐3, “Vorkauf‐Method,” PS50, Dichotomized MTF, “Blasberg‐Method,” Multiple response (MR), Correction for Guessing, “Ripkey‐Method,” Morgan‐Method, Balanced Scoring Method) were retrospectively applied to all MTF items used within electronic examinations of undergraduate dental students at the University Medical Center Göttingen in the winter term 2016/2017 (1297 marking events). Item quality was evaluated regarding formal parameters such as presence of cues and correctness of content. Differences between scoring results of all scoring approaches and the differences between each methods’ scoring results of items with and without cues were calculated by Wilcoxon rank sum tests (P < .05).ResultsAverage scoring results per item highly differed between the scoring approaches and ranged from 0.46 (MR) to 0.92 (Dichotomized MTF). Presence of cues leads to significantly higher scoring in case of all scoring approaches (P < .001; +0.14 on average). However, effect of cues differed amongst scoring approaches and ranged from +0.04 (Dichotomized MTF) to +0.20 (MR).ConclusionScoring of MTF items is complex. The data presented in this manuscript may help educators make informed choices about scoring algorithms.
The burden of disease in pyruvate kinase deficiency: Patients’ perception of the impact on health‐related quality of life
Authors: Grace Rachael F. , Cohen Jennifer , Egan Shayna , Wells Ted , Witherspoon Brooke , Ryan Aisling , Salek Sam S. , Bodie Susan , Klaassen Robert J. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractObjectivesThis study explored how signs and symptoms of pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency, a rare hemolytic anemia caused by mutations in the PKLR gene, impacts patients’ health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).MethodsInterviews with 21 adults with PK deficiency in the United States, Netherlands, and Germany were conducted. Participants were asked to describe signs, symptoms, and impacts of the disease on their daily lives. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using qualitative analysis methods.ResultsThe most common signs and symptoms reported were yellow eyes (n = 19), tiredness (n = 18), yellow skin (n = 17), fatigue (n = 15), low energy (n = 13), and shortness of breath (n = 13). Furthermore, signs and symptoms of PK deficiency negatively impact the ability to perform physical activities, appearance, social activities, emotional states, activities of daily living, leisure activities, work and/or school, sleep, and cognitive states of those living with PK deficiency. A conceptual model is presented that further demonstrates the profound impact that signs and symptoms of PK deficiency have on dimensions of patients’ HRQoL.ConclusionsThis is the first study that provides patient perspective on the burden of living with PK deficiency and lays the foundation for future studies to examine the effect of pharmacologic interventions on overall HRQoL for patients living with PK deficiency.
Singing activity‐driven Arc expression associated with vocal acoustic plasticity in juvenile songbird
Authors: Hayase Shin , Wada Kazuhiro 
Published: June 2018

AbstractLearned vocalization, including birdsong and human speech, is acquired through self‐motivated vocal practice during the sensitive period of vocal learning. The zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) develops a song characterized by vocal variability and crystallizes a defined song pattern as adulthood. However, it remains unknown how vocal variability is regulated with diurnal singing during the sensorimotor learning period. Here, we investigated the expression of activity‐dependent neuroplasticity‐related gene Arc during the early plastic song phase to examine its potential association with vocal plasticity. We first confirmed that multiple acoustic features of syllables in the plastic song were dramatically and simultaneously modulated during the first 3 hr of singing in a day and the altered features were maintained until sleep. In a concurrent manner, Arc was intensely induced during morning singing and a subsequent attenuation during afternoon singing in the robust nucleus of the arcopallium (RA) and the interfacial nucleus of the nidopallium (NIf). The singing‐driven Arc expression was not altered by circadian rhythm, but rather reduced during the day as juveniles produced more songs. Song stabilization accelerated by testosterone administration in juveniles was accompanied with attenuation of Arc induction in RA and NIf. In contrast, although early‐deafened birds produced highly unstable song even at adulthood, singing‐driven Arc expression was not different between intact and early‐deafened adults. These results suggest a potential functional link between Arc expression in RA and NIf and vocal plasticity during the sensorimotor phase of song learning. Nonetheless, Arc expression did not reflect the quality of bird's own song or auditory feedback.
Spread of dystonia in patients with idiopathic adult‐onset laryngeal dystonia
Authors: Esposito M. , Fabbrini G. , Ferrazzano G. , Berardelli A. , Peluso S. , Cesari U. , Gigante A. F. , Bentivoglio A. R. , Petracca M. , Erro R. , Barone P. , Schirinzi T. , Eleopra R. , Avanzino L. , Romano M. , Scaglione C. L. , Cossu G. , Morgante F. , Minafra B. , Zibetti M. , Coletti Moja M. , Turla M. , Fadda L. , Defazio G. 
Published: June 2018

