bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between atherosclerosis and handgrip strength in non‐hypertensive populations in India and Japan
Authors: Yamanashi Hirotomo , Kulkarni Bharati , Edwards Tansy , Kinra Sanjay , Koyamatsu Jun , Nagayoshi Mako , Shimizu Yuji , Maeda Takahiro , Cox Sharon E 
Published: March 2018

AimAlthough several risk factors contribute to the development of sarcopenia, whether preclinical atherosclerosis contributes to the risk of sarcopenia is not established. The present cross‐sectional study aimed to investigate if there is an association between preclinical atherosclerosis and muscle strength among two ethnic populations.MethodsParticipants included individuals aged ≥40 years and enrolled in the third follow‐up examination of the Andhra Pradesh Children and Parents Study, India, and in the baseline assessments of the Nagasaki Islands Study, Japan. Preclinical atherosclerosis was evaluated by carotid intima‐media thickness, brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity, cardio‐ankle vascular index. The association of carotid intima‐media thickness and pulse wave velocity/cardio‐ankle vascular index with handgrip strength (HGS) was analyzed separately in the sexes and for hypertensive status from the two cohorts using a multivariable linear regression model.ResultsData on a total of 1501 participants in India and 3136 participants in Japan were analyzed. Carotid intima‐media thickness was negatively associated with HGS in non‐hypertensive Indian men (B coefficient = −5.38, P = 0.036). Arterial stiffness was also associated with HGS in non‐hypertensive Indian men (B = −0.97, P = 0.001), but not in hypertensive Indian men. Same as Indian men, we found the significant associations between arterial stiffness and HGS in non‐hypertensive women in both India and Japan (B = −0.44, P = 0.020, B = −0.63, P = 0.016, respectively), but not in hypertensive women.ConclusionsThe negative association between preclinical atherosclerosis and HGS was dominantly found in non‐hypertensive participants. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1071–1078.
Clinical experience with moroctocog alfa (AF‐CC) in younger paediatric patients with severe haemophilia A: Two open‐label studies
Authors: Rusen L. , Kavakli K. , Korth‐Bradley J. , Huard F. , Rendo P. , Fuiman J. , Baumann J. A. , Smith L. , Alvey C. , Rupon J. 
Published: March 2018

IntroductionThe pharmacokinetics (PK), efficacy and safety of moroctocog alfa (AF‐CC) have been demonstrated in haemophilia A patients aged ≥6 years.AimThese studies aimed to further describe moroctocog alfa (AF‐CC) experience in paediatric patients (<12 years) with severe haemophilia A (FVIII:C < 1%).MethodsTwo prospective, open‐label studies enrolled patients aged <12 years: one study with 37 previously treated patients (PTPs) and another with 23 previously untreated patients (PUPs). All patients initially received 50 IU/kg of moroctocog alfa (AF‐CC) to evaluate either recovery alone, or with other PK parameters (6 to <12 years) before continuing treatment for 100 exposure days (EDs) or 24 months.ResultsAt baseline, mean (±SD) recovery ranged between 1.32 ± 0.65 (PUPs aged <2 years) and 2.13 ± 0.82 (PTPs aged 6 to <12 years). The mean (±SD) half‐life was 9.12 ± 1.94 hours in PTPs aged 6 to <12 years. No new safety signals were detected in either study, 2 transient lower titre inhibitors occurred in PTPs while 8 inhibitors (3 low and 5 high titre) were detected in PUPs. Most bleeding episodes resolved with one infusion (94% [893/954]). The annualised bleeding rate (ABR) in the PTP study was 27.5 and 4.2 for patients reporting an on‐demand and routine prophylaxis regimen at baseline, respectively. In the PUP study, the overall ABR was 5.9.ConclusionMoroctocog alfa (AF‐CC) had expected PK findings (lower recovery in young children compared with older children) along with being safe and efficacious in a population of young severe haemophilia A patients.
