bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Twenty‐five‐year trajectories of insulin resistance and pancreatic β‐cell response and diabetes risk in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: VanWagner Lisa B. , Ning Hongyan , Allen Norrina B. , Siddique Juned , Carson April P. , Bancks Michael P. , Lewis Cora E. , Carr John Jeffrey , Speliotes Elizabeth , Terrault Norah A. , Rinella Mary E. , Vos Miriam B. , Lloyd‐Jones Donald M. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackground & AimsInsulin resistance is a risk marker for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, and a risk factor for liver disease progression. We assessed temporal trajectories of insulin resistance and β‐cell response to serum glucose concentration throughout adulthood and their association with diabetes risk in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease.MethodsThree thousand and sixty participants from Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults, a prospective bi‐racial cohort of adults age 18‐30 years at baseline (1985‐1986; Y0) who completed up to 5 exams over 25 years and had fasting insulin and glucose measurement were included. At Y25 (2010‐2011), non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease was assessed by noncontrast computed tomography after exclusion of other liver fat causes. Latent mixture modelling identified 25‐year trajectories in homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance and β‐cell response homeostatic model assessment‐β.ResultsThree distinct trajectories were identified, separately, for homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (low‐stable [47%]; moderate‐increasing [42%]; and high‐increasing [12%]) and homeostatic model assessment‐β (low‐decreasing [16%]; moderate‐decreasing [63%]; and high‐decreasing [21%]). Y25 non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease prevalence was 24.5%. Among non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, high‐increasing homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (referent: low‐stable) was associated with greater prevalent (OR 95% CI = 8.0, 2.0‐31.9) and incident (OR = 10.5, 2.6‐32.8) diabetes after multivariable adjustment including Y0 or Y25 homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance. In contrast, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease participants with low‐decreasing homeostatic model assessment‐β (referent: high‐decreasing) had the highest odds of prevalent (OR = 14.1, 3.9‐50.9) and incident (OR = 10.3, 2.7‐39.3) diabetes.ConclusionTrajectories of insulin resistance and β‐cell response during young and middle adulthood are robustly associated with diabetes risk in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. Thus, how persons with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease develop resistance to insulin provides important information about risk of diabetes in midlife above and beyond degree of insulin resistance at the time of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease assessment.
Metastasis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: Prevalence, determinants, prognostic impact and ability to improve the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer system
Authors: Hsu Chia‐Yang , Liu Po‐Hong , Ho Shu‐Yein , Huang Yi‐Hsiang , Lee Yun‐Hsuan , Lee Rheun‐Chuan , Nagaria Teddy S. , Hou Ming‐Chih , Huo Teh‐Ia 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackground & AimPatients with hepatocellular carcinoma and metastasis are classified as advanced or terminal stage by the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer system. This study investigates the prevalence, determinants, and prognostic effect of metastasis and its ability to improve the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer system.MethodsA total of 3414 patients were enrolled. The Kaplan‐Meier and Cox regression methods were used to determine survival predictors. Akaike information criterion was used to compare the prognostic performance of staging systems.ResultsThere were 357 (10%) patients having extrahepatic metastasis at the time of diagnosis. Metastases were associated with old age, alcoholism, hepatitis B, poorer liver function, higher α‐foetoprotein level and larger tumour burden (all P < .05). Vascular invasion was associated with metastasis regardless of total tumour volume, and higher α‐foetoprotein level and multiple tumours were associated with metastasis in patients with smaller tumour volume (all P < .05). Patients with both vascular invasion and metastasis had significantly worse outcome compared to patients with either vascular invasion or metastasis (P < .05). In the Cox proportional model, the co‐existence of vascular invasion and metastasis was an independent predictor of decreased survival (P < .05). Re‐allocating 181 Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C patients with both vascular invasion and metastasis into stage D was associated with lower Akaike information criterion, indicating enhanced prognostic power of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer.ConclusionsMetastasis is not uncommon, and is strongly associated with tumoural factors and poor long‐term survival in hepatocellular carcinoma. Modification of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer system based on vascular invasion and metastasis may further improve its predictive accuracy in advanced stage patients.
