bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postnatal persistence of fetal cardiovascular remodelling associated with assisted reproductive technologies: a cohort study
Authors: Valenzuela‐Alcaraz B , Serafini A , Sepulveda‐Martínez A , Casals G , Rodríguez‐López M , Garcia‐Otero L , Cruz‐Lemini M , Bijnens B , Sitges M , Balasch J , Gratacós E , Crispi F 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveTo assess the postnatal persistence of fetal cardiovascular remodelling associated with assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in children at 3 years of age.DesignA cohort study of children conceived by ART.SettingMaternal‐Fetal Medicine Unit, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Spain.Population sampleEighty singleton pregnancies conceived by ART and 80 spontaneously conceived (controls) followed from fetal life up to childhood.MethodsCardiovascular evaluation was performed at 3 years of corrected age, including echocardiography, carotid intima‐media (cIMT) by ultrasound, and blood pressure.Main outcome measuresPostnatal persistence of cardiovascular changes in children conceived by ART.ResultsCompared with controls, children conceived by ART showed larger atria (right atrial area: control 4.9 cm2 (0.9) versus ART 5.5 cm2 (0.9), P < 0.001), more globular ventricles (right ventricular sphericity index: control mean 1.8 (SD 0.5) versus ART 1.6 (0.2), P < 0.001), and signs of systolic (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion: control 18 mm (2) versus ART 16 mm (3), P < 0.001) and diastolic dysfunction (isovolumic relaxation time: control 68 ms (12) versus ART 79 ms (12), P < 0.001). ART children also presented increased systolic blood pressure (control 90 mmHg (6) versus ART 94 mmHg (5), P < 0.003) and cIMT (control 0.52 μm (0.14) versus ART 0.60 μm (0.16), P < 0.001) as compared with those spontaneously conceived.ConclusionsCardiovascular changes previously reported in ART fetuses persist postnatally at 3 years of age. These results underscore the importance of future studies for assessing the long‐term cardiovascular health associated with ART.Tweetable abstractCardiovascular changes described in fetuses conceived by ART, persist in children at 3 years of age.
The rs4686434 variant in the fetuin B (FETUB) locus is associated with intrahepatic triglyceride content in obese Chinese adults
Authors: Li Zhibin , Lin Mingzhu , Liu Changqin , Chen Zheng , Wang Dongmei , Shi Xiulin , Yang Shuyu , Li Xue‐Jun 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundThis study explored associations of genetic variants in the fetuin B (FETUB) locus with intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) content.MethodsFour tagging single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the FETUB locus and patatin‐like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3) rs738409 and transmembrane 6 super family member 2 (TM6SF2) rs58542926 were genotyped in 418 obese Chinese adults in whom serum FETUB and IHTG were measured.ResultsSubjects carrying the minor G allele for FETUB rs4686434 (AG/GG) had lower serum FETUB levels (mean [±SD] 3.89 ± 1.36 vs 4.22 ± 1.46 μg/mL; P = 0.021) and IHTG content (12.7 ± 9.4% vs 14.6 ± 9.8%; P = 0.045) than their controls (AA), whereas IHTG content was higher in those carrying the minor G allele for PNPLA3 rs738409 (CG/GG) than in their controls (CC; 14.5 ± 10.1% vs 12.0 ± 8.6%; P = 0.012). After adjusting for potential confounders, IHTG content was lower in carriers of the minor G allele for FETUB rs4686434 (AG/GG vs AA, β −2.27 ± 0.91, P = 0.012), but was higher in carriers of the minor G allele for PNPLA3 rs738409 (CG/GG vs CC, β 2.65 ± 0.97, P = 0.006). There was a significant joint effect between FETUB rs4686434 and PNPLA3 rs738409 on IHTG content, with increasing genetic risk score (counting the risk allele of A in rs4686434 and G in rs738409) being associated with higher IHTG content (β 1.85 ± 0.48, P <0.001).ConclusionsCarrying the minor G allele for FETUB rs4686434 was significantly associated with decreased IHTG content and may affect hepatic triglyceride accumulation in individuals at high risk of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Glycemic control is related to cognitive dysfunction in Chinese children with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: He Jing , Li Shichen , Liu Fang , Zheng Hong , Yan Xiang , Xie Yuting , Li Xia , Zhou Zhiguang , Zhu Xiongzhao 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundType 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is considered a risk factor for the development of cognitive difficulties. The present study examined whether the cognitive performance of Chinese children with T1DM differs from that of healthy control (HC) children, and whether cognitive dysfunction is related to glycemic control.MethodsUsing a cross‐sectional design, cognitive tests were administered, including general intelligence tests, to pediatric T1DM patients (n = 105) and HCs (n = 90). The effects of specific diabetes‐related variables, including an earlier diabetes onset (<7 years of age), severe hypoglycemia, chronic hyperglycemia, and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), on cognitive outcomes were examined.ResultsThe T1DM