Background and purposeAdult‐onset laryngeal dystonia (LD) can be isolated or can be associated with dystonia in other body parts. Combined forms can be segmental at the onset or can result from dystonia spread to or from the larynx. The aim of this study was to identify the main clinical and demographic features of adult‐onset idiopathic LD in an Italian population with special focus on dystonia spread.MethodsData were obtained from the Italian Dystonia Registry (IDR) produced by 37 Italian institutions. Clinical and demographic data of 71 patients with idiopathic adult‐onset LD were extracted from a pool of 1131 subjects included in the IDR.ResultsFifty of 71 patients presented a laryngeal focal onset; the remaining subjects had onset in other body regions and later laryngeal spread. The two groups did not show significant differences of demographic features. 32% of patients with laryngeal onset reported spread to contiguous body regions afterwards and in most cases (12 of 16 subjects) dystonia started to spread within 1 year from the onset. LD patients who remained focal and those who had dystonia spread did not show other differences.ConclusionsData from IDR show that dystonic patients with focal laryngeal onset will present spread in almost one‐third of cases. Spread from the larynx occurs early and is directed to contiguous body regions showing similarities with clinical progression of blepharospasm. This study gives a new accurate description of LD phenomenology that may contribute to improving the comprehension of dystonia pathophysiology.
Clinical perspectives into the use of thalidomide for central nervous system tuberculosis
Authors: Keddie S. , Bharambe V. , Jayakumar A. , Shah A. , Sanchez V. , Adams A. , Gnanapavan S. 
Published: June 2018

Background and purposeCentral nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis (TB) accounts for over 4% of all TB notifications in the UK and causes death or significant disability in over half of those affected. Tumour necrosis factor alpha is a critical cytokine involved in the neuropathogenesis of CNS TB. Thalidomide has been trialled in CNS TB due to its immunomodulatory and immune reconstitution effects through the inhibition of tumour necrosis factor alpha. Despite animal models demonstrating dramatic improvement in survival, studies in paediatric patients have been associated with higher levels of mortality. The effects of thalidomide have not yet been studied in adults with CNS TB.This narrative case series guides clinicians through a range of CNS TB clinical cases seen in a large London teaching hospital, serving a region with a high incidence of TB (32 per 100 000) with 55% of TB cases manifesting as extrapulmonary disease. We aimed to illustrate our experiences of using thalidomide to treat a range of severe CNS TB complications.MethodsFive inpatients at The Royal London Hospital, London, UK treated with thalidomide in addition to standard TB treatment are described in detail. The rationale for treatment initiation with thalidomide is explained.ResultsThe case examples are used to guide our reflections and lessons learnt regarding the use of thalidomide. Responses to treatment and functional outcomes suggest that thalidomide may be a useful adjunct to standard TB therapy in selected adult cases.ConclusionsThe experience gained from using thalidomide in this small case series may provide evidence leading to more research into using thalidomide to treat severe CNS TB.
Cerebral autoregulatory performance and the cerebrovascular response to head‐of‐bed positioning in acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Truijen J. , Rasmussen L. S. , Kim Y. S. , Stam J. , Stok W. J. , Pott F. C. , van Lieshout J. J. 
Published: June 2018

Background and purposeCerebrovascular responses to head‐of‐bed positioning in patients with acute ischaemic stroke are heterogeneous, questioning the applicability of general recommendations on head positioning. Cerebral autoregulation is impaired to various extents after acute stroke, although it is unknown whether this affects cerebral perfusion during posture change. We aimed to elucidate whether the cerebrovascular response to head position manipulation depends on autoregulatory performance in patients with ischaemic stroke.MethodsThe responses of bilateral transcranial Doppler ultrasound‐determined cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) and local cerebral blood volume (CBV), assessed by near‐infrared spectroscopy of total hemoglobin tissue concentration ([total Hb]), to head‐of‐bed lowering from 30° to 0° were determined in 39 patients with acute ischaemic stroke and 17 reference subjects from two centers. Cerebrovascular autoregulatory performance was expressed as the phase difference of the arterial pressure‐to‐CBFV transfer function.ResultsFollowing head‐of‐bed lowering, CBV increased in the reference subjects only ([total Hb]: + 2.1 ± 2.0 vs. + 0.4 ± 2.6 μM; P < 0.05), whereas CBFV did not change in either group. CBV increased upon head‐of‐bed lowering in the hemispheres of patients with autoregulatory performance <50th percentile compared with a decrease in the hemispheres of patients with better autoregulatory performance ([total Hb]: +1.0 ± 1.3 vs. −0.5 ± 1.0 μM; P < 0.05). The CBV response was inversely related to autoregulatory performance (r = −0.68; P < 0.001) in the patients, whereas no such relation was observed for CBFV.ConclusionThis study is the first to provide evidence that cerebral autoregulatory performance in patients with acute ischaemic stroke affects the cerebrovascular response to changes in the position of the head.
Exploratory factor analysis of signalment and conformational measurements in Thoroughbred horses with and without recurrent laryngeal neuropathy
Authors: McGivney C. L. , Gough K. F. , McGivney B. A. , Farries G. , Hill E. W. , Katz L. M. 
Published: June 2018