To salt or not to salt?—That is the question in cirrhosis
Authors: Haberl Julia , Zollner Gernot , Fickert Peter , Stadlbauer Vanessa 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAscites is the most common complication of patients with cirrhosis, resulting from portal hypertension and vasodilatation. It is associated with an increased risk for the development of hyponatraemia and renal failure and has a high mortality rate of 20% per year. The development of ascites represents a baleful sign in the course of disease in cirrhosis. To prevent complications of cirrhosis and improve quality of life, an effective management of ascites is pivotal. Combined salt restriction and diuretic therapy is recommended as first‐line therapy in numerous clinical practice guidelines. In contrast, there has been a debate on whether a strict salt‐restricted diet for cirrhosis patients should be used at all since salt restriction may increase the risk for malnutrition which in turn may negatively impact on quality of life and survival. This review aims to summarize the current pros and cons regarding salt restriction in patients with cirrhosis and proposes the importance of achieving a sodium balance throughout different stages of cirrhosis.
Methods for prophylactic management of West Nile virus using a stage‐structured avian host‐vector model with vaccination, larvicide, and adulticide
Authors: Schaefer Elsa , Caillouët Kevin A. , Robertson Suzanne L. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWest Nile virus (WNV) is a vector‐borne disease spread primarily between birds and mosquitoes. In the United States, the main methods used to control WNV are aimed at lowering the vector population through reducing births (larvicide) or increasing the mortality of adults (adulticide). We investigate the potential of a novel control, vaccination of newborn birds (nestlings). We first apply standard optimal control (OC) methodology to a nonautonomous differential equation model for WNV transmission incorporating avian stage structure and allowing larvicide, adulticide, and nestling vaccination. We convert the continuous OC results to practical advice that accounts for restrictions on the frequency of control application in the field. We then develop an alternative optimization algorithm using genetic algorithms and compare control advice for various budget constraints. We find that vaccination is recommended, provided budgets are sufficiently high, and explore how differences in control efficacy and vector biting rates on host stages affect our results.
Recommendations for Resource Managers:
Genetic algorithms are able to incorporate practical restrictions on control application as well as budget constraints. Advice depends on the efficacies of controls as well as model parameters.
At high‐efficacy estimates, adulticide is recommended for low budgets. Vaccination is recommended when budgets are sufficiently high, and sooner for scenarios where nestling hosts have increased vector exposure.
If vector control has low efficacy and nestlings have increased vector exposure relative to older hosts, including vaccination may reduce levels of infectious mosquitoes below those resulting from high‐efficacy vector control alone.
Music‐supported therapy in the rehabilitation of subacute stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Grau‐Sánchez Jennifer , Duarte Esther , Ramos‐Escobar Neus , Sierpowska Joanna , Rueda Nohora , Redón Susana , Veciana de las Heras Misericordia , Pedro Jordi , Särkämö Teppo , Rodríguez‐Fornells Antoni 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe effect of music‐supported therapy (MST) as a tool to restore hemiparesis of the upper extremity after a stroke has not been appropriately contrasted with conventional therapy. The aim of this trial was to test the effectiveness of adding MST to a standard rehabilitation program in subacute stroke patients. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in which patients were randomized to MST or conventional therapy in addition to the rehabilitation program. The intensity and duration of the interventions were equated in both groups. Before and after 4 weeks of treatment, motor and cognitive functions, mood, and quality of life (QoL) of participants were evaluated. A follow‐up at 3 months was conducted to examine the retention of motor gains. Both groups significantly improved their motor function, and no differences between groups were found. The only difference between groups was observed in the language domain for QoL. Importantly, an association was encountered between the capacity to experience pleasure from music activities and the motor improvement in the MST group. MST as an add‐on treatment showed no superiority to conventional therapies for motor recovery. Importantly, patient's intrinsic motivation to engage in musical activities was associated with better motor improvement.
Evaluation of the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, and mean platelet volume as inflammatory markers in children with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Avcil Sibelnur 
Published: April 2018

AimThe neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and mean platelet volume (MPV) have recently been used as indicators of a systemic inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to investigate the relations of the NLR, PLR, MLR, and MPV with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).MethodsThe study group consisting of 82 children diagnosed with ADHD was compared with a healthy control (HC) group of 70 age‐, sex‐, and body‐mass‐index‐matched subjects. The NLR, PLR, MLR, and MPV were measured according to the complete blood count.ResultsThe NLR, PLR, MLR, MPV, and neutrophil count of the ADHD group were significantly higher than those of the HC group. The lymphocyte counts of the patients were significantly lower than those of the HC group.ConclusionInflammation might play a role in the etiopathogenesis of ADHD. The NLR, PLR, MLR, and MPV may be potential inflammation markers for ADHD in children.