group had lower IQ (P = 0.001) and attention (P = 0.018) scores than the HC group. Among T1DM patients, a younger age of diabetes onset was related to poorer performance on the visuospatial perception test (P = 0.017) and delayed logical memory (P = 0.012). Greater exposure to hyperglycemia over time was associated with lower visuospatial perception (P = 0.029), and DKA had a negative effect on the IQ score (P = 0.024). Compared with the late severe hypoglycemia subgroup, the early severe hypoglycemia subgroup (<7 years old) performed worse on both immediate (P = 0.001) and delayed (P = 0.049) visual memory tests.ConclusionsChinese children with T1DM showed deficits in IQ and attention. Earlier age of diabetes onset, chronic hyperglycemia, and DKA affected particular cognitive domains. Early exposure to severe hypoglycemia had negative effects on visual memory.
Allopurinol and endothelial function: A systematic review with meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Alem Manal M. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryAimOxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction are two inter‐related conditions commonly seen in patients with cardiovascular risk factors. The enzyme, xanthine oxidase, is an important contributor to these phenomena but to a variable degree in different patient populations. This meta‐analysis will summarize the effect of allopurinol, an established xanthine oxidase inhibitor, on endothelial function among patients with different comorbidities.MethodsMedline Complete, PubMed, ProQuest, ClinicalKey, Wiley Online Library, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched till July 29, 2017. Meta‐analysis was planned for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated allopurinol effects on endothelial function. A random effect model was used to calculate the standardized mean difference (with 95% confidence intervals: CI) as an estimate of effect size. Heterogeneity was quantified by four types of information: Q statistics, I2 statistic, Tau‐squared (T2), and Tau (T).ResultsThirty eligible studies were identified; 12 were included in the final analysis and subdivided among 3 patient’s groups: patients with chronic heart failure (CHF; 197 patients), patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD; 183 patients), and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM; 170 patients). Allopurinol was found to have a statistically significant benefit on endothelial function in patients with CHF and CKD but not in type 2 DM. The standardized mean differences and CI in the three patient’s groups were 0.776 (0.429, 1.122), 0.350 (0.009, 0.690), and 1.331 (−0.781, 3.444), respectively.ConclusionAllopurinol has an antioxidant property that might partially reverse endothelial dysfunction in patients with certain comorbidities. The importance of this property and the magnitude of the beneficial effect are likely to be related to the relative contribution of xanthine oxidase into the oxidative stress associated with different underlying pathologies.
Animal movement models for migratory individuals and groups
Authors: Hooten Mevin B. , Scharf Henry R. , Hefley Trevor J. , Pearse Aaron T. , Weegman Mitch D. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAnimals often exhibit changes in their behaviour during migration. Telemetry data provide a way to observe geographic position of animals over time, but not necessarily changes in the dynamics of the movement process. Continuous‐time models allow for statistical predictions of the trajectory in the presence of measurement error and during periods when the telemetry device did not record the animal's position. However, continuous‐time models capable of mimicking realistic trajectories with sufficient detail are computationally challenging to fit to large datasets. Furthermore, basic continuous‐time model specifications (e.g. Brownian motion) lack realism in their ability to capture nonstationary dynamics.We present a unified class of animal movement models that are computationally efficient and provide a suite of approaches for accommodating nonstationarity in continuous trajectories due to migration and interactions among individuals. Our approach uses process convolutions to allow for flexibility in the movement process while facilitating implementation and incorporating location uncertainty. We show how to nest convolution models to incorporate interactions among migrating individuals to account for nonstationarity and provide inference about dynamic migratory networks.We demonstrate these approaches in two case studies involving migratory birds. Specifically, we used process convolution models with temporal deformation to account for heterogeneity in individual greater white‐fronted goose migrations in Europe and Iceland, and we used nested process convolutions to model dynamic migratory networks in sandhill cranes in North America.The approach we present accounts for various forms of temporal heterogeneity in animal movement and is not limited to migratory applications. Furthermore, our models rely on well‐established principles for modelling‐dependent data and leverage modern approaches for modelling dynamic networks to help explain animal movement and social interaction.
