bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
QT interval, corrected for heart rate, is associated with HbA1c concentration and autonomic function in diabetes
Authors: Stern K. , Cho Y. H. , Benitez‐Aguirre P. , Jenkins A. J. , McGill M. , Mitchell P. , Keech A. C. , Donaghue K. C. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimsTo examine QT intervals corrected for heart rate (QTc) in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes compared with control subjects, and to determine associations with metabolic control and autonomic function.MethodsResting electrocardiogram recordings of 142 adolescents with Type 1 diabetes [mean (sd) age 15.3 (2.0) years, diabetes duration 9.0 (3.5) years, HbA1c 71 (17) mmol/mol or 8.7 (1.6)%] and 125 control subjects [mean (sd) age 15.7 (2.5) years] were used to calculate QTc duration and derive mean heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) values. Linear and logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between QTc, metabolic control and autonomic function (HRV and pupillary function).ResultsQTc duration was not significantly different between subjects with Type 1 diabetes and control subjects (mean duration 392 vs 391 ms; P = 0.65). In the Type 1 diabetes group, QTc was positively associated with HbA1c [β = 4 (95% CI 2, 6); P < 0.001] and inversely associated with severe hypoglycaemic events [β = ‐10 (95% CI ‐20,‐2); P = 0.01], less insulin/kg [β = ‐12 (95% CI ‐22, ‐2); P = 0.024] and less HRV. In the Type 1 diabetes group, QTc in the highest quintile (≥409 ms) vs quintiles 1–4 had more pupillary abnormalities (83 vs 56%; P = 0.03), lower pupillary maximum constriction velocity (4.8 vs 5.3 mm/s; P = 0.04), higher heart rate (78 vs 72 beats per min; P = 0.02) and lower HRV (standard deviation of mean NN intervals 4.0 vs 4.3 ms, P = 0.004 and root‐mean‐square difference of successive NN intervals 3.7 vs 4.1 ms; P = 0.004).ConclusionsAlthough there are concerns about hypoglycaemia in general in people with Type 1 diabetes, chronic hyperglycaemia, rather than intermittent hypoglycaemia, appears to be more deleterious to autonomic cardiac function, even in adolescence. Longer QTc was associated with higher HbA1c concentration, lower risk of hypoglycaemia and autonomic dysfunction. Longitudinal studies are warranted.
Impact of the lower third molar and injury mechanism on the risk of mandibular angle and condylar fractures
Authors: Antic Svetlana , Milicic Biljana , Jelovac Drago B. , Djuric Marija 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have shown the influence of the mandibular third molar on mandibular angle and condylar fractures, but have not comparatively analyzed the impact of the injury mechanism on these fractures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the lower third molar (M3) and injury‐related factors (fracture etiology and site of impact of the traumatic force) on the risk of mandibular angle and condylar fractures.Material and methodsThe study included 615 patients who sustained a mandibular fracture in a 13‐year period (from January 2000 to December 2013). The independent variables were presence, position and the root number of the M3, fracture etiology, and site of impact of the force. The outcome variables were mandibular angle and condylar fractures. Other variables included in the study were patients' gender and age. The data were analyzed using the chi‐square test. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between angle and condylar fractures and to show potential determinants.ResultsAngle fractures were significantly influenced by the M3, site of impact, and age, but the main predictors were the eruption status and vertical position of the M3 (classified by Pell and Gregory) and site of impact of the force. Condylar fractures were significantly influenced by the M3 and site of impact of the force, but only the last showed as a predictor.ConclusionsFactors related to the M3 showed more significant influence on angle fractures than on condylar fractures.
