bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of spinal hyperbaric bupivacaine–fentanyl or hyperbaric bupivacaine on uterine tone and fetal heart rate in labouring women: a randomised controlled study
Authors: Kuberan A. , Jain K. , Bagga R. , Makkar J. K. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryThe mechanism for fetal heart rate abnormalities following spinal opioids remains controversial. We evaluated uterine tone, using an intra‐uterine pressure catheter, and fetal heart rate abnormalities in 30 women in spontaneous labour with cervical dilation of 3–5 cm having combined spinal‐epidural analgesia. Women were randomly assigned to receive a spinal with 2.0 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine plus 15 μg fentanyl, or 2.5 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine. The primary outcome measure was an increase > 10 mmHg in baseline uterine tone in the 30‐min period following spinal injection. Only three (20%) women who had a bupivacaine–fentanyl spinal showed a > 10 mmHg increase in baseline tone vs. none who had bupivacaine (p = 0.63). The mean (SD) baseline uterine tone after the spinal injection was 13.3 (7.0) mmHg in the bupivacaine–fentanyl group and 7.7 (2.5) mmHg in the bupivacaine group (p = 0.01). Seven (47%) in the bupivacaine–fentanyl group showed new onset fetal heart rate changes during the 30‐min period after the spinal, compared with two (13%) in the bupivacaine group (p = 0.04); however, these were transient and responded to intra‐uterine resuscitation. Pain scores, sensory and motor block as well as neonatal outcomes were comparable between the groups. We found that raised baseline uterine tone was not more frequent when using bupivacaine–fentanyl rather than bupivacaine in the spinal component of combined spinal‐epidural, although absolute values of baseline tone were higher, and fetal heart rate changes more frequent, in the former group.
Influence of endometrial thickness on pregnancy rates in modified natural cycle frozen‐thawed embryo transfer
Authors: Groenewoud Eva R. , Cohlen Ben J. , Al‐Oraiby Amani , Brinkhuis Egbert A. , Broekmans Frank J. M. , de Bruin Jan‐Peter , van Dool Grada , Fleisher Katrin , Friederich Jaap , Goddijn Mariëtte , Hoek Annemieke , Hoozemans Diederik A. , Kaaijk Eugenie M. , Koks Caroliene A. M. , Laven Joop S. E. , van der Linden Paul J. Q. , Manger A. Petra , van Rumste Minouche , Spinder Taeke , Macklon Nick S. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIntroductionPregnancy after frozen‐thawed embryo transfer (FET) is a multifactorial process. Although embryo quality is a key factor in determining pregnancy, other factors, including maternal determinants, are also considered to be predictive. Even though an association between endometrial thickness measured by transvaginal ultrasound and pregnancy rates has been reported in patients undergoing various assisted reproductive technology treatments, whether endometrial thickness predicts achieving pregnancy after natural cycle FET (NC‐FET) remains unclear.Material and methodsIn this cohort study, 463 patients allocated to the modified NC‐FET (mNC‐FET) arm of a previously published randomized controlled trial were included. Monitoring in mNC‐FET cycles consisted of regular ultrasound scans, measuring both dominant follicle and endometrial thickness. When the dominant follicle reached a size of 16–20 mm, an injection of human chorionic gonadotrophin was administered and embryo thawing and transfer planned. No minimal endometrial thickness was defined below which transfer was to be deferred. The primary endpoint was ongoing pregnancy rate.ResultsOverall, the ongoing pregnancy rate per started FET cycle was 12.5%. Multivariate regression analyses showed that embryo quality was the only significant predictor for ongoing pregnancy. Mean endometrial thickness did not differ between patients achieving ongoing pregnancy and those who did not (9.0 vs. 8.8 mm, p = 0.4). Comparable results were obtained with regard to clinical pregnancy, live birth and miscarriage rates. The area under the receiver operator curve was 0.5, indicating little discriminatory value of endometrial thickness.ConclusionsGiven that endometrial thickness was not found to be predictive of pregnancy after mNC‐FET, cancellation based on endometrial thickness alone may not be justified.