Menstruation‐related headache in adolescents: Point prevalence and associated factors
Authors: Carman Kursat Bora , Arslantas Didem , Unsal Alaettin , Atay Emrah , Ocal Ece Elif , Demirtas Zeynep , Saglan Ramazan , Dinleyici Meltem , Yarar Coskun 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of menstruation‐related headache and the impact of associated factors in adolescents.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was conducted in seven randomly selected high schools, and 3,886 girls attending those schools were invited to take part. After the consent of the school principals, a final total of 2,485 girls (63.9%) were involved in the study. A specific questionnaire was distributed to adolescent girls (14–19 years old). The first part of the survey investigated the features of menstruation (age at first menstruation, duration of period, pad fully soaked per day). The last part of the questionnaire surveyed the presence of headache during the menstrual period. The severity of headache was measured using a visual analog scale. Last, participants were requested to complete the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The prevalence of menstruation‐related headache and associated factors were studied.ResultsMean subject age was 15.89 ± 1.07 years (range, 14–19 years) and mean age at menarche was 12.96 ± 1.09 years old. The prevalence of menstruation‐related headache was 25.9% (n = 646). Onset of menstruation at <12 years of age, longer duration of menstruation period, dysmenorrhea, daily consumption of coffee and cola and smoking significantly affected the frequency of menstruation‐related headache. Mean BDI score was 21.68 ± 13.65 and was significantly associated with menstruation headache.ConclusionMenstruation‐related headache is a common problem in adolescent girls. It might be associated with different comorbidities such as depression. Accordingly, a multidisciplinary treatment approach must be considered to improve the quality of life.
A hypothesis for the existence of two types of tuberculosis, reflecting two distinct types of immune failure to control the pathogen, based upon prevalence of mycobacterium‐specific IgG subclasses
Authors: Menon J. , Hoeppner V. H. , Judd A. , Power C. A. , Bretscher P. A. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMost people infected by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, about 90%, contain the pathogen and are healthy. Most investigators have concluded that pathogen‐specific Th1 cells contribute to protection. Pulmonary tuberculosis, the most prevalent form of disease, is associated with destructive granulomas, the formation of which also appears to involve Th1 cells. In what sense then do the two Th1 components of the response, in healthy infected individuals and patients, differ? An insight into this question might provide clues for attaining effective vaccination and better treatment. We approached this question by examining the relative prevalence of different IgG isotypes among anti‐mycobacterium‐specific antibodies in patients and healthy infected individuals as a surrogate marker for the Th1/Th2 phenotype of the response. Our observations lead us to agree that healthy infected individuals generate a predominant Th1 response. Our observations also lead us to propose that many patients make a similar kind of response as healthy infected individuals, but that this response is too weak to contain the infection. We refer to such individuals as having type I tuberculosis. Other patients appear to have a greater and detrimental Th2 component to their immune response than that of healthy infected individuals. We refer to these individuals as having type II tuberculosis. This proposal that there are two types of tuberculosis, reflecting two distinct types of failure by the immune system, will, if correct, be pertinent to vaccine design, treatment of tuberculosis and in making further progress in our understanding the genetics of susceptibility to M. tuberculosis.
Amotosalen/UVA treatment inactivates T cells more effectively than the recommended gamma dose for prevention of transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Castro Grace , Merkel Patricia A. , Giclas Hannah E. , Gibula Andrew , Andersen Gillian E. , Corash Laurence M. , Lin Jin Sying , Green Jennifer , Knight Vijaya , Stassinopoulos Adonis 
Published: April 2018

INTRODUCTIONTransfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease (TA‐GVHD) is a rare complication after transfusion of components containing viable donor T cells. Gamma irradiation with doses that stop T‐cell proliferation is the predominant method to prevent TA‐GVHD. Treatment with pathogen inactivation methodologies has been found to also be effective against proliferating white blood cells, including T cells. In this study, T‐cell inactivation was compared, between amotosalen/ultraviolet A (UVA) treatment and gamma‐irradiation (2500 cGy), using a sensitive limiting dilution assay (LDA) with an enhanced dynamic range.METHODS AND MATERIALSMatched plasma units (N = 8), contaminated with 1 × 106 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) per mL, were either treated with amotosalen/UVA or gamma irradiation, or retained as untreated control. Posttreatment, cells were cultured under standardized conditions. T‐cell proliferation was determined by the incorporation of 3H‐thymidine and correlated with microscopic detection.RESULTSRange‐finding experiments showed that after gamma irradiation (2500 cGy), significant T‐cell proliferation could be observed at a 1 × 107 cell culture density, some proliferation at 1 × 106, and none at 1 × 105 cells/well. Based on these facts, a quantitative comparison was carried out between amotosalen/UVA at the highest challenge of 1 × 107 PBMCs/well, and gamma irradiation at 1 × 106 and 1 × 105 PBMCs/well. Complete inactivation of the T cells after amotosalen/UVA treatment was observed, equivalent to greater than 6.2 log inactivation. Complete inactivation of the T cells was also observed after gamma irradiation when 1 × 105 PBMCs/well were cultured (>4.2 log inactivation). Proliferation was observed when 1 × 106 PBMCs/well were cultured (≤5.2 log inactivation) after gamma irradiation.CONCLUSIONAmotosalen/UVA treatment more effectively inactivates T cells than the current standard of gamma irradiation (2500 cGy) for the prevention of TA‐GVHD.
