bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment outcome of craniopharyngioma: 18‐Year experience at a Hong Kong regional neurosurgical centre
Authors: Chan David Yuen‐Chung , Cheng Yue , Lee Michael Wing‐Yan , Pang Vincent Kai‐Yuen , Wong Chi‐Keung 
Published: February 2017

AimThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the treatment outcome of craniopharyngioma at a neurosurgery centre in Hong Kong over an 18‐year period.Patients and MethodsThe study design was a retrospective review of patients with craniopharyngioma. Clinical records of all patients with histologically‐confirmed craniopharyngioma during the period from January 1998 to December 2015 at a neurosurgery centre in Hong Kong were reviewed. Outcome measures included recurrence, morbidities and mortalities.ResultsFrom January 1998 to December 2015, 13 patients with histologically‐diagnosed craniopharyngioma were identified. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 75 per cent (9/12) of primary craniopharyngiomas; a total of 25 per cent (3/12) had recurrence requiring reoperation, which was comparable to the 24.5 per cent reported in the literature. Morbidities included visual field defect (16.7 per cent), visual acuity deficit (8.3 per cent) and endocrinopathy (83.3 per cent). All patients with adjuvant radiotherapy in the present study had no tumour recurrence or progression. There was no perioperative mortality.ConclusionThe treatment outcome of craniopharyngioma at a regional neurosurgical centre in Hong Kong had a recurrence rate comparable to the international standard. Consistent with other reported studies, postoperative morbidities are high with GTR. Further large‐scale, randomized, controlled trials are needed to demonstrate a superior long‐term outcome from a more conservative approach.
Scar outcomes in dermatological surgery
Authors: Kim Burcu , Sgarioto Melissa , Hewitt Daniel , Paver Robert , Norman Julia , Fernandez‐Penas Pablo 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesSignificant functional impairment and psychological burden may result from poor scar quality and its impact on patient's quality of life has been well‐established. It is important to identify measures to reduce the risk of surgical complications.Method212 patients undergoing dermatological surgery were recruited from March 2011 to February 2014. Their age, sex, surgical site, closure type, defect size (length and width), scar length, number of deep sutures, suture type and size were recorded. The patients were followed up at 6 weeks and 6 months for complications including abscess formation, granuloma formation, scar spreading, suture spitting and hypertrophic scar formation.ResultsAt 6 weeks complications included suture spitting (14%), granuloma (11%), scar spreading (7%), hypertrophic scarring (3%) and abscess formation (1%), and at 6 months; scar spreading (17%), hypertrophic scarring (2%) and suture spitting (1%). In our multivariate analysis there were no predictors for spreading or spitting at 6 weeks, and only the defect size width was a predictor for granulomas in the stepwise analysis. For scar spreading at 6 months, younger age, site (trunk or limbs), higher number of deep sutures and surgeon were independent predictors (P < 0.0001 for the model).ConclusionComplications following dermatological surgery are low and tend to resolve with time, except for scar spreading. The surgeon who experienced more complications was placing sutures more superficially to the skin surface and was throwing more knots per closure; factors that we did not record in our study and merit further study.
A voxel‐based diffusion tensor imaging study in unipolar and bipolar depression
Authors: Repple Jonathan , Meinert Susanne , Grotegerd Dominik , Kugel Harald , Redlich Ronny , Dohm Katharina , Zaremba Dario , Opel Nils , Buerger Christian , Förster Katharina , Nick Theresa , Arolt Volker , Heindel Walter , Deppe Michael , Dannlowski Udo 
Published: February 2017

ObjectiveThe absence of neurobiological diagnostic markers of bipolar disorder (BD) leads to its frequent misdiagnosis as unipolar depression (UD). We investigated if changes in fractional anisotropy (FA) could help to differentiate BD from UD in the state of depression.MethodsUsing diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) we employed a voxel‐based analysis approach to examine fractional anisotropy (FA) in 86 patients experiencing an acute major depressive episode according to DSM‐IV (N=39 BD, mean age 39.2 years; N=43 UD, mean age 39.0 years), and 42 healthy controls (HC, mean age 36.1 years). The groups did not differ in sex, age or total education time. FA was investigated in white matter (FA >.2) and hypothesis‐driven anatomically defined tracts (region‐of‐interest [ROI] analysis). Additionally, an exploratory gray matter FA analysis was performed.ResultsWhite matter analysis showed decreased FA in the right corticospinal tract in UD vs HC and in the right corticospinal tract/superior longitudinal fascicle in BD vs HC and also in BD vs UD. ROI analysis revealed decreased FA in BD vs UD in the corpus callosum and in the cingulum. Gray matter exploratory analysis revealed decreased FA in the left middle frontal gyrus and in the right inferior frontal gyrus in UD vs HC, and in the left superior medial gyrus in BD vs HC.ConclusionThis is one of very few studies directly showing differences in FA between BD and UD. Gray matter FA changes in prefrontal areas might be precursors for future prefrontal gray matter abnormalities in these disorders.
