bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term follow‐up of five yr shows superior renal function with everolimus plus early calcineurin inhibitor withdrawal in the PROTECT randomized liver transplantation study
Authors: Sterneck Martina , Kaiser Gernot M. , Heyne Nils , Richter Nicolas , Rauchfuss Falk , Pascher Andreas , Schemmer Peter , Fischer Lutz , Klein Christian G. , Nadalin Silvio , Lehner Frank , Settmacher Utz , Gotthardt Daniel , Loss Martin , Ladenburger Stephan , Wimmer Peter , Dworak Markus , Schlitt Hans J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe 12‐month (M) PROTECT study showed that de novo liver transplant recipients (LTxR) who switched from a calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)‐based immunosuppression to a CNI‐free everolimus (EVR)‐based regimen showed numerically better renal function. Here, we present the five‐yr follow‐up data.MethodsPROTECT was a randomized controlled study in which LTxR received basiliximab and CNI‐based immunosuppression ± corticosteroids. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive EVR or continue CNI. Patients completing the core study could enter the extension study on their randomized treatment.ResultsA total of 81 patients entered the extension study (41, EVR; 40, CNI). At M59 post‐randomization, the adjusted mean eGFR was significantly higher in the EVR group, with a benefit of 12.4 mL/min using Cockcroft–Gault (95% CI: 1.2; 23.6; p = 0.0301). Also, there was a significant benefit for adjusted and unadjusted eGFR using the four‐variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD4) or Nankivell formula. During the extension period, treatment failure rates were similar. SAEs occurred in 26 (63.4%) and 28 (70.0%) of the patients in EVR and CNI groups, respectively.ConclusionCompared with the CNI‐based treatment, EVR‐based CNI‐free immunosuppression resulted in significantly better renal function and comparable patient and graft outcomes after five‐yr follow‐up.
Similar efficacy and safety of once‐weekly dulaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes aged ≥65 and <65 years
Authors: Boustani M. A. , Pittman I. , Yu M. , Thieu V. T. , Varnado O. J. , Juneja R. 
Published: May 2016

AimsTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of dulaglutide 1.5 and 0.75 mg in elderly patients (aged ≥65 years) with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in six phase III clinical trials.MethodsPatients were grouped into two age groups: ≥65 and <65 years. Pooled analysis for glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) change from baseline, percentage of patients achieving HbA1c targets, and gastrointestinal tolerability were evaluated at 26 weeks for each dulaglutide dose. Change in weight from baseline and rates of hypoglycaemia were evaluated for each individual study.ResultsA total of 958 of 5171 (18.5%) patients were aged ≥65 years. The reductions in HbA1c were similar between age groups for dulaglutide 1.5 mg‐treated patients {least squares [LS] mean for patients aged ≥65 years: −1.24 [95% confidence interval (CI) −1.36, −1.12] and for patients aged <65 years: −1.29 [95% CI −1.38, −1.20]} and for dulaglutide 0.75 mg‐treated patients [LS mean for patients aged ≥65 years: −1.16 (95% CI −1.29, −1.03) and for patients aged <65 years: −1.10 (95% CI −1.19, −1.01)] at 26 weeks. The percentages of patients who achieved HbA1c targets of <7, <8 or <9% were also similar in the two groups with both dulaglutide doses. Patients aged ≥65 years had similar weight change to patients aged <65 years. Severe hypoglycaemic events were infrequent. A similar incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events was observed in each age group with both dulaglutide doses.ConclusionBoth dulaglutide doses were well tolerated, with similar efficacy in patients with T2D aged ≥65 years to those aged <65 years. Dulaglutide can be considered a safe and effective treatment option for use in older adults.
