bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and tolerability of duloxetine in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Chen Li , Gong Min , Liu Guoming , Xing Fei , Liu Jiaxin , Xiang Zhou 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundKnee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common joint diseases, and pharmacotherapy is necessary to control its symptoms.AimTo evaluate efficacy and tolerability of duloxetine in patients with knee OA.MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched to identify randomised controlled trials comparing duloxetine with placebo for knee OA. Data including pain, stiffness, physical function, and adverse events were extracted for meta‐analysis. The protocol was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018097110).ResultsData from six randomised controlled trials including 2059 participants were pooled. Duloxetine achieved significant reductions in primary outcomes including Brief Pain Inventory 24‐h average pain score (weighted mean difference (WMD) = −0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.92 to −0.57), weekly mean of the 24‐h average pain score (WMD = −0.76, 95% CI = −0.96 to −0.56), WOMAC stiffness score (WMD = −0.47, 95% CI = −0.60 to −0.34) and WOMAC physical function score (WMD = −4.44, 95% CI = −5.24 to −3.64). Furthermore, duloxetine demonstrated a higher number of treatment‐emergent adverse events (risk ratio (RR) = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.20–1.44) and discontinuations (RR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.63–3.12); however, no difference in serious adverse events (RR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.40–2.11) was observed.ConclusionDuloxetine is effective in the management of chronic pain and loss of physical function in knee OA with acceptable adverse events despite having no advantage in treating joint stiffness. Future trials should focus on determining the optimal treatment regimen.
Cardiovascular and affective responses to speech and anger: Proactive benefits of a single brief session of mindfulness meditation
Authors: Johnson Kayla T. , Merritt Marcellus M. , Zawadzki Matthew J. , Di Paolo Michelle R. , Ayazi Maryam 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPurposeThis pilot study evaluated whether a brief, 5‐min single‐session of mindfulness meditation (MM) training could lessen cardiovascular and affective reactivity to speech and anger recall. Moreover, we tested if trait levels of perseverative cognitions (PCs) moderated these relationships.MethodsParticipants completed online survey measures including PCs; thereafter, they completed a 5‐min resting baseline, 2‐min speech task, and 5‐min anger recall task while measures of BP were collected. The experimental group received a 5‐min MM training session before the resting baseline period.ResultsRepeated measures ANOVA were conducted for condition (MM vs. control) and period (repeated: baseline, speech, anger recall) on blood pressure (BP). The MM group showed less systolic and diastolic BP reactivity during speech and anger recall than the control group. There were no effects observed for negative affect nor did PCs moderate the BP findings.ConclusionThus, even 5 min of MM training can have momentary cardiovascular benefits, having important implications for the training and implementation of MM programs.
Role of Jagged1/STAT3 signalling in platinum‐resistant ovarian cancer
Authors: Yang Jiang , Xing Hui , Lu Danhua , Wang Jun , Li Bingshu , Tang Jianming , Gu Fengqin , Hong Li 
Published: April 2019

AbstractJagged1, the essential ligand of the Notch signalling pathway, is highly expressed in metastatic prostate cancer, and its high expression in breast cancer is linked to poor survival rates. However, the mechanism of Jagged1′s involvement in platinum‐resistant ovarian cancer has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the roles of Jagged1 in the platinum resistance of ovarian cancer and its possible mechanisms. Compared with a platinum responsive group of ovarian epithelial cell carcinomas, we found the positive staining intensity of Notch1, Notch2, Jagged1, STAT3 and Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) proteins were lower in a platinum‐resistant group. The DDP‐resistant ovarian cancer cell line (C13K) had a higher IC50 of DDP than its parental cell line (OV2008) (P < 0.05) and acquired an EMT phenotype and invasive characteristics. Inhibiting or knockdown of Jagged1 expression could not only reduce its capacity of migration and invasion but also reverse EMT and down‐regulate the expression of serine 727‐phosphorylated STAT3 (pS727) at the protein level but not total STAT3 or tyrosine 705‐phosphorylated STAT3 (pY705) in C13K cells. Furthermore, it was found that crosstalk between the Jagged1/Notch and JAK/STAT3 signalling pathways were involved in Jagged1‐promoting EMT in C13K cells. Experiments in vivo showed a reduced micrometastatic tumour burden in the lung, liver and spleen of mice implanted with C13K cells with knocked‐down Jagged1 compared with mice implanted with control cells. All of these results demonstrate that Jagged1 can crosstalk with the JAK/STAT3 pathway, and they all cooperate to promote the aberrant occurrence of EMT, further reinforcing the abilities of invasion and migration of platinum‐resistant ovarian cancer in vivo and in vitro.
