bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Children like it more but don’t learn more: Effects of esthetic visual design in educational games
Authors: Javora Ondřej , Hannemann Tereza , Stárková Tereza , Volná Kristina , Brom Cyril 
Published: October 2018

AbstractLittle is known about what design elements in digital learning games enhance learning; especially in the case of child audiences. This study examines the effects of a learning game’s visual design on perceived attractiveness and learning outcomes. We developed two visual designs for the game: one with supposedly high esthetic value and another with a low esthetic value. Participants (children between 9 and 11 years of age,N= 53) were randomly divided into two groups. Each group interacted with their assigned version for about 20 minutes and then evaluated its visual attractiveness without knowing about the other version. Then, they evaluated the attractiveness of the complementary version. As the next step, they evaluated both versions side‐by‐side. During the free‐choice period, children could continue playing one of the game versions or a different game. They clearly preferred the high esthetic version in evaluations (d> 0.86) and in the free‐choice period (62% preferred the high esthetic version of the target game), but this did not improve their learning outcomes (comprehension:d= –0.59; transfer:d= –0.16). Possible explanations of this effect are discussed in terms of cognitive load theory and cognitive‐affective theory of learning from media.
Evidence of human‐like Ca2+ channels and effects of Ca2+ channel blockers in Acanthamoeba castellanii
Authors: Baig Abdul Mannan , Rana Zohaib , Waliani Nuzair , Karim Saiqa , Rajabali Mehdia 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe evolution of voltage‐gated calcium channel (Cav) in eukaryotes is an area of interest for biologists worldwide. The CLAN CL0030 and its family Ion_Trans 2 PF 07885 have been known to be present in prokaryotes, but the origin of these ion channels in Acanthamoeba spp. is yet to be determined. We inferred the origin of primitive forms of two‐pore channels like proteins, human‐like Cav 1.1 of L‐type, and Cav subunit alpha‐2/delta‐1 in Acanthamoeba spp. early during evolution. By in‐depth investigation into genomics, transcriptomics, use of bioinformatics tools and experimentations done with drugs like amlodipine and gabapentin on Acanthamoeba spp., we show the evidence of primitive forms of these channels in this protist pathogen. Genomics and transcriptomics of proteins ACA1_167020, 092610, and 270170 reflected their cellular expression in Acanthamoeba spp. We performed amino acid sequence homology, 3D structural modeling, ligand binding predictions, and dockings. Bioinformatics and 3D structural models show similarities between ACA1_167020, 092610, 270170, and different types of known human Cav. We show amoebicidal effects of amlodipine and gabapentin on Acanthamoeba spp., which can help design their structural analogs to target pathogenic genotypes of Acanthamoeba in diseases like Acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis.
Longitudinal changes in global cataract surgery rate inequality and associations with socioeconomic indices
Authors: Yan William , Wang Wei , van Wijngaarden Peter , Mueller Andreas , He Mingguang 
Published: October 2018

ImportanceCataract is the leading cause of blindness and the second leading cause of vision impairment. The majority of people with vision impairment reside in low‐resource settings with limited access to cataract surgery and services.BackgroundCataract surgery rate (CSR) is a proxy measure for eye care service delivery and estimating the burden of cataract disease. This research aims to evaluate the longitudinal changes of CSR inequality globally and by income groups.DesignSystematic review.ParticipantsStudies published from January 2000 to December 2015 were considered for inclusion into the review.MethodsCSR data were retrieved from a systematic review of published literature (OVID Medline, Embase, PubMed, ISI, Web of Science), unpublished reports and data repositories.Main Outcome MeasuresInequality of CSR was measured on a global scale and between countries grouped by income levels using the Gini coefficient and concentration index, with respect to the human development index (HDI).ResultsOverall, correlations between HDI and gross domestic product (GDP) per capita vs CSRs were observed with R2 values of 49.2% (β = 5.01, P < 0.001) and 38.9% (β = 0.56, P < 0.001), respectively. Analysis of longitudinal CSR data using generalized estimation equation models revealed strong associations between CSR and HDI (P < 0.001), GDP (P < 0.001) and the proportion of people aged ≥50 (P = 0.001). Overall, the trend of inequality in worldwide CSR remained relatively stable.Conclusions and RelevanceInequalities in cataract service provision were found between countries grouped by income and associated with socioeconomic indicators.
