bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory Arthritis and Heart Disease
Authors: Castaneda Santos , Gonzalez-Juanatey Carlos , Gonzalez-Gay Miguel A. 
Published: January 2018

Background:
The term inflammatory joint disease (IJD) includes a group of chronic conditions, particularly
rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), with predominant
joint involvement and increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) complications and premature mortality.

Objective:
The study aims to review of the most relevant CV manifestations from clinical point of view associated
with IJD.

Methods:
To update the current knowledge on CV manifestations in patients with IJD, we review the most relevant
literature studies published in English (PubMed database) from January 2007 to February 2017.

Results:
Ischemic heart disease and congestive heart failure are the most relevant complications and those causing
higher mortality. Pericarditis and myocarditis may be seen in patients with RA, especially in flares of disease,
although they are often asymptomatic. Left ventricular diastolic ventricular dysfunction is an increasing recognized
problem. Arrhythmias and cardiac conduction disturbances may be observed in patients with IJD. Chronic
inflammation and fibrosis of the cardiac conduction system may be responsible for these complications. Noninvasive
diagnostic tools including cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and echocardiography have improved
considerably our understanding of the cardiovascular disease in IJD.

Conclusion:
Cardiac manifestations in IJD are frequent and they are the leading cause of an increased morbimortality
in IJD. Clinicians would be aware of that, given that early diagnosis of these complications may reduce
the frequency of CV events and improve survival of patients with IJD.
Drusen in the Peripheral Retina of the Alzheimer’s Eye
Authors: Ukalovic Kresimir , Cao Sijia , Lee Sieun , Tang Qiaoyue , Beg Mirza Faisal , Sarunic Marinko V. , Hsiung Ging-Yuek R. , Mackenzie Ian R. , Hirsch-Reinshagen Veronica , Cui Jing Z. , Matsubara Joanne A. 
Published: January 2018

Background:
Recent work on Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis focuses on neuroimaging
modalities; however, these methods are expensive, invasive, and not available to all patients. Ocular
imaging of biomarkers, such as drusen in the peripheral retina, could provide an alternative
method to diagnose AD.

Objective:
This study compares macular and peripheral drusen load in control and AD eyes.

Methods:
Postmortem eye tissues were obtained from donors with a neuropathological diagnosis of
AD. Retina from normal donors were processed and categorized into younger (<55 years) and older
(>55 years) groups. After fixation and dissection, 3-6 mm punches of RPE/choroid were taken in
macular and peripheral (temporal, superior, and inferior) retinal regions. Oil red O positive drusen
were counted and grouped into two size categories: small (<63 μm) and intermediate (63-125 μm).

Results:
There was a significant increase in the total number of macular and peripheral hard drusen in
older, compared to younger, normal eyes (p<0.05). Intermediate hard drusen were more commonly
found in the temporal region of AD eyes compared to older normal eyes, even after controlling for
age (p<0.05). Among the brain and eye tissues from AD donors, there was a significant relationship
between cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) severity and number of temporal intermediate hard
drusen (r=0.78, p<0.05).

Conclusion:
Imaging temporal drusen in the eye may have benefit for diagnosing and monitoring progression
of AD. Our results on CAA severity and temporal intermediate drusen in the AD eye are novel.
Future studies are needed to further understand the interactions among CAA and drusen formation.
Bromelain Degrades Aβ1-42 Monomers and Soluble Aggregates: An In Vitro Study in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Alzheimer’s Disease Patients
Authors: Sancesario Giulia M. , Nuccetelli Marzia , Cerri Andrea , Zegeer Joshua , Severini Cinzia , Ciotti Maria T. , Pieri Massimo , Martorana Alessandro , Caltagirone Carlo , Nistico Robert , Bernardini Sergio 
Published: January 2018

Background:
Therapeutic approaches targeting amyloid β42 (Aβ42) oligomers may represent a
promising neuroprotective strategy for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Objective:
In this study we evaluated the ability of bromelain, a plant cysteine protease derived from
pineapple stems, to interact with synthetic Aβ42 monomers and oligomers. We also examined the ability
of bromelain to interfere in vitro with synthetic Aβ42 aggregates in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of Alzheimer's
disease as well as of control patients affected by other neurological diseases.

