bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aldose reductase inhibitor ranirestat significantly improves nerve conduction velocity in diabetic polyneuropathy: A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled study in Japan
Authors: Sekiguchi Kenji , Kohara Nobuo , Baba Masayuki , Komori Tetsuo , Naito Yutaka , Imai Tomihiro , Satoh Jo , Yamaguchi Yasuyuki , Hamatani Tatsuto ,   the Ranirestat Group
Published: July 2018

AbstractAims/IntroductionDiabetic polyneuropathy is one of the most frequent diabetic complications, and impairs patients’ quality of life. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of ranirestat (40 mg/day) in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy.Materials and MethodsThis was a multicenter, placebo‐controlled, randomized double‐blind, parallel‐group, phase III study in which 557 patients were randomly assigned to either the ranirestat or placebo group and assessed for 52 weeks. The co‐primary end‐points were the changes in tibial motor nerve conduction velocity and total modified Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score as a measure of clinical symptoms.ResultsThere was a significant increase in tibial motor nerve conduction velocity in the ranirestat group compared with the placebo group. The difference between groups in the change at last observation was 0.52 m/s (P = 0.021). Increases in nerve conduction velocity in the ranirestat group were found not only in the tibial motor nerves, but also in the median motor nerves, proximal median sensory nerves and distal median sensory nerves. No significant differences in modified Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score or safety parameters were found between the two groups.ConclusionsRanirestat (40 mg/day) was well tolerated and improved nerve conduction velocity. Regarding symptoms and signs, no detectable benefits over the placebo were observed in the ranirestat group during the 52 weeks of treatment.
Pathogenicity and virulence factors of Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus and Bacillus spp. towards Argyrotaenia sphaleropa larvae (Lepidoptera)
Authors: Abreo Eduardo , Valle Diana , Mujica Valentina , Altier Nora 
Published: July 2018