Erythema elevatum diutinum a rare and poorly understood cutaneous vasculitis: A single institution experience
Authors: Sardiña Luis A. , Jour George , Piliang Melissa P. , Bergfeld Wilma F. 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundErythema elevatum diutinum (EED) is a rare vasculitis with variable clinical presentation which diagnosis can be challenging. Herein we want to describe the clinicopathological spectrum of findings in five cases of EED.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed five cases in a single institution collected over a period of 27 years. The clinical history was collected and all the slides were examined to determine the histopathological characteristics of the lesions.ResultsThe mean age of our patients is 56.6 years. Two of five patients were females and with lesions showing predilection for the upper‐extremities. The most common presentation was of an erythematous plaque on the extensor surfaces. Three patients had a history of neoplasm. All cases showed leukocytoclastic damage consistent with EED.ConclusionOur findings suggest that EED shows a heterogeneous clinical and pathological presentation, which can show an overlap with granulomatous dermatoses and mixed connective tissue diseases. Scalp lesions can occur and can mimic granulomatous dermatoses. The finding of EED in benign and malignant solid tumors in three of our patients begs the question whether there is an association between EED and such solid neoplasms.
Influence of light on sound production behaviors in the emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis
Authors: Silk Peter J. , Roscoe Lucas E. , Brophy Matt , Price Jessica , Ryall Krista L. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractRecent research has demonstrated that the emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), uses visual and chemical cues when locating potential mates and host trees. Here, we present the first evidence of the production of possible acoustic cues generated by adult males and females. We demonstrate for the first time that simultaneous wing opening and head ‘pumping’ in both males and females produce specific and distinct sounds. Acoustic recordings demonstrate that these sounds consist of a phrase comprising a ‘click’ generated by wing opening, followed by two separate chirps corresponding to the outward and subsequent inward movement of the head. Mean primary and secondary chirp durations were 0.332 ± 0.038 and 0.414 ± 0.046 s for males and 0.414 ± 0.046 and 0.389 ± 0.032 s for females, respectively. Overall mean phrase durations were 0.905 ± 0.114 s in males and 1.133 ± 0.133 s in females. Mean maximum phrase frequencies were 8 706.1 ± 141.1 and 7 885.0 ± 499.2 Hz in males and females, respectively. There were no significant differences in sound parameters between males and females. To determine whether these events were related to mating pair formation, we observed the occurrence of these events in adults paired with either another male or female and lone adults, and observed the number of mating pairs in copula formed during or shortly after sound production by either of the mating party. The mean number of sound‐generating events per min was significantly greater in males paired with females (0.75 ± 0.15) and/or other males (0.55 ± 0.23) vs. unpaired males (0.14 ± 0.06). Conversely, the mean number of sound‐producing events for lone females (1.4 ± 0.2) was significantly greater than for females paired with either males (0.49 ± 0.18) or other females (0.38 ± 0.10). No mating pairs in copula were formed during any of our observations. Scanning electron microscopy images showed the presence of possible pars stridens and plectrum structures on the ventral surfaces of the gula and pronotum in both males and females. Furthermore, we observed that the proportion of males and females exhibiting these specific behaviors were significantly greater under both halogen and incandescent light than under darkness, signifying the importance of light source or type on the production of acoustic signals. Although we did not find evidence of these behaviors being related to the courtship sequence, our results indicate the presence of a previously undescribed sound‐generation behavior in A. planipennis that is significantly influenced by light conditions.