It's about time: revisiting temporal processing deficits in dyslexia
Authors: Casini Laurence , Pech‐Georgel Catherine , Ziegler Johannes C. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractTemporal processing in French children with dyslexia was evaluated in three tasks: a word identification task requiring implicit temporal processing, and two explicit temporal bisection tasks, one in the auditory and one in the visual modality. Normally developing children matched on chronological age and reading level served as a control group. Children with dyslexia exhibited robust deficits in temporal tasks whether they were explicit or implicit and whether they involved the auditory or the visual modality. First, they presented larger perceptual variability when performing temporal tasks, whereas they showed no such difficulties when performing the same task on a non‐temporal dimension (intensity). This dissociation suggests that their difficulties were specific to temporal processing and could not be attributed to lapses of attention, reduced alertness, faulty anchoring, or overall noisy processing. In the framework of cognitive models of time perception, these data point to a dysfunction of the ‘internal clock’ of dyslexic children. These results are broadly compatible with the recent temporal sampling theory of dyslexia.
Detection of early radiotherapy‐induced changes in intrinsic myocardial contractility by ultrasound tissue characterization in patients with early‐stage breast cancer
Authors: Tuohinen Suvi Sirkku , Skyttä Tanja , Huhtala Heini , Virtanen Vesa , Virtanen Marko , Kellokumpu‐Lehtinen Pirkko‐Liisa , Raatikainen Pekka 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundIncreased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are major late complications after radiotherapy (RT) in the thoracic region. Ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) is a noninvasive method for the identification of myocardial changes. The aim of this prospective clinical trial was to assess whether the analysis of cyclic variation of integrated backscatter (CVIBS) can detect early RT‐induced myocardial alterations.MethodsSeventy‐three eligible patients with early‐stage breast cancer were evaluated before and immediately after adjuvant RT. Twenty and 53 patients had right‐sided and left‐sided breast cancer, respectively. None of the patients received chemotherapy. Comprehensive echocardiographic examination included three‐dimensional (3D) measurements and UTC analysis of the left ventricular (LV) septum and posterior wall.ResultsRT reduced CVIBS in a dose‐dependent manner. The mean heart radiation dose over two gray (Gy) reduced the septal CVIBS from 12.0±3.4 to 9.6±2.5 dB (P<.001) and the posterior wall CVIBS from 12.8±2.7 to 11.3±2.4 dB (P=.007). The CVIBS remained unchanged when the mean heart RT dose was below 2 Gy. Multivariate analysis showed an independent association with a change in septal CVIBS and the use of aromatase inhibitor (β=2.986, P=.001) and body mass index (β=−0.241, P=.014). The posterior values were worse with higher mean lung dose (β=‐.485, P=.018) and with nonsmoking status (β=−2.411, P=.009). Echocardiography parameters showed increased myocardial mass but conventional measurements of the LV systolic function remained unchanged.ConclusionsCyclic variation of integrated backscatter analysis seems to be a sensitive method to detect early RT‐induced myocardial changes. Hence, it may be useful in screening of patients needing closer follow‐up.