Periodontitis as the risk factor of chronic kidney disease: Mediation analysis
Authors: Lertpimonchai Attawood , Rattanasiri Sasivimol , Tamsailom Suphot , Champaiboon Chantrakorn , Ingsathit Atiporn , Kitiyakara Chagriya , Limpianunchai Anusorn , Attia John , Sritara Piyamitr , Thakkinstian Ammarin 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimTo determine sequences and magnitude of causality among periodontitis, diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) by mediation analysis.MethodsTen‐year‐data were retrieved from the Electric Generation Authority of Thailand (EGAT) study. A cohort of 2,635 subjects was identified with no CKD at baseline. The interested outcome was CKD incidence defined as glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2. The percentage of proximal sites with clinical attachment loss ≥5 mm was used to represent periodontitis. Mediation analysis with 1,000‐replication bootstrapping was applied to two causal diagrams, diagram A (Periodontitis → Diabetes → CKD) and diagram B (Diabetes → Periodontitis → CKD).ResultsThe cumulative incidence of CKD was 10.3 cases per 100 persons during 10‐year period. In diagram A, each increasing percentage of proximal sites with severe periodontitis increased the adjusted odds ratio of CKD 1.010 (95% CI: 1.005, 1.015) and 1.007 (95% CI: 1.004, 1.013), by direct and indirect effect through diabetes, respectively. In diagram B, diabetes increased the odds of CKD twofold, with 6.5% of this effect mediated via periodontitis.ConclusionsPeriodontitis had significant direct effect, and indirect effect through diabetes, on the incidence of CKD. Awareness about systemic morbidities from periodontitis should be emphasized.
Tax Evasion, Investment Shocks, and the Consumption Puzzle: A DSGE Analysis with Financial Frictions
Authors: CHIARINI BRUNO , FERRARA MARIA , MARZANO ELISABETTA 
Published: April 2019

AbstractRecent studies identify Marginal Efficiency of Investment (MEI) shocks as important drivers of the business cycle. However, Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) models struggle to explain macroeconomic comovements between consumption and the key real variables after a MEI shock. Moreover, engaging in tax evasion practices is often an answer to financial constraints, which have been recognized as important determinants of cyclical fluctuations as well. We use a medium‐scale New Keynesian DSGE model, that combines tax evasion with financial frictions, to simulate a MEI shock. We show that entrepreneurial tax evasion can solve the comovement problem to a fair extent.