A prospective multicentre survey of complications associated with equine castration to facilitate clinical audit
Authors: Hodgson C. , Pinchbeck G. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryBackgroundDespite the regularity with which castration is performed, the types of complications and current best practice are unknown.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to perform a prospective audit of routine equine castrations performed in general practice to determine complication rates and factors associated with them.Study designMulticentre, prospective audit of castrations.MethodsData on castrations were collected on the day of surgery from 18 veterinary practices; 30‐days post‐operatively follow‐up was obtained and complications recorded. Frequency of complications was reported, and multilevel, multivariable logistic regression models used to investigate factors associated with the most common complications of bleeding in the first 24 h, stiffness of gait and/or swelling and discharge and/or infection.ResultsData were collected on 495 castrations performed by 53 participating veterinary surgeons. Over two thirds of surgeries were performed outside, 21% were performed under standing sedation and 79% with the horse recumbent. Almost all (98 and 97%) patients received preoperative nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatories (NSAIDs) and antimicrobials, respectively. One or more intraoperative complications were reported in 14.5% of procedures; most common were bleeding and excessive movement. Follow‐up to 30 days was available for 392 equids. One or more complications were reported in 44 castrations (11.2%). Swelling was the most common, then infection and stiffness of gait. Serious complications were rare.Main limitationsIt is possible that there was bias towards submission of data for procedures where complications occurred. The low complication rates reduced the power to determine factors associated with complications. Minor complications may go unreported by owners and may be underrepresented.ConclusionsOverall complications associated with castration are low and mortality rare. Findings from this study can be used as guidelines for practices to perform regular audit to determine if their negative outcomes are comparable or warrant further investigation.
Combining probiotics and an angiotensin‐II type 1 receptor blocker has beneficial effects on hepatic fibrogenesis in a rat model of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Sawada Yasuhiko , Kawaratani Hideto , Kubo Takuya , Fujinaga Yukihisa , Furukawa Masanori , Saikawa Soichiro , Sato Shinya , Seki Kenichiro , Takaya Hiroaki , Okura Yasushi , Kaji Kosuke , Shimozato Naotaka , Mashitani Tsuyoshi , Kitade Mitsuteru , Moriya Kei , Namisaki Tadashi , Akahane Takemi , Mitoro Akira , Yamao Junichi , Yoshiji Hitoshi 
Published: October 2018

AimIntestinal endotoxin is important for the progression of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Circulating endotoxin levels are elevated in most animal models of diet‐induced non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and NASH. Furthermore, plasma endotoxin levels are significantly higher in NAFLD patients, which is associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and increased intestinal permeability. By improving the gut microbiota environment and restoring gut‐barrier functions, probiotics are effective for NASH treatment in animal models. It is also widely known that hepatic fibrosis and suppression of activated hepatic stellate cells (Ac‐HSCs) can be attenuated using an angiotensin‐II type 1 receptor blocker (ARB). We thus evaluated the effect of combination probiotics and ARB treatment on liver fibrosis using a rat model of NASH.MethodsFisher 344 rats were fed a choline‐deficient/L‐amino acid‐defined (CDAA) diet for 8 weeks to generate the NASH model. Animals were divided into ARB, probiotics, and ARB plus probiotics groups. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed by evaluating liver fibrosis, the lipopolysaccharide Toll‐like receptor (TLR)4 regulatory cascade, and intestinal barrier function.ResultsBoth probiotics and ARB inhibited liver fibrosis, with concomitant HSC activation and suppression of liver‐specific transforming growth factor‐β and TLR4 expression. Probiotics reduced intestinal permeability by rescuing zonula occludens‐1 disruption induced by the CDAA diet. Angiotensin‐II type 1 receptor blocker was found to directly suppress Ac‐HSCs.ConclusionsProbiotics and ARB are effective in suppressing liver fibrosis through different mechanisms. Currently both drugs are in clinical use; therefore, the combination of probiotics and ARB is a promising new therapy for NASH.
