bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electroacupuncture treatments for gut motility disorders
Authors: Chen J. D. Z. , Ni M. , Yin J. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractFunctional gastrointestinal (GI) diseases are common and there are patients who are refractory to medical therapies as not all treatments work in all patients. Consequently, a large number of patients with functional GI diseases use complementary and alternative medicine, such as acupuncture or electroacupuncture (EA). In this issue, Zheng et al. reported interesting results of a multi‐center placebo‐controlled clinical study on the use of EA for treating refractory functional dyspepsia; another study reported a multi‐center clinical trial on EA for chronic functional constipation; Liang et al. studied mechanisms of EA involving enteric nervous system and neurotransmitters in treating constipation in rats. While controversial reports are available in the literature, EA with appropriate methodologies as shown in these recent studies is believed to be effective in treating certain functional GI diseases. In this mini‐review, a number of clinical studies, including those included in this issue on the use of EA for treating gastro‐esophageal reflux, functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, and constipation are reviewed. Some critically important issues, such as the choice of stimulation parameters for EA, the administration frequency of the therapy, and the appropriate choice of placebo for clinical research are also discussed. Mechanisms of action involved in the therapeutic effects of EA for gut dysmotility and future research directions are also presented.
Inability of infants to push up in the prone position and subsequent development
Authors: Senju Ayako , Shimono Masayuki , Tsuji Mayumi , Suga Reiko , Shibata Eiji , Fujino Yoshihisa , Kawamoto Toshihiro , Kusuhara Koichi 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundDuring routine health screening, some infants cannot maintain the prone position with extended arm support at 6 months. Little is known, however, about the development of full‐term infants with this developmental deviation. We investigated the developmental course of infants with this characteristic.MethodsWe enrolled 2,020 full‐term infants who had been recruited at a regional center for the Japan Environment and Children's Study. Their development was measured using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, third edition, at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 years. The children were grouped according to their ability to stay prone on extended arms at 6 months, and their development was compared.ResultsA total of 1,625 infants could stay prone on extended arms and 179 could not. We excluded 212 infants who could stay prone on extended arms only sometimes, and four who did not have a questionnaire response. In the gross motor domain, significant difference in questionnaire scores was observed between the “could” and “could‐not” groups at 6 months (Hedges’ g, 1.83) and persisted until 3 years (Hedges’ g, 0.33). Significant differences were also observed in the communication, fine motor, problem solving, and personal–social domains at 6 months (Hedges’ g, 0.20–0.58) and persisted until 1, 2, 2, and 1.5 years, respectively (Hedges’ g, 0.21–0.25).ConclusionsInfants who cannot maintain the prone position on extended arms lag behind those who can, although the effect sizes become relatively small after 1.5 years of age. Early intervention may be considered if delay is problematic or persistent.
Hyperbilirubinemia in preterm infants in Japan: New treatment criteria
Authors: Morioka Ichiro 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn 1992, Kobe University proposed treatment criteria for hyperbilirubinemia in newborns using total serum bilirubin and serum unbound bilirubin reference values. In the last decade, chronic bilirubin encephalopathy has been found to develop in preterm infants in Japan because it can now be clinically diagnosed based on an abnormal signal of the globus pallidus on T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging and abnormal auditory brainstem response with or without apparent hearing loss, along with physical findings of kinetic disorders with athetosis. We therefore revised the Kobe University treatment criteria for preterm hyperbilirubinemic infants in 2017. The three revised points are as follows: (i) newborns are classified under gestational age at birth or corrected gestational age, not birthweight; (ii) three treatment options were created: standard phototherapy, intensive phototherapy, and albumin therapy and/or exchange blood transfusion; and (iii) initiation of standard phototherapy, intensive phototherapy, and albumin therapy and/or exchange blood transfusion is decided based on the total serum bilirubin and serum unbound bilirubin reference values for gestational weeks at birth at <7 days of age, and on the reference values for corrected gestational age at ≥7 days of age. Studies are needed to establish whether chronic bilirubin encephalopathy can be prevented using the 2017 revised Kobe University treatment criteria for preterm infants in Japan.
