bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Has carotid intima‐media thickness prognostic impact in patients with high cardiovascular risk? A long‐term cohort study
Authors: Timóteo Ana Teresa , Mota Carmo Miguel , Soares Cristina , Ferreira Rui Cruz 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundCarotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) is an established surrogate marker for cardiovascular events in patients with intermediate risk. In patients with high cardiovascular risk or established cardiovascular disease, the impact of CMIT measurement on risk stratification for future events is less clear. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of CIMT on the occurrence of cardiovascular events in a cohort of individuals with high cardiovascular risk, in long‐term follow‐up.MethodsWe analyzed 296 individuals, mean follow‐up of 6.9 ± 2.2 years. Individuals were divided into tertiles according to CIMT. Tertiles were compared in terms of baseline characteristics and outcomes during follow‐up—all‐cause mortality and composite outcome (mortality, acute coronary syndromes, coronary revascularization, stroke/transient ischemic attack, heart failure, or cardiovascular admission).ResultsOur population had a mean age of 65 ± 9 years at the beginning of the study, 55% males. Patients with higher CIMT showed a trend for higher cardiovascular mortality (P = 0.084) and for the composite outcome (P = 0.049). A CIMT ≥ 0.85 mm was also associated with higher rate of events; however, CIMT was not an independent predictor of outcome after adjustment for age and gender. CIMT assessment was useful in patients with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and metabolic syndrome and in nondiabetic patients. For the composite outcome, it was also useful in females, smokers, and in patients without coronary artery disease.ConclusionsPatients with higher CIMT have worst outcome, but this was mainly driven by age and gender. CIMT is useful as a prognostic marker in specific subsets of patients.
Trends in use of echocardiography in hospitalized patients with syncope
Authors: Satish Mohan , Walters Ryan W. , Alla Venkata Mahesh 
Published: November 2018

PurposeWe sought to assess the trends in use, predictors of echocardiography, and its impact on in‐hospital mortality in patients admitted with syncope using a large national database.MethodsUtilizing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2001 to 2014, we identified adult patients (>18 years) with a primary discharge diagnosis of syncope and use of echocardiogram was ascertained.ResultsA total of 3 174 619 patients with a primary discharge diagnosis of syncope were identified, of which 184 167 (5.8%) underwent an echocardiogram. The rate of syncope hospitalization remained constant between 2001 and 2009 (1.1/1000 US population) but has since decreased steadily to about 0.5/1000 US population in 2014. After adjusting for patient and hospital characteristics, the rate of echocardiogram use increased significantly from 5.1% in 2001 to 6.8% in 2014 (2.7% relative increase per year [Ptrend = 0.024]). Predictors of use were cardiac disorders, hypertension, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and renal failure. After adjusting for baseline risk, use of echocardiography was not associated with in‐hospital mortality (OR = 0.827, P = 0.155), but was associated with a 14.6% increase in adjusted length of stay and a 22.6% increase in adjusted hospital cost compared to no echocardiography use (both P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe admission rates for syncope are decreasing and use of echocardiography in hospitalized patients with syncope is appropriately low. Given the lack of any favorable impact on mortality and the association with increased costs, there is a continued need to emphasize evidence‐based use of echocardiography in patients presenting with syncope.
Calcific metamorphosis of pulp after extrusive luxation
Authors: Queiroz Alfredo Franco , Hidalgo Mirian Marubayashi , Consolaro Alberto , Panzarini Sônia Regina , França Alline Batistussi , Pires Willian Ricardo , Poi Wilson Roberto 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackground/AimThe literature on the pathogenesis of extrusive dental luxation has been focused on periodontal tissue responses, with little attention given to the pulp. The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of dental pulp of teeth following extrusive luxation in a rat model.Material and MethodsThe maxillary right central incisors of 30 rats were extrusively luxated and repositioned after 5 minutes. The animals were euthanized after 7, 15, and 30 days to provide three groups: I, II, and III, respectively (n = 10). Histological sections were stained with H and E for histomorphometric analysis of the odontoblast layer, reparative dentin deposition, Hertwig's epithelial root sheath, pulp necrosis, and periapical inflammatory infiltrate.ResultsIn most cases, new vascular formation occured in association with reparative dentin deposition on the root walls and within the pulp. In some cases, dentin deposition occupied the entire pulp space over time, with no other types of non‐odontogenic hard tissues being observed. Pulp necrosis with the presence of periapical inflammatory infiltrate was also observed in a few cases. No statistical differences were observed among the studied groups.ConclusionsFollowing extrusive luxation, calcific metamorphosis of the pulp is very likely to occur.