The sequence of prenatal growth restraint and postnatal catch‐up growth: normal heart but thicker intima‐media and more pre‐peritoneal fat in late infancy
Authors: Sebastiani G. , García‐Beltran C. , Pie S. , Guerra A. , López‐Bermejo A. , de Toledo J. S. , de Zegher F. , Rosés F. , Ibáñez L. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryBackgroundThe sequence of prenatal growth restraint and postnatal catch‐up growth leads to a thicker intima‐media and more pre‐peritoneal fat by age 3–6 years.ObjectivesTo study whether carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT) and pre‐peritoneal fat differ already between catch‐up small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) infants and appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age (AGA) controls in late infancy (ages 1 and 2 years) and whether such differences – if any – are accompanied by differences in cardiac morphology and function.MethodsLongitudinal assessments included body height and weight; fasting glucose, insulin, Insulin‐like growth factor (IGF‐I), high‐molecular‐weight adiponectin; body composition (by absorptiometry); cIMT, aortic IMT, pre‐peritoneal fat partitioning (by ultrasound); cardiac morphometry and function (by echocardiography) in AGA and SGA infants at birth, at age 1 year (N = 87), and again at age 2 years (N = 68).ResultsCatch‐up SGA infants had already a thicker cIMT than AGA controls at ages 1 and 2 years, and more pre‐peritoneal fat by age 2 years (all p values between <0.01 and <0.0001); all cardiac and endocrine‐metabolic results were similar in AGA and SGA infants at ages 1 and 2 years.ConclusionsFrom late infancy onwards, catch‐up SGA infants have a thicker cIMT and more pre‐peritoneal fat than AGA controls, but their cardiac morphology and function remain reassuringly similar.
Renal resistive index in hypertensive patients
Authors: Andrikou Ioannis , Tsioufis Costas , Konstantinidis Dimitris , Kasiakogias Alexandros , Dimitriadis Kyriakos , Leontsinis Ioannis , Andrikou Eirini , Sanidas Elias , Kallikazaros Ioannis , Tousoulis Dimitris 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSpectral Doppler ultrasonography provides the evaluation of renal resistive index (RRI), a noninvasive and reproducible measure to investigate arterial compliance and/or resistance. RRI seems to possess an important role in the evaluation of diverse cases of secondary hypertension. In essential hypertension, RRI is associated with subclinical markers of target organ damage and reflects renal disease progression beyond albuminuria and creatinine clearance. Also, RRI can estimate cardiovascular and renal risk. The evaluation of RRI may also help the therapeutic decisions. Given its simple assessment, RRI emerges as a simple method and a “multifunctional” tool that could help on the cardiovascular risk evaluation of the hypertensive patient.
Relationships between blood pressure measurements and target organ damage: Data from the Korea women's chest pain registry
Authors: Kong Min Gyu , Kim Hack‐Lyoung , Kim Myung‐A , Kim Mina , Park Seong Mi , Yoon Hyun Ju , Shin Mi Seung , Hong Kyung‐Soon , Shin Gil Ja , Shim Wan‐Joo 
Published: October 2018

This study was performed to investigate the association between four BP measurements (systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP], mean arterial pressure [MAP], and pulse pressure [PP]) and four TOD parameters (left ventricular mass index [LVMI], E/e′, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], and obstructive coronary artery disease [CAD]). Data were obtained from a nation‐wide registry, composed of 652 patients (471 women, 58.4 ± 10.5 years) with suspected CAD who underwent elective invasive coronary angiography (CAG). A total of 217 patients (33.2%) had obstructive CAD (≥50%). In multivariable analyses, E/e′ was associated with SBP, MAP and PP, and CAD was associated with SBP and PP (P < 0.05 for each). All four BP measurements were not associated with LVMI and eGFR (P > 0.05 for each). In patients undergoing elective invasive CAG, SBP, and PP had stronger relationships with E/e′ and CAD than DBP and MAP.