Two‐dimensional strain echocardiography technology for evaluation of myocardial strain in swimming athletes after high‐intensity exercise
Authors: Liang Chen , Ma Yun , Gao Can , Zhang Jianhong , Yang Min , Chen Gen , Fu Shan , Zhu Tiangang 
Published: February 2017

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the change in myocardial strain in swimming athletes before and after high‐intensity exercise using two‐dimensional strain echocardiography (2DSE) technology.MethodsTo assess whether the local and overall myocardial function and myocardial injury are accurately measured using 2DSE technology, 15 swimming athletes were selected as research objects. We applied 2DSE technology to track the 2D ultrasound images of the apical four chambers, the apical two chambers, and the apical long axis before and after high‐intensity, increasing‐load exercise. We recorded indices such as the left ventricular global strain (GS) and the left ventricular segmental wall longitudinal peak systolic strain (PS) in 18 systoles and analyzed the myocardial strain change before and after exercise.ResultsAfter high‐intensity exercise, the overall myocardial strain decreased, especially the strain of the posterior wall, posterior divider, lateral wall, lower wall, and the basal and middle segments of the anterior wall. The influence of exercise on myocardial strain was greater on the basal and middle segments than on the apical segment. One‐time intensive exercise negatively affected the myocardial muscle.ConclusionMyocardial muscles in the apical segment and the myocardial wall were more sensitive to intensive exercise. The 2DSE technology can precisely position the motion‐sensitive areas and help locate myocardial injury.
Mitral systolic velocity at peak exercise predicts impaired exercise capacity in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Masada Kenji , Hidaka Takayuki , Harada Yu , Kinoshita Mirai , Itakura Kiho , Higashi Akifumi , Utsunomiya Hiroto , Kihara Yasuki 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundNearly half of patients with heart failure have normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), but their prognosis is no better than those with reduced LVEF. Although peak oxygen consumption (VO2) is an independent predictor of mortality in heart failure, it is unclear how cardiac function during exercise contributes to peak VO2. Therefore, we explored the useful parameters measured by exercise stress echocardiography to predict peak VO2 in patients with heart failure with preserved LVEF (HFpEF).Methods and ResultsWe assessed 80 patients being investigated for effort intolerance or dyspnea and finally analyzed 50 patients who satisfied the HFpEF criteria. Mean peak VO2 was 16.4±2.8 mL/kg/min. Twenty‐three patients (46.0%) achieved a peak VO2 <16.0 mL/kg/min (Weber class C or D). There was a significant relationship between mitral systolic velocity (S′) and cardiac output (CO) at rest (R=.55, P<.0001) and peak exercise (R=.64, P<.0001). The absolute increase in S′ from rest to peak exercise also correlated with the absolute increase in CO (R=.32, P=.02). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that S′ at peak exercise independently predicted peak VO2. Receiver‐operator characteristic curve analysis identified that an S′ at peak exercise of ≤8.13 cm/s predicted a peak VO2 <16.0 mL/kg/min (sensitivity 95.7%, specificity 44.4%, area under curve 0.70, 95% confidence interval 0.55‐0.84, P=.004).ConclusionsMitral systolic velocity at peak exercise accurately reflects peak VO2 and may facilitate stratification of risk in patients with HFpEF.
Smoking does not influence disability accumulation in primary progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Javizian O. , Metz L. M. , Deighton S. , Koch M. W. 
Published: February 2017

Background and purposeThe modifiable risk factor cigarette smoking has been associated with an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) and with disease activity in relapsing−remitting MS. However, less is known about the effect of smoking on disease progression in progressive MS. Here the association between cigarette smoking and disability accumulation in primary progressive MS (PPMS) is investigated.MethodsKaplan–Meier survival analyses and Cox proportional hazard modelling were used to investigate the influence of cigarette smoking on the risk of reaching Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 4 and 6 as well as the time from EDSS 4 to 6 in patients with PPMS.ResultsIn all, 416 patients with PPMS and available smoking history were identified. Median time to EDSS 4 was 4 years in ever‐smokers and 5 years in never‐smokers (P = 0.27), and it was 9 years to EDSS 6 in both ever‐smokers and never‐smokers (P = 0.48). Smokers were not at increased risk of faster progression to EDSS 4, 6 and from EDSS 4 to 6. Age at disease onset was the strongest risk factor for progression to EDSS 4, 6 and from EDSS 4 to 6.ConclusionsOur investigation of a large and well‐characterized population based PPMS cohort suggests that cigarette smoking does not influence disability accumulation in PPMS. Our findings support the idea that PPMS is driven by different underlying pathomechanisms than relapsing−remitting MS.
The structure of nursing: a national examination of titles and practice profiles
Authors: Gardner G. , Duffield C. , Doubrovsky A. , Bui U.T. , Adams M. 
