bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic prediction of risk of liver‐related outcomes in chronic hepatitis C using routinely collected data
Authors: Konerman M. A. , Brown M. , Zheng Y. , Lok A. S. F 
Published: February 2016

SummaryAccuracy of risk assessments for clinical outcomes in patients with chronic liver disease has been limited given the nonlinear nature of disease progression. Longitudinal prediction models may more accurately capture this dynamic risk. The aim of this study was to construct accurate models of short‐ and long‐term risk of disease progression in patients with chronic hepatitis C by incorporating longitudinal clinical data. Data from the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long‐term Treatment Against Cirrhosis trial were analysed (n = 533 training cohort; n = 517 validation cohort). Outcomes included a composite liver outcome (liver‐related death, decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or liver transplant), decompensation, HCC and overall mortality. Longitudinal models were constructed for risk of outcomes at 1, 3 and 5 years and compared with models using data at baseline only or baseline and a single follow‐up time point. A total of 25.1% of patients in the training and 20.8% in the validation cohort had an outcome during a median follow‐up of 6.5 years (range 0.5–9.2). The most important predictors were as follows: albumin, aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio, bilirubin, alpha‐fetoprotein and platelets. Longitudinal models outperformed baseline models with higher true‐positive rates and negative predictive values. The areas under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve for the composite longitudinal model were 0.89 (0.80–0.96), 0.83 (0.76–0.88) and 0.81 (0.75–0.87) for 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year risk prediction, respectively. Model performance was retained for decompensation and overall mortality but not HCC. Longitudinal prediction models provide accurate risk assessments and identify patients in need of intensive monitoring and care.
Subcutaneous meloxicam suspension pharmacokinetics in mice and dose considerations for postoperative analgesia
Authors: Chen Patty H. , Boyd Kelli L. , Fickle Erin K. , Locuson Charles W. 
Published: February 2016

Meloxicam is a cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor with a higher selectivity for cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) than for cyclooxygenase‐1 (COX‐1). In the laboratory setting, this nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) is commonly selected for analgesia in mice and administered every 24 h. This study characterizes the plasma concentration achieved from a dose of 1.6 mg/kg of meloxicam administered once every 24 h subcutaneously for 72 h in male and female C57BL/6 mice. These values were compared, over time, to reference COX‐2 inhibition constants for meloxicam. No significant differences in trough plasma concentrations were noted between genders. The plasma concentrations were below the COX‐2 IC50 after 12 h. To maintain a plasma concentration at or above the COX‐2 whole blood IC50, the study results suggest an administration frequency of every 12 h when using a dose of 1.6 mg/kg in C57BL/6 mice.
Pharmacokinetics of dexmedetomidine, MK‐467, and their combination following intravenous administration in male cats
Authors: Pypendop B. H. , Honkavaara J. , Ilkiw J. E. 
Published: February 2016

This study characterized the pharmacokinetics of dexmedetomidine, MK‐467, and their combination following intravenous bolus administration to cats. Seven 6‐ to‐year‐old male neutered cats, weighting 5.1 ± 0.7 kg, were used in a randomized, crossover design. Dexmedetomidine [12.5 (D12.5) and 25 (D25) μg/kg], MK‐467 [300 μg/kg (M300)] or dexmedetomidine (25 μg/kg) and MK‐467 [75, 150, 300 or 600 μg/kg—only the plasma concentrations in the 600 μg/kg group (D25M600) were analyzed] were administered intravenously, and blood was collected until 8 hours thereafter. Plasma drug concentrations were analyzed using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. A two‐compartment model best fitted the data. Median (range) volume of the central compartment (mL/kg), volume of distribution at steady state (mL/kg), clearance (mL min/kg) and terminal half‐life (min) were 342 (131–660), 829 (496–1243), 14.6 (9.6–22.7) and 48 (40–69) for D12.5; 296 (179–982), 1111 (908–2175), 18.2 (12.4–22.9) and 52 (40–76) for D25; 653 (392–927), 1595 (1094–1887), 22.7 (18.5–36.4) and 48 (35–60) for dexmedetomidine in D25M600; 117 (112–163), 491 (379–604), 3.0 (2.0‐4.5) and 122 (99‐139) for M300; and 147 (112‐173), 462 (403‐714), 2.8 (2.1–4.8) and 118 (97–172) for MK‐467 in D25M600. MK‐467 moderately but statistically significantly affected the disposition of dexmedetomidine, whereas dexmedetomidine minimally affected the disposition of MK‐467.
