bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
No association with cardiac death after sepsis: A nationwide observational cohort study
Authors: De Geer Lina , Oscarsson Tibblin Anna , Fredrikson Mats , Walther Sten M. 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundCardiac dysfunction is a well‐known complication of sepsis, but its long‐term consequences and implications for patients remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate cardiac outcome in sepsis by assessing causes of death up to 2 years after treatment in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in a nationwide register‐based cohort collected from the Swedish Intensive Care Registry.MethodsA cohort of 13 669 sepsis and septic shock ICU patients from 2008 to 2014 was collected together with a non‐septic control group, matched regarding age, sex and severity of illness (n = 6582), and all without preceding severe cardiac disease. For a large proportion of the severe sepsis and septic shock patients (n = 7087), no matches were found. Information on causes of death up to 2 years after ICU admission was sought in the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare's Cause of Death Registry.ResultsIntensive Care Unit mortality was nearly identical in a matched comparison of sepsis patients to controls (24% in both groups) but higher in more severely ill sepsis patients for whom no matches were found (33% vs 24%, P < 0.001). There was no association of sepsis to cardiac deaths in the first month (OR 1.03, 95%CI 0.87 to 1.20, P = 0.76) nor up to 2 years after ICU admission (OR 1.01, 95%CI 0.82 to 1.25, P = 0.94) in an adjusted between‐group comparison.ConclusionsThere was no association with an increased risk of death related to cardiac disease in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock when compared to other ICU patients with similar severity of illness.
Exploring Sex Differences in the Attenuation of Ethanol Drinking by Naltrexone in Dependent Rats During Early and Protracted Abstinence
Authors: Matzeu Alessandra , Terenius Lars , Martin‐Fardon Remi 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundDespite considerable efforts, few drugs are available for the treatment of alcohol (ethanol [EtOH]) use disorder (AUD). EtOH directly or indirectly modulates several aspects of the central nervous system, including neurotransmitter/neuromodulator systems. Relapse vulnerability is a challenge for the treatment of EtOH addiction. EtOH withdrawal symptoms create motivational states that lead to compulsive EtOH drinking and relapse even after long periods of abstinence. Among the therapeutics to treat AUD, naltrexone (NTX) is a pharmacological treatment for relapse. The present study evaluated the effect of NTX on EtOH drinking in male and female EtOH‐dependent rats during abstinence.MethodsWistar rats (males and females) were first trained to orally self‐administer 10% EtOH. Half of the rats were then made dependent by chronic intermittent EtOH (CIE) vapor exposure, and the other half were exposed to air. Using this model, rats exhibit somatic and motivational signs of withdrawal. At the end of EtOH vapor (or air) exposure, the rats were tested for the effects of NTX (10 mg/kg, oral) on EtOH self‐administration at 3 abstinence time points: acute abstinence (A‐Abst, 8 hours), late abstinence (L‐Abst, 2 weeks), and protracted abstinence (P‐Abst, 6 weeks).ResultsNTX decreased EtOH intake in nondependent rats, regardless of sex and abstinence time point. In postdependent rats, NTX decreased EtOH intake only at a delayed abstinence time point (P‐Abst) in males, whereas it similarly reduced EtOH drinking in females at all abstinence time points.ConclusionsThe therapeutic efficacy of NTX depends on the time of intervention during abstinence and is different between males and females. The data further suggest that EtOH dependence causes different neuroadaptations in male and female rats, reflected by differential effects of NTX. The results underscore the significance of considering the duration of EtOH abstinence and sex as a biological variable as important factors when developing pharmacotherapies for AUD.
Liver Injury, Endotoxemia, and Their Relationship to Intestinal Microbiota Composition in Alcohol‐Preferring Rats