Seed dormancy and control of germination in Sisymbrella dentata (L.) O.E. Schulz (Brassicaceae)
Authors: Puglia G. , Carta A. , Bizzoca R. , Toorop P. , Spampinato G. , Raccuia S. A. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Seed germination responsiveness to environmental cues is crucial for plant species living in changeable habitats and can vary among populations within the same species as a result of adaptation or modulation to local climates. Here, we investigate the germination response to environmental cues of Sisymbrella dentata (L.) O.E. Schulz, an annual endemic to Sicily living in Mediterranean Temporary Ponds (MTP), a vulnerable ecosystem.

Germination of the only two known populations, Gurrida and Pantano, was assessed over a broad range of conditions to understand the role of temperatures, nitrate, hormones (abscisic acid – ABA and gibberellins – GA) and after‐ripening in dormancy release in this species.

Seed germination responsiveness varied between the two populations, with seeds from Gurrida germinating under a narrower range of conditions. Overall, this process in S. dentata consisted of testa and endosperm rupture as two sequential events, influenced by ABA and GA biosynthesis. Nitrate addition caused an earlier testa rupture, after‐ripening broadened the thermal conditions that allow germination, and alternating temperatures significantly promoted germination of non‐after‐ripened seeds.

Primary dormancy in S. dentata seeds likely allows this plant to form a persistent seed bank that is responsive to specific environmental cues characteristic of MTP habitats.
Understanding Compound, Interconnected, Interacting, and Cascading Risks: A Holistic Framework
Authors: Pescaroli Gianluca , Alexander David 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn recent years, there has been a gradual increase in research literature on the challenges of interconnected, compound, interacting, and cascading risks. These concepts are becoming ever more central to the resilience debate. They aggregate elements of climate change adaptation, critical infrastructure protection, and societal resilience in the face of complex, high‐impact events. However, despite the potential of these concepts to link together diverse disciplines, scholars and practitioners need to avoid treating them in a superficial or ambiguous manner. Overlapping uses and definitions could generate confusion and lead to the duplication of research effort. This article gives an overview of the state of the art regarding compound, interconnected, interacting, and cascading risks. It is intended to help build a coherent basis for the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR). The main objective is to propose a holistic framework that highlights the complementarities of the four kinds of complex risk in a manner that is designed to support the work of researchers and policymakers. This article suggests how compound, interconnected, interacting, and cascading risks could be used, with little or no redundancy, as inputs to new analyses and decisional tools designed to support the implementation of the SFDRR. The findings can be used to improve policy recommendations and support tools for emergency and crisis management, such as scenario building and impact trees, thus contributing to the achievement of a system‐wide approach to resilience.
Common gamma chain cytokines promote regulatory T cell development and survival at the CD4+ CD8+ stage in the human thymus
Authors: Vanhanen Reetta , Tuulasvaara Anni , Mattila Joonatan , Pätilä Tommi , Arstila T. Petteri 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThymic commitment of human FOXP3+ regulatory T cells begins at the double‐positive (DP) CD4+ CD8+ stage. In the current study, we show that interleukin‐2 promotes the development of FOXP3+ thymocytes and enhances their survival at the DP phase. IL‐2 increases the frequency of FOXP3+ cells and promotes the Treg phenotype after TCR‐mediated positive selection at the most mature DP stage. However, it has no effect on FOXP3+ cells at the earlier maturation steps before positive selection. DP FOXP3+ thymocytes are highly susceptible to cell death but IL‐2 promotes their survival. The anti‐apoptotic protein BCL‐2 (B Cell Lymphoma 2) is also upregulated by IL‐2 at the most mature DP stage. In addition to IL‐2, we identify IL‐15 to have a significant role in the upregulating FOXP3 and survival of Tregs at the DP phase. IL‐7 also increases the expression of BCL‐2 in the DP FOXP3+ thymocytes. Our results indicate that common gamma chain cytokines IL‐2, IL‐7 and IL‐15 promote the development of regulatory T cells at the most mature DP stage after TCR‐mediated positive selection through suppressing cell death.