Diabetes and necrotizing soft tissue infections—A prospective observational cohort study: Statistical analysis plan
Authors: Rosén A. , Arnell P. , Madsen M. B. , Nedrebø B. G. , Norrby‐Teglund A. , Hyldegaard O. , dos Santos V. M. , Bergey F. , Saccenti E. ,   INFECT Study Group, Skrede S. 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundNecrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are rare but carry a high morbidity and mortality. The multicenter INFECT project aims to improve the understanding of the pathogenesis, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and prognosis of NSTIs. This article describes the study outline and statistical analyses that will be used.MethodsWithin the framework of INFECT project, patients with NSTI at 5 Scandinavian hospitals are enrolled in a prospective observational cohort study. The goal is to evaluate outcome and characteristics for patients with NSTI and diabetes compared to patients with NSTI without diabetes. The primary outcome is mortality at 90 days after inclusion. Secondary outcomes include days alive and out of ICU and hospital, SAPS II, SOFA score, infectious etiology, amputation, affected body area, and renal replacement therapy. Comparison in mortality between patients with diabetes type 1 and 2 as well as between insulin‐treated and non‐insulin–treated diabetes patients will be made. Clinical data for diabetic patients with NSTI will be reported.ConclusionThe study will provide important data on patients with NSTI and diabetes.
Wireless high‐frequency dorsal root ganglion stimulation for chronic low back pain: A pilot study
Authors: Billet B. , Hanssens K. , De Coster O. , Nagels W. , Weiner R. L. , Wynendaele R. , Vanquathem N. 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveEvaluation of the efficacy of a wireless high‐frequency stimulator placed over selected DRG of exiting nerve roots for the treatment of chronic low back pain.DesignFeasibility.SubjectsSix subjects with chronic, intractable back pain refractory to standard medical treatment.MethodsFour stimulators (Freedom‐4A) provided by Stimwave Technologies, were implanted over the DRG exiting nerve roots, bilaterally at both the T9 and L2 vertebral levels. Subjects were asked to evaluate stimulation independently with the devices turned on at T9 and subsequently L2 for each of 2 weeks. Subjects were then monitored for 8 weeks with the preferred stimulator. Pain reduction with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functionality with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) and medication usage were evaluated.ResultsFour subjects preferred T9 stimulation with only one subject preferring stimulation at L2. One subject dropped out of the study before conclusion of the 4‐week evaluation and is not included in this report. Average pain levels (n = 5) at 12‐week post‐implantation decreased with 61% for back pain and 56% for leg pain with a significant reduction in pain medication, including a 100% reduction in opioid pain medications. The average reduction in disability was 12%. Subjects reported an average impression of change of 6 (1 = no change, 7 = great deal better).ConclusionsWireless high‐frequency stimulation of the DRG is a viable option to treat chronic low back pain. Preliminary results show a subject preference for stimulation at the T9 vertebral level.