Deregulated hepatic microRNAs underlie the association between non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and coronary artery disease
Authors: Braza‐Boïls Aitana , Marí‐Alexandre Josep , Molina Pilar , Arnau Miguel A. , Barceló‐Molina Moisés , Domingo Diana , Girbes Javier , Giner Juan , Martínez‐Dolz Luis , Zorio Esther 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackground & AimsNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) appears to be a new risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). Members of a class of non‐coding RNAs, termed microRNAs (miRNAs), have been identified as post‐transcriptional regulators of cholesterol homoeostasis and can contribute to the development of NAFLD. The aims of this study were to (i) to assess the relationship between NAFLD and sudden cardiac death (SCD) from severe CAD in forensic autopsies and (ii) to quantify several hepatic miRNAs previously associated with lipid metabolism and NAFLD to correlate their expression with the presence of NAFLD, CAD, obesity parameters and postmortem lipid profile.MethodsA total of 133 cases of autopsies with SCD and established CAD (patient group, CAD‐SCD) and 106 cases of non‐CAD sudden death (control group, non‐CAD‐SD) were included. miRNAs were quantified in frozen liver tissues.ResultsMales predominated in both groups. Patients more frequently exhibited NAFLD and necroinflammatory steatohepatitis (NASH) than controls (62% vs 26%, P = 0.001 and 42% vs 26%, P = 0.001 respectively). In both groups, the presence of NAFLD correlated with body mass index and abdominal circumference (P < 0.05). An increase in miR‐34a‐5p and a decrease in miR‐122‐5p and ‐29c‐3p in patients with NASH vs controls without NAFLD were observed (P < 0.05). Finally, significant correlations between miR‐122‐5p and unfavourable lipid profile and also hs‐CRP and miR‐34a‐5p were noted.ConclusionsCAD is associated with NAFLD and NASH. The hepatic miRNAs studied appear to be associated with NAFLD severity and may promote CAD through lipid metabolism alteration and/or promotion of the systemic inflammation.
Adherence to recommendations on lipid‐based nutrient supplement and iron and folic acid tablet consumption among pregnant and lactating women participating in a community health programme in northwest Bangladesh
Authors: Harding Kassandra L. , Matias Susana L. , Mridha Malay K. , Moniruzzaman Md. , Vosti Stephen A. , Hussain Sohrab , Dewey Kathryn G. , Stewart Christine P. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractLimited knowledge exists on sustained adherence to small‐quantity lipid‐based nutrient supplements for pregnant and lactating women (LNS‐PL) and how this compares with that of other prenatal supplements. To address these gaps, a random subsample of women (n = 360) during pregnancy, early (6‐ to 12‐week post‐partum) and late (12‐ to 24‐week post‐partum) lactation, from an ongoing effectiveness trial in Bangladesh, was selected for in‐home interviews about LNS‐PL or iron/folic acid (IFA) use and preferences. Prevalence of high adherence (≥70% of the recommendation) based on self‐reported supplement consumption was 67%, 68% and 81% among LNS‐PL recipients during pregnancy, early and late lactation, and was 87% and 71% among IFA recipients during pregnancy and early lactation, respectively (P = 0.044). Programmatic factors (e.g. distribution and visits by programme staff) were consistently statistically significantly associated with reported high adherence. Among LNS‐PL recipients, high overall supplement acceptability score [odds ratio (OR): 8.62; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.53, 20.83] and use of reminder techniques (OR: 4.41; 95%CI 1.65, 11.76) were positively associated, and reported vomiting at enrollment was negatively associated (OR: 0.34; 95%CI 0.14, 0.80), with reported high adherence. Selected women (n = 16) and key informants (n = 18) participated in in‐depth interviews about perceptions and acceptability of LNS‐PL. Women perceived benefits of taking LNS‐PL, but some faced barriers to consumption including aversion to odour and taste during pregnancy, forgetfulness and disruptions in supply. To achieve high adherence, results from this study suggest that maternal supplementation programmes should focus on programmatic barriers and consider incorporating reminder techniques. Organoleptic acceptability of LNS‐PL, particularly during pregnancy, may also need to be addressed.