Evaluation of pulse pressure variation and pleth variability index to predict fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated isoflurane‐anesthetized dogs
Authors: Sano Hiroki , Seo Joonbum , Wightman Paul , Cave Nick J. , Gieseg Mike A. , Johnson Craig B. , Chambers Paul 
Published: June 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate whether pulse pressure variation (PPV) and pleth variability index (PVI) are more accurate than central venous pressure (CVP) for predicting fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated isoflurane‐anesthetized dogs after premedication with acepromazine.DesignProspective experimental trial.SettingUniversity teaching hospital.AnimalsTwelve Harrier hound dogs.InterventionsEach dog was anesthetized and had a fluid challenge performed. This was repeated 4 weeks later for a total of 24 fluid challenges. After premedication with intramuscular acepromazine, anesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane. The dogs were mechanically ventilated with constant settings. The fluid challenge consisted of 10 mL/kg of 6% hydroxyethyl starch intravenously over 13 minutes.Measurements and Main ResultsBefore and after the fluid challenge, PPV, PVI, CVP, and other hemodynamics were recorded. Change in velocity time integral of pulmonary arterial blood flow by echocardiography was calculated as an indication of change in stroke volume. A fluid responder was defined as an increase in velocity time integral ≥ 15%. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine cutoff values. Areas under ROC curve were calculated and compared. Dogs responded on 14 fluid challenges and did not on 10. Cutoff values for PPV and PVI were 11% (sensitivity 79%; specificity 80%) and 9.3% (sensitivity 86%; specificity 70%), respectively. The areas under the ROC curve of PPV [0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.70–1.00, P = 0.038] and PVI (0.84, 95% CI: 0.68–1.00, P = 0.043) were significantly higher than CVP (0.56, 95% CI: 0.32–0.81).ConclusionsPPV and PVI predicted fluid responsiveness more accurately than CVP and may be useful to guide fluid administration in mechanically ventilated isoflurane‐anesthetized dogs after premedication with acepromazine.
Human milk as a protective factor for bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Jinglan , Zhang Li , Tang Jun , Shi Jing , Qu Yi , Xiong Tao , Mu Dezhi 
Published: June 2018

ObjectiveTo summarise current evidence evaluating the effects of human milk on the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants.DesignWe searched for studies on human milk and BPD in English and Chinese databases on 26 July 2017. Furthermore, the references of included studies were also screened. The inclusion criteria in this meta-analysis were the following: (1) preterm infants (<37 weeks); (2) human milk; (3) comparing with formula feeding; (4) the outcome included BPD; and (5) the type of study was randomised controlled trial (RCT) or cohort study.ResultA total of 17 cohort studies and 5 RCTs involving 8661 preterm infants met our inclusion criteria. The ORs and 95% CIs of six groups were as follows: 0.78 (0.68 to 0.88) for exclusive human milk versus exclusive formula group, 0.77 (0.68 to 0.87) for exclusive human milk versus mainly formula group, 0.76 (0.68 to 0.87) for exclusive human milk versus any formula group, 0.78 (0.68 to 0.88) for mainly human milk versus exclusive formula group, 0.83 (0.69 to 0.99) for mainly human milk versus mainly formula group and 0.82 (0.73 to 0.93) for any human milk versus exclusive formula group. Notably, subgroup of RCT alone showed a trend towards protective effect of human milk on BPD but no statistical significance.ConclusionBoth exclusive human milk feeding and partial human milk feeding appear to be associated with lower risk of BPD in preterm infants. The quality of evidence is low. Therefore, more RCTs of this topic are needed.
