bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peripheral Artery Disease and Continuous Flow Left Ventricle Assist Device: An Engaging Complement Analysis May Help to Guide Treatment
Authors: Falletta Calogero , Pasta Salvatore , Raffa Giuseppe Maria , Crinò Francesca , Sciacca Sergio , Clemenza Francesco 
Published: February 2018

AbstractUse of continuous flow left ventricle assist device (CF‐LVAD) in advanced heart failure (HF) patients results in clinically relevant improvements in survival, functional capacity, and quality of life. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can occur in patients with CF‐LVAD due to the high rate of concomitance between risk factors for atherosclerosis and HF. Diagnosis of PAD can be difficult in the specific setting of a patient supported by this kind of device because of the marked alteration in waveform morphology and velocity created by the artificial physiology of an LVAD. We report the case of a 53‐year‐old man with HF secondary to ischemic cardiomyopathy supported by the HeartWare HVAD as bridge to transplant, who after the implant developed symptoms suggestive of PAD. We describe additional computational flow analysis for the study of PAD‐related hemodynamic disturbances induced by a CF‐LVAD. Flow simulations enhance the information of clinical image data, and may have an application in clinical investigations of the risk of hemodynamic disturbances induced by LVAD implantation.
Cortistatin inhibits arterial calcification in rats via GSK3β/β‐catenin and protein kinase C signalling but not c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase signalling
Authors: Liu Y. , Lin F. , Fu Y. , Chen W. , Liu W. , Chi J. , Zhang X. , Yin X. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimCortistatin (CST) is a newly discovered endogenous active peptide that exerts protective effects on the cardiovascular system. However, the relationship between CST and aortic calcification and the underlying mechanism remain obscure. Therefore, we investigated effects of CST on aortic calcification and its signalling pathways.MethodsCalcium content and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were measured using the o‐cresolphthalein colorimetric method and ALP assay kit respectively. Protein expression of smooth muscle (SM)‐ɑ‐actin, osteocalcin (OCN), β‐catenin, glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), p‐GSK3β, protein kinase C (PKC), p‐PKC, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and p‐JNK was determined using Western blotting.ResultsIn aorta from a rat vitamin D3 calcification model, CST abrogated calcium deposition and pathological damage, decreased the protein expression of OCN and β‐catenin and increased SM‐ɑ‐actin expression. In a rat cultured vascular smooth muscular cell (VSMC) calcification model induced by β‐glycerophosphate (β‐GP), CST inhibited the increase in ALP activity, calcium content and OCN protein and the decrease in SM‐α‐actin expression. CST also inhibited the β‐GP‐induced increase in p‐GSK3β and β‐catenin protein (both P < .05). The inhibitory effects of CST on ALP activity, calcium deposition and β‐catenin protein were abolished by pretreatment with lithium chloride, a GSK3β inhibitor. CST promoted the protein expression of p‐PKC by 68.5% (P < .01), but not p‐JNK. The ability of CST to attenuate β‐GP‐induced increase in ALP activity, calcium content and OCN expression in the VSMC model was abolished by pretreatment with the PKC inhibitor Go6976.ConclusionThese results indicate that CST inhibits aortic calcification and osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs likely via the GSK3β/β‐catenin and PKC signalling pathways, but not JNK signalling pathway.
Regional regulation of focal adhesion kinase after concentric and eccentric loading is related to remodelling of human skeletal muscle
Authors: Franchi M. V. , Ruoss S. , Valdivieso P. , Mitchell K. W. , Smith K. , Atherton P. J. , Narici M. V. , Flück M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimsWe assessed focal adhesion kinase (FAK) response to concentric (CON) vs eccentric (ECC) resistance training (RT) at two vastus lateralis (VL) sites, and the relationships between FAK, muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and morphological remodelling.MethodsSix young males trained both legs unilaterally 3 times/week for 8 weeks; one leg performed CON RT, the contralateral performed ECC RT. Muscle biopsies were collected after training from VL mid‐belly (MID) and distal (distal) sites at 0, 4, 8 weeks. Focal adhesion kinase content and activation were evaluated by immunoblotting. MPS was assessed by deuterium oxide tracer; morphological adaptations were evaluated by ultrasound and DXA.ResultspY397‐FAK 8 weeks levels were ~4‐fold greater after ECC at the distal site compared to CON (P < .05); pY397FAK to total FAK ratio was greater in ECC vs CON at 4 (~2.2‐fold, P < .05) and 8 weeks (~9‐fold, P < .001) at the distal site. Meta‐vinculin was found transiently increased at 4 weeks at the distal site only after ECC RT. ECC presented greater fascicle length (Lf) increases (10.5% vs 4%), whereas CON showed greater in pennation angle (PA) changes (12.3% vs 2.1%). MPS did not differ between exercise types or muscle sites at all time points. distal pY397‐FAK and pY397‐FAK/FAK values correlated to changes in Lf at 8 weeks (r = .76, P < .01 and r = .66, P < .05 respectively).ConclusionFocal adhesion kinase phosphorylation was greater at 8 weeks after ECC RT and was muscle region‐specific. FAK activity correlated to contraction‐dependent architectural remodelling, suggesting a potential role of FAK in orienting muscle structural changes in response to distinct mechanical stimuli.