Characterization of Cylindrocarpon‐like species associated with litter in the old‐growth beech forests of Central Europe
Authors: Jankowiak R. , Stępniewska H. , Szwagrzyk J. , Bilański P. , Gratzer G. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryCylindrocarpon‐like fungi are globally distributed plant pathogens and have a wide range of host species. However, very little is known about the species that live in the topsoil of forests and their potential role in reducing the natural regeneration of tree species, particularly of forest trees that produce abundant fruit only once every few years. To enhance our understanding of the species that inhabit the topsoil, we studied the diversity and pathogenicity of Cylindrocarpon‐like fungi inhabiting the litter in old‐growth mixed‐beech forests in the Carpathians (Poland) and in the Alps (Austria), and in a managed beech stand in the Krakowsko‐Częstochowska Highland (Poland). The fungi inhabiting the beech litter were investigated using beechnuts and pine seedlings as bait. Isolates were identified based on morphology and DNA sequencing. The pathogenicity of the most common species was investigated by inoculating beech germinants. A wide range of Cylindrocarpon‐like fungi were associated with the beech litter: 718 cultures representing 12 species were isolated. Five taxa were identified down to species level: namely Ilyonectria crassa, I. pseudodestructans, I. rufa, Neonectria candida and N. obtusispora, and seven species were identified to genus level (Neonectria or Ilyonectria species). Ilyonectria destructans, which is considered to be the sexual morph of ‘Cylindrocarpon destructans’, was not found. There were qualitative and quantitative differences between the different forest sites in terms of Neonectria and Ilyonectria species composition in beech litter. The isolation frequency and species richness of Cylindrocarpon‐like fungi were greatest in beech litter taken from old‐growth mixed‐beech forests. Neonectria and Ilyonectria species were capable of killing beech germinants, suggesting that they may play a negative role in natural beech regeneration.
Occurrence of powdery mildew caused by Podosphaera pannosa on lemon eucalyptus
Authors: Cho S. E. , Park J. H. , Lee S. H. , Lee C. K. , Shin H. D. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryIn 2014, powdery mildew was observed on pot‐grown lemon eucalyptus (Corymbia citriodora, Myrtaceae) in Korea. Based on morphological data and phylogenetic analysis of anamorph isolates, this fungus was identified as Podosphaera pannosa. This is the first report of powdery mildew caused by P. pannosa on lemon eucalyptus. Our results, which include a detailed morphological description and molecular data analysis, support previous records of P. pannosa on Eucalyptus spp. and thus on taxa outside the Rosaceae.
Characterization of microsatellites in Fusicladium effusum, cause of pecan scab
Authors: Bock C. H. , Chen C. , Yu F. , Stevenson K. L. , Arias R. S. , Wood B. W. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryPecan scab, caused by the plant pathogenic fungus Fusicladium effusum, is the most destructive disease of pecan. Little is known of the population genetic diversity of this pathogen. In this study, microsatellites were mined from the F. effusum genome, and flanking primers were subsequently designed. A total of 275 microsatellites were screened, and 33 selected primers produced reliable, polymorphic markers against 46 isolates of F. effusum from 11 diverse locations in the southeastern USA. The number of alleles per microsatellite locus ranged from two to 17, and the polymorphic information content (PIC) from 0.475 to 0.911. A unique pattern informative combination (UPIC) analysis of three groups of 12 isolates each and 33 primers consistently showed a minimum number of markers required for the maximum discrimination of isolates equal to 3. The characteristics of the unique patterns (UP) and informative contents (IC) were very similar. However, the primers that were selected by UPIC were not necessarily the same for each of the three groups. Using all 46 isolates showed each locus was polymorphic, with a single‐population level Shannon's information index of 1.516, indicating substantial diversity. These markers show a range in polymorphic content and power of discrimination that will be valuable tools for studies of genetic diversity in F. effusum.