SummaryBackgroundConflicting results have been reported for risk factors for recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) based on resting endoscopic evaluation and comparison of single conformation traits, with many traits correlated to one another.ObjectivesTo simplify identification of signalment and conformation traits (i.e. variables) associated with RLN cases and controls diagnosed with exercising overground endoscopy (OGE) using exploratory factor analysis (EFA).Study designProspective cohort.MethodsPearson's rank correlation was used to establish significance and association between variables collected from n = 188 Thoroughbreds from one stable by observers blinded to OGE results. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted on nine variables for cases and controls; common elements between variables developed a factor, with variables grouped into three factors for cases and controls respectively. Correlation (loading) between each variable and factor was calculated to rank relationships between variables and cases/controls, with factors retrospectively named based on their underlying correlations with variables.ResultsNumerous inter‐correlations were present between variables. Most strongly correlated in cases were wither height with body weight (r = 0.70) and ventral neck length (r = 0.68) and in controls body weight with rostral neck circumference (r = 0.58). Wither height (r = 0.61) significantly loaded the top‐ranked factor for cases (‘heightRLN’), explaining 25% of conformational variance. Ventral neck length (r = 0.69) and age (r = 0.57) significantly loaded the second‐ranked factor for cases (‘neck lengthRLN’), explaining 16% of conformational variance. Rostral neck circumference (r = 0.86) and body weight (r = 0.6) significantly loaded the top‐ranked factor for controls (‘body sizeCON’), explaining 19% of the variance. Wither height (r = 0.84) significantly loaded the second‐ranked factor for controls (‘heightCON’), explaining 13% of the variance.Main limitationsHorses had not reached skeletal maturity.ConclusionsExploratory factor analysis allowed weightings to be determined for each variable. Wither height was the predominant conformational feature associated with RLN. Exploratory factor analysis confirms aggregated conformational differences exist between RLN cases and controls, suitable for future evaluations.
Cervical dysplasia in a patient with multiple sclerosis treated with natalizumab
Authors: Durrieu Geneviève , Dardonville Quentin , Clanet Michel , Montastruc Jean‐Louis 
Published: June 2018

AbstractWe describe one report of a cervical dysplasia in a patient receiving natalizumab for multiple sclerosis. Other cases were identified in the WHO's global individual case safety report database, VigiBase®. These data underline the importance of monitoring HPV infection in patients with MS treated with natalizumab.
Hydrogeochemical Evolution of Interaction Between Surface Water and Groundwater Affected by Exploitation
Authors: Guo Xueru , Zuo Rui , Wang Jinsheng , Meng Li , Teng Yanguo , Shi Rongtao , Gao Xiang , Ding Fei 
Published: June 2018

AbstractHydrogeochemical evolution of interactions between surface water and groundwater is crucial for guaranteeing water supply quality in a riverside water source area. This study focuses on the seasonal and spatial characteristics of hydrogeochemical evolution affected by groundwater exploitation in the Hulan water source area using hydrochemical analyses and stable isotope tracers. Results show that the concentrations of major ions and total dissolved solids (TDS) increase considerably during the dry season. A bicarbonate water type is primarily produced by the dissolution of calcite, dolomite and gypsum, as well as the cation exchange and human activities. Along the typical infiltration path, the proportions of surface water increase with proximity to the river from 8%‐63% during the wet season to 11%‐84% during the dry season, which are attributed to an increased hydraulic gradient by exploitation. The typical path is classified into two zones. The first is the intensive mixing zone (within 1 km) with increasing concentrations of major ions and TDS due to mixing effect. The second is the exploitation influence zone (1‐3.3 km) with increased concentrations of Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42−, and HCO3− during the dry season due to two reasons of seasonal variations in evaporation, stronger water‐rock interactions and mixing effects with increased surface water by exploitation.
Factors improving the utility of antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B: A nationwide multicenter study in Japan
Authors: Yamagiwa Yoko , Masaki Naohiko 
Published: June 2018

AimThe consideration of patients' needs in terms of research outcomes is emphasized in research promotion to eradicate hepatitis B virus according to the Basic Act on Hepatitis Measures in Japan. This study analyzed patients' attitudes toward experienced antiviral therapies for chronic hepatitis B and their need for future therapies.MethodsA self‐administered questionnaire comprising 124 questions was completed among patients with chronic hepatitis B from 61 core‐center hospitals designated to implement and research policies on hepatitis in 47 prefectures from August 2013 to January 2014 (n = 3021, response rate = 51%).ResultsIn decision‐tree models with 333 variables generated from the questionnaire data, patients’ satisfaction with therapy and reduction in anxiety about therapy were dependent on favorable therapeutic effects, sufficient information provided by the physician, and fewer lifestyle disturbances. Medical expenses were not selected at a superior branch because subsidy for antiviral therapy started in 2010. In correspondence analysis of free text answers, patients’ need for therapy and support mechanisms differed among their attributes, including a great need for novel therapy in older men, hope for avoidance of lifestyle disturbance in younger men, and alleviation of painful experience with the disease in women.ConclusionsContinual provision of sufficient information is necessary to improve the utility of antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B as well as for favorable therapeutic effects. The patients believed that novel drugs and support would reduce the diverse burden of the disease on their lives.