AbstractArgyrotaenia sphaleropa is a lepidopteran pest in deciduous fruit orchards in Uruguay. The primary control method of these pests is the use of chemical insecticides; however, alternative strategies, friendlier to the environment and compatible with a regional programme of integrated pest management, are definitely needed. Biological control with the use of local entomopathogenic microorganisms could be a sustainable solution. In this study, a biological screening was conducted to characterize spore‐forming bacilli for their capacity to kill larvae of this species. Bacillus thuringiensis, B. pumilus, B. aryabhattai, B. amyloliquefaciens and Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus were identified based on sequence analyses of 16S and partial GyrB gene. Lysinibacilus xylanilyticus showed the highest mortality towards first‐instar larvae fed with diet treated with spore suspensions. Specific virulence factors like proteinaceous parasporal inclusions were observed not only in isolates of B. thuringiensis but also in L. xylanilyticus. Ordering of isolates based on multivariate analysis of putative secondary virulence factors like biosurfactant and biofilm production, haemolytic activity and motility, separated the virulent isolate of L. xylanilyticus. This is the first report of L. xylanilyticus causing mortality in A. sphaleropa or any other member of Lepidoptera. A search for more virulent strains of this species is envisaged.
Prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea and its relationship with body mass index
Authors: Rafique Nazish , Al‐Sheikh Mona H. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAimTo identify the association between primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and body mass index (BMI).MethodsThis cross sectional study was conducted on 370 female students (aged 18–25 years) of Immam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University Dammam, from March 2016 till March 2017. Pretested dysmenorrhea questionnaire was filled by the students. Weight and heights of the subjects were measured, and BMI was calculated. Based on BMI, subjects were divided into four groups (underweight [UW], normal weight, overweight and obese [OB]). Subjects were also categorized into mild, moderate and severe dysmenorrhic groups based on numeric pain relating scale. SPSS version 20.0 was used to analyze the data.ResultsThis study showed that 85.7% of the students were suffering from PD, out of which 12.7% had mild, 65.6% had moderate and 8.4% had severe dysmenorrhea. In total, 54.5% of the students mentioned that dysmenorrhea interferes with their daily activities. Whereas 55.8% of the students mentioned that they got pain relief by using non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. Pair wise comparison of dysmenorrhea between different BMI groups showed a statistically significant difference in the frequency of moderate and severe dysmenorrhea between UW and OB subjects (P values 0.003 and 0.06) respectively, indicating that UW females are at a higher risk of having PD.ConclusionThis study indicates a higher prevalence of moderate and severe dysmenorrhea in UW as compared to the OB subjects. We recommend further studies to explore the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for this association.
Urogenital symptoms in women with Tarlov cysts
Authors: Baker Molly , Wilson Machelle , Wallach Stacey 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAimTo describe the clinical findings and urogenital symptoms associated with sacral perineural cysts (Tarlov cysts).MethodsA retrospective chart review including 65 female patients with Tarlov cysts was completed. Clinical findings were collected from a database of subjects seen in our institution's urogynecology and neurosurgery clinics between 2004 and 2015. A statistical analysis was performed to test for any correlation between cyst size or location, and patient symptoms or examination findings.ResultsTarlov cysts were most commonly located from S2 to S3 (73%), and ranged in size from 1 to 2 cm (55%). Frequently reported symptoms included lower back pain (83%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71–0.91), lower extremity radiculopathy (75%, CI 0.63–0.85), positional pain (62%, CI 0.50–0.73), urinary urgency (54%, CI 0.41–0.66) and urinary frequency (48%, CI 0.35–0.61). Common urodynamic findings included an early sensation of filling (70%), involuntary detrusor contractions (33%), urethral instability (33%) and stress urinary incontinence (33%). A statistical analysis comparing cyst size and location to clinical findings was significant for a correlation between an S2 location and central nervous system symptoms (P = 0.02), larger cyst size and urinary dysfunction (P = 0.05) and smaller cyst size and an early sensation of filling (P = 0.05).ConclusionPatients with symptomatic sacral Tarlov cysts frequently report pain and neuropathy related to the lower back, pelvis and urogenital system. As compared to the general population, urinary urgency and urodynamic findings associated with urgency were more frequent in our patient sample. These findings suggest that Tarlov cysts may have a clinically significant impact on urogenital function.