Real‐life experience with liver iron concentration R2 MRI measurement in patients with hemoglobinopathies: baseline data from LICNET
Authors: Vitrano Angela , Calvaruso Giuseppina , Tesé Lorenzo , Gioia Francesco , Cassarà Filippo , Campisi Saveria , Butera Franco , Commendatore Valeria , Rizzo Michele , Santoro Vincenzo , Cigna Valeria , Quota Alessandra , Bagnato Sabrina , Argento Crocetta , Fidone Carmelo , Schembari Dario , Gerardi Calogera , Barbiera Filippo , Bellisssima Giuseppe , Giugno Giovanni , Polizzi Gesualdo , Rosso Rosamaria , Abbate Giovanna , Caruso Vincenzo , Chiodi Elisabetta , Gamberini Maria Rita , Giorgi Benedetta , Putti Maria Caterina , Filosa Aldo , De Ritis Maria Rosaria , Oliva Esther , Arcadi Nicola , Fustaneo Maria , Mistretta Laura , Di Maggio Rosario , Sacco Massimiliano , Veronica Di Salvo , Giangreco Antonino , Maggio Aurelio 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundReal‐life data on the use of R2 MRI for the assessment of liver iron concentration (LIC) remain limited.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional analysis on 363 patients (mean age 35.6 yr, 44.1% men) with hemoglobinopathies (204 β‐thalassemia major [TM], 102 β‐thalassemia intermedia [TI], and 57 sickle cell disease [SCD]) that were evaluated with R2 MRI as part of LICNET, an MRI network of 13 Italian treatment centers.ResultsThe mean LIC was 7.8 mg/g (median: 4.0), with high LIC (>7 mg/g) noted in both transfused (TM, TI 37%; SCD 38%) and non‐transfused (TI 20%) patients. Ferritin levels correlated with LIC in both transfused (TM, TI, SCD) and non‐transfused (TI) patients (P < 0.001), although lower values predicted high LIC in non‐transfused patients (1900 vs. 650 ng/mL in TM vs. non‐transfused TI). A correlation between LIC and ALT levels was only noted in HCV‐negative patients (rs = 0.316, P < 0.001). The proportion of patients with high LIC was significantly different between iron chelators used (P = 0.023), with the lowest proportion in deferasirox (30%) and highest in deferiprone (53%)‐treated patients.ConclusionsHigh LIC values persist in subgroups of patients with hemoglobinopathy, warranting closer monitoring and management optimization, even for non‐transfused patients with relatively low ferritin levels.
Analgesic effects evoked by a CCR2 antagonist or an anti‐CCL2 antibody in inflamed mice
Authors: Llorián‐Salvador María , Pevida Marta , González‐Rodríguez Sara , Lastra Ana , Fernández‐García María‐Teresa , Hidalgo Agustín , Baamonde Ana , Menéndez Luis 
Published: January 2016

AbstractChemokine CCL2, also known as monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), is a molecule that in addition to its well‐established role in chemotaxis can also act as nociceptor sensitizer. The upregulation of this chemokine in inflamed tissues could suggest its involvement in inflammatory hypernociception. Thus, we have measured CCL2 levels in mice with acute or chronic inflammation due to the intraplantar (i.pl.) injection of carrageenan or complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), respectively, and we have studied whether inflammatory hyperalgesia or allodynia could be attenuated by blocking CCR2 receptors or neutralizing CCL2 with an anti‐CCL2 antibody. A remarkable increase in CCL2 concentration was detected by ELISA in paw homogenates coming from carrageenan‐ or CFA‐inflamed mice, being its expression mainly localized in macrophages, as shown by immunohistochemical assays. The s.c. (0.3–3 mg/kg) or i.pl. (0.3–3 μg) administration of the CCR2 antagonist, RS 504393, dose dependently inhibited thermal hyperalgesia measured in acutely or chronically inflamed mice, whereas s.c. administration of this drug did not reduce inflammatory mechanical allodynia. Furthermore, the inhibition of inflammatory hyperalgesia after the administration of an anti‐CCL2 antibody (0.1–1 μg; i.pl.) suggests that CCL2 could be the endogenous chemokine responsible for CCR2‐mediated hyperalgesic effects. Besides, the acute administration of the highest antihyperalgesic dose of RS 504393 assayed did not reduce paw tumefaction or modify the presence of inflammatory cells. These results indicate that the blockade of the CCL2/CCR2 system can counteract inflammatory hyperalgesia, being this antinociceptive effect unrelated to a decrease in the inflammatory reaction.