Prediction of macrophyte distribution: The role of natural versus anthropogenic physical disturbances
Authors: Bertrin Vincent , Boutry Sébastien , Alard Didier , Haury Jacques , Jan Gwilherm , Moreira Sylvia , Ribaudo Cristina 
Published: March 2018

AbstractQuestionsDo natural and anthropogenic physical disturbances equally affect the distribution of aquatic plant communities? Can hydrodynamic and geomorphological features be used to predict the establishment of macrophyte communities at the shoreline scale?LocationsTwo large, shallow lakes, southwest France.MethodsBased on field observations (vegetation occurrence and anthropogenic modifications of the shore) and data generated by a geographic information system (wave exposure, wave‐induced sediment re‐suspension, slope and land cover), we defined sites and community groups using cluster and indicator species analyses. The groups were then analysed by means of a statistical classifier (Random Forest). These different steps in data treatment enabled us to characterize the importance of each physical factor in determining macrophyte occurrence and distribution. As a result, a predictive map to forecast aquatic plant distribution at the shoreline scale was obtained.ResultsAnthropogenic disturbances were less important parameters than natural physical variables in structuring the distribution of lakeshore macrophytes. Within natural factors, wave‐induced sediment re‐suspension and slope had the most impact; nevertheless, the presence of swimming areas seemed to have a strong impact on aquatic habitats, being correlated with the total absence of aquatic vegetation. The predictive map obtained through the model spatially defined the position and occurrence of suitable sites for the settlement of both invasive and rare and endangered species.ConclusionsIn this study, natural disturbances play a major role in structuring aquatic plant distribution over physical anthropogenic factors. The model contributes to improving knowledge on plant communities with respect to local hydrodynamic and morphological features of lakeshores. Furthermore, the model provides a predictive map as a useful tool for the management of aquatic vegetation in temperate shallow lakes.
Molecular genetic studies in a case series of isolated hypoaldosteronism due to biosynthesis defects or aldosterone resistance
Authors: Turan Ihsan , Kotan Leman Damla , Tastan Mehmet , Gurbuz Fatih , Topaloglu Ali Kemal , Yuksel Bilgin 
Published: March 2018

SummaryBackground and AimHypoaldosteronism is associated with either insufficient aldosterone production or aldosterone resistance (pseudohypoaldosteronism). Patients with aldosterone defects typically present with similar symptoms and findings, which include failure to thrive, vomiting, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis. Accurate diagnosis of these clinical conditions therefore can be challenging. Molecular genetic analyses can help to greatly clarify this complexity. The aim of this study was to obtain an overview of the clinical and genetic characteristics of patients with aldosterone defects due to biosynthesis defects or aldosterone resistance.Design and PatientsWe investigated the clinical and molecular genetic features of 8 consecutive patients with a clinical picture of aldosterone defects seen in our clinics during the period of May 2015 through October 2017. We screened CYP11B2 for aldosterone synthesis defects and NR3C2 and the three EnaC subunits (SCNN1A, SCNN1B and SCNN1G) for aldosterone resistance.ResultsWe found 4 novel and 2 previously reported mutations in the genes CYP11B2, NR3C2, SCNN1A and SCNN1G in 9 affected individuals from 7 unrelated families.ConclusionMolecular genetic investigations can help confidently diagnose these conditions and clarify the pathogenicity of aldosterone defects. This study may expand the clinical and genetic correlations of defects in aldosterone synthesis or resistance.
Long non‐coding RNAs in melanoma
Authors: Yu Xin , Zheng Heyi , Tse Gary , Chan Matthew TV , Wu William KK 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMelanoma is the most lethal cutaneous cancer with a highly aggressive and metastatic phenotype. While recent genetic and epigenetic studies have shed new insights into the mechanism of melanoma development, the involvement of regulatory non‐coding RNAs remain unclear. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of endogenous non‐protein‐coding RNAs with the capacity to regulate gene expression at multiple levels. Recent evidences have shown that lncRNAs can regulate many cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and invasion. In the melanoma, deregulation of a number of lncRNAs, such as HOTAIR, MALAT1, BANCR, ANRIL, SPRY‐IT1 and SAMMSON, have been reported. Our review summarizes the functional role of lncRNAs in melanoma and their potential clinical application for diagnosis, prognostication and treatment.
Prolactin as a candidate sebotrop(h)ic hormone?