Exploring the predictive performance of several temperature measurements on Neotropical dung beetle assemblages: Methodological implications
Authors: Lobo Jorge M. , Da Silva Pedro G. , Hensen Maristela C. , Amore Valentina , Hernández Malva I. M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBasic characteristics of species assemblages are frequently related to temperature variables recorded at a coarse‐grained scale. In this study, 15 min instant‐measurements of environmental and soil temperatures were recorded during 1 year in six Atlantic Forest sites of southern Brazil, ranging from 250 to 1,630 m a.s.l. These measurements were used to examine the comparative explanatory capacity of several temperature variables in predicting species richness and total or specific variations of dung beetle abundance. The results suggest that temperature measurements obtained during the survey period have the highest explanatory capacity. Furthermore, average temperature values seem to have a relatively higher explanatory capacity than absolute minimum or maximum values reflecting extreme conditions. In general, there is no rule in selecting a temperature variable when the objective involves explaining the variation in species abundances. Both soil and air variables can have similar explanatory capacities. The present results should be considered when designing future ecological studies in Neotropical conditions.
The structure of Legionella effector protein LpnE provides insights into its interaction with Oculocerebrorenal syndrome of Lowe (OCRL) protein
Authors: Voth Kevin A. , Chung Ivy Yeuk Wah , van Straaten Karin , Li Lei , Boniecki Michal T. , Cygler Miroslaw 
Published: November 2018

Legionella pneumophila is a freshwater bacterium that replicates in predatory amoeba and alveolar macrophage. The ability of L. pneumophila to thrive in eukaryotic host cells is conferred by the Legionella containing vacuole (LCV). Formation and intracellular trafficking of the LCV are governed by an arsenal of effector proteins, many of which are secreted by the Icm/Dot Type 4 Secretion System. One such effector, known as LpnE (L. pneumophila Entry), has been implicated in facilitating bacterial entry into host cells, LCV trafficking, and substrate translocation. LpnE belongs to a subfamily of tetratricopeptide repeat proteins known as Sel1‐like repeats (SLRs). All eight of the predicted SLRs in LpnE are required to promote host cell invasion. Herein, we report that LpnE(1‐375) localizes to cis‐Golgi in HEK293 cells via its signal peptide (aa 1–22). We further verify the interaction of LpnE(73‐375) and LpnE(22‐375) with Oculocerebrorenal syndrome of Lowe protein (OCRL) residues 10–208, restricting the known interacting residues for both proteins. To further characterize the SLR region of LpnE, we solved the crystal structure of LpnE(73‐375) to 1.75Å resolution. This construct comprises all SLRs, which are arranged in a superhelical fold. The α‐helices forming the inner concave surface of the LpnE superhelix suggest a potential protein–protein interaction interface.DatabaseCoordinates and structure factors were deposited in the Protein Data Bank with the accession number 6DEH.
Impact of particle packing mix design method on fracture properties of natural and recycled aggregate concrete
Authors: Pradhan Subhasis , Kumar Shailendra , Barai Sudhirkumar V. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe fracture properties of four types of concrete prepared using natural coarse aggregate and recycled coarse aggregate and conventional and particle packing method (PPM) of mix design approaches are studied. The three‐point bending (TPB) test is performed using three different sizes of single edge notched beam. The fracture energy is calculated from the load‐CMOD curve obtained in the TPB test, and in this process the load‐CMOD curve is curtailed at 2% of the depth of the beam. Based on CTODc and w1 relationship, appropriate softening function is used to estimate the double‐K fracture parameters. The fracture energy and fracture toughness parameters of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) is inferior to the natural aggregate concrete (NAC). The PPM mix design improves the fracture properties of concrete in comparison to the conventional mix design approach. The fracture properties of PPM mix designed RAC are comparable to that of NAC prepared using conventional method.
