bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non‐diadromous life history and limited movement in northern lineages of Australian smelt: Evidence from otolith chemistry analysis
Authors: Islam Md Rakeb‐Ul , Schmidt Daniel J. , Crook David A. , Hughes Jane M. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA comprehensive knowledge of migratory behaviour is paramount for the effective management and conservation of fishes in coastal drainages. The Australian smelt (Retropinna semoni) is a common fish distributed throughout coastal and inland drainages in south‐eastern Australia. Multiple life history patterns (potamodromy, facultative diadromy, estuarine residence) in the southern regions of its geographic distribution have been reported, and it is possible that some of these differences reflect characteristic behaviours of cryptic species within the group. To elucidate the life history patterns of smelt at the northern extent of their range and to identify any differences in migratory behaviour between two genetically distinct lineages (“SEQ‐N”, “SEQ‐S”) in this region, the movement patterns of Australian smelt were assessed using otolith chemistry. No evidence of marine residence was found based on otolith Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca transects for either group, suggesting that both are non‐diadromous. Significant differences in multi‐elemental otolith chemistry signatures were found among rivers and between paired sites within some rivers, suggesting no connectivity among drainages and limited dispersal of individuals over large spatial scales within rivers. These findings provide key insights into the migratory patterns of northern Australian smelt populations and, in combination with previous research, suggest that life history variation in the Australian smelt complex may occur primarily at the intra‐population level rather than among genetically distinct lineages. Conservation and management strategies for Australian smelt should take limited dispersal and individual life history variation into consideration in order to protect the components of this important species complex.
Upper limb onset of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis is common in non‐endemic areas
Authors: Théaudin M. , Lozeron P. , Algalarrondo V. , Lacroix C. , Cauquil C. , Labeyrie C. , Slama M. S. , Adam C. , Guiochon‐Mantel A. , Adams D. ,   French FAP Network (CORNAMYL) Study Group
Published: October 2018

Background and purposeThe aim is to describe an uncommon phenotype of hereditary ATTR neuropathy with upper limb onset.MethodsThe French TTR Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy database was used for a retrospective evaluation of 32 consecutive patients with upper limb onset of the neuropathy (study group) and they were compared to 31 Portuguese early‐onset patients and 99 late‐onset patients without upper limb onset.ResultsInitial upper limb symptoms were mostly sensory. Lower limb symptoms began 2.3 ± 3 years after upper limb symptoms. Twenty‐four (75%) patients were initially misdiagnosed, with 15 different diagnoses. More patients in the study group had a Neuropathy Impairment Score upper limb/lower limb ratio > 1 compared to the late‐onset patient group. The study group had significantly more pronounced axonal loss in the median and ulnar motor nerves and the ulnar sensory and sural nerves. On radial nerve biopsies (n = 11), epineurial vessels were abnormal in six cases, including amyloid deposits in vessel walls (3/11), with vessel occlusion in two cases.ConclusionUpper limb onset of hereditary ATTR neuropathy is not rare in non‐endemic areas. It is important to propose early TTR sequencing of patients with idiopathic upper limb neuropathies, as specific management and treatment are required.
TTTCA repeat expansion causes familial cortical myoclonic tremor with epilepsy
Authors: Lei X. X. , Liu Q. , Lu Q. , Huang Y. , Zhou X. Q. , Sun H. Y. , Wu L. W. , Cui L. Y. , Zhang X. 
Published: October 2018

Background and purposeThe aim was to investigate whether abnormal TTTTA and TTTCA repeat expansions in introns of SAMD12, TNRC6A and RAPGEF2 are involved in the pathogenesis of familial cortical myoclonic tremor with epilepsy (FCMTE).MethodsFive families diagnosed with FCMTE were included in the current genetic analysis. Whole‐exome sequencing was performed in selected patients of each family. TTTTA and TTTCA expansions were examined by repeat‐primed polymerase chain reaction. The clinical features of FCMTE were elicited as defined by the common genetic mechanism of 14 patients.ResultsAbnormal TTTCA expansion was identified and co‐segregated in all five FCMTE families, four inserted in SAMD12 and one in RAPGEF2. The insertion of expanded TTTCA was not found in 116 control alleles. TTTTA expansion in SAMD12 was detected in 90.9% (10/11) of patients or mutation carriers; TTTTA expansion in RAPGEF2 was not found. The onset age of myoclonic tremor was 27.4 ± 5.9 (19–37) and epilepsy usually presented around age 34. Focal and generalized seizures were witnessed with various origins recorded by electroencephalogram. Cognitive deficits were not common within the first 3 years after epilepsy onset. Emotional instability was reported by most patients. No patients showed any cerebellar deficits. Valproate added with clonazepam is effective in controlling seizures but cannot guarantee a complete remission of tremor. Repeat length showed intergenerational instability and was inversely correlated with age at onset of myoclonic tremor and epilepsy.ConclusionsTTTCA expansion insertion is associated with FCMTE in Chinese families. The homogenous genetic mechanism allowed for a higher precision of FCMTE description.