Factors influencing the dispersion ofArceuthobium oxycedriinCentralSpain: evaluation with a new null model for marked point patterns
Authors: Ramón P. , De la Cruz M. , Zavala I. , Zavala M. A. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryThe dwarf mistletoe,Arceuthobium oxycedri, is found on populations ofJuniperus oxycedrus, in central Spain. This species can have negative effects on the physiology of its host, including mortality. Understanding the mechanisms that control its distribution and dispersal is critical to assessing its potential for spread. We assessed dwarf mistletoe distribution within a population ofJ. oxycedrus, including infected and uninfected host individuals. A new null model of parasitic dispersion was built using two dispersal kernel forms that were simulated with lower and upper envelopes for second‐order functions to summarize a point pattern, such as Ripley'sK, nearest‐neighbour distribution and pair correlation functions. Nine dispersal scenarios were constructed with half‐bandwidth kernels (10, 20, 30 m) and initial population of infected trees (P0 = 05, 10 and 20). These scenarios were compared with the observed pattern and evaluated using the goodness‐of‐fit test. Significant differences at short distance (r < 10 m) were found between the observed pattern and simulated patterns, corresponding to the range of seed dispersal of the dwarf mistletoe. Interactions between infected and uninfected hosts patterns at all scales were identified, suggesting thatA. oxycedriuses other mechanisms in addition to ballistic seed shooting as secondary dispersal agents to spread to distances greater than 20 m. Given that the seed characteristics facilitate dispersal by adhesion, we infer that spread between host individuals is amplified by seed transport by birds or small mammals.
Night‐time sleep in Parkinson's disease – the potential use of Parkinson's KinetiGraph: a prospective comparative study
Authors: Klingelhoefer L. , Rizos A. , Sauerbier A. , McGregor S. , Martinez‐Martin P. , Reichmann H. , Horne M. , Chaudhuri K. R. 
Published: May 2016

Background and purposeNight‐time sleep disturbances are important non‐motor symptoms and key determinants of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The Parkinson's KinetiGraph (PKG) can be used as an objective measure of different motor states and periods of immobility may reflect episodes of sleep. Our aim was to evaluate whether PKG can be used as an objective marker of disturbed night‐time sleep in PD.MethodsIn this prospective comparative study, data from PKG recordings over six consecutive 24 h periods are compared with Hauser diaries and scales focusing on motor state, sleep and HRQoL in PD patients. Thirty‐three ‘non‐sleepy’ PD patients (PD‐NS) were compared with 30 PD patients presenting with excessive daytime sleepiness (PD‐EDS). The groups were matched for age, gender and Hoehn and Yahr state.ResultsIn the PD‐EDS group subjective sleep reports correlated with the PKG's parameters for quantity and quality night‐time sleep, but not in the PD‐NS group. There were no significant correlations of the night‐time sleep quantity parameters of the Hauser diary with subjective sleep perception, neither in the PD‐EDS nor in the PD‐NS group.ConclusionsThis first PKG based study of night‐time sleep in PD suggests that PKG could be used to provide an easy to use and rough evaluation of aspects of night‐time sleep and one that could flag patients where polysomnography may be required. In sleepy PD patients for instance, quantity and quality PKG parameters correlate with different aspects of sleep such as insomnia, parasomnia and restless legs syndrome.