Published: February 2017

AimTo identify the practice patterns of the Australian registered nurse workforce according to position title and to map these disparate titles across all jurisdictions of the country.IntroductionEffective nursing workforce planning can contribute to improved patient care and increased effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare systems.BackgroundThe prevailing approach to nursing workforce planning focuses on number of nursing staff needed in relation to the number of patients. The level of expertise and skill mix of registered nurses as a variable in workforce planning is rarely considered.MethodsA national cross‐sectional electronic survey of registered nurses in Australia was conducted using the validated Advanced Practice Role Delineation tool developed from the Strong Model of Advanced Practice. The study involved a sample of 5599 registered nurses.ResultsSixty‐six nursing position titles nationally were mapped using cluster analysis technique and gave rise to seven clusters of equivalent Australian jurisdictional nursing position titles and practice profiles.DiscussionEffective workforce policy and planning is reliant upon access to reliable evidence. This research is an international first in that it has provided comprehensive knowledge of the clinical level and practice profiles of a national nursing workforce.Implications for nursing policyEffective, patient‐centred workforce planning must consider both the numerical and expertise mix of a nursing workforce. This research provides Australian health service and policy planners with evidence‐base knowledge of the nursing workforce. Internationally, this research establishes a platform from which to develop validated tools and established processes to support replication of this research.
How to institute the low‐FODMAP diet
Authors: Barrett Jacqueline S 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA diet low in poorly absorbed, fermentable, short chain carbohydrates (FODMAPs) is an effective strategy to manage symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The diet has gained traction since its original description in Australia 10 years ago and is now an internationally accepted dietary management strategy for IBS. Randomized controlled trials have raised the profile of the low‐FODMAP diet to become a viable first‐line therapy for IBS, when implemented under a dietitian's guidance. Importantly, the diagnosis of IBS should be confirmed before commencement of the dietary approach. The skill set of the dietitian is then paramount to the success of the diet. Experience in gastrointestinal disorder management, consideration of symptom types, severity, baseline FODMAP intake, and overall nutritional content and meal pattern are vital in the assessment of the patient. If a strict low‐FODMAP diet is deemed necessary, it should only be for an initial period of 4 to 6 weeks. Research suggests that a strict long‐term, low‐FODMAP diet may negatively impact intestinal microbiome. After the initial strict period, follow up with the dietitian should be conducted to achieve the overall goal—a relaxed FODMAP restriction that enables inclusion of prebiotic FODMAPs while still maintaining symptom relief. The diet will be effective in the vast majority of patients. For those in which it fails, FODMAPs should be reintroduced to the diet, and other dietary (or non‐dietary) approaches should be considered.
Who should deliver the low FODMAP diet and what educational methods are optimal: a review
Authors: O'Keeffe Majella , Lomer Miranda CE 
Published: February 2017

AbstractDietary management is being hailed as an effective strategy for the management of irritable bowel syndrome. Specifically, a diet low in fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs) has demonstrated efficacy in approximately 70% of patients. As evidence in support of the low FODMAP diet continues to emerge, there is increasing debate regarding implementation of the diet particularly concerning who should educate patients and how to educate them. Registered dieticians have largely pioneered the evidence that supports the effectiveness of the low FODMAP diet in irritable bowel syndrome, and the diet is recognized as a dietician‐led therapy. However, there is an increasing trend for non‐dietician‐led implementation of the diet despite an absence of evidence on both the clinical or cost‐effectiveness of such. Additionally, there is a growing requirement for dietetic services to increase capacity in response to increasing referrals, and consequently, there is a need to investigate innovative ways to educate patients whilst maintaining dietician‐led intervention. Herein, we review the evidence for delivery of the low FODMAP diet and discuss potentially effective methods for service delivery.
Statin Use and 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D Blood Level Response to Vitamin D Treatment of Older Adults
Authors: Bischoff‐Ferrari Heike A. , Fischer Karina , Orav Endel J. , Dawson‐Hughes Bess , Meyer Ursina , Chocano‐Bedoya Patricia O. , Meyer Otto W. , Ernst Rahel , Schietzel Simeon , Eberli Franz , Staehelin Hannes B. , Freystätter Gregor , Roas Susanne , Theiler Robert , Egli Andreas , Wilson Nicholas M. 