Authors: Langan Ewan A. , Hinde Eleanor , Paus Ralf 
Published: March 2018

AbstractRecognised for its key role in lactation, it is less well appreciated that the neurohormone prolactin (PRL) is actually one of the most pleiotropic hormones known. Not only does PRL exert both tropic and trophic effects in a wide range of tissues, but it is also expressed in human skin and hair follicles and regulates multiple complex cutaneous functions, including keratin expression and hair growth. Despite several clinical indications that PRL may also play a role in sebaceous gland (SG) biology, the effects of PRL on SG function have received little attention. In this Viewpoint essay, we argue that PRL may be a sebotrop(h)ic hormone and could represent a novel therapeutic target in human dermatoses affecting the SG. We provide preliminary evidence in support of this hypothesis (based on findings in human skin organ culture) and chart the major open questions in SG biology and pathology from a PRL research perspective. We close by delineating how these questions can be experimentally addressed so as to identify new therapeutic strategies that are either sebogenic or sebostatic, for example in the management of acne and cutaneous ageing.
Consensus opinion on diagnosis and management of thrombotic microangiopathy in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Fox Lucy C. , Cohney Solomon J. , Kausman Joshua Y. , Shortt Jake , Hughes Peter D. , Wood Erica M. , Isbel Nicole M. , de Malmanche Theo , Durkan Anne , Hissaria Pravin , Blombery Piers , Barbour Thomas D. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) arises in a variety of clinical circumstances with the potential to cause significant dysfunction of the kidneys, brain, gastrointestinal tract and heart. TMA should be considered in all patients with thrombocytopenia and anaemia, with an immediate request to the haematology laboratory to look for red cell fragments on a blood film. Although TMA of any aetiology generally demands prompt treatment, this is especially so in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS), where organ failure may be precipitous, irreversible and fatal. In all adults, urgent, empirical plasma exchange (PE) should be started within 4–8 h of presentation for a possible diagnosis of TTP, pending a result for ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease thrombospondin, number 13) activity. A sodium citrate plasma sample should be collected for ADAMTS13 testing prior to any plasma therapy. In children, Shiga toxin‐associated haemolytic uraemic syndrome due to infection with Escherichia coli (STEC‐HUS) is the commonest cause of TMA, and is managed supportively. If TTP and STEC‐HUS have been excluded, a diagnosis of aHUS should be considered, for which treatment is with the monoclonal complement C5 inhibitor, eculizumab. Although early confirmation of aHUS is often not possible, except in the minority of patients in whom auto‐antibodies against factor H are identified, genetic testing ultimately reveals a complement‐related mutation in a significant proportion of aHUS cases. The presence of other TMA‐associated conditions (e.g. infection, pregnancy/postpartum and malignant hypertension) does not exclude TTP or aHUS as the underlying cause of TMA.
Low‐level laser therapy as an adjunct to connective tissue graft procedure in the treatment of gingival recession defects: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Akram Zohaib , Vohra Fahim , Javed Fawad 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of low level laser therapy (LLLT) as an adjunct to connective tissue graft (CTG) procedure for the treatment of gingival recession (GR).Materials and MethodsThe addressed PICO question was; “In patients with Miller Class I or II recession defects (Population), what is the effect of LLLT as adjunct to CTG (Intervention) in comparison to CTG alone (Comparison) on gingival recession depth (Outcome)” Electronic databases were searched up to December 2017. Primary outcomes included gingival recession depth (GRD), whereas secondary outcomes were width of keratinized tissue (WKT) and relative clinical attachment level gain (RCAL). The weighted mean differences (WMD) of outcomes and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each variable were calculated using random effect model.ResultsFour randomized clinical studies were included. Two studies showed significantly greater improvements with LLLT whereas, 2 studies showed comparable outcomes between LLLT and CTG group. Considering the effects of adjunctive LLLT as compared to CTG, a high degree of heterogeneity for GRD (Q value = 9.40, P = .02, I2 =68.11%) and WKT ((Q value = 16.04, P = .001, I2 =81.31%) was noticed among both the groups. Meta‐analysis showed a statistically significant GRD (WMD= −0.61, 95% CI= −1.23 to 0.004, P = .05) for LLLT + CTG treatment versus CTG alone only.ConclusionsLLLT improves clinical and patient‐centered outcomes of CTG procedures for the treatment of GR remains debatable. However, due to the small number of included studies and high heterogeneity in the laser parameters, precautions must be exercised when interpreting the results of the present systematic review.Clinical SignificanceGingival recessions in dentistry are of major esthetic concern. Minimal gingival recessions can be treated by flap operations, but the predictability and stability of the outcomes is debatable. In the present review, low level laser therapy (LLLT) adjunct to connective tissue graft (CTG) depicted a significant improvement in the predictability and stability of root coverage outcomes compared with CTG alone.