Anthocyanidins but not anthocyanins inhibit P‐glycoprotein‐mediated calcein extrusion – possible implication for orally administered drugs
Authors: Vrzal Radim 
Published: January 2016

AbstractP‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) inhibition represents a promising therapeutic strategy for oncologic patients. The inhibition by naturally occurring anthocyans would bring certain benefits. Unfortunately, due to the low bioavailability and consequently low blood level, they cannot be used for cancer therapy. However, due to the food supplementation, significant concentration can raise up in the intestine, where P‐gp is abundantly expressed. As many drugs are orally taken, simultaneous administration might affect the concentration of these drugs in the blood. Here, we found that anthocyanidins (aglycons) but not anthocyanins (glycosides) can significantly inhibit P‐gp up to 60% of positive control, verapamil. This inhibitory activity was observed for 500 μm concentrations of malvidin and pelargonidin. We conclude that these compounds may be the source of food–drug interactions either for orally taken drugs or for intravenously administered drugs eliminated via biliary excretion which are the substrates of P‐gp.
Modelling carbon stocks and fluxes in the wood product sector: a comparative review
Authors: Brunet‐Navarro Pau , Jochheim Hubert , Muys Bart 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIn addition to forest ecosystems, wood products are carbon pools that can be strategically managed to mitigate climate change. Wood product models (WPMs) simulating the carbon balance of wood production, use and end of life can complement forest growth models to evaluate the mitigation potential of the forest sector as a whole.WPMs can be used to compare scenarios of product use and explore mitigation strategies. A considerable number ofWPMs have been developed in the last three decades, but there is no review available analysing their functionality and performance. This study analyses and compares 41WPMs. One surprising initial result was that we discovered the erroneous implementation of a few concepts and assumptions in some of the models. We further described and compared the models using six model characteristics (bucking allocation,industrial processes,carbon pools,product removal,recyclingandsubstitution effects)and three model‐use characteristics (system boundaries,model initializationandevaluation of results). Using a set of indicators based on the model characteristics, we classified models using a hierarchical clustering technique and differentiated them according to their increasing degrees of complexity and varying levels of user support. For purposes of simulating carbon stock in wood products, models with a simple structure may be sufficient, but to compare climate change mitigation options, complex models are needed. The number of models has increased substantially over the last ten years, introducing more diversity and accuracy. Calculation of substitution effects and recycling has also become more prominent. However, the lack of data is still an important constraint for a more realistic estimation of carbon stocks and fluxes. Therefore, if the sector wants to demonstrate the environmental quality of its products, it should make it a priority to provide reliable life cycle inventory data, particularly regarding aspects of time and location.
Cerebrospinal fluid inflammatory markers in amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Rizzi Liara , Roriz‐Cruz Matheus 
Published: January 2016

AimsInflammatory processes might play a significant role at the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Neuroinflammation is characterized by activation of microglia and the release of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α. Although, it is unknown what the real contribution of these inflammatory markers in the development of AD is. The purpose of the present study was to assess the possible relationship between inflammatory markers in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of amnestic mild cognitive impairment patients (aMCI), aged 60 years or older, and compare with aged healthy controls.MethodsWe examined concentrations of IL‐1β, IL‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α in the CSF of aMCI patients and controls by enzyme immunoassay. aMCI diagnoses were based on anamnesis and Petersen criteria, corroborated by the Clinical Dementia Rating. Cognitive function was assessed by neuropsychological tests.ResultsCSF levels of IL‐1β (13.735 vs 22.932 pg/mL; P < 0.001) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (1.913 vs 2.627 pg/mL; P = 0.002), but not IL‐6 (4.178 vs 5.689 pg/mL; P = 0.106), were significantly reduced in the aMCI samples as compared with controls. Individuals with IL‐1β < 17 pg/mL were at a 7.2 (CI 1.5–36; P: 0.016) increased odds of aMCI. There was a positive correlation between IL‐1β levels and the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease word list score (rs = 0.299; P = 0.046). Linear regression analysis showed that IL‐1β levels might explain 13.7% (β = 24.545; P = 0.012) of the variance on this Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease subscore.ConclusionThe present results show a pattern of cytokines expression in the CSF of aMCI patients that might be relevant to the pathogeny of prodromal AD. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 239–245.