Space–Time Analyses of Alcohol Outlets and Related Motor Vehicle Crashes: Associations at City and Census Block‐Group Levels
Authors: Lipton Robert , Ponicki William R. , Gruenewald Paul J. , Gaidus Andrew 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundPast research has linked alcohol outlet densities to drinking, drunken driving, and alcohol‐related motor vehicle crashes (MVCs). Because impaired drivers travel some distances from drinking places to crash locations, spatial relationships between outlets and crashes are complex. We investigate these relationships at 3 geographic levels: census block groups (CBGs), adjacent (nearby) areas, and whole cities.MethodsWe examined risks of all injury MVCs as well as “had been drinking” (HBD) and single‐vehicle‐nighttime (SVN) subgroups using data from the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System across CBGs among 50 California cities from 2001 to 2008. Relationships between outlet densities at the city level, within CBGs, and in adjacent CBGs and crashes were examined using Bayesian Poisson space–time analyses controlling for population size income and other demographics (all as covariates).ResultsAll injury MVCs were positively related to adjacent CBG population size (relative rate [RR] = 1.008, 95% credible interval (CI) = 1.004, 1.012), and outlet densities at CBG (RR = 1.027, CI = 1.020, 1.035), nearby area (RR = 1.084, CI = 1.060, 1.106) and city levels (RR = 1.227, CI = 1.147, 1.315), and proportion of bars or pubs at the city level (RR = 2.257, CI = 1.187, 4.125). HBD and SVN crashes were comparatively less frequent in high outlet density CBG (RR = 0.993, CI = 0.987, 0.999; RR = 0.963, CI = 0.951, 0.975) and adjacent areas (RR = 0.979, CI = 0.962, 0.996; RR = 0.909, CI = 0.883, 0.936), but positively associated with city‐level proportions of bars (RR = 3.373, CI = 0.736, 15.644; RR = 10.322, CI = 1.704, 81.215). Overall, a 10% increase in all outlets was related to 2.8% more injury crashes (CI = 2.3, 3.3) and 2.5% more HBDs (CI = 1.7, 3.3). A 10% increase in bars was related to 1.4% more crashes, 4.3% more HBDs, and 10.3% more SVNs.ConclusionsPopulation size and densities of bars or pubs were found to be associated with crash rates, with population effects appearing across cities and outlet effects appearing within dense downtown areas. Summary estimates of outlet and population impacts on MVCs must consider varying contributions at multiple spatial scales.
Taking advantage from phenotype variability in a local animal genetic resource: identification of genomic regions associated with the hairless phenotype in Casertana pigs
Authors: Schiavo G. , Bertolini F. , Utzeri V. J. , Ribani A. , Geraci C. , Santoro L. , Óvilo C. , Fernández A. I. , Gallo M. , Fontanesi L. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryCasertana is an endangered autochthonous pig breed (raised in south‐central Italy) that is considered to be the descendant of the influential Neapolitan pig population that was used to improve British breeds in the 19th century. Casertana pigs are characterized by a typical, almost complete, hairless phenotype, even though a few Casertana pigs are normal haired. In this work, using Illumina PorcineSNP60 BeadChip data, we carried out a genome‐wide association study and an FST analysis with this breed by comparing animals showing the classical hairless phenotype (n = 81) versus pigs classified as haired (n = 15). Combining the results obtained with the two approaches, we identified two significant regions: one on porcine chromosome (SSC) 7 and one on SSC15. The SSC7 region contains the forkhead box N3 (FOXN3) gene, the most plausible candidate gene of this region, considering that mutations in another gene of the same family (forkhead box N1; Foxn1 or FOXN1) are responsible for the nude locus in rodents and alopecia in humans. Another potential candidate gene, rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 10 (ARHGEF10), is located in the SSC15 region. FOXN3 and ARHGEF10 have been detected as differentially expressed in androgenetic and senescent alopecia respectively. This study on an autochthonous pig breed contributes to shed some light on novel genes potentially involved in hair development and growth and demonstrates that local animal breeds can be valuable genetic resources for disclosing genetic factors affecting unique traits, taking advantage of phenotype variability segregating in small populations.
Firms’ Technology Innovation Activity: Does Financial Structure Matter?
Authors: Khan Muhammad Kaleem , He Ying , Akram Umair , Zulfiqar Salman , Usman Muhammad 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn this paper we estimate the extent to which financial structure influences technology innovation activity (TIA) in China. Based on a variety of specifications and by employing panel data estimation techniques, we find that a capital‐market‐based financial structure supports TIA more efficiently than a bank‐bases financial structure does. Chinese firms in high‐tech industry are getting privilege from overwhelming financial development in China to enhance their TIA. Private firms in particular are becoming more and more active in TIA by taking advantage of China's developing capital market, whereas state‐owned enterprises are advancing in technological innovation owing to continuous financial support from the state‐owned credit market.