47‐Fold rise of diabetes in childbearing age Chilean women: Markov model and cost‐effectiveness of prevention of birth defects
Authors: Olmos Pablo , Borzone Gisella , Poblete Andrés 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAimPrevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) during childbearing age in Chile had a 47‐fold rise in 7 years, reaching 120 844 women, half of which are unaware of their condition. We aimed to project pregnancies and births among Chilean women of childbearing age (WCBA) with T2DM and report the incidence of birth defects and the associated years of life lost and lifetime costs.MethodsMarkov model of cohort of WCBA with T2DM (WCBA‐DM) with a 20‐year time horizon (2018–2037), using data from previous studies. Two scenarios were assessed: scenario A: no universal detection of T2DM and scenario B: universal screening of T2DM using glycosylated hemoglobin levels. Both lifetime costs and disability‐adjusted life years (DALY) were calculated with a 5% discount rate (US$ of 2017).ResultsIn scenario A, 12 163 infants with birth defects could be born among the analyzed cohort, resulting in 243 260 years of life lost, 296 652 DALY and in lifetime costs of US$ 1 957 657 966. In scenario B, the first three figures could be reduced by 70.4% to 3599 infants with birth defects, 71 980 years of life lost and 87 794 DALY. Due to the addition ofdiabetes screening and new patient coststo scenario B, there would be a lesser reduction (67.3%) in total lifetime costs, to US$ 640 669 296.ConclusionScreening of diabetes in WCBA would yield a 20‐year reduction of 70.4% in the number of infants with birth defects, years of life lost and DALY. Total lifetime costs could be reduced by 67.3%.
Practical use of C1 esterase inhibitor concentrate for clinical amniotic fluid embolism
Authors: Akasaka Miki , Osato Kazuhiro , Sakamoto Mito , Kihira Tomohisa , Ikeda Tomoaki , Yamawaki Takaharu 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAmniotic fluid embolism (AFE) causes consumption coagulopathy, which requires a massive transfusion to save the mother's life. The preparation of such a massive transfusion is too time‐consuming in extremely emergent clinical settings and occasionally leads to devastating side effects such as transfusion‐associated acute lung injury. C1 esterase inhibitor (C1INH) is a protein with the ability to inhibit complement, coagulation and kinin pathways. The C1INH concentration in AFE patients is low, and it has been speculated that the administration of C1INH concentrate could have a striking and beneficial effect on AFE patients in critical condition by ameliorating their perturbed coagulation system. We report the case of a 32‐year‐old Japanese AFE patient in whom deteriorated vital signs and coagulopathy recovered within minutes after an injection of C1INH concentrate. C1INH concentrate can quickly revive the deteriorated vital signs and the atonic uterus that stem from AFE and may reduce the total amount of transfusion.
Influence of hydatid disease on the pregnancy outcomes: An experimental study
Authors: Moazeni Mohammad , Asadpour Mohammad , Malekpour Seyed Hossein 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAimHydatid disease during pregnancy may lead to various complications in both mother and child. Accordingly, enough knowledge is required to manage these complications. This study was done to evaluate the interaction between hydatid disease and pregnancy in laboratory mice.MethodsTwenty female BALB/c mice (Mus musculus) were divided into test and control groups, 10 animal in each. The mice of the test group were infected intraperitoneally by injection of 1000 protoescolices. Six months after infection, the mice of test and control groups were mated with male mice for a week. After parturition, the size and weight of babies were measured and compared between two groups.ResultsWhile all the mice of control group delivered healthy babies, 3 out of 10 mice of test group showed no pregnancy. The infected mice delivered lower number of babies than the mice of control group. The mean size of fetuses or babies obtained from the infected mice were statistically lower than those obtained from the mice of control group (P = 0.000). The weight of babies delivered by the infected mice not only at the time of birth (P = 0.005) but also 10 days after birth (P = 0.021), were significantly lower than those delivered by the mice of control group. The level of progesterone and estradiol in the mice of test group were significantly lower (P = 0.009) and higher (P = 0.043), respectively, in comparison to the mice of control group.ConclusionHydatid disease during pregnancy may considerably affect the pregnancy outcomes.
Detection of blood Gb3 deposits as a new tool for diagnosis and therapy monitoring in patients with classic Fabry disease