Insights into the genetic epidemiology of spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy: prevalence estimation and multiple founder haplotypes in the Veneto Italian region
Authors: Bertolin C. , Querin G. , Martinelli I. , Pennuto M. , Pegoraro E. , Sorarù G. 
Published: October 2018

Background and purposeLiterature data on spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) epidemiology are limited and restricted to specific populations. The aim of our study was to accurately collect information about SBMA patients living in the Veneto region in Italy to compute reliable epidemiological data. Androgen receptor (AR) lineages were genotyped to evaluate the presence of a founder effect.MethodsA prevalence survey considering all SBMA patients diagnosed in the Italian Veneto region on 31 January 2018 was carried out. The presence of different haplotypes obtained genotyping 15 polymorphic markers (single nucleotide polymorphisms and short tandem repeats) around the AR gene was evaluated.ResultsBased on 68 patients, the punctual prevalence of the disease on 31 January 2018 was 2.58/100 000 (95% confidence interval 1.65–3.35) in the male population. Five different haplotypes were identified, confirming the existence of multiple founder effects. It was also observed that, within the same haplotype, patients had a similar CAG repeat number (P‐value < 0.001).ConclusionsA reliable estimation of SBMA prevalence in the Italian Veneto region was calculated which does not seem to be affected by a strong founder effect. Moreover, our data suggest that the length of the CAG expansion could be preserved in patients harbouring the same haplotype.
Tetracycline, nicotinamide, and lesionally administered clobetasol as a therapeutic option to prednisone in patients with bullous pemphigoid: a comparative, retrospective analysis of 106 patients with long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Kalinska‐Bienias Agnieszka , Kowalczyk Emilia , Jagielski Pawel , Kowalewski Cezary , Wozniak Katarzyna 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundBullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering disease associated with preexisting comorbidities and higher mortality. The interest in using therapy other than oral steroids in BP management results from severe complications and increased risk of death. The efficacy of oral doxycycline or whole‐body application of topical clobetasol has been proven in randomized controlled trials. The case series study suggested that combination of tetracycline, nicotinamide, and lesionally administered clobetasol may also be useful.MethodsWe conducted a clinical 3‐year retrospective study of treatment with tetracycline, nicotinamide, and lesionally administered clobetasol (TNC) in comparison to prednisone (P). Out of 106 patients (mean age 78 ± 9.9 years) with newly diagnosed BP, 59 received tetracycline 1.5 g/daily, nicotinamide 1.2 g/daily, and 0.05% lesionally administered clobetasol cream, and 47 patients – prednisone 0.5 mg/kg daily.ResultsThe median time to disease control was achieved after 7 days in both groups. At 4 weeks, 93.2% of patients treated with TNC and 89.1% from P group achieved disease control. The median period between complete remission and relapse was 60 days in the TNC group and 90 days in the P group (P = 0.84). At least one relapse within 1 year was noted in 32.1% of patients from the TNC group and 50% from the P group (P = 0.09). The 1‐year survival for the TNC and P groups was 83% and 65.9%, respectively (P = 0.04), and the 3‐year survival was 71.2% and 48% (P = 0.019), respectively.ConclusionsTetracycline and nicotinamide combined with lesionally administered clobetasol is an alternative, effective treatment with better survival rates compared to prednisone in BP.