Method:
Both synthetic monomers and aggregates of Aβ42 were incubated in CSF with varying concentrations
of bromelain. The effects of digestion were evaluated by Western Blot analysis using the specific
monoclonal antibody 4G8 to identify the patterns of residual content of Aβ42. We further used rat
primary cortical culture neurons (CN) to examine the cytotoxic action of this natural compound.

Results:
We found that bromelain successfully degraded Aβ42 monomers and low and high molecular
weight oligomers. Indeed, when bromelain preparations of 3 and 6 mU were added to the CSF, the residual
amount of Aβ42 monomers and oligomers were significantly reduced when compared to the same
standard Aβ42 preparations incubated in CSF without bromelain. Moreover, bromelain incubations of
0.1, 0.5, and 1 mU/ml were not toxic to CN, as compared to vehicle treated cells.

Conclusion:
Overall, these results represent an important insight into the action of bromelain on Aβ42
oligomers, suggesting its potential use in the therapy of AD.
Consistency of Toe Systolic Pressures, Brachial Systolic Pressures, and Toe-Brachial Indices in People with and without Diabetes
Authors: Trevethan Robert 
Published: January 2018

Background & Aims:
Toe Systolic Blood Pressures (TSPs) and Toe-Brachial Indices (TBIs)
have been identified as useful adjuncts in the identification of pedal ischemia, peripheral artery occlusive
diseases, and risk for either nonhealing of lower extremity wounds or for amputation. Valid measurement
of TSPs and TBIs is therefore essential. However, it could be jeopardized by rater, instrument,
and intratestee inconsistency. These three sources of inconsistency were examined in this research.

Methods:
Five publications addressing TSP and TBI consistency were identified and their results were
analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients.

Results:
Moderate variability in TSPs was found across all studies; greater variability was evidenced in
brachial systolic pressure, particularly for people who had diabetes; and TBI values also exhibited considerable
variability, but little difference between people who did and did not have diabetes.

Conclusion:
These findings provide qualified evidence of consistency regarding measurement of TSPs
but challenge TBI as a valid and useful indicator in screening, prognostic, and monitoring contexts,
particularly for people who have diabetes. However, there is a prospect that TBI assessment could be
improved by adherence to standardized protocols and by obtaining multiple measurements from toes
and arms on a single occasion as well as on different occasions.
Evaluation of an mHealth App (DeStressify) on University Students’ Mental Health: Pilot Trial
Authors: Lee Rebecca Anne , Jung Mary Elizabeth 
Published: January 2018

Background
One in five Canadians experience mental health issues with those in the age range of 15 to 24 years being most at risk of a mood disorder. University students have shown significantly higher rates of mental health problems than the general public. Current university support services are limited by factors such as available staff and finances, and social stigma has frequently been identified as an additional barrier that prevents students from accessing these resources. Mobile health (mHealth) apps are one form of alternative health support that is discrete and accessible to students, and although they are recognized as a promising alternative, there is limited research demonstrating their efficacy.

Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate a mindfulness-based app’s (“DeStressify”) efficacy on stress, anxiety, depressive symptomology, sleep behavior, work or class absenteeism, work or school productivity, and quality of life (QoL) among university students.

Methods
Full-time undergraduate students at a Canadian university with smartphones and Internet access were recruited through in-class announcements and on-campus posters. Participants randomized into an experimental condition were given and instructed to use the DeStressify app 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Control condition participants were wait-listed. All participants completed pre- and postintervention Web-based surveys to self-assess stress, anxiety, depressive symptomatology, sleep quality, and health-related QoL.