Oral diabetes medication monotherapy and short-term mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease
Authors: Raghavan Sridharan , Liu Wenhui G , Saxon David R , Grunwald Gary K , Maddox Thomas M , Reusch Jane E B , Berkowitz Seth A , Caplan Liron 
Published: June 2018

ObjectiveTo determine whether sulfonylurea use, compared with non-sulfonylurea oral diabetes medication use, was associated with 2-year mortality in individuals with well-controlled diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD).Research design and methodsWe studied 5352 US veterans with type 2 diabetes, obstructive CAD on coronary angiography, hemoglobin A1c ≤7.5% at the time of catheterization, and taking zero or one oral diabetes medication (categorized as no medications, non-sulfonylurea medication, or sulfonylurea). We estimated the association between medication category and 2-year mortality using inverse probability of treatment-weighted (IPW) standardized mortality differences and IPW multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression.Results49%, 35%, and 16% of the participants were on no diabetes medications, non-sulfonylurea medications, and sulfonylureas, respectively. In individuals on no medications, non-sulfonylurea medications, and sulfonylureas, the unadjusted mortality rates were 6.6%, 5.2%, and 11.9%, respectively, and the IPW-standardized mortality rates were 5.9%, 6.5%, and 9.7%, respectively. The standardized absolute 2-year mortality difference between non-sulfonylurea and sulfonylurea groups was 3.2% (95% CI 0.7 to 5.7) (p=0.01). In Cox proportional hazards models, the point estimate suggested that sulfonylurea use might be associated with greater hazard of mortality than non-sulfonylurea medication use, but this finding was not statistically significant (HR 1.38 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.93), p=0.05). We did not observe significant mortality differences between individuals on no diabetes medications and non-sulfonylurea users.ConclusionsSulfonylurea use was common (nearly one-third of those taking medications) and was associated with increased 2-year mortality in individuals with obstructive CAD. The significance of the association between sulfonylurea use and mortality was attenuated in fully adjusted survival models. Caution with sulfonylurea use may be warranted for patients with well-controlled diabetes and CAD, and metformin or newer diabetes medications with cardiovascular safety data could be considered as alternatives when individualizing therapy.
Effects of a 12-week running programme in youth and adults with complex mood disorders
Authors: Keating Laura E , Becker Suzanna , McCabe Katie , Whattam Jeff , Garrick Laura , Sassi Roberto B , Frey Benicio N , McKinnon Margaret C 
Published: June 2018

ObjectiveAlthough numerous studies suggest a salutary effect of exercise on mood, few studies have explored the effect of exercise in patients with complex mental illness. Accordingly, we evaluated the impact of running on stress, anxiety and depression in youth and adults with complex mood disorders including comorbid diagnoses, cognitive and social impairment and high relapse rates.MethodsParticipants were members of a running group at St Joseph Healthcare Hamilton’s Mood Disorders Program, designed for clients with complex mood disorders. On a weekly basis, participants completed Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) questionnaires, providing an opportunity to evaluate the effect of running in this population.ResultsData collected for 46 participants from April 2012 to July 2015 indicated a significant decrease in depression (p<0.0001), anxiety (p<0.0001) and stress (p=0.01) scores. Whereas younger participant age, younger age at onset of illness and higher perceived levels of friendship with other running group members (ps≤0.04) were associated with lower end-of-study depression, anxiety and stress scores, higher attendance was associated with decreasing BDI and BAI (ps≤0.01) scores over time.ConclusionsAerobic exercise in a supportive group setting may improve mood symptoms in youth and adults with complex mood disorders, and perceived social support may be an important factor in programme’s success. Further research is required to identify specifically the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic benefits associated with exercise-based therapy programmes.