A novel approach to childhood obesity: circulating chemokines and growth factors as biomarkers of insulin resistance
Authors: Rivera P. , Martos‐Moreno G. Á. , Barrios V. , Suárez J. , Pavón F. J. , Chowen J. A. , Rodríguez de Fonseca F. , Argente J. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryBackgroundInsulin resistance (IR) in children with obesity constitutes a risk factor that should be precisely diagnosed to prevent further comorbidities.ObjectiveChemokines were evaluated to identify novel predictors of IR with clinical application.MethodsWe analysed the levels of cytokines (tumour necrosis factor [TNF] α and interleukins [ILs] 1β, 4, 6 and 10), chemokines (stromal cell derived factor 1α, monocyte chemoattract protein [MCP] 1, eotaxin and fractalkine) and growth factors (brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, pro‐fibrotic platelet‐derived growth factor [PDGF‐BB] and insulin‐like growth factor 1) in serum of prepubertal children with obesity (61 girls/59 boys, 50% IR and 50% non‐IR) and 32 controls. Factor analysis, correlation, binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic analysis of combined biomarkers were used to validate their capability for preventive interventions of IR.ResultsChanges in MCP1, eotaxin, IL1β and PDGF‐BB were observed in IR children with obesity. Bivariate correlation between stromal cell derived factor 1α, MCP1, eotaxin, TNFα, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and/or PDGF‐BB explained the high variance (65.9%) defined by three components related to inflammation and growth that contribute towards IR. The combination of leptin, triglyceride/high‐density lipoprotein, insulin‐like growth factor 1, TNFα, MCP1 and PDGF‐BB showed a sensitivity and specificity of 93.2% for the identification of IR. The percentage of correct predictions was 89.6.ConclusionsCombined set of cytokines, adipokines and chemokines constitutes a model that predicts IR, suggesting a potential application in clinical practice as biomarkers to identify children with obesity and hyperinsulinaemia.
Interstitial lung abnormalities in the Queensland Lung Cancer Screening Study: prevalence and progression over 2 years of surveillance
Authors: Mackintosh John A. , Marshall Henry M. , Slaughter Richard , Reddy Taryn , Yang Ian A. , Bowman Rayleen V. , Fong Kwun M. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundWe report the prevalence and progression of incidentally detected interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) in the Queensland Lung Cancer Screening Study cohort.MethodsAbout 256 volunteers aged 60–74, with ≥30 pack years smoking history and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) ≥50% predicted underwent low‐dose computed tomography (CT) chest screening. Electronic search of baseline (T0) and 2‐year follow‐up (T2) CT reports identified candidate cases using Fleischner Society interstitial terminology. Candidate CT were reviewed in a randomised order by two experienced radiologists and a senior respiratory medicine trainee blinded to the existing reports. Scans were evaluated for the presence and extent of ILA using an in‐house score, and graded for progression.ResultsILA were detected in 20/256 baseline cases (7.8%) with no incident cases detected at T2 surveillance imaging. Of these 20 cases, 9 (45%) had reticulation, 18 (90%) had ground glass change, 1 had traction bronchiectasis and 1 had randomly distributed nodularity. Seven cases with ground glass changes also had areas of reticulation, and only two had reticulation alone. All ILA were graded as minor except for traction bronchiectasis, which was moderate. Only one case progressed on T2 imaging. ILA were associated with the presence of auscultatory crackles (50% vs 11.6%, P = 0.001) and a lesser degree of emphysema (mean % volumetric emphysema 6.7% vs 9.8%, P = 0.009). No relationship was observed between baseline and serial lung function parameters.ConclusionILA are frequent incidental findings in lung cancer screening. In the majority of cases these abnormalities do not appear to change significantly over a 2‐year period of surveillance.
Carrier Bidding Behavior in Truckload Spot Auctions
Authors: Scott Alex 
Published: October 2018

When a shipper urgently needs truckload service, they often utilize the spot market. But despite its importance, little is known about this market. I analyze a longitudinal data set of auctions for spot truckload service where I observe invitations for carriers to bid, whether a bid is placed, and the bid price if one is placed, and augment this with information about the bidding carriers. Drawing upon auction theory, I suggest that a carrier's a priori characteristics (size, market specialization) explain the two primary decisions made in the auctions—whether to bid and how much to bid. I find that brokers, who act as intermediaries between shippers and asset‐based carriers, bid much more frequently and higher than asset‐based carriers. Price indexes show that broker bid prices follow similar patterns, but asset‐based carrier prices do not. The results suggest that an online marketplace linking shippers directly with the thousands of asset‐based carriers could add considerable value to the for‐hire trucking industry, a development which appears to be happening.