Predictive factors of mortality and deterioration in performance of activities of daily living after hip fracture surgery in Kagoshima, Japan
Authors: Ishidou Yasuhiro , Koriyama Chihaya , Kakoi Hironori , Setoguchi Takao , Nagano Satoshi , Hirotsu Masataka , Yamamoto Takuya , Yokouchi Masahiro , Komiya Setsuro 
Published: January 2016

AimGiven that different hospitals achieve different outcomes, optimal evaluation of treatment outcomes in the local community requires evaluation of many institutions in that area. We carried out a prospective multicenter cohort study in Kagoshima Prefecture to identify factors that contribute to deterioration in activities of daily living performance and patient mortality 1 year after surgical treatment of hip fractures.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 387 patients who underwent surgery for hip fractures in 33 registered facilities within a 6‐month period from February to July 2007. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify factors that contribute to deterioration in activities of daily living performance and death within 1 year after surgery.ResultsAn increased risk of Barthel Index (BI) deterioration was associated with increased age (P for trend = 0.003), worse pre‐injury BI (P for trend = 0.021), trochanteric fractures (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.31–3.27), worse BI at discharge (P for trend < 0.001) and postoperatively developed cognitive impairment (OR 6.34, 95% CI 2.15–18.7). The OR for BI deterioration in patients with newly‐diagnosed disease after discharge was approximately 9.16 (95% CI 4.03–20.8). No factors except age and sex were statistically significant as the preoperative indicators of mortality risk. Only BI at discharge was a significant determinant of mortality risk (P for trend = 0.013) after adjusting for the effects of age and sex.ConclusionsPatients with poor activities of daily living performance at the time of hospital discharge were likely to show poor functional recovery and a high 1‐year postoperative mortality. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 391–401.
Performance Indicators in Indonesian Universities: The Perception of Academics
Authors: Gaus Nurdiana , Hall David 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis study aimed to explore the perceptions of Indonesian academics towards the implementation of Performance Indicators (PIs) on teaching and research. The study was a case study using semi‐structured interviews, conducted with 30 academics in three state universities in Indonesia. The results of the study revealed academics believed that outcome indicators used in PIs for control mechanisms have neglected the humane side of the teaching and learning process, and scientific research. Academics also perceived that PIs are valuable for improving daunting workplace conditions and poor institutional culture if they are used for the improvement of internal management. The findings of this study, if seriously considered, may provide information for policy makers to revisit and refine the existing indicators used to measure academics’ teaching and research performance. This can be implemented by taking into account the collegial nature, organised anarchy, of a bottom‐up approach that emphasises the emancipation of academics to determine what elements of their teaching and research should be covered and be measured. This research argues that indicators used for PIs can be a blend of quantitative and qualitative measures, which compensate for each other.
First report of ‘mining’ as a feeding behaviour among Australian manna‐feeding birds
Authors: Case Samuel B. , Edworthy Amanda B. 
Published: January 2016

The Forty‐spotted Pardalote Pardalotus quadragintus is an endangered songbird endemic to the forests of Tasmania, Australia. Forty‐spotted Pardalotes forage predominantly in the foliage of White (or Manna) Gums Eucalyptus viminalis for invertebrates, lerps (the protective coverings produced by psyllids) and manna, a crystallized exudate produced by certain Eucalyptus species. Although many Australian birds feed on manna, this study reports the first observations of birds actively stimulating manna production rather than feeding on it opportunistically. In light of these observations, we also compared rates of manna production across tree species and sizes, and quantified the relative importance of manna in nestling diet. Adult Forty‐spotted Pardalotes stimulated manna production by clipping leaf stalks with their bills, creating small incisions in the stem surface. We experimentally mimicked this behaviour and found that, in 53.7% of incisions of E. viminalis, manna flow was released within 3 days. However, none of the other three common tree species at our sites produced manna in response to the same experimental damage. There was no effect of tree size on manna production by E. viminalis. To determine the importance of manna and other food sources in nestling diet, we videotaped provisioning trips by adults to nests and surveyed food availability in E. viminalis foliage within territories. Manna was the most important food item, comprising 84.2% of identified food items provided to nestlings, and it was selected over 50 times more frequently than expected given its relative availability in the foliage. As a manna miner, the Forty‐spotted Pardalote is the first Australian bird to join the small number of bird species that mine sap or other exudates of trees. Their preference for manna as a food source, especially in nestling diet, provides an explanation for the species’ specialization on E. viminalis, the only manna‐producing tree at our sites. Our results suggest that E. viminalis forests provide critical food supply for developing nestlings, and that restoration of E. viminalis forests will be critical to the long‐term viability of Forty‐spotted Pardalote populations.