Authors: Posteraro Brunella , Paroni Sterbini Francesco , Petito Valentina , Rocca Stefano , Cubeddu Tiziana , Graziani Cristina , Arena Vincenzo , Vassallo Gabriele A. , Mosoni Carolina , Lopetuso Loris , Lorrai Irene , Maccioni Paola , Masucci Luca , Martini Cecilia , Gasbarrini Antonio , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Colombo Giancarlo , Addolorato Giovanni 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundThere is strong evidence that alcoholism leads to dysbiosis in both humans and animals. However, it is unclear how changes in the intestinal microbiota (IM) relate to ethanol (EtOH)‐induced disruption of gut–liver homeostasis. We investigated this issue using selectively bred Sardinian alcohol‐preferring (sP) rats, a validated animal model of excessive EtOH consumption.MethodsIndependent groups of male adult sP rats were exposed to the standard, home‐cage 2‐bottle “EtOH (10% v/v) versus water” choice regimen with unlimited access for 24 h/d (Group Et) for 3 (T1), 6 (T2), and 12 (T3) consecutive months. Control groups (Group Ct) were composed of matched‐age EtOH‐naïve sP rats. We obtained samples from each rat at the end of each experimental time, and we used blood and colon tissues for intestinal barrier integrity and/or liver pathology assessments and used stool samples for IM analysis with 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing.ResultsRats in Group Et developed hepatic steatosis and elevated serum transaminases and endotoxin/lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels but no other liver pathological changes (i.e., necrosis/inflammation) or systemic inflammation. While we did not find any apparent alteration of the intestinal colonic mucosa, we found that rats in Group Et exhibited significant changes in IM composition compared to the rats in Group Ct. These changes were sustained throughout T1, T2, and T3. In particular, Ruminococcus, Coprococcus, and Streptococcus were the differentially abundant microbial genera at T3. The KEGG Ortholog profile revealed that IM functional modules, such as biosynthesis, transport, and export of LPS, were also enriched in Group Et rats at T3.ConclusionsWe showed that chronic, voluntary EtOH consumption induced liver injury and endotoxemia together with dysbiotic changes in sP rats. This work sets the stage for improving our knowledge of the prevention and treatment of EtOH‐related diseases.
Vascular surgery trends in Australia: 2001–2015: less open surgery, less limb loss and more endovascular intervention
Authors: Wright Melissa Anne , Steffens Daniel , Huilgol Ravi Lee 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundThe prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in Australia is currently poorly characterized. The risk factor profile for PAD is changing with the population ageing, diabetes increasing and smoking rates declining. The management of PAD is also evolving, with advances in medical management and endovascular technique. The trends in PAD prevalence and surgical management have implications for preventative medicine, the Australian health system and vascular surgery. We report and analyse trends in PAD surgical intervention performed between 2001 and 2015.MethodsData was extracted from the National Hospital Morbidity Database procedural item code records. Procedural numbers of endovascular lower extremity revascularization (LER); open LER; minor and major lower extremity amputations (LEA) between 2001 and 2015 in adults ≥45 years were included. Results were population‐adjusted and age‐stratified using census information from the Australian Bureau of Statistics to analyse changes in intervention rates. Linear regression analyses were performed to calculate the average annual change in procedures per capita (100 000).ResultsFrom 2001 and 2015, per capita (100 000 population) volume of endovascular LER increased 89%, open LER decreased 70%, major LEA decreased 65% and minor LEA increased 14%. The most remarkable changes were in the ≥85‐year‐old cohort, with endovascular procedures per capita increasing 188%; coinciding with both open LER and major LEA decreasing by 73% between 2001 and 2015.ConclusionsAustralian hospital data between 2001 and 2015 shows that endovascular LER interventions and minor LEA have significantly increased per capita in Australians ≥45 years. In contrast, both open LER and major LEA rates have significantly decreased in the same cohort.
Letter: microwave vs radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma within the Milan criteria
Authors: Zhang Yao‐Ming , Zhou Zhen‐Tao , Liu Gao‐Min 
Published: October 2018

