bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of intravenous vernakalant for the rapid conversion of recent‐onset atrial fibrillation: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Akel Tamer , Lafferty James 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation is a common cardiac arrhythmia with increasing prevalence in the aging population. It is a major cause of emergency department visits worldwide. Vernakalant, a relatively new antiarrhythmic drug with selectively preferential effects on the atrial tissue is currently used in many European countries for the termination of recent‐onset atrial fibrillation. Presently, the drug is still not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration due to safety concerns. We evaluate the efficacy and safety of vernakalant for the conversion of recent‐onset atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter into normal sinus rhythm (NSR).MethodsPubMed/MEDLINE (1993–2017), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (2000–2017), and reference lists of relevant articles were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing vernakalant to a control drug and extracted subsequently.ResultsNine RCTs were identified and included in the meta‐analysis. Pooled analysis of events extracted for a total of 1421 patients with recent‐onset atrial fibrillation showed a statistically significant increase in cardioversion within 90 minutes from drug infusion (Relative Risk [RR], 6.61; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 2.78 – 15.71; p < .00001). In terms of adverse events, vernakalant was considered safe in comparison to control drugs (RR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.61–1.05; p = .11).ConclusionVernakalant is effective for rapid conversion of recent‐onset atrial fibrillation into NSR. However, although it showed a safe profile in terms of side effects in this analysis, we are still hesitant about this conclusion and few safety issues should be addressed within specific patients’ subgroups.
Genetic prognostication in uveal melanoma
Authors: Dogrusöz Mehmet , Jager Martine J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractUveal melanoma (UM) is a rare tumour with a high propensity to metastasize. Although no effective treatment for metastases yet exists, prognostication in UM is relevant for patient counselling, planning of follow‐up and stratification in clinical trials. Besides conventional clinicopathologic characteristics, genetic tumour features with prognostic significance have been identified. Non‐random chromosome aberrations such as monosomy 3 and gain of chromosome 8q are strongly correlated with metastatic risk, while gain of chromosome 6p indicates a low risk. Recently, mutations in genes such as BAP1, SF3B1 and EIF1AX have been shown to be related to patient outcome. Genetics of UM is a rapidly advancing field, which not only contributes to the understanding of the pathogenesis of this cancer, but also results in further refinement of prognostication. Concomitantly, advances have been made in the use of genetic tests. New methods for genetic typing of UM have been developed. Despite the considerable progress made recently, many questions remain, such as those relating to the reliability of prognostic genetic tests, and the use of biopsied or previously irradiated tumour tissue for prognostication by genetic testing. In this article, we review genetic prognostic indicators in UM, also comparing available genetic tests, addressing the clinical application of genetic prognostication and discussing future perspectives for improving genetic prognostication in UM.
Intravenous paracetamol was associated with closure of the ductus arteriosus in extremely premature infants
Authors: Juujärvi S , Saarela T , Hallman M , Aikio O 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimSymptomatic patent ductus arteriosus may lead to serious complications in extremely preterm and extremely low birthweight infants and is often resistant to medication. We evaluated early intravenous paracetamol for pain prevention during respiratory therapy, in an attempt to understand the ductal treatment of such infants.MethodsOur cohort were 295 extremely preterm or extremely low birthweight infants, born at less than 28 weeks or 1000 g, respectively, who were treated in the neonatal intensive care unit of Oulu University Hospital from 2002 to 2015, before and after intravenous paracetamol was introduced in June 2009. Ductal closure dates, paracetamol medication details, morbidities and mortality data were evaluated.ResultsIntravenous paracetamol was given to 128 infants, starting at a median of 4.4 hours age (range: 0–169 hours), with a mean total dosage of 212 mg/kg (range: 7.5–1175 mg/kg). We also included 167 controls who were mainly treated before we used intravenous paracetamol. Ibuprofen (p < 0.001) and ligation (p = 0.002) were lower in the paracetamol group than controls. No adverse effects were detected. Paracetamol was not associated with other morbidities.ConclusionWe found that early use of intravenous paracetamol decreased the incidence of ductal therapies in extremely premature or extremely low birthweight infants.
A Longitudinal Study of Health Care Resources, Family Support, and Mental Health Outcomes Among Suicidal Adolescents
Authors: LeCloux Mary , Maramaldi Peter , Thomas Kristie A. , Maramaldi Peter , Thomas Kristie A. , Wharff Elizabeth A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractTo inform current public policy regarding suicide prevention, this study examined the longitudinal relationships between four resources (public insurance, primary care services, school‐based mental health treatment, and family support) and depression and suicidality in a nationally representative sample of suicidal adolescents (n= 1,355). Longitudinal regression analyses were conducted using data from three waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health). Parental support at Wave I was predictive of lower levels of depression across all three waves, but not significantly associated with the suicide‐specific outcomes. While type of insurance was not significantly associated with any of the outcomes, receipt of public assistance was associated with a higher likelihood of suicidal ideation and higher levels of depression at all three waves. Neither receipt of a routine physical nor access to school‐based mental health treatment were associated with any of the outcomes. Intervention points for future policy that are discussed include the following: integrating family interventions into current screening and referral protocols, targeted screening and outreach for those youth and young adults receiving public assistance, the inclusion of integrated behavioral health in primary care settings, and the inclusion of suicide‐specific evidence‐based treatments in the school setting.
