bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and inhibition in dogs with cardiac disease and an angiotensin-converting enzyme polymorphism
Authors: Meurs Kathryn M , Stern Joshua A , Atkins Clarke E , Adin Darcy , Aona Brent , Condit Julia , DeFrancesco Teresa , Reina-Doreste Yamir , Keene Bruce W , Tou Sandy , Ward Jessica , Woodruff Kathleen 
Published: January 2018

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in dogs and with and without an ACE polymorphism in the canine ACE gene, before and after treatment with an ACE inhibitor. Methods: Thirty-one dogs (20 wild-type, 11 ACE polymorphism) with heart disease were evaluated with ACE activity measurement and systolic blood pressure before and after administration of an ACE inhibitor (enalapril). Results: Median pre-treatment ACE activity was significantly lower for ACE polymorphism dogs than for dogs with the wild-type sequence ( P=0.007). After two weeks of an ACE inhibitor, ACE activity was significantly reduced for both genotypes (wild-type, P<0.0001; ACE polymorphism P=0.03); mean post-therapy ACE activity was no different between the groups. Conclusion: An ACE polymorphism is associated with lower levels of ACE activity. Dogs with the polymorphism still experience suppression of ACE activity in response to an ACE inhibitor. It is possible that the genetic status and ACE activity of dogs may impact the response of dogs with this variant to an ACE inhibitor.
Contribution of angiotensinogen M235T and T174M gene variants and haplotypes to preeclampsia and its severity in (North African) Tunisians
Authors: Zitouni Hedia , Ben Ali Gannoum Marwa , Raguema Nozha , Maleh Wided , Zouari Ines , Faleh Raja El , Guibourdenche Jean , Almawi Wassim Y , Mahjoub Touhami 
Published: January 2018

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-associated hypertensive disorder and a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. While its pathogenesis remains ill defined, several candidate genes for PE have been identified, but results remain inconclusive. We investigated the association of the angiotensinogen ( AGT) gene variants M235T and T174M with PE, and we analyzed the contribution of both variants to the severity of PE. Methods: This case-control study enrolled 550 Tunisian pregnant women: 272 with PE, of whom 147 presented with mild, and 125 with severe PE, along with 278 unrelated age- and ethnically matched control women. AGT genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results: Significantly higher M235T minor allele frequency (MAF) was associated with increased risk of PE ( p < 0.001). Decreased frequency of heterozygous T174M genotype carriers were found in control women ( p = 0.015), suggesting a protective effect of this genotype (odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 0.51 (0.29–0.89)). Two-locus haplotype analysis demonstrated MM and TT haplotypes to be negatively and positively associated with PE, respectively. MAF of M253T, but not T174M, was higher in the severe PE group, and carrying M235T or T174M minor allele was associated with increased body mass index ( p < 0.001) among unselected PE women. Conclusions: AGT M235T and T174M variants contribute to an increased risk of developing PE, and for M235T to PE severity.
The critical challenge: Policy networks and market models for education
Authors: Lubienski Christopher 
Published: January 2018

This paper reviews a number of approaches to considering how policy transfers through advocacy networks, focusing on education issues in general, and market-based policies in particular. While policymakers and private funders are demanding evidence on the effectiveness of proposed interventions in education, it is not at all clear that they themselves consider evidence in promoting particular policies. Instead, as is apparent with policy proposals for market-based reforms, quite often it is not rigorous research that advances policies, but effective advocacy. Indeed, evidence indicates that an infrastructure of rapid production and dissemination of data has emerged through advocacy organizations and networks, often to obscure or produce alternative evidence. While critical theorists have noted for some time the expansion of neoliberal reform models in education, those analyses offer little in terms of understanding the mechanisms behind the expansion and proliferation of such policies, much less effective ways to challenge their growth. The paper highlights limitations of one of the most popular theoretical perspectives for understanding such networks, and notes how, in the marketplace of ideas represented by new policy advocacy networks, critical scholars are poor at packaging their message, especially compared to intermediary organizations. The paper concludes by introducing a framework of economic transaction for understanding policy transfer. In doing so, it offers a challenge for critical scholars hoping to influence education policymaking.
Food consumption and dietary intakes in 36,448 adults and their association with irritable bowel syndrome: Nutrinet-Santé study
Authors: Torres Marion J. , Sabate Jean-Marc , Bouchoucha Michel , Buscail Camille , Hercberg Serge , Julia Chantal 
Published: January 2018