Early Discontinuation of Montelukast Treatment; A Danish Nationwide Utilization Study
Authors: Farah Rahmo I. , Damkier Per , Christiansen Anders , Henriksen Daniel P. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMontelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, was marketed in 1998 as an oral supplementary treatment to patients with mild to moderate asthma. The aim of this study was to describe the early discontinuation pattern among montelukast users in Denmark in the period of 1 March 1998 to 31 December 2016, and to identify demographic characteristics possibly associated with early discontinuation. This nationwide drug utilization study was based on data collected from three nationwide Danish registers. All montelukast users who redeemed at least one prescription in the study period were identified. Early discontinuation was defined as failing to fill a second prescription for montelukast within at least a year after the initial montelukast prescription. Among 135,271 included montelukast users, 47,480 (35%) discontinued the use of montelukast after a single redeemed prescription. The trend in early discontinuation increased throughout the years. The most predominant demographic risk factors for early discontinuation were prescription for only nasal topical anti‐allergic treatment up to a year prior to montelukast initiation [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.25; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.13–2.38], as well as suspected off‐label use (adjusted OR 2.02; 95% CI 1.97–2.08). Several risk factors were associated with a decreased risk of early discontinuation; most pronounced was a prescription of inhaled corticosteroids within a year up to montelukast initiation [adjusted OR 0.47 (95% CI 0.46–0.49)]. Early discontinuation was more pronounced after patent expiry in 2012 [adjusted OR 1.42 (95% CI 1.38–1.45)]. In conclusion, we found that early montelukast discontinuation increased during the last 19 years. Appropriateness of the treatment indication as estimated by concomitant prescription of adequate inhalation therapy was associated with a low risk of early discontinuation. A more pronounced early discontinuation was observed after patent expiry in 2012, which could reflect a more liberal approach to montelukast prescription.
Identification of caries risk in 2‐year‐olds
Authors: Wigen Tove Irene , Baumgartner Christine Sophie , Wang Nina Johanne 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe first aim was to describe presence of plaque, caries and oral health behaviours in 2‐year‐old children. The second aim was to measure increments in caries experience from 2 to 5 years of age and to study whether national background, visible plaque, caries and oral health behaviour at 2 years of age were associated with increments in caries experience.MethodsThe study population consisted of 392 children, of whom 211 were monitored from 2 to 5 years of age. At age 2 years, parents completed a questionnaire about family background and oral health behaviour. The presence of plaque and caries at tooth level was obtained from dental records. Data were tested with chi‐square statistics and Mann‐Whitney U test. Negative binomial regression analysis was conducted to explore the association between caries increment between 2 and 5 years of age and national background, visible plaque, caries and oral health behaviour at 2 years of age.ResultsCaries was found in 4.6% of 2‐year‐olds, and 4.6% had visible plaque. More than half of these children (57.9%) brushed twice daily, toothbrushing was introduced when the child was 7 months or older in 61.0% of the children, and 15.6% consumed sugary snacks daily. Non‐Western children more often had caries, visible plaque and unfavourable oral health behaviour than Western children (P < .05). At age 5 years, 28.9% of the children had caries experience. Non‐Western background, toothbrushing less than twice daily, not using fluoridated toothpaste, not using fluoride lozenges, consuming sugary drinks at night, consuming sugary snacks daily, presence of plaque and caries at 2 years of age were associated with caries increment between 2 and 5 years of age in bivariable analyses. The results from multivariable analysis showed that children who started toothbrushing late, children who brushed less than twice daily at 2 years of age and children of non‐Western background had a higher probability of having caries increment from 2 to 5 years of age than other children.ConclusionsA small proportion of 2‐year‐olds had caries, but these children had several decayed teeth. Substantial differences in oral health and oral health behaviour were found between Western and non‐Western children. The preventive care delivered to the studied children failed to prevent caries increment from 2 to 5 years of age.