Why do women request an elective cesarean delivery for non‐medical reasons? A systematic review of the qualitative literature
Authors: O'Donovan Charles , O'Donovan James 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundCesarean rates have increased significantly over the past decade. The reasons for this are both complex and context specific, and have significant consequences for health resources. The aim of this systematic review was to assess published, peer‐reviewed, and gray qualitative literature on the reasons behind cesarean delivery on maternal request (CDMR).MethodsA systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS, and PsycINFO databases was performed for all relevant articles published between January 2006 and June 2016. Reference lists of all included studies were also searched in addition to select web‐based sources. Studies were included if they qualitatively evaluated women's preferences for CDMR, with no geographic restriction. Findings from the studies were narratively and thematically synthesized.ResultsSixteen studies were included in this review. Three themes were identified as to why women choose CDMR, which were: social norms, emotional experiences, and personal experiences. A woman's decision was often shaped by various influences including family, friends, and the media. In addition, previous experience of childbirth and interactions with health care professionals contributed to a strong preference for CDMR. CDMR provided women with a sense of control over the birth and diminished feelings of fear.ConclusionsThe reasons behind CDMR are multifactorial and complex. Situation‐specific cultural factors, fear of pain during childbirth, previous experience, and interactions with health care professionals are likely to have led to the increase in CDMR. Multifaceted, context‐specific approaches are required if there is to be a reduction in CDMR rates.
Immune‐pineal axis – acute inflammatory responses coordinate melatonin synthesis by pinealocytes and phagocytes
Authors: Markus Regina P , Fernandes Pedro A , Kinker Gabriela S , da Silveira Cruz‐Machado Sanseray , Marçola Marina 
Published: November 2017

Melatonin is well known for its circadian production by the pineal gland, and there is a growing body of data showing that it is also produced by many other cells and organs, including immune cells. The chronobiotic role of pineal melatonin, as well as its protective effects in vitro and in vivo, have been extensively explored. However, the interaction between the chronobiotic and defence functions of endogenous melatonin has been little investigated. This review details the current knowledge regarding the coordinated shift in melatonin synthesis from the pineal gland (circadian and monitoring roles) to the regulation of acute immune responses via immune cell production and autocrine effects, producing systemic interactions termed the immune‐pineal axis. An acute inflammatory response drives the transcription factor, NFκB, to switch melatonin synthesis from pinealocytes to macrophages/microglia and, upon acute inflammatory resolution, back to pinealocytes. The potential pathophysiological relevance of immune‐pineal axis dysregulation is highlighted, with both research and clinical implications, across several medical conditions, including host/parasite interaction, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Recent Developments in Research of Melatonin and its Potential Therapeutic Applications. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.16/issuetoc
Protease‐activated receptor 1 inhibition protects mice against thrombin‐dependent respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus infections
Authors: Lê Vuong Ba , Riteau Béatrice , Alessi Marie‐Christine , Couture Christian , Jandrot‐Perrus Martine , Rhéaume Chantal , Hamelin Marie‐Ève , Boivin Guy 
Published: November 2017

Background and PurposeProtease‐activated receptor 1 (PAR1) has been demonstrated to be involved in the pathogenesis of viral diseases. However, its role remains controversial. The goal of our study was to investigate the contribution of PAR1 to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infections.Experimental ApproachPharmacological approaches were used to investigate the role of PAR1 during RSV and hMPV infection, in vitro using epithelial A549 cells and in vivo using a mouse model of virus infection.Key ResultsIn vitro, the PAR1 antagonist RWJ‐56110 reduced the replication of RSV and hMPV in A549 cells. In agreement with these results, RWJ‐56110‐treated mice were protected against RSV and hMPV infections, as indicated by less weight loss and mortality. This protective effect in mice correlated with decreased lung viral replication and inflammation. In contrast, hMPV‐infected mice treated with the PAR1 agonist TFLLR‐NH2 showed increased mortality, as compared to infected mice, which were left untreated. Thrombin generation was shown to occur downstream of PAR1 activation in infected mice via tissue factor exposure as part of the inflammatory response, and thrombin inhibition by argatroban reduced the pathogenicity of the infection with no additive effect to that induced by PAR1 inhibition.Conclusion and ImplicationsThese data show that PAR1 plays a detrimental role during RSV and hMPV infections in mice via, at least, a thrombin‐dependent mechanism. Thus, the use of PAR1 antagonists and thrombin inhibitors may have potential as a novel approach for the treatment of RSV and hMPV infections.