Introduction: Diet plays an important role for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The aim of this study was to compare the diets in terms of food consumption and nutrient intake between subjects with IBS and controls in a large French population. Methods: This study included 36,448 subjects from the Nutrinet-Santé cohort study, who completed a questionnaire pertaining to functional bowel disorders based on the Rome III criteria. Dietary data were obtained from at least three self-administered 24 h records via the internet. Association between IBS and diet was evaluated by comparison tests controlled for gender, age and total energy intake (ANCOVA tests). Results: Subjects included were mainly women (76.9%) and the mean age was 50.2 ± 14.2 years. Among these individuals, 1870 (5.1%) presented with IBS. Compared to healthy controls, they had significantly lower consumption of milk (74.6 versus 88.4 g/day; p < 0.0001), yogurt (108.4 versus 115.5 g/day; p = 0.001), fruits (192.3 versus 203.8 g/day; p < 0.001), and higher soft non-sugared beverages (1167.2 versus 1122.9 ml/day; p < 0.001). They had higher total energy intake (2028.9 versus 1995.7 kcal/day; p < 0.001), with higher intakes of lipids (38.5 versus 38.1% of total energy intake; p = 0.001) and lower intakes of proteins (16.4 versus 16.8% of total energy intake; p < 0.0001), as well as micronutrients (calcium, potassium, zinc and vitamins B2, B5 and B9, all p < 0.0001). Conclusions: In this large sample, these findings suggest that dietary intake of subjects suffering from IBS differs from that of control subjects. They may have adapted their diet according to symptoms following medical or non-medical recommendations.
Role of time-resolved-CTA in intracranial arteriovenous malformation evaluation at 128-slice CT in comparison with digital subtraction angiography
Authors: Singh Rupinder , Gupta Vivek , Ahuja Chirag , Kumar Ajay , Mukherjee Kanchan K , Khandelwal Niranjan 
Published: January 2018

Introduction The present study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of time-resolved-computed tomographic angiography (TR-CTA) on a 128-slice CT scanner vis-à-vis cerebral digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in defining the morphological and haemodynamic characteristics of cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Methods Twenty-one patients (age range 10–46, mean 24.8 years) with clinical suspicion of AVM and three patients (age range 23–35, mean 24.3 years) with diagnosed AVM who were on follow-up underwent DSA and TR-CTA, on average 1.5 days apart. Three independent neuroradiologists analysed both studies in a blinded fashion based on the following parameters: AVM location, arterial feeder territories, venous drainage pattern, nidus flow characteristics, venous outflow obstruction, arterial feeder enlargement, external carotid artery feeder, location of aneurysm if any, leptomeningeal and transdural recruitment, neoangiogenesis, and pseudophlebitic pattern. Results The TR-CTA correctly demonstrated AVM in all 21 positive cases. It concordantly detected location (21/21), venous drainage pattern (21/21), nidus flow characteristics (21/21), and the venous outflow obstruction (9/9). However, discordance was seen in the demonstration of the arterial feeder (2/45) ( p = 0.49), arterial enlargement (13/17) ( p = 0.103), external carotid artery feeder (0/1), aneurysmal location (3/5) ( p = 0.40), leptomeningeal recruitment (1/3) ( p = 0.40), neoangiogenesis (0/4) ( p = 0.028) and in the pseudophlebitic pattern (2/5) ( p = 0.167) demonstration. Conclusions The results suggest that TR-CTA can provide the important features of cerebral AVM which are required in patient management.
Onset of analgesia by a topically administered flurbiprofen lozenge: a randomised controlled trial using the double stopwatch method
Authors: Schachtel Bernard , Aspley Sue , Shephard Adrian , Schachtel Emily , Lorton Mary Beth , Shea Tim 
Published: January 2018