National Prescribing Trends for High‐Risk Anticholinergic Medications in Older Adults
Authors: Rhee Taeho Greg , Choi Yookyung Christy , Ouellet Gregory M. , Ross Joseph S. 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesTo estimate prescribing tends of and correlates independently associated with high‐risk anticholinergic prescriptions in adults aged 65 and older in office‐based outpatient visits.DesignRepeated cross‐sectional analysis.SettingNational Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS).ParticipantsA national sample of office‐based physician visits by adults aged 65 and older from 2006 to 2015 (n=96,996 unweighted).MeasurementsPrescriptions of high‐risk anticholinergics, regardless of indication, were identified, and overall prescribing trends were estimated from 2006 to 2015. Stratified analyses of prescribing trends according to physician specialty and anticholinergic drug class were also performed. We used a multivariable logistic regression analysis to estimate the odds of high‐risk anticholinergic prescription.ResultsBetween 2006 and 2015, a high‐risk anticholinergic prescription was listed for 5,876 (6.2%) 96,996 visits of older adults, representative of 14.6 million total visits nationally. The most common drug classes were antidepressants, antimuscarinics, and antihistamines, which accounted for more than 70% of prescribed anticholinergics. Correlates independently associated with greater odds of receiving a high‐risk anticholinergic prescription were female sex, the Southern geographic region, specific physician specialties (e.g., psychiatry, urology), receipt of 6 or more concomitantly prescribed medications, and related clinical diagnoses (e.g., urinary continence) (p<.01 for all).ConclusionThe prevalence of high‐risk anticholinergic prescriptions was stable over time but varied according to physician specialty and drug class. Quality prescribing should be promoted because safer alternatives are available.
Let‐7c restores radiosensitivity and chemosensitivity and impairs stemness in oral cancer cells through inhibiting interleukin‐8
Authors: Peng Chih‐Yu , Wang Tung‐Yuan , Lee Shiuan‐Shinn , Hsieh Pei‐Ling , Liao Yi‐Wen , Tsai Lo‐Lin , Fang Chih‐Yuan , Yu Cheng‐Chia , Hsieh Ching‐Shui 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundThe let‐7 family of microRNAs has been considered as tumor suppressors in various cancers; however, the role of let‐7c in oral squamous cell carcinoma has not been determined yet.MethodsIn this study, phenotypical behaviors and the radio/chemoresistance were examined subsequent to overexpression of let‐7c. In addition, the expression of let‐7c in cancer stem cells (CSCs) was evaluated and the effect of let‐7c on stemness characteristics was assessed. Also, luciferase activity assays were performed to test whether interleukin (IL)‐8 was a putative target of let‐7c.ResultsOur results confirmed that the expression of let‐7c in CSCs was reduced, while overexpression of let‐7c attenuated the oncogenicity. Moreover, ectopic expression of let‐7c in CSCs downregulated the stemness hallmarks and the radio/chemoresistance. Expression and secretion of IL‐8 in oral CSCs were both reduced following overexpression of let‐7c. Besides, the inhibitory effect of let‐7c on various stemness phenotypes was reverted by IL‐8, indicating that lower expression of let‐7c may confer higher cancer stemness through a failure to downregulate IL‐8.ConclusionThese findings revealed the significance of let‐7c in the contribution of oral cancer stemness and radio/chemoresistance. Targeting let‐7c and its downstream IL‐8 may be beneficial to prevent cancer recurrence and metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Comparative assessment of growth performance of three different indigenous goat breeds exposed to summer heat stress