Authors: Üçeyler N. , Böttger J. , Henkel L. , Langjahr M. , Mayer C. , Nordbeck P. , Wanner C. , Sommer C. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe X‐linked Fabry disease (FD) is a multiorgan disorder due to alpha‐galactosidase A (α‐GAL) deficiency with consequent lysosomal accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3). We established the immunocytochemical detection of Gb3 in blood cells of FD patients as a new method for FD diagnostics, follow‐up and treatment control.MethodsWe enrolled 67 FD patients (37 men, 30 women) and 52 healthy controls (26 men, 26 women). PBMC were isolated from whole venous blood and 3x105 cells were immunoreacted with antibodies against CD77 as a marker for Gb3. Using fluorescence microscopy, the mean percentage of Gb3 positive PBMC was determined by an investigator blinded to subject allocation. As a second method, we qualitatively assessed Gb3 positive cells in blood smears.ResultsGb3 deposits were unequivocally visible in PBMC and in blood smears. Men (P < 0.001) and women (P < 0.01) with classical FD had more Gb3‐positive PBMC than healthy controls, whose samples only occasionally showed positive cells. The number of Gb3 positive PBMC was negatively correlated with α‐GAL activity and positively correlated with plasma lyso‐Gb3 levels. Only the PBMC Gb3 load but not plasma lyso‐Gb3 reflected short‐ and long‐term effects of enzyme replacement therapy (P < 0.01).ConclusionsGb3 can be visualized in PBMC and blood smears and can be used as a novel marker for diagnostics, follow‐up and treatment control in FD.
Genetic testing for familial hypercholesterolemia among survivors of acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Benedek P. , Eriksson M. , Duvefelt K. , Freyschuss A. , Frick M. , Lundman P. , Nylund L. , Szummer K. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundFamilial hypercholesterolemia could be prevalent among patients with acute coronary syndrome.ObjectiveTo investigate both the frequency of causative mutations for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and the optimal selection of patients for genetic testing among patients with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS).MethodsOne hundred and sixteen patients with an ACS during 2009–2015 were identified through the SWEDEHEART registry. Patients who had either a high total cholesterol level ≥7 mmol L−1 combined with a triglyceride level ≤2.6 mmol L−1, or were treated with lipid‐lowering medication and had a total cholesterol level >4.9 mmol L−1 and a triglyceride level ≤2.6 mmol L−1 were included. Genetic testing was performed first with a regionally designed FH mutation panel (118 mutations), followed by testing with a commercially available FH genetic analysis (Progenika Biopharma).ResultsA total of 6.9% (8/116) patients had a FH‐causative mutation, all in the LDL‐receptor. Five patients were detected on the panel, and further testing of the remaining 111 patients detected an additional 3 FH‐causative mutations. Baseline characteristics were similar in FH‐positive and FH‐negative patients with respect to age, gender, prior ACS and diabetes. Patients with a FH‐causative mutation had higher Dutch Lipid Clinical Network (DLCN) score (5.5 (5.0–6.5) vs 3.0 (2.0–5.0), P < 0.001) and a higher low‐density lipoprotein level (5.7 (4.7–6.5) vs 4.9 (3.5–5.4), P = 0.030). The Dutch Lipid Clinical Network (DLCN) score had a good discrimination with an area under the curve of 0.856 (95% CI 0.763–0.949).ConclusionGenetic testing for FH should be considered in patients with ACS and high DLCN score.
Consumer perceptions and other influencing factors about monosodium glutamate in the United States
Authors: Wang Shangci , Adhikari Koushik 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMonosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer commonly used in processed food products. However, its usage is controversial in the United States. This work aimed to understand the U.S. consumers’ perception about MSG and the factors influencing their attitudes. A survey questionnaire was developed based on a focus group study and then distributed in three geographical areas in the United States. Our results showed that U.S. consumers in general had a somewhat negative attitude toward MSG. Consumer's concern level about MSG was correlated with their risk and benefit perception about this ingredient. Information and natural food preference had a significant (p ≤ .05) positive contributions to risk perception. Consumers who had less negative feelings about chemicals tended to perceive more benefits from MSG. It was noticed that many respondents were confused about the differences between MSG and sodium chloride. Extracts from natural sources could be promising choices of MSG substitutes.Practical applicationsThe survey created in this study threw light on understanding the U.S. consumers’ perception about monosodium glutamate (MSG). Findings from this work could be applied by food industry to better educate and communicate with consumers in terms of the issues related with MSG. In addition, with the knowledge of the factors driving consumer's perception, the food industry could use MSG substitutes and alternatives that meet the demands and satisfaction of today's consumer.
Accounting for landscape heterogeneity improves spatial predictions of tree vulnerability to drought
Authors: Schwantes Amanda M. , Parolari Anthony J. , Swenson Jennifer J. , Johnson Daniel M. , Domec Jean‐Christophe , Jackson Robert B. , Pelak Norman , Porporato Amilcare 
Published: July 2018