Linked ContentThis article is link to Liu et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14929 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14984.
Editorial: predicting hepatic encephalopathy after TIPSS—is multimodal cerebral MRI the answer?
Authors: Armstrong Matthew J. , Tripathi Dhiraj 
Published: October 2018

Linked ContentThis article is linked to Rudler et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14938 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14993.
Letter: long‐term treatment of severe bile acid diarrhoea—obeticholic acid can normalise SeHCAT retention. Authors’ reply
Authors: Damsgaard Brian , Dalby Helene R. , Krogh Klaus , Jørgensen Simon M. D. , Arveschough Anne Kirstine , Agnholt Jørgen , Dahlerup Jens Frederik , Jørgensen Søren Peter 
Published: October 2018

Linked ContentThis article is linked to Damsgaard et al and Walters papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14533 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14979.
Nutritive evaluation of spent green and black tea leaf silages by in vitro gas production characteristics, ruminal degradability and post‐ruminal digestibility assessed with inhibitory activity of their tannins
Authors: Kondo Makoto , Hirano Yoshiaki , Kita Kazumi , Jayanegara Anuraga , Yokota Hiro‐omi 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSpent tea leaf contains high levels of crude protein, suggesting that it may be used as an alternative source for ruminant feeding. We assessed the nutritive characteristics of spent green tea leaf silage (GTS) and black tea leaf silages (BTS) in comparison with soybean meal (SBM) and alfalfa hay cube (AHC) using in vitro assay. The effects of tannin on the nutritive characteristics were also evaluated by adding polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a tannin‐binding agent. The amount of gas production was greater for SBM, followed by AHC, GTS, and BTS. A significant improvement in gas production upon addition of PEG was observed only for BTS. Ruminal protein degradability and post‐ruminal digestibility was higher for SBM, followed by AHC, GTS, and BTS. The presence of PEG significantly increased ruminal degradability and post‐ruminal protein digestibility for GTS and BTS, but not for AHC. The increment of protein digestibility by PEG was much greater for BTS than for GTS, indicating that GTS tannins suppress protein digestibility slightly, whereas BTS tannins do so strongly. According to these results, GTS but not BTS has a potential as an alternative to AHC as a ruminant feedstuff.
Population pharmacokinetic modelling of intravenous paracetamol in fit older people displays extensive unexplained variability
Authors: Mian P. , van Esdonk M. J. , Olkkola K. T. , de Winter B. C. M. , Liukas A. , Spriet I. , Tibboel D. , Petrovic M. , Koch B. C. P. , Allegaert K. 
Published: October 2018