Authors: Pragna P. , Sejian V. , Bagath M. , Krishnan G. , Archana P. R. , Soren N. M. , Beena V. , Bhatta R. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryA study was conducted to assess comparatively the growth performance of three different indigenous goat breeds during exposure to summer heat stress. The primary objective of the study was to observe the heat stress impact on the growth performance based on the body weight changes, allometric measurements, growth hormone (GH) concentration and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) mRNA expression pattern during the summer season in comparison with the local breed (Osmanabadi). Thirty‐six ten‐month‐ to one‐year‐old female goats of Osmanabadi, Malabari and Salem Black breeds were randomly divided into six groups, OC (n = 6; Osmanabadi control), OHS (n = 6; Osmanabadi heat stress), MC (n = 6; Malabari control), MHS (n = 6; Malabari heat stress), SBC (n = 6; Salem Black control) and SBHS (n = 6; Salem Black heat stress). Body weight was recorded at weekly intervals, whereas other growth and allometric measurements and blood collection were carried out at fortnightly intervals. Breed factor significantly (p < .05) influenced only few growth variables such as body weight, body mass index (BMI) and body condition score (BCS). However, heat stress treatment significantly (p < .05) reduced all growth parameters expect BMI. Further, the heat stress significantly (p < .01) increased plasma GH concentration in goats with significantly higher (p < .05) concentration recorded in OHS. Among the stress groups, the lower (p < .05) PBMC IGF‐1 mRNA expression was recorded in OHS, while the higher (p < .05) expression was observed in SBHS indicating the extreme adaptive capability of Salem Black breed. Thus, the results indicated that the Salem Black breed performed much better compared to both Osmanabadi and Malabari breeds indicating the superior ability of this breed to adapt to heat stress challenges. The results also indicated that plasma GH and IGF‐1 gene may act as ideal biomarkers for assessing the heat stress impact on growth performance in indigenous goats.
The impact of caffeine consumption during 50 hr of extended wakefulness on glucose metabolism, self‐reported hunger and mood state
Authors: Grant Crystal L. , Coates Alison M. , Dorrian Jillian , Paech Gemma M. , Pajcin Maja , Della Vedova Chris , Johnson Kayla , Kamimori Gary H. , Fidock Justin , Aidman Eugene , Banks Siobhan 
Published: March 2018

SummaryCaffeine is known for its capacity to mitigate performance decrements. The metabolic side‐effects are less well understood. This study examined the impact of cumulative caffeine doses on glucose metabolism, self‐reported hunger and mood state during 50 hr of wakefulness. In a double‐blind laboratory study, participants were assigned to caffeine (n = 9, 6M, age 21.3 ± 2.1 years; body mass index 21.9 ± 1.6 kg/m2) or placebo conditions (n = 8, 4M, age 23.0 ± 2.8 years; body mass index 21.8 ± 1.6 kg/m2). Following a baseline sleep (22:00 hours–08:00 hours), participants commenced 50 hr of sleep deprivation. Meal timing and composition were controlled throughout the study. Caffeine (200 mg) or placebo gum was chewed for 5 min at 01:00 hours, 03:00 hours, 05:00 hours and 07:00 hours during each night of sleep deprivation. Continual glucose monitors captured interstitial glucose 2 hr post‐breakfast, at 5‐min intervals. Hunger and mood state were assessed at 10:00 hours, 16:30 hours, 22:30 hours and 04:30 hours. Caffeine did not affect glucose area under the curve (p = 0.680); however, glucose response to breakfast significantly increased after 2 nights of extended wakefulness compared with baseline (p = 0.001). There was a significant main effect of day, with increased tiredness (p < 0.001), mental exhaustion (p < 0.001), irritability (p = 0.002) and stress (p < 0.001) on the second day of extended wake compared with day 1. Caffeine attenuated the rise in tiredness (p < 0.001), mental exhaustion (p = 0.044) and irritability (p = 0.018) on day 1 but not day 2. Self‐reported hunger was not affected by sleep deprivation or caffeine. These data confirm the effectiveness of caffeine in improving performance under conditions of sleep deprivation by reducing feelings of tiredness, mental exhaustion and irritability without exacerbating glucose metabolism and feelings of hunger.