Association between body composition and hip fractures in older women with physical frailty
Authors: Zaslavsky Oleg , Li Wenjun , Going Scott , Datta Mridul , Snetselaar Linda , Zelber‐Sagi Shira 
Published: May 2016

AimWe sought to determine the extent to which higher lean and fat mass as measured by dual X‐ray absorptiometry in older adults with frailty are related to total hip bone mass density (BMD) index and the rate of hip fractures.MethodsThe data are from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study. We identified 872 participants aged ≥65 years with body composition measures and positive frailty. Frailty was determined using modified Fried's criteria. Linear and Cox regressions were used to model study outcomes.ResultsDuring the follow‐up period, 5.6% patients (n = 49) had sustained a hip fracture. Body composition indexes were associated with total hip BMD (P < 0.001 for all). In models adjusted for age, ethnicity, smoking, history of fractures, recurrent falls, number of frailty criteria and corresponding lean mass, the hazard ratio for hip fracture per 1 kg/m2 increase in fat mass was 0.73 (95% confidence interval 0.60–0.88) for appendicular compartment, 0.76 (95% confidence interval 0.65–0.89) for trunk and 0.84 (95% confidence interval 0.77–0.93) for whole‐body fat mass. The hazard ratio for hip fracture per 1 kg/m2 increase in appendicular lean mass was 0.63 (95% confidence interval 0.46–0.88). However, after final adjustment for total hip BMD, the only index that remained statistically significant was whole‐body fat mass (P for trend = 0.04).ConclusionsWe showed that in frail older women, higher fat and lean mass was associated with reduced hip‐fracture rates. Higher whole‐body adiposity, however, was also associated with lower hip‐fracture rate independent of total hip BMD. The present results confirm the importance of weight maintenance in frail populations. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 898–904.
Assessment of clinical and magnetic resonance imaging features of de novo hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma using gadoxetic acid‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Tamada Tsutomu , Korenaga Masaaki , Yamamoto Akira , Higaki Atsushi , Kanki Akihiko , Nishina Sohji , Hino Keisuke , Ito Katsuyoshi 
Published: May 2016

AimTo clarify the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of de novo hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using serial gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI.MethodsThe institutional review board approved this retrospective study. After review of 1007 MRI examinations in 240 patients with chronic liver disease, 17 newly developed hypervascular HCCs in 16 patients detected by follow‐up from initial MRI examination without hepatocellular nodules were evaluated. The clinical and MRI findings such as previous treatment history for HCC, period to hypervascular HCC onset, presence or absence of hypovascular hypointense nodules on hepatobiliary phase before hypervascularization, and intralesional fat component were recorded or evaluated. Statistical evaluations included Fisher's exact test, χ2‐test, and Mann–Whitney U‐test.ResultsIn 17 HCCs, 12 (71%) were de novo hypervascular HCC without showing hypovascular hypointense nodule on hepatobiliary phase before hypervascularization (de novo group) and 5 (29%) were hypervascularized HCC developed during multistep hepatocarcinogenesis (multistep group). The incidence of previous treatment history for HCC in the de novo group (91%) was significantly higher than that in the multistep group (20%) (P = 0.013). The duration to hypervascular HCC onset from initial examination was shorter in the de novo group (mean, 291 days) than in the multistep group (mean, 509 days) (P = 0.035). The incidence of fat‐containing lesion in the de novo group (0%) was lower than that in the multistep group (40%) (P = 0.074).ConclusionDe novo hypervascular HCC is characterized by rapid growth, patients with previous treatment history for HCC, and lack of intralesional fat, compared to hypervascular HCC with multistep progression.
Family history of periodontal disease and prevalence of smoking status among adult periodontitis patients: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ziukaite L , Slot DE , Loos BG , Coucke W , Van der Weijden GA 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectivesWhat is the family history of periodontal disease and the prevalence of smoking status among patients with professionally diagnosed periodontitis? Are these factors related to extent and severity of periodontitis?MethodsOver a 10‐year period, referred patients from a clinic for periodontology in the Netherlands were examined in a cross‐sectional study. Patients received at the intake appointment a full‐mouth periodontal examination. Data regarding family history of periodontitis and smoking status were recorded.ResultsA total of 5375 adult periodontitis patients were included in this study sample with a mean age of 50 years. The prevalence of smoking was 34% and 37% of the subjects had at least one parent or sibling with periodontitis. The chance to have severe periodontitis was higher if the patient was male, smoker or had a brother with periodontitis. Being male, smoker and having a parent with periodontitis were significantly associated with a larger extent of periodontitis.ConclusionsWithin the investigated population familial aggregation, smoking status, age and gender are factors that were related to extent and severity of adult periodontitis.