Th‐17 response and antimicrobial peptide expression are uniformly expressed in gastric mucosa of Helicobacter pylori‐infected patients independently of their clinical outcomes
Authors: Cremniter Julie , Bodet Charles , Tougeron David , Dray Xavier , Guilhot Joëlle , Jégou Jean‐François , Morel Franck , Lecron Jean‐Claude , Silvain Christine , Burucoa Christophe 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe pathological determinism of H. pylori infection is explained by complex interplay between bacterial virulence and host inflammatory response. In a large prospective multicenter clinical study, Th17 response, expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), cagA and vacA status, and bacterial density were investigated in the gastric mucosa of H. pylori ‐infected patients.Materials and methodsGastric inflammatory response was analyzed by RT‐qPCR for quantification of Th17 cytokines (IL‐17A, IL‐22), CXCL‐8, and AMPs (BD2 and S100A9) mRNA levels in gastric biopsies. Detection and genotyping of H. pylori strains were achieved by bacterial culture and PCR.ResultsAmong 787 patients screened for H. pylori, 269 were analyzed (147 H. pylori ‐infected and 122 uninfected patients). In H. pylori ‐infected patients, distribution was 83 gastritis, 12 duodenal ulcers, 5 gastric ulcers, and 47 precancerous and cancerous lesions. CXCL‐8, IL‐17A, BD2, and S100A9 mRNA levels were significantly increased in H. pylori ‐infected patients but, surprisingly, IL‐22 was not, and no difference was shown between H. pylori ‐related diseases. A positive correlation was identified between S100A9 expression and bacterial density. Although expression of the virulence genes cagA and vacA did not impact inflammatory response, patients infected with a cagA‐positive strain were associated with severe H. pylori ‐related diseases.ConclusionThis study showed that CXCL‐8, IL‐17A, and AMPs are not differently expressed according to the various H. pylori ‐related diseases. The clinical outcome determinism of H. pylori infection is most likely not driven by gastric inflammation but rather tends to mainly influenced by bacterial virulence factors.
Effects of early motivational interviewing on post‐stroke depressive symptoms: A pilot randomized study of the Good Mood Intervention program
Authors: Kerr Debra , McCann Terence , Mackey Elizabeth , Wijeratne Tissa 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimsThe aim of this pilot randomized study was to investigate the feasibility of early motivational interviewing, for reducing mood after acute stroke.BackgroundDepression is a frequent consequence of stroke that can adversely affect recovery.MethodsDesignPilot randomized study. Intervention group patients received 3, individual motivational interviewing sessions by nurses or social workers prior to hospital discharge.ParticipantsAdult patients with acute stroke during 2013 to 2014.BlindingResearch assistant who collected data was blind to group assignment.OutcomesData were collected at 3 time points: baseline, 1‐month, and 3‐month follow‐up. Outcome measures (anxiety, depression, quality of life) were analysed by descriptive statistics.ResultsForty‐eight patients were enrolled, and 79% retention was achieved at 3 months. Eight participants withdrew (16.7%), and 2 were unable to participate (death: 2.1% and new onset aphasia: 2.1%), leaving 38 participants in the final cohort (Intervention: N = 18, Control: N = 20). Anxiety, depression, and quality of life measures did not alter significantly in the study period.ConclusionsCarefully designed studies are required to investigate the effectiveness of early motivational interviewing for improving mood after stroke. The therapy can be administered by nurses, but significant resources are required in terms of training and fidelity.
Requirement of Leptinotarsa decemlineata gene within the 74EF puff for larval–pupal metamorphosis and appendage growth
Authors: Xu Q.‐Y. , Meng Q.‐W. , Deng P. , Fu K.‐Y. , Guo W.‐C. , Li G.‐Q. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTwo Drosophila melanogaster E‐twenty‐six domain transcription factor isoforms (E74A and E74B) act differentially at the start of the 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) signalling cascade to regulate larval–pupal metamorphosis. In the present paper, we identified the two isoforms (LdE74A and LdE74B) in Leptinotarsa decemlineata. During the larval development stage, the mRNA transcript levels of the two LdE74 isoforms were correlated with circulating 20E titres. In vitro midgut culture and in vivo dietary supplementation with 20E revealed that the presence of 20E induced expression peaks of both LdE74A and LdE74B, with similar patterns observed for the two isoforms. Moreover, the mRNA transcript levels of both LdE74A and LdE74B isoforms were significantly downregulated in the L. decemlineata ecdysone receptor RNA interference (RNAi) specimens, but not in the LdE75 RNAi beetles. Ingestion of 20E reduced the larval fresh weights and shortened the larval development period, irrespective of knockdown of LdE74 or not. RNAi of LdE74 did not affect 20E‐induced expression of the Ecdysone induced protein 75‐hormone receptor 3‐fushi tarazu factor 1 (E75‐HR3‐FTZ‐F1) transcriptional cascade. Thus, it seems that LdE74 mediates 20E signalling independent of the E75‐HR3‐FTZ‐F1 transcriptional cascade. Furthermore, silencing of both LdE74 isoforms caused failure of ecdysis. Most of the LdE74 RNAi beetles remained as prepupae. The LdE74 RNAi prepupae exhibited adult character‐like forms underneath after removal of the apolysed larval cuticle. Their appendages such as antennae, legs and wings were shorter than those of control larvae. Only a few LdE74 RNAi larvae finally became deformed pupae, with shortened antennae and legs. Therefore, LdE74 is required for larval–pupal metamorphosis and appendage growth in L. decemlineata.