Comparison of different schedules of nocturnal home blood pressure measurement using an information/communication technology‐based device in hypertensive patients
Authors: Fujiwara Takeshi , Nishizawa Masafumi , Hoshide Satoshi , Kanegae Hiroshi , Kario Kazuomi 
Published: October 2018

The objective of this study was to test our hypothesis that nocturnal home blood pressure (BP) measurement adapted to the chosen bedtime of participants (measurement at 2, 3, and 4 hour after the chosen bedtime) would be more reliable than measurement at fixed time points (2:00, 3:00, and 4:00 am). Forty‐eight hypertensives were randomized to two groups undergoing two seven‐night measurement phases in a crossover manner and were asked to measure nocturnal home BP for 14 consecutive nights using a validated automatic information/communication technology‐based device. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of systolic BP (SBP) obtained by a single measurement per night over two nights showed lower agreement than those of systolic BP obtained by multiple measurements based on a participant‐specified bedtime (0.539‐0.625 vs 0.675‐0.768) and multiple measurements at fixed times (0.468‐0.505 vs 0.661‐0.790). The ICCs obtained using specific bedtime‐based time points and those obtained using fixed time points showed major agreement when SBP was obtained by multiple measurements. The standard errors of measurement for SBP were similar between the bedtime‐based measurement phase (1.4‐1.7 mm Hg) and the fixed‐time measurement phase (1.2‐1.6 mm Hg). Neither a fixed bias nor a proportional bias was observed between the SBP values measured by the specific bedtime‐based time points and those measured by the fixed‐time measurement phase. In conclusion, the reliability of nocturnal home BP measurement appeared to be similar between nocturnal home BP adapted to the chosen bedtime of participants and that measured at fixed time points.
Retracted: Pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus in hospital food samples; prevalence and antimicrobial resistance properties
Authors: Safarpoor Dehkordi Farhad , Basti Afshin Akhondzadeh , Gandomi Hassan , Misaghi Ali , Rahimi Ebrahim 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe present investigation was done to study the prevalence and antibiotic resistance properties of S. aureus strains isolated from hospitals foods. Four‐hundred and fifty‐seven raw and cooked hospital food samples were collected and transferred to laboratory. Samples were cultured and S. aureus isolates were subjected to disk diffusion method. Forty‐seven out of 457 (10.28%) hospital food samples harbored S. aureus. Chicken meat (27.02%), meat barbecue (16.12%) and salad (7.14%) were the most commonly contaminated samples. S. aureus strains exhibited the highest levels of resistance against penicillin (70.21%), tetracycline (59.57%) and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (51.06%). Prevalence of resistance against ceftaroline (25.53%) and chloramphenicol (27.65%) were low. High prevalence of S. aureus in raw and cooked hospital food samples showed insufficiency of cooking time and temperature in the kitchens of hospitals as well as lack of personal hygiene. Further studies are essential to assess other microbiological and epidemiological aspects of the S. aureus.Practical applicationsDue to the general weakness of hospitalized patients, hospital food samples should have a high microbial quality. Staphylococcus aureus is common foodborne bacteria with an emergence of antibiotic resistance. This study emphasizes the importance of multidrug resistant S. aureus in hospital food sample. Results represented that hospital food samples may act as a reservoir of S. aureus with ability to transfer antibiotic resistance.