Speckle tracking echocardiography in cats with preclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Spalla Ilaria , Boswood Adrian , Connolly David J. , Luis Fuentes Virginia 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundCats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have decreased left ventricular (LV) longitudinal deformation detected by mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) and speckle tracking echocardiography. People with preclinical HCM have decreased systolic LV longitudinal and radial strain (S) and strain rate (SR), with preserved circumferential S and SR.Hypothesis/ObjectivesCats with preclinical HCM have decreased systolic LV deformation compared to normal cats.AnimalsSeventy‐three client‐owned cats with (n = 37) and without (n = 36) preclinical HCM.MethodsRetrospective echocardiographic study. Left and right ventricular longitudinal S and SR, LV radial and circumferential S and SR were calculated by STE. Left ventricular mass was also calculated. Correlation between STE variables and LV hypertrophy was determined and receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted for prediction of HCM.ResultsCats with HCM had smaller absolute longitudinal S (−14.8 ± 3.3% vs −19.7 ± 2.7%, P < .001), longitudinal SR (−2.36 ± 0.62 vs −2.95 ± 0.68 second−1, P < .001), radial S (46.2 ± 21.3% vs 66.7 ± 17.6%, P < .001), and radial SR (5.60 ± 2.08 vs 6.67 ± 1.8 second−1, P < .001) compared to healthy controls. No difference was observed for circumferential S and SR. Cats with HCM had greater LV mass (13.2 ± 3.7 g vs 8.6 ± 2.7 g, P < .001). The ROC with the greatest area under the curve (AUC) for the identification of HCM (0.974) was plotted from a logistic regression equation combining LV mass, MAPSE at the free wall, and LV internal diameter in diastole (LVIDd).Conclusions and clinical importanceCats with preclinical HCM have decreased long axis and radial deformation. Decreased longitudinal deformation and decreased LVIDd are factors that would support a diagnosis of HCM.
Hypercontractile esophageal motility disorder or functional esophageal symptoms and unrelated hypercontractility?
Authors: Bredenoord Albert J. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn this issue of the journal, Mion and coworkers describe 23 patients with dysphagia and/or thoracic pain and hypercontractile esophageal motility disorders who were either treated with botulinum toxin 100 U or underwent a sham procedure. The surprising outcome of the study was that both active botulinum toxin treatment and sham treatment resulted in a significant reduction in symptoms and manometric abnormalities after 3 months, with no difference between the two arms. One can interpret the lack of effect of botulinum toxin over placebo as indicative of the benign natural history of hypercontractile esophageal motility disorders or be convinced that many patients with hypercontractility on manometry actually have functional symptoms not related to the manometric findings, and thus, treatment of hypercontractility is not more effective than placebo. Either way, invasive, irreversible treatments with potential risks for complications seem difficult to justify in these patients.
Doing ‘business as usual’ comes with a cost: evaluating energy cost of maintaining plant intracellular K+ homeostasis under saline conditions
Authors: Rubio Francisco , Nieves‐Cordones Manuel , Horie Tomoaki , Shabala Sergey 
Published: April 2019

SummarySalinization of agricultural lands is a major threat to agriculture. Many different factors affect and determine plant salt tolerance. Nonetheless, there is a consensus on the relevance of maintaining an optimal cytosolic potassium : sodium ion (K+ : Na+) ratio for salinity tolerance in plants. This ratio depends on the operation of plasma membrane and tonoplast transporters. In the present review we focus on some aspects related to the energetic cost of maintaining that K+ : Na+ ratio. One of the factors that affect the cost of the first step of K+ acquisition – root K+ uptake through High Affinity K+ transporter and Arabidopsis K+ transport system 1 transport systems – is the value of the plasma membrane potential of root cells, a parameter that may differ amongst plant species. In addition to its role in nutrition, cytosolic K+ also is important for signalling, and K+ efflux through gated outward‐rectifying K+ and nonselective cation channels can be regarded as a switch to redirect energy towards defence reactions. In maintaining cytosolic K+, the great buffer capacity of the vacuole should be considered. The possible role of high‐affinity K+ transporters (HKT)2s in mediating K+ uptake under saline conditions and the importance of cycling of K+ throughout the plant also are discussed.