Effect of rectal douching/enema on rectal gonorrhoea and chlamydia among a cohort of men who have sex with men on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis
Authors: Hassan Adiba , Blumenthal Jill S , Dube Michael P , Ellorin Eric , Corado Katya , Moore David J , Morris Sheldon R 
Published: June 2018

ObjectivesRectal douching/enema (RD) is a common practice among men who have sex with men (MSM) in preparation for sex. RD can break down the rectal mucosal barrier and potentially affect the rectal microbiome. The objective of this study was to understand if RD is associated with acquiring rectal infections (RI) with rectal gonorrhoea (NG) and/or chlamydia (CT).MethodsFrom 2013 to 2015, 395 adult HIV-uninfected MSM were enrolled in a randomised controlled study for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence with routine sexual risk survey and testing. Using data from this cohort, baseline differences by RI were assessed using Pearson’s χ² and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test. Association between RD and RI was modelled using multivariable logistic regression adjusted for potential confounders (sexual behaviour, substance use and age) selected a priori. Effect modification by number of male partners and sensitivity analysis to rule out reverse causality were also conducted.ResultsOf 395 participants, 261 (66%) performed RD and 133 (33%) had at least one NG/CT RI over 48 weeks. Number of condomless anal receptive sex (med: 4, p<0.001), male partners (med:6, p<0.001) and substance use (any of methamphetamine/hallucinogens/dissociative/poppers) (p<0.001) were associated with increased odds of RI. Controlling for potential confounders, odds of prevalent RI were 3.59 (p<0.001, 95% CI 1.90 to 6.78) and incident RI 3.87 (p=0.001, 95% CI 1.78 to 8.39) when douching weekly or more compared with not douching. MSM with more than six male partners had 5.34 (p=0.002, 95% CI 1.87 to 15.31) increased odds of RI when douching weekly or more compared with not douching.ConclusionRectal hygiene with RD is a common practice (66%) among HIV-uninfected MSM on PrEP in this study, which increases the odds of acquiring rectal NG and/or CT independent of sexual risk behaviour, substance use and other factors. This suggests interventional approaches targeting rectal hygiene products and practices could reduce sexually transmitted infections.
Secondhand smoke exposure and asthma outcomes among African-American and Latino children with asthma
Authors: Neophytou Andreas M , Oh Sam S , White Marquitta J , Mak Angel C Y , Hu Donglei , Huntsman Scott , Eng Celeste , Serebrisky Denise , Borrell Luisa N , Farber Harold J , Meade Kelley , Davis Adam , Avila Pedro C , Thyne Shannon M , Rodríguez-Cintrón William , Rodríguez-Santana José R , Kumar Rajesh , Brigino-Buenaventura Emerita , Sen Saunak , Lenoir Michael A , Williams L Keoki , Benowitz Neal L , Balmes John R , Eisen Ellen A , Burchard Esteban G 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundSecondhand smoke (SHS) exposures have been linked to asthma-related outcomes but quantitative dose–responses using biomarkers of exposure have not been widely reported.ObjectivesAssess dose–response relationships between plasma cotinine-determined SHS exposure and asthma outcomes in minority children, a vulnerable population exposed to higher levels of SHS and under-represented in the literature.MethodsWe performed analyses in 1172 Latino and African-American children with asthma from the mainland USA and Puerto Rico. We used logistic regression to assess relationships of cotinine levels ≥0.05 ng/mL with asthma exacerbations (defined as asthma-related hospitalisations, emergency room visits or oral steroid prescription) in the previous year and asthma control. The shape of dose–response relationships was assessed using a continuous exposure variable in generalised additive logistic models with penalised splines.ResultsThe OR for experiencing asthma exacerbations in the previous year for cotinine levels ≥0.05 ng/mL, compared with <0.05 ng/mL, was 1.40 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.89), while the OR for poor asthma control was 1.53 (95% CI 1.12 to 2.13). Analyses for dose–response relationships indicated increasing odds of asthma outcomes related with increasing exposure, even at cotinine levels associated with light SHS exposures.ConclusionsExposure to SHS was associated with higher odds of asthma exacerbations and having poorly controlled asthma with an increasing dose–response even at low levels of exposure. Our results support the conclusion that there are no safe levels of SHS exposures.