Good social skills despite poor theory of mind: exploring compensation in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Livingston Lucy Anne , Colvert Emma ,   the Social Relationships Study Team, Bolton Patrick , Happé Francesca 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundIt is proposed that some individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can ‘compensate’ for their underlying difficulties (e.g. in theory of mind; ToM), thus demonstrating relatively few behavioural symptoms, despite continued core cognitive deficits. The mechanisms underpinning compensation are largely unexplored, as is its potential impact on mental health. This study aimed to estimate compensation patterns in ASD, by contrasting overt social behaviour with ToM task performance, in order to compare the characteristics of ‘Low’ and ‘High’ Compensators.MethodsA total of 136 autistic adolescents, from the ongoing Social Relationships Study, completed a range of cognitive tasks, the Autistic Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and a self‐report anxiety questionnaire. Participants were assigned compensation group status; High Compensators demonstrated good ADOS scores despite poor ToM performance, while Low Compensators demonstrated similarly poor ToM, accompanied by poor ADOS scores.ResultsHigh Compensators demonstrated better IQ and executive function (EF), but greater self‐reported anxiety, compared with Low Compensators. Such differences were not found when comparing individuals who had good versus poor ADOS scores, when ToM performance was good. Other core autistic characteristics (weak central coherence, nonsocial symptoms) did not differentiate the High and Low Compensators.ConclusionsIQ, EF and anxiety appear to be implicated in the processes by which certain autistic young people can compensate for their underlying ToM difficulties. This tendency to compensate does not appear to reflect the severity of ‘hit’ for ASD per se, suggesting that well‐compensated individuals are not experiencing a milder form of ASD. The construct of compensation in ASD has implications for research and clinical practice.
Dietary docosahexaenoic acid supplementation enhances expression of fatty acid‐binding protein 5 at the blood–brain barrier and brain docosahexaenoic acid levels
Authors: Pan Yijun , Morris Elonie R. , Scanlon Martin J. , Marriott Philip J. , Porter Christopher J. H. , Nicolazzo Joseph A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe cytoplasmic trafficking of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a cognitively beneficial fatty acid, across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is governed by fatty acid‐binding protein 5 (FABP5). Lower levels of brain DHA have been observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is associated with diminished BBB expression of FABP5. Therefore, up‐regulating FABP5 expression at the BBB may be a novel approach for enhancing BBB transport of DHA in AD. DHA supplementation has been shown to be beneficial in various mouse models of AD, and therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether DHA has the potential to up‐regulate the BBB expression of FABP5, thereby enhancing its own uptake into the brain. Treating human brain microvascular brain endothelial (hCMEC/D3) cells with the maximum tolerable concentration of DHA (12.5 μM) for 72 h resulted in a 1.4‐fold increase in FABP5 protein expression. Associated with this was increased expression of fatty acid transport proteins 1 and 4. To study the impact of dietary DHA supplementation, 6‐ to 8‐week‐old C57BL/6 mice were fed with a control diet or a DHA‐enriched diet for 21 days. Brain microvascular FABP5 protein expression was up‐regulated 1.7‐fold in mice fed the DHA‐enriched diet, and this was associated with increased brain DHA levels (1.3‐fold). Despite an increase in brain DHA levels, reduced BBB transport of 14C‐DHA was observed over a 1 min perfusion, possibly as a result of competitive binding to FABP5 between dietary DHA and 14C‐DHA. This study has demonstrated that DHA can increase BBB expression of FABP5, as well as fatty acid transporters, overall increasing brain DHA levels.