The components of adult astigmatism and their age‐related changes
Authors: Rozema Jos J , Hershko Sarah , Tassignon Marie‐José ,   for EVICR.net, Project Gullstrand Study Group
Published: April 2019

AbstractPurposeTo study the corneal and internal astigmatism and the age‐related changes underlying the known refractive shift with‐the‐rule (WTR) towards against‐the‐rule (ATR) astigmatism.MethodsRefractive and corneal biometry data were collected for a total of 1195 healthy Caucasian subjects, recruited by ophthalmological centres across Europe. After conversion of refractive and corneal surface astigmatism to power vectors J0 and J45, the total corneal and internal astigmatism were calculated.ResultsBoth refractive power vectors had leptokurtic distributions with a narrow peak at zero, and a broader, secondary distribution at its base, corresponding to eyes without balanced components. This may be fitted with a bigaussian function (J0: r² = 0.87; J45: r² = 0.98). Statistically significant changes in these distributions are seen with age: for refractive J0 the narrow peak shortens progressively, while the broad peak shifts positive from to negative values, corresponding to increased astigmatism and a shift from with‐the‐rule towards against‐the‐rule. For J45 the narrow peak shortens with age as well, while the broad peak flattens. These changes in refractive J0 result from statistically significant negative shifts in both the corneal and internal components with age (Kruskal‐Wallis, p < 0.05).ConclusionIn young participants corneal and internal astigmatism partially cancel each other out. This balance between both is gradually lost after age 50, leading to larger amounts of refractive astigmatism, as well as a reorientation of the axis. Given the small amplitude of these changes, they are unlikely to have repercussions for long term stability toric cataract or refractive surgery outcomes.
New scholarship in religion and United States empire
Authors: Dougherty Matthew W. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe last few decades have seen an immense expansion in the range of topics included in the field of American religion. The methodologies and overarching narratives of the field have, however, remained more static. Despite the inclusion of racialized minorities, women, and non‐Christians in American religious history, the field has still tended to endorse a liberal integrationist narrative that minimizes the distinct positions of these and other groups in American religious life. New research conducted under the rubric of “religion and U.S. empire” offers one possible way forward for the field by reorienting narratives about American religion toward the study of how colonial systems produce terms such as religion, freedom, and pluralism. This new approach not only foregrounds the stories of colonized peoples but also allows their experiences to reframe how we narrate American religious history. This article discusses the background of the study of empire in U.S. history and religious studies, provides an overview of the main theoretical interventions of works in religion and U.S. empire, and concludes with a discussion of possible future directions for research in this field.
Slip rate of trench‐parallel normal faulting along the Mejillones Fault (Atacama Fault System): Relationships with the northern Chile subduction and implications for seismic hazards
Authors: Ritz Jean‐François , Braucher Régis , Bourlès Didier , Delouis Bertrand , Marquardt Carlos , Lavenu Alain , Philip Hervé , Ortlieb Luc 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe recent tectonics of the arid northern Chile Andean western forearc is characterized by trench‐parallel normal faults within the Atacama Fault System (AFS). Since the 1995‐Mw 8.1 Antofagasta earthquake, the mechanism driving this recent and localized extension is considered to be associated with the seismic cycle within the subduction zone. Analyzing morphotectonic patterns along these faults allows examining the seismic potential associated with the subduction zone. Using field Digital Elevation Models and in situ‐produced cosmogenic10Be, we determined a 0.2 mm/a long‐term slip rate along the Mejillones Fault, one of the most prominent structures within the AFS. This result suggests that the AFS corresponds to slow slip rate faults despite the rapid subduction context. However, the size of coseismic slips observed along the AFS faults suggests that larger subduction earthquakes (Mw > 8.1) may occur episodically in the area.
Epidemiology of viral infections among children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant: Α prospective single‐center study
Authors: Tsoumakas Konstantinos , Giamaiou Konstantina , Goussetis Evgenios , Graphakos Stelios , Kossyvakis Athanasios , Horefti Elina , Mentis Andreas , Elefsiniotis Ioannis , Pavlopoulou Ioanna D. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundViral infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric transplant populations. We analyzed the epidemiology of viral infections in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients, including their incidence, associated risk factors, and outcome.MethodsIn a prospective study from September 2011 to September 2015, blood, urine, and stool specimens were monitored weekly from transplantation to day 100 or after if clinically suspected, by use of real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), BK polyomavirus (BKV), Herpes simplex virus‐1,2, Varicella zoster virus, Human herpes virus‐6,7, and Adenovirus infections were monitored. All children and adolescents who underwent HSCT received long‐term follow up in the regular outpatient clinics (range 2‐48 months).ResultsA total of 192 HSCTs (autologous/allogeneic: 53/139) were performed in 165 subjects (median age: 5.6 years). Viruses most commonly isolated were CMV (46.1%), BKV (25.9%) and EBV (22.6%) and were more frequent in allogeneic versus autologous transplants (P < 0.05). Almost all high‐risk allogeneic recipients developed EBV infections post‐HSCT. EBV‐PTLD was the only cause of death among those who developed viral disease. The factors significantly associated with the development of viral infections were recipient's advanced age, unrelated donor, mismatched graft and use of peripheral blood stem cells grafts.ConclusionsViral infections were common among our pediatric recipients. Data suggest that monitoring of viral load may be significant to the prevention of viral disease. Particular demographic and transplantation characteristics were associated with the development of viral infections post‐HSCT.