Use of salivary cortisol and cortisone in the high‐ and low‐dose synacthen test
Authors: Elder Charlotte J. , Harrison Robert F. , Cross Alexandra S. , Vilela Ruben , Keevil Brian G. , Wright Neil P. , Ross Richard J. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryContextSalivary cortisone reflects serum cortisol levels, is more sensitive than salivary cortisol at lower values of serum cortisol and is noninvasive.ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between serum cortisol and salivary cortisol and cortisone following low‐ and high‐dose synacthen.Design and settingProspective pharmacodynamic studies in clinical research facilities.Participants and interventionThirty‐five dexamethasone‐suppressed, healthy adult males underwent an intravenous synacthen test: N = 23 low‐dose (1 mcg), N = 12 high‐dose (250 mcg). Paired serum and salivary samples were taken at 15 sampling points over 120 minutes.Main outcome measureSerum cortisol and salivary cortisol and cortisone were analysed for correlations and by a mixed‐effects model.ResultsAt baseline, the correlation between serum cortisol and salivary cortisol was weak with many samples undetectable (r = .45, NS), but there was a strong correlation with salivary cortisone (r = .94, P < .001). Up to 50 minutes following synacthen, the correlation coefficient between serum cortisol and salivary cortisol and cortisone was <0.8, but both had a stronger correlation at 60 minutes (salivary cortisol r = .89, P < .001, salivary cortisone r = .85, P < .001). The relationship was examined excluding samples in the dynamic phase (baseline to 60 minutes). Salivary cortisol and cortisone showed a close relationship to serum cortisol. Salivary cortisone showed the stronger correlation: salivary cortisol r = .82, P < .001, salivary cortisone r = .96, P < .001.ConclusionFollowing synacthen, both salivary cortisol and cortisone reflect serum cortisol levels, but there is a lag in their rise up to 60 minutes. The results support further research for possible future use of a 60‐minute salivary cortisone measurement during the synacthen test.
Effects of 30 Years of Disuse on Exceptional Memory Performance
Authors: Yoon Jong‐Sung , Anders Ericsson K. , Donatelli Dario 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn the mid‐1980s, Dario Donatelli (DD) participated in a laboratory study of the effects of around 800 h of practice on digit‐span and increased his digit‐span from 8 to 104 digits. This study assessed changes in the structure of his memory skill after around 30 years of essentially no practice on the digit‐span task. On the first day of testing, his estimated span was only 10 digits, but over the following 3 days of testing it increased to 19 digits. Further analyses of his recall performance and verbal reports identified which mechanisms of the original memory skill he could retrieve or reacquire over the 3 days of practice. We discuss theoretical implications for the retention of skilled memory performance, the effects of age‐related changes in memory on it, and for the future study of the effects of disuse on exceptional performance and complex skill.
Should the Gross Motor Function Classification System be used for children who do not have cerebral palsy?
Authors: Towns Megan , Rosenbaum Peter , Palisano Robert , Wright F Virginia 
Published: November 2017

This literature review addressed four questions. (1) In which populations other than cerebral palsy (CP) has the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) been applied? (2) In what types of study, and why was it used? (3) How was it modified to facilitate these applications? (4) What justifications and evidence of psychometric adequacy were used to support its application? A search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases (January 1997 to April 2017) using the terms: ‘GMFCS’ OR ‘Gross Motor Function Classification System’ yielded 2499 articles. 118 met inclusion criteria and reported children/adults with 133 health conditions/clinical descriptions other than CP. Three broad GMFCS applications were observed: as a categorization tool, independent variable, or outcome measure. While the GMFCS is widely used for children with health conditions/clinical description other than CP, researchers rarely provided adequate justification for these uses. We offer recommendations for development/validation of other condition‐specific classification systems and discuss the potential need for a generic gross motor function classification system.What this paper adds

The Gross Motor Function Classification System should not be used outside cerebral palsy or as an outcome measure.

The authors provide recommendations for development and validation of condition‐specific or generic classification systems.
Cover Image, Volume 19, Issue 12
Authors: Dassau Eyal , Renard Eric , Place Jérôme , Farret Anne , Pelletier Marie‐José , Lee Justin , Huyett Lauren M. , Chakrabarty Ankush , Doyle Francis J. , Zisser Howard C. 
Published: November 2017

The cover image, by Eyal Dassau et al., is based on the Original Article Intraperitoneal insulin delivery provides superior glycaemic regulation to subcutaneous insulin delivery in model predictive control‐based fully‐automated artificial pancreas in patients with type 1 diabetes: a pilot study, DOI: 10.1111/dom.12999. Design Credit: Harvard University.