AimsParacetamol is the analgesic most used by older people. The physiological changes occurring with ageing influence the pharmacokinetics (PK) of paracetamol and its variability. We performed a population PK‐analysis to describe the PK of intravenous (IV) paracetamol in fit older people. Simulations were performed to illustrate target attainment and variability of paracetamol exposure following current dosing regimens (1000 mg every 6 h, every 8 h) using steady‐state concentration (Css‐mean) of 10 mg l–1 as target for effective analgesia.MethodsA population PK‐analysis, using NONMEM 7.2, was performed based on 601 concentrations of paracetamol from 30 fit older people (median age 77.3 years, range [61.8–88.5], body weight 79 kg [60–107]). All had received an IV paracetamol dose of 1000 mg (over 15 min) after elective knee surgery.ResultsA two‐compartment PK‐model best described the data. Volume of distribution of paracetamol increased exponentially with body weight. Clearance was not influenced by any covariate. Simulations of the standardized dosing regimens resulted in a Css of 9.2 mg l–1 and 7.2 mg l–1, for every 6 h and every 8 h respectively. Variability in paracetamol PK resulted in Css above 5.4 and 4.1 mg l–1, respectively, in 90% of the population and above 15.5 and 11.7, respectively, in 10% at these dosing regimens.ConclusionsThe target concentration was achieved in the average patient with 1000 mg every 6 h, while every 8 h resulted in underdosing for the majority of the population. Furthermore, due to a large (unexplained) interindividual variability in paracetamol PK a relevant proportion of the fit older people remained either under‐ or over exposed.
Signalling pathways involved in p47phox‐dependent reactive oxygen species in platelets of endotoxemic rats
Authors: Lopes Pires Maria E. , Antunes Naime Ana C. , Oliveira Jessica G. F. , Anhe Gabriel F. , Garraud Oliver , Cognasse Fabrice , Antunes Edson , Marcondes Sisi 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThrombocytopenia during sepsis is associated with a less favourable clinical outcome. Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by different cell types contributes to sepsis. Platelets generate ROS, but the upstream pathways of NADPH oxidase activation are not completely understood. Here, we designed experiments in washed platelets from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated rats to investigate the p47phox activation and ROS generation, and its modulation by c‐Src family kinase (c‐Src), phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K), protein kinase C (PKC) and protein kinase G (PKG). Rats were injected intraperitoneally with LPS (1 mg/kg), and at 48 hours thereafter, arterial blood was collected and washed platelets were obtained. Washed platelets were pre‐incubated with different inhibitors and subsequently activated or not with ADP. Flow cytometry, Western blotting and ELISA were performed. We found that LPS significantly increased the p47phox phosphorylation and ROS generation compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The enhanced ROS production in the LPS group was unaffected by the non‐selective SFKs inhibitor PP2, the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin or the Akt inhibitor PPI‐1. The cyclic GMP levels were 115% higher in activated platelets of LPS compared with the saline group (P < 0.05). Moreover, in the LPS group, the sGC inhibitor ODQ, the PKG inhibitor Rp‐8‐Br and the PKC inhibitor GF109203X abrogated the increased p47phox phosphorylation and reduced the ROS levels. In conclusion, selective inhibitors of cGMP‐PKG and PKC‐p47phox pathways that regulate ROS generation by LPS in platelets may help control the redox balance in sepsis improving the survival of patients.
Placental nitric oxide formation and endothelium‐dependent vasodilation underlie pravastatin effects against angiogenic imbalance, hypertension in pregnancy and intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Chimini Jessica Sabbatine , Possomato‐Vieira Jose Sergio , da Silva Maria Luiza Santos , Dias‐Junior Carlos A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPre‐eclampsia and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are frequently associated with foeto‐placental growth restriction, and that may be triggered by angiogenic imbalance and endothelial dysfunction. Impaired nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability seems to be involved in these pathophysiological changes observed in hypertensive pregnancy. Pravastatin has shown efficacy and to be safe during hypertension in pregnancy. However, NO involvement in pravastatin effects during maternal hypertension and foeto‐placental development is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to examine pravastatin effects on placental NO formation, endothelium‐dependent vasodilation, systolic blood pressure and foeto‐placental development in hypertensive pregnant rats. Biochemical determinants of angiogenesis and oxidative stress were also assessed. Pregnant rats were distributed into four groups: normal pregnancy (Norm‐Preg), pregnancy+pravastatin (Preg‐Prava), hypertensive pregnancy (HTN‐Preg) and hypertensive pregnancy+pravastatin (HTN‐Preg+Prava). Our results showed that pravastatin treatment blunts hypertension and foeto‐placental growth restriction. Also, increases in placental NO levels were found in the HTN‐Preg+Prava group. Pravastatin prevents impaired endothelium‐dependent acetylcholine‐induced vasodilation, exacerbated contractile response to phenylephrine and increases in oxidative stress in the HTN‐Preg+Prava group. Increased soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1‐to‐placental growth factor (sFlt‐1/PlGF) ratio is reversed by pravastatin treatment in the HTN‐Preg+Prava group. We conclude that NO formation and endothelium‐dependent vasodilation underlie pleiotropic effects associated with pravastatin treatment against hypertension in pregnancy, intrauterine growth restriction, vascular dysfunction and angiogenic imbalance.
Cross‐cultural differences in the relationship between conformity to masculine norms and health behaviour among men in Hong Kong
Authors: Rochelle Tina L. 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveExamine differences in the relationship between conformity to masculine norms and engagement in health behaviour among a cross‐cultural sample of Hong Kong Chinese, mainland Chinese, Caucasian, and South Asian men living in Hong Kong.DesignCross‐sectional.MethodsA community sample of 495 Hong Kong Chinese (n = 161), mainland Chinese (n = 107), Caucasian (n = 122), and South Asian (n = 105) men enrolled in the study. Ages ranged from 18 to 81 years (M = 39.87). Participants completed self‐report measures of conformity to masculine norms, health behaviour, social support, and job stress.ResultsYounger age was predictive of greater engagement in health behaviour among all men. Stronger conformity to masculine norms was predictive of engagement with health behaviour among Hong Kong, mainland Chinese, and Caucasian men, but not South Asian men. Social support was negatively predictive of engagement in health behaviour among Hong Kong Chinese, mainland Chinese, and South Asian men, suggesting that greater levels of social support may hinder engagement in health behaviour in some men. Job stress had a negative impact on engagement with health behaviour among Hong Kong Chinese and South Asian men only.ConclusionsPresent findings demonstrate the need for a broader examination of the relationship between masculinity and health behaviour, focusing not only on the negative, but also the positive impact that masculinity can have on men's health behaviour. Findings are discussed in terms of their implication on men's health and health promotion.
Statement of contribution

What is already known about this subject?