Accuracy of alcohol and breast cancer risk information on Drinkaware’s website
Authors: Larsen John , Wallace Paul , Sim Fiona , Chick Jonathan , Jarvis Sarah , Lidington Iona , Neidle Stephen , Ogden Graham , Owens Lynn 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA recent paper in Drug and Alcohol Review analysed the information on cancer disseminated by 27 alcohol industry funded organisations. The independent UK alcohol education charity Drinkaware was among the organisations whose information was studied, and based on the analysis claims were made of misrepresentation of evidence about the alcohol‐related risk of cancer and alcohol industry influence. This commentary challenges the validity of these findings in respect to the evidence relating to the Drinkaware information, as the analysis is found to be misrepresenting the information by both disregarding the wider information content provided and the order and prominence with which alcohol‐related cancer risk is presented. Furthermore, it is argued that the public has a right to be provided with relevant evidence‐based information about cancer risk. It is critical that Drinkaware’s important public health function is not compromised by unjustified allegations of inaccuracy and by unwarranted attacks on its independence and integrity.
Alirocumab vs usual lipid‐lowering care as add‐on to statin therapy in individuals with type 2 diabetes and mixed dyslipidaemia: The ODYSSEY DM‐DYSLIPIDEMIA randomized trial
Authors: Ray Kausik K. , Leiter Lawrence A. , Müller‐Wieland Dirk , Cariou Bertrand , Colhoun Helen M. , Henry Robert R. , Tinahones Francisco J. , Bujas‐Bobanovic Maja , Domenger Catherine , Letierce Alexia , Samuel Rita , Del Prato Stefano 
Published: February 2018

AimTo compare alirocumab, a proprotein convertase subtilisin‐kexin type 9 inhibitor, with usual care (UC) in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and mixed dyslipidaemia not optimally managed by maximally tolerated statins in the ODYSSEY DM‐DYSLIPIDEMIA trial (NCT02642159).Materials and MethodsThe UC options (no additional lipid‐lowering therapy; fenofibrate; ezetimibe; omega‐3 fatty acid; nicotinic acid) were selected prior to stratified randomization to open‐label alirocumab 75 mg every 2 weeks (with increase to 150 mg every 2 weeks at week 12 if week 8 non‐HDL cholesterol concentration was ≥2.59 mmol/L [100 mg/dL]) or UC for 24 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was percentage change in non‐HDL cholesterol from baseline to week 24.ResultsThe randomized population comprised 413 individuals (intention‐to‐treat population, n = 409; safety population, n = 412). At week 24, the mean non‐HDL cholesterol reductions were superior with alirocumab (−32.5% difference vs UC, 97.5% confidence interval −38.1 to −27.0; P < .0001). Overall, 63.6% of alirocumab‐treated individuals were maintained on 75 mg every 2 weeks. Alirocumab also reduced LDL cholesterol (−43.0%), apolipoprotein B (−32.3%), total cholesterol (−24.6%) and LDL particle number (−37.8%) at week 24 vs UC (all P < .0001). Consistent with the overall trial comparison, alirocumab reduced non‐HDL cholesterol to a greater degree within each UC stratum at week 24. The incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events was 68.4% (alirocumab) and 66.4% (UC). No clinically meaningful effect on glycated haemoglobin, or change in number of glucose‐lowering agents, was seen.ConclusionsIn individuals with T2DM and mixed dyslipidaemia on maximally tolerated statin, alirocumab showed superiority to UC in non‐HDL cholesterol reduction and was generally well tolerated.