Autologous pure platelet‐rich plasma injections for facial skin rejuvenation: Biometric instrumental evaluations and patient‐reported outcomes to support antiaging effects
Authors: Everts Peter A , Pinto Pedro Contreiras , Girão Leonor 
Published: October 2018

SummaryBackgroundDuring skin aging, a degeneration of connective tissue and decrease in hyaluronic acid polymers occur. Since platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) contains growth factors and various cytokines, it was hypothesized that it could play a role in fibroblast activation and type I collagen expression in human fibroblasts.ObjectivesThis study was performed to assess the efficacy of autologous PRP injections for facial skin rejuvenation, measured by biometric instrumental evaluations and patient‐reported outcomes.Patients and MethodsPatients signed an informed consent form. The EmCyte PurePRP® system technology was used to produce neutrophil‐poor PurePRP. The efficacy of the procedures was assessed by biometric parameters, and a patient outcome a self‐assessment questionnaire on each visit and at 6‐month follow‐up.ResultsEleven volunteers were included in the study, receiving 3 PurePRP® treatments. A significant decrease in brown spot counts and area (P < 0.05) was seen after 3 months. Wrinkle count and volume were significantly reduced (P < 0.05 for total wrinkle appearance). Skin firmness parameters were significantly improved. Skin redness was significantly improved after 169 days post‐therapy for both the nasolabial and malar areas. A decrease in SLEB thickness was already noted at 2 months after the first injection, with an increase in SLEB density (P < 0.05 for both parameters), without affecting subcutaneous fat thickness. Self‐assessment at 6‐month follow‐up revealed an average satisfaction score of >90%.ConclusionsA series of 3 PurePRP injections at 6‐month follow‐up resulted in significant skin rejuvenation as demonstrated by biometric parameters and confirmed by patient self‐assessment score.
Early Implant Failure Associated With Patient Factors, Surgical Manipulations, and Systemic Conditions
Authors: Carr Alan B. , Arwani Noura , Lohse Christine M. , Gonzalez Ricardo L. Vidal , Muller Olivia M. , Salinas Thomas J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPurposeSystematic monitoring of important clinical outcomes is increasingly important for health‐care decision making, especially in the context of continuous quality improvement. Dental implant failure within the first year (early failure) has been previously shown to be more common than subsequent failure. The purpose of this study was to identify associations between early implant failure and patient factors, surgical manipulations, and systemic conditions.Materials and MethodsThe authors retrospectively identified the records of consecutive adult patients with dental implants seen between 2000 and 2014 in the Department of Dental Specialties, at the Mayo Clinic. Demographic, surgical, and medical data were extracted from the database and individual medical records to determine time to first implant failure. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess associations of demographic, surgical, and systemic conditions with implant failure during the first year post‐implantation, summarized as hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval [CI]).ResultsAmong 8540 implants identified during the study period, 362 (4.2%) failed within the first year of placement at a mean (SD) of 129 (96) days after placement. On univariate analysis, most candidate predictors were not shown to influence first‐year failure. Preplacement surgical manipulations associated with increased early implant failure were bone augmentation only (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.02‐2.05; p = 0.04), socket preservation (HR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.33‐5.38; p = 0.006), and xenogenic material (HR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.11‐4.04; p = 0.02). Alveoloplasty only at placement was associated with decreased early implant failure (HR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.17‐0.65; p = 0.001). Overall, 318 implants (3.7%) had surgical complications within the first year of placement at a mean (SD) of 110 (114) days after placement; any surgical complication was significantly associated with early implant failure (hazard ratio, 15.84; 95% CI, 11.10‐22.61; p < 0.001). After adjustment for age, sex, and implant era, no single or multiple medical condition(s) and no single or multiple medication(s) increased patient risk of implant failure in the first year after placement.ConclusionsThese findings support a targeted effort to reduce the incidence of surgical complications to reduce early failure of dental implants.
The Acquisition of Conventional Expressions as a Pragmalinguistic Resource in Chinese as a Foreign Language
Authors: BARDOVI–HARLIG KATHLEEN , SU YUNWEN 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis study investigates the role of proficiency in the acquisition of conventional expressions as a pragmalinguistic resource in second‐language (L2) Chinese. One hundred and four undergraduates, including 57 learners of Chinese as a foreign language at 3 levels of university instruction and 47 native speakers completed an aural–oral discourse completion task presented in Chinese. Native‐speaker responses show that there are conventional expressions associated with specific situations and learner responses show that learners are increasingly able to produce the expressions as proficiency increases. En route to mastering the conventional expressions, learners develop sociopragmatic competence that allows them to produce the same speech‐act and content as native speakers in the same situations, thus creating contexts for the conventional expressions. Interlanguage analysis of learner production also reveals that learners attempt the pragmatically conventional expressions prior to full mastery, using key words of the expressions called lexical cores.