Background: The double stopwatch (DSW) method for determining the onset of analgesic activity has been implemented extensively by investigators studying orally administered drugs. Objective: The aim of this randomised, placebo-controlled trial was to use the DSW method to determine the time to onset of analgesia of a single dose of a topically administered non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, flurbiprofen 8.75 mg lozenge. Methods: Adults with acute sore throat (n = 122) were examined to confirm the presence of tonsillopharyngitis (Tonsillo-Pharyngitis Assessment) and sore throat pain of at least moderate intensity (≥6 on a 0–10 Sore Throat Scale). Lozenges containing flurbiprofen 8.75 mg or inert ingredients (identically flavoured) were administered under double-blind conditions in the clinic while patients assessed pain and pain relief over 3 hours. Onset of analgesia was determined using the DSW method and reported as the Kaplan–Meier median time to meaningful relief. The median time to first perceived relief was also documented. Results: About 78% of flurbiprofen-treated patients reported meaningful pain relief compared with 48% of placebo-treated patients (p < 0.01); median time to meaningful relief for flurbiprofen-treated patients was 43 minutes (placebo-treated patients were right-censored due to non-responsivity; p = 0.01). Median time to first perceived pain relief was 11 minutes for flurbiprofen-treated patients and 19 minutes for placebo-treated patients (p = 0.03). Flurbiprofen lozenge was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events occurring and no patient discontinuing due to an adverse event. Conclusion: These results indicate that the DSW method can be successfully applied to the evaluation of the onset of action of a locally administered analgesic in patients with acute sore throat, demonstrating that the onset of action (time to meaningful pain relief) of flurbiprofen lozenge was <45 minutes.
The role of teriparatide in tuberosity healing after reverse shoulder arthroplasty in complex proximal humeral fragility fracture
Authors: Chernchujit Bancha , Prasetia Renaldi 
Published: January 2018

Introduction: Tuberosity healing is known to be one of the factors that increase functional outcome in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (rTSA). In fragility fractures, tuberosity healing is difficult to be achieved. The fragment stability and bone-forming agent application become strategies to overcome this problem. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefit of teriparatide application to promote tuberosity union in rTSA on four-part proximal humeral fractures to achieve better functional outcome. Methods: A retrospective study of a prospectively collected shoulder arthroplasty medical record was performed. Eleven patients were included in this analysis and consisted of two groups, teriparatide and no-teriparatide groups. Patients were evaluated on the range of motions and clinical outcome using the American Shoulder Elbow Surgeon (ASES) Shoulder Score and X-ray to determine tuberosity union. The group differences were analyzed by t-test or Mann–Whitney U test with SPSS version 20.0 for Windows. Results: The statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in mean age in both the groups. There were significant differences between teriparatide and no-teriparatide groups in external rotation (29.5° vs. 7.5°; p = 0.004), external rotation in 90° abduction (55° vs. 12.5°; p < 0.020), forward flexion (120° vs. 105°; p = 0.002) range of motions, and ASES (84.5 vs. 74.6; p = 0.019). We found clinical difference between teriparatide and no-teriparatide groups in time to achieve the initial callus (33 ± 18.3 days vs. 150 ± 42.4 days) and tuberosity consolidation (165.8 ± 70.3 days vs. 315 ± 106.1 days). Conclusions: Teriparatide administration supports tuberosity repair results in a high tuberosity healing rate with restoration of external rotation after rTSA in acute complex proximal humeral fractures.
The Comparative Efficacy of Traditional Systemic, Biologic, and Combination Therapies in the Treatment of Psoriasis: An Expansion Study
Authors: Sorensen Eric P. , Au Shiu-Chung , Garber Caren , Argobi Yahya , Madani Abdulaziz , Donovan Courtney , Dumont Nicole , Gottlieb Alice B. 
Published: January 2018