Elderly woman with exaggerated startle reflex and unconscious drop attack
Authors: Neshige Shuichiro , Kobayashi Katsuya , Shimotake Akihiro , Iemura Tomoki , Matsumoto Riki , Nishinaka Kazuto , Matsumoto Masayasu , Takahashi Ryosuke , Ikeda Akio 
Published: February 2016

AbstractExaggerated startle reflex is an abnormal phenomenon originating from the caudal brainstem in which unheralded sensory stimuli evoke massive, generalized motor responses. Some patients with exaggerated startle reflex are reported to fall during startle. We report a sporadic case of exaggerated startle reflex with unconscious drop attack elicited by unexpected auditory stimuli as late‐onset involuntary movements. It is clinically important as one of the underlying diseases presenting unconscious drop attack, especially for older adults.
Novel nervous system mechanisms in visceral pain
Authors: De Winter B. Y. , Deiteren A. , De Man J. G. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractVisceral hypersensitivity is an important factor underlying abdominal pain in functional gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and can result from aberrant signaling from the gut to the brain or vice versa. Over the last two decades, research has identified several selective, intertwining pathways that underlie IBS‐related visceral nociception, including specific receptors on afferent and efferent nerve fibers such as transient receptor potential channels (TRP) channels, opioid, and cannabinoid receptors. In this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility Gil et al. demonstrate that in an animal model with reduced descending inhibitory control, the sympathetic nervous system outflow is enhanced, contributing to visceral and somatic hypersensitivity. They also provide evidence that interfering with the activation of adrenergic receptors on sensory nerves can be an interesting new strategy to treat visceral pain in IBS. This mini‐review places these findings in a broader perspective by providing an overview of promising novel mechanisms to alter the nervous control of visceral pain interfering with afferent or efferent neuronal signaling.
Impact of duration of contact lens wear on the structure and function of the meibomian glands
Authors: Alghamdi Waleed M. , Markoulli Maria , Holden Brien A. , Papas Eric B. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the effects of the duration of contact lens (CL) wear on the meibomian glands (MGs), eyelid and tear film.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study of CL wearers and non‐wearers (NWs) aged between 18 and 35 years. The sample comprised of: (i) Three groups of CL wearers of different duration profiles (short, moderate and long experience of CL wear); (ii) a group of previous CL wearers (PWs) who had ceased wear for at least 6 months prior to the present study; (iii) healthy non‐wearers as a control group. Study procedures were conducted in the order from least invasive to most invasive as follows: symptom assessment, lipid assessment, non‐invasive break‐up time, tear meniscus area, tear osmolarity and evaporation, Phenol red thread, MG expressibility, ocular surface and eyelid assessments, meibography, Marx line and lid wiper assessment using lissamine green. For statistical comparison of continuous data, one‐way analysis of variance was used with Bonferroni post‐hoc correction, where appropriate. Kruskal–Wallis test and Pearson Chi‐Square respectively were used for ordinal and categorical variables.ResultsA total of 100 participants (49 males and 51 females; mean age ± SD: 25.4 ± 4.1) were enrolled across the five groups, such that each was composed of 20 age/sex matched individuals. Significant differences between the study groups were found for MG expressibility (p < 0.001), number of plugged orifices (p = 0.001), number of expressed orifices (p < 0.001), MG dropout (p = 0.001), Marx line score (p < 0.001), palpebral redness (p = 0.003), and roughness (p = 0.002), non‐invasive break‐up time (p < 0.001), Phenol red thread (p = 0.005), and tear meniscus area (p = 0.029). For all these variables, the NW group was statistically different from all other groups. Duration of wear was not a significant factor, except for Marx line score which was different in PWs compared to those with longer experience of CL wear (p = 0.03)ConclusionAlterations to MG morphology and function accompany contact lens wear. Although these changes onset during the first 2 years of wear, prolonged CL exposure beyond this point does not appear to be associated with further modification. Cessation of wear for at up to 6 months does not lead to resolution.