Published: February 2017

ObjectivesTo determine whether statin use alters response of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level to vitamin D treatment.DesignPooled analysis.SettingThree double‐blind randomized controlled trials that tested different doses of vitamin D.ParticipantsParticipants of three trials (N = 646; mean age 76.3 ± 8.4, 65% female).MeasurementsIn all three trials, 25(OH)D status and statin use were assessed repeatedly over time (baseline, 6 and 12 months). Repeated‐measures analysis was used to compare 25(OH)D response to vitamin D treatment at baseline and 6 and 12 months of statin users and nonusers, controlling for age, sex, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, vitamin D dose, trial, and season.ResultsAt baseline, 17.5% were statin users, and 65% were vitamin D deficient (25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL). Baseline 25(OH)D levels did not differ significantly between groups at baseline (18.8 for statin users, 17.2 ng/mL for nonusers, P = .07), but according to the longitudinal analyses, the total increase over 12 months in 25(OH)D concentration was significantly lower in statin users (13.1 ng/L) than nonusers (15.9 ng/mL; 21.4% difference; P = .009).ConclusionOf persons aged 60 and older at high risk of vitamin D deficiency, statin users had a 21.4% smaller increase in 25(OH)D serum concentrations over time than nonusers, independent of vitamin D dose and other covariates.
Molecular analysis of the early interaction between the grapevine flower and Botrytis cinerea reveals that prompt activation of specific host pathways leads to fungus quiescence
Authors: Haile Zeraye Mehari , Pilati Stefania , Sonego Paolo , Malacarne Giulia , Vrhovsek Urska , Engelen Kristof , Tudzynski Paul , Zottini Michela , Baraldi Elena , Moser Claudio 
Published: February 2017

AbstractGrape quality and yield can be impaired by bunch rot, caused by the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea. Infection often occurs at flowering, and the pathogen stays quiescent until fruit maturity. Here, we report a molecular analysis of the early interaction between B. cinerea and Vitis vinifera flowers, using a controlled infection system, confocal microscopy and integrated transcriptomic and metabolic analysis of the host and the pathogen. Flowers from fruiting cuttings of the cultivar Pinot Noir were infected with green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐labelled B. cinerea and studied at 24 and 96 hours post‐inoculation (h.p.i.). We observed that penetration of the epidermis by B. cinerea coincided with increased expression of genes encoding cell‐wall‐degrading enzymes, phytotoxins and proteases. Grapevine responded with a rapid defence reaction involving 1193 genes associated with the accumulation of antimicrobial proteins, polyphenols, reactive oxygen species and cell wall reinforcement. At 96 h.p.i., the reaction appears largely diminished both in the host and in the pathogen. Our data indicate that the defence responses of the grapevine flower collectively are able to restrict invasive fungal growth into the underlying tissues, thereby forcing the fungus to enter quiescence until the conditions become more favourable to resume pathogenic development.
A laboratory simulation of Arabidopsis seed dormancy cycling provides new insight into its regulation by clock genes and the dormancy‐related genes DOG1, MFT, CIPK23 and PHYA
Authors: Footitt Steven , Ölçer‐Footitt Hülya , Hambidge Angela J. , Finch‐Savage William E. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractEnvironmental signals drive seed dormancy cycling in the soil to synchronize germination with the optimal time of year, a process essential for species' fitness and survival. Previous correlation of transcription profiles in exhumed seeds with annual environmental signals revealed the coordination of dormancy‐regulating mechanisms with the soil environment. Here, we developed a rapid and robust laboratory dormancy cycling simulation. The utility of this simulation was tested in two ways: firstly, using mutants in known dormancy‐related genes [DELAY OF GERMINATION 1 (DOG1), MOTHER OF FLOWERING TIME (MFT), CBL‐INTERACTING PROTEIN KINASE 23 (CIPK23) and PHYTOCHROME A (PHYA)] and secondly, using further mutants, we test the hypothesis that components of the circadian clock are involved in coordination of the annual seed dormancy cycle. The rate of dormancy induction and relief differed in all lines tested. In the mutants, dog1‐2 and mft2, dormancy induction was reduced but not absent. DOG1 is not absolutely required for dormancy. In cipk23 and phyA dormancy, induction was accelerated. Involvement of the clock in dormancy cycling was clear when mutants in the morning and evening loops of the clock were compared. Dormancy induction was faster when the morning loop was compromised and delayed when the evening loop was compromised.