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation by diesel exhaust particles mediates epithelium‐derived cytokines expression in severe allergic asthma
Authors: Weng C.‐M. , Wang C.‐H. , Lee M.‐J. , He J.‐R. , Huang H.‐Y. , Chao M.‐W. , Chung K. F. , Kuo H.‐P. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundExposure to environmental pollutants promotes Th2 cell responses. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation aggravates allergic responses. Epithelium‐derived thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), interleukin (IL)‐25, and IL‐33 are implicated in the dysregulation of Th2 immune responses in severe allergic asthma.MethodsBronchial biopsies of 28 allergic severe asthma and 6 mild asthma subjects from highly polluted areas were analyzed for AhR nuclear translocation (NT), cytokine expression, and gene activation. Cultured primary epithelial cells were stimulated with diesel exhausted particles (DEP) to determine AhR‐mediated IL‐33, Il‐25, and TSLP synthesis and release.ResultsPrimary bronchial epithelial cells exposed to DEP showed upregulation of IL‐33, IL‐25, and TSLP. These effects were abolished by knockdown of AhR by siRNA. Increased AhR/ARNT binding to promoters of IL‐33, IL‐25, and TSLP was found using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. Allergic severe asthma with high AhR NT had higher bronchial gene and protein expression of IL‐33, IL‐25, and TSLP. These patients derived clinical benefit from anti‐IgE treatment.ConclusionAryl hydrocarbon receptor activation by DEP mediates upregulation of IL‐33, IL‐25, and TSLP with Th2 activation, potentially linking environmental pollution and allergic severe asthma.
Synoptic reporting of pituitary magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Dhillon Rana S. , King James A. , Goldschlager Tony , Wang Yi Yuen 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundPituitary adenomas are common, often asymptomatic tumours that are diagnosed incidentally by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. There is considerable variation in the reporting of pituitary MRI, in part because there is no consensus as to what information should be included in such reports. Synoptic reporting consists of using structured checklists to standardize communication. It has been adopted in the surgical pathology literature and more recently in the breast imaging field. The purpose of this study was to assess what parameters of a pituitary MRI report were useful to surgeons and in doing so, to propose a synoptic reporting template.MethodsWe used the Delphi technique to obtain group consensus between three neuroradiologists, three otolaryngologists and three anterior skull base neurosurgeons across three tertiary Melbourne hospitals. Answers from the three speciality groups were then converted into numerical scores for analysis.ResultsThere was statistically significant consensus between specialties over which characteristics were deemed most important. These were T1 pre‐ and post‐contrast sequences in the coronal and sagittal planes, the degree of displacement of the optic chiasm, invasion of the medial wall of the cavernous sinus, the size and pneumatization pattern of the sphenoid sinus and the differential diagnosis of aneurysm. There were also significant differences between groups.ConclusionsThere are similarities and differences between what radiologists, otolaryngologists and neurosurgeons deem as important features when reporting pituitary MRI. A synoptic reporting system template is proposed to improve consistency in pituitary imaging reports.
Best surgical technique and outcomes for large macular holes: retrospective multicentre study in Japan
Authors: Yamashita Toshifumi , Sakamoto Taiji , Terasaki Hiroto , Iwasaki Masanori , Ogushi Yoko , Okamoto Fumiki , Takeuchi Masaru , Yasukawa Tsutomu , Takamura Yoshihiro , Ogata Nahoko , Nakamura Yumiko ,   for the writing committee of Japan‐Clinical Retina Research Team (J‐CREST)
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes of vitrectomy with conventional internal limiting membrane (C‐ILM) peeling to that with the inverted ILM (I‐ILM) flap technique for large macular holes (MHs). This was a retrospective chart review of consecutive cases with a large MH at nine hospitals in Japan. Among the 1342 eyes, 165 eyes of 165 cases met the inclusion criteria. The results for medium‐large MHs with a diameter 400–550 μm were compared to that of eyes with an extra‐large MH with a diameter >550 μm. In addition, the results of C‐ILM peeling were compared to that of the I‐ILM technique. In medium‐large MHs, the closure rate was 95.2% (59/62) by C‐ILM peeling and 100% (19/19) by the I‐ILM technique. In extra‐large MHs, the closure rate was 88.4% (38/43) by C‐ILM peeling and 100% (41/41) by I‐ILM. Although the difference between the two methods was not significant, the I‐ILM technique was successful in 100% of the cases. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed the best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 6 months was significantly associated with the preoperative BCVA, MH size, age and sex of the patient. Analyses of the eyes with extra‐large MHs show that the surgical success is high, and the I‐ILM technique is more effective for closure in eyes with extra‐large MHs.