Social network analysis of sheep grazing different plant functional groups
Authors: Yiakoulaki Maria D. , Hasanagas Nikolaos D. , Michelaki Eleni , Tsiobani Eleni T. , Antoniou Ioannis E. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSocial Network Analysis (SNA) is used for the first time to investigate the relations between plant functional groups and social structure of grazing sheep. The research was conducted on a grassland in Crete's island Lefka Ori, Greece during 2016. A flock of 20 sheep of Sfakion race was analysed as a network and the sheep as nodes. The focal sampling technique was applied during four experimental periods of four consecutive days × eight hours/day. The plant species selected by sheep during grazing were categorized into four functional groups (grasses, broad‐leaved forbs, shrubs and trees), and the proximity and conflict relations that were developed among the flock members were recorded. The tools of SNA were defined and interpreted in the sheep flock, and the Visone software is used to calculate the network variables of proximity and conflicts relations of nodes. Correlations between the plant functional groups and network variables were examined by Spearman's bivariate correlation test. Sheep collectivity was enhanced while grazing grasses and simultaneously, a tendency for hierarchization within the flock was identified. Similarly, the proximity of sheep increased during forbs’ grazing while their individualism was strengthened. When grazing shrubs, the proximity of sheep was only in part maintained while the grazing of trees seems as the most deconstructive forage option of sheep proximity relations. In general, the grazing of all plant functional groups decreases conflicts among sheep except that of trees, which was insignificant for developing such relations.
The cohesin complex in mammalian meiosis
Authors: Ishiguro Kei‐ichiro 
Published: November 2018

AbstractCohesin is an evolutionary conserved multi‐protein complex that plays a pivotal role in chromosome dynamics. It plays a role both in sister chromatid cohesion and in establishing higher order chromosome architecture, in somatic and germ cells. Notably, the cohesin complex in meiosis differs from that in mitosis. In mammalian meiosis, distinct types of cohesin complexes are produced by altering the combination of meiosis‐specific subunits. The meiosis‐specific subunits endow the cohesin complex with specific functions for numerous meiosis‐associated chromosomal events, such as chromosome axis formation, homologue association, meiotic recombination and centromeric cohesion for sister kinetochore geometry. This review mainly focuses on the cohesin complex in mammalian meiosis, pointing out the differences in its roles from those in mitosis. Further, common and divergent aspects of the meiosis‐specific cohesin complex between mammals and other organisms are discussed.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the nail unit: a retrospective review of 19 cases in Asia and comparative review of Western literature
Authors: Lee Tae‐Min , Jo Gwanghyun , Kim Minsoo , Lee Si‐Hyung , Cho Soo Ick , Jo Seong J. , Mun Je‐Ho 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundReports regarding squamous cell carcinoma of the nail unit (SCCnu) are rare in Asia.ObjectivesTo investigate the features of SCCnu in the Asian population.MethodWe performed a retrospective review of patients diagnosed with SCCnu at our institution between 2012 and 2017.ResultsNineteen cases were included. Thirteen patients were male (68.4%). The fingers were most frequently affected (73.7%). Mean delay to diagnosis was 62.4 months. Misdiagnosis rate was high (78.9%). Frequent clinical features were subungual tumor, subungual hyperkeratosis, nail dystrophy, ulcer, and nail loss. The majority of cases were invasive SCC in 15 cases (78.9%), while SCC in situ was found in four cases (21.1%). Local recurrence was detected in two cases (10.5%) following surgical resection. However, distant metastasis was not reported.ConclusionThis study provides data of 19 SCCnu cases in Asia. Clinical characteristics of SCCnu in this study were similar to those of reports from Western countries. However, we found a higher frequency of more invasive cases and longer delay to diagnosis in our study; this advocates the need for greater attention on nail disorders among healthcare providers, particularly in Asia.
The use of electrochemotherapy in combination with immunotherapy in the treatment of metastatic melanoma: a focused review
Authors: Goggins Clare A. , Khachemoune Amor 
Published: November 2018

AbstractElectrochemotherapy (ECT) is a treatment modality that combines low‐dose chemotherapy with electroporation, thereby enhancing cytotoxicity. ECT was first utilized in the treatment of metastatic head and neck cancer. Today it is used as a local treatment for the cutaneous and subcutaneous metastases of a variety of cancers, including melanoma. In addition, recent evidence indicates that ECT in combination with immunotherapy can lead to a systemic tumor response. This review aims to summarize the efficacy of ECT in the treatment of metastatic melanoma, with a specific focus on the combination of ECT with immunotherapy.