Ultrasound‐guided placement of pigtail cystostomy tubes in dogs with urethral obstruction
Authors: Culler Christine A. , Fick Meghan , Vigani Alessio 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundCircumstances such as the inability to pass a retrograde urinary catheter or a lack of surgeon availability may prevent immediate relief of urethral obstruction in dogs. In such situations, a cystostomy tube may be placed with ultrasound guidance to allow urinary diversion until further treatment is possible.Key FindingsA case of a 5‐year‐old male neutered Swiss Mountain dog with an obstructive urolith at the level of the os penis is used to describe the technique. Multiple attempts to pass a urinary catheter under sedation were unsuccessful. A pigtail cystostomy tube was placed with ultrasound guidance to allow urinary diversion. The dog was discharged from the hospital within 2 days after scrotal urethrostomy and the dog made a full recovery. Ultrasound‐guided placement of a pigtail cystostomy tube was straightforward and without complications.SignificanceUltrasound‐guided placement of a pigtail cystostomy tube may be beneficial as it is not technically challenging, can be performed rapidly, and may avoid the need for general anesthesia. Additionally, ultrasound is readily available and an inexperienced ultrasonographer can easily locate the urinary bladder. This report serves to provide a detailed technique of ultrasound‐guided placement of a pigtail cystostomy tube in dogs for emergency urinary diversion.
CT and gross pathology are comparable methods for detecting some degenerative sacroiliac joint lesions in dogs
Authors: Carnevale Michael , Jones Jeryl , Holásková Ida , Sponenberg D. Phillip 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDegenerative sacroiliac joint disease is a cause of lumbosacral pain in dogs; however, published information on cross‐sectional imaging characteristics is limited. Objectives of this retrospective, secondary analysis, methods‐comparison study were to test hypotheses that CT lesions reported in humans with degenerative sacroiliac joint disease are also present in dogs, and that CT is comparable to gross pathology for detecting these lesions. Matched CT and gross pathology slice images of 30 sacroiliac joints were retrieved from a previous prospective, canine cadaver study. A veterinary radiologist interpreted randomized CT images for each joint based on previously published CT characteristics of lesions in humans with degenerative sacroiliac joint disease. A veterinary pathologist independently interpreted randomized gross pathology images using the same criteria. All joints had at least one CT lesion consistent with degenerative sacroiliac joint disease. A new CT lesion was also identified and termed “subarticular cleft.” The CT and gross pathology methods agreed for detecting joints with subchondral sclerosis, subchondral erosion, and intra‐articular ankylosis lesions (P > .05, McNemar's test), but disagreed for detection of joints with subchondral cyst, para‐articular ankylosis, and subarticular cleft lesions (P ≤ .05). Using gross pathology as the reference standard, CT had 100% sensitivity for detection of subarticular cleft and subchondral cyst lesions, with 56% and 22% specificity, respectively. Para‐articular ankylosis lesions were detected by CT but not by gross pathology. Findings supported the hypothesis that CT lesions reported in humans with degenerative sacroiliac joint disease are also present in dogs, and partially supported the hypothesis that CT is comparable to gross pathology for detecting joints with these lesions.