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Retinal histogenesis in an altricial avian species, the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata,Vieillot 1817)
Authors: Álvarez‐Hernán Guadalupe , Sánchez‐Resino Elena , Hernández‐Núñez Ismael , Marzal Alfonso , Rodríguez‐León Joaquín , Martín‐Partido Gervasio , Francisco‐Morcillo Javier 
Published: March 2018

AbstractComparative developmental studies have shown that the retina of altricial fish and mammals is incompletely developed at birth, and that, during the first days of life, maturation proceeds rapidly. In contrast, precocial fish and mammals are born with fully differentiated retinas. Concerning birds, knowledge about retinal development is generally restricted to a single order of precocial birds, Galliformes, due to the fact that both the chicken and the Japanese quail are considered model systems. However, comparison of embryonic pre‐hatchling retinal development between altricial and precocial birds has been poorly explored. The purpose of this study was to examine the morphogenesis and histogenesis of the retina in the altricial zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata, Vieillot 1817) and compare the results with those from previous studies in the precocial chicken. Several maturational features (morphogenesis of the optic vesicle and optic cup, appearance of the first differentiated neurons, the period in which the non‐apical cell divisions are observable, and the emergence of the plexiform layers) were found to occur at later stages in the zebra finch than in the chicken. At hatching, the retina ofT. guttatashowed the typical cytoarchitecture of the mature tissue, although features of immaturity were still observable, such as a ganglion cell layer containing many thick cells, very thin plexiform layers, and poorly developed photoreceptors. Moreover, abundant mitotic activity was detected in the entire retina, even in the regions where the layering was complete. The circumferential marginal zone was very prominent and showed abundant mitotic activity. The partially undifferentiated stage of maturation at hatching makes theT. guttataretina an appropriate model with which to study avian postnatal retinal neurogenesis.
Calcaneal adduction and eversion are coupled to talus and tibial rotation
Authors: Fischer Katina Mira , Willwacher Steffen , Arndt Anton , Brüggemann Gert‐Peter 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to quantify isolated coupling mechanisms of calcaneal adduction/abduction and calcaneal eversion/inversion to proximal bones in vitro. The in vitro approach is necessary because in vivo both movements appear together, making it impossible to determine the extent of their individual contribution to overall ankle joint coupling. Eight fresh frozen foot‐leg specimens were tested. Data describing bone orientation and coupling mechanisms between segments were obtained using bone pin marker triads. The bone movement was described in a global coordinate system to examine the coupling between the calcaneus, talus and tibia. The strength of coupling was determined by means of the slope of a linear least squares fit to an angle–angle plot. The coupling coefficients in the present study indicate that not only calcaneal eversion/inversion (coupling coefficient: 0.68 ± 0.15) but to an even greater extent calcaneal adduction/abduction (coupling coefficient: 0.99 ± 0.10) was transferred into talus and tibial rotation, highlighting the relevance of calcaneal adduction for the overall ankle joint coupling. The results of this study present the possibility that controlling calcaneal adduction/abduction can affect talus and tibial rotation and therefore the possible genesis of overuse knee injuries.
Long‐term safety and effectiveness of brexpiprazole in Japanese patients with schizophrenia: A 52‐week, open‐label study
Authors: Ishigooka Jun , Iwashita Shuichi , Tadori Yoshihiro 
Published: March 2018

AimThis study assessed the long‐term safety, tolerability, and maintenance of the therapeutic effect of brexpiprazole in Japanese patients with schizophrenia.MethodsThis 52‐week, open‐label, flexible‐dose (1–4 mg/day) study included patients with schizophrenia who continued treatment from a short‐term randomized placebo‐controlled fixed‐dose (1, 2, or 4 mg/day) trial and de novo patients who switched from other antipsychotics.ResultsA total of 282 patients (184 de novo and 98 rolled over from short‐term trial) entered the 52‐week treatment with brexpiprazole, and 150 (53.2%) patients completed the week‐52 assessment. Treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAE) were experienced by 235/281 patients (83.6%), and TEAE reported by ≥10% of all patients were nasopharyngitis (23.1%) and worsening of schizophrenia (22.4%). During the study, most of the TEAE were mild or moderate in severity, and there were no deaths, and no clinically meaningful mean changes in laboratory values, vital signs, or electrocardiogram parameters. Mean scores for the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total and Clinical Global Impression–Severity remained stable until week 52.ConclusionBrexpiprazole was generally safe and well tolerated and maintained therapeutic effects in the long‐term treatment of Japanese patients with schizophrenia.