Trophic niche ontogeny and palaeoecology of early Toarcian Stenopterygius (Reptilia: Ichthyosauria)
Authors: Dick Daniel G. , Schweigert Günter , Maxwell Erin E. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractReconstructing ecological niche shifts during ontogeny in extinct animals with no living analogues is difficult without exceptional fossil collections. Here we demonstrate how a previously identified ontogenetic shift in the size and shape of the dentition in the early Toarcian ichthyosaur Stenopterygius quadriscissus accurately predicts a particular dietary shift. The smallest S. quadriscissus fed on small, burst‐swimming fishes, with a steady shift towards faster moving fish and cephalopods with increasing body size. Larger adult specimens appear to have been completely reliant on cephalopods, with fish completely absent from gut contents shortly after onset of sexual maturity. This is consistent with a previously proposed ontogenetic niche shift based on tooth shape and body size, corroborating the idea that dental ontogeny may be a useful predictor of dietary shifts in marine reptiles. Applying the theoretical framework used here to other extinct species will improve the resolution of palaeoecological reconstructions, where appropriate sample sizes exist.
Imbricate radial sculpture: a convergent feature within externally shelled cephalopods
Authors: Radtke Gregor , Keupp Helmut 
Published: February 2016

AbstractRadial sculptural elements (e.g. ribs, lirae), formed by imbrication of two succeeding shell lamellae are found in members of both the Nautiloidea (Cymatoceras) and Ammonoidea (Phylloceratinae and Aspidoceratinae). Their formation involves periodic cessation of shell growth due to weak to moderate withdrawal of the shell secreting mantle. The radial lirae (0.5–1.5 mm in width) of Phylloceratinae and Aspidoceratinae (AspidocerasandPseudowaagenia) are created by the succession of sigmoid lamellae of the organic periostracum or of the outer prismatic layer, respectively. Each lira has a characteristic adorally‐projecting, scythe‐like appendage, arising from its crest. The prismatic lirae ofAspidocerasandPseudowaageniaare analogous to the larger scaled pseudoribs ofCymatoceras. Garland‐like lamellae of the outer prismatic layer form the radial lirae ofMirosphinctesandEpaspidoceras(Aspidoceratinae), but these lack a conspicuous, projecting scythe‐like appendage. Additional prismatic cement is formed within adoral, oval hollow spaces of scythe‐appendage‐bearing lirae, either through diagenetic crystal growth, remote biomineralization or as a component of the dorsal shell. In Aspidoceratinae these prismatic infillings are replaced by a continuous herringbone layer, accompanied by a reduction of the lirae.
Efficacy and Safety of Gabapentin vs. Carbamazepine in the Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Yuan Min , Zhou Huang‐yan , Xiao Zhi‐long , Wang Wei , Li Xue‐li , Chen Shen‐jian , Yin Xiao‐ping , Xu Li‐jun 
Published: February 2016

AbstractTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of gabapentin in comparison with carbamazepine in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed. Two reviewers independently selected studies, assessed study quality, and extracted data. Sixteen randomized controlled trials that included 1,331 patients were assessed. The meta‐analysis showed that the total effective rate of gabapentin therapy group was similar with carbamazepine therapy group (OR = 1.600, 95% CI 1.185, 2.161, P = 0.002). While the effective rate of gabapentin therapy for 4 weeks was higher than that of carbamazepine therapy (OR = 1.495, 95% CI 1.061, 2.107, P = 0.022, heterogeneity: x2 = 7.12, P = 0.625, I2 = 0.0%), the life satisfaction improvement is also better in the gabapentin therapy group after a 4‐week treatment (SMD = 0.966, 95% CI 0.583, 1.348, P < 0.001). Furthermore, our meta‐analysis suggested that the adverse reaction rate of gabapentin therapy group was significantly lower than that of carbamazepine therapy group (OR = 0.312, 95% CI 0.240, 0.407, P < 0.001). In conclusion, present trials comparing gabapentin with carbamazepine are all poor in terms of methodological quality. Based on the available evidence, it is not possible to draw conclusions regarding the efficacy and side effects of gabapentin being superior to carbamazepine.
The Role of Health Locus of Control in Evaluating Depression and Other Comorbidities in Patients with Chronic Pain Conditions, A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Wong Harry J. , Anitescu Magdalena 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectiveChronic pain is significantly influenced by behavioral, cognitive, and emotional factors. Few studies have investigated the health locus of control (HLC)—one's belief regarding where control over one's health lies—as it relates to patients with chronic pain. The purpose of this prospective, cross‐sectional study was to examine the relationship between depression and health/pain locus of control (HLC) in adult patients with persistent pain.Material and MethodsA series of questionnaires was administered to chronic pain patients, and these questionnaires were scored and analyzed. Patients were categorized into 3 groups based on health locus of control (internal, chance, powerful‐others), which were examined with respect to their depression scores using analysis of variance.ResultsA total of 131 patients completed the study: 33% belonged to the internal group, 39% in the chance group, and 28% in the powerful‐others group. The 3 groups had depression scores of 40 (SD = 8), 47 (SD = 10), and 42 (SD = 8), respectively. We found significant difference in depressions scores between the chance group and the internal group (P < 0.005) with the chance group having higher depression scores compared to the internal group.ConclusionsThe study shows that patients with an internal locus of control are less depressed compared to patients with fatalistic views on their health/pain in the chance group. The chance dimension of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale was found to be a potential predictor of psychiatric comorbidities such as depression in the chronic pain patient population.