Impact of procedure‐related conduction disturbances after transcatheter aortic valve implantation on myocardial performance and survival evaluated by conventional and speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Dimitriadis Zisis , Scholtz Smita , Scholtz Werner , Wiemer Marcus , Piper Cornelia , Ensminger Stephan , Fox Henrik , Horstkotte Dieter , Faber Lothar 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesAlthough procedure‐related new cardiac conduction disturbances (CCDs) remain an important issue in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), their effect on myocardial function and overall patient outcome remains unclear. The goal of this study was to analyze the influence of procedure‐related CCDs on systolic and diastolic LV performance and on patient survival after TAVI.Methods and resultsNinety‐five patients who underwent TAVI for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) and had a complete follow‐up were evaluated with respect to procedure‐related CCDs. Left ventricular (LV) performance was measured using standard echocardiographic parameters and speckle tracking analysis. Survival was assessed during longer‐term follow‐up (mean: 29.1 ± 16.9 months). After TAVI, the improvement of global LV function expressed as ejection fraction (LVEF; from 45.5 ± 10.0 to 47.8 ± 13.9%, P = .13) was not significant. New CCDs were found in 35.7% of TAVI recipients. A comparison between patients with and without new CCDs showed that LV systolic function improved in those without CCDs, while it tended to deteriorate in patients with CCDs (change in LVEF: 5.5 ± 12.3% vs −4.9% ± 11.5%, P = .001; change in global longitudinal strain (GLS): −1.1 ± 4.6% vs 1.2 ± 4.5%, P = .01). Changes in diastolic function did not differ significantly between the groups (changes in transmitral E/A‐ratio: −0.3 ± 0.6 vs −0.5 ± 0.5, P = .1). Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis revealed no significant differences between the two cohorts (P = .795).ConclusionProcedure‐related conduction abnormalities after TAVI lead to an LBBB‐related dyssynchrony with impairment of LV performance but not of overall survival.
Resource density regulates the foraging investment in higher termite species
Authors: ALMEIDA CAMILLA S. , CRISTALDO PAULO F. , DESOUZA OG , BACCI LEANDRO , FLORENCIO DANIELA F. , CRUZ NAYARA G. , SANTOS ABRAÃO A. , SANTANA ALISSON S. , OLIVEIRA ALEXANDRE P. , LIMA ANA P. S. , ARAÚJO ANA P. A. 
Published: February 2018

1. Resource density can regulate the area that animals use. At low resource density, there is a conflict in terms of balance between costs of foraging and benefits acquired. The foraging of the higher termite Nasutitermes aff. coxipoensis consists of searching throughout trails and a building galleries phase.2. In this study, a manipulative field experiment was used to test the hypothesis that colonies of N. aff. coxipoensis forage towards a more profitable balance between the establishment of trails and gallery construction at low resource density.3. The experiment was conducted in north‐eastern Brazil. Seven experimental plots were established with a continuous increase in resource density (sugarcane baits). Entire colonies of N. aff. coxipoensis were transplanted from their original sites to the experimental plot, totalling 35 nests. The number, branches and total length of trails and galleries were quantified.4. The results show that N. aff. coxipoensis optimises its foraging output, intensifying the establishment of trails at the cost of gallery construction when resource density is low. The number of trails, the number of trail branches and the total length of trails decreased with increasing resource density. Interestingly, at low resource density, the search effort was concentrated on forming longer and a greater number of trails, a small proportion of which were converted into galleries. The opposite relationship was observed at high resource density.5. These results suggest an optimisation of search efforts during foraging depending on resource density, a mechanism that may help researchers to understand the use of space by higher termite species.
Perception of dental students on risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders
Authors: Botta A. C. , Presoto C. D. , Wajngarten D. , Campos J. A. D. B. , Garcia P. P. N. S. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the validity and reliability of the Job Factors Questionnaire, and the influence of gender, academic level and pain/discomfort on dental students’ perception regarding risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders.MethodsOne hundred forty‐five dental students from Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine participated voluntarily in this study. The survey was organised in two sections: (i) Job Factors Questionnaire with 15 items that evaluated students’ perceptions about job/study environmental risk factors and their potential contribution to musculoskeletal disorders. The tri‐factorial structure (repetitiveness, work posture and external factors) was used; (ii) Part of the Nordic Questionnaire with questions referring to 9 body areas: Neck, shoulders, upper back, elbows, lower back, wrists/hands, hips, knees and ankles/feet. Students answered if they have had a job‐related pain/discomfort in any of these body areas in the previous 12 months. The data were evaluated statistically by confirmatory factor analysis, convergent and discriminant validities, internal consistency and Z‐test (α = .05).ResultsThe tri‐factorial structure was considered valid and reliable for the sample after excluding item 8 and inserting correlations between items 11 and 12, and between 14 and 15. The academic level presented a significant effect on the factors “Work Posture” (P = .02) and “External Factors” (P = .01). Most of the students reported pain in their neck (73.79%), lower back (62.06%) and shoulders (53.10%) in the previous 12 months.ConclusionThe Work Posture and External Factors were influenced only by academic level. The lower the students’ academic level, the higher their perception for both factors of musculoskeletal disorders.