Male infertility in Sertoli cell‐only syndrome: An investigation of autosomal gene defects
Authors: Koc Gulsah , Ozdemir Abdullah A , Girgin Gozde , Akbal Cem , Kirac Deniz , Avcilar Tuba , Guney Ahmet I 
Published: November 2018

ObjectivesTo detect autosomal genetic defects and to determine candidate genes in Sertoli cell‐only syndrome infertile men.MethodsSingle‐nucleotide polymorphism + comparative genomic hybridization microarray technology was carried out on 39 Sertoli cell‐only syndrome infertile patients in the present study. Array comparative genomic hybridization compares the patient's genome against a reference genome, and identifies uncover deletions, amplifications and loss of heterozygosity.ResultsA link between defective spermatogenesis genes and infertility was examined, and amplifications and deletions in several genes were detected, including homeobox gene; synaptonemal complex element protein 1; collagen, type I, alpha 1; imprinted maternally expressed transcript; and potassium voltage‐gated channel subfamily Q member 1.ConclusionsThe present data suggest that several genes can play an important role in spermatogenesis and progression of Sertoli cell‐only syndrome.
Characteristics and outcomes of patients with acute liver failure admitted to Australian and New Zealand intensive care units
Authors: Warrillow Stephen , Bailey Michael , Pilcher David , Kazemi Alex , McArthur Colin , Young Paul , Bellomo Rinaldo 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundKnowledge about patients with acute liver failure (ALF) in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) is lacking.AimsTo evaluate whether the pattern of ALF would be similar to previous studies and whether, despite potentially low transplantation rates, mortality would be comparable.MethodsWe obtained data from the ANZ Intensive Care Society Adult Patient Database and the ANZ Liver Transplant Registry for 10 years commencing 2005 and analysed for patient outcomes.ResultsDuring the study period, 1 022 698 adults were admitted to intensive care units across ANZ, of which 723 had ALF. The estimated annual incidence of ALF over this period was 3.4/million people and increased over time (P = 0.001). ALF patients had high illness severity (Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation III 79.8 vs 50.1 in non‐ALF patients; P < 0.0001) and were more likely to be younger, female, pregnant and immunosuppressed. ALF was an independent predictor of mortality (odds ratio 1.5 (1.26–1.79); P < 0.0001). At less than 23%, the use of liver transplantation was low, but the mortality of 39% was similar to previous studies.ConclusionsALF is a rare but increasing diagnosis in ANZ intensive care units. Low transplantation rates in ANZ for ALF do not appear to be associated with higher mortality rates than reported in the literature.
Development of a parents’ short form survey of their children's oral health
Authors: Wang Yan , Hays Ron , Marcus Marvin , Maida Carl , Shen Jie , Xiong Di , Lee Steve , Spolsky Vladimir , Coulter Ian , Crall James , Liu Honghu 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundParents play an important role in their children's oral health behaviors, provide oral health access, initiate prevention, and coping strategies for health care.AimThis paper develops a short form (SF) to assist parents to evaluate their children's oral health status using Patient‐Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) framework that conceptualized health as physical, mental, and social components.DesignSurveys of parents were conducted at dental clinics in Los Angeles County, together with an on‐site clinical examination by dentists to determine clinical outcomes, Children's Oral Health Status Index (COHSI), and referral recommendations (RRs). Graded response models in item response theory were used to create the SF. A toolkit including SF, demographic information, and algorithms was developed to predict the COHSI and RRs.ResultsThe final SF questionnaire consists of eight items. The square root mean squared error for the prediction of COHSI is 7.6. The sensitivity and specificity of using SF to predict immediate treatment needs (binary RRs) are 85% and 31%.ConclusionsThe parent SF is an additional component of the oral health evaluation toolkit that can be used for oral health screening, surveillance program, policy planning, and research of school‐aged children and adolescents from guardian perspectives.