Association between XPG polymorphisms and stomach cancer susceptibility in a Chinese population
Authors: Chen Yun‐Zhi , Guo Fang , Sun Hong‐Wei , Kong Hong‐Ru , Dai Sheng‐Jie , Huang Shi‐Hao , Zhu Wen‐Wei , Yang Wen‐Jun , Zhou Meng‐Tao 
Published: January 2016

AbstractXeroderma pigmentosum group G (XPG) protein plays an important role in the DNA repair process by cutting the damaged DNA at the 3′ terminus. Previous studies have indicated some polymorphisms in the XPG gene are associated with stomach cancer susceptibility. We performed this hospital‐based case–control study to evaluate the association of four potentially functional XPG polymorphisms (rs2094258 C>T, rs751402 C>T, rs2296147 T>C and rs873601G>A) with stomach cancer susceptibility. The four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 692 stomach cancer cases and 771 healthy controls. Logistic regression analysis was conducted, and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the association of interest. Of the studied SNPs, XPG rs873601G>A polymorphism was found to significantly associate with stomach cancer susceptibility (AA versus GG/AG: OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.03–1.66, P = 0.027). Combined analysis of all SNPs revealed that the individuals with two of risk genotypes had a significantly increased stomach cancer risk (OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.13–2.06). In the stratification analysis, the association between the rs873601AA genotype and stomach cancer risk was observed in older group (>59 year), as well as patients with non‐cardia stomach cancer. Further combined analysis indicated men, smokers, or non‐drinkers more than one risk genotypes had a significantly increased stomach cancer risk. Our results indicate that XPG rs873601G>A polymorphism may be associated with the risk of stomach cancer. Further prospective studies with different ethnicities and large sample sizes are needed to validate our findings.
Neocortical GABA release at high intracellular sodium and low extracellular calcium: an anti‐seizure mechanism
Authors: Rassner Michael P. , Moser Andreas , Follo Marie , Joseph Kevin , van Velthoven‐Wurster Vera , Feuerstein Thomas J. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIn epilepsy, the GABA and glutamate balance may be disrupted and a transient decrease in extracellular calcium occurs before and during a seizure. Flow Cytometry based fluorescence activated particle sorting experiments quantified synaptosomes from human neocortical tissue, from both epileptic and non‐epileptic patients (27.7% vs. 36.9% GABAergic synaptosomes, respectively). Transporter‐mediated release of GABA in human and rat neocortical synaptosomes was measured using the superfusion technique for the measurement of endogenous GABA. GABA release was evoked by either a sodium channel activator or a sodium/potassium‐ATPase inhibitor when exocytosis was possible or prevented, and when the sodium/calcium exchanger was active or inhibited. The transporter‐mediated release of GABA is because of elevated intracellular sodium. A reduction in the extracellular calcium increased this release (in both non‐epileptic and epileptic, except Rasmussen encephalitis, synaptosomes). The inverse was seen during calcium doubling. In humans, GABA release was not affected by exocytosis inhibition, that is, it was solely transporter‐mediated. However, in rat synaptosomes, an increase in GABA release at zero calcium was only exhibited when the exocytosis was prevented. The absence of calcium amplified the sodium/calcium exchanger activity, leading to elevated intracellular sodium, which, together with the stimulation‐evoked intracellular sodium increment, enhanced GABA transporter reversal. Sodium/calcium exchange inhibitors diminished GABA release. Thus, an important seizure‐induced extracellular calcium reduction might trigger a transporter‐ and sodium/calcium exchanger‐related anti‐seizure mechanism by augmenting transporter‐mediated GABA release, a mechanism absent in rats. Uniquely, the additional increase in GABA release because of calcium‐withdrawal dwindled during the course of illness in Rasmussen encephalitis.
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Seizures cause high Na+ influx through action potentials. A transient decrease in [Ca2+]e (seizure condition) increases GABA transporter (GAT)‐mediated GABA release because of elevated [Na+]i. This amplifies the Sodium‐Calcium‐Exchanger (NCX) activity, further increasing [Na+]i and GABA release. The reduction in [Ca2+]e triggers a GAT‐NCX related anti‐seizure mechanism by augmenting GAT‐mediated GABA release. This mechanism, obvious in humans, is absent in rats.