Men around the globe have higher mortality and morbidity across all leading diseases.

Explanations have focused on men's poor health‐seeking behaviour and how this impedes on health.

The pursuit of masculinity is thought to contribute to poor health outcomes in men.

What does this study add?

Conformity to masculine norms was predictive of engagement in health behaviour.

This is one of few studies cross‐culturally examining masculinity and health in a Chinese context.

Findings provide examples of how conformity can support engagement in health behaviour.
The mesic savannas of the Bateke Plateau: carbon stocks and floristic composition
Authors: Nieto‐Quintano Paula , Mitchard Edward T. A. , Odende Roland , Batsa Mouwembe Marcelle A. , Rayden Tim , Ryan Casey M. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe Bateke Plateau in the Republic of Congo is one of the last frontiers for ecology, with little known about its floristics and physiognomy. Despite occupying 89,800 km2and its importance for local livelihoods, its ecology and ecosystem functions are poorly understood. Situated on Kalahari sands, the Bateke has a complex evolutionary history, mainly isolated from other savannas for much of its past, with currently unresolved ecological implications. Here, we assess the biomass and floristic diversity of this savanna. We established four 25‐ha permanent sample plots at two savanna sites; inventoried all trees; assessed biomass and species composition of shrubs, forbs and grasses; and characterized the soils. Total plant carbon stocks (aboveground and belowground) were only 6.5 ± 0.3 MgC/ha, despite precipitation of 1600 mm/yr. Over half the biomass was grass, with the remainder divided between trees and shrubs. The carbon stock of the system is mostly contained in the top layer of the soil (16.7 ± 0.9 MgC/ha in 0–20 cm depth). We identified 49 plant species (4 trees, 13 shrubs, 4 sedges, 17 forbs, and 11 grass species), with an average species richness of 23 per plot. There is tree hyperdominance ofHymenocardia acida(Phyllanthaceae) and a richer herbaceous species composition dominated byLoudetia simplexandHyparrhenia diplandra. The low carbon stocks and tree biodiversity, compared to other African savannas, are surprising considering the high rainfall. We speculate it is due to low nutrient soils, high fire frequency, and the effect of a temporally variable and restricted connection to the main southern African savanna complex.
Mindfulness‐based stress reduction for mental health in youth: a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Vohra Sunita , Punja Salima , Sibinga Erica , Baydala Lola , Wikman Erik , Singhal Anthony , Dolcos Florin , Van Vliet K. Jessica 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundMental illness is among the most common causes of morbidity, mortality, and disability in childhood. Mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) has shown significant benefit in mental health; however, evidence of its effectiveness in youth is limited. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy ofMBSRplus usual care versus usual care alone for reducing mental health symptoms in youth.MethodsA two‐arm, mixed methods, randomized cluster‐controlled trial of 12–18 year olds who were residents ofCASAHouse, a voluntary residential treatment program for adolescents, between January 2011 and March 2013 (clinicaltrials.gov,NCT01307943).InterventionsTreatment terms were randomized to usual care, orMBSRplus usual care, which included eightMBSRsessions of 2 hr/week.OutcomesThe primary outcome was impact on emotions and behavior at the end of the program, using the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition (BASC‐2). Secondary outcomes included perceived stress levels, mindfulness, and emotional regulation.ResultsA total of 85 participants were randomized to either theMBSRarm (n = 45) or control arm (n = 40). Significant differences in favor ofMBSRwere found on Teacher ratings of the Internalizing Problems (p = .038) and Adaptive Skills subscales (p = .022) on theBASC‐2. No significant differences were found on other outcomes. A post hoc analysis found that theMBSRarm had a significantly shorter time to discharge (p = .02).ConclusionThe results of this study indicate thatMBSRis effective for improved coping with internalizing problems and adaptive emotional skills in our sample. Future studies should focus on larger, longer‐term studies in youth.