Results
A total of 206 responses were collected at baseline, with 163 participants completing the study (86 control, 77 experimental). Using DeStressify was shown to reduce trait anxiety (P=.01) and improve general health (P=.001), energy (P=.01), and emotional well-being (P=.01) in university students, and more participants in the experimental condition believed their productivity improved between baseline and postintervention measurements than the number of participants expected to believe so randomly by chance (P=.01). The app did not significantly improve stress, state anxiety, physical and social functioning, and role limitations because of physical or emotional health problems or pain (P>.05).

Conclusions
Mindfulness-based apps may provide an effective alternative support for university students’ mental health. Universities and other institutions may benefit from promoting the use of DeStressify or other mindfulness-based mHealth apps among students who are interested in methods of anxiety management or mindfulness-based self-driven health support. Future steps include examining DeStressify and similar mHealth apps over a longer period and in university staff and faculty.
The Permanent Legacy
Authors: Gummow WMC 
Published: January 2018

I begin by reminding you that in 1964 Sir Anthony was appointed Commonwealth Solicitor-General and that he continued in that office until 1969. This is a matter of some importance in charting his legacy in administrative law.The Solicitor-General Act 1916 (Cth) (the 1916 Act) provided in s 2 for the appointment by the Governor-General of a person to be the Solicitor-General of the Commonwealth and to have such duties and functions as prescribed by or under any statute or as were delegated to him by the Attorney-General. The 1916 Act was repealed by the Law Officers Act 1964 (Cth) (the 1964 Act). This provided for the reconstitution of the office of Solicitor-General as the second Law Officer of the Commonwealth and made detailed provisions with respect to that office.
The Amicus Curiae and Intervener in the High Court of Australia: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Williams George 
Published: January 2018

A court's approach to non-parties, such as the amicus curiae and intervener, reflects its perception of its own larger role. The Supreme Courts of Canada and the United States, as well as the Constitutional Court of South Africa, have welcomed submissions from public interest organisations and others and have drafted Rules of Court to allow their participation in cases raising important issues of public policy. The South African Court has even solicited submissions from strangers to the litigation, such as academics, in order to broaden its perspective on a case arid on the consequences of any decision it might reach. The approach of these courts shows how each has embraced the roles of law-maker arid interpreter of an ambiguous constitution.The High Court of Australia, on the other hand, frequently denies the amicus curiae and intervener any meaningful function. They are riot even mentioned in the Rules of Court. While it is true that the total number of interventions in the Court has increased over the last decade, the door has often been closed.
Low-grade Inflammatory Marker Profile May Help to Differentiate Patients With LADA, Classic Adult-Onset Type 1 Diabetes, and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Castelblanco Esmeralda , Hernández Marta , Castelblanco Andrea , Gratacòs Mònica , Esquerda Aureli , Molló Àngels , Ramírez-Morros Anna , Real Jordi , Franch-Nadal Josep , Fernández-Real José-Manuel , Mauricio Dídac 
Published: January 2018

OBJECTIVE
To test whether differences in serum concentrations of adiposity-related low-grade inflammatory mediators could help to differentiate patients with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), classic adult-onset type 1 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
This cross-sectional study involved 75 patients with LADA, 67 with classic adult-onset type 1 diabetes, and 390 with type 2 diabetes. Serum concentrations of adiponectin, soluble tumor necrosis factor-α receptor 2 (sTNFRII), interleukin-6, hs-CRP, and total leukocyte number were measured. To evaluate the differences of these markers among diabetes types, we performed logistic regression models and evaluated area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUCROC) values.