How to critically appraise a paper
Authors: Pinchbeck G. L. , Archer D. C. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryCritical appraisal skills enabling assessment of the validity and importance of evidence are essential for clinicians to make informed decisions regarding what new information should be incorporated into their clinical practice. This review highlights key points to consider in a critical review concentrating on common study designs used in the equine literature.
Ligneous cervicitis and endometritis: A gynaecological presentation of congenital plasminogen deficiency
Authors: Baithun M. , Freeman‐Wang T. , Chowdary P. , Kadir R. A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundCongenital plasminogen deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive condition. Plasminogen deficiency is thought to result in an inability of fibrin breakdown and therefore accumulation of fibrin and formation of ligneous changes. Ligneous lesions can form on a number of mucosal membranes including the cervix and endometrium.MethodsWe report the case of a 25‐year‐old woman with type 1 plasminogen deficiency with ligneous cervicitis and endometritis and her treatment and clinical course over the last few years. We then review the current literature of ligneous cases of the female genital tract and discuss available treatment options.Key resultsWe found 30 reported cases of ligneous lesions affecting the female genital tract, with the cervix being the most affected part. A number of treatment options have been tried by our patient and other cases in the literature. These include use of the combined oral contraceptive pill, fresh frozen plasma infusion, topical plasmin and plasminogen and trial use of plasminogen concentrate.ConclusionsThis is a chronic condition requiring a multidisciplinary approach. There is currently no definitive treatment for the condition, current trials with plasminogen concentrate replacement therapy may provide a promising option for these patients in the future.
Clinical trials and registries in haemophilia: Opponents or collaborators? Comparison of PUP data derived from different data sources
Authors: Keipert C. , Jonker C. J. , van den Berg H. M. , Hilger A. 
Published: February 2018

IntroductionThe “Guideline on the clinical investigation of recombinant and human plasma‐derived factor VIII products” (ClinGL) provides the requirements for the performing of clinical trials (CTs) for marketing authorization in Europe. The number of eligible previously untreated patients (PUPs) for CTs might be difficult to meet because of the concurrent development of FVIII concentrates, and additional data sources must be explored.AimThe extent to which CTs and the PedNet registry met relevant parameters, identified in the ClinGL, as well as inhibitor incidences were investigated in patients from both sources.MethodsAnonymized data of eight CTs in 369 PUPs performed from 1987 to 2009 were compared with each other and with 632 PUPs (born 2000‐2009) from PedNet.ResultsClinical trials in PUPs performed for marketing authorization were too heterogeneous in their investigated parameters; therefore, a comparison of single factor concentrates was not possible. Data collection in PedNet met relevant parameters required for PUPs in accordance with the ClinGL. The overall inhibitor incidences were comparable (CT = 30.9% vs PedNet = 30.6%) when only severe haemophilia A (HA) patients from both data sources were considered.ConclusionsPreviously performed CTs in PUPs were divergent, which prevented a direct comparison of outcomes. However, this study demonstrated that data from CTs and carefully designed registries may complement each other in the establishing of sufficient safety information for single products to improve clinical insights and support regulatory decisions.
Nephrotic syndrome complicated with femoral vein catheter‐related phlegmasia cerulea dolens: A case report
Authors: Chen Wen‐Chun , Ou Shuo‐Ming 
Published: February 2018

AbstractNephrotic syndrome is a well‐known risk factor of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Catheter‐related DVT under the setting of nephrotic syndrome may be presented as a more fulminant form, phlegmasia cerulea dolens. Phlegmasia cerulea dolens may lead to severe obstruction of venous drainage of the extremities and presents with compartment syndrome that impairs arterial perfusion. Aggressive management with thrombolysis and/or thrombectomy are considered with simultaneous anticoagulant treatment.