Report on the International Society for Laboratory Hematology Survey on guidelines to support clinical hematology laboratory practice
Authors: Hayward C. P. M. , Moffat K. A. , George T. I. , Proytcheva M. , Iorio A. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryIntroductionGiven the importance of evidence‐based guidelines in health care, we surveyed the laboratory hematology community to determine their opinions on guideline development and their experience and interest in developing clinical hematology laboratory practice guidelines.MethodsThe study was conducted using an online survey, distributed to members of the International Society for Laboratory Hematology (ISLH) in 2015, with analysis of collected, anonymized responses.ResultsA total of 245 individuals participated. Most worked in clinical and/or research laboratories (83%) or industry (11%). 42% felt there were gaps in current guidelines. The majority (58%) recommended that ISLH engages its membership in guideline development. Participants differed in their familiarity with, and use of, different organizations’ guidelines. Participants felt it was important to follow best practice recommendations on guideline development, including engagement of experts, statement about conflict of interests and how they were managed, systematic review and grading evidence for recommendations, identifying recommendations lacking evidence or consensus, and public input and peer review of the guideline. Moreover, it was considered important to provide guidelines free of charge. Industry involvement in guidelines was considered less important.ConclusionsThe clinical laboratory hematology community has high expectations of laboratory practice guidelines that are consistent with recent recommendations on evidence‐based guideline development.
Congenital erythrocytosis
Authors: McMullin M. F. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryIntroductionCongenital erythrocytosis is by definition present from birth. Patients frequently present in childhood or as young adults and a family history may be present. The erythrocytosis can be primary where there is a defect in the erythroid compartment of secondary where increased erythropoietin production produced due to the defect leads to an erythrocytosis.Material and methodsPrimary causes include erythropoietin receptor mutations. Congenital secondary causes include mutations in the genes involved in the oxygen‐sensing pathway and haemoglobins with abnormal oxygen affinity. Investigations for the cause include an erythropoietin level, oxygen dissociation curve, haemoglobin electrophoresis and sequencing for known gene variants.ResultsThe finding of a known or new molecular variant confirms a diagnosis of congenital erythrocytosis. A congenital erythrocytosis may be an incidental finding but nonspecific symptoms are described. Major thromboembolic events have been noted in some cases. Low‐dose aspirin and venesection are therapeutic manoeuvres which should be considered in managing these patients.ConclusionsRare individuals presenting often at a young age may have a congenital erythrocytosis. Molecular investigation may reveal a lesion. However, in the majority, currently no defect is identified.
Specific types of alcoholic beverage consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Huang Jin , Wang Xiuling , Zhang Yadong 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAims/IntroductionPrevious meta‐analyses identified an inverse association of total alcohol consumption with the risk of type 2 diabetes. The current study further explored the relationship between specific types of alcoholic beverage and the incidence of type 2 diabetes.Materials and MethodsA search of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases from January 1966 to February 2016 was carried out for prospective cohort studies that assessed the effects of specific types of alcoholic beverage on the risk of type 2 diabetes. The pooled relative risks with 95% confidence interval were calculated using random‐ or fixed‐effect models when appropriate.ResultsA total of 13 prospective studies were included in this meta‐analysis, with 397,296 study participants and 20,641 cases of type 2 diabetes. Relative to no or rare alcohol consumption, wine consumption was associated with a significant reduction of the risk of type 2 diabetes, with the pooled relative risks of 0.85, whereas beer or spirits consumption led to a slight trend of decreasing risk of type 2 diabetes (relative risk 0.96, 0.95, respectively). Further dose–response analysis showed a U‐shaped relationship between all three alcohol types and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the peak risk reduction emerged at 20–30 g/day for wine and beer, and at 7–15 g/day for spirits, with a decrease of 20, 9 and 5%, respectively.ConclusionsCompared with beer or spirits, wine was associated with a more significant decreased risk of type 2 diabetes. The present study showed that wine might be more helpful for protection against type 2 diabetes than beer or spirits.