Biological Markers of Alcoholism With Respect to Genotypes of Low‐Km Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH2) in Japanese Subjects
Authors: Nomura Fumio , Itoga Sakae , Tamura Masaki , Harada Shoji , Lizuka Yoshiaki , Nakai Toshiaki 
Published: November 2018

Background: Although the mutant low‐Km acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) allele (ALDH22) with reduced capacity to metabolize acetaldehyde offers biological protection against alcoholism and subsequent alcohol‐induced organ damage in many individuals, a significant proportion of individuals with heterozygote of the normal and mutant ALDH2 gene (ALDH21/22) consume excessive amounts of alcohol. Indeed, it has been postulated that habitual drinkers with ALDH21/22 may be at a higher risk for alcoholic liver disease than those with ALDH21/21. In this study, we determined how representative biological markers of alcoholism (γ‐glutamyltransferase [GGT], carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin [CDT], and the mean corpuscular volume of erythrocytes [MCV]) differ with respect to the ALDH2 genotypes in Japanese habitual drinkers.Methods: We obtained genomic DNA samples from 227 Japanese men with various drinking habits. ALDH2 genotypes were determined by allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction. GGT, CDT, and MCV were determined and compared between ALDH21/21 and ALDH21/22 habitual drinkers who consumed more than 66 g of alcohol per day for more than 5 years. We measured CDT by anion‐exchange chromatography followed by turbidity immunoassay by using a commercially available assay kit (Axis %CDT TIA).Results: CDT levels were comparable between the two groups. GGT activities were significantly greater in ALDH21/21 than in ALDH21/22 habitual drinkers (81 ± 85 vs. 53 ± 40 IU/liters, p < 0.02). MCV values, on the other hand, were significantly larger in ALDH21/22 than in ALDH21/21 subjects (98.2 ± 5.8 vs. 95.8 ± 4.2 fl, p = 0.02). When we used elevation of either CDT or GGT to detect habitual drinking in ALDH21/21 and 21/22 subjects, the sensitivities were 57% and 46%, respectively. CDT levels were similar between habitual drinkers with normal aspartate aminotransferase levels and those with elevated levels.Conclusion: GGT and MCV, but not CDT, differ with respect to the ALDH2 genotypes in Japanese male habitual drinkers. ALDH2 genotypes should be considered when interpreting data on biological markers of alcoholism.
A Study of Colloidal Scintigraphy in Alcoholic Liver Diseases: Discordance from Asialo‐Scintigraphic Findings
Authors: Koreeda Chizu , Kawa Sang Kil Ha , Takasu Masahi , Satoh Masahiro , Takemoto Hiroto , Mizuno Takako , Sawada Satoshi , Inoue Kyouichi 
Published: November 2018

Background: Our study was undertaken to check the discordance between findings from 99mTc‐Sn colloidal reticuloendothelial scintigraphy (RESS) and 99mTc‐GSA asialo‐scintigraphy (GSA, a technique for evaluation of liver parenchymal cell density and function) and to analyze the discordance in relation to functional disturbances. We compared data between patients with alcoholic liver diseases (ALD) and patients with viral liver diseases (VLD).Methods: The subjects of this study were 40 patients with chronic liver disease (17 with ALD and 23 with VLD). We used the liver uptake ratio of the tracer of the Sn colloid (SnL15, %), the liver uptake rate (GSAL15, %), and the Rmax (an indicator of total liver receptors) as indices of liver scans.Results: GSAL15 was sometimes nondiscordant from SnL15. The patients were divided into two groups: the nondiscordant group (26 cases where the balance/sum of the two variables was <25%) and the discordant group (14 cases where the balance/sum was >25%). SnL15 was 41.6 ± 16.2% in the nondiscordant group and 42.7 ± 16.3% in the discordant group (p = 0.80). GSAL15 was 34.3 ± 12.1% in the nondiscordant group and 21.5 ± 8.1% in the discordant group (p = 0.001). Rmax was 0.33 ± 0.17 in the nondiscordant group and 0.113 ± 0.008 in the discordant group (p = 0.002). Thus, the SnL15, as determined by RESS, did not differ significantly between the nondiscordant and discordant groups, whereas GSAL15 was significantly unfavorable in the discordant group as compared with the nondiscordant group. SnL15 as determined by RESS did not differ significantly between the ALD group (40.4 ± 18.7%) and the VLD group (43.5 ± 15.0%) (p = 0.59), whereas Rmax as determined by GSA was significantly improved in the ALD group (0.34 ± 0.20) compared with the VLD group (0.20 ± 0.4) (p = 0.02).Conclusions: Liver cell function was lower in cases that showed discordance between liver cell function and reticuloendothelial function compared with cases without such discordance, although reticuloendothelial function did not differ between discordant and nondiscordant groups. Liver cell function was better in cases of ALD than in cases of VLD, whereas reticuloendothelial function did not differ between the ALD group and the VLD group.