RESULTS
The profile of innate immunity-related inflammatory markers correlated with metabolic syndrome components. LADA versus classic adult-onset type 1 diabetes was independently related to sTNFRII (odds ratio [OR] 1.9 [95% CI 1.01–3.97]; P = 0.047) and hs-CRP levels (OR 0.78 [95% CI 0.62–0.96]; P = 0.019), and a higher number of total leukocytes lowered the risk of LADA compared with type 2 diabetes (OR 0.98 [95% CI 0.97–0.99]; P = 0.036). The logistic regression model including explanatory biomarkers explained 35% of the variation for LADA versus classic adult-onset type 1 diabetes (AUCROC 0.83 [95% CI 0.74–0.92]; P &lt; 0.001) and 15% of the variation for LADA versus type 2 diabetes (AUCROC 0.73 [95% CI 0.70–0.80]; P &lt; 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
Inflammatory, adiposity, and immune-related markers could help to differentiate a LADA diagnosis from that of classic adult-onset type 1 diabetes, and also LADA from that of type 2 diabetes, along with islet autoantibody positivity.
Effects of two fractions of inspired oxygen during anesthesia on early postanesthesia oxygenation in healthy dogs
Authors: Martin-Flores Manuel , Tseng Chia T. , Robillard Steven D. , Abrams Brittany E. , Campoy Luis , Harvey H. Jay , Gleed Robin D. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of 2 fractions of inspired oxygen (Fio2s) during anesthesia on postanesthesia Pao2 and other measures of oxygen exchange.
ANIMALS 22 healthy adult sexually intact female dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy by ventral midline celiotomy.
PROCEDURES Dogs were randomly assigned to receive either oxygen (Fio2 > 0.9 [100% oxygen]; n = 11; control group) or a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen (Fio2 = 0.4; 11; 40% oxygen group) as the carrier gas for isoflurane while anesthetized. All dogs were allowed to breathe spontaneously while anesthetized. For each dog, the Pao2, Paco2, other indices of oxygenation, and extent of sedation were monitored at predetermined times during and for 1 hour after anesthesia. Measured variables were compared between the 2 treatment groups and over time within each treatment group.
RESULTS None of the measured variables differed significantly between the control and 40% oxygen groups at any time during the postanesthesia period. Within each treatment group, the Paco2 and extent of sedation decreased over time during the postanesthesia period.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that indices of oxygenation did not differ significantly between healthy dogs in which the Fio2 was maintained at > 0.9 and those in which the Fio2 was maintained at 0.4 while anesthetized for ovariohysterectomy. Thus, the addition of nitrogen to the carrier gas for an inhalant anesthetic conferred neither an advantage nor disadvantage in regard to oxygenation during the first hour of anesthesia recovery.
Genome-wide sequencing and quantification of circulating microRNAs for dogs with congestive heart failure secondary to myxomatous mitral valve degeneration
Authors: Jung SeungWoo , Bohan Amy 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize expression profiles of circulating microRNAs via genome-wide sequencing for dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF) secondary to myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD).
ANIMALS 9 healthy client-owned dogs and 8 age-matched client-owned dogs with CHF secondary to MMVD.
PROCEDURES Blood samples were collected before administering cardiac medications for the management of CHF. Isolated microRNAs from plasma were classified into microRNA libraries and subjected to next-generation sequencing (NGS) for genome-wide sequencing analysis and quantification of circulating microRNAs. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) assays were used to validate expression profiles of differentially expressed circulating microRNAs identified from NGS analysis of dogs with CHF.
RESULTS 326 microRNAs were identified with NGS analysis. Hierarchical analysis revealed distinct expression patterns of circulating microRNAs between healthy dogs and dogs with CHF. Results of qRT-PCR assays confirmed upregulation of 4 microRNAs (miR-133, miR-1, miR-let-7e, and miR-125) and downregulation of 4 selected microRNAs (miR-30c, miR-128, miR-142, and miR-423). Results of qRT-PCR assays were highly correlated with NGS data and supported the specificity of circulating microRNA expression profiles in dogs with CHF secondary to MMVD.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE These results suggested that circulating microRNA expression patterns were unique and could serve as molecular biomarkers of CHF in dogs with MMVD.
Biomechanical evaluation of modified laryngoplasty by use of a toggle technique for stabilization of arytenoid cartilage in specimens obtained from equine cadavers