Integrative network analysis reveals biological pathways associated with Williams syndrome
Authors: Kimura Ryo , Swarup Vivek , Tomiwa Kiyotaka , Gandal Michael J. , Parikshak Neelroop N. , Funabiki Yasuko , Nakata Masatoshi , Awaya Tomonari , Kato Takeo , Iida Kei , Okazaki Shin , Matsushima Kanae , Kato Toshihiro , Murai Toshiya , Heike Toshio , Geschwind Daniel H. , Hagiwara Masatoshi 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundWilliams syndrome (WS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has been attributed to heterozygous deletions in chromosome 7q11.23 and exhibits a variety of physical, cognitive, and behavioral features. However, the genetic basis of this phenotypic variability is unclear. In this study, we identified genetic clues underlying these complex phenotypes.MethodsNeurobehavioral function was assessed in WS patients and healthy controls. Total RNA was extracted from peripheral blood and subjected to microarray analysis, RNA‐sequencing, and qRT‐PCR. Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis was performed to identify specific alterations related to intermediate disease phenotypes. To functionally interpret each WS‐related module, gene ontology and disease‐related gene enrichment were examined. We also investigated the micro (mi)RNA expression profiles and miRNA co‐expression networks to better explain the regulation of the transcriptome in WS.ResultsOur analysis identified four significant co‐expression modules related to intermediate WS phenotypes. Notably, the three upregulated WS‐related modules were composed exclusively of genes located outside the 7q11.23 region. They were significantly enriched in genes related to B‐cell activation, RNA processing, and RNA transport. BCL11A, which is known for its association with speech disorders and intellectual disabilities, was identified as one of the hub genes in the top WS‐related module. Finally, these key upregulated mRNA co‐expression modules appear to be inversely correlated with a specific downregulated WS‐related miRNA co‐expression module.ConclusionsDysregulation of the mRNA/miRNA network involving genes outside of the 7q11.23 region is likely related to the complex phenotypes observed in WS patients.
Gerontodermatology: the fragility of the epidermis in older adults
Authors: Katoh N. , Tennstedt D. , Abellan van Kan G. , Saint Aroman M. , Loir A. , Bacqueville D. , Duprat L. , Guiraud B. , Bessou‐Touya S. , Duplan H. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe proportion of adults over 60 years of age is rapidly increasing and is estimated to reach approximately one‐sixth of the global population by 2030. An ageing population is a real challenge for healthcare resources, including dermatologists and geriatricians, as age‐related changes in skin integrity and barrier function make older adults more susceptible to developing skin pathologies such as pruritus, dermatitis and infections. Fragile skin arises from several interlinked causes, including age‐related changes in skin barrier integrity, previous and current lifestyle choices, skin pathologies and medical interventions. Dermo‐cosmetics can play a key role in enhancing skin care regimens and preventing pathologies in this age group. In vitro studies, clinical, and in‐daily clinical practice studies of dermo‐cosmetics have shown them to be effective in many skin conditions in older adults, like xerosis and pruritus. Incontinence‐associated dermatitis (IAD), a common condition arising from contact with irritants such as urine and faeces which can significantly impact the quality of life of sufferers, can also be improved with a barrier cream in incontinent patients aged 70 years and older. This supplement focuses on the increased fragility of older skin, the development of common skin pathologies and the efficacy and tolerance of dermo‐cosmetic products in older adults.
Safety and efficacy of a combination of pethidine and levallorphan for pain relief during labor: An observational study
Authors: Kinugasa Masato , Miyake Mayu , Tamai Hanako , Tamura Maki 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAimTo evaluate the safety, effect on breastfeeding and efficacy of a combination of pethidine and levallorphan (Pethilorfan) for pain relief during labor.MethodsWe compared maternal or neonatal morbidities, suckling difficulties in newborns and breastfeeding rates between 177 women who received 50–200 mg (as pethidine) of Pethilorfan during labor (Pethilorfan group) and 354 women who delivered their infants without analgesic drugs immediately before or after each woman in the Pethilorfan group (control group) from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2016. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses for comparison between the two groups. We also evaluated the efficacy of Pethilorfan retrospectively.ResultsThe Pethilorfan group included more women with prolonged and/or operative deliveries than the control group. Nevertheless, no significant differences were seen between the two groups in the rates of Apgar scores less than 7 at 1 or 5 min, composite neonatal morbidities, hyperbilirubinemia or respiratory disturbances. The incidence of suckling difficulties lasting over 24 h and the breastfeeding rates at discharge or after 1 month were also similar. Maternal adverse effects of Pethilorfan were generally mild and transient. The efficacy ratio of Pethilorfan was 83.6%, although its analgesic effect was usually incomplete.ConclusionPethilorfan can be used safely for labor pain relief without increasing maternal or neonatal morbidities, or impeding breastfeeding, if it is administered at a prudent dosage. Parenteral opioids including Pethilorfan should remain as an option for treating women in labor pain, particularly when epidural analgesia is not readily available or contraindicated.