Assessing opportunities and challenges for establishing a national program to distribute cord blood for research
Authors: Isasi Rosario , Mastronardi Cherie , Golder Mia , Allan David , Walker Mark , Halpenny Mike , Yang Lin , Elmoazzen Heidi , Chargé Sophie 
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUNDResearch is needed to enhance cord blood (CB) transplantation outcomes and to develop new clinical applications. Based on quality criteria for transplantation, CB collected by public CB banks (CBBs) is often unsuitable for banking, but may still be valuable for research. Canadian researchers have described a need for a centralized program providing ethically sourced CB for research projects. To meet this need, Canadian Blood Services (CBS), in partnership with The Ottawa Hospital, launched the Cord Blood for Research Program (CBRP) in 2014.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThe CBRP developed processes for donor research consent and research project approval with oversight from CBS's CBB and appropriate research ethics boards. The CBRP distributes deidentified CB products to research projects across Canada.RESULTSSince its inception, the CBRP has distributed more than 525 CB units to researchers, supporting 11 research projects. Of the mothers who donate their baby's CB, 77% have chosen to consent to its use for research if it is not bankable. The number of CB units currently available for research via the CBRP exceeds the requests from researchers.CONCLUSIONThe CBRP reliably distributes quality CB products that do not qualify for banking to investigators across Canada in an ethical, legal, and transparent manner. This provides an opportunity for the public to directly support research, helps meet the need expressed by Canada's research community, and maximizes the donor's gift. More research is needed to clarify the factors influencing donor and researcher participation in the CBRP.
Compensation schemes for learning a Lingua Franca in the European Union
Authors: Ginsburgh Victor , Moreno‐Ternero Juan D. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe discuss compensation schemes that should give incentives to EU countries and citizens to acquire a lingua franca. We consider three possible candidate languages: English, French and German, which are already the most widely spoken languages. In our model, countries can claim compensations linked to the number of (young) citizens who do not speak a given candidate language, and the distance between the official language in the country and the suggested lingua franca. We study two sharing schemes that are rooted in ancient sources: the Aristotelian proportional rule and the Talmud rule. The former prevents coalitional manipulations among countries, whereas the latter guarantees meaningful lower bounds in the sharing process for all countries.
Long‐term effects of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy and tibial tuberosity advancement on tibial plateau subchondral bone density in dogs
Authors: Leach Elizabeth S. , Krotscheck Ursula , Goode Kelsey J. , Hayes Galina M. , Böttcher Peter 
Published: April 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate long‐term loading patterns using subchondral bone density (SBD) distribution of the tibial plateau after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA).Study DesignCross‐sectional study.AnimalsAdult (> 2 years), medium to large breed dogs (>20 kg) that had been treated with TPLO or TTA at least 1 year prior to the study were recruited. A normal cohort of similar age and weight dogs with normal physical and orthopedic examinations served as control.MethodsDogs were sedated for computed tomography (CT) of the stifle, and DICOM (digital imaging and communications in medicine) files were processed for CT osteoabsorptiometry (CTOAM). Tibial plateaus were sampled at 6 zones, and CTOAM was used to determine regional and maximal areas of SBD as a marker of joint loading.ResultsData were collected on 48 stifles in 31 dogs (15 TPLO, 11 TTA, 22 control). Lower Hounsfield unit (HU) values were measured in the caudal and mid‐region of the lateral tibial plateau after TPLO and compared to normal. HU values did not differ between joints treated with TTA and those in the control group.ConclusionTPLO may alter stifle load distribution relative to the normal control group. There were no differences between TTA and the control group.Clinical significance/ImpactDespite ongoing osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs after surgical intervention for cranial cruciate disease, changes in tibial SBD are minor and may not correlate with clinical function.