Authors: Secor Erica J. , Gutierrez-Nibeyro Santiago D. , Horn Gavin P. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To biomechanically compare modified and standard laryngoplasty constructs in monotonic load to failure and cyclic loading.
SAMPLES 41 equine cadaveric larynges.
PROCEDURES Laryngoplasty constructs were created by use of a standard technique on one side and a modified technique (with a toggle to anchor suture to the arytenoid cartilage) on the other side. For monotonic loading, laryngoplasty constructs were prepared and suture ends attached to a load frame; constructs then were loaded until mechanical failure. Mean load at failure and failure modes were compared between constructs. For cyclic loading, arytenoid cartilages were maximally abducted and constructs were circumferentially loaded for 10,000 cycles. Loss of arytenoid abduction was evaluated every 500 cycles with a subjective grading scale and objective change in rima glottidis cross-sectional area.
RESULTS In monotonic loading, modified laryngoplasty constructs failed at a significantly higher mean ± SD load (191 ± 29 N) than did standard laryngoplasty constructs (91 ± 44 N). None of the modified laryngoplasty constructs failed by suture pull-through of the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage, whereas most of the standard laryngoplasty constructs failed in that manner. In cyclic testing, 11 of 20 standard laryngoplasty constructs failed or achieved Dixon grade 3 abduction, whereas 0 of 20 modified laryngoplasty constructs failed. Modified laryngoplasty constructs lost significantly less rima glottidis cross-sectional area in circumferential testing, compared with loss for standard laryngoplasty constructs.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The modified laryngoplasty technique was biomechanically superior to the standard laryngoplasty technique in this ex vivo study.
Effect of metoclopramide treatment of bitches during the first week of lactation on serum prolactin concentration, milk composition, and milk yield and on weight gain of their puppies
Authors: Keller Stefanie R. , Abonyi-Tóth Zsolt , Sprenger Norbert , Austin Sean C. , Wichert Brigitta A. C. , Liesegang Annette , Oei Christine H. Y. , Balogh Orsolya , Reichler Iris M. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate effects of metoclopramide orally administered to healthy bitches on serum prolactin and milk lactose concentrations, gross energy, and dry matter content and on puppy weight gain during early lactation.
ANIMALS 20 client-owned bitches and their 121 puppies.
PROCEDURES 10 bitches received metoclopramide (0.2 mg/kg, PO, q 6 h for 6 days; treatment group) starting 10 to 24 hours after birth of the last puppy of the litter (day 0), and 10 bitches served as the control group. Blood and milk samples from all bitches were collected on days 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6. Milk samples for days 1 and 2 and days 4 and 6 were pooled because of small volume. Puppies were weighed twice daily.
RESULTS Serum prolactin concentration increased significantly over time in both groups, and no treatment effect was detected. When day-to-day changes were analyzed, the prolactin concentration increased from day 0 to day 1 in the treatment group but not in the control group. Milk lactose concentration increased significantly and was higher in the treatment group than in the control group. Milk dry matter content was unchanged, whereas the time course for milk gross energy content differed significantly between treatment and control bitches. Puppy weight gain was not affected by metoclopramide treatment.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Oral administration of metoclopramide to healthy bitches after parturition induced a transient increase in serum prolactin concentration and stimulated milk lactose production. It is likely bitches with insufficient or delayed milk production could benefit from metoclopramide treatment.
Delayed Credit Recovery in Croatia: Supply or Demand Driven?
Authors: Dumičić Mirna , Ljubaj Igor 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
In order to enhance the understanding of credit cycle dynamics in Croatia, we explore the evolution of credit demand and credit supply of corporates and households in Croatia and identify their determinants based on the switching regression framework. These results are crosschecked by the insights from the bank lending survey. The conducted analysis shows there are both supply and demand-side factors that limit the possibility of intensifying household and corporate credit activity. However, a more pronounced drag seems to be coming from subdued demand, which is greatly influenced by the unfavourable domestic macroeconomic environment and, particularly, GDP developments. This suggests that it is not unusual that credit recovery is still missing but also confirms that the scope for monetary policy to stimulate lending is limited.