Focal Mechanical Vibration Does not Change Laser‐Pain Perception and Laser‐Evoked Potentials: A Pilot Study
Authors: Pazzaglia Costanza , Camerota Filippo , Celletti Claudia , Minciotti Ileana , Testani Elisa , Padua Luca , Valeriani Massimiliano 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundNonpainful tactile and electrical stimulation of the large myelinated fibers reduces spontaneous pain and the amplitude of laser‐evoked potentials (LEPs), which represent the most reliable technique to assess the nociceptive pathway function. Focal mechanical vibration stimulates the Aβ afferents selectively; thus, it is conceivable its action on nociceptive pathways.AimThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vibratory stimuli, activating either both muscle and skin receptors or cutaneous afferents only on the LEPs and subjective laser‐pain rating.MethodsTen healthy volunteers were studied. The subjects were evaluated in two different sessions to test muscle and skin receptors or cutaneous afferents only. In each session, LEPs were recorded to stimulation of the dorsal hand skin in radial and ulnar territory bilaterally, while the vibratory stimulus was delivered on the radial territory of the right forearm.ResultsThe results showed a substantial stability of the potential N1 and N2/P2 after the two protocols, with a declining trend from the initial to the last test of the same session, probably due to habituation. Accordingly, the laser‐pain perception did not change during the experimental setting.ConclusionsWe conclude that a vibratory stimulus is ineffective in reducing the laser‐evoked potentials and laser‐pain perception.
Inadvertent Intradiscal Injection with TFESI Utilizing Kambin's Retrodiscal Approach in the Treatment of Acute Lumbar Radiculopathy
Authors: Trinh Kevin H. , Gharibo Christopher G. , Aydin Steve M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIntroductionThere is very strong evidence for the efficacy of transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) in relieving lumbar radicular pain due to a herniated disk. However, case studies have documented paralysis as a potential complication from this approach as the artery of Adamkiewicz may traverse within the subpedicular “safe triangle.” Kambin's retrodiscal approach has been postulated as a safe means to the transforaminal approach to avoid the artery of Adamkiewicz.Case PresentationA 51‐year‐old woman presented with right‐sided lumbar radicular pain at the L3–L4 and L4–L5 level secondary to a herniated disk. As conservative therapies failed to improve her radicular back pain, the patient opted to proceed with an epidural steroid injection. She subsequently underwent a right L3–L4 and L4–L5 transforaminal epidural steroid injection via Kambin's retrodiscal approach. Although anteroposterior and lateral views revealed optimal needle placement, live and postcontrast fluoroscopy revealed an unavoidable and inadvertent intradiscal spread.ConclusionKambin's approach is at the level of the intervertebral disk and may increase the incidence of intradiscal needle entry and injection.
Long‐term partners' relationship satisfaction and their perceptions of each other's attachment insecurities
Authors: MOLERO FERNANDO , SHAVER PHILLIP R. , FERNÁNDEZ ITZIAR , ALONSO‐ARBIOL ITZIAR , RECIO PATRICIA 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIn this research, we examined actors' and partners' perceptions of each other's attachment insecurities and the associations of these perceptions with relationship satisfaction. A sample of 148 heterosexual couples completed measures of self and partner attachment insecurities and relationship satisfaction. Results indicate that partners agree in their perceptions of their own and each other's attachment insecurities (anxiety and avoidance). Based on the actor–partner interdependence model (APIM), we also found that both actors' scores on avoidance and their perceptions of their partner's degree of avoidanc are associated with lower relationship satisfaction. Finally, we found that the way an actor perceives his or her partner's avoidance plays a mediational role in the association between partner's self‐reported avoidance and actor's relationship satisfaction.