Background There is a lack of comparative effectiveness research, particularly in the clinical setting, guiding psoriasis therapy. Objective To compare the efficacies of the traditional systemic, biologic, and combination therapies. Methods This retrospective cohort study analyzed psoriasis patient visits to the Tufts Medical Center Department of Dermatology. The outcome measure used was the validated simple measure for assessing psoriasis activity (S-MAPA). Results Patients treated with biologic or combination therapies had a significantly larger improvement in S-MAPA than patients treated with a traditional systemic medication at 24 weeks (biologic: 62.69% vs. 36.20%, p=0.021; combination: 83.28% vs. 36.20%, p=0.011). Multivariate analysis demonstrated the superiority of biologics to traditional systemic therapy was independent of patient demographics and comorbidities. Conclusions In the clinical setting, the biologic and combination therapies are superior to the traditional systemic therapies in the treatment of psoriasis. Emphasis should be placed on future trials that compare current active therapies.
Physician Satisfaction with Current Psoriasis Treatment: A Real-World Study in the USA
Authors: Korman Neil J. , Zhao Yang , Roberts Jenna , Pike James , Sullivan Emma 
Published: January 2018

Background Dermatologists may provide a unique perspective on psoriasis management by offering an evaluation of satisfaction with disease control. Objectives To examine physician satisfaction with psoriasis control. Methods Data were extracted from the Adelphi 2011/2013 Psoriasis Disease Specific Programmes, two real-world U.S. surveys of dermatologists. For individual patients, physicians reported treatment history, disease severity, symptom severity for itching, pain and scaling, and their satisfaction level (satisfied vs. dissatisfied). Results Dermatologists were dissatisfied with disease control for 28.6% of patients. When physicians were dissatisfied, patients were more likely to currently have moderate (66% vs. 33%) or severe (20% vs. 2%) psoriasis compared to patients with satisfied physicians (p<0.05). Patients with dissatisfied physicians were also more likely to currently have more severe pain, itching and scaling, and were less likely to be receiving a biologic therapy (all p<0.05). Conclusion Dermatologists were dissatisfied with the control achieved for more than one-quarter of their psoriasis patients.
Risk of Cardiovascular Outcomes among Psoriasis Patients Treated with Biologics and Other Systemic Agents
Authors: Curtis Jeffrey R. , Danila Maria I. , Chen Lang , Chan Benjamin , Ehst Ben , Xie Fenglong , Winthrop Kevin L. , Yun Huifeng 
Published: January 2018

Background The risk for cardiovascular events associated with systemic therapies for psoriasis, including biologics, is unclear. Methods We used administrative data from Medicare 2006 through 2011 to identify psoriasis patients who initiated systemic treatments. We estimated incidence rates of hospitalized myocardial infarction, stroke, and a composite cardiovascular disease outcome, adjusting for potentially confounding factors. Results There were 28,878 initiations of psoriasis treatments. Rates of myocardial infarction were highest for methotrexate (10.32/1000 patient-years, 95%CI 8.55–12.46) and numerically lower for biologics. Patterns were similar for stroke and the composite cardiovascular disease outcome. After multivariable adjustment, there were no significant differences between systemic therapies for any of the outcomes studied. Conclusions In this cohort of predominantly older psoriasis patients, there was neither an elevated nor a protective effect on cardiovascular or stroke events associated with systemic therapies for psoriasis compared to conventional treatments.
Review of Available and Investigational Biologics and Non-Biologic Small Molecules for the Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis
Authors: Amir Yasmin , Lebwohl Mark G. 
Published: January 2018