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Subclinical anthracycline‐induced cardiotoxicity in long‐term follow‐up of asymptomatic childhood cancer survivors: Assessment by speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Çetin Süha , Babaoğlu Kadir , Başar Eviç Z. , Deveci Murat , Çorapçıoğlu Funda 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveSurvivors of childhood cancer treated with anthracyclines carry the risk for developing late‐onset cardiotoxicity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) function in this patient group and compare it with healthy controls by means of conventional and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) after exposure to chemotherapy.Material and methodsConventional and STE were performed in 45 childhood cancer survivors (mean age 11 ± 4.6; 26 male) treated with anthracyclines (median cumulative dosage 240 mg/m2; range, 100–460) and compared with age, gender and body surface area matched healthy controls. Follow‐up period after chemotherapy was 21.9 ± 17.8 months. Blood samples were taken from survivors and controls to determine brain natriuretic peptide (BNP).ResultsFollowing anthracycline exposure, pediatric cancer survivors had lower longitudinal, radial anteroseptal, and radial anterior strain values compared to controls (P < .05). The calculated global longitudinal and global radial strain values were lower compared to the control group (P < .05). Both groups had normal ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS). Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels of both groups were in the normal range.ConclusionDespite normal EF and FS, children exposed to anthracycline therapy may have late‐onset subtle changes of LV strain values measured by STE. Whether these changes of strain can predict future risk of developing heart failure needs to be explored in further studies.
First report of Fusarium solani causing wilt of Melia dubia
Authors: Pandey A. , Juwantha R. , Chandra S. , Kumar A. , Kannojia P. , Khanna D. , Arora S. , Dwivedi V. D. , Pandey S. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryMelia dubia, a multipurpose tree species, is gaining importance to meet the demand supply gap of timber, plywood and pulpwood. In June 2016, a serious outbreak of wilt disease was observed in M. dubia seedlings planted in the Central Nursery of Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, India. The disease led to the destruction of one hundred thousand (100,000) seedlings. Earlier in June 2012, serious wilting of M. dubia seedlings was observed in Haryana, India. The pathogen was identified as Fusarium solani following standard laboratory procedures and sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA). The pathogenicity of three isolates has been proved under greenhouse conditions. This is the first report of F. solani causing wilt of M. dubia.
Identification and characterization of outcome measures reported in animal models of epilepsy: Protocol for a systematic review of the literature–A TASK2 report of the AES/ILAE Translational Task Force of the ILAE
Authors: Simonato Michele , Iyengar Sloka , Brooks‐Kayal Amy , Collins Stephen , Depaulis Antoine , Howells David W. , Jensen Frances , Liao Jing , Macleod Malcolm R. , Patel Manisha , Potschka Heidrun , Walker Matthew , Whittemore Vicky , Sena Emily S. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryCurrent antiseizure therapy is ineffective in approximately one third of people with epilepsy and is often associated with substantial side effects. In addition, most current therapeutic paradigms offer treatment, but not cure, and no therapies are able to modify the underlying disease, that is, can prevent or halt the process of epileptogenesis or alleviate the cognitive and psychiatric comorbidities. Preclinical research in the field of epilepsy has been extensive, but unfortunately, not all the animal models being used have been validated for their predictive value. The overall goal of TASK2 of the AES/ILAE Translational Task Force is to organize and coordinate systematic reviews on selected topics regarding animal research in epilepsy. Herein we describe our strategy. In the first part of the paper we provide an overview of the usefulness of systematic reviews and meta‐analysis for preclinical research and explain the essentials for their conduct. Then we describe in detail the protocol for a first systematic review, which will focus on the identification and characterization of outcome measures reported in animal models of epilepsy. The specific goals of this study are to define systematically the phenotypic characteristics of the most commonly used animal models, and to effectively compare these with the manifestations of human epilepsy. This will provide epilepsy researchers with detailed information on the strengths and weaknesses of epilepsy models, facilitating their refinement and future research. Ultimately, this could lead to a refined use of relevant models for understanding the mechanism(s) of the epilepsies and developing novel therapies.
Does size matter in predicting hedge funds' liquidation?
Authors: Becam Adrien , Gregoriou Andros , Gupta Jairaj 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn this study, we propose a set of covariates that exploit the information content of hedge funds' relative size, performance, growth, tail risk and past liquidation rate in predicting their liquidation. Empirical results show that our proposed covariates exhibit significant predictive power for up to two years even when we control for fund specific characteristics. Furthermore, we estimate separate liquidation prediction models for small, medium and large funds. Our findings suggest that liquidation likelihood of hedge funds is inversely related to fund size, and the statistical significance of factors affecting their liquidation varies across different size categories.