Altered gray matter volume and disrupted functional connectivity of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in men with heroin dependence
Authors: Lin Huang‐Chi , Wang Peng‐Wei , Wu Hung‐Chi , Ko Chih‐Hung , Yang Yi‐Hsin , Yen Cheng‐Fang 
Published: March 2018

AimChronic heroin use can cause various neuropathological characteristics that may compromise brain function. The present study evaluated the alteration of gray matter volume (GMV) and its resting‐state functional connectivity (rsFC) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) among male heroin users.MethodsThirty heroin‐dependent men undergoing methadone maintenance therapy and 30 educational‐level‐ and age‐matched male controls were recruited for this study. To assess their GMV and rsFC, the participants were evaluated using spoiled gradient echo and gradient‐recalled echo planar imaging sequences with a 3‐Tesla General Electric MR scanner under resting state.ResultsThe heroin‐dependent men showed lower GMV over the right DLPFC in comparison with the controls. Further evaluation of the rsFC of the right DLPFC revealed a marked decrease in interhemispheric DLPFC connectivity among those with heroin dependence under control of head movement and GMV of the right DLPFC.ConclusionAlthough the mechanism remains unclear, the present study shows that chronic heroin use is associated with alteration of morphology as well as rsFC over the right DLPFC. As the DLPFC plays an imperative role in various domains of cognitive function, service providers for heroin users should consider the impacts of possible DLPFC‐related cognitive deficits on treatment effectiveness.
Angiomatoid and desmoplastic Spitz nevus presenting as a keloidal nodule
Authors: Yu JiaDe , Jen Melinda V. , Yan Albert C. , Elenitsas Rosalie , Rubin Adam I. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAngiomatoid and desmoplastic Spitz nevi are rare histologic variants of Spitz nevi that present most frequently on the extremities of children and young adults. Although Spitz nevi are clinically heterogeneous, one presenting as a keloidal nodule has not been previously published. We present a case of an angiomatoid and desmoplastic Spitz nevus clinically akin to a keloid on an African‐American teenager and describe its unique histopathologic features.
Topical N‐acetylcysteine in ichthyosis: Experience in 18 patients
Authors: Kaplan Laura , Castelo‐Soccio Leslie 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe treatment options for ichthyosis are limited. Successful treatment with topical N‐acetylcysteine has been reported in a small number of patients, with generally good results. We report the finding of a retrospective chart review of 18 patients treated with N‐acetylcysteine. Although topical N‐acetylcysteine is an effective therapy for some patients with ichthyosis, problems with irritation, objectionable odor, and compounding costs limit its use.
Generalized lymphatic anomaly successfully treated with long‐term, low‐dose sirolimus
Authors: Dvorakova Veronika , Rea David , O'Regan Grainne M. , Irvine Alan D. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractGeneralized lymphatic anomaly is a rare, complex, lymphatic anomaly generally involving soft tissues, spleen, and bones. It can lead to focal skeletal fragility and pathologic effusions. A recent prospective trial of sirolimus for complicated vascular anomalies showed partial response in seven patients with generalized lymphatic anomaly treated with sirolimus with a target trough level of 10‐15 ng/mL for 1 year (Adams et al). We describe successful treatment of generalized lymphatic anomaly with a lower‐dose, long‐term course of sirolimus.
Tularemia‐induced erythema multiforme minor in an 11‐year‐old girl
Authors: Coates Sarah J. , Briggs Benjamin , Cordoro Kelly M. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTularemia is a rare and potentially life‐threatening infection caused by the highly infectious gram‐negative coccobacillus Francisella tularensis. We present the case of an 11‐year old girl who presented with erythema multiforme minor in the setting of an indolent but progressive soft tissue infection and was found to have tularemia. We review the role of dermatologists in identifying the features of and complications associated with this rare zoonosis and discuss the potential effect of climate change on its incidence.