Summary

As climate change continues, forest vulnerability to droughts and heatwaves is increasing, but vulnerability varies regionally and locally through landscape position. Also, most models used in forecasting forest responses to heat and drought do not incorporate relevant spatial processes.

In order to improve spatial predictions of tree vulnerability, we employed a nonlinear stochastic model of soil moisture dynamics accounting for landscape differences in aspect, topography and soils. Across a watershed in central Texas we modeled dynamic water stress for a dominant tree species, Juniperus ashei, and projected future dynamic water stress through the 21st century.

Modeled dynamic water stress tracked spatial patterns of remotely sensed drought‐induced canopy loss. Accuracy in predicting drought‐impacted stands increased from 60%, accounting for spatially variable soil conditions, to 72% when also including lateral redistribution of water and radiation/temperature effects attributable to aspect. Our analysis also suggests that dynamic water stress will increase through the 21st century, with trees persisting at only selected microsites.

Favorable microsites/refugia may exist across a landscape where trees can persist; however, if future droughts are too severe, the buffering capacity of an heterogeneous landscape could be overwhelmed. Incorporating spatial data will improve projections of future tree water stress and identification of potential resilient refugia.
Drought‐induced senescence of Medicago truncatula nodules involves serpin and ferritin to control proteolytic activity and iron levels
Authors: Dhanushkodi Ramadoss , Matthew Cory , McManus Michael T. , Dijkwel Paul P. 
Published: July 2018

Summary

Drought is a major constraint for legume growth and yield. Senescence of nitrogen‐fixing nodules is one of the early drought responses and may cause nutrient stress in addition to water stress in legumes. For nodule senescence to function as part of a drought‐survival strategy, we propose that the intrinsically destructive senescence process must be tightly regulated.

Medicago truncatula protease inhibitor and iron scavenger‐encoding genes, possibly involved in controlling nodule senescence, were identified. RNA interference (RNAi) lines were constructed in which expression of a serpin or ferritins was knocked down. Both wild‐type and RNAi lines were subjected to drought stress and nodule activity and plant physiological responses were measured.

Drought caused M. truncatula to initiate nodule senescence before plant growth was affected and before an increase in papain‐like proteolytic activity and free iron levels was apparent. Knock‐down expression of serpin6 and ferritins caused increased protease activity, free iron levels, early nodule senescence and reduced plant growth.

The results suggest that M. truncatula nodule‐expressed serpin6 and ferritins mediate ordered drought‐induced senescence by regulating papain‐like cysteine protease activity and free iron levels. This strategy may allow the drought‐stressed plants to benefit maximally from residual nitrogen fixation and nutrient recovery resulting from break down of macromolecules.
The neurobiology of interoception in health and disease
Authors: Quadt Lisa , Critchley Hugo D. , Garfinkel Sarah N. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractInteroception is the sensing of internal bodily sensations. Interoception is an umbrella term that encompasses (1) the afferent (body‐to‐brain) signaling through distinct neural and humoral (including immune and endocrine) channels; (2) the neural encoding, representation, and integration of this information concerning internal bodily state; (3) the influence of such information on other perceptions, cognitions, and behaviors; (4) and the psychological expression of these representations as consciously accessible physical sensations and feelings. Interoceptive mechanisms ensure physiological health through the cerebral coordination of homeostatic reflexes and allostatic responses that include motivational behaviors and associated affective and emotional feelings. Furthermore, the conscious, unitary sense of self in time and space may be grounded in the primacy and lifelong continuity of interoception. Body‐to‐brain interactions influence physical and mental well‐being. Consequently, we show that systematic investigation of how individual differences, and within‐individual changes, in interoceptive processing can contribute to the mechanistic understanding of physical and psychological disorders. We present a neurobiological overview of interoception and describe how interoceptive impairments at different levels relate to specific physical and mental health conditions, including sickness behaviors and fatigue, depression, eating disorders, autism, and anxiety. We frame these findings in an interoceptive predictive processing framework and highlight potential new avenues for treatments.
Preclinical models for the study of Barrett's carcinogenesis
Authors: Read Matthew D. , Krishnadath Kausilia K. , Clemons Nicholas J. , Phillips Wayne A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBarrett's esophagus (BE) is clinically significant, as it is the only known precursor lesion for esophageal adenocarcinoma. To develop improved therapies for the treatment of BE, a greater understanding of the disease process at the molecular genetic level is needed. However, achieving a greater understanding will require improved preclinical models so that the disease process can be more closely studied and novel therapies can be tested. Our concise review highlights progress in the development of preclinical models for the study of BE and identifies the most suitable model in which to test novel therapies.
Clinical algorithm to manage anemia in epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Simpson Blair , Tarango Cristina , Lucky Anne W. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractEpidermolysis bullosa is a group of rare genetic disorders with multiple organ system involvement. In one severe form, recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, chronic anemia is common. This report outlines the multifactorial nature of anemia in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa and presents a practical clinical algorithm based on expert consensus for the diagnosis and treatment of anemia in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.