Background In recent years, the number of agents for treatment of plaque psoriasis has increased rapidly. Objective To compare available and investigational agents for treatment of psoriasis. Methods Pivotal clinical trials for infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, ustekinumab, secukinumab, ixekizumab, brodalumab, guselkumab, tildrakizumab, methotrexate, tofacitinib, and apremilast in plaque psoriasis were identified. Percentages of patients achieving PASI 75, 90, and 100 were extracted. Results Seventeen publications, including data from 21 trials, were reviewed. All medications were more efficacious in achieving PASI 75 compared to placebo. Ixekizumab exhibited the greatest difference in PASI 75 and PASI 90, while brodalumab showed the greatest difference in PASI 100. Limitations Heterogeneity existed in patient demographics and study design including primary endpoint weeks between trials. Data included were only from the primary endpoint week. Conclusions All biologics exhibited greater PASI improvement than placebo, with newer agents more capable of achieving PASI 90 and PASI 100. Head-to-head comparator trials are needed for more accurate comparison.
Burden of Psoriasis as Reported in a Cross-Sectional Study: Association of Psoriasis Severity with Health-Related Quality of Life, Depression, and Work Productivity
Authors: Armstrong April W. , Edson-Heredia Emily , Zhu Baojin , Nikaï Enkeleida , Goldblum Orin , Hollister Kristin , Russell James , Siegel Michael , Lebwohl Mark 
Published: January 2018

Background A significant gap exists in how psoriasis severity is related to validated patient-reported outcomes (PROs), which are critical in characterizing disease burden. Objective Determine the association between psoriasis severity and PROs, including health-related quality of life (HRQoL), depression, and work productivity, from patients’ perspectives. Methods An online survey using validated PRO instruments was administered in 2013. PROs included the Dermatology Life Quality Index, Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms-Self-Report (16 items) (QIDS-SR16), and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire-Psoriasis. Results The survey was completed by 1109 patients, 42% of whom had psoriatic arthritis. Respondents reported worse HRQoL and work productivity impairment with greater psoriasis severity ( p < 0.05). Similarly, there was a greater proportion of participants with moderate-or-greater depressive symptoms (QIDS-SR16 total score) among patients with increasing psoriasis severity ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Greater levels of impairment in HRQoL, work productivity, and depressive symptoms were associated with increased psoriasis severity.
Comparative Assessment of PASI and Variations of PGA×BSA as Measures of Psoriasis Severity
Authors: Walsh Jessica A. , Tan Huaming , Valdez Hernan , Duffin Kristina Callis 
Published: January 2018

Background Commonly used instruments for measuring psoriasis, such as Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), have limitations, including high complexity. Objective Determine if PGA×BSA or PGA×√BSA are practical alternatives to PASI for measuring severity and treatment response. Methods Data from a Phase 3 study in 1,101 patients treated for moderate to severe psoriasis were used. PASI was the reference standard. Correlations (Pearson coefficients), test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients), responsiveness to treatment (percentage change and effect size), and correspondence (sensitivity and specificity) were assessed. Results Correlation coefficients of change (baseline at Week 12) were 0.90 between PASI and either PGA×BSA and PGA×√BSA. ICCs were 0.90. Both instruments demonstrated similar percentage change from baseline and effect sizes. Sensitivities of PGA×BSA and PGA×√BSA were 99% and 95%, and specificities were 76% and 87%, respectively. Conclusions PGA×BSA and PGA×√BSA had similar measurement properties as PASI. PGA×BSA is a practical alternative to PASI.
Biocompatible coupling of therapeutic fusion proteins to human erythrocytes
Authors: Villa Carlos H. , Pan Daniel C. , Johnston Ian H. , Greineder Colin F. , Walsh Landis R. , Hood Elizabeth D. , Cines Douglas B. , Poncz Mortimer , Siegel Don L. , Muzykantov Vladimir R. 
Published: January 2018

Key PointsThrombomodulin was fused to scFvs targeting RhCE (Rh17 epitope) and band 3/GPA (Wrb epitope). Fusion proteins were efficacious in a humanized microfluidic model of inflammatory thrombosis.